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Martinez TE, Mayilsamy K, Mohapatra SS, Mohapatra S. Modulation of Paracellular Permeability in SARS-CoV-2 Blood-to-Brain Transcytosis. Viruses 2024; 16:785. [PMID: 38793666 PMCID: PMC11126142 DOI: 10.3390/v16050785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 primarily infects the lungs via the ACE2 receptor but also other organs including the kidneys, the gastrointestinal tract, the heart, and the skin. SARS-CoV-2 also infects the brain, but the hematogenous route of viral entry to the brain is still not fully characterized. Understanding how SARS-CoV-2 traverses the blood-brain barrier (BBB) as well as how it affects the molecular functions of the BBB are unclear. In this study, we investigated the roles of the receptors ACE2 and DPP4 in the SARS-CoV-2 infection of the discrete cellular components of a transwell BBB model comprising HUVECs, astrocytes, and pericytes. Our results demonstrate that direct infection on the BBB model does not modulate paracellular permeability. Also, our results show that SARS-CoV-2 utilizes clathrin and caveolin-mediated endocytosis to traverse the BBB, resulting in the direct infection of the brain side of the BBB model with a minimal endothelial infection. In conclusion, the BBB is susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection in multiple ways, including the direct infection of endothelium, astrocytes, and pericytes involving ACE2 and/or DPP4 and the blood-to-brain transcytosis, which is an event that does not require the presence of host receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor E Martinez
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- James A Haley VA Hospital, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Karthick Mayilsamy
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- James A Haley VA Hospital, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Shyam S Mohapatra
- James A Haley VA Hospital, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Subhra Mohapatra
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- James A Haley VA Hospital, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
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2
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Garcia-Vidal E, Calba I, Riveira-Muñoz E, García E, Clotet B, Serra-Mitjà P, Cabrera C, Ballana E, Badia R. Nucleotide-Binding Oligomerization Domain 1 (NOD1) Agonists Prevent SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Human Lung Epithelial Cells through Harnessing the Innate Immune Response. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5318. [PMID: 38791357 PMCID: PMC11121681 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The lung is prone to infections from respiratory viruses such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). A challenge in combating these infections is the difficulty in targeting antiviral activity directly at the lung mucosal tract. Boosting the capability of the respiratory mucosa to trigger a potent immune response at the onset of infection could serve as a potential strategy for managing respiratory infections. This study focused on screening immunomodulators to enhance innate immune response in lung epithelial and immune cell models. Through testing various subfamilies and pathways of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), the nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor (NLR) family was found to selectively activate innate immunity in lung epithelial cells. Activation of NOD1 and dual NOD1/2 by the agonists TriDAP and M-TriDAP, respectively, increased the number of IL-8+ cells by engaging the NF-κB and interferon response pathways. Lung epithelial cells showed a stronger response to NOD1 and dual NOD1/2 agonists compared to control. Interestingly, a less-pronounced response to NOD1 agonists was noted in PBMCs, indicating a tissue-specific effect of NOD1 in lung epithelial cells without inducing widespread systemic activation. The specificity of the NOD agonist pathway was confirmed through gene silencing of NOD1 (siRNA) and selective NOD1 and dual NOD1/2 inhibitors in lung epithelial cells. Ultimately, activation induced by NOD1 and dual NOD1/2 agonists created an antiviral environment that hindered SARS-CoV-2 replication in vitro in lung epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ignasi Calba
- IrsiCaixa, 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Spain (E.G.)
- Health Research Institute Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Bonaventura Clotet
- IrsiCaixa, 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Spain (E.G.)
- University of Vic—Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), 08500 Vic, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas, CIBERINFEC, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pere Serra-Mitjà
- Pulmonology and Allergy Unit, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08041 Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Cecilia Cabrera
- IrsiCaixa, 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Spain (E.G.)
- Health Research Institute Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ester Ballana
- IrsiCaixa, 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Spain (E.G.)
- Health Research Institute Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas, CIBERINFEC, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Roger Badia
- IrsiCaixa, 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Spain (E.G.)
- Health Research Institute Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
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3
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Nicoliche T, Bartolomeo CS, Lemes RMR, Pereira GC, Nunes TA, Oliveira RB, Nicastro ALM, Soares ÉN, da Cunha Lima BF, Rodrigues BM, Maricato JT, Okuda LH, de Sairre MI, Prado CM, Ureshino RP, Stilhano RS. Antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of curcumin and curcuminoids in SH-SY5Y cells infected by SARS-CoV-2. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10696. [PMID: 38730068 PMCID: PMC11087556 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61662-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, affects neuronal cells, causing several symptoms such as memory loss, anosmia and brain inflammation. Curcuminoids (Me08 e Me23) and curcumin (CUR) are derived from Curcuma Longa extract (EXT). Many therapeutic actions have been linked to these compounds, including antiviral action. Given the severe implications of COVID-19, especially within the central nervous system, our study aims to shed light on the therapeutic potential of curcuminoids against SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly in neuronal cells. Here, we investigated the effects of CUR, EXT, Me08 and Me23 in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y. We observed that Me23 significantly decreased the expression of plasma membrane-associated transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) and TMPRSS11D, consequently mitigating the elevated ROS levels induced by SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, Me23 exhibited antioxidative properties by increasing NRF2 gene expression and restoring NQO1 activity following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Both Me08 and Me23 effectively reduced SARS-CoV-2 replication in SH-SY5Y cells overexpressing ACE2 (SH-ACE2). Additionally, all of these compounds demonstrated the ability to decrease proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-17, while Me08 specifically reduced INF-γ levels. Our findings suggest that curcuminoid Me23 could serve as a potential agent for mitigating the impact of COVID-19, particularly within the context of central nervous system involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Nicoliche
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Santa Casa de São Paulo School of Medical Sciences (FCMSCSP), 61 Dr. Cesário Mota Junior Street, São Paulo, SP, 01221-020, Brazil
| | - Cynthia Silva Bartolomeo
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Santa Casa de São Paulo School of Medical Sciences (FCMSCSP), 61 Dr. Cesário Mota Junior Street, São Paulo, SP, 01221-020, Brazil
| | - Robertha Mariana Rodrigues Lemes
- Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Post-Graduation Program in Chemistry-Biology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), Diadema, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Cruz Pereira
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tamires Alves Nunes
- Department of Bioscience, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rafaela Brito Oliveira
- Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Arthur Luiz Miranda Nicastro
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Santa Casa de São Paulo School of Medical Sciences (FCMSCSP), 61 Dr. Cesário Mota Junior Street, São Paulo, SP, 01221-020, Brazil
- Post-Graduation Program in Chemistry-Biology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), Diadema, Brazil
| | | | | | - Beatriz Moreira Rodrigues
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliana Terzi Maricato
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Liria Hiromi Okuda
- Biological Institute, Agriculture and Supply Department, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Mirela Inês de Sairre
- Human and Natural Sciences Center, Federal University of ABC (UFABC), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carla Máximo Prado
- Department of Bioscience, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Portes Ureshino
- Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Post-Graduation Program in Chemistry-Biology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), Diadema, Brazil
| | - Roberta Sessa Stilhano
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Santa Casa de São Paulo School of Medical Sciences (FCMSCSP), 61 Dr. Cesário Mota Junior Street, São Paulo, SP, 01221-020, Brazil.
- Post-Graduation Program in Chemistry-Biology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), Diadema, Brazil.
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Zhou L, Chen S, Wei Y, Sun Y, Yang Y, Lin B, Li Y, Wang C. Glycyrrhizic acid restores the downregulated hepatic ACE2 signaling in the attenuation of mouse steatohepatitis. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 967:176365. [PMID: 38316247 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Glycyrrhizic acid (GA), one of the major active components derived from licorice root, exerts liver-protecting activity. Its molecular mechanisms of action, however, remain not completely understood. The angiotensin (Ang) converting enzyme (ACE) 2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis, regulated by ACE2 through converting Ang II into Ang-(1-7) to activate Mas receptor, counteracts the pro-inflammatory and pro-steatotic effects of the ACE/Ang II/Ang II receptor type 1 (AT1) axis. Here, it was found that pretreatment with GA suppressed LPS/D-galactosamine-induced serum hyperactivities of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, hepatomegaly, pathological changes, and over-accumulation of triglycerides and fatty droplets in the liver of mice. GA also diminished LPS/free fatty acid-induced inflammation and steatosis in cultured hepatocytes. Mechanistically, GA restored hepatic protein hypoexpression of ACE2 and Mas receptor, and the decrease in hepatic Ang-(1-7) content. Hepatic overexpression of angiotensin II and AT1 was also suppressed. However, GA did not alter hepatic protein expression of renin and ACE. In addition, GA inhibited hepatic protein over-phosphorylation of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and nuclear factor κB at Ser536. Hepatic overexpression of tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 6, interleukin 1β, sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c, and fatty acid synthase was also inhibited. GA-elicited recovery of ACE2 and Mas protein hypoexpression was further confirmed in the hepatocyte. Thus, the present results demonstrate that GA restores the downregulated hepatic ACE2-mediated anti-inflammatory and anti-steatotic signaling in the amelioration of steatohepatitis. We suggest that GA may protect the liver from injury by regulating the hepatic ACE2-mediated signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longyue Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| | - Shankang Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| | - Yuanyi Wei
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yihui Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - Yifan Yang
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Group, Sydney Institute of Health Sciences/Sydney Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia.
| | - Bingqi Lin
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| | - Yuhao Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China; Endocrinology and Metabolism Group, Sydney Institute of Health Sciences/Sydney Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia.
| | - Chunxia Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
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5
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Gawaz A, Schindler M, Hagelauer E, Blanchard G, Riel S, Vollert A, Gilliet M, Unterluggauer L, Stary G, Pospischil I, Hoetzenecker W, Fehrenbacher B, Schaller M, Guenova E, Forchhammer S. SARS-CoV-2-Induced Vasculitic Skin Lesions Are Associated with Massive Spike Protein Depositions in Autophagosomes. J Invest Dermatol 2024; 144:369-377.e4. [PMID: 37580012 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.07.018] [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: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
In patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, vasculopathic changes of the skin are associated with a severe prognosis. However, the pathogenesis of this vasculopathy is not conclusively clarified. In this study, 25 prospectively collected skin samples from patients with COVID-19-related skin lesions were examined for vasculopathic changes and, in case of vasculitis, were further analyzed with electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry. Vasculopathy was observed in 76% of all COVID-19-related inflammatory skin lesions. Visual endothelial changes without manifest leukocytoclastic vasculitis were found in 60% of the COVID-19-related skin lesions, whereas leukocytoclastic vasculitis was diagnosed in 16%. In the cases of vasculitis, there were extensive spike protein depositions in microvascular endothelial cells that colocalized with the autophagosome proteins LC3B and LC3C. The autophagy protein complex LC3-associated endocytosis in microvascular endothelial cells seems to be an important pathogenic factor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2-related vasculitis in the skin. On ultrastructural morphology, the vasculitic process was dominated by intracellular vesicle formation and endothelial cell disruption. Direct presence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 particles in the skin was not observed. Therefore, our results suggest that instead of direct viral infection, dermal vasculitic lesions in COVID-19 are caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 spike protein deposition followed by endothelial damage with activation of autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Gawaz
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Michael Schindler
- Institute for Medical Virology and Epidemiology of Viral Diseases, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Elena Hagelauer
- Institute for Medical Virology and Epidemiology of Viral Diseases, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Gabriela Blanchard
- Department of Dermatology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Simon Riel
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Anneli Vollert
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Michel Gilliet
- Department of Dermatology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Georg Stary
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Isabella Pospischil
- Department of Dermatology, Kepler University Hospital, Johannes Kepler University, Linz, Austria
| | - Wolfram Hoetzenecker
- Department of Dermatology, Kepler University Hospital, Johannes Kepler University, Linz, Austria
| | | | - Martin Schaller
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Emmanuella Guenova
- Department of Dermatology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Department of Dermatology, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Medical school, University Complutense, Madrid, Spain.
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Desai PJ. Expression and fusogenic activity of SARS CoV-2 Spike protein displayed in the HSV-1 Virion. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.28.568860. [PMID: 38076893 PMCID: PMC10705244 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.28.568860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) is a zoonotic pathogen that can cause severe respiratory disease in humans. The new SARS-CoV-2 is the cause of the current global pandemic termed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that has resulted in many millions of deaths world-wide. The virus is a member of the Betacoronavirus family, its genome is a positive strand RNA molecule that encodes for many genes which are required for virus genome replication as well as for structural proteins that are required for virion assembly and maturation. A key determinant of this virus is the Spike (S) protein embedded in the virion membrane and mediates attachment of the virus to the receptor (ACE2). This protein also is required for cell-cell fusion (syncytia) that is an important pathogenic determinant. We have developed a pseudotyped herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) recombinant virus expressing S protein in the virion envelop. This virus has also been modified to express a Venus fluorescent protein fusion to VP16, a virion protein of HSV-1. The virus expressing Spike can enter cells and generates large multi-nucleated syncytia which are evident by the Venus fluorescence. The HSV-1 recombinant virus is genetically stable and virus amplification can be easily done by infecting cells. This recombinant virus provides a reproducible platform for Spike function analysis and thus adds to the repertoire of pseudotyped viruses expressing Spike.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashant J. Desai
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Wu CS, Li YC, Peng SL, Chen CY, Chen HF, Hsueh PR, Wang WJ, Liu YY, Jiang CL, Chang WC, Wang SC, Hung MC. Coffee as a dietary strategy to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:210. [PMID: 37964389 PMCID: PMC10644613 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01154-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To date, most countries lifted the restriction requirement and coexisted with SARS-CoV-2. Thus, dietary behavior for preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection becomes an interesting issue on a daily basis. Coffee consumption is connected with reduced COVID-19 risk and correlated to COVID-19 severity. However, the mechanisms of coffee for the reduction of COVID-19 risk are still unclear. RESULTS Here, we identified that coffee can inhibit multiple variants of the SARS-CoV-2 infection by restraining the binding of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), and reducing transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) and cathepsin L (CTSL) activity. Then, we used the method of "Here" (HRMS-exploring-recombination-examining) and found that isochlorogenic acid A, B, and C of coffee ingredients showed their potential to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection (inhibitory efficiency 43-54%). In addition, decaffeinated coffee still preserves inhibitory activity against SARS-CoV-2. Finally, in a human trial of 64 subjects, we identified that coffee consumption (approximately 1-2 cups/day) is sufficient to inhibit infection of multiple variants of SARS-CoV-2 entry, suggesting coffee could be a dietary strategy to prevent SARS-CoV2 infection. CONCLUSIONS This study verified moderate coffee consumption, including decaffeination, can provide a new guideline for the prevention of SARS-CoV-2. Based on the results, we also suggest a coffee-drinking plan for people to prevent infection in the post-COVID-19 era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Shiou Wu
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Research Center for Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chuan Li
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shin-Lei Peng
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Neuroscience and Brain Disease Center, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Yu Chen
- Research Center for Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Fan Chen
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Research Center for Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Po-Ren Hsueh
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University Taichung, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Jan Wang
- Research Center for Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Yi Liu
- Department of Biology, National Changhua University of Education, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Ciao-Ling Jiang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Research Center for Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chao Chang
- Center for Molecular Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shao-Chun Wang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Research Center for Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Center for Molecular Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Cancer Biology and Precision Therapeutics Center, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Mien-Chie Hung
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
- Research Center for Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
- Center for Molecular Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
- Department of Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan.
- Cancer Biology and Precision Therapeutics Center, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
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8
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Pepe-Mooney BJ, Smith CJ, Sherman MS, North TE, Padera RF, Goessling W. SARS-CoV-2 viral liver aggregates and scarce parenchymal infection implicate systemic disease as a driver of abnormal liver function. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0290. [PMID: 37889528 PMCID: PMC10615432 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver function tests (LFTs) are elevated in >50% of hospitalized individuals infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), with increased enzyme levels correlating with a more severe COVID-19 course. Despite these observations, evaluations of viral presence within liver parenchyma and viral impact on liver function remain controversial. METHODS AND RESULTS Our work is a comprehensive immunopathological evaluation of liver tissue from 33 patients with severe, and ultimately fatal, cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Coupled with clinical data, we reveal the absence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in cholangiocytes and hepatocytes despite dramatic systemic viral presence. Critically, we identify significant focal viral sinusoidal aggregates in 2/33 patients and single viral RNA molecules circulating in the hepatic sinusoids of 15/33 patients. Utilizing co-immunofluorescence, focal viral liver aggregates in patients with COVID-19 were colocalized to platelet and fibrin clots, indicating the presence of virus-containing sinusoidal microthrombi. Furthermore, this patient cohort, from the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrates a general downtrend of LFTs over the course of the study timeline and serves as a remarkable historical time point of unattenuated viral replication within patients. CONCLUSIONS Together, our findings indicate that elevated LFTs found in our patient cohort are not due to direct viral parenchymal infection with SARS-CoV-2 but rather likely a consequence of systemic complications of COVID-19. This work aids in the clinical treatment considerations of patients with SARS-CoV-2 as therapies for these patients may be considered in terms of their direct drug hepatotoxity rather than worsening hepatic function due to direct infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J. Pepe-Mooney
- Genetics Division, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard–MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Colton J. Smith
- Genetics Division, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Marc S. Sherman
- Genetics Division, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Trista E. North
- Stem Cell Program, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Robert F. Padera
- Harvard–MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Massachusetts, USA
| | - Wolfram Goessling
- Genetics Division, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard–MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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9
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Manfredelli D, Pariano M, Costantini C, Graziani A, Bozza S, Romani L, Puccetti P, Talesa VN, Antognelli C. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Spike Protein S1 Induces Methylglyoxal-Derived Hydroimidazolone/Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products (MG-H1/RAGE) Activation to Promote Inflammation in Human Bronchial BEAS-2B Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14868. [PMID: 37834316 PMCID: PMC10573269 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with a hyperinflammatory response. The mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2-induced inflammation are scantly known. Methylglyoxal (MG) is a glycolysis-derived byproduct endowed with a potent glycating action, leading to the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), the main one being MG-H1. MG-H1 exerts strong pro-inflammatory effects, frequently mediated by the receptor for AGEs (RAGE). Here, we investigated the involvement of the MG-H1/RAGE axis as a potential novel mechanism in SARS-CoV-2-induced inflammation by resorting to human bronchial BEAS-2B and alveolar A549 epithelial cells, expressing different levels of the ACE2 receptor (R), exposed to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein 1 (S1). Interestingly, we found in BEAS-2B cells that do not express ACE2-R that S1 exerted a pro-inflammatory action through a novel MG-H1/RAGE-based pathway. MG-H1 levels, RAGE and IL-1β expression levels in nasopharyngeal swabs from SARS-CoV-2-positive and -negative individuals, as well as glyoxalase 1 expression, the major scavenging enzyme of MG, seem to support the results obtained in vitro. Altogether, our findings reveal a novel mechanism involved in the inflammation triggered by S1, paving the way for the study of the MG-H1/RAGE inflammatory axis in SARS-CoV-2 infection as a potential therapeutic target to mitigate COVID-19-associated pathogenic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominga Manfredelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Bioscience and Medical Embryology Division, University of Perugia, L. Severi Square, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (D.M.); (M.P.); (V.N.T.)
| | - Marilena Pariano
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Bioscience and Medical Embryology Division, University of Perugia, L. Severi Square, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (D.M.); (M.P.); (V.N.T.)
| | - Claudio Costantini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pathology Division, University of Perugia, L. Severi Square, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (C.C.); (L.R.)
| | - Alessandro Graziani
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology Division, University of Perugia, L. Severi Square, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (A.G.); (S.B.)
| | - Silvia Bozza
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology Division, University of Perugia, L. Severi Square, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (A.G.); (S.B.)
| | - Luigina Romani
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pathology Division, University of Perugia, L. Severi Square, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (C.C.); (L.R.)
| | - Paolo Puccetti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pharmacology Division, University of Perugia, L. Severi Square, 06129 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Vincenzo Nicola Talesa
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Bioscience and Medical Embryology Division, University of Perugia, L. Severi Square, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (D.M.); (M.P.); (V.N.T.)
| | - Cinzia Antognelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Bioscience and Medical Embryology Division, University of Perugia, L. Severi Square, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (D.M.); (M.P.); (V.N.T.)
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10
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Mignolet M, Gilloteaux J, Halloin N, Gueibe M, Willemart K, De Swert K, Bielarz V, Suain V, Pastushenko I, Gillet NA, Nicaise C. Viral Entry Inhibitors Protect against SARS-CoV-2-Induced Neurite Shortening in Differentiated SH-SY5Y Cells. Viruses 2023; 15:2020. [PMID: 37896797 PMCID: PMC10611151 DOI: 10.3390/v15102020] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The utility of human neuroblastoma cell lines as in vitro model to study neuro-invasiveness and neuro-virulence of SARS-CoV-2 has been demonstrated by our laboratory and others. The aim of this report is to further characterize the associated cellular responses caused by a pre-alpha SARS-CoV-2 strain on differentiated SH-SY5Y and to prevent its cytopathic effect by using a set of entry inhibitors. The susceptibility of SH-SY5Y to SARS-CoV-2 was confirmed at high multiplicity-of-infection, without viral replication or release. Infection caused a reduction in the length of neuritic processes, occurrence of plasma membrane blebs, cell clustering, and changes in lipid droplets electron density. No changes in the expression of cytoskeletal proteins, such as tubulins or tau, could explain neurite shortening. To counteract the toxic effect on neurites, entry inhibitors targeting TMPRSS2, ACE2, NRP1 receptors, and Spike RBD were co-incubated with the viral inoculum. The neurite shortening could be prevented by the highest concentration of camostat mesylate, anti-RBD antibody, and NRP1 inhibitor, but not by soluble ACE2. According to the degree of entry inhibition, the average amount of intracellular viral RNA was negatively correlated to neurite length. This study demonstrated that targeting specific SARS-CoV-2 host receptors could reverse its neurocytopathic effect on SH-SY5Y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaux Mignolet
- URPhyM, NARILIS, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Namur, Rue de Bruxelles 61, 5000 Namur, Belgium; (M.M.); (J.G.); (N.H.); (M.G.); (K.D.S.); (V.B.)
| | - Jacques Gilloteaux
- URPhyM, NARILIS, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Namur, Rue de Bruxelles 61, 5000 Namur, Belgium; (M.M.); (J.G.); (N.H.); (M.G.); (K.D.S.); (V.B.)
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, St George’s University School of Medicine, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 JG8, UK
| | - Nicolas Halloin
- URPhyM, NARILIS, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Namur, Rue de Bruxelles 61, 5000 Namur, Belgium; (M.M.); (J.G.); (N.H.); (M.G.); (K.D.S.); (V.B.)
| | - Matthieu Gueibe
- URPhyM, NARILIS, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Namur, Rue de Bruxelles 61, 5000 Namur, Belgium; (M.M.); (J.G.); (N.H.); (M.G.); (K.D.S.); (V.B.)
| | - Kévin Willemart
- URVI, NARILIS, Faculté des Sciences, Université de Namur, Rue de Bruxelles 61, 5000 Namur, Belgium; (K.W.); (N.A.G.)
| | - Kathleen De Swert
- URPhyM, NARILIS, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Namur, Rue de Bruxelles 61, 5000 Namur, Belgium; (M.M.); (J.G.); (N.H.); (M.G.); (K.D.S.); (V.B.)
| | - Valéry Bielarz
- URPhyM, NARILIS, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Namur, Rue de Bruxelles 61, 5000 Namur, Belgium; (M.M.); (J.G.); (N.H.); (M.G.); (K.D.S.); (V.B.)
| | - Valérie Suain
- Laboratoire d’Histologie Générale, Faculté de Médecine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Route de Lennik 808, 1070 Bruxelles, Belgium; (V.S.); (I.P.)
| | - Ievgenia Pastushenko
- Laboratoire d’Histologie Générale, Faculté de Médecine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Route de Lennik 808, 1070 Bruxelles, Belgium; (V.S.); (I.P.)
| | - Nicolas Albert Gillet
- URVI, NARILIS, Faculté des Sciences, Université de Namur, Rue de Bruxelles 61, 5000 Namur, Belgium; (K.W.); (N.A.G.)
| | - Charles Nicaise
- URPhyM, NARILIS, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Namur, Rue de Bruxelles 61, 5000 Namur, Belgium; (M.M.); (J.G.); (N.H.); (M.G.); (K.D.S.); (V.B.)
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11
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Boopathi V, Nahar J, Murugesan M, Subramaniyam S, Kong BM, Choi SK, Lee CS, Ling L, Yang DU, Yang DC, Mathiyalagan R, Chan Kang S. In silico and in vitro inhibition of host-based viral entry targets and cytokine storm in COVID-19 by ginsenoside compound K. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19341. [PMID: 37809955 PMCID: PMC10558348 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19341] [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: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is a novel coronavirus that emerged as an epidemic, causing a respiratory disease with multiple severe symptoms and deadly consequences. ACE-2 and TMPRSS2 play crucial and synergistic roles in the membrane fusion and viral entry of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). The spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2 binds to the ACE-2 receptor for viral entry, while TMPRSS2 proteolytically cleaves the S protein into S1 and S2 subunits, promoting membrane fusion. Therefore, ACE-2 and TMPRSS2 are potential drug targets for treating COVID-19, and their inhibition is a promising strategy for treatment and prevention. This study proposes that ginsenoside compound K (G-CK), a triterpenoid saponin abundant in Panax Ginseng, a dietary and medicinal herb highly consumed in Korea and China, effectively binds to and inhibits ACE-2 and TMPRSS2 expression. We initially conducted an in-silico evaluation where G-CK showed a high affinity for the binding sites of the two target proteins of SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, we evaluated the stability of G-CK using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations for 100 ns, followed by MM-PBSA calculations. The MD simulations and free energy calculations revealed that G-CK has stable and favorable energies, leading to strong binding with the targets. Furthermore, G-CK suppressed ACE2 and TMPRSS2 mRNA expression in A549, Caco-2, and MCF7 cells at a concentration of 12.5 μg/mL and in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells at a concentration of 6.5 μg/mL, without significant cytotoxicity.ACE2 and TMPRSS2 expression were significantly lower in A549 and RAW 264.7 cells following G-CK treatment. These findings suggest that G-CK may evolve as a promising therapeutic against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinothini Boopathi
- Graduate School of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, South Korea
| | - Jinnatun Nahar
- Graduate School of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, South Korea
| | - Mohanapriya Murugesan
- Graduate School of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, South Korea
| | | | - Byoung Man Kong
- Department of Oriental Medicinal Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, South Korea
| | - Sung-Keun Choi
- Daedong Korea Ginseng Co., Ltd, 86, Gunbuk-ro, Gunbuk-myeon, Geumsan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do 32718 Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Soon Lee
- Daedong Korea Ginseng Co., Ltd, 86, Gunbuk-ro, Gunbuk-myeon, Geumsan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do 32718 Republic of Korea
| | - Li Ling
- Department of Oriental Medicinal Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, South Korea
| | - Dong Uk Yang
- Graduate School of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, South Korea
| | - Deok Chun Yang
- Graduate School of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, South Korea
- Department of Oriental Medicinal Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, South Korea
| | - Ramya Mathiyalagan
- Graduate School of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, South Korea
| | - Se Chan Kang
- Graduate School of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, South Korea
- Department of Oriental Medicinal Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, South Korea
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12
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Seixas ML, Bartolomeo CS, Lemes R, Nicoliche T, Okuda LH, Martins L, Ureshino R, Prado CM, Liguori TTA, Liguori GR, Stilhano RS. Disruptive 3D in vitro models for respiratory disease investigation: A state-of-the-art approach focused on SARS-CoV-2 infection. BIOMATERIALS AND BIOSYSTEMS 2023; 11:100082. [PMID: 37534107 PMCID: PMC10391659 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbiosy.2023.100082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19, along with most respiratory diseases in the medical field, demonstrates significant ability to take its toll on global population. There is a particular difficulty in studying these conditions, which stems especially from the short supply of in vitro models for detailed investigation, the specific therapeutic knowledge required for disease scrutinization and the occasional need of BSL-3 [Biosafety Level 3] laboratories for research. Based on this, the process of drug development is hampered to a great extent. In the scenario of COVID-19, this difficulty is even more substantial on account of the current undefinition regarding the exact role of the ACE2 [Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2] receptor upon SARS-CoV-2 kinetics in human cells and the great level of demand in the investigation process of ACE2, which usually requires the laborious and ethically complicated usage of transgenic animal models overexpressing the receptor. Moreover, the rapid progression of the aforementioned diseases, especially COVID-19, poses a crucial necessity for adequate therapeutic solutions emergence. In this context, the work herein presented introduces a groundbreaking set of 3D models, namely spheroids and MatriWell cell culture inserts, whose remarkable ability to mimic the in vivo environment makes them highly suitable for respiratory diseases investigation, particularly SARS-CoV-2 infection. Using MatriWells, we developed an innovative platform for COVID-19 research: a pulmonary air-liquid interface [ALI] associated with endothelial (HUVEC) cells. Infection studies revealed that pulmonary (BEAS-2B) cells in the ALI reached peak viral load at 24h and endothelial cells, at 48h, demonstrating lung viral replication and subsequent hematogenous dissemination, which provides us with a unique and realistic framework for studying COVID-19. Simultaneously, the spheroids were used to address the understudied ACE2 receptor, aiming at a pronounced process of COVID-19 investigation. ACE2 expression not only increased spheroid diameter by 20% (p<0.001) and volume by 60% (p≤0.0001) but also led to a remarkable 640-fold increase in intracellular viral load (p≤0.01). The previously mentioned finding supports ACE2 as a potential target for COVID-19 treatment. Lastly, we observed a higher viral load in the MatriWells compared to spheroids (150-fold, p<0.0001), suggesting the MatriWells as a more appropriate approach for COVID-19 investigation. By establishing an advanced method for respiratory tract conditions research, this work paves the way toward an efficacious process of drug development, contributing to a change in the course of respiratory diseases such as COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luiza Seixas
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Santa Casa de São Paulo School of Medical Sciences, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cynthia Silva Bartolomeo
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Santa Casa de São Paulo School of Medical Sciences, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Biosciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Santos, Brazil
| | - Robertha Lemes
- Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Diadema, Brazil
- Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Endocrinology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Tiago Nicoliche
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Santa Casa de São Paulo School of Medical Sciences, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Liria Hiromi Okuda
- Biological Institute, Agriculture and Supply Department, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Martins
- Division of Medical Sciences, Laboratory of Transcriptional Regulation, Institute of Medical Biology of Polish Academy of Sciences (IMB-PAN), Poland
| | - Rodrigo Ureshino
- Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Diadema, Brazil
- Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Endocrinology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Post-graduation Program in Chemistry-Biology, Federal University of São Paulo, Diadema, Brazil
| | - Carla Maximo Prado
- Department of Biosciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Santos, Brazil
| | | | | | - Roberta Sessa Stilhano
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Santa Casa de São Paulo School of Medical Sciences, São Paulo, Brazil
- Post-graduation Program in Chemistry-Biology, Federal University of São Paulo, Diadema, Brazil
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13
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Di Primio C, Quaranta P, Mignanelli M, Siano G, Bimbati M, Scarlatti A, Piazza CR, Spezia PG, Perrera P, Basolo F, Poma AM, Costa M, Pistello M, Cattaneo A. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection leads to Tau pathological signature in neurons. PNAS NEXUS 2023; 2:pgad282. [PMID: 37731949 PMCID: PMC10508204 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 has represented an issue for global health since its outbreak in March 2020. It is now evident that the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection results in a wide range of long-term neurological symptoms and is worryingly associated with the aggravation of Alzheimer's disease. Little is known about the molecular basis of these manifestations. Here, several strain variants were used to infect SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells and K18-hACE C57BL/6J mice. The Tau phosphorylation profile and aggregation propensity upon infection were investigated on cellular extracts, subcellular fractions, and brain tissue. The viral proteins spike, nucleocapsid, and membrane were overexpressed in SH-SY5Y cells, and the direct interaction and effect on Tau phosphorylation were checked using immunoblot experiments. Upon infection, Tau is phosphorylated at several pathological epitopes associated with Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies. Moreover, this event increases Tau's propensity to form insoluble aggregates and alters its subcellular localization. Our data support the hypothesis that SARS-CoV-2 infection in the central nervous system triggers downstream effects altering Tau function, eventually leading to the impairment of neuronal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Di Primio
- Institute of Neuroscience, Italian National Research Council (CNR), Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Paola Quaranta
- Institute of Neuroscience, Italian National Research Council (CNR), Pisa 56124, Italy
- Retrovirus Center, Virology Section, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa 56100, Italy
| | - Marianna Mignanelli
- Laboratorio di Biologia Bio@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Giacomo Siano
- Laboratorio di Biologia Bio@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Matteo Bimbati
- Laboratorio di Biologia Bio@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, Pisa 56126, Italy
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy
| | - Arianna Scarlatti
- Laboratorio di Biologia Bio@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Carmen Rita Piazza
- Retrovirus Center, Virology Section, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa 56100, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - Piero Giorgio Spezia
- Retrovirus Center, Virology Section, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa 56100, Italy
| | - Paola Perrera
- Retrovirus Center, Virology Section, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa 56100, Italy
| | - Fulvio Basolo
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Anello Marcello Poma
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Mario Costa
- Institute of Neuroscience, Italian National Research Council (CNR), Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Mauro Pistello
- Retrovirus Center, Virology Section, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa 56100, Italy
- Virology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa 56100, Italy
| | - Antonino Cattaneo
- Laboratorio di Biologia Bio@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, Pisa 56126, Italy
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14
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Luz ABS, de Medeiros AF, Bezerra LL, Lima MSR, Pereira AS, E Silva EGO, Passos TS, Monteiro NDKV, Morais AHDA. Prospecting native and analogous peptides with anti-SARS-CoV-2 potential derived from the trypsin inhibitor purified from tamarind seeds. ARAB J CHEM 2023; 16:104886. [PMID: 37082195 PMCID: PMC10085871 DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2023.104886] [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: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The study aimed to prospect in silico native and analogous peptides with anti-SARS-CoV-2 potential derived from the trypsin inhibitor purified from tamarind seeds (TTIp). From the most stable theoretical model of TTIp (TTIp 56/287), in silico cleavage was performed for the theoretical identification of native peptides and generation of analogous peptides. The anti-SARS-CoV-2 potential was investigated through molecular dynamics (MD) simulation between the peptides and binding sites of transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), responsible for the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into the host cell. Five native and analogous peptides were obtained and validated through chemical and physical parameters. The best interaction potential energy (IPE) occurred between TMPRSS2 and one of the native peptides obtained by cleavage with trypsin and its analogous peptide. Thus, both peptides showed many hydrophobic residues, a common physical-chemical property among the peptides that inhibit the entry of enveloped viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, present in specific drugs to treat COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Beatriz Santana Luz
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Postgraduate Program, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN 59078970, Brazil
| | - Amanda Fernandes de Medeiros
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Postgraduate Program, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN 59078970, Brazil
| | - Lucas Lima Bezerra
- Chemistry Postgraduate Program, Science Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE 60440900, Brazil
| | - Mayara Santa Rosa Lima
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Postgraduate Program, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN 59078970, Brazil
| | - Annemberg Salvino Pereira
- Nutrition Course, Center for Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN 59078900, Brazil
| | | | - Thais Souza Passos
- Nutrition Postgraduate Program, Center for Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN 59078900, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Heloneida de Araújo Morais
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Postgraduate Program, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN 59078970, Brazil
- Nutrition Postgraduate Program, Center for Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN 59078900, Brazil
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15
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Rago V, Perri A. SARS-CoV-2 Infection and the Male Reproductive System: A Brief Review. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13020586. [PMID: 36836943 PMCID: PMC9966870 DOI: 10.3390/life13020586] [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: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Many studies have suggested that SARS-CoV-2, directly or indirectly, can affect the male reproductive system, although the underlined mechanisms have not been completely elucidated yet. The purpose of this review is to provide a summary of the current data concerning the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the male urogenital tract, with a particular emphasis on the testes and male fertility. The main data regarding the morphological alterations in the testes emerged from autoptic studies that revealed interstitial congestion, micro thrombosis, reduction of Sertoli, Leydig, and germinal cells, infiltrated immune cells, and atrophic seminiferous tubules consistent with orchitis. Furthermore, men with severe infection exhibit sperm parameter alterations, together with abnormalities of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testis axis, strongly suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 could increase the risk of male infertility. However, despite the inadequate number of longitudinal studies, spermatogenesis and sex hormone imbalance seem to improve after infection resolution. The yet unresolved question is whether the virus acts in a direct or/and indirect manner, as discordant data related to its presence in the testis and semen have been reported. Regardless of the direct effect, it has been postulated that the cytokine storm and the related local and systemic inflammation could strongly contribute to the onset of testis dysfunction, leading to male infertility. Therefore, multicentric and longitudinal studies involving a large number of patients are needed to understand the real impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on male reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittoria Rago
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, CS, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0984-496210; Fax: +39-0984-493271
| | - Anna Perri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro “Magna Græcia”, 88100 Catanzaro, CZ, Italy
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Staroverov V, Nersisyan S, Galatenko A, Alekseev D, Lukashevich S, Polyakov F, Anisimov N, Tonevitsky A. Development of a novel mathematical model that explains SARS-CoV-2 infection dynamics in Caco-2 cells. PeerJ 2023; 11:e14828. [PMID: 36748087 PMCID: PMC9899056 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mathematical modeling is widely used to study within-host viral dynamics. However, to the best of our knowledge, for the case of SARS-CoV-2 such analyses were mainly conducted with the use of viral load data and for the wild type (WT) variant of the virus. In addition, only few studies analyzed models for in vitro data, which are less noisy and more reproducible. In this work we collected multiple data types for SARS-CoV-2-infected Caco-2 cell lines, including infectious virus titers, measurements of intracellular viral RNA, cell viability data and percentage of infected cells for the WT and Delta variants. We showed that standard models cannot explain some key observations given the absence of cytopathic effect in human cell lines. We propose a novel mathematical model for in vitro SARS-CoV-2 dynamics, which included explicit modeling of intracellular events such as exhaustion of cellular resources required for virus production. The model also explicitly considers innate immune response. The proposed model accurately explained experimental data. Attenuated replication of the Delta variant in Caco-2 cells could be explained by our model on the basis of just two parameters: decreased cell entry rate and increased cytokine production rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Staroverov
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, HSE University, Moscow, Russia,Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Stepan Nersisyan
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, HSE University, Moscow, Russia,Institute of Molecular Biology, The National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia, Yerevan, Armenia,Armenian Bioinformatics Institute (ABI), Yerevan, Armenia,Current Affiliation: Computational Medicine Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Alexei Galatenko
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, HSE University, Moscow, Russia,Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitriy Alekseev
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, HSE University, Moscow, Russia,Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sofya Lukashevich
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, HSE University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Fedor Polyakov
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, HSE University, Moscow, Russia,Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Nikita Anisimov
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, HSE University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander Tonevitsky
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, HSE University, Moscow, Russia,Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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