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Nemčovičová I, Lopušná K, Štibrániová I, Benedetti F, Berti F, Felluga F, Drioli S, Vidali M, Katrlík J, Pažitná L, Holazová A, Blahutová J, Lenhartová S, Sláviková M, Klempa B, Ondrejovič M, Chmelová D, Legerská B, Miertuš S, Klacsová M, Uhríková D, Kerti L, Frecer V. Identification and evaluation of antiviral activity of novel compounds targeting SARS-CoV-2 virus by enzymatic and antiviral assays, and computational analysis. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2024; 39:2301772. [PMID: 38221792 PMCID: PMC10791089 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2024.2301772] [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: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The viral genome of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, the aetiologic agent of COVID-19, encodes structural, non-structural, and accessory proteins. Most of these components undergo rapid genetic variations, though to a lesser extent the essential viral proteases. Consequently, the protease and/or deubiquitinase activities of the cysteine proteases Mpro and PLpro became attractive targets for the design of antiviral agents. Here, we develop and evaluate new bis(benzylidene)cyclohexanones (BBC) and identify potential antiviral compounds. Three compounds were found to be effective in reducing the SARS-CoV-2 load, with EC50 values in the low micromolar concentration range. However, these compounds also exhibited inhibitory activity IC50 against PLpro at approximately 10-fold higher micromolar concentrations. Although originally developed as PLpro inhibitors, the comparison between IC50 and EC50 of BBC indicates that the mechanism of their in vitro antiviral activity is probably not directly related to inhibition of viral cysteine proteases. In conclusion, our study has identified new potential noncytotoxic antiviral compounds suitable for in vivo testing and further improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Nemčovičová
- Biomedical Research Center, Institute of Virology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Katarína Lopušná
- Biomedical Research Center, Institute of Virology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Iveta Štibrániová
- Biomedical Research Center, Institute of Virology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Fabio Benedetti
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Federico Berti
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Fulvia Felluga
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Sara Drioli
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Mattia Vidali
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Jaroslav Katrlík
- Institute of Chemistry, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lucia Pažitná
- Institute of Chemistry, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Alena Holazová
- Institute of Chemistry, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jana Blahutová
- Institute of Chemistry, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Simona Lenhartová
- Biomedical Research Center, Institute of Virology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Monika Sláviková
- Biomedical Research Center, Institute of Virology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Boris Klempa
- Biomedical Research Center, Institute of Virology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Miroslav Ondrejovič
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava, Trnava, Slovakia
- ICARST n.o, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Daniela Chmelová
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava, Trnava, Slovakia
| | - Barbora Legerská
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava, Trnava, Slovakia
| | - Stanislav Miertuš
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava, Trnava, Slovakia
- ICARST n.o, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Mária Klacsová
- Department of Physical Chemistry of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Daniela Uhríková
- Department of Physical Chemistry of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lukáš Kerti
- Department of Physical Chemistry of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Vladimír Frecer
- Department of Physical Chemistry of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
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Chan JFW, Yuan S, Chu H, Sridhar S, Yuen KY. COVID-19 drug discovery and treatment options. Nat Rev Microbiol 2024; 22:391-407. [PMID: 38622352 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-024-01036-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused substantial morbidity and mortality, and serious social and economic disruptions worldwide. Unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated older individuals with underlying diseases are especially prone to severe disease. In patients with non-fatal disease, long COVID affecting multiple body systems may persist for months. Unlike SARS-CoV and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, which have either been mitigated or remained geographically restricted, SARS-CoV-2 has disseminated globally and is likely to continue circulating in humans with possible emergence of new variants that may render vaccines less effective. Thus, safe, effective and readily available COVID-19 therapeutics are urgently needed. In this Review, we summarize the major drug discovery approaches, preclinical antiviral evaluation models, representative virus-targeting and host-targeting therapeutic options, and key therapeutics currently in clinical use for COVID-19. Preparedness against future coronavirus pandemics relies not only on effective vaccines but also on broad-spectrum antivirals targeting conserved viral components or universal host targets, and new therapeutics that can precisely modulate the immune response during infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasper Fuk-Woo Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
- Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Shatin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Shuofeng Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
- Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Shatin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Hin Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
- Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Shatin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Siddharth Sridhar
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Kwok-Yung Yuen
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
- Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China.
- Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Shatin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
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Ferdoush J, Abdul Kadir R, Simay Kaplanoglu S, Osborn M. SARS-CoV-2 and UPS with potentials for therapeutic interventions. Gene 2024; 912:148377. [PMID: 38490508 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148377] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
The Ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS), an essential eukaryotic/host/cellular post-translational modification (PTM), plays a critical role in the regulation of diverse cellular functions including regulation of protein stability, immune signaling, antiviral activity, as well as virus replication. Although UPS regulation of viral proteins may be utilized by the host as a defense mechanism to invade viruses, viruses may have adapted to take advantage of the host UPS. This system can be manipulated by viruses such as the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to stimulate various steps of the viral replication cycle and facilitate pathogenesis, thereby causing the respiratory disease COVID-19. Many SARS-CoV-2 encoded proteins including open reading frame 3a (ORF3a), ORF6, ORF7a, ORF9b, and ORF10 interact with the host's UPS machinery, influencing host immune signaling and apoptosis. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2 encoded papain-like protease (PLpro) interferes with the host UPS to facilitate viral replication and to evade the host's immune system. These alterations in SARS-CoV-2 infected cells have been revealed by various proteomic studies, suggesting potential targets for clinical treatment. To provide insight into the underlying causes of COVID-19 and suggest possible directions for therapeutic interventions, this paper reviews the intricate relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and UPS. Promising treatment strategies are also investigated in this paper including targeting PLpro with zinc-ejector drugs, as well as targeting viral non-structural protein (nsp12) via heat treatment associated ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation to reduce viral pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jannatul Ferdoush
- Department of Biology, Geology, and Environmental Science, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga 615 McCallie Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37403, USA.
| | - Rizwaan Abdul Kadir
- Department of Biology, Geology, and Environmental Science, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga 615 McCallie Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37403, USA
| | - Selin Simay Kaplanoglu
- Department of Biology, Geology, and Environmental Science, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga 615 McCallie Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37403, USA
| | - Morgan Osborn
- Department of Biology, Geology, and Environmental Science, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga 615 McCallie Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37403, USA
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Qin B, Wu C, Zhao B, Li G, Wang B, Ou M, Li Z, Lang X, Li P, Liu J, Cui S, Huang H. Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of 1,2,4-Oxadiazole Derivatives Containing an Aryl Carboxylic Acid Moiety as Potent Sarbecovirus Papain-like Protease Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 38871484 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Papain-like protease (PLpro) is a promising therapeutic target for its pivotal role in the life cycle of SARS-CoV-2. A series of 1,2,4-oxadiazole derivatives was designed and synthesized via a ring formation strategy based on SARS-CoV-2 PLpro-GRL0617 complex structure. Systematic structure-activity relationship studies revealed that introducing oxadiazole and aryl carboxylic acid moieties to GRL0617 enhanced the enzymatic inhibition activity, affinity, and deubiquitination capacity toward PLpro. 1,2,4-Oxadiazole compounds 13f and 26r, which had PLpro inhibition activity (IC50 = 1.8 and 1.0 μM) and antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 (EC50 = 5.4 and 4.3 μM), exhibited good metabolic stability (t1/2 > 93.2 min) and higher plasma exposure (AUC0-t = 17,380.08 and 24,289.76 ng·h/mL) in mice. Especially, compound 26r with moderate oral bioavailability of 39.1% and potent antiviral activity is worthy of further studies in vivo. Our findings provide a new insight for the discovery of antiviral agents targeting PLpro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Qin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, National Institute of Pathogen Biology, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, P. R. China
| | - Chengwei Wu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substance Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100050, P. R. China
| | - Binbin Zhao
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Animal Models, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Center, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, P. R. China
| | - Gang Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substance Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100050, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, P. R. China
| | - Baolian Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substance Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100050, P. R. China
| | - Mengdie Ou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, National Institute of Pathogen Biology, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, P. R. China
| | - Ziheng Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, National Institute of Pathogen Biology, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, P. R. China
| | - Xuli Lang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substance Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100050, P. R. China
| | - Peng Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substance Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100050, P. R. China
| | - Jiangning Liu
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Animal Models, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Center, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, P. R. China
| | - Sheng Cui
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, National Institute of Pathogen Biology, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, P. R. China
| | - Haihong Huang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substance Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100050, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, P. R. China
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Nian Z, Mao Y, Xu Z, Deng M, Xu Y, Xu H, Chen R, Xu Y, Huang N, Mao F, Xu C, Wang Y, Niu M, Chen A, Xue X, Zhang H, Guo G. Multi-omics analysis uncovered systemic lupus erythematosus and COVID-19 crosstalk. Mol Med 2024; 30:81. [PMID: 38862942 PMCID: PMC11167821 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-024-00851-6] [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: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have highlighted a possible crosstalk between the pathogeneses of COVID-19 and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); however, the interactive mechanisms remain unclear. We aimed to elucidate the impact of COVID-19 on SLE using clinical information and the underlying mechanisms of both diseases. METHODS RNA-seq datasets were used to identify shared hub gene signatures between COVID-19 and SLE, while genome-wide association study datasets were used to delineate the interaction mechanisms of the key signaling pathways. Finally, single-cell RNA-seq datasets were used to determine the primary target cells expressing the shared hub genes and key signaling pathways. RESULTS COVID-19 may affect patients with SLE through hematologic involvement and exacerbated inflammatory responses. We identified 14 shared hub genes between COVID-19 and SLE that were significantly associated with interferon (IFN)-I/II. We also screened and obtained four core transcription factors related to these hub genes, confirming the regulatory role of the IFN-I/II-mediated Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT) signaling pathway on these hub genes. Further, SLE and COVID-19 can interact via IFN-I/II and IFN-I/II receptors, promoting the levels of monokines, including interleukin (IL)-6/10, tumor necrosis factor-α, and IFN-γ, and elevating the incidence rate and risk of cytokine release syndrome. Therefore, in SLE and COVID-19, both hub genes and core TFs are enriched within monocytes/macrophages. CONCLUSIONS The interaction between SLE and COVID-19 promotes the activation of the IFN-I/II-triggered JAK-STAT signaling pathway in monocytes/macrophages. These findings provide a new direction and rationale for diagnosing and treating patients with SLE-COVID-19 comorbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zekai Nian
- Second Clinical College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yicheng Mao
- Ophthalmology College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zexia Xu
- Department of Nephrology, First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ming Deng
- Public Health and Management College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yixi Xu
- School of Public Administration, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hanlu Xu
- Ophthalmology College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ruoyao Chen
- Second Clinical College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yiliu Xu
- Research Center of Fluid Machinery Engineering and Technology, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Nan Huang
- Public Health and Management College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Feiyang Mao
- Second Clinical College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chenyu Xu
- Wenzhou Collaborative Innovation Center of Gastrointestinal Cancer in Basic Research and Precision Medicine, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Cancer-Related Pathogens and Immunity, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yulin Wang
- Public Health and Management College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Mengyuan Niu
- Wenzhou Collaborative Innovation Center of Gastrointestinal Cancer in Basic Research and Precision Medicine, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Cancer-Related Pathogens and Immunity, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Aqiong Chen
- Department of Rheumatology, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Xiangyang Xue
- Wenzhou Collaborative Innovation Center of Gastrointestinal Cancer in Basic Research and Precision Medicine, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Cancer-Related Pathogens and Immunity, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
| | - Huidi Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
| | - Gangqiang Guo
- Wenzhou Collaborative Innovation Center of Gastrointestinal Cancer in Basic Research and Precision Medicine, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Cancer-Related Pathogens and Immunity, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
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Cerdeira Ferreira LM, Lima D, Marcolino-Junior LH, Bergamini MF, Kuss S, Campanhã Vicentini F. Cutting-edge biorecognition strategies to boost the detection performance of COVID-19 electrochemical biosensors: A review. Bioelectrochemistry 2024; 157:108632. [PMID: 38181592 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2023.108632] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Electrochemical biosensors are known for their high sensitivity, selectivity, and low cost. Recently, they have gained significant attention and became particularly important as promising tools for the detection of COVID-19 biomarkers, since they offer a rapid and accurate means of diagnosis. Biorecognition strategies are a crucial component of electrochemical biosensors and determine their specificity and sensitivity based on the interaction of biological molecules, such as antibodies, enzymes, and DNA, with target analytes (e.g., viral particles, proteins and genetic material) to create a measurable signal. Different biorecognition strategies have been developed to enhance the performance of electrochemical biosensors, including direct, competitive, and sandwich binding, alongside nucleic acid hybridization mechanisms and gene editing systems. In this review article, we present the different strategies used in electrochemical biosensors to target SARS-CoV-2 and other COVID-19 biomarkers, as well as explore the advantages and disadvantages of each strategy and highlight recent progress in this field. Additionally, we discuss the challenges associated with developing electrochemical biosensors for clinical COVID-19 diagnosis and their widespread commercialization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Marcos Cerdeira Ferreira
- Center of Nature Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos, Rod. Lauri Simões de Barros km 12, 18290-000, Buri, SP, Brazil; Laboratory of Electrochemical Sensors (LabSensE) Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Paraná, 81.531-980, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Dhésmon Lima
- Laboratory for Bioanalytics and Electrochemical Sensing (LBES), Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, 144 Dysart Road, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada.
| | - Luiz Humberto Marcolino-Junior
- Laboratory of Electrochemical Sensors (LabSensE) Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Paraná, 81.531-980, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Marcio Fernando Bergamini
- Laboratory of Electrochemical Sensors (LabSensE) Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Paraná, 81.531-980, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Sabine Kuss
- Laboratory for Bioanalytics and Electrochemical Sensing (LBES), Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, 144 Dysart Road, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Fernando Campanhã Vicentini
- Center of Nature Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos, Rod. Lauri Simões de Barros km 12, 18290-000, Buri, SP, Brazil.
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7
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van Vliet VJE, De Silva A, Mark BL, Kikkert M. Viral deubiquitinating proteases and the promising strategies of their inhibition. Virus Res 2024; 344:199368. [PMID: 38588924 PMCID: PMC11025011 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2024.199368] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Several viruses are now known to code for deubiquitinating proteases in their genomes. Ubiquitination is an essential post-translational modification of cellular substrates involved in many processes in the cell, including in innate immune signalling. This post-translational modification is regulated by the ubiquitin conjugation machinery, as well as various host deubiquitinating enzymes. The conjugation of ubiquitin chains to several innate immune related factors is often needed to induce downstream signalling, shaping the antiviral response. Viral deubiquitinating proteins, besides often having a primary function in the viral replication cycle by cleaving the viral polyprotein, are also able to cleave ubiquitin chains from such host substrates, in that way exerting a function in innate immune evasion. The presence of viral deubiquitinating enzymes has been firmly established for numerous animal-infecting viruses, such as some well-researched and clinically important nidoviruses, and their presence has now been confirmed in several plant viruses as well. Viral proteases in general have long been highlighted as promising drug targets, with a current focus on small molecule inhibitors. In this review, we will discuss the range of viral deubiquitinating proteases known to date, summarise the various avenues explored to inhibit such proteases and discuss novel strategies and models intended to inhibit and study these specific viral enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera J E van Vliet
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Center of Infectious Diseases (LU-CID), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, South Holland, the Netherlands; The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Anuradha De Silva
- Department of Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Brian L Mark
- Department of Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Marjolein Kikkert
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Center of Infectious Diseases (LU-CID), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, South Holland, the Netherlands.
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Li S, Li H, Lian R, Xie J, Feng R. New perspective of small-molecule antiviral drugs development for RNA viruses. Virology 2024; 594:110042. [PMID: 38492519 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2024.110042] [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: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
High variability and adaptability of RNA viruses allows them to spread between humans and animals, causing large-scale infectious diseases which seriously threat human and animal health and social development. At present, AIDS, viral hepatitis and other viral diseases with high incidence and low cure rate are still spreading around the world. The outbreaks of Ebola, Zika, dengue and in particular of the global pandemic of COVID-19 have presented serious challenges to the global public health system. The development of highly effective and broad-spectrum antiviral drugs is a substantial and urgent research subject to deal with the current RNA virus infection and the possible new viral infections in the future. In recent years, with the rapid development of modern disciplines such as artificial intelligence technology, bioinformatics, molecular biology, and structural biology, some new strategies and targets for antivirals development have emerged. Here we review the main strategies and new targets for developing small-molecule antiviral drugs against RNA viruses through the analysis of the new drug development progress against several highly pathogenic RNA viruses, to provide clues for development of future antivirals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shasha Li
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, 730030, China; Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bioengineering of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Huixia Li
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bioengineering of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Ruiya Lian
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, 730030, China; Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bioengineering of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Jingying Xie
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, 730030, China; Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bioengineering of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Ruofei Feng
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bioengineering of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, 730030, China.
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Hoenigsperger H, Sivarajan R, Sparrer KM. Differences and similarities between innate immune evasion strategies of human coronaviruses. Curr Opin Microbiol 2024; 79:102466. [PMID: 38555743 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2024.102466] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
So far, seven coronaviruses have emerged in humans. Four recurring endemic coronaviruses cause mild respiratory symptoms. Infections with epidemic Middle East respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-1 are associated with high mortality rates. SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. To establish an infection, coronaviruses evade restriction by human innate immune defenses, such as the interferon system, autophagy and the inflammasome. Here, we review similar and distinct innate immune manipulation strategies employed by the seven human coronaviruses. We further discuss the impact on pathogenesis, zoonotic emergence and adaptation. Understanding the nature of the interplay between endemic/epidemic/pandemic coronaviruses and host defenses may help to better assess the pandemic potential of emerging coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helene Hoenigsperger
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Rinu Sivarajan
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
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10
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Verma VK, Yadav R, Beevi SS, Mohod AS, Mancharla S, Damodar N, Darapuneni RC, Reddy SG, Upendram P, Salt MN, Kulkarni P, Sahu S, Bollineni BR. Differential host responses to COVID-19: Unraveling the complexity. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 109:116281. [PMID: 38537507 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2024.116281] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/30/2024]
Abstract
These diverse outcomes of Covid-19 are influenced by various factors including age, gender, underlying health conditions, immune responses, viral variants, external factors, and overall quality of life. Demographic analysis of patients aged 0-18 years experienced mild to moderate cases, above 55 years with co-morbidities, were more severely affected.COVID-19 incidence was higher in males (58 %) & (42 %) in females. The reduced expression of Toll-like receptors (TLR) in severe and critical patients is a crucial determinant. This reduced TLR expression is primarily attributed to the dominance of the PLpro viral protein of COVID-19. Disease enrichment analysis highlights the long-term impact of COVID-19, which can lead to post-recovery complications such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiac diseases, and brain ischemia in Covid-19 patients. In conclusion, a comprehensive strategy targeting key factors like PLpro, TLR, and inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1 and IL-6 could offer an effective approach to mitigate the devastating effects of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinod Kumar Verma
- KIMS Foundation and Research Centre, KIMS Hospital, Minister Road, Secunderabad, Telangana, India.
| | - Rahul Yadav
- KIMS Foundation and Research Centre, KIMS Hospital, Minister Road, Secunderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Syed Sultan Beevi
- KIMS Foundation and Research Centre, KIMS Hospital, Minister Road, Secunderabad, Telangana, India.
| | - Annie S Mohod
- KIMS Foundation and Research Centre, KIMS Hospital, Minister Road, Secunderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Shravya Mancharla
- KIMS Foundation and Research Centre, KIMS Hospital, Minister Road, Secunderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Neha Damodar
- KIMS Foundation and Research Centre, KIMS Hospital, Minister Road, Secunderabad, Telangana, India
| | | | - Sukurtha Gopal Reddy
- Diagnostics Division, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Minister Road, Secunderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Pavani Upendram
- Department of Genetics, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Minister Road, Secunderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Mohammad Nawaz Salt
- Department of Pulmonology, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Minister Road, Secunderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Praveen Kulkarni
- Department of Internal Medicine, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Minister Road, Secunderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Sambit Sahu
- Department of Critical care, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Minister Road, Secunderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Bhaskar Rao Bollineni
- KIMS Foundation and Research Centre, KIMS Hospital, Minister Road, Secunderabad, Telangana, India
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11
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Kiba Y, Tanikawa T, Hayashi T, Yokogawa T, Sano A, Suzuki R, Kitamura M. Inhibitory effects of senkyuchachosan on SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease activity in vitro. J Nat Med 2024; 78:784-791. [PMID: 38512650 DOI: 10.1007/s11418-024-01788-0] [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: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Papain-like protease (PLpro) enzyme plays a vital role in viral replication as it breaks down polyproteins and disrupts the host's immune response. There are few reports on Kampo formulas that focus on PLpro activity. In this study, we evaluated the inhibitory effects of senkyuchachosan, a traditional Japanese medicine, on PLpro of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for causing COVID-19. We purified the PLpro enzyme and conducted in vitro enzymatic assays using specific substrates. Among the nine crude drugs present in senkyuchachosan, four (Cyperi Rhizoma, Schizonepetae Spica, Menthae Herba, and Camelliae sinensis Folium [CsF]) strongly inhibited PLpro activity. CsF, derived from Camellia sinensis (green tea), contains polyphenols, including catechins and tannins. To confirm that the PLpro inhibitory effects of senkyuchachosan predominantly stem from tannins, the tannins were removed from the decoction using polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP). The inhibitory effect of senkyuchachosan on PLpro activity was reduced by the removal of PVPP. In addition, the tannin fraction obtained from the CsF extracts showed significant PLpro inhibitory effects. These findings lay the groundwork for the potential development of therapeutic agents that target SARS-CoV-2 infection by intervening in proteolytic cleavage of the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Kiba
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai University, 1-1, Keyakidai, Sakado, Saitama, 350-0295, Japan
| | - Takashi Tanikawa
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai University, 1-1, Keyakidai, Sakado, Saitama, 350-0295, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Hayashi
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takami Yokogawa
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai University, 1-1, Keyakidai, Sakado, Saitama, 350-0295, Japan
| | - Aiko Sano
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai University, 1-1, Keyakidai, Sakado, Saitama, 350-0295, Japan
| | - Ryuichiro Suzuki
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai University, 1-1, Keyakidai, Sakado, Saitama, 350-0295, Japan
| | - Masashi Kitamura
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai University, 1-1, Keyakidai, Sakado, Saitama, 350-0295, Japan.
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12
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Dai B, Ji W, Zhu P, Han S, Chen Y, Jin Y. Update on Omicron variant and its threat to vulnerable populations. PUBLIC HEALTH IN PRACTICE 2024; 7:100494. [PMID: 38584806 PMCID: PMC10998192 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100494] [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: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To reduce the incidence of severe illness and fatalities, and promote the awareness of protection and precaution, increased vaccination, strengthen the physical fitness, frequent ventilation, and health education should be enhanced among vulnerable populations as essential measures for the future control of COVID-19. Study design Systematic review. Method The search was done using PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science for studies without language restrictions, published up through March 2023, since their authoritative and comprehensive literature search database. Eighty articles were included. Extraction of articles and quality assessment of included reviews was performed independently by two authors using the AMSTAR 2 score. Results The articles in the final data set included research on epidemiological characteristics, pathogenicity, available vaccines, treatments and epidemiological features in special populations including the elders, pregnant women, kids, people with chronic diseases concerning Omicron. Conclusion Although less pathogenic potential is found in Omicron, highly mutated forms have enhanced the ability of immune evasion and resistance to existing vaccines compared with former variants. Severe complications and outcomes may occur in vulnerable populations. Infected pregnant women are more likely to give birth prematurely, and fatal implications in children infected with Omicron are hyperimmune response and severe neurological disorders. In immunocompromised patients, there is a greater reported mortality and complication compared to patients with normal immune systems. Therefore, maintain social distancing, wear masks, and receive vaccinations are effective long-term measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Dai
- Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Wangquan Ji
- Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Peiyu Zhu
- Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Shujie Han
- Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Yuefei Jin
- Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
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13
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Andronov L, Han M, Zhu Y, Balaji A, Roy AR, Barentine AES, Patel P, Garhyan J, Qi LS, Moerner WE. Nanoscale cellular organization of viral RNA and proteins in SARS-CoV-2 replication organelles. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4644. [PMID: 38821943 PMCID: PMC11143195 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48991-x] [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: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 viral infection transforms host cells and produces special organelles in many ways, and we focus on the replication organelles, the sites of replication of viral genomic RNA (vgRNA). To date, the precise cellular localization of key RNA molecules and replication intermediates has been elusive in electron microscopy studies. We use super-resolution fluorescence microscopy and specific labeling to reveal the nanoscopic organization of replication organelles that contain numerous vgRNA molecules along with the replication enzymes and clusters of viral double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). We show that the replication organelles are organized differently at early and late stages of infection. Surprisingly, vgRNA accumulates into distinct globular clusters in the cytoplasmic perinuclear region, which grow and accommodate more vgRNA molecules as infection time increases. The localization of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) markers and nsp3 (a component of the double-membrane vesicle, DMV) at the periphery of the vgRNA clusters suggests that replication organelles are encapsulated into DMVs, which have membranes derived from the host ER. These organelles merge into larger vesicle packets as infection advances. Precise co-imaging of the nanoscale cellular organization of vgRNA, dsRNA, and viral proteins in replication organelles of SARS-CoV-2 may inform therapeutic approaches that target viral replication and associated processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonid Andronov
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Mengting Han
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Yanyu Zhu
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Ashwin Balaji
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Biophysics PhD Program; Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Anish R Roy
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | | | - Puja Patel
- In Vitro Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) Service Center, School of Medicine; Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Jaishree Garhyan
- In Vitro Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) Service Center, School of Medicine; Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Lei S Qi
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Sarafan ChEM-H; Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.
| | - W E Moerner
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Sarafan ChEM-H; Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
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14
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Yang Y, Li F, Du L. Therapeutic nanobodies against SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogenic human coronaviruses. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:304. [PMID: 38822339 PMCID: PMC11140877 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02573-7] [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: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Nanobodies, single-domain antibodies derived from variable domain of camelid or shark heavy-chain antibodies, have unique properties with small size, strong binding affinity, easy construction in versatile formats, high neutralizing activity, protective efficacy, and manufactural capacity on a large-scale. Nanobodies have been arisen as an effective research tool for development of nanobiotechnologies with a variety of applications. Three highly pathogenic coronaviruses (CoVs), SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, and MERS-CoV, have caused serious outbreaks or a global pandemic, and continue to post a threat to public health worldwide. The viral spike (S) protein and its cognate receptor-binding domain (RBD), which initiate viral entry and play a critical role in virus pathogenesis, are important therapeutic targets. This review describes pathogenic human CoVs, including viral structures and proteins, and S protein-mediated viral entry process. It also summarizes recent advances in development of nanobodies targeting these CoVs, focusing on those targeting the S protein and RBD. Finally, we discuss potential strategies to improve the efficacy of nanobodies against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants and other CoVs with pandemic potential. It will provide important information for rational design and evaluation of therapeutic agents against emerging and reemerging pathogens.
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MESH Headings
- Single-Domain Antibodies/immunology
- Single-Domain Antibodies/pharmacology
- Single-Domain Antibodies/therapeutic use
- Single-Domain Antibodies/chemistry
- Humans
- SARS-CoV-2/immunology
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/immunology
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/chemistry
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/metabolism
- Animals
- COVID-19/virology
- COVID-19/immunology
- COVID-19/therapy
- Coronavirus Infections/drug therapy
- Coronavirus Infections/immunology
- Coronavirus Infections/virology
- Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus/immunology
- Virus Internalization/drug effects
- Pandemics
- Betacoronavirus/immunology
- Antibodies, Viral/immunology
- Antibodies, Viral/therapeutic use
- Pneumonia, Viral/drug therapy
- Pneumonia, Viral/virology
- Pneumonia, Viral/immunology
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus/immunology
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/therapeutic use
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Fang Li
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
- Center for Coronavirus Research, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | - Lanying Du
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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15
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Bonacci T, Bolhuis DL, Brown NG, Emanuele MJ. Mechanisms of USP18 deISGylation revealed by comparative analysis with its human paralog USP41. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.28.596309. [PMID: 38853827 PMCID: PMC11160589 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.28.596309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
The ubiquitin-like protein ISG15 (interferon-stimulated gene 15) regulates the host response to bacterial and viral infections through its conjugation to proteins (ISGylation) following interferon production. ISGylation is antagonized by the highly specific cysteine protease USP18, which is the major deISGylating enzyme. However, mechanisms underlying USP18's extraordinary specificity towards ISG15 remains elusive. Here, we show that USP18 interacts with its paralog USP41, whose catalytic domain shares 97% identity with USP18. However, USP41 does not act as a deISGylase, which led us to perform a comparative analysis to decipher the basis for this difference, revealing molecular determinants of USP18's specificity towards ISG15. We found that USP18 C-terminus, as well as a conserved Leucine at position 198, are essential for its enzymatic activity and likely act as functional surfaces based on AlphaFold predictions. Finally, we propose that USP41 antagonizes conjugation of the understudied ubiquitin-like protein FAT10 (HLA-F adjacent transcript 10) from substrates in a catalytic-independent manner. Altogether, our results offer new insights into USP18's specificity towards ISG15, while identifying USP41 as a negative regulator of FAT10 conjugation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Bonacci
- Department of Pharmacology and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Derek L Bolhuis
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Nicholas G Brown
- Department of Pharmacology and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Michael J Emanuele
- Department of Pharmacology and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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16
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Qin Y, Wang M, Meng X, Wang M, Jiang H, Gao Y, Li J, Zhao C, Han C, Zhao W, Zheng X. ISGylation by HERCs facilitates STING activation. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114135. [PMID: 38652662 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114135] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Optimal activation of stimulator of interferon genes (STING) protein is crucial for host defenses against pathogens and avoiding detrimental effects. Various post-translational modifications control STING activity. However, the function of interferon (IFN)-stimulated gene (ISG) 15 modification (ISGylation) in controlling STING stability and activation is unclear. Here, we show that the E3 ISGylation ligases HECT domain- and RCC1-like domain-containing proteins (HERCs; HERC5 in humans and HERC6 in mice) facilitate STING activation by mediating ISGylation of STING at K150, preventing its K48-linked ubiquitination and degradation. Concordantly, Herc6 deficiency suppresses herpes simplex virus 1 infection-induced type I IFN responses and facilitates viral replication both in vitro and in vivo. Notably, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 protein papain-like protease cleaves HERC5-mediated ISGylation of STING, suppressing host antiviral responses. These data identify a mechanism by which HERCs-mediated ISGylation controls STING stability and activation and uncover the correlations and interactions of ISGylation and ubiquitination during STING activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Qin
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Chinese Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province, School of Basic Medical Science, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xintong Meng
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Chinese Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province, School of Basic Medical Science, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Mengge Wang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Chinese Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province, School of Basic Medical Science, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Haojia Jiang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Chinese Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province, School of Basic Medical Science, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yanjie Gao
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Chinese Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province, School of Basic Medical Science, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jingxin Li
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Chinese Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province, School of Basic Medical Science, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Chunyuan Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Chinese Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province, School of Basic Medical Science, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Chaofeng Han
- Department of Histology and Embryology and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Chinese Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province, School of Basic Medical Science, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China; Department of Histology and Embryology and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xuexing Zheng
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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17
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Liang JJ, Pitsillou E, Lau HLY, Mccubbery CP, Gan H, Hung A, Karagiannis TC. Utilization of the EpiMed Coronabank Chemical Collection to identify potential SARS-CoV-2 antivirals: in silico studies targeting the nsp14 ExoN domain and PL pro naphthalene binding site. J Mol Graph Model 2024; 131:108803. [PMID: 38815531 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2024.108803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) genome encodes 29 proteins including four structural, 16 nonstructural (nsps), and nine accessory proteins (https://epimedlab.org/sars-cov-2-proteome/). Many of these proteins contain potential targetable sites for the development of antivirals. Despite the widespread use of vaccinations, the emergence of variants necessitates the investigation of new therapeutics and antivirals. Here, the EpiMed Coronabank Chemical Collection (https://epimedlab.org/crl/) was utilized to investigate potential antivirals against the nsp14 exoribonuclease (ExoN) domain. Molecular docking was performed to evaluate the binding characteristics of our chemical library against the nsp14 ExoN site. Based on the initial screen, trisjuglone, ararobinol, corilagin, and naphthofluorescein were identified as potential lead compounds. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were subsequently performed, with the results highlighting the stability of the lead compounds in the nsp14 ExoN site. Protein-RNA docking revealed the potential for the lead compounds to disrupt the interaction with RNA when bound to the ExoN site. Moreover, hypericin, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, and rutin were previously identified as lead compounds targeting the papain-like protease (PLpro) naphthalene binding site. Through performing MD simulations, the stability and interactions of lead compounds with PLpro were further examined. Overall, given the critical role of the exonuclease activity of nsp14 in ensuring viral fidelity and the multifunctional role of PLpro in viral pathobiology and replication, these nsps represent important targets for antiviral drug development. Our databases can be utilized for in silico studies, such as the ones performed here, and this approach can be applied to other potentially druggable SARS-CoV-2 protein targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia J Liang
- Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED Polytechnic, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia; School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3001, Australia; Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Program, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Road, Prahran, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Eleni Pitsillou
- Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED Polytechnic, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia; School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3001, Australia
| | - Hannah L Y Lau
- Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED Polytechnic, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Cian P Mccubbery
- Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED Polytechnic, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Hockxuen Gan
- Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED Polytechnic, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Andrew Hung
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3001, Australia
| | - Tom C Karagiannis
- Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED Polytechnic, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia; Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Program, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Road, Prahran, VIC, 3004, Australia; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia; Department of Clinical Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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18
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Mukerjee N, Maitra S, Ghosh A, Alexiou A, Thorat ND. Exosome-mediated PROTAC delivery for treatment of RNA viral infections and zoonoses. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:104044. [PMID: 38796097 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.104044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
The increase in diseases caused by RNA viruses, such as influenza, severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), and Ebola, presents a growing global health challenge as well as the threat of zoonosis. Traditional antiviral treatments are often undermined by fast-mutating viruses, drug resistance, and newly emerging pathogens. Here, we explore proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), a novel protein degradation machinery that has the potential to reshape the way in which RNA viral infections can be managed. PROTACs excel at specifically degrading pathogenic proteins, offering a targeted and efficient antiviral strategy. We also investigate the potential of exosome-based diagnostic technologies, which harness cell-derived nanovesicles for non-invasive sampling and early viral infection detection. Addressing the challenge of PROTAC delivery, we introduce a groundbreaking strategy utilizing exosomes to deliver PROTACs with improved precision and as a targeted delivery vehicle. Integrating these innovative strategies provides a novel approach to combat RNA zoonotic viral diseases, paving the way for a new era in antiviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobendu Mukerjee
- Center for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, India.
| | - Swastika Maitra
- Department of Microbiology, Adamas University, Barasat, Kolkata 700126, India
| | - Arabinda Ghosh
- Department of Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics, Tripura University (A Central University), Suryamaninagar 799022, Tripura, India.
| | | | - Nanasaheb D Thorat
- Department of Physics and Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Castletroy V94T9PX, Ireland; Limerick Digital Cancer Research Centre (LDCRC) University of Limerick, Castletroy V94T9PX, Ireland.
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19
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Gayatri, Brewitz L, Ibbotson L, Salah E, Basak S, Choudhry H, Schofield CJ. Thiophene-fused γ-lactams inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 main protease via reversible covalent acylation. Chem Sci 2024; 15:7667-7678. [PMID: 38784729 PMCID: PMC11110133 DOI: 10.1039/d4sc01027b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Enzyme inhibitors working by O-acylation of nucleophilic serine residues are of immense medicinal importance, as exemplified by the β-lactam antibiotics. By contrast, inhibition of nucleophilic cysteine enzymes by S-acylation has not been widely exploited for medicinal applications. The SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) is a nucleophilic cysteine protease and a validated therapeutic target for COVID-19 treatment using small-molecule inhibitors. The clinically used Mpro inhibitors nirmatrelvir and simnotrelvir work via reversible covalent reaction of their electrophilic nitrile with the Mpro nucleophilic cysteine (Cys145). We report combined structure activity relationship and mass spectrometric studies revealing that appropriately functionalized γ-lactams can potently inhibit Mpro by reversible covalent reaction with Cys145 of Mpro. The results suggest that γ-lactams have potential as electrophilic warheads for development of covalently reacting small-molecule inhibitors of Mpro and, by implication, other nucleophilic cysteine enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayatri
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University of Oxford 12 Mansfield Road OX1 3TA Oxford UK
| | - Lennart Brewitz
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University of Oxford 12 Mansfield Road OX1 3TA Oxford UK
| | - Lewis Ibbotson
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University of Oxford 12 Mansfield Road OX1 3TA Oxford UK
| | - Eidarus Salah
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University of Oxford 12 Mansfield Road OX1 3TA Oxford UK
| | - Shyam Basak
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University of Oxford 12 Mansfield Road OX1 3TA Oxford UK
| | - Hani Choudhry
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Artificial Intelligence in Precision Medicines, King Abdulaziz University Jeddah Saudi Arabia
| | - Christopher J Schofield
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University of Oxford 12 Mansfield Road OX1 3TA Oxford UK
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20
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Sabadini G, Mellado M, Morales C, Mella J. Arylamines QSAR-Based Design and Molecular Dynamics of New Phenylthiophene and Benzimidazole Derivatives with Affinity for the C111, Y268, and H73 Sites of SARS-CoV-2 PLpro Enzyme. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:606. [PMID: 38794177 PMCID: PMC11124164 DOI: 10.3390/ph17050606] [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: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
A non-structural SARS-CoV-2 protein, PLpro, is involved in post-translational modifications in cells, allowing the evasion of antiviral immune response mechanisms. In this study, potential PLpro inhibitory drugs were designed using QSAR, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics. A combined QSAR equation with physicochemical and Free-Wilson descriptors was formulated. The r2, q2, and r2test values were 0.833, 0.770, and 0.721, respectively. From the equation, it was found that the presence of an aromatic ring and a basic nitrogen atom is crucial for obtaining good antiviral activity. Then, a series of structures for the binding sites of C111, Y268, and H73 of PLpro were created. The best compounds were found to exhibit pIC50 values of 9.124 and docking scoring values of -14 kcal/mol. The stability of the compounds in the cavities was confirmed by molecular dynamics studies. A high number of stable contacts and good interactions over time were exhibited by the aryl-thiophenes Pred14 and Pred15, making them potential antiviral candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianfranco Sabadini
- Instituto de Química y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Av. Gran Bretaña 1111, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile;
| | - Marco Mellado
- Instituto de Investigación y Postgrado, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Central de Chile, Santiago 8330507, Chile
| | - César Morales
- Laboratorio de Materiales Funcionales, Centro Integrativo de Biología y Química Aplicada (CIBQA), Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Bernardo OHiggins, General Gana 1702, Santiago 8320000, Chile;
| | - Jaime Mella
- Instituto de Química y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Av. Gran Bretaña 1111, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile;
- Centro de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación de Productos Bioactivos (CInBIO), Universidad de Valparaíso, Av. Gran Bretaña 1111, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile
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21
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Huang X, Liu X, Li Z. Bile acids and coronavirus disease 2019. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:1939-1950. [PMID: 38799626 PMCID: PMC11119507 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2024.02.011] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has been significantly alleviated. However, long-term health effects and prevention strategy remain unresolved. Thus, it is essential to explore the pathophysiological mechanisms and intervention for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Emerging research indicates a link between COVID-19 and bile acids, traditionally known for facilitating dietary fat absorption. The bile acid ursodeoxycholic acid potentially protects against SARS-CoV-2 infection by inhibiting the farnesoid X receptor, a bile acid nuclear receptor. The activation of G-protein-coupled bile acid receptor, another membrane receptor for bile acids, has also been found to regulate the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, the receptor through which the virus enters human cells. Here, we review the latest basic and clinical evidence linking bile acids to SARS-CoV-2, and reveal their complicated pathophysiological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoru Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- Department of Pharmaceutical Management and Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xuening Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- Department of Pharmaceutical Management and Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zijian Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- Department of Pharmaceutical Management and Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
- Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
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22
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Choudhary S, Nehul S, Singh A, Panda PK, Kumar P, Sharma GK, Tomar S. Unraveling antiviral efficacy of multifunctional immunomodulatory triterpenoids against SARS-COV-2 targeting main protease and papain-like protease. IUBMB Life 2024; 76:228-241. [PMID: 38059400 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2793] [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: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may be over, but its variants continue to emerge, and patients with mild symptoms having long COVID is still under investigation. SARS-CoV-2 infection leading to elevated cytokine levels and suppressed immune responses set off cytokine storm, fatal systemic inflammation, tissue damage, and multi-organ failure. Thus, drug molecules targeting the SARS-CoV-2 virus-specific proteins or capable of suppressing the host inflammatory responses to viral infection would provide an effective antiviral therapy against emerging variants of concern. Evolutionarily conserved papain-like protease (PLpro) and main protease (Mpro) play an indispensable role in the virus life cycle and immune evasion. Direct-acting antivirals targeting both these viral proteases represent an attractive antiviral strategy that is also expected to reduce viral inflammation. The present study has evaluated the antiviral and anti-inflammatory potential of natural triterpenoids: azadirachtin, withanolide_A, and isoginkgetin. These molecules inhibit the Mpro and PLpro proteolytic activities with half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) values ranging from 1.42 to 32.7 μM. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) analysis validated the binding of these compounds to Mpro and PLpro. As expected, the two compounds, withanolide_A and azadirachtin, exhibit potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity in cell-based assays, with half-maximum effective concentration (EC50) values of 21.73 and 31.19 μM, respectively. The anti-inflammatory roles of azadirachtin and withanolide_A when assessed using HEK293T cells, were found to significantly reduce the levels of CXCL10, TNFα, IL6, and IL8 cytokines, which are elevated in severe cases of COVID-19. Interestingly, azadirachtin and withanolide_A were also found to rescue the decreased type-I interferon response (IFN-α1). The results of this study clearly highlight the role of triterpenoids as effective antiviral molecules that target SARS-CoV-2-specific enzymes and also host immune pathways involved in virus-mediated inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Choudhary
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, India
| | - Sanketkumar Nehul
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, India
| | - Ankur Singh
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, India
| | - Prasan Kumar Panda
- Department of Internal Medicine (Division of Infectious diseases), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh, India
| | - Pravindra Kumar
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, India
| | - Gaurav Kumar Sharma
- Centre for Animal Disease Research and Diagnosis (CADRAD), Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Shailly Tomar
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, India
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23
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Zhang Y, Rui X, Li Y, Zhang Y, Cai Y, Tan C, Yang N, Liu Y, Fu Y, Liu G. Hypoxia inducible factor-1α facilitates transmissible gastroenteritis virus replication by inhibiting type I and type III interferon production. Vet Microbiol 2024; 292:110055. [PMID: 38513523 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2024.110055] [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: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) is characterized by watery diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration and is associated with high mortality especially in newborn piglets, causing significant economic losses to the global pig industry. Hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) has been identified as a key regulator of TGEV-induced inflammation, but understanding of the effect of HIF-1α on TGEV infection remains limited. This study found that TGEV infection was associated with a marked increase in HIF-1α expression in ST cells and an intestinal organoid epithelial monolayer. Furthermore, HIF-1α was shown to facilitate TGEV infection by targeting viral replication, which was achieved by restraining type I and type III interferon (IFN) production. In vivo experiments in piglets demonstrated that the HIF-1α inhibitor BAY87-2243 significantly reduced HIF-1α expression and inhibited TGEV replication and pathogenesis by activating IFN production. In summary, we unveiled that HIF-1α facilitates TGEV replication by restraining type I and type III IFN production in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo. The findings from this study suggest that HIF-1α could be a novel antiviral target and candidate drug against TGEV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China; Molecular and Cellular Epigenetics (GIGA) and Molecular Biology (TERRA), University of Liege, Belgium; Hainan Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal Breeding and Infectious Disease Research, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Hainan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China
| | - Xue Rui
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China; Hainan Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal Breeding and Infectious Disease Research, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Hainan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Xinjiang Agricultural University, China
| | - Yang Li
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China
| | - Yifei Cai
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China; Hainan Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal Breeding and Infectious Disease Research, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Hainan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China; Nutritional Biology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Chen Tan
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China; Molecular and Cellular Epigenetics (GIGA) and Molecular Biology (TERRA), University of Liege, Belgium; Hainan Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal Breeding and Infectious Disease Research, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Hainan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China
| | - Ning Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China; Molecular and Cellular Epigenetics (GIGA) and Molecular Biology (TERRA), University of Liege, Belgium; Hainan Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal Breeding and Infectious Disease Research, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Hainan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China; Hainan Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal Breeding and Infectious Disease Research, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Hainan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Xinjiang Agricultural University, China
| | - Yuguang Fu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China
| | - Guangliang Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China; Hainan Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal Breeding and Infectious Disease Research, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Hainan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Xinjiang Agricultural University, China.
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24
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Wang X, Zhu Y, Zhao Q, Lu W, Xu Y, Hu H, Lu X. Chemical Space Profiling of SARS-CoV-2 PL pro Using DNA-Encoded Focused Libraries. ACS Med Chem Lett 2024; 15:555-564. [PMID: 38628804 PMCID: PMC11017295 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.4c00069] [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: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA-encoded library (DEL) technology is gaining attention for its rapid construction and deconvolution capabilities. Our study explored a novel strategy using rational DELs tailored for the SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease, which revealed new fragments. Structural changes post-DEL screening mimic traditional medicinal chemistry lead optimization. We unveiled unique aromatic structures offering an alternative optimization path. Notably, we identified superior binding fragments targeting the BL2 groove. Derivative 16 emerged as the most promising by exhibiting IC50 values of 0.25 μM. Derivative 6, which features an aromatic fragment capped with a naphthalene moiety, showed IC50 values of 2.91 μM. Molecular modeling revealed hydrogen bond interactions with Lys157 residue and potential covalent interactions with nearby amino acid residues. This research underscored DEL's potential for fragment-based drug discovery against SARS-CoV-2 protease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Wang
- State
Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai
Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
- University
of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Ying Zhu
- School
of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University
of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Qingyi Zhao
- School
of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University
of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Weiwei Lu
- State
Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai
Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
| | - Yechun Xu
- State
Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai
Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
- School
of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University
of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Hangchen Hu
- State
Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai
Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
- School
of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced
Study, University of Chinese Academy of
Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Xiaojie Lu
- State
Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai
Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
- School
of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University
of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
- University
of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
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25
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Yoneyama M, Kato H, Fujita T. Physiological functions of RIG-I-like receptors. Immunity 2024; 57:731-751. [PMID: 38599168 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2024.03.003] [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: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs) are crucial for pathogen detection and triggering immune responses and have immense physiological importance. In this review, we first summarize the interferon system and innate immunity, which constitute primary and secondary responses. Next, the molecular structure of RLRs and the mechanism of sensing non-self RNA are described. Usually, self RNA is refractory to the RLR; however, there are underlying host mechanisms that prevent immune reactions. Studies have revealed that the regulatory mechanisms of RLRs involve covalent molecular modifications, association with regulatory factors, and subcellular localization. Viruses have evolved to acquire antagonistic RLR functions to escape the host immune reactions. Finally, the pathologies caused by the malfunction of RLR signaling are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsutoshi Yoneyama
- Division of Molecular Immunology, Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan; Division of Pandemic and Post-disaster Infectious Diseases, Research Institute of Disaster Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kato
- Institute of Cardiovascular Immunology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Takashi Fujita
- Institute of Cardiovascular Immunology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; Laboratory of Regulatory Information, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
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26
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Steiner S, Kratzel A, Barut GT, Lang RM, Aguiar Moreira E, Thomann L, Kelly JN, Thiel V. SARS-CoV-2 biology and host interactions. Nat Rev Microbiol 2024; 22:206-225. [PMID: 38225365 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-023-01003-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
The zoonotic emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the ensuing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have profoundly affected our society. The rapid spread and continuous evolution of new SARS-CoV-2 variants continue to threaten global public health. Recent scientific advances have dissected many of the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in coronavirus infections, and large-scale screens have uncovered novel host-cell factors that are vitally important for the virus life cycle. In this Review, we provide an updated summary of the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle, gene function and virus-host interactions, including recent landmark findings on general aspects of coronavirus biology and newly discovered host factors necessary for virus replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvio Steiner
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern and Mittelhäusern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Annika Kratzel
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern and Mittelhäusern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - G Tuba Barut
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern and Mittelhäusern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Reto M Lang
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern and Mittelhäusern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Etori Aguiar Moreira
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern and Mittelhäusern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lisa Thomann
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern and Mittelhäusern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jenna N Kelly
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern and Mittelhäusern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Multidisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, Jena, Germany
| | - Volker Thiel
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern and Mittelhäusern, Bern, Switzerland.
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- Multidisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, Jena, Germany.
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27
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Andronov L, Han M, Zhu Y, Balaji A, Roy AR, Barentine AES, Patel P, Garhyan J, Qi LS, Moerner W. Nanoscale cellular organization of viral RNA and proteins in SARS-CoV-2 replication organelles. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.11.07.566110. [PMID: 37986994 PMCID: PMC10659379 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.07.566110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 viral infection transforms host cells and produces special organelles in many ways, and we focus on the replication organelle where the replication of viral genomic RNA (vgRNA) occurs. To date, the precise cellular localization of key RNA molecules and replication intermediates has been elusive in electron microscopy studies. We use super-resolution fluorescence microscopy and specific labeling to reveal the nanoscopic organization of replication organelles that contain vgRNA clusters along with viral double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) clusters and the replication enzyme, encapsulated by membranes derived from the host endoplasmic reticulum (ER). We show that the replication organelles are organized differently at early and late stages of infection. Surprisingly, vgRNA accumulates into distinct globular clusters in the cytoplasmic perinuclear region, which grow and accommodate more vgRNA molecules as infection time increases. The localization of ER labels and nsp3 (a component of the double-membrane vesicle, DMV) at the periphery of the vgRNA clusters suggests that replication organelles are enclosed by DMVs at early infection stages which then merge into vesicle packets as infection progresses. Precise co-imaging of the nanoscale cellular organization of vgRNA, dsRNA, and viral proteins in replication organelles of SARS-CoV-2 may inform therapeutic approaches that target viral replication and associated processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonid Andronov
- Department of Chemistry; Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 U.S.A
| | - Mengting Han
- Department of Bioengineering; Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 U.S.A
| | - Yanyu Zhu
- Department of Bioengineering; Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 U.S.A
| | - Ashwin Balaji
- Department of Chemistry; Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 U.S.A
- Biophysics PhD Program; Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 U.S.A
| | - Anish R. Roy
- Department of Chemistry; Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 U.S.A
| | | | - Puja Patel
- In Vitro Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) Service Center, School of Medicine; Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 U.S.A
| | - Jaishree Garhyan
- In Vitro Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) Service Center, School of Medicine; Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 U.S.A
| | - Lei S. Qi
- Department of Bioengineering; Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 U.S.A
- Sarafan ChEM-H; Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 U.S.A
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub – San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158 U.S.A
| | - W.E. Moerner
- Department of Chemistry; Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 U.S.A
- Sarafan ChEM-H; Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 U.S.A
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28
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Schmedtje JF, Ciske F, Muzzarelli KM, Assar Z. Novel nitric oxide donors are coronary vasodilators that also bind to the papain-like protease of SARS-CoV-2. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116378. [PMID: 38492437 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116378] [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: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Several investigational nitric oxide donors were originally created to correct vascular endothelial dysfunction in cardiovascular diseases. These 48 compounds contain an urea-like moiety attached to the well-known NO donors isosorbide 2- and 5-mononitrate. CR-0305 and CR-0202 were synthesized and found to be nontoxic in the cell lines HMEC-1, A549/hACE2 and VeroE6. CR-0305 induced vasodilation in human coronary arteries ex vivo. Since NO can also have antiviral properties, a study of drug-protein interactions with SARS-CoV-2 was undertaken using in silico modeling. CR-0305 experimentally outperformed the other compounds, including CR-0202, in binding the catalytic site of SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease (PLpro). PLpro is a primary target for therapeutic inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 as it mediates viral replication and modulates host innate immune responses. CR-0305 is predicted to sit firmly in the PLpro catalytic pocket as confirmed by molecular dynamics simulations, wherein stability of binding to the catalytic site of PLpro induces a conformational change in the BL2 loop to a more closed conformation as observed previously with GRL0617. Surface plasmon resonance was performed with CR-0305 and CR-0202 to characterize binding affinity to purified SARS-CoV-2 PLpro protein. CR-0305 and CR-0202 also inhibited SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to vehicle as measured by virus N protein staining with a specific antibody in A549-ACE2 and VeroE6 cells at 20 µM. CR-0305 is a coronary vasodilator that appears to bind to the catalytic site of the PLpro of SARS-CoV-2 while targeting delivery of antiviral NO to cells infected by SARS-CoV-2, suggesting multiple indications for future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- John F Schmedtje
- Coeurative, Inc., 201 McClanahan St. SW, Roanoke, VA 24014, USA.
| | - Fred Ciske
- Cayman Chemical Co., 1180 East Ellsworth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA
| | | | - Zahra Assar
- Cayman Chemical Co., 1180 East Ellsworth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA
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Tan B, Zhang X, Ansari A, Jadhav P, Tan H, Li K, Chopra A, Ford A, Chi X, Ruiz FX, Arnold E, Deng X, Wang J. Design of a SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease inhibitor with antiviral efficacy in a mouse model. Science 2024; 383:1434-1440. [PMID: 38547259 DOI: 10.1126/science.adm9724] [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: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants and drug-resistant mutants calls for additional oral antivirals. The SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease (PLpro) is a promising but challenging drug target. We designed and synthesized 85 noncovalent PLpro inhibitors that bind to a recently discovered ubiquitin binding site and the known BL2 groove pocket near the S4 subsite. Leads inhibited PLpro with the inhibitory constant Ki values from 13.2 to 88.2 nanomolar. The co-crystal structures of PLpro with eight leads revealed their interaction modes. The in vivo lead Jun12682 inhibited SARS-CoV-2 and its variants, including nirmatrelvir-resistant strains with EC50 from 0.44 to 2.02 micromolar. Oral treatment with Jun12682 improved survival and reduced lung viral loads and lesions in a SARS-CoV-2 infection mouse model, suggesting that PLpro inhibitors are promising oral SARS-CoV-2 antiviral candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Tan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Xiaoming Zhang
- Department Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Ahmadullah Ansari
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Prakash Jadhav
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Haozhou Tan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Kan Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Ashima Chopra
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Alexandra Ford
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Xiang Chi
- Department Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Francesc Xavier Ruiz
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Eddy Arnold
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Xufang Deng
- Department Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
- Oklahoma Center for Respiratory and Infectious Diseases, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
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Hussein HAM, Thabet AA, Wardany AA, El-Adly AM, Ali M, Hassan MEA, Abdeldayem MAB, Mohamed ARMA, Sobhy A, El-Mokhtar MA, Afifi MM, Fathy SM, Sultan S. SARS-CoV-2 outbreak: role of viral proteins and genomic diversity in virus infection and COVID-19 progression. Virol J 2024; 21:75. [PMID: 38539202 PMCID: PMC10967059 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-024-02342-w] [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: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is the cause of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); a severe respiratory distress that has emerged from the city of Wuhan, Hubei province, China during December 2019. COVID-19 is currently the major global health problem and the disease has now spread to most countries in the world. COVID-19 has profoundly impacted human health and activities worldwide. Genetic mutation is one of the essential characteristics of viruses. They do so to adapt to their host or to move to another one. Viral genetic mutations have a high potentiality to impact human health as these mutations grant viruses unique unpredicted characteristics. The difficulty in predicting viral genetic mutations is a significant obstacle in the field. Evidence indicates that SARS-CoV-2 has a variety of genetic mutations and genomic diversity with obvious clinical consequences and implications. In this review, we comprehensively summarized and discussed the currently available knowledge regarding SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks with a fundamental focus on the role of the viral proteins and their mutations in viral infection and COVID-19 progression. We also summarized the clinical implications of SARS-CoV-2 variants and how they affect the disease severity and hinder vaccine development. Finally, we provided a massive phylogenetic analysis of the spike gene of 214 SARS-CoV-2 isolates from different geographical regions all over the world and their associated clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hosni A M Hussein
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, 71524, Assiut, Egypt.
| | - Ali A Thabet
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, 71524, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A Wardany
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, 71524, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M El-Adly
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, 71524, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Ali
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, 71524, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Mohamed E A Hassan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, 71524, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A B Abdeldayem
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, 71524, Assiut, Egypt
| | | | - Ali Sobhy
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, 71524, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A El-Mokhtar
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos Campus, Lebanon
| | - Magdy M Afifi
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City 11884, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Samah M Fathy
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt.
| | - Serageldeen Sultan
- Department of Microbiology, Virology Division, Faculty of Veterinary medicine, South Valley University, 83523, Qena, Egypt.
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31
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Valdés-Albuernes JL, Díaz-Pico E, Alfaro S, Caballero J. Modeling of noncovalent inhibitors of the papain-like protease (PLpro) from SARS-CoV-2 considering the protein flexibility by using molecular dynamics and cross-docking. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1374364. [PMID: 38601323 PMCID: PMC11004324 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1374364] [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: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The papain-like protease (PLpro) found in coronaviruses that can be transmitted from animals to humans is a critical target in respiratory diseases linked to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). Researchers have proposed designing PLpro inhibitors. In this study, a set of 89 compounds, including recently reported 2-phenylthiophenes with nanomolar inhibitory potency, were investigated as PLpro noncovalent inhibitors using advanced molecular modeling techniques. To develop the work with these inhibitors, multiple structures of the SARS-CoV-2 PLpro binding site were generated using a molecular sampling method. These structures were then clustered to select a group that represents the flexibility of the site. Subsequently, models of the protein-ligand complexes were created for the set of inhibitors within the chosen conformations. The quality of the complex models was assessed using LigRMSD software to verify similarities in the orientations of the congeneric series and interaction fingerprints to determine the recurrence of chemical interactions. With the multiple models constructed, a protocol was established to choose one per ligand, optimizing the correlation between the calculated docking energy values and the biological activities while incorporating the effect of the binding site's flexibility. A strong correlation (R2 = 0.922) was found when employing this flexible docking protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Julio Caballero
- Centro de Bioinformática, Simulación y Modelado (CBSM), Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Talca, Talca, Chile
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32
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Chu L, Qian L, Chen Y, Duan S, Ding M, Sun W, Meng W, Zhu J, Wang Q, Hao H, Wang C, Cui S. HERC5-catalyzed ISGylation potentiates cGAS-mediated innate immunity. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113870. [PMID: 38421872 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113870] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The cytosolic DNA sensor cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) is essential to elicit type I interferon cascade response; thus, the activity of cGAS must be strictly regulated to boost the antiviral innate immunity. Here, we report that cGAS is responsible for the DNA-induced ISG15 conjugation system. The E3 HERC5 catalyzes the ISGylation of cytoplasmic cGAS at lysine 21, 187, 219, and 458, whereas Ubl carboxy-terminal hydrolase 18 removes the ISGylation of cGAS. The interaction of cGAS and HERC5 depends on the cGAS C-terminal domain and the RRC1-4 and RRC1-5 domains of HERC5. Mechanically, HERC5-catalyzed ISGylation promotes DNA-induced cGAS oligomerization and enhances cGAS enzymatic activity. Deficiency of ISGylation attenuates the downstream inflammatory gene expression induced by the cGAS-STING axis and the antiviral ability in mouse and human cells. Mice deficient in Isg15 or Herc6 are more vulnerable to herpes simplex virus 1 infection. Collectively, our study shows a positive feedback regulation of the cGAS-mediated innate immune pathway by ISGylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Li Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Shengnan Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Ming Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Wu Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Wei Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Juanjuan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Quanyi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Haiping Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Chen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211198, China.
| | - Shufang Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211198, China.
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33
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Lin C, Kuffour EO, Li T, Gertzen CGW, Kaiser J, Luedde T, König R, Gohlke H, Münk C. The ISG15-Protease USP18 Is a Pleiotropic Enhancer of HIV-1 Replication. Viruses 2024; 16:485. [PMID: 38675828 PMCID: PMC11053637 DOI: 10.3390/v16040485] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The innate immune response to viruses is formed in part by interferon (IFN)-induced restriction factors, including ISG15, p21, and SAMHD1. IFN production can be blocked by the ISG15-specific protease USP18. HIV-1 has evolved to circumvent host immune surveillance. This mechanism might involve USP18. In our recent studies, we demonstrate that HIV-1 infection induces USP18, which dramatically enhances HIV-1 replication by abrogating the antiviral function of p21. USP18 downregulates p21 by accumulating misfolded dominant negative p53, which inactivates wild-type p53 transactivation, leading to the upregulation of key enzymes involved in de novo dNTP biosynthesis pathways and inactivated SAMHD1. Despite the USP18-mediated increase in HIV-1 DNA in infected cells, it is intriguing to note that the cGAS-STING-mediated sensing of the viral DNA is abrogated. Indeed, the expression of USP18 or knockout of ISG15 inhibits the sensing of HIV-1. We demonstrate that STING is ISGylated at residues K224, K236, K289, K347, K338, and K370. The inhibition of STING K289-linked ISGylation suppresses its oligomerization and IFN induction. We propose that human USP18 is a novel factor that potentially contributes in multiple ways to HIV-1 replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaohui Lin
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (C.L.); (E.O.K.); (T.L.); (T.L.)
| | - Edmund Osei Kuffour
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (C.L.); (E.O.K.); (T.L.); (T.L.)
| | - Taolan Li
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (C.L.); (E.O.K.); (T.L.); (T.L.)
| | - Christoph G. W. Gertzen
- Institute for Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (C.G.W.G.); (J.K.); (H.G.)
| | - Jesko Kaiser
- Institute for Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (C.G.W.G.); (J.K.); (H.G.)
| | - Tom Luedde
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (C.L.); (E.O.K.); (T.L.); (T.L.)
| | - Renate König
- Host-Pathogen Interactions, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, 63225 Langen, Germany;
| | - Holger Gohlke
- Institute for Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (C.G.W.G.); (J.K.); (H.G.)
- Institute of Bio- and Geosciences (IBG-4: Bioinformatics), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Carsten Münk
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (C.L.); (E.O.K.); (T.L.); (T.L.)
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Zhou L, Liu R, Pathak H, Wang X, Jeong GH, Kumari P, Kumar M, Yin J. Ubiquitin Ligase Parkin Regulates the Stability of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease and Suppresses Viral Replication. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:879-889. [PMID: 38386664 PMCID: PMC10928718 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00418] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
The highly infectious coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 relies on the viral main protease (Mpro, also known as 3CLpro or Nsp5) to proteolytically process the polyproteins encoded by the viral genome for the release of functional units in the host cells to initiate viral replication. Mpro also interacts with host proteins of the innate immune pathways, such as IRF3 and STAT1, to suppress their activities and facilitate virus survival and proliferation. To identify the host mechanism for regulating Mpro, we screened various classes of E3 ubiquitin ligases and found that Parkin of the RING-between-RING family can induce the ubiquitination and degradation of Mpro in the cell. Furthermore, when the cells undergo mitophagy, the PINK1 kinase activates Parkin and enhances the ubiquitination of Mpro. We also found that elevated expression of Parkin in the cells significantly decreased the replication of SARS-CoV-2 virus. Interestingly, SARS-CoV-2 infection downregulates Parkin expression in the mouse lung tissues compared to healthy controls. These results suggest an antiviral role of Parkin as a ubiquitin ligase targeting Mpro and the potential for exploiting the virus-host interaction mediated by Parkin to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhou
- Department
of Chemistry and Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, United States
| | - Ruochuan Liu
- Department
of Chemistry and Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, United States
| | - Heather Pathak
- Department
of Biology and Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, United States
| | - Xiaoyu Wang
- Department
of Chemistry and Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, United States
| | - Geon H. Jeong
- Department
of Chemistry and Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, United States
| | - Pratima Kumari
- Department
of Biology and Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, United States
| | - Mukesh Kumar
- Department
of Biology and Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, United States
| | - Jun Yin
- Department
of Chemistry and Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, United States
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35
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Das P, Chakrabarti O. ISGylation of DRP1 closely balances other post-translational modifications to mediate mitochondrial fission. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:184. [PMID: 38431611 PMCID: PMC10908869 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06543-7] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Dynamin related protein 1 (DRP1), a pivotal mitochondrial fission protein, is post-translationally modified by multiple mechanisms. Here we identify a new post-translational modification of DRP1 by the ubiquitin-like protein, interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15). DRP1 ISGylation is mediated by ISG15 E3 ligase, HERC5; this promotes mitochondrial fission. DeISGylation of DRP1 however leads to hyperfusion. Heterologous expression of SARS-CoV2 PLpro, a deISGylating enzyme, results in similar mitochondrial filamentation, significant decrease in total DRP1 protein levels and efflux of mtDNA. We report that deISGylated DRP1 gets ubiquitylated and degraded by TRIM25, instead of PARKIN and MITOL. While the cytosolic pool of DRP1 is primarily ISGylated, both mitochondrial and cytosolic fractions may be ubiquitylated. It is known that phosphorylation of DRP1 at S616 residue regulates its mitochondrial localisation; we show that ISGylation of phospho-DRP1 (S616) renders fission competence at mitochondria. This is significant because DRP1 ISGylation affects its functionality and mitochondrial dynamics in Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palamou Das
- Biophysics & Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata, 700064, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Oishee Chakrabarti
- Biophysics & Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata, 700064, India.
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India.
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36
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Liu L, Kapralov M, Ashton M. Plant-derived compounds as potential leads for new drug development targeting COVID-19. Phytother Res 2024; 38:1522-1554. [PMID: 38281731 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
COVID-19, which was first identified in 2019 in Wuhan, China, is a respiratory illness caused by a virus called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Although some patients infected with COVID-19 can remain asymptomatic, most experience a range of symptoms that can be mild to severe. Common symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, loss of taste or smell and muscle aches. In severe cases, complications can arise including pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, organ failure and even death, particularly in older adults or individuals with underlying health conditions. Treatments for COVID-19 include remdesivir, which has been authorised for emergency use in some countries, and dexamethasone, a corticosteroid used to reduce inflammation in severe cases. Biological drugs including monoclonal antibodies, such as casirivimab and imdevimab, have also been authorised for emergency use in certain situations. While these treatments have improved the outcome for many patients, there is still an urgent need for new treatments. Medicinal plants have long served as a valuable source of new drug leads and may serve as a valuable resource in the development of COVID-19 treatments due to their broad-spectrum antiviral activity. To date, various medicinal plant extracts have been studied for their cellular and molecular interactions, with some demonstrating anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity in vitro. This review explores the evaluation and potential therapeutic applications of these plants against SARS-CoV-2. This review summarises the latest evidence on the activity of different plant extracts and their isolated bioactive compounds against SARS-CoV-2, with a focus on the application of plant-derived compounds in animal models and in human studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingxiu Liu
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Newcastle University, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, UK
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Maxim Kapralov
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Mark Ashton
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Newcastle University, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, UK
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, UK
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37
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Andreakos E. Type I and type III interferons: From basic biology and genetics to clinical development for COVID-19 and beyond. Semin Immunol 2024; 72:101863. [PMID: 38271892 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2024.101863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Type I and type III interferons (IFNs) constitute a key antiviral defense systems of the body, inducing viral resistance to cells and mediating diverse innate and adaptive immune functions. Defective type I and type III IFN responses have recently emerged as the 'Achilles heel' in COVID-19, with such patients developing severe disease and exhibiting a high risk for critical pneumonia and death. Here, we review the biology of type I and type III IFNs, their similarities and important functional differences, and their roles in SARS-CoV-2 infection. We also appraise the various mechanisms proposed to drive defective IFN responses in COVID-19 with particular emphasis to the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to suppress IFN production and activities, the genetic factors involved and the presence of autoantibodies neutralizing IFNs and accounting for a large proportion of individuals with severe COVID-19. Finally, we discuss the long history of the type I IFN therapeutics for the treatment of viral diseases, cancer and multiple sclerosis, the various efforts to use them in respiratory infections, and the newly emerging type III IFN therapeutics, with emphasis to the more recent studies on COVID-19 and their potential use as broad spectrum antivirals for future epidemics or pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelos Andreakos
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, BRFAA, Athens, Greece.
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Deng M, Zhang C, Yan W, Chen L, He B, Li Y. Development of Fluorescence-Based Assays for Key Viral Proteins in the SARS-CoV-2 Infection Process and Lifecycle. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2850. [PMID: 38474097 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052850] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Since the appearance of SARS-CoV-2 in 2019, the ensuing COVID-19 (Corona Virus Disease 2019) pandemic has posed a significant threat to the global public health system, human health, life, and economic well-being. Researchers worldwide have devoted considerable efforts to curb its spread and development. The latest studies have identified five viral proteins, spike protein (Spike), viral main protease (3CLpro), papain-like protease (PLpro), RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), and viral helicase (Helicase), which play crucial roles in the invasion of SARS-CoV-2 into the human body and its lifecycle. The development of novel anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs targeting these five viral proteins holds immense promise. Therefore, the development of efficient, high-throughput screening methodologies specifically designed for these viral proteins is of utmost importance. Currently, a plethora of screening techniques exists, with fluorescence-based assays emerging as predominant contenders. In this review, we elucidate the foundational principles and methodologies underpinning fluorescence-based screening approaches directed at these pivotal viral targets, hoping to guide researchers in the judicious selection and refinement of screening strategies, thereby facilitating the discovery and development of lead compounds for anti-SARS-CoV-2 pharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhenlong Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Engineering Research Center for the Development and Application of Ethnic Medicine and TCM (Ministry of Education), Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Chuang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Engineering Research Center for the Development and Application of Ethnic Medicine and TCM (Ministry of Education), Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Wanli Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Engineering Research Center for the Development and Application of Ethnic Medicine and TCM (Ministry of Education), Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Lei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Engineering Research Center for the Development and Application of Ethnic Medicine and TCM (Ministry of Education), Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Bin He
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Engineering Research Center for the Development and Application of Ethnic Medicine and TCM (Ministry of Education), Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Yan Li
- School of Basic Medical Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, China
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van Huizen M, Bloeme - ter Horst JR, de Gruyter HLM, Geurink PP, van der Heden van Noort GJ, Knaap RCM, Nelemans T, Ogando NS, Leijs AA, Urakova N, Mark BL, Snijder EJ, Myeni SK, Kikkert M. Deubiquitinating activity of SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease does not influence virus replication or innate immune responses in vivo. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012100. [PMID: 38527094 PMCID: PMC10994560 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus papain-like protease (PLpro) is crucial for viral replicase polyprotein processing. Additionally, PLpro can subvert host defense mechanisms by its deubiquitinating (DUB) and deISGylating activities. To elucidate the role of these activities during SARS-CoV-2 infection, we introduced mutations that disrupt binding of PLpro to ubiquitin or ISG15. We identified several mutations that strongly reduced DUB activity of PLpro, without affecting viral polyprotein processing. In contrast, mutations that abrogated deISGylating activity also hampered viral polyprotein processing and when introduced into the virus these mutants were not viable. SARS-CoV-2 mutants exhibiting reduced DUB activity elicited a stronger interferon response in human lung cells. In a mouse model of severe disease, disruption of PLpro DUB activity did not affect lethality, virus replication, or innate immune responses in the lungs. This suggests that the DUB activity of SARS-CoV-2 PLpro is dispensable for virus replication and does not affect innate immune responses in vivo. Interestingly, the DUB mutant of SARS-CoV replicated to slightly lower titers in mice and elicited a diminished immune response early in infection, although lethality was unaffected. We previously showed that a MERS-CoV mutant deficient in DUB and deISGylating activity was strongly attenuated in mice. Here, we demonstrate that the role of PLpro DUB activity during infection can vary considerably between highly pathogenic coronaviruses. Therefore, careful considerations should be taken when developing pan-coronavirus antiviral strategies targeting PLpro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariska van Huizen
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, Leiden University Center of Infectious Diseases (LU-CID), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Jonna R. Bloeme - ter Horst
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, Leiden University Center of Infectious Diseases (LU-CID), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Heidi L. M. de Gruyter
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, Leiden University Center of Infectious Diseases (LU-CID), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Paul P. Geurink
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Division of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gerbrand J. van der Heden van Noort
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Division of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Robert C. M. Knaap
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, Leiden University Center of Infectious Diseases (LU-CID), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Tessa Nelemans
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, Leiden University Center of Infectious Diseases (LU-CID), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Natacha S. Ogando
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, Leiden University Center of Infectious Diseases (LU-CID), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Anouk A. Leijs
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, Leiden University Center of Infectious Diseases (LU-CID), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Nadya Urakova
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, Leiden University Center of Infectious Diseases (LU-CID), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Brian L. Mark
- Department of Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Eric J. Snijder
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, Leiden University Center of Infectious Diseases (LU-CID), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Sebenzile K. Myeni
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, Leiden University Center of Infectious Diseases (LU-CID), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Marjolein Kikkert
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, Leiden University Center of Infectious Diseases (LU-CID), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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40
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Konigsberg IR, Vu T, Liu W, Litkowski EM, Pratte KA, Vargas LB, Gilmore N, Abdel-Hafiz M, Manichaikul AW, Cho MH, Hersh CP, DeMeo DL, Banaei-Kashani F, Bowler RP, Lange LA, Kechris KJ. Proteomic Networks and Related Genetic Variants Associated with Smoking and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.02.26.24303069. [PMID: 38464285 PMCID: PMC10925350 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.26.24303069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Background Studies have identified individual blood biomarkers associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and related phenotypes. However, complex diseases such as COPD typically involve changes in multiple molecules with interconnections that may not be captured when considering single molecular features. Methods Leveraging proteomic data from 3,173 COPDGene Non-Hispanic White (NHW) and African American (AA) participants, we applied sparse multiple canonical correlation network analysis (SmCCNet) to 4,776 proteins assayed on the SomaScan v4.0 platform to derive sparse networks of proteins associated with current vs. former smoking status, airflow obstruction, and emphysema quantitated from high-resolution computed tomography scans. We then used NetSHy, a dimension reduction technique leveraging network topology, to produce summary scores of each proteomic network, referred to as NetSHy scores. We next performed genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify variants associated with the NetSHy scores, or network quantitative trait loci (nQTLs). Finally, we evaluated the replicability of the networks in an independent cohort, SPIROMICS. Results We identified networks of 13 to 104 proteins for each phenotype and exposure in NHW and AA, and the derived NetSHy scores significantly associated with the variable of interests. Networks included known (sRAGE, ALPP, MIP1) and novel molecules (CA10, CPB1, HIS3, PXDN) and interactions involved in COPD pathogenesis. We observed 7 nQTL loci associated with NetSHy scores, 4 of which remained after conditional analysis. Networks for smoking status and emphysema, but not airflow obstruction, demonstrated a high degree of replicability across race groups and cohorts. Conclusions In this work, we apply state-of-the-art molecular network generation and summarization approaches to proteomic data from COPDGene participants to uncover protein networks associated with COPD phenotypes. We further identify genetic associations with networks. This work discovers protein networks containing known and novel proteins and protein interactions associated with clinically relevant COPD phenotypes across race groups and cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iain R Konigsberg
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Thao Vu
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Weixuan Liu
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Elizabeth M Litkowski
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
- Department of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | | | - Luciana B Vargas
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Niles Gilmore
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Mohamed Abdel-Hafiz
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Colorado - Denver, Denver, CO
| | - Ani W Manichaikul
- Center for Public Health Genomics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Michael H Cho
- Channing Division of Network Medicine and Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Craig P Hersh
- Channing Division of Network Medicine and Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Dawn L DeMeo
- Channing Division of Network Medicine and Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | | | | | - Leslie A Lange
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Katerina J Kechris
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
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41
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Campos Alonso M, Knobeloch KP. In the moonlight: non-catalytic functions of ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like proteases. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1349509. [PMID: 38455765 PMCID: PMC10919355 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1349509] [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: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Proteases that cleave ubiquitin or ubiquitin-like proteins (UBLs) are critical players in maintaining the homeostasis of the organism. Concordantly, their dysregulation has been directly linked to various diseases, including cancer, neurodegeneration, developmental aberrations, cardiac disorders and inflammation. Given their potential as novel therapeutic targets, it is essential to fully understand their mechanisms of action. Traditionally, observed effects resulting from deficiencies in deubiquitinases (DUBs) and UBL proteases have often been attributed to the misregulation of substrate modification by ubiquitin or UBLs. Therefore, much research has focused on understanding the catalytic activities of these proteins. However, this view has overlooked the possibility that DUBs and UBL proteases might also have significant non-catalytic functions, which are more prevalent than previously believed and urgently require further investigation. Moreover, multiple examples have shown that either selective loss of only the protease activity or complete absence of these proteins can have different functional and physiological consequences. Furthermore, DUBs and UBL proteases have been shown to often contain domains or binding motifs that not only modulate their catalytic activity but can also mediate entirely different functions. This review aims to shed light on the non-catalytic, moonlighting functions of DUBs and UBL proteases, which extend beyond the hydrolysis of ubiquitin and UBL chains and are just beginning to emerge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Campos Alonso
- Institute of Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Klaus-Peter Knobeloch
- Institute of Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- CIBSS—Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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42
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Chan HTH, Brewitz L, Lukacik P, Strain-Damerell C, Walsh MA, Schofield CJ, Duarte F. Studies on the selectivity of the SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease reveal the importance of the P2' proline of the viral polyprotein. RSC Chem Biol 2024; 5:117-130. [PMID: 38333195 PMCID: PMC10849127 DOI: 10.1039/d3cb00128h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease (PLpro) is an antiviral drug target that catalyzes the hydrolysis of the viral polyproteins pp1a/1ab, so releasing the non-structural proteins (nsps) 1-3 that are essential for the coronavirus lifecycle. The LXGG↓X motif in pp1a/1ab is crucial for recognition and cleavage by PLpro. We describe molecular dynamics, docking, and quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) calculations to investigate how oligopeptide substrates derived from the viral polyprotein bind to PLpro. The results reveal how the substrate sequence affects the efficiency of PLpro-catalyzed hydrolysis. In particular, a proline at the P2' position promotes catalysis, as validated by residue substitutions and mass spectrometry-based analyses. Analysis of PLpro catalyzed hydrolysis of LXGG motif-containing oligopeptides derived from human proteins suggests that factors beyond the LXGG motif and the presence of a proline residue at P2' contribute to catalytic efficiency, possibly reflecting the promiscuity of PLpro. The results will help in identifying PLpro substrates and guiding inhibitor design.
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Affiliation(s)
- H T Henry Chan
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University of Oxford 12 Mansfield Road Oxford OX1 3TA UK
| | - Lennart Brewitz
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University of Oxford 12 Mansfield Road Oxford OX1 3TA UK
| | - Petra Lukacik
- Diamond Light Source Ltd., Harwell Science and Innovation Campus Didcot OX11 0DE UK
- Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus Didcot OX11 0FA UK
| | - Claire Strain-Damerell
- Diamond Light Source Ltd., Harwell Science and Innovation Campus Didcot OX11 0DE UK
- Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus Didcot OX11 0FA UK
| | - Martin A Walsh
- Diamond Light Source Ltd., Harwell Science and Innovation Campus Didcot OX11 0DE UK
- Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus Didcot OX11 0FA UK
| | - Christopher J Schofield
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University of Oxford 12 Mansfield Road Oxford OX1 3TA UK
| | - Fernanda Duarte
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University of Oxford 12 Mansfield Road Oxford OX1 3TA UK
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Demirtaş K, Erman B, Haliloğlu T. Dynamic correlations: exact and approximate methods for mutual information. Bioinformatics 2024; 40:btae076. [PMID: 38341647 PMCID: PMC10898342 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btae076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION Proteins are dynamic entities that undergo conformational changes critical for their functions. Understanding the communication pathways and information transfer within proteins is crucial for elucidating allosteric interactions in their mechanisms. This study utilizes mutual information (MI) analysis to probe dynamic allostery. Using two cases, Ubiquitin and PLpro, we have evaluated the accuracy and limitations of different approximations including the exact anisotropic and isotropic models, multivariate Gaussian model, isotropic Gaussian model, and the Gaussian Network Model (GNM) in revealing allosteric interactions. RESULTS Our findings emphasize the required trajectory length for capturing accurate mutual information profiles. Long molecular dynamics trajectories, 1 ms for Ubiquitin and 100 µs for PLpro are used as benchmarks, assuming they represent the ground truth. Trajectory lengths of approximately 5 µs for Ubiquitin and 1 µs for PLpro marked the onset of convergence, while the multivariate Gaussian model accurately captured mutual information with trajectories of 5 ns for Ubiquitin and 350 ns for PLpro. However, the isotropic Gaussian model is less successful in representing the anisotropic nature of protein dynamics, particularly in the case of PLpro, highlighting its limitations. The GNM, however, provides reasonable approximations of long-range information exchange as a minimalist network model based on a single crystal structure. Overall, the optimum trajectory lengths for effective Gaussian approximations of long-time dynamic behavior depend on the inherent dynamics within the protein's topology. The GNM, by showcasing dynamics across relatively diverse time scales, can be used either as a standalone method or to gauge the adequacy of MD simulation lengths. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION Mutual information codes are available at https://github.com/kemaldemirtas/prc-MI.git.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kemal Demirtaş
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Bogazici University, 34342 Istanbul, Turkey
- Polymer Research Center, Bogazici University, 34342 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Burak Erman
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Koc University, 34450 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Türkan Haliloğlu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Bogazici University, 34342 Istanbul, Turkey
- Polymer Research Center, Bogazici University, 34342 Istanbul, Turkey
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Sievers BL, Cheng MTK, Csiba K, Meng B, Gupta RK. SARS-CoV-2 and innate immunity: the good, the bad, and the "goldilocks". Cell Mol Immunol 2024; 21:171-183. [PMID: 37985854 PMCID: PMC10805730 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-023-01104-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
An ancient conflict between hosts and pathogens has driven the innate and adaptive arms of immunity. Knowledge about this interplay can not only help us identify biological mechanisms but also reveal pathogen vulnerabilities that can be leveraged therapeutically. The humoral response to SARS-CoV-2 infection has been the focus of intense research, and the role of the innate immune system has received significantly less attention. Here, we review current knowledge of the innate immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection and the various means SARS-CoV-2 employs to evade innate defense systems. We also consider the role of innate immunity in SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and in the phenomenon of long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark T K Cheng
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Kata Csiba
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Bo Meng
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology & Infectious Disease (CITIID), Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Ravindra K Gupta
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology & Infectious Disease (CITIID), Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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Álvarez E, Falqui M, Sin L, McGrail JP, Perdiguero B, Coloma R, Marcos-Villar L, Tárrega C, Esteban M, Gómez CE, Guerra S. Unveiling the Multifaceted Roles of ISG15: From Immunomodulation to Therapeutic Frontiers. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:153. [PMID: 38400136 PMCID: PMC10891536 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12020153] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The Interferon Stimulated Gene 15 (ISG15), a unique Ubiquitin-like (Ubl) modifier exclusive to vertebrates, plays a crucial role in the immune system. Primarily induced by interferon (IFN) type I, ISG15 functions through diverse mechanisms: (i) covalent protein modification (ISGylation); (ii) non-covalent intracellular action; and (iii) exerting extracellular cytokine activity. These various roles highlight its versatility in influencing numerous cellular pathways, encompassing DNA damage response, autophagy, antiviral response, and cancer-related processes, among others. The well-established antiviral effects of ISGylation contrast with its intriguing dual role in cancer, exhibiting both suppressive and promoting effects depending on the tumour type. The multifaceted functions of ISG15 extend beyond intracellular processes to extracellular cytokine signalling, influencing immune response, chemotaxis, and anti-tumour effects. Moreover, ISG15 emerges as a promising adjuvant in vaccine development, enhancing immune responses against viral antigens and demonstrating efficacy in cancer models. As a therapeutic target in cancer treatment, ISG15 exhibits a double-edged nature, promoting or suppressing oncogenesis depending on the tumour context. This review aims to contribute to future studies exploring the role of ISG15 in immune modulation and cancer therapy, potentially paving the way for the development of novel therapeutic interventions, vaccine development, and precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Álvarez
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28049 Madrid, Spain; (E.Á.); (L.S.); (B.P.); (L.M.-V.); (M.E.)
| | - Michela Falqui
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Public Health and Microbiology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (M.F.); (J.P.M.); (R.C.); (C.T.)
| | - Laura Sin
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28049 Madrid, Spain; (E.Á.); (L.S.); (B.P.); (L.M.-V.); (M.E.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Joseph Patrick McGrail
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Public Health and Microbiology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (M.F.); (J.P.M.); (R.C.); (C.T.)
| | - Beatriz Perdiguero
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28049 Madrid, Spain; (E.Á.); (L.S.); (B.P.); (L.M.-V.); (M.E.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rocío Coloma
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Public Health and Microbiology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (M.F.); (J.P.M.); (R.C.); (C.T.)
| | - Laura Marcos-Villar
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28049 Madrid, Spain; (E.Á.); (L.S.); (B.P.); (L.M.-V.); (M.E.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Céline Tárrega
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Public Health and Microbiology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (M.F.); (J.P.M.); (R.C.); (C.T.)
| | - Mariano Esteban
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28049 Madrid, Spain; (E.Á.); (L.S.); (B.P.); (L.M.-V.); (M.E.)
| | - Carmen Elena Gómez
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28049 Madrid, Spain; (E.Á.); (L.S.); (B.P.); (L.M.-V.); (M.E.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Susana Guerra
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Public Health and Microbiology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (M.F.); (J.P.M.); (R.C.); (C.T.)
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
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Wang Q, Lu X, Jia R, Yan X, Wang J, Zhao L, Zhong R, Sun G. Recent advances in chemometric modelling of inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24209. [PMID: 38293468 PMCID: PMC10826659 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24209] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has caused great harm to all countries worldwide. This disease can be prevented by vaccination and managed using various treatment methods, including injections, oral medications, or aerosol therapies. However, the selection of suitable compounds for the research and development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs is a daunting task because of the vast databases of available compounds. The traditional process of drug research and development is time-consuming, labour-intensive, and costly. The application of chemometrics can significantly expedite drug R&D. This is particularly necessary and important for drug development against pandemic public emergency diseases, such as COVID-19. Through various chemometric techniques, such as quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) modelling, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, compounds with inhibitory activity against SARS-CoV-2 can be quickly screened, allowing researchers to focus on the few prioritised candidates. In addition, the ADMET properties of the screened candidate compounds should be further explored to promote the successful discovery of anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs. In this case, considerable time and economic costs can be saved while minimising the need for extensive animal experiments, in line with the 3R principles. This paper focuses on recent advances in chemometric modelling studies of COVID-19-related inhibitors, highlights current limitations, and outlines potential future directions for development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental and Viral Oncology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, PR China
| | - Xinyi Lu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental and Viral Oncology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, PR China
| | - Runqing Jia
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, PR China
| | - Xinlong Yan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, PR China
| | - Jianhua Wang
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Translational Medicine Laboratory, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing 100124, PR China
| | - Lijiao Zhao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental and Viral Oncology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, PR China
| | - Rugang Zhong
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental and Viral Oncology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, PR China
| | - Guohui Sun
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental and Viral Oncology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, PR China
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47
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Zhu K, Suskiewicz MJ, Chatrin C, Strømland Ø, Dorsey B, Aucagne V, Ahel D, Ahel I. DELTEX E3 ligases ubiquitylate ADP-ribosyl modification on nucleic acids. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:801-815. [PMID: 38000390 PMCID: PMC10810221 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad1119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Although ubiquitylation had traditionally been considered limited to proteins, the discovery of non-proteinaceous substrates (e.g. lipopolysaccharides and adenosine diphosphate ribose (ADPr)) challenged this perspective. Our recent study showed that DTX2 E3 ligase efficiently ubiquitylates ADPr. Here, we show that the ADPr ubiquitylation activity is also present in another DELTEX family member, DTX3L, analysed both as an isolated catalytic fragment and the full-length PARP9:DTX3L complex, suggesting that it is a general feature of the DELTEX family. Since structural predictions show that DTX3L possesses single-stranded nucleic acids binding ability and given the fact that nucleic acids have recently emerged as substrates for ADP-ribosylation, we asked whether DELTEX E3s might catalyse ubiquitylation of an ADPr moiety linked to nucleic acids. Indeed, we show that DTX3L and DTX2 are capable of ubiquitylating ADP-ribosylated DNA and RNA synthesized by PARPs, including PARP14. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the Ub-ADPr-nucleic acids conjugate can be reversed by two groups of hydrolases, which remove either the whole adduct (e.g. SARS-CoV-2 Mac1 or PARP14 macrodomain 1) or just the Ub (e.g. SARS-CoV-2 PLpro). Overall, this study reveals ADPr ubiquitylation as a general function of the DELTEX family E3s and presents the evidence of reversible ubiquitylation of ADP-ribosylated nucleic acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Zhu
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Chatrin Chatrin
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Øyvind Strømland
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Bryan W Dorsey
- Ribon Therapeutics, 35 Cambridgepark Dr., Suite 300, Cambridge MA 02140, USA
| | - Vincent Aucagne
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR 4301, Orléans, France
| | - Dragana Ahel
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ivan Ahel
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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48
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Kralj S, Jukič M, Bahun M, Kranjc L, Kolarič A, Hodošček M, Ulrih NP, Bren U. Identification of Triazolopyrimidinyl Scaffold SARS-CoV-2 Papain-Like Protease (PL pro) Inhibitor. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:169. [PMID: 38399230 PMCID: PMC10893172 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16020169] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The global impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its companion disease, COVID-19, has reminded us of the importance of basic coronaviral research. In this study, a comprehensive approach using molecular docking, in vitro assays, and molecular dynamics simulations was applied to identify potential inhibitors for SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease (PLpro), a key and underexplored viral enzyme target. A focused protease inhibitor library was initially created and molecular docking was performed using CmDock software (v0.2.0), resulting in the selection of hit compounds for in vitro testing on the isolated enzyme. Among them, compound 372 exhibited promising inhibitory properties against PLpro, with an IC50 value of 82 ± 34 μM. The compound also displayed a new triazolopyrimidinyl scaffold not yet represented within protease inhibitors. Molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated the favorable binding properties of compound 372. Structural analysis highlighted its key interactions with PLpro, and we stress its potential for further optimization. Moreover, besides compound 372 as a candidate for PLpro inhibitor development, this study elaborates on the PLpro binding site dynamics and provides a valuable contribution for further efforts in pan-coronaviral PLpro inhibitor development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastjan Kralj
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor, Smetanova Ulica 17, SI-2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Marko Jukič
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor, Smetanova Ulica 17, SI-2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, Glagoljaška Ulica 8, SI-6000 Koper, Slovenia
- Institute of Enviormental Protection and Sensors, Beloruska Ulica 7, SI-2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Miha Bahun
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Luka Kranjc
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- National Institute of Biology, Večna Pot 111, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Anja Kolarič
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor, Smetanova Ulica 17, SI-2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Milan Hodošček
- National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nataša Poklar Ulrih
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Urban Bren
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor, Smetanova Ulica 17, SI-2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, Glagoljaška Ulica 8, SI-6000 Koper, Slovenia
- Institute of Enviormental Protection and Sensors, Beloruska Ulica 7, SI-2000 Maribor, Slovenia
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49
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Cockram PE, Walters BT, Lictao A, Shanahan F, Wertz IE, Foster SA, Rudolph J. Allosteric Inhibitors of the SARS-COV-2 Papain-like Protease Domain Induce Proteasomal Degradation of Its Parent Protein NSP3. ACS Chem Biol 2024; 19:22-36. [PMID: 38150587 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.3c00312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
The papain-like protease of SARS-COV-2 is essential for viral replication and pathogenesis. Its location within a much larger multifunctional protein, NSP3, makes it an ideal candidate for a targeted degradation approach capable of eliminating multiple functions with a single-molecule treatment. In this work, we have developed a HiBiT-based cellular model to study NSP3 degradation and used this platform for the discovery of monovalent NSP3 degraders. We present previously unreported degradation activity of published papain-like protease inhibitors. Follow-up exploration of structure-activity relationships and mechanism-of-action studies points to the recruitment of the ubiquitin-proteasome machinery that is solely driven by site occupancy, regardless of molecular features of the ligand. Supported by HDX data, we hypothesize that binding-induced structural changes in NSP3 trigger the recruitment of an E3 ligase and lead to proteasomal degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter E Cockram
- Discovery Chemistry, Genentech, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
- Discovery Oncology, Genentech, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Benjamin T Walters
- Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Aaron Lictao
- Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Frances Shanahan
- Discovery Oncology, Genentech, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Ingrid E Wertz
- Discovery Oncology, Genentech, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Scott A Foster
- Discovery Oncology, Genentech, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Joachim Rudolph
- Discovery Chemistry, Genentech, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
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50
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Li J, Zhong X, Li H, Yu Z, Li J, Duan Q, Li Y, Chen F, Wang Y, Wu Z, Liu Y, Peng Z, Song D. Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of biaryl amide derivatives against SARS-CoV-2 with dual-target mechanism. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 264:115978. [PMID: 38061229 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115978] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the urgent need to develop effective small-molecule antivirals. Thirty-three novel biaryl amide derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for anti-coronaviral activity. Some significant SARs were uncovered and the intensive structure modifications led to the most active compounds 8b and 8h. The broad-spectrum anti-coronaviral effects of 8h were validated at RNA and protein levels. 8h inhibits coronavirus replication at multiple stages, from virus entry to virus dsRNA synthesis. The mechanism of action showed that 8h may simultaneously act on 3CLpro and TMPRSS2 to display anti-coronaviral effects. 8h combined with RdRp inhibitor showed synergistic inhibitory activity against coronavirus. This study confirmed that biaryl amide derivatives may be a new class of potential therapeutic agents against coronavirus with multiple target effect, worthy of further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayu Li
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Xiuli Zhong
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Hongying Li
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Zhihui Yu
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Jianrui Li
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Qionglu Duan
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Yinghong Li
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Fenbei Chen
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Yanxiang Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Zhiyun Wu
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Yonghua Liu
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Zonggen Peng
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Danqing Song
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
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