1
|
Focosi D, Franchini M, Maggi F, Shoham S. COVID-19 therapeutics. Clin Microbiol Rev 2024:e0011923. [PMID: 38771027 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00119-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYSince the emergence of COVID-19 in 2020, an unprecedented range of therapeutic options has been studied and deployed. Healthcare providers have multiple treatment approaches to choose from, but efficacy of those approaches often remains controversial or compromised by viral evolution. Uncertainties still persist regarding the best therapies for high-risk patients, and the drug pipeline is suffering fatigue and shortage of funding. In this article, we review the antiviral activity, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, and safety of COVID-19 antiviral therapies. Additionally, we summarize the evidence from randomized controlled trials on efficacy and safety of the various COVID-19 antivirals and discuss unmet needs which should be addressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Focosi
- North-Western Tuscany Blood Bank, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | - Massimo Franchini
- Division of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Carlo Poma Hospital, Mantua, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Maggi
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases "Lazzaro Spallanzani" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Shmuel Shoham
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chavda V, Dodiya P, Apostolopoulos V. Adverse drug reactions associated with COVID-19 management. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024:10.1007/s00210-024-03137-0. [PMID: 38743117 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03137-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The emergence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak, which causes COVID-19, had a devastating impact on both people's lives and the global economy. During the course of the pandemic, the lack of specific drugs or treatments tailored for COVID-19 led to extensive repurposing of existing drugs in the pursuit of effective treatments. Some drug molecules demonstrated efficacy, while others proved ineffective. In this context, the approach of drug repurposing emerged as a novel strategy for combating COVID-19. Repurposed drugs and biologics have shown effectiveness, leading to improved clinical outcomes among patients with COVID-19. Similarly, It is equally important to assess the risk-benefit ratio associated with drugs and biologics adapted for COVID-19 treatment. Herein, we primarily focus on evaluating adverse drug events linked to repurposed COVID-19 medications, repurposed biologics, and COVID-specific drug molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Chavda
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad, 380009, Gujarat, India.
| | - Payal Dodiya
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad, 380009, Gujarat, India
| | - Vasso Apostolopoulos
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lis K, Plewka J, Menezes F, Bielecka E, Chykunova Y, Pustelny K, Niebling S, Garcia AS, Garcia-Alai M, Popowicz GM, Czarna A, Kantyka T, Pyrc K. SARS-CoV-2 M pro oligomerization as a potential target for therapy. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 267:131392. [PMID: 38582483 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131392] [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: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
The main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 is critical in the virus's replication cycle, facilitating the maturation of polyproteins into functional units. Due to its conservation across taxa, Mpro is a promising target for broad-spectrum antiviral drugs. Targeting Mpro with small molecule inhibitors, such as nirmatrelvir combined with ritonavir (Paxlovid™), which the FDA has approved for post-exposure treatment and prophylaxis, can effectively interrupt the replication process of the virus. A key aspect of Mpro's function is its ability to form a functional dimer. However, the mechanics of dimerization and its influence on proteolytic activity remain less understood. In this study, we utilized biochemical, structural, and molecular modelling approaches to explore Mpro dimerization. We evaluated critical residues, specifically Arg4 and Arg298, that are essential for dimerization. Our results show that changes in the oligomerization state of Mpro directly affect its enzymatic activity and dimerization propensity. We discovered a synergistic relationship influencing dimer formation, involving both intra- and intermolecular interactions. These findings highlight the potential for developing allosteric inhibitors targeting Mpro, offering promising new directions for therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Lis
- Jagiellonian University, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Virogenetics, Laboratory of Virology, Gronostajowa 7a, 30-387 Cracow, Poland; Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Cracow University of Technology, Warszawska 24,31-155 Cracow, Poland
| | - Jacek Plewka
- Jagiellonian University, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Virogenetics, Laboratory of Virology, Gronostajowa 7a, 30-387 Cracow, Poland
| | - Filipe Menezes
- Helmholtz Munich, Molecular Targets and Therapeutics Center, Institute of Structural Biology, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Ewa Bielecka
- Jagiellonian University, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Laboratory of Proteolysis and Post-translational Modification of Proteins, Gronostajowa 7a, 30-387 Cracow, Poland
| | - Yuliya Chykunova
- Jagiellonian University, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Virogenetics, Laboratory of Virology, Gronostajowa 7a, 30-387 Cracow, Poland; Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Microbiology Department, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387, Cracow, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Pustelny
- Jagiellonian University, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Gronostajowa 7a, 30-387 Cracow, Poland
| | - Stephan Niebling
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, EMBL Hamburg, Notkestrasse 85, Hamburg, Germany; Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Angelica Struve Garcia
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, EMBL Hamburg, Notkestrasse 85, Hamburg, Germany; Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maria Garcia-Alai
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, EMBL Hamburg, Notkestrasse 85, Hamburg, Germany; Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Grzegorz M Popowicz
- Helmholtz Munich, Molecular Targets and Therapeutics Center, Institute of Structural Biology, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Anna Czarna
- Jagiellonian University, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Gronostajowa 7a, 30-387 Cracow, Poland.
| | - Tomasz Kantyka
- Jagiellonian University, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Laboratory of Proteolysis and Post-translational Modification of Proteins, Gronostajowa 7a, 30-387 Cracow, Poland.
| | - Krzysztof Pyrc
- Jagiellonian University, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Virogenetics, Laboratory of Virology, Gronostajowa 7a, 30-387 Cracow, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lewandowski EM, Zhang X, Tan H, Jaskolka-Brown A, Kohaal N, Frazier A, Madsen JJ, Jacobs LMC, Wang J, Chen Y. Distal Protein-Protein Interactions Contribute to SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Substrate Binding and Nirmatrelvir Resistance. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.01.587566. [PMID: 38617221 PMCID: PMC11014590 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.01.587566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 main protease, M pro , is responsible for the processing of the viral polyproteins into individual proteins, including the protease itself. M pro is a key target of anti-COVID-19 therapeutics such as nirmatrelvir (the active component of Paxlovid). Resistance mutants identified clinically and in viral passage assays contain a combination of active site mutations (e.g. E166V, E166A, L167F), which reduce inhibitor binding and enzymatic activity, and non-active site mutations (e.g. P252L, T21I, L50F), which restore the fitness of viral replication. Although the mechanism of resistance for the active site mutations is apparent, the role of the non-active site mutations in fitness rescue remains elusive. In this study, we use the model system of a M pro triple mutant (L50F/E166A/L167F) that confers not only nirmatrelvir drug resistance but also a similar fitness of replication compared to the wild-type both in vitro and in vivo. By comparing peptide and full-length M pro protein as substrates, we demonstrate that the binding of M pro substrate involves more than residues in the active site. In particular, L50F and other non-active site mutations can enhance the M pro dimer-dimer interactions and help place the nsp5-6 substrate at the enzyme catalytic center. The structural and enzymatic activity data of M pro L50F, L50F/E166A/L167F, and others underscore the importance of considering the whole substrate protein in studying M pro and substrate interactions, and offers important insights into M pro function, resistance development, and inhibitor design.
Collapse
|
5
|
Shellenberger BM, Basile ON, Cassel J, Olsen MR, Salvino JM, Montaner LJ, Tietjen I, Henry GE. Synthesis, SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibition, molecular docking and in silico ADME studies of furanochromene-quinoline hydrazone derivatives. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2024; 102:129679. [PMID: 38423371 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2024.129679] [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: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Seven furanochromene-quinoline derivatives containing a hydrazone linker were synthesized by condensing a furanochromene hydrazide with quinoline 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, and 8-carbaldehydes, including 8-hydroxyquinoline-2-carbaldehye. Structure-activity correlations were investigated to determine the influence of the location of the hydrazone linker on the quinoline unit on SARS-CoV-2 Mpro enzyme inhibition. The 3-, 5-, 6- and 8-substituted derivatives showed moderate inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro with IC50 values ranging from 16 to 44 μM. Additionally, all of the derivatives showed strong interaction with the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro substrate binding pocket, with docking energy scores ranging from -8.0 to -8.5 kcal/mol. These values are comparable to that of N3 peptide (-8.1 kcal/mol) and more favorable than GC-373 (-7.6 kcal/mol) and ML-188 (-7.5 kcal/mol), all of which are known SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors. Furthermore, in silico absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) profiles indicate that the derivatives have good drug-likeness properties. Overall, this study highlights the potential of the furanochromene-quinoline hydrazone scaffold as a SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Blake M Shellenberger
- Department of Chemistry, Susquehanna University, 514 University Avenue, Selinsgrove, PA 17870, USA
| | - Olivia N Basile
- Department of Chemistry, Susquehanna University, 514 University Avenue, Selinsgrove, PA 17870, USA
| | - Joel Cassel
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Morgan R Olsen
- Department of Chemistry, Bucknell University, One Dent Drive, Lewisburg, PA 17837, USA
| | | | | | - Ian Tietjen
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Geneive E Henry
- Department of Chemistry, Susquehanna University, 514 University Avenue, Selinsgrove, PA 17870, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ullah I, Escudie F, Scandale I, Gilani Z, Gendron-Lepage G, Gaudette F, Mowbray C, Fraisse L, Bazin R, Finzi A, Mothes W, Kumar P, Chatelain E, Uchil PD. Bioluminescence imaging reveals enhanced SARS-CoV-2 clearance in mice with combinatorial regimens. iScience 2024; 27:109049. [PMID: 38361624 PMCID: PMC10867665 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Direct acting antivirals (DAAs) represent critical tools for combating severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern (VOCs) that have escaped vaccine-elicited spike-based immunity and future coronaviruses with pandemic potential. Here, we used bioluminescence imaging to evaluate therapeutic efficacy of DAAs that target SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (favipiravir, molnupiravir) or main protease (nirmatrelvir) against Delta or Omicron VOCs in K18-hACE2 mice. Nirmatrelvir displayed the best efficacy followed by molnupiravir and favipiravir in suppressing viral loads in the lung. Unlike neutralizing antibody treatment, DAA monotherapy regimens did not eradicate SARS-CoV-2 in mice, but combining molnupiravir with nirmatrelvir exhibited superior additive efficacy and led to virus clearance. Furthermore, combining molnupiravir with caspase-1/4 inhibitor mitigated inflammation and lung pathology whereas combining molnupiravir with COVID-19 convalescent plasma demonstrated synergy, rapid virus clearance, and 100% survival. Thus, our study provides insights into in vivo treatment efficacies of DAAs and other effective combinations to bolster COVID-19 therapeutic arsenal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irfan Ullah
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Fanny Escudie
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ivan Scandale
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Zoela Gilani
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | | | - Fleur Gaudette
- Centre de Recherche du CHUM, Montréal, QC H2X0A9, Canada
| | - Charles Mowbray
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Laurent Fraisse
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Renée Bazin
- Hema-Quebec, Affaires Médicales et Innovation, Québec, QC G1V 5C3, Canada
| | - Andrés Finzi
- Centre de Recherche du CHUM, Montréal, QC H2X0A9, Canada
- Departement de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X0A9, Canada
| | - Walther Mothes
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Priti Kumar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Eric Chatelain
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Pradeep D Uchil
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ghazal A, Clarke D, Abdel-Rahman MA, Ribeiro A, Collie-Duguid E, Pattinson C, Burgoyne K, Muhammad T, Alfadhel S, Heidari Z, Samir R, Gerges MM, Nkene I, Colamarino RA, Hijazi K, Houssen WE. Venomous gland transcriptome and venom proteomic analysis of the scorpion Androctonus amoreuxi reveal new peptides with anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity. Peptides 2024; 173:171139. [PMID: 38142817 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2023.171139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
The recent COVID-19 pandemic shows the critical need for novel broad spectrum antiviral agents. Scorpion venoms are known to contain highly bioactive peptides, several of which have demonstrated strong antiviral activity against a range of viruses. We have generated the first annotated reference transcriptome for the Androctonus amoreuxi venom gland and used high performance liquid chromatography, transcriptome mining, circular dichroism and mass spectrometric analysis to purify and characterize twelve previously undescribed venom peptides. Selected peptides were tested for binding to the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and inhibition of the spike RBD - human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) interaction using surface plasmon resonance-based assays. Seven peptides showed dose-dependent inhibitory effects, albeit with IC50 in the high micromolar range (117-1202 µM). The most active peptide was synthesized using solid phase peptide synthesis and tested for its antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 (Lineage B.1.1.7). On exposure to the synthetic peptide of a human lung cell line infected with replication-competent SARS-CoV-2, we observed an IC50 of 200 nM, which was nearly 600-fold lower than that observed in the RBD - hACE2 binding inhibition assay. Our results show that scorpion venom peptides can inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 replication although unlikely through inhibition of spike RBD - hACE2 interaction as the primary mode of action. Scorpion venom peptides represent excellent scaffolds for design of novel anti-SARS-CoV-2 constrained peptides. Future studies should fully explore their antiviral mode of action as well as the structural dynamics of inhibition of target virus-host interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Ghazal
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK; Department of Chemistry, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, UK
| | - David Clarke
- School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FJ, UK
| | | | - Antonio Ribeiro
- Centre for Genome-Enabled Biology and Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3RY, UK
| | - Elaina Collie-Duguid
- Centre for Genome-Enabled Biology and Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3RY, UK
| | - Craig Pattinson
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Kate Burgoyne
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Taj Muhammad
- Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Biomedical Centre, Box 591 SE-75124 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sanad Alfadhel
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Zeynab Heidari
- Centre for Genome-Enabled Biology and Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3RY, UK
| | - Reham Samir
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Mariam M Gerges
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Istifanus Nkene
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Rosa A Colamarino
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Karolin Hijazi
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Wael E Houssen
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK; Department of Chemistry, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Yan H, Zhang R, Yan G, Liu X, Li N, Chen Y. Validation of baicalein and oridonin as nonspecific SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitors. Phytother Res 2024; 38:1161-1164. [PMID: 37042347 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Haohao Yan
- Institute for Drug Screening and Evaluation, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241002, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Institute for Drug Screening and Evaluation, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241002, China
| | - Gangan Yan
- Institute for Drug Screening and Evaluation, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241002, China
| | - Xiaoping Liu
- Institute for Drug Screening and Evaluation, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241002, China
| | - Ni Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Yunyu Chen
- Institute for Drug Screening and Evaluation, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241002, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bege M, Borbás A. The Design, Synthesis and Mechanism of Action of Paxlovid, a Protease Inhibitor Drug Combination for the Treatment of COVID-19. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:217. [PMID: 38399271 PMCID: PMC10891713 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16020217] [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: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has presented an enormous challenge to health care systems and medicine. As a result of global research efforts aimed at preventing and effectively treating SARS-CoV-2 infection, vaccines with fundamentally new mechanisms of action and some small-molecule antiviral drugs targeting key proteins in the viral cycle have been developed. The most effective small-molecule drug approved to date for the treatment of COVID-19 is PaxlovidTM, which is a combination of two protease inhibitors, nirmatrelvir and ritonavir. Nirmatrelvir is a reversible covalent peptidomimetic inhibitor of the main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2, which enzyme plays a crucial role in viral reproduction. In this combination, ritonavir serves as a pharmacokinetic enhancer, it irreversibly inhibits the cytochrome CYP3A4 enzyme responsible for the rapid metabolism of nirmatrelvir, thereby increasing the half-life and bioavailability of nirmatrelvir. In this tutorial review, we summarize the development and pharmaceutical chemistry aspects of Paxlovid, covering the evolution of protease inhibitors, the warhead design, synthesis and the mechanism of action of nirmatrelvir, as well as the synthesis of ritonavir and its CYP3A4 inhibition mechanism. The efficacy of Paxlovid to novel virus mutants is also overviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miklós Bege
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
- HUN-REN-DE Molecular Recognition and Interaction Research Group, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- Institute of Healthcare Industry, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt 98, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Anikó Borbás
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
- HUN-REN-DE Molecular Recognition and Interaction Research Group, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- National Laboratory of Virology, University of Pécs, Ifjúság útja 20, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Li P, Huang L, Han R, Tang M, Fei G, Zeng D, Wang R. Safety and efficacy of Paxlovid in the treatment of adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 during the omicron epidemic: a multicentre study from China. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38300126 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2024.2309998] [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: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since December 2022, the Omicron variant has led to a widespread pandemic in China. The study was to explore the safety and effectiveness of Paxlovid for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We included patients at risk of developing severe COVID-19, all of whom exhibited mild to moderate symptoms and were admitted to three hospital centers. Patients were divided into two groups: one received Paxlovid alongside standard care, while the other was given only standard care. We compared clinical characteristics, hospital stay duration, and clinical outcomes between two groups. Multi-factor analysis determined the independent risk factors influencing the duration of hospitalization and disease progression. RESULTS In the study, those treated with Paxlovid shorter hospital stays than those in the control group (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis indicated that the absence of Paxlovid treatment was a distinct risk factor for hospitalizations lasting over 7 days (OR: 4.983, 95% CI: 3.828-6.486, p < 0.001) and 14 days (OR: 2.940, 95% CI: 2.402-3.597, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Amid the Omicron outbreak, Paxlovid has proven to be a safe and effective treatment for reducing hospitalization durations for patients with mild to moderate COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pulin Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ling Huang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Hefei Second People's Hospital, Hefei, China
| | - Rui Han
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Min Tang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Guanghe Fei
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Daxiong Zeng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Dushu Lake Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Medical Center of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ran Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Janin YL. On the origins of SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitors. RSC Med Chem 2024; 15:81-118. [PMID: 38283212 PMCID: PMC10809347 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00493g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
In order to address the world-wide health challenge caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the 3CL protease/SARS-CoV-2 main protease (SARS-CoV-2-Mpro) coded by its nsp5 gene became one of the biochemical targets for the design of antiviral drugs. In less than 3 years of research, 4 inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2-Mpro have actually been authorized for COVID-19 treatment (nirmatrelvir, ensitrelvir, leritrelvir and simnotrelvir) and more such as EDP-235, FB-2001 and STI-1558/Olgotrelvir or five undisclosed compounds (CDI-988, ASC11, ALG-097558, QLS1128 and H-10517) are undergoing clinical trials. This review is an attempt to picture this quite unprecedented medicinal chemistry feat and provide insights on how these cysteine protease inhibitors were discovered. Since many series of covalent SARS-CoV-2-Mpro inhibitors owe some of their origins to previous work on other proteases, we first provided a description of various inhibitors of cysteine-bearing human caspase-1 or cathepsin K, as well as inhibitors of serine proteases such as human dipeptidyl peptidase-4 or the hepatitis C protein complex NS3/4A. This is then followed by a description of the results of the approaches adopted (repurposing, structure-based and high throughput screening) to discover coronavirus main protease inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yves L Janin
- Structure et Instabilité des Génomes (StrInG), Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, INSERM, CNRS, Alliance Sorbonne Université 75005 Paris France
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Tian L, Qiang T, Yang X, Gao Y, Zhai X, Kang K, Du C, Lu Q, Gao H, Zhang D, Xie X, Liang C. Development of de-novo coronavirus 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CL pro) inhibitors since COVID-19 outbreak: A strategy to tackle challenges of persistent virus infection. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 264:115979. [PMID: 38048696 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115979] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Although no longer a public health emergency of international concern, COVID-19 remains a persistent and critical health concern. The development of effective antiviral drugs could serve as the ultimate piece of the puzzle to curbing this global crisis. 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro), with its substrate specificity mirroring that of the main picornavirus 3C protease and conserved across various coronaviruses, emerges as an ideal candidate for broad-spectrum antiviral drug development. Moreover, it holds the potential as a reliable contingency option to combat emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. In this light, the approved drugs, promising candidates, and de-novo small molecule therapeutics targeting 3CLpro since the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 are discussed. Emphasizing the significance of diverse structural characteristics in inhibitors, be they peptidomimetic or nonpeptidic, with a shared mission to minimize the risk of cross-resistance. Moreover, the authors propose an innovative optimization strategy for 3CLpro reversible covalent PROTACs, optimizing pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics to better prepare for potential future viral outbreaks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Tian
- College of Bioresources Chemical and Materials Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China; Key Laboratory for Antiviral and Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria Research of Xi'an, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China
| | - Taotao Qiang
- College of Bioresources Chemical and Materials Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China.
| | - Xiuding Yang
- Key Laboratory for Antiviral and Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria Research of Xi'an, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China; School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China
| | - Yue Gao
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR China
| | - Xiaopei Zhai
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, PR China
| | - Kairui Kang
- Key Laboratory for Antiviral and Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria Research of Xi'an, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China; School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China
| | - Cong Du
- Key Laboratory for Antiviral and Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria Research of Xi'an, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China; School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China
| | - Qi Lu
- Key Laboratory for Antiviral and Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria Research of Xi'an, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China; School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China
| | - Hong Gao
- Key Laboratory for Antiviral and Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria Research of Xi'an, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China; Shaanxi Pioneer Biotech Co., Ltd., Xi'an, 710021, PR China
| | - Dezhu Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Antiviral and Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria Research of Xi'an, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China; Shaanxi Panlong Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Xi'an, 710025, PR China
| | - Xiaolin Xie
- Shaanxi Panlong Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Xi'an, 710025, PR China
| | - Chengyuan Liang
- Key Laboratory for Antiviral and Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria Research of Xi'an, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China; School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Jadhav P, Huang B, Osipiuk J, Zhang X, Tan H, Tesar C, Endres M, Jedrzejczak R, Tan B, Deng X, Joachimiak A, Cai J, Wang J. Structure-based design of SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 264:116011. [PMID: 38065031 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116011] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is caused by SARS-CoV-2, an RNA virus with high transmissibility and mutation rate. Given the paucity of orally bioavailable antiviral drugs to combat SARS-CoV-2 infection, there is a critical need for additional antivirals with alternative mechanisms of action. Papain-like protease (PLpro) is one of the two SARS-CoV-2 encoded viral cysteine proteases essential for viral replication. PLpro cleaves at three sites of the viral polyproteins. In addition, PLpro antagonizes the host immune response upon viral infection by cleaving ISG15 and ubiquitin from host proteins. Therefore, PLpro is a validated antiviral drug target. In this study, we report the X-ray crystal structures of papain-like protease (PLpro) with two potent inhibitors, Jun9722 and Jun9843. Subsequently, we designed and synthesized several series of analogs to explore the structure-activity relationship, which led to the discovery of PLpro inhibitors with potent enzymatic inhibitory activity and antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2. Together, the lead compounds are promising drug candidates for further development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prakash Jadhav
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Bo Huang
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33620, USA
| | - Jerzy Osipiuk
- Structural Biology Center, X-ray Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL, 60439, USA
| | - Xiaoming Zhang
- Department Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Haozhou Tan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Christine Tesar
- Structural Biology Center, X-ray Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL, 60439, USA; Center for Structural Biology of Infectious Diseases, Consortium for Advanced Science and Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60667, USA
| | - Michael Endres
- Structural Biology Center, X-ray Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL, 60439, USA; Center for Structural Biology of Infectious Diseases, Consortium for Advanced Science and Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60667, USA
| | - Robert Jedrzejczak
- Structural Biology Center, X-ray Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL, 60439, USA; Center for Structural Biology of Infectious Diseases, Consortium for Advanced Science and Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60667, USA
| | - Bin Tan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Xufang Deng
- Department Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA; Oklahoma Center for Respiratory and Infectious Diseases, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Andrzej Joachimiak
- Structural Biology Center, X-ray Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL, 60439, USA; Center for Structural Biology of Infectious Diseases, Consortium for Advanced Science and Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60667, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60367, USA.
| | - Jianfeng Cai
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33620, USA.
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Fuchs N, Zhang L, Calvo-Barreiro L, Kuncewicz K, Gabr M. Inhibitors of Immune Checkpoints: Small Molecule- and Peptide-Based Approaches. J Pers Med 2024; 14:68. [PMID: 38248769 PMCID: PMC10817355 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14010068] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The revolutionary progress in cancer immunotherapy, particularly the advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors, marks a significant milestone in the fight against malignancies. However, the majority of clinically employed immune checkpoint inhibitors are monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with several limitations, such as poor oral bioavailability and immune-related adverse effects (irAEs). Another major limitation is the restriction of the efficacy of mAbs to a subset of cancer patients, which triggered extensive research efforts to identify alternative approaches in targeting immune checkpoints aiming to overcome the restricted efficacy of mAbs. This comprehensive review aims to explore the cutting-edge developments in targeting immune checkpoints, focusing on both small molecule- and peptide-based approaches. By delving into drug discovery platforms, we provide insights into the diverse strategies employed to identify and optimize small molecules and peptides as inhibitors of immune checkpoints. In addition, we discuss recent advances in nanomaterials as drug carriers, providing a basis for the development of small molecule- and peptide-based platforms for cancer immunotherapy. Ongoing research focused on the discovery of small molecules and peptide-inspired agents targeting immune checkpoints paves the way for developing orally bioavailable agents as the next-generation cancer immunotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Fuchs
- Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute (MI3), Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA; (N.F.); (L.Z.); (L.C.-B.); (K.K.)
| | - Longfei Zhang
- Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute (MI3), Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA; (N.F.); (L.Z.); (L.C.-B.); (K.K.)
| | - Laura Calvo-Barreiro
- Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute (MI3), Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA; (N.F.); (L.Z.); (L.C.-B.); (K.K.)
| | - Katarzyna Kuncewicz
- Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute (MI3), Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA; (N.F.); (L.Z.); (L.C.-B.); (K.K.)
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Moustafa Gabr
- Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute (MI3), Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA; (N.F.); (L.Z.); (L.C.-B.); (K.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Trivedi A, Kardam V, Inampudi KK, Vrati S, Gupta D, Singh A, Kayampeta SR, Appaiahgari MB, Sehgal D. Identification of a novel inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 main protease: an in silico, biochemical, and cell-based approach. FEBS J 2023; 290:5496-5513. [PMID: 37657928 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16947] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
The recurrent nature of coronavirus outbreaks, severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, rapid emergence of novel variants, and concerns over the effectiveness of existing vaccines against novel variants have highlighted the need to develop therapeutic interventions. Targeted efforts to identify inhibitors of crucial viral proteins are the preferred strategy. In this study, we screened FDA-approved and natural product libraries using in silico approach for potential hits against the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) and experimentally validated their potency using in vitro biochemical and cell-based assays. Seven potential hits were identified through in silico screening and were subsequently evaluated in SARS-CoV-2-based cell-free assays, followed by testing in the HCoV-229E-based culture system. Of the tested compounds, 4-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-6,7-dihydroxy-1-isopropyl-1H-benzofuro[3,2-b]pyrazolo[4,3-e]pyridin-3(2H)-one (PubChem CID:71755304, hereafter referred to as STL522228) exhibited significant antiviral activity. Subsequently, its potential as a novel COVID therapeutic molecule was validated in the SARS-CoV-2-culture system, where STL522228 demonstrated superior antiviral activity (EC50 = 0.44 μm) compared to Remdesivir (EC50 = 0.62 μm). Based on these findings, we report the strong anti-coronavirus activity of STL522228, and propose that it as a promising pan-coronavirus Mpro inhibitor for further experimental and preclinical validation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aditya Trivedi
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vandana Kardam
- Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | | | - Sudhanshu Vrati
- Laboratory of Virology, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, India
| | - Dharmender Gupta
- Laboratory of Virology, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, India
| | - Aekagra Singh
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sarala Rani Kayampeta
- Research and Development Division, Srikara Biologicals Private Limited, Tirupati, India
| | | | - Deepak Sehgal
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Chakraborty C, Bhattacharya M, Alshammari A, Alharbi M, Albekairi TH, Zheng C. Exploring the structural and molecular interaction landscape of nirmatrelvir and Mpro complex: The study might assist in designing more potent antivirals targeting SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses. J Infect Public Health 2023; 16:1961-1970. [PMID: 37883855 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2023.09.020] [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: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several therapeutics have been developed and approved against SARS-CoV-2 occasionally; nirmatrelvir is one of them. The drug target of nirmatrelvir is Mpro, and therefore, it is necessary to comprehend the structural and molecular interaction of the Mpro-nirmatrelvir complex. METHODS Integrative bioinformatics, system biology, and statistical models were used to analyze the macromolecular complex. RESULTS Using two macromolecular complexes, the study illustrated the interactive residues, H-bonds, and interactive interfaces. It informed of six and nine H-bond formations for the first and second complex, respectively. The maximum bond length was observed as 3.33 Å. The ligand binding pocket's surface area and volume were noted as 303.485 Å2 and 295.456 Å3 for the first complex and 308.397 Å2 and 304.865 Å3 for the second complex. The structural proteome dynamics were evaluated by analyzing the complex's NMA mobility, eigenvalues, deformability, and B-factor. Conversely, a model was created to assess the therapeutic status of nirmatrelvir. CONCLUSIONS Our study reveals the structural and molecular interaction landscape of Mpro-nirmatrelvir complex. The study will guide researchers in designing more broad-spectrum antiviral molecules mimicking nirmatrelvir, which assist in fighting against SARS-CoV-2 and other infectious viruses. It will also help to prepare for future epidemics or pandemics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiranjib Chakraborty
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Adamas University, Kolkata, West Bengal 700126, India.
| | - Manojit Bhattacharya
- Department of Zoology, Fakir Mohan University, Vyasa Vihar, Balasore 756020, Odisha, India
| | - Abdulrahman Alshammari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Post Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Metab Alharbi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Post Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Thamer H Albekairi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Post Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Chunfu Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Zoonose Prevention and Control at Universities of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Medical College, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao 028000, China; Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Infection Diseases, University of Calgary, Health Research Innovation Centre, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
ElNaggar MH, Elgazar AA, Gamal G, Hamed SM, Elsayed ZM, El-Ashrey MK, Abood A, El Hassab MA, Soliman AM, El-Domany RA, Badria FA, Supuran CT, Eldehna WM. Identification of sulphonamide-tethered N-((triazol-4-yl)methyl)isatin derivatives as inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 main protease. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2023; 38:2234665. [PMID: 37434404 PMCID: PMC10405867 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2023.2234665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in the end of 2019 led to profound consequences on global health and economy. Till producing successful vaccination strategies, the healthcare sectors suffered from the lack of effective therapeutic agents that could control the spread of infection. Thus, academia and the pharmaceutical sector prioritise SARS-CoV-2 antiviral drug discovery. Here, we exploited previous reports highlighting the anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities of isatin-based molecules to develop novel triazolo-isatins for inhibiting main protease (Mpro) of the virus, a crucial enzyme for its replication in the host cells. Particularly, sulphonamide 6b showed promising inhibitory activity with an IC50= 0.249 µM. Additionally, 6b inhibited viral cell proliferation with an IC50 of 4.33 µg/ml, and was non-toxic to VERO-E6 cells (CC50 = 564.74 µg/ml) displaying a selectivity index of 130.4. In silico analysis of 6b disclosed its ability to interact with key residues in the enzyme active site, supporting the obtained in vitro findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mai H. ElNaggar
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt
| | - Abdullah A. Elgazar
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt
| | - Ghada Gamal
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt
| | - Shimaa M. Hamed
- Scientific Research and Innovation Support Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt
| | - Zainab M. Elsayed
- Scientific Research and Innovation Support Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt
| | - Mohamed K. El-Ashrey
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amira Abood
- Chemistry of Natural and microbial products, National Research center, Egypt
- Department of Bioscience, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | - Mahmoud A. El Hassab
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Salman International University (KSIU), Egypt
| | - Ahmed M. Soliman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt
| | - Ramadan A. El-Domany
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt
| | - Farid A. Badria
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Claudiu T. Supuran
- Department of NEUROFARBA, Section of Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Sciences, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Wagdy M. Eldehna
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt
- School of Biotechnology, Badr University in Cairo, Badr City, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Feral A, Martin AR, Desfoux A, Amblard M, Vezenkov LL. Covalent-reversible peptide-based protease inhibitors. Design, synthesis, and clinical success stories. Amino Acids 2023; 55:1775-1800. [PMID: 37330416 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-023-03286-1] [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: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulated human peptidases are implicated in a large variety of diseases such as cancer, hypertension, and neurodegeneration. Viral proteases for their part are crucial for the pathogens' maturation and assembly. Several decades of research were devoted to exploring these precious therapeutic targets, often addressing them with synthetic substrate-based inhibitors to elucidate their biological roles and develop medications. The rational design of peptide-based inhibitors offered a rapid pathway to obtain a variety of research tools and drug candidates. Non-covalent modifiers were historically the first choice for protease inhibition due to their reversible enzyme binding mode and thus presumably safer profile. However, in recent years, covalent-irreversible inhibitors are having a resurgence with dramatic increase of their related publications, preclinical and clinical trials, and FDA-approved drugs. Depending on the context, covalent modifiers could provide more effective and selective drug candidates, hence requiring lower doses, thereby limiting off-target effects. Additionally, such molecules seem more suitable to tackle the crucial issue of cancer and viral drug resistances. At the frontier of reversible and irreversible based inhibitors, a new drug class, the covalent-reversible peptide-based inhibitors, has emerged with the FDA approval of Bortezomib in 2003, shortly followed by 4 other listings to date. The highlight in the field is the breathtakingly fast development of the first oral COVID-19 medication, Nirmatrelvir. Covalent-reversible inhibitors can hipothetically provide the safety of the reversible modifiers combined with the high potency and specificity of their irreversible counterparts. Herein, we will present the main groups of covalent-reversible peptide-based inhibitors, focusing on their design, synthesis, and successful drug development programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Feral
- IBMM, University Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France
| | | | | | - Muriel Amblard
- IBMM, University Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Li X, Song Y. Structure and function of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 main proteases and their inhibition: A comprehensive review. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 260:115772. [PMID: 37659195 PMCID: PMC10529944 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) identified in 2003 infected ∼8000 people in 26 countries with 800 deaths, which was soon contained and eradicated by syndromic surveillance and enhanced quarantine. A closely related coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19 identified in 2019, has been dramatically more contagious and catastrophic. It has infected and caused various flu-like symptoms of billions of people in >200 countries, including >6 million people died of or with the virus. Despite the availability of several vaccines and antiviral drugs against SARS-CoV-2, finding new therapeutics is needed because of viral evolution and a possible emerging coronavirus in the future. The main protease (Mpro) of these coronaviruses plays important roles in their life cycle and is essential for the viral replication. This article represents a comprehensive review of the function, structure and inhibition of SARS-CoV and -CoV-2 Mpro, including structure-activity relationships, protein-inhibitor interactions and clinical trial status.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Yongcheng Song
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Tan B, Liu C, Li K, Jadhav P, Lambrinidis G, Zhu L, Olson L, Tan H, Wen Y, Kolocouris A, Liu W, Wang J. Structure-Based Lead Optimization of Enterovirus D68 2A Protease Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2023; 66:14544-14563. [PMID: 37857371 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) virus is a nonpolio enterovirus that typically causes respiratory illness and, in severe cases, can lead to paralysis and death in children. There is currently no vaccine or antiviral for EV-D68. We previously discovered the viral 2A protease (2Apro) as a viable antiviral drug target and identified telaprevir as a 2Apro inhibitor. 2Apro is a viral cysteine protease that cleaves the viral VP1-2A polyprotein junction. In this study, we report the X-ray crystal structures of EV-D68 2Apro, wild-type, and the C107A mutant and the structure-based lead optimization of telaprevir. Guided by the X-ray crystal structure, we predicted the binding pose of telaprevir in 2Apro using molecular dynamics simulations. We then utilized this model to inform structure-based optimization of the telaprevir's reactive warhead and P1-P4 substitutions. These efforts led to the discovery of 2Apro inhibitors with improved antiviral activity than telaprevir. These compounds represent promising lead compounds for further development as EV-D68 antivirals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bin Tan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
| | - Chang Liu
- School of Molecular Sciences and Biodesign Center for Applied Structural Discovery, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
| | - Kan Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
| | - Prakash Jadhav
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
| | - George Lambrinidis
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis-Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Lan Zhu
- Cancer Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226, United States
| | - Linda Olson
- Cancer Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226, United States
| | - Haozhou Tan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
| | - Yu Wen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
| | - Antonios Kolocouris
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis-Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Wei Liu
- Cancer Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226, United States
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Liu Y, Ma R, Fan H, Johnson BR, Briggs JM. Pharmacophore Oriented MP2 Characterization of Charge Distribution for Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Inhibitor Nirmatrelvir. J Mol Struct 2023; 1290:135871. [PMID: 37313328 PMCID: PMC10228204 DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2023.135871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Quantum mechanical second order Møller-Plesset (MP2) perturbation theory and density functional theory (DFT) Becke, 3-parameter, Lee-Yang-Parr (B3LYP) and Minnesota 2006 local functional (M06L) calculations were performed to optimize structure of nirmatrelvir and compute the Merz-Kollman electrostatic potential (MK ESP), natural population analysis (NPA), Hirshfeld, charge model 5 (CM5), and mulliken partial charges. The mulliken partial charge distribution of nirmatrelvir exhibits a poor correlation with the MK ESP charges in MP2, B3LYP, and M06L calculations respectively. The NPA, Hirshfeld, and CM5 partial charge scheme of nirmatrelvir indicate a reasonable correlation with MK ESP charge assignments in B3LYP and M06L calculations. The above correlations were not improved by the inclusion of implicit solvation model. The MK ESP and CM5 partial charges show a strong correlation between the results of MP2 and two DFT methods. The three optimized structures present a certain degree of differences from the crystal bioactive conformation of nirmatrelvir, suggesting the nirmatrelvir-enzyme complex is formed in the induced-fit model. The Reactivity of warhead electrophilic nitrile is justified by the relatively weaker strength of π bonds in the MP2 calculations. The nirmatrelvir hydrogen bond acceptors consistently show strong delocalization of lone pair electrons in three calculations, whereas hydrogen bond donors are found to have high polarization on the heavy nitrogen atoms in MP2 computations. This work helps to parametrize the force field of nirmatrelvir and improve accuracy of molecular docking and rational inhibitor design.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuemin Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005
| | - Rulong Ma
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston TX 77004
| | - Huajun Fan
- College of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University Science and Engineering, Zigong, Sichuan 643000, PR China
| | | | - James M Briggs
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston TX 77004
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Tam D, Lorenzo-Leal AC, Hernández LR, Bach H. Targeting SARS-CoV-2 Non-Structural Proteins. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13002. [PMID: 37629182 PMCID: PMC10455537 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241613002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an enveloped respiratory β coronavirus that causes coronavirus disease (COVID-19), leading to a deadly pandemic that has claimed millions of lives worldwide. Like other coronaviruses, the SARS-CoV-2 genome also codes for non-structural proteins (NSPs). These NSPs are found within open reading frame 1a (ORF1a) and open reading frame 1ab (ORF1ab) of the SARS-CoV-2 genome and encode NSP1 to NSP11 and NSP12 to NSP16, respectively. This study aimed to collect the available literature regarding NSP inhibitors. In addition, we searched the natural product database looking for similar structures. The results showed that similar structures could be tested as potential inhibitors of the NSPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Donald Tam
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (D.T.); (A.C.L.-L.)
| | - Ana C. Lorenzo-Leal
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (D.T.); (A.C.L.-L.)
| | - Luis Ricardo Hernández
- Laboratorio de Investigación Fitoquímica, Departamento de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad de las Américas Puebla, Ex Hacienda Sta. Catarina Mártir S/N, San Andrés Cholula 72810, Mexico;
| | - Horacio Bach
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (D.T.); (A.C.L.-L.)
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Jiang H, Zhou Y, Zou X, Hu X, Wang J, Zeng P, Li W, Zeng X, Zhang J, Li J. Evaluation of the Inhibition Potency of Nirmatrelvir against Main Protease Mutants of SARS-CoV-2 Variants. Biochemistry 2023; 62:2055-2064. [PMID: 37222536 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.3c00075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 continues to pose a threat to public health. Main protease (Mpro) is one of the most lucrative drug targets for developing specific antivirals against SARS-CoV-2 infection. By targeting Mpro, peptidomimetic nirmatrelvir is able to inhibit viral replication of SARS-CoV-2 and reduce the risk for progression to severe COVID-19. However, multiple mutations in the gene encoding Mpro of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants raise a concern of drug resistance. In the present study, we expressed 16 previously reported SARS-CoV-2 Mpro mutants (G15S, T25I, T45I, S46F, S46P, D48N, M49I, L50F, L89F, K90R, P132H, N142S, V186F, R188K, T190I, and A191V). We evaluated the inhibition potency of nirmatrelvir against these Mpro mutants and solved the crystal structures of representative Mpro mutants of SARS-CoV-2 bound to nirmatrelvir. Enzymatic inhibition assays revealed that these Mpro variants remain susceptible to nirmatrelvir as the wildtype. Detailed analysis and structural comparison provided the inhibition mechanism of Mpro mutants by nirmatrelvir. These results informed the ongoing genomic surveillance of drug resistance of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants to nirmatrelvir and facilitate the development of next-generation anticoronavirus drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haihai Jiang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Yanru Zhou
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Xiaofang Zou
- Shenzhen Crystalo Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Shenzhen 518118, China
- Jiangxi Jmerry Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Xiaohui Hu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Shenzhen Crystalo Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Shenzhen 518118, China
| | - Pei Zeng
- Shenzhen Crystalo Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Shenzhen 518118, China
| | - Wenwen Li
- Shenzhen Crystalo Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Shenzhen 518118, China
| | - Xiangyi Zeng
- Shenzhen Crystalo Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Shenzhen 518118, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Jian Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Navitha Reddy G, Jogvanshi A, Naikwadi S, Sonti R. Nirmatrelvir and ritonavir combination: an antiviral therapy for COVID-19. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2023; 21:943-955. [PMID: 37525997 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2023.2241638] [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: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The emergence of the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern in late November 2021 presaged yet another stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. Paxlovid, a co-packaged dosage form of two antiviral drugs (nirmatrelvir and ritonavir) developed by Pfizer, received its first FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) and conditional marketing by European Medical Agency in patients at high risk of developing severe COVID-19. AREAS COVERED We reviewed the timeline of the drug nirmatrelvir from its discovery to authorization by FDA. After 1 year of its authorization, numerous studies and reports on paxlovid's use and post-use consequences are available. This review summarizes the complete journey of paxlovid from its development, preclinical studies, clinical trials, regulatory approvals, ongoing clinical trials, and safety measures, followed by discussions on recent updates on drug-drug interactions, adverse effects, and relapse of COVID-19. EXPERT OPINION Paxlovid, a new oral antiviral therapy for COVID-19, has shown promising results in clinical trials and has the potential to be effective against the pandemic, particularly for individuals at high risk of severe illness. Comorbidity usage and pharmacovigilance will play a significant stake in the future of paxlovid development. Second-generation Mpro inhibitors play an important role in the upcoming problems associated with COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gangireddy Navitha Reddy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Akanksha Jogvanshi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Sana Naikwadi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Rajesh Sonti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Thijssen V, Hurdiss DL, Debski-Antoniak OJ, Spence MA, Franck C, Norman A, Aggarwal A, Mokiem NJ, van Dongen DAA, Vermeir SW, Liu M, Li W, Chatziandreou M, Donselaar T, Du W, Drulyte I, Bosch BJ, Snijder J, Turville SG, Payne RJ, Jackson CJ, van Kuppeveld FJM, Jongkees SAK. A broad-spectrum macrocyclic peptide inhibitor of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2303292120. [PMID: 37339194 PMCID: PMC10293842 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2303292120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has had great societal and health consequences. Despite the availability of vaccines, infection rates remain high due to immune evasive Omicron sublineages. Broad-spectrum antivirals are needed to safeguard against emerging variants and future pandemics. We used messenger RNA (mRNA) display under a reprogrammed genetic code to find a spike-targeting macrocyclic peptide that inhibits SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) Wuhan strain infection and pseudoviruses containing spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2 variants or related sarbecoviruses. Structural and bioinformatic analyses reveal a conserved binding pocket between the receptor-binding domain, N-terminal domain, and S2 region, distal to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor-interaction site. Our data reveal a hitherto unexplored site of vulnerability in sarbecoviruses that peptides and potentially other drug-like molecules can target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vito Thijssen
- Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht3584CG, the Netherlands
- Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam1081HV, the Netherlands
| | - Daniel L. Hurdiss
- Section Virology, Division Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht3584CL, the Netherlands
| | - Oliver J. Debski-Antoniak
- Section Virology, Division Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht3584CL, the Netherlands
| | - Matthew A. Spence
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, CanberraACT2601, Australia
| | - Charlotte Franck
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, SydneyNSW2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, SydneyNSW2006, Australia
| | - Alexander Norman
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, SydneyNSW2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, SydneyNSW2006, Australia
| | | | - Nadia J. Mokiem
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht3584CH, the Netherlands
| | - David A. A. van Dongen
- Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht3584CG, the Netherlands
- Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam1081HV, the Netherlands
| | - Stein W. Vermeir
- Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht3584CG, the Netherlands
- Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam1081HV, the Netherlands
| | - Minglong Liu
- Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht3584CG, the Netherlands
- Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam1081HV, the Netherlands
| | - Wentao Li
- Section Virology, Division Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht3584CL, the Netherlands
| | - Marianthi Chatziandreou
- Section Virology, Division Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht3584CL, the Netherlands
| | - Tim Donselaar
- Section Virology, Division Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht3584CL, the Netherlands
| | - Wenjuan Du
- Section Virology, Division Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht3584CL, the Netherlands
| | - Ieva Drulyte
- Thermo Fisher Scientific, Materials and Structural Analysis, Eindhoven5651GG, the Netherlands
| | - Berend-Jan Bosch
- Section Virology, Division Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht3584CL, the Netherlands
| | - Joost Snijder
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht3584CH, the Netherlands
| | | | - Richard J. Payne
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, SydneyNSW2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, SydneyNSW2006, Australia
| | - Colin J. Jackson
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, CanberraACT2601, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Australian National University, CanberraACT2601, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Synthetic Biology, Australian National University, CanberraACT2601, Australia
| | - Frank J. M. van Kuppeveld
- Section Virology, Division Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht3584CL, the Netherlands
| | - Seino A. K. Jongkees
- Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht3584CG, the Netherlands
- Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam1081HV, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Ullah I, Escudie F, Scandale I, Gilani Z, Gendron-Lepage G, Gaudette F, Mowbray C, Fraisse L, Bazin R, Finzi A, Mothes W, Kumar P, Chatelain E, Uchil PD. Combinatorial Regimens Augment Drug Monotherapy for SARS-CoV-2 Clearance in Mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.31.543159. [PMID: 37398307 PMCID: PMC10312581 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.31.543159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Direct acting antivirals (DAAs) represent critical tools for combating SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) that evolve to escape spike-based immunity and future coronaviruses with pandemic potential. Here, we used bioluminescence imaging to evaluate therapeutic efficacy of DAAs that target SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (favipiravir, molnupiravir) or Main protease (nirmatrelvir) against Delta or Omicron VOCs in K18-hACE2 mice. Nirmatrelvir displayed the best efficacy followed by molnupiravir and favipiravir in suppressing viral loads in the lung. Unlike neutralizing antibody treatment, DAA monotherapy did not eliminate SARS-CoV-2 in mice. However, targeting two viral enzymes by combining molnupiravir with nirmatrelvir resulted in superior efficacy and virus clearance. Furthermore, combining molnupiravir with Caspase-1/4 inhibitor mitigated inflammation and lung pathology whereas combining molnupiravir with COVID-19 convalescent plasma yielded rapid virus clearance and 100% survival. Thus, our study provides insights into treatment efficacies of DAAs and other effective combinations to bolster COVID-19 therapeutic arsenal.
Collapse
|
27
|
Tan H, Hu Y, Wang J. FlipGFP protease assay for evaluating in vitro inhibitory activity against SARS-CoV-2 M pro and PL pro. STAR Protoc 2023; 4:102323. [PMID: 37329507 PMCID: PMC10156985 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023] Open
Abstract
FlipGFP assay characterizes the intracellular drug target engagement to Mpro and PLpro and can be performed in the biosafety level 1/2 settings. Here, we provide the detailed protocol for the cell-based FlipGFP assay to identify and characterize SARS-CoV-2 Mpro and PLpro inhibitors. We describe steps for cell passage and seeding, transfection, addition of compounds, and their incubation and timing. We then detail the quantification of the fluorescence signal of the assay For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Ma et al.1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haozhou Tan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Yanmei Hu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Schaefer D, Cheng X. Recent Advances in Covalent Drug Discovery. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16050663. [PMID: 37242447 DOI: 10.3390/ph16050663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In spite of the increasing number of biologics license applications, the development of covalent inhibitors is still a growing field within drug discovery. The successful approval of some covalent protein kinase inhibitors, such as ibrutinib (BTK covalent inhibitor) and dacomitinib (EGFR covalent inhibitor), and the very recent discovery of covalent inhibitors for viral proteases, such as boceprevir, narlaprevir, and nirmatrelvir, represent a new milestone in covalent drug development. Generally, the formation of covalent bonds that target proteins can offer drugs diverse advantages in terms of target selectivity, drug resistance, and administration concentration. The most important factor for covalent inhibitors is the electrophile (warhead), which dictates selectivity, reactivity, and the type of protein binding (i.e., reversible or irreversible) and can be modified/optimized through rational designs. Furthermore, covalent inhibitors are becoming more and more common in proteolysis, targeting chimeras (PROTACs) for degrading proteins, including those that are currently considered to be 'undruggable'. The aim of this review is to highlight the current state of covalent inhibitor development, including a short historical overview and some examples of applications of PROTAC technologies and treatment of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Schaefer
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Chemical Biology, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 15. R. 3.652, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Xinlai Cheng
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Chemical Biology, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 15. R. 3.652, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Wang J, Shahed-Ai-Mahmud M, Chen A, Li K, Tan H, Joyce R. An Overview of Antivirals against Monkeypox Virus and Other Orthopoxviruses. J Med Chem 2023; 66:4468-4490. [PMID: 36961984 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2023]
Abstract
The current monkeypox outbreaks during the COVID-19 pandemic have reignited interest in orthopoxvirus antivirals. Monkeypox belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus of the Poxviridae family, which also includes the variola virus, vaccinia virus, and cowpox virus. Two orally bioavailable drugs, tecovirimat and brincidofovir, have been approved for treating smallpox infections. Given their human safety profiles and in vivo antiviral efficacy in animal models, both drugs have also been recommended to treat monkeypox infection. To facilitate the development of additional orthopoxvirus antivirals, we summarize the antiviral activity, mechanism of action, and mechanism of resistance of orthopoxvirus antivirals. This perspective covers both direct-acting and host-targeting antivirals with an emphasis on drug candidates showing in vivo antiviral efficacy in animal models. We hope to speed the orthopoxvirus antiviral drug discovery by providing medicinal chemists with insights into prioritizing proper drug targets and hits for further development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
| | - Md Shahed-Ai-Mahmud
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
| | - Angelo Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
| | - Kan Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
| | - Haozhou Tan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
| | - Ryan Joyce
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Jia ZJ, Lan XW, Lu K, Meng X, Jing WJ, Jia SR, Zhao K, Dai YJ. Synthesis, molecular docking, and binding Gibbs free energy calculation of β-nitrostyrene derivatives: Potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease. J Mol Struct 2023; 1284:135409. [PMID: 36993878 PMCID: PMC10033154 DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2023.135409] [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: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
The outbreak of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), has had a significant impact on human health and the economic development. SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease (3CLpro) is highly conserved and plays a key role in mediating the transcription of virus replication. It is an ideal target for the design and screening of anti-coronavirus drugs. In this work, seven β-nitrostyrene derivatives were synthesized by Henry reaction and β-dehydration reaction, and their inhibitory effects on SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease were identified by enzyme activity inhibition assay in vitro. Among them, 4-nitro-β-nitrostyrene (compound a) showed the lowest IC50 values of 0.7297 μM. To investigate the key groups that determine the activity of β-nitrostyrene derivatives and their interaction mode with the receptor, the molecular docking using the CDOCKER protocol in Discovery Studio 2016 was performed. The results showed that the hydrogen bonds between β-NO2 and receptor GLY-143 and the π-π stacking between the aryl ring of the ligand and the imidazole ring of receptor HIS-41 significantly contributed to the ligand activity. Furthermore, the ligand-receptor absolute binding Gibbs free energies were calculated using the Binding Affinity Tool (BAT.py) to verify its correlation with the activity of β-nitrostyrene 3CLpro inhibitors as a scoring function. The higher correlation(r2=0.6) indicates that the absolute binding Gibbs free energy based on molecular dynamics can be used to predict the activity of new β-nitrostyrene 3CLpro inhibitors. These results provide valuable insights for the functional group-based design, structure optimization and the discovery of high accuracy activity prediction means of anti-COVID-19 lead compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ze-Jun Jia
- College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, 300457, PR China
| | - Xiao-Wei Lan
- College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, 300457, PR China
| | - Kui Lu
- College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, 300457, PR China
| | - Xuan Meng
- College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, 300457, PR China
| | - Wen-Jie Jing
- College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, 300457, PR China
| | - Shi-Ru Jia
- College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, 300457, PR China
| | - Kai Zhao
- Hebei Kaisheng Medical Technology Co. LTD, No.319 of Xiangjiang Road, High-tech Zone, Shijiazhuang 050000, PR China
- Jiangxi Oushi Pharmaceutical Co. LTD, 1115 Saiwei Dadao, Yushui District, Xinyu 338004, PR China
| | - Yu-Jie Dai
- College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, 300457, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Anjani, Kumar S, Rathi B, Poonam. Recent updates on the biological efficacy of approved drugs and potent synthetic compounds against SARS-CoV-2. RSC Adv 2023; 13:3677-3687. [PMID: 36756584 PMCID: PMC9890797 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra06834f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), also known as COVID-19, has triggered a global pandemic that has prompted severe public health concerns. Researchers worldwide are continuously trying to find options that could be effective against COVID-19. The main focus of research during the initial phase of the pandemic was to use the already approved drugs as supportive care, and efforts were made to find new therapeutic options. Nirmatrelvir (PF-07321332), a Pfizer chemical, recently received approval for usage in conjunction with ritonavir. This mini-review summarises the biological effectiveness of vital synthetic compounds and FDA-approved medications against SARS-CoV-2. Understanding how functional groups are included in the creation of synthetic compounds could help enhance the biological activity profile of those compounds to increase their efficacy against SARS-CoV-2. This opened the way for researchers to explore opportunities to develop better therapeutics by investigating synthetic analogs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anjani
- Department of Chemistry, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural UniversityHisarHaryana-125004India
| | - Sumit Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, Miranda House, University of Delhi Delhi-110007 India
| | - Brijesh Rathi
- Laboratory for Translational Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Hansraj College, University of DelhiDelhi-110007India,Delhi School of Public Health, Institute of Eminence, University of DelhiDelhi-110007India
| | - Poonam
- Department of Chemistry, Miranda House, University of DelhiDelhi-110007India,Delhi School of Public Health, Institute of Eminence, University of DelhiDelhi-110007India
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Săndulescu O, Apostolescu CG, Preoțescu LL, Streinu-Cercel A, Săndulescu M. Therapeutic developments for SARS-CoV-2 infection-Molecular mechanisms of action of antivirals and strategies for mitigating resistance in emerging variants in clinical practice. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1132501. [PMID: 36937282 PMCID: PMC10017972 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1132501] [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: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This article systematically presents the current clinically significant therapeutic developments for the treatment of COVID-19 by providing an in-depth review of molecular mechanisms of action for SARS-CoV-2 antivirals and critically analyzing the potential targets that may allow the selection of resistant viral variants. Two main categories of agents can display antiviral activity: direct-acting antivirals, which act by inhibiting viral enzymes, and host-directed antivirals, which target host cell factors that are involved in steps of the viral life cycle. We discuss both these types of antivirals, highlighting the agents that have already been approved for treatment of COVID-19, and providing an overview of the main molecules that are currently in drug development. Direct-acting antivirals target viral enzymes that are essential in the viral life cycle. Three direct-acting antivirals are currently in use: two are nucleoside analogs that inhibit the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of SARS-CoV-2, i.e., remdesivir and molnupiravir, and the third one, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, is an inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 main protease. The potential for induction of viral resistance is discussed for each of these antivirals, along with their clinical activity on each of the SARS-CoV-2 variants and sublineages that have been dominant over the course of the pandemic, i.e., Alpha, Delta, as well as Omicron and its sublineages BA.1, BA.2, BA.5, BQ.1 and XBB. Host-directed antivirals are currently in preclinical or clinical development; these agents target host cell enzymes that are involved in facilitating viral entry, replication, or virion release. By blocking these enzymes, viral replication can theoretically be effectively stopped. As no SARS-CoV-2 host-directed antiviral has been approved so far, further research is still needed and we present the host-directed antivirals that are currently in the pipeline. Another specific type of agents that have been used in the treatment of COVID-19 are neutralizing antibodies (NAbs). Their main binding site is the spike protein, and therefore their neutralization activity is influenced by mutations occurring in this region. We discuss the main changes in neutralization activity of NAbs for the most important dominant SARS-CoV-2 variants. Close monitoring of emerging variants and sublineages is still warranted, to better understand the impact of viral mutations on the clinical efficiency of antivirals and neutralizing antibodies developed for the treatment of COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oana Săndulescu
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Prof. Dr. Matei Balș”, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cătălin Gabriel Apostolescu
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Prof. Dr. Matei Balș”, Bucharest, Romania
- *Correspondence: Cătălin Gabriel Apostolescu,
| | - Liliana Lucia Preoțescu
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Prof. Dr. Matei Balș”, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adrian Streinu-Cercel
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Prof. Dr. Matei Balș”, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihai Săndulescu
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Yan H, Zhang R, Yan G, Liu Z, Liu X, Liu X, Chen Y. Production of a versatile SARS-CoV-2 main protease biosensor based on a dimerization-dependent red fluorescent protein. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28342. [PMID: 36424728 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Haohao Yan
- Institute for Drug Screening and Evaluation, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Institute for Drug Screening and Evaluation, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Gangan Yan
- Institute for Drug Screening and Evaluation, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Zhicheng Liu
- Institute for Drug Screening and Evaluation, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Xiaoli Liu
- Institute for Drug Screening and Evaluation, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Xiaoping Liu
- Institute for Drug Screening and Evaluation, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Yunyu Chen
- Institute for Drug Screening and Evaluation, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Algar‐Lizana S, Bonache MÁ, González‐Muñiz R. SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitors: What is moving in the field of peptides and peptidomimetics? J Pept Sci 2022; 29:e3467. [PMID: 36479966 PMCID: PMC9877768 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3467] [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: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is still affecting people worldwide. Despite the good degree of immunological protection achieved through vaccination, there are still severe cases that require effective antivirals. In this sense, two specific pharmaceutical preparations have been marketed already, the RdRp polymerase inhibitor molnupiravir and the main viral protease inhibitor nirmatrelvir (commercialized as Paxlovid, a combination with ritonavir). Nirmatrelvir is a peptidomimetic acting as orally available, covalent, and reversible inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 main viral protease. The success of this compound has revitalized the search for new peptide and peptidomimetic protease inhibitors. This highlight collects some selected examples among those recently published in the field of SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
|