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Gan Z, Xu X, Tang S, Wen Q, Jin Y, Lu Y. Identification and functional characterization of protein kinase R (PKR) in amphibian Xenopus tropicalis. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 141:104648. [PMID: 36708793 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2023.104648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
As one of interferon-induced serine/threonine kinases, the protein kinase R (PKR) plays vital roles in antiviral defense, and functional features of PKR remain largely unknown in amphibians, which suffer from ranaviral diseases in the last few decades. In this study, a PKR gene named Xt-PKR was characterized in the Western clawed frog (Xenopus tropicalis). Xt-PKR gene was widely expressed in different organs/tissues, and was rapidly induced by poly(I:C) in spleen, kidney, and liver. Intriguingly, Xt-PKR could be up-rugulated by the treatment of type I and type III interferons, and the transcript level of Xt-PKR induced by type I interferon was much higher than that of type III interferon. Moreover, overexpression of Xt-PKR can suppress the protein synthesis and ranavirus replication in vitro, and the residue lysine required for the translation inhibition activity in mammalian PKR is conserved in Xt-PKR. The present study represents the first characterization on the functions of amphibian PKR, and reveals considerable functional conservation of PKR in early tetrapods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Gan
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animal Health Assessment, Shenzhen Public Service Platform for Evaluation of Marine Economic Animal Seedings, Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, 518120, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Animal Disease Control and Healthy Culture, Key Laboratory of Control for Disease of Aquatic Animals of Guangdong Higher Education Institute, College of Fishery, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, China.
| | - Xinlan Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animal Health Assessment, Shenzhen Public Service Platform for Evaluation of Marine Economic Animal Seedings, Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, 518120, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Animal Disease Control and Healthy Culture, Key Laboratory of Control for Disease of Aquatic Animals of Guangdong Higher Education Institute, College of Fishery, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, China
| | - Shaoshuai Tang
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animal Health Assessment, Shenzhen Public Service Platform for Evaluation of Marine Economic Animal Seedings, Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, 518120, China
| | - Qingqing Wen
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animal Health Assessment, Shenzhen Public Service Platform for Evaluation of Marine Economic Animal Seedings, Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, 518120, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Animal Disease Control and Healthy Culture, Key Laboratory of Control for Disease of Aquatic Animals of Guangdong Higher Education Institute, College of Fishery, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, China
| | - Yong Jin
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animal Health Assessment, Shenzhen Public Service Platform for Evaluation of Marine Economic Animal Seedings, Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, 518120, China
| | - Yishan Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animal Health Assessment, Shenzhen Public Service Platform for Evaluation of Marine Economic Animal Seedings, Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, 518120, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Animal Disease Control and Healthy Culture, Key Laboratory of Control for Disease of Aquatic Animals of Guangdong Higher Education Institute, College of Fishery, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, China.
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2
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Liu Y, Zhai G, Fu W, Zhang X, Xu J. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase I trial of inhalation treatment of recombinant TFF2-IFN protein: A multifunctional candidate for the treatment of COVID-19. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1063106. [PMID: 36578554 PMCID: PMC9790930 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1063106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused global pandemics in the last 3 years, and the development of new therapeutics is urgently needed. This study aimed to assess the safety, tolerated, and prolonged retention of recombinant protein trefoil factor 2 (TFF2)- interferon (IFN) in the respiratory tract of healthy volunteers. Methods: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-dose, dose-escalation phase I study to evaluate safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and cytokine responses after administration of recombinant TFF2-IFN proteins. Healthy volunteers were informed, enrolled, and randomized into four groups with a dose escalation of 0.2, 1, 2, and 4 mg and then inhaled the investigation product or placebo. Thirty-two eligible participants were finally enrolled; eight were assigned to the placebo group and 24 to the TFF2-IFN group, with six participants per group. Data were collected from 19 November 2021, to 4 January 2022. Results: All 32 participants completed the study. Of the participants who received the recombinant TFF2-IFN protein, 41.7% (10/24) reported 11 adverse events (AEs) during treatment and 62.5% (5/8) of those who received a placebo reported six AEs. Sixteen of the 17 AEs were grade 1. Only one grade 3 AE occurred in the placebo group and no worse event occurred as a serious adverse event. The pharmacokinetics was analyzed for times and concentrations of the investigation products in 0.2, 1, 2, and 4 mg groups in 24 recipients of TFF2-IFN, and the results showed that TFF2-IFN was retained in the lung for at least 6-8 h. Only the highest dose group (4 mg) had a transient detectable concentration in serum, while all other dose groups had a level below the lower limit of quantification. Conclusion: In this study, the recombinant TFF2-IFN protein was a well-tolerated and safe therapeutic when administered by nebulization, characterized by prolonged retention in the respiratory tract, which would be greatly beneficial in combating respiratory viral infection. Systematic Review Registration: [http://www.chictr.org.cn], identifier [ChiCTR2000035633].
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Liu
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guanxing Zhai
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weihui Fu
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhang
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Xiaoyan Zhang, ; Jianqing Xu,
| | - Jianqing Xu
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Xiaoyan Zhang, ; Jianqing Xu,
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3
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Khorramdelazad H, Kazemi MH, Azimi M, Aghamajidi A, Mehrabadi AZ, Shahba F, Aghamohammadi N, Falak R, Faraji F, Jafari R. Type-I interferons in the immunopathogenesis and treatment of Coronavirus disease 2019. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 927:175051. [PMID: 35618037 PMCID: PMC9124632 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is currently the major global health problem. Still, it continues to infect people globally and up to the end of February 2022, over 436 million confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 5.95 million deaths, were reported to the world health organization (WHO). No specific treatment is currently available for COVID-19, and the discovery of effective therapeutics requires understanding the effective immunologic and immunopathologic mechanisms behind this infection. Type-I interferons (IFN-Is), as the critical elements of the immediate immune response against viral infections, can inhibit the replication and spread of the viruses. However, the available evidence shows that the antiviral IFN-I response is impaired in patients with the severe form of COVID-19. Moreover, the administration of exogenous IFN-I in different phases of the disease can lead to various outcomes. Therefore, understanding the role of IFN-I molecules in COVID-19 development and its severity can provide valuable information for better management of this disease. This review summarizes the role of IFN-Is in the pathogenesis of COIVD-19 and discusses the importance of autoantibodies against this cytokine in the spreading of SARS-CoV-2 and control of the subsequent excessive inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Khorramdelazad
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Kazemi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Azimi
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azin Aghamajidi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Zarezadeh Mehrabadi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Faezeh Shahba
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nazanin Aghamohammadi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Falak
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Faraji
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Corresponding author. Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Floor 3, Building No. 3, Hazrat-e Rasool General Hospital, Niyayesh St, Sattar Khan St, 1445613131, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Jafari
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran,Corresponding author. Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Shafa St., Ershad Blvd, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, 113857147, Urmia, Iran
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4
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Aricò E, Bracci L, Castiello L, Urbani F, Casanova JL, Belardelli F. Exploiting natural antiviral immunity for the control of pandemics: Lessons from Covid-19. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2022; 63:23-33. [PMID: 34955389 PMCID: PMC8675148 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2021.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), triggered by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and the disruptive global consequences in terms of mortality and social and economic crises, have taught lessons that may help define strategies to better face future pandemics. Innate and intrinsic immunity form the front-line natural antiviral defense. They involve both tissue-resident and circulating cells, which can produce anti-viral molecules shortly after viral infection. Prototypes of these factors are type I interferons (IFN), antiviral cytokines with a long record of clinical use. During the last two years, there has been an impressive progress in understanding the mechanisms of both SARS-CoV-2 infection and the cellular and soluble antiviral responses occurring early after viral exposure. However, this information was not sufficiently translated into therapeutic approaches. Insufficient type I IFN activity probably accounts for disease progression in many patients. This results from both the multiple interfering mechanisms developed by SARS-CoV-2 to decrease type I IFN response and various pre-existing human deficits of type I IFN activity, inherited or auto-immune. Emerging data suggest that IFN-I-mediated boosting of patients' immunity, achieved directly through the exogenous administration of IFN-β early post viral infection, or indirectly following inoculation of heterologous vaccines (e.g., Bacillus Calmette Guerin), might play a role against SARS-CoV-2. We review how recent insights on the viral and human determinants of critical COVID-19 pneumonia can foster clinical studies of IFN therapy. We also discuss how early therapeutic use of IFN-β and prophylactic campaigns with live attenuated vaccines might prevent a first wave of new pandemic viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Aricò
- FaBioCell, Core Facilities, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
| | - Laura Bracci
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Luciano Castiello
- FaBioCell, Core Facilities, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Urbani
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy,Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine PhD School, II University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Italy
| | - Jean-Laurent Casanova
- St. Giles Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases, Rockefeller Branch, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA,Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases, Necker Branch, INSERM U1163, Necker Hospital for Sick Children, Paris, France,University of Paris, Imagine Institute, Paris, France,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Filippo Belardelli
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Rome, Italy
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5
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Alexandridi M, Mazej J, Palermo E, Hiscott J. The Coronavirus Pandemic – 2022: Viruses, Variants & Vaccines. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2022; 63:1-9. [PMID: 35216872 PMCID: PMC8839804 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2022.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019–2020, Cytokine & Growth Factor Reviews has published several Special Issues focused on the biology, pathogenesis and therapeutic options in the treatment of COVID-19 infection, including articles on the involvement of the chemokine system in the cytokine storm in COVID-19, intervention in the early stages of COVID-19 pneumonia, the therapeutic value of corticosteroid treatment, early clinical intervention with type 1 interferons, progress in vaccine development, and organ specific complications of COVID-19. By 2022, multiple highly efficacious vaccines are available and are being administered in countries around the world, therapeutic options have been clinically evaluated and approved, and SARS-CoV-2 has arguably become the most thoroughly studied virus in history. But, with progress has also come unanticipated problems – misinformation, anti-vaxxers, opposition to protective masks, and politically motivated interference disguised as knowledge. With this issue of CGFR, we continue to document the global coronavirus pandemic and provide an update on the emergence of viral variants, the global effort to administer vaccines and the impediments to progress posed by misinformation and anti-vaccine sentiment.
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6
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Sodeifian F, Nikfarjam M, Kian N, Mohamed K, Rezaei N. The role of type I interferon in the treatment of COVID-19. J Med Virol 2021; 94:63-81. [PMID: 34468995 PMCID: PMC8662121 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Although significant research has been done to find effective drugs against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), no definite effective drug exists. Thus, research has now shifted towards immunomodulatory agents other than antivirals. In this review, we aim to describe the latest findings on the role of type I interferon (IFN)‐mediated innate antiviral response against SARS‐CoV‐2 and discuss the use of IFNs as a medication for COVID‐19. A growing body of evidence has indicated a promoting active but delayed IFNs response to SARS‐CoV‐2 and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus in infected bronchial epithelial cells. Studies have demonstrated that IFNs' administration before the viral peak and the inflammatory phase of disease could offer a highly protective effect. However, IFNs' treatment during the inflammatory and severe stages of the disease causes immunopathology and long‐lasting harm for patients. Therefore, it is critical to note the best time window for IFNs' administration. Further investigation of the clinical effectiveness of interferon for patients with mild to severe COVID‐19 and its optimal timing and route of administration can be beneficial in finding a safe and effective antiviral therapy for the COVID‐19 disease. 1‐IFNs have many antiviral actions including; the activation of cytotoxic T‐cell responses, the inhibition of the viral mRNA translation, the degradation of the viral RNA, RNA editing and modulating the synthesis of Nitric Oxide. 2‐IFNS are two‐edged immunomodulatory agents; as they can provide a protective effect if administered in the early phases of the disease before the viral peak, whereas a harming effect is observed when administered in the inflammatory phase. 3‐More human trials are needed to find the best time window for administrating type I IFN for patients with various COVID‐19 modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Sodeifian
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.,USERN SBMU Office, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Manama, Bahrain
| | - Mahsa Nikfarjam
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.,USERN SBMU Office, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Naghmeh Kian
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.,USERN SBMU Office, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kawthar Mohamed
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Manama, Bahrain.,Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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7
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Hasselbalch HC, Skov V, Kjær L, Ellervik C, Poulsen A, Poulsen TD, Nielsen CH. COVID-19 as a mediator of interferon deficiency and hyperinflammation: Rationale for the use of JAK1/2 inhibitors in combination with interferon. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2021; 60:28-45. [PMID: 33992887 PMCID: PMC8045432 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2021.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) elicits an interferon (IFN) deficiency state, which aggravates the type I interferon deficiency and slow IFN responses, which associate with e.g. aging and obesity. Additionally, SARS-CoV-2 may also elicit a cytokine storm, which accounts for disease progression and ultimately the urgent need of ventilator support. Based upon several reports, it has been argued that early treatment with IFN-alpha2 or IFN-beta, preferentially in the early disease stage, may prohibit disease progression. Similarly, preliminary studies have shown that JAK1/2 inhibitor treatment with ruxolitinib or baricitinib may decrease mortality by dampening the deadly cytokine storm, which - in addition to the virus itself - also contributes to multi-organ thrombosis and multi-organ failure. Herein, we describe the rationale for treatment with IFNs (alpha2 or beta) and ruxolitinib emphasizing the urgent need to explore these agents in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 - both as monotherapies and in combination. In this context, we take advantage of several safety and efficacy studies in patients with the chronic myeloproliferative blood cancers (essential thrombocythemia, polycythemia vera and myelofibrosis) (MPNs), in whom IFN-alpha2 and ruxolitinib have been used successfully for the last 10 (ruxolitinib) to 30 years (IFN) as monotherapies and most recently in combination as well. In the context of these agents being highly immunomodulating (IFN boosting immune cells and JAK1/2 inhibitors being highly immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory), we also discuss if statins and hydroxyurea, both agents possessing anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic and antiviral potentials, might be inexpensive agents to be repurposed in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- H C Hasselbalch
- Department of Hematology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - V Skov
- Department of Hematology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - L Kjær
- Department of Hematology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - C Ellervik
- Department of Research, Production, Innovation, Region Zealand, Denmark; Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - A Poulsen
- Department of Anestesiology and Intensive Care Unit, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - T D Poulsen
- Department of Anestesiology and Intensive Care Unit, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - C H Nielsen
- Institute for Inflammation Research, Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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8
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Minasov G, Rosas-Lemus M, Shuvalova L, Inniss NL, Brunzelle JS, Daczkowski CM, Hoover P, Mesecar AD, Satchell KJF. Mn 2+ coordinates Cap-0-RNA to align substrates for efficient 2'- O-methyl transfer by SARS-CoV-2 nsp16. Sci Signal 2021; 14:scisignal.abh2071. [PMID: 34131072 PMCID: PMC8432954 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.abh2071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Virally encoded 2′-O-methyltransferases catalyze the last step in the capping of viral RNAs, which protects the RNAs from degradation and prevents them from triggering host defenses. Minasov et al. report structures of the SARS-CoV-2 methyltransferase, a heterodimeric complex of the enzyme nsp16 and its coactivator nsp10, in complex with a short, capped RNA (instead of the RNA cap analogs used to generate previous structures), the methyl donor SAM, and divalent metal cations. The metal ions and a four-residue insert of nsp16 were important for precisely aligning the RNA substrate in the active site for efficient catalysis. This insert is present in coronavirus but not in mammalian methyltransferases, suggesting this site as a potential target for the design of coronavirus-specific methyltransferase inhibitors. Capping of viral messenger RNAs is essential for efficient translation, for virus replication, and for preventing detection by the host cell innate response system. The SARS-CoV-2 genome encodes the 2′-O-methyltransferase nsp16, which, when bound to the coactivator nsp10, uses S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) as a donor to transfer a methyl group to the first ribonucleotide of the mRNA in the final step of viral mRNA capping. Here, we provide biochemical and structural evidence that this reaction requires divalent cations, preferably Mn2+, and a coronavirus-specific four-residue insert. We determined the x-ray structures of the SARS-CoV-2 2′-O-methyltransferase (the nsp16-nsp10 heterodimer) in complex with its reaction substrates, products, and divalent metal cations. These structural snapshots revealed that metal ions and the insert stabilize interactions between the capped RNA and nsp16, resulting in the precise alignment of the ribonucleotides in the active site. Comparison of available structures of 2′-O-methyltransferases with capped RNAs from different organisms revealed that the four-residue insert unique to coronavirus nsp16 alters the backbone conformation of the capped RNA in the binding groove, thereby promoting catalysis. This insert is highly conserved across coronaviruses, and its absence in mammalian methyltransferases makes this region a promising site for structure-guided drug design of selective coronavirus inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Minasov
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine,,Chicago, IL 60611, USA.,Center for Structural Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Monica Rosas-Lemus
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine,,Chicago, IL 60611, USA.,Center for Structural Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Ludmilla Shuvalova
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine,,Chicago, IL 60611, USA.,Center for Structural Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Nicole L Inniss
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine,,Chicago, IL 60611, USA.,Center for Structural Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Joseph S Brunzelle
- Northwestern Synchrotron Research Center, Life Sciences Collaborative Access Team, Northwestern University, Argonne, IL 60439, USA
| | - Courtney M Daczkowski
- Department of Biochemistry and Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Paul Hoover
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine,,Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Andrew D Mesecar
- Center for Structural Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Karla J F Satchell
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine,,Chicago, IL 60611, USA. .,Center for Structural Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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9
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Choi YM, Jeong H, Park U, Cho NH, Kim BJ. A Hepatitis B Virus-Derived Peptide Can Inhibit Infection of Human Lung Cells with SARS-CoV-2 in a Type-1 Interferon-Dependent Manner. Viruses 2021; 13:v13071227. [PMID: 34202029 PMCID: PMC8310041 DOI: 10.3390/v13071227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The current COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the urgent need to develop effective therapeutic strategies. We evaluated the in vitro antiviral effect against SARS-CoV-2 of a hepatitis B virus (HBV) hexamer peptide, Poly6, which is capable of eliciting an antiviral effect against human immunodeficiency virus -1 (HIV-1), as a novel HIV-1 integrase inhibitor, and a strong anticancer immune response in an IFN-I-dependent manner, as a novel potential adjuvant in anticancer immunotherapy. Here, we report that Poly6 exerts an anti-SARS-CoV-2 effect, with an estimated 50% inhibitory concentration of 2.617 µM, in the human bronchial epithelial cell line, Calu-3 but not in Vero-E6 cells, which are deficient in type 1 interferon (IFN-I) signaling. We proved via assays based on mRNA profiles, inhibitors, or blocking antibodies that Poly6 can exert an anti-SARS-CoV-2 effect in an IFN-I-dependent manner. We also found that Poly6 inhibits IL-6 production enhanced by SARS-CoV-2 in infected Calu-3 cells at both the transcription and the translation levels, mediated via IL-10 induction in an IFN-I-dependent manner. These results indicate the feasibility of Poly6 as an IFN-I-inducing COVID-19 drug with potent antiviral and anti-inflammatory activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Min Choi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 110799, Korea; (Y.-M.C.); (H.J.); (U.P.); (N.-H.C.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Hyein Jeong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 110799, Korea; (Y.-M.C.); (H.J.); (U.P.); (N.-H.C.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Uni Park
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 110799, Korea; (Y.-M.C.); (H.J.); (U.P.); (N.-H.C.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Nam-Hyuk Cho
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 110799, Korea; (Y.-M.C.); (H.J.); (U.P.); (N.-H.C.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Bum-Joon Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 110799, Korea; (Y.-M.C.); (H.J.); (U.P.); (N.-H.C.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Liver Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Seoul National University Medical Research Center (SNUMRC), Seoul 03080, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-740-8315; Fax: +82-2-743-0881
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10
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Gan Z, Cheng J, Hou J, Chen S, Xia H, Xia L, Kwok KWH, Lu Y, Nie P. Tilapia dsRNA-activated protein kinase R (PKR): An interferon-induced antiviral effector with translation inhibition activity. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 112:74-80. [PMID: 33667675 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2021.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The dsRNA-activated protein kinase R (PKR) is one of key antiviral effectors induced by interferons (IFNs), and its functions are largely unknown in tilapia, an important commercial fish species suffering from several viral infectious diseases. In the present study, a PKR gene named On-PKR was identified and cloned from Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. On-PKR gene was constitutively expressed in all tissues examined, with the highest expression level observed in head kidney and liver, and was rapidly induced in all organs/tissues tested following the stimulation of poly(I:C). Importantly, the expression of On-PKR is induced by group I and group II IFNs with distinct induction kinetics in vivo: group I IFN elicits a relative delayed but sustained induction of On-PKR, whereas group II IFN triggers a rapid and transient expression of On-PKR. Moreover, the overexpression of On-PKR has been proven to inhibit the protein translation and virus replication in fish cells. The present study thus contributes to a better understanding of the functions of antiviral effectors in tilapia, and may provide clues for the prevention and therapy of viral diseases in fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Gan
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, 518120, China; State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China; College of Fishery, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524025, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animal Health Assessment, And Shenzhen Public Service Platform for Evaluation of Marine Economic Animal Seedings, Shenzhen, 518120, China
| | - Jun Cheng
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, 518120, China; College of Fishery, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524025, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animal Health Assessment, And Shenzhen Public Service Platform for Evaluation of Marine Economic Animal Seedings, Shenzhen, 518120, China
| | - Jing Hou
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, 518120, China
| | - Shannan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Hongli Xia
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, 518120, China
| | - Liqun Xia
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, 518120, China; College of Fishery, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524025, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animal Health Assessment, And Shenzhen Public Service Platform for Evaluation of Marine Economic Animal Seedings, Shenzhen, 518120, China
| | - Kevin W H Kwok
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yishan Lu
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, 518120, China; College of Fishery, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524025, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animal Health Assessment, And Shenzhen Public Service Platform for Evaluation of Marine Economic Animal Seedings, Shenzhen, 518120, China.
| | - Pin Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China.
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11
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Jirjees F, Saad AK, Al Hano Z, Hatahet T, Al Obaidi H, Dallal Bashi YH. COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines: Do They Really Reflect Best Medical Practices to Manage the Pandemic? Infect Dis Rep 2021; 13:259-284. [PMID: 33915690 PMCID: PMC8167744 DOI: 10.3390/idr13020029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has been changing the world since December 2019. A comprehensive search into many COVID-19 treatment guidelines was conducted and reported in this article. This is a review paper to probe differences in COVID-19 managing strategies and explore the most common treatment plans among countries. Published guidelines from 23 countries and three references guidelines-until the end of 2020-were included in this article. The majority of COVID-19 treatment options were reported in this review and it includes antiviral drugs, antimalarial drugs, antibiotics, corticosteroids, immunotherapy, anticoagulants, and other pharmacological treatment. The presence of such information from different countries in a single comprehensive review article could help in understanding and speculation of variation in the recommended treatment in each country. This might be related to the cost of medications, the access to the medications, availability of medication that could potentially be useful in managing COVID-19 cases, and the availability/capacity of healthcare facilities. Finally, although there are various treatment groups listed in the published therapeutic guidelines worldwide, unfortunately, there is no evidence for effectiveness of most of these medications in reducing the COVID-19 mortality curve over more than one year of this global pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feras Jirjees
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Ali K Saad
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Alain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Zahraa Al Hano
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Taher Hatahet
- School of Pharmacy, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, UK; (T.H.); (Y.H.D.B.)
- Queen’s University Belfast Joint College (CQC), China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Hala Al Obaidi
- Pharmacy Department, City University College of Ajman, Ajman, United Arab Emirates;
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12
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Opdenakker G, Van Damme J. Interferons and other cytokines, genetics and beyond in COVID-19 and autoimmunity. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2021; 58:134-140. [PMID: 33563543 PMCID: PMC7845543 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2021.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Interferons are the best antiviral agents in vitro against SARS-CoV-2 so far and genetic defects in their signaling cascade or neutralization of alfa-interferons by autoantibodies come with more severe COVID-19. However, there is more, as the SARS-CoV-2 dysregulates not only innate immune mechanisms but also T and B cell repertoires. Most genetic, hematological and immunological studies in COVID-19 are at present phenomenological. However, these and antecedent studies contain the seed grains to resolve many unanswered questions and a whole range of testable hypotheses. What are the links, if existing, between genetics and the occurrence of interferon-neutralizing antibodies? Are NAGGED (neutralizing and generated by gene defect) antibodies involved or not? Is the autoimmune process cause or consequence of virus infection? What are the roles played by cytokine posttranslational modifications, such as proteolysis, glycosylation, citrullination and others? How is systemic autoimmunity linked with type 1 interferons? These questions place cytokines and growth factors at pole positions as keys to unlock basic mechanisms of infection and (auto)immunity. Related to cytokine research, (1) COVID-19 patients develop neutralizing autoantibodies, mainly against alpha interferons and it is not yet established whether this is the consequence or cause of virus replication. (2) The glycosylation of recombinant interferon-beta protects against breaking tolerance and the development of neutralizing antibodies. (3) SARS-CoV-2 induces severe inflammation and release of extracellular proteases leading to remnant epitopes, e.g. of cytokines. (4) In the rare event of homozygous cytokine gene segment deletions, observed neutralizing antibodies may be named NAGGED antibodies. (5) Severe cytolysis releases intracellular content into the extracellular milieu and leads to regulated degradation of intracellular proteins and selection of antibody repertoires, similar to those observed in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. (6) Systematic studies of novel autoimmune diseases on single cytokines will complement the present picture about interferons. (7) Interferon neutralization in COVID-19 constitutes a preamble of more studies about cytokine-regulated proteolysis in the control of autoimmunity. Here we reformulate these seven conjectures into testable questions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghislain Opdenakker
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, University of Leuven, KU Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Jo Van Damme
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, University of Leuven, KU Leuven, Belgium
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13
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Gessani S, Belardelli F. Type I Interferons as Joint Regulators of Tumor Growth and Obesity. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13020196. [PMID: 33430520 PMCID: PMC7827047 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The escalating global epidemic of overweight and obesity is a major public health and economic problem, as excess body weight represents a significant risk factor for several chronic diseases including cancer. Despite the strong scientific evidence for a link between obesity and cancer, the mechanisms involved in this interplay have not yet been fully understood. The aim of this review is to evaluate the role of type I interferons, a family of antiviral cytokines with key roles in the regulation of both obesity and cancer, highlighting how the dysregulation of the interferon system can differently affect these pathological conditions. Abstract Type I interferons (IFN-I) are antiviral cytokines endowed with multiple biological actions, including antitumor activity. Studies in mouse models and cancer patients support the concept that endogenous IFN-I play important roles in the control of tumor development and growth as well as in response to several chemotherapy/radiotherapy treatments. While IFN-I signatures in the tumor microenvironment are often considered as biomarkers for a good prognostic response to antitumor therapies, prolonged IFN-I signaling can lead to immune dysfunction, thereby promoting pathogen or tumor persistence, thus revealing the “Janus face” of these cytokines in cancer control, likely depending on timing, tissue microenvironment and cumulative levels of IFN-I signals. Likewise, IFN-I exhibit different and even opposite effects on obesity, a pathologic condition linked to cancer development and growth. As an example, evidence obtained in mouse models shows that localized expression of IFN-I in the adipose tissue results in inhibition of diet–induced obesity, while hyper-production of these cytokines by specialized cells such as plasmacytoid dendritic cells in the same tissue, can induce systemic inflammatory responses leading to obesity. Further studies in mouse models and humans should reveal the mechanisms by which IFN-I can regulate both tumor growth and obesity and to understand the role of factors such as genetic background, diet and microbioma in shaping the production and action of these cytokines under physiological and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Gessani
- Center for Gender-Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (S.G.); (F.B.)
| | - Filippo Belardelli
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, CNR, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (S.G.); (F.B.)
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Gan Z, Cheng J, Hou J, Xia L, Lu Y, Nie P. Molecular and functional characterization of interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) in amphibian Xenopus tropicalis. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 167:719-725. [PMID: 33279564 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.11.217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) is an important regulator in controlling the transcription of type I interferon genes, and its functions have been well-characterized in mammals, birds and fish. However, little information is available regarding the function of amphibian IRF1. In this study, an IRF1 gene homolog named as Xt-IRF1 was identified in the Western clawed frog (Xenopus tropicalis), an amphibian model specie widely used for comparative immunology research. Xt-IRF1 and IRF1 in other vertebrates possess similar genomic structure and flanking genes, and were grouped together to form a separate clade in phylogenetic tree. In addition, Xt-IRF1 gene was constitutively expressed in all tissues examined, with the highest expression level observed in spleen, and was inducible after poly(I:C) stimulation. Importantly, the expression of Xt-IRF1 was markedly induced by recombinant type I interferon, and Xt-IRF1 induced a strong activation of both IFNβ and ISRE promoters. The present study opens the door to investigate the roles of IRF1 in amphibians, and thus contributes to a better understanding of the functional evolution of IRFs in lower tetrapods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Gan
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518120, China; State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; College of Fishery, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524025, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animal Health Assessment, and Shenzhen Public Service Platform for Evaluation of Marine Economic Animal Seedings, Shenzhen 518120, China; Shenzhen Dapeng New District Science and Technology Innovation Service Center, Shenzhen 518120, China
| | - Jun Cheng
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518120, China; College of Fishery, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524025, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animal Health Assessment, and Shenzhen Public Service Platform for Evaluation of Marine Economic Animal Seedings, Shenzhen 518120, China
| | - Jing Hou
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518120, China; State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; College of Fishery, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524025, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animal Health Assessment, and Shenzhen Public Service Platform for Evaluation of Marine Economic Animal Seedings, Shenzhen 518120, China; Shenzhen Dapeng New District Science and Technology Innovation Service Center, Shenzhen 518120, China
| | - Liqun Xia
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518120, China; College of Fishery, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524025, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animal Health Assessment, and Shenzhen Public Service Platform for Evaluation of Marine Economic Animal Seedings, Shenzhen 518120, China
| | - Yishan Lu
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518120, China; College of Fishery, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524025, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animal Health Assessment, and Shenzhen Public Service Platform for Evaluation of Marine Economic Animal Seedings, Shenzhen 518120, China.
| | - Pin Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China.
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15
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Mary A, Hénaut L, Macq PY, Badoux L, Cappe A, Porée T, Eckes M, Dupont H, Brazier M. Rationale for COVID-19 Treatment by Nebulized Interferon-β-1b-Literature Review and Personal Preliminary Experience. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:592543. [PMID: 33329000 PMCID: PMC7734101 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.592543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The inflammatory response to COVID-19 is specifically associated with an impaired type I interferon (IFN) response and complete blockade of IFN-β secretion. Clinically, nebulization of IFN-α-2b has been historically used in China to treat viral pneumonia associated with SARS-CoV. Very recent data show that the use of inhaled type I IFN is associated with decreased mortality in Chinese COVID-19 patients. However, IFN nebulization is currently not standard in Europe and the United States. Therefore, our group has set up a project aimed to evaluate the possibility to nebulize IFN-β-1b (a drug currently used in Europe to treat multiple sclerosis via subcutaneous injections) and to assess the safety of this new mode of administration in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients. We present here literature data that allowed us to build our hypothesis and to develop collaboration between clinical pharmacists, intensivists and nebulization engineers in order to gain first pre-clinical and clinical experience of IFN-β-1b nebulization. After validation of the nebulization method and verification of droplet size compatible with nebulization, the method has been applied to four intensive care patients treated at our university hospital, for whom none of the COVID-19 therapies initially used in France led to significant clinical improvement. All patients exhibited negative viral carriage and experienced clinical improvement 7-16 days after having initiated nebulized IFN-β-1b inhalation therapy. No side effects were observed. All patients were alive within a 90-days follow-up. Although it is not possible to draw firm conclusions on treatment efficacy based on this case report, our study shows that pulmonary IFN-β-1b administration is feasible, with a good safety profile. This procedure, which presents the advantage of directly targeting the lungs and reducing the risks of systemic side effects, may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for the care of patients with severe COVID-19. However, our preliminary observation requires confirmation by randomized controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélien Mary
- Clinical Critical Care Pharmacy Department, Amiens-Picardie University Hospital, Amiens, France
- UR UPJV 7517, MP3CV, CURS, University of Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Lucie Hénaut
- UR UPJV 7517, MP3CV, CURS, University of Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Pierre Yves Macq
- Surgical Critical Care Department, Amiens-Picardie University Hospital, Amiens, France
| | - Louise Badoux
- Surgical Critical Care Department, Amiens-Picardie University Hospital, Amiens, France
| | - Arnaud Cappe
- Clinical Critical Care Pharmacy Department, Amiens-Picardie University Hospital, Amiens, France
| | | | | | - Hervé Dupont
- UR UPJV 7517, MP3CV, CURS, University of Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
- Surgical Critical Care Department, Amiens-Picardie University Hospital, Amiens, France
| | - Michel Brazier
- UR UPJV 7517, MP3CV, CURS, University of Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
- Department of Biochemistry, Amiens-Picardie University Hospital, Amiens, France
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16
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Rana AK, Rahmatkar SN, Kumar A, Singh D. Glycogen synthase kinase-3: A putative target to combat severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2020; 58:92-101. [PMID: 32948440 PMCID: PMC7446622 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2020.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) outbreak caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) had turned out to be highly pathogenic and transmittable. Researchers throughout the globe are still struggling to understand this strain's aggressiveness in search of putative therapies for its control. Crosstalk between oxidative stress and systemic inflammation seems to support the progression of the infection. Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (Gsk-3) is a conserved serine/threonine kinase that mainly participates in cell proliferation, development, stress, and inflammation in humans. Nucleocapsid protein of SARS-CoV-2 is an important structural protein responsible for viral replication and interferes with the host defence mechanism by the help of Gsk-3 protein. The viral infected cells show activated Gsk-3 protein that degrades the Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) protein, resulting in excessive oxidative stress. Activated Gsk-3 also modulates CREB-DNA activity, phosphorylates NF-κB, and degrades β-catenin, thus provokes systemic inflammation. Interaction between these two pathophysiological events, oxidative stress, and inflammation enhance mucous secretion, coagulation cascade, and hypoxia, which ultimately leads to multiple organs failure, resulting in the death of the infected patient. The present review aims to highlight the pathogenic role of Gsk-3 in viral replication, initiation of oxidative stress, and inflammation during SARS-CoV-2 infection. The review also summarizes the potential Gsk-3 pathway modulators as putative therapeutic interventions in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil Kumar Rana
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Laboratory, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, 176061, Himachal Pradesh, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, 176061, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Shubham Nilkanth Rahmatkar
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Laboratory, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, 176061, Himachal Pradesh, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, 176061, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Amit Kumar
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Laboratory, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, 176061, Himachal Pradesh, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, 176061, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Damanpreet Singh
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Laboratory, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, 176061, Himachal Pradesh, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, 176061, Himachal Pradesh, India.
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