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Bolinger AA, Li J, Xie X, Li H, Zhou J. Lessons learnt from broad-spectrum coronavirus antiviral drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:1023-1041. [PMID: 39078037 PMCID: PMC11390334 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2385598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Highly pathogenic coronaviruses (CoVs), such as severe acute respiratory syndrome CoV (SARS-CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome CoV (MERS-CoV), and the most recent SARS-CoV-2 responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, pose significant threats to human populations over the past two decades. These CoVs have caused a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations ranging from asymptomatic to severe distress syndromes (ARDS), resulting in high morbidity and mortality. AREAS COVERED The accelerated advancements in antiviral drug discovery, spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, have shed new light on the imperative to develop treatments effective against a broad spectrum of CoVs. This perspective discusses strategies and lessons learnt in targeting viral non-structural proteins, structural proteins, drug repurposing, and combinational approaches for the development of antivirals against CoVs. EXPERT OPINION Drawing lessons from the pandemic, it becomes evident that the absence of efficient broad-spectrum antiviral drugs increases the vulnerability of public health systems to the potential onslaught by highly pathogenic CoVs. The rapid and sustained spread of novel CoVs can have devastating consequences without effective and specifically targeted treatments. Prioritizing the effective development of broad-spectrum antivirals is imperative for bolstering the resilience of public health systems and mitigating the potential impact of future highly pathogenic CoVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew A Bolinger
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Jun Li
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Xuping Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Sealy Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Hongmin Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The BIO5 Institute, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Jia Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Sealy Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
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2
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Dai X, Xu R, Li N. The Interplay between Airway Cilia and Coronavirus Infection, Implications for Prevention and Control of Airway Viral Infections. Cells 2024; 13:1353. [PMID: 39195243 DOI: 10.3390/cells13161353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2024] [Revised: 08/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses (CoVs) are a class of respiratory viruses with the potential to cause severe respiratory diseases by infecting cells of the upper respiratory tract, bronchial epithelium, and lung. The airway cilia are distributed on the surface of respiratory epithelial cells, forming the first point of contact between the host and the inhaled coronaviruses. The function of the airway cilia is to oscillate and sense, thereby defending against and removing pathogens to maintain the cleanliness and patency of the respiratory tract. Following infection of the respiratory tract, coronaviruses exploit the cilia to invade and replicate in epithelial cells while also damaging the cilia to facilitate the spread and exacerbation of respiratory diseases. It is therefore imperative to investigate the interactions between coronaviruses and respiratory cilia, as well as to elucidate the functional mechanism of respiratory cilia following coronavirus invasion, in order to develop effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of respiratory viral infections. This review commences with an overview of the fundamental characteristics of airway cilia, and then, based on the interplay between airway cilia and coronavirus infection, we propose that ciliary protection and restoration may represent potential therapeutic approaches in emerging and re-emerging coronavirus pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuyao Dai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Institute of Basic Theory for Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Ruodan Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Institute of Basic Theory for Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Institute of Basic Theory for Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
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3
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Kuzikov M, Reinshagen J, Wycisk K, Corona A, Esposito F, Malune P, Manelfi C, Iaconis D, Beccari A, Tramontano E, Nowotny M, Windshügel B, Gribbon P, Zaliani A. Drug repurposing screen to identify inhibitors of the RNA polymerase (nsp12) and helicase (nsp13) from SARS-CoV-2 replication and transcription complex. Virus Res 2024; 343:199356. [PMID: 38490582 PMCID: PMC10958470 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2024.199356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Coronaviruses contain one of the largest genomes among the RNA viruses, coding for 14-16 non-structural proteins (nsp) that are involved in proteolytic processing, genome replication and transcription, and four structural proteins that build the core of the mature virion. Due to conservation across coronaviruses, nsps form a group of promising drug targets as their inhibition directly affects viral replication and, therefore, progression of infection. A minimal but fully functional replication and transcription complex was shown to be formed by one RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (nsp12), one nsp7, two nsp8 accessory subunits, and two helicase (nsp13) enzymes. Our approach involved, targeting nsp12 and nsp13 to allow multiple starting point to interfere with virus infection progression. Here we report a combined in-vitro repurposing screening approach, identifying new and confirming reported SARS-CoV-2 nsp12 and nsp13 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kuzikov
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP) and Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune mediated diseases (CIMD), Schnackenburgallee 114, 22525 Hamburg, and Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany; Constructor University, School of Science, Campus Ring 1, 28759 Bremen, Germany.
| | - Jeanette Reinshagen
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP) and Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune mediated diseases (CIMD), Schnackenburgallee 114, 22525 Hamburg, and Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Krzysztof Wycisk
- Laboratory of Protein Structure - International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 4 Ks. Trojdena Street, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Angela Corona
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e dell'ambiente, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, SS-554, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesca Esposito
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e dell'ambiente, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, SS-554, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Paolo Malune
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e dell'ambiente, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, SS-554, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Candida Manelfi
- EXSCALATE, Dompé farmaceutici S.p.A., Via Tommaso De Amicis, 95, Napoli, 80131, Italy
| | - Daniela Iaconis
- EXSCALATE, Dompé farmaceutici S.p.A., Via Tommaso De Amicis, 95, Napoli, 80131, Italy
| | - Andrea Beccari
- EXSCALATE, Dompé farmaceutici S.p.A., Via Tommaso De Amicis, 95, Napoli, 80131, Italy
| | - Enzo Tramontano
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e dell'ambiente, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, SS-554, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marcin Nowotny
- Laboratory of Protein Structure - International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 4 Ks. Trojdena Street, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Björn Windshügel
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP) and Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune mediated diseases (CIMD), Schnackenburgallee 114, 22525 Hamburg, and Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany; Constructor University, School of Science, Campus Ring 1, 28759 Bremen, Germany
| | - Philip Gribbon
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP) and Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune mediated diseases (CIMD), Schnackenburgallee 114, 22525 Hamburg, and Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Andrea Zaliani
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP) and Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune mediated diseases (CIMD), Schnackenburgallee 114, 22525 Hamburg, and Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
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4
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Raubenolt B, Blankenberg D. Generalized open-source workflows for atomistic molecular dynamics simulations of viral helicases. Gigascience 2024; 13:giae026. [PMID: 38869150 PMCID: PMC11170216 DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giae026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Viral helicases are promising targets for the development of antiviral therapies. Given their vital function of unwinding double-stranded nucleic acids, inhibiting them blocks the viral replication cycle. Previous studies have elucidated key structural details of these helicases, including the location of substrate binding sites, flexible domains, and the discovery of potential inhibitors. Here we present a series of new Galaxy tools and workflows for performing and analyzing molecular dynamics simulations of viral helicases. We first validate them by demonstrating recapitulation of data from previous simulations of Zika (NS3) and SARS-CoV-2 (NSP13) helicases in apo and complex with inhibitors. We further demonstrate the utility and generalizability of these Galaxy workflows by applying them to new cases, proving their usefulness as a widely accessible method for exploring antiviral activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Raubenolt
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Daniel Blankenberg
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Center for Computational Life Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
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Godara P, Reddy KS, Sahu W, Naik B, Srivastava V, Das R, Mahor A, Kumar P, Giri R, Anirudh J, Tak H, Banavath HN, Bhatt TK, Goyal AK, Prusty D. Structure-based virtual screening against multiple Plasmodium falciparum kinases reveals antimalarial compounds. Mol Divers 2023:10.1007/s11030-023-10770-z. [PMID: 38127294 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-023-10770-z] [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: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The continuous emergence of resistance against most frontline antimalarial drugs has led to countless deaths in malaria-endemic countries, counting 619,000 deaths in 2021, with mutation in drug targets being the sole cause. As mutation is correlated frequently with fitness cost, the likelihood of mutation emergence in multiple targets at a time is extremely low. Hence, multitargeting compounds may seem promising to address drug resistance issues with additional benefits like increased efficacy, improved safety profile, and the requirement of fewer pills compared to traditional single and combinational drugs. In this study, we attempted to use the High Throughput Virtual Screening approach to predict multitarget inhibitors against six chemically validated Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) kinases (PfPKG, PfMAP2, PfCDPK4, PfTMK, PfPK5, PfPI4K), resulting in 21 multitargeting hits. The molecular dynamic simulation of the top six complexes (Myricetin-MAP2, Quercetin-CDPK4, Myricetin-TMK, Quercetin-PKG, Salidroside-PK5, and Salidroside-PI4K) showed stable interactions. Moreover, hierarchical clustering reveals the structural divergence of the compounds from the existing antimalarials, indicating less chance of cross-resistance. Additionally, the top three hits were validated through parasite growth inhibition assays, with quercetin and myricetin exhibiting an IC50 value of 1.84 and 3.93 µM, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Godara
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, NH-8, Bandarsindri, Kishangarh, Ajmer, Rajasthan, 305817, India
| | - K Sony Reddy
- School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (Deemed University), Bhubaneswar, 751024, India
| | - Welka Sahu
- School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (Deemed University), Bhubaneswar, 751024, India
| | - Biswajit Naik
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, NH-8, Bandarsindri, Kishangarh, Ajmer, Rajasthan, 305817, India
| | - Varshita Srivastava
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, NH-8, Bandarsindri, Kishangarh, Ajmer, Rajasthan, 305817, India
| | - Rusham Das
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Chemical Sciences and Pharmacy, Central University of Rajasthan, NH-8, Bandarsindri, Kishangarh, Ajmer, Rajasthan, 305817, India
| | - Ajay Mahor
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Chemical Sciences and Pharmacy, Central University of Rajasthan, NH-8, Bandarsindri, Kishangarh, Ajmer, Rajasthan, 305817, India
| | - Prateek Kumar
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Kamand, India
| | - Rajanish Giri
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Kamand, India
| | - Jivanage Anirudh
- Department of Sports Biosciences, School of Sport Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, India
| | - Harshita Tak
- Department of Sports Biosciences, School of Sport Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, India
| | - Hemanth Naick Banavath
- Department of Sports Biosciences, School of Sport Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, India
| | - Tarun Kumar Bhatt
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, NH-8, Bandarsindri, Kishangarh, Ajmer, Rajasthan, 305817, India
| | - Amit Kumar Goyal
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Chemical Sciences and Pharmacy, Central University of Rajasthan, NH-8, Bandarsindri, Kishangarh, Ajmer, Rajasthan, 305817, India
| | - Dhaneswar Prusty
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, NH-8, Bandarsindri, Kishangarh, Ajmer, Rajasthan, 305817, India.
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6
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Winokan M, Slocombe L, Al-Khalili J, Sacchi M. Multiscale simulations reveal the role of PcrA helicase in protecting against spontaneous point mutations in DNA. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21749. [PMID: 38065963 PMCID: PMC10709646 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48119-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Proton transfer across hydrogen bonds in DNA can produce non-canonical nucleobase dimers and is a possible source of single-point mutations when these forms mismatch under replication. Previous computational studies have revealed this process to be energetically feasible for the guanine-cytosine (GC) base pair, but the tautomeric product (G[Formula: see text]C[Formula: see text]) is short-lived. In this work we reveal, for the first time, the direct effect of the replisome enzymes on proton transfer, rectifying the shortcomings of existing models. Multi-scale quantum mechanical/molecular dynamics (QM/MM) simulations reveal the effect of the bacterial PcrA Helicase on the double proton transfer in the GC base pair. It is shown that the local protein environment drastically increases the activation and reaction energies for the double proton transfer, modifying the tautomeric equilibrium. We propose a regime in which the proton transfer is dominated by tunnelling, taking place instantaneously and without atomic rearrangement of the local environment. In this paradigm, we can reconcile the metastable nature of the tautomer and show that ensemble averaging methods obscure detail in the reaction profile. Our results highlight the importance of explicit environmental models and suggest that asparagine N624 serves a secondary function of reducing spontaneous mutations in PcrA Helicase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Winokan
- Leverhulme Quantum Biology Doctoral Training Centre, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Louie Slocombe
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Jim Al-Khalili
- School of Mathematics and Physics, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Marco Sacchi
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, UK.
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7
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Zhang C, Sui Y, Liu S, Yang M. Anti-Viral Activity of Bioactive Molecules of Silymarin against COVID-19 via In Silico Studies. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1479. [PMID: 37895950 PMCID: PMC10610370 DOI: 10.3390/ph16101479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection drove the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, causing a huge loss of human life and a negative impact on economic development. It is an urgent necessity to explore potential drugs against viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2. Silymarin, a mixture of herb-derived polyphenolic flavonoids extracted from the milk thistle, possesses potent antioxidative, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Accumulating research studies have demonstrated the killing activity of silymarin against viruses, such as dengue virus, chikungunya virus, and hepatitis C virus. However, the anti-COVID-19 mechanisms of silymarin remain unclear. In this study, multiple disciplinary approaches and methodologies were applied to evaluate the potential mechanisms of silymarin as an anti-viral agent against SARS-CoV-2 infection. In silico approaches such as molecular docking, network pharmacology, and bioinformatic methods were incorporated to assess the ligand-protein binding properties and analyze the protein-protein interaction network. The DAVID database was used to analyze gene functions, such as the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment. TCMSP and GeneCards were used to identify drug target genes and COVID-19-related genes. Our results revealed that silymarin compounds, such as silybin A/B and silymonin, displayed triplicate functions against SARS-CoV-2 infection, including directly binding with human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 entry into the host cells, directly binding with viral proteins RdRp and helicase to inhibit viral replication and proliferation, and regulating host immune response to indirectly inhibit viral infection. Specifically, the targets of silymarin molecules in immune regulation were screened out, such as proinflammatory cytokines TNF and IL-6 and cell growth factors VEGFA and EGF. In addition, the molecular mechanism of drug-target protein interaction was investigated, including the binding pockets of drug molecules in human ACE2 and viral proteins, the formation of hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, and other drug-protein ligand interactions. Finally, the drug-likeness results of candidate molecules passed the criteria for drug screening. Overall, this study demonstrates the molecular mechanism of silymarin molecules against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunye Zhang
- Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA;
| | - Yuxiang Sui
- School of Life Science, Shanxi Normal University, Linfen 041004, China;
| | - Shuai Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, China;
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- NextGen Precision Health Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
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8
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Knecht W, Fisher SZ, Lou J, Sele C, Ma S, Rasmussen AA, Pinotsis N, Kozielski F. Oligomeric State of β-Coronavirus Non-Structural Protein 10 Stimulators Studied by Small Angle X-ray Scattering. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13649. [PMID: 37686452 PMCID: PMC10563069 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The β-coronavirus family, encompassing Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS), and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS), has triggered pandemics within the last two decades. With the possibility of future pandemics, studying the coronavirus family members is necessary to improve knowledge and treatment. These viruses possess 16 non-structural proteins, many of which play crucial roles in viral replication and in other vital functions. One such vital protein is non-structural protein 10 (nsp10), acting as a pivotal stimulator of nsp14 and nsp16, thereby influencing RNA proofreading and viral RNA cap formation. Studying nsp10 of pathogenic coronaviruses is central to unraveling its multifunctional roles. Our study involves the biochemical and biophysical characterisation of full-length nsp10 from MERS, SARS and SARS-CoV-2. To elucidate their oligomeric state, we employed a combination of Multi-detection Size exclusion chromatography (Multi-detection SEC) with multi-angle static light scattering (MALS) and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) techniques. Our findings reveal that full-length nsp10s primarily exist as monomers in solution, while truncated versions tend to oligomerise. SAXS experiments reveal a globular shape for nsp10, a trait conserved in all three coronaviruses, although MERS nsp10, diverges most from SARS and SARS-CoV-2 nsp10s. In summary, unbound nsp10 proteins from SARS, MERS, and SARS-CoV-2 exhibit a globular and predominantly monomeric state in solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Knecht
- Department of Biology & Lund Protein Production Platform & Protein Production Sweden, Lund University, Sölvegatan 35, 22362 Lund, Sweden; (W.K.); (S.Z.F.); (C.S.); (A.A.R.)
| | - S. Zoë Fisher
- Department of Biology & Lund Protein Production Platform & Protein Production Sweden, Lund University, Sölvegatan 35, 22362 Lund, Sweden; (W.K.); (S.Z.F.); (C.S.); (A.A.R.)
- European Spallation Source ERIC, P.O. Box 176, 22100 Lund, Sweden
| | - Jiaqi Lou
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK; (J.L.); (S.M.)
| | - Céleste Sele
- Department of Biology & Lund Protein Production Platform & Protein Production Sweden, Lund University, Sölvegatan 35, 22362 Lund, Sweden; (W.K.); (S.Z.F.); (C.S.); (A.A.R.)
| | - Shumeng Ma
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK; (J.L.); (S.M.)
| | - Anna Andersson Rasmussen
- Department of Biology & Lund Protein Production Platform & Protein Production Sweden, Lund University, Sölvegatan 35, 22362 Lund, Sweden; (W.K.); (S.Z.F.); (C.S.); (A.A.R.)
| | - Nikos Pinotsis
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck College, London WC1E 7HX, UK
| | - Frank Kozielski
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK; (J.L.); (S.M.)
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9
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Corona A, Madia VN, De Santis R, Manelfi C, Emmolo R, Ialongo D, Patacchini E, Messore A, Amatore D, Faggioni G, Artico M, Iaconis D, Talarico C, Di Santo R, Lista F, Costi R, Tramontano E. Diketo acid inhibitors of nsp13 of SARS-CoV-2 block viral replication. Antiviral Res 2023; 217:105697. [PMID: 37562607 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2023.105697] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
For RNA viruses, RNA helicases have long been recognized to play critical roles during virus replication cycles, facilitating proper folding and replication of viral RNAs, therefore representing an ideal target for drug discovery. SARS-CoV-2 helicase, the non-structural protein 13 (nsp13) is a highly conserved protein among all known coronaviruses, and, at the moment, is one of the most explored viral targets to identify new possible antiviral agents. In the present study, we present six diketo acids (DKAs) as nsp13 inhibitors able to block both SARS-CoV-2 nsp13 enzymatic functions. Among them four compounds were able to inhibit viral replication in the low micromolar range, being active also on other human coronaviruses such as HCoV229E and MERS CoV. The experimental investigation of the binding mode revealed ATP-non-competitive kinetics of inhibition, not affected by substrate-displacement effect, suggesting an allosteric binding mode that was further supported by molecular modelling calculations predicting the binding into an allosteric conserved site located in the RecA2 domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Corona
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e dell'ambiente. Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, SS-554, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Valentina Noemi Madia
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, "Sapienza" Università di Roma, p.le Aldo Moro 5, I-00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo De Santis
- Defense Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Via Santo Stefano Rotondo 4, 00184, Rome, Italy
| | - Candida Manelfi
- EXSCALATE - Dompé Farmaceutici SpA, via Tommaso De Amicis 95, 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Roberta Emmolo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e dell'ambiente. Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, SS-554, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Davide Ialongo
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, "Sapienza" Università di Roma, p.le Aldo Moro 5, I-00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Patacchini
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, "Sapienza" Università di Roma, p.le Aldo Moro 5, I-00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Messore
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, "Sapienza" Università di Roma, p.le Aldo Moro 5, I-00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Donatella Amatore
- Defense Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Via Santo Stefano Rotondo 4, 00184, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Faggioni
- Defense Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Via Santo Stefano Rotondo 4, 00184, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Artico
- Department of Sensory Organs, "Sapienza" Università di Roma, V.le Regina Elena 324, I-00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Iaconis
- EXSCALATE - Dompé Farmaceutici SpA, via Tommaso De Amicis 95, 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Carmine Talarico
- EXSCALATE - Dompé Farmaceutici SpA, via Tommaso De Amicis 95, 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Roberto Di Santo
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, "Sapienza" Università di Roma, p.le Aldo Moro 5, I-00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Florigio Lista
- Defense Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Via Santo Stefano Rotondo 4, 00184, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Costi
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, "Sapienza" Università di Roma, p.le Aldo Moro 5, I-00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Enzo Tramontano
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e dell'ambiente. Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, SS-554, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.
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10
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Mehyar N. Coronaviruses SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 helicase inhibitors: A systematic review of in vitro studies. J Virus Erad 2023:100327. [PMID: 37363132 PMCID: PMC10214743 DOI: 10.1016/j.jve.2023.100327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The recent outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 significantly increased the need to find inhibitors that target the essential enzymes for virus replication in the host cells. This systematic review was conducted to identify potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 helicases that have been tested by in vitro methods. The inhibition mechanisms of these compounds were discussed in this review, in addition to their cytotoxic and viral infection protection properties. Methods The databases PUBMED/MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and Web of Science were searched using different combinations of the keywords "helicase", "nsp13", "inhibitors", "coronaviridae", "coronaviruses", "virus replication", "replication", and "antagonists and inhibitors". Results By the end of this search, a total of 6854 articles had been identified. Thirty-one articles were included in this review. These studies reported the inhibitory effects of 309 compounds on SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 helicase activities measured by in vitro methods. Helicase inhibitors were categorized according to the type of coronavirus and the type of tested enzymatic activity, nature, approval, inhibition level, cytotoxicity, and viral infection protection effects. These inhibitors are classified according to the site of their interaction with the coronavirus helicases into four types: zinc-binding site inhibitors, nucleic acid binding site inhibitors, nucleotide-binding site inhibitors, and inhibitors with no clear interaction site. Conclusion Evidence from in vitro studies suggests that helicase inhibitors have a high potential as antiviral agents. Several helicase inhibitors tested in vitro showed good antiviral activities while maintaining moderate cytotoxicity. These inhibitors should be clinically investigated to determine their efficiency in treating different coronavirus infections, particularly COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nimer Mehyar
- King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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11
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Kandeel M. An overview of the recent progress in Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2023; 18:385-400. [PMID: 36971501 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2192921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) has remained a public health concern since it first emerged in 2012. Although many potential treatments for MERS-CoV have been developed and tested, none have had complete success in stopping the spread of this deadly disease. MERS-CoV replication comprises attachment, entry, fusion and replication steps. Targeting these events may lead to the creation of medications that effectively treat MERS-CoV infection. AREAS COVERED This review updates the research on the development of inhibitors of MERS-CoV. The main topics are MERS-CoV‒related proteins and host cell proteins that are involved in viral protein activation and infection. EXPERT OPINION Research on discovering drugs that can inhibit MERS-CoV started at a slow pace, and although efforts have steadily increased, clinical trials for new drugs specifically targeting MERS-CoV have not been extensive enough. The explosion in efforts to find new medications for the SARS-CoV-2 virus indirectly enhanced the volume of data on MERS-CoV inhibition by including MERS-CoV in drug assays. The appearance of COVID-19 completely transformed the data available on MERS-CoV inhibition. Despite the fact that new infected cases are constantly being diagnosed, there are currently no approved vaccines for or inhibitors of MERS-CoV.
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12
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In Silico Binding of 2-Aminocyclobutanones to SARS-CoV-2 Nsp13 Helicase and Demonstration of Antiviral Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065120. [PMID: 36982188 PMCID: PMC10049026 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The landscape of viral strains and lineages of SARS-CoV-2 keeps changing and is currently dominated by Delta and Omicron variants. Members of the latest Omicron variants, including BA.1, are showing a high level of immune evasion, and Omicron has become a prominent variant circulating globally. In our search for versatile medicinal chemistry scaffolds, we prepared a library of substituted ɑ-aminocyclobutanones from an ɑ-aminocyclobutanone synthon (11). We performed an in silico screen of this actual chemical library as well as other virtual 2-aminocyclobutanone analogs against seven SARS-CoV-2 nonstructural proteins to identify potential drug leads against SARS-CoV-2, and more broadly against coronavirus antiviral targets. Several of these analogs were initially identified as in silico hits against SARS-CoV-2 nonstructural protein 13 (Nsp13) helicase through molecular docking and dynamics simulations. Antiviral activity of the original hits as well as ɑ-aminocyclobutanone analogs that were predicted to bind more tightly to SARS-CoV-2 Nsp13 helicase are reported. We now report cyclobutanone derivatives that exhibit anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity. Furthermore, the Nsp13 helicase enzyme has been the target of relatively few target-based drug discovery efforts, in part due to a very late release of a high-resolution structure accompanied by a limited understanding of its protein biochemistry. In general, antiviral agents initially efficacious against wild-type SARS-CoV-2 strains have lower activities against variants due to heavy viral loads and greater turnover rates, but the inhibitors we are reporting have higher activities against the later variants than the wild-type (10–20X). We speculate this could be due to Nsp13 helicase being a critical bottleneck in faster replication rates of the new variants, so targeting this enzyme affects these variants to an even greater extent. This work calls attention to cyclobutanones as a useful medicinal chemistry scaffold, and the need for additional focus on the discovery of Nsp13 helicase inhibitors to combat the aggressive and immune-evading variants of concern (VOCs).
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13
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Dawood AA. The efficacy of Paxlovid against COVID-19 is the result of the tight molecular docking between M pro and antiviral drugs (nirmatrelvir and ritonavir). Adv Med Sci 2023; 68:1-9. [PMID: 36368287 PMCID: PMC9626444 DOI: 10.1016/j.advms.2022.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Currently, a number of medications for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treatment are tested in clinical trials; however, credible clinical studies are becoming increasingly difficult to come by. Paxlovid is a ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir drug that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized for the treatment of COVID-19. This study aimed to demonstrate the interaction of nirmatrelvir and ritonavir on the active site of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) main protease (Mpro). Materials and methods To locate the optimal docking between Mpro and antiviral drugs, and to conduct dynamic simulations between atoms in the fusion areas, various bioinformatics and mathematical equations were applied. Results According to the docking data, nirmatrelvir has a stronger interaction with Mpro than ritonavir, which has more multiple bonds. Molecular docking of antiviral drugs such as Paxlovid has a significant impact on the treatment of COVID-19 virus. Conclusions According to this study, Paxlovid may work on new strains, including Omicron, because the Mpro mutation P132H in the Omicron variant has no direct effect on the protein.
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14
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Sommers JA, Loftus LN, Jones MP, Lee RA, Haren CE, Dumm AJ, Brosh RM. Biochemical analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Nsp13 helicase implicated in COVID-19 and factors that regulate its catalytic functions. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:102980. [PMID: 36739951 PMCID: PMC9897874 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.102980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Replication of the 30-kilobase genome of SARS-CoV-2, responsible for COVID-19, is a key step in the coronavirus life cycle that requires a set of virally encoded nonstructural proteins such as the highly conserved Nsp13 helicase. However, the features that contribute to catalytic properties of Nsp13 are not well established. Here, we biochemically characterized the purified recombinant SARS-CoV-2 Nsp13 helicase protein, focusing on its catalytic functions, nucleic acid substrate specificity, nucleotide/metal cofactor requirements, and displacement of proteins from RNA molecules proposed to be important for its proofreading role during coronavirus replication. We determined that Nsp13 preferentially interacts with single-stranded DNA compared with single-stranded RNA to unwind a partial duplex helicase substrate. We present evidence for functional cooperativity as a function of Nsp13 concentration, which suggests that oligomerization is important for optimal activity. In addition, under single-turnover conditions, Nsp13 unwound partial duplex RNA substrates of increasing double-stranded regions (16-30 base pairs) with similar efficiency, suggesting the enzyme unwinds processively in this range. We also show Nsp13-catalyzed RNA unwinding is abolished by a site-specific neutralizing linkage in the sugar-phosphate backbone, demonstrating continuity in the helicase-translocating strand is essential for unwinding the partial duplex substrate. Taken together, we demonstrate for the first time that coronavirus helicase Nsp13 disrupts a high-affinity RNA-protein interaction in a unidirectional and ATP-dependent manner. Furthermore, sensitivity of Nsp13 catalytic functions to Mg2+ concentration suggests a regulatory mechanism for ATP hydrolysis, duplex unwinding, and RNA protein remodeling, processes implicated in SARS-CoV-2 replication and proofreading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua A Sommers
- Helicases and Genomic Integrity Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, NIH, NIH Biomedical Research Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Lorin N Loftus
- Helicases and Genomic Integrity Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, NIH, NIH Biomedical Research Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Martin P Jones
- Helicases and Genomic Integrity Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, NIH, NIH Biomedical Research Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Rebecca A Lee
- Helicases and Genomic Integrity Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, NIH, NIH Biomedical Research Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Caitlin E Haren
- Helicases and Genomic Integrity Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, NIH, NIH Biomedical Research Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Adaira J Dumm
- Helicases and Genomic Integrity Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, NIH, NIH Biomedical Research Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Robert M Brosh
- Helicases and Genomic Integrity Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, NIH, NIH Biomedical Research Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
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15
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Piplani S, Singh P, Winkler DA, Petrovsky N. Potential COVID-19 Therapies from Computational Repurposing of Drugs and Natural Products against the SARS-CoV-2 Helicase. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:7704. [PMID: 35887049 PMCID: PMC9322913 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Repurposing of existing drugs is a rapid way to find potential new treatments for SARS-CoV-2. Here, we applied a virtual screening approach using Autodock Vina and molecular dynamic simulation in tandem to screen and calculate binding energies of repurposed drugs against the SARS-CoV-2 helicase protein (non-structural protein nsp13). Amongst the top hits from our study were antivirals, antihistamines, and antipsychotics, plus a range of other drugs. Approximately 30% of our top 87 hits had published evidence indicating in vivo or in vitro SARS-CoV-2 activity. Top hits not previously reported to have SARS-CoV-2 activity included the antiviral agents, cabotegravir and RSV-604; the NK1 antagonist, aprepitant; the trypanocidal drug, aminoquinuride; the analgesic, antrafenine; the anticancer intercalator, epirubicin; the antihistamine, fexofenadine; and the anticoagulant, dicoumarol. These hits from our in silico SARS-CoV-2 helicase screen warrant further testing as potential COVID-19 treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakshi Piplani
- Vaxine Pty Ltd., 11 Walkley Avenue, Adelaide 5046, Australia; (S.P.); (P.S.)
| | - Puneet Singh
- Vaxine Pty Ltd., 11 Walkley Avenue, Adelaide 5046, Australia; (S.P.); (P.S.)
| | - David A. Winkler
- Biochemistry and Chemistry Department, La Trobe University, Kingsbury Drive, Melbourne 3086, Australia;
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville 3052, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Nikolai Petrovsky
- Vaxine Pty Ltd., 11 Walkley Avenue, Adelaide 5046, Australia; (S.P.); (P.S.)
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Flinders Medical Centre, Flinders University, 1 Flinders Drive, Adelaide 5042, Australia
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16
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Newly Emerged Antiviral Strategies for SARS-CoV-2: From Deciphering Viral Protein Structural Function to the Development of Vaccines, Antibodies, and Small Molecules. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116083. [PMID: 35682761 PMCID: PMC9181103 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116083] [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: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the infection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has become the most severe health crisis, causing extraordinary economic disruption worldwide. SARS-CoV-2 is a single-stranded RNA-enveloped virus. The process of viral replication and particle packaging is finished in host cells. Viral proteins, including both structural and nonstructural proteins, play important roles in the viral life cycle, which also provides the targets of treatment. Therefore, a better understanding of the structural function of virus proteins is crucial to speed up the development of vaccines and therapeutic strategies. Currently, the structure and function of proteins encoded by the SARS-CoV-2 genome are reviewed by several studies. However, most of them are based on the analysis of SARS-CoV-1 particles, lacking a systematic review update for SARS-CoV-2. Here, we specifically focus on the structure and function of proteins encoded by SARS-CoV-2. Viral proteins that contribute to COVID-19 infection and disease pathogenesis are reviewed according to the most recent research findings. The structure-function correlation of viral proteins provides a fundamental rationale for vaccine development and targeted therapy. Then, current antiviral vaccines are updated, such as inactive viral vaccines and protein-based vaccines and DNA, mRNA, and circular RNA vaccines. A summary of other therapeutic options is also reviewed, including monoclonal antibodies such as a cross-neutralizer antibody, a constructed cobinding antibody, a dual functional monoclonal antibody, an antibody cocktail, and an engineered bispecific antibody, as well as peptide-based inhibitors, chemical compounds, and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) exploration. Overall, viral proteins and their functions provide the basis for targeted therapy and vaccine development.
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17
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Zhou H, Ni WJ, Huang W, Wang Z, Cai M, Sun YC. Advances in Pathogenesis, Progression, Potential Targets and Targeted Therapeutic Strategies in SARS-CoV-2-Induced COVID-19. Front Immunol 2022; 13:834942. [PMID: 35450063 PMCID: PMC9016159 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.834942] [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: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
As the new year of 2020 approaches, an acute respiratory disease quietly caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), also known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was reported in Wuhan, China. Subsequently, COVID-19 broke out on a global scale and formed a global public health emergency. To date, the destruction that has lasted for more than two years has not stopped and has caused the virus to continuously evolve new mutant strains. SARS-CoV-2 infection has been shown to cause multiple complications and lead to severe disability and death, which has dealt a heavy blow to global development, not only in the medical field but also in social security, economic development, global cooperation and communication. To date, studies on the epidemiology, pathogenic mechanism and pathological characteristics of SARS-CoV-2-induced COVID-19, as well as target confirmation, drug screening, and clinical intervention have achieved remarkable effects. With the continuous efforts of the WHO, governments of various countries, and scientific research and medical personnel, the public's awareness of COVID-19 is gradually deepening, a variety of prevention methods and detection methods have been implemented, and multiple vaccines and drugs have been developed and urgently marketed. However, these do not appear to have completely stopped the pandemic and ravages of this virus. Meanwhile, research on SARS-CoV-2-induced COVID-19 has also seen some twists and controversies, such as potential drugs and the role of vaccines. In view of the fact that research on SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 has been extensive and in depth, this review will systematically update the current understanding of the epidemiology, transmission mechanism, pathological features, potential targets, promising drugs and ongoing clinical trials, which will provide important references and new directions for SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Anhui Provincial Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Wei-Jian Ni
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Wei Huang
- The Third People’s Hospital of Hefei, The Third Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Anhui Provincial Children’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University-Anhui Campus, Hefei, China
| | - Ming Cai
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Yan-Cai Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Anhui Provincial Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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18
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Ricci F, Gitto R, Pitasi G, De Luca L. In Silico Insights towards the Identification of SARS-CoV-2 NSP13 Helicase Druggable Pockets. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12040482. [PMID: 35454070 PMCID: PMC9029846 DOI: 10.3390/biom12040482] [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: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The merging of distinct computational approaches has become a powerful strategy for discovering new biologically active compounds. By using molecular modeling, significant efforts have recently resulted in the development of new molecules, demonstrating high efficiency in reducing the replication of severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the agent responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. We have focused our interest on non-structural protein Nsp13 (NTPase/helicase), as a crucial protein, embedded in the replication–transcription complex (RTC), that controls the virus life cycle. To assist in the identification of the most druggable surfaces of Nsps13, we applied a combination of four computational tools: FTMap, SiteMap, Fpocket and LigandScout. These software packages explored the binding sites for different three-dimensional structures of RTC complexes (PDB codes: 6XEZ, 7CXM, 7CXN), thus, detecting several hot spots, that were clustered to obtain ensemble consensus sites, through a combination of four different approaches. The comparison of data provided new insights about putative druggable sites that might be employed for further docking simulations on druggable surfaces of Nsps13, in a scenario of repurposing drugs.
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19
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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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20
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ElNaggar MH, Abdelwahab GM, Kutkat O, GabAllah M, Ali MA, El-Metwally MEA, Sayed AM, Abdelmohsen UR, Khalil AT. Aurasperone A Inhibits SARS CoV-2 In Vitro: An Integrated In Vitro and In Silico Study. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:179. [PMID: 35323478 PMCID: PMC8949533 DOI: 10.3390/md20030179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Several natural products recovered from a marine-derived Aspergillus niger were tested for their inhibitory activity against SARS CoV-2 in vitro. Aurasperone A (3) was found to inhibit SARS CoV-2 efficiently (IC50 = 12.25 µM) with comparable activity with the positive control remdesivir (IC50 = 10.11 µM). Aurasperone A exerted minimal cytotoxicity on Vero E6 cells (CC50 = 32.36 mM, SI = 2641.5) and it was found to be much safer than remdesivir (CC50 = 415.22 µM, SI = 41.07). To putatively highlight its molecular target, aurasperone A was subjected to molecular docking against several key-viral protein targets followed by a series of molecular dynamics-based in silico experiments that suggested Mpro to be its primary viral protein target. More potent anti-SARS CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors can be developed according to our findings presented in the present investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai H. ElNaggar
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh 33516, Egypt
| | - Ghada M. Abdelwahab
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt;
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Horus University, Damietta 34518, Egypt
| | - Omnia Kutkat
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, National Research Centre, Giza 12622, Egypt; (O.K.); (M.G.); (M.A.A.)
| | - Mohamed GabAllah
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, National Research Centre, Giza 12622, Egypt; (O.K.); (M.G.); (M.A.A.)
| | - Mohamed A. Ali
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, National Research Centre, Giza 12622, Egypt; (O.K.); (M.G.); (M.A.A.)
| | | | - Ahmed M. Sayed
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nahda University, Beni-Suef 62513, Egypt;
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Almaaqal University, Basra 61014, Iraq
| | - Usama Ramadan Abdelmohsen
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia 61519, Egypt;
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Deraya University, New Minia 61111, Egypt
| | - Ashraf T. Khalil
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt;
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Main protease mutants of SARS-CoV-2 variants remain susceptible to nirmatrelvir. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2022; 62:128629. [PMID: 35182772 PMCID: PMC8856729 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2022.128629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a public health threat. Multiple mutations in the spike protein of emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2 appear to impact on the effectiveness of available vaccines. Specific antiviral agents are keenly anticipated but their efficacy may also be compromised in emerging variants. One of the most attractive coronaviral drug targets is the main protease (Mpro). A promising Mpro inhibitor of clinical relevance is the peptidomimetic nirmatrelvir (PF-07321332). We expressed Mpro of six SARS-CoV-2 lineages (C.37 Lambda, B.1.1.318, B.1.2, B.1.351 Beta, B.1.1.529 Omicron, P.2 Zeta), each of which carries a strongly prevalent missense mutation (G15S, T21I, L89F, K90R, P132H, L205V). Enzyme kinetics reveal that these Mpro variants are catalytically competent to a similar degree as the wildtype. We show that nirmatrelvir has similar potency against the variants as the wildtype. Our in vitro data suggest that the efficacy of the specific Mpro inhibitor nirmatrelvir is not compromised in current COVID-19 variants.
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22
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Yan W, Zheng Y, Zeng X, He B, Cheng W. Structural biology of SARS-CoV-2: open the door for novel therapies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:26. [PMID: 35087058 PMCID: PMC8793099 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-00884-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 65.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the pandemic disease COVID-19, which is so far without efficacious treatment. The discovery of therapy reagents for treating COVID-19 are urgently needed, and the structures of the potential drug-target proteins in the viral life cycle are particularly important. SARS-CoV-2, a member of the Orthocoronavirinae subfamily containing the largest RNA genome, encodes 29 proteins including nonstructural, structural and accessory proteins which are involved in viral adsorption, entry and uncoating, nucleic acid replication and transcription, assembly and release, etc. These proteins individually act as a partner of the replication machinery or involved in forming the complexes with host cellular factors to participate in the essential physiological activities. This review summarizes the representative structures and typically potential therapy agents that target SARS-CoV-2 or some critical proteins for viral pathogenesis, providing insights into the mechanisms underlying viral infection, prevention of infection, and treatment. Indeed, these studies open the door for COVID therapies, leading to ways to prevent and treat COVID-19, especially, treatment of the disease caused by the viral variants are imperative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weizhu Yan
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Respiratory Infection and Intervention Laboratory of Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanhui Zheng
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Respiratory Infection and Intervention Laboratory of Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaotao Zeng
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Respiratory Infection and Intervention Laboratory of Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Bin He
- Department of Emergency Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China.
- The First People's Hospital of Longquanyi District Chengdu, 610100, Chengdu, China.
| | - Wei Cheng
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Respiratory Infection and Intervention Laboratory of Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China.
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Nguyen QV, Chong LC, Hor YY, Lew LC, Rather IA, Choi SB. Role of Probiotics in the Management of COVID-19: A Computational Perspective. Nutrients 2022; 14:274. [PMID: 35057455 PMCID: PMC8781206 DOI: 10.3390/nu14020274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared a pandemic at the beginning of 2020, causing millions of deaths worldwide. Millions of vaccine doses have been administered worldwide; however, outbreaks continue. Probiotics are known to restore a stable gut microbiota by regulating innate and adaptive immunity within the gut, demonstrating the possibility that they may be used to combat COVID-19 because of several pieces of evidence suggesting that COVID-19 has an adverse impact on gut microbiota dysbiosis. Thus, probiotics and their metabolites with known antiviral properties may be used as an adjunctive treatment to combat COVID-19. Several clinical trials have revealed the efficacy of probiotics and their metabolites in treating patients with SARS-CoV-2. However, its molecular mechanism has not been unraveled. The availability of abundant data resources and computational methods has significantly changed research finding molecular insights between probiotics and COVID-19. This review highlights computational approaches involving microbiome-based approaches and ensemble-driven docking approaches, as well as a case study proving the effects of probiotic metabolites on SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quang Vo Nguyen
- Centre for Bioinformatics, School of Data Sciences, Perdana University, Suite 9.2, 9th Floor, Wisma Chase Perdana, Changkat Semantan, Wilayah Persekutuan, Kuala Lumpur 50490, Malaysia;
| | - Li Chuin Chong
- Beykoz Institute of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Bezmialem Vakif University, Beykoz, Istanbul 34820, Turkey;
| | - Yan-Yan Hor
- Department of Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-Ro, Gyeongsan 38541, Gyeongbuk, Korea;
| | - Lee-Ching Lew
- Probionic Corporation, Jeonbuk Institute for Food-Bioindustry, Jeonju 54810, Korea;
| | - Irfan A. Rather
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80203, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Center of Excellence in Bionanoscience Research, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80203, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sy-Bing Choi
- Centre for Bioinformatics, School of Data Sciences, Perdana University, Suite 9.2, 9th Floor, Wisma Chase Perdana, Changkat Semantan, Wilayah Persekutuan, Kuala Lumpur 50490, Malaysia;
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Genomic, proteomic and metabolomic profiling of severe acute respiratory syndrome-Coronavirus-2. COMPUTATIONAL APPROACHES FOR NOVEL THERAPEUTIC AND DIAGNOSTIC DESIGNING TO MITIGATE SARS-COV-2 INFECTION 2022. [PMCID: PMC9300679 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-91172-6.00019-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is one of the worst human health problems faced by humanity in recent centuries. An end to this health crisis relies on our ability to monitor viral transmission dynamics to check spread, develop therapeutics and preventatives for treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection and understand the pathophysiology of the disease for better management of the patients. Omics technologies have played a crucial part in understanding the different aspects of COVID-19 disease. While whole-genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 isolates from across the globe has aided in the development of molecular diagnostic assays and informed about the viral evolution, knowledge of structure and function of viral proteome fueled the development of small molecule and biologicals therapeutics as well as vaccines. Concurrently, metabolomic profiling of samples from COVID-19 patients experiencing a varying level of disease severity has provided a snapshot of the pathophysiology of the disease helping device effective treatment regimen. This chapter deals with genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic profiling of SRAS-CoV-2.
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Abstract
RNA viruses cause many routine illnesses, such as the common cold and the flu. Recently, more deadly diseases have emerged from this family of viruses. The hepatitis C virus has had a devastating impact worldwide. Despite the cures developed in the U.S. and Europe, economically disadvantaged countries remain afflicted by HCV infection due to the high cost of these medications. More recently, COVID-19 has swept across the world, killing millions and disrupting economies and lifestyles; the virus responsible for this pandemic is a coronavirus. Our understanding of HCV and SARS CoV-2 replication is still in its infancy. Helicases play a critical role in the replication, transcription and translation of viruses. These key enzymes need extensive study not only as an essential player in the viral lifecycle, but also as targets for antiviral therapeutics. In this review, we highlight the current knowledge for RNA helicases of high importance to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Marecki
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Binyam Belachew
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Jun Gao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Kevin D Raney
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States.
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Trends in the development of remdesivir based inventions against COVID-19 and other disorders: A patent review. J Infect Public Health 2021; 14:1075-1086. [PMID: 34243049 PMCID: PMC8236076 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2021.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of remdesivir has been a breakthrough for COVID-19 treatment. It has been approved in about 50 countries, including Saudi Arabia, since 2020. The generic structure of remdesivir was first disclosed in 2009. This patent review summarizes the remdesivir based inventions to treat/prevent COVID-19 and other disorders from 2009 to May 16, 2021, emphasizing the patents related to medical and pharmaceutical sciences. The primary patents/patent applications of remdesivir are related to its compositions, new combinations with other therapeutic agents, delivery systems, and new indications. The inventive combinations have displayed synergistic effects against COVID-19, whereas the delivery systems/compositions have improved patient compliance. The inventions related to new indications of remdesivir to treat Ebola, hepatitis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, diabetic nephropathy, and cardiovascular complications enhance its therapeutic area. Many new innovative combinations and delivery systems of remdesivir are anticipated to provide better treatment for COVID-19.
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Shiryaev VA, Klimochkin YN. Main Chemotypes of SARS-CoV-2 Reproduction Inhibitors. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2021. [PMCID: PMC8188765 DOI: 10.1134/s107042802105002x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced scientists all over the world to focus their effort on searching for targeted drugs for coronavirus chemotherapy. The present review is an attempt to systematize low-molecular-weight compounds, including well-known pharmaceuticals and natural substances that have exhibited high anti-coronavirus activity, not in terms of action on their targets, but in terms of their structural type.
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Affiliation(s)
- V. A. Shiryaev
- Samara State Technical University, 443100 Samara, Russia
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudiu T Supuran
- Dipartimento Neurofarba, Sezione di Scienze Farmaceutiche e Nutraceutiche, Università Degli Studi di Firenze, Sesto Fiorentino (Florence), Italy
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