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Johnson HM, Ahmed CM. Disparate viral pandemics from COVID19 to monkeypox and beyond: a simple, effective and universal therapeutic approach hiding in plain sight. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1208828. [PMID: 38106428 PMCID: PMC10722180 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1208828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The field of antiviral therapeutics is fixated on COVID19 and rightly so as the fatalities at the height of the pandemic in the United States were almost 1,000,000 in a twelve month period spanning parts of 2020/2021. A coronavirus called SARS-CoV2 is the causative virus. Development of a vaccine through molecular biology approaches with mRNA as the inducer of virus spike protein has played a major role in driving down mortality and morbidity. Antivirals have been of marginal value in established infections at the level of hospitalization. Thus, the current focus is on early symptomatic infection of about the first five days. The Pfizer drug paxlovid which is composed of nirmatrelvir, a peptidomimetic protease inhibitor of SARS-CoV2 Mpro enzyme, and ritonavir to retard degradation of nirmatrelvir, is the current FDA recommended treatment of early COVID19. There is no evidence of broad antiviral activity of paxlovid against other diverse viruses such as the influenza virus, poxviruses, as well as a host of respiratory viruses. Although type I interferons (IFNs) are effective against SARS-CoV2 in cell cultures and in early COVID19 infections, they have not been broadly recommended as therapeutics for COVID19. We have developed stable peptidomimetics of both types I and II IFNs based on our noncanonical model of IFN signaling involving the C-terminus of the IFNs. We have also identified two members of intracellular checkpoint inhibitors called suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS), SOCS1 and SOCS3 (SOCS1/3), and shown that they are virus induced intrinsic virulence proteins with activity against IFN signaling enzymes JAK2 and TYK2. We developed a peptidomimetic antagonist, based on JAK2 activation loop, against SOCS1/3 and showed that it synergizes with the IFN mimetics for potent broad spectrum antiviral activity without the toxicity of intact IFN molecules. IFN mimetics and the SOCS1/3 antagonist should have an advantage over currently used antivirals in terms of safety and potency against a broad spectrum of viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Howard M. Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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Abstract
This review discusses peptide epitopes used as antigens in the development of vaccines in clinical trials as well as future vaccine candidates. It covers peptides used in potential immunotherapies for infectious diseases including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, hepatitis B and C, HIV, malaria, and others. In addition, peptides for cancer vaccines that target examples of overexpressed proteins are summarized, including human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2), mucin 1 (MUC1), folate receptor, and others. The uses of peptides to target cancers caused by infective agents, for example, cervical cancer caused by human papilloma virus (HPV), are also discussed. This review also provides an overview of model peptide epitopes used to stimulate non-specific immune responses, and of self-adjuvanting peptides, as well as the influence of other adjuvants on peptide formulations. As highlighted in this review, several peptide immunotherapies are in advanced clinical trials as vaccines, and there is great potential for future therapies due the specificity of the response that can be achieved using peptide epitopes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian W Hamley
- Department of Chemistry, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6AD, U.K
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Mujtaba MG, Johnson HM, Parrish JM. Staphylococcal Enterotoxin Superantigens Induce Prophylactic Antiviral Activity Against Encephalomyocarditis Virus In Vivo and In Vitro. Viral Immunol 2021; 34:392-400. [PMID: 33566741 DOI: 10.1089/vim.2020.0310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) are classified as superantigens due to their potent stimulation of the immune system resulting in T cell activation and prodigious cytokine production and toxicity. This study examined the ability of superantigens to induce prophylactic antiviral activity in vivo and in vitro and evaluated potential superantigen mimetic peptides. Prophylactic treatment of mice in vivo with intraperitoneal injections of SE superantigens SEA and SEB (both at 20 μg/day for 3 days) prevented encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV)-induced lethality in 100% and 80% of mice, respectively, as compared with control saline-treated groups in which EMCV was lethal to all mice. Furthermore, SEA (2 μg/mL) and SEB (1 μg/mL) induced antiviral activity in mouse splenocytes to produce an antiviral factor since their supernatant prevented EMCV lysis of L929 cells in tissue culture. It was found that superantigens do not directly prevent EMCV infection, but rather indirectly through inducing interferon gamma (IFNγ) production in cells as the antiviral factor. Evaluation of various superantigen mimetic peptides showed that one peptide (SEA3) had superantigen-like activity by inducing IFNγ production in cells but without the cellular proliferation, as associated with superantigens. However, the induction of IFNγ activation by the SEA3 peptide was not as pronounced, and took a much higher peptide concentration, when compared with the parent superantigen. If the negative side effects of superantigens can be eliminated, their beneficial properties can be harnessed for prophylactic treatment of viral infections and other pathologies requiring a robust immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa G Mujtaba
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, Florida, USA
| | - Howard M Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Jordan M Parrish
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, Florida, USA
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Ribosomal synthesis and de novo discovery of bioactive foldamer peptides containing cyclic β-amino acids. Nat Chem 2020; 12:1081-1088. [PMID: 32839601 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-020-0525-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Peptides that contain β-amino acids display stable secondary structures, such as helices and sheets, and are often referred to as foldamers. Cyclic β2,3-amino acids (cβAAs), such as 2-aminocyclohexanecarboxylic acid (2-ACHC), are strong helix/turn inducers due to their restricted conformations. Here we report the ribosomal synthesis of foldamer peptides that contain multiple, up to ten, consecutive cβAAs via genetic code reprogramming. We also report the de novo discovery of macrocyclic cβAA-containing peptides capable of binding to a protein target. As a demonstration, potent binders with low-to-subnanomolar KD values were identified for human factor XIIa (hFXIIa) and interferon-gamma receptor 1, from a library of their 1012 members. One of the anti-hFXIIa macrocyclic peptides that exhibited a high inhibitory activity and serum stability was co-crystallized with hFXIIa. The X-ray structure revealed that it adopts an antiparallel β-sheet structure induced by a (1S,2S)-2-ACHC residue via the formation of two γ-turns. This work demonstrates the potential of this platform to explore the previously inaccessible sequence space of cβAA-containing peptides.
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Roe K. A proposed treatment for pathogenic enveloped viruses having high rates of mutation or replication. Scand J Immunol 2020; 92:e12928. [PMID: 32640050 PMCID: PMC7361161 DOI: 10.1111/sji.12928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Several enveloped viruses, particularly some RNA viruses, have high rates of mutation or replication, which can make them virulent pathogens in humans and other mammals. A proposed treatment could use synthesized proteins to mask pathogenic viral surface proteins to quickly induce an immune attack on specific enveloped viruses by using existing immune cells. One treatment could inject dual‐protein ligand masks into patients' bloodstreams to mask pathogenic surface proteins used to infect mammalian cells. The mammalian immune system already uses an analogous, more complex structure called a pentraxin to neutralize some pathogens by connecting their surface proteins to immune cells. And several types of antiviral peptides have already experimentally demonstrated effectiveness in blocking various viral pathogen infections. These treatments offer advantages, especially for currently untreatable viral pathogens. Furthermore, using dual‐protein ligands and the antigenic memory of some sub‐populations of NK cells would also allow the creation of defacto vaccines based on a host's NK cells, instead of vaccines utilizing CD4 and CD8 α:β T cells, which are limited by the requirement of MHC presentation of the target antigens to α:β T cells. Targeted NK cell vaccines could attack host cells latently or actively infected by intracellular pathogens, even host cells having pathogen downregulated MHC antigen presentation. Eight postulates concerning the effects of pathogen mutation, or change in phenotype from genetic recombination or rearrangement, and replication rates on pathogen vs host dominance are also listed, which should be applicable to viral and non‐viral pathogens.
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Barh D, Tiwari S, Silva Andrade B, Giovanetti M, Almeida Costa E, Kumavath R, Ghosh P, Góes-Neto A, Carlos Junior Alcantara L, Azevedo V. Potential chimeric peptides to block the SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor-binding domain. F1000Res 2020; 9:576. [PMID: 32802318 PMCID: PMC7411520 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.24074.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: There are no known medicines or vaccines to control the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 (nCoV). Antiviral peptides are superior to conventional drugs and may also be effective against COVID-19. Hence, we investigated the SARS-CoV-2 Spike receptor-binding domain (nCoV-RBD) that interacts with hACE2 for viral attachment and entry. Methods: Three strategies and bioinformatics approaches were employed to design potential nCoV-RBD - hACE2 interaction-blocking peptides that may restrict viral attachment and entry. Firstly, the key residues interacting with nCoV-RBD - hACE2 are identified and hACE2 sequence-based peptides are designed. Second, peptides from five antibacterial peptide databases that block nCoV-RBD are identified; finally, a chimeric peptide design approach is used to design peptides that can bind to key nCoV-RBD residues. The final peptides are selected based on their physiochemical properties, numbers and positions of key residues binding, binding energy, and antiviral properties. Results: We found that: (i) three amino acid stretches in hACE2 interact with nCoV-RBD; (ii) effective peptides must bind to three key positions of nCoV-RBD (Gly485/Phe486/Asn487, Gln493, and Gln498/Thr500/Asn501); (iii) Phe486, Gln493, and Asn501 are critical residues; (iv) AC20 and AC23 derived from hACE2 may block two key critical positions; (iv) DBP6 identified from databases can block the three sites of the nCoV-RBD and interacts with one critical position, Gln498; (v) seven chimeric peptides were considered promising, among which cnCoVP-3, cnCoVP-4, and cnCoVP-7 are the top three; and (vi) cnCoVP-4 meets all the criteria and is the best peptide. Conclusions: To conclude, using three different bioinformatics approaches, we identified 17 peptides that can potentially bind to the nCoV-RBD that interacts with hACE2. Binding these peptides to nCoV-RBD may potentially inhibit the virus to access hACE2 and thereby may prevent the infection. Out of 17, 10 peptides have promising potential and need further experimental validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debmalya Barh
- Centre for Genomics and Applied Gene Technology, Institute of Integrative Omics and Applied Biotechnology (IIOAB), Nonakuri, Purba Medinipur, WB, India
| | - Sandeep Tiwari
- Laboratório de Genética Celular e Molecular, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Bruno Silva Andrade
- Laboratório de Bioinformática e Química Computacional, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia (UESB), Jequié, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Marta Giovanetti
- Laboratório de Genética Celular e Molecular, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.,Laboratório de Flavivírus, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Almeida Costa
- Núcleo de Biologia Computacional e Gestão de Informações Biotecnológicas (NBCGIB), Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), Km 16, Salobrinho, Ilhéus, Bahia, CEP 45662-900, Brazil
| | - Ranjith Kumavath
- Department of Genomic Science, School of Biological Sciences, University of Kerala, Tejaswini Hills, Periya P.O, Kasaragod, Kerala, 671316, India
| | - Preetam Ghosh
- Department of Computer Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23284, USA
| | - Aristóteles Góes-Neto
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Computacional de Fungos, Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Luiz Carlos Junior Alcantara
- Laboratório de Genética Celular e Molecular, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.,Laboratório de Flavivírus, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Vasco Azevedo
- Laboratório de Genética Celular e Molecular, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Bhattacharya B, Chatterjee S, Devine WG, Kobzik L, Beeler AB, Porco JA, Kramnik I. Fine-tuning of macrophage activation using synthetic rocaglate derivatives. Sci Rep 2016; 6:24409. [PMID: 27086720 PMCID: PMC4834551 DOI: 10.1038/srep24409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug-resistant bacteria represent a significant global threat. Given the dearth of new antibiotics, host-directed therapies (HDTs) are especially desirable. As IFN-gamma (IFNγ) plays a central role in host resistance to intracellular bacteria, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, we searched for small molecules to augment the IFNγ response in macrophages. Using an interferon-inducible nuclear protein Ipr1 as a biomarker of macrophage activation, we performed a high-throughput screen and identified molecules that synergized with low concentration of IFNγ. Several active compounds belonged to the flavagline (rocaglate) family. In primary macrophages a subset of rocaglates 1) synergized with low concentrations of IFNγ in stimulating expression of a subset of IFN-inducible genes, including a key regulator of the IFNγ network, Irf1; 2) suppressed the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and type I IFN and 3) induced autophagy. These compounds may represent a basis for macrophage-directed therapies that fine-tune macrophage effector functions to combat intracellular pathogens and reduce inflammatory tissue damage. These therapies would be especially relevant to fighting drug-resistant pathogens, where improving host immunity may prove to be the ultimate resource.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bidisha Bhattacharya
- Pulmonary Center, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories (NEIDL), Boston University, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Sujoy Chatterjee
- Pulmonary Center, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories (NEIDL), Boston University, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - William G Devine
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Molecular Discovery (BU-CMD), Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Lester Kobzik
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Aaron B Beeler
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Molecular Discovery (BU-CMD), Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - John A Porco
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Molecular Discovery (BU-CMD), Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Igor Kramnik
- Pulmonary Center, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories (NEIDL), Boston University, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
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van Dijk F, Olinga P, Poelstra K, Beljaars L. Targeted Therapies in Liver Fibrosis: Combining the Best Parts of Platelet-Derived Growth Factor BB and Interferon Gamma. Front Med (Lausanne) 2015; 2:72. [PMID: 26501061 PMCID: PMC4594310 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2015.00072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytokines, growth factors, and other locally produced mediators play key roles in the regulation of disease progression. During liver fibrosis, these mediators orchestrate the balance between pro- and antifibrotic activities as exerted by the hepatic cells. Two important players in this respect are the profibrotic mediator platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) and the antifibrotic cytokine interferon gamma (IFNγ). PDGF-BB, produced by many resident and infiltrating cells, causes extensive proliferation, migration, and contraction of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and myofibroblasts. These cells are the extracellular matrix-producing hepatic cells and they highly express the PDGFβ receptor. On the other hand, IFNγ is produced by natural killer cells in fibrotic livers and is endowed with proinflammatory, antiviral, and antifibrotic activities. This cytokine attracted much attention as a possible therapeutic compound in fibrosis. However, clinical trials yielded disappointing results because of low efficacy and adverse effects, most likely related to the dual role of IFNγ in fibrosis. In our studies, we targeted the antifibrotic IFNγ to the liver myofibroblasts. For that, we altered the cell binding properties of IFNγ, by delivery of the IFNγ-nuclear localization sequence to the highly expressed PDGFβ receptor using a PDGFβ receptor recognizing peptide, thereby creating a construct referred to as “Fibroferon” (i.e., fibroblast-targeted interferon γ). In recent years, we demonstrated that HSC-specific delivery of IFNγ increased its antifibrotic potency and improved its general safety profile in vivo, making Fibroferon highly suitable for the treatment of (fibrotic) diseases associated with elevated PDGFβ receptor expression. The present review summarizes the knowledge on these two key mediators, PDGF-BB and IFNγ, and outlines how we used this knowledge to create the cell-specific antifibrotic compound Fibroferon containing parts of both of these mediators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fransien van Dijk
- Department of Pharmacokinetics, Toxicology and Targeting, Groningen Research Institute for Pharmacy , Groningen , Netherlands ; Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Groningen Research Institute for Pharmacy , Groningen , Netherlands
| | - Peter Olinga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Groningen Research Institute for Pharmacy , Groningen , Netherlands
| | - Klaas Poelstra
- Department of Pharmacokinetics, Toxicology and Targeting, Groningen Research Institute for Pharmacy , Groningen , Netherlands
| | - Leonie Beljaars
- Department of Pharmacokinetics, Toxicology and Targeting, Groningen Research Institute for Pharmacy , Groningen , Netherlands
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Tsygankov MA, Zobnina AE, Padkina MV. Synthesis of recombinant gamma interferons resistant to proteolysis in the yeast Pichia pastoris. APPL BIOCHEM MICRO+ 2014. [DOI: 10.1134/s0003683814040127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Bansal R, Prakash J, De Ruiter M, Poelstra K. Interferon gamma peptidomimetic targeted to hepatic stellate cells ameliorates acute and chronic liver fibrosis in vivo. J Control Release 2014; 179:18-24. [PMID: 24491909 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2014.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2013] [Revised: 01/20/2014] [Accepted: 01/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. Thus, pharmacological inhibition of pro-fibrotic activities of these cells might lead to an effective therapy for this disease. Among the potent anti-fibrotics, interferon gamma (IFNγ), a proinflammatory cytokine, is highly efficacious but it failed in clinical trials due to the poor efficacy and multiple adverse effects attributed to the ubiquitous IFNγ receptor (IFNγR) expression. To resolve these drawbacks, we chemically synthesized a chimeric molecule containing (a) IFNγ signaling peptide (IFNγ peptidomimetic, mimγ) that retains the agonistic activities of IFNγ but lacks an extracellular receptor recognition sequence for IFNγR; coupled via heterobifunctional PEG linker to (b) bicyclic platelet derived growth factor beta receptor (PDGFβR)-binding peptide (BiPPB) to induce internalization into the stellate cells that express PDGFβR. The synthesized targeted IFNγ peptidomimetic (mimγ-BiPPB) was extensively investigated for its anti-fibrotic and adverse effects in acute and chronic CCl4-induced liver fibrosis models in mice. Treatment with mimγ-BiPPB, after the onset of disease, markedly inhibited both early and established hepatic fibrosis as reflected by a reduced intrahepatic α-SMA, desmin and collagen-I mRNA expression and protein levels. While untargeted mimγ and BiPPB had no effect, and native IFNγ only induced a moderate reduction. Additionally, no off-target effects, e.g. systemic inflammation, were found with mimγ-BiPPB, which were substantially observed in mice treated with native IFNγ. The present study highlights the beneficial effects of a novel BiPPB mediated cell-specific targeting of IFNγ peptidomimetic to the disease-inducing cells and therefore represents a highly potential therapeutic approach to treat fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruchi Bansal
- Department of Pharmacokinetics, Toxicology and Targeting, University of Groningen, The Netherlands; Department of Targeted Therapeutics, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands.
| | - Jai Prakash
- Department of Pharmacokinetics, Toxicology and Targeting, University of Groningen, The Netherlands; Department of Targeted Therapeutics, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke De Ruiter
- Department of Pharmacokinetics, Toxicology and Targeting, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Klaas Poelstra
- Department of Pharmacokinetics, Toxicology and Targeting, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
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Qureshi A, Thakur N, Tandon H, Kumar M. AVPdb: a database of experimentally validated antiviral peptides targeting medically important viruses. Nucleic Acids Res 2013; 42:D1147-53. [PMID: 24285301 PMCID: PMC3964995 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkt1191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Antiviral peptides (AVPs) have exhibited huge potential in inhibiting viruses by targeting various stages of their life cycle. Therefore, we have developed AVPdb, available online at http://crdd.osdd.net/servers/avpdb, to provide a dedicated resource of experimentally verified AVPs targeting over 60 medically important viruses including Influenza, HCV, HSV, RSV, HBV, DENV, SARS, etc. However, we have separately provided HIV inhibiting peptides in ‘HIPdb’. AVPdb contains detailed information of 2683 peptides, including 624 modified peptides experimentally tested for antiviral activity. In modified peptides a chemical moiety is attached for increasing their efficacy and stability. Detailed information include: peptide sequence, length, source, virus targeted, virus family, cell line used, efficacy (qualitative/quantitative), target step/protein, assay used in determining the efficacy and PubMed reference. The database also furnishes physicochemical properties and predicted structure for each peptide. We have provided user-friendly browsing and search facility along with other analysis tools to help the users. Entering of many synthetic peptide-based drugs in various stages of clinical trials reiterate the importance for the AVP resources. AVPdb is anticipated to cater to the needs of scientific community working for the development of antiviral therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abid Qureshi
- Bioinformatics Centre, Institute of Microbial Technology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Sector 39-A, Chandigarh-160036, India
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Brandão GC, Kroon EG, dos Santos JR, Stehmann JR, Lombardi JA, Braga de Oliveira A. Antiviral activity of Bignoniaceae species occurring in the State of Minas Gerais (Brazil): part 1. Lett Appl Microbiol 2011; 51:469-76. [PMID: 20840554 DOI: 10.1111/j.1472-765x.2010.02924.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To evaluate the antiviral activity of Bignoniaceae species occurring in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. METHODS AND RESULTS Ethanol extracts of different anatomical parts of bignoniaceous plant species have been evaluated in vitro against human herpesvirus type 1 (HSV-1), vaccinia virus (VACV) and murine encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. A total of 34 extracts from 18 plant species selected according to ethnopharmacological and taxonomic criteria were screened. Fifteen of the 34 extracts (44.1%) have disclosed antiviral activity against one or more of the viruses assayed with EC(50) values in the range of 23.2 ± 2.5-422.7 ± 10.9 μg ml(-1). CONCLUSIONS Twelve of the 34 extracts (35.3%) might be considered promising sources of antiviral natural products, as they have shown EC50 ≤ 100 μg ml(-1). The present screening discloses the high potential of the Bignoniaceae family as source of antiviral agents. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY Active extracts were identified and deserve bioguided studies for the isolation of antiviral compounds and studies on mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- G C Brandão
- Laboratório de Fitoquímica, Departamento de Produtos Farmacêuticos, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte MG, Brazil
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Johnson HM, Noon-Song E, Ahmed CM. Controlling Nuclear Jaks and Stats for Specific Gene Activation by Ifn γ and Other Cytokines: A Possible Steroid-like Connection. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 2. [PMID: 22924155 DOI: 10.4172/2155-9899.1000112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The mechanism of specific gene activation by cytokines that use JAK/STAT signalling pathway is unknown. There are four different types of JAKs and seven different types of STATs. In the classical model of signaling, ligand interacts solely with the receptor extracellular domain, which triggers JAK activation at the receptor cytoplasmic domain. Activated STATs are then said to carry out nuclear events of specific gene activation, including associated epigenetic changes that cause heterochromatin destabilization. Ligand, receptor, and JAKs play no further role in the classical model. Given the limited number of STATs and the activation of the same STATs by cytokines with different functions, the mechanism of the specificity of their signalling is not obvious. Focusing on gamma interferon (IFNγ), we have shown that ligand, receptor, and activated JAKs are involved in nuclear events that are associated with specific gene activation. In this model, receptor subunit IFNGR1 functions as a transcription/cotranscription factor and the JAKs are involved in key epigenetic events that are required for specific gene activation. The model has implications for gene activation in cancer as well as stem cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Howard M Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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Ahmed CMI, Dabelic R, Martin JP, Jager LD, Haider SM, Johnson HM. Enhancement of antiviral immunity by small molecule antagonist of suppressor of cytokine signaling. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2010; 185:1103-13. [PMID: 20543109 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.0902895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCSs) are negative regulators of both innate and adaptive immunity via inhibition of signaling by cytokines such as type I and type II IFNs. We have developed a small peptide antagonist of SOCS-1 that corresponds to the activation loop of JAK2. SOCS-1 inhibits both type I and type II IFN activities by binding to the kinase activation loop via the kinase inhibitory region of the SOCS. The antagonist, pJAK2(1001-1013), inhibited the replication of vaccinia virus and encephalomyocarditis virus in cell culture, suggesting that it possesses broad antiviral activity. In addition, pJAK2(1001-1013) protected mice against lethal vaccinia and encephalomyocarditis virus infection. pJAK2(1001-1013) increased the intracellular level of the constitutive IFN-beta, which may play a role in the antagonist antiviral effect at the cellular level. Ab neutralization suggests that constitutive IFN-beta may act intracellularly, consistent with recent findings on IFN-gamma intracellular signaling. pJAK2(1001-1013) also synergizes with IFNs as per IFN-gamma mimetic to exert a multiplicative antiviral effect at the level of transcription, the cell, and protection of mice against lethal viral infection. pJAK2(1001-1013) binds to the kinase inhibitory region of both SOCS-1 and SOCS-3 and blocks their inhibitory effects on the IFN-gamma activation site promoter. In addition to a direct antiviral effect and synergism with IFN, the SOCS antagonist also exhibits adjuvant effects on humoral and cellular immunity as well as an enhancement of polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid activation of TLR3. The SOCS antagonist thus presents a novel and effective approach to enhancement of host defense against viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chulbul M I Ahmed
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
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Toll-like receptor activated human and murine hepatic stellate cells are potent regulators of hepatitis C virus replication. J Hepatol 2009; 51:1037-45. [PMID: 19716616 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2009.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2009] [Revised: 06/03/2009] [Accepted: 06/23/2009] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS While hepatic stellate cells (HSC) are known to be key mediators of liver fibrosis, only little is known about their functional role in the innate immune system of the liver. METHODS To address this question, murine HSC were isolated from livers of C57BL/6J mice and human HSC were isolated from liver samples obtained from resections and liver explants. HSC were stimulated with Toll-like receptor (TLR) 1-9 ligands for 20 h. Supernatants were harvested and used in virus protection assays (encephalomyocarditis virus, EMCV) as well as in human and murine hepatitis C virus (HCV) replicon systems. Expression of interferon (IFN), retinoic acid-inducible gene-I (RIG-I), and interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) was assessed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS While all TLRs were detectable in HSC, in murine HSC only TLR 3 and -4 agonists could induce cytokines that had an antiviral effect upon EMCV and HCV replication. IFN-beta was the main cytokine mediating the antiviral activity of TLR 3-stimulated HSC whereas other cytokines of undefined nature were involved in TLR 4-mediated antiviral effects. In human HSC, only TLR 3 stimulation led to production of antiviral cytokines. The antiviral effect was related to the up-regulation of ISGs and RIG-I in target cells. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate that murine and human HSC have as yet unrecognized antiviral properties when activated through the TLR-system and TLR 3/HCV in particular. This sheds new light on their role in the innate immune system of the liver and their participation in the control of HCV replication.
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Li Y, Shao JY, Liu RY, Zhou L, Chai LP, Li HL, Han HY, Huang BJ, Zeng MS, Zhu XF, Liu Q, Fu LW, Huang W. Evaluation of Long-Term Toxicity of Ad/hIFN-γ, an Adenoviral Vector Encoding the Human Interferon-γGene, in Nonhuman Primates. Hum Gene Ther 2008; 19:827-39. [DOI: 10.1089/hum.2007.180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Yong Shao
- Institute of Otorhinolaryngology, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Ran-yi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Zhou
- Guangzhou Doublle Bioproducts, Science Park, Guangzhou 510663, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-ping Chai
- Institute of Otorhinolaryngology, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-li Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-yu Han
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Bi-jun Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Mu-sheng Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-feng Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-wu Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenlin Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101 People's Republic of China
- Guangzhou Doublle Bioproducts, Science Park, Guangzhou 510663, People's Republic of China
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Li Y, Shao JY, Liu RY, Zhou L, Chai LP, Li HL, Han HY, Huang BJ, Zeng MS, Zhu XF, Liu Q, Fu LW, Huang W. Evaluation of Long-Term Toxicity of Ad/hIFN- γ, an Adenoviral Vector Encoding the Human Interferon- γGene, in Nonhuman Primates. Hum Gene Ther 2008. [DOI: 10.1089/hum.2008.7.180] [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] Open
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18
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Li Y, Huang WL, Liu RY, Zhou L, Chai LP, Li HL, Han HY, Huang BJ, Zeng MS, Zhu XF, Liu Q, Fu LW. Evaluation of Long-term Toxicity of Ad/hIFN-γ, an Adenoviral Vector Encoding Human IFNγ Gene, in Non-human Primates. Hum Gene Ther 2008. [DOI: 10.1089/hgt.2007.180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Waiboci LW, Ahmed CM, Mujtaba MG, Flowers LO, Martin JP, Haider MI, Johnson HM. Both the Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 1 (SOCS-1) Kinase Inhibitory Region and SOCS-1 Mimetic Bind to JAK2 Autophosphorylation Site: Implications for the Development of a SOCS-1 Antagonist. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2007; 178:5058-68. [PMID: 17404288 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.178.8.5058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)-1 protein modulates signaling by IFN-gamma by binding to the autophosphorylation site of JAK2 and by targeting bound JAK2 to the proteosome for degradation. We have developed a small tyrosine kinase inhibitor peptide (Tkip) that is a SOCS-1 mimetic. Tkip is compared in this study with the kinase inhibitory region (KIR) of SOCS-1 for JAK2 recognition, inhibition of kinase activity, and regulation of IFN-gamma-induced biological activity. Tkip and a peptide corresponding to the KIR of SOCS-1, ((53))DTHFRTFRSHSDYRRI((68)) (SOCS1-KIR), both bound similarly to the autophosphorylation site of JAK2, JAK2(1001-1013). The peptides also bound to JAK2 peptide phosphorylated at Tyr(1007), pJAK2(1001-1013). Dose-response competitions suggest that Tkip and SOCS1-KIR similarly recognize the autophosphorylation site of JAK2, but probably not precisely the same way. Although Tkip inhibited JAK2 autophosphorylation as well as IFN-gamma-induced STAT1-alpha phosphorylation, SOCS1-KIR, like SOCS-1, did not inhibit JAK2 autophosphorylation but inhibited STAT1-alpha activation. Both Tkip and SOCS1-KIR inhibited IFN-gamma activation of Raw 264.7 murine macrophages and inhibited Ag-specific splenocyte proliferation. The fact that SOCS1-KIR binds to pJAK2(1001-1013) suggests that the JAK2 peptide could function as an antagonist of SOCS-1. Thus, pJAK2(1001-1013) enhanced suboptimal IFN-gamma activity, blocked SOCS-1-induced inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation in IL-6-treated cells, enhanced IFN-gamma activation site promoter activity, and enhanced Ag-specific proliferation. Furthermore, SOCS-1 competed with SOCS1-KIR for pJAK2(1001-1013). Thus, the KIR region of SOCS-1 binds directly to the autophosphorylation site of JAK2 and a peptide corresponding to this site can function as an antagonist of SOCS-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian W Waiboci
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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Ahmed CM, Martin JP, Johnson HM. IFN mimetic as a therapeutic for lethal vaccinia virus infection: possible effects on innate and adaptive immune responses. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2007; 178:4576-83. [PMID: 17372016 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.178.7.4576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
We have developed small peptide mimetics of IFN-gamma that can bypass the poxvirus virulence factor B8R protein, which binds to intact IFN-gamma and prevents its interaction with receptor extracellular domain. Thus, these peptides inhibit vaccinia virus replication in cell culture where intact IFN-gamma is ineffective. We demonstrate here that the mouse IFN-gamma-mimetic peptide, IFN-gamma(95-132), protects C57BL/6 mice against overwhelming lethal vaccinia virus infection. The mimetic peptide was synthesized with an attached lipophilic group for penetration of cell plasma membrane. Injection of mimetic i.p. before and at the time of intranasal (10(6) PFU) or i.p. (10(7) PFU) challenge with virus resulted in complete protection at 200 microg of mimetic and 40-60% protection at 5 microg of mimetic. Initiation of treatment of mice with IFN-gamma mimetic up to 2 days postinfection resulted in complete protection against death, whereas initiation of treatment at 6 days postinfection resulted in 40% protection. Administration of mimetic by the oral route also completely protected mice against the intranasal route of a lethal dose of vaccinia virus challenge. In addition to its direct antiviral effect, the mimetic also possessed adjuvant effects in boosting humoral and cellular immunity to vaccinia virus. The combination of antiviral and adjuvant effects by the IFN mimetic probably plays a role in its potent anti-vaccinia virus properties. These results suggest an effective therapeutic against ongoing, lethal poxvirus infections that taps into innate and adaptive host defenses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chulbul M Ahmed
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida, Museum Road, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
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