AlphaFold2 Modeling and Molecular Dynamics Simulations of the Conformational Ensembles for the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Omicron JN.1, KP.2 and KP.3 Variants: Mutational Profiling of Binding Energetics Reveals Epistatic Drivers of the ACE2 Affinity and Escape Hotspots of Antibody Resistance

Viruses, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 16(9), С. 1458 - 1458

Опубликована: Сен. 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

Язык: Английский

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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, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 25(8), С. 4281 - 4281

Опубликована: Апрель 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.

Язык: 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), Год журнала: 2024, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Апрель 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.

Язык: 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, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 128(19), С. 4696 - 4715

Опубликована: Май 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.

Язык: 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), Год журнала: 2024, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Июль 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

Язык: 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, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 26(25), С. 17720 - 17744

Опубликована: Янв. 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.

Язык: 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, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 64(5), С. 1657 - 1681

Опубликована: Фев. 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.

Язык: Английский

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The accomplices: Heparan sulfates and N-glycans foster SARS-CoV-2 spike:ACE2 receptor binding and virus priming

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 121(43)

Опубликована: Окт. 14, 2024

Although it is well established that the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein binds to host cell ACE2 receptor initiate infection, far less known about tissue tropism and susceptibility virus. Differential expression across different types of heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycans, with variably sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), their synergistic interactions viral N-glycans may contribute susceptibility. Nevertheless, contribution remains unclear since HS evade experimental characterization. We, therefore, carried out microsecond-long all-atom molecular dynamics simulations, followed by random acceleration fully glycosylated spike:ACE2 complex without highly GAG chains bound. By considering model GAGs as surrogates for expressed in lung cells, we identified key entry mechanisms SARS-CoV-2. We find promotes structural energetic stabilization active conformation receptor-binding domain (RBD) reorientation toward N-terminal same subunit RBD. Spike exert effects, promoting better packing, strengthening protein:protein interaction, prolonging residence time complex. binding trigger rearrangement S2’ functional protease cleavage site through allosteric interdomain communication. These results thus show has a multifaceted role facilitating they provide mechanistic basis development derivatives anti-SARS-CoV-2 potential.

Язык: Английский

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Structural and Energetic Insights into SARS-CoV-2 Evolution: Analysis of hACE2–RBD Binding in Wild-Type, Delta, and Omicron Subvariants

International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 26(8), С. 3776 - 3776

Опубликована: Апрель 17, 2025

The evolution of SARS-CoV-2, particularly the emergence Omicron variants, has raised questions regarding changes in its binding affinity to human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor (hACE2). Understanding impact mutations on interaction between receptor-binding domain (RBD) spike protein and hACE2 is critical for evaluating viral transmissibility, immune evasion, efficacy therapeutic strategies. Here, we used molecular dynamics (MD) simulations energy calculations investigate structural energetic differences hACE2- RBD complexes wild-type (WT), Delta, subvariants. Our results indicate that Delta first variants showed highest second-highest among studied. Furthermore, while exhibit increased stability altered electrostatic potential at hACE2–RBD interface when compared ancestral WT, their strength does not consistently increase with evolution. Moreover, newer subvariants like JN.1 a bimodal conformational strategy, alternating high-affinity state low-affinity state, which could potentially facilitate evasion. These findings suggest that, addition enhanced affinity, other factors, such as evasion adaptability, shape SARS-CoV-2

Язык: Английский

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All-atom virus simulations to tackle airborne disease

Current Opinion in Structural Biology, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 92, С. 103048 - 103048

Опубликована: Май 3, 2025

We briefly review the latest computational studies focused on modeling viruses with classical all-atom (AA) molecular dynamics. report challenges, current solutions, and ongoing developments in constructing simulating whole viruses, discuss unique insights derived from AA mesoscale simulations that cannot be achieved by other means. Finally, we present new opportunities virology to understand viral aerostability within context of respiratory disease transmission. Overall, highlight value large-scale simulation champion need for increased interdisciplinary collaboration generate novel guide future research disease.

Язык: Английский

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