The next generation of HIV/AIDS drugs: novel and developmental antiHIV drugs and targets

Sphingolipids as Potential Therapeutic Targets against Enveloped Human RNA Viruses

Several notable human diseases are caused by enveloped RNA viruses: influenza, AIDS, hepatitis C, dengue hemorrhagic fever, microcephaly, and Guillain-Barré Syndrome. Being enveloped, the life cycle of this group of viruses is critically dependent on host lipid biosynthesis. Viral binding and entry involve interactions between viral envelope glycoproteins and cellular receptors localized to lipid-rich regions of the plasma membrane. Subsequent infection by these viruses leads to reorganization of cellular membranes and lipid metabolism to support the production of new viral particles. Recent work has focused on defining the involvement of specific lipid classes in the entry, genome replication assembly, and viral particle formation of these viruses in hopes of identifying potential therapeutic targets for the treatment or prevention of disease. In this review, we will highlight the role of host sphingolipids in the lifecycle of several medically important enveloped RNA viruses.

Nucleocapsid Protein: A Desirable Target for Future Therapies Against HIV-1

The currently available anti-HIV-1 therapeutics is highly beneficial to infected patients. However, clinical failures occur as a result of the ability of HIV-1 to rapidly mutate. One approach to overcome drug resistance is to target HIV-1 proteins that are highly conserved among phylogenetically distant viral strains and currently not targeted by available therapies. In this respect, the nucleocapsid (NC) protein, a zinc finger protein, is particularly attractive, as it is highly conserved and plays a central role in virus replication, mainly by interacting with nucleic acids. The compelling rationale for considering NC as a viable drug target is illustrated by the fact that point mutants of this protein lead to noninfectious viruses and by the inability to select viruses resistant to a first generation of anti-NC drugs. In our review, we discuss the most relevant properties and functions of NC, as well as recent developments of small molecules targeting NC. Zinc ejectors show strong antiviral activity, but are endowed with a low therapeutic index due to their lack of specificity, which has resulted in toxicity. Currently, they are mainly being investigated for use as topical microbicides. Greater specificity may be achieved by using non-covalent NC inhibitors (NCIs) targeting the hydrophobic platform at the top of the zinc fingers or key nucleic acid partners of NC. Within the last few years, innovative methodologies have been developed to identify NCIs. Though the antiviral activity of the identified NCIs needs still to be improved, these compounds strongly support the druggability of NC and pave the way for future structure-based design and optimization of efficient NCIs.

Retrospective on the all-in-one retroviral nucleocapsid protein

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This retrospective reviews 30 years of research on the retroviral nucleocapsid protein (NC) focusing on HIV-1 NC.

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Originally considered as a non-specific nucleic-acid binding protein, NC has seminal functions in virus replication.

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Indeed NC turns out to be a all-in-one viral protein that chaperones viral DNA synthesis and integration, and virus formation.

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As a chaperone NC provides assistance to genetic recombination thus allowing the virus to escape the immune response and antiretroviral therapies against HIV-1.

This review aims at briefly presenting a retrospect on the retroviral nucleocapsid protein (NC), from an unspecific nucleic acid binding protein (NABP) to an all-in-one viral protein with multiple key functions in the early and late phases of the retrovirus replication cycle, notably reverse transcription of the genomic RNA and viral DNA integration into the host genome, and selection of the genomic RNA together with the initial steps of virus morphogenesis. In this context we will discuss the notion that NC protein has a flexible conformation and is thus a member of the growing family of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) where disorder may account, at least in part, for its function as a nucleic acid (NA) chaperone and possibly as a protein chaperone vis-à-vis the viral DNA polymerase during reverse transcription. Lastly, we will briefly review the development of new anti-retroviral/AIDS compounds targeting HIV-1 NC because it represents an ideal target due to its multiple roles in the early and late phases of virus replication and its high degree of conservation.

Small-molecule probes targeting the viral PPxY-host Nedd4 interface block egress of a broad range of RNA viruses

Budding of filoviruses, arenaviruses, and rhabdoviruses is facilitated by subversion of host proteins, such as Nedd4 E3 ubiquitin ligase, by viral PPxY late (L) budding domains expressed within the matrix proteins of these RNA viruses. As L domains are important for budding and are highly conserved in a wide array of RNA viruses, they represent potential broad-spectrum targets for the development of antiviral drugs. To identify potential competitive blockers, we used the known Nedd4 WW domain-PPxY interaction interface as the basis of an in silico screen. Using PPxY-dependent budding of Marburg (MARV) VP40 virus-like particles (VLPs) as our model system, we identified small-molecule hit 1 that inhibited Nedd4-PPxY interaction and PPxY-dependent budding. This lead candidate was subsequently improved with additional structure-activity relationship (SAR) analog testing which enhanced antibudding activity into the nanomolar range. Current lead compounds 4 and 5 exhibit on-target effects by specifically blocking the MARV VP40 PPxY-host Nedd4 interaction and subsequent PPxY-dependent egress of MARV VP40 VLPs. In addition, lead compounds 4 and 5 exhibited antibudding activity against Ebola and Lassa fever VLPs, as well as vesicular stomatitis and rabies viruses (VSV and RABV, respectively). These data provide target validation and suggest that inhibition of the PPxY-Nedd4 interaction can serve as the basis for the development of a novel class of broad-spectrum, host-oriented antivirals targeting viruses that depend on a functional PPxY L domain for efficient egress.

IMPORTANCE

There is an urgent and unmet need for the development of safe and effective therapeutics against biodefense and high-priority pathogens, including filoviruses (Ebola and Marburg) and arenaviruses (e.g., Lassa and Junin) which cause severe hemorrhagic fever syndromes with high mortality rates. We along with others have established that efficient budding of filoviruses, arenaviruses, and other viruses is critically dependent on the subversion of host proteins. As disruption of virus budding would prevent virus dissemination, identification of small-molecule compounds that block these critical viral-host interactions should effectively block disease progression and transmission. Our findings provide validation for targeting these virus-host interactions as we have identified lead inhibitors with broad-spectrum antiviral activity. In addition, such inhibitors might prove useful for newly emerging RNA viruses for which no therapeutics would be available.

Lersivirine - a new drug for HIV infection therapy

INTRODUCTION

Lersivirine (UK-453,061) is a novel second-generation non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI). It binds reverse transcriptase in a distinct way leading to a unique resistance profile. The development of lersivirine was recently stopped in Phase IIb clinical development.

AREAS COVERED

This article describes the background of lersivirine, its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profile and its clinical efficacy in HIV-infected patients. Moreover, the authors review its resistance profile in addition to its possible interactions with coadministered drugs and safety and tolerability. The authors' evaluation is based on the articles retrieved from a Medline in addition to abstracts from major HIV conferences and workshops addressing lersivirine.

EXPERT OPINION

The authors believe that lersivirine has therapeutic potential for HIV-infected individuals with viral strains resistant against first-line NNRTIs. However, no large, well-powered studies have been conducted so far, which assess noninferiority against established antiretroviral agents. In February 2013, the developing company behind lersivirine halted further development as it was decided that it would not provide an improvement over existing therapies; perhaps this is an opportunity missed.

Database-Guided Discovery of Potent Peptides to Combat HIV-1 or Superbugs

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), small host defense proteins, are indispensable for the protection of multicellular organisms such as plants and animals from infection. The number of AMPs discovered per year increased steadily since the 1980s. Over 2,000 natural AMPs from bacteria, protozoa, fungi, plants, and animals have been registered into the antimicrobial peptide database (APD). The majority of these AMPs (>86%) possess 11–50 amino acids with a net charge from 0 to +7 and hydrophobic percentages between 31–70%. This article summarizes peptide discovery on the basis of the APD. The major methods are the linguistic model, database screening, de novo design, and template-based design. Using these methods, we identified various potent peptides against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). While the stepwise designed anti-HIV peptide is disulfide-linked and rich in arginines, the ab initio designed anti-MRSA peptide is linear and rich in leucines. Thus, there are different requirements for antiviral and antibacterial peptides, which could kill pathogens via different molecular targets. The biased amino acid composition in the database-designed peptides, or natural peptides such as θ-defensins, requires the use of the improved two-dimensional NMR method for structural determination to avoid the publication of misleading structure and dynamics. In the case of human cathelicidin LL-37, structural determination requires 3D NMR techniques. The high-quality structure of LL-37 provides a solid basis for understanding its interactions with membranes of bacteria and other pathogens. In conclusion, the APD database is a comprehensive platform for storing, classifying, searching, predicting, and designing potent peptides against pathogenic bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and cancer cells.

Identification of HIV-1 inhibitors targeting the nucleocapsid protein

The HIV-1 nucleocapsid (NC) is a RNA/DNA binding protein encoded within the Gag polyprotein, which is critical for the selection and chaperoning of viral genomic RNA during virion assembly. RNA/DNA binding occurs through a highly conserved zinc-knuckle motif present in NC. Given the necessity of NC-viral RNA/DNA interaction for viral replication, identification of compounds that disrupt the NC-RNA/DNA interaction may have value as an antiviral strategy. To identify small molecules that disrupt NC-viral RNA/DNA binding, a high-throughput fluorescence polarization assay was developed and a library of 14,400 diverse, druglike compounds was screened. Compounds that disrupted NC binding to a fluorescence-labeled DNA tracer were next evaluated by differential scanning fluorimetry to identify compounds that must bind to NC or Gag to impart their effects. Two compounds were identified that inhibited NC-DNA interaction, specifically bound NC with nanomolar affinity, and showed modest anti-HIV-1 activity in ex vivo cell assays.

Targeting zinc finger domains with small molecules: solution structure and binding studies of the RanBP2-type zinc finger of RBM5

The RNA binding motif protein 5 (RBM5), also known as Luca15 or H37, is a component of prespliceosomal complexes that regulates the alternative splicing of several mRNAs, such as Fas and caspase-2. The RBM5 gene is located at the 2p21.3 chromosomal region, which is strongly associated with lung cancer and many other cancers. Both increased and decreased levels of RBM5 can play a role in tumor progression. In particular, downregulation of rbm5 is involved in lung cancer and other cancers upon Ras activation, and, also, represents a molecular signature associated with metastasis in various solid tumors. On the other hand, upregulation of RBM5 occurs in breast and ovarian cancer. Moreover, RBM5 was also found to be involved in the early stage of the HIV-1 viral cycle, representing a potential target for the treatment of the HIV-1 infection. While the molecular basis for RNA recognition and ubiquitin interaction has been structurally characterized, small molecules binding this zinc finger (ZF) domain that might contribute to characterizing their activity and to the development of potential therapeutic agents have not yet been reported. Using an NMR screening of a fragment library we identified several binders and the complex of the most promising one, compound 1, with the RBM5 ZF1 was structurally characterized in solution. Interestingly, the binding mechanism reveals that 1 occupies the RNA binding pocket and is therefore able to compete with the RNA to bind RBM5 RanBP2-type ZF domain, as indicated by NMR studies.

Small-molecule inactivation of HIV-1 NCp7 by repetitive intracellular acyl transfer

The zinc fingers of the HIV-1 nucleocapsid protein, NCp7, are prime targets for antiretroviral therapeutics. Here we show that S-acyl-2-mercaptobenzamide thioester (SAMT) chemotypes inhibit HIV by modifying the NCp7 region of Gag in infected cells, thereby blocking Gag processing and reducing infectivity. The thiol produced by SAMT reaction with NCp7 is acetylated by cellular enzymes to regenerate active SAMTs via a recycling mechanism unique among small-molecule inhibitors of HIV.

The nucleocapsid protein of HIV-1 as a promising therapeutic target for antiviral drugs

The nucleocapsid protein (NCp7) is a major HIV-1 structural protein that plays key roles in viral replication, mainly through its conserved zinc fingers that direct specific interactions with the viral nucleic acids. Owing to its high degree of conservation and critical functions, NCp7 represents a target of choice for drugs that can potentially complement HAART, thus possibly impairing the circulation of drug-resistant HIV-1 strains. Zinc ejectors showing potent antiretroviral activity were developed, but early generations suffered from limited selectively and significant toxicity. Compounds with improved selectivity have been developed and are being explored as topical microbicide candidates. Several classes of molecules inhibiting the interaction of NCp7 with the viral nucleic acids have also been developed. Although small molecules would be more suited for drug development, most molecules selected by screening showed limited antiretroviral activity. Peptides and RNA aptamers appear to be more promising, but the mechanism of their antiretroviral activity remains elusive. Substantial and more concerted efforts are needed to further develop anti-HIV drugs targeting NCp7 and bring them to the clinic.

Excretion and metabolism of lersivirine (5-{[3,5-diethyl-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)(3,5-14C2)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]oxy}benzene-1,3-dicarbonitrile), a next-generation non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, after administration of [14C]Lersivirine to healthy volunteers

Lersivirine [UK-453,061, 5-((3,5-diethyl-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)(3,5-14C2)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)oxy)benzene-1,3-dicarbonitrile] is a next-generation non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, with a unique binding interaction within the reverse transcriptase binding pocket. Lersivirine has shown antiviral activity and is well tolerated in HIV-infected and healthy subjects. This open-label, Phase I study investigated the absorption, metabolism, and excretion of a single oral 500-mg dose of [14C]lersivirine (parent drug) and characterized the plasma, fecal, and urinary radioactivity of lersivirine and its metabolites in four healthy male volunteers. Plasma C(max) for total radioactivity and unchanged lersivirine typically occurred between 0.5 and 3 h postdose. The majority of radioactivity was excreted in urine (approximately 80%) with the remainder excreted in the feces (approximately 20%). The blood/plasma ratio of total drug-derived radioactivity [area under the plasma concentration-time profile from time zero extrapolated to infinite time (AUC(inf))] was 0.48, indicating that radioactive material was distributed predominantly into plasma. Lersivirine was extensively metabolized, primarily by UDP glucuronosyltransferase- and cytochrome P450-dependent pathways, with 22 metabolites being identified in this study. Analysis of precipitated plasma revealed that the lersivirine-glucuronide conjugate was the major circulating component (45% of total radioactivity), whereas unchanged lersivirine represented 13% of total plasma radioactivity. In vitro studies showed that UGT2B7 and CYP3A4 are responsible for the majority of lersivirine metabolism in humans.

Application of ring-closing metathesis macrocyclization to the development of Tsg101-binding antagonists

HIV-1 viral budding involves binding of the viral Gag(p6) protein to the ubiquitin E2 variant domain of the human tumor susceptibility gene 101 protein (Tsg101). Recognition of p6 by Tsg101 is mediated in part by a proline-rich motif that contains the sequence 'Pro-Thr-Ala-Pro' ('PTAP'). Using the p6-derived 9-mer sequence 'PEPTAPPEE', we had previously improved peptide binding affinity by employing N-alkylglycine ('peptoid') residues. The current study applies ring-closing metathesis macrocyclization strategies to Tsg101-binding peptide-peptoid hybrids as an approach to stabilize binding conformations and to observe the effects of such macrocyclization on Tsg101-binding affinity and bioavailability.

Functions of Tat: the versatile protein of human immunodeficiency virus type 1

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Tat is a multifunctional protein that contributes to several pathological symptoms of HIV-1 infection as well as playing a critical role in virus replication. Tat is a robust transactivating protein that induces a variety of effects by altering the expression levels of cellular and viral genes. The functions of Tat are therefore primarily related to its role in modulation of gene expression. In this review the functions of HIV-1 Tat that have been well documented, as well as a number of novel functions that have been proposed for this protein, are discussed. Since some of the functions of Tat vary in different cell types in a concentration-dependent manner and because Tat sometimes exerts the same activity through different pathways, study of this protein has at times yielded conflicting and controversial results. Due to its pivotal role in viral replication and in disease pathogenesis, Tat and the cellular pathways targeted by Tat are potential targets for new anti-HIV drugs.

Update on the development of HIV entry inhibitors

HIV fusion and entry are two steps in the viral lifecycle that can be targeted by several classes of antiviral drugs. The discovery of chemokines focused the attention on cellular co-receptors used by the virus for entering cells, and on the various steps of such processes that are subject to interactions with small molecules. Intense research has led to a wide range of effective compounds that are able to inhibit these initial steps of viral replication. All steps in the process of HIV entry into the cell may be targeted by specific compounds, grouped into three main classes (attachment inhibitors, co-receptor binding inhibitors and fusion inhibitors), which may be developed as novel antiretrovirals. Thus, several inhibitors of the gp120–CD4 interaction have been discovered (e.g., zintevir and BMS-378806). Small molecule chemokine receptor antagonists acting as HIV entry inhibitors have also been described recently, including those which interact with both the CXCR4 co-receptor (e.g., AMD3100, AMD3465, ALX40-4C, T22, T134 and T140) and CCR5 co-receptor antagonists (TAK-779, TAK-220, E913, AK-602 and NSC 651016 in clinical trials). Recently, a third family of antivirals started to be used clinically (in addition to reverse transcriptase and protease inhibitors), with the advent of enfuvirtide (T20), the first fusion inhibitor to be approved as an anti-HIV agent. Some of these compounds demonstrated in vitro synergism with other classes of antivirals, thus offering the rationale for their combination in therapies for HIV-infected individuals. Many HIV entry and fusion inhibitors are currently being investigated in controlled clinical trials, and a number of them are bioavailable as oral formulations. In 2007, the US FDA approved maraviroc as an anti-HIV agent. Maraviroc is the product of a medicinal chemistry effort initiated following identification of an imidazopyridine CCR5 ligand from a high-throughput screen of the Pfizer compound file. Maraviroc demonstrated potent antiviral activity against all CCR5-tropic HIV-1 viruses tested, including 43 primary isolates from various clades and diverse geographic origin. Maraviroc was active against 200 clinically derived HIV-1 envelope-recombinant pseudoviruses, 100 of which were derived from viruses resistant to existing drug classes. Furthermore, in October 2007, the FDA announced the approval of raltegravir for the treatment of HIV-1 infection as part of combination antiretroviral therapy in treatment-experienced patients with evidence of HIV-1 replication despite optimized background antiretroviral therapy. At present, raltegravir is the only drug in the integrase inhibitor class approved for clinical use. With the approval of raltegravir, oral agents targeting all three constitutive viral enzymes, reverse transcriptase, protease and integrase, are now represented in FDA-approved therapies.

SAR by oxime-containing peptide libraries: application to Tsg101 ligand optimization

HIV-1 viral assembly requires a direct interaction between a Pro-Thr-Ala-Pro ("PTAP") motif in the viral protein Gag-p6 and the cellular endosomal sorting factor Tsg101. In an effort to develop competitive inhibitors of this interaction, an SAR study was conducted based on the application of post solid-phase oxime formation involving the sequential insertion of aminooxy-containing residues within a nonamer parent peptide followed by reaction with libraries of aldehydes. Approximately 15-20-fold enhancement in binding affinity was achieved by this approach.

Heterocyclic compounds that inhibit Rev-RRE function and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 replication

A cell-based screening assay was performed to identify compounds that inhibited the postintegration stage of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) life cycle. This assay utilized a cell line that contains the HIV gag and pol genes expressed in a Rev-dependent fashion. The cell line produces about 10 to 15 ng of p24 per milliliter of medium over a 24-h period in the form of viruslike particles. Any compound that inhibits a postintegration step in the HIV life cycle scores in this assay by decreasing particle production. Forty thousand compounds were screened, and 192 compounds were selected from the original screen because they showed more than 50% inhibition at a 10 muM concentration. The cumulative evidence presented in this study strongly suggests that 2 of the 192 compounds work as inhibitors of HIV Rev function. This was determined by a variety of cell-based assays, although the compounds do not interfere with Rev-RRE (Rev response element) binding in vitro. Both compounds inhibit replication of the lab isolate NL4-3 as well as an HIV primary isolate from Brazil (93BR021) and thus are promising leads as therapeutic candidates that target HIV replication through inhibition of Rev function.

Short communication: rapid preparation of preventive and therapeutic whole-killed retroviral vaccines using the microbicide taurine chloramine

A current urgent priority is to develop microbicides and vaccines to combat retroviruses like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We show that the cysteine-selective natural compound, taurine chloramine (T-NCl), can be effective in this task. A number of proteins in all retroviruses contain highly conserved cysteine-rich regions that are essential for infection and replication. Our data show that by targeting these essential cysteine residues, T-NCl (2 or 5 mM) acts as a highly effective and safe microbicide that fully blocks the infectivity of high HIV-1 titers (10(6) TCID(50) units/ml) but is not injurious to eukaryotic cells. We also demonstrate that T-NCl can be used to prepare a highly effective whole-killed vaccine against murine AIDS (MAIDS) that shows both preventive and therapeutic efficacy. The vaccine consists of a T-NCl-inactivated retrovirus suspension in host cell lysate. The novelty of our approach lies in the ease and speed of vaccine preparation and its avoidance of harsh inactivation or purification steps that can alter native viral conformation. Our approach is therefore likely to overcome a number of intractable obstacles to the preparation of an effective whole-killed HIV vaccine, such as surviving infective viral particles, rapid viral mutation rates, numerous viral strains, and harsh purification steps. Our approach may also permit the rapid preparation of autologous, or custom-made, vaccines for individual patients.

Behavioral aspects of HIV care: adherence, depression, substance use, and HIV-transmission behaviors

A variety of psychosocial stressors are involved in living with HIV, maintaining a regimen of highly active antiretroviral therapy, and negotiating necessary self-care behaviors. Because health care providers are in regular contact with HIV-infected individuals in care, these contacts allow for the opportunity to assess and intervene on important variables related to quality of life and HIV outcomes. This article reviews information about four important behavioral aspects of HIV care: treatment adherence, depression, high-risk sex, and substance abuse. Efforts by health care providers to address these factors may result in better treatment outcomes, enhanced quality of life among HIV patients, and decreased HIV transmission.

Crystal and electronic structures of magnesium(II), copper(II), and mixed magnesium(II)-copper(II) complexes of the quinoline half of styrylquinoline-type HIV-1 integrase inhibitors

A new target in AIDS therapy development is HIV-1 integrase (IN). It was proven that HIV-1 IN required divalent metal cations to achieve phosphodiester bond cleavage of DNA. Accordingly, all newly investigated potent IN inhibitors contain chemical fragments possessing a high ability to chelate metal cations. One of the promising leads in the polyhydroxylated styrylquinolines (SQLs) series is (E)-8-hydroxy-2-[2-(4,5-dihydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-ethenyl]-7-quinoline carboxylic acid (1). The present study focuses on the quinoline-based progenitor (2), which is actually the most probable chelating part of SQLs. Conventional and synchrotron low-temperature X-ray crystallographic studies were used to investigate the chelating power of progenitor 2. Mg2+ and Cu2+ cations were selected for this purpose, and three types of metal complexes of 2 were obtained: Mg(II) complex (4), Cu(II) complex (5) and mixed Mg(II)-Cu(II) complexes (6 and 7). The analysis of the crystal structure of complex 4 indicates that two tridentate ligands coordinate two Mg2+ cations, both in octahedral geometry. The Mg-Mg distance was found equal to 3.221(1) A, in agreement with the metal-metal distance of 3.9 A encountered in the crystal structure of Escherichia coli DNA polymerase I. In 5, the complex is formed by two bidentate ligands coordinating one copper ion in tetrahedral geometry. Both mixed Mg(II)-Cu(II) complexes, 6 and 7 exhibit an original arrangement of four ligands linked to a central heterometallic cluster consisting of three octahedrally coordinated magnesium ions and one tetrahedrally coordinated copper ion. Quantum mechanics calculations were also carried out in order to display the electrostatic potential generated by the dianionic ligand 2 and complex 4 and to quantify the binding energy (BE) during the formation of the magnesium complex of progenitor 2. A comparison of the binding energies of two hypothetical monometallic Mg(II) complexes with that found in the bimetallic magnesium complex 4 was made.

Support vector machines approach for predicting druggable proteins: recent progress in its exploration and investigation of its usefulness

Identification and validation of viable targets is an important first step in drug discovery and new methods, and integrated approaches are continuously explored to improve the discovery rate and exploration of new drug targets. An in silico machine learning method, support vector machines, has been explored as a new method for predicting druggable proteins from amino acid sequence independent of sequence similarity, thereby facilitating the prediction of druggable proteins that exhibit no or low homology to known targets.

Delivery of 2-5A cargo into living cells using the Tat cell penetrating peptide: 2-5A-tat

2',5'-Oligoadenylate tetramer (2-5A) has been chemically conjugated to short HIV-1 Tat peptides to provide 2-5A-tat chimeras. Two different convergent synthetic approaches have been employed to provide such 2-5A-tat bioconjugates. One involved generation of a bioconjugate through reaction of a cysteine terminated Tat peptide with a alpha-chloroacetyl derivative of 2-5A. The second synthetic strategy was based upon a cycloaddition reaction of an azide derivative of 2-5A with a Tat peptide bearing an alkyne function. Either bioconjugate of 2-5A-tat was able to activate human RNase L. The union of 2-5A and Tat peptide provided an RNase L-active chimeric nucleopeptide with the ability to be taken up by cells by virtue of the Tat peptide and to activate RNase L in intact cells. This strategy provides a valuable vehicle for the entry of the charged 2-5A molecule into cells and may provide a means for targeted destruction of HIV RNA in vivo.

Therapeutic targets: progress of their exploration and investigation of their characteristics

Modern drug discovery is primarily based on the search and subsequent testing of drug candidates acting on a preselected therapeutic target. Progress in genomics, protein structure, proteomics, and disease mechanisms has led to a growing interest in and effort for finding new targets and more effective exploration of existing targets. The number of reported targets of marketed and investigational drugs has significantly increased in the past 8 years. There are 1535 targets collected in the therapeutic target database compared with approximately 500 targets reported in a 1996 review. Knowledge of these targets is helpful for molecular dissection of the mechanism of action of drugs and for predicting features that guide new drug design and the search for new targets. This article summarizes the progress of target exploration and investigates the characteristics of the currently explored targets to analyze their sequence, structure, family representation, pathway association, tissue distribution, and genome location features for finding clues useful for searching for new targets. Possible "rules" to guide the search for druggable proteins and the feasibility of using a statistical learning method for predicting druggable proteins directly from their sequences are discussed.

Role of seminal plasma in the anti-HIV-1 activity of candidate microbicides

Background

Evaluation of microbicides for prevention of HIV-1 infection in macaque models for vaginal infection has indicated that the concentrations of active compounds needed for protection by far exceed levels sufficient for complete inhibition of infection in vitro. These experiments were done in the absence of seminal plasma (SP), a vehicle for sexual transmission of the virus. To gain insight into the possible effect of SP on the performance of selected microbicides, their anti-HIV-1 activity in the presence, and absence of SP, was determined.

Methods

The inhibitory activity of compounds against the X4 virus, HIV-1 IIIB, and the R5 virus, HIV-1 BaL was determined using TZM-bl indicator cells and quantitated by measuring β-galactosidase induced by infection. The virucidal properties of cellulose acetate 1,2-benzene-dicarboxylate (CAP), the only microbicide provided in water insoluble, micronized form, in the presence of SP was measured.

Results

The HIV-1 inhibitory activity of the polymeric microbicides, poly(naphthalene sulfonate), cellulose sulfate, carrageenan, CAP (in soluble form) and polystyrene sulfonate, respectively, was considerably (range ≈ 4 to ≈ 73-fold) diminished in the presence of SP (33.3%). Formulations of micronized CAP, providing an acidic buffering system even in the presence of an SP volume excess, effectively inactivated HIV-1 infectivity.

Conclusion

The data presented here suggest that the in vivo efficacy of polymeric microbicides, acting as HIV-1 entry inhibitors, might become at least partly compromised by the inevitable presence of SP. These possible disadvantages could be overcome by combining the respective polymers with acidic pH buffering systems (built-in for formulations of micronized CAP) or with other anti-HIV-1 compounds, the activity of which is not affected by SP, e.g. reverse transcriptase and zinc finger inhibitors.

From ligand to complexes: inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 integrase by beta-diketo acid metal complexes

beta-Diketo acid-containing compounds are a promising class of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) integrase (IN) inhibitors. Starting from the hypothesis that these inhibitors are able to coordinate ions in solution before interacting on the active site, a series of potentiometric measurements have been performed to understand the coordination ability of the diketo acid pharmacophore toward the biologically relevant Mg(2+). Moreover, by using beta-diketo acid/ester as model ligands with a set of divalent metal ions (Mg, Mn, Ni, Co, Cu, and Zn), we obtained a series of complexes and tested them for anti-HIV-1 IN activity. Results demonstrate that the diketo acid functionality chelates divalent metal ions in solution, and complexes with metals in different stoichiometric ratios are isolated. We postulate that the diketo acids act as complexes in their active form. In particular, they predominantly form species such as Mg(2)L(2+) and Mg(2)L(2) (derived from diketo acids, H(2)L), and MgL(+) and MgL(2) (derived from diketo esters, HL) at physiological pH. Furthermore, the synthesized mono- and dimetallic complexes inhibited IN at a high nanomolar to low micromolar range, with metal dependency in the phenyl diketo acid series. Retrospective analysis suggests that the electronic properties of the aromatic framework influence the metal-chelating ability of the diketo acid system. Therefore, the difference in activities is related to the complexes they preferentially form in solution, and these findings are important for the design of a new generation of IN inhibitors.

Cell-based chemical genetic screen identifies damnacanthal as an inhibitor of HIV-1 Vpr induced cell death

Viral protein R (Vpr), one of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) accessory proteins, contributes to multiple cytopathic effects, G2 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. The mechanisms of Vpr have been intensely studied because it is believed that they underlie HIV-1 pathogenesis. We here report a cell-based small molecule screen on Vpr induced cell death in the context of HIV-1 infection. From the screen of 504 bioactive compounds, we identified damnacanthal (Dam), a component of noni [corrected] as an inhibitor of Vpr induced cell death. Our studies illustrate a novel efficient platform for drug discovery and development in anti-HIV therapy which should also be applicable to other viruses.

An information-motivation-behavioral skills model of adherence to antiretroviral therapy

HIV-positive persons who do not maintain consistently high levels of adherence to often complex and toxic highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimens may experience therapeutic failure and deterioration of health status and may develop multidrug-resistant HIV that can be transmitted to uninfected others. The current analysis conceptualizes social and psychological determinants of adherence to HAART among HIV-positive individuals. The authors propose an information-motivation-behavioral skills (IMB) model of HAART adherence that assumes that adherence-related information, motivation, and behavioral skills are fundamental determinants of adherence to HAART. According to the model, adherence-related information and motivation work through adherence-related behavioral skills to affect adherence to HAART. Empirical support for the IMB model of adherence is presented, and its application in adherence-promotion intervention efforts is discussed.

High incidence of adverse reactions to initial antiretroviral therapy in Brazil

A concurrent prospective study was conducted from 2001 to 2003 to assess factors associated with adverse reactions among individuals initiating antiretroviral therapy at two public referral HIV/AIDS centers in Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. Adverse reactions were obtained from medical charts reviewed up to 12 months after the first antiretroviral prescription. Cox proportional hazard model was used to perform univariate and multivariate analyses. Relative hazards (RH) were estimated with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Among 397 charts reviewed, 377 (95.0%) had precise information on adverse reactions and initial antiretroviral treatment. Most patients received triple combination regimens including nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and protease inhibitors. At least one adverse reaction was recorded on 34.5% (N = 130) of the medical charts (0.17 adverse reactions/100 person-day), while nausea (14.5%) and vomiting (13.1%) were the most common ones. Variables independently associated with adverse reactions were: regimens with nevirapine (RH = 1.78; 95% CI = 1.07-2.96), indinavir or indinavir/ritonavir combinations (RH = 2.05; 95% CI = 1.15-3.64), female patients (RH = 1.93; 95% CI = 1.31-2.83), 5 or more outpatient visits (RH = 1.94; 95% CI = 1.25-3.01), non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy (RH = 2.38; 95% CI = 1.62-3.51), and a CD4+ count of 200 to 500 cells/mm3 (RH = 2.66; 95% CI = 1.19-5.90). An independent and negative association was also found for alcohol use (RH = 0.55; 95% CI = 0.33-0.90). Adverse reactions were substantial among participants initiating antiretroviral therapy. Specially elaborated protocols in HIV/AIDS referral centers may improve the diagnosis, management and prevention of adverse reactions, thus contributing to improving adherence to antiretroviral therapy among HIV-infected patients.

Confocal microscopy studies of a model oligoribonucleotide HIV inhibitor

Previous work has shown that novel amphipalhic oligo and polyribonucleotides are potent inhibitors of HIV. It was hypothesized that the mechanism(s) of action for these compounds might be inhibition of retroviral reverse transcriptase (RT) and/or viral uptake by cells. A fluorescent oligonucleotide analog was prepared, and confocal microscopy studies were undertaken in order to examine oligonucleotide-cell interactions.

Mining the NCI antiviral compounds for HIV-1 integrase inhibitors

HIV-1 integrase (IN) is an essential enzyme for effective viral replication and is a validated target for the development of antiretroviral drugs. Currently, there are no approved drugs targeting this enzyme. In this study, we have identified 11 structurally diverse small-molecule inhibitors of IN. These compounds have been selected by mining the moderately active antiviral molecules from a collection of 90,000 compounds screened by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Antiviral Program. These compounds, which were screened at the NCI during the past 20 years, resulted in approximately 4000 compounds labeled as 'moderately active.' In our study, chalcone 11 shows the most potent activity with an IC(50) of 2+/-1 microM against purified IN in the presence of both Mn(2+) and Mg(2+) as cofactors. Docking simulations using the 11 identified inhibitors as a training set have elucidated two unique binding areas within the active site: the first encompasses the conserved D64-D116-E152 motif, while the other involves the flexible loop region formed by amino acid residues 140-149. The tested inhibitors exhibit favorable interactions with important amino acid residues through van der Waals and H-bonding contacts.

Synthesis and optimization of peptidomimetics as HIV entry inhibitors against the receptor protein CD4 using STD NMR and ligand docking

We recently described the design and synthesis of a novel CD4 binding peptidomimetic as a potential HIV entry inhibitor with a KD value of approximately 35 microM and a high proteolytic stability [A. T. Neffe and B. Meyer, Angew. Chem., Int. Ed., 2004, 43, 2937-2940]. Based on saturation transfer difference (STD) NMR analyses and docking studies of peptidomimetics we now report the rational design, synthesis, and binding properties of 11 compounds with improved binding affinity. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) resulted in a KD = 10 microM for the best peptidomimetic XI, whose binding affinity is confirmed by STD NMR (KD = 9 microM). The STD NMR determined binding epitope of the ligand indicates a very similar binding mode as that of the lead structure. The binding studies provide structure activity relationships and demonstrate the utility of this approach.

Naturally derived anti-HIV agents

The urgent need for new anti-HIV/AIDS drugs is a global concern. In addition to obvious economical and commercial hurdles, HIV/AIDS patients are faced with multifarious difficulties associated with the currently approved anti-HIV drugs. Adverse effects, the emergence of drug resistance and the narrow spectrum of activity have limited the therapeutic usefulness of the various reverse transcriptase and protease inhibitors that are currently available on the market. This has driven many scientists to look for new anti-retrovirals with better efficacy, safety and affordability. As has always been the case in the search for cures, natural sources offer great promise. Several natural products, mostly of plant origin have been shown to possess promising activities that could assist in the prevention and/or amelioration of the disease. Many of these anti-HIV agents have other medicinal values as well, which afford them further prospective as novel leads for the development of new drugs that can deal with both the virus and the various disorders that characterize HIV/AIDS. The aim of this review is to report new discoveries and updates pertaining to anti-HIV natural products. In the review anti-HIV agents have been classified according to their chemical classes rather than their target in the HIV replicative cycle, which is the most frequently encountered approach. Perusal of the literature revealed that most of these promising naturally derived anti-HIV compounds are flavonoids, coumarins, terpenoids, alkaloids, polyphenols, polysaccharides or proteins. It is our strong conviction that the results and experiences with many of the anti-HIV natural products will inspire and motivate even more researchers to look for new leads from plants and other natural sources.

Synthesis and assay of isoquinoline derivatives as HIV-1 Tat-TAR interaction inhibitors

Four new isoquinoline derivatives bearing guanidinium group or amino group-terminated side chain were synthesized to target the HIV-1 TAR element. Their abilities to bind TAR RNA and inhibit Tat-TAR RNA interaction were determined by CE analysis, a Tat-dependent HIV-1 LTR-driven CAT assay and SIV-induced syncytium evaluation.

Keynote review: Progress in targeting HIV-1 entry

Current HIV entry inhibitors target the binding of the viral envelope glycoprotein gp120 to cellular CD4 and co-receptors, or block a late stage of the fusogenic activation of adjacent gp41. New targets are suggested by the role of cell surface protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), which attaches to the primary receptor CD4 close to the gp120-binding site. This could enable PDI to reduce gp120 disulfide bonds, which triggers the major conformational changes in gp120 and gp41 required for virus entry. Inhibiting cell surface PDI prevents HIV-1 entry. The new potential targets outlined are PDI activity as well as the sites of PDI-CD4 and PDI-gp120 interaction.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel beta-carboline derivatives as Tat-TAR interaction inhibitors

Four new beta-carboline derivatives were synthesized bearing guanidinium group or amino group-terminated side chain targeting the TAR element. Compounds 5 and 6 with terminal guanidinium group showed inhibitory activities on Tat-TAR interaction as well as to HIV-1 in MT4 cells. Furthermore, capillary electrophoresis assay implied that compound 6 could not only bind to TAR but also hinder the Tat-TAR interaction.