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Identification of a neutralizing domain in the external envelope glycoprotein of simian immunodeficiency virus
S Benichou1, R Legrand, N Nakagawa
1Unité de Recombinaison et Expression Génétique, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.
Abstract:
Two murine monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), designated MATG2014 and MATG2033, were generated. They are reactive with the external envelope glycoprotein gp130 of the simian immunodeficiency virus of macaque monkey (SIVmac251), and display a cell-free virus neutralizing activity in vitro. In addition, MATG2014 cross-reacts with HIV-2Rod gp140. Epitope mapping of these MAbs was performed by screening and SIVmac peptide library expressed in yeast and confirmed using synthetic peptides. MATG2014 and MATG2033 recognize two overlapping epitopes localized in an 18 residue domain between amino acid 171 and 188 of the SIVmac251 gp130. Sera from experimentally SIV-infected macaques are immunoreactive with this neutralizing domain. Sequence comparison with related SIV and HIV-2 viral strains indicates a low variability of this region, consistent with the cross-reactivity of MATG2014 with HIV-2Rod gp140. This domain should then be considered in designing experimental vaccines.
Insights
Two new monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) neutralize simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). These antibodies target a conserved SIV envelope glycoprotein region, offering potential for vaccine development against SIV and related viruses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Murine monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) are crucial tools for studying viral glycoproteins.
- The simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) envelope glycoprotein gp130 is a key target for neutralizing antibodies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To generate and characterize monoclonal antibodies against SIVmac251 gp130.
- To identify neutralizing epitopes on the SIV envelope glycoprotein for vaccine design.
Main Methods:
- Generation of murine monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) MATG2014 and MATG2033.
- Epitope mapping using SIVmac peptide libraries expressed in yeast and synthetic peptides.
- In vitro neutralization assays and cross-reactivity testing with HIV-2.
Main Results:
- MAbs MATG2014 and MATG2033 neutralize SIVmac251 in vitro.
- Both MAbs recognize overlapping epitopes within an 18-amino acid domain (residues 171-188) of SIVmac251 gp130.
- MATG2014 cross-reacts with HIV-2Rod gp140, indicating epitope conservation.
- Sera from SIV-infected macaques are immunoreactive with this domain.
Conclusions:
- A conserved neutralizing epitope on SIV gp130 has been identified.
- This epitope is a promising target for developing experimental vaccines against SIV and potentially HIV-2.