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Lange RW, Bloch K, Heindl MR, Wollenhaupt J, Weiss MS, Brandstetter H, Klebe G, Falcone FH, Böttcher-Friebertshäuser E, Dahms SO, Steinmetzer T. Fragment-Based Design, Synthesis, and Characterization of Aminoisoindole-Derived Furin Inhibitors. ChemMedChem 2024; 19:e202400057. [PMID: 38385828 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202400057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
A 1H-isoindol-3-amine was identified as suitable P1 group for the proprotein convertase furin using a crystallographic screening with a set of 20 fragments known to occupy the S1 pocket of trypsin-like serine proteases. Its binding mode is very similar to that observed for the P1 group of benzamidine-derived peptidic furin inhibitors suggesting an aminomethyl substitution of this fragment to obtain a couplable P1 residue for the synthesis of substrate-analogue furin inhibitors. The obtained inhibitors possess a slightly improved picomolar inhibitory potency compared to their benzamidine-derived analogues. The crystal structures of two inhibitors in complex with furin revealed that the new P1 group is perfectly suited for incorporation in peptidic furin inhibitors. Selected inhibitors were tested for antiviral activity against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and a furin-dependent influenza A virus (SC35M/H7N7) in A549 human lung cells and demonstrated an efficient inhibition of virus activation and replication at low micromolar or even submicromolar concentrations. First results suggest that the Mas-related G-protein coupled receptor GPCR-X2 could be a potential off-target for certain benzamidine-derived furin inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman W Lange
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University, Marbacher Weg 6-10, D-35032, Marburg, Germany Phone
| | - Konstantin Bloch
- Institute of Virology, Philipps University, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 2, Marburg, Germany
| | - Miriam Ruth Heindl
- Institute of Virology, Philipps University, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 2, Marburg, Germany
| | - Jan Wollenhaupt
- Macromolecular Crystallography, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, 12489, Berlin, Germany
| | - Manfred S Weiss
- Macromolecular Crystallography, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, 12489, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hans Brandstetter
- Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, Billrothstrasse 11, A-5020, Salzburg, Austria Phone
| | - Gerhard Klebe
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University, Marbacher Weg 6-10, D-35032, Marburg, Germany Phone
| | - Franco H Falcone
- Institute of Parasitology, BFS, Justus Liebig University, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Sven O Dahms
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University, Marbacher Weg 6-10, D-35032, Marburg, Germany Phone
- Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, Billrothstrasse 11, A-5020, Salzburg, Austria Phone
| | - Torsten Steinmetzer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University, Marbacher Weg 6-10, D-35032, Marburg, Germany Phone
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2
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Kiba Y, Tanikawa T, Hayashi T, Kamauchi H, Seki T, Suzuki R, Kitamura M. Inhibition of furin-like enzymatic activities and SARS-CoV-2 infection by osthole and phenolic compounds with aryl side chains. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 169:115940. [PMID: 38007936 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), spread as a pandemic and caused damage to people's lives and countries' economies. The spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2 contains a cleavage motif, Arg-X-X-Arg, for furin and furin-like enzymes at the boundary of the S1/S2 subunits. Given that cleavage plays a crucial role in S protein activation and viral entry, the cleavage motif was selected as the target. Our previous fluorogenic substrate study showed that osthole, a coumarin compound, inhibits furin-like enzyme activity. In this study, we examined the potential activities of 15 compounds with a structure-activity relationship with osthole, and evaluated their protective ability against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Of the 15 compounds tested, compounds C1 and C2 exhibited the inhibitory effects of osthole against furin-like enzymatic activity; however, little or no inhibitory effects against furin activity were observed. We further examined the inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 activity by compounds C1 and C2 using a Vero E6 cell line that expresses the transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2). Compounds C1, C2, and osthole effectively inhibited SARS-CoV-2 infection. Therefore, osthole and its derivatives can potentially be used as therapeutic agents against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Kiba
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai University; 1-1, Keyakidai, Sakado, Saitama 350-0295, Japan
| | - Takashi Tanikawa
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai University; 1-1, Keyakidai, Sakado, Saitama 350-0295, Japan.
| | - Tsuyoshi Hayashi
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Kamauchi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai University, 1-1 Keyakidai, Sakado City, Saitama 350-0295, Japan
| | - Taishi Seki
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai University; 1-1, Keyakidai, Sakado, Saitama 350-0295, Japan
| | - Ryuichiro Suzuki
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai University, 1-1 Keyakidai, Sakado City, Saitama 350-0295, Japan
| | - Masashi Kitamura
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai University; 1-1, Keyakidai, Sakado, Saitama 350-0295, Japan.
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3
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Le K, Kannappan S, Kim T, Lee JH, Lee HR, Kim KK. Structural understanding of SARS-CoV-2 virus entry to host cells. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1288686. [PMID: 38033388 PMCID: PMC10683510 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1288686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is a major global health concern associated with millions of fatalities worldwide. Mutant variants of the virus have further exacerbated COVID-19 mortality and infection rates, emphasizing the urgent need for effective preventive strategies. Understanding the viral infection mechanism is crucial for developing therapeutics and vaccines. The entry of SARS-CoV-2 into host cells is a key step in the infection pathway and has been targeted for drug development. Despite numerous reviews of COVID-19 and the virus, there is a lack of comprehensive reviews focusing on the structural aspects of viral entry. In this review, we analyze structural changes in Spike proteins during the entry process, dividing the entry process into prebinding, receptor binding, proteolytic cleavage, and membrane fusion steps. By understanding the atomic-scale details of viral entry, we can better target the entry step for intervention strategies. We also examine the impacts of mutations in Spike proteins, including the Omicron variant, on viral entry. Structural information provides insights into the effects of mutations and can guide the development of therapeutics and vaccines. Finally, we discuss available structure-based approaches for the development of therapeutics and vaccines. Overall, this review provides a detailed analysis of the structural aspects of SARS-CoV-2 viral entry, highlighting its significance in the development of therapeutics and vaccines against COVID-19. Therefore, our review emphasizes the importance of structural information in combating SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Le
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Institute of Antibacterial Resistance Research and Therapeutics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Shrute Kannappan
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Institute of Antibacterial Resistance Research and Therapeutics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- Research Center for Advanced Materials Technology Core Research Institute, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Truc Kim
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Institute of Antibacterial Resistance Research and Therapeutics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Heon Lee
- Research Center for Advanced Materials Technology Core Research Institute, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- School of Advanced Materials and Science Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Ra Lee
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, College of Science and Technology, Korea University, Sejong, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeong Kyu Kim
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Institute of Antibacterial Resistance Research and Therapeutics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
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4
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Xue Y, Mei H, Chen Y, Griffin JD, Liu Q, Weisberg E, Yang J. Repurposing clinically available drugs and therapies for pathogenic targets to combat SARS-CoV-2. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e254. [PMID: 37193304 PMCID: PMC10183156 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected a large portion of the global population, both physically and mentally. Current evidence suggests that the rapidly evolving coronavirus subvariants risk rendering vaccines and antibodies ineffective due to their potential to evade existing immunity, with enhanced transmission activity and higher reinfection rates that could lead to new outbreaks across the globe. The goal of viral management is to disrupt the viral life cycle as well as to relieve severe symptoms such as lung damage, cytokine storm, and organ failure. In the fight against viruses, the combination of viral genome sequencing, elucidation of the structure of viral proteins, and identifying proteins that are highly conserved across multiple coronaviruses has revealed many potential molecular targets. In addition, the time- and cost-effective repurposing of preexisting antiviral drugs or approved/clinical drugs for these targets offers considerable clinical advantages for COVID-19 patients. This review provides a comprehensive overview of various identified pathogenic targets and pathways as well as corresponding repurposed approved/clinical drugs and their potential against COVID-19. These findings provide new insight into the discovery of novel therapeutic strategies that could be applied to the control of disease symptoms emanating from evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiying Xue
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and TechnologyTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Husheng Mei
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical ScienceChinese Academy of SciencesHefeiChina
- University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Yisa Chen
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and TechnologyTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - James D. Griffin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana‐Farber Cancer InstituteBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Qingsong Liu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical ScienceChinese Academy of SciencesHefeiChina
- University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
- Hefei Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of SciencesHefeiChina
| | - Ellen Weisberg
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana‐Farber Cancer InstituteBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and TechnologyTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical ScienceChinese Academy of SciencesHefeiChina
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5
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Zabiegala A, Kim Y, Chang KO. Roles of host proteases in the entry of SARS-CoV-2. ANIMAL DISEASES 2023; 3:12. [PMID: 37128508 PMCID: PMC10125864 DOI: 10.1186/s44149-023-00075-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The spike protein (S) of SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for viral attachment and entry, thus a major factor for host susceptibility, tissue tropism, virulence and pathogenicity. The S is divided with S1 and S2 region, and the S1 contains the receptor-binding domain (RBD), while the S2 contains the hydrophobic fusion domain for the entry into the host cell. Numerous host proteases have been implicated in the activation of SARS-CoV-2 S through various cleavage sites. In this article, we review host proteases including furin, trypsin, transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) and cathepsins in the activation of SARS-CoV-2 S. Many betacoronaviruses including SARS-CoV-2 have polybasic residues at the S1/S2 site which is subjected to the cleavage by furin. The S1/S2 cleavage facilitates more assessable RBD to the receptor ACE2, and the binding triggers further conformational changes and exposure of the S2' site to proteases such as type II transmembrane serine proteases (TTPRs) including TMPRSS2. In the presence of TMPRSS2 on the target cells, SARS-CoV-2 can utilize a direct entry route by fusion of the viral envelope to the cellular membrane. In the absence of TMPRSS2, SARS-CoV-2 enter target cells via endosomes where multiple cathepsins cleave the S for the successful entry. Additional host proteases involved in the cleavage of the S were discussed. This article also includes roles of 3C-like protease inhibitors which have inhibitory activity against cathepsin L in the entry of SARS-CoV-2, and discussed the dual roles of such inhibitors in virus replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandria Zabiegala
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, 1800 Denison Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66506 USA
| | - Yunjeong Kim
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, 1800 Denison Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66506 USA
| | - Kyeong-Ok Chang
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, 1800 Denison Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66506 USA
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de Bruin ACM, Spronken MI, Bestebroer TM, Fouchier RAM, Richard M. Conserved Expression and Functionality of Furin between Chickens and Ducks as an Activating Protease of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus Hemagglutinins. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0460222. [PMID: 36916982 PMCID: PMC10100678 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04602-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) typically emerge from low-pathogenic avian influenza viruses (LPAIVs) of the H5 and H7 subtypes upon spillover from wild aquatic birds into poultry. The conversion from LPAIV to HPAIV is characterized by the acquisition of a multibasic cleavage site (MBCS) at the proteolytic cleavage site in the viral binding and fusion protein, hemagglutinin (HA), resulting in cleavage and activation of HA by ubiquitously expressed furin-like proteases. The ensuing HPAIVs disseminate systemically in gallinaceous poultry, are endotheliotropic, and cause hemorrhagic disease with high mortality. HPAIV infections in wild aquatic birds are generally milder, often asymptomatic, and generally not associated with systemic dissemination nor endotheliotropic. As MBCS cleavage by host proteases is the main virulence determinant of HPAIVs in poultry, we set out to determine whether cleavage of HPAIV HA by host proteases might influence the observed species-specific pathogenesis and tropism. Here, we sequenced, cloned, and characterized the expression and functionality of duck furin. The furin sequence was strongly conserved between chickens and ducks, and duck furin cleaved HPAIV and tetrabasic HA in an overexpression system, confirming its functionality. Furin was expressed ubiquitously and to similar extents in duck and chicken tissues, including in primary duck endothelial cells, which sustained multicycle replication of H5N1 HPAIV but not LPAIVs. In conclusion, differences in furin-like protease biology between wild aquatic birds and gallinaceous poultry are unlikely to largely determine the stark differences observed in species-specific pathogenesis of HPAIVs. IMPORTANCE HPAIV outbreaks are a global concern due to the health risks for poultry, wildlife, and humans and their major economic impact. The number of LPAIV-to-HPAIV conversions, which is associated with spillover from wild birds to poultry, has been increasing over recent decades. Furthermore, H5 HPAIVs from the A/goose/Guangdong/1/96 lineage have been circulating in migratory birds, causing increasingly frequent epizootics in poultry and wild birds. Milder symptoms in migratory birds allow for dispersion of HPAIVs over long distances, justifying the importance of understanding the pathogenesis of HPAIVs in wild birds. Here, we examined whether host proteases are a likely candidate to explain some differences in the degree of HPAIV systemic dissemination between avian species. This is the first report to show that furin function and expression is comparable between chickens and ducks, which renders the hypothesis unlikely that furin-like protease differences influence the HPAIV species-specific pathogenesis and tropism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja C. M. de Bruin
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Monique I. Spronken
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Theo M. Bestebroer
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ron A. M. Fouchier
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mathilde Richard
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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7
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Dobó J, Kocsis A, Dani R, Gál P. Proprotein Convertases and the Complement System. Front Immunol 2022; 13:958121. [PMID: 35874789 PMCID: PMC9296861 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.958121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteins destined for secretion - after removal of the signal sequence - often undergo further proteolytic processing by proprotein convertases (PCs). Prohormones are typically processed in the regulated secretory pathway, while most plasma proteins travel though the constitutive pathway. The complement system is a major proteolytic cascade in the blood, serving as a first line of defense against microbes and also contributing to the immune homeostasis. Several complement components, namely C3, C4, C5 and factor I (FI), are multi-chain proteins that are apparently processed by PCs intracellularly. Cleavage occurs at consecutive basic residues and probably also involves the action of carboxypeptidases. The most likely candidate for the intracellular processing of complement proteins is furin, however, because of the overlapping specificities of basic amino acid residue-specific proprotein convertases, other PCs might be involved. To our surprise, we have recently discovered that processing of another complement protein, mannan-binding lectin-associated serine protease-3 (MASP-3) occurs in the blood by PCSK6 (PACE4). A similar mechanism had been described for the membrane protease corin, which is also activated extracellularly by PCSK6. In this review we intend to point out that the proper functioning of the complement system intimately depends on the action of proprotein convertases. In addition to the non-enzymatic components (C3, C4, C5), two constitutively active complement proteases are directly activated by PCs either intracellularly (FI), or extracellularly (MASP-3), moreover indirectly, through the constitutive activation of pro-factor D by MASP-3, the activity of the alternative pathway also depends on a PC present in the blood.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Péter Gál
- *Correspondence: József Dobó, ; Péter Gál,
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8
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Tamman AJF, Wendt FR, Pathak GA, Krystal JH, Southwick SM, Sippel LM, Gelernter J, Polimanti R, Pietrzak RH. Attachment Style Moderates Polygenic Risk for Incident Posttraumatic Stress in U.S. Military Veterans: A 7-Year, Nationally Representative, Prospective Cohort Study. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 91:637-646. [PMID: 34955171 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops consequent to complex gene-by-environment interactions beyond the precipitating trauma. To date, however, no known study has used a prospective design to examine how polygenic risk scores (PRSs) interact with social-environmental factors such as attachment style to predict PTSD development. METHODS PRSs were derived from a genome-wide association study of PTSD symptoms (N = 186,689; Million Veteran Program cohort). We evaluated combined effects of PRS and attachment style in predicting incident PTSD in a 7-year, nationally representative cohort of trauma-exposed, European-American U.S. military veterans without PTSD (N = 1083). We also conducted multivariate gene-by-environment interaction and drug repositioning analyses to identify loci that interact with multiple environmental factors and potential pharmacotherapies that may be repurposed for this disorder. RESULTS Veterans with higher PTSD PRS were more likely to have an incident-positive screen for PTSD over 7 years. A gene-by-environment interaction was also observed, such that higher PRS only predicted incident PTSD in veterans with an insecure attachment style and not those with a secure attachment style. At an individual locus level, the strongest gene-by-environment interaction was observed for the rs4702 variant of the FURIN gene with cumulative lifetime trauma burden. Drug repositioning revealed that genes implicated in PRS are perturbated by the drug doxylamine. CONCLUSIONS Attachment style moderates polygenic risk for the development of PTSD in European-American veterans. These findings may inform PTSD prevention and treatment for veterans with high polygenic risk for PTSD and suggest a potential pharmacotherapeutic target for risk genes moderated by social-environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J F Tamman
- Department of Psychology, St John's University, Queens, New York; Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
| | - Frank R Wendt
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
| | - Gita A Pathak
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
| | - John H Krystal
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; Clinical Neurosciences Division, National Center for PTSD, West Haven, Connecticut
| | - Steven M Southwick
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Lauren M Sippel
- Executive Division, National Center for PTSD, White River Junction, Vermont; Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire
| | - Joel Gelernter
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
| | - Renato Polimanti
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
| | - Robert H Pietrzak
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut; Clinical Neurosciences Division, National Center for PTSD, West Haven, Connecticut
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9
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Abstract
Analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 sequence revealed a multibasic furin cleavage site at the S1/S2 boundary of the spike protein distinguishing this virus from SARS-CoV. Furin, the best-characterized member of the mammalian proprotein convertases, is an ubiquitously expressed single pass type 1 transmembrane protein. Cleavage of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein by furin promotes viral entry into lung cells. While furin knockout is embryonically lethal, its knockout in differentiated somatic cells is not, thus furin provides an exciting therapeutic target for viral pathogens including SARS-CoV-2 and bacterial infections. Several peptide-based and small-molecule inhibitors of furin have been recently reported, and select cocrystal structures have been solved, paving the way for further optimization and selection of clinical candidates. This perspective highlights furin structure, substrates, recent inhibitors, and crystal structures with emphasis on furin's role in SARS-CoV-2 infection, where the current data strongly suggest its inhibition as a promising therapeutic intervention for SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Essam
Eldin A. Osman
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt
| | - Alnawaz Rehemtulla
- Department
of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Nouri Neamati
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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10
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Spelios MG, Capanelli JM, Li AW. A novel antibody against the furin cleavage site of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein: Effects on proteolytic cleavage and ACE2 binding. Immunol Lett 2022; 242:1-7. [PMID: 35007661 PMCID: PMC8739817 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2022.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 harbors a unique S1/S2 furin cleavage site within its spike protein, which can be cleaved by furin and other proprotein convertases. Proteolytic activation of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein at the S1/S2 boundary facilitates interaction with host ACE2 receptor for cell entry. To address this, high titer antibody was generated against the SARS-CoV-2-specific furin motif. Using a series of innovative ELISA-based assays, this furin site blocking antibody displayed high sensitivity and specificity for the S1/S2 furin cleavage site, including with a P681R mutation, and demonstrated effective blockage of both enzyme-mediated cleavage and spike-ACE2 interaction. The results suggest that immunological blocking of the furin cleavage site may afford a suitable approach to stem proteolytic activation of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and curtail viral infectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael G Spelios
- EpiGentek Group Inc., 110 Bi County Boulevard, Suite 122, Farmingdale, NY, 11735, United States of America
| | - Jeanne M Capanelli
- EpiGentek Group Inc., 110 Bi County Boulevard, Suite 122, Farmingdale, NY, 11735, United States of America
| | - Adam W Li
- EpiGentek Group Inc., 110 Bi County Boulevard, Suite 122, Farmingdale, NY, 11735, United States of America.
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11
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Abstract
Heme-containing peroxidases are widely distributed in the animal and plant kingdoms and play an important role in host defense by generating potent oxidants. Myeloperoxidase (MPO), the prototype of heme-containing peroxidases, exists in neutrophils and monocytes. MPO has a broad spectrum of microbial killing. The difficulty of producing MPO at a large scale hinders its study and utilization. This study aimed to overexpress recombinant human MPO and characterize its microbicidal activities in vitro and in vivo. A human HEK293 cell line stably expressing recombinant MPO (rMPO) was established as a component of this study. rMPO was overexpressed and purified for studies on its biochemical and enzymatic properties, as well as its microbicidal activities. In this study, rMPO was secreted into culture medium as a monomer. rMPO revealed enzymatic activity similar to that of native MPO. rMPO, like native MPO, was capable of killing a broad spectrum of microorganisms, including Gram-negative and -positive bacteria and fungi, at low nM levels. Interestingly, rMPO could kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria, making it very useful for treatment of nosocomial infections and mixed infections. The administration of rMPO significantly reduced the morbidity and mortality of murine lung infections induced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. In animal safety tests, the administration of 100 nM rMPO via tail vein did not result in any sign of toxic effects. Taken together, the data suggest that rMPO purified from a stably expressing human cell line is a new class of antimicrobial agents with the ability to kill a broad spectrum of pathogens, including bacteria and fungi with or without drug resistance. IMPORTANCE Over the past 2 decades, more than 20 new infectious diseases have emerged. Unfortunately, novel antimicrobial therapeutics are discovered at much lower rates. Infections caused by resistant microorganisms often fail to respond to conventional treatment, resulting in prolonged illness, greater risk of death, and high health care costs. Currently, this is best seen with the lack of a cure for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). To combat such untreatable microorganisms, there is an urgent need to discover new classes of antimicrobial agents. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) plays an important role in host defense. The difficulty of producing MPO on a large scale hinders its study and utilization. We have produced recombinant MPO at a large scale and have characterized its antimicrobial activities. Most importantly, recombinant MPO significantly reduced the morbidity and mortality of murine pneumonia induced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Our data suggest that recombinant MPO from human cells is a new class of antimicrobials with a broad spectrum of activity.
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12
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Lubinski B, Fernandes MHV, Frazier L, Tang T, Daniel S, Diel DG, Jaimes JA, Whittaker GR. Functional evaluation of the P681H mutation on the proteolytic activation the SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.7 (Alpha) spike. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2021:2021.04.06.438731. [PMID: 33851153 PMCID: PMC8043443 DOI: 10.1101/2021.04.06.438731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the agent causing the COVID-19 pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 (Alpha), a WHO variant of concern (VOC) first identified in the UK in late 2020, contains several mutations including P681H in the spike S1/S2 cleavage site, which is predicted to increase cleavage by furin, potentially impacting the viral cell entry. Here, we studied the role of the P681H mutation in B.1.1.7 cell entry. We performed assays using fluorogenic peptides mimicking the Wuhan-Hu-1 and B.1.1.7 S1/S2 sequence and observed no significant difference in furin cleavage. Functional assays using pseudoparticles harboring SARS-CoV-2 spikes and cell-to-cell fusion assays demonstrated no differences between Wuhan-Hu-1, B.1.1.7 or a P681H point mutant. Likewise, we observed no differences in viral growth between USA-WA1/2020 and a B.1.1.7 isolate in cell culture. Our findings suggest that while the B.1.1.7 P681H mutation may slightly increase S1/S2 cleavage this does not significantly impact viral entry or cell-cell spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bailey Lubinski
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Maureen H. V. Fernandes
- Department of Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Laura Frazier
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Tiffany Tang
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Susan Daniel
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Diego G. Diel
- Department of Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Javier A. Jaimes
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Gary R. Whittaker
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
- Master of Public Health Program, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
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13
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Parvaz N, Jalali Z. Molecular evolution of PCSK family: Analysis of natural selection rate and gene loss. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0259085. [PMID: 34710160 PMCID: PMC8553125 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Proprotein convertases subtilisin kexins are serine endoproteases, playing critical roles in the biological functions, including lipid, glucose, and bile acid metabolism, as well as cell proliferation, migration, and metastasis. Experimental studies have demonstrated the physiological functions of PCSKs and their association with diseases; however, studies on the evolutionary history and diversification of these proteins are missing. In the present research, a bioinformatics study was conducted on the molecular evolution of several PCSKs family members and gene loss events across placental mammalian. In order to detect evolutionary constraints and positive selection, the CodeML program of the PAML package was used. The results showed the positive selection to occur in PCSK1, PCSK3, PCSK5, and PCSK7. A decelerated rate of evolution was observed in PCSK7, PCSK3, and MBTPS1 in Carnivores compared to the rest of phylogeny, and an accelerated evolution of PCSK1, PCSK7, and MBTPS1 in Muridae family of rodents was found. Additionally, our results indicated pcsk9 gene loss in 12 species comprising Carnivores and bats (Chiroptera). Future studies are required to evaluate the functional relevance and selective evolutionary advantages associated with these modifications in PCSK proteins during evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najmeh Parvaz
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Zahra Jalali
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
- * E-mail:
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14
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Nahalka J. Theoretical Analysis of S, M and N Structural Proteins by the Protein-RNA Recognition Code Leads to Genes/proteins that Are Relevant to the SARS-CoV-2 Life Cycle and Pathogenesis. Front Genet 2021; 12:763995. [PMID: 34659373 PMCID: PMC8511677 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.763995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In this conceptual review, based on the protein-RNA recognition code, some theoretical sequences were detected in the spike (S), membrane (M) and capsid (N) proteins that may post-transcriptionally regulate the host genes/proteins in immune homeostasis, pulmonary epithelial tissue homeostasis, and lipid homeostasis. According to the review of literature, the spectrum of identified genes/proteins shows that the virus promotes IL1α/β-IL1R1 signaling (type 1 immunity) and immunity defense against helminths and venoms (type 2 immunity). In the alteration of homeostasis in the pulmonary epithelial tissue, the virus blocks the function of cilia and the molecular programs that are involved in wound healing (EMT and MET). Additionally, the protein-RNA recognition method described here identifies compatible sequences in the S1A-domain for the post-transcriptional promotion of PIKFYVE, which is one of the critical factors for SARS-CoV-2 entry to the host cell, and for the post-transcriptional repression of xylulokinase XYLB. A decrease in XYLB product (Xu5P) in plasma was proposed as one of the potential metabolomics biomarkers of COVID-19. In summary, the protein-RNA recognition code leads to protein genes relevant to the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle and pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jozef Nahalka
- Institute of Chemistry, Centre for Glycomics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Institute of Chemistry, Centre of Excellence for White-green Biotechnology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Nitra, Slovakia
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15
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Rahbar Saadat Y, Hosseiniyan Khatibi SM, Zununi Vahed S, Ardalan M. Host Serine Proteases: A Potential Targeted Therapy for COVID-19 and Influenza. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:725528. [PMID: 34527703 PMCID: PMC8435734 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.725528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The ongoing pandemic illustrates limited therapeutic options for controlling SARS-CoV-2 infections, calling a need for additional therapeutic targets. The viral spike S glycoprotein binds to the human receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and then is activated by the host proteases. Based on the accessibility of the cellular proteases needed for SARS-S activation, SARS-CoV-2 entrance and activation can be mediated by endosomal (such as cathepsin L) and non-endosomal pathways. Evidence indicates that in the non-endosomal pathway, the viral S protein is cleaved by the furin enzyme in infected host cells. To help the virus enter efficiently, the S protein is further activated by the serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), provided that the S has been cleaved by furin previously. In this review, important roles for host proteases within host cells will be outlined in SARS-CoV-2 infection and antiviral therapeutic strategies will be highlighted. Although there are at least five highly effective vaccines at this time, the appearance of the new viral mutations demands the development of therapeutic agents. Targeted inhibition of host proteases can be used as a therapeutic approach for viral infection.
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16
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Abstract
The kexin-like proprotein convertases perform the initial proteolytic cleavages that ultimately generate a variety of different mature peptide and proteins, ranging from brain neuropeptides to endocrine peptide hormones, to structural proteins, among others. In this review, we present a general introduction to proprotein convertase structure and biochemistry, followed by a comprehensive discussion of each member of the kexin-like subfamily of proprotein convertases. We summarize current knowledge of human proprotein convertase insufficiency syndromes, including genome-wide analyses of convertase polymorphisms, and compare these to convertase null and mutant mouse models. These mouse models have illuminated our understanding of the roles specific convertases play in human disease and have led to the identification of convertase-specific substrates; for example, the identification of procorin as a specific PACE4 substrate in the heart. We also discuss the limitations of mouse null models in interpreting human disease, such as differential precursor cleavage due to species-specific sequence differences, and the challenges presented by functional redundancy among convertases in attempting to assign specific cleavages and/or physiological roles. However, in most cases, knockout mouse models have added substantively both to our knowledge of diseases caused by human proprotein convertase insufficiency and to our appreciation of their normal physiological roles, as clearly seen in the case of the furin, proprotein convertase 1/3, and proprotein convertase 5/6 mouse models. The creation of more sophisticated mouse models with tissue- or temporally-restricted expression of specific convertases will improve our understanding of human proprotein convertase insufficiency and potentially provide support for the emerging concept of therapeutic inhibition of convertases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manita Shakya
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Iris Lindberg
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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17
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Screening for inhibitory effects of crude drugs on furin-like enzymatic activities. J Nat Med 2021; 75:1080-1085. [PMID: 33928494 PMCID: PMC8084592 DOI: 10.1007/s11418-021-01519-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The spike (S) protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) contains a cleavage motif R-X-X-R for furin-like enzymes at the boundary of the S1/S2 subunits. The cleavage of the site by cellular proteases is essential for S protein activation and virus entry. We screened the inhibitory effects of crude drugs on in vitro furin-like enzymatic activities using a fluorogenic substrate with whole-cell lysates. Of the 124 crude drugs listed in the Japanese Pharmacopeia, aqueous ethanolic extract of Cnidii Monnieris Fructus, which is the dried fruit of Cnidium monnieri Cussion, significantly inhibited the furin-like enzymatic activities. We further fractionated the plant extract and isolated the two active compounds with the inhibitory activity, namely, imperatorin and osthole, whose IC50 values were 1.45 mM and 9.45 µM, respectively. Our results indicated that Cnidii Monnieris Fructus might exert inhibitory effects on furin-like enzymatic activities, and that imperatorin and osthole of the crude drug could be potential inhibitors of the motif cleavage.
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18
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Gioia M, Ciaccio C, Calligari P, De Simone G, Sbardella D, Tundo G, Fasciglione GF, Di Masi A, Di Pierro D, Bocedi A, Ascenzi P, Coletta M. Role of proteolytic enzymes in the COVID-19 infection and promising therapeutic approaches. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 182:114225. [PMID: 32956643 PMCID: PMC7501082 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In the Fall of 2019 a sudden and dramatic outbreak of a pulmonary disease (Coronavirus Disease COVID-19), due to a new Coronavirus strain (i.e., SARS-CoV-2), emerged in the continental Chinese area of Wuhan and quickly diffused throughout the world, causing up to now several hundreds of thousand deaths. As for common viral infections, the crucial event for the viral life cycle is the entry of genetic material inside the host cell, realized by the spike protein of the virus through its binding to host receptors and its activation by host proteases; this is followed by translation of the viral RNA into a polyprotein, exploiting the host cell machinery. The production of individual mature viral proteins is pivotal for replication and release of new virions. Several proteolytic enzymes either of the host and of the virus act in a concerted fashion to regulate and coordinate specific steps of the viral replication and assembly, such as (i) the entry of the virus, (ii) the maturation of the polyprotein and (iii) the assembly of the secreted virions for further diffusion. Therefore, proteases involved in these three steps are important targets, envisaging that molecules which interfere with their activity are promising therapeutic compounds. In this review, we will survey what is known up to now on the role of specific proteolytic enzymes in these three steps and of most promising compounds designed to impair this vicious cycle.
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Key Words
- covid-19, coronavirus disease – 19
- sars-cov, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus
- sars-cov-2, severe acute respiratory syndrome – 2
- mers-cov, middle east respiratory syndrome coronavirus
- orf, open reading frame
- plpro, papain-like protease
- mpro, main protease
- pp, polyprotein
- nsp, non structural protein
- rdrp, rna dependent rna polymerase
- hel, helicase
- s protein, spike protein
- tmprss2, trans-membrane protease serine protease-2
- tmprss4, trans-membrane protease serine protease-4
- hat, human airway trypsin-like protease
- tgn, trans-golgi network
- ace2, angiotensin-converting enzyme receptor-2
- rbd, receptor binding domain
- pc, pro-protein convertase
- hcov-oc43, human coronavirus-oc43
- mhv-a59, murine hepatitis virus – a59
- hiv, human immunodeficiency virus
- cmk, chloro-methyl-ketone
- dec, decanoyl
- phac, phenyl-acetyl
- ttsp, type ii transmembrane serine proteases family
- hpv, human papillomavirus
- hbv, hepatitis b virus
- evd, ebola virus disease
- zikv, zika virus
- jev, japanese encephalitis virus
- fpv, feline panleukopenia virus
- hpaiv, highly pathogenic avian influenza virus
- cdv, canine distemper virus
- rsv, respiratory syncytial virus (rsv)
- a1at, alpha-1-anti trypsin
- aebsf, 4-(2-aminomethyl)-benzene sulphonyl fluoride
- bhh, bromhexine hydrochloride
- pcsk, pro-protein convertase subtilisin/kexin
- ampk, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase
- hcov-nl63, human coronavirus – nl63
- hcov-229e, human coronavirus – 229e
- hcov-hku1, human coronavirus – hku1
- 3cpro, 3chymotrypsin protease of rhinoviruses
- 3d-qsar, three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationships
- fda, food and drug agency
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Affiliation(s)
- Magda Gioia
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Roma Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy.
| | - Chiara Ciaccio
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Roma Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy.
| | - Paolo Calligari
- Department of Chemical and Technological Sciences, University of Roma Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Donato Di Pierro
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Roma Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
| | - Alessio Bocedi
- Department of Chemical and Technological Sciences, University of Roma Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
| | - Paolo Ascenzi
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, Roma, Italy,Interdepartmental Laboratory for Electron Microscopy, Roma Tre University, Roma, Italy
| | - Massimo Coletta
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Roma Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy.
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19
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Faheem, Kumar BK, Sekhar KVGC, Kunjiappan S, Jamalis J, Balaña-Fouce R, Tekwani BL, Sankaranarayanan M. Druggable targets of SARS-CoV-2 and treatment opportunities for COVID-19. Bioorg Chem 2020; 104:104269. [PMID: 32947136 PMCID: PMC7476961 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2020.104269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 caused by the novel SARS-CoV-2 has been declared a pandemic by the WHO is causing havoc across the entire world. As of May end, about 6 million people have been affected, and 367 166 have died from COVID-19. Recent studies suggest that the SARS-CoV-2 genome shares about 80% similarity with the SARS-CoV-1 while their protein RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) shares 96% sequence similarity. Remdesivir, an RdRp inhibitor, exhibited potent activity against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. 3-Chymotrypsin like protease (also known as Mpro) and papain-like protease, have emerged as the potential therapeutic targets for drug discovery against coronaviruses owing to their crucial role in viral entry and host-cell invasion. Crystal structures of therapeutically important SARS-CoV-2 target proteins, namely, RdRp, Mpro, endoribonuclease Nsp15/NendoU and receptor binding domain of CoV-2 spike protein has been resolved, which have facilitated the structure-based design and discovery of new inhibitors. Furthermore, studies have indicated that the spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2 use the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-2 (ACE-2) receptor for its attachment similar to SARS-CoV-1, which is followed by priming of spike protein by Transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) which can be targeted by a proven inhibitor of TMPRSS2, camostat. The current treatment strategy includes repurposing of existing drugs that were found to be effective against other RNA viruses like SARS, MERS, and Ebola. This review presents a critical analysis of druggable targets of SARS CoV-2, new drug discovery, development, and treatment opportunities for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faheem
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, Pilani Campus, Vidya Vihar, Pilani 333031, Rajasthan, India
| | - Banoth Karan Kumar
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, Pilani Campus, Vidya Vihar, Pilani 333031, Rajasthan, India
| | - Kondapalli Venkata Gowri Chandra Sekhar
- Department of Chemistry, Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Jawahar Nagar, Shameerpet Mandal, R.R. Dist., Hyderabad, 500078 Telangana, India
| | - Selvaraj Kunjiappan
- Department of Biotechnology, Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Krishnankoil 626126, TamilNadu, India
| | - Joazaizulfazli Jamalis
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Johor 81310, Malaysia
| | | | - Babu L Tekwani
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Drug Discovery, Southern Research, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA
| | - Murugesan Sankaranarayanan
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, Pilani Campus, Vidya Vihar, Pilani 333031, Rajasthan, India.
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20
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Bestle D, Heindl MR, Limburg H, Van Lam van T, Pilgram O, Moulton H, Stein DA, Hardes K, Eickmann M, Dolnik O, Rohde C, Klenk HD, Garten W, Steinmetzer T, Böttcher-Friebertshäuser E. TMPRSS2 and furin are both essential for proteolytic activation of SARS-CoV-2 in human airway cells. Life Sci Alliance 2020; 3:3/9/e202000786. [PMID: 32703818 PMCID: PMC7383062 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202000786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 507] [Impact Index Per Article: 126.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The novel emerged SARS-CoV-2 has rapidly spread around the world causing acute infection of the respiratory tract (COVID-19) that can result in severe disease and lethality. For SARS-CoV-2 to enter cells, its surface glycoprotein spike (S) must be cleaved at two different sites by host cell proteases, which therefore represent potential drug targets. In the present study, we show that S can be cleaved by the proprotein convertase furin at the S1/S2 site and the transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) at the S2' site. We demonstrate that TMPRSS2 is essential for activation of SARS-CoV-2 S in Calu-3 human airway epithelial cells through antisense-mediated knockdown of TMPRSS2 expression. Furthermore, SARS-CoV-2 replication was also strongly inhibited by the synthetic furin inhibitor MI-1851 in human airway cells. In contrast, inhibition of endosomal cathepsins by E64d did not affect virus replication. Combining various TMPRSS2 inhibitors with furin inhibitor MI-1851 produced more potent antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 than an equimolar amount of any single serine protease inhibitor. Therefore, this approach has considerable therapeutic potential for treatment of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothea Bestle
- Institute of Virology, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | | | - Hannah Limburg
- Institute of Virology, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Thuy Van Lam van
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Oliver Pilgram
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Hong Moulton
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - David A Stein
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Kornelia Hardes
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany.,Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Gießen, Germany
| | - Markus Eickmann
- Institute of Virology, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Marburg-Gießen-Langen Site, Emerging Infections Unit, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Olga Dolnik
- Institute of Virology, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Marburg-Gießen-Langen Site, Emerging Infections Unit, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Cornelius Rohde
- Institute of Virology, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Marburg-Gießen-Langen Site, Emerging Infections Unit, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | | | - Wolfgang Garten
- Institute of Virology, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Torsten Steinmetzer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
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