Structural and genetic basis for broad antibody recognition of a protective epitope on orthomarburgvirus GP2

Aurelie Niyongabo1, Benjamin M Janus1, Fabrizio G Gonzalez1

  • 1Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD 20850, USA.

Cell Reports
|June 12, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Researchers identified key features of the Marburg virus glycoprotein (GP) wing region targeted by broadly protective antibodies. This structural and genetic understanding is crucial for developing effective vaccines and antibody treatments against Marburg virus disease.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Immunology
  • Structural Biology

Background:

  • Orthomarburgviruses cause Marburg virus disease with high fatality rates.
  • The GP2 wing region of the orthomarburgvirus surface glycoprotein is a target for protective antibodies but is poorly understood structurally.
  • Limited knowledge exists regarding antibody recognition of the GP2 wing region.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To conduct a comprehensive genetic and structural analysis of broadly reactive antibody lineages targeting the orthomarburgvirus GP2 wing region.
  • To elucidate the structural basis of antibody recognition within the GP2 wing.
  • To identify conserved immunogenetic and structural features for broad antibody recognition.

Main Methods:

  • Co-crystal structure determination of antibodies bound to the GP2 wing region.
  • Comprehensive genetic analysis of antibody lineages.
  • Immunogenetic analyses of antibody sequence signatures.

Main Results:

  • Four independent, broadly reactive antibody lineages (three from macaques, one murine) target a common epitope in the GP2 wing.
  • Co-crystal structures reveal conserved structural determinants within the wing recognized by all antibodies.
  • Immunogenetic analyses identified common antibody sequence signatures associated with wing recognition and similar binding modes.

Conclusions:

  • The study advances structural understanding of the protective GP2 wing region of orthomarburgviruses.
  • Conserved immunogenetic and structural features enabling broad antibody recognition have been defined.
  • Findings inform the development of vaccines and antibody countermeasures against Marburg virus.

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