1
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Azevedo PHRDA, Camargo PG, Constant LEC, Costa SDS, Silva CS, Rosa AS, Souza DDC, Tucci AR, Ferreira VNS, Oliveira TKF, Borba NRR, Rodrigues CR, Albuquerque MG, Dias LRS, Garrett R, Miranda MD, Allonso D, Lima CHDS, Muri EMF. Statine-based peptidomimetic compounds as inhibitors for SARS-CoV-2 main protease (SARS-CoV‑2 Mpro). Sci Rep 2024; 14:8991. [PMID: 38637583 PMCID: PMC11026380 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59442-4] [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: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is a multisystemic disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 airborne virus, a member of the Coronaviridae family. It has a positive sense single-stranded RNA genome and encodes two non-structural proteins through viral cysteine-proteases processing. Blocking this step is crucial to control virus replication. In this work, we reported the synthesis of 23 statine-based peptidomimetics to determine their ability to inhibit the main protease (Mpro) activity of SARS-CoV-2. Among the 23 peptidomimetics, 15 compounds effectively inhibited Mpro activity by 50% or more, while three compounds (7d, 8e, and 9g) exhibited maximum inhibition above 70% and IC50 < 1 µM. Compounds 7d, 8e, and 9g inhibited roughly 80% of SARS-CoV-2 replication and proved no cytotoxicity. Molecular docking simulations show putative hydrogen bond and hydrophobic interactions between specific amino acids and these inhibitors. Molecular dynamics simulations further confirmed the stability and persisting interactions in Mpro's subsites, exhibiting favorable free energy binding (ΔGbind) values. These findings suggest the statine-based peptidomimetics as potential therapeutic agents against SARS-CoV-2 by targeting Mpro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Henrique R de A Azevedo
- Laboratório de Química Medicinal, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, 24241-000, Brazil
| | - Priscila G Camargo
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-853, Brazil
| | - Larissa E C Constant
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia e Bioengenharia Tecidual, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-853, Brazil
| | - Stephany da S Costa
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia e Bioengenharia Tecidual, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-853, Brazil
| | - Celimar Sinézia Silva
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia e Bioengenharia Tecidual, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-853, Brazil
| | - Alice S Rosa
- Laboratório de Morfologia e Morfogênese Viral, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-900, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Daniel D C Souza
- Laboratório de Morfologia e Morfogênese Viral, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-900, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Amanda R Tucci
- Laboratório de Morfologia e Morfogênese Viral, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-900, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Vivian N S Ferreira
- Laboratório de Morfologia e Morfogênese Viral, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Thamara Kelcya F Oliveira
- Laboratório de Morfologia e Morfogênese Viral, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-900, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Nathalia R R Borba
- Laboratório de Morfologia e Morfogênese Viral, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Carlos R Rodrigues
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-853, Brazil
| | - Magaly G Albuquerque
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Química, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-853, Brazil
| | - Luiza R S Dias
- Laboratório de Química Medicinal, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, 24241-000, Brazil
| | - Rafael Garrett
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Química, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-853, Brazil
| | - Milene D Miranda
- Laboratório de Morfologia e Morfogênese Viral, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-900, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Diego Allonso
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia e Bioengenharia Tecidual, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-853, Brazil
- Departamento de Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-853, Brazil
| | - Camilo Henrique da S Lima
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Química, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-853, Brazil.
| | - Estela Maris F Muri
- Laboratório de Química Medicinal, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, 24241-000, Brazil.
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Borges PHO, Ferreira SB, Silva FP. Recent Advances on Targeting Proteases for Antiviral Development. Viruses 2024; 16:366. [PMID: 38543732 PMCID: PMC10976044 DOI: 10.3390/v16030366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Viral proteases are an important target for drug development, since they can modulate vital pathways in viral replication, maturation, assembly and cell entry. With the (re)appearance of several new viruses responsible for causing diseases in humans, like the West Nile virus (WNV) and the recent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), understanding the mechanisms behind blocking viral protease's function is pivotal for the development of new antiviral drugs and therapeutical strategies. Apart from directly inhibiting the target protease, usually by targeting its active site, several new pathways have been explored to impair its activity, such as inducing protein aggregation, targeting allosteric sites or by inducing protein degradation by cellular proteasomes, which can be extremely valuable when considering the emerging drug-resistant strains. In this review, we aim to discuss the recent advances on a broad range of viral proteases inhibitors, therapies and molecular approaches for protein inactivation or degradation, giving an insight on different possible strategies against this important class of antiviral target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Henrique Oliveira Borges
- Laboratory of Organic Synthesis and Biological Prospecting, Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, Brazil;
- Laboratory of Experimental and Computational Biochemistry of Drugs, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Sabrina Baptista Ferreira
- Laboratory of Organic Synthesis and Biological Prospecting, Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, Brazil;
| | - Floriano Paes Silva
- Laboratory of Experimental and Computational Biochemistry of Drugs, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
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3
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Janin YL. On the origins of SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitors. RSC Med Chem 2024; 15:81-118. [PMID: 38283212 PMCID: PMC10809347 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00493g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
In order to address the world-wide health challenge caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the 3CL protease/SARS-CoV-2 main protease (SARS-CoV-2-Mpro) coded by its nsp5 gene became one of the biochemical targets for the design of antiviral drugs. In less than 3 years of research, 4 inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2-Mpro have actually been authorized for COVID-19 treatment (nirmatrelvir, ensitrelvir, leritrelvir and simnotrelvir) and more such as EDP-235, FB-2001 and STI-1558/Olgotrelvir or five undisclosed compounds (CDI-988, ASC11, ALG-097558, QLS1128 and H-10517) are undergoing clinical trials. This review is an attempt to picture this quite unprecedented medicinal chemistry feat and provide insights on how these cysteine protease inhibitors were discovered. Since many series of covalent SARS-CoV-2-Mpro inhibitors owe some of their origins to previous work on other proteases, we first provided a description of various inhibitors of cysteine-bearing human caspase-1 or cathepsin K, as well as inhibitors of serine proteases such as human dipeptidyl peptidase-4 or the hepatitis C protein complex NS3/4A. This is then followed by a description of the results of the approaches adopted (repurposing, structure-based and high throughput screening) to discover coronavirus main protease inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yves L Janin
- Structure et Instabilité des Génomes (StrInG), Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, INSERM, CNRS, Alliance Sorbonne Université 75005 Paris France
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Li X, Song Y. Structure and function of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 main proteases and their inhibition: A comprehensive review. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 260:115772. [PMID: 37659195 PMCID: PMC10529944 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) identified in 2003 infected ∼8000 people in 26 countries with 800 deaths, which was soon contained and eradicated by syndromic surveillance and enhanced quarantine. A closely related coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19 identified in 2019, has been dramatically more contagious and catastrophic. It has infected and caused various flu-like symptoms of billions of people in >200 countries, including >6 million people died of or with the virus. Despite the availability of several vaccines and antiviral drugs against SARS-CoV-2, finding new therapeutics is needed because of viral evolution and a possible emerging coronavirus in the future. The main protease (Mpro) of these coronaviruses plays important roles in their life cycle and is essential for the viral replication. This article represents a comprehensive review of the function, structure and inhibition of SARS-CoV and -CoV-2 Mpro, including structure-activity relationships, protein-inhibitor interactions and clinical trial status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Yongcheng Song
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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5
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Charles S, Edgar MP, Mahapatra RK. Artificial intelligence based virtual screening study for competitive and allosteric inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:15286-15304. [PMID: 36943715 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2188419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is a highly contagious and dangerous coronavirus that first appeared in late 2019 causing COVID-19, a pandemic of acute respiratory illnesses that is still a threat to health and the general public safety. We performed deep docking studies of 800 M unique compounds in both the active and allosteric sites of the SARS-COV-2 Main Protease (Mpro) and the 15 M and 13 M virtual hits obtained were further taken for conventional docking and molecular dynamic (MD) studies. The best XP Glide docking scores obtained were -14.242 and -12.059 kcal/mol by CHEMBL591669 and the highest binding affinities were -10.5 kcal/mol (from 444215) and -11.2 kcal/mol (from NPC95421) for active and allosteric sites, respectively. Some hits can bind both sites making them a great area of concern. Re-docking of 8 random allosteric complexes in the active site shows a significant reduction in docking scores with a t-test P value of 2.532 × 10-11 at 95% confidence. Some specific interactions have higher elevations in docking scores. MD studies on 15 complexes show that single-ligand systems are stable as compared to double-ligand systems, and the allosteric binders identified are shown to modulate the active site binding as evidenced by the changes in the interaction patterns and stability of ligands and active site residues. When an allosteric complex was docked to the second monomer to check for homodimer formation, the validated homodimer could not be re-established, further supporting the potential of the identified allosteric binders. These findings could be important in developing novel therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ssemuyiga Charles
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
- Department of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mulumba Pius Edgar
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
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Qin H, Jin C, Odilov A, Mintah Bonku E, Zhu F, Liu Q, Shen J, Aisa HA. Optimized Synthesis of a Key Intermediate of Nirmatrelvir. Org Process Res Dev 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.oprd.2c00225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hongjian Qin
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources and Chemistry in Arid Regions, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, South Beijing Road 40-1, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830011, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Chen Jin
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, P. R. China
| | - Abdullajon Odilov
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
| | - Emmanuel Mintah Bonku
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
| | - Fuqiang Zhu
- Topharman Shanghai Co., Ltd., No. 388 Jialilue Road, Zhangjiang Hitech Park, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
| | - Qi Liu
- Topharman Shanghai Co., Ltd., No. 388 Jialilue Road, Zhangjiang Hitech Park, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
| | - Jingshan Shen
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, P. R. China
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
| | - Haji A. Aisa
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources and Chemistry in Arid Regions, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, South Beijing Road 40-1, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830011, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
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7
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Tang B, He F, Liu D, He F, Wu T, Fang M, Niu Z, Wu Z, Xu D. AI-Aided Design of Novel Targeted Covalent Inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2. Biomolecules 2022. [PMID: 35740872 DOI: 10.1101/2020.03.03.972133v1.full] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The drug repurposing of known approved drugs (e.g., lopinavir/ritonavir) has failed to treat SARS-CoV-2-infected patients. Therefore, it is important to generate new chemical entities against this virus. As a critical enzyme in the lifecycle of the coronavirus, the 3C-like main protease (3CLpro or Mpro) is the most attractive target for antiviral drug design. Based on a recently solved structure (PDB ID: 6LU7), we developed a novel advanced deep Q-learning network with a fragment-based drug design (ADQN-FBDD) for generating potential lead compounds targeting SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro. We obtained a series of derivatives from the lead compounds based on our structure-based optimization policy (SBOP). All of the 47 lead compounds obtained directly with our AI model and related derivatives based on the SBOP are accessible in our molecular library. These compounds can be used as potential candidates by researchers to develop drugs against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Tang
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Informatics Institute, Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China
- MindRank AI Ltd., Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Fengming He
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China
| | - Dongpeng Liu
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Informatics Institute, Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Fei He
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Informatics Institute, Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- School of Information Science and Technology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China
| | - Tong Wu
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Informatics Institute, Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100006, China
| | - Meijuan Fang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China
| | | | - Zhen Wu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China
| | - Dong Xu
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Informatics Institute, Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
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8
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Tang B, He F, Liu D, He F, Wu T, Fang M, Niu Z, Wu Z, Xu D. AI-Aided Design of Novel Targeted Covalent Inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2. Biomolecules 2022; 12:746. [PMID: 35740872 PMCID: PMC9220321 DOI: 10.3390/biom12060746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The drug repurposing of known approved drugs (e.g., lopinavir/ritonavir) has failed to treat SARS-CoV-2-infected patients. Therefore, it is important to generate new chemical entities against this virus. As a critical enzyme in the lifecycle of the coronavirus, the 3C-like main protease (3CLpro or Mpro) is the most attractive target for antiviral drug design. Based on a recently solved structure (PDB ID: 6LU7), we developed a novel advanced deep Q-learning network with a fragment-based drug design (ADQN-FBDD) for generating potential lead compounds targeting SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro. We obtained a series of derivatives from the lead compounds based on our structure-based optimization policy (SBOP). All of the 47 lead compounds obtained directly with our AI model and related derivatives based on the SBOP are accessible in our molecular library. These compounds can be used as potential candidates by researchers to develop drugs against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Tang
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Informatics Institute, Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; (B.T.); (D.L.); (F.H.); (T.W.)
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China; (F.H.); (M.F.)
- MindRank AI Ltd., Hangzhou 310000, China;
| | - Fengming He
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China; (F.H.); (M.F.)
| | - Dongpeng Liu
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Informatics Institute, Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; (B.T.); (D.L.); (F.H.); (T.W.)
| | - Fei He
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Informatics Institute, Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; (B.T.); (D.L.); (F.H.); (T.W.)
- School of Information Science and Technology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China
| | - Tong Wu
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Informatics Institute, Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; (B.T.); (D.L.); (F.H.); (T.W.)
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100006, China
| | - Meijuan Fang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China; (F.H.); (M.F.)
| | | | - Zhen Wu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China; (F.H.); (M.F.)
| | - Dong Xu
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Informatics Institute, Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; (B.T.); (D.L.); (F.H.); (T.W.)
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9
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Zhu J, Zhang H, Lin Q, Lyu J, Lu L, Chen H, Zhang X, Zhang Y, Chen K. Progress on SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro Inhibitors: Inspiration from SARS-CoV 3CLpro Peptidomimetics and Small-Molecule Anti-Inflammatory Compounds. Drug Des Devel Ther 2022; 16:1067-1082. [PMID: 35450403 PMCID: PMC9015912 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s359009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) currently poses a threat to human health. 3C-like proteinase (3CLpro) plays an important role in the viral life cycle. Hence, it is considered an attractive antiviral target protein. Whole-genome sequencing showed that the sequence homology between SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro and SARS-CoV 3CLpro is 96.08%, with high similarity in the substrate-binding region. Thus, assessing peptidomimetic inhibitors of SARS-CoV 3CLpro could accelerate the development of peptidomimetic inhibitors for SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro. Accordingly, we herein discuss progress on SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro peptidomimetic inhibitors. Inflammation plays a major role in the pathophysiological process of COVID-19. Small-molecule compounds targeting 3CLpro with both antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects are also briefly discussed in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajie Zhu
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haiyan Zhang
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qinghong Lin
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingting Lyu
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lu Lu
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hanxi Chen
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuning Zhang
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanjun Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Keda Chen
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Keda Chen, Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China, Tel +8615068129828, Email ; Yanjun Zhang, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China, Tel +8613858115856, Fax +86057188280783, Email
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10
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Dai W, Jochmans D, Xie H, Yang H, Li J, Su H, Chang D, Wang J, Peng J, Zhu L, Nian Y, Hilgenfeld R, Jiang H, Chen K, Zhang L, Xu Y, Neyts J, Liu H. Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Peptidomimetic Aldehydes as Broad-Spectrum Inhibitors against Enterovirus and SARS-CoV-2. J Med Chem 2022; 65:2794-2808. [PMID: 33872498 PMCID: PMC8084273 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c02258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
A novel series of peptidomimetic aldehydes was designed and synthesized to target 3C protease (3Cpro) of enterovirus 71 (EV71). Most of the compounds exhibited high antiviral activity, and among them, compound 18p demonstrated potent enzyme inhibitory activity and broad-spectrum antiviral activity on a panel of enteroviruses and rhinoviruses. The crystal structure of EV71 3Cpro in complex with 18p determined at a resolution of 1.2 Å revealed that 18p covalently linked to the catalytic Cys147 with an aldehyde group. In addition, these compounds also exhibited good inhibitory activity against the 3CLpro and the replication of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), especially compound 18p (IC50 = 0.034 μM, EC50 = 0.29 μM). According to our previous work, these compounds have no reasons for concern regarding acute toxicity. Compared with AG7088, compound 18p also exhibited good pharmacokinetic properties and more potent anticoronavirus activity, making it an excellent lead for further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhao Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, CAS Key
Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica,
Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203,
China
- University of Chinese Academy of
Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Dirk Jochmans
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology,
Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and
Chemotherapy, Leuven B-3000, Belgium
| | - Hang Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, CAS Key
Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica,
Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203,
China
| | - Hang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan
Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of
Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
| | - Jian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, CAS Key
Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica,
Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203,
China
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University
of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Qixia District, Nanjing, 210023,
China
| | - Haixia Su
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, CAS Key
Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica,
Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203,
China
- University of Chinese Academy of
Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Di Chang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of
Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130
Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Jiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, CAS Key
Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica,
Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203,
China
- University of Chinese Academy of
Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology,
Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of
Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Jingjing Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, CAS Key
Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica,
Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203,
China
- University of Chinese Academy of
Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lili Zhu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of
Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130
Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Yong Nian
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, CAS Key
Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica,
Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203,
China
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University
of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Qixia District, Nanjing, 210023,
China
| | - Rolf Hilgenfeld
- Institute of Molecular Medicine,
University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck,
Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF),
University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck,
Germany
| | - Hualiang Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, CAS Key
Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica,
Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203,
China
- University of Chinese Academy of
Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology,
Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of
Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Kaixian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, CAS Key
Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica,
Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203,
China
- University of Chinese Academy of
Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Leike Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan
Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of
Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
| | - Yechun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, CAS Key
Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica,
Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203,
China
- University of Chinese Academy of
Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology,
Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of
Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Johan Neyts
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology,
Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and
Chemotherapy, Leuven B-3000, Belgium
| | - Hong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, CAS Key
Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica,
Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203,
China
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University
of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Qixia District, Nanjing, 210023,
China
- University of Chinese Academy of
Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology,
Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of
Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
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11
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Abstract
The main protease (Mpro) plays a crucial role in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) replication and is highly conserved, rendering it one of the most attractive therapeutic targets for SARS-CoV-2 inhibition. Currently, although two drug candidates targeting SARS-CoV-2 Mpro designed by Pfizer are under clinical trials, no SARS-CoV-2 medication is approved due to the long period of drug development. Here, we collect a comprehensive list of 817 available SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV Mpro inhibitors from the literature or databases and analyze their molecular mechanisms of action. The structure-activity relationships (SARs) among each series of inhibitors are discussed. Additionally, we broadly examine available antiviral activity, ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity), and animal tests of these inhibitors. We comment on their druggability or drawbacks that prevent them from becoming drugs. This Perspective sheds light on the future development of Mpro inhibitors for SARS-CoV-2 and future coronavirus diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaifu Gao
- Department of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Jiahui Chen
- Department of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Jetze J Tepe
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacology & Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Faqing Huang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406, United States
| | - Guo-Wei Wei
- Department of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
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12
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Chia CSB, Xu W, Shuyi Ng P. A Patent Review on SARS Coronavirus Main Protease (3CL pro ) Inhibitors. ChemMedChem 2021; 17:e202100576. [PMID: 34651447 PMCID: PMC8653044 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202100576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) pandemic is an unprecedented global health emergency causing more than 4.2 million fatalities as of 30 July 2021. Only three antiviral therapies have been approved or granted emergency use authorization by the FDA. The SARS‐CoV‐2 3CL protease (3CLpro) is deemed an attractive drug target as it plays an essential role in viral polyprotein processing and pathogenesis, although no inhibitors have been approved. This patent review discusses SARS coronavirus 3CLpro inhibitors that have been filed up to 30 July 2021, giving an overview on the types of inhibitors that have generated commercial interest, especially amongst drug companies. Insights into the common structural motifs required for active site binding is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Brian Chia
- Experimental Drug Development Centre, 10 Biopolis Road, 138670, Chromos #08-01, Singapore
| | - Weijun Xu
- Experimental Drug Development Centre, 10 Biopolis Road, 138670, Chromos #08-01, Singapore
| | - Pearly Shuyi Ng
- Experimental Drug Development Centre, 10 Biopolis Road, 138670, Chromos #08-01, Singapore
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13
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Ullrich S, Sasi VM, Mahawaththa MC, Ekanayake KB, Morewood R, George J, Shuttleworth L, Zhang X, Whitefield C, Otting G, Jackson C, Nitsche C. Challenges of short substrate analogues as SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2021; 50:128333. [PMID: 34418570 PMCID: PMC8378659 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2021.128333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Specific anti-coronaviral drugs complementing available vaccines are urgently needed to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Given its high conservation across the betacoronavirus genus and dissimilarity to human proteases, the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) is an attractive drug target. SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors have been developed at unprecedented speed, most of them being substrate-derived peptidomimetics with cysteine-modifying warheads. In this study, Mpro has proven resistant towards the identification of high-affinity short substrate-derived peptides and peptidomimetics without warheads. 20 cyclic and linear substrate analogues bearing natural and unnatural residues, which were predicted by computational modelling to bind with high affinity and designed to establish structure-activity relationships, displayed no inhibitory activity at concentrations as high as 100 μM. Only a long linear peptide covering residues P6 to P5' displayed moderate inhibition (Ki = 57 µM). Our detailed findings will inform current and future drug discovery campaigns targeting Mpro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Ullrich
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Vishnu M Sasi
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Mithun C Mahawaththa
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Kasuni B Ekanayake
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Richard Morewood
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Josemon George
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Laura Shuttleworth
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Xiaobai Zhang
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Cassidy Whitefield
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Gottfried Otting
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Colin Jackson
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Christoph Nitsche
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.
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14
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Lockbaum GJ, Henes M, Lee JM, Timm J, Nalivaika EA, Thompson PR, Yilmaz NK, Schiffer CA. Pan-3C Protease Inhibitor Rupintrivir Binds SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease in a Unique Binding Mode. Biochemistry 2021; 60:2925-2931. [PMID: 34506130 PMCID: PMC8457326 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.1c00414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Rupintrivir targets the 3C cysteine proteases of the picornaviridae family, which includes rhinoviruses and enteroviruses that cause a range of human diseases. Despite being a pan-3C protease inhibitor, rupintrivir activity is extremely weak against the homologous 3C-like protease of SARS-CoV-2. In this study, the crystal structures of rupintrivir were determined bound to enterovirus 68 (EV68) 3C protease and the 3C-like main protease (Mpro) from SARS-CoV-2. While the EV68 3C protease-rupintrivir structure was similar to previously determined complexes with other picornavirus 3C proteases, rupintrivir bound in a unique conformation to the active site of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro splitting the catalytic cysteine and histidine residues. This bifurcation of the catalytic dyad may provide a novel approach for inhibiting cysteine proteases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordon J. Lockbaum
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Mina Henes
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Jeong Min Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Jennifer Timm
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Ellen A. Nalivaika
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Paul R. Thompson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Nese Kurt Yilmaz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Celia A. Schiffer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
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15
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Vuong W, Vederas JC. Improved Synthesis of a Cyclic Glutamine Analogue Used in Antiviral Agents Targeting 3C and 3CL Proteases Including SARS-CoV-2 M pro. J Org Chem 2021; 86:13104-13110. [PMID: 34459196 PMCID: PMC8425337 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.1c01299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
An intermediate in the synthesis of numerous antiviral protease inhibitors is the glutamine analogue, (3S)-pyrrolid-2-one-3-yl-l-alanine. Preparations of compounds based on this pharmacophore are hindered by the lack of a reliably high yielding synthesis of protected forms of this amino acid. We describe an improved scalable route with readily available reagents and facile purification. This methodology employs γ-allylation of dimethyl N-BocGlu, further Boc N-protection, OsO4-periodate oxidation, O-Me oxime formation, and RaNi-catalyzed hydrogenolysis with concomitant cyclization under basic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wayne Vuong
- Department of Chemistry, University of
Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2G2
| | - John C. Vederas
- Department of Chemistry, University of
Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2G2
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16
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Two Inhibitors Against the 3C-Like Proteases of Swine Coronavirus and Feline Coronavirus. Virol Sin 2021; 36:1421-1430. [PMID: 34228261 PMCID: PMC8258280 DOI: 10.1007/s12250-021-00415-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses (CoVs) are important human and animal pathogens that cause respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases. Porcine epidemic diarrhoea (PED), characterized by severe diarrhoea and vomiting in pigs, is a highly lethal disease caused by porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus (PEDV) and causes substantial losses in the swine industry worldwide. However, currently available commercial drugs have not shown great therapeutic effects. In this study, a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based assay was applied to screen a library containing 1,590 compounds and identified two compounds, 3-(aminocarbonyl)-1-phenylpyridinium and 2,3-dichloronaphthoquinone, that target the 3C-like protease (3CLpro) of PEDV. These compounds are of low molecular weight (MW) and greatly inhibited the activity of this enzyme (IC50 values were obtained in this study). Furthermore, these compounds exhibited antiviral capacity against another member of the CoV family, feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV). Here, the inhibitory effects of these compounds against CoVs on Vero cells and feline kidney cells were identified (with EC50 values) and cell viability assays were performed. The results of putative molecular docking models indicate that these compounds, labeled compound 1 and compound 2, contact the conserved active sites (Cys144, Glu165, Gln191) of 3CLpro via hydrogen bonds. These findings provide insight into the antiviral activities of compounds 1 and 2 that may facilitate future research on anti-CoV drugs.
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17
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Synthetic and computational efforts towards the development of peptidomimetics and small-molecule SARS-CoV 3CLpro inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem 2021; 46:116301. [PMID: 34332853 PMCID: PMC8254399 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2021.116301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is a severe febrile respiratory disease caused by the beta genus of human coronavirus, known as SARS-CoV. Last year, 2019-n-CoV (COVID-19) was a global threat for everyone caused by the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2. 3CLpro, chymotrypsin-like protease, is a major cysteine protease that substantially contributes throughout the viral life cycle of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. It is a prospective target for the development of SARS-CoV inhibitors by applying a repurposing strategy. This review focuses on a detailed overview of the chemical synthesis and computational chemistry perspectives of peptidomimetic inhibitors (PIs) and small-molecule inhibitors (SMIs) targeting viral proteinase discovered from 2004 to 2020. The PIs and SMIs are one of the primary therapeutic inventions for SARS-CoV. The journey of different analogues towards the evolution of SARS-CoV 3CLpro inhibitors and complete synthetic preparation of nineteen derivatives of PIs and ten derivatives of SMIs and their computational chemistry perspectives were reviewed. From each class of derivatives, we have identified and highlighted the most compelling PIs and SMIs for SARS-CoV 3CLpro. The protein-ligand interaction of 29 inhibitors were also studied that involved with the 3CLpro inhibition, and the frequent amino acid residues of the protease were also analyzed that are responsible for the interactions with the inhibitors. This work will provide an initiative to encourage further research for the development of effective and drug-like 3CLpro inhibitors against coronaviruses in the near future.
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18
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Gossen J, Albani S, Hanke A, Joseph BP, Bergh C, Kuzikov M, Costanzi E, Manelfi C, Storici P, Gribbon P, Beccari AR, Talarico C, Spyrakis F, Lindahl E, Zaliani A, Carloni P, Wade RC, Musiani F, Kokh DB, Rossetti G. A Blueprint for High Affinity SARS-CoV-2 Mpro Inhibitors from Activity-Based Compound Library Screening Guided by Analysis of Protein Dynamics. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2021; 4:1079-1095. [PMID: 34136757 PMCID: PMC8009102 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.0c00215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus outbreak continues to spread at a rapid rate worldwide. The main protease (Mpro) is an attractive target for anti-COVID-19 agents. Unexpected difficulties have been encountered in the design of specific inhibitors. Here, by analyzing an ensemble of ∼30 000 SARS-CoV-2 Mpro conformations from crystallographic studies and molecular simulations, we show that small structural variations in the binding site dramatically impact ligand binding properties. Hence, traditional druggability indices fail to adequately discriminate between highly and poorly druggable conformations of the binding site. By performing ∼200 virtual screenings of compound libraries on selected protein structures, we redefine the protein's druggability as the consensus chemical space arising from the multiple conformations of the binding site formed upon ligand binding. This procedure revealed a unique SARS-CoV-2 Mpro blueprint that led to a definition of a specific structure-based pharmacophore. The latter explains the poor transferability of potent SARS-CoV Mpro inhibitors to SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, despite the identical sequences of the active sites. Importantly, application of the pharmacophore predicted novel high affinity inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, that were validated by in vitro assays performed here and by a newly solved X-ray crystal structure. These results provide a strong basis for effective rational drug design campaigns against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro and a new computational approach to screen protein targets with malleable binding sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Gossen
- Institute
for Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-9), Forschungszentrum
Jülich, Jülich, 52425, Germany
- Institute
for Advanced Simulations (IAS-5) “Computational biomedicine”, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, 52425, Germany
- Faculty of
Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, 52062, Germany
| | - Simone Albani
- Institute
for Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-9), Forschungszentrum
Jülich, Jülich, 52425, Germany
- Institute
for Advanced Simulations (IAS-5) “Computational biomedicine”, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, 52425, Germany
- Faculty of
Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, 52062, Germany
| | - Anton Hanke
- Molecular
and Cellular Modeling Group, Heidelberg
Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS), Schloss-Wolfsbrunnenweg 35, Heidelberg, 69118, Germany
- Institute
of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology (IPMB), Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Benjamin P. Joseph
- Institute
for Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-9), Forschungszentrum
Jülich, Jülich, 52425, Germany
- Institute
for Advanced Simulations (IAS-5) “Computational biomedicine”, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, 52425, Germany
- Faculty of
Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, 52062, Germany
| | - Cathrine Bergh
- Science for
Life Laboratory & Swedish e-Science Research Center, Department
of Applied Physics, KTH Royal Institute
of Technology, Stockholm, 11428, Sweden
| | - Maria Kuzikov
- Department
of Screening Port, Fraunhofer Institute
for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Schnackenburgallee 114, Hamburg, 22525, Germany
| | - Elisa Costanzi
- Elettra-Sincrotrone
Trieste S.C.p.A., SS 14-km 163,5 in AREA Science Park, Basovizza,
Trieste, 34149, Italy
| | - Candida Manelfi
- Dompé
Farmaceutici SpA, Via Campo di Pile, L’Aquila, 67100, Italy
| | - Paola Storici
- Elettra-Sincrotrone
Trieste S.C.p.A., SS 14-km 163,5 in AREA Science Park, Basovizza,
Trieste, 34149, Italy
| | - Philip Gribbon
- Department
of Screening Port, Fraunhofer Institute
for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Schnackenburgallee 114, Hamburg, 22525, Germany
| | | | - Carmine Talarico
- Dompé
Farmaceutici SpA, Via Campo di Pile, L’Aquila, 67100, Italy
| | - Francesca Spyrakis
- Department
of Drug Science and Technology, University
of Turin, via Giuria
9, Turin, 10125, Italy
| | - Erik Lindahl
- Science for
Life Laboratory & Swedish e-Science Research Center, Department
of Applied Physics, KTH Royal Institute
of Technology, Stockholm, 11428, Sweden
- Science
for Life Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Solna, SE-106 91, Sweden
| | - Andrea Zaliani
- Department
of Screening Port, Fraunhofer Institute
for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Schnackenburgallee 114, Hamburg, 22525, Germany
| | - Paolo Carloni
- Institute
for Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-9), Forschungszentrum
Jülich, Jülich, 52425, Germany
- Institute
for Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging (INM-11), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, 52425, Germany
- Institute
for Advanced Simulations (IAS-5) “Computational biomedicine”, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, 52425, Germany
- Faculty of
Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, 52062, Germany
| | - Rebecca C. Wade
- Molecular
and Cellular Modeling Group, Heidelberg
Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS), Schloss-Wolfsbrunnenweg 35, Heidelberg, 69118, Germany
- Zentrum
für Molekulare Biologie der University Heidelberg, DKFZ-ZMBH
Alliance, INF 282, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
- Interdisciplinary
Center for Scientific Computing (IWR), Heidelberg
University, INF 368, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Francesco Musiani
- Laboratory
of Bioinorganic Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Daria B. Kokh
- Molecular
and Cellular Modeling Group, Heidelberg
Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS), Schloss-Wolfsbrunnenweg 35, Heidelberg, 69118, Germany
| | - Giulia Rossetti
- Institute
for Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-9), Forschungszentrum
Jülich, Jülich, 52425, Germany
- Institute
for Advanced Simulations (IAS-5) “Computational biomedicine”, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, 52425, Germany
- Jülich
Supercomputing Center (JSC), Forschungszentrum
Jülich, Jülich, 52425, Germany
- Department
of Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology, and Stem Cell Transplantation, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, 44517, Germany
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19
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Li X, Peng T. Strategy, Progress, and Challenges of Drug Repurposing for Efficient Antiviral Discovery. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:660710. [PMID: 34017257 PMCID: PMC8129523 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.660710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging or re-emerging viruses are still major threats to public health. Prophylactic vaccines represent the most effective way to prevent virus infection; however, antivirals are more promising for those viruses against which vaccines are not effective enough or contemporarily unavailable. Because of the slow pace of novel antiviral discovery, the high disuse rates, and the substantial cost, repurposing of the well-characterized therapeutics, either approved or under investigation, is becoming an attractive strategy to identify the new directions to treat virus infections. In this review, we described recent progress in identifying broad-spectrum antivirals through drug repurposing. We defined the two major categories of the repurposed antivirals, direct-acting repurposed antivirals (DARA) and host-targeting repurposed antivirals (HTRA). Under each category, we summarized repurposed antivirals with potential broad-spectrum activity against a variety of viruses and discussed the possible mechanisms of action. Finally, we proposed the potential investigative directions of drug repurposing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinlei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Sino-French Hoffmann Institute, College of Basic Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tao Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Sino-French Hoffmann Institute, College of Basic Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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20
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Sabbah DA, Hajjo R, Bardaweel SK, Zhong HA. An Updated Review on SARS-CoV-2 Main Proteinase (M Pro): Protein Structure and Small-Molecule Inhibitors. Curr Top Med Chem 2021; 21:442-460. [PMID: 33292134 DOI: 10.2174/1568026620666201207095117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
[Coronaviruses (CoVs) are enveloped positive-stranded RNA viruses with spike (S) protein projections that allow the virus to enter and infect host cells. The S protein is a key virulence factor determining viral pathogenesis, host tropism, and disease pathogenesis. There are currently diverse corona viruses that are known to cause disease in humans. The occurrence of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), as fatal human CoV diseases, has induced significant interest in the medical field. The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a novel strain of coronavirus (SAR-CoV-2). The SARS-CoV2 outbreak has been evolved in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, and identified as a pandemic in March 2020, resulting in 53.24 M cases and 1.20M deaths worldwide. SARS-CoV-2 main proteinase (MPro), a key protease of CoV-2, mediates viral replication and transcription. SARS-CoV-2 MPro has been emerged as an attractive target for SARS-CoV-2 drug design and development. Diverse scaffolds have been released targeting SARS-CoV-2 MPro. In this review, we culminate the latest published information about SARS-CoV-2 main proteinase (MPro) and reported inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dima A Sabbah
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, P.O. Box 130, Amman 11733, Jordan
| | - Rima Hajjo
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, P.O. Box 130, Amman 11733, Jordan
| | - Sanaa K Bardaweel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Haizhen A Zhong
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Nebraska at Omaha, 6001 Dodge Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68182, United States
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21
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Amin SA, Banerjee S, Gayen S, Jha T. Protease targeted COVID-19 drug discovery: What we have learned from the past SARS-CoV inhibitors? Eur J Med Chem 2021; 215:113294. [PMID: 33618158 PMCID: PMC7880840 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The fascinating similarity between the SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, inspires scientific community to investigate deeper into the SARS-CoV proteases such as main protease (Mpro) and papain-like protease (PLpro) and their inhibitors for the discovery of SARS-CoV-2 protease inhibitors. Because of the similarity in the proteases of these two corona viruses, there is a greater chance for the previous SARS-CoV Mpro and PLpro inhibitors to provide effective results against SARS-CoV-2. In this context, the molecular fragments from the SARS-CoV protease inhibitors through the fragment-based drug design and discovery technique can be useful guidance for COVID-19 drug discovery. Here, we have focused on the structure-activity relationship studies of previous SARS-CoV protease inhibitors and discussed about crucial fragments generated from previous SARS-CoV protease inhibitors important for the lead optimization of SARS-CoV-2 protease inhibitors. This study surely offers different strategic options of lead optimization to the medicinal chemists to discover effective anti-viral agent against the devastating disease, COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sk Abdul Amin
- Natural Science Laboratory, Division of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, P. O. Box 17020, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Suvankar Banerjee
- Natural Science Laboratory, Division of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, P. O. Box 17020, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Shovanlal Gayen
- Laboratory of Drug Design and Discovery, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Harisingh Gour University, Sagar, MP, India.
| | - Tarun Jha
- Natural Science Laboratory, Division of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, P. O. Box 17020, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, 700032, India.
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22
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Mengist HM, Dilnessa T, Jin T. Structural Basis of Potential Inhibitors Targeting SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease. Front Chem 2021; 9:622898. [PMID: 33889562 PMCID: PMC8056153 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.622898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic is still devastating the world causing significant social, economic, and political chaos. Corresponding to the absence of globally approved antiviral drugs for treatment and vaccines for controlling the pandemic, the number of cases and/or mortalities are still rising. Current patient management relies on supportive treatment and the use of repurposed drugs as an indispensable option. Of a crucial role in the viral life cycle, ongoing studies are looking for potential inhibitors to the main protease (Mpro) of severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus -2 (SARS-CoV-2) to tackle the pandemic. Although promising results have been achieved in searching for drugs inhibiting the Mpro, work remains to be done on designing structure-based improved drugs. This review discusses the structural basis of potential inhibitors targeting SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, identifies gaps, and provides future directions. Further, compounds with potential Mpro based antiviral activity are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hylemariam Mihiretie Mengist
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of innate immunity and chronic disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Science, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Tebelay Dilnessa
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Science, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Tengchuan Jin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of innate immunity and chronic disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, China
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23
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Chen CC, Yu X, Kuo CJ, Min J, Chen S, Ma L, Liu K, Guo RT. Overview of antiviral drug candidates targeting coronaviral 3C-like main proteases. FEBS J 2021; 288:5089-5121. [PMID: 33400393 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Coronaviruses (CoVs) are positive single-stranded RNA viruses that cause severe respiratory syndromes in humans, including severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by a novel severe acute respiratory syndrome CoV (SARS-CoV-2) at the end of 2019 became a global pandemic. The 3C-like cysteine protease (3CLpro) processes viral polyproteins to yield mature non-structural proteins, thus playing an important role in the CoV life cycle, and therefore is considered as a prominent target for antiviral drugs. To date, many 3CLpro inhibitors have been reported, and their molecular mechanisms have been illustrated. Here, we briefly introduce the structural features of 3CLpro of the human-related SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, and explore the potency and mechanism of their cognate inhibitors. This information will shed light on the development and optimization of CoV 3CLpro inhibitors, which may benefit the further designation of therapeutic strategies for treating CoV diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Chi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuejing Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chih-Jung Kuo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jian Min
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Sizhuo Chen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lixin Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ke Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Rey-Ting Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
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24
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Roe MK, Junod NA, Young AR, Beachboard DC, Stobart CC. Targeting novel structural and functional features of coronavirus protease nsp5 (3CL pro, M pro) in the age of COVID-19. J Gen Virol 2021; 102. [PMID: 33507143 PMCID: PMC8515871 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus protease nsp5 (Mpro, 3CLpro) remains a primary target for coronavirus therapeutics due to its indispensable and conserved role in the proteolytic processing of the viral replicase polyproteins. In this review, we discuss the diversity of known coronaviruses, the role of nsp5 in coronavirus biology, and the structure and function of this protease across the diversity of known coronaviruses, and evaluate past and present efforts to develop inhibitors to the nsp5 protease with a particular emphasis on new and mostly unexplored potential targets of inhibition. With the recent emergence of pandemic SARS-CoV-2, this review provides novel and potentially innovative strategies and directions to develop effective therapeutics against the coronavirus protease nsp5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly K Roe
- Department of Biological Sciences, Butler University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Nathan A Junod
- Department of Biological Sciences, Butler University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Audrey R Young
- Department of Biological Sciences, Butler University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Dia C Beachboard
- Department of Biology, DeSales University, Center Valley, PA, USA
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25
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Xiong M, Su H, Zhao W, Xie H, Shao Q, Xu Y. What coronavirus 3C-like protease tells us: From structure, substrate selectivity, to inhibitor design. Med Res Rev 2021; 41:1965-1998. [PMID: 33460213 PMCID: PMC8014231 DOI: 10.1002/med.21783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of a variety of coronaviruses (CoVs) in the last decades has posed huge threats to human health. Especially, the ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to more than 70 million infections and over 1.6 million of deaths worldwide in the past few months. None of the efficacious antiviral agents against human CoVs have been approved yet. 3C-like protease (3CLpro ) is an attractive target for antiviral intervention due to its essential role in processing polyproteins translated from viral RNA, and its conserved structural feature and substrate specificity among CoVs in spite of the sequence variation. This review focuses on all available crystal structures of 12 CoV 3CLpro s and their inhibitors, and intends to provide a comprehensive understanding of this protease from multiple aspects including its structural features, substrate specificity, inhibitor binding modes, and more importantly, to recapitulate the similarity and diversity among different CoV 3CLpro s and the structure-activity relationship of various types of inhibitors. Such an attempt could gain a deep insight into the inhibition mechanisms and drive future structure-based drug discovery targeting 3CLpro s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muya Xiong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Haixia Su
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenfeng Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Hang Xie
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Shao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yechun Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
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26
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Ng CS, Stobart CC, Luo H. Innate immune evasion mediated by picornaviral 3C protease: Possible lessons for coronaviral 3C-like protease? Rev Med Virol 2021; 31:1-22. [PMID: 33624382 PMCID: PMC7883238 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 is the etiological agent of the ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease-2019, a multi-organ disease that has triggered an unprecedented global health and economic crisis. The virally encoded 3C-like protease (3CLpro ), which is named after picornaviral 3C protease (3Cpro ) due to their similarities in substrate recognition and enzymatic activity, is essential for viral replication and has been considered as the primary drug target. However, information regarding the cellular substrates of 3CLpro and its interaction with the host remains scarce, though recent work has begun to shape our understanding more clearly. Here we summarized and compared the mechanisms by which picornaviruses and coronaviruses have evolved to evade innate immune surveillance, with a focus on the established role of 3Cpro in this process. Through this comparison, we hope to highlight the potential action and mechanisms that are conserved and shared between 3Cpro and 3CLpro . In this review, we also briefly discussed current advances in the development of broad-spectrum antivirals targeting both 3Cpro and 3CLpro .
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Seng Ng
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Honglin Luo
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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27
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Sacco MD, Ma C, Lagarias P, Gao A, Townsend JA, Meng X, Dube P, Zhang X, Hu Y, Kitamura N, Hurst B, Tarbet B, Marty MT, Kolocouris A, Xiang Y, Chen Y, Wang J. Structure and inhibition of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease reveal strategy for developing dual inhibitors against M pro and cathepsin L. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:sciadv.abe0751. [PMID: 33158912 PMCID: PMC7725459 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abe0751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 252] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 is a key antiviral drug target. While most Mpro inhibitors have a γ-lactam glutamine surrogate at the P1 position, we recently found that several Mpro inhibitors have hydrophobic moieties at the P1 site, including calpain inhibitors II and XII, which are also active against human cathepsin L, a host protease that is important for viral entry. In this study, we solved x-ray crystal structures of Mpro in complex with calpain inhibitors II and XII and three analogs of GC-376 The structure of Mpro with calpain inhibitor II confirmed that the S1 pocket can accommodate a hydrophobic methionine side chain, challenging the idea that a hydrophilic residue is necessary at this position. The structure of calpain inhibitor XII revealed an unexpected, inverted binding pose. Together, the biochemical, computational, structural, and cellular data presented herein provide new directions for the development of dual inhibitors as SARS-CoV-2 antivirals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Dominic Sacco
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Chunlong Ma
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Panagiotis Lagarias
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 15771, Greece
| | - Ang Gao
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Julia Alma Townsend
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Xiangzhi Meng
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Peter Dube
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Xiujun Zhang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Yanmei Hu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Naoya Kitamura
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Brett Hurst
- Institute for Antiviral Research, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
- Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - Bart Tarbet
- Institute for Antiviral Research, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
- Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - Michael Thomas Marty
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Antonios Kolocouris
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 15771, Greece
| | - Yan Xiang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
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Ligand-Based and Structured-Based In Silico Repurposing Approaches to Predict Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro Protein. Sci Pharm 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/scipharm88040054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a coronavirus that causes the pandemic Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). There is no current specific treatment for this new coronavirus. In this study, we employed a virtual screening repurposing strategy to search for potential SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors. The databases PDB, ChEMBL, BindingDB and DrugBank were queried with several filtering steps based on ligand-based and structure-based approaches. As a result, we obtained 58 molecules (37 from ChEMBL and 21 from DrugBank) that potentially inhibit SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. These molecules have on their chemical structure functional groups that favor stronger docking scores than the inhibitor N3. Several of these molecules are reported experimentally as SARS-CoV Mpro inhibitors. Hence, a combined virtual screening strategy allowed finding chemical compounds with a high potential for the inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro.
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29
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Silva LR, da Silva Santos-Júnior PF, de Andrade Brandão J, Anderson L, Bassi ÊJ, Xavier de Araújo-Júnior J, Cardoso SH, da Silva-Júnior EF. Druggable targets from coronaviruses for designing new antiviral drugs. Bioorg Med Chem 2020; 28:115745. [PMID: 33007557 PMCID: PMC7836322 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2020.115745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Severe respiratory infections were highlighted in the SARS-CoV outbreak in 2002, as well as MERS-CoV, in 2012. Recently, the novel CoV (COVID-19) has led to severe respiratory damage to humans and deaths in Asia, Europe, and Americas, which allowed the WHO to declare the pandemic state. Notwithstanding all impacts caused by Coronaviruses, it is evident that the development of new antiviral agents is an unmet need. In this review, we provide a complete compilation of all potential antiviral agents targeting macromolecular structures from these Coronaviruses (Coronaviridae), providing a medicinal chemistry viewpoint that could be useful for designing new therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro Rocha Silva
- Chemistry and Biotechnology Institute, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus A.C. Simões, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, Maceió 57072-970, Brazil; Laboratory of Organic and Medicinal Synthesis, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus Arapiraca, Manoel Severino Barbosa Avenue, Arapiraca 57309-005, Brazil
| | | | - Júlia de Andrade Brandão
- IMUNOREG - Immunoregulation Research Group, Laboratory of Research in Virology and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus AC. Simões, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, Maceió 57072-970, Brazil
| | - Letícia Anderson
- IMUNOREG - Immunoregulation Research Group, Laboratory of Research in Virology and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus AC. Simões, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, Maceió 57072-970, Brazil; CESMAC University Center, Cônego Machado Street, Maceió 57051-160, Brazil
| | - Ênio José Bassi
- IMUNOREG - Immunoregulation Research Group, Laboratory of Research in Virology and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus AC. Simões, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, Maceió 57072-970, Brazil
| | - João Xavier de Araújo-Júnior
- Chemistry and Biotechnology Institute, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus A.C. Simões, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, Maceió 57072-970, Brazil; Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences Institute, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus A.C. Simões, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, Maceió 57072-970, Brazil
| | - Sílvia Helena Cardoso
- Laboratory of Organic and Medicinal Synthesis, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus Arapiraca, Manoel Severino Barbosa Avenue, Arapiraca 57309-005, Brazil
| | - Edeildo Ferreira da Silva-Júnior
- Chemistry and Biotechnology Institute, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus A.C. Simões, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, Maceió 57072-970, Brazil; Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences Institute, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus A.C. Simões, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, Maceió 57072-970, Brazil.
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30
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Liu Y, Liang C, Xin L, Ren X, Tian L, Ju X, Li H, Wang Y, Zhao Q, Liu H, Cao W, Xie X, Zhang D, Wang Y, Jian Y. The development of Coronavirus 3C-Like protease (3CL pro) inhibitors from 2010 to 2020. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 206:112711. [PMID: 32810751 PMCID: PMC7409838 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
This review fully describes the coronavirus 3CLpro peptidomimetic inhibitors and nonpeptidic small molecule inhibitors developed from 2010 to 2020. Specifically, the structural characteristics, binding modes and SARs of these 3CLpro inhibitors are expounded in detail by division into two categories: peptidomimetic inhibitors mainly utilize electrophilic warhead groups to covalently bind the 3CLpro Cys145 residue and thereby achieve irreversible inhibition effects, whereas nonpeptidic small molecule inhibitors mainly interact with residues in the S1', S1, S2 and S4 pockets via hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic bonds and van der Waals forces. Based on the emerging PROTAC technology and the existing 3CLpro inhibitors, 3CLpro PROTAC degraders are hypothesised to be next-generation anti-coronavirus drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzhi Liu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China
| | - Chengyuan Liang
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China.
| | - Liang Xin
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China
| | - Xiaodong Ren
- Medical College, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
| | - Lei Tian
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China
| | - Xingke Ju
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China
| | - Han Li
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China
| | - Yongbo Wang
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China
| | - Qianqian Zhao
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China
| | - Hong Liu
- Zhuhai Jinan Selenium Source Nanotechnology Co., Ltd., Hengqin, Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519030, PR China.
| | - Wenqiang Cao
- Zhuhai Jinan Selenium Source Nanotechnology Co., Ltd., Hengqin, Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519030, PR China
| | - Xiaolin Xie
- Shaanxi Panlong Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Xi'an, 710025, PR China
| | - Dezhu Zhang
- Shaanxi Panlong Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Xi'an, 710025, PR China
| | - Yu Wang
- Shaanxi Panlong Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Xi'an, 710025, PR China
| | - Yanlin Jian
- Laboratory for Medicinal Chemistry (FFW), Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, B9000, Gent, Belgium.
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Akaji K, Konno H. Design and Evaluation of Anti-SARS-Coronavirus Agents Based on Molecular Interactions with the Viral Protease. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25173920. [PMID: 32867349 PMCID: PMC7504761 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25173920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Three types of new coronaviruses (CoVs) have been identified recently as the causative viruses for the severe pneumonia-like respiratory illnesses, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), and corona-virus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Neither therapeutic agents nor vaccines have been developed to date, which is a major drawback in controlling the present global pandemic of COVID-19 caused by SARS coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and has resulted in more than 20,439,814 cases and 744,385 deaths. Each of the 3C-like (3CL) proteases of the three CoVs is essential for the proliferation of the CoVs, and an inhibitor of the 3CL protease (3CLpro) is thought to be an ideal therapeutic agent against SARS, MERS, or COVID-19. Among these, SARS-CoV is the first corona-virus isolated and has been studied in detail since the first pandemic in 2003. This article briefly reviews a series of studies on SARS-CoV, focusing on the development of inhibitors for the SARS-CoV 3CLpro based on molecular interactions with the 3CL protease. Our recent approach, based on the structure-based rational design of a novel scaffold for SARS-CoV 3CLpro inhibitor, is also included. The achievements summarized in this short review would be useful for the design of a variety of novel inhibitors for corona-viruses, including SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichi Akaji
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Yamashina, Kyoto 607-8414, Japan
- Hamari Chemicals, Ltd., Suminoe-ku, Osaka 559-0034, Japan
- Correspondence:
| | - Hiroyuki Konno
- Chemical Engineering and Biochemical Engineering, Yamagata University, Yonezawa, Yamagata 992-8510, Japan;
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Pillaiyar T, Wendt LL, Manickam M, Easwaran M. The recent outbreaks of human coronaviruses: A medicinal chemistry perspective. Med Res Rev 2020; 41:72-135. [PMID: 32852058 PMCID: PMC7461420 DOI: 10.1002/med.21724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Coronaviruses (CoVs) infect both humans and animals. In humans, CoVs can cause respiratory, kidney, heart, brain, and intestinal infections that can range from mild to lethal. Since the start of the 21st century, three β‐coronaviruses have crossed the species barrier to infect humans: severe‐acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)‐CoV‐1, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)‐CoV, and SARS‐CoV‐2 (2019‐nCoV). These viruses are dangerous and can easily be transmitted from human to human. Therefore, the development of anticoronaviral therapies is urgently needed. However, to date, no approved vaccines or drugs against CoV infections are available. In this review, we focus on the medicinal chemistry efforts toward the development of antiviral agents against SARS‐CoV‐1, MERS‐CoV, SARS‐CoV‐2, targeting biochemical events important for viral replication and its life cycle. These targets include the spike glycoprotein and its host‐receptors for viral entry, proteases that are essential for cleaving polyproteins to produce functional proteins, and RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase for viral RNA replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanigaimalai Pillaiyar
- PharmaCenter Bonn, Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Lukas L Wendt
- PharmaCenter Bonn, Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Manoj Manickam
- Department of Chemistry, PSG Institute of Technology and Applied Research, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Maheswaran Easwaran
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sethu Institute of Technology, Virudhunagar, Tamilnadu, India
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Santos IDA, Grosche VR, Bergamini FRG, Sabino-Silva R, Jardim ACG. Antivirals Against Coronaviruses: Candidate Drugs for SARS-CoV-2 Treatment? Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1818. [PMID: 32903349 PMCID: PMC7438404 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses (CoVs) are a group of viruses from the family Coronaviridae that can infect humans and animals, causing mild to severe diseases. The ongoing pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) represents a global threat, urging the development of new therapeutic strategies. Here we present a selection of relevant compounds that have been described from 2005 until now as having in vitro and/or in vivo antiviral activities against human and/or animal CoVs. We also present compounds that have reached clinical trials as well as further discussing the potentiality of other molecules for application in (re)emergent CoVs outbreaks. Finally, through rationalization of the data presented herein, we wish to encourage further research encompassing these compounds as potential SARS-CoV-2 drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor de Andrade Santos
- Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Victória Riquena Grosche
- Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
- Institute of Biosciences, Language and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University, São José do Rio Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Robinson Sabino-Silva
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Gomes Jardim
- Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
- Institute of Biosciences, Language and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University, São José do Rio Preto, Brazil
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Ma C, Sacco MD, Hurst B, Townsend JA, Hu Y, Szeto T, Zhang X, Tarbet B, Marty MT, Chen Y, Wang J. Boceprevir, GC-376, and calpain inhibitors II, XII inhibit SARS-CoV-2 viral replication by targeting the viral main protease. Cell Res 2020; 30:678-692. [PMID: 32541865 PMCID: PMC7294525 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-020-0356-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 564] [Impact Index Per Article: 141.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, also called novel coronavirus 2019 (2019-nCoV), started to circulate among humans around December 2019, and it is now widespread as a global pandemic. The disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus is called COVID-19, which is highly contagious and has an overall mortality rate of 6.35% as of May 26, 2020. There is no vaccine or antiviral available for SARS-CoV-2. In this study, we report our discovery of inhibitors targeting the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro). Using the FRET-based enzymatic assay, several inhibitors including boceprevir, GC-376, and calpain inhibitors II, and XII were identified to have potent activity with single-digit to submicromolar IC50 values in the enzymatic assay. The mechanism of action of the hits was further characterized using enzyme kinetic studies, thermal shift binding assays, and native mass spectrometry. Significantly, four compounds (boceprevir, GC-376, calpain inhibitors II and XII) inhibit SARS-CoV-2 viral replication in cell culture with EC50 values ranging from 0.49 to 3.37 µM. Notably, boceprevir, calpain inhibitors II and XII represent novel chemotypes that are distinct from known substrate-based peptidomimetic Mpro inhibitors. A complex crystal structure of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro with GC-376, determined at 2.15 Å resolution with three protomers per asymmetric unit, revealed two unique binding configurations, shedding light on the molecular interactions and protein conformational flexibility underlying substrate and inhibitor binding by Mpro. Overall, the compounds identified herein provide promising starting points for the further development of SARS-CoV-2 therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlong Ma
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Michael Dominic Sacco
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Brett Hurst
- Institute for Antiviral Research, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, USA
- Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, USA
| | - Julia Alma Townsend
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Yanmei Hu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Tommy Szeto
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Xiujun Zhang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Bart Tarbet
- Institute for Antiviral Research, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, USA
- Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, USA
| | - Michael Thomas Marty
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA.
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA.
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Sacco MD, Ma C, Lagarias P, Gao A, Townsend JA, Meng X, Dube P, Zhang X, Hu Y, Kitamura N, Hurst B, Tarbet B, Marty MT, Kolocouris A, Xiang Y, Chen Y, Wang J. Structure and inhibition of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease reveals strategy for developing dual inhibitors against M pro and cathepsin L. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2020:2020.07.27.223727. [PMID: 32766590 PMCID: PMC7402059 DOI: 10.1101/2020.07.27.223727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2, the pathogen responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, is a key antiviral drug target. While most SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors have a γ-lactam glutamine surrogate at the P1 position, we recently discovered several Mpro inhibitors have hydrophobic moieties at the P1 site, including calpain inhibitors II/XII, which are also active against human cathepsin L, a host-protease that is important for viral entry. To determine the binding mode of these calpain inhibitors and establish a structure-activity relationship, we solved X-ray crystal structures of Mpro in complex with calpain inhibitors II and XII, and three analogues of GC-376, one of the most potent Mpro inhibitors in vitro. The structure of Mpro with calpain inhibitor II confirmed the S1 pocket of Mpro can accommodate a hydrophobic methionine side chain, challenging the idea that a hydrophilic residue is necessary at this position. Interestingly, the structure of calpain inhibitor XII revealed an unexpected, inverted binding pose where the P1' pyridine inserts in the S1 pocket and the P1 norvaline is positioned in the S1' pocket. The overall conformation is semi-helical, wrapping around the catalytic core, in contrast to the extended conformation of other peptidomimetic inhibitors. Additionally, the structures of three GC-376 analogues UAWJ246, UAWJ247, and UAWJ248 provide insight to the sidechain preference of the S1', S2, S3 and S4 pockets, and the superior cell-based activity of the aldehyde warhead compared with the α-ketoamide. Taken together, the biochemical, computational, structural, and cellular data presented herein provide new directions for the development of Mpro inhibitors as SARS-CoV-2 antivirals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Dominic Sacco
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33612, United States
| | - Chunlong Ma
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
| | - Panagiotis Lagarias
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, 15771, Greece
| | - Ang Gao
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
| | - Julia Alma Townsend
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
| | - Xiangzhi Meng
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, United States
| | - Peter Dube
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, United States
| | - Xiujun Zhang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33612, United States
| | - Yanmei Hu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
| | - Naoya Kitamura
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
| | - Brett Hurst
- Institute for Antiviral Research, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, United States
- Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, United States
| | - Bart Tarbet
- Institute for Antiviral Research, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, United States
- Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, United States
| | - Michael Thomas Marty
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
| | - Antonios Kolocouris
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, 15771, Greece
| | - Yan Xiang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, United States
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33612, United States
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
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Ulm JW, Nelson SF. COVID-19 drug repurposing: Summary statistics on current clinical trials and promising untested candidates. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 68:313-317. [PMID: 32619318 PMCID: PMC7362058 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Repurposing of existing anti-viral drugs, immunological modulators and supportive therapies represents a promising path towards rapidly developing new control strategies to mitigate the devastating public health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. A comprehensive text-mining and manual curation approach was used to comb and summarize the most pertinent information from existing clinical trials and previous efforts to develop therapies against related betacoronaviruses, particularly SARS and MERS. In contrast to drugs in current trials, which have been derived overwhelmingly from studies on taxonomically unrelated RNA viruses, a number of untested small molecule anti-virals had previously demonstrated remarkable in vitro specificity for SARS-CoV or MERS-CoV, with high selectivity indices, EC50 and/or IC50 . Due to the rapid containment of the prior epidemics, however, these were generally not followed up with in vivo animal studies or clinical investigations and thus largely overlooked as treatment prospects in the current COVID-19 trials. This brief review summarizes and tabulates core information on recent or ongoing drug repurposing-focused clinical trials, while detailing the most promising untested candidates with prior documented success against the aetiologic agents of SARS and/or MERS.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Wes Ulm
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Stanley F Nelson
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Ghosh AK, Brindisi M, Shahabi D, Chapman ME, Mesecar AD. Drug Development and Medicinal Chemistry Efforts toward SARS-Coronavirus and Covid-19 Therapeutics. ChemMedChem 2020; 15:907-932. [PMID: 32324951 PMCID: PMC7264561 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection is spreading at an alarming rate and has created an unprecedented health emergency around the globe. There is no effective vaccine or approved drug treatment against COVID-19 and other pathogenic coronaviruses. The development of antiviral agents is an urgent priority. Biochemical events critical to the coronavirus replication cycle provided a number of attractive targets for drug development. These include, spike protein for binding to host cell-surface receptors, proteolytic enzymes that are essential for processing polyproteins into mature viruses, and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase for RNA replication. There has been a lot of ground work for drug discovery and development against these targets. Also, high-throughput screening efforts have led to the identification of diverse lead structures, including natural product-derived molecules. This review highlights past and present drug discovery and medicinal-chemistry approaches against SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and COVID-19 targets. The review hopes to stimulate further research and will be a useful guide to the development of effective therapies against COVID-19 and other pathogenic coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun K. Ghosh
- Department of ChemistryPurdue UniversityWest LafayetteIN 47907USA
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular PharmacolgyPurdue UniversityWest LafayetteIN 47907USA
| | - Margherita Brindisi
- Department of ChemistryPurdue UniversityWest LafayetteIN 47907USA
- Department of Excellence of PharmacyUniversity of Naples Federico II80131NaplesItaly
| | - Dana Shahabi
- Department of ChemistryPurdue UniversityWest LafayetteIN 47907USA
| | | | - Andrew D. Mesecar
- Department of ChemistryPurdue UniversityWest LafayetteIN 47907USA
- Department of BiochemistryPurdue UniversityWest LafayetteIN 47907USA
- Department of Biological SciencesPurdue UniversityWest LafayetteIN 47907USA
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Gentile D, Patamia V, Scala A, Sciortino MT, Piperno A, Rescifina A. Putative Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease from A Library of Marine Natural Products: A Virtual Screening and Molecular Modeling Study. Mar Drugs 2020; 18:E225. [PMID: 32340389 PMCID: PMC7231030 DOI: 10.3390/md18040225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 204] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The current emergency due to the worldwide spread of the COVID-19 caused by the new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a great concern for global public health. Already in the past, the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003 and Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome (MERS) in 2012 demonstrates the potential of coronaviruses to cross-species borders and further underlines the importance of identifying new-targeted drugs. An ideal antiviral agent should target essential proteins involved in the lifecycle of SARS-CoV. Currently, some HIV protease inhibitors (i.e., Lopinavir) are proposed for the treatment of COVID-19, although their effectiveness has not yet been assessed. The main protease (Mpr) provides a highly validated pharmacological target for the discovery and design of inhibitors. We identified potent Mpr inhibitors employing computational techniques that entail the screening of a Marine Natural Product (MNP) library. MNP library was screened by a hyphenated pharmacophore model, and molecular docking approaches. Molecular dynamics and re-docking further confirmed the results obtained by structure-based techniques and allowed this study to highlight some crucial aspects. Seventeen potential SARS-CoV-2 Mpr inhibitors have been identified among the natural substances of marine origin. As these compounds were extensively validated by a consensus approach and by molecular dynamics, the likelihood that at least one of these compounds could be bioactive is excellent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Gentile
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, V.le A. Doria, 95125 Catania, Italy;
| | - Vincenzo Patamia
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, V.le A. Doria, 95125 Catania, Italy;
| | - Angela Scala
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical, and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, V.le F. Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.S.); (M.T.S.); (A.P.)
| | - Maria Teresa Sciortino
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical, and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, V.le F. Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.S.); (M.T.S.); (A.P.)
| | - Anna Piperno
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical, and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, V.le F. Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.S.); (M.T.S.); (A.P.)
| | - Antonio Rescifina
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, V.le A. Doria, 95125 Catania, Italy;
- Consorzio Interuniversitario Nazionale di ricerca in Metodologie e Processi Innovativi di Sintesi (CINMPS), Via E. Orabona, 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
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Huang J, Song W, Huang H, Sun Q. Pharmacological Therapeutics Targeting RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase, Proteinase and Spike Protein: From Mechanistic Studies to Clinical Trials for COVID-19. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E1131. [PMID: 32326602 PMCID: PMC7231166 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9041131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
An outbreak of novel coronavirus-related pneumonia COVID-19, that was identified in December 2019, has expanded rapidly, with cases now confirmed in more than 211 countries or areas. This constant transmission of a novel coronavirus and its ability to spread from human to human have prompted scientists to develop new approaches for treatment of COVID-19. A recent study has shown that remdesivir and chloroquine effectively inhibit the replication and infection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2, 2019-nCov) in vitro. In the United States, one case of COVID-19 was successfully treated with compassionate use of remdesivir in January of 2020. In addition, a clinically proven protease inhibitor, camostat mesylate, has been demonstrated to inhibit Calu-3 infection with SARS-CoV-2 and prevent SARS-2-spike protein (S protein)-mediated entry into primary human lung cells. Here, we systemically discuss the pharmacological therapeutics targeting RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), proteinase and S protein for treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This review should shed light on the fundamental rationale behind inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 enzymes RdRp as new therapeutic approaches for management of patients with COVID-19. In addition, we will discuss the viability and challenges in targeting RdRp and proteinase, and application of natural product quinoline and its analog chloroquine for treatment of coronavirus infection. Finally, determining the structural-functional relationships of the S protein of SARS-CoV-2 will provide new insights into inhibition of interactions between S protein and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and enable us to develop novel therapeutic approaches for novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiansheng Huang
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 318 Preston Research Building, 2200 Pierce Avenue, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenliang Song
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 318 Preston Research Building, 2200 Pierce Avenue, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Hui Huang
- Center of Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, 2200 Pierce Avenue, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Quancai Sun
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, Jiangsu, China
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Tang B, He F, Liu D, Fang M, Wu Z, Xu D. AI-aided design of novel targeted covalent inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2020. [PMID: 32511346 DOI: 10.1101/2020.03.03.972133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The focused drug repurposing of known approved drugs (such as lopinavir/ritonavir) has been reported failed for curing SARS-CoV-2 infected patients. It is urgent to generate new chemical entities against this virus. As a key enzyme in the life-cycle of coronavirus, the 3C-like main protease (3CL pro or M pro ) is the most attractive for antiviral drug design. Based on a recently solved structure (PDB ID: 6LU7), we developed a novel advanced deep Q-learning network with the fragment-based drug design (ADQN-FBDD) for generating potential lead compounds targeting SARS-CoV-2 3CL pro . We obtained a series of derivatives from those lead compounds by our structure-based optimization policy (SBOP). All the 47 lead compounds directly from our AI-model and related derivatives based on SBOP are accessible in our molecular library at https://github.com/tbwxmu/2019-nCov . These compounds can be used as potential candidates for researchers in their development of drugs against SARS-CoV-2.
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Pillaiyar T, Meenakshisundaram S, Manickam M. Recent discovery and development of inhibitors targeting coronaviruses. Drug Discov Today 2020; 25:668-688. [PMID: 32006468 PMCID: PMC7102522 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 233] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Human coronaviruses (CoVs) are enveloped viruses with a positive-sense single-stranded RNA genome. Currently, six human CoVs have been reported including human coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E), OC43 (HCoV-OC43), NL63 (HCoV-NL63), HKU1 (HCoV-HKU1), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus (SARS-CoV), and MiddleEast respiratory syndrome (MERS) coronavirus (MERS-CoV). They cause moderate to severe respiratory and intestinal infections in humans. In this review, we focus on recent advances in the research and development of small-molecule anti-human coronavirus therapies targeting different stages of the CoV life cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanigaimalai Pillaiyar
- PharmaCenter Bonn, Pharmaceutical Institute, Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, D-53121 Bonn, Germany.
| | | | - Manoj Manickam
- Department of Chemistry, PSG Institute of Technology and Applied Research, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Ma C, Sacco MD, Hurst B, Townsend JA, Hu Y, Szeto T, Zhang X, Tarbet B, Marty MT, Chen Y, Wang J. Boceprevir, GC-376, and calpain inhibitors II, XII inhibit SARS-CoV-2 viral replication by targeting the viral main protease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2020. [PMID: 32511378 PMCID: PMC7263507 DOI: 10.1101/2020.04.20.051581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
A novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, also called novel coronavirus 2019 (nCoV-19), started to circulate among humans around December 2019, and it is now widespread as a global pandemic. The disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus is called COVID-19, which is highly contagious and has an overall mortality rate of 6.96% as of May 4, 2020. There is no vaccine or antiviral available for SARS-CoV-2. In this study, we report our discovery of inhibitors targeting the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro). Using the FRET-based enzymatic assay, several inhibitors including boceprevir, GC-376, and calpain inhibitors II, and XII were identified to have potent activity with single-digit to submicromolar IC50 values in the enzymatic assay. The mechanism of action of the hits was further characterized using enzyme kinetic studies, thermal shift binding assays, and native mass spectrometry. Significantly, four compounds (boceprevir, GC-376, calpain inhibitors II and XII) inhibit SARS-CoV-2 viral replication in cell culture with EC50 values ranging from 0.49 to 3.37 μM. Notably, boceprevir, calpain inhibitors II and XII represent novel chemotypes that are distinct from known Mpro inhibitors. A complex crystal structure of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro with GC-376, determined at 2.15 Å resolution with three monomers per asymmetric unit, revealed two unique binding configurations, shedding light on the molecular interactions and protein conformational flexibility underlying substrate and inhibitor binding by Mpro. Overall, the compounds identified herein provide promising starting points for the further development of SARS-CoV-2 therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlong Ma
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
| | - Michael D Sacco
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33612, United States
| | - Brett Hurst
- Institute for Antiviral Research, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, USA.,Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, USA
| | - Julia A Townsend
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
| | - Yanmei Hu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
| | - Tommy Szeto
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
| | - Xiujun Zhang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33612, United States
| | - Bart Tarbet
- Institute for Antiviral Research, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, USA.,Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, USA
| | - Michael T Marty
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33612, United States
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
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Kumar V, Shin JS, Shie JJ, Ku KB, Kim C, Go YY, Huang KF, Kim M, Liang PH. Identification and evaluation of potent Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) 3CL Pro inhibitors. Antiviral Res 2017; 141:101-106. [PMID: 28216367 PMCID: PMC7113684 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2017.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Revised: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) causes severe acute respiratory illness with fever, cough and shortness of breath. Up to date, it has resulted in 1826 human infections, including 649 deaths. Analogous to picornavirus 3C protease (3Cpro), 3C-like protease (3CLpro) is critical for initiation of the MERS-CoV replication cycle and is thus regarded as a validated drug target. As presented here, our peptidomimetic inhibitors of enterovirus 3Cpro (6b, 6c and 6d) inhibited 3CLpro of MERS-CoV and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) with IC50 values ranging from 1.7 to 4.7 μM and from 0.2 to 0.7 μM, respectively. In MERS-CoV-infected cells, the inhibitors showed antiviral activity with EC50 values ranging from 0.6 to 1.4 μM, by downregulating the viral protein production in cells as well as reducing secretion of infectious viral particles into culture supernatants. They also suppressed other α- and β-CoVs from human and feline origin. These compounds exhibited good selectivity index (over 70 against MERS-CoV) and could lead to the development of broad-spectrum antiviral drugs against emerging CoVs and picornaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vathan Kumar
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jin Soo Shin
- Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiun-Jie Shie
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Keun Bon Ku
- Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Chonsaeng Kim
- Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Young Go
- Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kai-Fa Huang
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Meehyein Kim
- Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
| | - Po-Huang Liang
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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44
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Adhikari N, Baidya SK, Saha A, Jha T. Structural Insight Into the Viral 3C-Like Protease Inhibitors: Comparative SAR/QSAR Approaches. VIRAL PROTEASES AND THEIR INHIBITORS 2017. [PMCID: PMC7150231 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-809712-0.00011-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), caused by SARS-coronavirus (SARS-CoV), is a dreadful infection worldwide having economic and medical importance and a global threat for health. It was turned into an epidemic in South China followed by a chain of infections across three generations. A number of pathogeneses in human may occur due to the virus. This infection has not been taken into account before the SARS outbreak, and still it is a neglected one. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop small molecule antivirals to combat the SARS-CoV. No vaccines are available till date though a number of SARS-CoV 3C-like and 3C protease inhibitors were reported. In this chapter, quantitative structure–activity relationship technique is used for development of anti-SARS and anti-HRV drugs and outcome discussed in details. This approach may be a useful strategy to design novel and potential anti-SARS drugs to combat these dreadful viral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Tarun Jha
- Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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45
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Pillaiyar T, Manickam M, Namasivayam V, Hayashi Y, Jung SH. An Overview of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus (SARS-CoV) 3CL Protease Inhibitors: Peptidomimetics and Small Molecule Chemotherapy. J Med Chem 2016; 59:6595-628. [PMID: 26878082 PMCID: PMC7075650 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b01461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 503] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is caused by a newly emerged coronavirus that infected more than 8000 individuals and resulted in more than 800 (10-15%) fatalities in 2003. The causative agent of SARS has been identified as a novel human coronavirus (SARS-CoV), and its viral protease, SARS-CoV 3CL(pro), has been shown to be essential for replication and has hence been recognized as a potent drug target for SARS infection. Currently, there is no effective treatment for this epidemic despite the intensive research that has been undertaken since 2003 (over 3500 publications). This perspective focuses on the status of various efficacious anti-SARS-CoV 3CL(pro) chemotherapies discovered during the last 12 years (2003-2015) from all sources, including laboratory synthetic methods, natural products, and virtual screening. We describe here mainly peptidomimetic and small molecule inhibitors of SARS-CoV 3CL(pro). Attempts have been made to provide a complete description of the structural features and binding modes of these inhibitors under many conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanigaimalai Pillaiyar
- Pharmaceutical
Institute, Pharmaceutical Chemistry I, University
of Bonn, An der Immenburg
4, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Manoj Manickam
- College
of Pharmacy and Institute of Drug Research and Development, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, South Korea
| | - Vigneshwaran Namasivayam
- Pharmaceutical
Institute, Pharmaceutical Chemistry I, University
of Bonn, An der Immenburg
4, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Yoshio Hayashi
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Tokyo University
of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan
| | - Sang-Hun Jung
- College
of Pharmacy and Institute of Drug Research and Development, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, South Korea
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46
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Zeng D, Ma Y, Zhang R, Nie Q, Cui Z, Wang Y, Shang L, Yin Z. Synthesis and structure–activity relationship of α-keto amides as enterovirus 71 3C protease inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2016; 26:1762-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2016.02.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Revised: 02/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Sun D, Chen S, Cheng A, Wang M. Roles of the Picornaviral 3C Proteinase in the Viral Life Cycle and Host Cells. Viruses 2016; 8:82. [PMID: 26999188 PMCID: PMC4810272 DOI: 10.3390/v8030082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2015] [Revised: 02/27/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Picornaviridae family comprises a large group of non-enveloped viruses that have a major impact on human and veterinary health. The viral genome contains one open reading frame encoding a single polyprotein that can be processed by viral proteinases. The crucial 3C proteinases (3C(pro)s) of picornaviruses share similar spatial structures and it is becoming apparent that 3C(pro) plays a significant role in the viral life cycle and virus host interaction. Importantly, the proteinase and RNA-binding activity of 3C(pro) are involved in viral polyprotein processing and the initiation of viral RNA synthesis. In addition, 3C(pro) can induce the cleavage of certain cellular factors required for transcription, translation and nucleocytoplasmic trafficking to modulate cell physiology for viral replication. Due to interactions between 3C(pro) and these essential factors, 3C(pro) is also involved in viral pathogenesis to support efficient infection. Furthermore, based on the structural conservation, the development of irreversible inhibitors and discovery of non-covalent inhibitors for 3C(pro) are ongoing and a better understanding of the roles played by 3C(pro) may provide insights into the development of potential antiviral treatments. In this review, the current knowledge regarding the structural features, multiple functions in the viral life cycle, pathogen host interaction, and development of antiviral compounds for 3C(pro) is summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Sun
- Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu 611130, China.
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu 611130, China.
| | - Shun Chen
- Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu 611130, China.
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu 611130, China.
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Wenjiang, Chengdu 611130, China.
| | - Anchun Cheng
- Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu 611130, China.
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu 611130, China.
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Wenjiang, Chengdu 611130, China.
| | - Mingshu Wang
- Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu 611130, China.
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu 611130, China.
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Wenjiang, Chengdu 611130, China.
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48
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Berry M, Fielding BC, Gamieldien J. Potential Broad Spectrum Inhibitors of the Coronavirus 3CLpro: A Virtual Screening and Structure-Based Drug Design Study. Viruses 2015; 7:6642-60. [PMID: 26694449 PMCID: PMC4690886 DOI: 10.3390/v7122963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Revised: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Human coronaviruses represent a significant disease burden; however, there is currently no antiviral strategy to combat infection. The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003 and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) less than 10 years later demonstrates the potential of coronaviruses to cross species boundaries and further highlights the importance of identifying novel lead compounds with broad spectrum activity. The coronavirus 3CL(pro) provides a highly validated drug target and as there is a high degree of sequence homology and conservation in main chain architecture the design of broad spectrum inhibitors is viable. The ZINC drugs-now library was screened in a consensus high-throughput pharmacophore modeling and molecular docking approach by Vina, Glide, GOLD and MM-GBSA. Molecular dynamics further confirmed results obtained from structure-based techniques. A highly defined hit-list of 19 compounds was identified by the structure-based drug design methodologies. As these compounds were extensively validated by a consensus approach and by molecular dynamics, the likelihood that at least one of these compounds is bioactive is excellent. Additionally, the compounds segregate into 15 significantly dissimilar (p < 0.05) clusters based on shape and features, which represent valuable scaffolds that can be used as a basis for future anti-coronaviral inhibitor discovery experiments. Importantly though, the enriched subset of 19 compounds identified from the larger library has to be validated experimentally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Berry
- South African Medical Research Council Bioinformatics Capacity Development Unit, South African National Bioinformatics Institute, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa.
- Molecular Biology and Virology Laboratory, Department of Medical BioSciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa.
| | - Burtram C Fielding
- Molecular Biology and Virology Laboratory, Department of Medical BioSciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa.
| | - Junaid Gamieldien
- South African Medical Research Council Bioinformatics Capacity Development Unit, South African National Bioinformatics Institute, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa.
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49
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Kuo C, Liang P. Characterization and Inhibition of the Main Protease of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus. CHEMBIOENG REVIEWS 2015. [PMCID: PMC7159133 DOI: 10.1002/cben.201400031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chih‐Jung Kuo
- National Chung Hsing University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Po‐Huang Liang
- National Chung Hsing University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Taichung 402, Taiwan
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50
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Paasche A, Zipper A, Schäfer S, Ziebuhr J, Schirmeister T, Engels B. Evidence for substrate binding-induced zwitterion formation in the catalytic Cys-His dyad of the SARS-CoV main protease. Biochemistry 2014; 53:5930-46. [PMID: 25196915 DOI: 10.1021/bi400604t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus main protease (M(pro)) represents an attractive drug target for antiviral therapy of coronavirus (CoV) infections, including severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). The SARS-CoV M(pro) and related CoV proteases have several distinct features, such as an uncharged Cys-His catalytic dyad embedded in a chymotrypsin-like protease fold, that clearly separate these enzymes from archetypical cysteine proteases. To further characterize the catalytic system of CoV main proteases and to obtain information about improved inhibitors, we performed comprehensive simulations of the proton-transfer reactions in the SARS-CoV M(pro) active site that lead to the Cys(-)/His(+) zwitterionic state required for efficient proteolytic activity. Our simulations, comprising the free enzyme as well as substrate-enzyme and inhibitor-enzyme complexes, lead us to predict that zwitterion formation is fostered by substrate binding but not inhibitor binding. This indicates that M(pro) employs a substrate-induced catalytic mechanism that further enhances its substrate specificity. Our computational data are in line with available experimental results, such as X-ray geometries, measured pKa values, mutagenesis experiments, and the measured differences between the kinetic parameters of substrates and inhibitors. The data also provide an atomistic picture of the formerly postulated electrostatic trigger involved in SARS-CoV M(pro) activity. Finally, they provide information on how a specific microenvironment may finely tune the activity of M(pro) toward specific viral protein substrates, which is known to be required for efficient viral replication. Our simulations also indicate that the low inhibition potencies of known covalently interacting inhibitors may, at least in part, be attributed to insufficient fostering of the proton-transfer reaction. These findings suggest ways to achieve improved inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Paasche
- Institut für Physikalische und Theoretische Chemie, Universität Würzburg , Emil-Fischer-Straße 42, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
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