Designing a broad-spectrum four-helix bundle targeting different strains of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Receptor Binding Domains with ACE2-like binding interface

Abstract

One major strategy for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to evade antibody drugs or preventive vaccines is high mutation rate of the spike receptor binding domain (RBD). Because variable RBDs of different SARS-CoV-2 strains must bind to the same human receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) for viral cell entry and infection, we hypothesize that designing a protein with the same or very similar hACE2 binding interface might have a broad-spectrum effect against various SARS-CoV-2 strains. The designed protein binds specifically to the WT-RBD (with micromolar affinity) but not to RBDs from other SARS-CoV-2 strains. However, two rounds of the E. coli display and Magnetic Cell Sorting (MACS) selection are sufficient to yield a protein named CYN1 with nanomolar binding affinities not only to the WT-RBD but also to those of Omicron BA.1, XBB.1.16, and JN.1. Molecular dynamics simulations and free-energy hotspot analysis revealed that CYN1s broader spectrum capability stems from its engagement of essentially all ACE2 hotspot residues critical for WT-RBD binding, unlike the designed protein. The discovery of CYN1, differing by only four mutations from the designed protein, confirms that targeting the small interface of human viral receptors--rather than the entire receptor--offers a viable strategy for developing broad-spectrum inhibitors. This approach minimizes potential off-target effects arising from receptor multifunctionality.