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| Title | A distinct E dimer epitope underlies selective recognition by a protective human West Nile virus antibody. |
|---|---|
| Journal, issue, pages | EMBO Rep, Vol. 27, Issue 15, Page 4583-4601, Year 2026 |
| Publish date | Jun 29, 2026 |
Authors | Baldeep Khare / Charles-Adrien Arnaud / Thomas Klose / James E Crowe / Richard J Kuhn / ![]() |
| PubMed Abstract | Human outbreaks of West Nile virus (WNV) are an imminent threat in North America, with many annual infections and numerous cases of severe neuroinvasive disease. There are no licensed treatments for ...Human outbreaks of West Nile virus (WNV) are an imminent threat in North America, with many annual infections and numerous cases of severe neuroinvasive disease. There are no licensed treatments for WNV disease. Previous research identified WNV-86 as an ultrapotent neutralizing human antibody that binds domain II of the major envelope (E) glycoprotein in mature virions. Here, we report the structure of mature WNV in complex with the Fab of WNV-86, at a resolution of 3.8 Å, solved using cryogenic electron microscopy. Structure-based epitope mapping identifies a new class of E dimer epitope (EDE) antibodies that we designate as EDE3 antibodies. A partial overlap of WNV-86 and pre-membrane protein (prM) binding regions at more than one site ensures selective binding of WNV-86 to mature virions. The structure reveals the quaternary epitope of the neutralizing Fab and supports a model in which engaging both protomers of the dimer likely interferes with fusion-triggering rearrangements. This study identifies critical residues for binding, neutralization, and immune escape and clarifies the promise of this molecule for future immunotherapeutic interventions. |
External links | EMBO Rep / PubMed:42373829 / PubMed Central |
| Methods | EM (single particle) |
| Resolution | 3.8 Å |
| Structure data | EMDB-48850, PDB-9n3b: |
| Chemicals | ![]() ChemComp-NAG: |
| Source |
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Keywords | VIRUS/IMMUNE SYSTEM / Complex / VIRUS / VIRUS-IMMUNE SYSTEM complex |
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kunjin virus
homo sapiens (human)
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