HIV envelope V3 region mimic embodies key features of a broadly neutralizing antibody lineage epitope.

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Source:

Nat Commun, Volume 9, Issue 1, p.1111 (2018)

Abstract:

<p>HIV-1 envelope (Env) mimetics are candidate components of prophylactic vaccines and potential therapeutics. Here we use a synthetic V3-glycopeptide (&quot;Man-V3&quot;) for structural studies of an HIV Env third variable loop (V3)-glycan directed, broadly neutralizing antibody (bnAb) lineage (&quot;DH270&quot;), to visualize the epitope on Env and to study how affinity maturation of the lineage proceeded. Unlike many previous V3 mimetics, Man-V3 encompasses two key features of the V3 region recognized by V3-glycan bnAbs-the conserved GDIR motif and the N332 glycan. In our structure of an antibody fragment of a lineage member, DH270.6, in complex with the V3 glycopeptide, the conformation of the antibody-bound glycopeptide conforms closely to that of the corresponding segment in an intact HIV-1 Env trimer. An additional structure identifies roles for two critical mutations in the development of breadth. The results suggest a strategy for use of a V3 glycopeptide as a vaccine immunogen.</p>

PDB: 
6CBJ and 6CBP
Detector: 
Q315
Beamline: 
24-ID-E