Structural highlights
Function
[POLG_TBEVW] Capsid protein C self-assembles to form an icosahedral capsid about 30 nm in diameter. The capsid encapsulates the genomic RNA (By similarity). prM acts as a chaperone for envelope protein E during intracellular virion assembly by masking and inactivating envelope protein E fusion peptide. prM is matured in the last step of virion assembly, presumably to avoid catastrophic activation of the viral fusion peptide induced by the acidic pH of the trans-Golgi network. After cleavage by host furin, the pr peptide is released in the extracellular medium and small envelope protein M and envelope protein E homodimers are dissociated (By similarity). Envelope protein E binding to host cell surface receptor is followed by virus internalization through clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Envelope protein E is subsequently involved in membrane fusion between virion and host late endosomes. Synthesized as a homodimer with prM which acts as a chaperone for envelope protein E. After cleavage of prM, envelope protein E dissociate from small envelope protein M and homodimerizes (By similarity). Non-structural protein 1 is involved in virus replication and regulation of the innate immune response (By similarity). Non-structural protein 2A may be involved viral RNA replication and capsid assembly (Potential). Non-structural protein 2B is a required cofactor for the serine protease function of NS3 (By similarity). Serine protease NS3 displays three enzymatic activities: serine protease, NTPase and RNA helicase. NS3 serine protease, in association with NS2B, performs its autocleavage and cleaves the polyprotein at dibasic sites in the cytoplasm: C-prM, NS2A-NS2B, NS2B-NS3, NS3-NS4A, NS4A-2K and NS4B-NS5. NS3 RNA helicase binds RNA and unwinds dsRNA in the 3' to 5' direction (By similarity). Non-structural protein 4A induces host endoplasmic reticulum membrane rearrangements leading to the formation of virus-induced membranous vesicles hosting the dsRNA and polymerase, functioning as a replication complex. NS4A might also regulate the ATPase activity of the NS3 helicase (By similarity). Peptide 2k functions as a signal peptide for NS4B and is required for the interferon antagonism activity of the latter (By similarity). RNA-directed RNA polymerase NS5 replicates the viral (+) and (-) genome, and performs the capping of genomes in the cytoplasm. NS5 methylates viral RNA cap at guanine N-7 and ribose 2'-O positions. Besides its role in genome replication, also prevents the establishment of cellular antiviral state by blocking the interferon-alpha/beta (IFN-alpha/beta) signaling pathway. Inhibits host SCRIB and prevents activation of downstream JAK-STAT signaling pathway (By similarity).
Publication Abstract from PubMed
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and louping ill virus (LIV) are members of the tick-borne flaviviruses (TBFVs) in the family Flaviviridae, which cause encephalomeningitis and encephalitis in humans and other animals. Although vaccines against TBEV and LIV are available, infection rates are rising due to the low vaccination coverage. To date, no specific therapeutics have been licensed. Several neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) show promising effectiveness in the control of TBFVs, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are yet to be characterized. Here, we determined the crystal structures of LIV envelope protein (E) and report the comparative structural analysis of a TBFV broadly neutralizing murine MAb (MAb 4.2) in complex with either LIV or TBEV E proteins. The structures reveal that MAb 4.2 binds to the lateral ridge of Domain III (EDIII) of LIV-E or TBEV-E, an epitope also reported for other potently neutralizing MAbs against mosquito-borne flaviviruses (MBFVs), but adopts a unique binding orientation. Further structural analysis suggested that MAb 4.2 may neutralize flavivirus infection by preventing the structural rearrangement required for membrane fusion during virus entry. These findings extend our understanding of the vulnerability of TBFVs and other flaviviruses (including MBFVs) and provide an avenue for antibody-based TBFVs antiviral development.ImportanceUnderstanding the mechanism of antibody neutralization/protection against a virus is crucial for antiviral counter-measures development. Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and louping ill virus (LIV) are tick-borne flaviviruses (TBFVs) in the family Flaviviridae They cause encephalomeningitis and encephalitis in humans and other animals. Although vaccines for both viruses are available, infection rates are rising due to the low vaccination coverage. In this study, we solved the crystal structures of LIV envelope protein (E) and a broadly-neutralizing/protective TBFV MAb, MAb 4.2, in complex with E from either TBEV or LIV. Key structural features shared by TBFV E proteins were analyzed. Structures of E-antibody complexes show that MAb 4.2 targets the lateral ridge of both TBEV and LIV E proteins, a vulnerable site in flaviviruses for other potent neutralizing MAbs. Thus, this site represents a promising target for TBFV antiviral development. Further, these structures provide important information for understanding TBFV antigenicity.
Molecular basis of a protective/neutralizing monoclonal antibody targeting envelope proteins of both tick-borne encephalitis virus and louping ill virus.,Yang X, Qi J, Peng R, Dai L, Gould EA, Gao GF, Tien P J Virol. 2019 Feb 13. pii: JVI.02132-18. doi: 10.1128/JVI.02132-18. PMID:30760569[1]
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
See Also
References
- ↑ Yang X, Qi J, Peng R, Dai L, Gould EA, Gao GF, Tien P. Molecular basis of a protective/neutralizing monoclonal antibody targeting envelope proteins of both tick-borne encephalitis virus and louping ill virus. J Virol. 2019 Feb 13. pii: JVI.02132-18. doi: 10.1128/JVI.02132-18. PMID:30760569 doi:https://dx.doi.org/10.1128/JVI.02132-18
