bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory),
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: Dec. 20, 2024
Abstract
The
growing
body
of
experimental
and
computational
studies
suggested
that
the
cross-neutralization
antibody
activity
against
Omicron
variants
may
be
driven
by
balance
tradeoff
multiple
energetic
factors
interaction
contributions
evolving
escape
hotspots
involved
in
antigenic
drift
convergent
evolution.
However,
dynamic
details
quantifying
contribution
these
factors,
particularly
balancing
nature
specific
interactions
formed
antibodies
with
epitope
residues
remain
scarcely
characterized.
In
this
study,
we
performed
molecular
dynamics
simulations,
ensemble-based
deep
mutational
scanning
SARS-CoV-2
spike
binding
free
energy
computations
for
two
distinct
groups
broadly
neutralizing
:
E1
group
(BD55-3152,
BD55-3546
BD5-5840)
F3
(BD55-3372,
BD55-4637
BD55-5514).
Using
approaches,
examine
determinants
which
potent
can
largely
evade
immune
resistance.
Our
analysis
revealed
emergence
a
small
number
positions
correspond
to
R346
K444
strong
van
der
Waals
act
synchronously
leading
large
contribution.
According
our
results,
Abs
effectively
exploit
hotspot
clusters
hydrophobic
sites
critical
functions
along
selective
complementary
targeting
positively
charged
are
important
ACE2
binding.
Together
conserved
epitopes,
lead
expanded
neutralization
breadth
resilience
shift
associated
viral
results
study
demonstrate
excellent
qualitative
agreement
between
predicted
mutations
respect
latest
experiments
on
average
scores.
We
argue
epitopes
leverage
stability
binding,
while
tend
emerge
synergistically
electrostatic
interactions.
Viruses,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
16(9), P. 1458 - 1458
Published: Sept. 13, 2024
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
protein
residues
computations
affinities,
we
identified
energy
characterized
basis
epistatic
couplings
between
results
suggested
existence
interactions
sites
at
L455,
F456,
Q493
positions
protect
restore
ACE2-binding
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
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.
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.
Journal of Medicinal Chemistry,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: Sept. 26, 2024
While
the
therapeutic
potential
of
allosteric
drugs
is
increasingly
realized,
discovery
effectors
largely
incidental.
The
rational
design
requires
new
state-of-the-art
approaches
to
account
for
distinct
characteristics
ligands
and
their
modes
action.
We
present
a
broadly
applicable
computational
framework
obtaining
site-effector
pairs,
providing
targeted,
highly
specific,
tunable
regulation
any
functional
site.
validated
using
main
protease
from
SARS-CoV-2
K-Ras
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.
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.
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
Biomolecules,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
15(2), P. 249 - 249
Published: Feb. 8, 2025
A
growing
body
of
experimental
and
computational
studies
suggests
that
the
cross-neutralization
antibody
activity
against
Omicron
variants
may
be
driven
by
balance
tradeoff
between
multiple
energetic
factors
interaction
contributions
evolving
escape
hotspots
involved
in
antigenic
drift
convergent
evolution.
However,
dynamic
details
quantifying
contribution
these
factors,
particularly
balancing
nature
specific
interactions
formed
antibodies
with
epitope
residues,
remain
largely
uncharacterized.
In
this
study,
we
performed
molecular
dynamics
simulations,
an
ensemble-based
deep
mutational
scanning
SARS-CoV-2
spike
binding
free
energy
computations
for
two
distinct
groups
broadly
neutralizing
antibodies:
E1
group
(BD55-3152,
BD55-3546,
BD5-5840)
F3
(BD55-3372,
BD55-4637,
BD55-5514).
Using
approaches,
examined
determinants
which
potent
can
evade
immune
resistance.
Our
analysis
revealed
emergence
a
small
number
positions
correspond
to
R346
K444
strong
van
der
Waals
act
synchronously,
leading
large
contribution.
According
our
results,
Abs
effectively
exploit
hotspot
clusters
hydrophobic
sites
are
critical
functions
along
selective
complementary
targeting
positively
charged
important
ACE2
binding.
Together
conserved
epitopes,
lead
expand
breadth
resilience
neutralization
shifts
associated
viral
The
results
study
demonstrate
excellent
qualitative
agreement
predicted
mutations
respect
latest
experiments
on
average
scores.
We
argue
epitopes
leverage
stability
binding,
while
tend
emerge
synergistically
electrostatic
interactions.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
26(4), P. 1507 - 1507
Published: Feb. 11, 2025
The
rapid
evolution
of
SARS-CoV-2
has
led
to
the
emergence
variants
with
increased
immune
evasion
capabilities,
posing
significant
challenges
antibody-based
therapeutics
and
vaccines.
In
this
study,
we
conducted
a
comprehensive
structural
energetic
analysis
spike
receptor-binding
domain
(RBD)
complexes
neutralizing
antibodies
from
four
distinct
groups
(A–D),
including
group
A
LY-CoV016,
B
AZD8895
REGN10933,
C
LY-CoV555,
D
AZD1061,
REGN10987,
LY-CoV1404.
Using
coarse-grained
simplified
simulation
models,
energy-based
mutational
scanning,
rigorous
MM-GBSA
binding
free
energy
calculations,
elucidated
molecular
mechanisms
antibody
escape
mechanisms,
identified
key
hotspots,
explored
evolutionary
strategies
employed
by
virus
evade
neutralization.
residue-based
decomposition
revealed
thermodynamic
factors
underlying
effect
mutations
on
binding.
results
demonstrate
excellent
qualitative
agreement
between
predicted
hotspots
latest
experiments
escape.
These
findings
provide
valuable
insights
into
determinants
viral
escape,
highlighting
importance
targeting
conserved
epitopes
leveraging
combination
therapies
mitigate
risk
evasion.