Functional screening for anti-CMV biologics identifies a broadly neutralizing epitope of an essential envelope protein

Nat Commun. 2016 Dec 14:7:13627. doi: 10.1038/ncomms13627.

Abstract

The prototypic β-herpesvirus human cytomegalovirus (CMV) establishes life-long persistence within its human host. The CMV envelope consists of various protein complexes that enable wide viral tropism. More specifically, the glycoprotein complex gH/gL/gO (gH-trimer) is required for infection of all cell types, while the gH/gL/UL128/130/131a (gH-pentamer) complex imparts specificity in infecting epithelial, endothelial and myeloid cells. Here we utilize state-of-the-art robotics and a high-throughput neutralization assay to screen and identify monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting the gH glycoproteins that display broad-spectrum properties to inhibit virus infection and dissemination. Subsequent biochemical characterization reveals that the mAbs bind to gH-trimer and gH-pentamer complexes and identify the antibodies' epitope as an 'antigenic hot spot' critical for virus entry. The mAbs inhibit CMV infection at a post-attachment step by interacting with a highly conserved central alpha helix-rich domain. The platform described here provides the framework for development of effective CMV biologics and vaccine design strategies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / chemistry
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
  • Antibodies, Neutralizing / chemistry
  • Antibodies, Neutralizing / therapeutic use*
  • Cell Line
  • Cytomegalovirus / pathogenicity*
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / immunology
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Viral Envelope Proteins / chemistry
  • Viral Envelope Proteins / immunology*
  • Viral Vaccines
  • Virus Internalization

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Neutralizing
  • Viral Envelope Proteins
  • Viral Vaccines
  • glycoprotein H, Cytomegalovirus