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Siddiquee NH, Talukder MEK, Ahmed E, Zeba LT, Aivy FS, Rahman MH, Barua D, Rumman R, Hossain MI, Shimul MEK, Rama AR, Chowdhury S, Hossain I. Cheminformatics-based analysis identified (Z)-2-(2,5-dimethoxy benzylidene)-6-(2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-oxoethoxy) benzofuran-3(2H)-one as an inhibitor of Marburg replication by interacting with NP. Microb Pathog 2024; 195:106892. [PMID: 39216611 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2024.106892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 08/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
The highly pathogenic Marburg virus (MARV) is a member of the Filoviridae family, a non-segmented negative-strand RNA virus. This article represents the computer-aided drug design (CADD) approach for identifying drug-like compounds that prevent the MARV virus disease by inhibiting nucleoprotein, which is responsible for their replication. This study used a wide range of in silico drug design techniques to identify potential drugs. Out of 368 natural compounds, 202 compounds passed ADMET, and molecular docking identified the top two molecules (CID: 1804018 and 5280520) with a high binding affinity of -6.77 and -6.672 kcal/mol, respectively. Both compounds showed interactions with the common amino acid residues SER_216, ARG_215, TYR_135, CYS_195, and ILE_108, which indicates that lead compounds and control ligands interact in the common active site/catalytic site of the protein. The negative binding free energies of CID: 1804018 and 5280520 were -66.01 and -31.29 kcal/mol, respectively. Two lead compounds were re-evaluated using MD modeling techniques, which confirmed CID: 1804018 as the most stable when complexed with the target protein. PC3 of the (Z)-2-(2,5-dimethoxybenzylidene)-6-(2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-oxoethoxy) benzofuran-3(2H)-one (CID: 1804018) was 8.74 %, whereas PC3 of the 2'-Hydroxydaidzein (CID: 5280520) was 11.25 %. In this study, (Z)-2-(2,5-dimethoxybenzylidene)-6-(2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-oxoethoxy) benzofuran-3(2H)-one (CID: 1804018) unveiled the significant stability of the proteins' binding site in ADMET, Molecular docking, MM-GBSA and MD simulation analysis studies, which also showed a high negative binding free energy value, confirming as the best drug candidate which is found in Angelica archangelica which may potentially inhibit the replication of MARV nucleoprotein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noimul Hasan Siddiquee
- Department of Microbiology, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh; Bioinformatics Laboratory (BioLab), Bangladesh
| | - Md Enamul Kabir Talukder
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Bangladesh
| | - Ezaz Ahmed
- Department of Microbiology, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh; Bioinformatics Laboratory (BioLab), Bangladesh
| | - Labiba Tasnim Zeba
- Bioinformatics Laboratory (BioLab), Bangladesh; Department of Mathematics & Natural Sciences, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Farjana Sultana Aivy
- Department of Microbiology, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh; Bioinformatics Laboratory (BioLab), Bangladesh
| | - Md Hasibur Rahman
- Bioinformatics Laboratory (BioLab), Bangladesh; Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Durjoy Barua
- Bioinformatics Laboratory (BioLab), Bangladesh; Department of Pharmacy, BGC Trust University, Bangladesh
| | - Rahnumazzaman Rumman
- Bioinformatics Laboratory (BioLab), Bangladesh; Department Of Environmental Science and Disaster Management, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Md Ifteker Hossain
- Department of Microbiology, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh; Bioinformatics Laboratory (BioLab), Bangladesh
| | - Md Ebrahim Khalil Shimul
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Bangladesh
| | - Anika Rahman Rama
- Bioinformatics Laboratory (BioLab), Bangladesh; Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, East West University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sristi Chowdhury
- Bioinformatics Laboratory (BioLab), Bangladesh; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Imam Hossain
- Department of Microbiology, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh; Bioinformatics Laboratory (BioLab), Bangladesh.
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Srivastava S, Kumar S, Ashique S, Sridhar SB, Shareef J, Thomas S. Novel antiviral approaches for Marburg: a promising therapeutics in the pipeline. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1387628. [PMID: 38725678 PMCID: PMC11079314 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1387628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Marburg virus disease (MVD) presents a significant global health threat, lacking effective antivirals and with current supportive care offering limited therapeutic options. This mini review explores the emerging landscape of novel antiviral strategies against MVD, focusing on promising therapeutics currently in the development pipeline. We delve into direct-acting antiviral approaches, including small molecule inhibitors targeting viral entry, replication, and assembly, alongside nucleic acid antisense and RNA interference strategies. Host-targeting antivirals are also considered, encompassing immune modulators like interferons and cytokine/chemokine modulators, broad-spectrum antivirals, and convalescent plasma and antibody-based therapies. The paper then examines preclinical and clinical development for the novel therapeutics, highlighting in vitro and in vivo models for antiviral evaluation, safety and efficacy assessments, and the critical stages of clinical trials. Recognizing the challenges of drug resistance and viral escape, the mini review underscores the potential of combination therapy strategies and emphasizes the need for rapid diagnostic tools to optimize treatment initiation. Finally, we discuss the importance of public health preparedness and equitable access to these promising therapeutics in achieving effective MVD control and global health security. This mini review presents a comprehensive overview of the burgeoning field of MVD antivirals, highlighting the potential of these novel approaches to reshape the future of MVD treatment and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shriyansh Srivastava
- Department of Pharmacology, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU), New Delhi, India
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medical and Allied Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, India
| | - Sachin Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU), New Delhi, India
| | - Sumel Ashique
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bengal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Research, Durgapur, West Bengal, India
| | - Sathvik Belagodu Sridhar
- RAK College of Pharmacy, RAK Medical & Health Sciences University, Ras al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Javedh Shareef
- Clinical Pharmacy & Pharmacology, RAK College of Pharmacy, RAK Medical & Health Sciences University, Ras al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sabin Thomas
- College of Health Sciences, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Oman
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3
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Bao M, Waitkus J, Liu L, Chang Y, Xu Z, Qin P, Chen J, Du K. Micro- and nanosystems for the detection of hemorrhagic fever viruses. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:4173-4200. [PMID: 37675935 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00482a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Hemorrhagic fever viruses (HFVs) are virulent pathogens that can cause severe and often fatal illnesses in humans. Timely and accurate detection of HFVs is critical for effective disease management and prevention. In recent years, micro- and nano-technologies have emerged as promising approaches for the detection of HFVs. This paper provides an overview of the current state-of-the-art systems for micro- and nano-scale approaches to detect HFVs. It covers various aspects of these technologies, including the principles behind their sensing assays, as well as the different types of diagnostic strategies that have been developed. This paper also explores future possibilities of employing micro- and nano-systems for the development of HFV diagnostic tools that meet the practical demands of clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengdi Bao
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA.
| | - Jacob Waitkus
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA.
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA.
| | - Yu Chang
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA.
| | - Zhiheng Xu
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Peiwu Qin
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Juhong Chen
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Ke Du
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA.
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Assefi M, Bijan Rostami R, Ebrahimi M, Altafi M, Tehrany PM, Zaidan HK, Talib Al-Naqeeb BZ, Hadi M, Yasamineh S, Gholizadeh O. Potential use of the cholesterol transfer inhibitor U18666A as an antiviral drug for research on various viral infections. Microb Pathog 2023; 179:106096. [PMID: 37011734 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
Cholesterol plays critical functions in arranging the biophysical attributes of proteins and lipids in the plasma membrane. For various viruses, an association with cholesterol for virus entrance and/or morphogenesis has been demonstrated. Therefore, the lipid metabolic pathways and the combination of membranes could be targeted to selectively suppress the virus replication steps as a basis for antiviral treatment. U18666A is a cationic amphiphilic drug (CAD) that affects intracellular transport and cholesterol production. A robust tool for investigating lysosomal cholesterol transfer and Ebola virus infection is an androstenolone derived termed U18666A that suppresses three enzymes in the cholesterol biosynthesis mechanism. In addition, U18666A inhibited low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-induced downregulation of LDL receptor and triggered lysosomal aggregation of cholesterol. According to reports, U18666A inhibits the reproduction of baculoviruses, filoviruses, hepatitis, coronaviruses, pseudorabies, HIV, influenza, and flaviviruses, as well as chikungunya and flaviviruses. U18666A-treated viral infections may act as a novel in vitro model system to elucidate the cholesterol mechanism of several viral infections. In this article, we discuss the mechanism and function of U18666A as a potent tool for studying cholesterol mechanisms in various viral infections.
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Pseudotyped Viruses for Marburgvirus and Ebolavirus. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1407:105-132. [PMID: 36920694 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-99-0113-5_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Marburg virus (MARV) and Ebola virus (EBOV) of the Filoviridae family are the most lethal viruses in terms of mortality rate. However, the development of antiviral treatment is hampered by the requirement for biosafety level-4 (BSL-4) containment. The establishment of BSL-2 pseudotyped viruses can provide important tools for the study of filoviruses. This chapter summarizes general information on the filoviruses and then focuses on the construction of replication-deficient pseudotyped MARV and EBOV (e.g., lentivirus system and vesicular stomatitis virus system). It also details the potential applications of the pseudotyped viruses, including neutralization antibody detection, the study of infection mechanisms, the evaluation of antibody-dependent enhancement, virus entry inhibitor screening, and glycoprotein mutation analysis.
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Abir MH, Rahman T, Das A, Etu SN, Nafiz IH, Rakib A, Mitra S, Emran TB, Dhama K, Islam A, Siyadatpanah A, Mahmud S, Kim B, Hassan MM. Pathogenicity and virulence of Marburg virus. Virulence 2022; 13:609-633. [PMID: 35363588 PMCID: PMC8986239 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2022.2054760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Marburg virus (MARV) has been a major concern since 1967, with two major outbreaks occurring in 1998 and 2004. Infection from MARV results in severe hemorrhagic fever, causing organ dysfunction and death. Exposure to fruit bats in caves and mines, and human-to-human transmission had major roles in the amplification of MARV outbreaks in African countries. The high fatality rate of up to 90% demands the broad study of MARV diseases (MVD) that correspond with MARV infection. Since large outbreaks are rare for MARV, clinical investigations are often inadequate for providing the substantial data necessary to determine the treatment of MARV disease. Therefore, an overall review may contribute to minimizing the limitations associated with future medical research and improve the clinical management of MVD. In this review, we sought to analyze and amalgamate significant information regarding MARV disease epidemics, pathophysiology, and management approaches to provide a better understanding of this deadly virus and the associated infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehedy Hasan Abir
- Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chittagong, Bangladesh
| | - Tanjilur Rahman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, Bangladesh
| | - Ayan Das
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, Bangladesh
| | - Silvia Naznin Etu
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, Bangladesh
| | - Iqbal Hossain Nafiz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, Bangladesh
| | - Ahmed Rakib
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, Bangladesh
| | - Saikat Mitra
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Talha Bin Emran
- Department of Pharmacy, BGC Trust University Bangladesh, Chittagong, Bangladesh
| | - Kuldeep Dhama
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, India
| | - Ariful Islam
- EcoHealth Alliance, New York, NY, USA
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Science, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Abolghasem Siyadatpanah
- Ferdows School of Paramedical and Health, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Shafi Mahmud
- Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, Bangladesh
| | - Bonlgee Kim
- Department of Pathology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Mohammad Mahmudul Hassan
- Queensland Alliance for One Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Australia
- Department of Physiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram, Bangladesh
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Zinzula L, Mereu AM, Orsini M, Seeleitner C, Bracher A, Nagy I, Baumeister W. Ebola and Marburg virus VP35 coiled-coil validated as antiviral target by tripartite split-GFP complementation. iScience 2022; 25:105354. [PMID: 36325051 PMCID: PMC9619376 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Ebola virus (EBOV) and Marburg virus (MARV) are highly pathogenic viruses in humans, against which approved antivirals are lacking. During EBOV and MARV infection, coiled-coil mediated oligomerization is essential for the virion protein 35 (VP35) polymerase co-factor function and type I interferon antagonism, making VP35 coiled-coil an elective drug target. We established a tripartite split-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fluorescence complementation (FC) system based on recombinant GFP-tagged EBOV and MARV VP35, which probes VP35 coiled-coil assembly by monitoring fluorescence on E. coli colonies, or in vitro in 96/384-multiwell. Oligomerization-defective VP35 mutants showed that correct coiled-coil knobs-into-holes pairing within VP35 oligomer is pre-requisite for GFP tags and GFP detector to reconstitute fluorescing full-length GFP. The method was validated by screening a small compound library, which identified Myricetin and 4,5,6,7-Tetrabromobenzotriazole as inhibitors of EBOV and MARV VP35 oligomerization-dependent FC with low-micromolar IC50 values. These findings substantiate the VP35 coiled-coil value as antiviral target. Ebola and Marburg virus VP35 oligomerize via trimeric and tetrameric coiled-coil VP35 coiled-coil assembly triggers fluorescence of a tripartite split-GFP system Mutations perturbing VP35 coiled-coil hamper split-GFP complementation Myricetin and TBBT inhibit split-GFP complementation mediated by VP35 coiled-coil
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Zinzula
- The Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Molecular Structural Biology, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
- Corresponding author
| | - Angela Maria Mereu
- The Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Molecular Structural Biology, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Massimiliano Orsini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Department of Risk Analysis and Public Health Surveillance, Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Christine Seeleitner
- The Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Molecular Structural Biology, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Andreas Bracher
- The Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Cellular Biochemistry, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - István Nagy
- The Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Molecular Structural Biology, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Baumeister
- The Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Molecular Structural Biology, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
- Corresponding author
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Vanmechelen B, Stroobants J, Chiu W, Naesens L, Schepers J, Vermeire K, Maes P. Development and optimization of biologically contained Marburg virus for high-throughput antiviral screening. Antiviral Res 2022; 207:105426. [DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2022.105426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Wang LL, Estrada L, Wiggins J, Anantpadma M, Patten JJ, Davey RA, Xiang SH. Ligand-based design of peptide entry inhibitors targeting the endosomal receptor binding site of filoviruses. Antiviral Res 2022; 206:105399. [PMID: 36007601 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2022.105399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Filoviruses enter cells through micropinocytosis and trafficking into the endosomes in which they bind to the receptor Niemann-Pick C1 protein (NPC1) for membrane fusion and entry into the cytoplasm. The endosomal receptor-binding is critical step for filovirus entry. Designing inhibitors to block receptor binding will prevent viral entry. Using available binding structural information from the co-crystal structures of the viral GP with the receptor NPC1 or with monoclonal antibodies, we have conducted structure-based design of peptide inhibitors to target the receptor binding site (RBS). The designed peptides were tested for their inhibition activity against pseudo-typed or replication-competent viruses in a cell-based assay. The results indicate that these peptides exhibited strong activities against both Ebola and Marburg virus infection. It is expected that these peptides can be further developed for therapeutic use to treat filovirus infection and combat the outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah Liu Wang
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, USA; Nebraska Center for Virology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA
| | - Leslie Estrada
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, USA; Nebraska Center for Virology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA
| | - Joshua Wiggins
- Nebraska Center for Virology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA; School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA
| | - Manu Anantpadma
- Department of Microbiology & National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - J J Patten
- Department of Microbiology & National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Robert A Davey
- Department of Microbiology & National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Shi-Hua Xiang
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, USA; Nebraska Center for Virology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA.
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Vanmechelen B, Stroobants J, Chiu W, Schepers J, Marchand A, Chaltin P, Vermeire K, Maes P. Identification of novel Ebola virus inhibitors using biologically contained virus. Antiviral Res 2022; 200:105294. [PMID: 35337896 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2022.105294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Despite recent advancements in the development of vaccines and monoclonal antibody therapies for Ebola virus disease, treatment options remain limited. Moreover, management and containment of Ebola virus outbreaks is often hindered by the remote nature of the locations in which the outbreaks originate. Small-molecule compounds offer the advantage of being relatively cheap and easy to produce, transport and store, making them an interesting modality for the development of novel therapeutics against Ebola virus disease. Furthermore, the repurposing of small-molecule compounds, previously developed for alternative applications, can aid in reducing the time needed to bring potential therapeutics from bench to bedside. For this purpose, the Medicines for Malaria Venture provides collections of previously developed small-molecule compounds for screening against other infectious diseases. In this study, we used biologically contained Ebola virus to screen over 4,200 small-molecule drugs and drug-like compounds provided by the Medicines for Malaria Venture (i.e., the Pandemic Response Box and the COVID Box) and the Centre for Drug Design and Discovery (CD3, KU Leuven, Belgium). In addition to confirming known Ebola virus inhibitors, illustrating the validity of our screening assays, we identified eight novel selective Ebola virus inhibitors. Although the inhibitory potential of these compounds remains to be validated in vivo, they represent interesting compounds for the study of potential interventions against Ebola virus disease and might serve as a basis for the development of new therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bert Vanmechelen
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Laboratory of Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joren Stroobants
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Winston Chiu
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joost Schepers
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Arnaud Marchand
- CISTIM Leuven vzw, Gaston Geenslaan 2, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Patrick Chaltin
- CISTIM Leuven vzw, Gaston Geenslaan 2, 3000, Leuven, Belgium; Centre for Drug Design and Discovery (CD3), KU Leuven, Gaston Geenslaan 2, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kurt Vermeire
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Piet Maes
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Laboratory of Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Leuven, Belgium.
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He FB, Khan H, Huttunen M, Kolehmainen P, Melén K, Maljanen S, Qu M, Jiang M, Kakkola L, Julkunen I. Filovirus VP24 Proteins Differentially Regulate RIG-I and MDA5-Dependent Type I and III Interferon Promoter Activation. Front Immunol 2022; 12:694105. [PMID: 35069519 PMCID: PMC8767557 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.694105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Filovirus family consists of highly pathogenic viruses that have caused fatal outbreaks especially in many African countries. Previously, research focus has been on Ebola, Sudan and Marburg viruses leaving other filoviruses less well studied. Filoviruses, in general, pose a significant global threat since they are highly virulent and potentially transmissible between humans causing sporadic infections and local or widespread epidemics. Filoviruses have the ability to downregulate innate immunity, and especially viral protein 24 (VP24), VP35 and VP40 have variably been shown to interfere with interferon (IFN) gene expression and signaling. Here we systematically analyzed the ability of VP24 proteins of nine filovirus family members to interfere with retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) and melanoma differentiation-associated antigen 5 (MDA5) induced IFN-β and IFN-λ1 promoter activation. All VP24 proteins were localized both in the cell cytoplasm and nucleus in variable amounts. VP24 proteins of Zaire and Sudan ebolaviruses, Lloviu, Taï Forest, Reston, Marburg and Bundibugyo viruses (EBOV, SUDV, LLOV, TAFV, RESTV, MARV and BDBV, respectively) were found to inhibit both RIG-I and MDA5 stimulated IFN-β and IFN-λ1 promoter activation. The inhibition takes place downstream of interferon regulatory factor 3 phosphorylation suggesting the inhibition to occur in the nucleus. VP24 proteins of Mengla (MLAV) or Bombali viruses (BOMV) did not inhibit IFN-β or IFN-λ1 promoter activation. Six ebolavirus VP24s and Lloviu VP24 bound tightly, whereas MARV and MLAV VP24s bound weakly, to importin α5, the subtype that regulates the nuclear import of STAT complexes. MARV and MLAV VP24 binding to importin α5 was very weak. Our data provides new information on the innate immune inhibitory mechanisms of filovirus VP24 proteins, which may contribute to the pathogenesis of filovirus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix B. He
- Institute of Biomedicine/Virology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Hira Khan
- Institute of Biomedicine/Virology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Moona Huttunen
- Institute of Biomedicine/Virology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Pekka Kolehmainen
- Institute of Biomedicine/Virology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Krister Melén
- Expert Microbiology Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sari Maljanen
- Institute of Biomedicine/Virology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Mengmeng Qu
- Research Center for Clinical & Translational Medicine, Fifth Medical Center for General Hospital of People’s Liberation Army (PLA), Beijing, China
| | - Miao Jiang
- Expert Microbiology Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Laura Kakkola
- Institute of Biomedicine/Virology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Ilkka Julkunen
- Institute of Biomedicine/Virology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Turku University Hospital, Clinical Microbiology, Turku, Finland
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Vasudevan K, Thirumal Kumar D, Udhaya Kumar S, Saleem A, Nagasundaram N, Siva R, Tayubi IA, George Priya Doss C, Zayed H. A computational overview on phylogenetic characterization, pathogenic mutations, and drug targets for Ebola virus disease. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2021; 61:28-35. [PMID: 34563987 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2021.08.015] [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: 04/18/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The World Health Organization declared Ebola virus disease (EVD) as the major outbreak in the 20th century. EVD was first identified in 1976 in South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. EVD was transmitted from infected fruit bats to humans via contact with infected animal body fluids. The Ebola virus (EBOV) has a genome size of ∼18,959 bp. It encodes seven distinct proteins: nucleoprotein (NP), glycoprotein (GP), viral proteins VP24, VP30, VP35, matrix protein VP40, and polymerase L is considered a prime target for potential antiviral strategies. The current US FDA-approved anti-EVD vaccine, ERVERBO, and the other equally effective anti-EBOV combinations of three fully human monoclonal antibodies such as REGN-EB3, primarily target the envelope glycoprotein. This work elaborates on the EBOV's phylogenetic structure and the crucial mutations associated with viral pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthick Vasudevan
- School of Applied Sciences, Reva University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
| | - D Thirumal Kumar
- Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - S Udhaya Kumar
- School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Aisha Saleem
- School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - N Nagasundaram
- School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - R Siva
- School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Iftikhar Aslam Tayubi
- Faculty of Computing and Information Technology, King Abdulaziz University, Rabigh, 21911, Saudi Arabia
| | - C George Priya Doss
- School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Hatem Zayed
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health and Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
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Dos Santos Nascimento IJ, de Aquino TM, da Silva-Júnior EF. Drug Repurposing: A Strategy for Discovering Inhibitors against Emerging Viral Infections. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:2887-2942. [PMID: 32787752 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327666200812215852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Viral diseases are responsible for several deaths around the world. Over the past few years, the world has seen several outbreaks caused by viral diseases that, for a long time, seemed to possess no risk. These are diseases that have been forgotten for a long time and, until nowadays, there are no approved drugs or vaccines, leading the pharmaceutical industry and several research groups to run out of time in the search for new pharmacological treatments or prevention methods. In this context, drug repurposing proves to be a fast and economically viable technique, considering the fact that it uses drugs that have a well-established safety profile. Thus, in this review, we present the main advances in drug repurposing and their benefit for searching new treatments against emerging viral diseases. METHODS We conducted a search in the bibliographic databases (Science Direct, Bentham Science, PubMed, Springer, ACS Publisher, Wiley, and NIH's COVID-19 Portfolio) using the keywords "drug repurposing", "emerging viral infections" and each of the diseases reported here (CoV; ZIKV; DENV; CHIKV; EBOV and MARV) as an inclusion/exclusion criterion. A subjective analysis was performed regarding the quality of the works for inclusion in this manuscript. Thus, the selected works were those that presented drugs repositioned against the emerging viral diseases presented here by means of computational, high-throughput screening or phenotype-based strategies, with no time limit and of relevant scientific value. RESULTS 291 papers were selected, 24 of which were CHIKV; 52 for ZIKV; 43 for DENV; 35 for EBOV; 10 for MARV; and 56 for CoV and the rest (72 papers) related to the drugs repurposing and emerging viral diseases. Among CoV-related articles, most were published in 2020 (31 papers), updating the current topic. Besides, between the years 2003 - 2005, 10 articles were created, and from 2011 - 2015, there were 7 articles, portraying the outbreaks that occurred at that time. For ZIKV, similar to CoV, most publications were during the period of outbreaks between the years 2016 - 2017 (23 articles). Similarly, most CHIKV (13 papers) and DENV (14 papers) publications occur at the same time interval. For EBOV (13 papers) and MARV (4 papers), they were between the years 2015 - 2016. Through this review, several drugs were highlighted that can be evolved in vivo and clinical trials as possible used against these pathogens showed that remdesivir represent potential treatments against CoV. Furthermore, ribavirin may also be a potential treatment against CHIKV; sofosbuvir against ZIKV; celgosivir against DENV, and favipiravir against EBOV and MARV, representing new hopes against these pathogens. CONCLUSION The conclusions of this review manuscript show the potential of the drug repurposing strategy in the discovery of new pharmaceutical products, as from this approach, drugs could be used against emerging viral diseases. Thus, this strategy deserves more attention among research groups and is a promising approach to the discovery of new drugs against emerging viral diseases and also other diseases.
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14
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Wang LL, Palermo N, Estrada L, Thompson C, Patten JJ, Anantpadma M, Davey RA, Xiang SH. Identification of filovirus entry inhibitors targeting the endosomal receptor NPC1 binding site. Antiviral Res 2021; 189:105059. [PMID: 33705865 PMCID: PMC8088776 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2021.105059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Filoviruses, mainly consisting of Ebola viruses (EBOV) and Marburg viruses (MARV), are enveloped negative-strand RNA viruses which can infect humans to cause severe hemorrhagic fevers and outbreaks with high mortality rates. The filovirus infection is mediated by the interaction of viral envelope glycoprotein (GP) and the human endosomal receptor Niemann-Pick C1 (NPC1). Blocking this interaction will prevent the infection. Therefore, we utilized an In silico screening approach to conduct virtual compound screening against the NPC1 receptor-binding site (RBS). Twenty-six top-hit compounds were purchased and evaluated by in vitro cell based inhibition assays against pseudotyped or replication-competent filoviruses. Two classes (A and U) of compounds were identified to have potent inhibitory activity against both Ebola and Marburg viruses. The IC50 values are in the lower level of micromolar concentrations. One compound (compd-A) was found to have a sub-micromolar IC50 value (0.86 μM) against pseudotyped Marburg virus. The cytotoxicity assay (MTT) indicates that compd-A has a moderate cytotoxicity level but the compd-U has much less toxicity and the CC50 value was about 100 μM. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) study has found some analogs of compd-A and -U have reduced the toxicity and enhanced the inhibitory activity. In conclusion, this work has identified several qualified lead-compounds for further drug development against filovirus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah Liu Wang
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA; Nebraska Center for Virology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA
| | - Nicholas Palermo
- Computational Chemistry Core Facility, VCR Cores, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Leslie Estrada
- Nebraska Center for Virology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA
| | - Colton Thompson
- Nebraska Center for Virology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA
| | - J J Patten
- National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University, Boston, MA, 0211, USA
| | - Manu Anantpadma
- National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University, Boston, MA, 0211, USA
| | - Robert A Davey
- National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University, Boston, MA, 0211, USA
| | - Shi-Hua Xiang
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA; Nebraska Center for Virology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA.
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15
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Hansen F, Feldmann H, Jarvis MA. Targeting Ebola virus replication through pharmaceutical intervention. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2021; 30:201-226. [PMID: 33593215 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2021.1881061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Introduction. The consistent emergence/reemergence of filoviruses into a world that previously lacked an approved pharmaceutical intervention parallels an experience repeatedly played-out for most other emerging pathogenic zoonotic viruses. Investment to preemptively develop effective and low-cost prophylactic and therapeutic interventions against viruses that have high potential for emergence and societal impact should be a priority.Areas covered. Candidate drugs can be characterized into those that interfere with cellular processes required for Ebola virus (EBOV) replication (host-directed), and those that directly target virally encoded functions (direct-acting). We discuss strategies to identify pharmaceutical interventions for EBOV infections. PubMed/Web of Science databases were searched to establish a detailed catalog of these interventions.Expert opinion. Many drug candidates show promising in vitro inhibitory activity, but experience with EBOV shows the general lack of translation to in vivo efficacy for host-directed repurposed drugs. Better translation is seen for direct-acting antivirals, in particular monoclonal antibodies. The FDA-approved monoclonal antibody treatment, Inmazeb™ is a success story that could be improved in terms of impact on EBOV-associated disease and mortality, possibly by combination with other direct-acting agents targeting distinct aspects of the viral replication cycle. Costs need to be addressed given EBOV emergence primarily in under-resourced countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederick Hansen
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Heinz Feldmann
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Michael A Jarvis
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA.,School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, Devon, UK.,The Vaccine Group, Ltd, Plymouth, Devon, UK
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16
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Formulation, Stability, Pharmacokinetic, and Modeling Studies for Tests of Synergistic Combinations of Orally Available Approved Drugs against Ebola Virus In Vivo. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9030566. [PMID: 33801811 PMCID: PMC7998926 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9030566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Outbreaks of Ebola ebolavirus (EBOV) have been associated with high morbidity and mortality. Milestones have been reached recently in the management of EBOV disease (EVD) with licensure of an EBOV vaccine and two monoclonal antibody therapies. However, neither vaccines nor therapies are available for other disease-causing filoviruses. In preparation for such outbreaks, and for more facile and cost-effective management of EVD, we seek a cocktail containing orally available and room temperature stable drugs with strong activity against multiple filoviruses. We previously showed that (bepridil + sertraline) and (sertraline + toremifene) synergistically suppress EBOV in cell cultures. Here, we describe steps towards testing these combinations in a mouse model of EVD. We identified a vehicle suitable for oral delivery of the component drugs and determined that, thus formulated the drugs are equally active against EBOV as preparations in DMSO, and they maintain activity upon storage in solution for up to seven days. Pharmacokinetic (PK) studies indicated that the drugs in the oral delivery vehicle are well tolerated in mice at the highest doses tested. Collectively the data support advancement of these combinations to tests for synergy in a mouse model of EVD. Moreover, mathematical modeling based on human oral PK projects that the combinations would be more active in humans than their component single drugs.
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17
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Bessières M, Plebanek E, Chatterjee P, Shrivastava-Ranjan P, Flint M, Spiropoulou CF, Warszycki D, Bojarski AJ, Roy V, Agrofoglio LA. Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of 2-substituted-6-[(4-substituted-1-piperidyl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazoles as inhibitors of ebola virus infection. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 214:113211. [PMID: 33548632 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Novel 2-substituted-6-[(4-substituted-1-piperidyl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazoles were designed and synthesized as Ebola virus inhibitors. The proposed structures of the new prepared benzimidazole-piperidine hybrids were confirmed based on their spectral data and CHN analyses. The target compounds were screened in vitro for their anti-Ebola activity. Among tested molecules, compounds 26a (EC50=0.93 μM, SI = 10) and 25a (EC50=0.64 μM, SI = 20) were as potent as and more selective than Toremifene reference drug (EC50 = 0.38 μM, SI = 7) against cell line. Data suggests that the mechanism by which 25a and 26a block EBOV infection is through the inhibition of viral entry at the level of NPC1. Furthermore, a docking study revealed that several of the NPC1 amino acids that participate in binding to GP are involved in the binding of the most active compounds 25a and 26a. Finally, in silico ADME prediction indicates that 26a is an idealy drug-like candidate. Our results could enable the development of small molecule drug capable of inhibiting Ebola virus, especially at the viral entry step.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Payel Chatterjee
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Mike Flint
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Christina F Spiropoulou
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Dawid Warszycki
- May Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Andrzej J Bojarski
- May Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Vincent Roy
- Univ. Orléans, CNRS, ICOA, UMR 7311, F-45067, Orléans, France.
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18
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Groaz E, De Clercq E, Herdewijn P. Anno 2021: Which antivirals for the coming decade? ANNUAL REPORTS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2021; 57:49-107. [PMID: 34744210 PMCID: PMC8563371 DOI: 10.1016/bs.armc.2021.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Despite considerable progress in the development of antiviral drugs, among which anti-immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) medications can be considered real success stories, many viral infections remain without an effective treatment. This not only applies to infectious outbreaks caused by zoonotic viruses that have recently spilled over into humans such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), but also ancient viral diseases that have been brought under control by vaccination such as variola (smallpox), poliomyelitis, measles, and rabies. A largely unsolved problem are endemic respiratory infections due to influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and rhinoviruses, whose associated morbidity will likely worsen with increasing air pollution. Furthermore, climate changes will expose industrialized countries to a dangerous resurgence of viral hemorrhagic fevers, which might also become global infections. Herein, we summarize the recent progress that has been made in the search for new antivirals against these different threats that the world population will need to confront with increasing frequency in the next decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Groaz
- Medicinal Chemistry, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium,Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy,Corresponding author:
| | - Erik De Clercq
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Piet Herdewijn
- Medicinal Chemistry, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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19
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Jain S, Khaiboullina SF, Baranwal M. Immunological Perspective for Ebola Virus Infection and Various Treatment Measures Taken to Fight the Disease. Pathogens 2020; 9:E850. [PMID: 33080902 PMCID: PMC7603231 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9100850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ebolaviruses, discovered in 1976, belongs to the Filoviridae family, which also includes Marburg and Lloviu viruses. They are negative-stranded RNA viruses with six known species identified to date. Ebola virus (EBOV) is a member of Zaire ebolavirus species and can cause the Ebola virus disease (EVD), an emerging zoonotic disease that results in homeostatic imbalance and multi-organ failure. There are three EBOV outbreaks documented in the last six years resulting in significant morbidity (> 32,000 cases) and mortality (> 13,500 deaths). The potential factors contributing to the high infectivity of this virus include multiple entry mechanisms, susceptibility of the host cells, employment of multiple immune evasion mechanisms and rapid person-to-person transmission. EBOV infection leads to cytokine storm, disseminated intravascular coagulation, host T cell apoptosis as well as cell mediated and humoral immune response. In this review, a concise recap of cell types targeted by EBOV and EVD symptoms followed by detailed run-through of host innate and adaptive immune responses, virus-driven regulation and their combined effects contributing to the disease pathogenesis has been presented. At last, the vaccine and drug development initiatives as well as challenges related to the management of infection have been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahil Jain
- Department of Biotechnology, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala 147004, Punjab, India;
| | - Svetlana F. Khaiboullina
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia
| | - Manoj Baranwal
- Department of Biotechnology, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala 147004, Punjab, India;
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20
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Mummah RO, Hoff NA, Rimoin AW, Lloyd-Smith JO. Controlling emerging zoonoses at the animal-human interface. ONE HEALTH OUTLOOK 2020; 2:17. [PMID: 33073176 PMCID: PMC7550773 DOI: 10.1186/s42522-020-00024-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND For many emerging or re-emerging pathogens, cases in humans arise from a mixture of introductions (via zoonotic spillover from animal reservoirs or geographic spillover from endemic regions) and secondary human-to-human transmission. Interventions aiming to reduce incidence of these infections can be focused on preventing spillover or reducing human-to-human transmission, or sometimes both at once, and typically are governed by resource constraints that require policymakers to make choices. Despite increasing emphasis on using mathematical models to inform disease control policies, little attention has been paid to guiding rational disease control at the animal-human interface. METHODS We introduce a modeling framework to analyze the impacts of different disease control policies, focusing on pathogens exhibiting subcritical transmission among humans (i.e. pathogens that cannot establish sustained human-to-human transmission). We quantify the relative effectiveness of measures to reduce spillover (e.g. reducing contact with animal hosts), human-to-human transmission (e.g. case isolation), or both at once (e.g. vaccination), across a range of epidemiological contexts. RESULTS We provide guidelines for choosing which mode of control to prioritize in different epidemiological scenarios and considering different levels of resource and relative costs. We contextualize our analysis with current zoonotic pathogens and other subcritical pathogens, such as post-elimination measles, and control policies that have been applied. CONCLUSIONS Our work provides a model-based, theoretical foundation to understand and guide policy for subcritical zoonoses, integrating across disciplinary and species boundaries in a manner consistent with One Health principles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riley O. Mummah
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, 610 Charles E Young Dr S, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Nicole A. Hoff
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Anne W. Rimoin
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - James O. Lloyd-Smith
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, 610 Charles E Young Dr S, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
- Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
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Pahar B, Madonna S, Das A, Albanesi C, Girolomoni G. Immunomodulatory Role of the Antimicrobial LL-37 Peptide in Autoimmune Diseases and Viral Infections. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:E517. [PMID: 32927756 PMCID: PMC7565865 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8030517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are produced by neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophages, as well as epithelial cells, and are an essential component of innate immunity system against infection, including several viral infections. AMPs, in particular the cathelicidin LL-37, also exert numerous immunomodulatory activities by inducing cytokine production and attracting and regulating the activity of immune cells. AMPs are scarcely expressed in normal skin, but their expression increases when skin is injured by external factors, such as trauma, inflammation, or infection. LL-37 complexed to self-DNA acts as autoantigen in psoriasis and lupus erythematosus (LE), where it also induces production of interferon by plasmocytoid dendritic cells and thus initiates a cascade of autocrine and paracrine processes, leading to a disease state. In these disorders, epidermal keratinocytes express high amounts of AMPs, which can lead to uncontrolled inflammation. Similarly, LL-37 had several favorable and unfavorable roles in virus replication and disease pathogenesis. Targeting the antiviral and immunomodulatory functions of LL-37 opens a new approach to limit virus dissemination and the progression of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bapi Pahar
- Division of Comparative Pathology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA 70433, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
| | - Stefania Madonna
- IDI-IRCCS, Dermopathic Institute of the Immaculate IDI, 00167 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (C.A.)
| | - Arpita Das
- Division of Microbiology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA 70433, USA;
| | - Cristina Albanesi
- IDI-IRCCS, Dermopathic Institute of the Immaculate IDI, 00167 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (C.A.)
| | - Giampiero Girolomoni
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy;
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22
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Baldassarre A, Paolini A, Bruno SP, Felli C, Tozzi AE, Masotti A. Potential use of noncoding RNAs and innovative therapeutic strategies to target the 5'UTR of SARS-CoV-2. Epigenomics 2020; 12:1349-1361. [PMID: 32875809 PMCID: PMC7466951 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2020-0162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
After the increasing number of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections all over the world, researchers and clinicians are struggling to find a vaccine or innovative therapeutic strategies to treat this viral infection. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection that occurred in 2002, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and other more common infectious diseases such as hepatitis C virus, led to the discovery of many RNA-based drugs. Among them, siRNAs and antisense locked nucleic acids have been demonstrated to have effective antiviral effects both in animal models and humans. Owing to the high genomic homology of SARS-CoV-2 and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (80–82%) the use of these molecules could be employed successfully also to target this emerging coronavirus. Trying to translate this approach to treat COVID-19, we analyzed the common structural features of viral 5’UTR regions that can be targeted by noncoding RNAs and we also identified miRNAs binding sites suitable for designing RNA-based drugs to be employed successfully against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Baldassarre
- Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù-IRCCS, Research Laboratories; Multifactorial & Complex Phenotype Research Area, V.le di San Paolo 15, Rome 00146, Italy
| | - Alessandro Paolini
- Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù-IRCCS, Research Laboratories; Multifactorial & Complex Phenotype Research Area, V.le di San Paolo 15, Rome 00146, Italy
| | - Stefania Paola Bruno
- Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù-IRCCS, Research Laboratories; Multifactorial & Complex Phenotype Research Area, V.le di San Paolo 15, Rome 00146, Italy
| | - Cristina Felli
- Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù-IRCCS, Research Laboratories; Multifactorial & Complex Phenotype Research Area, V.le di San Paolo 15, Rome 00146, Italy
| | - Alberto Eugenio Tozzi
- Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù-IRCCS, Research Laboratories; Multifactorial & Complex Phenotype Research Area, V.le di San Paolo 15, Rome 00146, Italy
| | - Andrea Masotti
- Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù-IRCCS, Research Laboratories; Multifactorial & Complex Phenotype Research Area, V.le di San Paolo 15, Rome 00146, Italy
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A Virion-Based Assay for Glycoprotein Thermostability Reveals Key Determinants of Filovirus Entry and Its Inhibition. J Virol 2020; 94:JVI.00336-20. [PMID: 32611759 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00336-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ebola virus (EBOV) entry into cells is mediated by its spike glycoprotein (GP). Following attachment and internalization, virions traffic to late endosomes where GP is cleaved by host cysteine proteases. Cleaved GP then binds its cellular receptor, Niemann-Pick C1. In response to an unknown cellular trigger, GP undergoes conformational rearrangements that drive fusion of viral and endosomal membranes. The temperature-dependent stability (thermostability) of the prefusion conformers of class I viral fusion glycoproteins, including those of filovirus GPs, has provided insights into their propensity to undergo fusion-related rearrangements. However, previously described assays have relied on soluble glycoprotein ectodomains. Here, we developed a simple enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-based assay that uses the temperature-dependent loss of conformational epitopes to measure thermostability of GP embedded in viral membranes. The base and glycan cap subdomains of all filovirus GPs tested suffered a concerted loss of prefusion conformation at elevated temperatures but did so at different temperature ranges, indicating virus-specific differences in thermostability. Despite these differences, all of these GPs displayed reduced thermostability upon cleavage to GP conformers (GPCL). Surprisingly, acid pH enhanced, rather than decreased, GP thermostability, suggesting it could enhance viral survival in hostile endo/lysosomal compartments. Finally, we confirmed and extended previous findings that some small-molecule inhibitors of filovirus entry destabilize EBOV GP and uncovered evidence that the most potent inhibitors act through multiple mechanisms. We establish the epitope-loss ELISA as a useful tool for studies of filovirus entry, engineering of GP variants with enhanced stability for use in vaccine development, and discovery of new stability-modulating antivirals.IMPORTANCE The development of Ebola virus countermeasures is challenged by our limited understanding of cell entry, especially at the step of membrane fusion. The surface-exposed viral protein, GP, mediates membrane fusion and undergoes major structural rearrangements during this process. The stability of GP at elevated temperatures (thermostability) can provide insights into its capacity to undergo these rearrangements. Here, we describe a new assay that uses GP-specific antibodies to measure GP thermostability under a variety of conditions relevant to viral entry. We show that proteolytic cleavage and acid pH have significant effects on GP thermostability that shed light on their respective roles in viral entry. We also show that the assay can be used to study how small-molecule entry inhibitors affect GP stability. This work provides a simple and readily accessible assay to engineer stabilized GP variants for antiviral vaccines and to discover and improve drugs that act by modulating GP stability.
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Plewe MB, Sokolova NV, Gantla VR, Brown ER, Naik S, Fetsko A, Lorimer DD, Dranow DM, Smutney H, Bullen J, Sidhu R, Master A, Wang J, Kallel EA, Zhang L, Kalveram B, Freiberg AN, Henkel G, McCormack K. Discovery of Adamantane Carboxamides as Ebola Virus Cell Entry and Glycoprotein Inhibitors. ACS Med Chem Lett 2020; 11:1160-1167. [PMID: 32550996 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.0c00025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We identified and explored the structure-activity-relationship (SAR) of an adamantane carboxamide chemical series of Ebola virus (EBOV) inhibitors. Selected analogs exhibited half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (EC50 values) of ∼10-15 nM in vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) pseudotyped EBOV (pEBOV) infectivity assays, low hundred nanomolar EC50 activity against wild type EBOV, aqueous solubility >20 mg/mL, and attractive metabolic stability in human and nonhuman liver microsomes. X-ray cocrystallographic characterizations of a lead compound with the EBOV glycoprotein (GP) established the EBOV GP as a target for direct compound inhibitory activity and further provided relevant structural models that may assist in identifying optimized therapeutic candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael B. Plewe
- Arisan Therapeutics, 11189 Sorrento Valley Road, Suite 104, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Nadezda V. Sokolova
- Arisan Therapeutics, 11189 Sorrento Valley Road, Suite 104, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Vidyasagar Reddy Gantla
- Arisan Therapeutics, 11189 Sorrento Valley Road, Suite 104, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Eric R. Brown
- Arisan Therapeutics, 11189 Sorrento Valley Road, Suite 104, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Shibani Naik
- Arisan Therapeutics, 11189 Sorrento Valley Road, Suite 104, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Alexandra Fetsko
- Arisan Therapeutics, 11189 Sorrento Valley Road, Suite 104, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Donald D. Lorimer
- Seattle Structural Genomics Center for Infectious Disease (SSGCID), Seattle, Washington 98105, United States
- UCB Pharma, 7869 NE Day Road West, Bainbridge Island, Washington 98110, United States
| | - David M. Dranow
- Seattle Structural Genomics Center for Infectious Disease (SSGCID), Seattle, Washington 98105, United States
- UCB Pharma, 7869 NE Day Road West, Bainbridge Island, Washington 98110, United States
| | - Hayden Smutney
- Seattle Structural Genomics Center for Infectious Disease (SSGCID), Seattle, Washington 98105, United States
- UCB Pharma, 3 Preston Court, Bedford, Massachusetts 01730, United States
| | - Jameson Bullen
- Seattle Structural Genomics Center for Infectious Disease (SSGCID), Seattle, Washington 98105, United States
- UCB Pharma, 7869 NE Day Road West, Bainbridge Island, Washington 98110, United States
| | - Rana Sidhu
- Seattle Structural Genomics Center for Infectious Disease (SSGCID), Seattle, Washington 98105, United States
- UCB Pharma, 3 Preston Court, Bedford, Massachusetts 01730, United States
| | - Arshil Master
- Seattle Structural Genomics Center for Infectious Disease (SSGCID), Seattle, Washington 98105, United States
- UCB Pharma, 3 Preston Court, Bedford, Massachusetts 01730, United States
| | - Junru Wang
- Seattle Structural Genomics Center for Infectious Disease (SSGCID), Seattle, Washington 98105, United States
- UCB Pharma, 3 Preston Court, Bedford, Massachusetts 01730, United States
| | - E. Adam Kallel
- Victrix, 12631 Bendito Drive, San Diego, California 92128, United States
| | | | | | | | - Greg Henkel
- Arisan Therapeutics, 11189 Sorrento Valley Road, Suite 104, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Ken McCormack
- Arisan Therapeutics, 11189 Sorrento Valley Road, Suite 104, San Diego, California 92121, United States
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Dong S, Wen K, Chu H, Li H, Yu Q, Wang C, Qin X. Crystal structure of the Měnglà virus VP30 C-terminal domain. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 525:392-397. [PMID: 32093889 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.02.089] [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: 02/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The family Filoviridae contains many important human viruses, including Marburg virus (MARV) and Ebola virus (EBOV). Měnglà virus (MLAV), a newly discovered filovirus, is considered a potential human pathogen. The VP30 C-terminal domain (CTD) of these filoviruses plays an essential role in virion assembly. In common with other filoviruses, MLAV VP30 CTD mainly exists as a dimer in solution. In this work, we determined the crystal structure of recombinant MLAV VP30 CTD monomer, verifying that C-terminal helix-7 (H7) is critical for the dimerization process. This study provides a preliminary model for investigation of MLAV VP30 CTD as an anti-filovirus drug development target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shishang Dong
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan, China.
| | - Kangning Wen
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan, China
| | - Hongguan Chu
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan, China
| | - Hui Li
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan, China
| | - Qianqian Yu
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan, China
| | - Changhui Wang
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaochun Qin
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan, China.
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Engineered Human Cathelicidin Antimicrobial Peptides Inhibit Ebola Virus Infection. iScience 2020; 23:100999. [PMID: 32252021 PMCID: PMC7104201 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.100999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The 2014–2016 West Africa Ebola virus (EBOV) outbreak coupled with the most recent outbreaks in Central Africa underscore the need to develop effective treatment strategies against EBOV. Although several therapeutic options have shown great potential, developing a wider breadth of countermeasures would increase our efforts to combat the highly lethal EBOV. Here we show that human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (AMP) LL-37 and engineered LL-37 AMPs inhibit the infection of recombinant virus pseudotyped with EBOV glycoprotein (GP) and the wild-type EBOV. These AMPs target EBOV infection at the endosomal cell-entry step by impairing cathepsin B-mediated processing of EBOV GP. Furthermore, two engineered AMPs containing D-amino acids are particularly potent in blocking EBOV infection in comparison with other AMPs, most likely owing to their resistance to intracellular enzymatic degradation. Our results identify AMPs as a novel class of anti-EBOV therapeutics and demonstrate the feasibility of engineering AMPs for improved therapeutic efficacy. Cathelicidin-derived antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) potently inhibit EBOV infection D-form AMPs are more resistant to proteolytic cleavage than L-form AMPs in the cell AMPs prevent cathepsin B-mediated processing of EBOV GP1, 2
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Brinton MA, Plemper RK. Editorial overview: Antiviral strategies: Antiviral drug development for single-stranded RNA viruses. Curr Opin Virol 2019; 35:iii-v. [PMID: 31151832 PMCID: PMC7128362 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2019.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Margo A Brinton
- Department of Biology, Petit Science Center Rm 623, 100 Piedmont Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30303, United States.
| | - Richard K Plemper
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Petit Science Center Rm 712, 100 Piedmont Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30303, United States.
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