30The trimeric HIV-1 Envelope protein (Env) mediates viral-host cell fusion via a network of 31 conformational transitions, with allosteric elements in each protomer orchestrating host 32 receptor-induced exposure of the co-receptor binding site and fusion elements. To 33 understand the molecular details of this allostery, we introduced Env mutations aimed to 34 prevent CD4-induced rearrangements in the HIV-1 BG505 Env trimer. Binding analysis 35 performed on the soluble ectodomain BG505 SOSIP Env trimers, cell-surface expressed 36 BG505 full-length trimers and single-molecule Förster Resonance Energy Transfer 37 (smFRET) performed on the full-length virion-bound Env confirmed that these mutations 38 prevented CD4-induced transitions of the HIV-1 Env. Structural analysis by single-39 particle cryo-electron microscopy performed on the BG505 SOSIP mutant Env proteins 40 revealed rearrangements in the gp120 topological layer contacts with gp41. Specifically, 41 a conserved tryptophan at position 571 (W571) was displaced from its typical pocket at 42 the interface of gp120 topological layers 1 and 2 by lysine 567, disrupting key gp120-43 gp41 contacts and rendering the Env insensitive to CD4 binding. Vector based analysis 44 of closed Env SOSIP structures revealed the newly designed trimers exhibited a 45 quaternary structure distinct from that typical of SOSIPs and residing near a cluster of 46 Env trimers bound to vaccine-induced fusion peptide-directed antibodies (vFP Mabs).
47These results reveal the critical function of W571 as a conformational switch in Env 48 allostery and receptor-mediated viral entry and provide insights on Env conformation that 49 are relevant for vaccine design.50 51 52 53 54Host cell entry of HIV-1 is accomplished by the envelope glycoprotein (Env) spike. HIV-1
55Env is a trimer of heterodimers comprised of gp120 and gp41 protomers, and exists in a 56 metastable conformation capable of transitioning from a prefusion closed configuration to a 57 fusion-competent open state upon triggering by CD4. 1,2 The C-terminal gp41 domain contains a 58 single transmembrane helix and the membrane fusion elements of the trimer. 3-5 The gp12059 segment binds the primary receptor CD4, triggering conformational changes leading to the 60 binding of co-receptor CCR5/CXCR4 that causes global rearrangements in the trimer structure 61 leading to viral and cell membrane fusion and gp120 shedding. 6-8 While many studies have 62 sought to understand the nature of the communication between the CD4 binding site, the 63 coreceptor binding site and the fusogenic elements of the HIV-1 Env, a complete understanding 64 of the allosteric mechanism and metastability in HIV-1 Env remains lacking.
65The design of a soluble, stabilized ectodomain Env (SOSIP), containing an engineered 66 gp120 to gp41 disulfide (SOS) and an HR1 helix breaking I to P mutation, has revealed 67 structural details regarding broadly neutralizing antibody (bnAb) epitopes and as an immunogen 68 has induced autologous neutralizing antibodies. 2,9 The...