Structural basis for HCMV Pentamer receptor recognition and antibody neutralization

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) represents the viral leading cause of congenital birth defects and uses the gH/ gL/UL128-130-131A complex (Pentamer) to enter different cell types, including epithelial and endothelial cells. Upon infection, Pentamer elicits the most potent neutralizing response against HCMV, representing a key vaccine candidate. Despite its relevance, the structural basis for Pentamer receptor recognition and antibody neutralization is largely unknown. Here, we determine the structures of Pentamer bound to neuropilin 2 (NRP2) and a set of potent neutralizing antibodies against HCMV. Moreover, we identify thrombomodulin (THBD) as a functional HCMV receptor and determine the structures of the Pentamer-THBD complex. Unexpectedly, both NRP2 and THBD also promote dimerization of Pentamer. Our results provide a framework for understanding HCMV receptor engagement, cell entry, antibody neutralization, and outline strategies for antiviral therapies against HCMV

Mechanistic convergence of the TIGIT and PD-1 inhibitory pathways necessitates co-blockade to optimize anti-tumor CD8+ T cell responses.

Dual blockade of the PD-1 and TIGIT coinhibitory receptors on T cells shows promising early results in cancer patients. Here, we studied the mechanisms whereby PD-1 and/or TIGIT blockade modulate anti-tumor CD8+ T cells. Although PD-1 and TIGIT are thought to regulate different costimulatory receptors (CD28 and CD226), effectiveness of PD-1 or TIGIT inhibition in preclinical tumor models was reduced in the absence of CD226. CD226 expression associated with clinical benefit in patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) treated with anti-PD-L1 antibody atezolizumab. CD226 and CD28 were co-expressed on NSCLC infiltrating CD8+ T cells poised for expansion. Mechanistically, PD-1 inhibited phosphorylation of both CD226 and CD28 via its ITIM-containing intracellular domain (ICD); TIGIT's ICD was dispensable, with TIGIT restricting CD226 co-stimulation by blocking interaction with their common ligand PVR (CD155). Thus, full restoration of CD226 signaling, and optimal anti-tumor CD8+ T cell responses, requires blockade of TIGIT and PD-1, providing a mechanistic rationale for combinatorial targeting in the clinic

CRF receptor 1 regulates anxiety behavior via sensitization of 5-HT2 receptor signaling

5-HT2 and corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) receptors both regulate stress responses and anxiety behavior; however, potential cross-talk between the two pathways is poorly understood. Magalhaes et al. find that CRF receptor activation causes cell-surface recruitment of constitutively internalized 5-HT2 receptor and that this mechanism is relevant to anxiety-related behaviors

CRF receptor 1 regulates anxiety behavior via sensitization of 5-HT2 receptor signaling

Stress and anxiety disorders are risk factors for depression and these behaviours are modulated by corticotropin releasing factor (CRFR1) and serotonin (5-HT2R) receptors. However, the potential behavioral and cellular interaction between these two receptors is unclear. Here, we showed that pre-administration of CRF into the prefrontal cortex of mice sensitized 5-HT2R-mediated anxiety behaviours in response to 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine. In both heterologous cell cultures and mouse cortical neurons, the activation of CRFR1 also sensitized 5-HT2 receptor-mediated inositol phosphate formation. CRFR1-mediated increases in 5-HT2R signaling were dependent upon receptor internalization and receptor recycling via rapid recycling endosomes resulting in increased cell surface 5-HT2R expression. The sensitization of 5-HT2R signaling by CRFR1 required intact PDZ domain binding motifs at the end of the C-terminal tails of both receptor types. These data reveal a novel mechanism by which CRF, a peptide known to be released by stress, sensitized anxiety-related behaviour via sensitization of 5-HT2R signaling