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Wang Y, Ma J, Jiang Y. Transcription factor Nrf2 as a potential therapeutic target for COVID-19. Cell Stress Chaperones 2023; 28:11-20. [PMID: 36417098 PMCID: PMC9685020 DOI: 10.1007/s12192-022-01296-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by a novel severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-like coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Critically ill patients with SARS-COV-2 infection frequently exhibit signs of high oxidative stress and systemic inflammation, which accounts for most of the mortality. Antiviral strategies to inhibit the pathogenic consequences of COVID-19 are urgently required. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related transcription factor (Nrf2) is a transcription factor that is involved in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory defense in several tissues and cells. This review tries to present an overview of the role of Nrf2 in the treatment of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Jing Ma
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Yongfang Jiang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China.
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2
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Vuai SAH, Ogedjo MM, Isaac O, Sahini MG, Swai HS, Shadrack DM. Relaxed complex scheme and molecular dynamics simulation suggests small molecule inhibitor of human TMPRSS2 for combating COVID-19. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022; 40:13925-13935. [PMID: 34751094 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1997817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
As the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to pose a health and economic crisis worldwide, the quest for drugs and/or vaccines against the virus continues. The human transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) has attracted attention as a target for drug discovery, as inhibition of its catalytic reaction would result in the inactivation of the proteolytic cleavage of the SARS-CoV-2 S protein. As a result, the inactivation prevents viral cell entry to the host's cell. In this work, we screened and identified two potent molecules that interact and inhibit the catalytic reaction by using computational approaches. Two docking screening experiments were performed utilizing the crystal structure and holo ensemble structure obtained from molecular dynamics in bound form. There is enhancement and sensitivity of docking results to the holo ensemble as compared to the crystal structure. Compound 1 demonstrated a similar inhibition value to nafamostat by interacting with catalytic triad residues His296 and Ser441, thereby disrupting the already established hydrogen bond interaction. The stability of the ligand-TMPRSS2 complexes was studied by molecular dynamics simulation, and the binding energy was re-scored by using molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) binding free energy. The obtained compounds may serve as an initial point toward the discovery of potent TMPRSS2 inhibitors upon further in vivo validation.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Said A H Vuai
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Marcelina M Ogedjo
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Onoka Isaac
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Mtabazi G Sahini
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Hulda S Swai
- School of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Daniel M Shadrack
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, St. John's University of Tanzania, Dodoma, Tanzania
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Zhou L, Hou W, Wang Y, Lin X, Hu J, Li J, Liu C, Liu H, Li H. An extracellular matrix biosensing mimetic for evaluating cathepsin as a host target for COVID-19. Anal Chim Acta 2022; 1225:340267. [PMID: 36038228 PMCID: PMC9380907 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2022.340267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
To combat the new virus currently ravaging the whole world, every possible anti-virus strategy should be explored. As the main strategy of targeting the virus itself is being frustrated by the rapid mutation of the virus, people are seeking an alternative "host targeting" strategy: neutralizing proteins in the human body that cooperate with the virus. The cathepsin family is such a group of promising host targets, the main biological function of which is to digest the extracellular matrix (ECM) to clear a path for virus spreading. To evaluate the potential of cathepsin as a host target, we have constructed a biosensing interface mimicking the ECM, which can detect cathepsin from 3.3 pM to 33 nM with the limit of detection of 1 pM. Based on our quantitative analysis enabled by this biosensing interface, it is clear that patients with background diseases such as chronic inflammation and tumor, tend to have higher cathepsin activity, confirming the potential of cathepsin to serve as a host target for combating COVID-19 virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhou
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, 336 West Road of Nan, Xinzhuang, 250022, China; Shandong Keyuan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, 250022, China.
| | - Wenmin Hou
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, 336 West Road of Nan, Xinzhuang, 250022, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University Jinan, Jinan Children's Hospital Jinan, 250002, PR China
| | - Xia Lin
- Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University Jinan, Jinan Children's Hospital Jinan, 250002, PR China
| | - Jianguo Hu
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Culture and Tourism, University of Jinan, 13#, Shungeng Road, Jinan, 250000, China
| | - Jinlong Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210003, PR China
| | - Chen Liu
- Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University Jinan, Jinan Children's Hospital Jinan, 250002, PR China.
| | - Hongkai Liu
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Culture and Tourism, University of Jinan, 13#, Shungeng Road, Jinan, 250000, China.
| | - Hao Li
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, 336 West Road of Nan, Xinzhuang, 250022, China.
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Gerges D, Kapps S, Hernández-Carralero E, Freire R, Aiad M, Schmidt S, Winnicki W, Reiter T, Pajenda S, Schmidt A, Sunder-Plassmann G, Wagner L. Vaccination with BNT162b2 and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 Induces Cross-Reactive Anti-RBD IgG against SARS-CoV-2 Variants including Omicron. Viruses 2022; 14:v14061181. [PMID: 35746653 PMCID: PMC9231407 DOI: 10.3390/v14061181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) have caused a significant increase in infections worldwide. Despite high vaccination rates in industrialized countries, the fourth VOC, Omicron, has outpaced the Delta variant and is causing breakthrough infections in individuals with two booster vaccinations. While the magnitude of morbidity and lethality is lower in Omicron, the infection rate and global spread are rapid. Using a specific IgG multipanel-ELISA with the spike protein’s receptor-binding domain (RBD) from recombinant Alpha, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron variants, sera from health-care workers from the Medical University of Vienna were tested pre-pandemic and post-vaccination (BNT162b2; ChAdOx1 nCoV-19). The cohort was continuously monitored by SARS-CoV-2 testing and commercial nucleocapsid IgG ELISA. RBD IgG ELISA showed significantly lower reactivity against the Omicron-RBD compared to the Alpha variant in all individuals (p < 0.001). IgG levels were independent of sex, but were significantly higher in BNT162b2 recipients <45 years of age for Alpha, Gamma, and Delta (p < 0.001; p = 0.040; p = 0.004, respectively). Pre-pandemic cross-reactive anti-Omicron IgG was detected in 31 individuals and was increased 8.78-fold after vaccination, regardless of vaccine type. The low anti-RBD Omicron IgG level could explain the breakthrough infections and their presence could also contribute to a milder COVID-19 course by cross-reactivity and broadening the adaptive immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Gerges
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (D.G.); (S.K.); (M.A.); (S.S.); (W.W.); (T.R.); (S.P.); (A.S.); (G.S.-P.)
| | - Sebastian Kapps
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (D.G.); (S.K.); (M.A.); (S.S.); (W.W.); (T.R.); (S.P.); (A.S.); (G.S.-P.)
| | - Esperanza Hernández-Carralero
- Unidad de Investigacion, Hospital Universitario de Canarias-FIISC, 38320 La Laguna, Spain; (E.H.-C.); (R.F.)
- Instituto de Tecnologías Biomedicas, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 La Laguna, Spain
| | - Raimundo Freire
- Unidad de Investigacion, Hospital Universitario de Canarias-FIISC, 38320 La Laguna, Spain; (E.H.-C.); (R.F.)
- Instituto de Tecnologías Biomedicas, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 La Laguna, Spain
- Universidad Fernando Pessoa Canarias, 35450 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Monika Aiad
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (D.G.); (S.K.); (M.A.); (S.S.); (W.W.); (T.R.); (S.P.); (A.S.); (G.S.-P.)
| | - Sophie Schmidt
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (D.G.); (S.K.); (M.A.); (S.S.); (W.W.); (T.R.); (S.P.); (A.S.); (G.S.-P.)
| | - Wolfgang Winnicki
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (D.G.); (S.K.); (M.A.); (S.S.); (W.W.); (T.R.); (S.P.); (A.S.); (G.S.-P.)
| | - Thomas Reiter
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (D.G.); (S.K.); (M.A.); (S.S.); (W.W.); (T.R.); (S.P.); (A.S.); (G.S.-P.)
| | - Sahra Pajenda
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (D.G.); (S.K.); (M.A.); (S.S.); (W.W.); (T.R.); (S.P.); (A.S.); (G.S.-P.)
| | - Alice Schmidt
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (D.G.); (S.K.); (M.A.); (S.S.); (W.W.); (T.R.); (S.P.); (A.S.); (G.S.-P.)
| | - Gere Sunder-Plassmann
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (D.G.); (S.K.); (M.A.); (S.S.); (W.W.); (T.R.); (S.P.); (A.S.); (G.S.-P.)
| | - Ludwig Wagner
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (D.G.); (S.K.); (M.A.); (S.S.); (W.W.); (T.R.); (S.P.); (A.S.); (G.S.-P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +43-14040043910
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Jiménez D, Torres Arias M. Immunouniverse of SARS-CoV-2. Immunol Med 2022; 45:186-224. [PMID: 35502127 DOI: 10.1080/25785826.2022.2066251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 virus has become a global health problem that has caused millions of deaths worldwide. The infection can present with multiple clinical features ranging from asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic patients to patients with severe or critical illness that can even lead to death. Although the immune system plays an important role in pathogen control, SARS-CoV-2 can drive dysregulation of this response and trigger severe immunopathology. Exploring the mechanisms of the immune response involved in host defense against SARS-CoV-2 allows us to understand its immunopathogenesis and possibly detect features that can be used as potential therapies to eliminate the virus. The main objective of this review on SARS-CoV-2 is to highlight the interaction between the virus and the immune response. We explore the function and action of the immune system, the expression of molecules at the site of infection that cause hyperinflammation and hypercoagulation disorders, the factors leading to the development of pneumonia and subsequent severe acute respiratory distress syndrome which is the leading cause of death in patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Jiménez
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida y Agricultura, Carrera de Ingeniería en Biotecnología, Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas ESPE, Sangolquí, Pichincha, Ecuador
| | - Marbel Torres Arias
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida y Agricultura, Carrera de Ingeniería en Biotecnología, Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas ESPE, Sangolquí, Pichincha, Ecuador.,Laboratorio de Inmunología y Virología, CENCINAT, GISAH, Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas, Sangolquí, Pichincha, Ecuador
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Viral and Host Genetic and Epigenetic Biomarkers Related to SARS-CoV-2 Cell Entry, Infection Rate, and Disease Severity. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11020178. [PMID: 35205046 PMCID: PMC8869311 DOI: 10.3390/biology11020178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The rapid spread of COVID-19 outbreak lead to a global pandemic declared in March 2020. The common features of corona virus family helped to resolve structural characteristics and entry mechanism of SARS-CoV-2. However, rapid mutagenesis leads to the emergence of new strains that may have different reproduction rates or infectivity and may impact the course and severity of the disease. Host related factors may also play a role in the susceptibility for infection as well as the severity and outcomes of the COVID-19. We have performed a literature and database search to summarize potential viral and host-related genomic and epigenomic biomarkers, such as genetic variability, miRNA, and DNA methylation in the molecular pathway of SARS-CoV-2 entry into the host cell, that may be related to COVID-19 susceptibility and severity. Bioinformatics tools may help to predict the effect of mutations in the spike protein on the binding to the ACE2 receptor and the infectivity of the strain. SARS-CoV-2 may also target several transcription factors and tumour suppressor genes, thus influencing the expression of different host genes and affecting cell signalling. In addition, the virus may interfere with RNA expression in host cells by exploiting endogenous miRNA and its viral RNA. Our analysis showed that numerous human miRNA may form duplexes with different coding and non-coding regions of viral RNA. Polymorphisms in human genes responsible for viral entry and replication, as well as in molecular damage response and inflammatory pathways may also contribute to disease prognosis and outcome. Gene ontology analysis shows that proteins encoded by such polymorphic genes are highly interconnected in regulation of defense response. Thus, virus and host related genetic and epigenetic biomarkers may help to predict the course of the disease and the response to treatment.
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