1
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Borges PHO, Ferreira SB, Silva FP. Recent Advances on Targeting Proteases for Antiviral Development. Viruses 2024; 16:366. [PMID: 38543732 PMCID: PMC10976044 DOI: 10.3390/v16030366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Viral proteases are an important target for drug development, since they can modulate vital pathways in viral replication, maturation, assembly and cell entry. With the (re)appearance of several new viruses responsible for causing diseases in humans, like the West Nile virus (WNV) and the recent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), understanding the mechanisms behind blocking viral protease's function is pivotal for the development of new antiviral drugs and therapeutical strategies. Apart from directly inhibiting the target protease, usually by targeting its active site, several new pathways have been explored to impair its activity, such as inducing protein aggregation, targeting allosteric sites or by inducing protein degradation by cellular proteasomes, which can be extremely valuable when considering the emerging drug-resistant strains. In this review, we aim to discuss the recent advances on a broad range of viral proteases inhibitors, therapies and molecular approaches for protein inactivation or degradation, giving an insight on different possible strategies against this important class of antiviral target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Henrique Oliveira Borges
- Laboratory of Organic Synthesis and Biological Prospecting, Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, Brazil;
- Laboratory of Experimental and Computational Biochemistry of Drugs, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Sabrina Baptista Ferreira
- Laboratory of Organic Synthesis and Biological Prospecting, Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, Brazil;
| | - Floriano Paes Silva
- Laboratory of Experimental and Computational Biochemistry of Drugs, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
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2
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Yoshida S, Sako Y, Nikaido E, Ueda T, Kozono I, Ichihashi Y, Nakahashi A, Onishi M, Yamatsu Y, Kato T, Nishikawa J, Tachibana Y. Peptide-to-Small Molecule: Discovery of Non-Covalent, Active-Site Inhibitors of β-Herpesvirus Proteases. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:1558-1566. [PMID: 37974946 PMCID: PMC10641906 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral proteases, the key enzymes that regulate viral replication and assembly, are promising targets for antiviral drug discovery. Herpesvirus proteases are enzymes with no crystallographically confirmed noncovalent active-site binders, owing to their shallow and polar substrate-binding pockets. Here, we applied our previously reported "Peptide-to-Small Molecule" strategy to generate novel inhibitors of β-herpesvirus proteases. Rapid selection with a display technology was used to identify macrocyclic peptide 1 bound to the active site of human cytomegalovirus protease (HCMVPro) with high affinity, and pharmacophore queries were defined based on the results of subsequent intermolecular interaction analyses. Membrane-permeable small molecule 19, designed de novo according to this hypothesis, exhibited enzyme inhibitory activity (IC50 = 10-6 to 10-7 M) against β-herpesvirus proteases, and the design concept was proved by X-ray cocrystal analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhei Yoshida
- Pharmaceutical
Research Division, Shionogi Pharmaceutical
Research Center, 3-1-1 Futaba-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 561-0825, Japan
| | - Yusuke Sako
- Pharmaceutical
Research Division, Shionogi Pharmaceutical
Research Center, 3-1-1 Futaba-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 561-0825, Japan
| | - Eiji Nikaido
- Pharmaceutical
Research Division, Shionogi Pharmaceutical
Research Center, 3-1-1 Futaba-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 561-0825, Japan
| | - Taichi Ueda
- Pharmaceutical
Research Division, Shionogi Pharmaceutical
Research Center, 3-1-1 Futaba-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 561-0825, Japan
| | - Iori Kozono
- Pharmaceutical
Research Division, Shionogi Pharmaceutical
Research Center, 3-1-1 Futaba-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 561-0825, Japan
| | - Yusuke Ichihashi
- Pharmaceutical
Research Division, Shionogi Pharmaceutical
Research Center, 3-1-1 Futaba-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 561-0825, Japan
| | - Atsufumi Nakahashi
- Pharmaceutical
Research Division, Shionogi Pharmaceutical
Research Center, 3-1-1 Futaba-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 561-0825, Japan
| | - Motoyasu Onishi
- Pharmaceutical
Research Division, Shionogi Pharmaceutical
Research Center, 3-1-1 Futaba-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 561-0825, Japan
| | - Yukiko Yamatsu
- Pharmaceutical
Research Division, Shionogi Pharmaceutical
Research Center, 3-1-1 Futaba-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 561-0825, Japan
| | - Teruhisa Kato
- Pharmaceutical
Research Division, Shionogi Pharmaceutical
Research Center, 3-1-1 Futaba-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 561-0825, Japan
| | - Junichi Nishikawa
- PeptiDream
Inc., 3-25-23 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 210-0821, Japan
| | - Yuki Tachibana
- Pharmaceutical
Research Division, Shionogi Pharmaceutical
Research Center, 3-1-1 Futaba-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 561-0825, Japan
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3
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Meanwell NA. Sub-stoichiometric Modulation of Viral Targets-Potent Antiviral Agents That Exploit Target Vulnerability. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:1021-1030. [PMID: 37583823 PMCID: PMC10424314 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The modulation of oligomeric viral targets at sub-stoichiometric ratios of drug to target has been advocated for its efficacy and potency, but there are only a limited number of documented examples. In this Viewpoint, we summarize the invention of the HIV-1 maturation inhibitor fipravirimat and discuss the emerging details around the mode of action of this class of drug that reflects inhibition of a protein composed of 1,300-1,600 monomers that interact in a cooperative fashion. Similarly, the HCV NS5A inhibitor daclatasvir has been shown to act in a highly sub-stoichiometric fashion, inhibiting viral replication at concentrations that are ∼23,500 lower than that of the protein target.
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Kyaw T, Drummond G, Bobik A, Peter K. Myocarditis: causes, mechanisms, and evolving therapies. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023; 27:225-238. [PMID: 36946552 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2193330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Myocarditis is a severe lymphocyte-mediated inflammatory disorder of the heart, mostly caused by viruses and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Recently, myocarditis as a rare adverse event of mRNA vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 has caused global attention. The clinical consequences of myocarditis can be very severe, but specific treatment options are lacking or not yet clinically proven. AREAS COVERED This paper offers a brief overview of the biology of viruses that frequently cause myocarditis, focusing on mechanisms important for viral entry and replication following host infection. Current and new potential therapeutic targets/strategies especially for viral myocarditis are reviewed systematically. In particular, the immune system in myocarditis is dissected with respect to infective viral and non-infective, ICI-induced myocarditis. EXPERT OPINION Vaccination is an excellent emerging preventative strategy for viral myocarditis, but most vaccines still require further development. Anti-viral treatments that inhibit viral replication need to be considered following viral infection in host myocardium, as lower viral load reduces inflammation severity. Understanding how the immune system continues to damage the heart even after viral clearance will define novel therapeutic targets/strategies. We propose that viral myocarditis can be best treated using a combination of antiviral agents and immunotherapies that control cytotoxic T cell activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tin Kyaw
- Inflammation and Cardiovascular Disease Laboratory, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute
- Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne Melbourne Australia
| | - Grant Drummond
- Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, La Trobe University Melbourne Australia
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Disease Research, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alex Bobik
- Inflammation and Cardiovascular Disease Laboratory, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute
- Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne Melbourne Australia
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Disease Research, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
- Heart Centre, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Karlheinz Peter
- Inflammation and Cardiovascular Disease Laboratory, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute
- Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne Melbourne Australia
- Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, La Trobe University Melbourne Australia
- Heart Centre, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Immunology, Monash University Melbourne Australia
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5
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Hulce KR, Jaishankar P, Lee GM, Bohn MF, Connelly EJ, Wucherer K, Ongpipattanakul C, Volk RF, Chuo SW, Arkin MR, Renslo AR, Craik CS. Inhibiting a dynamic viral protease by targeting a non-catalytic cysteine. Cell Chem Biol 2022; 29:785-798.e19. [PMID: 35364007 PMCID: PMC9133232 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2022.03.007] [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: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Viruses are responsible for some of the most deadly human diseases, yet available vaccines and antivirals address only a fraction of the potential viral human pathogens. Here, we provide a methodology for managing human herpesvirus (HHV) infection by covalently inactivating the HHV maturational protease via a conserved, non-catalytic cysteine (C161). Using human cytomegalovirus protease (HCMV Pr) as a model, we screened a library of disulfides to identify molecules that tether to C161 and inhibit proteolysis, then elaborated hits into irreversible HCMV Pr inhibitors that exhibit broad-spectrum inhibition of other HHV Pr homologs. We further developed an optimized tool compound targeted toward HCMV Pr and used an integrative structural biology and biochemical approach to demonstrate inhibitor stabilization of HCMV Pr homodimerization, exploiting a conformational equilibrium to block proteolysis. Irreversible HCMV Pr inhibition disrupts HCMV infectivity in cells, providing proof of principle for targeting proteolysis via a non-catalytic cysteine to manage viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin R Hulce
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, 600 16th Street, Genentech Hall, San Francisco, CA 94143-2280, USA
| | - Priyadarshini Jaishankar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, 600 16th Street, Genentech Hall, San Francisco, CA 94143-2280, USA; Small Molecule Discovery Center, University of California, San Francisco, 600 16th Street, Genentech Hall, San Francisco, CA 94143-2280, USA
| | - Gregory M Lee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, 600 16th Street, Genentech Hall, San Francisco, CA 94143-2280, USA; Small Molecule Discovery Center, University of California, San Francisco, 600 16th Street, Genentech Hall, San Francisco, CA 94143-2280, USA
| | - Markus-Frederik Bohn
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, 600 16th Street, Genentech Hall, San Francisco, CA 94143-2280, USA
| | - Emily J Connelly
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, 600 16th Street, Genentech Hall, San Francisco, CA 94143-2280, USA
| | - Kristin Wucherer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, 600 16th Street, Genentech Hall, San Francisco, CA 94143-2280, USA
| | - Chayanid Ongpipattanakul
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, 600 16th Street, Genentech Hall, San Francisco, CA 94143-2280, USA
| | - Regan F Volk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, 600 16th Street, Genentech Hall, San Francisco, CA 94143-2280, USA
| | - Shih-Wei Chuo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, 600 16th Street, Genentech Hall, San Francisco, CA 94143-2280, USA
| | - Michelle R Arkin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, 600 16th Street, Genentech Hall, San Francisco, CA 94143-2280, USA; Small Molecule Discovery Center, University of California, San Francisco, 600 16th Street, Genentech Hall, San Francisco, CA 94143-2280, USA
| | - Adam R Renslo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, 600 16th Street, Genentech Hall, San Francisco, CA 94143-2280, USA; Small Molecule Discovery Center, University of California, San Francisco, 600 16th Street, Genentech Hall, San Francisco, CA 94143-2280, USA
| | - Charles S Craik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, 600 16th Street, Genentech Hall, San Francisco, CA 94143-2280, USA.
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6
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Precursors of Viral Proteases as Distinct Drug Targets. Viruses 2021; 13:v13101981. [PMID: 34696411 PMCID: PMC8537868 DOI: 10.3390/v13101981] [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: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral proteases are indispensable for successful virion maturation, thus making them a prominent drug target. Their enzyme activity is tightly spatiotemporally regulated by expression in the precursor form with little or no activity, followed by activation via autoprocessing. These cleavage events are frequently triggered upon transportation to a specific compartment inside the host cell. Typically, precursor oligomerization or the presence of a co-factor is needed for activation. A detailed understanding of these mechanisms will allow ligands with non-canonical mechanisms of action to be designed, which would specifically modulate the initial irreversible steps of viral protease autoactivation. Binding sites exclusive to the precursor, including binding sites beyond the protease domain, can be exploited. Both inhibition and up-regulation of the proteolytic activity of viral proteases can be detrimental for the virus. All these possibilities are discussed using examples of medically relevant viruses including herpesviruses, adenoviruses, retroviruses, picornaviruses, caliciviruses, togaviruses, flaviviruses, and coronaviruses.
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7
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Yuan WY, Chen X, Liu NN, Wen YN, Yang B, Andrei G, Snoeck R, Xiang YH, Wu YW, Jiang Z, Schols D, Zhang ZY, Wu QP. Synthesis, Anti-Varicella-Zoster Virus and Anti-Cytomegalovirus Activity of 4,5-Disubstituted 1,2,3-(1H)-Triazoles. Med Chem 2019; 15:801-812. [PMID: 30411688 DOI: 10.2174/1573406414666181109095239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical drugs for herpesvirus exhibit high toxicity and suffer from significant drug resistance. The development of new, effective, and safe anti-herpesvirus agents with different mechanisms of action is greatly required. OBJECTIVE Novel inhibitors against herpesvirus with different mechanisms of action from that of clinical drugs. METHODS A series of novel 5-(benzylamino)-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-carboxamides were efficiently synthesized and EC50 values against Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV), Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) and Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) were evaluated in vitro. RESULTS Some compounds present antiviral activity. Compounds 5s and 5t are potent against both HCMV and VZV. Compounds 5m, 5n, 5s, and 5t show similar EC50 values against both TK+ and TK- VZV strains. CONCLUSION 5-(Benzylamino)-1H-1, 2,3-triazole-4-carboxamides are active against herpesviruses and their activity is remarkably affected by the nature and the position of substituents in the benzene ring. The results indicate that these derivatives are independent of the viral thymidine kinase (TK) for activation, which is indispensable for current drugs. Their mechanisms of action may differ from those of the clinic anti-herpesvirus drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Yuan Yuan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xue Chen
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Ning-Ning Liu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yi-Ning Wen
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Bei Yang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Graciela Andrei
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Minderbroedersstraat 10, Leuven B-3000, Belgium
| | - Robert Snoeck
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Minderbroedersstraat 10, Leuven B-3000, Belgium
| | - Yu-Hong Xiang
- School of Chemistry, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Yong-Wei Wu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Zhen Jiang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Dominique Schols
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Minderbroedersstraat 10, Leuven B-3000, Belgium
| | - Zhuo-Yong Zhang
- School of Chemistry, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Qin-Pei Wu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
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8
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Abrusán G, Marsh JA. Ligands and Receptors with Broad Binding Capabilities Have Common Structural Characteristics: An Antibiotic Design Perspective. J Med Chem 2019; 62:9357-9374. [PMID: 31188598 PMCID: PMC6858282 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The spread of antibiotic resistance is one of the most serious global public-health problems. Here we show that a particular class of homomers with binding sites spanning multiple protein chains is particularly suitable for targeting by broad-spectrum antibacterial agents because due to the slow evolutionary change of such binding pockets, ligands of such homomers are much more likely to bind their homologs than ligands of monomers, or homomers with a single-chain binding site. Additionally, using de novo ligand design and deep learning, we show that the chemical compounds that can bind several different receptors have common structural characteristics and that halogens and fragments similar to the building blocks existing antimicrobials are overrepresented in them. Finally, we show that binding multiple receptors selects for flexible compounds, which are less likely to accumulate in Gram-negative bacteria; thus there is trade-off between reducing the emergence of resistance by multitargeting and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- György Abrusán
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute
of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University
of Edinburgh, Crewe Road, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, U.K.
| | - Joseph A. Marsh
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute
of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University
of Edinburgh, Crewe Road, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, U.K.
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9
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Baeva LА. Tetrahydro-4H-thiopyran-4-one in multicomponent reactions (microreview). Chem Heterocycl Compd (N Y) 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10593-019-02399-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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10
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Dehghanpir SD, Birkenheuer CH, Yang K, Murelli RP, Morrison LA, Le Grice SFJ, Baines JD. Broad anti-herpesviral activity of α-hydroxytropolones. Vet Microbiol 2017; 214:125-131. [PMID: 29408023 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2017.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Revised: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Herpesviruses are ubiquitous in animals and cause economic losses concomitant with many diseases. Most of the domestic animal herpesviruses are within the subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae, which includes human herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1). Suppression of HSV-1 replication has been reported with α-hydroxytropolones (αHTs), aromatic ring compounds that have broad bioactivity due to potent chelating activity. It is postulated that αHTs inhibit enzymes within the nucleotidyltransferase superfamily (NTS). These enzymes require divalent cations for nucleic acid cleavage activity. Potential targets include the nuclease component of the herpesvirus terminase (pUL15C), a highly conserved NTS-like enzyme that cleaves viral DNA into genomic lengths prior to packaging into capsids. Inhibition of pUL15C activity in biochemical assays by various αHTs previously revealed a spectrum of potencies. Interestingly, the most potent anti-pUL15C αHT inhibited HSV-1 replication to a limited extent in cell culture. The aim of this study was to evaluate three different αHT molecules with varying biochemical anti-pUL15C activity for a capacity to inhibit replication of veterinary herpesviruses (BoHV-1, EHV-1, and FHV-1) and HSV-1. Given the known discordant potencies between anti-pUL15C and HSV-1 replication inhibition, a second objective was to elucidate the mechanism of action of these compounds. The results show that αHTs broadly inhibit herpesviruses, with similar inhibitory effect against HSV-1, BoHV-1, EHV-1, and FHV-1. Based on immunoblotting, Southern blotting, and real-time qPCR, the compounds were found to specifically inhibit viral DNA replication. Thus, αHTs represent a new class of broadly active anti-herpesviral compounds with potential veterinary applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon D Dehghanpir
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Claire H Birkenheuer
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Kui Yang
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Ryan P Murelli
- Department of Chemistry, Brooklyn College, The City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY, PhD Program in Chemistry, The Graduate Center, The City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Lynda A Morrison
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine,St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Stuart F J Le Grice
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Joel D Baines
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States.
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11
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Acker TM, Gable JE, Bohn MF, Jaishankar P, Thompson MC, Fraser JS, Renslo AR, Craik CS. Allosteric Inhibitors, Crystallography, and Comparative Analysis Reveal Network of Coordinated Movement across Human Herpesvirus Proteases. J Am Chem Soc 2017; 139:11650-11653. [PMID: 28759216 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.7b04030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Targeting of cryptic binding sites represents an attractive but underexplored approach to modulating protein function with small molecules. Using the dimeric protease (Pr) from Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) as a model system, we sought to dissect a putative allosteric network linking a cryptic site at the dimerization interface to enzyme function. Five cryogenic X-ray structures were solved of the monomeric protease with allosteric inhibitors bound to the dimer interface site. Distinct coordinated movements captured by the allosteric inhibitors were also revealed as alternative states in room-temperature X-ray data and comparative analyses of other dimeric herpesvirus proteases. A two-step mechanism was elucidated through detailed kinetic analyses and suggests an enzyme isomerization model of inhibition. Finally, a representative allosteric inhibitor from this class was shown to be efficacious in a cellular model of viral infectivity. These studies reveal a coordinated dynamic network of atomic communication linking cryptic binding site occupancy and allosteric inactivation of KHSV Pr that can be exploited to target other members of this clinically relevant family of enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy M Acker
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California , San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Jonathan E Gable
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California , San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Markus-Frederik Bohn
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California , San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Priyadarshini Jaishankar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California , San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Michael C Thompson
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California , San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - James S Fraser
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California , San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Adam R Renslo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California , San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Charles S Craik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California , San Francisco, California 94158, United States
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12
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Bowman LJ, Melaragno JI, Brennan DC. Letermovir for the management of cytomegalovirus infection. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2016; 26:235-241. [PMID: 27998189 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2017.1274733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. Available antivirals are fraught with adverse effects and risk for the development of CMV resistance. Letermovir is a novel antiviral in the late stages of drug development for the treatment and prevention of CMV. Areas covered: A MEDLINE search of the MeSH terms 'letermovir,' 'cytomegalovirus,' 'hematopoietic stem cell transplant,' and 'solid organ transplant,' was last conducted on 15 August 2016. Articles were selected on the basis of their contribution to current knowledge about letermovir. Expert opinion: Letermovir's mechanism of action, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile, and favorable efficacy and safety make it an attractive option for both the prevention and treatment of CMV in immunocompromised patients. The lack of cross-resistance with other antivirals and the absence of myelosuppression are two prominent characteristics of letermovir that could support broad use of this product following FDA-approval. One major limitation is its lack of activity against other herpesviruses, which are commonly seen in immunocompromised hosts. We believe that with additional clinical efficacy data, this medication could emerge as a primary option for the prevention and treatment of CMV in the immunocompromised patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyndsey J Bowman
- a Department of Pharmacy , Tampa General Hospital , Tampa , FL , USA
| | | | - Daniel C Brennan
- c Division of Nephrology , Washington University School of Medicine , St. Louis , MO , USA
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13
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Skoreński M, Grzywa R, Sieńczyk M. Why should we target viral serine proteases when developing antiviral agents? Future Virol 2016. [DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2016-0106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Skoreński
- Faculty of Chemistry, Division of Medicinal Chemistry & Microbiology, Wroclaw University of Science & Technology, Wybrzeze Wyspianskiego 27, 50–370 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Renata Grzywa
- Faculty of Chemistry, Division of Medicinal Chemistry & Microbiology, Wroclaw University of Science & Technology, Wybrzeze Wyspianskiego 27, 50–370 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Marcin Sieńczyk
- Faculty of Chemistry, Division of Medicinal Chemistry & Microbiology, Wroclaw University of Science & Technology, Wybrzeze Wyspianskiego 27, 50–370 Wroclaw, Poland
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Gable JE, Lee GM, Acker TM, Hulce KR, Gonzalez ER, Schweigler P, Melkko S, Farady CJ, Craik CS. Fragment-Based Protein-Protein Interaction Antagonists of a Viral Dimeric Protease. ChemMedChem 2016; 11:862-9. [PMID: 26822284 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201500526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Fragment-based drug discovery has shown promise as an approach for challenging targets such as protein-protein interfaces. We developed and applied an activity-based fragment screen against dimeric Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus protease (KSHV Pr) using an optimized fluorogenic substrate. Dose-response determination was performed as a confirmation screen, and NMR spectroscopy was used to map fragment inhibitor binding to KSHV Pr. Kinetic assays demonstrated that several initial hits also inhibit human cytomegalovirus protease (HCMV Pr). Binding of these hits to HCMV Pr was also confirmed by NMR spectroscopy. Despite the use of a target-agnostic fragment library, more than 80 % of confirmed hits disrupted dimerization and bound to a previously reported pocket at the dimer interface of KSHV Pr, not to the active site. One class of fragments, an aminothiazole scaffold, was further explored using commercially available analogues. These compounds demonstrated greater than 100-fold improvement of inhibition. This study illustrates the power of fragment-based screening for these challenging enzymatic targets and provides an example of the potential druggability of pockets at protein-protein interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan E Gable
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94158-2280, USA.,Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94158-2280, USA
| | - Gregory M Lee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94158-2280, USA
| | - Timothy M Acker
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94158-2280, USA
| | - Kaitlin R Hulce
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94158-2280, USA.,Chemistry and Chemical Biology Graduate Group, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94158-2280, USA
| | - Eric R Gonzalez
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94158-2280, USA
| | - Patrick Schweigler
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Forum 1, Novartis Campus, 4002, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Samu Melkko
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Forum 1, Novartis Campus, 4002, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christopher J Farady
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Forum 1, Novartis Campus, 4002, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Charles S Craik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94158-2280, USA.
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Melendez DP, Razonable RR. Letermovir and inhibitors of the terminase complex: a promising new class of investigational antiviral drugs against human cytomegalovirus. Infect Drug Resist 2015; 8:269-77. [PMID: 26345608 PMCID: PMC4531042 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s79131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection with cytomegalovirus is prevalent in immunosuppressed patients. In solid organ transplant and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients, cytomegalovirus infection is associated with high morbidity and preventable mortality. Prevention and treatment of cytomegalovirus with currently approved antiviral drugs is often associated with side effects that sometimes preclude their use. Moreover, cytomegalovirus has developed mutations that confer resistance to standard antiviral drugs. During the last decade, there have been calls to develop novel antiviral drugs that could provide better options for prevention and treatment of cytomegalovirus. Letermovir (AIC246) is a highly specific antiviral drug that is currently undergoing clinical development for the management of cytomegalovirus infection. It acts by inhibiting the viral terminase complex. Letermovir is highly potent in vitro and in vivo against cytomegalovirus. Because of a distinct mechanism of action, it does not exhibit cross-resistance with other antiviral drugs. It is predicted to be active against strains that are resistant to ganciclovir, foscarnet, and cidofovir. To date, early-phase clinical trials suggest a very low incidence of adverse effects. Herein, we present a comprehensive review on letermovir, from its postulated novel mechanism of action to the results of most recent clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dante P Melendez
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA ; William J von Liebig Center for Transplantation and Clinical Regeneration, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Raymund R Razonable
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA ; William J von Liebig Center for Transplantation and Clinical Regeneration, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Intermolecular Complementation between Two Varicella-Zoster Virus pORF30 Terminase Domains Essential for DNA Encapsidation. J Virol 2015. [PMID: 26202238 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01313-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED The herpesviral terminase complex is part of the intricate machinery that delivers a single viral genome into empty preformed capsids (encapsidation). The varicella-zoster virus (VZV) terminase components (pORF25, pORF30, and pORF45/42) have not been studied as extensively as those of herpes simplex virus 1 and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). In this study, VZV bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) were generated with small (Δ30S), medium (Δ30M), and large (Δ30L) ORF30 internal deletions. In addition, we isolated recombinant viruses with specific alanine substitutions in the putative zinc finger motif (30-ZF3A) or in a conserved region (region IX) with predicted structural similarity to the human topoisomerase I core subdomains I and II (30-IXAla, 30-620A, and 30-622A). Recombinant viruses replicated in an ORF30-complementing cell line (ARPE30) but failed to replicate in noncomplementing ARPE19 and MeWo cells. Transmission electron microscopy of 30-IXAla-, 30-620A-, and 30-622A-infected ARPE19 cells revealed only empty VZV capsids. Southern analysis showed that cells infected with parental VZV (VZVLUC) or a repaired virus (30R) contained DNA termini, whereas cells infected with Δ30L, 30-IXAla, 30-620A, or 30-622A contained little or no processed viral DNA. These results demonstrated that pORF30, specifically amino acids 619 to 624 (region IX), was required for DNA encapsidation. A luciferase-based assay was employed to assess potential intermolecular complementation between the zinc finger domain and conserved region IX. Complementation between 30-ZF3A and 30-IXAla provided evidence that distinct pORF30 domains can function independently. The results suggest that pORF30 may exist as a multimer or participate in higher-order assemblies during viral DNA encapsidation. IMPORTANCE Antivirals with novel mechanisms of action are sought as additional therapeutic options to treat human herpesvirus infections. Proteins involved in the viral DNA encapsidation process have become promising antiviral targets. For example, letermovir is a small-molecule drug targeting HCMV terminase that is currently in phase III clinical trials. It is important to define the structural and functional characteristics of proteins that make up viral terminase complexes to identify or design additional terminase-specific compounds. The VZV ORF30 mutants described in this study represent the first VZV terminase mutants reported to date. Targeted mutations confirmed the importance of a conserved zinc finger domain found in all herpesvirus ORF30 terminase homologs but also identified a novel, highly conserved region (region IX) essential for terminase function. Homology modeling suggested that the structure of region IX is present in all human herpesviruses and thus represents a potential structurally conserved antiviral target.
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Reznikov AN, Skomorokhov MY, Leonova MV, Klimochkin YN. Synthesis of adamantyl-containing cidofovir analogs as potential antiviral prodrugs with high bioavailability parameters. RUSS J GEN CHEM+ 2015. [DOI: 10.1134/s1070363215020097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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