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Cheng S, Xu M, Li M, Feng Y, He L, Liu T, Ma L, Li X. Improving Anti-HIV activity and pharmacokinetics of enfuvirtide (T20) by modification with oligomannose. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 269:116299. [PMID: 38479167 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116299] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) play a pivotal role in controlling HIV-1 infections of CD4+ T cells. DC-SIGN, which is expressed on the surface of DCs, efficiently captures HIV-1 virions by binding to the highly mannosylated membrane protein, gp120, and then the DCs transport the virus to target T cells in lymphoid organs. This study explored the modification of T20, a peptide inhibitor of HIV-1 fusion, by conjugation of the N-terminus with varying sizes of oligomannose, which are DC-SIGN-specific carbohydrates, aiming to create dual-targeting HIV inhibitors. Mechanistic studies indicated the dual-target binding of the conjugates. Antiviral assays demonstrated that N-terminal mannosylation of T20 resulted in increased inhibition of the viral infection of TZM-b1 cells (EC50 = 0.3-0.8 vs. 1.4 nM). Pentamannosylated T20 (M5-T20) exhibited a stronger inhibitory effect on virus entry into DC-SIGN+ 293T cells compared with T20 (67% vs. 50% inhibition at 500 μM). M5-T20 displayed an extended half-life in rats relative to T20 (T1/2: 8.56 vs. 1.64 h, respectively). These conjugates represent a potential new treatment for HIV infections with improved antiviral activity and pharmacokinetics, and this strategy may prove useful in developing dual-target inhibitors for other pathogens that require DC-SIGN involvement for infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuihong Cheng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China; Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huairou district, Beijing, 101408, China
| | - Mingyue Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China; Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huairou district, Beijing, 101408, China
| | - Mingli Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China; Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huairou district, Beijing, 101408, China
| | - Yong Feng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China; Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huairou district, Beijing, 101408, China
| | - Lin He
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Tong Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China; Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huairou district, Beijing, 101408, China
| | - Liying Ma
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, China.
| | - Xuebing Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China; Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huairou district, Beijing, 101408, China.
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2
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Cheng S, Li M, Feng Y, Liu T, He L, Xu M, Ma L, Li X. Glycan-Modified Peptides for Dual Inhibition of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Entry into Dendritic Cells and T Cells. J Med Chem 2024; 67:4225-4233. [PMID: 38364308 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) play a crucial role in HIV-1 infection of CD4+ T cells. DC-SIGN, a lectin expressed on the surface of DCs, binds to the highly mannosylated viral membrane protein gp120 to capture HIV-1 virions and then transport them to target T cells. In this study, we modified peptide C34, an HIV-1 fusion inhibitor, at different sites using different sizes of the DC-SIGN-specific carbohydrates to provide dual-targeted HIV inhibition. The dual-target binding was confirmed by mechanistic studies. Pentamannose-modified C34 inhibited virus entry into both DC-SIGN+ 293T cells (52%-71% inhibition at 500 μM) and CD4+ TZM-b1 cells (EC50 = 0.7-1.7 nM). One conjugate, NC-M5, showed an extended half-life relative to C34 in rats (T1/2: 7.8 vs 1.02 h). These improvements in antiviral activity and pharmacokinetics have potential for HIV treatment and the development of dual-target inhibitors for pathogens that require the involvement of DC-SIGN for infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuihong Cheng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huairou district, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Mingli Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huairou district, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Yong Feng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huairou district, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Tong Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huairou district, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Lin He
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingyue Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huairou district, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Liying Ma
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuebing Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huairou district, Beijing 101408, China
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3
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Goulding AN, Meeks K, Shay L, Casey S, Applegarth C, McKinney J. Antiretroviral Therapy in Pregnancy: A 2023 Review of the Literature. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2024; 21:1-10. [PMID: 38277098 PMCID: PMC11095844 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-024-00688-y] [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] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Selection of antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy must consider maternal physiology and resulting pharmacokinetic changes in pregnancy, resistance and efficacy profiles, tolerability and frequency of adverse effects, teratogenicity, and maternal, neonatal, and pregnancy outcomes. The objective of this review is to summarize the underlying data that informs the current clinical perinatal guidelines in the USA. RECENT FINDINGS Data now supports the use of dolutegravir at all stages of pregnancy with no significant increase in neural tube defects. Safety and pharmacokinetic data on newer antiretroviral medications in pregnancy continue to lag behind the general population. While there are multiple safety and tolerability concerns with older regimens, there are now multiple options of regimens that are highly efficacious and have good safety data in pregnancy. Most pregnant patients who are virally suppressed on a well-tolerated regimen are able to safely continue those medications during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison N Goulding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Kasey Meeks
- School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Lena Shay
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Sarah Casey
- School of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Colton Applegarth
- School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer McKinney
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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4
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Zannella C, Chianese A, Monti A, Giugliano R, Morone MV, Secci F, Sanna G, Manzin A, De Filippis A, Doti N, Galdiero M. SARS-CoV-2 Fusion Peptide Conjugated to a Tetravalent Dendrimer Selectively Inhibits Viral Infection. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2791. [PMID: 38140131 PMCID: PMC10748278 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15122791] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Fusion is a key event for enveloped viruses, through which viral and cell membranes come into close contact. This event is mediated by viral fusion proteins, which are divided into three structural and functional classes. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein belongs to class I fusion proteins, characterized by a trimer of helical hairpins and an internal fusion peptide (FP), which is exposed once fusion occurs. Many efforts have been directed at finding antivirals capable of interfering with the fusion mechanism, mainly by designing peptides on the two heptad-repeat regions present in class I viral fusion proteins. Here, we aimed to evaluate the anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of the FP sequence conjugated to a tetravalent dendrimer through a classical organic nucleophilic substitution reaction (SN2) using a synthetic bromoacetylated peptide mimicking the FP and a branched scaffold of poly-L-Lysine functionalized with cysteine residues. We found that the FP peptide conjugated to the dendrimer, unlike the monomeric FP sequence, has virucidal activity by impairing the attachment of SARS-CoV-2 to cells. Furthermore, we found that the peptide dendrimer does not have the same effects on other coronaviruses, demonstrating that it is selective against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Zannella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.Z.); (A.C.); (R.G.); (M.V.M.); (A.D.F.)
| | - Annalisa Chianese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.Z.); (A.C.); (R.G.); (M.V.M.); (A.D.F.)
| | - Alessandra Monti
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), National Research Council (CNR), 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.M.); (N.D.)
| | - Rosa Giugliano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.Z.); (A.C.); (R.G.); (M.V.M.); (A.D.F.)
| | - Maria Vittoria Morone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.Z.); (A.C.); (R.G.); (M.V.M.); (A.D.F.)
| | - Francesco Secci
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, University Campus, 09042 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Giuseppina Sanna
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, University Campus, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (G.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Aldo Manzin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, University Campus, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (G.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Anna De Filippis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.Z.); (A.C.); (R.G.); (M.V.M.); (A.D.F.)
| | - Nunzianna Doti
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), National Research Council (CNR), 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.M.); (N.D.)
| | - Massimiliano Galdiero
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.Z.); (A.C.); (R.G.); (M.V.M.); (A.D.F.)
- UOC of Virology and Microbiology, University Hospital of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
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5
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Chenna A, Khan WH, Dash R, Saraswat S, Chugh A, Rathore AS, Goel G. An efficient computational protocol for template-based design of peptides that inhibit interactions involving SARS-CoV-2 proteins. Proteins 2023; 91:1222-1234. [PMID: 37283297 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26511] [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: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) complex of SARS-CoV-2 lies at the core of its replication and transcription processes. The interfaces between holo-RdRp subunits are highly conserved, facilitating the design of inhibitors with high affinity for the interaction interface hotspots. We, therefore, take this as a model protein complex for the application of a structural bioinformatics protocol to design peptides that inhibit RdRp complexation by preferential binding at the interface of its core subunit nonstructural protein, nsp12, with accessory factor nsp7. Here, the interaction hotspots of the nsp7-nsp12 subunit of RdRp, determined from a long molecular dynamics trajectory, are used as a template. A large library of peptide sequences constructed from multiple hotspot motifs of nsp12 is screened in-silico to determine sequences with high geometric complementarity and interaction specificity for the binding interface of nsp7 (target) in the complex. Two lead designed peptides are extensively characterized using orthogonal bioanalytical methods to determine their suitability for inhibition of RdRp complexation. Binding affinity of these peptides to accessory factor nsp7, determined using a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assay, is slightly better than that of nsp12: dissociation constant of 133nM and 167nM, respectively, compared to 473nM for nsp12. A competitive ELISA is used to quantify inhibition of nsp7-nsp12 complexation, with one of the lead peptides giving an IC50 of 25μM . Cell penetrability and cytotoxicity are characterized using a cargo delivery assay and MTT cytotoxicity assay, respectively. Overall, this work presents a proof-of-concept of an approach for rational discovery of peptide inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 protein-protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshay Chenna
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Wajihul Hasan Khan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India
- Virology Unit, Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Rozaleen Dash
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Saurabh Saraswat
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Archana Chugh
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Anurag S Rathore
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Gaurav Goel
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India
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6
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Foka FET, Mufhandu HT. Current ARTs, Virologic Failure, and Implications for AIDS Management: A Systematic Review. Viruses 2023; 15:1732. [PMID: 37632074 PMCID: PMC10458198 DOI: 10.3390/v15081732] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Antiretroviral therapies (ARTs) have revolutionized the management of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, significantly improved patient outcomes, and reduced the mortality rate and incidence of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). However, despite the remarkable efficacy of ART, virologic failure remains a challenge in the long-term management of HIV-infected individuals. Virologic failure refers to the persistent detectable viral load in patients receiving ART, indicating an incomplete suppression of HIV replication. It can occur due to various factors, including poor medication adherence, drug resistance, suboptimal drug concentrations, drug interactions, and viral factors such as the emergence of drug-resistant strains. In recent years, extensive efforts have been made to understand and address virologic failure in order to optimize treatment outcomes. Strategies to prevent and manage virologic failure include improving treatment adherence through patient education, counselling, and supportive interventions. In addition, the regular monitoring of viral load and resistance testing enables the early detection of treatment failure and facilitates timely adjustments in ART regimens. Thus, the development of novel antiretroviral agents with improved potency, tolerability, and resistance profiles offers new options for patients experiencing virologic failure. However, new treatment options would also face virologic failure if not managed appropriately. A solution to virologic failure requires a comprehensive approach that combines individualized patient care, robust monitoring, and access to a range of antiretroviral drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Eric Tatsing Foka
- Department of Microbiology, Virology Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North West University, Mafikeng, Private Bag, Mmabatho X2046, South Africa
| | - Hazel Tumelo Mufhandu
- Department of Microbiology, Virology Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North West University, Mafikeng, Private Bag, Mmabatho X2046, South Africa
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7
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Tian WJ, Wang XJ. Broad-Spectrum Antivirals Derived from Natural Products. Viruses 2023; 15:v15051100. [PMID: 37243186 DOI: 10.3390/v15051100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Scientific advances have led to the development and production of numerous vaccines and antiviral drugs, but viruses, including re-emerging and emerging viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, remain a major threat to human health. Many antiviral agents are rarely used in clinical treatment, however, because of their inefficacy and resistance. The toxicity of natural products may be lower, and some natural products have multiple targets, which means less resistance. Therefore, natural products may be an effective means to solve virus infection in the future. New techniques and ideas are currently being developed for the design and screening of antiviral drugs thanks to recent revelations about virus replication mechanisms and the advancement of molecular docking technology. This review will summarize recently discovered antiviral drugs, mechanisms of action, and screening and design strategies for novel antiviral agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Jun Tian
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiao-Jia Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
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8
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Dhingra N, Bhardwaj R, Bhardwaj U, Kapoor K. Design of hACE2-based small peptide inhibitors against spike protein of SARS-CoV-2: a computational approach. Struct Chem 2023; 34:1-14. [PMID: 36714014 PMCID: PMC9875775 DOI: 10.1007/s11224-023-02125-z] [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: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 which is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been declared pandemic in 2019. Though there is development of vaccines but there is an emergence requirement of drugs against SARS-CoV-2. Antiviral peptides can be rationally created and improved based on the known structures of viral proteins and their biological targets. In the given study, small peptide inhibitors with three amino acids are designed and docked against SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus using molecular docking approach. All the designed peptides bind at the active site but the highest binding affinity was observed for HisGluAsp. Molecular dynamics was performed to validate the stability and interactions of compound. The molecule has followed the druglikeness properties and with highest probability of being absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract. The results of the current investigation point to the possibility that the identified small peptides may prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection, although additional wet-lab tests are still required to confirm these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naveen Dhingra
- Department of Agriculture, Medi-Caps University, AB Road, Pigdamber, Rau, Indore, Madhya Pradesh 453331 India
| | - Ravindra Bhardwaj
- College of Arts and Science, Sikkim Professional University, Gangtok, East Sikkim 737102 India
| | - Uma Bhardwaj
- School of Sciences, Noida International University, Plot 1, Sector-17 A, Yamuna Expressway, Gautam Budh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh 203201 India
| | - Kapish Kapoor
- Department of Chemistry and Forensics, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, NG14FQ UK
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9
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Zannella C, Chianese A, Greco G, Santella B, Squillaci G, Monti A, Doti N, Sanna G, Manzin A, Morana A, De Filippis A, D’Angelo G, Palmieri F, Franci G, Galdiero M. Design of Three Residues Peptides against SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Viruses 2022; 14:v14102103. [PMID: 36298659 PMCID: PMC9612326 DOI: 10.3390/v14102103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The continuous and rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the need to seek new therapeutic and prophylactic treatments. Peptide inhibitors are a valid alternative approach for the treatment of emerging viral infections, mainly due to their low toxicity and high efficiency. Recently, two small nucleotide signatures were identified in the genome of some members of the Coronaviridae family and many other human pathogens. In this study, we investigated whether the corresponding amino acid sequences of such nucleotide sequences could have effects on the viral infection of two representative human coronaviruses: HCoV-OC43 and SARS-CoV-2. Our results showed that the synthetic peptides analyzed inhibit the infection of both coronaviruses in a dose-dependent manner by binding the RBD of the Spike protein, as suggested by molecular docking and validated by biochemical studies. The peptides tested do not provide toxicity on cultured cells or human erythrocytes and are resistant to human serum proteases, indicating that they may be very promising antiviral peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Zannella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Annalisa Chianese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Greco
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Biagio Santella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Squillaci
- Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems, National Research Council (CNR), Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Monti
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), National Research Council (CNR), 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Nunzianna Doti
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), National Research Council (CNR), 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Sanna
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Aldo Manzin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Morana
- Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems, National Research Council (CNR), Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Anna De Filippis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Gianni D’Angelo
- Department of Computer Science, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Francesco Palmieri
- Department of Computer Science, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Franci
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Massimiliano Galdiero
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
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10
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Identification of antiviral peptide inhibitors for receptor binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 omicron and its sub-variants: an in-silico approach. 3 Biotech 2022; 12:198. [PMID: 35923684 PMCID: PMC9342843 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-022-03258-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Omicron, a variant of concern (VOC) of SARS-CoV-2, emerged in South Africa in November 2021. Omicron has been continuously acquiring a series of new mutations, especially in the spike (S) protein that led to high infectivity and transmissibility. Peptides targeting the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein by which omicron and its variants attach to the host receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE2) can block the viral infection at the first step. This study aims to identify antiviral peptides from the Antiviral peptide database (AVPdb) and HIV-inhibitory peptide database (HIPdb) against the RBD of omicron by using a molecular docking approach. The lead RBD binder peptides obtained through molecular docking were screened for allergenicity and physicochemical criteria (isoelectric point (pI) and net charge) required for peptide-based drugs. The binding affinity of the best five peptide inhibitors with the RBD of omicron was validated further by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Our result introduces five antiviral peptides, including AVP1056, AVP1059, AVP1225, AVP1801, and HIP755, that may effectively hinder omicron-host interactions. It is worth mentioning that all the three major sub-variants of omicron, BA.1 (B.1.1.529.1), BA.2 (B.1.1.529.2), and BA.3 (B.1.1.529.3), exhibits conserved ACE-2 interacting residues. Hence, the screened antiviral peptides with similar affinity can also interrupt the RBD-mediated invasion of different major sub-variants of omicron. Altogether, these peptides can be considered in the peptide-based therapeutics development for omicron treatment after further experimentation. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-022-03258-4.
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11
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Hu Y, Yu W, Geng X, Zhu Y, Chong H, He Y. In Vitro Selection and Characterization of HIV-1 Variants with Increased Resistance to LP-40, Enfuvirtide-Based Lipopeptide Inhibitor. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126638. [PMID: 35743078 PMCID: PMC9223764 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
In our previous work, we replaced the TRM (tryptophan-rich motif) of T20 (Enfuvirtide) with fatty acid (C16) to obtain the novel lipopeptide LP-40, and LP-40 displayed enhanced antiviral activity. In this study, we investigated whether the C16 modification could enhance the high-resistance barrier of the inhibitor LP-40. To address this question, we performed an in vitro simultaneous screening of HIV-1NL4-3 resistance to T20 and LP-40. The mechanism of drug resistance for HIV-1 Env was further studied using the expression and processing of the Env glycoprotein, the effect of the Env mutation on the entry and fusion ability of the virus, and an analysis of changes to the gp41 core structure. The results indicate that the LP-40 activity is enhanced and that it has a high resistance barrier. In a detailed analysis of the resistance sites, we found that mutations in L33S conferred a stronger resistance, except for the well-recognized mutations in amino acids 36–45 of gp41 NHR, which reduced the inhibitory activity of the CHR-derived peptides. The compensatory mutation of eight amino acids in the CHR region (NDQEEDYN) plays an important role in drug resistance. LP-40 and T20 have similar resistance mutation sites, and we speculate that the same resistance profile may arise if LP-40 is used in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Hu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China; (Y.H.); (W.Y.); (X.G.); (Y.Z.)
- Center for AIDS Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Wenjiang Yu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China; (Y.H.); (W.Y.); (X.G.); (Y.Z.)
- Center for AIDS Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Xiuzhu Geng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China; (Y.H.); (W.Y.); (X.G.); (Y.Z.)
- Center for AIDS Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Yuanmei Zhu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China; (Y.H.); (W.Y.); (X.G.); (Y.Z.)
- Center for AIDS Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Huihui Chong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China; (Y.H.); (W.Y.); (X.G.); (Y.Z.)
- Center for AIDS Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
- Correspondence: (H.C.); (Y.H.)
| | - Yuxian He
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China; (Y.H.); (W.Y.); (X.G.); (Y.Z.)
- Center for AIDS Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
- Correspondence: (H.C.); (Y.H.)
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12
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Bagwe PV, Bagwe PV, Ponugoti SS, Joshi SV. Peptide-Based Vaccines and Therapeutics for COVID-19. Int J Pept Res Ther 2022; 28:94. [PMID: 35463185 PMCID: PMC9017722 DOI: 10.1007/s10989-022-10397-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pritam V. Bagwe
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400019 India
| | - Priyal V. Bagwe
- Vaccine Nanotechnology Laboratory, Center for Drug Delivery and Research, College of Pharmacy, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA 30341 USA
| | - Sai Srinivas Ponugoti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400019 India
| | - Shreerang V. Joshi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400019 India
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13
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Karuppusamy KV, Demosthenes JP, Venkatesan V, Christopher AC, Babu P, Azhagiri MK, Jacob A, Ramalingam VV, Rangaraj S, Murugesan MK, Marepally SK, Varghese GM, Srivastava A, Kannangai R, Thangavel S. The CCR5 Gene Edited CD34+CD90+ Hematopoietic Stem Cell Population Serves as an Optimal Graft Source for HIV Gene Therapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:792684. [PMID: 35359982 PMCID: PMC8963924 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.792684] [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] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Transplantation of allogenic hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) with C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) Δ32 genotype generates HIV-1 resistant immune cells. CCR5 gene edited autologous HSPCs can be a potential alternative to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) from HLA-matched CCR5 null donor. However, the clinical application of gene edited autologous HSPCs is critically limited by the quality of the graft, as HIV also infects the HSPCs. In this study, by using mobilized HSPCs from healthy donors, we show that the CD34+CD90+ hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) express 7-fold lower CD4/CCR5 HIV receptors, higher levels of SAMHD1 anti-viral restriction factor, and possess lower susceptibility to HIV infection than the CD34+CD90- hematopoietic progenitor cells. Further, the treatment with small molecule cocktail of Resveratrol, UM729 and SR1(RUS) improved the in vivo engraftment potential of CD34+CD90+ HSCs. To demonstrate that CD34+CD90+ HSC population as an ideal graft for HIV gene therapy, we sort purified CD34+CD90+ HSCs, treated with RUS and then gene edited the CCR5 with single sgRNA. On transplantation, 100,000 CD34+CD90+ HSCs were sufficient for long-term repopulation of the entire bone marrow of NBSGW mice. Importantly, the gene editing efficiency of ~90% in the infused product was maintained in vivo, facilitating the generation of CCR5 null immune cells, resistant to HIV infection. Altogether, CCR5 gene editing of CD34+CD90+ HSCs provide an ideal gene manipulation strategy for autologous HSCT based gene therapy for HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthik V. Karuppusamy
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR), A Unit of InStem Bengaluru, Vellore, India
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | | | - Vigneshwaran Venkatesan
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR), A Unit of InStem Bengaluru, Vellore, India
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Abisha Crystal Christopher
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR), A Unit of InStem Bengaluru, Vellore, India
- Thiruvalluvar University, Vellore, India
| | - Prathibha Babu
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR), A Unit of InStem Bengaluru, Vellore, India
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Manojkumar K. Azhagiri
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR), A Unit of InStem Bengaluru, Vellore, India
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Annlin Jacob
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR), A Unit of InStem Bengaluru, Vellore, India
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | | | - Sumathi Rangaraj
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR), A Unit of InStem Bengaluru, Vellore, India
| | | | | | - George M. Varghese
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Alok Srivastava
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR), A Unit of InStem Bengaluru, Vellore, India
- Department of Hematology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Rajesh Kannangai
- Department of Clinical Virology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Saravanabhavan Thangavel
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR), A Unit of InStem Bengaluru, Vellore, India
- *Correspondence: Saravanabhavan Thangavel,
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14
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Gonzalez Lomeli F, Elmaraghy N, Castro A, Osuna Guerrero CV, Newcomb LL. Conserved Targets to Prevent Emerging Coronaviruses. Viruses 2022; 14:v14030563. [PMID: 35336969 PMCID: PMC8949862 DOI: 10.3390/v14030563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel coronaviruses emerged as zoonotic outbreaks in humans in 2003 (SARS), 2012 (MERS), and notably in 2019 (SARS2), which resulted in the COVID-19 pandemic, causing worldwide health and economic disaster. Vaccines provide the best protection against disease but cannot be developed and engineered quickly enough to prevent emerging viruses, zoonotic outbreaks, and pandemics. Antivirals are the best first line of therapeutic defense against novel emerging viruses. Coronaviruses are plus sense, single stranded, RNA genome viruses that undergo frequent genetic mutation and recombination, allowing for the emergence of novel coronavirus strains and variants. The molecular life cycle of the coronavirus family offers many conserved activities to be exploited as targets for antivirals. Here, we review the molecular life cycle of coronaviruses and consider antiviral therapies, approved and under development, that target the conserved activities of coronaviruses. To identify additional targets to inhibit emerging coronaviruses, we carried out in silico sequence and structure analysis of coronavirus proteins isolated from bat and human hosts. We highlight conserved and accessible viral protein domains and residues as possible targets for the development of viral inhibitors. Devising multiple antiviral therapies that target conserved viral features to be used in combination is the best first line of therapeutic defense to prevent emerging viruses from developing into outbreaks and pandemics.
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15
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Manavalan B, Basith S, Lee G. Comparative analysis of machine learning-based approaches for identifying therapeutic peptides targeting SARS-CoV-2. Brief Bioinform 2022; 23:bbab412. [PMID: 34595489 PMCID: PMC8500067 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbab412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has impacted public health as well as societal and economic well-being. In the last two decades, various prediction algorithms and tools have been developed for predicting antiviral peptides (AVPs). The current COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the need to develop more efficient and accurate machine learning (ML)-based prediction algorithms for the rapid identification of therapeutic peptides against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Several peptide-based ML approaches, including anti-coronavirus peptides (ACVPs), IL-6 inducing epitopes and other epitopes targeting SARS-CoV-2, have been implemented in COVID-19 therapeutics. Owing to the growing interest in the COVID-19 field, it is crucial to systematically compare the existing ML algorithms based on their performances. Accordingly, we comprehensively evaluated the state-of-the-art IL-6 and AVP predictors against coronaviruses in terms of core algorithms, feature encoding schemes, performance evaluation metrics and software usability. A comprehensive performance assessment was then conducted to evaluate the robustness and scalability of the existing predictors using well-constructed independent validation datasets. Additionally, we discussed the advantages and disadvantages of the existing methods, providing useful insights into the development of novel computational tools for characterizing and identifying epitopes or ACVPs. The insights gained from this review are anticipated to provide critical guidance to the scientific community in the rapid design and development of accurate and efficient next-generation in silico tools against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shaherin Basith
- Department of Physiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Korea
| | - Gwang Lee
- Department of Physiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Korea
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16
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Vanzolini T, Bruschi M, Rinaldi AC, Magnani M, Fraternale A. Multitalented Synthetic Antimicrobial Peptides and Their Antibacterial, Antifungal and Antiviral Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:545. [PMID: 35008974 PMCID: PMC8745555 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the great strides in healthcare during the last century, some challenges still remained unanswered. The development of multi-drug resistant bacteria, the alarming growth of fungal infections, the emerging/re-emerging of viral diseases are yet a worldwide threat. Since the discovery of natural antimicrobial peptides able to broadly hit several pathogens, peptide-based therapeutics have been under the lenses of the researchers. This review aims to focus on synthetic peptides and elucidate their multifaceted mechanisms of action as antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal agents. Antimicrobial peptides generally affect highly preserved structures, e.g., the phospholipid membrane via pore formation or other constitutive targets like peptidoglycans in Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, and glucan in the fungal cell wall. Additionally, some peptides are particularly active on biofilm destabilizing the microbial communities. They can also act intracellularly, e.g., on protein biosynthesis or DNA replication. Their intracellular properties are extended upon viral infection since peptides can influence several steps along the virus life cycle starting from viral receptor-cell interaction to the budding. Besides their mode of action, improvements in manufacturing to increase their half-life and performances are also taken into consideration together with advantages and impairments in the clinical usage. Thus far, the progress of new synthetic peptide-based approaches is making them a promising tool to counteract emerging infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Vanzolini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, PU, Italy; (T.V.); (M.M.); (A.F.)
| | - Michela Bruschi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, PU, Italy; (T.V.); (M.M.); (A.F.)
| | - Andrea C. Rinaldi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy;
| | - Mauro Magnani
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, PU, Italy; (T.V.); (M.M.); (A.F.)
| | - Alessandra Fraternale
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, PU, Italy; (T.V.); (M.M.); (A.F.)
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17
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G Yathisha U, Srinivasa MG, Siddappa Bc R, P Mandal S, Dixit SR, Pujar GV, Bangera Sheshappa M. Isolation and characterization of ACE-I inhibitory peptides from ribbonfish for a potential inhibitor of the main protease of SARS-CoV-2: An in silico analysis. Proteins 2021; 90:982-992. [PMID: 34877713 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26291] [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] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Recently, multifunctional fish peptides (FWPs) have gained a lot of attention because of their different biological activities. In the present study, three angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE-I) inhibitory peptides [Ala-Pro-Asp-Gly (APDG), Pro-Thr-Arg (PTR), and Ala-Asp (AD)] were isolated and characterized from ribbonfish protein hydrolysate (RFPH) and described their mechanism of action on ACE activity. As per the results, peptide PTR showed ≈ 2 and 2.5-fold higher enzyme inhibitory activity (IC50 = 0.643 ± 0.0011 μM) than APDG (IC50 = 1.061 ± 0.0127 μM) and AD (IC50 = 2.046 ± 0.0130 μM). Based on experimental evidence, peptides were used for in silico analysis to check the inhibitory activity of the main protease (PDB: 7BQY) of SARS-CoV-2. The results of the study reveal that PTR (-46.16 kcal/mol) showed higher binding affinity than APDG (-36.80 kcal/mol) and AD (-30.24 kcal/mol) compared with remdesivir (-30.64 kcal/mol). Additionally, physicochemical characteristics of all the isolated peptides exhibited appropriate pharmacological properties and were found to be nontoxic. Besides, 20 ns molecular dynamic simulation study confirms the rigid nature, fewer confirmation variations, and binding stiffness of the peptide PTR with the main protease of SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, the present study strongly suggested that PTR is the perfect substrate for inhibiting the main protease of SARS-CoV-2 through the in silico study, and this potential drug candidate may promote the researcher for future wet lab experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Undiganalu G Yathisha
- Nitte University Centre for Science Education and Research, Nitte (Deemed to be University), Paneer Campus, Mangalore, India
| | - Mahendra Gowdru Srinivasa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, NGSM Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (NGSMIPS), Nitte (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, India
| | - Revana Siddappa Bc
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, NGSM Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (NGSMIPS), Nitte (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, India
| | - Subankar P Mandal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, India
| | - Sheshagiri R Dixit
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, India
| | - G V Pujar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, India
| | - Mamatha Bangera Sheshappa
- Nitte University Centre for Science Education and Research, Nitte (Deemed to be University), Paneer Campus, Mangalore, India
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18
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Ahmadi K, Farasat A, Rostamian M, Johari B, Madanchi H. Enfuvirtide, an HIV-1 fusion inhibitor peptide, can act as a potent SARS-CoV-2 fusion inhibitor: an in silico drug repurposing study. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2021; 40:5566-5576. [PMID: 33438525 PMCID: PMC7814568 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1871958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Regarding the urgency of therapeutic measures for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the use of available drugs with FDA approval is preferred because of the less time and cost required for their development. In silico drug repurposing is an accurate way to speed up the screening of the existing FDA-approved drugs to find a therapeutic option for COVID-19. The similarity in SARS-CoV-2 and HIV-1 fusion mechanism to host cells can be a key point for Inhibit SARS-CoV-2 entry into host cells by HIV fusion inhibitors. Accordingly, in this study, an HIV-1 fusion inhibitor called Enfuvirtide (Enf) was selected. The affinity and essential residues involving in the Enf binding to the S2 protein of SARS-CoV-2, HIV-1 gp41 protein and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) as a negative control, was evaluated using molecular docking. Eventually, Enf-S2 and Enf-gp41 protein complexes were simulated by molecular dynamics (MD) in terms of binding affinity and stability. Based on the most important criteria such as docking score, cluster size, energy and dissociation constant, the strongest interaction was observed between Enf with the S2 protein. In addition, MD results confirmed that Enf-S2 protein interaction was remarkably stable and caused the S2 protein residues to undergo the fewest fluctuations. In conclusion, it can be stated that Enf can act as a strong SARS-CoV-2 fusion inhibitor and demonstrates the potential to enter the clinical trial phase of COVID-19. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma
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Affiliation(s)
- Khadijeh Ahmadi
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Alireza Farasat
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran.,Medical Microbiology Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Mosayeb Rostamian
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Behrooz Johari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Hamid Madanchi
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.,Drug Design and Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Medical Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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19
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Schütz D, Ruiz-Blanco YB, Münch J, Kirchhoff F, Sanchez-Garcia E, Müller JA. Peptide and peptide-based inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 entry. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2020; 167:47-65. [PMID: 33189768 PMCID: PMC7665879 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
To date, no effective vaccines or therapies are available against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative pandemic agent of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Due to their safety, efficacy and specificity, peptide inhibitors hold great promise for the treatment of newly emerging viral pathogens. Based on the known structures of viral proteins and their cellular targets, antiviral peptides can be rationally designed and optimized. The resulting peptides may be highly specific for their respective targets and particular viral pathogens or exert broad antiviral activity. Here, we summarize the current status of peptides inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 entry and outline the strategies used to design peptides targeting the ACE2 receptor or the viral spike protein and its activating proteases furin, transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), or cathepsin L. In addition, we present approaches used against related viruses such as SARS-CoV-1 that might be implemented for inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desiree Schütz
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Yasser B Ruiz-Blanco
- Computational Biochemistry, Center of Medical Biotechnology, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45117 Essen, Germany
| | - Jan Münch
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Frank Kirchhoff
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Elsa Sanchez-Garcia
- Computational Biochemistry, Center of Medical Biotechnology, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45117 Essen, Germany.
| | - Janis A Müller
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany.
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20
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Shao J, Zeng D, Tian S, Liu G, Fu J. Identification of the natural product berberine as an antiviral drug. AMB Express 2020; 10:164. [PMID: 32897426 PMCID: PMC7479080 DOI: 10.1186/s13568-020-01088-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Drugs targeting the fusion process of viral entry into host cells have been approved for clinical use in the treatment of AIDS. There remains a great need to improve the use of existing drugs for HIV therapy. Berberine is traditionally used to treat diarrhea, bacillary dysentery, and gastroenteritis in clinics, here our research shows that berberine is effective in inhibiting HIV-1 entry. Native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis studies reveal that berberine can directly bind to both N36 and C34 to form a novel N36-berberine-C34 complex and effectively block the six-helix bundle formation between the N-terminal heptad repeat peptide N36 and the C-terminal heptad repeat peptide C34. Circular dichroism experiments show that binding of berberine produces conformational changes that damages the secondary structures of 6-HB. Computer-aided molecular docking studies suggest a hydrogen bond with T-639 and two polar bonds with Q-563 and T-639 are established, involving the oxygen atom and the C=O group of the indole ring. Berberine completely inhibits six HIV-1 clade B isolates and exhibits antiviral activities in a concentration-dependent manner with IC50 values varying from 5.5 to 10.25 µg/ml. This compound-peptide interaction may represent a mechanism of action of antiviral activities of berberine. As a summary, these studies successfully identify compound berberine as a potential candidate drug for HIV-1 treatment. As a summary, antiviral activity of berberine in combination with its use in clinical practice, this medicine can be used as a potential clinically anti-HIV drug.
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21
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Polyethylene Glycol 40-Modified Peptide with High Therapeutic Efficacy in Simian-Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Acutely Infected Rhesus Monkeys. J Virol 2020; 94:JVI.00386-20. [PMID: 32404523 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00386-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (anti-HIV-1) fusion peptides have been studied for nearly 2 decades, but few candidates have found useful clinical applications. One factor underlying the failure of such agents to reach the clinic is their poor pharmacokinetic properties, and many efforts have been made to overcome this problem. In this study, we modified C34, a peptide inhibitor of HIV-1 fusion, at its conserved glycosylation site using polyethylene glycols (PEGs) of different molecular weights. PEG40-NC, a conjugate of C34 and branched PEG 40 kDa (PEG40), which has been previously shown to improve the pharmacokinetic profiles of proteins, showed a significantly extended half-life (t 1/2; 10.39 h in rats), which compensated for decreased in vitro activity (50% effective concentration [EC50] of 18.51 nM). PEG40-NC also showed a mechanism of action similar to that of C34. PEG40-NC monotherapy in acutely simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV)-infected rhesus monkeys significantly suppressed viral load compared with a control treatment. Efficacy was linked to the extended half-life and lymphatic exposure conferred by attached PEG40. These results highlight the potential of further clinical investigations of PEG40-NC in combination with antiretroviral therapy or other anti-HIV agents.IMPORTANCE Poor pharmacokinetics have severely hindered the clinical use of anti-HIV peptides. Different small molecules, such as lipid, cholesterol, and small PEG, were designed to modify peptides to improve their pharmacokinetics. In this study, we incorporated large branched PEG to anti-HIV peptide and obtained a conjugate with extended half-life and improved in vivo efficacy. The strategy we developed in this study can also be applicable for the development of other peptide candidates.
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22
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Zhang Y, Shen Y, Yin L, Qi T, Jia X, Lu H, Zhang L. Plasma Membrane Proteomic Profile Discovers Macrophage-capping Protein Related to Latent HIV-1. Curr HIV Res 2020; 17:42-52. [PMID: 31057110 DOI: 10.2174/1570162x17666190506155222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to the persistence of latent HIV-infected cellular reservoirs, HIV virus can not be eradicated completely. OBJECTIVE To identify proteins related to HIV latency, we performed a subcellular proteomic study in HIV latent cell lines. METHODS An established HIV-1 latent cell model (J-Lat Tat-GFP Clone A7 cells, A7 cells) and its parental cell line (Jurkat cells) were used. The plasma membrane (PM) fraction from cultured cells was enriched through aqueous two-phase partition. PM proteins were extracted and then separated using two-dimensional electrophoresis (2DE). Differentially expressed proteins were identified by mass spectrometry, and verified by western blotting. RESULTS Thirteen non-redundant proteins were identified to be differentially expressed in the A7 PM fraction compared to those in the Jurkat PM. Eight had a PM location through Gene Ontology (GO) analysis. A differential protein network of CAPG-ACTR3-CD3D was detected to have interactions with HIV Vpr, Tat, gp160, etc. through STRING software analysis. One of the differential proteins (Macrophage-capping protein (CAPG)) was verified by western blotting to be down- regulated in two cell lines and HIV resting CD4+ T cells negatively selected from patients. CONCLUSION We identified 13 proteins in A7 compared to Jurkat cells. CAPG may be a potential biomarker related to HIV latency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujiao Zhang
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China
| | - Yinzhong Shen
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China
| | - Lin Yin
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China
| | - Tangkai Qi
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China
| | - Xiaofang Jia
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China
| | - Hongzhou Lu
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China
| | - Lijun Zhang
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China
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