1
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Fan Z, Pavlova A, Jenkins MC, Bassit L, Salman M, Lynch DL, Patel D, Korablyov M, Finn MG, Schinazi RF, Gumbart JC. Biophysics-Guided Lead Discovery of HBV Capsid Assembly Modifiers. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:1162-1173. [PMID: 38564659 PMCID: PMC11019538 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the leading cause of chronic liver pathologies worldwide. HBV nucleocapsid, a key structural component, is formed through the self-assembly of the capsid protein units. Therefore, interfering with the self-assembly process is a promising approach for the development of novel antiviral agents. Applied to HBV, this approach has led to several classes of capsid assembly modulators (CAMs). Here, we report structurally novel CAMs with moderate activity and low toxicity, discovered through a biophysics-guided approach combining docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and a series of assays with a particular emphasis on biophysical experiments. Several of the identified compounds induce the formation of aberrant capsids and inhibit HBV DNA replication in vitro, suggesting that they possess modest capsid assembly modulation effects. The synergistic computational and experimental approaches provided key insights that facilitated the identification of compounds with promising activities. The discovery of preclinical CAMs presents opportunities for subsequent optimization efforts, thereby opening new avenues for HBV inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixing Fan
- Interdisciplinary
Bioengineering Graduate Program, Georgia
Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Anna Pavlova
- School
of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Matthew C. Jenkins
- School
of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Georgia
Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Leda Bassit
- Center
for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology,
Department of Pediatrics, Emory University
School of Medicine and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Mohammad Salman
- Center
for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology,
Department of Pediatrics, Emory University
School of Medicine and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Diane L. Lynch
- School
of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Dharmeshkumar Patel
- Center
for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology,
Department of Pediatrics, Emory University
School of Medicine and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Maksym Korablyov
- MIT
Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - M. G. Finn
- School
of Chemistry & Biochemistry and School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Raymond F. Schinazi
- Center
for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology,
Department of Pediatrics, Emory University
School of Medicine and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - James C. Gumbart
- School
of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
- School
of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Georgia
Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
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2
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Hu JL, Huang AL. Classifying hepatitis B therapies with insights from covalently closed circular DNA dynamics. Virol Sin 2024; 39:9-23. [PMID: 38110037 PMCID: PMC10877440 DOI: 10.1016/j.virs.2023.12.005] [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: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The achievement of a functional cure for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains limited to a minority of patients treated with currently approved drugs. The primary objective in developing new anti-HBV drugs is to enhance the functional cure rates for CHB. A critical prerequisite for the functional cure of CHB is a substantial reduction, or even eradication of covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA). Within this context, the changes in cccDNA levels during treatment become as a pivotal concern. We have previously analyzed the factors influencing cccDNA dynamics and introduced a preliminary classification of hepatitis B treatment strategies based on these dynamics. In this review, we employ a systems thinking perspective to elucidate the fundamental aspects of the HBV replication cycle and to rationalize the classification of treatment strategies according to their impact on the dynamic equilibrium of cccDNA. Building upon this foundation, we categorize current anti-HBV strategies into two distinct groups and advocate for their combined use to significantly reduce cccDNA levels within a well-defined timeframe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie-Li Hu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology on Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
| | - Ai-Long Huang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology on Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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3
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Kobayakawa T, Amano M, Nakayama M, Tsuji K, Ishii T, Miura Y, Shinohara K, Yamamoto K, Matsuoka M, Tamamura H. Development of anti-HBV agents targeting HBV capsid proteins. RSC Med Chem 2023; 14:1973-1980. [PMID: 37859721 PMCID: PMC10583812 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00258f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B is a viral hepatitis, which is caused by infection of hepatitis B virus (HBV). This disease progresses to chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver cancer. To treat hepatitis B, exclusion of virus and covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) that is formed in hepatocyte nucleus is necessary. A hepatitis B capsid protein (HBc) is an indispensable protein, which forms the capsid that encapsulates viral DNA. Since HBc is correlated to the transcriptional regulation of cccDNA, this protein would be an attractive target for complete cure of hepatitis B. By in silico screening of a library of compounds, a small compound, Cpd4 (1), which binds to a hydrophobic cavity located in the inner pocket on the tetramer interface of HBc proteins, was identified. In anti-HBV assays, this synthetic compound, Cpd4 (1) decreased the amount of HBV core related antigen (HBcrAg), which has been correlated with the proliferation of HBV, and decreased the amount of HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), which is correlated with the amount of cccDNA. Based on Cpd4 (1) as a lead compound, 20 derivatives of 1 were designed and synthesized and their structure-activity relationships were examined. As a result, specific interactions between each compound and amino acid residues of the target protein appeared to be unimportant but the shape/size of compounds which can bind to the hydrophobic cavity might be important in the expression of high anti-HBV activity, and a more potent derivative, TKB-HBV-CA-001 (3b), was discovered. These results will be useful in the development of novel anti-HBV agents for a complete cure of hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Kobayakawa
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) 2-3-10 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 101-0062 Japan
| | - Masayuki Amano
- Department of Clinical Retrovirology, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto and Kagoshima Universities Kumamoto 860-0811 Japan
- Department of Hematology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University Kumamoto 860-8556 Japan
| | - Miyuki Nakayama
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) 2-3-10 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 101-0062 Japan
| | - Kohei Tsuji
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) 2-3-10 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 101-0062 Japan
| | - Takahiro Ishii
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) 2-3-10 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 101-0062 Japan
| | - Yutaro Miura
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) 2-3-10 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 101-0062 Japan
| | - Kouki Shinohara
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) 2-3-10 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 101-0062 Japan
| | - Kenichi Yamamoto
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) 2-3-10 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 101-0062 Japan
| | - Masao Matsuoka
- Department of Hematology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University Kumamoto 860-8556 Japan
| | - Hirokazu Tamamura
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) 2-3-10 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 101-0062 Japan
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4
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Cole AG, Kultgen SG, Mani N, Quintero JG, Yi Fan K, Ardzinski A, Stever K, Dorsey BD, Phelps JR, Lee ACH, Thi EP, Chiu T, Tang S, Horanyi PS, Mayclin SJ, Harasym TO, Sofia MJ. Design, synthesis, and structure-activity relationship of a bicyclic HBV capsid assembly modulator chemotype leading to the identification of clinical candidate AB-506. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2023; 94:129456. [PMID: 37633618 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2023.129456] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Disruption of the HBV capsid assembly process through small-molecule interaction with HBV core protein is a validated target for the suppression of hepatitis B viral replication and the development of new antivirals. Through combination of key structural features associated with two distinct series of capsid assembly modulators, a novel aminochroman-based chemotype was identified. Optimization of anti-HBV potency through generation of SAR in addition to further core modifications provided a series of related functionalized aminoindanes. Key compounds demonstrated excellent cellular potency in addition to favorable ADME and pharmacokinetic profiles and were shown to be highly efficacious in a mouse model of HBV replication. Aminoindane derivative AB-506 was subsequently advanced into clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew G Cole
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA 18974, USA.
| | - Steven G Kultgen
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA 18974, USA
| | - Nagraj Mani
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA 18974, USA
| | - Jorge G Quintero
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA 18974, USA
| | - Kristi Yi Fan
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA 18974, USA
| | - Andrzej Ardzinski
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA 18974, USA
| | - Kim Stever
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA 18974, USA
| | - Bruce D Dorsey
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA 18974, USA
| | - Janet R Phelps
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA 18974, USA
| | - Amy C H Lee
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA 18974, USA
| | - Emily P Thi
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA 18974, USA
| | - Tim Chiu
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA 18974, USA
| | - Sunny Tang
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA 18974, USA
| | - Peter S Horanyi
- UCB Pharma, 87 Cambridge Park Drive, Cambridge, MA 02140, USA
| | | | - Troy O Harasym
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA 18974, USA
| | - Michael J Sofia
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA 18974, USA
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5
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Ahmed K, Jha S. Oncoviruses: How do they hijack their host and current treatment regimes. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188960. [PMID: 37507056 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Viruses have the ability to modulate the cellular machinery of their host to ensure their survival. While humans encounter numerous viruses daily, only a select few can lead to disease progression. Some of these viruses can amplify cancer-related traits, particularly when coupled with factors like immunosuppression and co-carcinogens. The global burden of cancer development resulting from viral infections is approximately 12%, and it arises as an unfortunate consequence of persistent infections that cause chronic inflammation, genomic instability from viral genome integration, and dysregulation of tumor suppressor genes and host oncogenes involved in normal cell growth. This review provides an in-depth discussion of oncoviruses and their strategies for hijacking the host's cellular machinery to induce cancer. It delves into how viral oncogenes drive tumorigenesis by targeting key cell signaling pathways. Additionally, the review discusses current therapeutic approaches that have been approved or are undergoing clinical trials to combat malignancies induced by oncoviruses. Understanding the intricate interactions between viruses and host cells can lead to the development of more effective treatments for virus-induced cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kainat Ahmed
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Sudhakar Jha
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA.
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6
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Yin J, Feng Z, Li Z, Hu J, Hu Y, Cai X, Zhou H, Wang K, Tang N, Huang A, Huang L. Synthesis and evaluation of N-sulfonylpiperidine-3-carboxamide derivatives as capsid assembly modulators inhibiting HBV in vitro and in HBV-transgenic mice. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 249:115141. [PMID: 36709646 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) capsid assembly modulators (CAMs) have been developed as effective anti-HBV agents in the treatment of chronic HBV infection by targeting the HBV core protein and inducing the formation of aberrant or morphologically normal capsid. However, some CAMs have been observed adverse events such as ALT flares and rash. Therefore, finding new CAMs is of great importance. In this report, we synthesized N-sulfonylpiperidine-3-carboxamides (SPCs) derivatives and evaluated their anti-HBV activities. Among the SPC derivatives, compound C-49 notably suppressed HBV replication in HepAD38, HepG2-HBV1.3 and HepG2-NTCP cells. Moreover, treatment with C-49 for 12 days exhibited potent anti-HBV activity (100 mg/kg; 2.42 log reduction of serum HBV DNA) in HBV-transgenic mice without apparent hepatotoxicity. Our findings provided a new SPC derivative as HBV capsid assembly modulator for developing safe and efficient anti-HBV therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Yin
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Zhongqi Feng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Zhi Li
- Department of Breast&thyroid Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Jieli Hu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Yuan Hu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Xuefei Cai
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Hui Zhou
- Chongqing Research Center for Pharmaceutical Engineering, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Ni Tang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Ailong Huang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Luyi Huang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China.
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7
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Yuen M, Berliba E, Sukeepaisarnjaroen W, Ahn SH, Tanwandee T, Lim Y, Kim YJ, Poovorawan K, Tangkijvanich P, Schwabe C, Eley T, Brown J, Lee ACH, Thi EP, Paratala B, Mani N, Sofia MJ, Picchio G, Sims KD, Gane EJ. Safety, pharmacokinetics, and antiviral activity of the capsid inhibitor AB-506 from Phase 1 studies in healthy subjects and those with hepatitis B. Hepatol Commun 2022; 6:3457-3472. [PMID: 36194181 PMCID: PMC9701477 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.2095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
AB-506 is a potent, pan-genotypic small molecule capsid inhibitor that inhibits hepatitis B virus (HBV) pregenomic RNA encapsidation. We assessed the safety, pharmacokinetics, and antiviral activity of AB-506 in two randomized, double-blinded Phase 1 studies in healthy subjects (HS) and subjects with chronic HBV infection (CHB). Single ascending and multiple doses of AB-506 or placebo (30-1000 mg or 400 mg daily for 10 days) were assessed in HS. AB-506 or placebo was assessed at either 160 mg or 400 mg daily for 28 days in subjects with CHB. A second follow-up study examined AB-506 or placebo at 400 mg daily for 28 days in 14 Caucasian and 14 East-Asian HS. Twenty-eight days of AB-506 at 160 mg and 400 mg produced mean HBV-DNA declines from baseline of 2.1 log10 IU/ml and 2.8 log10 IU/ml, respectively. Four subjects with CHB (all Asian) had Grade 4 alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevations (2 at each dose) as HBV DNA was declining; three events led to treatment discontinuation. In the second follow-up study, 2 Asian HS had serious transaminitis events leading to treatment and study termination. No subjects had bilirubin elevations or signs of hepatic decompensation. Conclusion: AB-506 demonstrated mean HBV-DNA declines of >2 log10 ; however, transient but severe ALT flares were observed in 4 Asian subjects with CHB. In the follow-up study in HS, 2 additional Asian HS had Grade 4 flares, suggesting that AB-506 hepatotoxicity contributed to the ALT elevations. The AB-506 development program was terminated because of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man‐Fung Yuen
- Department of MedicineUniversity of Hong Kong, Queen Mary HospitalHong KongChina
| | | | | | - Sang Hoon Ahn
- Department of MedicineYonsei University College of Medicine, Severance HospitalSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Tawesak Tanwandee
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of MedicineSiriraj Hospital, Mahidol UniversityBangkokThailand
| | - Young‐Suk Lim
- Department of GastroenterologyAsan Medical CenterSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Yoon Jun Kim
- Department of Internal MedicineSeoul National University HospitalSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Kittiyod Poovorawan
- Faculty of Tropical MedicineHospital for Tropical Diseases, Mahidol UniversityBangkokThailand
| | - Pisit Tangkijvanich
- Center of Excellence in Hepatitis and Liver CancerChulalongkorn UniversityBangkokThailand
| | | | - Timothy Eley
- Clinical DevelopmentArbutus BiopharmaWarminsterPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Joanne Brown
- Clinical DevelopmentArbutus BiopharmaWarminsterPennsylvaniaUSA
| | | | - Emily P. Thi
- DiscoveryArbutus BiopharmaWarminsterPennsylvaniaUSA
| | | | - Nagraj Mani
- DiscoveryArbutus BiopharmaWarminsterPennsylvaniaUSA
| | | | - Gaston Picchio
- Clinical DevelopmentArbutus BiopharmaWarminsterPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Karen D. Sims
- Clinical DevelopmentArbutus BiopharmaWarminsterPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Edward J. Gane
- Department of MedicineUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
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8
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Wang Y, Wang S, Tao X, Wang Y, Wu Y, Chen N, Hu C, Wang H, Yu S, Sheng R. The SAR-based development of small molecular HBV capsid assembly modulators. Med Chem Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s00044-022-02936-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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9
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Pavlova A, Bassit L, Cox BD, Korablyov M, Chipot C, Patel D, Lynch DL, Amblard F, Schinazi RF, Gumbart JC. The Mechanism of Action of Hepatitis B Virus Capsid Assembly Modulators Can Be Predicted from Binding to Early Assembly Intermediates. J Med Chem 2022; 65:4854-4864. [PMID: 35290049 PMCID: PMC9026740 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c02040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Interfering with the self-assembly of virus nucleocapsids is a promising approach for the development of novel antiviral agents. Applied to hepatitis B virus (HBV), this approach has led to several classes of capsid assembly modulators (CAMs) that target the virus by either accelerating nucleocapsid assembly or misdirecting it into noncapsid-like particles, thereby inhibiting the HBV replication cycle. Here, we have assessed the structures of early nucleocapsid assembly intermediates, bound with and without CAMs, using molecular dynamics simulations. We find that distinct conformations of the intermediates are induced depending on whether the bound CAM accelerates or misdirects assembly. Specifically, the assembly intermediates with bound misdirecting CAMs appear to be flattened relative to those with bound accelerators. Finally, the potency of CAMs within the same class was studied. We find that an increased number of contacts with the capsid protein and favorable binding energies inferred from free energy perturbation calculations are indicative of increased potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pavlova
- School of Physics and School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Leda Bassit
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Bryan D Cox
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Maksym Korablyov
- MIT Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Christophe Chipot
- Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Laboratoire international associé CNRS-UIUC, UMR 7019, Université de Lorraine, B.P. 70239, 54506 Vandæuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Dharmeshkumar Patel
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Diane L Lynch
- School of Physics and School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Franck Amblard
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Raymond F Schinazi
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - James C Gumbart
- School of Physics and School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
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10
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Cole AG, Kultgen SG, Mani N, Ardzinski A, Fan KY, Thi EP, Dorsey BD, Stever K, Chiu T, Tang S, Daly O, Phelps JR, Harasym T, Olland A, Suto RK, Sofia MJ. The identification of highly efficacious functionalised tetrahydrocyclopenta[ c]pyrroles as inhibitors of HBV viral replication through modulation of HBV capsid assembly. RSC Med Chem 2022; 13:343-349. [PMID: 35434625 PMCID: PMC8942244 DOI: 10.1039/d1md00318f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Disruption of the HBV viral life cycle with small molecules that prevent the encapsidation of pregenomic RNA and viral polymerase through binding to HBV core protein is a clinically validated approach to inhibiting HBV viral replication. Herein we report the further optimisation of clinical candidate AB-506 through core modification with a focus on increasing oral exposure and oral half-life. Maintenance of high levels of anti-HBV cellular potency in conjunction with improvements in pharmacokinetic properties led to multi-log10 reductions in serum HBV DNA following low, once-daily oral dosing for key analogues in a preclinical animal model of HBV replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew G. Cole
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc.701 Veterans CircleWarminsterPA 18974USA
| | | | - Nagraj Mani
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc.701 Veterans CircleWarminsterPA 18974USA
| | | | - Kristi Yi Fan
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc.701 Veterans CircleWarminsterPA 18974USA
| | - Emily P. Thi
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc.701 Veterans CircleWarminsterPA 18974USA
| | - Bruce D. Dorsey
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc.701 Veterans CircleWarminsterPA 18974USA
| | - Kim Stever
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc.701 Veterans CircleWarminsterPA 18974USA
| | - Tim Chiu
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc.701 Veterans CircleWarminsterPA 18974USA
| | - Sunny Tang
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc.701 Veterans CircleWarminsterPA 18974USA
| | - Owen Daly
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc.701 Veterans CircleWarminsterPA 18974USA
| | - Janet R. Phelps
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc.701 Veterans CircleWarminsterPA 18974USA
| | - Troy Harasym
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc.701 Veterans CircleWarminsterPA 18974USA
| | - Andrea Olland
- Xtal BioStructures Inc.12 Michigan DriveNatickMA 01760USA
| | - Robert K. Suto
- Xtal BioStructures Inc.12 Michigan DriveNatickMA 01760USA
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11
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Targeting the Virus Capsid as a Tool to Fight RNA Viruses. Viruses 2022; 14:v14020174. [PMID: 35215767 PMCID: PMC8879806 DOI: 10.3390/v14020174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Several strategies have been developed to fight viral infections, not only in humans but also in animals and plants. Some of them are based on the development of efficient vaccines, to target the virus by developed antibodies, others focus on finding antiviral compounds with activities that inhibit selected virus replication steps. Currently, there is an increasing number of antiviral drugs on the market; however, some have unpleasant side effects, are toxic to cells, or the viruses quickly develop resistance to them. As the current situation shows, the combination of multiple antiviral strategies or the combination of the use of various compounds within one strategy is very important. The most desirable are combinations of drugs that inhibit different steps in the virus life cycle. This is an important issue especially for RNA viruses, which replicate their genomes using error-prone RNA polymerases and rapidly develop mutants resistant to applied antiviral compounds. Here, we focus on compounds targeting viral structural capsid proteins, thereby inhibiting virus assembly or disassembly, virus binding to cellular receptors, or acting by inhibiting other virus replication mechanisms. This review is an update of existing papers on a similar topic, by focusing on the most recent advances in the rapidly evolving research of compounds targeting capsid proteins of RNA viruses.
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12
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Kim SW, Yoon JS, Lee M, Cho Y. Toward a complete cure for chronic hepatitis B: Novel therapeutic targets for hepatitis B virus. Clin Mol Hepatol 2022; 28:17-30. [PMID: 34281294 PMCID: PMC8755466 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2021.0093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) affects approximately 250 million patients worldwide, resulting in the progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, which are serious public health problems. Although universal vaccination programs exist, they are only prophylactic and not curative. In the HBV life cycle, HBV forms covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), which is the viral minichromosome, in the nuclei of human hepatocytes and makes it difficult to achieve a complete cure with the current nucleos(t)ide analogs and interferon therapies. Current antiviral therapies rarely eliminate cccDNA; therefore, lifelong antiviral treatment is necessary. Recent trials for antiviral treatment of chronic hepatitis B have been focused on establishing a functional cure, defined by either the loss of hepatitis B surface antigen, undetectable serum HBV DNA levels, and/or seroconversion to hepatitis B surface antibody. Novel therapeutic targets and molecules are in the pipeline for early clinical trials aiming to cure HBV infection. The ideal strategy for achieving a long-lasting functional or complete cure might be using combination therapies targeting different steps of the HBV life cycle and immunomodulators. This review summarizes the current knowledge about novel treatments and combination treatments for a complete HBV cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun Woong Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jun Sik Yoon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Minjong Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yuri Cho
- Center for Liver and Pancreatobiliary Cancer, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea
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Lin J, Yin L, Xu XZ, Sun HC, Huang ZH, Ni XY, Chen Y, Lin X. Bay41-4109-induced aberrant polymers of hepatitis b capsid proteins are removed via STUB1-promoted p62-mediated macroautophagy. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010204. [PMID: 35030230 PMCID: PMC8824320 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) core protein (HBc) functions in multiple steps of the viral life cycle. Heteroaryldihydropyrimidine compounds (HAPs) such as Bay41-4109 are capsid protein allosteric modulators that accelerate HBc degradation and inhibit the virion secretion of HBV, specifically by misleading HBc assembly into aberrant non-capsid polymers. However, the subsequent cellular fates of these HAP-induced aberrant non-capsid polymers are not well understood. Here, we discovered that that the chaperone-binding E3 ubiquitin ligase protein STUB1 is required for the removal of Bay41-4109-induced aberrant non-capsid polymers from HepAD38 cells. Specifically, STUB1 recruits BAG3 to transport Bay41-4109-induced aberrant non-capsid polymers to the perinuclear region of cells, thereby initiating p62-mediated macroautophagy and lysosomal degradation. We also demonstrate that elevating the STUB1 level enhances the inhibitory effect of Bay41-4109 on the production of HBeAg and HBV virions in HepAD38 cells, in HBV-infected HepG2-NTCP cells, and in HBV transgenic mice. STUB1 overexpression also facilitates the inhibition of Bay41-4109 on the cccDNA formation in de novo infection of HBV. Understanding these molecular details paves the way for applying HAPs as a potentially curative regimen (or a component of a combination treatment) for eradicating HBV from hepatocytes of chronic infection patients. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infects more than 250 million people worldwide chronically. It is a major pathogen causing liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma now. The HBV capsid protein (HBc) plays multiple roles in the viral life cycle, and many antivirals targeting HBc such as Heteroaryldihydropyrimidine compounds (HAPs) are under clinical trial recently. This study aimed to investigate how a HAP compound Bay41-4109 induces the degradation of HBc protein. Bay41-4109 induces aberrant non-capsid polymers, which form in complex with the chaperone-binding E3 ubiquitin ligase protein STUB1 and co-chaperone BAG3 and are transported to the perinuclear compartment. Subsequently, Bay41-4109-induced aberrant non-capsid polymers are removed by p62-mediated macroautophagy and lysosomal degradation. STUB1 overexpression accelerates Bay41-4109-induced degradation of HBc protein, and thus enhances the effect of Bay41-4109 on inhibiting secretion of HBeAg and HBV virions. When Bay41-4109 are enforced during HBV infection, de novo cccDNA formation were also negatively regulated by STUB1 overexpression. Altogether, this study provides novel mechanistic insights into developing more potent and safe HAP-based antiviral treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiacheng Lin
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Fujian Medical University), Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Tumor Microbiology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Limin Yin
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Fujian Medical University), Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xia-Zhen Xu
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Fujian Medical University), Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China
| | - He-Chen Sun
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Fujian Medical University), Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Hua Huang
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Fujian Medical University), Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xue-Yun Ni
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Fujian Medical University), Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Fujian Medical University), Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Tumor Microbiology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xu Lin
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Fujian Medical University), Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Tumor Microbiology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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14
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Mani N, Cole AG, Phelps JR, Ardzinski A, Burns R, Chiu T, Cuconati A, Dorsey BD, Evangelista E, Fan K, Guo F, Harasym TO, Kadhim S, Kowalski R, Kultgen SG, Lee ACH, Li AH, Majeski SA, Miller A, Pasetka C, Reid SP, Rijnbrand R, Micolochick Steuer HM, Stever K, Tang S, Teng X, Wang X, Sofia MJ. Preclinical characterization of AB-506, an inhibitor of HBV replication targeting the viral core protein. Antiviral Res 2021; 197:105211. [PMID: 34826506 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2021.105211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AB-506, a small-molecule inhibitor targeting the HBV core protein, inhibits viral replication in vitro (HepAD38 cells: EC50 of 0.077 μM, CC50 > 25 μM) and in vivo (HBV mouse model: ∼3.0 log10 reductions in serum HBV DNA compared to the vehicle control). Binding of AB-506 to HBV core protein accelerates capsid assembly and inhibits HBV pgRNA encapsidation. Furthermore, AB-506 blocks cccDNA establishment in HBV-infected HepG2-hNTCP-C4 cells and primary human hepatocytes, leading to inhibition of viral RNA, HBsAg, and HBeAg production (EC50 from 0.64 μM to 1.92 μM). AB-506 demonstrated activity across HBV genotypes A-H and maintains antiviral activity against nucleos(t)ide analog-resistant variants in vitro. Evaluation of AB-506 against a panel of core variants showed that T33N/Q substitutions results in >200-fold increase in EC50 values, while L30F, L37Q, and I105T substitutions showed an 8 to 20-fold increase in EC50 values in comparison to the wild-type. In vitro combinations of AB-506 with NAs or an RNAi agent were additive to moderately synergistic. AB-506 exhibits good oral bioavailability, systemic exposure, and higher liver to plasma ratios in rodents, a pharmacokinetic profile supporting clinical development for chronic hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagraj Mani
- Arbutus Biopharma Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA, 18974, USA.
| | - Andrew G Cole
- Arbutus Biopharma Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA, 18974, USA
| | - Janet R Phelps
- Arbutus Biopharma Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA, 18974, USA
| | - Andrzej Ardzinski
- Arbutus Biopharma Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA, 18974, USA
| | - Robbin Burns
- Arbutus Biopharma Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA, 18974, USA
| | - Tim Chiu
- Arbutus Biopharma Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA, 18974, USA
| | - Andrea Cuconati
- Arbutus Biopharma Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA, 18974, USA
| | - Bruce D Dorsey
- Arbutus Biopharma Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA, 18974, USA
| | - Ellen Evangelista
- Arbutus Biopharma Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA, 18974, USA
| | - Kristi Fan
- Arbutus Biopharma Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA, 18974, USA
| | - Fang Guo
- Arbutus Biopharma Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA, 18974, USA
| | - Troy O Harasym
- Arbutus Biopharma Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA, 18974, USA
| | - Salam Kadhim
- Arbutus Biopharma Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA, 18974, USA
| | - Roseann Kowalski
- Arbutus Biopharma Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA, 18974, USA
| | - Steven G Kultgen
- Arbutus Biopharma Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA, 18974, USA
| | - Amy C H Lee
- Arbutus Biopharma Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA, 18974, USA
| | - Alice H Li
- Arbutus Biopharma Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA, 18974, USA
| | - Sara A Majeski
- Arbutus Biopharma Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA, 18974, USA
| | - Angela Miller
- Arbutus Biopharma Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA, 18974, USA
| | - Chris Pasetka
- Arbutus Biopharma Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA, 18974, USA
| | - Stephen P Reid
- Arbutus Biopharma Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA, 18974, USA
| | - Rene Rijnbrand
- Arbutus Biopharma Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA, 18974, USA
| | | | - Kim Stever
- Arbutus Biopharma Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA, 18974, USA
| | - Sunny Tang
- Arbutus Biopharma Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA, 18974, USA
| | - Xiaowei Teng
- Arbutus Biopharma Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA, 18974, USA
| | - Xiaohe Wang
- Arbutus Biopharma Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA, 18974, USA
| | - Michael J Sofia
- Arbutus Biopharma Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA, 18974, USA
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15
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Kumar R, Nehul S, Singh A, Tomar S. Identification and evaluation of antiviral potential of thymoquinone, a natural compound targeting Chikungunya virus capsid protein. Virology 2021; 561:36-46. [PMID: 34146962 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2021.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Capsid protein (CP) of Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a multifunctional protein with a conserved hydrophobic pocket that plays a crucial role in the capsid assembly and virus budding process. This study demonstrates antiviral activity of thymoquinone (TQ), a natural compound targeting the hydrophobic pocket of CP. The binding of TQ to the hydrophobic pocket of CHIKV CP was analysed by structure-based molecular docking, isothermal titration calorimetry and fluorescence spectroscopy. The binding constant KD obtained for TQ was 27 μM. Additionally, cell-based antiviral studies showed that TQ diminished CHIKV replication with an EC50 value 4.478 μM. Reduction in viral RNA copy number and viral replication as assessed by the qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence assay, confirmed the antiviral potential of TQ. Our study reveals that TQ is an effective antiviral targeting the hydrophobic pocket of CHIKV CP and may serve as the basis for development of a broad-spectrum therapy against alphaviral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, 247667, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Sanketkumar Nehul
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, 247667, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Ankur Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, 247667, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Shailly Tomar
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, 247667, Uttarakhand, India.
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16
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Pang YT, Pavlova A, Tajkhorshid E, Gumbart JC. Parameterization of a drug molecule with a halogen σ-hole particle using ffTK: Implementation, testing, and comparison. J Chem Phys 2021; 153:164104. [PMID: 33138412 DOI: 10.1063/5.0022802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Halogen atoms are widely used in drug molecules to improve their binding affinity for the receptor proteins. Many of the examples involve "halogen bonding" between the molecule and the binding site, which is a directional interaction between a halogen atom and a nucleophilic atom. Such an interaction is induced by an electron cloud shift of the halogen atom toward its covalently bonded neighbor to form the σ-bond, leaving a small electrostatic positive region opposite to the bond called the "σ-hole." To mimic the effect of the σ-hole in the CHARMM non-polarizable force field, recently CGenFF added a positively charged massless particle to halogen atoms, positioned at the opposite side of the carbon-halogen bond. This particle is referred to as a lone pair (LP) particle because it uses the lone pair implementation in the CHARMM force field. Here, we have added support for LP particles to ffTK, an automated force field parameterization toolkit widely distributed as a plugin to the molecular visualization software VMD. We demonstrate the updated optimization process using an example halogenated drug molecule, AT130, which is a capsid assembly modulator targeting the hepatitis B virus. Our results indicate that parameterization with the LP particle significantly improves the accuracy of the electrostatic response of the molecule, especially around the halogen atom. Although the inclusion of the LP particle does not produce a prominent effect on the interactions between the molecule and its target protein, the protein-ligand binding performance is greatly improved by optimization of the parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yui Tik Pang
- School of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA
| | - Anna Pavlova
- School of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA
| | - Emad Tajkhorshid
- NIH Center for Macromolecular Modeling and Bioinformatics, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, Department of Biochemistry, and Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - James C Gumbart
- School of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA
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17
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Studies on the Efficacy, Potential Cardiotoxicity and Monkey Pharmacokinetics of GLP-26 as a Potent Hepatitis B Virus Capsid Assembly Modulator. Viruses 2021; 13:v13010114. [PMID: 33467678 PMCID: PMC7830897 DOI: 10.3390/v13010114] [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: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
While treatment options are available for hepatitis B virus (HBV), there is currently no cure. Anti-HBV nucleoside analogs and interferon-alpha 2b rarely clear HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), requiring lifelong treatment. Recently, we identified GLP-26, a glyoxamide derivative which modulates HBV capsid assembly. The impact of GLP-26 on viral replication and integrated DNA was assessed in an HBV nude mouse model bearing HBV transfected AD38 xenografts. At day 45 post-infection, GLP-26 reduced HBV titers by 2.3–3 log10 versus infected placebo-treated mice. Combination therapy with GLP-26 and entecavir reduced HBV log10 titers by 4.6-fold versus placebo. Next, we examined the pharmacokinetics (PK) in cynomolgus monkeys administered GLP-26 via IV (1 mg/kg) or PO (5 mg/kg). GLP-26 was found to have 34% oral bioavailability, with a mean input time of 3.17 h. The oral dose produced a mean peak plasma concentration of 380.7 ng/mL, observed 0.67 h after administration (~30-fold > in vitro EC90 corrected for protein binding), with a mean terminal elimination half-life of 2.4 h and a mean area under the plasma concentration versus time curve of 1660 ng·hr/mL. GLP-26 was 86.7% bound in monkey plasma. Lastly, GLP-26 demonstrated a favorable toxicity profile confirmed in primary human cardiomyocytes. Thus, GLP-26 warrants further preclinical development as an add on to treatment for HBV infection.
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18
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Alexopoulou A, Vasilieva L, Karayiannis P. New Approaches to the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9103187. [PMID: 33019573 PMCID: PMC7601587 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9103187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The currently recommended treatment for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection achieves only viral suppression whilst on therapy, but rarely hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss. The ultimate therapeutic endpoint is the combination of HBsAg loss, inhibition of new hepatocyte infection, elimination of the covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) pool, and restoration of immune function in order to achieve virus control. This review concentrates on new antiviral drugs that target different stages of the HBV life cycle (direct acting antivirals) and others that enhance both innate and adaptive immunity against HBV (immunotherapy). Drugs that block HBV hepatocyte entry, compounds that silence or deplete the cccDNA pool, others that affect core assembly, agents that degrade RNase-H, interfering RNA molecules, and nucleic acid polymers are likely interventions in the viral life cycle. In the immunotherapy category, molecules that activate the innate immune response such as Toll-like-receptors, Retinoic acid Inducible Gene-1 (RIG-1) and stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonists or checkpoint inhibitors, and modulation of the adaptive immunity by therapeutic vaccines, vector-based vaccines, or adoptive transfer of genetically-engineered T cells aim towards the restoration of T cell function. Future therapeutic trends would likely be a combination of one or more of the aforementioned drugs that target the viral life cycle and at least one immunomodulator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Alexopoulou
- Department of Medicine, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-2132-088-178; Fax: +30-2107-706-871
| | - Larisa Vasilieva
- Department of Medicine, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Peter Karayiannis
- Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, Medical School, University of Nicosia, Engomi, CY-1700 Nicosia, Cyprus;
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Viswanathan U, Mani N, Hu Z, Ban H, Du Y, Hu J, Chang J, Guo JT. Targeting the multifunctional HBV core protein as a potential cure for chronic hepatitis B. Antiviral Res 2020; 182:104917. [PMID: 32818519 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2020.104917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The core (capsid) protein of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the building block of nucleocapsids where viral DNA reverse transcriptional replication takes place and mediates virus-host cell interaction important for the persistence of HBV infection. The pleiotropic role of core protein (Cp) in HBV replication makes it an attractive target for antiviral therapies of chronic hepatitis B, a disease that affects more than 257 million people worldwide without a cure. Recent clinical studies indicate that core protein allosteric modulators (CpAMs) have a great promise as a key component of hepatitis B curative therapies. Particularly, it has been demonstrated that modulation of Cp dimer-dimer interactions by several chemical series of CpAMs not only inhibit nucleocapsid assembly and viral DNA replication, but also induce the disassembly of double-stranded DNA-containing nucleocapsids to prevent the synthesis of cccDNA. Moreover, the different chemotypes of CpAMs modulate Cp assembly by interaction with distinct amino acid residues at the HAP pocket between Cp dimer-dimer interfaces, which results in the assembly of Cp dimers into either non-capsid Cp polymers (type I CpAMs) or empty capsids with distinct physical property (type II CpAMs). The different CpAMs also differentially modulate Cp metabolism and subcellular distribution, which may impact cccDNA metabolism and host antiviral immune responses, the critical factors for the cure of chronic HBV infection. This review article highlights the recent research progress on the structure and function of core protein in HBV replication cycle, the mode of action of CpAMs, as well as the current status and perspectives on the discovery and development of core protein-targeting antivirals. This article forms part of a symposium in Antiviral Research on "Wide-ranging immune and direct-acting antiviral approaches to curing HBV and HDV infections."
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Affiliation(s)
- Usha Viswanathan
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA
| | - Nagraj Mani
- Arbutus Biopharma Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA, 18974, USA
| | - Zhanying Hu
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA
| | - Haiqun Ban
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA
| | - Yanming Du
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA
| | - Jin Hu
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA
| | - Jinhong Chang
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA
| | - Ju-Tao Guo
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA.
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Jia H, Yu J, Du X, Cherukupalli S, Zhan P, Liu X. Design, diversity-oriented synthesis and biological evaluation of novel heterocycle derivatives as non-nucleoside HBV capsid protein inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 202:112495. [PMID: 32712535 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The capsid assembly is a significant phase for the hepatitis B virus (HBV) lifespan and is an essential target for anti-HBV drug discovery and development. Herein, we used scaffold hopping, bioisosterism, and pharmacophore hybrid-based strategies to design and synthesize six series of various heterocycle derivatives (pyrazole, thiazole, pyrazine, pyrimidine, and pyridine) and screened for in vitro anti-HBV non-nucleoside activity. Drug candidate NZ-4 and AT-130 were used as lead compounds. Several compounds exhibited prominent anti-HBV activity compared to lead compound NZ-4 and positive drug Lamivudine, especially compound II-8b, showed the most prominent anti-HBV DNA replication activity (IC50 = 2.2 ± 1.1 μM). Also compounds IV-8e and VII-5b showed the best in vitro anti-HBsAg secretion (IC50 = 3.8 ± 0.7 μM, CC50 > 100 μM) and anti-HBeAg secretion (IC50 = 9.7 ± 2.8 μM, CC50 > 100 μM) respectively. Besides, II-8b can interact HBV capsid protein with good affinity constants (KD = 60.0 μM), which is equivalent to lead compound NZ-4 ((KD = 50.6 μM). The preliminary structure-activity relationships (SARs) of the newly synthesized compounds were summarized, which may help researchers to discover more potent anti-HBV agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyong Jia
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, PR China; School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, 261053, Weifang, Shandong, PR China
| | - Ji Yu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Xianhong Du
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, 261053, Weifang, Shandong, PR China; Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory for Experimental, Teratology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Srinivasulu Cherukupalli
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Peng Zhan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, PR China.
| | - Xinyong Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, PR China.
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21
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Na HG, Imran A, Kim K, Han HS, Lee YJ, Kim MJ, Yun CS, Jung YS, Lee JY, Han SB. Discovery of a New Sulfonamide Hepatitis B Capsid Assembly Modulator. ACS Med Chem Lett 2020; 11:166-171. [PMID: 32071684 PMCID: PMC7025384 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.9b00550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a major health concern with 260 million people having been infected globally, and approximately 680,000 deaths have occurred annually from cirrhosis and liver cancer. The modulation of HBV capsid assembly has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for curing chronic HBV infection. Small-molecule capsid assembly modulators (CAMs) can broadly be classified as heteroaryldihydropyrimidines and sulfamoylbenzamides (SBAs). SBAs are capsid activators that inhibit viral replication by achieving capsid assembly before polymerase encapsulation. Herein, we report a novel series of HBV CAMs based on NVR 3-778, a potent CAM belonging to the SBA class. The lead compound (KR-26556) exhibited improved pharmacological activity and was examined through molecular docking studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyo Gyeong Na
- Bio
and Drug Discovery Division, Korea Research
Institute of Chemical Technology, PO Box 107, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Ali Imran
- Bio
and Drug Discovery Division, Korea Research
Institute of Chemical Technology, PO Box 107, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyuneun Kim
- Bio
and Drug Discovery Division, Korea Research
Institute of Chemical Technology, PO Box 107, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Sik Han
- Bio
and Drug Discovery Division, Korea Research
Institute of Chemical Technology, PO Box 107, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Jin Lee
- Bio
and Drug Discovery Division, Korea Research
Institute of Chemical Technology, PO Box 107, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-Jin Kim
- AM Sciences, C-912, SK
V1 GL Metrocity, 128, Beobwon-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05854, Republic
of Korea
| | - Chang-Soo Yun
- Bio
and Drug Discovery Division, Korea Research
Institute of Chemical Technology, PO Box 107, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Sik Jung
- Bio
and Drug Discovery Division, Korea Research
Institute of Chemical Technology, PO Box 107, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Joo-Youn Lee
- Chemical
Data-Driven Research Center, Korea Research
Institute of Chemical Technology, 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Bong Han
- Bio
and Drug Discovery Division, Korea Research
Institute of Chemical Technology, PO Box 107, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
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22
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Novel Hepatitis B Virus Capsid Assembly Modulator Induces Potent Antiviral Responses In Vitro and in Humanized Mice. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 64:AAC.01701-19. [PMID: 31712213 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01701-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) affects an estimated 250 million chronic carriers worldwide. Though several vaccines exist, they are ineffective for those already infected. HBV persists due to the formation of covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA)-the viral minichromosome-in the nucleus of hepatocytes. Current nucleoside analogs and interferon therapies rarely clear cccDNA, requiring lifelong treatment. Our group identified GLP-26, a novel glyoxamide derivative that alters HBV nucleocapsid assembly and prevents viral DNA replication. GLP-26 exhibited single-digit nanomolar anti-HBV activity, inhibition of HBV e antigen (HBeAg) secretion, and reduced cccDNA amplification, in addition to showing a promising preclinical profile. Strikingly, long term combination treatment with entecavir in a humanized mouse model induced a decrease in viral loads and viral antigens that was sustained for up to 12 weeks after treatment cessation.
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23
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Tao Y, Wu D, Zhou L, Chen E, Liu C, Tang X, Jiang W, Han N, Li H, Tang H. Present and Future Therapies for Chronic Hepatitis B. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1179:137-186. [PMID: 31741336 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-9151-4_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains the leading cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality across the world. If left untreated, approximately one-third of these patients will progress to severe end-stage liver diseases including liver failure, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). High level of serum HBV DNA is strongly associated with the development of liver failure, cirrhosis, and HCC. Therefore, antiviral therapy is crucial for the clinical management of CHB. Current antiviral drugs including nucleoside/nucleotide analogues (NAs) and interferon-α (IFN-α) can suppress HBV replication and reduce the progression of liver disease, thus improving the long-term outcomes of CHB patients. This chapter will discuss the standard and optimization antiviral therapies in treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced patients, as well as in the special populations. The up-to-date advances in the development of new anti-HBV agents will be also discussed. With the combination of the current antiviral drugs and the newly developed antiviral agents targeting the different steps of the viral life cycle or the newly developed agents modulating the host immune responses, the ultimate eradication of HBV will be achieved in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yachao Tao
- Center of Infectious Diseases, Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Dongbo Wu
- Center of Infectious Diseases, Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lingyun Zhou
- Center of Infectious Diseases, Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Enqiang Chen
- Center of Infectious Diseases, Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Changhai Liu
- Center of Infectious Diseases, Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoqiong Tang
- Center of Infectious Diseases, Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Center of Infectious Diseases, Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ning Han
- Center of Infectious Diseases, Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hong Li
- Center of Infectious Diseases, Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Hong Tang
- Center of Infectious Diseases, Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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24
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Zhang X, Cheng J, Ma J, Hu Z, Wu S, Hwang N, Kulp J, Du Y, Guo JT, Chang J. Discovery of Novel Hepatitis B Virus Nucleocapsid Assembly Inhibitors. ACS Infect Dis 2019; 5:759-768. [PMID: 30525438 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.8b00269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) core protein is a small protein with 183 amino acid residues and assembles the pregenomic (pg) RNA and viral DNA polymerase to form nucleocapsids. During the last decades, several groups have reported HBV core protein allosteric modulators (CpAMs) with distinct chemical structures. CpAMs bind to the hydrophobic HAP pocket located at the dimer-dimer interface and induce allosteric conformational changes in the core protein subunits. While Type I CpAMs, heteroaryldihydropyrimidine (HAP) derivatives, misdirect core protein dimers to assemble noncapsid polymers, Type II CpAMs, represented by sulfamoylbenzamides, phenylpropenamides, and several other chemotypes, induce the assembly of empty capsids with global structural alterations and faster mobility in native agarose gel electrophoresis. Through high throughput screening of an Asinex small molecule library containing 19 920 compounds, we identified 8 structurally distinct CpAMs. While 7 of those compounds are typical Type II CpAMs, a novel benzamide derivative, designated as BA-53038B, induced the formation of morphologically "normal" empty capsids with slow electrophoresis mobility. Drug resistant profile analyses indicated that BA-53038B most likely bound to the HAP pocket but obviously modulated HBV capsid assembly in a distinct manner. BA-53038B and other CpAMs reported herein provide novel structure scaffolds for the development of core protein-targeted antiviral agents for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuexiang Zhang
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Eastern Road, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
| | - Junjun Cheng
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Eastern Road, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
| | - Julia Ma
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Eastern Road, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
| | - Zhanying Hu
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Eastern Road, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
| | - Shuo Wu
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Eastern Road, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
| | - Nicky Hwang
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Eastern Road, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
| | - John Kulp
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Eastern Road, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
| | - Yanming Du
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Eastern Road, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
| | - Ju-Tao Guo
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Eastern Road, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
| | - Jinhong Chang
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Eastern Road, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
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25
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Yang L, Liu F, Tong X, Hoffmann D, Zuo J, Lu M. Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection Using Small Molecule Modulators of Nucleocapsid Assembly: Recent Advances and Perspectives. ACS Infect Dis 2019; 5:713-724. [PMID: 30896149 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.8b00337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
On the basis of the recent advance of basic research on molecular biology of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, novel antiviral drugs targeting various steps of the HBV life cycle have been developed in recent years. HBV nucleocapsid assembly is now recognized as a hot target for anti-HBV drug development. Structural and functional analysis of HBV nucleocapsid allowed rational design and improvement of small molecules with the ability to interact with the components of HBV nucleocapsid and modulate the viral nucleocapsid assembly process. Prototypes of small molecule modulators targeting HBV nucleocapsid assembly are being preclinically tested or have moved forward in clinical trials, with promising results. This Review summarizes the recent advances in the approach to develop antiviral drugs based on the modulation of HBV nucleocapsid assembly. The antiviral mechanisms of small molecule modulators beyond the capsid formation and the potential implications will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yang
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech
Park, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Feifei Liu
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech
Park, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiankun Tong
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech
Park, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Daniel Hoffmann
- Institute of Bioinformatics, University Duisburg Essen, Universitätsstraße 1, Essen 45117, Germany
| | - Jianping Zuo
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech
Park, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Mengji Lu
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, Essen 45122, Germany
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26
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Pan T, Ding Y, Wu L, Liang L, He X, Li Q, Bai C, Zhang H. Design and synthesis of aminothiazole based Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) capsid inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 166:480-501. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.01.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Revised: 12/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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27
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Abstract
The capsid protein is a promising target for the development of therapeutic anti-virus agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ding-Yi Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials
- Institute of Theoretical Chemistry
- Jilin University
- Changchun
- China
| | - Ya-Rong Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials
- Institute of Theoretical Chemistry
- Jilin University
- Changchun
- China
| | - Xianghui Yu
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine
- School of Life Sciences
- Jilin University
- Changchun
- China
| | - Yuqing Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials
- Institute of Theoretical Chemistry
- Jilin University
- Changchun
- China
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28
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Effect of Plasma Protein Binding on the Anti-Hepatitis B Virus Activity and Pharmacokinetic Properties of NVR 3-778. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2018; 62:AAC.01497-18. [PMID: 30181376 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01497-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
High plasma protein binding (PPB) levels not only affect drug-target engagement but can also impact exposure of hepatocytes to antivirals and thereby affect antiviral activity. In this study, we assessed the effect of PPB on the antiviral activity of NVR 3-778, a sulfamoylbenzamide capsid assembly modulator (CAM). To this end, primary human hepatocyte (PHH) medium was spiked with plasma proteins. First, the effect of plasma proteins on the hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection assay was evaluated. The addition of plasma proteins neither decreased cell viability nor affected HBV DNA secretion or intracellular HBV RNA accumulation. In contrast, the secretion and intracellular amount of HBV proteins were induced with increasing amounts of plasma proteins. Next, the antiviral activity of NVR 3-778 was demonstrated by multiple assays while PPB and the time-dependent disappearance of the parent drug were quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Plasma proteins strongly decreased the free fraction of NVR 3-778, resulting in a physiologically relevant in vitro hepatocyte exposure. NVR 3-778 displayed a high PPB level, while the antiviral activity was reduced approximately only 4-fold. The disconnect between the high PPB level and the only moderate shift of the antiviral activity was explained by the rapid hepatic clearance of NVR 3-778 in the absence of plasma proteins. This study highlights the use of PHHs as a model to accurately determine the antiviral activity by capturing PPB, clearance, and liver distribution. It is advantageous to consider both pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics for selection of HBV antiviral drug candidates and for successful extrapolation of in vitro data to clinical studies.
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29
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Levrero M, Subic M, Villeret F, Zoulim F. Perspectives and limitations for nucleo(t)side analogs in future HBV therapies. Curr Opin Virol 2018; 30:80-89. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2018.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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30
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Abstract
With high morbidity and mortality worldwide, there is great interest in effective therapies for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) virus. There are currently several dozen investigational agents being developed for treatment of CHB. They can be broadly divided into two categories: (1) direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) that interfere with a specific step in viral replication; and (2) host-targeting agents that inhibit viral replication by modifying host cell function, with the latter group further divided into the subcategories of immune modulators and agents that target other host functions. Included among the DAAs being developed are RNA interference therapies, covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) formation and transcription inhibitors, core/capsid inhibitors, reverse transcriptase inhibitors, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) release inhibitors, antisense oligonucleotides, and helioxanthin analogues. Included among the host-targeting agents are entry inhibitors, cyclophilin inhibitors, and multiple immunomodulatory agents, including Toll-like receptor agonists, immune checkpoint inhibitors, therapeutic vaccines, engineered T cells, and several cytokine agents, including recombinant human interleukin-7 (CYT107) and SB 9200, a novel therapy that is believed to both have direct antiviral properties and to induce endogenous interferon. In this review we discuss agents that are currently in the clinical stage of development for CHB treatment as well as strategies and agents currently at the evaluation and discovery phase and potential future targets. Effective approaches to CHB may require suppression of viral replication combined with one or more host-targeting agents. Some of the recent research advances have led to the hope that with such a combined approach we may have a functional cure for CHB in the not distant future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Altaf Dawood
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Syed Abdul Basit
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Mahendran Jayaraj
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Robert G Gish
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Las Vegas, NV, USA.
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Hepatitis B Foundation, Doylestown, PA, USA.
- Asian Pacific Health Foundation, San Diego, CA, USA.
- National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable, Washington, DC, USA.
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31
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Preclinical Profile of AB-423, an Inhibitor of Hepatitis B Virus Pregenomic RNA Encapsidation. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2018; 62:AAC.00082-18. [PMID: 29555628 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00082-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
AB-423 is a member of the sulfamoylbenzamide (SBA) class of hepatitis B virus (HBV) capsid inhibitors in phase 1 clinical trials. In cell culture models, AB-423 showed potent inhibition of HBV replication (50% effective concentration [EC50] = 0.08 to 0.27 μM; EC90 = 0.33 to 1.32 μM) with no significant cytotoxicity (50% cytotoxic concentration > 10 μM). Addition of 40% human serum resulted in a 5-fold increase in the EC50s. AB-423 inhibited HBV genotypes A through D and nucleos(t)ide-resistant variants in vitro Treatment of HepDES19 cells with AB-423 resulted in capsid particles devoid of encapsidated pregenomic RNA and relaxed circular DNA (rcDNA), indicating that it is a class II capsid inhibitor. In a de novo infection model, AB-423 prevented the conversion of encapsidated rcDNA to covalently closed circular DNA, presumably by interfering with the capsid uncoating process. Molecular docking of AB-423 into crystal structures of heteroaryldihydropyrimidines and an SBA and biochemical studies suggest that AB-423 likely also binds to the dimer-dimer interface of core protein. In vitro dual combination studies with AB-423 and anti-HBV agents, such as nucleos(t)ide analogs, RNA interference agents, or interferon alpha, resulted in additive to synergistic antiviral activity. Pharmacokinetic studies with AB-423 in CD-1 mice showed significant systemic exposures and higher levels of accumulation in the liver. A 7-day twice-daily administration of AB-423 in a hydrodynamic injection mouse model of HBV infection resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in serum HBV DNA levels, and combination with entecavir or ARB-1467 resulted in a trend toward antiviral activity greater than that of either agent alone, consistent with the results of the in vitro combination studies. The overall preclinical profile of AB-423 supports its further evaluation for safety, pharmacokinetics, and antiviral activity in patients with chronic hepatitis B.
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32
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Singh L, Indermun S, Govender M, Kumar P, du Toit LC, Choonara YE, Pillay V. Drug Delivery Strategies for Antivirals against Hepatitis B Virus. Viruses 2018; 10:E267. [PMID: 29772748 PMCID: PMC5977260 DOI: 10.3390/v10050267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2018] [Revised: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection poses a significant health challenge due to associated morbidity and mortality from cirrhosis and hepatocellular cancer that eventually results in the breakdown of liver functionality. Nanotechnology has the potential to play a pivotal role in reducing viral load levels and drug-resistant HBV through drug targeting, thus reducing the rate of evolution of the disease. Apart from tissue targeting, intracellular delivery of a wide range of drugs is necessary to exert a therapeutic action in the affected organelles. This review encompasses the strategies and techniques that have been utilized to target the HBV-infected nuclei in liver hepatocytes, with a significant look at the new insights and most recent advances in drug carriers and their role in anti-HBV therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Latavia Singh
- Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa.
| | - Sunaina Indermun
- Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa.
| | - Mershen Govender
- Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa.
| | - Pradeep Kumar
- Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa.
| | - Lisa C du Toit
- Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa.
| | - Yahya E Choonara
- Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa.
| | - Viness Pillay
- Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa.
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33
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Bloom K, Maepa MB, Ely A, Arbuthnot P. Gene Therapy for Chronic HBV-Can We Eliminate cccDNA? Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:E207. [PMID: 29649127 PMCID: PMC5924549 DOI: 10.3390/genes9040207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a global health concern and accounts for approximately 1 million deaths annually. Amongst other limitations of current anti-HBV treatment, failure to eliminate the viral covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) and emergence of resistance remain the most worrisome. Viral rebound from latent episomal cccDNA reservoirs occurs following cessation of therapy, patient non-compliance, or the development of escape mutants. Simultaneous viral co-infections, such as by HIV-1, further complicate therapeutic interventions. These challenges have prompted development of novel targeted hepatitis B therapies. Given the ease with which highly specific and potent nucleic acid therapeutics can be rationally designed, gene therapy has generated interest for antiviral application. Gene therapy strategies developed for HBV include gene silencing by harnessing RNA interference, transcriptional inhibition through epigenetic modification of target DNA, genome editing by designer nucleases, and immune modulation with cytokines. DNA-binding domains and effectors based on the zinc finger (ZF), transcription activator-like effector (TALE), and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) systems are remarkably well suited to targeting episomal cccDNA. This review discusses recent developments and challenges facing the field of anti-HBV gene therapy, its potential curative significance and the progress towards clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristie Bloom
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Johannesburg, WITS 2050, South Africa.
| | - Mohube Betty Maepa
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Johannesburg, WITS 2050, South Africa.
| | - Abdullah Ely
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Johannesburg, WITS 2050, South Africa.
| | - Patrick Arbuthnot
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Johannesburg, WITS 2050, South Africa.
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34
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Feng S, Gao L, Han X, Hu T, Hu Y, Liu H, Thomas AW, Yan Z, Yang S, Young JAT, Yun H, Zhu W, Shen HC. Discovery of Small Molecule Therapeutics for Treatment of Chronic HBV Infection. ACS Infect Dis 2018; 4:257-277. [PMID: 29369612 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.7b00144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The chronic infection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) inflicts 250 million people worldwide representing a major public health threat. A significant subpopulation of patients eventually develop cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Unfortunately, none of the current standard therapies for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) result in a satisfactory clinical cure rate. Driven by a highly unmet medical need, multiple pharmaceutical companies and research institutions have been engaged in drug discovery and development to improve the CHB functional cure rate, defined by sustainable viral suppression and HBsAg clearance after a finite treatment. This Review summarizes the recent advances in the discovery and development of novel anti-HBV small molecules. It is believed that an improved CHB functional cure rate may be accomplished via the combination of molecules with distinct MoAs. Thus, certain molecules may evolve into key components of a suitable combination therapy leading to superior outcome of clinical efficacy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Feng
- Roche Innovation Center Shanghai, Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Building 5, 720 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Lu Gao
- Roche Innovation Center Shanghai, Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Building 5, 720 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xingchun Han
- Roche Innovation Center Shanghai, Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Building 5, 720 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Taishan Hu
- Roche Innovation Center Shanghai, Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Building 5, 720 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yimin Hu
- Roche Innovation Center Shanghai, Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Building 5, 720 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Haixia Liu
- Roche Innovation Center Shanghai, Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Building 5, 720 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Andrew W. Thomas
- Roche Innovation Center Shanghai, Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Building 5, 720 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Zhipeng Yan
- Roche Innovation Center Shanghai, Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Building 5, 720 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Song Yang
- Roche Innovation Center Shanghai, Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Building 5, 720 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - John A. T. Young
- Roche Innovation Center Shanghai, Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Building 5, 720 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Hongying Yun
- Roche Innovation Center Shanghai, Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Building 5, 720 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- Roche Innovation Center Shanghai, Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Building 5, 720 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Hong C. Shen
- Roche Innovation Center Shanghai, Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Building 5, 720 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
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35
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Discovery and Mechanistic Study of Benzamide Derivatives That Modulate Hepatitis B Virus Capsid Assembly. J Virol 2017; 91:JVI.00519-17. [PMID: 28566379 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00519-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global public health problem. Although the currently approved medications can reliably reduce the viral load and prevent the progression of liver diseases, they fail to cure the viral infection. In an effort toward discovery of novel antiviral agents against HBV, a group of benzamide (BA) derivatives that significantly reduced the amount of cytoplasmic HBV DNA were discovered. The initial lead optimization efforts identified two BA derivatives with improved antiviral activity for further mechanistic studies. Interestingly, similar to our previously reported sulfamoylbenzamides (SBAs), the BAs promote the formation of empty capsids through specific interaction with HBV core protein but not other viral and host cellular components. Genetic evidence suggested that both SBAs and BAs inhibited HBV nucleocapsid assembly by binding to the heteroaryldihydropyrimidine (HAP) pocket between core protein dimer-dimer interfaces. However, unlike SBAs, BA compounds uniquely induced the formation of empty capsids that migrated more slowly in native agarose gel electrophoresis from A36V mutant than from the wild-type core protein. Moreover, we showed that the assembly of chimeric capsids from wild-type and drug-resistant core proteins was susceptible to multiple capsid assembly modulators. Hence, HBV core protein is a dominant antiviral target that may suppress the selection of drug-resistant viruses during core protein-targeting antiviral therapy. Our studies thus indicate that BAs are a chemically and mechanistically unique type of HBV capsid assembly modulators and warranted for further development as antiviral agents against HBV.IMPORTANCE HBV core protein plays essential roles in many steps of the viral replication cycle. In addition to packaging viral pregenomic RNA (pgRNA) and DNA polymerase complex into nucleocapsids for reverse transcriptional DNA replication to take place, the core protein dimers, existing in several different quaternary structures in infected hepatocytes, participate in and regulate HBV virion assembly, capsid uncoating, and covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) formation. It is anticipated that small molecular core protein assembly modulators may disrupt one or multiple steps of HBV replication, depending on their interaction with the distinct quaternary structures of core protein. The discovery of novel core protein-targeting antivirals, such as benzamide derivatives reported here, and investigation of their antiviral mechanism may lead to the identification of antiviral therapeutics for the cure of chronic hepatitis B.
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Emery JS, Feld JJ. Treatment of hepatitis B virus with combination therapy now and in the future. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol 2017; 31:347-355. [PMID: 28774417 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpg.2017.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chronic Hepatitis B continues as a significant public health problem despite the availability of safe and effective antivirals and a highly effective protective vaccine. Current therapy, however rarely leads to cure and lifelong therapy is often required, contributing to poor uptake and ongoing morbidity. New insights into the hepatitis B viral life cycle and the host immune response have expanded the potential targets for drug therapies with interesting antiviral candidates and novel immunotherapeutic approaches in early stage development. Yet, HBV persistence is multifactorial - due to an intrahepatic reservoir and ongoing HBV-mediated immune dysregulation, making "cure" unlikely to be realized through even the most efficacious monotherapy. Building on the success seen in the treatment of hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), combination therapy may be an essential strategy to improve efficacy and decrease viral breakthrough. Combinations acting on immune and viral targets are particularly attractive. However, creating synergy while balancing efficacy and safety remains a clear challenge. Various approaches to combination therapy are reviewed, highlighting strengths and challenges of each potential strategy. Overall, combination therapies are attractive as the next step towards cure and are a key strategy for achieving treatment with finite durations and durable endpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel S Emery
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jordan J Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Soriano V, Barreiro P, Benitez L, Peña JM, de Mendoza C. New antivirals for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2017; 26:843-851. [DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2017.1333105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Soriano
- Infectious Diseases Unit, La Paz University Hospital & Autonomous University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Barreiro
- Infectious Diseases Unit, La Paz University Hospital & Autonomous University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Benitez
- Department of Internal Medicine, Puerta de Hierro Research Institute, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - Jose M. Peña
- Infectious Diseases Unit, La Paz University Hospital & Autonomous University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen de Mendoza
- Department of Internal Medicine, Puerta de Hierro Research Institute, Majadahonda, Spain
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38
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Abstract
Molecular self-assembly is the dominant form of chemical reaction in living systems, yet efforts at systems biology modeling are only beginning to appreciate the need for and challenges to accurate quantitative modeling of self-assembly. Self-assembly reactions are essential to nearly every important process in cell and molecular biology and handling them is thus a necessary step in building comprehensive models of complex cellular systems. They present exceptional challenges, however, to standard methods for simulating complex systems. While the general systems biology world is just beginning to deal with these challenges, there is an extensive literature dealing with them for more specialized self-assembly modeling. This review will examine the challenges of self-assembly modeling, nascent efforts to deal with these challenges in the systems modeling community, and some of the solutions offered in prior work on self-assembly specifically. The review concludes with some consideration of the likely role of self-assembly in the future of complex biological system models more generally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Thomas
- Computational Biology Department, Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA
- Joint Carnegie Mellon University/University of Pittsburgh Ph.D. Program in Computational Biology, Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA
| | - Russell Schwartz
- Computational Biology Department, Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA
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39
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Pei Y, Wang C, Yan SF, Liu G. Past, Current, and Future Developments of Therapeutic Agents for Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection. J Med Chem 2017; 60:6461-6479. [PMID: 28383274 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b01442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
For decades, treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has been relying on interferon (IFN)-based therapies and nucleoside/nucleotide analogues (NAs) that selectively target the viral polymerase reverse transcriptase (RT) domain and thereby disrupt HBV viral DNA synthesis. We have summarized here the key steps in the HBV viral life cycle, which could potentially be targeted by novel anti-HBV therapeutics. A wide range of next-generation direct antiviral agents (DAAs) with distinct mechanisms of actions are discussed, including entry inhibitors, transcription inhibitors, nucleoside/nucleotide analogues, inhibitors of viral ribonuclease H (RNase H), modulators of viral capsid assembly, inhibitors of HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) secretion, RNA interference (RNAi) gene silencers, antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), and natural products. Compounds that exert their antiviral activities mainly through host factors and immunomodulation, such as host targeting agents (HTAs), programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors, and Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists, are also discussed. In this Perspective, we hope to provide an overview, albeit by no means being comprehensive, for the recent development of novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of chronic HBV infection, which not only are able to sustainably suppress viral DNA but also aim to achieve functional cure warranted by HBsAg loss and ultimately lead to virus eradication and cure of hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yameng Pei
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084, China
| | - Chunting Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084, China
| | - S Frank Yan
- Molecular Design and Chemical Biology, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Shanghai , Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Gang Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084, China
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