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Marković V, Szczepańska A, Berlicki Ł. Antiviral Protein-Protein Interaction Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2024; 67:3205-3231. [PMID: 38394369 PMCID: PMC10945500 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Continually repeating outbreaks of pathogenic viruses necessitate the construction of effective antiviral strategies. Therefore, the development of new specific antiviral drugs in a well-established and efficient manner is crucial. Taking into account the strong ability of viruses to change, therapies with diversified molecular targets must be sought. In addition to the widely explored viral enzyme inhibitor approach, inhibition of protein-protein interactions is a very valuable strategy. In this Perspective, protein-protein interaction inhibitors targeting HIV, SARS-CoV-2, HCV, Ebola, Dengue, and Chikungunya viruses are reviewed and discussed. Antibodies, peptides/peptidomimetics, and small molecules constitute three classes of compounds that have been explored, and each of them has some advantages and disadvantages for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violeta Marković
- Wrocław
University of Science and Technology, Department
of Bioorganic Chemistry, Wyb. Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
- University
of Kragujevac, Faculty of Science,
Department of Chemistry, R. Domanovića 12, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Anna Szczepańska
- Wrocław
University of Science and Technology, Department
of Bioorganic Chemistry, Wyb. Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Łukasz Berlicki
- Wrocław
University of Science and Technology, Department
of Bioorganic Chemistry, Wyb. Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
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2
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Gao C, Yu Y, Wen C, Li Z, Sun M, Gao S, Lin S, Wang S, Zou P, Xing Z. Peptides derived from viral glycoprotein Gc Inhibit infection of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus. Antiviral Res 2021; 194:105164. [PMID: 34411654 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2021.105164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an acute infectious disease caused by a novel phlebovirus (SFTSV), characterized by fever, thrombocytopenia and leukocytopenia which lead to multiple organ failure with high mortality in severe cases. The SFTSV has spread rapidly in recent years and posed a serious threat to public health in endemic areas. However, specific antiviral therapeutics for SFTSV infection are rare. In this study, we demonstrated that two peptides, SGc1 and SGc8, derived from a hydrophobic region of the SFTSV glycoprotein Gc, could potently inhibit SFTSV replication in a dose-dependent manner without apparent cytotoxicity in various cell lines and with low immunogenicity and good stability. The IC50 (50% inhibition concentration) values for both peptides to inhibit 2 MOI of SFTSV infection were below 10 μM in L02, Vero and BHK21 cells. Mechanistically, SGc1 and SGc8 mainly inhibited viral entry at the early stage of the viral infection. Inhibition of SFTSV replication was specific by both peptides because no inhibitory effect was shown against other viruses including Zika virus and Enterovirus A71. Taken together, our results suggested that viral glycoprotein-derived SGc1 and SGc8 peptides have antiviral potential and warrant further assessment as an SFTSV-specific therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengfeng Gao
- Medical School, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Yufeng Yu
- Medical School, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China.
| | - Chunxia Wen
- Medical School, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Zhifeng Li
- Department of Acute Infectious Diseases Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Menghuai Sun
- Medical School, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Shu Gao
- Medical School, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Shuhan Lin
- Medical School, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Shenjiao Wang
- Department of Acute Infectious Diseases, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Peng Zou
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201508, China
| | - Zheng Xing
- Medical School, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China; Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota at Twin Cities, Saint Paul, MN, 55108, USA.
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3
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Yu Z, Kan R, Ji H, Wu S, Zhao W, Shuian D, Liu J, Li J. Identification of tuna protein-derived peptides as potent SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors via molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation. Food Chem 2020; 342:128366. [PMID: 33092925 PMCID: PMC7553880 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2020.128366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The present study aimed to identify potential SARS-CoV-2 inhibitory peptides from tuna protein by virtual screening. The molecular docking was performed to elicit the interaction mechanism between targets (Mpro and ACE2) and peptides. As a result, a potential antiviral peptide EEAGGATAAQIEM (E-M) was identified. Molecular docking analysis revealed that E-M could interact with residues Thr190, Thr25, Thr26, Ala191, Leu50, Met165, Gln189, Glu166, His164, His41, Cys145, Gly143, and Asn119 of Mpro via 11 conventional hydrogen bonds, 9 carbon hydrogen bonds, and one alkyl interaction. The formation of hydrogen bonds between peptide E-M and the residues Gly143 and Gln189 of Mpro may play important roles in inhibiting the activity of Mpro. Besides, E-M could bind with the residues His34, Phe28, Thr27, Ala36, Asp355, Glu37, Gln24, Ser19, Tyr83, and Tyr41 of ACE2. Hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions may play vital roles in blocking the receptor ACE2 binding with SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhipeng Yu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Bohai University, Jinzhou 121013, PR China
| | - Ruotong Kan
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Bohai University, Jinzhou 121013, PR China
| | - Huizhuo Ji
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Bohai University, Jinzhou 121013, PR China
| | - Sijia Wu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Bohai University, Jinzhou 121013, PR China
| | - Wenzhu Zhao
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Bohai University, Jinzhou 121013, PR China.
| | - David Shuian
- Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, PR China
| | - Jingbo Liu
- Lab of Nutrition and Functional Food, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, PR China
| | - Jianrong Li
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Bohai University, Jinzhou 121013, PR China
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4
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Su X, Wang Q, Wen Y, Jiang S, Lu L. Protein- and Peptide-Based Virus Inactivators: Inactivating Viruses Before Their Entry Into Cells. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1063. [PMID: 32523582 PMCID: PMC7261908 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other highly pathogenic enveloped viruses, have threatened the global public health. Most antiviral drugs act as passive defenders to inhibit viral replication inside the cell, while a few of them function as gate keepers to combat viruses outside the cell, including fusion inhibitors, e.g., enfuvirtide, and receptor antagonists, e.g., maraviroc, as well as virus inactivators (including attachment inhibitors). Different from fusion inhibitors and receptor antagonists that must act in the presence of target cells, virus inactivators can actively inactivate cell-free virions in the blood, through interaction with one or more sites in the envelope glycoproteins (Envs) on virions. Notably, a number of protein- and peptide-based virus inactivators (PPVIs) under development are expected to have a better utilization rate than the current antiviral drugs and be safer for in vivo human application than the chemical-based virus inactivators. Here we have highlighted recent progress in developing PPVIs against several important enveloped viruses, including HIV, influenza virus, Zika virus (ZIKV), dengue virus (DENV), and herpes simplex virus (HSV), and the potential use of PPVIs for urgent treatment of infection by newly emerging or re-emerging viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojie Su
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yumei Wen
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shibo Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Lu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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5
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Zhao D, Zhang L, Han K, Liu Q, Yang J, Huang X, Liu Y, Li Y, Zhao P. Peptide inhibitors of tembusu virus infection derived from the envelope protein. Vet Microbiol 2020; 245:108708. [PMID: 32456819 PMCID: PMC7204726 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2020.108708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The outbreak and spread of Tembusu virus (TMUV) has caused very large losses in the waterfowl-breeding industry since 2010. The viral envelope (E) protein, the principal surface protein of viral particles, plays a vital role in viral entry and fusion. In this study, two peptides derived from domain II (DII) and the stem of the TMUV envelope protein, TP1 and TP2, respectively, were tested for their antiviral activity. TP1 and TP2 inhibited TMUV infection in BHK-21 cells, and their 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50) were 14.19 mg/L and 7.64 mg/L, respectively. Viral inhibition assays in different cell lines of avian origin showed that the inhibitory effects of TP1 and TP2 are not cell type dependent. Moreover, TP2 also exhibited inhibitory activity against Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) infection. The two peptides inhibited antibody-mediated TMUV infection of duck peripheral blood lymphocytes. Co-immunoprecipitation assays and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) indicated that both peptides interact with the surface of the TMUV virion. RNase digestion assays confirmed the release of viral RNA following incubation with TP1, while incubation with TP1 or TP2 interfered with the binding between TMUV and cells. Taken together, these results show that TP1 and TP2 may be developed into antiviral treatments against TMUV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongmin Zhao
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jiangsu Province, PR China; Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Lijiao Zhang
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jiangsu Province, PR China; Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Kaikai Han
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jiangsu Province, PR China; Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Qingtao Liu
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jiangsu Province, PR China; Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Jing Yang
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jiangsu Province, PR China; Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Xinmei Huang
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jiangsu Province, PR China; Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Yuzhuo Liu
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jiangsu Province, PR China; Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Yin Li
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jiangsu Province, PR China; Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, PR China.
| | - Peng Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong province, PR China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Tai'an, Shandong, PR China; Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Tai'an, Shandong, PR China.
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6
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Joshi VR, Newman RM, Pack ML, Power KA, Munro JB, Okawa K, Madani N, Sodroski JG, Schmidt AG, Allen TM. Gp41-targeted antibodies restore infectivity of a fusion-deficient HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008577. [PMID: 32392227 PMCID: PMC7241850 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) mediates viral entry via conformational changes associated with binding the cell surface receptor (CD4) and coreceptor (CCR5/CXCR4), resulting in subsequent fusion of the viral and cellular membranes. While the gp120 Env surface subunit has been extensively studied for its role in viral entry and evasion of the host immune response, the gp41 transmembrane glycoprotein and its role in natural infection are less well characterized. Here, we identified a primary HIV-1 Env variant that consistently supports >300% increased viral infectivity in the presence of autologous or heterologous HIV-positive plasma. However, in the absence of HIV-positive plasma, viruses with this Env exhibited reduced infectivity that was not due to decreased CD4 binding. Using Env chimeras and sequence analysis, we mapped this phenotype to a change Q563R, in the gp41 heptad repeat 1 (HR1) region. We demonstrate that Q563R reduces viral infection by disrupting formation of the gp41 six-helix bundle required for virus-cell membrane fusion. Intriguingly, antibodies that bind cluster I epitopes on gp41 overcome this inhibitory effect, restoring infectivity to wild-type levels. We further demonstrate that the Q563R change increases HIV-1 sensitivity to broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) targeting the gp41 membrane-proximal external region (MPER). In summary, we identify an HIV-1 Env variant with impaired infectivity whose Env functionality is restored through the binding of host antibodies. These data contribute to our understanding of gp41 residues involved in membrane fusion and identify a mechanism by which host factors can alleviate a viral defect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinita R. Joshi
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Virology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Ruchi M. Newman
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Melissa L. Pack
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Karen A. Power
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - James B. Munro
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Ken Okawa
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Navid Madani
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Joseph G. Sodroski
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Aaron G. Schmidt
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Todd M. Allen
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Wei J, Hameed M, Wang X, Zhang J, Guo S, Anwar MN, Pang L, Liu K, Li B, Shao D, Qiu Y, Zhong D, Zhou B, Ma Z. Antiviral activity of phage display-selected peptides against Japanese encephalitis virus infection in vitro and in vivo. Antiviral Res 2019; 174:104673. [PMID: 31812636 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2019.104673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Japanese Encephalitis virus (JEV) is a zoonotic flavivirus that is the most significant etiological agent of childhood viral neurological infections. However, no specific antiviral drug is currently available to treat JEV infections. The JEV envelope (E) protein is a class II viral fusion protein that mediates host cell entry, making interference with the interaction between the E protein of JEV and its cognate receptors an attractive strategy for anti-JEV drug development. In this study, we identified a peptide derived from a phage display peptide library against the E protein of JEV, designated P1, that potentially inhibits in vitro and in vivo JEV infections. P1 inhibits JEV infection in BHK-21 cells with 50% inhibitory capacity at a concentration of 35.9 μM. The time-of-addition assay indicates that JEV replication is significantly inhibited during pre-infection and co-infection of P1 with JEV while post-infection treatments with P1 have very little impact on JEV proliferation, showing that P1 inhibits JEV infection at early stages and indicating the potential prophylactic effect of P1. We adapted an in vitro BiFC assay system and demonstrated that P1 interacts with JEV E proteins and blocks their entry into cells. We also evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of P1 in a lethal JEV mouse model exhibiting systemic and brain infections. Interestingly, P1 treatment protected C57BL/6 mice against mortality, markedly reduced the viral loads in blood and brain, and diminished the histopathological lesions in the brain cells. In addition to controlling systemic infection, P1 has a very low level of cytotoxicity and acts in a sequence-specific manner, as scrambled peptide sP1 does not show any antiviral activity. In conclusion, our in vitro and in vivo experimental findings show that P1 possesses antiviral activity against JEV infections, is safe to use, and has potential for further development as an antiviral treatment against JEV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianchao Wei
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Muddassar Hameed
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Wang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Junjie Zhang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China; Shanghai Vocational and Technical College of Agriculture and Forestry, Shanghai, 201600, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuang Guo
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Muhammad Naveed Anwar
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Linlin Pang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Liu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Beibei Li
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Donghua Shao
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Yafeng Qiu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Dengke Zhong
- Shanghai Vocational and Technical College of Agriculture and Forestry, Shanghai, 201600, People's Republic of China.
| | - Bin Zhou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agriculture University, Nanjing, 210095, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhiyong Ma
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China.
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Xu W, Pu J, Su S, Hua C, Su X, Wang Q, Jiang S, Lu L. Revisiting the mechanism of enfuvirtide and designing an analog with improved fusion inhibitory activity by targeting triple sites in gp41. AIDS 2019; 33:1545-1555. [PMID: 30932963 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000002208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To revisit the mechanism of action of enfuvirtide (T20) and based on the newly defined mechanism, design an analogous peptide of T20 with improved antiviral activity. DESIGN We compared the inhibitory activity of T20 with that of T1144 on six-helix bundle (6HB) formation at different time after coculture of HIV type 1 (HIV-1) envelope (Env)-expressing Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-Env) cells and CD4-expressing MT-2 cells at 31.5 °C and with that of T20-SF, an analogous peptide of T20 with an additional tryptophan-rich motif, on hemolysis mediated by FP-P, which contains fusion peptide and fusion peptide (FP) proximal region (FPPR), and HIV-1 infection. METHODS Inhibitory activity of peptides on 6HB formation was tested in a temperature-controlled cell-cell fusion assay by flow cytometry using 6HB-specific mAb 2G8; on HIV-1 infection and fusion was assessed by p24 and cell-cell fusion assays. Interaction between different peptides or peptide and antibody was evaluated by ELISA. RESULTS T20 could inhibit 6HB formation at early, but not late, stage of HIV-1 fusion, whereas T1144 was effective at both stages. T20-SF is much more effective than T20 in binding to FP-P and inhibiting infection of HIV-1, including T20-resistant strains, and FP-P-mediated hemolysis. CONCLUSION Results suggest that T20 has a double-target mechanism, by which its N-terminal and C-terminal portions bind to N-terminal heptad repeat and FPPR, respectively. T20-SF designed based on this new mechanism exhibits significantly improved anti-HIV-1 activity because it targets the triple sites in gp41, including N-terminal heptad repeat, FPPR, and fusion peptide. Thus, this study provides clues for designing novel HIV fusion inhibitors with improved antiviral activity.
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9
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Pu J, Wang Q, Xu W, Lu L, Jiang S. Development of Protein- and Peptide-Based HIV Entry Inhibitors Targeting gp120 or gp41. Viruses 2019; 11:v11080705. [PMID: 31374953 PMCID: PMC6722851 DOI: 10.3390/v11080705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Application of highly active antiretroviral drugs (ARDs) effectively reduces morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected individuals. However, the emergence of multiple drug-resistant strains has led to the increased failure of ARDs, thus calling for the development of anti-HIV drugs with targets or mechanisms of action different from those of the current ARDs. The first peptide-based HIV entry inhibitor, enfuvirtide, was approved by the U.S. FDA in 2003 for treatment of HIV/AIDS patients who have failed to respond to the current ARDs, which has stimulated the development of several series of protein- and peptide-based HIV entry inhibitors in preclinical and clinical studies. In this review, we highlighted the properties and mechanisms of action for those promising protein- and peptide-based HIV entry inhibitors targeting the HIV-1 gp120 or gp41 and discussed their advantages and disadvantages, compared with the current ARDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Pu
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lu Lu
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Shibo Jiang
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
- Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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10
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Su S, Rasquinha G, Du L, Wang Q, Xu W, Li W, Lu L, Jiang S. A Peptide-Based HIV-1 Fusion Inhibitor with Two Tail-Anchors and Palmitic Acid Exhibits Substantially Improved In Vitro and Ex Vivo Anti-HIV-1 Activity and Prolonged In Vivo Half-Life. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24061134. [PMID: 30901967 PMCID: PMC6470885 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24061134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Enfuvirtide (T20) is the first U.S. FDA-approved HIV fusion inhibitor-based anti-HIV drug. Its clinical application is limited because of its low potency and short half-life. We previously reported that peptide HP23-E6-IDL, containing both N- and C-terminal anchor-tails, exhibited stronger potency and a better resistance profile than T20. Here we designed an analogous peptide, YIK, by introducing a mutation, T639I, and then a lipopeptide, YIK-C16, by adding palmitic acid (C16) at the C-terminus of YIK. We found that YIK-C16 was 4.4- and 3.6-fold more potent than HP23-E6-IDL and YIK against HIV-1IIIB infection and 13.3- and 10.5-fold more effective than HP23-E6-IDL and YIK against HIV-1Bal infection, respectively. Consistently, the ex vivo anti-HIV-1IIIB activity, as determined by the highest dilution-fold of the serum causing 50% inhibition of HIV-1 infection, of YIK-C16 in the sera of pretreated mice was remarkably higher than that of YIK or HP23-E6-IDL. The serum half-life (t1/2 = 5.9 h) of YIK-C16 was also significantly longer than that of YIK (t1/2 = 1.3 h) and HP23-E6-IDL (t1/2 = 1.0 h). These results suggest that the lipopeptide YIK-C16 shows promise for further development as a new anti-HIV drug with improved anti-HIV-1 activity and a prolonged half-life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Su
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, 130 Dong An Rd., Xuhui District, Shanghai 200032, China.
- Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| | - Giselle Rasquinha
- Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| | - Lanying Du
- Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| | - Qian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, 130 Dong An Rd., Xuhui District, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Wei Xu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, 130 Dong An Rd., Xuhui District, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Weihua Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Lu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, 130 Dong An Rd., Xuhui District, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Shibo Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, 130 Dong An Rd., Xuhui District, Shanghai 200032, China.
- Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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11
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Mostashari Rad T, Saghaie L, Fassihi A. HIV-1 Entry Inhibitors: A Review of Experimental and Computational Studies. Chem Biodivers 2018; 15:e1800159. [PMID: 30027572 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.201800159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The HIV-1 life cycle consists of different events, such as cell entry and fusion, virus replication, assembly and release of the newly formed virions. The more logical way to inhibit HIV transmission among individuals is to inhibit its entry into the immune host cells rather than targeting the intracellular viral enzymes. Both viral and host cell surface receptors and co-receptors are regarded as potential targets in anti-HIV-1 drug design process. Because of the importance of this topic it was decided to summarize recent reports on small-molecule HIV-1 entry inhibitors that have not been considered in the latest released reviews. All the computational studies reported in the literature regarding HIV-1 entry inhibitors since 2014 was also considered in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahereh Mostashari Rad
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, 81746-73461, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Lotfollah Saghaie
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, 81746-73461, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Afshin Fassihi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, 81746-73461, Isfahan, Iran.,Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Department, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, 81746-73461, Isfahan, Iran
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12
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Yu Y, Deng YQ, Zou P, Wang Q, Dai Y, Yu F, Du L, Zhang NN, Tian M, Hao JN, Meng Y, Li Y, Zhou X, Fuk-Woo Chan J, Yuen KY, Qin CF, Jiang S, Lu L. A peptide-based viral inactivator inhibits Zika virus infection in pregnant mice and fetuses. Nat Commun 2017; 8:15672. [PMID: 28742068 PMCID: PMC5537589 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms15672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 04/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV), a re-emerging flavivirus associated with neurological disorders, has spread rapidly to more than 70 countries and territories. However, no specific vaccines or antiviral drugs are currently available to prevent or treat ZIKV infection. Here we report that a synthetic peptide derived from the stem region of ZIKV envelope protein, designated Z2, potently inhibits infection of ZIKV and other flaviviruses in vitro. We show that Z2 interacts with ZIKV surface protein and disrupts the integrity of the viral membrane. Z2 can penetrate the placental barrier to enter fetal tissues and is safe for use in pregnant mice. Intraperitoneal administration of Z2 inhibits vertical transmission of ZIKV in pregnant C57BL/6 mice and protects type I or type I/II interferon receptor-deficient mice against lethal ZIKV challenge. Thus, Z2 has potential to be further developed as an antiviral treatment against ZIKV infection in high-risk populations, particularly pregnant women. Zika virus (ZIKV) has spread rapidly in recent years and there is a need for antiviral treatments. Here, the authors develop an antiviral peptide, based on the stem region of ZIKV envelope protein, and show that it is safe in pregnant mice and inhibits ZIKV infection in pregnant mice and fetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Yu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yong-Qiang Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Peng Zou
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yanyan Dai
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Fei Yu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lanying Du
- Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Na-Na Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Min Tian
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing 100010, China
| | - Jia-Nan Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yu Meng
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jasper Fuk-Woo Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Kwok-Yung Yuen
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Cheng-Feng Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Shibo Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Lu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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13
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Li W, Lu L, Li W, Jiang S. Small-molecule HIV-1 entry inhibitors targeting gp120 and gp41: a patent review (2010-2015). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2017; 27:707-719. [PMID: 28076686 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2017.1281249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION It is essential to discover and develop small-molecule HIV-1 entry inhibitors with suitable pharmaceutical properties. Areas covered: We review the development of small-molecule HIV-1 entry inhibitors as evidenced in patents, patent applications, and related research articles published between 2010 and 2015. Expert opinion: HIV-1 Env gp120 and gp41 are important targets for development of HIV-1 entry inhibitors. The Phe43 pocket in gp120 and the highly conserved hydrophobic pocket on gp41 NHR-trimer are important targets for identification of HIV-1 attachment and fusion inhibitors, respectively. Compounds that bind to Phe43 pocket can block viral gp120 binding to CD4 on T cells, thus inhibiting HIV-1 attachment. However, most compounds targeting Phe43 pocket identified so far are HIV-1 entry agonists with the ability to enhance infectivity of HIV-1 in CD4-negative cells. Therefore, it is essential to identify HIV-1 entry antagonist-based HIV-1 attachment/entry inhibitors. Compounds binding to the gp41 hydrophobic pocket may inhibit CHR binding to the gp41 NHR trimer, thus blocking six-helix bundle formation and gp41-mediated virus-cell fusion. However, most lead compounds targeting this pocket have low potency, possibly because the pocket is too big or too deep. Therefore, it is necessary to identify other pockets in gp41 for developing HIV-1 fusion/entry inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Li
- a Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministries of Education and Health, School of Basic Medical Science , Fudan University , Shanghai , China
| | - Lu Lu
- a Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministries of Education and Health, School of Basic Medical Science , Fudan University , Shanghai , China
| | - Weihua Li
- b Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, SIPPR, IRD , Fudan University , Shanghai , China
| | - Shibo Jiang
- a Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministries of Education and Health, School of Basic Medical Science , Fudan University , Shanghai , China.,b Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, SIPPR, IRD , Fudan University , Shanghai , China.,c Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute , New York Blood Center , New York , NY , USA
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14
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Yi HA, Fochtman BC, Rizzo RC, Jacobs A. Inhibition of HIV Entry by Targeting the Envelope Transmembrane Subunit gp41. Curr HIV Res 2016; 14:283-94. [PMID: 26957202 DOI: 10.2174/1570162x14999160224103908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Revised: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The transmembrane subunit of the HIV envelope protein, gp41 is a vulnerable target to inhibit HIV entry. There is one fusion inhibitor T20 (brand name: Fuzeon, generic name: enfuvirtide) available by prescription. However, it has several drawbacks such as a high level of development of drug resistance, a short-half life in vivo, rapid renal clearance, low oral bioavailability, and it is only used as a salvage therapy. Therefore, investigators have been studying a variety of different modalities to attempt to overcome these limitations. METHODS Comprehensive literature searches were performed on HIV gp41, inhibition mechanisms, and inhibitors. The latest structural information was collected, and multiple inhibition strategies targeting gp41 were reviewed. RESULTS Many of the recent advances in inhibitors were peptide-based. Several creative modification strategies have also been performed to improve inhibitory efficacy of peptides and to overcome the drawbacks of T20 treatment. Small compounds have also been an area of intense research. There is a wide variety in development from those identified by virtual screens targeting specific regions of the protein to natural products. Finally, broadly neutralizing antibodies have also been important area of research. The inaccessible nature of the target regions for antibodies is a challenge, however, extensive efforts to develop better neutralizing antibodies are ongoing. CONCLUSION The fusogenic protein, gp41 has been extensively studied as a promising target to inhibit membrane fusion between the virus and target cells. At the same time, it is a challenging target because the vulnerable conformations of the protein are exposed only transiently. However, advances in biochemical, biophysical, structural, and immunological studies are coming together to move the field closer to an understanding of gp41 structure and function that will lead to the development of novel drugs and vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Amy Jacobs
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA.
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15
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Klug YA, Rotem E, Schwarzer R, Shai Y. Mapping out the intricate relationship of the HIV envelope protein and the membrane environment. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2016; 1859:550-560. [PMID: 27793589 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2016.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The HIV gp160 envelope fusion protein is situated in the viral membrane and mediates virus entry into its host cell. Increasing evidence suggests that virtually all parts of the HIV envelope are structurally and functionally dependent on membranes. Protein-lipid interactions and membrane properties influence the dynamics of a manifold of gp160 biological activities such as membrane fusion, immune suppression and gp160 incorporation into virions during HIV budding and assembly. In the following we will summarize our current understanding of this interdependence between membrane interaction, structural conformation and functionality of the different gp160 domains. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Lipid order/lipid defects and lipid-control of protein activity edited by Dirk Schneider.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoel A Klug
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Etai Rotem
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Roland Schwarzer
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yechiel Shai
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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16
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A novel bispecific peptide HIV-1 fusion inhibitor targeting the N-terminal heptad repeat and fusion peptide domains in gp41. Amino Acids 2016; 48:2867-2873. [PMID: 27631437 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-016-2325-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
HIV-1 fusion with the target cell is initiated by the insertion of the gp41 fusion peptide (FP) into the target cell membrane and the interaction between the gp41 N- and C-terminal heptad repeats (NHR and CHR), followed by the formation of the six-helix bundle (6-HB) fusion core. Therefore, both FP and NHR are important targets for HIV-1 fusion inhibitors. Here, we designed and synthesized a dual-target peptidic HIV-1 fusion inhibitor, 4HR-LBD-VIRIP, in which 4HR-LBD is able to bind to the gp41 NHR domain, while VIRIP is able to interact with gp41 FP. We found that 4HR-LBD-VIRIP is about tenfold more potent than 4HR-LBD and VIRIP in inhibiting HIV-1IIIB infection and HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env)-mediated cell-cell fusion, suggesting that this dual-target HIV-1 fusion inhibitor possesses a strong synergistic antiviral effect. A biophysical analysis indicates that 4HR-LBD-VIRIP can interact with N70 peptide that contains the gp41 NHR and FP domains and binds with lipid membrane. This study provides a new approach for designing novel viral fusion inhibitors against HIV and other enveloped viruses with class I membrane fusion proteins.
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17
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Lu L, Yu F, Cai L, Debnath AK, Jiang S. Development of Small-molecule HIV Entry Inhibitors Specifically Targeting gp120 or gp41. Curr Top Med Chem 2016; 16:1074-90. [PMID: 26324044 PMCID: PMC4775441 DOI: 10.2174/1568026615666150901114527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2015] [Revised: 05/17/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope (Env) glycoprotein surface subunit gp120 and transmembrane subunit gp41 play important roles in HIV-1 entry, thus serving as key targets for the development of HIV-1 entry inhibitors. T20 peptide (enfuvirtide) is the first U.S. FDA-approved HIV entry inhibitor; however, its clinical application is limited by the lack of oral availability. Here, we have described the structure and function of the HIV-1 gp120 and gp41 subunits and reviewed advancements in the development of small-molecule HIV entry inhibitors specifically targeting these two Env glycoproteins. We then compared the advantages and disadvantages of different categories of HIV entry inhibitor candidates and further predicted the future trend of HIV entry inhibitor development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Shibo Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 130 Dong An Road, Building #13, Shanghai 200032, China.
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18
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Protein/peptide-based entry/fusion inhibitors as anti-HIV therapies: challenges and future direction. Rev Med Virol 2015; 26:4-20. [DOI: 10.1002/rmv.1853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2015] [Revised: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 07/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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19
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Zhu X, Yu F, Liu K, Lu L, Jiang S. An artificial peptide-based HIV-1 fusion inhibitor containing M-T hook structure exhibiting improved antiviral potency and drug resistance profile. Future Virol 2015. [DOI: 10.2217/fvl.15.56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARY Aim: We previously designed an artificial HIV-1 fusion inhibitor, PBDtrp-m4HR. Here, we have added two amino acid residues that can form an M-T hook structure at its N-terminus, with the aim of improving its antiviral potency and drug-resistance profile. Methods: Peptides were synthesized and tested for their inhibitory activity on HIV-1 Env-mediated cell–cell fusion and infection by HIV-1 strains, including those resistant to T2635, the third generation HIV fusion inhibitor, as well as its binding affinity to the gp41 NHR-peptide N36. Results: MT-PBDtrp-m4HR exhibited improved inhibitory activity on HIV-1 infection and Env-mediated cell–cell fusion, displayed an improved drug-resistance profile and increased NHR-binding affinity. Conclusion: The added M-T hook is able to enhance or stabilize the interaction between MT-PBDtrp-m4HR and the viral gp41 NHR domain. Therefore, MT-PBDtrp-m4HR has potential to be further developed as a new HIV fusion inhibitor. The approach described in this study can also be used for designing artificial peptides against other enveloped viruses with class I membrane fusion proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojie Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministries of Education & Health, Shanghai Medical College & Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Yu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministries of Education & Health, Shanghai Medical College & Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Keliang Liu
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministries of Education & Health, Shanghai Medical College & Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shibo Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministries of Education & Health, Shanghai Medical College & Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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20
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Zhang D, Li W, Jiang S. Peptide fusion inhibitors targeting the HIV-1 gp41: a patent review (2009 - 2014). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2014; 25:159-73. [PMID: 25428639 DOI: 10.1517/13543776.2014.987752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As the first peptide HIV fusion inhibitor targeting gp41, enfuvirtide (T20) was approved by the US FDA in 2003 as a salvage therapy for HIV/AIDS patients who failed to respond to the then existing antiretroviral therapeutics. However, its clinical application is limited by its relatively low potency, low genetic barrier to drug resistance and short half-life. Therefore, it is essential to develop new peptide HIV fusion inhibitors with improved antiviral efficacy, drug-resistance profile and pharmaceutical properties. AREAS COVERED In this paper, we reviewed the patents, patent applications and related research articles for the development of new peptide fusion inhibitors targeting the HIV-1 gp41 published between 2009 and 2014. EXPERT OPINION To improve enfuvirtide's anti-HIV efficacy, drug-resistance profile, half-life and pharmaceutical properties, the best approaches include the addition of the pocket-binding domain (PBD) to the N-terminus of T20 and linking of the M-T hook to the N-terminus of PBD, as well as conjugation of cholesterol, serum albumin-binding motif or gp120-binding fragment with a PBD-containing C-terminal heptad repeat-peptide. Therefore, sifuvirtide from Tianjin FusoGen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., albuvirtide from Frontier Biotechnologies Co., Ltd., cholesterol-conjugated HIV fusion inhibitor from the Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, 2DLT, a bivalent HIV fusion inhibitor/inactivator, and an enfuvirtide/sifuvirtide combination regimen from the New York Blood Center may all have potential as next-generation HIV fusion inhibitors targeting gp41 for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongmei Zhang
- Guangdong Pharmaceutical University , Guangzhou 510006 , China
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21
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Zhao D, Huang X, Liu Y, Han K, Zhang J, Yang J, Xie X, Li Y. Domain I and II from newly emerging goose tembusu virus envelope protein functions as a dominant-negative inhibitor of virus infectivity. Res Vet Sci 2014; 98:121-6. [PMID: 25481678 PMCID: PMC7172782 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2014.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2014] [Revised: 10/13/2014] [Accepted: 11/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Flavivirus envelope protein locates at the outermost surface of viral particle and mediates virus entry and fusion infection, and domains I and II of E protein play an important role in this process. In this study, we have expressed and purified goose tembusu virus (GTV) E protein domains I and II (DI/II) from E. coli, and tested conceptual approach that purified protein serves as anti-viral reagent. We found that DI/II inhibited GTV JS804 infection in BHK-21 cells in a dose-dependent manner, and this inhibition activity was achieved by binding to cell membrane specifically. Moreover, JS804 treated with DI/II specific anti-serum decreased its infectivity to BHK-21 cells. Taken together, this is first to show that the purified DI/II domain of tembusu virus expressed in E. coli was able to interfere with virus infection, which opens an avenue to develop novel anti-viral regents to prevent and eventually eradicate GTV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongmin Zhao
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xinmei Huang
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yuzhuo Liu
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Kaikai Han
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jingfeng Zhang
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xingxing Xie
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yin Li
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
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22
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Diaz-Aguilar B, Dewispelaere K, Yi HA, Jacobs A. Significant differences in cell-cell fusion and viral entry between strains revealed by scanning mutagenesis of the C-heptad repeat of HIV gp41. Biochemistry 2013; 52:3552-63. [PMID: 23621782 DOI: 10.1021/bi400201h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The transmembrane subunit, gp41, of the HIV envelope mediates the viral fusion step of entry into the host cell. The protein consists of an extracellular domain, a transmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic tail. The extracellular domain contains a fusion peptide, an N-terminal heptad repeat, a loop region, a C-terminal heptad repeat (CHR), and a membrane-proximal external region. For this study, we examined each amino acid in the CHR (residues 623-659) by alanine scanning mutagenesis in two HIV strains: one CCR5-utilizing strain (JRFL) and one CXCR4-utilizing strain (HXB2). We studied the functional importance of each amino acid residue by measuring mutational effects in both cell-cell fusion and viral entry and assessing envelope expression and gp120-gp41 proteolytic processing. The transmembrane subunit of the HIV envelope, gp41, is very sensitive to subtle changes, like alanine substitution, which severely affect envelope function at multiple sites. Two important general findings are apparent when the entire data set from this study is taken into account. (1) Strain HXB2 is much more stable to mutagenesis than strain JRFL, and (2) viral entry is much more stable to mutagenesis than cell-cell fusion. These findings strengthen our notion that gp41 is a vulnerable target for therapeutic and prophylactic intervention. Further structural studies aimed at gaining a full understanding of the intermediate states that drive HIV membrane fusion are imperative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Diaz-Aguilar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York , Buffalo, New York 14214, United States
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23
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Approaches for identification of HIV-1 entry inhibitors targeting gp41 pocket. Viruses 2013; 5:127-49. [PMID: 23344560 PMCID: PMC3564113 DOI: 10.3390/v5010127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2012] [Revised: 01/03/2013] [Accepted: 01/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The hydrophobic pocket in the HIV-1 gp41 N-terminal heptad repeat (NHR) domain plays an important role in viral fusion and entry into the host cell, and serves as an attractive target for development of HIV-1 fusion/entry inhibitors. The peptide anti-HIV drug targeting gp41 NHR, T-20 (generic name: enfuvirtide; brand name: Fuzeon), was approved by the U.S. FDA in 2003 as the first HIV fusion/entry inhibitor for treatment of HIV/AIDS patients who fail to respond to the current antiretroviral drugs. However, because T20 lacks the pocket-binding domain (PBD), it exhibits low anti-HIV-1 activity and short half-life. Therefore, several next-generation HIV fusion inhibitory peptides with PBD have been developed. They possess longer half-life and more potent antiviral activity against a broad spectrum of HIV-1 strains, including the T-20-resistant variants. Nonetheless, the clinical application of these peptides is still limited by the lack of oral availability and the high cost of production. Thus, development of small molecule compounds targeting the gp41 pocket with oral availability has been promoted. This review describes the main approaches for identification of HIV fusion/entry inhibitors targeting the gp41 pocket and summarizes the latest progress in developing these inhibitors as a new class of anti-HIV drugs.
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24
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Lu L, Tong P, Yu X, Pan C, Zou P, Chen YH, Jiang S. HIV-1 variants with a single-point mutation in the gp41 pocket region exhibiting different susceptibility to HIV fusion inhibitors with pocket- or membrane-binding domain. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2012; 1818:2950-7. [PMID: 22867851 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2012.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2012] [Revised: 07/24/2012] [Accepted: 07/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Enfuvirtide (T20), the first FDA-approved peptide HIV fusion/entry inhibitor derived from the HIV-1 gp41 C-terminal heptad-repeat (CHR) domain, is believed to share a target with C34, another well-characterized CHR-peptide, by interacting with the gp41 N-terminal heptad-repeat (NHR) to form six-helix bundle core. However, our previous studies showed that T20 mainly interacts with the N-terminal region of the NHR (N-NHR) and lipid membranes, while C34 mainly binds to the NHR C-terminal pocket region. But so far, no one has shown that C34 can induce drug-resistance mutation in the gp41 pocket region. In this study, we constructed pseudoviruses in which the Ala at the position of 67 in the gp41 pocket region was substituted with Asp, Gly or Ser, respectively, and found that these mutations rendered the viruses highly resistant to C34, but sensitive to T20. The NHR-peptide N36 with mutations of A67 exhibited reduced anti-HIV-1 activity and decreased α-helicity. The stability of six-helix bundle formed by C34 and N36 with A67 mutations was significantly lower than that formed by C34 and N36 with wild-type sequence. The combination of C34 and T20 resulted in potent synergistic anti-HIV-1 effect against the viruses with mutations in either N- or C-terminal region in NHR. These results suggest that C34 with a pocket-binding domain and T20 containing the N-NHR- and membrane-binding domains inhibit HIV-1 fusion by interacting with different target sites and the combinatorial use of C34 and T20 is expected to be effective against HIV-1 variants resistant to HIV fusion inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministries of Education and Health, Shanghai Medical College and Institute of Medical Microbiology, Fudan University, China
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25
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Cai L, Gochin M, Liu K. Biochemistry and biophysics of HIV-1 gp41 - membrane interactions and implications for HIV-1 envelope protein mediated viral-cell fusion and fusion inhibitor design. Curr Top Med Chem 2012; 11:2959-84. [PMID: 22044229 DOI: 10.2174/156802611798808497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2010] [Revised: 03/16/2011] [Accepted: 12/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), the pathogen of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), causes ~2 millions death every year and still defies an effective vaccine. HIV-1 infects host cells through envelope protein - mediated virus-cell fusion. The transmembrane subunit of envelope protein, gp41, is the molecular machinery which facilitates fusion. Its ectodomain contains several distinguishing functional domains, fusion peptide (FP), Nterminal heptad repeat (NHR), C-terminal heptad repeat (CHR) and membrane proximal extracellular region (MPER). During the fusion process, FP inserts into the host cell membrane, and an extended gp41 prehairpin conformation bridges the viral and cell membranes through MPER and FP respectively. Subsequent conformational change of the unstable prehairpin results in a coiled-coil 6-helix bundle (6HB) structure formed between NHR and CHR. The energetics of 6HB formation drives membrane apposition and fusion. Drugs targeting gp41 functional domains to prevent 6HB formation inhibit HIV-1 infection. T20 (enfuvirtide, Fuzeon) was approved by the US FDA in 2003 as the first fusion inhibitor. It is a 36-residue peptide from the gp41 CHR, and it inhibits 6HB formation by targeting NHR and lipids. Development of new fusion inhibitors, especially small molecule drugs, is encouraged to overcome the shortcomings of T20 as a peptide drug. Hydrophobic characteristics and membrane association are critical for gp41 function and mechanism of action. Research in gp41-membrane interactions, using peptides corresponding to specific functional domains, or constructs including several interactive domains, are reviewed here to get a better understanding of gp41 mediated virus-cell fusion that can inform or guide the design of new HIV-1 fusion inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lifeng Cai
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Haidian District, Beijing 100850, China.
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26
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Gochin M, Zhou G. Amphipathic properties of HIV-1 gp41 fusion inhibitors. Curr Top Med Chem 2011; 11:3022-32. [PMID: 22044226 PMCID: PMC3219813 DOI: 10.2174/156802611798808488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2010] [Revised: 02/26/2011] [Accepted: 12/01/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Small molecule inhibition of HIV fusion has been an elusive goal, despite years of effort by both pharmaceutical and academic laboratories. In this review, we will discuss the amphipathic properties of both peptide and small molecule inhibitors of gp41-mediated fusion. Many of the peptides and small molecules that have been developed target a large hydrophobic pocket situated within the grooves of the coiled coil, a potential hotspot for inhibiting the trimer of hairpin formation that accompanies fusion. Peptide studies reveal molecular properties required for effective inhibition, including elongated structure and lipophilic or amphiphilic nature. The characteristics of peptides that bind in this pocket provide features that should be considered in small molecule development. Additionally, a novel site for small molecule inhibition of fusion has recently been suggested, involving residues of the loop and fusion peptide. We will review the small molecule structures that have been developed, evidence pointing to their mechanism of action and strategies towards improving their affinity. The data points to the need for a strongly amphiphilic character of the inhibitors, possibly as a means to mediate the membrane - protein interaction that occurs in gp41 in addition to the protein - protein interaction that accompanies the fusion-activating conformational transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Gochin
- Department of Basic Sciences, Touro University – California, Vallejo, CA 94592, USA.
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27
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Ashkenazi A, Wexler-Cohen Y, Shai Y. Multifaceted action of Fuzeon as virus–cell membrane fusion inhibitor. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2011; 1808:2352-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2011.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2011] [Revised: 06/24/2011] [Accepted: 06/27/2011] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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28
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Yi HA, Diaz-Aguilar B, Bridon D, Quraishi O, Jacobs A. Permanent inhibition of viral entry by covalent entrapment of HIV gp41 on the virus surface. Biochemistry 2011; 50:6966-72. [PMID: 21736372 DOI: 10.1021/bi201014b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
HIV entry occurs by concerted conformational changes in the envelope protein complex on the surface of the virus. This complex is made up of a trimer of heterodimers of two subunits: surface subunit, gp120, and transmembrane subunit, gp41. Conformational changes in the envelope complex allow gp41 to mediate membrane fusion leading to exposure of two gp41 regions: N-heptad repeat (NHR) and C-heptad repeat (CHR). Peptides from the NHR or the CHR have been found to inhibit HIV entry. Herein we show that we can covalently inhibit HIV viral entry by permanently trapping the gp41 intermediate on the virus surface using a covalently reactive group on inhibitory peptides. This is evidence showing that vulnerable conformational intermediates exist transiently during HIV viral entry, and the details presented herein will facilitate development of envelope as a target for therapeutics and potential chemopreventive agents that could disable the virus before contact with the host cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Ah Yi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14214, United States
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29
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Cai L, Jiang S. Development of peptide and small-molecule HIV-1 fusion inhibitors that target gp41. ChemMedChem 2011; 5:1813-24. [PMID: 20845360 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201000289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
It has been 25 years since the development of the first efficient HIV-1/AIDS treatment. Scientists now know more about the HIV-1 infection life cycle, and more than 30 antiretroviral drugs have been developed, including HIV-1 fusion inhibitors. Fundamental work was begun in the early 1990s and led to the development of a novel class of anti-HIV-1 drugs, culminating in a peptide known as T20, which is currently the only HIV-1 fusion inhibitor approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. However, more work needs to be done to perfect the development of peptide and small-molecule HIV fusion inhibitors, particularly those that target gp41. Herein we present a brief overview of the development of this class of anti-HIV-1 drug by focusing on the achievements, challenges, and lessons learned. We cite hallmark studies of the past and comment on future drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lifeng Cai
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, 27 Taiping Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100850, China.
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30
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Identification of a gp41 core-binding molecule with homologous sequence of human TNNI3K-like protein as a novel human immunodeficiency virus type 1 entry inhibitor. J Virol 2010; 84:9359-68. [PMID: 20592080 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00644-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) gp41 plays a critical role in the viral fusion process, and its N- and C-terminal heptad repeat domains serve as important targets for developing anti-HIV-1 drugs, like T-20 (generic name, enfuvirtide; brand name, Fuzeon). Here, we conducted a yeast two-hybrid screening on a human bone marrow cDNA library using the recombinant soluble gp41 ectodomain as the bait and identified a novel gp41 core-binding molecule, designated P20. P20 showed no homology with a current HIV fusion inhibitor, T-20, but had sequence homology to a human protein, troponin I type 3 interacting kinase (TNNI3K)-like protein. While it could bind to the six-helix bundle core structure formed by the N- and C-terminal heptad repeats, P20 did not interrupt the formation of the six-helix bundle. P20 was effective in blocking HIV-1 Env-mediated syncytium formation and inhibiting infection by a broad spectrum of HIV-1 strains with distinct subtypes and coreceptor tropism, while it was ineffective against other enveloped viruses, such as vesicular stomatitis virus and influenza A virus. P20 exhibited no significant cytotoxicity to the CD4(+) cells that were used for testing antiviral activity. Among the 11 P20 mutants, four analogous peptides with a common motif (WGRLEGRRT) exhibited significantly reduced anti-HIV-1 activity, suggesting that this region is the critical active site of P20. Therefore, this peptide can be used as a lead for developing novel HIV fusion inhibitors and as a probe for studying the membrane-fusogenic mechanism of HIV.
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31
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Pan C, Liu S, Jiang S. HIV-1 gp41 Fusion Intermediate: A Target for HIV Therapeutics. J Formos Med Assoc 2010; 109:94-105. [DOI: 10.1016/s0929-6646(10)60029-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2009] [Revised: 09/25/2009] [Accepted: 09/25/2009] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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32
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Non-peptide entry inhibitors of HIV-1 that target the gp41 coiled coil pocket. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2010; 20:612-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2009.11.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2009] [Revised: 11/14/2009] [Accepted: 11/17/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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33
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Pang W, Tam SC, Zheng YT. Current peptide HIV type-1 fusion inhibitors. Antivir Chem Chemother 2009; 20:1-18. [PMID: 19794228 DOI: 10.3851/imp1369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
There are now 26 antiretroviral drugs and 6 fixed-dose combinations, including reverse transcriptase inhibitors, protease inhibitors, integrase inhibitors and fusion (or entry) inhibitors, approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for clinical use. Although they are clinically effective when used in combination, none of the existing drugs are considered ideal because of toxic side effects and the ascendance of inducing drug-resistant mutants. Development of new antiviral agents is essential. In the past decades, there has been great progress in understanding the structure of HIV type-1 (HIV-1) gp41 and the mechanism of HIV-1 entry into host cells. This opened up a promising avenue for rationally designed agents to interfere with this process. A number of fusion inhibitors have been developed to block HIV-1 replication. Enfuvirtide (T20) was one of those approved for clinical use. This signalled a new era in AIDS therapeutics. It is a synthetic polypeptide with potent inhibitory activity against HIV-1 infection. However, it is sensitive to proteolytic digestion and resistant virus strains are easily induced with multiple clinical use. One of the directions in designing new fusion inhibitors is to overcome these shortages. In the past years, large numbers of promising fusion inhibitory peptides have emerged. The antiviral activities are more potent or they can act differently from that of T20. Some of these new compounds have great potential to be further developed as therapeutic agents. This article reviewed some recent developments of these peptides and the possible role in anti-HIV-1 therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Pang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Diseases Mechanisms, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
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34
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Jalali-Heravi M, Mani-Varnosfaderani A. QSAR Modeling of 1-(3,3-Diphenylpropyl)-Piperidinyl Amides as CCR5 Modulators Using Multivariate Adaptive Regression Spline and Bayesian Regularized Genetic Neural Networks. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1002/qsar.200860136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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35
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Pérez-Nueno VI, Pettersson S, Ritchie DW, Borrell JI, Teixidó J. Discovery of novel HIV entry inhibitors for the CXCR4 receptor by prospective virtual screening. J Chem Inf Model 2009; 49:810-23. [PMID: 19358515 DOI: 10.1021/ci800468q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The process of HIV entry begins with the binding of the viral envelope glycoprotein gp120 to both the CD4 receptor and one of CXCR4 or CCR5 chemokine coreceptors. There is currently considerable interest in developing novel ligands which can attach to these coreceptors and hence block virus-cell fusion. This article compares the application of structure-based (docking) and ligand-based (QSAR analyses, pharmacophore modeling, and shape matching) virtual screening tools to find new potential HIV entry inhibitors for the CXCR4 receptor. The comparison is based on retrospective virtual screening of a library containing different known CXCR4 inhibitors from the literature, a smaller set of active CXCR4 inhibitors selected from a large combinatorial virtual library and synthesized by us, and some druglike presumed inactive molecules as the reference set. The enrichment factors and diversity of the retrieved molecular scaffolds in the virtual hit lists was determined. Once the different virtual screening approaches had been validated and the best parameters had been selected, prospective virtual screening of our virtual library was applied to identify new anti-HIV compounds using the same protocol as in the retrospective virtual screening analysis. The compounds selected using these computational tools were subsequently synthesized and assayed and showed activity values ranging from 4 to 0.022 microg/mL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violeta I Pérez-Nueno
- Grup d'Enginyeria Molecular, Institut Quimic de Sarria (IQS), Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain.
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36
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Combinations of the first and next generations of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) fusion inhibitors exhibit a highly potent synergistic effect against enfuvirtide- sensitive and -resistant HIV type 1 strains. J Virol 2009; 83:7862-72. [PMID: 19493996 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00168-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
T20 (generic name, enfuvirtide; brand name, Fuzeon) is a first-generation human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) fusion inhibitor approved for salvage therapy of HIV-infected patients refractory to current antiretroviral drugs. However, its clinical use is limited because of rapid emergence of T20-resistant viruses in T20-treated patients. Therefore, T1249 and T1144 are being developed as the second- and third-generation HIV fusion inhibitors, respectively, with improved efficacy and drug resistance profiles. Here, we found that combinations of T20 with T1249 and/or T1144 resulted in exceptionally potent synergism (combination index, <0.01) against HIV-1-mediated membrane fusion by 2 to 3 orders of magnitude in dose reduction. Highly potent synergistic antiviral efficacy was also achieved against infection by laboratory-adapted and primary HIV-1 strains, including T20-resistant variants. The mechanism underlying the synergistic effect could be attributed to the fact that T20, T1249, and T1144 all contain different functional domains and have different primary binding sites in gp41. As such, they may work cooperatively to inhibit gp41 six-helix bundle core formation, thereby suppressing virus-cell fusion. Therefore, these findings strongly imply that, rather than replacing T20, combining it with HIV fusion inhibitors of different generations might produce synergistic activity against both T20-sensitive and -resistant HIV-1 strains, suggesting a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of HIV-1 infection/AIDS.
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37
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Abstract
The entry of viruses into target cells involves a complex series of sequential steps, with opportunities for inhibition at every stage. Entry inhibitors exert their biological properties by inhibiting protein-protein interactions either within the viral envelope (Env) glycoproteins or between viral Env and host-cell receptors. The nature of resistance to entry inhibitors also differs from compounds inhibiting enzymatic targets due to their different modes of action and the relative variability in Env sequences both temporally and between patients. Two drugs that target HIV-1 entry, enfuvirtide and maraviroc, are now licensed for treatment of HIV-1 infection. The efficacy of these drugs validates entry as a point of intervention in viral life cycles and, in the context of HIV treatment, contributes to the growing armamentarium of antivirals which, in multidrug combinations, can effectively inhibit viral replication and prevent disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Melby
- Clinical Virology Associates, 101 E. Ellerbee St. Durham, NC 27704, USA.
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38
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Pérez-Nueno VI, Ritchie DW, Borrell JI, Teixidó J. Clustering and Classifying Diverse HIV Entry Inhibitors Using a Novel Consensus Shape-Based Virtual Screening Approach: Further Evidence for Multiple Binding Sites within the CCR5 Extracellular Pocket. J Chem Inf Model 2008; 48:2146-65. [DOI: 10.1021/ci800257x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Violeta I. Pérez-Nueno
- Grup d’Enginyeria Molecular, Institut Químic de Sarriá (IQS), Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain, Department of Computing Science, King’s College, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, U.K
| | - David W. Ritchie
- Grup d’Enginyeria Molecular, Institut Químic de Sarriá (IQS), Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain, Department of Computing Science, King’s College, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, U.K
| | - Jose I. Borrell
- Grup d’Enginyeria Molecular, Institut Químic de Sarriá (IQS), Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain, Department of Computing Science, King’s College, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, U.K
| | - Jordi Teixidó
- Grup d’Enginyeria Molecular, Institut Químic de Sarriá (IQS), Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain, Department of Computing Science, King’s College, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, U.K
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39
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Abstract
Mechanisms of HIV-mediated CD4+ T cell loss leading to immunodeficiency are amongst the most extensively studied yet unanswered questions in HIV biology. The level of CD4+ T cell depletion in HIV infected patients far exceeds the number of infected T cells, suggesting an indirect mechanism of HIV pathogenesis termed bystander cell death. Evidence is accumulating that the HIV envelope glycoprotein (Env) is a major determinant of HIV pathogenesis and plays a critical role in bystander cell death. The complex structure and function of HIV Env makes the determination of the mechanism of Env mediated apoptosis more complex than previously thought. This review will examine the complex relationship between HIV Env phenotype, coreceptor expression and immune activation in determining HIV pathogenesis. We review data here corresponding to the role of HIV Env hemifusion activity in HIV pathogenesis and how it interplays with other AIDS associated factors such as chemokine receptor expression and immune activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- H. Garg
- Membrane Structure and Function Section, Center for Cancer Research, Nanobiology Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, P.O. Box B, Building 469, Room 152, Miller Drive, Frederick, MD 21702-1201 USA
| | - R. Blumenthal
- Membrane Structure and Function Section, Center for Cancer Research, Nanobiology Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, P.O. Box B, Building 469, Room 152, Miller Drive, Frederick, MD 21702-1201 USA
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40
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Pérez-Nueno VI, Ritchie DW, Rabal O, Pascual R, Borrell JI, Teixidó J. Comparison of Ligand-Based and Receptor-Based Virtual Screening of HIV Entry Inhibitors for the CXCR4 and CCR5 Receptors Using 3D Ligand Shape Matching and Ligand−Receptor Docking. J Chem Inf Model 2008; 48:509-33. [DOI: 10.1021/ci700415g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Violeta I. Pérez-Nueno
- Grup d'Enginyeria Molecular, Institut Químic de Sarriá (IQS), Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain, and Department of Computing Science, King's College, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - David W. Ritchie
- Grup d'Enginyeria Molecular, Institut Químic de Sarriá (IQS), Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain, and Department of Computing Science, King's College, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Obdulia Rabal
- Grup d'Enginyeria Molecular, Institut Químic de Sarriá (IQS), Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain, and Department of Computing Science, King's College, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Rosalia Pascual
- Grup d'Enginyeria Molecular, Institut Químic de Sarriá (IQS), Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain, and Department of Computing Science, King's College, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Jose I. Borrell
- Grup d'Enginyeria Molecular, Institut Químic de Sarriá (IQS), Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain, and Department of Computing Science, King's College, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Jordi Teixidó
- Grup d'Enginyeria Molecular, Institut Químic de Sarriá (IQS), Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain, and Department of Computing Science, King's College, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
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41
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Jacobs A, Garg H, Viard M, Raviv Y, Puri A, Blumenthal R. HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein-mediated fusion and pathogenesis: implications for therapy and vaccine development. Vaccine 2008; 26:3026-35. [PMID: 18242797 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2007.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2007] [Revised: 12/11/2007] [Accepted: 12/12/2007] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Our overall goal is to understand how viral envelope proteins mediate membrane fusion and pathogenesis. Membrane fusion is a crucial step in the delivery of the viral genome into the cell resulting in infection. On the other hand, fusion activity of viral envelope glycoproteins expressed in infected cells may cause the demise of uninfected bystander cells by apoptosis. Our general approach is to kinetically resolve steps in the pathway of viral envelope glycoprotein-mediated membrane fusion and to uncover physical parameters underlying those steps using a variety of biochemical, biophysical, virological, and molecular and cell biological techniques. Since HIV fusion involves a complex cascade of interactions of the envelope glycoprotein with two receptors, membrane organization plays an important role and interfering with it may modulate entry. To study this phenomenon, we have either examined cell lines with differential expression of sphingolipids (such as GM3), or altered membrane organization by modifying levels of cholesterol, ceramides, or glycosphingolipids. We show that the localized plasma membrane lipid microenvironment (and not the specific membrane lipids) in the vicinity of CD4 controls receptor mobility and HIV-1 fusion. The complex cascade of conformational changes that must occur to allow virus entry is also a very important target for therapy and vaccine development. We have recently designed and tested peptide analogs composed of chemical spacers and reactive moieties positioned strategically to promote permanent attachment. Using a temperature-arrested state in vitro assay we show evidence for the trapping of a pre-six-helix bundle fusion intermediate by a covalent reaction with the inhibitory reactive peptide. Also, using photo-reactive hydrophobic probes we have found ways to inactivate viral envelope glycoproteins while leaving their overall structures intact. Finally, in order to study the envelope glycoprotein effects on pathogenesis, we have used an in vitro model of co-culture of envelope-expressing cells as effectors and CD4+ T cells as targets. We delineated that apoptosis mediated by envelope glycoprotein in bystander cells correlates with transmembrane subunit (gp41)-induced hemifusion. The apoptotic pathway initiated by this interaction involves caspase-3-dependent mitochondrial depolarization and reactive oxygen species production, which depends on the phenotype of the envelope glycoprotein associated with the virus. Taken as a whole, our studies have many different important implications for antiviral therapies and vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Jacobs
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
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42
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Jacobs A, Quraishi O, Huang X, Bousquet-Gagnon N, Nault G, Francella N, Alvord WG, Pham N, Soucy C, Robitaille M, Bridon D, Blumenthal R. A covalent inhibitor targeting an intermediate conformation of the fusogenic subunit of the HIV-1 envelope complex. J Biol Chem 2007; 282:32406-13. [PMID: 17726011 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m705577200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptide inhibitors corresponding to sequences in the six helix bundle structure of the fusogenic portion (gp41) of the HIV envelope glycoprotein have been successfully implemented in preventing HIV entry. These peptides bind to regions in HIV gp41 transiently exposed during the fusion reaction. In an effort to improve upon these entry inhibitors, we have successfully designed and tested peptide analogs composed of chemical spacers and reactive moieties positioned strategically to facilitate covalent attachment. Using a temperature-arrested state prime wash in vitro assay we show evidence for the trapping of a pre-six helix bundle fusion intermediate by a covalent reaction with the specific anti-HIV-1 peptide. This is the first demonstration of the trapping of an intermediate conformation of a viral envelope glycoprotein during the fusion process that occurs in live cells. The permanent specific attachment of the covalent inhibitor is projected to improve the pharmacokinetics of administration in vivo and thereby improve the long-term sustainability of peptide entry inhibitor therapy and help to expand its applicability beyond salvage therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Jacobs
- Center for Cancer Research Nanobiology Program, NCI-Frederick, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, Maryland 21702, USA
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43
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Raghuraman A, Tiwari V, Zhao Q, Shukla D, Debnath AK, Desai UR. Viral inhibition studies on sulfated lignin, a chemically modified biopolymer and a potential mimic of heparan sulfate. Biomacromolecules 2007; 8:1759-63. [PMID: 17439173 PMCID: PMC2519151 DOI: 10.1021/bm0701651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In our previous work, we discovered potent HSV-1 inhibitory activity arising from sulfated form of lignin, a highly networked natural biopolymer composed of substituted phenylpropanoid monomers (Raghuraman et al. Biomacromolecules 2005 , 6 , 2822). We present here detailed characterization of the viral inhibitory properties of this interesting macromolecule. The inhibition was proportional to the average molecular weight of the lignin sulfate preparation with IC 50 values in the range of 17 nM to 5 μM against HSV-1 and HSV-2, and 29 nM to 763 nM against HIV-1. Cytotoxicity studies displayed selectivity indices in the range of 14 to 31 suggesting reasonably good difference between activity and toxicity for polymeric preparations. Comparative molecular modeling studies suggest that lignin sulfate may contain certain structural features that mimic the three-dimensional organization of sulfate groups in heparan sulfate, thereby providing a plausible basis for its anti-viral activity. The combination of strongly hydrophobic (–Ar) and strongly hydrophilic (–OSO3−) groups in lignin sulfate makes this chemically modified biopolymer an interesting molecule for further work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Raghuraman
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Structural Biology and Drug Discovery, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298
| | - Vaibhav Tiwari
- Departments of Opthalmology, Visual Sciences, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612
| | - Qian Zhao
- Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY 10021
| | - Deepak Shukla
- Departments of Opthalmology, Visual Sciences, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612
| | - Asim K. Debnath
- Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY 10021
| | - Umesh R. Desai
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Structural Biology and Drug Discovery, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298
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44
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Mobley PW, Barry JA, Waring AJ, Sherman MA, Gordon LM. Membrane perturbing actions of HIV type 1 glycoprotein 41 domains are inhibited by helical C-peptides. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2007; 23:224-42. [PMID: 17331029 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2006.0046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
To study the membrane actions of various domains of HIV-1 glycoprotein 41,000 (gp41), synthetic peptides were prepared corresponding to the N-terminal fusion region (FP; gp41 residues 519-541), the nearby N-leucine zipper domain (N-peptides; DP-107; gp41 residues 560-597), the C-leucine zipper domain (C-peptides; DP-178; gp41 residues 645-680), and the viral envelope adjacent domain that partially overlaps DP-178 (Pre-TM; gp41 residues 671-690). With erythrocytes, FP, DP-107, and Pre-TM induced hemolysis and cell aggregation; the order for hemolytic activity was Pre-TM > FP > DP-107, but each was equally effective in aggregating cells at the highest peptide concentrations tested. DP-178 produced neither hemolysis nor aggregation, but efficiently reduced FP-, DP-107-, and Pre-TM-induced membrane actions. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated that the membrane perturbations of Pre-TM, as well as the ability of DP-178 to block membrane activities of other gp41 domains, are dependent on Pre-TM and DP-178 each maintaining helical conformations and tryptophans at residues 673, 677, and 679. These results suggest that the corresponding N-terminal fusion, N-leucine zipper, and viral membrane-adjacent regions of HIV-1 gp41 may similarly promote key membrane perturbations underlying the merging of the viral envelope with the cell surface. Further, the antiviral mechanism of exogenous DP-178 (clinically approved enfuvirtide) may be partially explained by its coordinate inhibition of the fusogenic actions of the FP, DP-107, and Pre-TM regions of gp41.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick W Mobley
- Chemistry Department, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA 91768, USA
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45
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Peng X, Pan J, Gong R, Liu Y, Kang S, Feng H, Qiu G, Guo D, Tien P, Xiao G. Functional Characterization of Syncytin-A, a Newly Murine Endogenous Virus Envelope Protein. J Biol Chem 2007; 282:381-9. [PMID: 17105734 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m606353200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Trophoblast fusion in placenta is an important event for preservation of a healthy pregnancy. This process takes place throughout the pregnancy and is crucial for the formation of syncytiotrophoblast layer. Syncytin-1 and syncytin-2 are strong candidate regulators of fusion from retroviral origin. Syncytin-A and syncytin-B are other candidates from retroviral origin in Muridae. The active role of syncytin in driving fusion of trophoblast has been identified, but its fusion mechanism is still unclear. As an intact retroviral envelope protein, syncytin-A shares similar structure profiling with other viral envelope fusion proteins, especially in the regions of N- and C-terminal heptad repeats (NHR and CHR, respectively). In this paper, we showed that SynA 1 + 2 of syncytin-A (residues 445-536, including predicted NHR, CHR, and a natural linker) could form trimer and exhibited significant alpha-helix structure and high thermo-stability. Limited proteolysis result identified a stable protease-resistant core of SynA 1 + 2, which was in good agreement with computational modeling data. NHR and CHR could interact with each other in vitro, too. Different from the previous studies, the disulfide-bonded linker was apparently vital to the stability of fusion core structure. By biological assays, NHR was shown to be inhibitive to cell-cell fusion, with IC(50) value about 5.4 microm, but CHR seemed to have no inhibitory activity even at 50 microm. From both biochemical and functional data, we first gave an explanation how syncytin-A mediated cell fusion. The insight into the mechanism of syncytin-A-mediated cell-cell fusion may provide a crucial clue to placental cytotrophoblast morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxue Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Modern Virology Research Centre, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China
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46
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Frey G, Rits-Volloch S, Zhang XQ, Schooley RT, Chen B, Harrison SC. Small molecules that bind the inner core of gp41 and inhibit HIV envelope-mediated fusion. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2006; 103:13938-43. [PMID: 16963566 PMCID: PMC1599892 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0601036103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV-1 enters cells by membrane fusion, mediated by the trimeric viral envelope glycoprotein gp160, which is processed by a single proteolytic cleavage into stably associated gp120 and gp41. The gp120/gp41 trimer can be triggered to undergo an irreversible conformational change. Using a protein-based assay designed to mimic the gp41 conformational change, we screened for small molecules that prevent the formation of postfusion gp41. Several compounds were identified. One set of structurally related molecules inhibited formation of a postfusion-like assembly with an IC50 of approximately 5 microM. The compounds also inhibited envelope-mediated membrane fusion in both cell-cell fusion and viral infectivity assays. Thus, our screen identifies effective fusion inhibitors. Tested against a panel of envelope proteins from primary HIV-1 isolates, the compounds inhibited fusion across a broad range of clades, including both M and T tropic strains. They bind in a highly conserved, hydrophobic pocket on the inner core of the gp41 trimer, a region previously identified as a potential inhibitor site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Frey
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, 250 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Sophia Rits-Volloch
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115; and
| | - X.-Q. Zhang
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California, San Diego, CA 92023
| | - Robert T. Schooley
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California, San Diego, CA 92023
| | - Bing Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and
| | - Stephen C. Harrison
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, 250 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115; and
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
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47
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Debnath AK. Progress in identifying peptides and small-molecule inhibitors targeted to gp41 of HIV-1. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2006; 15:465-78. [PMID: 16634685 DOI: 10.1517/13543784.15.5.465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
During the last decade, a great number of activities have been geared in identifying newer targets for inhibiting HIV infection as well as understanding the targets for already identified anti-HIV-1 agents. The success in converting a proof-of-concept peptide T-20 (previously named DP-178), from the C-terminal heptad repeat (CHR) region of the envelope glycoprotein gp41 of HIV-1, to a drug named enfuvirtide was one of the phenomenal successes in HIV-1 drug discovery research that has been made in recent years. There were many reports of modifying peptides from the N-terminal heptad repeat and CHR regions with the objective of improving their activity. A few laboratories also reported the identification of small-molecule inhibitors that apparently bind to the hydrophobic cavity identified in the gp41 core structure and prevent the CHR peptide binding to the N-terminal heptad repeat peptide, thereby prevent the formation of the typical six-helix bundle, which has been thought to be necessary for the fusion between HIV and cell membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asim K Debnath
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling & Drug Design, Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute of The New York Blood Centre, 310 East 67th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA.
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48
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Li S, Zhu J, Peng Y, Cui S, Wang C, Gao GF, Tien P. Characterization of BIV Env core: implication for mechanism of BIV-mediated cell fusion. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2005; 329:603-9. [PMID: 15737628 PMCID: PMC7117376 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2005.01.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2005] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Entry of lentiviruses, such as human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), requires folding of two heptad repeat regions (HR1 and HR2) of gp41 into a trimer-of-hairpins, which subsequently brings virus and cell membrane into fusion. This motif is a generalized feature of viral fusion proteins and has been exploited in generating antiviral fusion agents. In the present paper, we report structural characters of Env protein from another lentivirus, bovine immunodeficiency virus (BIV), which contributes to a good animal model of HIV. BIV HR1 and HR2 regions are predicted by two different programs and expressed separately or conjointly in Escherichia coli. Biochemical and biophysical analyses show that the predicted HRs of BIV Env can form a stable trimer-of-hairpins or six-helix bundle just like that formed by feline immunodeficiency virus Env. Cell fusion assay demonstrates that the HR2 peptide of BIV can efficiently inhibit the virus-mediated cell fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Li
- Modern Virology Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Jieqing Zhu
- Department of Molecular Virology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, China
| | - Yu Peng
- Modern Virology Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Shanshan Cui
- Modern Virology Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Chunping Wang
- Modern Virology Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - George F. Gao
- Modern Virology Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
- Department of Molecular Virology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, China
- Corresponding authors. Fax: +86 10 62622101
| | - Po Tien
- Modern Virology Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
- Department of Molecular Virology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, China
- Corresponding authors. Fax: +86 10 62622101
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49
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Rote NS, Chakrabarti S, Stetzer BP. The role of human endogenous retroviruses in trophoblast differentiation and placental development. Placenta 2005; 25:673-83. [PMID: 15450384 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2004.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2004] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A major portion of the human genome appears to be of retroviral origin. These endogenous retroviral elements are expressed in a variety of normal tissues and during disease states, such as autoimmune and malignant conditions. Recently, potential roles have been described for endogenous retroviral envelope proteins in normal differentiation of human villous cytotrophoblast into syncytiotrophoblast. This article provides a brief critical review of the current state of knowledge concerning the expression of the env regions of three endogenous retroviral elements: ERV-3, HERV-W, and HERV-FRD. A testable model of villous cytotrophoblast differentiation is constructed, in which a complementary expression of endogenous retroviral envelope proteins initiates hCG production, decreased cell proliferation, and intercellular fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- N S Rote
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, MetroHealth Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
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50
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Liu S, Lu H, Niu J, Xu Y, Wu S, Jiang S. Different from the HIV fusion inhibitor C34, the anti-HIV drug Fuzeon (T-20) inhibits HIV-1 entry by targeting multiple sites in gp41 and gp120. J Biol Chem 2005; 280:11259-73. [PMID: 15640162 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m411141200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Fuzeon (also known as T-20 or enfuvirtide), one of the C-peptides derived from the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein transmembrane subunit gp41 C-terminal heptad repeat (CHR) region, is the first member of a new class of anti-HIV drugs known as HIV fusion inhibitors. It has been widely believed that T-20 shares the same mechanism of action with C34, another C-peptide. The C34 is known to compete with the CHR of gp41 to form a stable 6-helix bundle (6-HB) with the gp41 N-terminal heptad repeat (NHR) and prevent the formation of the fusogenic gp41 core between viral gp41 NHR and CHR, thereby inhibiting fusion between viral and target cell membranes. Here we present data to demonstrate that, contrary to this belief, T-20 cannot form stable 6-HB with N-peptides derived from the NHR region, nor can it inhibit the 6-HB formation of the fusogenic core. Instead, it may interact with N-peptides to form unstable or insoluble complexes. Our data suggest that T-20 has a different mechanism of action from C34. The interaction of T-20 with viral NHR region alone may not prevent the formation of the fusion active gp41 core. We also demonstrate that the T-20-mediated anti-HIV activity can be significantly abrogated by peptides derived from the membrane-spanning domain in gp41 and coreceptor binding site in gp120. These new findings imply that T-20 inhibits HIV-1 entry by targeting multiple sites in gp41 and gp120. Further elucidation of the mechanism of action of T-20 will provide new target(s) for development of novel HIV entry inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuwen Liu
- Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, New York 10021, USA
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