Outside-binding site mutations modify the active site's shapes in neuraminidase from influenza A H1N1

Phylogenetic analysis and docking study of neuraminidase gene of influenza A/H1N1 viruses circulating in Iran from 2010 to 2019

Influenza A viruses (H1N1) have been consistently one of the most evolving viruses that escape from vaccine-induced immunity. Although there has been a rapid rise in human influenza virus knowledge since the 2009 pandemic, the molecular information about Iranian strains is still inadequate. The aim of this study was to analyze the neuraminidase (NA) segment of the Iranian isolates in terms of phylogenetic, antiviral resistance, and vaccine efficiency. Ninety-three NA sequences collected among 1758 nasopharyngeal swab samples during the 2015-2016 influenza season were sequenced and submitted to NCBI. Moreover, all the submitted Iranian influenza H1N1 NA sequences since 2010 till 2019 were included in the study. Software including MEGA-X, MODELLER, UCSF ChimeraX, Auto-Dock 4.2, and other online tools were used to analyze the phylogenetic relationship, vaccine efficiency, and binding affinity to sialic acid of the selected NA proteins. Moreover, the information about antiviral drug resistance mutations of NA were gathered and compared to the Iranian NA segments to check the presence of antiviral drug-resistant strains. The phylogenetic study showed that most Iranian NA sequences (between 2015 and 2016) were located in a single clade and following years were located in its subclade by 3 major mutations (G77R/K, V81A, and J188T). Resistant mutations in drug targets of NA including I117M, D151E, I223V, and S247N were ascertained in 10 isolates during the 2015-2016 flu seasons. Investigation of vaccination effect revealed that Iranian isolates in 2017 and 2018 were best matched to A/Brisbane/02/2018 (H1N1), and in 2019 to A/Guangdong-Maonan/SWL1536/2019 (H1N1). Furthermore, we performed an in-silico analysis of NA enzymatic activity of all Iranian sequences by assessment of enzyme stability, ligand affinity, and active site availability. Overall, the enzyme activity of four Iranian strains (AUG84119, AUG84157, AUG84095, and AUG84100) was assumed as the maximum enzyme activity. This study highlighted the evolutionary trend of influenza A virus/H1N1 circulating in Iran, which provides a preliminary viewpoint for a better comprehension of new emerging strains' virulence and thus, more appropriate monitoring of influenza virus A/H1N1 during each outbreak season.

Discovery of hydrazide-containing oseltamivir analogues as potent inhibitors of influenza A neuraminidase

Neuraminidase (NA) inhibitors play a prime role in treating influenza. However, a variety of viruses containing mutant NAs have developed severe drug resistance towards NA inhibitors, so it is of crucial significance to solve this problem. Encouraged by urea-containing compound 12 disclosed by our lab, we designed a series of oseltamivir derivatives bearing hydrazide fragment for targeting the 150 cavity. Among the synthesized compounds, compound 17a showed 8.77-fold, 4.12-fold, 203-fold and 6.23-fold more potent activity than oseltamivir carboxylate against NAs from H5N1, H1N1, H5N1-H274Y, H1N1-H274Y, respectively. Meanwhile, the best compound 17a exhibited satisfactory metabolic stability in vitro. This study offers an important reference for the structural optimization of oseltamivir aiming at potent inhibition against H274Y mutant of NAs.

Development of 6E3 antibody-mediated SERS immunoassay for drug-resistant influenza virus

Influenza viruses are responsible for several pandemics and seasonal epidemics and pose a major public health threat. Even after a major outbreak, the emergence of drug-resistant influenza viruses can pose disease control problems. Here we report a novel 6E3 monoclonal antibody capable of recognizing and binding to the H275Y neuraminidase (NA) mutation, which has been associated with reduced susceptibility of influenza viruses to NA inhibitors. The 6E3 antibody had a K_D of 72.74 μM for wild-type NA and 32.76 pM for H275Y NA, suggesting that it can identify drug-resistant pandemic H1N1 (pH1N1) influenza virus. Molecular modeling studies also suggest the high-affinity binding of this antibody to pH1N1 H275Y NA. This antibody was also subject to dot-blot, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, bare-eye detection, and lateral flow assay to demonstrate its specificity to drug-resistant pH1N1. Furthermore, it was immobilized on Au nanoplate and nanoparticles, enabling surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based detection of the H275Y mutant pH1N1. Using 6E3 antibody-mediated SERS immunoassay, the drug-resistant influenza virus can be detected at a low concentration of 10² plaque-forming units/mL. We also detected pH1N1 in human nasopharyngeal aspirate samples, suggesting that the 6E3-mediated SERS assay has the potential for diagnostic application. We anticipate that this newly developed antibody and SERS-based immunoassay will contribute to the diagnosis of drug-resistant influenza viruses and improve treatment strategies for influenza patients.

Structural insights into SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and its natural mutants found in Mexican population

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a newly emerged coronavirus responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); it become a pandemic since March 2020. To date, there have been described three lineages of SARS-CoV-2 circulating worldwide, two of them are found among Mexican population, within these, we observed three mutations of spike (S) protein located at amino acids H49Y, D614G, and T573I. To understand if these mutations could affect the structural behavior of S protein of SARS-CoV-2, as well as the binding with S protein inhibitors (cepharanthine, nelfinavir, and hydroxychloroquine), molecular dynamic simulations and molecular docking were employed. It was found that these punctual mutations affect considerably the structural behavior of the S protein compared to wild type, which also affect the binding of its inhibitors into their respective binding site. Thus, further experimental studies are needed to explore if these affectations have an impact on drug-S protein binding and its possible clinical effect.

Identification of neuraminidase inhibitors against dual H274Y/I222R mutant strains

Influenza is an annual seasonal epidemic that has continually drawn public attentions, due to the potential death toll and drug resistance. Neuraminidase, which is essential for the spread of influenza virus, has been regarded as a valid target for the treatment of influenza infection. Although neuraminidase drugs have been developed, they are susceptible to drug-resistant mutations in the sialic-binding site. In this study, we established computational models (site-moiety maps) of H1N1 and H5N1 to determine properties of the 150-cavity, which is adjacent to the drug-binding site. The models reveal that hydrogen-bonding interactions with residues R118, D151, and R156 and van der Waals interactions with residues Q136, D151, and T439 are important for identifying 150-cavitiy inhibitors. Based on the models, we discovered three new inhibitors with IC₅₀ values <10 μM that occupies both the 150-cavity and sialic sites. The experimental results identified inhibitors with similar activities against both wild-type and dual H274Y/I222R mutant neuraminidases and showed little cytotoxic effects. Furthermore, we identified three new inhibitors situated at the sialic-binding site with inhibitory effects for normal neuraminidase, but lowered effects for mutant strains. The results suggest that the new inhibitors can be used as a starting point to combat drug-resistant strains.

Design, in silico studies, synthesis and in vitro evaluation of oseltamivir derivatives as inhibitors of neuraminidase from influenza A virus H1N1

Since the neuraminidase (NA) enzyme of the influenza A virus plays a key role in the process of release of new viral particles from a host cell, it is often a target for new drug design. The emergence of NA mutations, such as H275Y, has led to great resistance against neuraminidase inhibitors, including oseltamivir and zanamivir. Hence, we herein designed a set of derivatives by modifying the amine and/or carboxylic groups of oseltamivir. After being screened for their physicochemical (Lipinski's rule) and toxicological properties, the remaining compounds were submitted to molecular and theoretical studies. The docking simulations provided insights into NA recognition patterns, demonstrating that oseltamivir modified at the carboxylic moiety and coupled with anilines had higher affinity and a better binding pose for NA than the derivatives modified at the amine group. Based on these theoretical studies, the new oseltamivir derivatives may have higher affinity to mutant variants and possibly to other viral subtypes. Accordingly, two compounds were selected for synthesis, which together with their respective intermediates were evaluated for their cytotoxicity and antiviral activities. Their biological activity was then tested in cells infected with the A/Puerto Rico/916/34 (H1N1) influenza virus, and virus yield reduction assays were performed. Additionally, by measuring neuraminidase activity with the neuraminidase assay kit it was found that the compounds produced inhibitory activity on this enzyme. Finally, the infected cells were analysed with atomic force microscopy (AFM), observing morphological changes strongly suggesting that these compounds interfered with cellular release of viral particles.

An Amino Acid in the Stalk Domain of N1 Neuraminidase Is Critical for Enzymatic Activity

Neuraminidase (NA) is a sialidase expressed on the surface of influenza A viruses that releases progeny viruses from the surface of infected cells and prevents viruses becoming trapped in mucus. It is a homotetramer, with each monomer consisting of a transmembrane region, a stalk, and a globular head with sialidase activity. We recently characterized two swine viruses of the pandemic H1N1 lineage, A/swine/Virginia/1814-1/2012 (pH1N1_low-1) and A/swine/Virginia/1814-2/2012 (pH1N1_low-2), with almost undetectable NA enzymatic activity compared to that of the highly homologous A/swine/Pennsylvania/2436/2012 (pH1N1-1) and A/swine/Minnesota/2499/2012 (pH1N1-2) viruses. pH1N1-1 transmitted to aerosol contact ferrets, but pH1N1_low-1 did not. The aim of this study was to identify the molecular determinants associated with low NA activity as potential markers of aerosol transmission. We identified the shared unique substitutions M19V, A232V, D248N, and I436V (N1 numbering) in pH1N1_low-1 and pH1N1_low-2. pH1N1_low-1 also had the unique Y66D substitution in the stalk domain, where 66Y was highly conserved in N1 NAs. Restoration of 66Y was critical for the NA activity of pH1N1_low-1 NA, although 19M or 248D in conjunction with 66Y was required to recover the level of activity to that of pH1N1 viruses. Studies of NA stability and molecular modeling revealed that 66Y likely stabilized the NA homotetramer. Therefore, 66Y in the stalk domain of N1 NA was critical for the stability of the NA tetramer and, subsequently, for NA enzymatic activity.

IMPORTANCE

Neuraminidase (NA) is a sialidase that is one of the major surface glycoproteins of influenza A viruses and the target for the influenza drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir. NA is important as it releases progeny viruses from the surface of infected cells and prevents viruses becoming trapped in mucus. Mutations in the globular head domain that decrease enzymatic activity but confer resistance to NA inhibitors have been characterized; however, the importance of specific mutations in the stalk domain is unknown. We identified 66Y (N1 numbering), a highly conserved amino acid that was critical for the stability of the NA tetramer and, subsequently, for NA enzymatic activity.

The significance of naturally occurring neuraminidase quasispecies of H5N1 avian influenza virus on resistance to oseltamivir: a point of concern

Viral adaptability and survival arise due to the presence of quasispecies populations that are able to escape the immune response or produce drug-resistant variants. However, the presence of H5N1 virus with natural mutations acquired without any drug selection pressure poses a great threat. Cloacal samples collected from the 2004-2005 epidemics in Thailand from Asian open-billed storks revealed one major and several minor quasispecies populations with mutations on the oseltamivir (OTV)-binding site of the neuraminidase gene (NA) without prior exposure to a drug. Therefore, this study investigated the binding between the NA-containing novel mutations and OTV drug using molecular dynamic simulations and plaque inhibition assay. The results revealed that the mutant populations, S236F mutant, S236F/C278Y mutant, A250V/V266A/P271H/G285S mutant and C278Y mutant, had a lower binding affinity with OTV as compared with the WT virus due to rearrangement of amino acid residues and increased flexibility in the 150-loop. This result was further emphasized through the IC50 values obtained for the major population and WT virus, 104.74 nM and 18.30 nM, respectively. Taken together, these data suggest that H5N1 viruses isolated from wild birds have already acquired OTV-resistant point mutations without any exposure to a drug.

Molecular modeling studies demonstrate key mutations that could affect the ligand recognition by influenza AH1N1 neuraminidase

The goal of this study was to identify neuraminidase (NA) residue mutants from human influenza AH1N1 using sequences from 1918 to 2012. Multiple alignment studies of complete NA sequences (5732) were performed. Subsequently, the crystallographic structure of the 1918 influenza (PDB ID: 3BEQ-A) was used as a wild-type structure and three-dimensional (3-D) template for homology modeling of the mutated selected NA sequences. The 3-D mutated NAs were refined using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations (50 ns). The refined 3-D models were used to perform docking studies using oseltamivir. Multiple sequence alignment studies showed seven representative mutations (A232V, K262R, V263I, T264V, S367L, S369N, and S369K). MD simulations applied to 3-D NAs showed that each NA had different active-site shapes according to structural surface visualization and docking results. Moreover, Cartesian principal component analyses (cPCA) show structural differences among these NA structures caused by mutations. These theoretical results suggest that the selected mutations that are located outside of the active site of NA could affect oseltamivir recognition and could be associated with resistance to oseltamivir.

Three-dimensional structure and molecular dynamics studies of prorrenin/renin receptor: description of the active site

The recent finding of a specific receptor for prorrenin/renin (PRR) has brought new insights into the physiology of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. No undoubtable role has been described for this receptor so far. Its role seems to be important in chronic illnesses such as hypertension, possibly participating in the cardiovascular remodeling process, and diabetes where participation in inflammation development has been described. It is not possible, however, to explore the PRR function using classical pharmacological approaches due to the lack of specific agonists or antagonists. Two synthetic peptides have been described to accomplish these roles, but no conclusive data have been provided. There are no X-ray crystallography studies available to describe the structure and potential sites for drug development. So, the aim of this work was to model and theoretically describe the PRR. We describe and characterize the whole receptor protein, its spatial conformation and the potential interactions of PRR with the synthetic peptides available, describing the amino acid residues responsible for these interactions. This information provides the basis for directed development of drugs, seeking to agonize or antagonize PRR activity and study its function in health and ill stages.

Structural and dynamic investigation of bovine folate receptor alpha (FOLR1), and role of ultra-high temperature processing on conformational and thermodynamic characteristics of FOLR1-folate complex

The folate receptor alpha (FOLR1) present in milk has widely been studied to investigate the effects of pasteurization, ultra-high temperature (UHT) processing and fermentation on net folate concentration. However, the folate binding mechanism with FOLR1, and effect of temperature on FOLR1-folate complex is poorly explored till now in bovine milk which is a chief resource of folate. Despite of enormous importance of folic acid and the routine intake of bovine milk, folic acid deficiency diseases are common in human race. To understand the folate deficiency in milk after processing, in absence of experimental structure, 3D model of bovine FOLR1 (bvFOLR1) was built followed by 40ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The folate and its derivatives binding sites in bvFOLR1 were anticipated by molecular docking using AutoDock 4.2. Essential MD studies suggested the presence of a longer signal peptide (22 residues) and a short propeptide (7 residues) at the C-terminus that may cleaved during post-translational modification. MD analysis of bvFOLR1-folate complex at 298, 323, 353, 373 and 408K followed by binding energy (BE) calculation showed maximum binding affinity at ∼353K. However, at 373K and UHT (408K), the folate BE is significantly decreased with substantial conformational alteration. Heating at UHT followed by cooling within 298-408K range demoed no structural reformation with temperature reduction, and the folate was displaced from the active site. This study presented the disintegration of folate from bvFOLR1 during high temperature processing and revealed a lower folate concentration in UHT milk and dairy products.