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Farkas D, Bogamuwa S, Piper B, Newcomb G, Gunturu P, Bednash JS, Londino JD, Elhance A, Nho R, Mejia OR, Yount JS, Horowitz JC, Goncharova EA, Mallampalli RK, Robinson RT, Farkas L. A role for Toll-like receptor 3 in lung vascular remodeling associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.25.524586. [PMID: 36747676 PMCID: PMC9900759 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.25.524586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular sequelae of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus-2 (CoV-2) disease 2019 (COVID-19) contribute to the complications of the disease. One potential complication is lung vascular remodeling, but the exact cause is still unknown. We hypothesized that endothelial TLR3 insufficiency contributes to lung vascular remodeling induced by SARS-CoV-2. In the lungs of COVID-19 patients and SARS-CoV-2 infected Syrian hamsters, we discovered thickening of the pulmonary artery media and microvascular rarefaction, which were associated with decreased TLR3 expression in lung tissue and pulmonary artery endothelial cells (ECs). In vitro , SARS-CoV-2 infection reduced endothelial TLR3 expression. Following infection with mouse-adapted (MA) SARS-CoV-2, TLR3 knockout mice displayed heightened pulmonary artery remodeling and endothelial apoptosis. Treatment with the TLR3 agonist polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid reduced lung tissue damage, lung vascular remodeling, and endothelial apoptosis associated with MA SARS-CoV-2 infection. In conclusion, repression of endothelial TLR3 is a potential mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 infection associated lung vascular remodeling and enhancing TLR3 signaling is a potential strategy for treatment.
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Lancemaside A from Codonopsis lanceolata: Studies on Antiviral Activity and Mechanism of Action against SARS-CoV-2 and Its Variants of Concern. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2022; 66:e0120122. [PMID: 36374087 PMCID: PMC9765103 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01201-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Several plant-derived natural products with anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity have been evaluated for the potential to serve as chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of COVID-19. Codonopsis lanceolata (CL) has long been used as a medicinal herb in East Asian countries to treat inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system but its antiviral activity has not been investigated so far. Here, we showed that CL extract and its active compound lancemaside A (LA) displayed potent inhibitory activity against SARS-CoV-2 infection using a pseudotyped SARS-CoV-2 entry assay system. We demonstrated that this inhibitory effect of LA was due to the alteration of membrane cholesterol and blockade of the membrane fusion between SARS-CoV-2 and host cells by filipin staining and cell-based membrane fusion assays. Our findings also showed that LA, as a membrane fusion blocker, could impede the endosomal entry pathway of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants of concern (VOCs), including Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351), Delta (B.1.617.2), and Omicron (B.1.1.529), in Vero cells with similar of IC50 values ranging from 2.23 to 3.37 μM as well as the TMPRSS2-mediated viral entry pathway in A549 cells overexpressing ACE2 and TMPRSS2 with IC50 value of 3.92 μM. We further demonstrated that LA could prevent the formation of multinucleated syncytia arising from SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-mediated membrane fusion. Altogether, the findings reported here suggested that LA could be a broad-spectrum anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic agent by targeting the fusion of viral envelope with the host cell membrane.
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Kim TY, Kim JY, Kwon HC, Jeon S, Lee SJ, Jung H, Kim S, Jang DS, Lee CJ. Astersaponin I from Aster koraiensis is a natural viral fusion blocker that inhibits the infection of SARS-CoV-2 variants and syncytium formation. Antiviral Res 2022; 208:105428. [PMID: 36252824 PMCID: PMC9568284 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2022.105428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The continuous emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants prolongs COVID-19 pandemic. Although SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and therapeutics are currently available, there is still a need for development of safe and effective drugs against SARS-CoV-2 and also for preparedness for the next pandemic. Here, we discover that astersaponin I (AI), a triterpenoid saponin in Aster koraiensis inhibits SARS-CoV-2 entry pathways at the plasma membrane and within the endosomal compartments mainly by increasing cholesterol content in the plasma membrane and interfering with the fusion of SARS-CoV-2 envelope with the host cell membrane. Moreover, we find that this functional property of AI as a fusion blocker enables it to inhibit the infection with SARS-CoV-2 variants including the Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron with a similar efficacy, and the formation of syncytium, a multinucleated cells driven by SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-mediated cell-to-cell fusion. Finally, we claim that the triterpene backbone as well as the attached hydrophilic sugar moieties of AI are structurally important for its inhibitory activity against the membrane fusion event. Overall, this study demonstrates that AI is a natural viral fusion inhibitor and proposes that it can be a broad-spectrum antiviral agent against current COVID-19 pandemic and future outbreaks of novel viral pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tai Young Kim
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, 34126, South Korea
| | - Ji-Young Kim
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, South Korea
| | - Hak Cheol Kwon
- KIST Gangneung Institute of Natural Products, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung, 25451, South Korea
| | - Sangeun Jeon
- Zoonotic Virus Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Sol Ji Lee
- IBS Virus Facility, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, 34126, South Korea
| | - Haejin Jung
- Flow Cytometry Core Facility, Research Solution Center, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, 34126, South Korea
| | - Seungtaek Kim
- Zoonotic Virus Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Dae Sik Jang
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, South Korea.
| | - C Justin Lee
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, 34126, South Korea.
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Bishop CR, Dumenil T, Rawle DJ, Le TT, Yan K, Tang B, Hartel G, Suhrbier A. Mouse models of COVID-19 recapitulate inflammatory pathways rather than gene expression. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010867. [PMID: 36155667 PMCID: PMC9536645 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
How well mouse models recapitulate the transcriptional profiles seen in humans remains debatable, with both conservation and diversity identified in various settings. Herein we use RNA-Seq data and bioinformatics approaches to analyze the transcriptional responses in SARS-CoV-2 infected lungs, comparing 4 human studies with the widely used K18-hACE2 mouse model, a model where hACE2 is expressed from the mouse ACE2 promoter, and a model that uses a mouse adapted virus and wild-type mice. Overlap of single copy orthologue differentially expressed genes (scoDEGs) between human and mouse studies was generally poor (≈15-35%). Rather than being associated with batch, sample treatment, viral load, lung damage or mouse model, the poor overlaps were primarily due to scoDEG expression differences between species. Importantly, analyses of immune signatures and inflammatory pathways illustrated highly significant concordances between species. As immunity and immunopathology are the focus of most studies, these mouse models can thus be viewed as representative and relevant models of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron R. Bishop
- Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Troy Dumenil
- Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Daniel J. Rawle
- Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Thuy T. Le
- Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kexin Yan
- Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Bing Tang
- Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Gunter Hartel
- Statistics Unit, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andreas Suhrbier
- Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, GVN Center of Excellence, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Bullock HA, Goldsmith CS, Miller SE. Detection and identification of coronaviruses in human tissues using electron microscopy. Microsc Res Tech 2022; 85:2740-2747. [PMID: 35373872 PMCID: PMC9088335 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The identification of viral particles within a tissue specimen requires specific knowledge of viral ultrastructure and replication, as well as a thorough familiarity with normal subcellular organelles. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) pandemic has underscored how challenging the task of identifying coronavirus by electron microscopy (EM) can be. Numerous articles have been published mischaracterizing common subcellular structures, including clathrin‐ or coatomer‐ coated vesicles, multivesicular bodies, and rough endoplasmic reticulum, as coronavirus particles in SARS‐CoV‐2 positive patient tissue specimens. To counter these misinterpretations, we describe the morphological features of coronaviruses that should be used to differentiate coronavirus particles from subcellular structures. Further, as many of the misidentifications of coronavirus particles have stemmed from attempts to attribute tissue damage to direct infection by SARS‐CoV‐2, we review articles describing ultrastructural changes observed in specimens from SARS‐CoV‐2‐infected individuals that do not necessarily provide EM evidence of direct viral infection. Ultrastructural changes have been observed in respiratory, cardiac, kidney, and intestinal tissues, highlighting the widespread effects that SARS‐CoV‐2 infection may have on the body, whether through direct viral infection or mediated by SARS‐CoV‐2 infection‐induced inflammatory and immune processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah A. Bullock
- Synergy America, Inc. Atlanta Georgia USA
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Atlanta Georgia USA
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Ultrastructural examination of lung "cryobiopsies" from a series of fatal COVID-19 cases hardly revealed infected cells. Virchows Arch 2022; 480:967-977. [PMID: 35294603 PMCID: PMC8924574 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-022-03308-5] [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: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Ultrastructural analysis of autopsy samples from COVID-19 patients usually suffers from significant structural impairment possibly caused by the rather long latency between death of the patient and an appropriate sample fixation. To improve structural preservation of the tissue, we obtained samples from ventilated patients using a trans-bronchial “cryobiopsy” within 30 min after their death and fixed them immediately for electron microscopy. Samples of six COVID-19 patients with a documented histopathology were systematically investigated by thin section electron microscopy. The different samples and areas inspected revealed the ultrastructural correlates of the different phases of diffuse alveolar damage, including detachment of the alveolar epithelium, hyperplasia of type 2 cells, exudates, and accumulation of extracellular material, such as the hyaline membranes and fibrin. Macrophages and neutrophilic granulocytes were regularly detected. Structural integrity of endothelium was intact in regions where the alveolar epithelium was already detached. Aggregates of erythrocytes, leukocytes with fibrin, and thrombocytes were not observed. Coronavirus particles were only found in and around very few cells in one of the six patient samples. The type and origin of these cells could not be assessed although the overall structural preservation of the samples allowed the identification of pulmonary cell types. Hence, the observed alveolar damage is not associated with virus presence or structural impairment due to ongoing replication at later stages of the disease in fatal cases, which implies that the lung damage in these patients is at least propagated by alternative mechanisms, perhaps, an inappropriate immune or stress response.
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Calkovska A, Kolomaznik M, Calkovsky V. Alveolar type II cells and pulmonary surfactant in COVID-19 era. Physiol Res 2021; 70:S195-S208. [PMID: 34913352 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.934763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we discuss the role of pulmonary surfactant in the host defense against respiratory pathogens, including novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. In the lower respiratory system, the virus uses angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor in conjunction with serine protease TMPRSS2, expressed by alveolar type II (ATII) cells as one of the SARS-CoV-2 target cells, to enter. ATII cells are the main source of surfactant. After their infection and the resulting damage, the consequences may be severe and may include injury to the alveolar-capillary barrier, lung edema, inflammation, ineffective gas exchange, impaired lung mechanics and reduced oxygenation, which resembles acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) of other etiology. The aim of this review is to highlight the key role of ATII cells and reduced surfactant in the pathogenesis of the respiratory form of COVID-19 and to emphasize the rational basis for exogenous surfactant therapy in COVID-19 ARDS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Calkovska
- Department of Physiology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovak Republic; Clinic of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, University Hospital Martin, Martin, Slovak Republic.
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Wenzhong L, Hualan L. COVID-19: the CaMKII-like system of S protein drives membrane fusion and induces syncytial multinucleated giant cells. Immunol Res 2021; 69:496-519. [PMID: 34410575 PMCID: PMC8374125 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-021-09224-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 S protein on the membrane of infected cells can promote receptor-dependent syncytia formation, relating to extensive tissue damage and lymphocyte elimination. In this case, it is challenging to obtain neutralizing antibodies and prevent them through antibodies effectively. Considering that, in the current study, structural domain search methods are adopted to analyze the SARS-CoV-2 S protein to find the fusion mechanism. The results show that after the EF-hand domain of S protein bound to calcium ions, S2 protein had CaMKII protein activities. Besides, the CaMKII_AD domain of S2 changed S2 conformation, facilitating the formation of HR1-HR2 six-helix bundles. Apart from that, the Ca2+-ATPase of S2 pumped calcium ions from the virus cytoplasm to help membrane fusion, while motor structures of S drove the CaATP_NAI and CaMKII_AD domains to extend to the outside and combined the viral membrane and the cell membrane, thus forming a calcium bridge. Furthermore, the phospholipid-flipping-ATPase released water, triggering lipid mixing and fusion and generating fusion pores. Then, motor structures promoted fusion pore extension, followed by the cytoplasmic contents of the virus being discharged into the cell cytoplasm. After that, the membrane of the virus slid onto the cell membrane along the flowing membrane on the gap of the three CaATP_NAI. At last, the HR1-HR2 hexamer would fall into the cytoplasm or stay on the cell membrane. Therefore, the CaMKII_like system of S protein facilitated membrane fusion for further inducing syncytial multinucleated giant cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Wenzhong
- grid.412605.40000 0004 1798 1351School of Computer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University of Science & Engineering, Zigong, 643002 China ,grid.413041.30000 0004 1808 3369School of Life Science and Food Engineering, Yibin University, Yibin, 644000 China
| | - Li Hualan
- grid.413041.30000 0004 1808 3369School of Life Science and Food Engineering, Yibin University, Yibin, 644000 China
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