1
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Chaput S, Driouich JS, Gruber S, Busler D, de Lamballerie X, Nougairède A, Touret F. Assessing human liver spheroids as a model for antiviral drug evaluation against BSL-3 haemorrhagic fever viruses. Antiviral Res 2025; 239:106188. [PMID: 40360123 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2025.106188] [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: 01/29/2025] [Revised: 05/02/2025] [Accepted: 05/10/2025] [Indexed: 05/15/2025]
Abstract
Haemorrhagic fever viruses (HFVs) cause highly lethal syndromes with limited therapeutic options. Increasingly, 3D cell culture models are becoming an important tool in the field of virology. Since the liver is an important target for many HFVs, we evaluated a ready-to-use 96-well liver spheroid model composed of human primary cells for antiviral assessment. We worked with four biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) HFVs in this study: two orthoflaviviruses, Alkhumra haemorrhagic fever virus (AHFV) and yellow fever virus (YFV), and two viruses belonging to Hareavirales order, Pirital virus (PIRV), a surrogate for new-world BSL-4 mammarenaviruses, and Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV). We found that RVFV and PIRV were able to replicate in this model, whereas the orthoflaviviruses were not. A high viral dose was required for robust replication, and infectivity of RVFV in spheroids was low. We successfully demonstrated the antiviral activity of known broad-spectrum antiviral compounds-favipiravir, nitazoxanide, ribavirin, and galidesivir-despite some variability. However, except for ribavirin, higher doses were required in spheroids to detect antiviral effect compared to the 2D cell culture model. Overall, we conclude that human liver spheroids cannot replace traditional models for the selection of antiviral compounds but provide valuable additional complementary information. More broadly, this model could be useful to study viral pathogenicity and host-pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Chaput
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille Univ, Università di Corsica, IRD 190, Inserm 1207, IRBA), France
| | - Jean-Sélim Driouich
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille Univ, Università di Corsica, IRD 190, Inserm 1207, IRBA), France
| | | | | | - Xavier de Lamballerie
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille Univ, Università di Corsica, IRD 190, Inserm 1207, IRBA), France
| | - Antoine Nougairède
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille Univ, Università di Corsica, IRD 190, Inserm 1207, IRBA), France
| | - Franck Touret
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille Univ, Università di Corsica, IRD 190, Inserm 1207, IRBA), France.
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2
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Bonomini A, Mercorelli B, Loregian A. Antiviral strategies against influenza virus: an update on approved and innovative therapeutic approaches. Cell Mol Life Sci 2025; 82:75. [PMID: 39945883 PMCID: PMC11825441 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-025-05611-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2024] [Revised: 01/27/2025] [Accepted: 02/02/2025] [Indexed: 02/16/2025]
Abstract
Influenza viruses still represent a great concern for Public Health by causing yearly seasonal epidemics and occasionally worldwide pandemics. Moreover, spillover events at the animal-human interface are becoming more frequent nowadays, also involving animal species not previously found as reservoirs. To restrict the effects of influenza virus epidemics, especially in at-risk population, and to prepare a drug arsenal for possible future pandemics, researchers worldwide have been working on the development of antiviral strategies since the 80's of the last century. One of the main obstacles is the considerable genomic variability of influenza viruses, which constantly poses the issues of drug-resistance emergence and immune evasion. This review summarizes the approved therapeutics for clinical management of influenza, promising new anti-flu compounds and monoclonal antibodies currently undergoing clinical evaluation, and molecules with efficacy against influenza virus in preclinical studies. Moreover, we discuss some innovative anti-influenza therapeutic approaches such as combination therapies and targeted protein degradation. Given the limited number of drugs approved for influenza treatment, there is a still strong need for novel potent anti-influenza drugs endowed with a high barrier to drug resistance and broad-spectrum activity against influenza viruses of animal origin that may be responsible of future large outbreaks and pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Bonomini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Arianna Loregian
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy.
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3
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Valdivia A, Rocha M, Luque FJ. Mining Druggable Sites in Influenza A Hemagglutinin: Binding of the Pinanamine-Based Inhibitor M090. ACS Med Chem Lett 2025; 16:126-135. [PMID: 39811135 PMCID: PMC11726360 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.4c00502] [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: 10/17/2024] [Revised: 11/11/2024] [Accepted: 11/21/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2025] Open
Abstract
Assessing the binding mode of drug-like compounds is key in structure-based drug design. However, this may be challenged by factors such as the structural flexibility of the target protein. In this case, state-of-the-art computational methods can be valuable to explore the linkages between structural and pharmacological data. Following this strategy, extended molecular dynamics simulations and thermodynamic integration calculations are used to examine the binding of the potent antiviral inhibitor M090 and related pinanamine-based analogues, covering a 250-fold difference in inhibitory potency to the influenza A hemagglutinin, which is essential for virus entry and membrane fusion. This analysis has disclosed the hydrophobic shielding effect played by the 3-cyclopropylthiophene moiety in M090. Furthermore, the results support the negative effect of the resistance-induced E742 → D mutation, which should weaken the binding by increasing the structural flexibility of the L2-BS loop. The results pave the way to exploration of the antiviral activity of novel compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aitor Valdivia
- Doctorate
in Biotechnology, Departament de Nutrició, Ciències
de l’Alimentació i Gastronomia, Facultat de Farmàcia
i Ciències de l′Alimentació - Campus Torribera, Universitat de Barcelona, Prat de la Riba 171, 08921 Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain
- Institut
de Biomedicina (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Rocha
- Departament de Nutrició,
Ciències de l’Alimentació i
Gastronomia, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l′Alimentació
- Campus Torribera, Universitat de Barcelona, Prat de la Riba 171, 08921 Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain
- Department
of Life Sciences, University of Coímbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coímbra, Portugal
| | - F. Javier Luque
- Departament de Nutrició,
Ciències de l’Alimentació i
Gastronomia, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l′Alimentació
- Campus Torribera, Universitat de Barcelona, Prat de la Riba 171, 08921 Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain
- Institut
de Biomedicina (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institut
de Química Teòrica i Computacional (IQTCUB), Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
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4
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Hammad N, Ransy C, Pinson B, Talmasson J, Bréchot C, Rossignol JF, Bouillaud F. Nitazoxanide controls virus viability through its impact on membrane bioenergetics. Sci Rep 2024; 14:30679. [PMID: 39730386 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-78694-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 11/04/2024] [Indexed: 12/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Viruses are dependent on cellular energy metabolism for their replication, and the drug nitazoxanide (Alinia) was shown to interfere with both processes. Nitazoxanide is an uncoupler of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Our hypothesis was that mitochondrial uncoupling underlies the antiviral effects of nitazoxanide. Tizoxanide (the active metabolite of nitazoxanide), its derivative RM4848 and the uncoupler CCCP were applied to a virus-releasing cell line to obtain the same increasing levels of mitochondrial uncoupling, hence identical impact on OXPHOS. A decrease in infectious viral particle release was observed and reflected the intensity of impact on OXPHOS, irrespective of the nature of the drug. The antiviral effect was significant although the impact on OXPHOS was modest (≤ 25%), and disappeared when a high concentration (25 mM) of glucose was used to enhance glycolytic generation of ATP. Accordingly, the most likely explanation is that moderate interference with mitochondrial OXPHOS induced rearrangement of ATP use and acquisition of infective properties of the viral particles be highly sensitive to this rearrangement. The antiviral effect of nitazoxanide has been supported by clinical trials, and nitazoxanide is considered a safe drug. However, serious adverse effects of the uncoupler dinitrophenol occurred when used to increase significantly metabolic rate with the purpose of weight loss. Taken together, while impairment of mitochondrial bioenergetics is an unwanted drug effect, moderate interference should be considered as a basis for therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noureddine Hammad
- Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Université de Paris, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Céline Ransy
- Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Université de Paris, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Benoit Pinson
- Service Analyses Métaboliques-TBMcore, Université Bordeaux - CNRS UAR 3427 - INSERM US005, Bordeaux, France
| | - Jeremy Talmasson
- Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Université de Paris, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Christian Bréchot
- Romark Institute of Medical Research, Tampa, FL, USA
- College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
- Global Virus Network, Tampa, FL, USA
| | | | - Frédéric Bouillaud
- Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Université de Paris, 75014, Paris, France.
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5
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Han J, Yang C, Xiao Y, Li J, Jin N, Li Y. Influenza B virus: Target and acting mechanism of antiviral drugs. Microb Pathog 2024; 197:107051. [PMID: 39442816 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2024.107051] [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: 04/07/2024] [Revised: 08/30/2024] [Accepted: 10/20/2024] [Indexed: 10/25/2024]
Abstract
The influenza B virus is one of the causes of seasonal influenza, which has a long history of existence in various populations. Adolescents, children, pregnant women, the elderly, as well as patients with major diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer, and those with low immunity are more susceptible to infection by the influenza virus. During the influenza seasons, the influenza B virus can cause significant harm and economic burden. At present, neuraminidase inhibitors, hemagglutinin inhibitors and RNA polymerase inhibitors are the main antiviral drugs that are used in the clinical treatment of influenza B. Due to the repeated use of antiviral drugs in recent years, the emergence of resistant strains of the influenza virus exacerbated. By combining anti-viral drugs with different mechanisms of action or using a combination of traditional Chinese medicine and chemical drugs, the problem of reduced drug sensitivity can be improved. This article introduces the drug targets of the influenza B virus and the mechanism of virus resistance. It also emphasizes the clinically used antiviral drugs and their mechanisms of action, thereby providing a reference basis for the development of new anti-influenza drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jicheng Han
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, College of Integrative Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, PR China
| | - Chunhui Yang
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, College of Integrative Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, PR China
| | - Yan Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, College of Integrative Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, PR China.
| | - Jingjing Li
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, College of Integrative Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, PR China
| | - Ningyi Jin
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, College of Integrative Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, PR China
| | - Yiquan Li
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, College of Integrative Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, PR China.
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6
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Chakraborty S, Chauhan A. Fighting the flu: a brief review on anti-influenza agents. Biotechnol Genet Eng Rev 2024; 40:858-909. [PMID: 36946567 DOI: 10.1080/02648725.2023.2191081] [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: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
The influenza virus causes one of the most prevalent and lethal infectious viral diseases of the respiratory system; the disease progression varies from acute self-limiting mild fever to disease chronicity and death. Although both the preventive and treatment measures have been vital in protecting humans against seasonal epidemics or sporadic pandemics, there are several challenges to curb the influenza virus such as limited or poor cross-protection against circulating virus strains, moderate protection in immune-compromised patients, and rapid emergence of resistance. Currently, there are four US-FDA-approved anti-influenza drugs to treat flu infection, viz. Rapivab, Relenza, Tamiflu, and Xofluza. These drugs are classified based on their mode of action against the viral replication cycle with the first three being Neuraminidase inhibitors, and the fourth one targeting the viral polymerase. The emergence of the drug-resistant strains of influenza, however, underscores the need for continuous innovation towards development and discovery of new anti-influenza agents with enhanced antiviral effects, greater safety, and improved tolerability. Here in this review, we highlighted commercially available antiviral agents besides those that are at different stages of development including under clinical trials, with a brief account of their antiviral mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ashwini Chauhan
- Department of Microbiology, Tripura University, Agartala, India
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7
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Choudhury A, Ojha PK, Ray S. Hazards of antiviral contamination in water: Dissemination, fate, risk and their impact on fish. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:135087. [PMID: 38964042 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Antiviral drugs are a cornerstone in the first line of antiviral therapy and their demand rises consistently with increments in viral infections and successive outbreaks. The drugs enter the waters due to improper disposal methods or via human excreta following their consumption; consequently, many of them are now classified as emerging pollutants. Hereby, we review the global dissemination of these medications throughout different water bodies and thoroughly investigate the associated risk they pose to the aquatic fauna, particularly our vertebrate relative fish, which has great economic and dietary importance and subsequently serves as a major doorway to the human exposome. Our risk assessment identifies eleven such drugs that presently pose high to moderate levels of risk to the fish. The antiviral drugs are likely to induce oxidative stress, alter the behaviour, affect different physiological processes and provoke various toxicological mechanisms. Many of the compounds exhibit elevated bioaccumulation potential, while, some have an increased tendency to leach through soil and contaminate the groundwater. Eight antiviral medications show a highly recalcitrant nature and would impact the aquatic life consistently in the long run and continue to influence the human exposome. Thereby, we call for urgent ecopharmacovigilance measures and modification of current water treatment methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhigyan Choudhury
- Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata 700019, West Bengal, India
| | - Probir Kumar Ojha
- Drug Discovery and Development (DDD) Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, India.
| | - Sajal Ray
- Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata 700019, West Bengal, India.
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8
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Pate S, Taujanskas J, Wells R, Robertson CM, O'Neill PM, Stachulski AV. Convenient syntheses of 2-acylamino-4-halothiazoles and acylated derivatives using a versatile Boc-intermediate. RSC Adv 2024; 14:27894-27903. [PMID: 39224653 PMCID: PMC11367624 DOI: 10.1039/d4ra04959d] [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: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The 2-aminothiazole grouping is a significant feature of many series of biologically active molecules, including antibiotics, anticancer agents and NSAIDs. We have a longstanding interest in the synthesis and biological evaluation of thiazolides, viz. [2-hydroxyaroyl-N-(thiazol-2-yl)-amides] which have broad spectrum antiinfective, especially antiviral, properties. However, 2-amino-4-substituted thiazoles, especially 4-halo examples, are not easily available. We now report practical, efficient syntheses of this class from readily available pseudothiohydantoin, or 2-aminothiazol-4(5H)-one: the key intermediate was its Boc derivative, from which, under Appel-related conditions, Br, Cl and I could all be introduced at C(4). Whereas 2-amino-4-Br/4-Cl thiazoles gave low yields of mixed products on acylation, including a bis-acyl product, further acylation of the Boc intermediates, with a final mild deprotection step, afforded the desired thiazolides cleanly and in good yields. In contrast, even mild hydrolysis of 2-acetamido-4-chlorothiazole led to decomposition with fast reversion to 2-aminothiazol-4(5H)-one. We also present a correction of a claimed synthesis of 2-acetamido-4-chlorothiazole, which in fact produces its 5-chloro isomer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Pate
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool Liverpool L69 7ZD UK +44-(0)151-794-3482 +44-(0)151-794-3482
| | - Joshua Taujanskas
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool Liverpool L69 7ZD UK +44-(0)151-794-3482 +44-(0)151-794-3482
| | - Robyn Wells
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool Liverpool L69 7ZD UK +44-(0)151-794-3482 +44-(0)151-794-3482
| | - Craig M Robertson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool Liverpool L69 7ZD UK +44-(0)151-794-3482 +44-(0)151-794-3482
| | - Paul M O'Neill
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool Liverpool L69 7ZD UK +44-(0)151-794-3482 +44-(0)151-794-3482
| | - Andrew V Stachulski
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool Liverpool L69 7ZD UK +44-(0)151-794-3482 +44-(0)151-794-3482
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9
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Liu YY, Yi YJ, Ye J, Hu AX. Design, synthesis and neuraminidase inhibitory activity of 4-methyl-5-(3-phenylacryloyl) thiazoles. Mol Divers 2024; 28:1129-1140. [PMID: 36959424 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-023-10639-1] [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: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
A series of 4-methyl-5-(3-phenylacryloyl)thiazoles based on chalcones were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their influenza neuraminidase (NA) inhibitory activity in vitro. A preliminary structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis showed that thiazoles bearing amide had greater potency. It also showed that mono-hydroxyl group at 4-position on phenyl ring was more effective than other electron-releasing groups or electron-withdraw groups. Compounds A2 and A26 were more potent against NA with IC50 values of 8.2 ± 0.5 μg/mL and 6.2 ± 1.4 μg/mL, respectively. Molecular docking study demonstrated that thiazoles skeleton was benefit for the NA inhibitory activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Yang Liu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Yang-Jie Yi
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Jiao Ye
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China.
| | - Ai-Xi Hu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China.
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10
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Fornazieri MA, Cunha BM, Nicácio SP, Anzolin LK, da Silva JLB, Neto AF, Neto DB, Voegels RL, Pinna FDR. Effect of drug therapies on self-reported chemosensory outcomes after COVID-19. World J Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2024; 10:88-96. [PMID: 38855284 PMCID: PMC11156686 DOI: 10.1002/wjo2.183] [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: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to assess the relative efficacy of medications used following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection on self-reported alterations in taste and/or smell function. Methods Seven hundred and fourteen persons with self-reported postcoronavirus disease 2019 (post-COVID-19) chemosensory disorders were personally interviewed regarding specific medications they were administered following the acute phase of the disease. The dependent measure-self-reported total recovery of chemosensory symptoms-was subjected to stepwise logistic regression. Independent predictors included demographic and clinical variables, in addition to specific medications used to mitigate disease symptoms (i.e., systemic corticosteroids, oseltamivir, vitamin C, ibuprofen, hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, ivermectin, nitazoxanide, anticoagulants, and zinc). Results The median time between COVID-19 symptom onset and the interviews was 81 days (interquartile range: 60-104). Of the 714 subjects, 249 (34.9%) reported total recovery of their chemosensory function; 437 (61.2%) had at least one treatment since the beginning of the disease. Women and those with more comorbidities had undergone more treatments. The recovery rates of the treated and nontreated groups did not differ significantly. Nonetheless, respondents who had used nitazoxanide tended to have a higher rate of self-reported taste or smell recovery. Those who took oral zinc were less likely to improve. Conclusions No medication employed during the first months after SARS-CoV-2 infection had a clear positive effect on returning self-reported smell or taste function to normal, although nitrazoxide trended in a positive direction. Oral zinc had a negative effect on the reported recovery of these senses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco A. Fornazieri
- Department of SurgeryLondrina State UniversityLondrinaBrazil
- Department of MedicinePontifical Catholic University of ParanáLondrinaBrazil
- Department of OtorhinolaryngologyUniversity of São PauloSao PauloBrazil
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, Smell and Taste CenterUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Bruno M. Cunha
- Department of SurgeryLondrina State UniversityLondrinaBrazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Fábio D. R. Pinna
- Department of OtorhinolaryngologyUniversity of São PauloSao PauloBrazil
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11
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Li Y, Huo S, Yin Z, Tian Z, Huang F, Liu P, Liu Y, Yu F. Retracted and republished from: "The current state of research on influenza antiviral drug development: drugs in clinical trial and licensed drugs". mBio 2024; 15:e0017524. [PMID: 38551343 PMCID: PMC11077966 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00175-24] [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] [Indexed: 05/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Influenza viruses (IVs) threaten global human health due to the high morbidity, infection, and mortality rates. Currently, the influenza drugs recommended by the Food and Drug Administration are oseltamivir, zanamivir, peramivir, and baloxavir marboxil. These recommended antivirals are currently effective for major subtypes of IVs as the compounds target conserved domains in neuraminidase or polymerase acidic (PA) protein. However, this trend may gradually change due to the selection of antiviral drugs and the natural evolution of IVs. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop drugs related to the treatment of influenza to deal with the next pandemic. Here, we summarized the cutting-edge research in mechanism of action, inhibitory activity, and clinical efficacy of drugs that have been approved and drugs that are still in clinical trials for influenza treatment. We hope this review will provide up-to-date and comprehensive information on influenza antivirals and generate hypotheses for screens and development of new broad-spectrum influenza drugs in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanbai Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Analysis and Control of Zoonotic Pathogenic Microorganism, Hebei Wild Animal Health Center, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Shanshan Huo
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Analysis and Control of Zoonotic Pathogenic Microorganism, Hebei Wild Animal Health Center, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Zhe Yin
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Analysis and Control of Zoonotic Pathogenic Microorganism, Hebei Wild Animal Health Center, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Zuguang Tian
- Department of High-Tech Development, Baoding City Science and Technology Bureau, Baoding, China
| | - Fang Huang
- Epidemic Prevention Laboratory, Tongzhou District Center For Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Analysis and Control of Zoonotic Pathogenic Microorganism, Hebei Wild Animal Health Center, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Yue Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Fei Yu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Analysis and Control of Zoonotic Pathogenic Microorganism, Hebei Wild Animal Health Center, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
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Brady DK, Gurijala AR, Huang L, Hussain AA, Lingan AL, Pembridge OG, Ratangee BA, Sealy TT, Vallone KT, Clements TP. A guide to COVID-19 antiviral therapeutics: a summary and perspective of the antiviral weapons against SARS-CoV-2 infection. FEBS J 2024; 291:1632-1662. [PMID: 36266238 PMCID: PMC9874604 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Antiviral therapies are integral in the fight against SARS-CoV-2 (i.e. severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), the causative agent of COVID-19. Antiviral therapeutics can be divided into categories based on how they combat the virus, including viral entry into the host cell, viral replication, protein trafficking, post-translational processing, and immune response regulation. Drugs that target how the virus enters the cell include: Evusheld, REGEN-COV, bamlanivimab and etesevimab, bebtelovimab, sotrovimab, Arbidol, nitazoxanide, and chloroquine. Drugs that prevent the virus from replicating include: Paxlovid, remdesivir, molnupiravir, favipiravir, ribavirin, and Kaletra. Drugs that interfere with protein trafficking and post-translational processing include nitazoxanide and ivermectin. Lastly, drugs that target immune response regulation include interferons and the use of anti-inflammatory drugs such as dexamethasone. Antiviral therapies offer an alternative solution for those unable or unwilling to be vaccinated and are a vital weapon in the battle against the global pandemic. Learning more about these therapies helps raise awareness in the general population about the options available to them with respect to aiding in the reduction of the severity of COVID-19 infection. In this 'A Guide To' article, we provide an in-depth insight into the development of antiviral therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2 and their ability to help fight COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drugan K. Brady
- Department of Biological SciencesVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTNUSA
| | - Aashi R. Gurijala
- Department of Biological SciencesVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTNUSA
| | - Liyu Huang
- Department of Biological SciencesVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTNUSA
| | - Ali A. Hussain
- Department of Biological SciencesVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTNUSA
| | - Audrey L. Lingan
- Department of Biological SciencesVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTNUSA
| | | | - Brina A. Ratangee
- Department of Biological SciencesVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTNUSA
| | - Tristan T. Sealy
- Department of Biological SciencesVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTNUSA
| | - Kyle T. Vallone
- Department of Biological SciencesVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTNUSA
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13
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Koul PA, Mir H, Shah TH, Jan RA, Shah S, Qadri SM, Khan UH, Mehfooz N, Bagdadi F. Combination therapy of nitazoxanide with oseltamivir compared with oseltamivir in hospitalized patients with seasonal influenza. Lung India 2024; 41:55-59. [PMID: 38160460 PMCID: PMC10883452 DOI: 10.4103/lungindia.lungindia_711_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Antiviral combinations have been proposed as treatment for influenza in order to increase the antiviral activity by action at different sites of action as well as obviate the emergence of drug resistance to the commonly used antiviral agents like oseltamivir. Nitazoxanide has been found to exhibit anti-influenza viral activity with clinical benefit in a previous study. We recruited 242 cases of SARI, among whon 67 were confirmed to have influenza viral infection. In a randomized blinded fashion, 34 patients received a combination of nitazoxanide and oseltamivir whereas 33 cases received oseltamivir alone. Clinical parameters were followed in both groups and the nasal swabs were re-tested on day 6 for influenza positivity and the cycle threshold (CT) values. No significant differences were observed in terms of time for resolution of fever, other symptoms, and SOFA scores. Nine patients succumbed during the course of the illness that included three in the oseltamivir group and six in the combination group. All but one of those who expired had an underlying co-morbid illness. Our preliminary data suggest that the addition of nitazoxanide does not improve outcomes in hospitalized patients with influenza. Larger studies are recommended for statistically robust conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parvaiz A Koul
- Department of Internal and Pulmonary Medicine, Influenza Laboratory, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Hyder Mir
- Department of Internal and Pulmonary Medicine, Influenza Laboratory, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Tajamul H Shah
- Department of Internal and Pulmonary Medicine, Influenza Laboratory, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Rafi A Jan
- Department of Internal and Pulmonary Medicine, Influenza Laboratory, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Sanaullah Shah
- Department of Internal and Pulmonary Medicine, Influenza Laboratory, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Syed Mudassir Qadri
- Department of Internal and Pulmonary Medicine, Influenza Laboratory, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Umar Hafiz Khan
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Nazia Mehfooz
- Department of Internal and Pulmonary Medicine, Influenza Laboratory, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Farhana Bagdadi
- Department of Internal and Pulmonary Medicine, Influenza Laboratory, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
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14
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Liu C, Hu L, Dong G, Zhang Y, Ferreira da Silva-Júnior E, Liu X, Menéndez-Arias L, Zhan P. Emerging drug design strategies in anti-influenza drug discovery. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023; 13:4715-4732. [PMID: 38045039 PMCID: PMC10692392 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses (IFV), According to the World Health Organization (WHO), seasonal IFV epidemics result in approximately 3-5 million cases of severe illness, leading to about half a million deaths worldwide, along with severe economic losses and social burdens. Unfortunately, frequent mutations in IFV lead to a certain lag in vaccine development as well as resistance to existing antiviral drugs. Therefore, it is of great importance to develop anti-IFV drugs with high efficiency against wild-type and resistant strains, needed in the fight against current and future outbreaks caused by different IFV strains. In this review, we summarize general strategies used for the discovery and development of antiviral agents targeting multiple IFV strains (including those resistant to available drugs). Structure-based drug design, mechanism-based drug design, multivalent interaction-based drug design and drug repurposing are amongst the most relevant strategies that provide a framework for the development of antiviral drugs targeting IFV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanfeng Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Lide Hu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Guanyu Dong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Edeildo Ferreira da Silva-Júnior
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió 57072-970, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Xinyong Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Luis Menéndez-Arias
- Centro de Biología Molecular “Severo Ochoa” (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas & Universidad Autónoma de Madrid), Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Peng Zhan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
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15
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Stelitano D, La Frazia S, Ambrosino A, Zannella C, Tay D, Iovane V, Montagnaro S, De Filippis A, Santoro MG, Porotto M, Galdiero M. Antiviral activity of nitazoxanide against Morbillivirus infections. J Virus Erad 2023; 9:100353. [PMID: 38028567 PMCID: PMC10679774 DOI: 10.1016/j.jve.2023.100353] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The measles virus (MeV) and canine distemper virus (CDV) belong to the genus Morbillivirus of the Paramyxoviridae family. They are enveloped viruses harboring a non-segmented negative-sense RNA. Morbilliviruses are extremely contagious and transmitted through infectious aerosol droplets. Both MeV and CDV may cause respiratory infections and fatal encephalitis, although a high incidence of brain infections is unique to CDV. Despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine against these viruses, in recent years we are witnessing a strong resurgence of Morbillivirus infection. Measles still kills more than 100,000 people each year, and CDV causes widespread outbreaks, especially among wild animals, including non-human primates. No drugs are currently approved for MeV and CDV. Therefore, the identification of effective antiviral agents represents an unmet medical need. Here, we have investigated the potential antiviral properties of nitazoxanide (NTZ) against MeV and CDV. Antiviral activity was explored with live virus and cell-based assays. NTZ is a thiazolide that is approved by the FDA as an antiprotozoal agent for the treatment of Giardia intestinalis and Cryptosporidium parvum. Further, nitazoxanide and its metabolite tizoxanide have recently emerged as broad-spectrum antiviral agents. We found that NTZ blocks the MeV and CDV replication, acting at the post-entry level. Moreover, we showed that NTZ affects the function of the viral fusion protein (F), impairing viral spread. Our results indicate that NTZ should be further explored as a therapeutic option in measles and canine distemper virus treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debora Stelitano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, 701 West 168th st, 10032, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Host–Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, 701 West 168th st, 10032, New York, NY, USA
| | - Simone La Frazia
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Annalisa Ambrosino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Carla Zannella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Daniel Tay
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, 701 West 168th st, 10032, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Host–Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, 701 West 168th st, 10032, New York, NY, USA
| | - Valentina Iovane
- Department of Agriculture Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Università, 100-Portici, 80055, Naples, Italy
| | - Serena Montagnaro
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples “Federico II”, via Federico Delpino 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna De Filippis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Gabriella Santoro
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, CNR, Via Fosso del Cavaliere 100, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Porotto
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, 701 West 168th st, 10032, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Host–Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, 701 West 168th st, 10032, New York, NY, USA
| | - Massimiliano Galdiero
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
- Virology and Microbiology Unit, University Hospital “Luigi Vanvitelli”, via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
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16
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Meseko C, Sanicas M, Asha K, Sulaiman L, Kumar B. Antiviral options and therapeutics against influenza: history, latest developments and future prospects. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1269344. [PMID: 38094741 PMCID: PMC10716471 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1269344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Drugs and chemotherapeutics have helped to manage devastating impacts of infectious diseases since the concept of 'magic bullet'. The World Health Organization estimates about 650,000 deaths due to respiratory diseases linked to seasonal influenza each year. Pandemic influenza, on the other hand, is the most feared health disaster and probably would have greater and immediate impact on humanity than climate change. While countermeasures, biosecurity and vaccination remain the most effective preventive strategies against this highly infectious and communicable disease, antivirals are nonetheless essential to mitigate clinical manifestations following infection and to reduce devastating complications and mortality. Continuous emergence of the novel strains of rapidly evolving influenza viruses, some of which are intractable, require new approaches towards influenza chemotherapeutics including optimization of existing anti-infectives and search for novel therapies. Effective management of influenza infections depend on the safety and efficacy of selected anti-infective in-vitro studies and their clinical applications. The outcomes of therapies are also dependent on understanding diversity in patient groups, co-morbidities, co-infections and combination therapies. In this extensive review, we have discussed the challenges of influenza epidemics and pandemics and discoursed the options for anti-viral chemotherapies for effective management of influenza virus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clement Meseko
- Regional Centre for Animal Influenza, National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Nigeria
| | - Melvin Sanicas
- Medical and Clinical Development, Clover Biopharmaceuticals, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kumari Asha
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Lanre Sulaiman
- Regional Centre for Animal Influenza, National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Nigeria
| | - Binod Kumar
- Department of Antiviral Research, Institute of Advanced Virology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
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17
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Li Y, Huo S, Yin Z, Tian Z, Huang F, Liu P, Liu Y, Yu F. The current state of research on influenza antiviral drug development: drugs in clinical trial and licensed drugs. mBio 2023; 14:e0127323. [PMID: 37610204 PMCID: PMC10653855 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01273-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Influenza viruses (IVs) threaten global human health due to the high morbidity, infection, and mortality rates. Currently, the influenza drugs recommended by the FDA are oseltamivir, zanamivir, peramivir, and baloxavir marboxil. Notably, owing to the high variability of IVs, no drug exists that can effectively treat all types and subtypes of IVs. Moreover, the current trend of drug resistance is likely to continue as the viral genome is constantly mutating. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop drugs related to the treatment of influenza to deal with the next pandemic. Here, we summarized the cutting-edge research in mechanism of action, inhibitory activity, and clinical efficacy of drugs that have been approved and drugs that are still in clinical trials for influenza treatment. We hope this review will provide up-to-date and comprehensive information on influenza antivirals and generate hypotheses for screens and development of new broad-spectrum influenza drugs in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanbai Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Analysis and Control of Zoonotic Pathogenic Microorganism, Hebei Wild Animal Health Center, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Shanshan Huo
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Analysis and Control of Zoonotic Pathogenic Microorganism, Hebei Wild Animal Health Center, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Zhe Yin
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Analysis and Control of Zoonotic Pathogenic Microorganism, Hebei Wild Animal Health Center, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Zuguang Tian
- Baoding City Science and Technology Bureau, Baoding, China
| | - Fang Huang
- Tongzhou District Center For Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Analysis and Control of Zoonotic Pathogenic Microorganism, Hebei Wild Animal Health Center, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Yue Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Fei Yu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Analysis and Control of Zoonotic Pathogenic Microorganism, Hebei Wild Animal Health Center, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
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18
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Lewis MA, Cortés-Penfield NW, Ettayebi K, Patil K, Kaur G, Neill FH, Atmar RL, Ramani S, Estes MK. Standardization of an antiviral pipeline for human norovirus in human intestinal enteroids demonstrates nitazoxanide has no to weak antiviral activity. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2023; 67:e0063623. [PMID: 37787556 PMCID: PMC10583671 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00636-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Human noroviruses (HuNoVs) are the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis. In immunocompetent hosts, symptoms usually resolve within 3 days; however, in immunocompromised persons, HuNoV infection can become persistent, debilitating, and sometimes life-threatening. There are no licensed therapeutics for HuNoV due to a near half-century delay in its cultivation. Treatment for chronic HuNoV infection in immunosuppressed patients anecdotally includes nitazoxanide, a broad-spectrum antimicrobial licensed for treatment of parasite-induced gastroenteritis. Despite its off-label use for chronic HuNoV infection, nitazoxanide has not been clearly demonstrated to be an effective treatment. In this study, we standardized a pipeline for antiviral testing using multiple human small intestinal enteroid lines representing different intestinal segments and evaluated whether nitazoxanide inhibits replication of five HuNoV strains in vitro. Nitazoxanide did not exhibit high selective antiviral activity against any HuNoV strain tested, indicating it is not an effective antiviral for HuNoV infection. Human intestinal enteroids are further demonstrated as a model to serve as a preclinical platform to test antivirals against HuNoVs to treat gastrointestinal disease. Abstr.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda A. Lewis
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Nicolás W. Cortés-Penfield
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Khalil Ettayebi
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ketki Patil
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Gurpreet Kaur
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Frederick H. Neill
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Robert L. Atmar
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Sasirekha Ramani
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Mary K. Estes
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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19
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Low ZY, Wong KH, Wen Yip AJ, Choo WS. The convergent evolution of influenza A virus: Implications, therapeutic strategies and what we need to know. CURRENT RESEARCH IN MICROBIAL SCIENCES 2023; 5:100202. [PMID: 37700857 PMCID: PMC10493511 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmicr.2023.100202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Influenza virus infection, more commonly known as the 'cold flu', is an etiological agent that gives rise to recurrent annual flu and many pandemics. Dated back to the 1918- Spanish Flu, the influenza infection has caused the loss of many human lives and significantly impacted the economy and daily lives. Influenza virus can be classified into four different genera: influenza A-D, with the former two, influenza A and B, relevant to humans. The capacity of antigenic drift and shift in Influenza A has given rise to many novel variants, rendering vaccines and antiviral therapies useless. In light of the emergence of a novel betacoronavirus, the SARS-CoV-2, unravelling the underpinning mechanisms that support the recurrent influenza epidemics and pandemics is essential. Given the symptom similarities between influenza and covid infection, it is crucial to reiterate what we know about the influenza infection. This review aims to describe the origin and evolution of influenza infection. Apart from that, the risk factors entail the implication of co-infections, especially regarding the COVID-19 pandemic is further discussed. In addition, antiviral strategies, including the potential of drug repositioning, are discussed in this context. The diagnostic approach is also critically discussed in an effort to understand better and prepare for upcoming variants and potential influenza pandemics in the future. Lastly, this review encapsulates the challenges in curbing the influenza spread and provides insights for future directions in influenza management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Yao Low
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ka Heng Wong
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ashley Jia Wen Yip
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Wee Sim Choo
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
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20
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Piacentini S, Riccio A, Santopolo S, Pauciullo S, La Frazia S, Rossi A, Rossignol JF, Santoro MG. The FDA-approved drug nitazoxanide is a potent inhibitor of human seasonal coronaviruses acting at postentry level: effect on the viral spike glycoprotein. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1206951. [PMID: 37705731 PMCID: PMC10497118 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1206951] [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: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronaviridae is recognized as one of the most rapidly evolving virus family as a consequence of the high genomic nucleotide substitution rates and recombination. The family comprises a large number of enveloped, positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses, causing an array of diseases of varying severity in animals and humans. To date, seven human coronaviruses (HCoV) have been identified, namely HCoV-229E, HCoV-NL63, HCoV-OC43 and HCoV-HKU1, which are globally circulating in the human population (seasonal HCoV, sHCoV), and the highly pathogenic SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. Seasonal HCoV are estimated to contribute to 15-30% of common cold cases in humans; although diseases are generally self-limiting, sHCoV can sometimes cause severe lower respiratory infections and life-threatening diseases in a subset of patients. No specific treatment is presently available for sHCoV infections. Herein we show that the anti-infective drug nitazoxanide has a potent antiviral activity against three human endemic coronaviruses, the Alpha-coronaviruses HCoV-229E and HCoV-NL63, and the Beta-coronavirus HCoV-OC43 in cell culture with IC50 ranging between 0.05 and 0.15 μg/mL and high selectivity indexes. We found that nitazoxanide does not affect HCoV adsorption, entry or uncoating, but acts at postentry level and interferes with the spike glycoprotein maturation, hampering its terminal glycosylation at an endoglycosidase H-sensitive stage. Altogether the results indicate that nitazoxanide, due to its broad-spectrum anti-coronavirus activity, may represent a readily available useful tool in the treatment of seasonal coronavirus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Piacentini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Riccio
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Santopolo
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Pauciullo
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Simone La Frazia
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Rossi
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, CNR, Rome, Italy
| | | | - M. Gabriella Santoro
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, CNR, Rome, Italy
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21
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Xu J, Xue Y, Bolinger AA, Li J, Zhou M, Chen H, Li H, Zhou J. Therapeutic potential of salicylamide derivatives for combating viral infections. Med Res Rev 2023; 43:897-931. [PMID: 36905090 PMCID: PMC10247541 DOI: 10.1002/med.21940] [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: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Since time immemorial human beings have constantly been fighting against viral infections. The ongoing and devastating coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic represents one of the most severe and most significant public health emergencies in human history, highlighting an urgent need to develop broad-spectrum antiviral agents. Salicylamide (2-hydroxybenzamide) derivatives, represented by niclosamide and nitazoxanide, inhibit the replication of a broad range of RNA and DNA viruses such as flavivirus, influenza A virus, and coronavirus. Moreover, nitazoxanide was effective in clinical trials against different viral infections including diarrhea caused by rotavirus and norovirus, uncomplicated influenza A and B, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. In this review, we summarize the broad antiviral activities of salicylamide derivatives, the clinical progress, and the potential targets or mechanisms against different viral infections and highlight their therapeutic potential in combating the circulating and emerging viral infections in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimin Xu
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Yu Xue
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Andrew A. Bolinger
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Jun Li
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Mingxiang Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Haiying Chen
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Hongmin Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Jia Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
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22
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Abstract
There is a large global unmet need for the development of countermeasures to combat hundreds of viruses known to cause human disease and for the establishment of a therapeutic portfolio for future pandemic preparedness. Most approved antiviral therapeutics target proteins encoded by a single virus, providing a narrow spectrum of coverage. This, combined with the slow pace and high cost of drug development, limits the scalability of this direct-acting antiviral (DAA) approach. Here, we summarize progress and challenges in the development of broad-spectrum antivirals that target either viral elements (proteins, genome structures, and lipid envelopes) or cellular proviral factors co-opted by multiple viruses via newly discovered compounds or repurposing of approved drugs. These strategies offer new means for developing therapeutics against both existing and emerging viral threats that complement DAAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwah Karim
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Chieh-Wen Lo
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Shirit Einav
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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23
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Lewis MA, Cortés-Penfield NW, Ettayebi K, Patil K, Kaur G, Neill FH, Atmar RL, Ramani S, Estes MK. A Standardized Antiviral Pipeline for Human Norovirus in Human Intestinal Enteroids Demonstrates No Antiviral Activity of Nitazoxanide. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.23.542011. [PMID: 37293103 PMCID: PMC10245936 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.23.542011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Human noroviruses (HuNoVs) are the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis. In immunocompetent hosts, symptoms usually resolve within three days; however, in immunocompromised persons, HuNoV infection can become persistent, debilitating, and sometimes life-threatening. There are no licensed therapeutics for HuNoV due to a near half-century delay in its cultivation. Treatment for chronic HuNoV infection in immunosuppressed patients anecdotally includes nitazoxanide, a broad-spectrum antimicrobial licensed for treatment of parasite-induced gastroenteritis. Despite its off-label use for chronic HuNoV infection, nitazoxanide has not been clearly demonstrated to be an effective treatment. In this study, we established a standardized pipeline for antiviral testing using multiple human small intestinal enteroid (HIE) lines representing different intestinal segments and evaluated whether nitazoxanide inhibits replication of 5 HuNoV strains in vitro . Nitazoxanide did not exhibit high selective antiviral activity against any HuNoV strains tested, indicating it is not an effective antiviral for norovirus infection. HIEs are further demonstrated as a model to serve as a pre-clinical platform to test antivirals against human noroviruses to treat gastrointestinal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda A. Lewis
- Department of Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | | | - Khalil Ettayebi
- Department of Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Ketki Patil
- Department of Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Gurpreet Kaur
- Department of Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Frederick H. Neill
- Department of Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Robert L. Atmar
- Department of Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Sasirekha Ramani
- Department of Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Mary K. Estes
- Department of Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
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24
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Scior T, Cuanalo-Contreras K, Islas AA, Martinez-Laguna Y. Targeting the Human Influenza a Virus: The Methods, Limitations, and Pitfalls of Virtual Screening for Drug-like Candidates Including Scaffold Hopping and Compound Profiling. Viruses 2023; 15:v15051056. [PMID: 37243142 DOI: 10.3390/v15051056] [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: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we describe the input data and processing steps to find antiviral lead compounds by a virtual screen. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional filters were designed based on the X-ray crystallographic structures of viral neuraminidase co-crystallized with substrate sialic acid, substrate-like DANA, and four inhibitors (oseltamivir, zanamivir, laninamivir, and peramivir). As a result, ligand-receptor interactions were modeled, and those necessary for binding were utilized as screen filters. Prospective virtual screening (VS) was carried out in a virtual chemical library of over half a million small organic substances. Orderly filtered moieties were investigated based on 2D- and 3D-predicted binding fingerprints disregarding the "rule-of-five" for drug likeness, and followed by docking and ADMET profiling. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional screening were supervised after enriching the dataset with known reference drugs and decoys. All 2D, 3D, and 4D procedures were calibrated before execution, and were then validated. Presently, two top-ranked substances underwent successful patent filing. In addition, the study demonstrates how to work around reported VS pitfalls in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Scior
- Faculty of Chemical Sciences, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Ciudad Universitaria, Colonia San Manuel, Puebla 72570, Mexico
| | - Karina Cuanalo-Contreras
- Faculty of Chemical Sciences, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Ciudad Universitaria, Colonia San Manuel, Puebla 72570, Mexico
| | - Angel A Islas
- Faculty of Chemical Sciences, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Ciudad Universitaria, Colonia San Manuel, Puebla 72570, Mexico
- Vicerrectoría de Investigación y Estudios de Posgrado, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla 72592, Mexico
| | - Ygnacio Martinez-Laguna
- Vicerrectoría de Investigación y Estudios de Posgrado, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla 72592, Mexico
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25
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Application and synthesis of thiazole ring in clinically approved drugs. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 250:115172. [PMID: 36758304 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The development of heterocyclic derivatives has progressed considerably over the past few decades, and many new agents of synthetic and natural origin have been produced. Among heterocyclic compounds, thiazole is a unique five-membered heterocyclic motif characterized by nitrogen and sulfur atoms, which is widely used as an important core skeleton in a variety of pharmaceutically important compounds due to their diverse biological activities, such as antibacterial, antivirus, and antifungal. To the best of our knowledge, more than 90 thiazole-containing derivatives have been currently under clinical investigation, and some thiazole analogs have been approved to treat various diseases. As the potentially privileged scaffolds, thiazole derivatives can be further extensively explored to search for new drugs characterized by improved therapeutic efficacy and similar biological targets. This review aims to outline the applications and synthetic routes of some representative thiazole-containing drugs approved in the clinic, which may guide medicinal researchers to rationally design more effective thiazole-containing drug candidates.
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26
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Tizoxanide Antiviral Activity on Dengue Virus Replication. Viruses 2023; 15:v15030696. [PMID: 36992406 PMCID: PMC10055917 DOI: 10.3390/v15030696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Dengue virus is an important circulating arbovirus in Brazil responsible for high morbidity and mortality worldwide, representing a huge economic and social burden, in addition to affecting public health. In this study, the biological activity, toxicity, and antiviral activity against dengue virus type 2 (DENV-2) of tizoxanide (TIZ) was evaluated in Vero cell culture. TIZ has a broad spectrum of action in inhibiting different pathogens, including bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. Cells were infected for 1 h with DENV-2 and then treated for 24 h with different concentrations of the drug. The quantification of viral production indicated the antiviral activity of TIZ. The protein profiles in infected Vero cells treated and not treated with TIZ were analyzed using the label-free quantitative proteomic approach. TIZ was able to inhibit virus replication mainly intracellularly after DENV-2 penetration and before the complete replication of the viral genome. Additionally, the study of the protein profile of infected not-treated and infected-treated Vero cells showed that TIZ interferes with cellular processes such as intracellular trafficking and vesicle-mediated transport and post-translational modifications when added after infection. Our results also point to the activation of immune response genes that would eventually lead to a decrease of DENV-2 production. TIZ is a promising therapeutic molecule for the treatment of DENV-2 infections.
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27
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Abuelazm M, Ghanem A, Awad AK, Farahat RA, Labieb F, Katamesh BE, Abdelazeem B. The Effect of Nitazoxanide on the Clinical Outcomes in Patients with COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Clin Drug Investig 2022; 42:1031-1047. [PMID: 36315350 PMCID: PMC9628625 DOI: 10.1007/s40261-022-01213-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Nitazoxanide, a US Food and Drug Administration-approved antiparasitic agent, was reported to be effective in treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The lack of effective and precise treatments for COVID-19 infection earlier in the pandemic forced us to depend on symptomatic, empirical, and supportive therapy, which overburdened intensive care units and exhausted hospital resources. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy and safety of nitazoxanide for COVID-19 treatment. METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizing relevant randomized controlled trials from six databases (MedRxiv, WOS, SCOPUS, EMBASE, PubMed, and CENTRAL) until 17 May 2022 was conducted. Risk ratio (RR) for dichotomous outcomes was used and data with a 95% confidence interval (CI) are presented. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO with ID: CRD42022334658. RESULTS Six randomized controlled trials with 1412 patients were included in the analysis. Nitazoxanide was effective in accelerating viral clearance compared with placebo (RR: 1.30 with 95% CI 1.08, 1.56, p = 0.006) and reducing oxygen requirements (RR: 0.48 with 95% CI 0.39, 0.59, p = 0.00001), but we found no difference between nitazoxanide and placebo in improving clinical resolution (RR: 1.01 with 95% CI 0.94, 1.08, p = 0.88), reducing the mortality rate (RR: 0.88 with 95% CI 0.4, 1.91, p = 0.74), and intensive care unit admission (RR: 0.69 with 95% CI 0.43, 1.13, p = 0.14). Moreover, nitazoxanide was as safe as placebo (RR: 0.9 with 95% CI 0.72, 1.12, p = 0.34). CONCLUSIONS Compared with placebo, nitazoxanide was effective in expediting viral clearance and decreasing oxygen requirements. However, there was no difference between nitazoxanide and placebo regarding clinical response, all-cause mortality, and intensive care unit admission. Therefore, more large-scale studies are still needed to ascertain the clinical applicability of nitazoxanide in COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ahmed Ghanem
- Cardiology Department, The Lundquist Institute, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Ahmed K Awad
- Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Fatma Labieb
- Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | | | - Basel Abdelazeem
- Department of Internal Medicine, McLaren Health Care, Flint, MI, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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28
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Weng TC, Weng TS, Lai CC, Chao CM, Wang JH. Clinical outcomes, virological efficacy and safety of nitazoxanide in the treatment of patients with COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2022; 20:1615-1622. [PMID: 36317748 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2022.2142117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study investigated the clinical outcomes, virological efficacy and safety of nitazoxanide in the treatment of patients with COVID-19. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched for relevant articles written before August 23, 2022. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the usefulness and safety of nitazoxanide in patients with COVID-19 were included. RESULTS Five RCTs were included. The overall mortality of COVID-19 patients receiving nitazoxanide (study group) was 1.3% (9/670), which was lower than the control group (1.8%, 12/681), but this difference did not reach statistical significance (risk difference [RD], 0.00; 95% CI: -0.01 to 0.01; P =0.97). However, nitazoxanide was associated with a higher virological eradication rate than placebo or standard care (RD, 0.09; 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.17; P = 0.03). Compared with the placebo or standard care, nitazoxanide were associated with a similar risk of any adverse event (RD, -0.02; 95% CI: -0.07 to 0.03; P = 0.44). CONCLUSIONS Although nitazoxanide can help virological eradication and is also tolerable, it does not provide additional clinical benefits. Based on these evidences, the use of nitazoxanide in the treatment of patients with COVID-19 is not recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzu-Chieh Weng
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Teng-Song Weng
- Department of Pharmacy, Chi Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Cheng Lai
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ming Chao
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Taiwan
| | - Jui-Hsiang Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infection Disease, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Tainan Branch, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Health Care Administration, Chang Jung Christian University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Food Nutrition, Chung-Hwa University of Medical Technology, Tainan, Taiwan
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29
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Wang X, Tang G, Liu Y, Zhang L, Chen B, Han Y, Fu Z, Wang L, Hu G, Ma Q, Sheng S, Wang J, Hu X, Shao S. The role of IL-6 in coronavirus, especially in COVID-19. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1033674. [PMID: 36506506 PMCID: PMC9727200 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1033674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infects both people and animals and may cause significant respiratory problems, including lung illness: Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Swabs taken from the throat and nose of people who have the illness or are suspected of having it have shown this pathogenic virus. When SARS-CoV-2 infects the upper and lower respiratory tracts, it may induce moderate to severe respiratory symptoms, as well as the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin 6 (IL-6). COVID-19-induced reduction of IL-6 in an inflammatory state may have a hitherto undiscovered therapeutic impact. Many inflammatory disorders, including viral infections, has been found to be regulated by IL-6. In individuals with COVID-19, one of the primary inflammatory agents that causes inflammatory storm is IL-6. It promotes the inflammatory response of virus infection, including the virus infection caused by SARS-CoV-2, and provides a new diagnostic and therapeutic strategy. In this review article, we highlighted the functions of IL-6 in the coronavirus, especially in COVID-19, showing that IL-6 activation plays an important function in the progression of coronavirus and is a rational therapeutic goal for inflammation aimed at coronavirus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Guozheng Tang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Lu’an Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Lu’an, Anhui, China
| | - Yuchen Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affifiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Lizhi Zhang
- First Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Bangjie Chen
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yanxun Han
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affifiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ziyue Fu
- Second Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Liuning Wang
- First Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Guangzhi Hu
- First Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qing Ma
- First Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Shuyan Sheng
- First Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jianpeng Wang
- First Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xinyang Hu
- First Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Song Shao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Lu’an Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Lu’an, Anhui, China,*Correspondence: Song Shao,
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30
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Driouich JS, Cochin M, Touret F, Petit PR, Gilles M, Moureau G, Barthélémy K, Laprie C, Wattanakul T, Chotsiri P, Hoglund RM, Tarning J, Fraisse L, Sjö P, Mowbray CE, Escudié F, Scandale I, Chatelain E, de Lamballerie X, Solas C, Nougairède A. Pre-clinical evaluation of antiviral activity of nitazoxanide against SARS-CoV-2. EBioMedicine 2022; 82:104148. [PMID: 35834886 PMCID: PMC9271885 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To address the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, multiple clinical trials in humans were rapidly started, including those involving an oral treatment by nitazoxanide, despite no or limited pre-clinical evidence of antiviral efficacy. Methods In this work, we present a complete pre-clinical evaluation of the antiviral activity of nitazoxanide against SARS-CoV-2. Findings First, we confirmed the in vitro efficacy of nitazoxanide and tizoxanide (its active metabolite) against SARS-CoV-2. Then, we demonstrated nitazoxanide activity in a reconstructed bronchial human airway epithelium model. In a SARS-CoV-2 virus challenge model in hamsters, oral and intranasal treatment with nitazoxanide failed to impair viral replication in commonly affected organs. We hypothesized that this could be due to insufficient diffusion of the drug into organs of interest. Indeed, our pharmacokinetic study confirmed that concentrations of tizoxanide in organs of interest were always below the in vitro EC50. Interpretation These preclinical results suggest, if directly applicable to humans, that the standard formulation and dosage of nitazoxanide is not effective in providing antiviral therapy for Covid-19. Funding This work was supported by the Fondation de France “call FLASH COVID-19”, project TAMAC, by “Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale” through the REACTing (REsearch and ACTion targeting emerging infectious diseases), by REACTING/ANRS MIE under the agreement No. 21180 (‘Activité des molécules antivirales dans le modèle hamster’), by European Virus Archive Global (EVA 213 GLOBAL) funded by the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No. 871029 and DNDi under support by the Wellcome Trust Grant ref: 222489/Z/21/Z through the COVID-19 Therapeutics Accelerator”.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Sélim Driouich
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille University -IRD 190-Inserm 1207), Marseille, France.
| | - Maxime Cochin
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille University -IRD 190-Inserm 1207), Marseille, France
| | - Franck Touret
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille University -IRD 190-Inserm 1207), Marseille, France
| | - Paul-Rémi Petit
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille University -IRD 190-Inserm 1207), Marseille, France
| | - Magali Gilles
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille University -IRD 190-Inserm 1207), Marseille, France
| | - Grégory Moureau
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille University -IRD 190-Inserm 1207), Marseille, France
| | - Karine Barthélémy
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille University -IRD 190-Inserm 1207), Marseille, France
| | | | - Thanaporn Wattanakul
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Palang Chotsiri
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Richard M Hoglund
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Joel Tarning
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Laurent Fraisse
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Peter Sjö
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Fanny Escudié
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ivan Scandale
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Eric Chatelain
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Xavier de Lamballerie
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille University -IRD 190-Inserm 1207), Marseille, France
| | - Caroline Solas
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille University -IRD 190-Inserm 1207), Marseille, France; APHM, Laboratoire de Pharmacocinétique et Toxicologie, Hôpital La Timone, Marseille, France
| | - Antoine Nougairède
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille University -IRD 190-Inserm 1207), Marseille, France
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31
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Tang H, Liu Y, Ren R, Liu Y, He Y, Qi Z, Peng H, Zhao P. Identification of clinical candidates against West Nile Virus by activity screening
in vitro
and effect evaluation
in vivo. J Med Virol 2022; 94:4918-4925. [DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hailin Tang
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Naval MedicineNavy Medical UniversityShanghai200433People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Naval MedicineNavy Medical UniversityShanghai200433People's Republic of China
| | - Ruiwen Ren
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Southern Theater CommandGuangdong Guangzhou510507People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Naval MedicineNavy Medical UniversityShanghai200433People's Republic of China
| | - Yanhua He
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Naval MedicineNavy Medical UniversityShanghai200433People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongtian Qi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Naval MedicineNavy Medical UniversityShanghai200433People's Republic of China
| | - Haoran Peng
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Naval MedicineNavy Medical UniversityShanghai200433People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Zhao
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Naval MedicineNavy Medical UniversityShanghai200433People's Republic of China
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32
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Riccio A, Santopolo S, Rossi A, Piacentini S, Rossignol JF, Santoro MG. Impairment of SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein maturation and fusion activity by nitazoxanide: an effect independent of spike variants emergence. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:227. [PMID: 35391601 PMCID: PMC8989121 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04246-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, has caused an unprecedented global health crisis. The SARS-CoV-2 spike, a surface-anchored trimeric class-I fusion glycoprotein essential for viral entry, represents a key target for developing vaccines and therapeutics capable of blocking virus invasion. The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 spike variants that facilitate virus spread and may affect vaccine efficacy highlights the need to identify novel antiviral strategies for COVID-19 therapy. Here, we demonstrate that nitazoxanide, an antiprotozoal agent with recognized broad-spectrum antiviral activity, interferes with SARS-CoV-2 spike maturation, hampering its terminal glycosylation at an endoglycosidase H-sensitive stage. Engineering multiple SARS-CoV-2 variant-pseudoviruses and utilizing quantitative cell–cell fusion assays, we show that nitazoxanide-induced spike modifications hinder progeny virion infectivity as well as spike-driven pulmonary cell–cell fusion, a critical feature of COVID-19 pathology. Nitazoxanide, being equally effective against the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan-spike and different emerging variants, including the Delta variant of concern, may represent a useful tool in the fight against COVID-19 infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Riccio
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Santopolo
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Rossi
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Piacentini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - M Gabriella Santoro
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy. .,Institute of Translational Pharmacology, CNR, Rome, Italy.
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Bang MS, Kim CM, Kim DM, Yun NR. Effective Drugs Against Severe Fever With Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus in an in vitro Model. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:839215. [PMID: 35433715 PMCID: PMC9008449 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.839215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging tick-borne infectious disease caused by the SFTS virus (SFTSV). This syndrome is endemic in China, South Korea, and Japan, with a fatality rate of approximately 20–30%. Although the World Health Organization has listed SFTS as a disease that requires urgent steps for the development of its treatment, no treatments are available. Methods We analyzed the antiviral activity of 41 drugs against the SFTSV to explore potential therapeutic candidates using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and plaque assay in vitro. Results Peramivir, nitazoxanide, and favipiravir were found to have inhibitory effects on the SFTSV at concentrations below the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax). The concentrations that inhibited the SFTSV by 50% were as follows: peramivir, half maximal effective concentration (EC50) 12.9 μg/mL; nitazoxanide, EC50 0.57 μg/mL; and favipiravir, EC50 4.14 μg/mL. Conclusion The effects of peramivir and nitazoxanide on the SFTSV were identified for the first time in this study. Future studies need to include animal models of SFTSV infection, clinical trials including dose-ranging trials, and evaluation of combination therapy with other potential antivirals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi-Seon Bang
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Choon-Mee Kim
- Premedical Science, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Dong-Min Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, South Korea
- *Correspondence: Dong-Min Kim,
| | - Na Ra Yun
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, South Korea
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Walker LE, FitzGerald R, Saunders G, Lyon R, Fisher M, Martin K, Eberhart I, Woods C, Ewings S, Hale C, Rajoli RKR, Else L, Dilly‐Penchala S, Amara A, Lalloo DG, Jacobs M, Pertinez H, Hatchard P, Waugh R, Lawrence M, Johnson L, Fines K, Reynolds H, Rowland T, Crook R, Okenyi E, Byrne K, Mozgunov P, Jaki T, Khoo S, Owen A, Griffiths G, Fletcher TE, the AGILE platform. An Open Label, Adaptive, Phase 1 Trial of High-Dose Oral Nitazoxanide in Healthy Volunteers: An Antiviral Candidate for SARS-CoV-2. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2022; 111:585-594. [PMID: 34699618 PMCID: PMC8653087 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.2463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Repurposing approved drugs may rapidly establish effective interventions during a public health crisis. This has yielded immunomodulatory treatments for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but repurposed antivirals have not been successful to date because of redundancy of the target in vivo or suboptimal exposures at studied doses. Nitazoxanide is a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved antiparasitic medicine, that physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling has indicated may provide antiviral concentrations across the dosing interval, when repurposed at higher than approved doses. Within the AGILE trial platform (NCT04746183) an open label, adaptive, phase I trial in healthy adult participants was undertaken with high-dose nitazoxanide. Participants received 1,500 mg nitazoxanide orally twice-daily with food for 7 days. Primary outcomes were safety, tolerability, optimum dose, and schedule. Intensive pharmacokinetic (PK) sampling was undertaken day 1 and 5 with minimum concentration (Cmin ) sampling on days 3 and 7. Fourteen healthy participants were enrolled between February 18 and May 11, 2021. All 14 doses were completed by 10 of 14 participants. Nitazoxanide was safe and with no significant adverse events. Moderate gastrointestinal disturbance (loose stools or diarrhea) occurred in 8 participants (57.1%), with urine and sclera discoloration in 12 (85.7%) and 9 (64.3%) participants, respectively, without clinically significant bilirubin elevation. This was self-limiting and resolved upon drug discontinuation. PBPK predictions were confirmed on day 1 but with underprediction at day 5. Median Cmin was above the in vitro target concentration on the first dose and maintained throughout. Nitazoxanide administered at 1,500 mg b.i.d. with food was safe with acceptable tolerability a phase Ib/IIa study is now being initiated in patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E. Walker
- University of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLiverpoolUK
| | | | - Geoffrey Saunders
- Southampton Clinical Trials UnitUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
| | - Rebecca Lyon
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLiverpoolUK
| | - Michael Fisher
- University of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLiverpoolUK
| | - Karen Martin
- Southampton Clinical Trials UnitUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
| | - Izabela Eberhart
- Southampton Clinical Trials UnitUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
| | - Christie Woods
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLiverpoolUK
| | - Sean Ewings
- Southampton Clinical Trials UnitUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
| | - Colin Hale
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLiverpoolUK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Parys Hatchard
- Southampton Clinical Trials UnitUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
| | - Robert Waugh
- Southampton Clinical Trials UnitUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
| | - Megan Lawrence
- Southampton Clinical Trials UnitUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
| | - Lucy Johnson
- Southampton Clinical Trials UnitUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
| | - Keira Fines
- Southampton Clinical Trials UnitUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
| | | | - Timothy Rowland
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLiverpoolUK
| | - Rebecca Crook
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLiverpoolUK
| | - Emmanuel Okenyi
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLiverpoolUK
| | - Kelly Byrne
- Liverpool School of Tropical MedicineLiverpoolUK
| | - Pavel Mozgunov
- MRC Biostatistics UnitUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Thomas Jaki
- MRC Biostatistics UnitUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | | | | | - Gareth Griffiths
- Southampton Clinical Trials UnitUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
| | - Thomas E. Fletcher
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLiverpoolUK
- Liverpool School of Tropical MedicineLiverpoolUK
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35
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Rossignol JF, Bardin MC, Fulgencio J, Mogelnicki D, Bréchot C. A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial of nitazoxanide for treatment of mild or moderate COVID-19. EClinicalMedicine 2022; 45:101310. [PMID: 35237748 PMCID: PMC8883002 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an urgent need for treatments of mild or moderate COVID-19 in an outpatient setting. METHODS A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial in 36 centers in the U.S. between August 2020 and February 2021 investigated the safety and effectiveness of oral nitazoxanide 600 mg twice daily for five days in outpatients with symptoms of mild or moderate COVID-19 enrolled within 72 h of symptom onset (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04486313). Efficacy endpoints were time to sustained clinical recovery (TSR, a novel primary endpoint) and proportion of participants progressing to severe illness within 28 days (key secondary). FINDINGS 1092 participants were enrolled. 379 with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were analyzed. In the primary analysis, median (IQR) TSR were 13·3 (6·3, >21) and 12·4 (7·2, >21) days for the nitazoxanide and placebo groups, respectively (p = 0·88). 1 of 184 (0·5%) treated with nitazoxanide progressed to severe illness compared to 7 of 195 (3·6%) treated with placebo (key secondary analysis, odds ratio 5·6 [95% CI 0·7 - 46·1], relative risk reduction 85%, p = 0·07). In the pre-defined stratum with mild illness at baseline, nitazoxanide-treated participants experienced reductions in median TSR (3·1 days, p = 0·09) and usual health (5·2 days, p < 0·01) compared to placebo. Nitazoxanide was safe and well tolerated. INTERPRETATION Further trials with larger numbers are warranted to evaluate efficacy of nitazoxanide therapy in preventing progression to severe illness in patients at high risk of severe illness and reducing TSR in patients with mild illness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Dena Mogelnicki
- Romark Institute of Medical Research, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Christian Bréchot
- Romark Institute of Medical Research, Tampa, FL, United States
- University of South Florida, College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, United States
- Global Virus Network, United States
- Corresponding author at: University of South Florida, College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, United States.
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36
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Miorin L, Mire CE, Ranjbar S, Hume AJ, Huang J, Crossland NA, White KM, Laporte M, Kehrer T, Haridas V, Moreno E, Nambu A, Jangra S, Cupic A, Dejosez M, Abo KA, Tseng AE, Werder RB, Rathnasinghe R, Mutetwa T, Ramos I, de Aja JS, de Alba Rivas CG, Schotsaert M, Corley RB, Falvo JV, Fernandez-Sesma A, Kim C, Rossignol JF, Wilson AA, Zwaka T, Kotton DN, Mühlberger E, García-Sastre A, Goldfeld AE. The oral drug nitazoxanide restricts SARS-CoV-2 infection and attenuates disease pathogenesis in Syrian hamsters. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2022:2022.02.08.479634. [PMID: 35169796 PMCID: PMC8845418 DOI: 10.1101/2022.02.08.479634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
A well-tolerated and cost-effective oral drug that blocks SARS-CoV-2 growth and dissemination would be a major advance in the global effort to reduce COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. Here, we show that the oral FDA-approved drug nitazoxanide (NTZ) significantly inhibits SARS-CoV-2 viral replication and infection in different primate and human cell models including stem cell-derived human alveolar epithelial type 2 cells. Furthermore, NTZ synergizes with remdesivir, and it broadly inhibits growth of SARS-CoV-2 variants B.1.351 (beta), P.1 (gamma), and B.1617.2 (delta) and viral syncytia formation driven by their spike proteins. Strikingly, oral NTZ treatment of Syrian hamsters significantly inhibits SARS-CoV-2-driven weight loss, inflammation, and viral dissemination and syncytia formation in the lungs. These studies show that NTZ is a novel host-directed therapeutic that broadly inhibits SARS-CoV-2 dissemination and pathogenesis in human and hamster physiological models, which supports further testing and optimization of NTZ-based therapy for SARS-CoV-2 infection alone and in combination with antiviral drugs.
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37
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Irabuena C, Scarone L, de Souza GE, Aguiar ACC, Mendes GR, Guido RVC, Serra G. Synthesis and antiplasmodial assessment of nitazoxanide and analogs as new antimalarial candidates. Med Chem Res 2022; 31:426-435. [PMID: 35106047 PMCID: PMC8794615 DOI: 10.1007/s00044-021-02843-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
During the last years, the progression to control malaria disease seems to be slowed and WHO (World Health Organization) reported a modeling analysis with the prediction of the increase in malaria morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic. A rapid way to the discovery of new drugs could be carried out by performing investigations to identify drugs based on repurposing of "old" drugs. The 5-nitrothiazole drug, Nitazoxanide was shown to be active against intestinal protozoa, human helminths, anaerobic bacteria, viruses, etc. In this work, Nitazoxanide and analogs were prepared using two methodologies and evaluated against P. falciparum 3D7. A bithiazole analog, showed attractive inhibitory activity with an EC50 value of 5.9 μM, low propensity to show toxic effect against HepG2 cells at 25 μM, and no cross-resistance with standard antimalarials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Irabuena
- Química Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, General Flores 2124, CC1157 Montevideo, Uruguay
- Graduate Program in Chemistry, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Laura Scarone
- Química Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, General Flores 2124, CC1157 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Guilherme Eduardo de Souza
- São Carlos Institute of Physics, University of Sao Paulo, Avenida João Dagnone, 1100, São Carlos, São Paulo 13563-120 Brazil
| | - Anna Caroline Campos Aguiar
- São Carlos Institute of Physics, University of Sao Paulo, Avenida João Dagnone, 1100, São Carlos, São Paulo 13563-120 Brazil
| | - Giovana Rossi Mendes
- São Carlos Institute of Physics, University of Sao Paulo, Avenida João Dagnone, 1100, São Carlos, São Paulo 13563-120 Brazil
| | - Rafael Victorio Carvalho Guido
- São Carlos Institute of Physics, University of Sao Paulo, Avenida João Dagnone, 1100, São Carlos, São Paulo 13563-120 Brazil
| | - Gloria Serra
- Química Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, General Flores 2124, CC1157 Montevideo, Uruguay
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38
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Yang J, Liu S. Influenza Virus Entry inhibitors. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1366:123-135. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-16-8702-0_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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39
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Flórido M, Chiu J, Hogg PJ. Influenza A Virus Hemagglutinin Is Produced in Different Disulfide-Bonded States. Antioxid Redox Signal 2021; 35:1081-1092. [PMID: 33985344 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2021.0033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Aims: Influenza A virus hemagglutinin (HA) binding to sialic acid on lung epithelial cells triggers membrane fusion and infection. Host thiol isomerases have been shown to play a role in influenza A virus infection, and we hypothesized that this role involved manipulation of disulfide bonds in HA. Results: Analysis of HA crystal structures revealed that three of the six HA disulfides occur in high-energy conformations and four of the six bonds can exist in unformed states, suggesting that the disulfide landscape of HA is generally strained and the bonds may be labile. We measured the redox state of influenza A virus HA disulfide bonds and their susceptibility to cleavage by vascular thiol isomerases. Using differential cysteine alkylation and mass spectrometry, we show that all six HA disulfide bonds exist in unformed states in ∼1 in 10 recombinant and viral surface HA molecules. Four of the six H1 and H3 HA bonds are cleaved by the vascular thiol isomerases, thioredoxin and protein disulphide isomerase, in recombinant proteins, which correlated with surface exposure of the disulfides in crystal structures. In contrast, viral surface HA disulfide bonds are impervious to five different vascular thiol isomerases. Innovation: It has been assumed that the disulfide bonds in mature HA protein are intact and inert. We show that all six HA disulfide bonds can exist in unformed states. Conclusion: These findings indicate that influenza A virus HA disulfides are naturally labile but not substrates for thiol isomerases when expressed on the viral surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Flórido
- ACRF Centenary Cancer Research Centre, The Centenary Institute, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Joyce Chiu
- ACRF Centenary Cancer Research Centre, The Centenary Institute, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Philip J Hogg
- ACRF Centenary Cancer Research Centre, The Centenary Institute, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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40
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Gong F, Shen T, Zhang J, Wang X, Fan G, Che X, Xu Z, Jia K, Huang Y, Li X, Lu H. Nitazoxanide induced myocardial injury in zebrafish embryos by activating oxidative stress response. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:9740-9752. [PMID: 34533278 PMCID: PMC8505840 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitazoxanide (NTZ) is a broad-spectrum antiparasitic and antiviral drug (thiazole). However, although NTZ has been extensively used, there are no reports concerning its toxicology in vertebrates. This study used the zebrafish as a vertebrate model to evaluate the safety of NTZ and to analyse the related molecular mechanisms. The experimental results showed that zebrafish embryos exposed to NTZ had cardiac malformation and dysfunction. NTZ also significantly inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. Transcriptomic analysis used compared gene expression levels between zebrafish embryos in the NTZ treatment and the control groups identified 200 upregulated genes and 232 downregulated genes. Analysis by Kyoto encyclopaedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) and gene ontology (GO) showed that signal pathways on cardiomyocyte development were inhibited while the oxidative stress pathways were activated. Further experiments showed that NTZ increased the content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the hearts of zebrafish. Antioxidant gadofullerene nanoparticles (GFNPs) significantly alleviated the developmental toxicity to the heart, indicating that NTZ activated the oxidative stress response to cause embryonic cardiomyocyte injury in zebrafish. This study provides evidence that NTZ causes developmental abnormalities in the cardiovascular system of zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanghua Gong
- School of Pharmacy, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Tianzhu Shen
- School of Pharmacy, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jiangnan Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xuye Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Guoqiang Fan
- School of Pharmacy, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaofang Che
- Center for drug screening and research, School of Geography and Environmental Engineering, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zhaopeng Xu
- Center for drug screening and research, School of Geography and Environmental Engineering, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Kun Jia
- Center for drug screening and research, School of Geography and Environmental Engineering, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yong Huang
- Center for drug screening and research, School of Geography and Environmental Engineering, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xiaokun Li
- School of Pharmacy, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Huiqiang Lu
- Center for drug screening and research, School of Geography and Environmental Engineering, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China.,Jiangxi Engineering laboratory of Zebrafish Modeling and Drug Screening for Human Diseases; Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Organs, Ji'an, Jiangxi, China
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41
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Synthesis, antiviral activity, preliminary pharmacokinetics and structural parameters of thiazolide amine salts. Future Med Chem 2021; 13:1731-1741. [PMID: 34402654 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2021-0055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The thiazolides, typified by nitazoxanide, are an important class of anti-infective agents. A significant problem with nitazoxanide and its active circulating metabolite tizoxanide is their poor solubility. Results: We report the preparation and evaluation of a series of amine salts of tizoxanide and the corresponding 5-Cl thiazolide. These salts demonstrated improved aqueous solubility and absorption, as shown by physicochemical and in vivo measurements. They combine antiviral activity against influenza A virus with excellent cell safety indices. We also report the x-ray crystal structural data of the ethanolamine salt. Conclusion: The ethanol salt of thiazolide retains the activity of the parent together with an improved cell safety index, making it a good candidate for further evaluation.
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Abstract
Influenza viruses are one of the leading causes of respiratory tract infections in humans and their newly emerging and re-emerging virus strains are responsible for seasonal epidemics and occasional pandemics, leading to a serious threat to global public health systems. The poor clinical outcome and pathogenesis during influenza virus infection in humans and animal models are often associated with elevated proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines production, which is also known as hypercytokinemia or "cytokine storm", that precedes acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and often leads to death. Although we still do not fully understand the complex nature of cytokine storms, the use of immunomodulatory drugs is a promising approach for treating hypercytokinemia induced by an acute viral infection, including highly pathogenic avian influenza virus infection and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). This review aims to discuss the immune responses and cytokine storm pathology induced by influenza virus infection and also summarize alternative experimental strategies for treating hypercytokinemia caused by influenza virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanhua Wei
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Conservation and Utilization of Special Biological Resources in Western China, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China.,College of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Chengjiang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province & Department of Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yujiong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Conservation and Utilization of Special Biological Resources in Western China, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China.,College of Life Science, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
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Fenizia C, Ibba SV, Vanetti C, Strizzi S, Rossignol JF, Biasin M, Trabattoni D, Clerici M. The Modulation of Cholesterol Metabolism Is Involved in the Antiviral Effect of Nitazoxanide. Infect Dis Rep 2021; 13:636-644. [PMID: 34287319 PMCID: PMC8293206 DOI: 10.3390/idr13030060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously investigated the role of Nitazoxanide (NTZ), a thiazolide endowed with antiviral and antiparasitic activity, in HIV-1 infection. NTZ treatment in primary isolated PBMCs was able to reduce HIV-1 infection in vitro by inducing the expression of a number of type-I interferon-stimulated genes. Among them, NTZ was able to induce cholesterol-25-hydroxylase (CH25H), which is involved in cholesterol metabolism. In the present study, we wanted to deepen our knowledge about the antiviral mechanism of action of NTZ. Indeed, by inducing CH25H, which catalyzes the formation of 25-hydroxycholesterol from cholesterol, NTZ treatment repressed cholesterol biosynthetic pathways and promoted cholesterol mobilization and efflux from the cell. Such effects were even more pronounced upon stimulation with FLU antigens in combination. It is already well known how lipid metabolism and virus replication are tightly interconnected; thus, it is not surprising that the antiviral immune response employs genes related to cholesterol metabolism. Indeed, NTZ was able to modulate cholesterol metabolism in vitro and, by doing so, enhance the antiviral response. These results give us the chance to speculate about the suitability of NTZ as adjuvant for induction of specific natural immunity. Moreover, the putative application of NTZ to alimentary-related diseases should be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Fenizia
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Via F. Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy; (C.F.); (C.V.)
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy; (S.V.I.); (S.S.); (M.B.); (D.T.)
| | - Salomè Valentina Ibba
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy; (S.V.I.); (S.S.); (M.B.); (D.T.)
| | - Claudia Vanetti
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Via F. Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy; (C.F.); (C.V.)
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy; (S.V.I.); (S.S.); (M.B.); (D.T.)
| | - Sergio Strizzi
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy; (S.V.I.); (S.S.); (M.B.); (D.T.)
| | | | - Mara Biasin
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy; (S.V.I.); (S.S.); (M.B.); (D.T.)
| | - Daria Trabattoni
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy; (S.V.I.); (S.S.); (M.B.); (D.T.)
| | - Mario Clerici
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Via F. Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy; (C.F.); (C.V.)
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Via A. Capecelatro 66, 20148 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-02-5031-9678
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Blum VF, Cimerman S, Hunter JR, Tierno P, Lacerda A, Soeiro A, Cardoso F, Bellei NC, Maricato J, Mantovani N, Vassao M, Dias D, Galinskas J, Janini LMR, Santos-Oliveira JR, Da-Cruz AM, Diaz RS. Nitazoxanide superiority to placebo to treat moderate COVID-19 - A Pilot prove of concept randomized double-blind clinical trial. EClinicalMedicine 2021; 37:100981. [PMID: 34222847 PMCID: PMC8235996 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2021.100981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The absence of specific antivirals to treat COVID-19 leads to the repositioning of candidates' drugs. Nitazoxanide (NTZ) has a broad antiviral effect. METHODS This was a randomized, double-blind pilot clinical trial comparing NTZ 600 mg BID versus Placebo for seven days among 50 individuals (25 each arm) with SARS-COV-2 RT-PCR+ (PCR) that were hospitalized with mild respiratory insufficiency from May 20th, 2020, to September 21st, 2020 (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04348409). Clinical and virologic endpoints and inflammatory biomarkers were evaluated. A five-point scale for disease severity (SSD) was used. FINDINGS Two patients died in the NTZ arm compared to 6 in the placebo arm (p = 0.564). NTZ was superior to placebo when considering SSD (p < 0001), the mean time for hospital discharge (6.6 vs. 14 days, p = 0.021), and negative PCR at day 21 (p = 0.035), whereas the placebo group presented more adverse events (p = 0.04). Among adverse events likely related to the study drug, 14 were detected in the NTZ group and 22 in placebo (p = 0.24). Among the 30 adverse events unlikely related, 21 occurred in the placebo group (p = 0.04). A decrease from baseline was higher in the NTZ group for d-Dimer (p = 0.001), US-RCP (p < 0.002), TNF (p < 0.038), IL-6 (p < 0.001), IL-8 (p = 0.014), HLA DR. on CD4+ T lymphocytes (p < 0.05), CD38 in CD4+ and CD8+ T (both p < 0.05), and CD38 and HLA-DR. on CD4+ (p < 0.01). INTERPRETATION Compared to placebo in clinical and virologic outcomes and improvement of inflammatory outcomes, the superiority of NTZ warrants further investigation of this drug for moderate COVID-19 in larger clinical trials. A higher incidence of adverse events in the placebo arm might be attributed to COVID-19 related symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Paulo Tierno
- Hospital Municipal Dr. Francisco Moran (Barueri), Rua Ângela Mirella, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Danilo Dias
- Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Alda Maria Da-Cruz
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Pesquisa Médicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Brazil
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45
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Stachulski AV, Taujanskas J, Pate SL, Rajoli RKR, Aljayyoussi G, Pennington SH, Ward SA, Hong WD, Biagini GA, Owen A, Nixon GL, Leung SC, O’Neill PM. Therapeutic Potential of Nitazoxanide: An Appropriate Choice for Repurposing versus SARS-CoV-2? ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:1317-1331. [PMID: 33352056 PMCID: PMC7771247 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.0c00478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The rapidly growing COVID-19 pandemic is the most serious global health crisis since the "Spanish flu" of 1918. There is currently no proven effective drug treatment or prophylaxis for this coronavirus infection. While developing safe and effective vaccines is one of the key focuses, a number of existing antiviral drugs are being evaluated for their potency and efficiency against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro and in the clinic. Here, we review the significant potential of nitazoxanide (NTZ) as an antiviral agent that can be repurposed as a treatment for COVID-19. Originally, NTZ was developed as an antiparasitic agent especially against Cryptosporidium spp.; it was later shown to possess potent activity against a broad range of both RNA and DNA viruses, including influenza A, hepatitis B and C, and coronaviruses. Recent in vitro assessment of NTZ has confirmed its promising activity against SARS-CoV-2 with an EC50 of 2.12 μM. Here we examine its drug properties, antiviral activity against different viruses, clinical trials outcomes, and mechanisms of antiviral action from the literature in order to highlight the therapeutic potential for the treatment of COVID-19. Furthermore, in preliminary PK/PD analyses using clinical data reported in the literature, comparison of simulated TIZ (active metabolite of NTZ) exposures at two doses with the in vitro potency of NTZ against SARS-CoV-2 gives further support for drug repurposing with potential in combination chemotherapy approaches. The review concludes with details of second generation thiazolides under development that could lead to improved antiviral therapies for future indications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joshua Taujanskas
- Department of Chemistry, University of
Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, U.K.
| | - Sophie L. Pate
- Department of Chemistry, University of
Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, U.K.
| | - Rajith K. R. Rajoli
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology,
Materials Innovation Factory, University of Liverpool,
Liverpool L7 3NY, U.K.
| | - Ghaith Aljayyoussi
- Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Department of Tropical
Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine,
Liverpool L3 5QA, U.K.
| | - Shaun H. Pennington
- Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Department of Tropical
Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine,
Liverpool L3 5QA, U.K.
| | - Stephen A. Ward
- Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Department of Tropical
Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine,
Liverpool L3 5QA, U.K.
| | - Weiqian David Hong
- Department of Chemistry, University of
Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, U.K.
| | - Giancarlo A. Biagini
- Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Department of Tropical
Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine,
Liverpool L3 5QA, U.K.
| | - Andrew Owen
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology,
Materials Innovation Factory, University of Liverpool,
Liverpool L7 3NY, U.K.
| | - Gemma L. Nixon
- Department of Chemistry, University of
Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, U.K.
| | - Suet C. Leung
- Department of Chemistry, University of
Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, U.K.
| | - Paul M. O’Neill
- Department of Chemistry, University of
Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, U.K.
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46
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Guo Y, Chen X, Gong P. Classification, structure and mechanism of antiviral polysaccharides derived from edible and medicinal fungus. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 183:1753-1773. [PMID: 34048833 PMCID: PMC8144117 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.05.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The deficiency of chemical-synthesized antiviral drugs when applied in clinical therapy, such as drug resistance, and the lack of effective antiviral drugs to treat some newly emerging virus infections, such as COVID-19, promote the demand of novelty and safety anti-virus drug candidate from natural functional ingredient. Numerous studies have shown that some polysaccharides sourcing from edible and medicinal fungus (EMFs) exert direct or indirect anti-viral capacities. However, the internal connection of fungus type, polysaccharides structural characteristics, action mechanism was still unclear. Herein, our review focus on the two aspects, on the one hand, we discussed the type of anti-viral EMFs and the structural characteristics of polysaccharides to clarify the structure-activity relationship, on the other hand, the directly or indirectly antiviral mechanism of EMFs polysaccharides, including virus function suppression, immune-modulatory activity, anti-inflammatory activity, regulation of population balance of gut microbiota have been concluded to provide a comprehensive theory basis for better clinical utilization of EMFs polysaccharides as anti-viral agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxi Guo
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, China
| | - Xuefeng Chen
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, China; Shaanxi Research Institute of Agricultural Product Processing Technology, Xi'an 710021, China
| | - Pin Gong
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, China.
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Rasool N, Yasmin F, Sahai S, Hussain W, Inam H, Arshad A. Biological perspective of thiazolide derivatives against Mpro and MTase of SARS-CoV-2: Molecular docking, DFT and MD simulation investigations. Chem Phys Lett 2021; 771:138463. [PMID: 33716307 PMCID: PMC7936854 DOI: 10.1016/j.cplett.2021.138463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Humans around the globe have been severely affected by SARS-CoV-2 and no treatment has yet been authorized for the treatment of this severe condition brought by COVID-19. Here, an in silico research was executed to elucidate the inhibitory potential of selected thiazolides derivatives against SARS-CoV-2 Protease (Mpro) and Methyltransferase (MTase). Based on the analysis; 4 compounds were discovered to have efficacious and remarkable results against the proteins of the interest. Primarily, results obtained through this study not only allude these compounds as potential inhibitors but also pave the way for in vivo and in vitro validation of these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nouman Rasool
- Center for Professional & Applied Studies, Lahore, Pakistan,Corresponding author
| | - Farkhanda Yasmin
- Department of Biotechnology, Khawaja Fareed University of Science and Technology, Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan
| | | | - Waqar Hussain
- Center for Professional & Applied Studies, Lahore, Pakistan,National Center of Artificial Intelligence, Punjab University College of Information Technology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Hadiqa Inam
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Arooj Arshad
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
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Li X, Peng T. Strategy, Progress, and Challenges of Drug Repurposing for Efficient Antiviral Discovery. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:660710. [PMID: 34017257 PMCID: PMC8129523 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.660710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging or re-emerging viruses are still major threats to public health. Prophylactic vaccines represent the most effective way to prevent virus infection; however, antivirals are more promising for those viruses against which vaccines are not effective enough or contemporarily unavailable. Because of the slow pace of novel antiviral discovery, the high disuse rates, and the substantial cost, repurposing of the well-characterized therapeutics, either approved or under investigation, is becoming an attractive strategy to identify the new directions to treat virus infections. In this review, we described recent progress in identifying broad-spectrum antivirals through drug repurposing. We defined the two major categories of the repurposed antivirals, direct-acting repurposed antivirals (DARA) and host-targeting repurposed antivirals (HTRA). Under each category, we summarized repurposed antivirals with potential broad-spectrum activity against a variety of viruses and discussed the possible mechanisms of action. Finally, we proposed the potential investigative directions of drug repurposing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinlei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Sino-French Hoffmann Institute, College of Basic Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tao Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Sino-French Hoffmann Institute, College of Basic Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Beigel JH, Hayden FG. Influenza Therapeutics in Clinical Practice-Challenges and Recent Advances. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2021; 11:a038463. [PMID: 32041763 PMCID: PMC8015700 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a038463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In the last few years, several new direct-acting influenza antivirals have been licensed, and others have advanced in clinical development. The increasing diversity of antiviral classes should allow an adequate public health response should a resistant virus to one agent or class widely circulate. One new antiviral, baloxavir marboxil, has been approved in the United States for treatment of influenza in those at high risk of developing influenza-related complications. Except for intravenous zanamivir in European Union countries, no antivirals have been licensed specifically for the indication of severe influenza or hospitalized influenza. This review addresses recent clinical developments involving selected polymerase inhibitors, neuraminidase inhibitors, antibody-based therapeutics, and host-directed therapies. There are many knowledge gaps for most of these agents because some data are not published and multiple pivotal studies are in progress at present. This review also considers important clinical research issues, including regulatory pathways, study designs, endpoints, and target populations encountered during the clinical development of novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- John H Beigel
- Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland 20892-9826, USA
| | - Frederick G Hayden
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA
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50
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Intracellular Redox-Modulated Pathways as Targets for Effective Approaches in the Treatment of Viral Infection. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073603. [PMID: 33808471 PMCID: PMC8036776 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Host-directed therapy using drugs that target cellular pathways required for virus lifecycle or its clearance might represent an effective approach for treating infectious diseases. Changes in redox homeostasis, including intracellular glutathione (GSH) depletion, are one of the key events that favor virus replication and contribute to the pathogenesis of virus-induced disease. Redox homeostasis has an important role in maintaining an appropriate Th1/Th2 balance, which is necessary to mount an effective immune response against viral infection and to avoid excessive inflammatory responses. It is known that excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by viral infection activates nuclear factor (NF)-kB, which orchestrates the expression of viral and host genes involved in the viral replication and inflammatory response. Moreover, redox-regulated protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) chaperones have an essential role in catalyzing formation of disulfide bonds in viral proteins. This review aims at describing the role of GSH in modulating redox sensitive pathways, in particular that mediated by NF-kB, and PDI activity. The second part of the review discusses the effectiveness of GSH-boosting molecules as broad-spectrum antivirals acting in a multifaceted way that includes the modulation of immune and inflammatory responses.
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