Convergent evolution and targeting of diverse E2 epitopes by human broadly neutralizing antibodies are associated with HCV clearance.

ABSTRACT: The early appearance of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) in serum is associated with spontaneous hepatitis C virus (HCV) clearance, but to date, the majority of bNAbs have been isolated from chronically infected donors. Most of these bNAbs use the V_H1-69 gene segment and target the envelope glycoprotein E2 front layer. Here, we performed longitudinal B cell receptor (BCR) repertoire analysis on an elite neutralizer who spontaneously cleared multiple HCV infections. We isolated 10,680 E2-reactive B cells, performed BCR sequencing, characterized monoclonal B cell cultures, and isolated bNAbs. In contrast to what has been seen in chronically infected donors, the bNAbs used a variety of V_H genes and targeted at least three distinct E2 antigenic sites, including sit

SUBMITTER: Ogega CO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11247618 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature