1
|
Zheng K, Li Q, Jiang N, Zhang Y, Zheng Y, Zhang Y, Feng Y, Chen R, Sang X, Chen Q. Plasmodium falciparum selectively degrades α-spectrin of infected erythrocytes after invasion. mBio 2024; 15:e0351023. [PMID: 38470053 PMCID: PMC11005373 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03510-23] [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: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Remodeling the erythrocyte membrane and skeleton by the malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum is closely associated with intraerythrocytic development. However, the mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. In this study, we present evidence that erythrocytic α-spectrin, but not β-spectrin, was dynamically ubiquitinated and progressively degraded during the intraerythrocytic development of P. falciparum, from the ring to the schizont stage. We further observed an upregulated expression of P. falciparum phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PfPI3K) in the infected red blood cells during the intraerythrocytic development of the parasite. The data indicated that PfPI3K phosphorylated and activated erythrocytic ubiquitin-protein ligase, leading to increased α-spectrin ubiquitination and degradation during P. falciparum development. We further revealed that inhibition of the activity of PfPI3K impaired P. falciparum development in vitro and Plasmodium berghei infectivity in mice. These findings collectively unveil an important mechanism of PfPI3K-ubiquitin-mediated degradation of α-spectrin during the intraerythrocytic development of Plasmodium species. Proteins in the PfPI3K regulatory pathway are novel targets for effective treatment of severe malaria. IMPORTANCE Plasmodium falciparum is the causative agent of severe malaria that causes millions of deaths globally. The parasite invades human red blood cells and induces a cascade of alterations in erythrocytes for development and proliferation. Remodeling the host erythrocytic cytoskeleton is a necessary process during parasitization, but its regulatory mechanisms remain to be elucidated. In this study, we observed that erythrocytic α-spectrin is selectively degraded after P. falciparum invasion, while β-spectrin remained intact. We found that the α-spectrin chain was profoundly ubiquitinated by E3 ubiquitin ligase and degraded by the 26S proteasome. E3 ubiquitin ligase activity was regulated by P. falciparum phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PfPI3K) signaling. Additionally, blocking the PfPI3K-ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in P. falciparum-infected red blood cells reduced parasite proliferation and infectivity. This study deepens our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of host and malarial parasite interactions and paves the way for the exploration of novel antimalarial drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Infectious Disease Prevention and Control (East), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
- Research Unit for Pathogenic Mechanisms of Zoonotic Parasites, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Engineering Research Center of Food Fermentation Technology, College of Food Science, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qilong Li
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Infectious Disease Prevention and Control (East), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
- Research Unit for Pathogenic Mechanisms of Zoonotic Parasites, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
| | - Ning Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Infectious Disease Prevention and Control (East), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
- Research Unit for Pathogenic Mechanisms of Zoonotic Parasites, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
| | - Yanxin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Infectious Disease Prevention and Control (East), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
- Research Unit for Pathogenic Mechanisms of Zoonotic Parasites, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuxin Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Infectious Disease Prevention and Control (East), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
- Research Unit for Pathogenic Mechanisms of Zoonotic Parasites, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
| | - Yiwei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Infectious Disease Prevention and Control (East), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
- Research Unit for Pathogenic Mechanisms of Zoonotic Parasites, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
| | - Ying Feng
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Infectious Disease Prevention and Control (East), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
- Research Unit for Pathogenic Mechanisms of Zoonotic Parasites, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
| | - Ran Chen
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Infectious Disease Prevention and Control (East), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
- Research Unit for Pathogenic Mechanisms of Zoonotic Parasites, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaoyu Sang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Infectious Disease Prevention and Control (East), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
- Research Unit for Pathogenic Mechanisms of Zoonotic Parasites, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
| | - Qijun Chen
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Infectious Disease Prevention and Control (East), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
- Research Unit for Pathogenic Mechanisms of Zoonotic Parasites, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lagardère P, Mustière R, Amanzougaghene N, Hutter S, Casanova M, Franetich JF, Tajeri S, Malzert-Fréon A, Corvaisier S, Azas N, Vanelle P, Verhaeghe P, Primas N, Mazier D, Masurier N, Lisowski V. New antiplasmodial 4-amino-thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidines with improved intestinal permeability and microsomal stability. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 249:115115. [PMID: 36680984 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115115] [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: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The increasing number of Plasmodium falciparum strains resistant to current treatments justifies the urgent need to discover new compounds active on several stages of the parasite development. Based on the structure of Gamhepathiopine, a 2-tert-butylaminothieno[3,2-d]pyrimidin-4(3H)-one previously identified for its dual activity against the sexual and asexual stages of P. falciparum, 25 new 4-amino-substituted analogues were synthesized and evaluated on the erythrocytic and hepatic stages of Plasmodium. A promising compound, N2-(tert-butyl)-N [4]-(3-(dimethylamino)propyl)-6-(p-tolyl)thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine-2,4-diamine, showed improved physicochemical properties, intestinal permeability (PAMPA model) and microsomal stability compared to Gamhepathiopine, while maintaining a good antiplasmodial activity on the erythrocytic stage of P. falciparum and on the hepatic stage of P. berghei.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prisca Lagardère
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, UMR 5247, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, ENSCM, UFR des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Montpellier, France
| | - Romain Mustière
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, ICR UMR 7273, Equipe Pharmaco-Chimie Radicalaire, Faculté de Pharmacie, 13385, Marseille, cedex 05, France
| | - Nadia Amanzougaghene
- Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (CIMI), INSERM, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Sébastien Hutter
- Aix Marseille Université, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
| | - Marion Casanova
- Aix Marseille Université, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
| | - Jean-François Franetich
- Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (CIMI), INSERM, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Shahin Tajeri
- Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (CIMI), INSERM, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Nadine Azas
- Aix Marseille Université, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
| | - Patrice Vanelle
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, ICR UMR 7273, Equipe Pharmaco-Chimie Radicalaire, Faculté de Pharmacie, 13385, Marseille, cedex 05, France; AP-HM, Hôpital Conception, Service Central de la Qualité et de l'Information Pharmaceutiques, 13005, Marseille, France
| | - Pierre Verhaeghe
- LCC-CNRS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS UPR 8241, UPS, Toulouse, France; Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, DPM UMR 5063, F-38041, Grenoble, France; CHU de Nîmes, service de pharmacie, Nîmes, France
| | - Nicolas Primas
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, ICR UMR 7273, Equipe Pharmaco-Chimie Radicalaire, Faculté de Pharmacie, 13385, Marseille, cedex 05, France; AP-HM, Hôpital Conception, Service Central de la Qualité et de l'Information Pharmaceutiques, 13005, Marseille, France
| | - Dominique Mazier
- Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (CIMI), INSERM, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Masurier
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, UMR 5247, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, ENSCM, UFR des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Montpellier, France.
| | - Vincent Lisowski
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, UMR 5247, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, ENSCM, UFR des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Montpellier, France.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
4-Substituted Thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidines as Dual-Stage Antiplasmodial Derivatives. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15070820. [PMID: 35890119 PMCID: PMC9323797 DOI: 10.3390/ph15070820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria remains one of the major health problems worldwide. The increasing resistance of Plasmodium to approved antimalarial drugs requires the development of novel antiplasmodial agents that can effectively prevent and/or treat this disease. Based on the structure of Gamhepathiopine, a 2-tert-butylaminothieno[3,2-d]pyrimidin-4(3H)-one hit, active on the sexual and asexual stages of the parasite and thanked for the introduction of various substituents at position 4 of the thienopyrimidine core by nucleophilic aromatic substitution and pallado-catalyzed coupling reactions, a series of 4-substituted thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidines were identified as displaying in vitro activities against both the erythrocytic stage of P. falciparum and the hepatic stage of P. berghei. Among the 28 compounds evaluated, the chloro analogue of Gamhepathiopine showed good activity against the erythrocytic stage of P. falciparum, moderate toxicity on HepG2, and better activity against hepatic P. berghei parasites, compared to Gamhepathiopine.
Collapse
|
4
|
K13-Mediated Reduced Susceptibility to Artemisinin in Plasmodium falciparum Is Overlaid on a Trait of Enhanced DNA Damage Repair. Cell Rep 2021; 32:107996. [PMID: 32755588 PMCID: PMC7408483 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.107996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Southeast Asia has been the hotbed for the development of drug-resistant malaria parasites, including those with resistance to artemisinin combination therapy. While mutations in the kelch propeller domain (K13 mutations) are associated with artemisinin resistance, a range of evidence suggests that other factors are critical for the establishment and subsequent transmission of resistance in the field. Here, we perform a quantitative analysis of DNA damage and repair in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum and find a strong link between enhanced DNA damage repair and artemisinin resistance. This experimental observation is further supported when variations in seven known DNA repair genes are found in resistant parasites, with six of these mutations being associated with K13 mutations. Our data provide important insights on confounding factors that are important for the establishment and spread of artemisinin resistance and may explain why resistance has not yet arisen in Africa. High-throughput MalariaCometChip to measure DNA damage level in P. falciparum Subpopulation of Cambodian isolates possess enhanced DNA damage repair Important link between enhanced DNA damage repair and artemisinin resistance
Collapse
|
5
|
Plasmodium genomics: an approach for learning about and ending human malaria. Parasitol Res 2018; 118:1-27. [PMID: 30402656 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-6127-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Malaria causes high levels of morbidity and mortality in human beings worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about half a million people die of this disease each year. Malaria is caused by six species of parasites belonging to the Plasmodium genus: P. falciparum, P. knowlesi, P. vivax, P. malariae, P. ovale curtisi, and P. ovale wallikeri. Currently, malaria is being kept under control with varying levels of elimination success in different countries. The development of new molecular tools as well as the use of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies and novel bioinformatic approaches has improved our knowledge of malarial epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, vaccine development, and surveillance strategies. In this work, the genetics and genomics of human malarias have been analyzed. Since the first P. falciparum genome was sequenced in 2002, various population-level genetic and genomic surveys, together with transcriptomic and proteomic studies, have shown the importance of molecular approaches in supporting malaria elimination.
Collapse
|
6
|
Schwertz G, Witschel MC, Rottmann M, Bonnert R, Leartsakulpanich U, Chitnumsub P, Jaruwat A, Ittarat W, Schäfer A, Aponte RA, Charman SA, White KL, Kundu A, Sadhukhan S, Lloyd M, Freiberg GM, Srikumaran M, Siggel M, Zwyssig A, Chaiyen P, Diederich F. Antimalarial Inhibitors Targeting Serine Hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT) with in Vivo Efficacy and Analysis of their Binding Mode Based on X-ray Cocrystal Structures. J Med Chem 2017; 60:4840-4860. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey Schwertz
- Laboratorium für
Organische Chemie, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Matthias Rottmann
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (SwissTPH), Socinstrasse
57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- Universität Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4003 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Roger Bonnert
- Medicines for Malaria Venture, Route de Pré-Bois 20, CH-1215 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ubolsree Leartsakulpanich
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, 113 Thailand Science Park, Phahonyothin Road, Pathumthni 12120, Thailand
| | - Penchit Chitnumsub
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, 113 Thailand Science Park, Phahonyothin Road, Pathumthni 12120, Thailand
| | - Aritsara Jaruwat
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, 113 Thailand Science Park, Phahonyothin Road, Pathumthni 12120, Thailand
| | - Wanwipa Ittarat
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, 113 Thailand Science Park, Phahonyothin Road, Pathumthni 12120, Thailand
| | - Anja Schäfer
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (SwissTPH), Socinstrasse
57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- Universität Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4003 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Susan A. Charman
- Centre for Drug Candidate Optimisation, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Karen L. White
- Centre for Drug Candidate Optimisation, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Abhijit Kundu
- TCG Lifesciences Private Limited, Block BN, Plot 7, Saltlake Electronics Complex, Sector V, Kolkata 700091, West Bengal India
| | - Surajit Sadhukhan
- TCG Lifesciences Private Limited, Block BN, Plot 7, Saltlake Electronics Complex, Sector V, Kolkata 700091, West Bengal India
| | - Mel Lloyd
- Covance Laboratories Ltd., Otley Road, Harrogate HG3 1PY, United Kingdom
| | - Gail M. Freiberg
- Molecular
Characterization, Department R4AE, AbbVie, 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064-6217, United States
| | - Myron Srikumaran
- Molecular
Characterization, Department R4AE, AbbVie, 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064-6217, United States
| | - Marc Siggel
- Laboratorium für
Organische Chemie, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Adrian Zwyssig
- Laboratorium für
Organische Chemie, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Pimchai Chaiyen
- Department of
Biochemistry and Center for Excellence in Protein and Enzyme Technology, Faculty of Science Mahidol University, 272 Rama VI Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - François Diederich
- Laboratorium für
Organische Chemie, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bhagavathula AS, Elnour AA, Shehab A. Alternatives to currently used antimalarial drugs: in search of a magic bullet. Infect Dis Poverty 2016; 5:103. [PMID: 27809883 PMCID: PMC5095999 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-016-0196-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in many African countries and parts of Asia and South America. Novel approaches to combating the disease have emerged in recent years and several drug candidates are now being tested clinically. However, it is long before these novel drugs can hit the market, especially due to a scarcity of safety and efficacy data.To reduce the malaria burden, the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) was established in 1999 to develop novel medicines through industry and academic partners' collaboration. However, no reviews were focused following various preclinical and clinical studies published since the MMV initiation (2000) to till date.We identify promising approaches in the global portfolio of antimalarial medicines, and highlight challenges and patient specific concerns of these novel molecules. We discuss different clinical studies focusing on the evaluation of novel drugs against malaria in different human trials over the past five years.The drugs KAE609 and DDD107498 are still being evaluated in Phase I trials and preclinical developmental studies. Both the safety and efficacy of novel compounds such as KAF156 and DSM265 need to be assessed further, especially for use in pregnant women. Synthetic non-artemisinin ozonides such as OZ277 raised concerns in terms of its insufficient efficacy against high parasitic loads. Aminoquinoline-based scaffolds such as ferroquine are promising but should be combined with good partner drugs for enhanced efficacy. AQ-13 induced electrocardiac events, which led to prolonged QTc intervals. Tafenoquine, the only new anti-relapse scaffold for patients with a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, has raised significant concerns due to its hemolytic activity. Other compounds, including methylene blue (potential transmission blocker) and fosmidomycin (DXP reductoisomerase inhibitor), are available but cannot be used in children.At this stage, we are unable to identify a single magic bullet against malaria. Future studies should focus on effective single-dose molecules that can act against all stages of malaria in order to prevent transmission. Newer medicines have also raised concerns in terms of efficacy and safety. Overall, more evidence is needed to effectively reduce the current malaria burden. Treatment strategies that target the blood stage with transmission-blocking properties are needed to prevent future drug resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akshaya Srikanth Bhagavathula
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Gondar-College of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Asim Ahmed Elnour
- Pharmacy College, Fatima College of Health Sciences, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates
| | - Abdulla Shehab
- Department of Internal medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
McCarthy JS, Baker M, O'Rourke P, Marquart L, Griffin P, Hooft van Huijsduijnen R, Möhrle JJ. Efficacy of OZ439 (artefenomel) against early Plasmodium falciparum blood-stage malaria infection in healthy volunteers. J Antimicrob Chemother 2016; 71:2620-7. [PMID: 27272721 PMCID: PMC4992851 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkw174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives OZ439, or artefenomel, is an investigational synthetic ozonide antimalarial with similar potency, but a significantly improved pharmacokinetic profile, compared with artemisinins. We wished to measure key pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters and the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationship of artefenomel in humans to guide the drug's further development as combination therapy in patients. Patients and methods We tested artefenomel in the human induced blood-stage malaria (IBSM) model. Plasmodium infection was monitored by quantitative PCR (qPCR) and upon reaching 1000 parasites/mL single doses of 100, 200 and 500 mg of artefenomel were administered orally with evaluation of drug exposure and parasitaemia until rescue treatment after 16 days or earlier, if required. Results A single 100 mg dose had only a transient effect, while the 200 mg dose resulted in a significant reduction in parasitaemia before early recrudescence. At the highest (500 mg) dose, initial clearance of parasites below the limit of detection of qPCR was observed, with a 48 h parasite reduction ratio (PRR48) >10 000 and a parasite clearance half-life of 3.6 h (95% CI 3.4–3.8 h). However, at this dose, recrudescence was seen in four of eight subjects 6–10 days after treatment. Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modelling predicted an MIC of 4.1 ng/mL. Conclusions These results confirm the antimalarial potential of artefenomel for use in a single-exposure combination therapy. The observations from this study support and will assist further clinical development of artefenomel.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James S McCarthy
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Rd, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia University of Queensland, Brisbane, St Lucia, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Mark Baker
- Department of Translational Medicine, Medicines for Malaria Venture, Route de Pré-Bois 20, 1215 Meyrin, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Peter O'Rourke
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Rd, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Louise Marquart
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Rd, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Paul Griffin
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Rd, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia University of Queensland, Brisbane, St Lucia, QLD 4006, Australia QPharm Pty Ltd, Brisbane, 300 Herston Rd, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia Mater Health Services, Raymond Terrace, South Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia
| | - Rob Hooft van Huijsduijnen
- Department of Translational Medicine, Medicines for Malaria Venture, Route de Pré-Bois 20, 1215 Meyrin, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jörg J Möhrle
- Department of Translational Medicine, Medicines for Malaria Venture, Route de Pré-Bois 20, 1215 Meyrin, Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mita T, Tachibana SI, Hashimoto M, Hirai M. Plasmodium falciparum kelch 13: a potential molecular marker for tackling artemisinin-resistant malaria parasites. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2015; 14:125-35. [PMID: 26535806 DOI: 10.1586/14787210.2016.1106938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Although artemisinin combination therapies have been deployed as a first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria in almost all endemic countries, artemisinin-resistant parasites have emerged and have gradually spread across the Greater Mekong subregions. There is growing concern that the resistant parasites may migrate to or emerge indigenously in sub-Saharan Africa, which might provoke a global increase in malaria-associated morbidity and mortality. Therefore, development of molecular markers that enable identification of artemisinin resistance with high sensitivity is urgently required to combat this issue. In 2014, a potential artemisinin-resistance responsible gene, Plasmodium falciparum kelch13, was discovered. Here, we review the genetic features of P. falciparum kelch13 and discuss its related resistant mechanisms and potential as a molecular marker.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Toshihiro Mita
- a Department of Molecular and Cellular Parasitology , Juntendo University School of Medicine , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Shin-Ichiro Tachibana
- a Department of Molecular and Cellular Parasitology , Juntendo University School of Medicine , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Muneaki Hashimoto
- a Department of Molecular and Cellular Parasitology , Juntendo University School of Medicine , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Makoto Hirai
- a Department of Molecular and Cellular Parasitology , Juntendo University School of Medicine , Tokyo , Japan
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Katsuno K, Burrows JN, Duncan K, van Huijsduijnen RH, Kaneko T, Kita K, Mowbray CE, Schmatz D, Warner P, Slingsby BT. Hit and lead criteria in drug discovery for infectious diseases of the developing world. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2015; 14:751-8. [DOI: 10.1038/nrd4683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 329] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
11
|
In vivo curative and protective potential of orally administered 5-aminolevulinic acid plus ferrous ion against malaria. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2015; 59:6960-7. [PMID: 26324278 PMCID: PMC4604406 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01910-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
5-Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is a naturally occurring amino acid present in diverse organisms and a precursor of heme biosynthesis. ALA is commercially available as a component of cosmetics, dietary supplements, and pharmaceuticals for cancer diagnosis and therapy. Recent reports demonstrated that the combination of ALA and ferrous ion (Fe2+) inhibits the in vitro growth of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. To further explore the potential application of ALA and ferrous ion as a combined antimalarial drug for treatment of human malaria, we conducted an in vivo efficacy evaluation. Female C57BL/6J mice were infected with the lethal strain of rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium yoelii 17XL and orally administered ALA plus sodium ferrous citrate (ALA/SFC) as a once-daily treatment. Parasitemia was monitored in the infected mice, and elimination of the parasites was confirmed using diagnostic PCR. Treatment of P. yoelii 17XL-infected mice with ALA/SFC provided curative efficacy in 60% of the mice treated with ALA/SFC at 600/300 mg/kg of body weight; no mice survived when treated with vehicle alone. Interestingly, the cured mice were protected from homologous rechallenge, even when reinfection was attempted more than 230 days after the initial recovery, indicating long-lasting resistance to reinfection with the same parasite. Moreover, parasite-specific antibodies against reported vaccine candidate antigens were found and persisted in the sera of the cured mice. These findings provide clear evidence that ALA/SFC is effective in an experimental animal model of malaria and may facilitate the development of a new class of antimalarial drug.
Collapse
|
12
|
Lau SH, Galván A, Merchant RR, Battilocchio C, Souto JA, Berry MB, Ley SV. Machines vs Malaria: A Flow-Based Preparation of the Drug Candidate OZ439. Org Lett 2015; 17:3218-21. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.5b01307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shing-Hing Lau
- Innovative
Technology Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, U.K
| | - Alicia Galván
- Innovative
Technology Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, U.K
| | - Rohan R. Merchant
- Innovative
Technology Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, U.K
| | - Claudio Battilocchio
- Innovative
Technology Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, U.K
| | - José A. Souto
- Innovative
Technology Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, U.K
- Departamento
de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, 36310, Spain
| | | | - Steven V. Ley
- Innovative
Technology Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, U.K
| |
Collapse
|