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Stauffer W, Bobardt M, Ure D, Foster R, Gallay P. The Cyclophilin Inhibitor Rencofilstat Decreases HCV-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Independently of Its Antiviral Activity. Viruses 2023; 15:2099. [PMID: 37896876 PMCID: PMC10612079 DOI: 10.3390/v15102099] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent need for the identification of new drugs that inhibit HCV-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our work demonstrates that cyclophilin inhibitors (CypIs) represent such new drugs. We demonstrate that the nonimmunosuppressive cyclosporine A (CsA) analog (CsAa) rencofilstat possesses dual therapeutic activities for the treatment of HCV infection and HCV-induced HCC. Specifically, we show that the HCV infection of humanized mice results in the progressive development of HCC. This is true for the four genotypes tested (1 to 4). Remarkably, we demonstrate that rencofilstat inhibits the development of HCV-induced HCC in mice even when added 16 weeks after infection when HCC is well established. Importantly, we show that rencofilstat drastically reduces HCC progression independently of its anti-HCV activity. Indeed, the CypI rencofilstat inhibits HCC, while other anti-HCV agents such as NS5A (NS5Ai) and NS5B (NS5Bi) fail to reduce HCC. In conclusion, this study shows for the first time that the CypI rencofilstat represents a potent therapeutic agent for the treatment of HCV-induced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winston Stauffer
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; (W.S.); (M.B.)
| | - Michael Bobardt
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; (W.S.); (M.B.)
| | - Daren Ure
- Hepion Pharmaceuticals Inc., Edison, NJ 08837, USA; (D.U.); (R.F.)
| | - Robert Foster
- Hepion Pharmaceuticals Inc., Edison, NJ 08837, USA; (D.U.); (R.F.)
| | - Philippe Gallay
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; (W.S.); (M.B.)
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2
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Stauffer W, Bobardt M, Ure D, Foster R, Gallay P. The Cyclophilin Inhibitor Rencofilstat Decreases HCV-induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Independently of Its Antiviral Activity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.19.553982. [PMID: 37645728 PMCID: PMC10462172 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.19.553982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
There is an urgent need for the identification of new drugs that inhibit HCV-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our work demonstrates that cyclophilin inhibitors (CypI) represent such new drugs. We demonstrated that the non-immunosuppressive cyclosporine A (CsA) analog (CsAa) rencofilstat possesses dual therapeutic activities for the treatment of HCV infection and HCV-induced HCC. Specifically, we showed that HCV infection of humanized mice results in the progressive development of HCC. This was true for four genotypes tested (1 to 4). Remarkably, we demonstrated that rencofilstat inhibits the development of HCV-induced HCC in mice even when added 16 weeks post-infection when HCC is well established. Importantly, we showed that rencofilstat drastically reduces HCC progression independently of its anti-HCV activity. Indeed, the CypI rencofilstat inhibits HCC while other anti-HCV agents such as NS5A (NS5Ai) and NS5B (NS5Bi) fail to reduce HCC. In conclusion, this study shows for the first time that the CypI rencofilstat represents a potent therapeutic agent for the treatment of HCV-induced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winston Stauffer
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Michael Bobardt
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Daren Ure
- Hepion Pharmaceuticals Inc., Edison, New Jersey, USA
| | - Robert Foster
- Hepion Pharmaceuticals Inc., Edison, New Jersey, USA
| | - Philippe Gallay
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
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3
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Schiene‐Fischer C, Fischer G, Braun M. Non-Immunosuppressive Cyclophilin Inhibitors. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202201597. [PMID: 35290695 PMCID: PMC9804594 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202201597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Cyclophilins, enzymes with peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase activity, are relevant to a large variety of biological processes. The most abundant member of this enzyme family, cyclophilin A, is the cellular receptor of the immunosuppressive drug cyclosporine A (CsA). As a consequence of the pathophysiological role of cyclophilins, particularly in viral infections, there is a broad interest in cyclophilin inhibition devoid of immunosuppressive activity. This Review first gives an introduction into the physiological and pathophysiological roles of cyclophilins. The presentation of non-immunosuppressive cyclophilin inhibitors will commence with drugs based on chemical modifications of CsA. The naturally occurring macrocyclic sanglifehrins have become other lead structures for cyclophilin-inhibiting drugs. Finally, de novo designed compounds, whose structures are not derived from or inspired by natural products, will be presented. Relevant synthetic concepts will be discussed, but the focus will also be on biochemical studies, structure-activity relationships, and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cordelia Schiene‐Fischer
- Institute of Biochemistry and BiotechnologyMartin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg06099Halle (Saale)Germany
| | - Gunter Fischer
- Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry37077GöttingenGermany
| | - Manfred Braun
- Institute of Organic and Macromolecular ChemistryHeinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf40225DüsseldorfGermany
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4
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Han J, Kyu Lee M, Jang Y, Cho WJ, Kim M. Repurposing of cyclophilin A inhibitors as broad-spectrum antiviral agents. Drug Discov Today 2022; 27:1895-1912. [PMID: 35609743 PMCID: PMC9123807 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Cyclophilin A (CypA) is linked to diverse human diseases including viral infections. With the worldwide emergence of severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), drug repurposing has been highlighted as a strategy with the potential to speed up antiviral development. Because CypA acts as a proviral component in hepatitis C virus, coronavirus and HIV, its inhibitors have been suggested as potential treatments for these infections. Here, we review the structure of cyclosporin A and sanglifehrin A analogs as well as synthetic micromolecules inhibiting CypA; and we discuss their broad-spectrum antiviral efficacy in the context of the virus lifecycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhe Han
- College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Myoung Kyu Lee
- Infectious Diseases Therapeutic Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Yejin Jang
- Infectious Diseases Therapeutic Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Jea Cho
- College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea.
| | - Meeheyin Kim
- Infectious Diseases Therapeutic Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea; Graduate School of New Drug Discovery and Development, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea.
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5
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Braun M, Schiene-Fischer C, Fischer G. Non‐Immunosuppressive Cyclophilin Inhibitors. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202201597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Manfred Braun
- Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf: Heinrich-Heine-Universitat Dusseldorf Organic CHemistry Universitätsstr. 1 40225 Düsseldorf GERMANY
| | - Cordelia Schiene-Fischer
- Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg: Martin-Luther-Universitat Halle-Wittenberg Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, GERMANY
| | - Gunter Fischer
- Max-Planck-Institut für Biophysikalische Chemie Abteilung Meiosis: Max-Planck-Institut fur Multidisziplinare Naturwissenschaften Abteilung Meiosis Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry GERMANY
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6
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Du M, Yang L, Liu B, Yang L, Mao X, Liang M, Huang K. Inhibition of NFAT suppresses foam cell formation and the development of diet-induced atherosclerosis. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21951. [PMID: 34551141 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100947r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Deciphering the molecular and cellular processes involved in foam cell formation is critical for us to understand the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) is a transcription factor originally identified as a key player in the differentiation of T cells and maturation of immune system. Nowadays it has been brought into attention that NFAT also regulates multiple pathophysiological processes and targeted intervention in NFAT may be effective in the treatment of some cardiovascular diseases. However, whether NFAT is involved in foam cell formation remains elusive. NFAT in human monocyte-derived macrophage was activated by ox-LDL and translocated from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. NFAT then directly bound to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) in the nucleus and negatively regulated its transcriptional activity. NFATc2 knockdown or NFAT inhibitor 11R-VIVIT increased cholesterol efflux (by activating PPARγ-LXRα-ABCA1 cascade) and reduced the uptake of modified lipoprotein (in a PPARγ-independent way) in macrophage, thus prevented foam cell formation. Besides, 11R-VIVIT also exerted a protective role in the development of atherosclerosis in western diet-fed ApoE-/- mice. These results suggest NFAT inhibition as a potential therapeutic strategy in atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Du
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Clinic Center of Human Gene Research, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Liyuan Cardiovascular Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Clinic Center of Human Gene Research, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bing Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Clinic Center of Human Gene Research, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Liuye Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Clinic Center of Human Gene Research, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoxiang Mao
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Clinic Center of Human Gene Research, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Minglu Liang
- Clinic Center of Human Gene Research, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kai Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Clinic Center of Human Gene Research, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Liyuan Cardiovascular Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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7
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De Broe ME, Vervaet BA. Is an Environmental Nephrotoxin the Primary Cause of CKDu (Mesoamerican Nephropathy)? PRO. KIDNEY360 2020; 1:591-595. [PMID: 35372944 PMCID: PMC8815546 DOI: 10.34067/kid.0003172020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Marc E. De Broe
- Laboratory of Pathophysiology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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8
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Ure DR, Trepanier DJ, Mayo PR, Foster RT. Cyclophilin inhibition as a potential treatment for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2019; 29:163-178. [DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2020.1703948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daren R. Ure
- Hepion Pharmaceuticals Inc, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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9
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Vervaet BA, Nast CC, Jayasumana C, Schreurs G, Roels F, Herath C, Kojc N, Samaee V, Rodrigo S, Gowrishankar S, Mousson C, Dassanayake R, Orantes CM, Vuiblet V, Rigothier C, D'Haese PC, De Broe ME. Chronic interstitial nephritis in agricultural communities is a toxin-induced proximal tubular nephropathy. Kidney Int 2019; 97:350-369. [PMID: 31892415 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2019.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Almost 30 years after the detection of chronic interstitial nephritis in agricultural communities (CINAC) its etiology remains unknown. To help define this we examined 34 renal biopsies from Sri Lanka, El Salvador, India and France of patients with chronic kidney disease 2-3 and diagnosed with CINAC by light and electron microscopy. In addition to known histopathology, we identified a unique constellation of proximal tubular cell findings including large dysmorphic lysosomes with a light-medium electron-dense matrix containing dispersed dark electron-dense non-membrane bound "aggregates". These aggregates associated with varying degrees of cellular/tubular atrophy, apparent cell fragment shedding and no-weak proximal tubular cell proliferative capacity. Identical lysosomal lesions, identifiable by electron microscopy, were observed in 9% of renal transplant implantation biopsies, but were more prevalent in six month (50%) and 12 month (67%) protocol biopsies and in indication biopsies (76%) of calcineurin inhibitor treated transplant patients. The phenotype was also found associated with nephrotoxic drugs (lomustine, clomiphene, lithium, cocaine) and in some patients with light chain tubulopathy, all conditions that can be directly or indirectly linked to calcineurin pathway inhibition or modulation. One hundred biopsies of normal kidneys, drug/toxin induced nephropathies, and overt proteinuric patients of different etiologies to some extent could demonstrate the light microscopic proximal tubular cell changes, but rarely the electron microscopic lysosomal features. Rats treated with the calcineurin inhibitor cyclosporine for four weeks developed similar proximal tubular cell lysosomal alterations, which were absent in a dehydration group. Overall, the finding of an identical proximal tubular cell (lysosomal) lesion in CINAC and calcineurin inhibitor nephrotoxicity in different geographic regions suggests a common paradigm where CINAC patients undergo a tubulotoxic mechanism similar to calcineurin inhibitor nephrotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cynthia C Nast
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Channa Jayasumana
- Faculty of Medicine, Rajatrata University of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
| | - Gerd Schreurs
- Laboratory of Pathophysiology, University Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Frank Roels
- Department of Pathology, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Chula Herath
- Department of Nephrology, Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Nika Kojc
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vahid Samaee
- Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sonali Rodrigo
- Department of Nephrology, Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | | | - Christiane Mousson
- Department of Nephrology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Dijon, Dijon, France
| | | | - Carlos M Orantes
- National Institute of Health, Ministry of Health of El Salvador, San Salvador, El Salvador
| | - Vincent Vuiblet
- Departments of Nephrology and Renal Pathology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Reims, Reims, France
| | - Claire Rigothier
- Service Néphrologie, Transplantation, Dialyse et Aphérèses, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Marc E De Broe
- Laboratory of Pathophysiology, University Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
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10
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Acute Kidney Injury Following Exposure to Calcineurin Inhibitors in a Patient with Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy. DRUG SAFETY - CASE REPORTS 2019; 6:9. [PMID: 31587119 PMCID: PMC6778568 DOI: 10.1007/s40800-019-0103-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Membranous nephropathy (MN) is one of the most common causes of nephrotic syndrome in non-diabetic adult patients; 75% of adult patients with MN suffer from primary idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN). The treatment of choice is immunosuppressive therapy, with a combination of steroids and cyclophosphamide (CYF) or chlorambucil or, as second-line treatment, calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs). One of the main concerns associated with the usage of CNIs is their potential to induce nephrotoxicity. We report a case of acute kidney injury that developed on two separate occasions within days of the administration of CNIs in a 57-year-old male patient treated for MN. The patient was qualified for first-line treatment with prednisone and CYF. Due to insufficient response and bad tolerance of CYF infusions, the immunosuppressive regimen was modified and CNIs were introduced, starting with cyclosporine A (CsA). On the third day of treatment, a severe decrease in diuresis and kidney function occurred and CsA was discontinued, resulting in a return to baseline kidney function. After 2 months, the situation repeated after attempting to introduce tacrolimus.
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11
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Patel D, Wairkar S. Recent advances in cyclosporine drug delivery: challenges and opportunities. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2019; 9:1067-1081. [DOI: 10.1007/s13346-019-00650-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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12
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Targeting the NFAT:AP-1 transcriptional complex on DNA with a small-molecule inhibitor. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:9959-9968. [PMID: 31019078 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1820604116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) has a key role in both T cell activation and tolerance and has emerged as an important target of immune modulation. NFAT directs the effector arm of the immune response in the presence of activator protein-1 (AP-1), and T cell anergy/exhaustion in the absence of AP-1. Envisioning a strategy for selective modulation of the immune response, we designed a FRET-based high-throughput screen to identify compounds that disrupt the NFAT:AP-1:DNA complex. We screened ∼202,000 small organic compounds and identified 337 candidate inhibitors. We focus here on one compound, N-(3-acetamidophenyl)-2-[5-(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)pyridin-2-yl]sulfanylacetamide (Compound 10), which disrupts the NFAT:AP-1 interaction at the composite antigen-receptor response element-2 site without affecting the binding of NFAT or AP-1 alone to DNA. Compound 10 binds to DNA in a sequence-selective manner and inhibits the transcription of the Il2 gene and several other cyclosporin A-sensitive cytokine genes important for the effector immune response. This study provides proof-of-concept that small molecules can inhibit the assembly of specific DNA-protein complexes, and opens a potential new approach to treat human diseases where known transcription factors are deregulated.
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RCAN-11R peptide provides immunosuppression for fully mismatched islet allografts in mice. Sci Rep 2017; 7:3043. [PMID: 28596584 PMCID: PMC5465209 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-02934-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcineurin inhibitors have been used for transplant therapy. However, the inhibition of calcineurin outside the immune system has a number of side effects. We previously developed a cell-permeable inhibitor of NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T cells) using the polyarginine peptide delivery system. This peptide (11R-VIVIT) selectively interferes with calcineurin-NFAT interaction without affecting the activity of calcineurin phosphatase and provides immunosuppression for fully mismatched islet allografts in mice. However, our recent study showed that 11R-VIVIT affected cell viability in vitro when it was used at higher concentration because of the VIVIT sequence. The aim of this study is to develop a safer NFAT inhibitor (RCAN-11R) that does not affect cell viability, and which is less toxic than calcineurin inhibitors. The minimal sequence of the protein family of regulators of calcineurin (RCAN) that is responsible for the inhibition of calcineurin-NFAT signaling was recently characterized. The peptide could selectively interfere with the calcineurin-NFAT interaction without affecting the activity of calcineurin phosphatase, similar to 11R-VIVIT. RCAN-11R did not affect cell viability when it was used at a higher concentration than the toxic concentration of 11R-VIVIT. RCAN-11R could therefore be useful as a therapeutic agent that is less toxic than current drugs or 11R-VIVIT.
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14
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Reeves TM, Trimmer PA, Colley BS, Phillips LL. Targeting Kv1.3 channels to reduce white matter pathology after traumatic brain injury. Exp Neurol 2016; 283:188-203. [PMID: 27302680 PMCID: PMC4992637 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2016.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Revised: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Axonal injury is present in essentially all clinically significant cases of traumatic brain injury (TBI). While no effective treatment has been identified to date, experimental TBI models have shown promising axonal protection using immunosuppressants FK506 and Cyclosporine-A, with treatment benefits attributed to calcineurin inhibition or protection of mitochondrial function. However, growing evidence suggests neuroprotective efficacy of these compounds may also involve direct modulation of ion channels, and in particular Kv1.3. The present study tested whether blockade of Kv1.3 channels, using Clofazimine (CFZ), would alleviate TBI-induced white matter pathology in rodents. Postinjury CFZ administration prevented suppression of compound action potential (CAP) amplitude in the corpus callosum of adult rats following midline fluid percussion TBI, with injury and treatment effects primarily expressed in unmyelinated CAPs. Kv1.3 protein levels in callosal tissue extracts were significantly reduced postinjury, but this loss was prevented by CFZ treatment. In parallel, CFZ also attenuated the injury-induced elevation in pro-inflammatory cytokine IL1-β. The effects of CFZ on glial function were further studied using mixed microglia/astrocyte cell cultures derived from P3-5 mouse corpus callosum. Cultures of callosal glia challenged with lipopolysaccharide exhibited a dramatic increase in IL1-β levels, accompanied by reactive morphological changes in microglia, both of which were attenuated by CFZ treatment. These results support a cell specific role for Kv1.3 signaling in white matter pathology after TBI, and suggest a treatment approach based on the blockade of these channels. This therapeutic strategy may be especially efficacious for normalizing neuro-glial interactions affecting unmyelinated axons after TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M Reeves
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
| | - Patricia A Trimmer
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
| | - Beverly S Colley
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
| | - Linda L Phillips
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
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15
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Harish BM, Saraswathi R, Vinod D, Devaraju KS. Discovery of a latent calcineurin inhibitory peptide from its autoinhibitory domain by docking, dynamic simulation, and in vitro methods. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2015; 34:983-92. [DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2015.1064829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- B. M. Harish
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Bangalore University, JB Campus, Bangalore 560056, Karnataka, India
| | - R. Saraswathi
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Bangalore University, JB Campus, Bangalore 560056, Karnataka, India
| | - D. Vinod
- College of Pharmacy, Madras Medical College, Chennai 600003, India
| | - K. S. Devaraju
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Bangalore University, JB Campus, Bangalore 560056, Karnataka, India
- Department of Biochemistry, Karnatak University, Dharwad, Karnataka, India
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16
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Semi-synthesis of cyclosporins. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2015; 1850:2121-44. [PMID: 25707381 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2015.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2014] [Revised: 02/11/2015] [Accepted: 02/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since its isolation in 1970, and discovery of its potent inhibitory activity on T-cell proliferation, cyclosporin A (CsA) has been shown to play a significant role in diverse fields of biology. Furthermore, chemical modification of CsA has led to analogs with distinct biological activities associated with its protein receptor family, cyclophilins. SCOPE OF REVIEW This review systematically collates the synthetic chemistry performed at each of the eleven amino acids, and provides examples of the utility of such transformations. The various modifications of CsA are traced from early, modest chemistry performed at the unique Bmt residue, through the remarkable use of a polyanion enolate that can be stereoselectively manipulated, and onto application of more recently developed olefin metathesis chemistry to prepare new CsA derivatives with unexpected biological activity. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS The myriad biological activities of CsA and its synthetic derivatives have inspired the development of new approaches to modify the CsA ring. In turn, these new CsA derivatives have served as tools in the discovery of new roles for cyclophilins. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE This review provides information on the types of cyclosporin derivatives that are available to the many biologists working in this field, and should be of value to the medicinal chemist trying to discover drugs based on CsA. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Proline-directed foldases: Cell signaling catalysts and drug targets.
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Qian Z, Dougherty PG, Liu T, Oottikkal S, Hogan PG, Hadad CM, Pei D. Structure-based optimization of a peptidyl inhibitor against calcineurin-nuclear factor of activated T cell (NFAT) interaction. J Med Chem 2014; 57:7792-7. [PMID: 25162754 PMCID: PMC4174996 DOI: 10.1021/jm500743t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Calcineurin
inhibitors such as cyclosporine A and FK506 are effective
immunosuppressants but produce severe side effects. Rational modification
of a previously reported peptide inhibitor, GPHPVIVITGPHEE (KD ∼ 500 nM), by replacing the two valine
residues with tert-leucine and the C-terminal proline
with a cis-proline analogue, gave an improved inhibitor
ZIZIT-cisPro, which binds to calcineurin with a KD value of 2.6 nM and is more resistant to proteolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqing Qian
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University , 484 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
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18
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Sweeney ZK, Fu J, Wiedmann B. From chemical tools to clinical medicines: nonimmunosuppressive cyclophilin inhibitors derived from the cyclosporin and sanglifehrin scaffolds. J Med Chem 2014; 57:7145-59. [PMID: 24831536 DOI: 10.1021/jm500223x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The cyclophilins are widely expressed enzymes that catalyze the interconversion of the cis and trans peptide bonds of prolines. The immunosuppressive natural products cyclosporine A and sanglifehrin A inhibit the enzymatic activity of the cyclophilins. Chemical modification of both the cyclosporine and sanglifehrin scaffolds has produced many analogues that inhibit cyclophilins in vitro but have reduced immunosuppressive properties. Three nonimmunosuppressive cyclophilin inhibitors (alisporivir, SCY-635, and NIM811) have demonstrated clinical efficacy for the treatment of hepatitis C infection. Additional candidates are in various stages of preclinical development for the treatment of hepatitis C or myocardial reperfusion injury. Recent publications suggest that cyclophilin inhibitors may have utility for the treatment of diverse viral infections, inflammatory indications, and cancer. In this review, we document the structure-activity relationships of the nonimmunosuppressive cyclosporins and sanglifehrins in clinical and preclinical development. Aspects of the pharmacokinetic behavior and chemical biology of these drug candidates are also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary K Sweeney
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research , 4560 Horton Street, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
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19
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Peel M, Scribner A. Cyclophilin inhibitors as antiviral agents. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2013; 23:4485-92. [PMID: 23849880 PMCID: PMC7125669 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2013.05.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2012] [Revised: 05/29/2013] [Accepted: 05/31/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cyclophilins (Cyps) are ubiquitous proteins that effect the cis-trans isomerization of Pro amide bonds, and are thus crucial to protein folding. CypA is the most prevalent of the ~19 human Cyps, and plays a crucial role in viral infectivity, most notably for HIV-1 and HCV. Cyclophilins have been shown to play key roles in effective replication of a number of viruses from different families. A drug template for CypA inhibition is cyclosporine A (CsA), a cyclic undecapeptide that simultaneously binds to both CypA and the Ca(2+)-dependent phosphatase calcineurin (CN), and can attenuate immune responses. Synthetic modifications of the CsA scaffold allows for selective binding to CypA and CN separately, thus providing access to novel, non-immunosuppressive antiviral agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Peel
- SCYNEXIS Inc., Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
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20
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Peel M, Scribner A. Optimization of Cyclophilin Inhibitors for Use in Antiviral Therapy. SUCCESSFUL STRATEGIES FOR THE DISCOVERY OF ANTIVIRAL DRUGS 2013. [DOI: 10.1039/9781849737814-00384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Cyclophilins are members of the Propyl Peptidase Isomerase (PPIase) family of proteins and have recently been found to be required for efficient replication and/or infectivity of several viruses. Cyclosporine A (CsA), the prototypical inhibitor of cyclophilins has shown good activity against several key viruses, including HIV‐1 and HCV, however the immunosuppressive activity of CsA precludes its use as an effective anti‐viral agent. Structural information derived from the ternary complex formed by CsA, cyclophilin A and calcineurin has allowed the design of non‐immunosuppressive derivatives of CsA that retain, and in some cases improve, antiviral activity toward hepatitis C. Chemical modification of CsA has led to compounds with improved pharmacokinetic properties and with reduced drug‐drug interaction potential. Non‐CsA derived inhibitors of cyclophilin A have recently been identified and hold promise as synthetically more tractable leads for cyclophilin‐based discovery projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Peel
- SCYNEXIS Inc., Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 USA
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21
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Measurement and compartmental modeling of the effect of CYP3A5 gene variation on systemic and intrarenal tacrolimus disposition. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2012; 92:737-45. [PMID: 23073208 DOI: 10.1038/clpt.2012.175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated the hypothesis that cytochrome P450 3A5 (CYP3A5) expression can affect intrarenal tacrolimus accumulation. Tacrolimus was administered orally to 24 healthy volunteers who were selected on the basis of their CYP3A5 genotype. As compared with CYP3A5 nonexpressors, expressors had a 1.6-fold higher oral tacrolimus clearance and 2.0- to 2.7-fold higher metabolite/parent area under the curve (AUC) ratios for 31-desmethyl tacrolimus (31-DMT), 12-hydroxy tacrolimus, and 13-desmethyl tacrolimus (13-DMT). In addition, the apparent urinary tacrolimus clearance was 36% lower in CYP3A5 expressors as compared with nonexpressors. To explore the mechanism behind this observation, we developed a semiphysiological model of renal tacrolimus disposition and predicted that tacrolimus exposure in the renal epithelium of CYP3A5 expressors is 53% of that for CYP3A5 nonexpressors, when normalized to blood AUC. These data suggest that, at steady state, intrarenal accumulation of tacrolimus and its primary metabolites will depend on the CYP3A5 genotype of the liver and kidneys. This may contribute to interpatient differences in the risk of tacrolimus-induced nephrotoxicity.
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22
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Checker R, Sandur SK, Sharma D, Patwardhan RS, Jayakumar S, Kohli V, Sethi G, Aggarwal BB, Sainis KB. Potent anti-inflammatory activity of ursolic acid, a triterpenoid antioxidant, is mediated through suppression of NF-κB, AP-1 and NF-AT. PLoS One 2012; 7:e31318. [PMID: 22363615 PMCID: PMC3282718 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0031318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2011] [Accepted: 01/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ursolic acid (UA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid carboxylic acid, is the major component of many plants including apples, basil, cranberries, peppermint, rosemary, oregano and prunes and has been reported to possess antioxidant and anti-tumor properties. These properties of UA have been attributed to its ability to suppress NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa B) activation. Since NF-κB, in co-ordination with NF-AT (nuclear factor of activated T cells) and AP-1(activator protein-1), is known to regulate inflammatory genes, we hypothesized that UA might exhibit potent anti-inflammatory effects. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The anti-inflammatory effects of UA were assessed in activated T cells, B cells and macrophages. Effects of UA on ERK, JNK, NF-κB, AP-1 and NF-AT were studied to elucidate its mechanism of action. In vivo efficacy of UA was studied using mouse model of graft-versus-host disease. UA inhibited activation, proliferation and cytokine secretion in T cells, B cells and macrophages. UA inhibited mitogen-induced up-regulation of activation markers and co-stimulatory molecules in T and B cells. It inhibited mitogen-induced phosphorylation of ERK and JNK and suppressed the activation of immunoregulatory transcription factors NF-κB, NF-AT and AP-1 in lymphocytes. Treatment of cells with UA prior to allogenic transplantation significantly delayed induction of acute graft-versus-host disease in mice and also significantly reduced the serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IFN-γ. UA treatment inhibited T cell activation even when added post-mitogenic stimulation demonstrating its therapeutic utility as an anti-inflammatory agent. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The present study describes the detailed mechanism of anti-inflammatory activity of UA. Further, UA may find application in the treatment of inflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Checker
- Radiation Biology and Health Sciences Division, Bio-Medical Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Santosh K. Sandur
- Radiation Biology and Health Sciences Division, Bio-Medical Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Deepak Sharma
- Radiation Biology and Health Sciences Division, Bio-Medical Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Raghavendra S. Patwardhan
- Radiation Biology and Health Sciences Division, Bio-Medical Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - S. Jayakumar
- Radiation Biology and Health Sciences Division, Bio-Medical Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Vineet Kohli
- Medical Division, Bio-Medical Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Bharat B. Aggarwal
- Cytokine Research Laboratory, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Krishna B. Sainis
- Radiation Biology and Health Sciences Division, Bio-Medical Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India
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23
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Kliem C, Merling A, Giaisi M, Köhler R, Krammer PH, Li-Weber M. Curcumin suppresses T cell activation by blocking Ca2+ mobilization and nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) activation. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:10200-10209. [PMID: 22303019 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.318733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Curcumin is the active ingredient of the spice turmeric and has been shown to have a number of pharmacologic and therapeutic activities including antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic properties. The anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin have primarily been attributed to its inhibitory effect on NF-κB activity due to redox regulation. In this study, we show that curcumin is an immunosuppressive phytochemical that blocks T cell-activation-induced Ca(2+) mobilization with IC(50) = ∼12.5 μM and thereby prevents NFAT activation and NFAT-regulated cytokine expression. This finding provides a new mechanism for curcumin-mediated anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive function. We also show that curcumin can synergize with CsA to enhance immunosuppressive activity because of different inhibitory mechanisms. Furthermore, because Ca(2+) is also the secondary messenger crucial for the TCR-induced NF-κB signaling pathway, our finding also provides another mechanism by which curcumin suppresses NF-κB activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Kliem
- Technologietransfer (T010), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anette Merling
- Tumorimmunology Program (D030), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marco Giaisi
- Tumorimmunology Program (D030), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rebecca Köhler
- Tumorimmunology Program (D030), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter H Krammer
- Tumorimmunology Program (D030), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Min Li-Weber
- Tumorimmunology Program (D030), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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24
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Yu H, Bot I, Sliedregt K, Xu X, Bot M, van Heiningen SH, van der Marel GA, Bennett MR, Overkleeft H, van Berkel TJC, Biessen EAL. Selective modulation of nuclear factor of activated T-cell function in restenosis by a potent bipartite peptide inhibitor. Circ Res 2011; 110:200-10. [PMID: 22116820 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.111.240895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) is importantly implicated in pathological cardiac remodeling and vascular lesion formation. NFAT functionality is mainly regulated by calcineurin, a Ca(2+)-dependent multi-effector phosphatase. Calcineurin inhibitors such as cyclosporine A (CsA) were shown to be effective in the treatment of restenosis and vascular inflammation but with adverse side effects. OBJECTIVE This prompted the design of more selective inhibitors such as VIVIT and inhibitors of NFAT-calcineurin association, which unfortunately have a poor potency precluding clinical use. METHODS AND RESULTS Here, we describe the rational design of a potent bipartite inhibitor of NFAT-calcineurin interaction, MCV1, which targets two separate calcineurin docking motifs. Modeling, site-directed mutagenesis, and functional studies demonstrated that MCV1 acts by allosteric modulation of calcineurin. Comparable to CsA, MCV1 prevents NFAT activation at nanomolar potency without impairing calcineurin phosphatase activity, nuclear factor-κB nuclear import, and general cell signaling. In contrast, CsA but not MCV1-activated basal level extracellular signal-regulated kinases activity and prevented nuclear import of calcineurin, independent of NFAT activation. In vivo MCV1 abrogated NFAT-mediated T-cell activation in a model of PMA-elicited peritonitis, whereas topical application of MCV1 markedly reduced neointima formation in a mouse model of restenosis. CONCLUSIONS We designed a bipartite NFAT inhibitor that is more potent than VIVIT and more selective than CsA. MCV1 constitutes not only a powerful tool to unravel NFAT function but also a potential drug candidate for the treatment of diseases implicating NFAT activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixiang Yu
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Maastricht, Debeijelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht, the Netherlands.
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25
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Wilankar C, Sharma D, Checker R, Khan NM, Patwardhan R, Patil A, Sandur SK, Devasagayam TPA. Role of immunoregulatory transcription factors in differential immunomodulatory effects of tocotrienols. Free Radic Biol Med 2011; 51:129-43. [PMID: 21536125 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2011.03.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2010] [Revised: 03/01/2011] [Accepted: 03/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Tocotrienols have been shown to possess antioxidant, antitumor, cardioprotective, and antiproliferative effects. This report describes novel immunomodulatory effects of tocotrienols in murine lymphocytes. γ-Tocotrienol (GT) was more effective in suppressing concanavalin A (Con A)-induced T cell proliferation and cytokine production compared to α-tocotrienol (AT) when present continuously in the culture. GT inhibited T cell activation markers and costimulatory molecule. GT modulated intracellular glutathione in lymphocytes, and the suppressive effects of GT could not be abrogated by thiol or nonthiol antioxidants, indicating a poor link between anti-inflammatory properties of tocotrienols and cellular redox status. It was also observed that GT suppressed Con A-induced activation of NF-κB, AP-1, and NF-κB-dependent gene expression. Cellular uptake studies with tocotrienols showed higher accumulation of GT compared to AT. Similar immunosuppressive effects of GT were also observed when administered to mice. In contrast, transient exposure of lymphocytes to GT (4 h) resulted in higher survival and proliferation of lymphocytes in vitro and in vivo in syngeneic and allogeneic hosts. This was attributed to the ability of GT to induce NF-κB, AP-1, and mTOR activation in lymphocytes upon transient exposure. Our results demonstrated that antioxidants such as tocotrienols may exhibit pleiotropic effects by activating multiple mechanisms in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandan Wilankar
- Radiation Biology & Health Sciences Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400085, India
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26
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Nacev BA, Low WK, Huang Z, Su TT, Su Z, Alkuraya H, Kasuga D, Sun W, Träger M, Braun M, Fischer G, Zhang K, Liu JO. A calcineurin-independent mechanism of angiogenesis inhibition by a nonimmunosuppressive cyclosporin A analog. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2011; 338:466-75. [PMID: 21562139 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.111.180851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclosporin A (CsA) is a widely used immunosuppressant drug. Its immunosuppressive activity occurs through the inhibition of the protein phosphatase calcineurin via formation of a ternary complex with cyclophilin A (CypA). CsA also inhibits endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis. This has been thought to occur through calcineurin inhibition as well. However, CsA is also a potent inhibitor of cyclophilins, a class of prolyl isomerases. Because calcineurin inhibition requires binding, and therefore inhibition of CypA, the relative contributions of calcineurin and cyclophilin inhibition in antiangiogenesis have not been addressed. We have taken a chemical biology approach to explore this question by dissociating the two activities of CsA at the molecular level. We have identified a nonimmunosuppressive analog of CsA that does not inhibit calcineurin but maintains inhibition of endothelial cell proliferation and in vivo angiogenesis. The same analog also maintains inhibition of all cyclophilin isoforms tested. We also show that a second, structurally distinct, cyclophilin inhibitor is sufficient to block endothelial cell proliferation. These results suggest that the inhibition of cyclophilins may play a larger role in the antiangiogenic activity of CsA than previously believed, and that cyclophilins may be potential antiangiogenic drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin A Nacev
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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27
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28
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Peptide Bond cis/trans Isomerases: A Biocatalysis Perspective of Conformational Dynamics in Proteins. Top Curr Chem (Cham) 2011; 328:35-67. [DOI: 10.1007/128_2011_151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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29
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Novel combinational treatment of cisplatin with cyclophilin a inhibitors in human heptocellular carcinomas. Arch Pharm Res 2010; 33:1401-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s12272-010-0914-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2010] [Revised: 07/15/2010] [Accepted: 07/15/2010] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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30
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Scribner A, Houck D, Huang Z, Mosier S, Peel M, Scorneaux B. Synthesis and biological evaluation of [D-lysine]8cyclosporin A analogs as potential anti-HCV agents. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2010; 20:6542-6. [PMID: 20943390 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2010.09.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2010] [Revised: 09/03/2010] [Accepted: 09/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
An efficient synthesis of [D-lysine](8)cyclosporin A has been developed. Several analogs of [D-lysine](8)cyclosporin A have been synthesized and show promising anti-HCV activity, particularly compounds 39 and 43, which each exhibit an anti-HCV EC(50)<200 nM, and are each ≥50-fold less immunosuppressive than cyclosporin A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Scribner
- SCYNEXIS, Inc., PO Box 12878, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2878, USA.
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31
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Sieber M, Baumgrass R. Novel inhibitors of the calcineurin/NFATc hub - alternatives to CsA and FK506? Cell Commun Signal 2009; 7:25. [PMID: 19860902 PMCID: PMC2774854 DOI: 10.1186/1478-811x-7-25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2009] [Accepted: 10/27/2009] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The drugs cyclosporine A (CsA) and tacrolimus (FK506) revolutionized organ transplantation. Both compounds are still widely used in the clinic as well as for basic research, even though they have dramatic side effects and modulate other pathways than calcineurin-NFATc, too. To answer the major open question - whether the adverse side effects are secondary to the actions of the drugs on the calcineurin-NFATc pathway - alternative inhibitors were developed. Ideal inhibitors should discriminate between the inhibition of (i) calcineurin and peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerases (PPIases; the matchmaker proteins of CsA and FK506), (ii) calcineurin and the other Ser/Thr protein phosphatases, and (iii) NFATc and other transcription factors. In this review we summarize the current knowledge about novel inhibitors, synthesized or identified in the last decades, and focus on their mode of action, specificity, and biological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Sieber
- Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, D-10117 Berlin, Germany.
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32
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Abstract
The use of the calcineurin inhibitors cyclosporine and tacrolimus led to major advances in the field of transplantation, with excellent short-term outcome. However, the chronic nephrotoxicity of these drugs is the Achilles' heel of current immunosuppressive regimens. In this review, the authors summarize the clinical features and histologic appearance of both acute and chronic calcineurin inhibitor nephrotoxicity in renal and nonrenal transplantation, together with the pitfalls in its diagnosis. The authors also review the available literature on the physiologic and molecular mechanisms underlying acute and chronic calcineurin inhibitor nephrotoxicity, and demonstrate that its development is related to both reversible alterations and irreversible damage to all compartments of the kidneys, including glomeruli, arterioles, and tubulo-interstitium. The main question--whether nephrotoxicity is secondary to the actions of cyclosporine and tacrolimus on the calcineurin-NFAT pathway--remains largely unanswered. The authors critically review the current evidence relating systemic blood levels of cyclosporine and tacrolimus to calcineurin inhibitor nephrotoxicity, and summarize the data suggesting that local exposure to cyclosporine or tacrolimus could be more important than systemic exposure. Finally, other local susceptibility factors for calcineurin inhibitor nephrotoxicity are reviewed, including variability in P-glycoprotein and CYP3A4/5 expression or activity, older kidney age, salt depletion, the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and genetic polymorphisms in genes like TGF-beta and ACE. Better insight into the mechanisms underlying calcineurin inhibitor nephrotoxicity might pave the way toward more targeted therapy or prevention of calcineurin inhibitor nephrotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maarten Naesens
- Department of Nephrology and Renal Transplantation, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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33
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Abstract
The second messenger calcium plays an essential role in mediating the T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling pathway leading to cytokine production and T-cell clonal expansion. The immunosuppressive drugs cyclosporine A and FK506 have served both as therapeutic agents and as molecular probes for unraveling the protein phosphatase calcineurin as a rate-limiting enzyme involved in the transmission of calcium signal from the cytosol into the nucleus to reprogram gene expression. The use of mouse knockout models has helped to verify and further elucidate the functions of different isoforms of calcineurin in both helper T-cell activation and thymocyte development. In addition to calcineurin, three other classes of calmodulin-binding proteins have also been shown to play important roles in calcium signaling in T cells. Thus, Cabin1 and class II histone deacetylases have been found to constitute a novel calcium-signaling module in conjunction with the transcription factor myocyte enhance factor family and the transcriptional coactivator p300 to suppress and activate cytokine gene transcription in a calcium-dependent manner. The calmodulin-dependent protein kinases II and IV were also shown to play negative and positive regulatory functions, respectively, in TCR-mediated cytokine production. The crosstalks among these and other signal transducers in T cells form an extensive nonlinear signaling network that dictates the final outcome of the TCR signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun O Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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34
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Ren YR, Pan F, Parvez S, Fleig A, Chong CR, Xu J, Dang Y, Zhang J, Jiang H, Penner R, Liu JO. Clofazimine inhibits human Kv1.3 potassium channel by perturbing calcium oscillation in T lymphocytes. PLoS One 2008; 3:e4009. [PMID: 19104661 PMCID: PMC2602975 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0004009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2008] [Accepted: 11/08/2008] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The Kv1.3 potassium channel plays an essential role in effector memory T cells and has been implicated in several important autoimmune diseases including multiple sclerosis, psoriasis and type 1 diabetes. A number of potent small molecule inhibitors of Kv1.3 channel have been reported, some of which were found to be effective in various animal models of autoimmune diseases. We report herein the identification of clofazimine, a known anti-mycobacterial drug, as a novel inhibitor of human Kv1.3. Clofazimine was initially identified as an inhibitor of intracellular T cell receptor-mediated signaling leading to the transcriptional activation of human interleukin-2 gene in T cells from a screen of the Johns Hopkins Drug Library. A systematic mechanistic deconvolution revealed that clofazimine selectively blocked the Kv1.3 channel activity, perturbing the oscillation frequency of the calcium-release activated calcium channel, which in turn led to the inhibition of the calcineurin-NFAT signaling pathway. These effects of clofazimine provide the first line of experimental evidence in support of a causal relationship between Kv1.3 and calcium oscillation in human T cells. Furthermore, clofazimine was found to be effective in blocking human T cell-mediated skin graft rejection in an animal model in vivo. Together, these results suggest that clofazimine is a promising immunomodulatory drug candidate for treating a variety of autoimmune disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunzhao R. Ren
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Program in Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Fan Pan
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Suhel Parvez
- Center for Biomedical Research at The Queen's Medical Center and John A. Burns School of Medicine at the University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Andrea Fleig
- Center for Biomedical Research at The Queen's Medical Center and John A. Burns School of Medicine at the University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Curtis R. Chong
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Yongjun Dang
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Hongsi Jiang
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Reinhold Penner
- Center for Biomedical Research at The Queen's Medical Center and John A. Burns School of Medicine at the University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Jun O. Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Program in Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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35
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Checker R, Chatterjee S, Sharma D, Gupta S, Variyar P, Sharma A, Poduval TB. Immunomodulatory and radioprotective effects of lignans derived from fresh nutmeg mace (Myristica fragrans) in mammalian splenocytes. Int Immunopharmacol 2008; 8:661-9. [PMID: 18387508 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2008.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2007] [Revised: 12/19/2007] [Accepted: 01/09/2008] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Recently, the lignans present in the aqueous extract of fresh nutmeg mace (aril of the fruit of Myristica fragrans) were shown to possess antioxidant properties in cell free systems and protected PUC18 plasmid against radiation-induced DNA damage. The present report describes the immunomodulatory and radiomodifying properties of lignans present in the aqueous extract of fresh nutmeg mace in mammalian splenocytes. These macelignans (ML) inhibited the proliferation of splenocytes in response to polyclonal T cell mitogen concanavalin A (Con A). This inhibition of proliferation was due to cell cycle arrest in G1 phase and augmentation of apoptosis as shown by increase in pre G1 cells. The increase in activation induced cell death by ML was dose dependent. It was found to inhibit the transcription of IL-2 and IL-4 genes in response to Con A. The production of IL-2, IL-4 and IFN-gamma cytokines was significantly inhibited by ML in Con A-stimulated lymphocytes in a dose dependent manner. ML protected splenocytes against radiation-induced intracellular ROS production in a dose dependent manner. ML was not cytotoxic towards lymphocytes. On the contrary, it significantly inhibited the radiation-induced DNA damage in splenocytes as indicated by decrease in DNA fragmentation. To our knowledge, this is the first report showing the antioxidant, radioprotective and immunomodulatory effects of lignans in mammalian cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Checker
- Immunology and Hyperthermia Section, Radiation Biology and Health Sciences Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085 India
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36
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Imai A, Sahara H, Tamura Y, Jimbow K, Saito T, Ezoe K, Yotsuyanagi T, Sato N. Inhibition of endogenous MHC class II-restricted antigen presentation by tacrolimus (FK506) via FKBP51. Eur J Immunol 2007; 37:1730-8. [PMID: 17523132 DOI: 10.1002/eji.200636392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The effect of tacrolimus (FK506) on down-regulation of IL-2 production by T cells is considered to be mainly responsible for its strong suppression of immunological events. In this study, we show that FK506 also has an affect on antigen presentation by antigen-presenting cells in vitro. FK506 was able to inhibit the presentation of endogenous MHC class II-restricted minor histocompatibility antigens in primary dendritic cells (DC) in vitro, but cyclosporine A (CsA) and rapamycin (RAP) were not. RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated reduction of endogenous FK506-binding protein (FKBP)51 expression resulted in a marked decrease in antigen presentation, suggesting that FKBP51 plays a role in endogenous MHC class II-restricted antigen presentation. Since our model used naturally expressed cytosolic antigens in primary DC, these effects might have been due to novel properties of the immunosuppressive drugs and may allow us to elucidate a new paradigm for the immunosuppressive mechanism of FK506.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihito Imai
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
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37
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Takeuchi H, Buckler-White A, Goila-Gaur R, Miyagi E, Khan MA, Opi S, Kao S, Sokolskaja E, Pertel T, Luban J, Strebel K. Vif counteracts a cyclophilin A-imposed inhibition of simian immunodeficiency viruses in human cells. J Virol 2007; 81:8080-90. [PMID: 17522232 PMCID: PMC1951326 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02727-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2006] [Accepted: 05/05/2007] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Vif is a primate lentiviral accessory protein that is crucial for viral infectivity. Vif counteracts the antiviral activity of host deaminases such as APOBEC3G and APOBEC3F. We now report a novel function of African green monkey simian immunodeficiency virus (SIVagm) Vif that promotes replication of SIVagm in human cells lacking detectable deaminase activity. We found that cyclophilin A (CypA) was excluded from wild-type SIV particles but was efficiently packaged into vif-deficient SIVagm virions. The presence of CypA in vif-defective SIVagm was correlated with reduced viral replication. Infection of CypA knockout Jurkat cells or treatment of Jurkat cells with cyclosporine A eliminated the Vif-sensitive inhibition and resulted in replication profiles that were similar for wild-type and vif-deficient SIVagm. Importantly, the inhibitory effect of CypA was restricted to virus-producing cells and was TRIM5alpha independent. The abilities of SIVagm Vif to inhibit encapsidation of CypA and to increase viral infectivity were shared by rhesus macaque SIV Vif and thus seem to be general properties of SIV Vif proteins. Exclusion of CypA from SIVagm particles was not associated with intracellular degradation, suggesting a mode of Vif action distinct from that proposed for APOBEC3G. This is the first report of a novel vif-sensitive antiviral activity of human CypA that may limit zoonotic transmission of SIV and the first demonstration of CypA encapsidation into a virus other than human immunodeficiency virus type 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Takeuchi
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Viral Biochemistry Section, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Building 4, Room 310, 4 Center Drive, MSC 0460, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-0460, USA
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38
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Carfi' M, Gennari A, Malerba I, Corsini E, Pallardy M, Pieters R, Van Loveren H, Vohr HW, Hartung T, Gribaldo L. In vitro tests to evaluate immunotoxicity: A preliminary study. Toxicology 2007; 229:11-22. [PMID: 17092623 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2006.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2006] [Revised: 09/05/2006] [Accepted: 09/06/2006] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The implementation of Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of new and existing Chemicals (REACH) will increase the number of laboratory animals used, if alternative methods will not be available. In the meantime, REACH promotes the use of in vitro tests and, therefore, a set of appropriated alternative testing methods and assessment strategies are needed. The immune system can be a target for many chemicals including environmental contaminants and drugs with potential adverse effects on human health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictivity of a set of in vitro assays to detect immunosuppression. The tests have been performed on human, rat and murine cells. Different endpoints have been assessed: cytotoxicity, cytokine release, myelotoxicity and mitogen responsiveness. For each of these endpoints IC50s values have been calculated. Six chemical substances, representative of the full range of in vivo responses and for which good human and/or animal data are available either from databases or literature, have been selected: two chemicals classified as not immunotoxic (Urethane and Furosemide), and four (tributyltin chloride (TBTC), Verapamil, Cyclosporin A, Benzo(a)pyrene) with different effect on immune system. All the tests confirmed the strong immunotoxic effect of TBTC as well as they confirmed the negative controls. For one chemical (Verapamil) the IC50 is similar through the different tests. The IC50s obtained with the other chemicals depend on the endpoints and on the animal species. The clonogenic test (CFU-GM) and the mitogen responsiveness showed similar IC50s between human and rodent cells except for Cyclosporin A and TBTC. All different tests classified the compounds analyzed in the same way.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Carfi'
- ECVAM, IHCP, JRC, 21020 Ispra (VA), Italy.
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Minami T, Miura M, Aird WC, Kodama T. Thrombin-induced autoinhibitory factor, Down syndrome critical region-1, attenuates NFAT-dependent vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression and inflammation in the endothelium. J Biol Chem 2006; 281:20503-20. [PMID: 16627481 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m513112200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation and dysfunction of the endothelium underlie many vascular disorders including atherosclerosis, tumor growth, and inflammation. We recently reported that thrombin and vascular endothelial growth factor, but not tumor necrosis factor-alpha, results in dramatic up-regulation of Down syndrome critical region (DSCR)-1 gene in endothelial cells, a negative feedback regulator of calcineurin-NFAT signaling. Constitutive expression of DSCR-1 in activated endothelial cells markedly impaired NFAT nuclear localization, proliferation, tube formation, and tumor growth. The goal of the present study was to elucidate the relative roles of NFAT/DSCR-1 and NF-kappaB/I-kappaB in mediating thrombin-responsive gene expression in endothelial cells. DNA microarrays of thrombin-treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells overexpressing DSCR-1 or constitutive active IkappaBalpha revealed genes that were dependent on NFAT and/or NF-kappaB activity. Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 was inhibited both by DSCR-1 and I-kappaB at the level of mRNA, protein, promoter activity, and function (monocyte adhesion). Using a combination of transient transfections, electrophoretic mobility shift assays, and chromatin immunoprecipitation, thrombin was shown to induce time-dependent coordinate binding of RelA and NFATc to a tandem NF-kappaB element in the upstream promoter region of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1. Together, these findings suggest that thrombin-mediated activation of endothelial cells involves an interplay between NFAT and NF-kappaB signaling pathways and their negative feedback inhibitors, DSCR-1 and I-kappaB, respectively. As natural brakes in the inflammatory process, DSCR-1 and I-kappaB may lend themselves to therapeutic manipulation in vasculopathic disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Minami
- Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8904, Japan.
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Kang S, Li H, Rao A, Hogan PG. Inhibition of the Calcineurin-NFAT Interaction by Small Organic Molecules Reflects Binding at an Allosteric Site. J Biol Chem 2005; 280:37698-706. [PMID: 16148011 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m502247200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional signaling from the Ca(2+)-calmodulin-activated phosphatase calcineurin to its substrate NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T cells, also termed NFATc) is critically dependent on a protein-protein docking interaction between calcineurin and the PXIXIT motif in NFAT. Several inhibitors of NFAT-calcineurin association (INCA compounds) prevent binding of NFAT or the peptide ligand PVIVIT to calcineurin. Here we show that the binding site on calcineurin for INCA1, INCA2, and INCA6 is centered on cysteine 266 of calcineurin Aalpha and does not coincide with the core PXIXIT-binding site. Although ample evidence indicates that INCA1 and INCA2 react covalently with cysteine 266, covalent derivatization alone is not sufficient for maximal inhibition of the calcineurin-PVIVIT interaction, because the maleimide INCA12 reacts with the same site and produces only very modest inhibition. Thus, inhibition arises through an allosteric change affecting the PXIXIT docking site, which may be assisted by covalent binding but depends on other specific features of the ligand. The spatial arrangement of the binding sites for PVIVIT and INCA makes it probable that the change in conformation involves the beta11-beta12 loop of calcineurin. The finding that an allosteric site controls NFAT binding opens new alternatives for inhibition of calcineurin-NFAT signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunghyun Kang
- CBR Institute for Biomedical Research, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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41
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Ulusal AE, Ulusal BG, Hung LM, Wei FC. Establishing a Composite Auricle Allotransplantation Model in Rats: Introduction to Transplantation of Facial Subunits. Plast Reconstr Surg 2005; 116:811-7. [PMID: 16141820 DOI: 10.1097/01.prs.0000176249.27930.38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allografts from cadaveric sources may be an alternative for replacing the missing auricle. In this report, the technical aspects of orthotopic composite auricle allotransplantation and an effective short-term immunosuppression protocol in a rat model are described. METHODS A total of seven transplantations were performed in the experimental group. The donors were Brown Norway (RT1(n)) rats and the recipients were Lewis (RT1(1)) rats. In the pilot study, 11 isotransplantations (Lewis to Lewis) were performed in either heterotopic (n = 4) or orthotopic (n = 7) locations to establish the surgical technique. Composite auricle allografts were harvested and transplanted based on the posterior facial vein, the external carotid artery, and the great auricular nerve. A plastic square mold sutured over the transplants was used to prevent mechanical trauma to the transplants. Cyclosporine A initiated as 16 mg/kg/day for 2 weeks and tapered to a dosage of 8 mg/kg/day for another 2 weeks was the only immunosuppression regimen. RESULTS All allografts survived with perfect viability for the follow-up period of 30 days. There were no signs of rejection, infection, or graft-versus-host disease, although significant weight loss was observed resulting from the immunosuppressive treatment. However, signs of rejection started 4 to 6 days after cessation of the cyclosporine A treatment, including edema, localized epidermal desquamation, and erythema formation that eventually progressed to necrosis within 11 to 14 days. The histologic outcomes were well correlated with the macroscopic appearance. CONCLUSIONS It is feasible to elevate and transplant the composite auricle in rats as a single neurosensorial facial subunit. A tapered dose of cyclosporine A from 16 mg/kg to 8 mg/kg allows maintaining allograft survival for 30 days across a strong major histocompatibility complex barrier. This model is reliable and reproducible and has the potential to be used for future immunologic studies to prevent or to induce transplantation tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Engin Ulusal
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung Medical College, Chang Gung University, Taipei, Taiwan
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42
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Nakagawa M, Sakamoto N, Tanabe Y, Koyama T, Itsui Y, Takeda Y, Chen CH, Kakinuma S, Oooka S, Maekawa S, Enomoto N, Watanabe M. Suppression of hepatitis C virus replication by cyclosporin a is mediated by blockade of cyclophilins. Gastroenterology 2005; 129:1031-41. [PMID: 16143140 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2005.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 192] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2004] [Accepted: 06/09/2005] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Cyclosporin A specifically suppresses hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication in vitro at clinically achievable concentrations. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms of action of cyclosporin A against HCV replication. METHODS The in vitro effects of cyclosporin A on HCV replication were analyzed using an HCV replicon system that expresses chimeric luciferase reporter protein. RESULTS The significant effects of cyclosporin A on expression of an HCV replicon and the absence of such effects of FK506, which shares mechanisms of action with cyclosporin A, suggested the involvement of intracellular ligands of cyclosporin A, the cyclophilins. Transient and stable knockdown of the expression of cytoplasmic cyclophilins A, B, and C by short hairpin RNA-expressing vectors suppressed HCV replication significantly. A cyclosporin analogue, cyclosporin D, which lacks immunosuppressive activity but exhibits cyclophilin binding, induced a similar suppression of HCV replication. Furthermore, cyclosporin A treatment of Huh7 cells induced an unfolded protein response exemplified by expression of cellular BiP/GRP78. Treatment of cells with thapsigargin and mercaptoethanol, which induce the unfolded protein responses, suppressed HCV replication, suggesting that the cyclosporin-induced unfolded protein responses might contribute to the suppression of HCV protein processing and replication. CONCLUSIONS The anti-HCV activity of cyclosporin A is mediated through a specific blockade of cyclophilins, and these molecules may constitute novel targets for anti-HCV therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Nakagawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
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43
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Chan B, Greenan G, McKeon F, Ellenberger T. Identification of a peptide fragment of DSCR1 that competitively inhibits calcineurin activity in vitro and in vivo. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2005; 102:13075-80. [PMID: 16131541 PMCID: PMC1201586 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0503846102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcineurin phosphatase activity regulates the nuclear localization of the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) family of transcription factors during immune challenge. Calcineurin inhibitors, such as the cyclosporin A-cyclophilin A and FK506-FKBP12 complexes, regulate this enzymatic activity noncompetitively by binding at a site distinct from the enzyme active site. A family of endogenous protein inhibitors of calcineurin was recently identified and shown to block calcineurin-mediated NFAT nuclear localization and transcriptional activation. One such inhibitor, Down Syndrome Critical Region 1 (DSCR1), functions in T cell activation, cardiac hypertrophy, and angiogenesis. We have identified a small region of DSCR1 that is a potent inhibitor of calcineurin activity in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betty Chan
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Harvard Medical School, 240 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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44
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Proksch P, Giaisi M, Treiber MK, Palfi K, Merling A, Spring H, Krammer PH, Li-Weber M. Rocaglamide derivatives are immunosuppressive phytochemicals that target NF-AT activity in T cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2005; 174:7075-84. [PMID: 15905551 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.174.11.7075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Aglaia (family Meliaceae) plants are used in traditional medicine (e.g., in Vietnam) for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases and allergic inflammatory disorders such as asthma. Inflammatory diseases arise from inappropriate activation of the immune system, leading to abnormal expression of genes encoding inflammatory cytokines and tissue-destructive enzymes. The active compounds isolated from these plants are derivatives of rocaglamide. In this study we show that rocaglamides are potent immunosuppressive phytochemicals that suppress IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-2, and IL-4 production in peripheral blood T cells at nanomolar concentrations. We demonstrate that rocaglamides inhibit cytokine gene expression at the transcriptional level. At the doses that inhibit cytokine production, they selectively block NF-AT activity without impairing NF-kappaB and AP-1. We also show that inhibition of NF-AT activation by rocaglamide is mediated by strong activation of JNK and p38 kinases. Our study suggests that rocaglamide derivatives may serve as a new source of NF-AT-specific inhibitors for the treatment of certain inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Proksch
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Dusseldorf, Germany
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45
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Bîrsan T, Dambrin C, Freitag DG, Yatscoff RW, Morris RE. The novel calcineurin inhibitor ISA247: a more potent immunosuppressant than cyclosporine in vitro. Transpl Int 2005; 17:767-71. [PMID: 15827754 DOI: 10.1007/s00147-004-0799-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2002] [Revised: 12/09/2002] [Accepted: 09/16/2004] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ISA247 is a novel cyclosporine analog. In this study we compare, in vitro, the effects of ISA247 on immune function with those of cyclosporine. Whole blood from cynomolgus monkeys (n = 5) was incubated with different concentrations of ISA247 or cyclosporine and stimulated with different mitogens in culture medium. Lymphocyte proliferation was assessed by [3H]-TdR incorporation assay and by flow cytometry. Flow cytometry was also used to assess production of intracellular cytokines by T cells and expression of T cell activation surface antigens. The concentration of drug necessary to attain 50% of the maximum effect (EC50) was subsequently calculated. EC50 values for ISA247 were lower than for cyclosporine, and the differences were statistically significant for lymphocyte proliferation, T cell cytokine production, and expression of all T cell activation surface antigens but one. We conclude that ISA247 suppresses diverse immune functions more potently than cyclosporine in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tudor Bîrsan
- Transplantation Immunology Laboratory, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
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46
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Affiliation(s)
- R L Stein
- Department of Enzymology, Merck, Sharp and Dohme Research Laboratories, PO Box 2000, Rahway, New Jersey 07065, USA
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47
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Fung J, Kelly D, Kadry Z, Patel-Tom K, Eghtesad B. Immunosuppression in liver transplantation: beyond calcineurin inhibitors. Liver Transpl 2005; 11:267-80. [PMID: 15719409 DOI: 10.1002/lt.20373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Although calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) remain the mainstay of immunosuppression in liver transplantation (LTX), their long-term toxicity significantly contributes to morbidity and mortality. The elucidation of mechanisms of alloimmunity and leukocyte migration have provided novel targets for immunosuppression development. The toxicities of these agents differ from that of the CNI and act additively or synergistically. CNI avoidance protocols in LTX have not been achieved routinely; however, pilot trials have begun to delineate the limitations and promises of such approaches. CNI-sparing protocols appear to be much more promising in balancing the early need for minimizing rejection while tapering doses and minimizing long-term toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Fung
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, 3459 Fifth Avenue, N755 MUH, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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48
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Cyert
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Division of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
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49
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Birsan T, Dambrin C, Freitag DG, Yatscoff RW, Morris RE. The novel calcineurin inhibitor ISA247: a more potent immunosuppressant than cyclosporine in vitro. Transpl Int 2004. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-2277.2004.tb00509.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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50
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Zhang Y, Erdmann F, Baumgrass R, Schutkowski M, Fischer G. Unexpected side chain effects at residue 8 of cyclosporin a derivatives allow photoswitching of immunosuppression. J Biol Chem 2004; 280:4842-50. [PMID: 15572368 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m409178200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
To dissect the enzyme inhibitory properties of the immunosuppressive cyclic undecapeptide cyclosporin A (CsA) and gain access to monospecific, non-calcineurin-inhibiting CsA derivatives, [D-Ser8]CsA was subjected to modifications at the D-Ser side chain. Thus, we modified a CsA residue flanking the calcineurin (CaN) and cyclophilin 18 (Cyp18) binding domains of CsA instead of the residues of the CaN binding domain in order to develop a new specificity-determining site within the cyclic peptide. The [O-(NH2 (CH2)5NHC(O)CH2)-D-Ser8]CsA (derivative 9), with an amino group on a tether, exhibits CsA-like inhibition of the peptidyl prolyl cis/trans isomerase activity of Cyp18 with an IC50 value of 3.2 nm, whereas the CaN inhibition by the Cyp18-derivative 9 complex is completely abolished. Consequently, this compound is not able to inhibit the proliferation and cytokine production of activated T cells. Structure-activity relationship studies with a series of [d-Ser(8)]CsA derivatives indicate that the positively charged side chain is an essential requirement for Cyp18-derivative 9 to be ineffective on CaN. Upon protecting the amino group in derivative 9 with the photolabile moiety 2-nitroveratryloxycarbonyl (NVOC), the Cyp18-[O-(NVOC-NH(CH2)5NHC(O)CH2)-D-Ser8]CsA (derivative 11) complex exhibits strong CaN inhibition and shows potent immunosuppressive activity. In stimulated T cells pretreated with derivative 11, a remarkable recovery of transcriptional activation of the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) has been achieved through light irradiation, as assessed with a NFAT reporter gene assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Zhang
- Max Planck Research Unit for Enzymology of Protein Folding, Weinbergweg 22, D-06120, Halle/Saale, Germany
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