title: Molecular characterization of a subgroup specificity associated with the rotavirus inner capsid protein VP2.
abstract: Group A rotaviruses are classified into serotypes, based on the reactivity pattern of neutralizing antibodies to VP4 and VP7, as well as into subgroups (SGs), based on non-neutralizing antibodies directed against VP6. The inner capsid protein (VP2) has also been described as a SG antigen; however, little is known regarding the molecular determinants of VP2 SG specificity. In this study, we characterize VP2 SGs by correlating genetic markers with the immunoreactivity of the SG-specific monoclonal antibody (YO-60). Our results show that VP2 proteins similar in sequence to that of the prototypic human strain Wa are recognized by YO-60, classifying them as VP2 SG-II. In contrast, proteins not bound by YO-60 are similar to those of human strains DS-1 or AU-1 and represent VP2 SG-I. Using a mutagenesis approach, we identified residues that determine recognition by either YO-60 or the group A-specific VP2 monoclonal antibody (6E8). We found that YO-60 binds to a conformationally dependent epitope that includes Wa VP2 residue M328. The epitope for 6E8 is also contingent upon VP2 conformation and resides within a single region of the protein (Wa VP2 residues A440 to T530). Using a high-resolution structure of bovine rotavirus double-layered particles, we predicted these epitopes to be spatially distinct from each other and located on opposite surfaces of VP2. This study reveals the extent of genetic variation among group A rotavirus VP2 proteins and illuminates the molecular basis for a previously described SG specificity associated with the rotavirus inner capsid protein.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 50 South Dr. MSC 8026, Rm. 6314, Bethesda, MD 20892-8026, USA.
authors.forename: Sarah M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: McDonald
authors.forename: John T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Patton
mesh_terms: D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology; D001483:Base Sequence; D036022:Capsid Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D017931:DNA Primers; D000939:Epitopes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D014644:Genetic Variation; D006801:Humans; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D016296:Mutagenesis; D009500:Neutralization Tests; D010802:Phylogeny; D012401:Rotavirus / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics; D017386:Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D036022:Capsid Proteins; D017931:DNA Primers; D000939:Epitopes; C442545:VP2 protein, Rotavirus