1
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Watts S, Hänni E, Smith GN, Mahmoudi N, Freire RVM, Lim S, Salentinig S. Human antimicrobial peptide inactivation mechanism of enveloped viruses. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 657:971-981. [PMID: 38096780 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.11.055] [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: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/02/2024]
Abstract
HYPOTHESIS Enveloped viruses are pivotal in causing various illnesses, including influenza and COVID-19. The antimicrobial peptide LL-37, a critical part of the human innate immune system, exhibits potential as an antiviral agent capable of thwarting these viral threats. Its mode of action involves versatile and non-specific interactions that culminate in dismantling the viral envelope, ultimately rendering the viruses inert. However, the exact mechanism of action is not yet understood. EXPERIMENTS Here, the mechanism of LL-37 triggered changes in the structure and function of an enveloped virus is investigated. The bacteriophage "Phi6" is used as a surrogate for pathogenic enveloped viruses. Small angle X-ray and neutron scattering combined with light scattering techniques demonstrate that LL-37 actively integrates into the virus's lipid envelope. FINDINGS LL-37 addition to Phi6 leads to curvature modification in the lipid bilayer, ultimately separating the envelope from the nucleocapsid. Additional biological assays confirm the loss of virus infectivity in the presence of LL-37, which coincides with the structural transformations. The results provide a fundamental understanding of the structure-activity relationship related to enveloped viruses. The knowledge of peptide-virus interactions can guide the design of future peptide-based antiviral drugs and therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Watts
- Department of Chemistry, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 9, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland; School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, 70 Nanyang Drive, Block N1.3, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637457, Singapore
| | - Eliane Hänni
- Department of Chemistry, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 9, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Gregory N Smith
- ISIS Neutron and Muon Souce, Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot OX11 0QX, United Kingdom
| | - Najet Mahmoudi
- ISIS Neutron and Muon Souce, Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot OX11 0QX, United Kingdom
| | - Rafael V M Freire
- Department of Chemistry, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 9, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Sierin Lim
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, 70 Nanyang Drive, Block N1.3, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637457, Singapore
| | - Stefan Salentinig
- Department of Chemistry, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 9, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland.
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2
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Loffredo MR, Nencioni L, Mangoni ML, Casciaro B. Antimicrobial peptides for novel antiviral strategies in the current post-COVID-19 pandemic. J Pept Sci 2024; 30:e3534. [PMID: 37501572 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3534] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
The recent pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has highlighted how urgent and necessary the discovery of new antiviral compounds is for novel therapeutic approaches. Among the various classes of molecules with antiviral activity, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) of innate immunity are among the most promising ones, mainly due to their different mechanisms of action against viruses and additional biological properties. In this review, the main physicochemical characteristics of AMPs are described, with particular interest toward peptides derived from amphibian skin. Living in aquatic and terrestrial environments, amphibians are one of the richest sources of AMPs with different primary and secondary structures. Besides describing the various antiviral activities of these peptides and the underlying mechanism, this review aims at emphasizing the high potential of these small molecules for the development of new antiviral agents that likely reduce the selection of resistant strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rosa Loffredo
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Nencioni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Mangoni
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Bruno Casciaro
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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3
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Anderson CA, Barrera MD, Boghdeh NA, Smith M, Alem F, Narayanan A. Brilacidin as a Broad-Spectrum Inhibitor of Enveloped, Acutely Infectious Viruses. Microorganisms 2023; 12:54. [PMID: 38257881 PMCID: PMC10819233 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12010054] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Alphaviruses, belonging to the Togaviridae family, and bunyaviruses, belonging to the Paramyxoviridae family, are globally distributed and lack FDA-approved vaccines and therapeutics. The alphaviruses Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) and eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) are known to cause severe encephalitis, whereas Sindbis virus (SINV) causes arthralgia potentially persisting for years after initial infection. The bunyavirus Rift Valley Fever virus (RVFV) can lead to blindness, liver failure, and hemorrhagic fever. Brilacidin, a small molecule that was designed de novo based on naturally occurring host defensins, was investigated for its antiviral activity against these viruses in human small airway epithelial cells (HSAECs) and African green monkey kidney cells (Veros). This testing was further expanded into a non-enveloped Echovirus, a Picornavirus, to further demonstrate brilacidin's effect on early steps of the viral infectious cycle that leads to inhibition of viral load. Brilacidin demonstrated antiviral activity against alphaviruses VEEV TC-83, VEEV TrD, SINV, EEEV, and bunyavirus RVFV. The inhibitory potential of brilacidin against the viruses tested in this study was dependent on the dosing strategy which necessitated compound addition pre- and post-infection, with addition only at the post-infection stage not eliciting a robust inhibitory response. The inhibitory activity of brilacidin was only modest in the context of the non-enveloped Picornavirus Echovirus, suggesting brilacidin may be less potent against non-enveloped viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Aarthi Narayanan
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA; (C.A.A.); (M.D.B.); (N.A.B.); (M.S.); (F.A.)
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4
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Zielke C, Nielsen JE, Lin JS, Barron AE. Between good and evil: Complexation of the human cathelicidin LL-37 with nucleic acids. Biophys J 2023:S0006-3495(23)00671-9. [PMID: 37919905 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.10.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The innate immune system provides a crucial first line of defense against invading pathogens attacking the body. As the only member of the human cathelicidin family, the antimicrobial peptide LL-37 has been shown to have antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. In complexation with nucleic acids, LL-37 is suggested to maintain its beneficial health effects while also acting as a condensation agent for the nucleic acid. Complexes formed by LL-37 and nucleic acids have been shown to be immunostimulatory with a positive impact on the human innate immune system. However, some studies also suggest that in some circumstances, LL-37/nucleic acid complexes may be a contributing factor to autoimmune disorders such as psoriasis and systemic lupus erythematosus. This review provides a comprehensive discussion of research highlighting the beneficial health effects of LL-37/nucleic acid complexes, as well as discussing observed detrimental effects. We will emphasize why it is important to investigate and elucidate structural characteristics, such as condensation patterns of nucleic acids within complexation, and their mechanisms of action, to shed light on the intricate physiological effects of LL-37 and the seemingly contradictory role of LL-37/nucleic acid complexes in the innate immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Zielke
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Schools of Medicine and of Engineering, Stanford, California
| | - Josefine Eilsø Nielsen
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Schools of Medicine and of Engineering, Stanford, California; Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Jennifer S Lin
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Schools of Medicine and of Engineering, Stanford, California
| | - Annelise E Barron
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Schools of Medicine and of Engineering, Stanford, California.
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5
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Bąk U, Krupa A. Challenges and Opportunities for Celecoxib Repurposing. Pharm Res 2023; 40:2329-2345. [PMID: 37552383 PMCID: PMC10661717 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-023-03571-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Drug repositioning, also known as drug repurposing, reprofiling, or rediscovery, is considered to be one of the most promising strategies to accelerate the development of new original drug products. Multiple examples of successful rediscovery or therapeutic switching of old molecules that did not show clinical benefits or safety in initial trials encourage the following of the discovery of new therapeutic pathways for them. This review summarizes the efforts that have been made, mostly over the last decade, to identify new therapeutic targets for celecoxib. To achieve this goal, records gathered in MEDLINE PubMed and Scopus databases along with the registry of clinical trials by the US National Library of Medicine at the U.S. National Institutes of Health were explored. Since celecoxib is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that represents the class of selective COX-2 inhibitors (coxibs), its clinical potential in metronomic cancer therapy, the treatment of mental disorders, or infectious diseases has been discussed. In the end, the perspective of a formulator, facing various challenges related to unfavorable physicochemical properties of celecoxib upon the development of new oral dosage forms, long-acting injectables, and topical formulations, including the latest trends in the pharmaceutical technology, such as the application of mesoporous carriers, biodegradable microparticles, lipid-based nanosystems, or spanlastics, was presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urszula Bąk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 9 Medyczna Street, 30-688, Cracow, Poland
| | - Anna Krupa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 9 Medyczna Street, 30-688, Cracow, Poland.
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6
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Ayusso GM, da Silva Sanches PR, Carvalho T, Santos IA, Martins DOS, Lima MLD, da Conceição PJP, Bittar C, Merits A, Cilli EM, Jardim ACG, Rahal P, Calmon MF. The Synthetic Peptide GA-Hecate and Its Analogs Inhibit Multiple Steps of the Chikungunya Virus Infection Cycle In Vitro. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1389. [PMID: 37895860 PMCID: PMC10610090 DOI: 10.3390/ph16101389] [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: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) belongs to the Alphavirus genus and is responsible for significant outbreaks worldwide. Currently, there is no approved antiviral therapy against CHIKV. Bioactive peptides have great potential for new drug development. Here, we evaluated the antiviral activity of the synthetic peptide GA-Hecate and its analogs PSSct1905 and PSSct1910 against CHIKV infection. Initial screening showed that all three peptides inhibited the CHIKV replication cycle in baby hamster kidney fibroblast cells (BHK-21) and human hepatocarcinoma epithelial cells (Huh-7). GA-Hecate and its analog PSSct1905 were the most active, demonstrating suppression of viral infection by more than 91%. The analog PSSct1905 exhibited a protective effect in cells against CHIKV infection. We also observed that the analogs PSSct1905 and PSSct1910 affected CHIKV entry into both cell lines, inhibiting viral attachment and internalization. Finally, all tested compounds presented antiviral activity on the post-entry steps of CHIKV infection in all cells evaluated. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of the peptide GA-Hecate and its analogs as novel anti-CHIKV compounds targeting different stages of the viral replication cycle, warranting the development of GA-Hecate-based compounds with broad antiviral activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Miranda Ayusso
- Institute of Biosciences, Letters and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University, São José do Rio Preto 15054-000, SP, Brazil; (G.M.A.); (T.C.); (D.O.S.M.); (M.L.D.L.); (P.J.P.d.C.); (C.B.); (A.C.G.J.); (P.R.)
| | | | - Tamara Carvalho
- Institute of Biosciences, Letters and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University, São José do Rio Preto 15054-000, SP, Brazil; (G.M.A.); (T.C.); (D.O.S.M.); (M.L.D.L.); (P.J.P.d.C.); (C.B.); (A.C.G.J.); (P.R.)
| | - Igor Andrade Santos
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia 38408-100, MG, Brazil;
| | - Daniel Oliveira Silva Martins
- Institute of Biosciences, Letters and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University, São José do Rio Preto 15054-000, SP, Brazil; (G.M.A.); (T.C.); (D.O.S.M.); (M.L.D.L.); (P.J.P.d.C.); (C.B.); (A.C.G.J.); (P.R.)
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia 38408-100, MG, Brazil;
| | - Maria Letícia Duarte Lima
- Institute of Biosciences, Letters and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University, São José do Rio Preto 15054-000, SP, Brazil; (G.M.A.); (T.C.); (D.O.S.M.); (M.L.D.L.); (P.J.P.d.C.); (C.B.); (A.C.G.J.); (P.R.)
| | - Pâmela Jóyce Previdelli da Conceição
- Institute of Biosciences, Letters and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University, São José do Rio Preto 15054-000, SP, Brazil; (G.M.A.); (T.C.); (D.O.S.M.); (M.L.D.L.); (P.J.P.d.C.); (C.B.); (A.C.G.J.); (P.R.)
| | - Cíntia Bittar
- Institute of Biosciences, Letters and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University, São José do Rio Preto 15054-000, SP, Brazil; (G.M.A.); (T.C.); (D.O.S.M.); (M.L.D.L.); (P.J.P.d.C.); (C.B.); (A.C.G.J.); (P.R.)
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Andres Merits
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, 50090 Tartu, Estonia;
| | - Eduardo Maffud Cilli
- Institute of Chemistry, São Paulo State University, Araraquara 14800-060, SP, Brazil;
| | - Ana Carolina Gomes Jardim
- Institute of Biosciences, Letters and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University, São José do Rio Preto 15054-000, SP, Brazil; (G.M.A.); (T.C.); (D.O.S.M.); (M.L.D.L.); (P.J.P.d.C.); (C.B.); (A.C.G.J.); (P.R.)
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia 38408-100, MG, Brazil;
| | - Paula Rahal
- Institute of Biosciences, Letters and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University, São José do Rio Preto 15054-000, SP, Brazil; (G.M.A.); (T.C.); (D.O.S.M.); (M.L.D.L.); (P.J.P.d.C.); (C.B.); (A.C.G.J.); (P.R.)
| | - Marilia Freitas Calmon
- Institute of Biosciences, Letters and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University, São José do Rio Preto 15054-000, SP, Brazil; (G.M.A.); (T.C.); (D.O.S.M.); (M.L.D.L.); (P.J.P.d.C.); (C.B.); (A.C.G.J.); (P.R.)
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7
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Tate P, Mastrodomenico V, Cunha C, McClure J, Barron AE, Diamond G, Mounce BC, Kirshenbaum K. Peptidomimetic Oligomers Targeting Membrane Phosphatidylserine Exhibit Broad Antiviral Activity. ACS Infect Dis 2023; 9:1508-1522. [PMID: 37530426 PMCID: PMC10425984 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00063] [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: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
The development of durable new antiviral therapies is challenging, as viruses can evolve rapidly to establish resistance and attenuate therapeutic efficacy. New compounds that selectively target conserved viral features are attractive therapeutic candidates, particularly for combating newly emergent viral threats. The innate immune system features a sustained capability to combat pathogens through production of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs); however, these AMPs have shortcomings that can preclude clinical use. The essential functional features of AMPs have been recapitulated by peptidomimetic oligomers, yielding effective antibacterial and antifungal agents. Here, we show that a family of AMP mimetics, called peptoids, exhibit direct antiviral activity against an array of enveloped viruses, including the key human pathogens Zika, Rift Valley fever, and chikungunya viruses. These data suggest that the activities of peptoids include engagement and disruption of viral membrane constituents. To investigate how these peptoids target lipid membranes, we used liposome leakage assays to measure membrane disruption. We found that liposomes containing phosphatidylserine (PS) were markedly sensitive to peptoid treatment; in contrast, liposomes formed exclusively with phosphatidylcholine (PC) showed no sensitivity. In addition, chikungunya virus containing elevated envelope PS was more susceptible to peptoid-mediated inactivation. These results indicate that peptoids mimicking the physicochemical characteristics of AMPs act through a membrane-specific mechanism, most likely through preferential interactions with PS. We provide the first evidence for the engagement of distinct viral envelope lipid constituents, establishing an avenue for specificity that may enable the development of a new family of therapeutics capable of averting the rapid development of resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick
M. Tate
- Department
of Chemistry, New York University, New York, New York 10003, United States
| | - Vincent Mastrodomenico
- Department
of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University
Chicago Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois 60130, United States
| | - Christina Cunha
- Department
of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University
Chicago Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois 60130, United States
| | | | - Annelise E. Barron
- Maxwell
Biosciences, Austin, Texas 78738, United States
- Department
of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Gill Diamond
- Department
of Oral Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville School of Dentistry, Louisville, Kentucky 40292, United States
| | - Bryan C. Mounce
- Department
of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University
Chicago Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois 60130, United States
| | - Kent Kirshenbaum
- Department
of Chemistry, New York University, New York, New York 10003, United States
- Maxwell
Biosciences, Austin, Texas 78738, United States
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8
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Urmi UL, Vijay AK, Kuppusamy R, Islam S, Willcox MDP. A Review of the Antiviral Activity of Cationic Antimicrobial Peptides. Peptides 2023; 166:171024. [PMID: 37172781 PMCID: PMC10170872 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2023.171024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Viral epidemics are occurring frequently, and the COVID-19 viral pandemic has resulted in at least 6.5 million deaths worldwide. Although antiviral therapeutics are available, these may not have sufficient effect. The emergence of resistant or novel viruses requires new therapies. Cationic antimicrobial peptides are agents of the innate immune system that may offer a promising solution to viral infections. These peptides are gaining attention as possible therapies for viral infections or for use as prophylactic agents to prevent viral spread. This narrative review examines antiviral peptides, their structural features, and mechanism of activity. A total of 156 cationic antiviral peptides were examined for information of their mechanism of action against both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. Antiviral peptides can be isolated from various natural sources or can be generated synthetically. The latter tend to be more specific and effective and can be made to have a broad spectrum of activity with minimal side effects. Their unique properties of being positively charges and amphipathic enable their main mode of action which is to target and disrupt viral lipid envelopes, thereby inhibiting viral entry and replication. This review offers a comprehensive summary of the current understanding of antiviral peptides, which could potentially aid in the design and creation of novel antiviral medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umme Laila Urmi
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Ajay Kumar Vijay
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Rajesh Kuppusamy
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Salequl Islam
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; Department of Microbiology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka-1342, Bangladesh.
| | - Mark D P Willcox
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
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9
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Yang Y, Huang C, Hui L, Song Y, Fu Y, Li M, Yang H, Wu J, Sun J, Xu W, Wei L. Cathelicidins Target HSP60 To Restrict CVB3 Transmission via Disrupting the Exosome and Reducing Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis. J Virol 2023; 97:e0143322. [PMID: 36916989 PMCID: PMC10062171 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01433-22] [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: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Cathelicidin antimicrobial peptides (mouse, CRAMP; human, LL-37) have broad-spectrum antiviral activities against enveloped viruses, but their mechanisms of action against nonenveloped viruses remain to be elucidated. Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3), a member of nonenveloped virus belonging to the Enterovirus genus of Picornaviridae, is an important pathogen of viral myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy. Here, we observed that cardiac CRAMP expression was significantly upregulated in mice after CVB3 infection. The administration of CRAMP or LL-37 markedly suppressed CVB3 infection in mice, and CRAMP deficiency increased the susceptibility of mice to CVB3. CRAMP and LL-37 inhibited CVB3 replication in primary cardiomyocytes. However, they did not inactivate CVB3 particles and did not regulate the response of cardiomyocytes against CVB3 infection. Intriguingly, they inhibited CVB3 transmission through the exosome, but not virus receptor. In detail, CRAMP and LL-37 directly induced the lysis of exosomes by interfering with exosomal heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) and then blocked the diffusion of exosomes to recipient cells and inhibited the establishment of productive infection by exosomes. In addition, the interaction of CRAMP and LL-37 with HSP60 simultaneously inhibited HSP60-induced apoptosis in cardiomyocytes and reduced HSP60-enhanced CVB3 replication. Our findings reveal a novel mechanism of cathelicidins against viral infection and provide a new therapeutic strategy for CVB3-induced viral myocarditis. IMPORTANCE The relative mechanisms that cathelicidin antimicrobial peptides use to influence nonenveloped virus infection are unclear. We show here that cathelicidin antimicrobial peptides (CRAMP and LL-37) directly target exosomal HSP60 to destroy exosomes, which in turn block the diffusion of exosomes to recipient cardiomyocytes and reduced HSP60-induced apoptosis, thus restricting coxsackievirus B3 infection. Our results provide new insights into the mechanisms cathelicidin antimicrobial peptides use against viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chunjing Huang
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Li Hui
- The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yahui Song
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuxuan Fu
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Min Li
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hailong Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Jing Wu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Jia Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lin Wei
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
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10
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Yang M, Liu S, Zhang C. Antimicrobial peptides with antiviral and anticancer properties and their modification and nanodelivery systems. CURRENT RESEARCH IN BIOTECHNOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.crbiot.2023.100121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
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11
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Carfagno A, Lin SC, Chafran L, Akhrymuk I, Callahan V, Po M, Zhu Y, Altalhi A, Durkin DP, Russo P, Vliet KA, Webb-Robertson BJ, Kehn-Hall K, Bishop B. Bioprospecting the American Alligator Peptidome for antiviral peptides against Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus. Proteomics 2023; 23:e2200237. [PMID: 36480152 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202200237] [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: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The innate immune protection provided by cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs) has been shown to extend to antiviral activity, with putative mechanisms of action including direct interaction with host cells or pathogen membranes. The lack of therapeutics available for the treatment of viruses such as Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) underscores the urgency of novel strategies for antiviral discovery. American alligator plasma has been shown to exhibit strong in vitro antibacterial activity, and functionalized hydrogel particles have been successfully employed for the identification of specific CAMPs from alligator plasma. Here, a novel bait strategy in which particles were encapsulated in membranes from either healthy or VEEV-infected cells was implemented to identify peptides preferentially targeting infected cells for subsequent evaluation of antiviral activity. Statistical analysis of peptide identification results was used to select five candidate peptides for testing, of which one exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition of VEEV and also significantly inhibited infectious titers. Results suggest our bioprospecting strategy provides a versatile platform that may be adapted for antiviral peptide identification from complex biological samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Carfagno
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, USA
| | - Shih-Chao Lin
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, USA.,National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung City, Taiwan
| | - Liana Chafran
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, USA
| | - Ivan Akhrymuk
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Victoria Callahan
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, USA
| | - Marynet Po
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, USA
| | - Yaling Zhu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, USA
| | - Amaal Altalhi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, USA
| | - David P Durkin
- Chemistry Department, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland, USA
| | - Paul Russo
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, USA
| | - Kent A Vliet
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | | | - Kylene Kehn-Hall
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA.,Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Barney Bishop
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, USA
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12
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Saini J, Kaur P, Malik N, Lakhawat SS, Sharma PK. Antimicrobial peptides: A promising tool to combat multidrug resistance in SARS CoV2 era. Microbiol Res 2022; 265:127206. [PMID: 36162150 PMCID: PMC9491010 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2022.127206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019), a life-threatening viral infection, is caused by a highly pathogenic virus named SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2). Currently, no treatment is available for COVID-19; hence there is an urgent need to find effective therapeutic drugs to combat COVID-19 pandemic. Considering the fact that the world is facing a major issue of antimicrobial drug resistance, naturally occurring compounds have the potential to achieve this goal. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are naturally occurring antimicrobial agents which are effective against a wide variety of microbial infections. Therefore, the use of AMPs is an attractive therapeutic strategy for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This review sheds light on the potential of antimicrobial peptides as antiviral agents followed by a comprehensive description of effective antiviral peptides derived from various natural sources found to be effective against SARS-CoV and other respiratory viruses. It also highlights the mechanisms of action of antiviral peptides with special emphasis on their effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasleen Saini
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab, India
| | - Pritpal Kaur
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab, India
| | - Naveen Malik
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
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13
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Antiviral Effect of hBD-3 and LL-37 during Human Primary Keratinocyte Infection with West Nile Virus. Viruses 2022; 14:v14071552. [PMID: 35891533 PMCID: PMC9319560 DOI: 10.3390/v14071552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is an emerging flavivirus transmitted through mosquito bites and responsible for a wide range of clinical manifestations. Following their inoculation within the skin, flaviviruses replicate in keratinocytes of the epidermis, inducing an innate immune response including the production of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Among them, the cathelicidin LL-37 and the human beta-defensin (hBD)-3 are known for their antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties. We assessed their role during WNV infection of human primary keratinocytes. LL-37 reduced the viral load in the supernatant of infected keratinocytes and of the titer of a viral inoculum incubated in the presence of the peptide, suggesting a direct antiviral effect of this AMP. Conversely, WNV replication was not inhibited by hBD-3. The two peptides then demonstrated immunomodulatory properties whether in the context of keratinocyte stimulation by poly(I:C) or infection by WNV, but not alone. This study demonstrates the immunostimulatory properties of these two skin AMPs at the initial site of WNV replication and the ability of LL-37 to directly inactivate West Nile viral infectious particles. The results provide new information on the multiple functions of these two peptides and underline the potential of AMPs as new antiviral strategies in the fight against flaviviral infections.
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14
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Castillo JA, Giraldo DM, Smit JM, Rodenhuis-Zybert IA, Urcuqui-Inchima S. Vitamin D-induced LL-37 modulates innate immune responses of human primary macrophages during DENV-2 infection. Pathog Dis 2022; 80:6581314. [PMID: 35512569 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftac014] [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: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemics of dengue, an acute and potentially severe disease caused by mosquito-borne dengue virus (DENV), pose a major challenge to clinicians and health care services across the sub(tropics). Severe disease onset is associated with a dysregulated inflammatory response to the virus and there are currently no drugs to alleviate disease symptoms. LL-37 is a potent antimicrobial peptide with a wide range of immunoregulatory properties. In this study, we assessed the effect of LL-37 on DENV-2-induced responses in human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs). We show that simultaneous exposure of exogenous LL-37 and DENV-2 resulted in reduced replication of the virus in MDMs, while the addition of LL-37 post-exposure to DENV-2 did not. Interestingly, the latter condition reduced the production of IL-6 and increased the expression of genes involved in virus sensing and antiviral response. Finally, we demonstrate that low endogenous levels and limited production of LL-37 in MDMs in response to DENV-2 infection can be increased by differentiating MDMs in the presence of Vitamin D (VitD3). Taken together, this study demonstrates that in addition to its antimicrobial properties, LL-37 has immunomodulatory properties in the curse of DENV infection and its production can be increased by VitD3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Andrés Castillo
- Grupo Inmunovirología. Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Calle 70 No 52-21, Medellín, Colombia.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Diana Marcela Giraldo
- Grupo Inmunovirología. Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Calle 70 No 52-21, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Jolanda M Smit
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Izabela A Rodenhuis-Zybert
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Silvio Urcuqui-Inchima
- Grupo Inmunovirología. Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Calle 70 No 52-21, Medellín, Colombia
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15
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Endogenous cathelicidin is required for protection against ZIKV-caused testis damage via inactivating virons. Antiviral Res 2022; 198:105248. [PMID: 35038500 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2022.105248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cathelicidins have been shown to effectively inhibit flavivirus replication in vitro. However, the effects of mouse and human endogenous cathelicidins on flavivirus infection in vivo are rarely known. We herein found that mouse endogenous cathelicidin CRAMP was significantly up-regulated upon Zika virus (ZIKV) infection. CRAMP deficiency markedly exacerbated ZIKV replication in testis, and aggravated ZIKV-induced testicular damage and ZIKV-induced spermatic damage in mice, indicating that endogenous cathelicidin is required for protection against ZIKV-caused male infertility in mice. In vitro antiviral assay showed that both mouse cathelidin CRAMP and human cathelicidin LL-37 obviously reduced ZIKV-caused cytopathic effect and inhibited ZIKV replication in Vero cells. Antiviral mechanism revealed that they both directly inactivated ZIKV virons by binding to ZIKV virons and inducing the leakage of ZIKV genomic RNA, consequently inactivated ZIKV virons. In vivo antiviral assay indicated that both of them effectively inhibited ZIKV replication in C57BL/6J and IFNα/β receptor-deficient (Ifnar1-/-) mice when CRAMP or LL-37 was intravenously injected in parallel with or at 1 h after intravenous injection of ZIKV, implying that mouse cathelidin CRAMP and human cathelicidin LL-37 effectively inactivated ZIKV particles and exhibited therapeutic potential against ZIKV infection in vivo. Our findings reveal that endogenous cahtelicidin CRAMP and LL-37 act as inactivators of ZIKV, and effectively protect against ZIKV replication and ZIKV-induced male infertility, highlighting their potential for therapy of ZIKV infection.
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16
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Nireeksha N, Gollapalli P, Varma SR, Hegde MN, Kumari NS. Utilizing the Potential of Antimicrobial Peptide LL-37 for Combating SARS-COV- 2 Viral Load in Saliva: an In Silico Analysis. Eur J Dent 2021; 16:478-487. [PMID: 34937110 PMCID: PMC9507610 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1739444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Limiting the spread of virus during the recent pandemic outbreak was a major challenge. Viral loads in saliva, nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs were the major cause for droplet transmission and aerosols. Saliva being the major contributor for the presence of viral load is the major key factor; various mouthwashes and their combination were analyzed and utilized in health care centers to hamper the spread of virus and decrease viral load. The compositions of these mouthwashes to an extent affected the viral load and thereby transmission, but there is always a scope for other protocols which may provide better results. Here we evaluated the potential of antimicrobial peptide LL-37 in decreasing the viral load of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) through an in silico work and evidence from other studies. This narrative review highlighted a brief nonsystematic methodology to include the selected articles for discussion. Accessible electronic databases (Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, and PubMed) were used to find studies that reported the salivary viral load of SARS-CoV-2 published between December 2019 and June 2021. The following keywords were utilized for brief searching of the databases: "saliva," "viral load," and "SARS-CoV-2." Articles in English language, in vitro cell-line studies, ex vivo studies, and clinical trials explaining the viral load of SARS-CoV-2 in saliva and strategies to decrease viral load were included in this review. The search was complemented by manual searching of the reference lists of included articles and performing a citation search for any additional reviews. The antiviral potential of cationic host defense peptide LL-37 was evaluated using computational approaches providing in silico evidence. The analysis of docking studies and the display of positive interfacial hydrophobicity of LL-37 resulting in disruption of COVID-19 viral membrane elucidate the fact that LL-37 could be effective against all variants of SARS-CoV-2. Further experimental studies would be needed to confirm the binding of the receptor-binding domain with LL-37. The possibility of using it in many forms further to decrease the viral load by disrupting the viral membrane is seen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nireeksha Nireeksha
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, AB Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, NITTE (deemed to be) University, Deralakatte, Mangaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Pavan Gollapalli
- Central Research Laboratory, K.S. Hegde Medical Academy, NITTE (deemed to be) University, Deralakatte, Mangaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Sudhir Rama Varma
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates.,Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mithra N Hegde
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, AB Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, NITTE (deemed to be) University, Deralakatte, Mangaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - N Suchetha Kumari
- Department of Biochemistry, K.S. Hegde Medical Academy, NITTE (deemed to be) University, Deralakatte, Mangaluru, Karnataka, India
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17
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Zakaryan H, Chilingaryan G, Arabyan E, Serobian A, Wang G. Natural antimicrobial peptides as a source of new antiviral agents. J Gen Virol 2021; 102. [PMID: 34554085 PMCID: PMC10026734 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Current antiviral drugs are limited because of their adverse side effects and increased rate of resistance. In recent decades, much scientific effort has been invested in the discovery of new synthetic and natural compounds with promising antiviral properties. Among this new generation of compounds, antimicrobial peptides with antiviral activity have been described and are attracting attention due to their mechanism of action and biological properties. To understand the potential of antiviral peptides (AVPs), we analyse the antiviral activity of well-known AVP families isolated from different natural sources, discuss their physical-chemical properties, and demonstrate how AVP databases can guide us to design synthetic AVPs with better therapeutic properties. All considerations in this sphere of antiviral therapy clearly demonstrate the remarkable contribution that AVPs may make in conquering old as well as newly emerging viruses that plague humanity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hovakim Zakaryan
- Laboratory of Antiviral Drug Discovery, Institute of Molecular Biology of NAS, 0014, Yerevan, Armenia
- Denovo Sciences CJSC, 0033, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Garri Chilingaryan
- Laboratory of Antiviral Drug Discovery, Institute of Molecular Biology of NAS, 0014, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Erik Arabyan
- Laboratory of Antiviral Drug Discovery, Institute of Molecular Biology of NAS, 0014, Yerevan, Armenia
| | | | - Guangshun Wang
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985900 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5900, USA
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18
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Guerrero-Arguero I, Tellez-Freitas CM, Weber KS, Berges BK, Robison RA, Pickett BE. Alphaviruses: Host pathogenesis, immune response, and vaccine & treatment updates. J Gen Virol 2021; 102. [PMID: 34435944 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Human pathogens belonging to the Alphavirus genus, in the Togaviridae family, are transmitted primarily by mosquitoes. The signs and symptoms associated with these viruses include fever and polyarthralgia, defined as joint pain and inflammation, as well as encephalitis. In the last decade, our understanding of the interactions between members of the alphavirus genus and the human host has increased due to the re-appearance of the chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in Asia and Europe, as well as its emergence in the Americas. Alphaviruses affect host immunity through cytokines and the interferon response. Understanding alphavirus interactions with both the innate immune system as well as the various cells in the adaptive immune systems is critical to developing effective therapeutics. In this review, we summarize the latest research on alphavirus-host cell interactions, underlying infection mechanisms, and possible treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israel Guerrero-Arguero
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA.,Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | | | - K Scott Weber
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Bradford K Berges
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Richard A Robison
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Brett E Pickett
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
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19
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Hollmann A, Cardoso NP, Espeche JC, Maffía PC. Review of antiviral peptides for use against zoonotic and selected non-zoonotic viruses. Peptides 2021; 142:170570. [PMID: 34000327 PMCID: PMC8120785 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2021.170570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Viruses remain one of the leading causes of animal and human disease. Some animal viral infections spread sporadically to human populations, posing a serious health risk. Particularly the emerging viral zoonotic diseases such as the novel, zoonotic coronavirus represent an actual challenge for the scientific and medical community. Besides human health risks, some animal viral infections, although still not zoonotic, represent important economic loses to the livestock industry. Viral infections pose a genuine concern for which there has been an increasing interest for new antiviral molecules. Among these novel compounds, antiviral peptides have been proposed as promising therapeutic options, not only for the growing body of evidence showing hopeful results but also due to the many adverse effects of chemical-based drugs. Here we review the current progress, key targets and considerations for the development of antiviral peptides (AVPs). The review summarizes the state of the art of the AVPs tested in zoonotic (coronaviruses, Rift Valley fever viruses, Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus, Dengue and Junín virus) and also non-zoonotic farm animal viruses (avian and cattle viruses). Their molecular target, amino acid sequence and mechanism of action are summarized and reviewed. Antiviral peptides are currently on the cutting edge since they have been reported to display anti-coronavirus activity. Particularly, the review will discuss the specific mode of action of AVPs that specifically inhibit the fusion of viral and host-cell membranes for SARS-CoV-2, showing in detail some important features of the fusion inhibiting peptides that target the spike protein of these risky viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel Hollmann
- Laboratorio de Compuestos Bioactivos, Centro de Investigaciones en Biofísica Aplicada y Alimentos (CIBAAL), CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Santiago del Estero, RN 9, Km 1125, 4206, Santiago del Estero, Argentina; Laboratorio de Microbiología Molecular, Instituto de Microbiología Básica y Aplicada, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Roque Sáenz Peña 352, B1876BXD, Bernal, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nancy P Cardoso
- Instituto de Virología e Innovaciones Tecnológicas, IVIT - Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Hurlingham, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan C Espeche
- Laboratorio de Compuestos Bioactivos, Centro de Investigaciones en Biofísica Aplicada y Alimentos (CIBAAL), CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Santiago del Estero, RN 9, Km 1125, 4206, Santiago del Estero, Argentina
| | - Paulo C Maffía
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional de Hurlingham, Av. Vergara 2222, Villa Tesei, Hurlingham, B1688GEZ, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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20
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Ghosh SK, Weinberg A. Ramping Up Antimicrobial Peptides Against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:620806. [PMID: 34235176 PMCID: PMC8255374 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.620806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Human-derived antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), such as defensins and cathelicidin LL-37, are members of the innate immune system and play a crucial role in early pulmonary defense against viruses. These AMPs achieve viral inhibition through a variety of mechanisms including, but not limited to, direct binding to virions, binding to and modulating host cell-surface receptors, blocking viral replication, and aggregation of viral particles and indirectly by functioning as chemokines to enhance or curb adaptive immune responses. Given the fact that we are in a pandemic of unprecedented severity and the urgent need for therapeutic options to combat severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), naturally expressed AMPs and their derivatives have the potential to combat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and impede viral infectivity in various ways. Provided the fact that development of effective treatments is an urgent public health priority, AMPs and their derivatives are being explored as potential prophylactic and therapeutic candidates. Additionally, cell-based platforms such as human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) therapy are showing success in saving the lives of severely ill patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. This could be partially due to AMPs released from hMSCs that also act as immunological rheostats to modulate the host inflammatory response. This review highlights the utilization of AMPs in strategies that could be implemented as novel therapeutics, either alone or in combination with other platforms, to treat CoV-2-infected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aaron Weinberg
- Department of Biological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
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21
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F Nahhas A, F Nahhas A, J Webster T. Nanoscale pathogens treated with nanomaterial-like peptides: a platform technology appropriate for future pandemics. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2021; 16:1237-1254. [PMID: 33988037 PMCID: PMC8120868 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2020-0447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral infections are historically very difficult to treat. Although imperfect and time-consuming to develop, we do have some conventional vaccine and therapeutic approaches to stop viral spreading. Most importantly, all of this takes significant time while viruses continue to wreak havoc on our healthcare system. Furthermore, viral infections are accompanied by a weakened immune system which is often overlooked in antiviral drug strategies and requires additional drug development. In this review, for the first time, we touch on some promising alternative approaches to treat viral infections, specifically those focused on the use of platform nanomaterials with antiviral peptides. In doing so, this review presents a timely discussion of how we need to change our old way of treating viruses into one that can quickly meet the demands of COVID-19, as well as future pandemic-causing viruses, which will come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa F Nahhas
- Biochemistry Department, College of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, KSA
| | - Alrayan F Nahhas
- Biochemistry Department, College of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, KSA
| | - Thomas J Webster
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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22
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Immunological Aspects of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and the Putative Beneficial Role of Vitamin-D. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22105251. [PMID: 34065735 PMCID: PMC8155889 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is still an ongoing global health crisis. Immediately after the inhalation of SARS-CoV-2 viral particles, alveolar type II epithelial cells harbor and initiate local innate immunity. These particles can infect circulating macrophages, which then present the coronavirus antigens to T cells. Subsequently, the activation and differentiation of various types of T cells, as well as uncontrollable cytokine release (also known as cytokine storms), result in tissue destruction and amplification of the immune response. Vitamin D enhances the innate immunity required for combating COVID-19 by activating toll-like receptor 2. It also enhances antimicrobial peptide synthesis, such as through the promotion of the expression and secretion of cathelicidin and β-defensin; promotes autophagy through autophagosome formation; and increases the synthesis of lysosomal degradation enzymes within macrophages. Regarding adaptive immunity, vitamin D enhances CD4+ T cells, suppresses T helper 17 cells, and promotes the production of virus-specific antibodies by activating T cell-dependent B cells. Moreover, vitamin D attenuates the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines by CD4+ T cells through nuclear factor κB signaling, thereby inhibiting the development of a cytokine storm. SARS-CoV-2 enters cells after its spike proteins are bound to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors. Vitamin D increases the bioavailability and expression of ACE2, which may be responsible for trapping and inactivating the virus. Activation of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAS) is responsible for tissue destruction, inflammation, and organ failure related to SARS-CoV-2. Vitamin D inhibits renin expression and serves as a negative RAS regulator. In conclusion, vitamin D defends the body against SARS-CoV-2 through a novel complex mechanism that operates through interactions between the activation of both innate and adaptive immunity, ACE2 expression, and inhibition of the RAS system. Multiple observation studies have shown that serum concentrations of 25 hydroxyvitamin D are inversely correlated with the incidence or severity of COVID-19. The evidence gathered thus far, generally meets Hill’s causality criteria in a biological system, although experimental verification is not sufficient. We speculated that adequate vitamin D supplementation may be essential for mitigating the progression and severity of COVID-19. Future studies are warranted to determine the dosage and effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation among different populations of individuals with COVID-19.
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23
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Ashaolu TJ, Nawaz A, Walayat N, Khalifa I. Potential "biopeptidal" therapeutics for severe respiratory syndrome coronaviruses: a review of antiviral peptides, viral mechanisms, and prospective needs. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:3457-3470. [PMID: 33876282 PMCID: PMC8054851 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11267-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Although great advances have been made on large-scale manufacturing of vaccines and antiviral-based drugs, viruses persist as the major cause of human diseases nowadays. The recent pandemic of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) mounts a lot of stress on the healthcare sector and the scientific society to search continuously for novel components with antiviral possibility. Herein, we narrated the different tactics of using biopeptides as antiviral molecules that could be used as an interesting alternative to treat COVID-19 patients. The number of peptides with antiviral effects is still low, but such peptides already displayed huge potentials to become pharmaceutically obtainable as antiviral medications. Studies showed that animal venoms, mammals, plant, and artificial sources are the main sources of antiviral peptides, when bioinformatics tools are used. This review spotlights bioactive peptides with antiviral activities against human viruses, especially the coronaviruses such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) virus, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) virus, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2 or SARS-nCOV19). We also showed the data about well-recognized peptides that are still under investigations, while presenting the most potent ones that may become medications for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tolulope Joshua Ashaolu
- Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, 550000 Vietnam
- Faculty of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, 550000 Vietnam
| | - Asad Nawaz
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology, Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education, College of Agriculture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Noman Walayat
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, College of Ocean, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ibrahim Khalifa
- Food Technology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Banha University, 13736, Moshtohor, Cairo, Egypt
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24
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Ho P, Zheng JQ, Wu CC, Hou YC, Liu WC, Lu CL, Zheng CM, Lu KC, Chao YC. Perspective Adjunctive Therapies for COVID-19: Beyond Antiviral Therapy. Int J Med Sci 2021; 18:314-324. [PMID: 33390800 PMCID: PMC7757136 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.51935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is the largest health crisis ever faced worldwide. It has resulted in great health and economic costs because no effective treatment is currently available. Since infected persons vary in presentation from healthy asymptomatic mild symptoms to those who need intensive care support and eventually succumb to the disease, this illness is considered to depend primarily on individual immunity. Demographic distribution and disease severity in several regions of the world vary; therefore, it is believed that natural inherent immunity provided through dietary sources and traditional medicines could play an important role in infection prevention and disease progression. People can boost their immunity to prevent them from infection after COVID-19 exposure and can reduce their inflammatory reactions to protect their organ deterioration in case suffering from the disease. Some drugs with in-situ immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activity are also identified as adjunctive therapy in the COVID-19 era. This review discusses the importance of COVID-19 interactions with immune cells and inflammatory cells; and further emphasizes the possible pathways related with traditional herbs, medications and nutritional products. We believe that such pathophysiological pathway approach treatment is rational and important for future development of new therapeutic agents for prevention or cure of COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Ho
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City 231, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Quan Zheng
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chao Wu
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chou Hou
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Cardinal-Tien Hospital, School of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 234, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chih Liu
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Lin Lu
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan
| | - Cai-Mei Zheng
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Shuang Ho Hospital, 235 New Taipei City, Taiwan.,Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 110 Taipei, Taiwan.,Taipei Medical University-Research Center of Urology and Kidney (TMU-RCUK), Taipei Medical University, 110 Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Cheng Lu
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City 231, Taiwan
| | - You-Chen Chao
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City 231, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 970, Taiwan
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Synthetic Host Defense Peptides Inhibit Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus Replication and the Associated Inflammatory Response. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21491. [PMID: 33293592 PMCID: PMC7722873 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77990-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), a New World alphavirus of the Togaviridae family of viruses causes periodic outbreaks of disease in humans and equines. Disease following VEEV infection manifests as a febrile illness with flu-like symptoms, which can progress to encephalitis and cause permanent neurological sequelae in a small number of cases. VEEV is classified as a category B select agent due to ease of aerosolization and high retention of infectivity in the aerosol form. Currently, there are no FDA-approved vaccines or therapeutics available to combat VEEV infection. VEEV infection in vivo is characterized by extensive systemic inflammation that can exacerbate infection by potentially increasing the susceptibility of off-site cells to infection and dissemination of the virus. Hence, a therapeutic targeting both the infection and associated inflammation represents an unmet need. We have previously demonstrated that host defense peptides (HDPs), short peptides that are key components of the innate immune response, exhibit antiviral activity against a multitude of viruses including VEEV. In this study, we designed synthetic peptides derived from indolicidin, a naturally occurring HDP, and tested their efficacy against VEEV. Two candidate synthetic peptides inhibited VEEV replication by approximately 1000-fold and decreased the expression of inflammatory mediators such as IL1α, IL1β, IFNγ, and TNFα at both the gene and protein expression levels. Furthermore, an increase in expression levels of genes involved in chemotaxis of leukocytes and anti-inflammatory genes such as IL1RN was also observed. Overall, we conclude that our synthetic peptides inhibit VEEV replication and the inflammatory burden associated with VEEV infection.
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26
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Zhang W, Lv Y, Yang J, Chen Y, He Y, Huang J. Study Design Characteristics and Pharmacological Mechanisms in International Clinical Trials Registry Platform: Registered Clinical Trials on Antiviral Drugs for COVID-19. Drug Des Devel Ther 2020; 14:3803-3813. [PMID: 32982184 PMCID: PMC7509319 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s272442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the pharmacological mechanisms of antiviral drugs against the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the study designs in clinical trials registered with the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP). METHODS Clinical trials involving antiviral drugs for treating COVID-19 were retrieved from the ICTRP database. For each trial, the study design, number of participants, primary endpoints, source register, antiviral mechanism, and results were evaluated. RESULTS On June 10, 2020, 145 eligible clinical trials were retrieved from the ICTRP, of which 99 (68.3%) were randomized trials, 109 (75.2%) were parallel assignment trials, 38 (26.2%) were double or single blinded, 130 (89.7%) involved two groups, and 75 (51.6%) included more than 100 participants; and clinical improvement or recovery and virus-negative conversion were the two most common endpoints, accounting for 40.7% and 18.6%, respectively. The drugs were divided according to the antiviral mechanism into HIV reverse transcriptase inhibitors, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase inhibitors, HIV protease inhibitors (PIs), hepatitis C virus NS3 PIs, and anti-influenza drugs. CONCLUSION The design characteristics of clinical trials of antiviral drugs for treating COVID-19 as well as the mechanism of action and antiviral efficacy of the drugs were evaluated in this study. The results of these trials could constitute a reference for future clinical trials to be executed on COVID-19 treatment and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weilong Zhang
- Center for Drug Clinical Research, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai201203, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yinghua Lv
- Center for Drug Clinical Research, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai201203, People’s Republic of China
| | - Juan Yang
- Center for Drug Clinical Research, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai201203, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yunhui Chen
- College of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu610075, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yingchun He
- Center for Drug Clinical Research, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai201203, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jihan Huang
- Center for Drug Clinical Research, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai201203, People’s Republic of China
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27
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Pahar B, Madonna S, Das A, Albanesi C, Girolomoni G. Immunomodulatory Role of the Antimicrobial LL-37 Peptide in Autoimmune Diseases and Viral Infections. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:E517. [PMID: 32927756 PMCID: PMC7565865 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8030517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are produced by neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophages, as well as epithelial cells, and are an essential component of innate immunity system against infection, including several viral infections. AMPs, in particular the cathelicidin LL-37, also exert numerous immunomodulatory activities by inducing cytokine production and attracting and regulating the activity of immune cells. AMPs are scarcely expressed in normal skin, but their expression increases when skin is injured by external factors, such as trauma, inflammation, or infection. LL-37 complexed to self-DNA acts as autoantigen in psoriasis and lupus erythematosus (LE), where it also induces production of interferon by plasmocytoid dendritic cells and thus initiates a cascade of autocrine and paracrine processes, leading to a disease state. In these disorders, epidermal keratinocytes express high amounts of AMPs, which can lead to uncontrolled inflammation. Similarly, LL-37 had several favorable and unfavorable roles in virus replication and disease pathogenesis. Targeting the antiviral and immunomodulatory functions of LL-37 opens a new approach to limit virus dissemination and the progression of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bapi Pahar
- Division of Comparative Pathology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA 70433, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
| | - Stefania Madonna
- IDI-IRCCS, Dermopathic Institute of the Immaculate IDI, 00167 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (C.A.)
| | - Arpita Das
- Division of Microbiology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA 70433, USA;
| | - Cristina Albanesi
- IDI-IRCCS, Dermopathic Institute of the Immaculate IDI, 00167 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (C.A.)
| | - Giampiero Girolomoni
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy;
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28
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Chessa C, Bodet C, Jousselin C, Wehbe M, Lévêque N, Garcia M. Antiviral and Immunomodulatory Properties of Antimicrobial Peptides Produced by Human Keratinocytes. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1155. [PMID: 32582097 PMCID: PMC7283518 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Keratinocytes, the main cells of the epidermis, are the first site of replication as well as the first line of defense against many viruses such as arboviruses, enteroviruses, herpes viruses, human papillomaviruses, or vaccinia virus. During viral replication, these cells can sense virus associated molecular patterns leading to the initiation of an innate immune response composed of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and antimicrobial peptides. Human keratinocytes produce and secrete at least nine antimicrobial peptides: human cathelicidin LL-37, types 1–4 human β-defensins, S100 peptides such as psoriasin (S100A7), calprotectin (S100A8/9) and koebnerisin (S100A15), and RNase 7. These peptides can exert direct antiviral effects on the viral particle or its replication cycle, and indirect antiviral activity, by modulating the host immune response. The purpose of this review is to summarize current knowledge of antiviral and immunomodulatory properties of human keratinocyte antimicrobial peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Chessa
- Laboratoire de Virologie et Mycobactériologie, CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France.,Laboratoire Inflammation, Tissus Epithéliaux et Cytokines, LITEC EA 4331, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Charles Bodet
- Laboratoire Inflammation, Tissus Epithéliaux et Cytokines, LITEC EA 4331, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Clément Jousselin
- Laboratoire de Virologie et Mycobactériologie, CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France.,Laboratoire Inflammation, Tissus Epithéliaux et Cytokines, LITEC EA 4331, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Michel Wehbe
- Laboratoire Inflammation, Tissus Epithéliaux et Cytokines, LITEC EA 4331, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Nicolas Lévêque
- Laboratoire de Virologie et Mycobactériologie, CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France.,Laboratoire Inflammation, Tissus Epithéliaux et Cytokines, LITEC EA 4331, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Magali Garcia
- Laboratoire de Virologie et Mycobactériologie, CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France.,Laboratoire Inflammation, Tissus Epithéliaux et Cytokines, LITEC EA 4331, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
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29
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Crane-Godreau MA, Clem KJ, Payne P, Fiering S. Vitamin D Deficiency and Air Pollution Exacerbate COVID-19 Through Suppression of Antiviral Peptide LL37. Front Public Health 2020; 8:232. [PMID: 32671009 PMCID: PMC7326088 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.00232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency (VDD) are widely recognized as risk factors for respiratory tract infections. Vitamin D influences expression of many genes with well-established relevance to airway infections and relevant to immune system function. Recently, VDD has been shown to be a risk factor for acquisition and severity of COVID-19. Thus, treating VDD presents a safe and inexpensive opportunity for modulating the severity of the disease. VDD is common in those over 60 years of age, many with co-morbid conditions and in people with skin pigmentation sufficient to reduce synthesis of vitamin D. Exposure to fine particulate air pollution is also associated with worse outcomes from COVID19. Vitamin D stimulates transcription of cathelicidin which is cleaved to generate LL37. LL37 is an innate antimicrobial with demonstrated activity against a wide range of microbes including envelope viruses. LL37 also modulates cytokine signaling at the site of infections. Fine particles in air pollution can interfere with LL37 destruction of viruses and may reduce effective immune signaling modulation by LL37. While vitamin D influences transcription of many immune related genes, the weakened antimicrobial response of those with VDD against SARS-CoV-2 may be in part due to reduced LL37. Conclusion: Vitamin D plays an important role reducing the impact of viral lung disease processes. VDD is an acknowledged public health threat that warrants population-wide action to reduce COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. While vitamin D influences transcription of many immune related genes, the weakened antimicrobial response of those with VDD against SARS-CoV-2 may be in part due to reduced LL37. Action is needed to address COVID-19 associated risks of air pollution from industry, transportation, domestic sources and from primary and second hand tobacco smoke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mardi A. Crane-Godreau
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, United States
- Bodymind Science, LLC, Arlington, VT, United States
| | - Kathleen J. Clem
- Department of Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, United States
| | - Peter Payne
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, United States
- Bodymind Science, LLC, Arlington, VT, United States
| | - Steven Fiering
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, United States
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30
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Agarwal G, Gabrani R. Antiviral Peptides: Identification and Validation. Int J Pept Res Ther 2020; 27:149-168. [PMID: 32427225 PMCID: PMC7233194 DOI: 10.1007/s10989-020-10072-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Despite rapid advances in the human healthcare, the infection caused by certain viruses results in high morbidity and mortality accentuate the importance for development of new antivirals. The existing antiviral drugs are limited, due to their inadequate response, increased rate of resistance and several adverse side effects. Therefore, one of the newly emerging field “peptide-based therapeutics” against viruses is being explored and seems promising. Over the last few years, a lot of scientific effort has been made for the identification of novel and potential peptide-based therapeutics using various advanced technologies. Consequently, there are more than 60 approved peptide drugs available for sale in the market of United States, Europe, Japan, and some Asian countries. Moreover, the number of peptide drugs undergoing the clinical trials is rising gradually year by year. The peptide-based antiviral therapeutics have been approved for the Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Influenza virus and Hepatitis virus (B and C). This review enlightens the various peptide sources and the different approaches that have contributed to the search of potential antiviral peptides. These include computational approaches, natural and biological sources (library based high throughput screening) for the identification of lead peptide molecules against their target. Further the applications of few advanced techniques based on combinatorial chemistry and molecular biology have been illustrated to measure the binding parameters such as affinity and kinetics of the screened interacting partners. The employment of these advanced techniques can contribute to investigate antiviral peptide therapeutics for emerging infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garima Agarwal
- Department of Biotechnology, Center for Emerging Diseases, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida, UP 201309 India
| | - Reema Gabrani
- Department of Biotechnology, Center for Emerging Diseases, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida, UP 201309 India
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31
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Bugert JJ, Hucke F, Zanetta P, Bassetto M, Brancale A. Antivirals in medical biodefense. Virus Genes 2020; 56:150-167. [PMID: 32076918 PMCID: PMC7089181 DOI: 10.1007/s11262-020-01737-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The viruses historically implicated or currently considered as candidates for misuse in bioterrorist events are poxviruses, filoviruses, bunyaviruses, orthomyxoviruses, paramyxoviruses and a number of arboviruses causing encephalitis, including alpha- and flaviviruses. All these viruses are of concern for public health services when they occur in natural outbreaks or emerge in unvaccinated populations. Recent events and intelligence reports point to a growing risk of dangerous biological agents being used for nefarious purposes. Public health responses effective in natural outbreaks of infectious disease may not be sufficient to deal with the severe consequences of a deliberate release of such agents. One important aspect of countermeasures against viral biothreat agents are the antiviral treatment options available for use in post-exposure prophylaxis. These issues were adressed by the organizers of the 16th Medical Biodefense Conference, held in Munich in 2018, in a special session on the development of drugs to treat infections with viruses currently perceived as a threat to societies or associated with a potential for misuse as biothreat agents. This review will outline the state-of-the-art methods in antivirals research discussed and provide an overview of antiviral compounds in the pipeline that are already approved for use or still under development.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Bugert
- Bundeswehr Institute for Microbiology, Neuherbergstraße 11, 80937, Munich, Germany.
| | - F Hucke
- Bundeswehr Institute for Microbiology, Neuherbergstraße 11, 80937, Munich, Germany
| | - P Zanetta
- Bundeswehr Institute for Microbiology, Neuherbergstraße 11, 80937, Munich, Germany
| | - M Bassetto
- Department of Chemistry, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - A Brancale
- Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3NB, UK
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32
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Skidmore AM, Adcock RS, Jonsson CB, Golden JE, Chung DH. Benzamidine ML336 inhibits plus and minus strand RNA synthesis of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus without affecting host RNA production. Antiviral Res 2020; 174:104674. [PMID: 31816348 PMCID: PMC6935354 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2019.104674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is an alphavirus that is endemic to the Americas. VEEV outbreaks occur periodically and cause encephalitis in both humans and equids. There are currently no therapeutics or vaccines for treatment of VEEV in humans. Our group has previously reported on the development of a benzamidine VEEV inhibitor, ML336, which shows potent antiviral activity in both in vitro and in vivo models of infection. In cell culture experiments, ML336 inhibits viral RNA synthesis when added 2-4 h post-infection, and mutations conferring resistance occur within the viral nonstructural proteins (nsP2 and nsP4). We hypothesized that ML336 targets an activity of the viral replicase complex and inhibits viral RNA synthesis. To test this hypothesis, we employed various biochemical and cellular assays. Using structural analogues of ML336, we demonstrate that the cellular antiviral activity of these compounds correlates with their inhibition of viral RNA synthesis. For instance, the IC50 of ML336 for VEEV RNA synthesis inhibition was determined as 1.1 nM, indicating potent anti-RNA synthesis activity in the low nanomolar range. While ML336 efficiently inhibited VEEV RNA synthesis, a much weaker effect was observed against the Old World alphavirus Chikungunya virus (IC50 > 4 μM), agreeing with previous data from a cell based assay. Using a tritium incorporation assay, we demonstrated that there was no significant inhibition of cellular transcription. With a combination of fluorography, strand-specific qRT-PCR, and tritium incorporation, we demonstrated that ML336 inhibits the synthesis of the positive sense genomic, negative sense template, and subgenomic RNAs of VEEV. Based on these results, we propose that the mechanism of action for this class of antiviral compounds is inhibition of viral RNA synthesis through interaction with the viral replicase complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Skidmore
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, 505 South Hancock St, Room 642 C, Louisville, KY, USA.
| | - Robert S Adcock
- Center of Predictive Medicine, University of Louisville, 505 South Hancock St, Room 617, Louisville, KY, USA.
| | - Colleen B Jonsson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 858 Madison Ave, Room 810 B, Memphis, TN, USA.
| | - Jennifer E Golden
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Dr, Room 7123, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Dong-Hoon Chung
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, 505 South Hancock St, Room 642 C, Louisville, KY, USA; Center of Predictive Medicine, University of Louisville, 505 South Hancock St, Room 617, Louisville, KY, USA.
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33
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Brice DC, Diamond G. Antiviral Activities of Human Host Defense Peptides. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:1420-1443. [PMID: 31385762 PMCID: PMC9008596 DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666190805151654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Peptides with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity are found widely expressed throughout nature. As they participate in a number of different aspects of innate immunity in mammals, they have been termed Host Defense Peptides (HDPs). Due to their common structural features, including an amphipathic structure and cationic charge, they have been widely shown to interact with and disrupt microbial membranes. Thus, it is not surprising that human HDPs have activity against enveloped viruses as well as bacteria and fungi. However, these peptides also exhibit activity against a wide range of non-enveloped viruses as well, acting at a number of different steps in viral infection. This review focuses on the activity of human host defense peptides, including alpha- and beta-defensins and the sole human cathelicidin, LL-37, against both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. The broad spectrum of antiviral activity of these peptides, both in vitro and in vivo suggest that they play an important role in the innate antiviral defense against viral infections. Furthermore, the literature suggests that they may be developed into antiviral therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C. Brice
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, Box 100424, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA
| | - Gill Diamond
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, Box 100424, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA
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34
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Efficacy of FDA-Approved Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Against Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus Infection. Viruses 2019; 11:v11121151. [PMID: 31842327 PMCID: PMC6950191 DOI: 10.3390/v11121151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is a category B select agent pathogen that can be aerosolized. Infections in murine models and humans can advance to an encephalitic phenotype which may result in long-term neurological complications or death. No specific FDA-approved treatments or vaccines are available for the treatment or prevention of VEEV infection. Neurotropic viral infections have two damaging components: neuronal death caused by viral replication, and damage from the subsequent inflammatory response. Reducing the level of inflammation may lessen neurological tissue damage that often arises following VEEV infection. In this study, three commercially available anti-inflammatory drugs, Celecoxib, Rolipram, and Tofacitinib, were evaluated for antiviral activity in an astrocyte and a microglial model of VEEV infection. The inhibitors were tested against the vaccine strain VEEV TC-83, as well as the wild-type VEEV Trinidad donkey strain. Celecoxib, Tofacitinib, and Rolipram significantly decreased viral titers both after pre-treatment and post-treatment of infected cells. VEEV Trinidad Donkey (TrD) titers were reduced 6.45-fold in cells treated with 50 µM of Celecoxib, 2.45-fold when treated with 50 µM of Tofacitinib, and 1.81-fold when treated with 50 µM of Rolipram. Celecoxib was also shown to decrease inflammatory gene expression in the context of TC-83 infection. Overall, Celecoxib demonstrated potency as a countermeasure strategy that slowed VEEV infection and infection-induced inflammation in an in vitro model.
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35
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Vilas Boas LCP, Campos ML, Berlanda RLA, de Carvalho Neves N, Franco OL. Antiviral peptides as promising therapeutic drugs. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:3525-3542. [PMID: 31101936 PMCID: PMC7079787 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03138-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
While scientific advances have led to large-scale production and widespread distribution of vaccines and antiviral drugs, viruses still remain a major cause of human diseases today. The ever-increasing reports of viral resistance and the emergence and re-emergence of viral epidemics pressure the health and scientific community to constantly find novel molecules with antiviral potential. This search involves numerous different approaches, and the use of antimicrobial peptides has presented itself as an interesting alternative. Even though the number of antimicrobial peptides with antiviral activity is still low, they already show immense potential to become pharmaceutically available antiviral drugs. Such peptides can originate from natural sources, such as those isolated from mammals and from animal venoms, or from artificial sources, when bioinformatics tools are used. This review aims to shed some light on antimicrobial peptides with antiviral activities against human viruses and update the data about the already well-known peptides that are still undergoing studies, emphasizing the most promising ones that may become medicines for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcelo Lattarulo Campos
- Centro de Análises Bioquímicas e Proteômicas, Pós-graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70790-160, Brazil
- Departamento de Botânica e Ecologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT, 78060-900, Brazil
| | - Rhayfa Lorrayne Araujo Berlanda
- Centro de Análises Bioquímicas e Proteômicas, Pós-graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70790-160, Brazil
| | - Natan de Carvalho Neves
- Centro de Análises Bioquímicas e Proteômicas, Pós-graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70790-160, Brazil
| | - Octávio Luiz Franco
- Universidade de Brasília, Pós-Graduação em Patologia Molecular, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil.
- Centro de Análises Bioquímicas e Proteômicas, Pós-graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70790-160, Brazil.
- S-Inova Biotech, Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, MS, 79117-900, Brazil.
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36
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Ahmed A, Siman-Tov G, Hall G, Bhalla N, Narayanan A. Human Antimicrobial Peptides as Therapeutics for Viral Infections. Viruses 2019; 11:v11080704. [PMID: 31374901 PMCID: PMC6722670 DOI: 10.3390/v11080704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful in vivo infection following pathogen entry requires the evasion and subversion of multiple immunological barriers. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are one of the first immune pathways upregulated during infection by multiple pathogens, in multiple organs in vivo. In humans, there are many classes of AMPs exhibiting broad antimicrobial activities, with defensins and the human cathelicidin LL-37 being the best studied examples. Whereas historically the efficacy and therapeutic potential of AMPs against bacterial infection has been the primary focus of research, recent studies have begun to elucidate the antiviral properties of AMPs as well as their role in regulation of inflammation and chemoattraction. AMPs as therapeutic tools seem especially promising against emerging infectious viral pathogens for which no approved vaccines or treatments are currently available, such as dengue virus (DENV) and Zika virus (ZIKV). In this review, we summarize recent studies elucidating the efficacy and diverse mechanisms of action of various classes of AMPs against multiple viral pathogens, as well as the potential use of human AMPs in novel antiviral therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aslaa Ahmed
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Disease, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Gavriella Siman-Tov
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Disease, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Grant Hall
- United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA
| | - Nishank Bhalla
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Disease, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Aarthi Narayanan
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Disease, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA.
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37
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Effect of full-length and truncated variants of LL-37 on dengue virus infection and immunomodulatory effects of LL-37 in dengue virus infected U937-DC-SIGN cells. Int J Pept Res Ther 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-019-09861-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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