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Lu J, Xing H, Wang C, Tang M, Wu C, Ye F, Yin L, Yang Y, Tan W, Shen L. Mpox (formerly monkeypox): pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:458. [PMID: 38148355 PMCID: PMC10751291 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01675-2] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2022, a global outbreak of Mpox (formerly monkeypox) occurred in various countries across Europe and America and rapidly spread to more than 100 countries and regions. The World Health Organization declared the outbreak to be a public health emergency of international concern due to the rapid spread of the Mpox virus. Consequently, nations intensified their efforts to explore treatment strategies aimed at combating the infection and its dissemination. Nevertheless, the available therapeutic options for Mpox virus infection remain limited. So far, only a few numbers of antiviral compounds have been approved by regulatory authorities. Given the high mutability of the Mpox virus, certain mutant strains have shown resistance to existing pharmaceutical interventions. This highlights the urgent need to develop novel antiviral drugs that can combat both drug resistance and the potential threat of bioterrorism. Currently, there is a lack of comprehensive literature on the pathophysiology and treatment of Mpox. To address this issue, we conducted a review covering the physiological and pathological processes of Mpox infection, summarizing the latest progress of anti-Mpox drugs. Our analysis encompasses approved drugs currently employed in clinical settings, as well as newly identified small-molecule compounds and antibody drugs displaying potential antiviral efficacy against Mpox. Furthermore, we have gained valuable insights from the process of Mpox drug development, including strategies for repurposing drugs, the discovery of drug targets driven by artificial intelligence, and preclinical drug development. The purpose of this review is to provide readers with a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge on Mpox.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Lu
- Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Hubei Province, Xiangyang, 441021, China
| | - Hui Xing
- Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Hubei Province, Xiangyang, 441021, China
| | - Chunhua Wang
- Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Hubei Province, Xiangyang, 441021, China
| | - Mengjun Tang
- Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Hubei Province, Xiangyang, 441021, China
| | - Changcheng Wu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biosafety, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Fan Ye
- Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Hubei Province, Xiangyang, 441021, China
| | - Lijuan Yin
- College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Immunity, National Clinical Research Center for infectious disease, State Key Discipline of Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518112, China.
| | - Wenjie Tan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biosafety, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, China.
| | - Liang Shen
- Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Hubei Province, Xiangyang, 441021, China.
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Kashif Khan R, Meanwell NA, Hager HH. Pseudoprolines as stereoelectronically tunable proline isosteres. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2022; 75:128983. [PMID: 36096342 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2022.128983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The cyclic structure of proline (Pro) confers unique conformational properties on this natural amino acid that influences polypeptide structure and function. Pseudoprolines are a family of Pro isosteres that incorporate a heteroatom, most prominently oxygen or sulfur but also silicon and selenium, to replace the Cβ or Cγ carbon atom of the pyrrolidine ring. These readily synthetically accessible structural motifs can facilitate facile molecular editing in a fashion that allows modulation of the amide bond topology of dipeptide elements and influence over ring pucker. While the properties of pseudoprolines have been exploited most prominently in the design of oligopeptide analogues, they have potential application in the design and optimization of small molecules. In this Digest, we summarize the physicochemical properties of pseudoprolines and illustrate their potential in drug discovery by surveying examples of applications in the design of bioactive molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Kashif Khan
- Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, 100 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| | - Nicholas A Meanwell
- Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, P.O. Box 4000, Princeton, NJ 08543-4000, USA.
| | - Harry H Hager
- Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, 200 Cambridgepark Drive, Cambridge, MA 02140, USA.
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New Therapeutic Options in Mild Moderate COVID-19 Outpatients. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10112131. [PMID: 36363723 PMCID: PMC9697915 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10112131] [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: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In recent years, the therapeutic options for COVID have significantly improved; however, the therapies are expensive with restricted access to drugs, and expeditious and difficult to manage at home. We investigated the effect of pidotimod in preventing hospitalization in patients with mild-moderate COVID-19. Methods: A total of 1231 patients between January and June 2021 were screened. A total of 184 patients with mild-moderate COVID-19 were enrolled and divided into two groups: group-A (97) had undergone therapy with pidotimod 800 mg bid for 7−10 days and group-B (87) had other therapies. We excluded those who had undergone complete vaccination course, monoclonal anti-spike/antivirals or the co-administration of pidotimod-steroid. The primary outcome chosen was the emergency room, hospitalization, and deaths for COVID-related causes; the secondary outcome chosen was the duration of COVID-19 illness. Results: A total of 34 patients (18.5%) required hospital treatment, 11 in group-A and 23 in group-B (11.3% vs. 26.4%, p = 0.008). The median disease duration in group-A was 21 days (IQR 17−27) vs. 23 (IQR 20−31) in group-B (p = 0.005). Patients in the pidotimod group had higher SpO2 in the walking test (IQR 96−99% vs. IQR 93−98%, p = 0.01) and a lower need for steroid rescue therapy (11.5% vs. 60.9%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: In the first phase of disease, pidotimod can represent an effective, low-cost, weapon, without restrictions of use, that is able to prevent a second aggressive phase and promote faster virological recovery.
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Leon CS, Allen JL. Lost in translation: Evaluating traditional Chinese medicine by western standards. Pediatr Investig 2022; 6:144-146. [PMID: 35774520 PMCID: PMC9218987 DOI: 10.1002/ped4.12327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Cynara S. Leon
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the Perelman School of Medicine, the University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Julian L. Allen
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the Perelman School of Medicine, the University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
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Efficacy and Safety of Pidotimod in Persistent Asthma: A Randomized Triple-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Trial. Indian Pediatr 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s13312-022-2465-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Ding L, Luo K, Feng CG, Oehlers SH. Pidotimod increases inflammation in wounded zebrafish embryos. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 120:429-433. [PMID: 34922016 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2021.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Pidotimod (PDT) is a synthetic dipeptide molecule which can improve immune responses in mice and humans, protecting hosts from infection. However, the exact mechanism of protection remains ill-defined. The effect of pidotimod has not yet been investigated in the inflammatory response of zebrafish. In this study, we used tail wound and infection models of zebrafish to study the effect of PDT on inflammation. We found that zebrafish larvae were sensitive to PDT immersion causing toxicity at doses above 50 μg/mL. The tail wound assay showed that PDT increased the recruitment of neutrophils and macrophages to the wound site and promoted the transcription of the pro-inflammatory cytokine il1b. However, we did not observe protection of uropathogenic Escherichia coli or Mycobacterium marinum infected zebrafish larvae following PDT treatment. This study provides a new platform for PDT research, which is worthy of further research to identify further effects of PDT therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ding
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China; School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, 20006, Australia; Tuberculosis Research Program at the Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia.
| | - Kaiming Luo
- Tuberculosis Research Program at the Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia.
| | - Carl G Feng
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, 20006, Australia; Tuberculosis Research Program at the Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia.
| | - Stefan H Oehlers
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, 20006, Australia; Tuberculosis Research Program at the Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia.
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Ucciferri C, Falasca K, Reale M, Tamburro M, Auricchio A, Vignale F, Vecchiet J. Pidotimod and Immunological Activation in Individuals Infected with HIV. Curr HIV Res 2021; 19:260-268. [PMID: 33430735 DOI: 10.2174/1570162x18666210111102046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The improvements in HIV infection therapy and the large availability of antiretroviral drugs have led to an increased survival among HIV infected people, and simultaneously to a raised morbidity and mortality due to not-AIDS-related events in this group compared to the general population. An increased systemic inflammation and a persistent immune activation play a pivotal role in determining high rates of non-AIDS comorbidities. In the last years, many natural or synthetic immunomodulatory molecules acting by different mechanisms have been conceived. Pidotimod is a synthetic dipeptide molecule showing immunomodulatory properties. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effects of Pidotimod supplementation on residual inflammation in HIV infected population. METHODS Forty HIV positive individuals under cART were enrolled: 30 were treated with Pidotimod supplementation (study group) and 10 served as control group (without Pidotimod supplementation). For all participants, Cystatin C, PCR, ESR, microalbuminuria, TNF-α, INF-γ, IL-4, IL-10, IL1β, IL-18 and IL-2 were measured at enrolment (T0), 4 weeks after of Pidotimod supplementation (T1), and 4 weeks after completing supplementation (T2). RESULTS In HIV positive participants treated with Pidotimod, the evaluation of cytokine levels showed that IL-10, IFN gamma, and IL-4 were significantly higher at enrolment compared to the control group. The increase under Pidotimod treatment persisted after supplementation suspension, while the pro-inflammatory cytokines levels were reduced. Salivary IgA also increased during 4 weeks of supplementation and persisted at 4 weeks after completing supplementation. On the other hand, the Cystatin C and microalbuminuria levels decreased over time, at a greater extent the Cystatin C serum levels. CONCLUSION The study findings showed that the HIV population receiving Pidotimod achieved a rebalancing of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines as well as a significant reduction in cystatin C levels. The treatment further allowed for an increase in salivary IgA levels at all the analyzed times, as a secondary event to a remodulation of the immunological status obtained with pidotimod. This approach could represent a new way to design new intervention strategies aimed at improving the persistent immune activation status in the virologically suppressed HIV population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Ucciferri
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine and Science of Aging, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Katia Falasca
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine and Science of Aging, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Marcella Reale
- Unit of Immunodiagnostic and Molecular Pathology, Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio", Chieti- Pescara, Italy
| | - Manuela Tamburro
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Antonio Auricchio
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine and Science of Aging, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Francesca Vignale
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine and Science of Aging, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Jacopo Vecchiet
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine and Science of Aging, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Italy
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Esposito S, Jones MH, Feleszko W, Martell JAO, Falup-Pecurariu O, Geppe N, Martinón-Torres F, Shen KL, Roth M, Principi N. Prevention of New Respiratory Episodes in Children with Recurrent Respiratory Infections: An Expert Consensus Statement. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E1810. [PMID: 33213053 PMCID: PMC7698530 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8111810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In healthy infants and young children, the development of respiratory tract infections (RTIs) is extremely common. In this paper, we present an international consensus of the available approaches for the prevention of recurrent RTIs in children, including the atopic/allergic ones as well as those with asthma. Few convincing measures for reducing the frequency and clinical relevance of recurrent respiratory episodes in RTI-prone children have been developed until now. Among the most recently suggested measures, immunotherapy is attractive, but only for OM-85 is there a sufficient number of well-conducted clinical trials confirming efficacy in RTIs prevention with an adequate safety profile. In the case of probiotics, it is not clear which bacteria can offer the best results and which dosage and schedule of administration are the most effective. The problems of dosage and the schedule of administration are not solved also for vitamin D, despite some promising efficacy results. While we wait for new knowledge, the elimination or reduction as much as possible of the environmental factors that favor RTIs, vaccination when available and/or indicated, and the systematic application of the traditional methods for infection prevention, such as hand washing, remain the best measures to prevent recurrent infections in RTI-prone children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Esposito
- Pediatric Clinic, Pietro Barilla Children’s Hospital, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Marcus Herbert Jones
- School of Medicine, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre (RS) 90619-900, Brazil;
| | - Wojciech Feleszko
- Department of Pediatric Pneumonology and Allergy, The Medical University of Warsaw, 00-927 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - José A. Ortega Martell
- Department of Immunology, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Pachuca, Hidalgo 42082, Mexico;
| | - Oana Falup-Pecurariu
- Faculty of Medicine, Transilvania University, Children’s Clinic Hospital, 500036 Brasov, Romania;
| | - Natalia Geppe
- Department of Paediatrics, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 115093 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Federico Martinón-Torres
- Translational Pediatrics and Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
| | - Kun-Ling Shen
- China National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing 100045, China;
| | - Michael Roth
- Pulmonary Cell Research and Pneumology, Department of Biomedicine and Internal Medicine, University Hospital Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland;
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