Ensemble-Based Mutational Profiling and Network Analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Omicron XBB Lineages for Interactions with the ACE2 Receptor and Antibodies: Cooperation of Binding Hotspots in Mediating Epistatic Couplings Underlies Binding Mechanism and Immune Escape

International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 25(8), P. 4281 - 4281

Published: April 12, 2024

In this study, we performed a computational study of binding mechanisms for the SARS-CoV-2 spike Omicron XBB lineages with host cell receptor ACE2 and panel diverse class one antibodies. The central objective investigation was to examine molecular factors underlying epistatic couplings among convergent evolution hotspots that enable optimal balancing antibody evasion variants BA.1, BA2, BA.3, BA.4/BA.5, BQ.1.1, XBB.1, XBB.1.5, XBB.1.5 + L455F/F456L. By combining evolutionary analysis, dynamics simulations, ensemble-based mutational scanning protein residues in complexes ACE2, identified structural stability affinity are consistent results biochemical studies. agreement deep experiments, our quantitative analysis correctly reproduced strong variant-specific effects BA.2 variants. It shown Y453W F456L mutations can enhance when coupled Q493 while these become destabilized R493 position variant. provided rationale mechanism variants, showing role Q493/R493 hotspot modulating between sites L455F lineages. receptors antibodies provide experimental evidence interactions physically proximal Y501, R498, Q493, L455F, determine binding, F486P instrumental mediating broad resistance. supports which impact on is mediated through small group universal hotspots, effect immune could be more variant-dependent modulated by conformationally adaptable regions.

Language: Английский

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Predicting Functional Conformational Ensembles and Binding Mechanisms of Convergent Evolution for SARS-CoV-2 Spike Omicron Variants Using AlphaFold2 Sequence Scanning Adaptations and Molecular Dynamics Simulations

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: April 3, 2024

Abstract In this study, we combined AlphaFold-based approaches for atomistic modeling of multiple protein states and microsecond molecular simulations to accurately characterize conformational ensembles binding mechanisms convergent evolution the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Omicron variants BA.1, BA.2, BA.2.75, BA.3, BA.4/BA.5 BQ.1.1. We employed validated several different adaptations AlphaFold methodology including introduced randomized full sequence scanning manipulation variations systematically explore dynamics complexes with ACE2 receptor. Microsecond dynamic provide a detailed characterization landscapes thermodynamic stability variant complexes. By integrating predictions from applying statistical confidence metrics can expand identify functional conformations that determine equilibrium ACE2. Conformational RBD-ACE2 obtained using are accurate comparative prediction energetics revealing an excellent agreement experimental data. particular, results demonstrated AlphaFold-generated extended produce energies The study suggested complementarities potential synergies between showing information both methods potentially yield more adequate This provides insights in interplay binding, through acquisition mutational sites may leverage adaptability couplings key energy hotspots optimize affinity enable immune evasion.

Language: Английский

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AlphaFold2 Predictions of Conformational Ensembles and Atomistic Simulations of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike XBB Lineages Reveal Epistatic Couplings between Convergent Mutational Hotspots that Control ACE2 Affinity

The Journal of Physical Chemistry B, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 128(19), P. 4696 - 4715

Published: May 2, 2024

In this study, we combined AlphaFold-based atomistic structural modeling, microsecond molecular simulations, mutational profiling, and network analysis to characterize binding mechanisms of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein with host receptor ACE2 for a series Omicron XBB variants including XBB.1.5, XBB.1.5+L455F, XBB.1.5+F456L, XBB.1.5+L455F+F456L. dynamic modeling Spike lineages can accurately predict experimental structures conformational ensembles complexes ACE2. Microsecond dynamics simulations identified important differences in landscapes equilibrium variants, suggesting that combining AlphaFold predictions multiple conformations provide complementary approach characterization functional states mechanisms. Using ensemble-based profiling residues physics-based rigorous calculations affinities, energy hotspots characterized basis underlying epistatic couplings between convergent hotspots. Consistent experiments, results revealed mediating role Q493 hotspot synchronization L455F F456L mutations, providing quantitative insight into energetic determinants lineages. We also proposed network-based perturbation allosteric communications uncovered relationships centers long-range communication couplings. The study support mechanism which may be determined by effects evolutionary control binding.

Language: Английский

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Atomistic Prediction of Structures, Conformational Ensembles and Binding Energetics for the SARS-CoV-2 Spike JN.1, KP.2 and KP.3 Variants Using AlphaFold2 and Molecular Dynamics Simulations: Mutational Profiling and Binding Free Energy Analysis Reveal Epistatic Hotspots of the ACE2 Affinity and Immune Escape

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: July 10, 2024

Abstract The most recent wave of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants descending from BA.2 and BA.2.86 exhibited improved viral growth fitness due to convergent evolution functional hotspots. These hotspots operate in tandem optimize both receptor binding for effective infection immune evasion efficiency, thereby maintaining overall fitness. lack molecular details on structure, dynamics energetics the latest FLiRT FLuQE with ACE2 antibodies provides a considerable challenge that is explored this study. We combined AlphaFold2-based atomistic predictions structures conformational ensembles Spike complexes host dominant JN.1, KP.1, KP.2 KP.3 examine mechanisms underlying role balancing antibody evasion. Using ensemble-based mutational scanning spike protein residues computations affinities, we identified energy characterized basis epistatic couplings between results suggested existence interactions sites at L455, F456, Q493 positions enable protect restore affinity while conferring beneficial escape. To escape mechanisms, performed structure-based profiling several classes displayed impaired neutralization against BA.2.86, KP.3. confirmed experimental data harboring L455S F456L mutations can significantly impair neutralizing activity class-1 monoclonal antibodies, effects mediated by facilitate subsequent convergence Q493E changes rescue binding. Structural energetic analysis provided rationale showing BD55-5840 BD55-5514 bind different epitopes retain efficacy all examined support notion may favor emergence lineages combinations involving mediators control balance high

Language: Английский

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Probing conformational landscapes of binding and allostery in the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant complexes using microsecond atomistic simulations and perturbation-based profiling approaches: hidden role of omicron mutations as modulators of allosteric signaling and epistatic relationships

Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 25(32), P. 21245 - 21266

Published: Jan. 1, 2023

In this study, we systematically examine the conformational dynamics, binding and allosteric communications in Omicron BA.1, BA.2, BA.3 BA.4/BA.5 spike protein complexes with ACE2 host receptor using molecular dynamics simulations perturbation-based network profiling approaches. Microsecond atomistic provided a detailed characterization of landscapes revealed increased thermodynamic stabilization BA.2 variant which can be contrasted variants inducing significant mobility complexes. Using dynamics-based mutational scanning residues, identified structural stability affinity hotspots Perturbation response network-based approaches probed effect mutations on interactions The results analysis specific roles as conformationally plastic evolutionary adaptable modulators allostery are coupled to major regulatory positions through interaction networks. Through perturbation residue potentials performed background original strain, characterized regions epistatic couplings that centered around N501Y Q498R. Our dissected vital role these centers regulating stability, efficient allows for accumulation multiple immune escape at other sites. integrative computational approaches, study provides systematic effects thermodynamics, signaling receptor.

Language: Английский

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Exploring Conformational Landscapes and Binding Mechanisms of Convergent Evolution for the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Omicron Variant Complexes with the ACE2 Receptor Using AlphaFold2-Based Structural Ensembles and Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 26(25), P. 17720 - 17744

Published: Jan. 1, 2024

In this study, we combined AlphaFold-based approaches for atomistic modeling of multiple protein states and microsecond molecular simulations to accurately characterize conformational ensembles evolution binding mechanisms convergent the SARS-CoV-2 spike Omicron variants BA.1, BA.2, BA.2.75, BA.3, BA.4/BA.5 BQ.1.1. We employed validated several different adaptations AlphaFold methodology including introduced randomized full sequence scanning manipulation variations systematically explore dynamics complexes with ACE2 receptor. Microsecond (MD) provide a detailed characterization landscapes thermodynamic stability variant complexes. By integrating predictions from applying statistical confidence metrics can expand identify functional conformations that determine equilibrium ACE2. Conformational RBD-ACE2 obtained using MD are accurate comparative prediction energetics revealing an excellent agreement experimental data. particular, results demonstrated AlphaFold-generated extended produce energies The study suggested complementarities potential synergies between showing information both methods potentially yield more adequate This provides insights in interplay binding, through acquisition mutational sites may leverage adaptability dynamic couplings key energy hotspots optimize affinity enable immune evasion.

Language: Английский

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Allosteric Control of Structural Mimicry and Mutational Escape in the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Complexes with the ACE2 Decoys and Miniprotein Inhibitors: A Network-Based Approach for Mutational Profiling of Binding and Signaling

Journal of Chemical Information and Modeling, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 61(10), P. 5172 - 5191

Published: Sept. 22, 2021

We developed a computational framework for comprehensive and rapid mutational scanning of binding energetics residue interaction networks in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein complexes. Using this approach, we integrated atomistic simulations conformational landscaping complexes with ensemble-based screening network modeling to characterize mechanisms structure–functional mimicry resilience toward escape by ACE2 decoy de novo designed miniprotein inhibitors. A detailed analysis structural plasticity proteins obtained from landscapes sequence-based profiling disorder propensities revealed intrinsically flexible regions that harbor key functional sites targeted circulating variants. The conservation collective dynamics showed positions are important modulation motions changes these can alter allosteric networks. Through complexes, identified regulatory hotspots collectively determine response miniproteins results suggest affinities signatures be determined dynamic crosstalk between structurally stable centers conformationally adaptable control escape. This may underlie mechanism which moderate perturbations induce global modulating signaling

Language: Английский

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Probing Mechanisms of Binding and Allostery in the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Omicron Variant Complexes with the Host Receptor: Revealing Functional Roles of the Binding Hotspots in Mediating Epistatic Effects and Communication with Allosteric Pockets

International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 23(19), P. 11542 - 11542

Published: Sept. 29, 2022

In this study, we performed all-atom MD simulations of RBD-ACE2 complexes for BA.1, BA.1.1, BA.2, and BA.3 Omicron subvariants, conducted a systematic mutational scanning the binding interfaces analysis electrostatic effects. The free energy computations comprehensive examination interactions quantify driving forces provide new insights into energetic mechanisms underlying evolutionary differences between variants. A RBD residues determines protein stability centers hotpots in complexes. By employing ensemble-based global network analysis, propose community-based topological model that characterized functional roles sites mediating non-additive epistatic effects mutations. Our findings suggest contributions to affinity may be mediated by R493, Y498, Y501 are greater BA.1.1 BA.2 display strongest ACE2 among subvariants. network-centric adaptation reversed allosteric communication is unveiled which established robust connection hotspots potential pockets. Using approach, demonstrated long-range could anchor experimentally validated Through an array complementary approaches proposed models, multi-faceted computational study revealed quantified multiple key site R498, acting as hotspots, drivers well mediators communications with

Language: Английский

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AlphaFold2-Enabled Atomistic Modeling of Structure, Conformational Ensembles, and Binding Energetics of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2.86 Spike Protein with ACE2 Host Receptor and Antibodies: Compensatory Functional Effects of Binding Hotspots in Modulating Mechanisms of Receptor Binding and Immune Escape

Journal of Chemical Information and Modeling, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 64(5), P. 1657 - 1681

Published: Feb. 19, 2024

The latest wave of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants displayed a growth advantage and increased viral fitness through convergent evolution functional hotspots that work synchronously to balance requirements for productive receptor binding efficient immune evasion. In this study, we combined AlphaFold2-based structural modeling approaches with atomistic simulations mutational profiling energetics stability prediction comprehensive analysis the structure, dynamics, BA.2.86 spike variant ACE2 host distinct classes antibodies. We adapted several AlphaFold2 predict both structure conformational ensembles protein in complex receptor. results showed AlphaFold2-predicted ensemble can accurately capture main states variant. Complementary predictions, microsecond molecular dynamics reveal details landscape produced equilibrium structures are used perform scanning residues characterize energy hotspots. ensemble-based domain BA.2 complexes revealed group conserved hydrophobic critical variant-specific contributions R403K, F486P, R493Q. To examine evasion properties detail, performed structure-based interfaces antibodies significantly reduced neutralization against basis compensatory effects hotspots, showing lineage may have evolved outcompete other subvariants by improving while preserving affinity via effect R493Q F486P This study demonstrated an integrative approach combining predictions complementary robust enable accurate characterization mechanisms newly emerging variants.

Language: Английский

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Exploring Diverse Binding Mechanisms of Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies S309, S304, CYFN-1006 and VIR-7229 Targeting SARS-CoV-2 Spike Omicron Variants: Integrative Computational Modeling Reveals Balance of Evolutionary and Dynamic Adaptability in Shaping Molecular Determinants of Immune Escape

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: April 17, 2025

Abstract Evolution of SARS-CoV-2 has led to the emergence variants with increased immune evasion capabilities, posing significant challenges antibody-based therapeutics and vaccines. The cross-neutralization activity antibodies against Omicron is governed by a complex delicate interplay multiple energetic factors interaction contributions. In this study, we conducted comprehensive analysis interactions between receptor-binding domain (RBD) spike protein four neutralizing S309, S304, CYFN1006, VIR-7229. Using integrative computational modeling that combined all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, mutational scanning, MM-GBSA binding free energy calculations, elucidated structural, energetic, dynamic determinants antibody binding. Our findings reveal distinct mechanisms evolutionary adaptation driving broad neutralization effect these antibodies. We show S309 targets conserved residues near ACE2 interface, leveraging synergistic van der Waals electrostatic interactions, while S304 focuses on fewer but sensitive residues, making it more susceptible escape mutations. CYFN-1006.1 CYFN-1006.2 highlights epitope coverage critical anchors at T345, K440, T346, enhancing its efficacy carrying K356T mutation which caused from broadly potent VIR-7229 XBB.1.5 EG.5 emphasized large structurally epitope, demonstrating certain adaptability compensatory effects F456L L455S Mutational profiling identified key crucial for binding, including P337, R346 T385 K386 underscoring their roles as "weak spots" balance viral fitness evasion. results demonstrate good agreement predicted hotspots mutations respect latest experiments average scores. study dissect importance targeting diverse epitopes counteract resistance. Broad-spectrum CYFN1006 maintain across achieve convergent evolution enabling tolerance in positions through structural interface. underscore diversity employed different basis high affinity excellent generation

Language: Английский

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