Project description:Antibodies display antigen-binding loops comprised of a hypervariable CDRH3 and V gene-encoded CDRs, where the latter may harbor gene-endowed or ‘public’ targeting solutions. To test this, we generated transgenic mice containing human CDRH3 diversity but simultaneously constrained to individual human immunoglobulin VH genes, including IGHV1-69, which shows biased usage in human broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) targeting the hemagglutinin stalk of Group 1 influenza A viruses. We then rank-ordered the VH-contribution to bnAb-epitope targeting following exposure to viral and nanoparticle displays of hemagglutinin. Notably, sequential immunization with a stalk-only hemagglutinin nanoparticle elicited Group 1 bnAbs, but only in IGHV1-69 constrained mice. This response required minimal affinity maturation, could be elicited under pre-existing influenza immunity, and when IGHV1-69 B cells were diluted to match the frequency measured in humans. Thus, encoded CDRs can naturally endow for specific antibody targets, and a rationally designed immunogen may elicit human influenza bnAbs through this principle.
Project description:Influenza viruses escape immunity due to rapid antigenic evolution, which requires vaccination strategies that allow for broadly protective antibody responses. Here, we demonstrate that the lipid globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) expressed on germinal center (GC) B cells is essential for the production of high-affinity antibodies. Mechanistically, Gb3 binds and disengages CD19 from its chaperone CD81 for subsequent translocation to the B cell receptor (BCR) complex to trigger signaling. Moreover, this lipid regulates MHC-II expression to increase diversity of T follicular helper (Tfh) and GC B cells reactive with subdominant epitopes. In influenza infection, Gb3 promotes broadly reactive antibody responses and cross-protection. Thus, we show that Gb3 determines affinity as well as breadth in B cell immunity and propose this lipid as potential vaccine adjuvant against viral infection.
Project description:Infection and vaccination repeatedly expose individuals to antigens that are conserved between influenza virus subtypes. Nevertheless, antibodies recognizing conserved influenza epitopes greatly outnumber antibodies reactive against variable epitopes. Elucidating factors contributing to the paucity of broadly reactive influenza antibodies remains a major obstacle for developing a universal influenza vaccine. Here, we report that inducing broadly reactive influenza antibodies increases autoreactive antibodies in humans and mice and exacerbates disease in four distinct models of autoimmune disease. Importantly, transferring broadly reactive influenza antibodies augments disease in the presence of inflammation or autoimmune susceptibility. Further, broadly reactive influenza antibodies spontaneously arise in mice with defects in B cell tolerance. Together, these data suggest that self-tolerance mechanisms limit the prevalence of broadly reactive influenza antibodies, which can exacerbate disease in the context of additional risk factors.
Project description:HIV-1 infection begins with binding of the viral envelope glycoprotein Env to the host receptor CD4, triggering a series of conformational changes that lead to fusion of the virus and cell membranes. Env, a trimer of gp120 and gp41 subunits, occupies a ‘closed’ conformation with contacts between gp120 subunits at the apex, and transitions through an ‘open’ conformation with the gp120 subunits spread apart following CD4 binding. Using deep mutational scanning, sequence-fitness landscapes were mapped for full-length Env from the clade B BaL strain interacting with CD4, and broadly neutralizing antibodies VRC01 and PG16, which preferentially bind closed Env. Contacting residues are conserved for CD4 binding, and glycosylation at N262 is critical for accessing the high-affinity CD4-bound state. By comparison, VRC01 binding is resistant to most single amino acid substitutions, an ideal quality in a broadly neutralizing antibody. Also in contrast to CD4 interaction, Env interfacial residues are under tight selection for PG16 binding to maintain a closed conformation. Screening for mutations that enhanced PG16 binding, we identified several important sites, in particular neutralization of the electropositive apical cavity that we hypothesize promotes trimer opening by electrostatic repulsion. Mutations were combined to generate Quaternary Epitope Stabilized (QES) mutants with enhanced presentation of the PG16 epitope, and the mutations were partially transferable to other HIV-1 strains. These mutational analyses offer insight into Env conformational stabilization that may assist immunogen design.
Project description:Purpose: This study uses a high-throughput glycan microarray to evaluate the immunological evolution of antibodies to the glyco-antigen GD2. The goal is to determine germline and affinity mature antibody specificity and affinities/ Results: Affinity mature anti-GD2 antibodies 3F8 and ch14.18 had high affinity and were highly specific for the target GD2. Germline antibodies were also hihgly specific and had surprisingly high affinity. Conclusion: Antibodies to GD2 evolved from highly specific germlines. Highly specific germlines may be critical in evading autoimmunity issues.
Project description:Purpose: This study uses a high-throughput glycan microarray to evaluate the immunological evolution of antibodies to the glyco-antigen GD2. The goal is to determine germline and affinity mature antibody specificity and affinities/ Results: Affinity mature anti-GD2 antibodies 3F8 and ch14.18 had high affinity and were highly specific for the target GD2. Germline antibodies were also hihgly specific and had surprisingly high affinity. Conclusion: Antibodies to GD2 evolved from highly specific germlines. Highly specific germlines may be critical in evading autoimmunity issues.
Project description:Purpose: This study uses a high-throughput glycan microarray to evaluate the immunological evolution of antibodies to the glyco-antigen GD2. The goal is to determine germline and affinity mature antibody specificity and affinities/ Results: Affinity mature anti-GD2 antibodies 3F8 and ch14.18 had high affinity and were highly specific for the target GD2. Germline antibodies were also hihgly specific and had surprisingly high affinity. Conclusion: Antibodies to GD2 evolved from highly specific germlines. Highly specific germlines may be critical in evading autoimmunity issues.
Project description:Purpose: This study uses a high-throughput glycan microarray to evaluate the immunological evolution of antibodies to the glyco-antigen GD2. The goal is to determine germline and affinity mature antibody specificity and affinities/ Results: Affinity mature anti-GD2 antibodies 3F8 and ch14.18 had high affinity and were highly specific for the target GD2. Germline antibodies were also hihgly specific and had surprisingly high affinity. Conclusion: Antibodies to GD2 evolved from highly specific germlines. Highly specific germlines may be critical in evading autoimmunity issues.
Project description:Purpose: This study uses a high-throughput glycan microarray to evaluate the immunological evolution of antibodies to the glyco-antigen GD2. The goal is to determine germline and affinity mature antibody specificity and affinities/ Results: Affinity mature anti-GD2 antibodies 3F8 and ch14.18 had high affinity and were highly specific for the target GD2. Germline antibodies were also hihgly specific and had surprisingly high affinity. Conclusion: Antibodies to GD2 evolved from highly specific germlines. Highly specific germlines may be critical in evading autoimmunity issues.