Functional and antigenic landscape of the Nipah virus receptor-binding protein

Authors: Brendan B. Larsen, Teagan McMahon, Jack T. Brown, Zhaoqian Wang, Caelan E. Radford, James E. Crowe, Jr., David Veesler, Jesse D. Bloom

Year: 2025

Journal: Cell

DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2025.02.030

Summary

The paper provides insights into the functional and antigenic properties of the Nipah virus receptor-binding protein (RBP) through deep mutational scanning, which helps understand viral evolution and design therapeutics.

Key Findings

• Deep mutational scanning of the Nipah virus RBP was performed
• A pseudovirus platform was used to measure mutation effects safely
• All mutations were measured for their impact on cell entry, receptor binding, and antibody escape
• Functionally constrained regions of the RBP were identified, including oligomerization sites
• Mutations affecting RBP binding to its two ephrin receptors were validated

Methodology

• Study Type: Deep mutational scanning

Topics

Virology, Epidemiology, Clinical

Relevance

The findings offer insights into the potential for functional and antigenic evolution of the RBP that can inform the development of antibody therapies and vaccines.

Source

View the entire paper: File:PIIS0092867425002570.pdf