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Boon ACM, Bricker TL, Fritch EJ, Leist SR, Gully K, Baric RS, Graham RL, Troan BV, Mahoney M, Janetka JW. Efficacy of host cell serine protease inhibitor MM3122 against SARS-CoV-2 for treatment and prevention of COVID-19. J Virol 2024; 98:e0190323. [PMID: 38593045 PMCID: PMC11092322 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01903-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
We developed a novel class of peptidomimetic inhibitors targeting several host cell human serine proteases, including transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2), matriptase, and hepsin. TMPRSS2 is a membrane-associated protease that is highly expressed in the upper and lower respiratory tracts and is utilized by SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses to proteolytically process their glycoproteins, enabling host cell entry, replication, and dissemination of new virus particles. We have previously shown that compound MM3122 exhibited subnanomolar potency against all three proteases and displayed potent antiviral effects against SARS-CoV-2 in a cell viability assay. Herein, we demonstrate that MM3122 potently inhibits viral replication in human lung epithelial cells and is also effective against the EG.5.1 variant of SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, we evaluated MM3122 in a mouse model of COVID-19 and demonstrated that MM3122 administered intraperitoneally (IP) before (prophylactic) or after (therapeutic) SARS-CoV-2 infection had significant protective effects against weight loss and lung congestion and reduced pathology. Amelioration of COVID-19 disease was associated with a reduction in proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine production after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Prophylactic, but not therapeutic, administration of MM3122 also reduced virus titers in the lungs of SARS-CoV-2-infected mice. Therefore, MM3122 is a promising lead candidate small-molecule drug for the treatment and prevention of infections caused by SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses. IMPORTANCE SARS-CoV-2 and other emerging RNA coronaviruses are a present and future threat in causing widespread endemic and pandemic infection and disease. In this paper, we have shown that the novel host cell protease inhibitor, MM3122, blocks SARS-CoV-2 viral replication and is efficacious as both a prophylactic and a therapeutic drug for the treatment of COVID-19 given intraperitoneally in mice. Targeting host proteins and pathways in antiviral therapy is an underexplored area of research, but this approach promises to avoid drug resistance by the virus, which is common in current antiviral treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrianus C. M. Boon
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Traci L. Bricker
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Ethan J. Fritch
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sarah R. Leist
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kendra Gully
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ralph S. Baric
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Rachel L. Graham
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Matthew Mahoney
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - James W. Janetka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
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Reim T, Ehrt C, Graef J, Günther S, Meents A, Rarey M. SiteMine: Large-scale binding site similarity searching in protein structure databases. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2024; 357:e2300661. [PMID: 38335311 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202300661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Drug discovery and design challenges, such as drug repurposing, analyzing protein-ligand and protein-protein complexes, ligand promiscuity studies, or function prediction, can be addressed by protein binding site similarity analysis. Although numerous tools exist, they all have individual strengths and drawbacks with regard to run time, provision of structure superpositions, and applicability to diverse application domains. Here, we introduce SiteMine, an all-in-one database-driven, alignment-providing binding site similarity search tool to tackle the most pressing challenges of binding site comparison. The performance of SiteMine is evaluated on the ProSPECCTs benchmark, showing a promising performance on most of the data sets. The method performs convincingly regarding all quality criteria for reliable binding site comparison, offering a novel state-of-the-art approach for structure-based molecular design based on binding site comparisons. In a SiteMine showcase, we discuss the high structural similarity between cathepsin L and calpain 1 binding sites and give an outlook on the impact of this finding on structure-based drug design. SiteMine is available at https://uhh.de/naomi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thorben Reim
- ZBH - Center for Bioinformatics, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christiane Ehrt
- ZBH - Center for Bioinformatics, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Joel Graef
- ZBH - Center for Bioinformatics, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Günther
- Center for Free-Electron Laser Science CFEL, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alke Meents
- Center for Free-Electron Laser Science CFEL, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Rarey
- ZBH - Center for Bioinformatics, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
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Pečar Fonović U, Kos J, Mitrović A. Compensational role between cathepsins. Biochimie 2024:S0300-9084(24)00085-3. [PMID: 38663456 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2024.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/30/2024]
Abstract
Cathepsins, a family of lysosomal peptidases, play a crucial role in maintaining cellular homeostasis by regulating protein turnover and degradation as well as many specific regulatory actions that are important for proper cell function and human health. Alterations in the activity and expression of cathepsins have been observed in many diseases such as cancer, inflammation, neurodegenerative disorders, bone remodelling-related conditions and others. These changes are not exclusively harmful, but rather appear to be a compensatory response on the lack of one cathepsin in order to maintain tissue integrity. The upregulation of specific cathepsins in response to the inhibition or dysfunction of other cathepsins suggests a fine-tuned system of proteolytic balance and understanding the compensatory role of cathepsins may improve therapeutic potential of cathepsin's inhibitors. Selectively targeting one cathepsin or modulating their activity could offer new treatment strategies for a number of diseases. This review emphasises the need for comprehensive research into cathepsin biology in the context of disease. The identification of the specific cathepsins involved in compensatory responses, the elucidation of the underlying molecular mechanisms and the development of targeted interventions could lead to innovative therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urša Pečar Fonović
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva Cesta 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Janko Kos
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva Cesta 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Ana Mitrović
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva Cesta 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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4
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Zhou W, You B, Zhao X, Si S, Li Y, Zhang J. Establishment, optimization and validation of a fluorescence polarization-based high-throughput screening assay targeting cathepsin L inhibitors. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2024; 29:100153. [PMID: 38518956 DOI: 10.1016/j.slasd.2024.100153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Cathepsin L (CTSL), a lysosomal cysteine proteinase, is primarily dedicated to the metabolic turnover of intracellular proteins. It is involved in various physiological processes and contributes to pathological conditions such as viral infection, tumor invasion and metastasis, inflammatory status, atherosclerosis, renal disease, diabetes, bone diseases, and other ailments. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), with its rapid global spread and significant mortality, has been a worldwide epidemic since the late 2019s. Notably, CTSL plays a role in the processing of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein, providing a potential avenue to block coronavirus host cell entry and thereby inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans. In this study, we have developed a novel method using fluorescence polarization (FP) for screening CTSL inhibitors in a high-throughput format. The optimized assay demonstrated its appropriateness for high-throughput screening (HTS) with a Z-factor of 0.9 in a 96-well format. Additionally, the IC50 of the known inhibitor, Z-Phe-Tyr-CHO, was determined to be 188.50 ± 46.88 nM. Upon screening over 2000 small molecules, we identified, for the first time, the anti-CTSL properties of a benzothiazoles derivative named IMB 8015. This work presents a novel high-throughput approach and its application in discovering and evaluating CTSL inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Zhou
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tiantanxili #1, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Baoqing You
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tiantanxili #1, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Xiaomeng Zhao
- Beijing Science and Technology Innovation Promotion Center, Beijing Municipal Science & Technology Commission, Administrative Commission of Zhongguancun Science Park, Beijing 100036, China
| | - Shuyi Si
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tiantanxili #1, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yan Li
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tiantanxili #1, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100050, China.
| | - Jing Zhang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tiantanxili #1, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100050, China.
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Naidu AS, Wang CK, Rao P, Mancini F, Clemens RA, Wirakartakusumah A, Chiu HF, Yen CH, Porretta S, Mathai I, Naidu SAG. Precision nutrition to reset virus-induced human metabolic reprogramming and dysregulation (HMRD) in long-COVID. NPJ Sci Food 2024; 8:19. [PMID: 38555403 PMCID: PMC10981760 DOI: 10.1038/s41538-024-00261-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the etiological agent of COVID-19, is devoid of any metabolic capacity; therefore, it is critical for the viral pathogen to hijack host cellular metabolic machinery for its replication and propagation. This single-stranded RNA virus with a 29.9 kb genome encodes 14 open reading frames (ORFs) and initiates a plethora of virus-host protein-protein interactions in the human body. These extensive viral protein interactions with host-specific cellular targets could trigger severe human metabolic reprogramming/dysregulation (HMRD), a rewiring of sugar-, amino acid-, lipid-, and nucleotide-metabolism(s), as well as altered or impaired bioenergetics, immune dysfunction, and redox imbalance in the body. In the infectious process, the viral pathogen hijacks two major human receptors, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-2 and/or neuropilin (NRP)-1, for initial adhesion to cell surface; then utilizes two major host proteases, TMPRSS2 and/or furin, to gain cellular entry; and finally employs an endosomal enzyme, cathepsin L (CTSL) for fusogenic release of its viral genome. The virus-induced HMRD results in 5 possible infectious outcomes: asymptomatic, mild, moderate, severe to fatal episodes; while the symptomatic acute COVID-19 condition could manifest into 3 clinical phases: (i) hypoxia and hypoxemia (Warburg effect), (ii) hyperferritinemia ('cytokine storm'), and (iii) thrombocytosis (coagulopathy). The mean incubation period for COVID-19 onset was estimated to be 5.1 days, and most cases develop symptoms after 14 days. The mean viral clearance times were 24, 30, and 39 days for acute, severe, and ICU-admitted COVID-19 patients, respectively. However, about 25-70% of virus-free COVID-19 survivors continue to sustain virus-induced HMRD and exhibit a wide range of symptoms that are persistent, exacerbated, or new 'onset' clinical incidents, collectively termed as post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) or long COVID. PASC patients experience several debilitating clinical condition(s) with >200 different and overlapping symptoms that may last for weeks to months. Chronic PASC is a cumulative outcome of at least 10 different HMRD-related pathophysiological mechanisms involving both virus-derived virulence factors and a multitude of innate host responses. Based on HMRD and virus-free clinical impairments of different human organs/systems, PASC patients can be categorized into 4 different clusters or sub-phenotypes: sub-phenotype-1 (33.8%) with cardiac and renal manifestations; sub-phenotype-2 (32.8%) with respiratory, sleep and anxiety disorders; sub-phenotype-3 (23.4%) with skeleto-muscular and nervous disorders; and sub-phenotype-4 (10.1%) with digestive and pulmonary dysfunctions. This narrative review elucidates the effects of viral hijack on host cellular machinery during SARS-CoV-2 infection, ensuing detrimental effect(s) of virus-induced HMRD on human metabolism, consequential symptomatic clinical implications, and damage to multiple organ systems; as well as chronic pathophysiological sequelae in virus-free PASC patients. We have also provided a few evidence-based, human randomized controlled trial (RCT)-tested, precision nutrients to reset HMRD for health recovery of PASC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Satyanarayan Naidu
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA.
- N-terminus Research Laboratory, 232659 Via del Rio, Yorba Linda, CA, 92887, USA.
| | - Chin-Kun Wang
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- School of Nutrition, Chung Shan Medical University, 110, Section 1, Jianguo North Road, Taichung, 40201, Taiwan
| | - Pingfan Rao
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- College of Food and Bioengineering, Fujian Polytechnic Normal University, No.1, Campus New Village, Longjiang Street, Fuqing City, Fujian, China
| | - Fabrizio Mancini
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- President-Emeritus, Parker University, 2540 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas, TX, 75229, USA
| | - Roger A Clemens
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- University of Southern California, Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy/D. K. Kim International Center for Regulatory & Quality Sciences, 1540 Alcazar St., CHP 140, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Aman Wirakartakusumah
- International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST), Guelph, ON, Canada
- IPMI International Business School Jakarta; South East Asian Food and Agriculture Science and Technology, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Hui-Fang Chiu
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Taichung Hospital, Ministry of Health & Well-being, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Hua Yen
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital; School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Sebastiano Porretta
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- President, Italian Association of Food Technology (AITA), Milan, Italy
- Experimental Station for the Food Preserving Industry, Department of Consumer Science, Viale Tanara 31/a, I-43121, Parma, Italy
| | - Issac Mathai
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- Soukya International Holistic Health Center, Whitefield, Bengaluru, India
| | - Sreus A G Naidu
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- N-terminus Research Laboratory, 232659 Via del Rio, Yorba Linda, CA, 92887, USA
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6
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Zhou W, You B, Zheng Y, Si S, Li Y, Zhang J. Expression, purification, and biological activity evaluation of cathepsin L in mammalian cells. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2024; 88:405-411. [PMID: 38271604 DOI: 10.1093/bbb/zbae005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Cathepsin L (CTSL) could cleave and activate SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein to promote viral entry, making it a hopeful therapeutic target for COVID-19 prevention and treatment. So CTSL inhibitors are considered to be a promising strategy to SARS-CoV-2 infection. CTSL has previously been expressed in inclusion body in Escherichia coli. In order to prepare CTSL with high purity and activity in soluble active form, we transformed HEK-293T cells with a recombinant mammalian expression plasmid. CTSL was purified to a purity about 95%, found to migrate at approximately 43 kDa and exhibited substrate specificity against Z-Phe-Arg-AMC with specific activity of no less than 85 081 U/mg, characteristic of active CTSL. Although eukaryotic purified CTSL is commercially available, our study for the first time reported the details of the expression, purification, and characterization of active, recombinant CTSL in eukaryocyte system, which laid an experimental foundation for the establishment of high-throughput screening model for anti-coronavirus drugs targeting CTSL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Zhou
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Baoqing You
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yifan Zheng
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shuyi Si
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Li
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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7
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Xie X, Lan Q, Zhao J, Zhang S, Liu L, Zhang Y, Xu W, Shao M, Peng J, Xia S, Zhu Y, Zhang K, Zhang X, Zhang R, Li J, Dai W, Ge Z, Hu S, Yu C, Wang J, Ma D, Zheng M, Yang H, Xiao G, Rao Z, Lu L, Zhang L, Bai F, Zhao Y, Jiang S, Liu H. Structure-based design of pan-coronavirus inhibitors targeting host cathepsin L and calpain-1. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:54. [PMID: 38443334 PMCID: PMC10914734 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01758-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Respiratory disease caused by coronavirus infection remains a global health crisis. Although several SARS-CoV-2-specific vaccines and direct-acting antivirals are available, their efficacy on emerging coronaviruses in the future, including SARS-CoV-2 variants, might be compromised. Host-targeting antivirals provide preventive and therapeutic strategies to overcome resistance and manage future outbreak of emerging coronaviruses. Cathepsin L (CTSL) and calpain-1 (CAPN1) are host cysteine proteases which play crucial roles in coronaviral entrance into cells and infection-related immune response. Here, two peptidomimetic α-ketoamide compounds, 14a and 14b, were identified as potent dual target inhibitors against CTSL and CAPN1. The X-ray crystal structures of human CTSL and CAPN1 in complex with 14a and 14b revealed the covalent binding of α-ketoamide groups of 14a and 14b to C25 of CTSL and C115 of CAPN1. Both showed potent and broad-spectrum anticoronaviral activities in vitro, and it is worth noting that they exhibited low nanomolar potency against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants of concern (VOCs) with EC50 values ranging from 0.80 to 161.7 nM in various cells. Preliminary mechanistic exploration indicated that they exhibited anticoronaviral activity through blocking viral entrance. Moreover, 14a and 14b exhibited good oral pharmacokinetic properties in mice, rats and dogs, and favorable safety in mice. In addition, both 14a and 14b treatments demonstrated potent antiviral potency against SARS-CoV-2 XBB 1.16 variant infection in a K18-hACE2 transgenic mouse model. And 14b also showed effective antiviral activity against HCoV-OC43 infection in a mouse model with a final survival rate of 60%. Further evaluation showed that 14a and 14b exhibited excellent anti-inflammatory effects in Raw 264.7 mouse macrophages and in mice with acute pneumonia. Taken together, these results suggested that 14a and 14b are promising drug candidates, providing novel insight into developing pan-coronavirus inhibitors with antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiong Xie
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Qiaoshuai Lan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jinyi Zhao
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Sulin Zhang
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Lu Liu
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Yumin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Maolin Shao
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Jingjing Peng
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shuai Xia
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yan Zhu
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Keke Zhang
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xian Lin Road, Jiangsu, 210023, Nanjing, China
| | - Xianglei Zhang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Ruxue Zhang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Jian Li
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xian Lin Road, Jiangsu, 210023, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenhao Dai
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhen Ge
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xian Lin Road, Jiangsu, 210023, Nanjing, China
| | - Shulei Hu
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Changyue Yu
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jiang Wang
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Dakota Ma
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Mingyue Zheng
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xian Lin Road, Jiangsu, 210023, Nanjing, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou, 310024, China
| | - Haitao Yang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Gengfu Xiao
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Zihe Rao
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Lu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Leike Zhang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China.
| | - Fang Bai
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| | - Yao Zhao
- National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518112, China.
| | - Shibo Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Hong Liu
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xian Lin Road, Jiangsu, 210023, Nanjing, China.
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou, 310024, China.
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8
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Oliveira BR, Nehlmeier I, Kempf AM, Venugopalan V, Rehders M, Ceniza MEP, Cavalcanti PADTPV, Hoffmann M, Pöhlmann S, Brix K. Cytoskeletal β-tubulin and cysteine cathepsin L deregulation by SARS-CoV-2 spike protein interaction with the neuronal model cell line SH-SY5Y. Biochimie 2024:S0300-9084(24)00044-0. [PMID: 38432290 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2024.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 mainly infects the respiratory tract but can also target other organs, including the central nervous system. While it was recently shown that cells of the blood-brain-barrier are permissive to SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro, it remains debated whether neurons can be infected. In this study, we demonstrate that vesicular stomatitis virus particles pseudotyped with the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 variants WT, Alpha, Delta and Omicron enter the neuronal model cell line SH-SY5Y. Cell biological analyses of the pseudo-virus treated cultures showed marked alterations in microtubules of SH-SY5Y cells. Because the changes in β-tubulin occurred in most cells, but only few were infected, we further asked whether interaction of the cells with spike protein might be sufficient to cause molecular and structural changes. For this, SH-SY5Y cells were incubated with trimeric spike proteins for time intervals of up to 24 h. CellProfiler™-based image analyses revealed changes in the intensities of microtubule staining in spike protein-incubated cells. Furthermore, expression of the spike protein-processing protease cathepsin L was found to be up-regulated by wild type, Alpha and Delta spike protein pseudotypes and cathepsin L was found to be secreted from spike protein-treated cells. We conclude that the mere interaction of the SARS-CoV-2 with neuronal cells can affect cellular architecture and proteolytic capacities. The molecular mechanisms underlying SARS-CoV-2 spike protein induced cytoskeletal changes in neuronal cells remain elusive and require future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernardo R Oliveira
- Constructor University, School of Science, Campus Ring 1, D-28759, Bremen, Germany
| | - Inga Nehlmeier
- Deutsches Primatenzentrum - Leibniz-Institut für Primatenforschung, Abteilung Infektionsbiologie, Kellnerweg 4, D-37077, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Amy Madeleine Kempf
- Deutsches Primatenzentrum - Leibniz-Institut für Primatenforschung, Abteilung Infektionsbiologie, Kellnerweg 4, D-37077, Göttingen, Germany; Faculty of Biology and Psychology, Georg-August University Göttingen, Wilhelmsplatz 1, D-37073, Göttingen, Germany.
| | | | - Maren Rehders
- Constructor University, School of Science, Campus Ring 1, D-28759, Bremen, Germany.
| | - Marianne E P Ceniza
- Constructor University, School of Science, Campus Ring 1, D-28759, Bremen, Germany.
| | | | - Markus Hoffmann
- Deutsches Primatenzentrum - Leibniz-Institut für Primatenforschung, Abteilung Infektionsbiologie, Kellnerweg 4, D-37077, Göttingen, Germany; Faculty of Biology and Psychology, Georg-August University Göttingen, Wilhelmsplatz 1, D-37073, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Stefan Pöhlmann
- Deutsches Primatenzentrum - Leibniz-Institut für Primatenforschung, Abteilung Infektionsbiologie, Kellnerweg 4, D-37077, Göttingen, Germany; Faculty of Biology and Psychology, Georg-August University Göttingen, Wilhelmsplatz 1, D-37073, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Klaudia Brix
- Constructor University, School of Science, Campus Ring 1, D-28759, Bremen, Germany.
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9
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Ciaglia T, Vestuto V, Di Sarno V, Musella S, Smaldone G, Di Matteo F, Napolitano V, Miranda MR, Pepe G, Basilicata MG, Novi S, Capolupo I, Bifulco G, Campiglia P, Gomez-Monterrey I, Snoeck R, Andrei G, Manfra M, Ostacolo C, Lauro G, Bertamino A. Peptidomimetics as potent dual SARS-CoV-2 cathepsin-L and main protease inhibitors: In silico design, synthesis and pharmacological characterization. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 266:116128. [PMID: 38232463 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
In this paper we present the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of a new series of peptidomimetics acting as potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents. Starting from our previously described Main Protease (MPro) and Papain Like Protease (PLPro) dual inhibitor, CV11, here we disclose its high inhibitory activity against cathepsin L (CTSL) (IC50 = 19.80 ± 4.44 nM), an emerging target in SARS-CoV-2 infection machinery. An in silico design, inspired by the structure of CV11, led to the development of a library of peptidomimetics showing interesting activities against CTSL and Mpro, allowing us to trace the chemical requirements for the binding to both enzymes. The screening in Vero cells infected with 5 different SARS-CoV-2 variants of concerns, highlighted sub-micromolar activities for most of the synthesized compounds (13, 15, 16, 17 and 31) in agreement with the enzymatic inhibition assays results. The compounds showed lack of activity against several different RNA viruses except for the 229E and OC43 human coronavirus strains, also characterized by a cathepsin-L dependent release into the host cells. The most promising derivatives were also evaluated for their chemical and metabolic in-vitro stability, with derivatives 15 and 17 showing a suitable profile for further preclinical characterization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Ciaglia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Vestuto
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Veronica Di Sarno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Simona Musella
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Gerardina Smaldone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Francesca Di Matteo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Valeria Napolitano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Miranda
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Giacomo Pepe
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | | | - Sara Novi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Ilaria Capolupo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bifulco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Pietro Campiglia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy; European Biomedical Research Institute (EBRIS), Via S. De Renzi 50, 84125, Salerno, Italy
| | - Isabel Gomez-Monterrey
- Department of Pharmacy, University Federico II of Naples, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Robert Snoeck
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, KU Leuven, BE-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Graciela Andrei
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, KU Leuven, BE-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Michele Manfra
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, Via Dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100, Potenza, Italy
| | - Carmine Ostacolo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Lauro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy.
| | - Alessia Bertamino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy.
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10
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Boon ACM, L Bricker T, Fritch EJ, Leist SR, Gully K, Baric RS, Graham RL, Troan BV, Mahoney M, Janetka JW. Efficacy of Host Cell Serine Protease Inhibitor MM3122 against SARS-CoV-2 for Treatment and Prevention of COVID-19. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.09.579701. [PMID: 38405752 PMCID: PMC10888838 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.09.579701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
We have developed a novel class of peptidomimetic inhibitors targeting several host cell human serine proteases including transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2), matriptase and hepsin. TMPRSS2 is a membrane associated protease which is highly expressed in the upper and lower respiratory tract and is utilized by SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses to proteolytically process their glycoproteins, enabling host cell receptor binding, entry, replication, and dissemination of new virion particles. We have previously shown that compound MM3122 exhibited sub nanomolar potency against all three proteases and displayed potent antiviral effects against SARS-CoV-2 in a cell-viability assay. Herein, we demonstrate that MM3122 potently inhibits viral replication in human lung epithelial cells and is also effective against the EG.5.1 variant of SARS-CoV-2. Further, we have evaluated MM3122 in a mouse model of COVID-19 and have demonstrated that MM3122 administered intraperitoneally (IP) before (prophylactic) or after (therapeutic) SARS-CoV-2 infection had significant protective effects against weight loss and lung congestion, and reduced pathology. Amelioration of COVID-19 disease was associated with a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines production after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Prophylactic, but not therapeutic, administration of MM3122 also reduced virus titers in the lungs of SARS-CoV-2 infected mice. Therefore, MM3122 is a promising lead candidate small molecule drug for the treatment and prevention of infections caused by SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses. IMPORTANCE SARS-CoV-2 and other emerging RNA coronaviruses are a present and future threat in causing widespread endemic and pandemic infection and disease. In this paper, we have shown that the novel host-cell protease inhibitor, MM3122, blocks SARS-CoV-2 viral replication and is efficacious as both a prophylactic and therapeutic drug for the treatment of COVID-19 in mice. Targeting host proteins and pathways in antiviral therapy is an underexplored area of research but this approach promises to avoid drug resistance by the virus, which is common in current antiviral treatments.
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11
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de Almeida Marques DP, Andrade LAF, Reis EVS, Clarindo FA, Moraes TDFS, Lourenço KL, De Barros WA, Costa NEM, Andrade LMD, Lopes-Ribeiro Á, Coêlho Maciel MS, Corrêa-Dias LC, de Almeida IN, Arantes TS, Litwinski VCV, de Oliveira LC, Serafim MSM, Maltarollo VG, Guatimosim SC, Silva MM, Tsuji M, Ferreira RS, Barreto LV, Barbosa-Stancioli EF, da Fonseca FG, De Fátima Â, Coelho-Dos-Reis JGA. New anti-SARS-CoV-2 aminoadamantane compounds as antiviral candidates for the treatment of COVID-19. Virus Res 2024; 340:199291. [PMID: 38065303 PMCID: PMC10733093 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2023.199291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Here, the antiviral activity of aminoadamantane derivatives were evaluated against SARS-CoV-2. The compounds exhibited low cytotoxicity to Vero, HEK293 and CALU-3 cells up to a concentration of 1,000 µM. The inhibitory concentration (IC50) of aminoadamantane was 39.71 µM in Vero CCL-81 cells and the derivatives showed significantly lower IC50 values, especially for compounds 3F4 (0.32 µM), 3F5 (0.44 µM) and 3E10 (1.28 µM). Additionally, derivatives 3F5 and 3E10 statistically reduced the fluorescence intensity of SARS-CoV-2 protein S from Vero cells at 10 µM. Transmission microscopy confirmed the antiviral activity of the compounds, which reduced cytopathic effects induced by the virus, such as vacuolization, cytoplasmic projections, and the presence of myelin figures derived from cellular activation in the face of infection. Additionally, it was possible to observe a reduction of viral particles adhered to the cell membrane and inside several viral factories, especially after treatment with 3F4. Moreover, although docking analysis showed favorable interactions in the catalytic site of Cathepsin L, the enzymatic activity of this enzyme was not inhibited significantly in vitro. The new derivatives displayed lower predicted toxicities than aminoadamantane, which was observed for either rat or mouse models. Lastly, in vivo antiviral assays of aminoadamantane derivatives in BALB/cJ mice after challenge with the mouse-adapted strain of SARS-CoV-2, corroborated the robust antiviral activity of 3F4 derivative, which was higher than aminoadamantane and its other derivatives. Therefore, aminoadamantane derivatives show potential broad-spectrum antiviral activity, which may contribute to COVID-19 treatment in the face of emerging and re-emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisymara Priscila de Almeida Marques
- Laboratório de Virologia Básica e Aplicada (LVBA), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Luis Adan Flores Andrade
- Laboratório de Virologia Básica e Aplicada (LVBA), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil; Centro Tecnológico de Vacinas (CT Vacinas), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Erik Vinicius Sousa Reis
- Laboratório de Virologia Básica e Aplicada (LVBA), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Felipe Alves Clarindo
- Laboratório de Virologia Básica e Aplicada (LVBA), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Thaís de Fátima Silva Moraes
- Laboratório de Virologia Básica e Aplicada (LVBA), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Karine Lima Lourenço
- Laboratório de Virologia Básica e Aplicada (LVBA), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil; Centro Tecnológico de Vacinas (CT Vacinas), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Wellington Alves De Barros
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Nathália Evelyn Morais Costa
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Lídia Maria de Andrade
- Departamento de Física, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Ágata Lopes-Ribeiro
- Laboratório de Virologia Básica e Aplicada (LVBA), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Mariella Sousa Coêlho Maciel
- Laboratório de Virologia Básica e Aplicada (LVBA), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Laura Cardoso Corrêa-Dias
- Laboratório de Virologia Básica e Aplicada (LVBA), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Isabela Neves de Almeida
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Escola de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil; Laboratório de Micobacterioses, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de, Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Thalita Souza Arantes
- Centro de Microscopia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Vivian Costa Vasconcelos Litwinski
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Camilo de Oliveira
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Mateus Sá Magalhães Serafim
- Laboratório de Virus, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Vinicius Gonçalves Maltarollo
- Departamento de Produtos Farmacêuticos da Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Silvia Carolina Guatimosim
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Mário Morais Silva
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Moriya Tsuji
- Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Rafaela Salgado Ferreira
- Laboratório de Modelagem Molecular e Planejamento de Fármacos, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Luiza Valença Barreto
- Laboratório de Modelagem Molecular e Planejamento de Fármacos, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Edel Figueiredo Barbosa-Stancioli
- Laboratório de Virologia Básica e Aplicada (LVBA), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Flávio Guimarães da Fonseca
- Laboratório de Virologia Básica e Aplicada (LVBA), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil; Centro Tecnológico de Vacinas (CT Vacinas), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Ângelo De Fátima
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
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12
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Elnosary ME, Shreadah MA, Ashour ML, Nabil-Adam A. Predictions based on inflammatory cytokine profiling of Egyptian COVID-19 with 2 potential therapeutic effects of certain marine-derived compounds. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 126:111072. [PMID: 38006751 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS A worldwide coronavirus pandemic has affected many healthcare systems in 2019 (COVID-19). Following viral activation, cytokines and chemokines are released, causing inflammation and tissue death, particularly in the lungs, resulting in severe COVID-19 symptoms such as pneumonia and ARDS. COVID-19 induces the release of several chemokines and cytokines in different organs, such as the cardiovascular system and lungs. RESEARCH IDEA COVID-19 and its more severe effects, such as an elevated risk of death, are more common in patients with metabolic syndrome and the elderly. Cytokine storm and COVID-19 severity may be mitigated by immunomodulation targeting NF-κB activation in conjunction with TNF- α -inhibition. In severe cases of COVID-19, inhibiting the NF-κB/TNF- α, the pathway may be employed as a therapeutic option. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study will elaborate on the Egyptian pattern for COVID-19 patients in the first part of our study. An Egyptian patient with COVID-19 inflammatory profiling will be discussed in the second part of this article using approved marine drugs selected to inhabit the significant inflammatory signals. A biomarker profiling study is currently being performed on Egyptian patients with SARS-COV-2. According to the severity of the infection, participants were divided into four groups. The First Group was non-infected with SARS-CoV-2 (Control, n = 16), the Second Group was non-intensive care patients (non-ICU, n = 16), the Third Group was intensive care patients (ICU, n = 16), and the Fourth Group was ICU with endotracheal intubation (ICU + EI, n = 16). To investigate COVID-19 inflammatory biomarkers for Egyptian patients, several inflammatory, oxidative, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory biomarkers were measured. The following are examples of blood tests: CRP, Ferritin, D-dimer, TNF-α, IL-8, IL-6., IL-Ib, CD8, NF-κB, MDA, and total antioxidants. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The results of the current study revealed many logical findings, such as the elevation of CRP, Ferritin, D-dimer, TNF- α, CD8, IL-6, IL-, NF-κB, and MDA. Where a significant increase showed in ICU group results (23.05 ± 0.30, 2.35 ± 0.86, 433.4 ± 159.3, 26.67 ± 3.51, 7.52 ± 1.48, 7.49 ± 1.04, 5.76 ± 1.31, 7.41 ± 0.73) respectively, and also ICU group results (54.75 ± 3.44, 0.65 ± 0.13, 460.2 ± 121.42, 27.43 ± 2.52, 8.63 ± 2.68, 10.65 ± 2.75, 5.93 ± 1.4, 10.64 ± 0.86) respectively, as well as ICU + EI group results (117.63 ± 11.89, 1.22 ± 0.65, 918.8 ± 159.27, 26.68 ± 2.00, 6.68 ± 1.08, 11.68 ± 6.16, 6.23 ± 0.07, 22.41 ± 1.39),respectively.The elevation in laboratory biomarkers of cytokines storm in three infected groups with remarkable increases in the ICU + EI group was due to the elevation of oxidative stress and inflammatory storm molecules, which lead to highly inflammatory responses, specifically in severe patients of COVID-19. Another approach to be used in the current study is investigating new computational drug compounds for SARS-COV-2 protective agents from the marine environment. The results revealed that (Imatinib and Indinavir) had the highest affinity toward Inflammatory molecules and COVID-19 proteins (PDB ID: -7CZ4 and 7KJR), which may be used in the future as possible COVID-19 drug candidates. CONCLUSION The investigated inflammatory biomarkers in Egyptian COVID-19 patients showed a strong correlation between IL6, TNF-α, NF-κB, CRB, DHL, and ferritin as COVID-19 biomarkers and determined the severity of the infection. Also, the oxidative /antioxidant showed good biomarkers for infection recovery and progression of the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed E Elnosary
- Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Science, Botany and Microbiology Department, 11884 Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed Attia Shreadah
- Marine Biotechnology and Natural Products Laboratory, National Institute of Oceanography & Fisheries, Egypt
| | - Mohamed L Ashour
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain-Shams University, Abbasia, Cairo 11566, Egypt; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacy Program, Batterjee Medical College, P.O. Box 6231, Jeddah 21442, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Asmaa Nabil-Adam
- Marine Biotechnology and Natural Products Laboratory, National Institute of Oceanography & Fisheries, Egypt.
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13
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Pencheva M, Bozhkova M, Kalchev Y, Petrov S, Baldzhieva A, Kalfova T, Dichev V, Keskinova D, Genova S, Atanasova M, Murdzheva M. The Serum ACE2, CTSL, AngII, and TNFα Levels after COVID-19 and mRNA Vaccines: The Molecular Basis. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3160. [PMID: 38137381 PMCID: PMC10741205 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The SARS-CoV-2 virus as well as the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines cause an increased production of proinflammatory cytokines. AIM We investigated the relationship between ACE2, CTSL, AngII, TNFα and the serum levels of IL-6, IL-10, IL-33, IL-28A, CD40L, total IgM, IgG, IgA and absolute count of T- and B-lymphocytes in COVID-19 patients, vaccinees and healthy individuals. METHODS We measured the serum levels ACE2, AngII, CTSL, TNFα and humoral biomarkers (CD40L, IL-28A, IL-10, IL-33) by the ELISA method. Immunophenotyping of lymphocyte subpopulations was performed by flow cytometry. Total serum immunoglobulins were analyzed by the turbidimetry method. RESULTS The results established an increase in the total serum levels for ACE2, CTSL, AngII and TNFα by severely ill patients and vaccinated persons. The correlation analysis described a positive relationship between ACE2 and proinflammatory cytokines IL-33 (r = 0.539) and CD40L (r = 0.520), a positive relationship between AngII and CD40L (r = 0.504), as well as between AngII and IL-33 (r = 0.416), and a positive relationship between CTSL, total IgA (r = 0.437) and IL-28A (r = 0.592). Correlation analysis confirmed only two of the positive relationships between TNFα and IL-28A (r = 0.491) and CD40L (r = 0.458). CONCLUSIONS In summary, the findings presented in this study unveil a complex web of interactions within the immune system in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Pencheva
- Department of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Martina Bozhkova
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (M.B.); (Y.K.); (S.P.); (A.B.); (T.K.); (M.A.); (M.M.)
- Research Institute, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
| | - Yordan Kalchev
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (M.B.); (Y.K.); (S.P.); (A.B.); (T.K.); (M.A.); (M.M.)
- Research Institute, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
| | - Steliyan Petrov
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (M.B.); (Y.K.); (S.P.); (A.B.); (T.K.); (M.A.); (M.M.)
- Research Institute, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
| | - Alexandra Baldzhieva
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (M.B.); (Y.K.); (S.P.); (A.B.); (T.K.); (M.A.); (M.M.)
- Research Institute, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
| | - Teodora Kalfova
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (M.B.); (Y.K.); (S.P.); (A.B.); (T.K.); (M.A.); (M.M.)
- Research Institute, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
| | - Valentin Dichev
- Research Institute, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Donka Keskinova
- Department of Applied and Institutional Sociology, Faculty of Philosophy and History, University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski”, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
| | - Silvia Genova
- Department of General and Clinical Pathology, Medical Faculty, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
| | - Mariya Atanasova
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (M.B.); (Y.K.); (S.P.); (A.B.); (T.K.); (M.A.); (M.M.)
- Laboratory of Virology, UMBAL “St. George” EAD, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Mariana Murdzheva
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (M.B.); (Y.K.); (S.P.); (A.B.); (T.K.); (M.A.); (M.M.)
- Research Institute, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
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14
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Zaa CA, Espitia C, Reyes-Barrera KL, An Z, Velasco-Velázquez MA. Neuroprotective Agents with Therapeutic Potential for COVID-19. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1585. [PMID: 38002267 PMCID: PMC10669388 DOI: 10.3390/biom13111585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 patients can exhibit a wide range of clinical manifestations affecting various organs and systems. Neurological symptoms have been reported in COVID-19 patients, both during the acute phase of the illness and in cases of long-term COVID. Moderate symptoms include ageusia, anosmia, altered mental status, and cognitive impairment, and in more severe cases can manifest as ischemic cerebrovascular disease and encephalitis. In this narrative review, we delve into the reported neurological symptoms associated with COVID-19, as well as the underlying mechanisms contributing to them. These mechanisms include direct damage to neurons, inflammation, oxidative stress, and protein misfolding. We further investigate the potential of small molecules from natural products to offer neuroprotection in models of neurodegenerative diseases. Through our analysis, we discovered that flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and other natural compounds exhibit neuroprotective effects by modulating signaling pathways known to be impacted by COVID-19. Some of these compounds also directly target SARS-CoV-2 viral replication. Therefore, molecules of natural origin show promise as potential agents to prevent or mitigate nervous system damage in COVID-19 patients. Further research and the evaluation of different stages of the disease are warranted to explore their potential benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- César A. Zaa
- School of Biological Sciences, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (UNMSM), Lima 15081, Peru;
| | - Clara Espitia
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Research, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (C.E.); (K.L.R.-B.)
| | - Karen L. Reyes-Barrera
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Research, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (C.E.); (K.L.R.-B.)
| | - Zhiqiang An
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Marco A. Velasco-Velázquez
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
- School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City 04510, Mexico
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15
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Zhao S, Jiang M, Qing H, Ni J. Cathepsins and SARS-CoV-2 infection: From pathogenic factors to potential therapeutic targets. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:2455-2481. [PMID: 37403614 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020 and has wrought havoc on health and economic systems worldwide. Efficacious treatment for COVID-19 is lacking: Only preventive measures as well as symptomatic and supportive care are available. Preclinical and clinical studies have indicated that lysosomal cathepsins might contribute to the pathogenesis and disease outcome of COVID-19. Here, we discuss cutting-edge evidence on the pathological roles of cathepsins in SARS-CoV-2 infection, host immune dysregulations, and the possible underlying mechanisms. Cathepsins are attractive drug targets because of their defined substrate-binding pockets, which can be exploited as binding sites for pharmaceutical enzyme inhibitors. Accordingly, the potential modulatory strategies of cathepsin activity are discussed. These insights could shed light on the development of cathepsin-based interventions for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuxuan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Muzhou Jiang
- Department of Periodontics, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Hong Qing
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Junjun Ni
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
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16
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Neves RL, Branquinho J, Arata JG, Bittencourt CA, Gomes CP, Riguetti M, da Mata GF, Fernandes DE, Icimoto MY, Kirsztajn GM, Pesquero JB. ACE2, ACE, DPPIV, PREP and CAT L enzymatic activities in COVID-19: imbalance of ACE2/ACE ratio and potential RAAS dysregulation in severe cases. Inflamm Res 2023; 72:1719-1731. [PMID: 37537367 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-023-01775-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN Circulating enzymatic activity and RAAS regulation in severe cases of COVID-19 remains unclear, therefore we measured the serum activity of several proteases as potential targets to control the SARS-CoV-2 infection. MATERIAL OR SUBJECTS 152 patients with COVID-19-like symptoms were grouped according to the severity of symptoms (COVID-19 negative, mild, moderate and severe). METHODS Serum samples of COVID-19 patients and controls were subjected to biochemical analysis and enzymatic assays of ACE2, ACE, DPPIV, PREP and CAT L. One-way ANOVA and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used. Statistical significance was accepted at p < 0.05. RESULTS We detected a positive correlation among comorbidities, higher C-reactive protein (CRP) and D-dimer levels with disease severity. Enzymatic assays revealed an increase in serum ACE2 and CAT L activities in severe COVID-19 patients, while ACE, DPPIV and PREP activities were significantly reduced. Notably, analysis of ACE2/ACE activity ratio suggests a possible imbalance of ANG II/ANG(1-7) ratio, in a positive association with the disease severity. CONCLUSION Our findings reveal a correlation between proteases activity and the severity of COVID-19. These enzymes together contribute to the activation of pro-inflammatory pathways, trigger a systemic activation of inflammatory mediators, leading to a RAAS dysregulation and generating a significant damage in several organs, contributing to poor outcomes of severe cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Leão Neves
- Department of Biophysics, Center for Research and Molecular Diagnostic of Genetic Diseases, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Branquinho
- Department of Biophysics, Center for Research and Molecular Diagnostic of Genetic Diseases, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Júlia Galanakis Arata
- Department of Biophysics, Center for Research and Molecular Diagnostic of Genetic Diseases, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Clarissa Azevedo Bittencourt
- Department of Biophysics, Center for Research and Molecular Diagnostic of Genetic Diseases, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Caio Perez Gomes
- Department of Biophysics, Center for Research and Molecular Diagnostic of Genetic Diseases, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Michelle Riguetti
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Ferreira da Mata
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - João Bosco Pesquero
- Department of Biophysics, Center for Research and Molecular Diagnostic of Genetic Diseases, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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17
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Jeong JH, Choi JH, Kim BK, Min SC, Chokkakula S, Oh S, Park JH, Shim SM, Kim EG, Choi YK, Lee JY, Baek YH, Song MS. Evaluating Z-FA-FMK, a host cathepsin L protease inhibitor, as a potent and broad-spectrum antiviral therapy against SARS-CoV-2 and related coronaviruses. Antiviral Res 2023; 216:105669. [PMID: 37437781 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2023.105669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Even though the World Health Organization announced the end of the COVID-19 pandemic as a global public health emergency on May 5, 2023, SARS-CoV-2 continues to pose a significant health threat worldwide, resulting in substantial numbers of infections and fatalities. This study investigated the antiviral potential of Z-FA-FMK (FMK), a novel host cathepsin L protease inhibitor, against SARS-CoV-2 infection using both in vitro and in vivo models. In vitro assessments of FMK against a diverse set of SARS-CoV-2 strains, including the Wuhan-like strain and nine variants, demonstrated potent inhibition with EC50 values ranging from 0.55 to 2.41 μM, showcasing similar or superior efficacy compared to FDA-approved antivirals nirmatrelvir (NTV) and molnupiravir (MPV). In vivo experiments using orally administered FMK (25 mg/kg) in SARS-CoV-2-infected K18 hACE2 transgenic mice revealed improved survival rates of 60% and accelerated recovery compared to NTV and MPV treatments. Additionally, FMK displayed a longer half-life (17.26 ± 8.89 h) than NTV and MPV in the mouse model. Due to its host-targeting mechanism, FMK offers potential advantages such as reduced drug resistance and broad-spectrum antiviral activity against multiple coronaviruses. These findings indicate that FMK may serve as a promising candidate for further clinical evaluation in the fight against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju Hwan Jeong
- Department of Microbiology, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Jang-Hoon Choi
- Division of Acute Viral Disease, Center for Emerging Virus Research, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Korea National Institute of Health, Cheongju, 28159, Republic of Korea
| | - Beom Kyu Kim
- Department of Microbiology, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Cheol Min
- Department of Microbiology, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Santosh Chokkakula
- Department of Microbiology, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Sol Oh
- Department of Microbiology, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hyun Park
- Department of Microbiology, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Mu Shim
- Division of Acute Viral Disease, Center for Emerging Virus Research, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Korea National Institute of Health, Cheongju, 28159, Republic of Korea
| | - Eung-Gook Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Ki Choi
- Department of Microbiology, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28644, Republic of Korea; Center for Study of Emerging and Re-emerging Viruses, Korea Virus Research Institute, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, 34126, Republic of Korea
| | - Joo-Yeon Lee
- Center for Emerging Virus Research, Korea National Institute of Health, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Cheongju-si, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yun Hee Baek
- Department of Microbiology, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28644, Republic of Korea.
| | - Min-Suk Song
- Department of Microbiology, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28644, Republic of Korea.
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18
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Reuter N, Chen X, Kropff B, Peter AS, Britt WJ, Mach M, Überla K, Thomas M. SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Is Capable of Inducing Cell-Cell Fusions Independent from Its Receptor ACE2 and This Activity Can Be Impaired by Furin Inhibitors or a Subset of Monoclonal Antibodies. Viruses 2023; 15:1500. [PMID: 37515187 PMCID: PMC10384293 DOI: 10.3390/v15071500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which was responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, efficiently spreads cell-to-cell through mechanisms facilitated by its membrane glycoprotein spike. We established a dual split protein (DSP) assay based on the complementation of GFP and luciferase to quantify the fusogenic activity of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. We provide several lines of evidence that the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, but not SARS-CoV-1, induced cell-cell fusion even in the absence of its receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). This poorly described ACE2-independent cell fusion activity of the spike protein was strictly dependent on the proteasomal cleavage of the spike by furin while TMPRSS2 was dispensable. Previous and current variants of concern (VOCs) differed significantly in their fusogenicity. The Delta spike was extremely potent compared to Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Kappa, while the Omicron spike was almost devoid of receptor-independent fusion activity. Nonetheless, for all analyzed variants, cell fusion was dependent on furin cleavage and could be pharmacologically inhibited with CMK. Mapping studies revealed that amino acids 652-1273 conferred the ACE2-independent fusion activity of the spike. Unexpectedly, residues proximal to the furin cleavage site were not of major relevance, whereas residue 655 critically regulated fusion. Finally, we found that the spike's fusion activity in the absence of ACE2 could be inhibited by antibodies directed against its N-terminal domain (NTD) but not by antibodies targeting its receptor-binding domain (RBD). In conclusion, our BSL-1-compatible DSP assay allowed us to screen for inhibitors or antibodies that interfere with the spike's fusogenic activity and may therefore contribute to both rational vaccine design and development of novel treatment options against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Reuter
- Virologisches Institut, Klinische und Molekulare Virologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Xiaohan Chen
- Virologisches Institut, Klinische und Molekulare Virologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Barbara Kropff
- Virologisches Institut, Klinische und Molekulare Virologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Antonia Sophia Peter
- Virologisches Institut, Klinische und Molekulare Virologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - William J Britt
- Departments of Pediatrics, Microbiology and Neurobiology, Children's Hospital of Alabama, School of Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35233-1771, USA
| | - Michael Mach
- Virologisches Institut, Klinische und Molekulare Virologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Klaus Überla
- Virologisches Institut, Klinische und Molekulare Virologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Marco Thomas
- Virologisches Institut, Klinische und Molekulare Virologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
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19
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Milan Bonotto R, Mitrović A, Sosič I, Martinez-Orellana P, Dattola F, Gobec S, Kos J, Marcello A. Cathepsin inhibitors nitroxoline and its derivatives inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection. Antiviral Res 2023:105655. [PMID: 37355023 PMCID: PMC10287183 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2023.105655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
The severity of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the recurring (re)emergence of viruses prompted the development of new therapeutic approaches that target viral and host factors crucial for viral infection. Among them, host peptidases cathepsins B and L have been described as essential enzymes during SARS-CoV-2 entry. In this study, we evaluated the effect of potent selective cathepsin inhibitors as antiviral agents. We demonstrated that selective cathepsin B inhibitors, such as the antimicrobial agent nitroxoline and its derivatives, impair SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro. Antiviral activity observed at early stage of virus entry was cell-type dependent and correlated well with the intracellular content and enzymatic function of cathepsins B or L. Furthermore, tested inhibitors were effective against the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 D614 as well as against the more recent BA.1_4 (Omicron). Taken together, our results highlight the important role of host cysteine cathepsin B in SARS-CoV-2 virus entry and show that cathepsin-specific inhibitors, such as nitroxoline and its derivatives, could be used to treat COVID-19. Finally, these results also suggest that nitroxoline has potential to be further explored as repurposed drug in antiviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela Milan Bonotto
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Padriciano, 99, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Ana Mitrović
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Izidor Sosič
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Pamela Martinez-Orellana
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Padriciano, 99, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Federica Dattola
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Padriciano, 99, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Stanislav Gobec
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janko Kos
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Alessandro Marcello
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Padriciano, 99, 34149, Trieste, Italy.
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20
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Kakavandi S, Zare I, VaezJalali M, Dadashi M, Azarian M, Akbari A, Ramezani Farani M, Zalpoor H, Hajikhani B. Structural and non-structural proteins in SARS-CoV-2: potential aspects to COVID-19 treatment or prevention of progression of related diseases. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:110. [PMID: 37189112 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01104-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by a new member of the Coronaviridae family known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). There are structural and non-structural proteins (NSPs) in the genome of this virus. S, M, H, and E proteins are structural proteins, and NSPs include accessory and replicase proteins. The structural and NSP components of SARS-CoV-2 play an important role in its infectivity, and some of them may be important in the pathogenesis of chronic diseases, including cancer, coagulation disorders, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. The SARS-CoV-2 proteins interact with targets such as angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. In addition, SARS-CoV-2 can stimulate pathological intracellular signaling pathways by triggering transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), neuropilin-1 (NRP-1), CD147, and Eph receptors, which play important roles in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis, and multiple cancers such as glioblastoma, lung malignancies, and leukemias. Several compounds such as polyphenols, doxazosin, baricitinib, and ruxolitinib could inhibit these interactions. It has been demonstrated that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein has a stronger affinity for human ACE2 than the spike protein of SARS-CoV, leading the current study to hypothesize that the newly produced variant Omicron receptor-binding domain (RBD) binds to human ACE2 more strongly than the primary strain. SARS and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) viruses against structural and NSPs have become resistant to previous vaccines. Therefore, the review of recent studies and the performance of current vaccines and their effects on COVID-19 and related diseases has become a vital need to deal with the current conditions. This review examines the potential role of these SARS-CoV-2 proteins in the initiation of chronic diseases, and it is anticipated that these proteins could serve as components of an effective vaccine or treatment for COVID-19 and related diseases. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sareh Kakavandi
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Iman Zare
- Research and Development Department, Sina Medical Biochemistry Technologies Co. Ltd., Shiraz, 7178795844, Iran
| | - Maryam VaezJalali
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Dadashi
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Maryam Azarian
- Department of Radiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Abdullatif Akbari
- Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Marzieh Ramezani Farani
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Nano Bio High-Tech Materials Research Center, Inha University, Incheon, 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Hamidreza Zalpoor
- Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
| | - Bahareh Hajikhani
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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21
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Weiss S, Waidha K, Rajendran S, Benharroch D, Khalilia J, Levy H, Bar-David E, Golan-Goldhirsh A, Gopas J, Ben-Shmuel A. In Vitro and In Vivo Therapeutic Potential of 6,6'-Dihydroxythiobinupharidine (DTBN) from Nuphar lutea on Cells and K18- hACE2 Mice Infected with SARS-CoV-2. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098327. [PMID: 37176034 PMCID: PMC10179516 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
We have previously published research on the anti-viral properties of an alkaloid mixture extracted from Nuphar lutea, the major components of the partially purified mixture found by NMR analysis. These are mostly dimeric sesquiterpene thioalkaloids called thiobinupharidines and thiobinuphlutidines against the negative strand RNA measles virus (MV). We have previously reported that this extract inhibits the MV as well as its ability to downregulate several MV proteins in persistently MV-infected cells, especially the P (phospho)-protein. Based on our observation that the Nuphar extract is effective in vitro against the MV, and the immediate need that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic created, we tested here the ability of 6,6'-dihydroxythiobinupharidine DTBN, an active small molecule, isolated from the Nuphar lutea extract, on COVID-19. As shown here, DTBN effectively inhibits SARS-CoV-2 production in Vero E6 cells at non-cytotoxic concentrations. The short-term daily administration of DTBN to infected mice delayed the occurrence of severe clinical outcomes, lowered virus levels in the lungs and improved survival with minimal changes in lung histology. The viral load on lungs was significantly reduced in the treated mice. DTBN is a pleiotropic small molecule with multiple targets. Its anti-inflammatory properties affect a variety of pathogens including SARS-CoV-2 as shown here. Its activity appears to target both pathogen specific (as suggested by docking analysis) as well as cellular proteins, such as NF-κB, PKCs, cathepsins and topoisomerase 2, that we have previously identified in our work. Thus, this combined double action of virus inhibition and anti-inflammatory activity may enhance the overall effectivity of DTBN. The promising results from this proof-of-concept in vitro and in vivo preclinical study should encourage future studies to optimize the use of DTBN and/or its molecular derivatives against this and other related viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shay Weiss
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona 7410001, Israel
| | - Kamran Waidha
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Saravanakumar Rajendran
- Chemistry Division, SAS, Vellore Institute of Technology, Chennai Campus, Chennai 600127, India
| | - Daniel Benharroch
- Department of Pathology, Soroka University Medical Center and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Jannat Khalilia
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Haim Levy
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona 7410001, Israel
| | - Elad Bar-David
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona 7410001, Israel
| | - Avi Golan-Goldhirsh
- The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research (BIDR), Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boqer Campus, Sde Boker 8410501, Israel
| | - Jacob Gopas
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Amir Ben-Shmuel
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona 7410001, Israel
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22
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Arafet K, Royo S, Schirmeister T, Barthels F, González FV, Moliner V. Impact of the Recognition Part of Dipeptidyl Nitroalkene Compounds on the Inhibition Mechanism of Cysteine Proteases Cruzain and Cathepsin L. ACS Catal 2023; 13:6289-6300. [PMID: 37180968 PMCID: PMC10167892 DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.3c01035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Cysteine proteases (CPs) are an important class of enzymes, many of which are responsible for several human diseases. For instance, cruzain of protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi is responsible for the Chagas disease, while the role of human cathepsin L is associated with some cancers or is a potential target for the treatment of COVID-19. However, despite paramount work carried out during the past years, the compounds that have been proposed so far show limited inhibitory action against these enzymes. We present a study of proposed covalent inhibitors of these two CPs, cruzain and cathepsin L, based on the design, synthesis, kinetic measurements, and QM/MM computational simulations on dipeptidyl nitroalkene compounds. The experimentally determined inhibition data, together with the analysis and the predicted inhibition constants derived from the free energy landscape of the full inhibition process, allowed describing the impact of the recognition part of these compounds and, in particular, the modifications on the P2 site. The designed compounds and, in particular, the one with a bulky group (Trp) at the P2 site show promising in vitro inhibition activities against cruzain and cathepsin L for use as a starting lead compound in the development of drugs with medical applications for the treatment of human diseases and future designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kemel Arafet
- Dipartimento
di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
- BioComp
Group, Institute of Advanced Materials (INAM),
Universitat Jaume I, 12071 Castelló, Spain
| | - Santiago Royo
- Departament
de Química Inorgànica i Orgànica, Universitat Jaume I, 12071 Castelló, Spain
| | - Tanja Schirmeister
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Fabian Barthels
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Florenci V. González
- Departament
de Química Inorgànica i Orgànica, Universitat Jaume I, 12071 Castelló, Spain
| | - Vicent Moliner
- BioComp
Group, Institute of Advanced Materials (INAM),
Universitat Jaume I, 12071 Castelló, Spain
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23
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de Souza EP, Ferro M, Pelá VT, Fernanda-Carlos T, Borges CGG, Taira EA, Ventura TMO, Arencibia AD, Buzalaf MAR, Henrique-Silva F. Maquiberry Cystatins: Recombinant Expression, Characterization, and Use to Protect Tooth Dentin and Enamel. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11051360. [PMID: 37239031 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Phytocystatins are proteinaceous competitive inhibitors of cysteine peptidases involved in physiological and defensive roles in plants. Their application as potential therapeutics for human disorders has been suggested, and the hunt for novel cystatin variants in different plants, such as maqui (Aristotelia chilensis), is pertinent. Being an understudied species, the biotechnological potential of maqui proteins is little understood. In the present study, we constructed a transcriptome of maqui plantlets using next-generation sequencing, in which we found six cystatin sequences. Five of them were cloned and recombinantly expressed. Inhibition assays were performed against papain and human cathepsins B and L. Maquicystatins can inhibit the proteases in nanomolar order, except MaquiCPIs 4 and 5, which inhibit cathepsin B in micromolar order. This suggests maquicystatins' potential use for treating human diseases. In addition, since we previously demonstrated the efficacy of a sugarcane-derived cystatin to protect dental enamel, we tested the ability of MaquiCPI-3 to protect both dentin and enamel. Both were protected by this protein (by One-way ANOVA and Tukey's Multiple Comparisons Test, p < 0.05), suggesting its potential usage in dental products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Pereira de Souza
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos 13565-905, SP, Brazil
| | - Milene Ferro
- Department of General and Applied Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro 13506-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Vinicius Taioqui Pelá
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo (USP), Bauru 17012-901, SP, Brazil
| | - Thais Fernanda-Carlos
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos 13565-905, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Even Akemi Taira
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo (USP), Bauru 17012-901, SP, Brazil
| | - Talita Mendes Oliveira Ventura
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo (USP), Bauru 17012-901, SP, Brazil
| | - Ariel Domingo Arencibia
- Center of Biotechnology in Natural Resources, Faculty of Agrarian and Forestry Sciences, Catholic University of Maule (UCM), Talca 3466706, Chile
| | - Marília Afonso Rabelo Buzalaf
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo (USP), Bauru 17012-901, SP, Brazil
| | - Flávio Henrique-Silva
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos 13565-905, SP, Brazil
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24
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Barthe M, Hertereau L, Lamghari N, Osman-Ponchet H, Braud VM. Receptors and Cofactors That Contribute to SARS-CoV-2 Entry: Can Skin Be an Alternative Route of Entry? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076253. [PMID: 37047226 PMCID: PMC10094153 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
To prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2, all routes of entry of the virus into the host must be mapped. The skin is in contact with the external environment and thus may be an alternative route of entry to transmission via the upper respiratory tract. SARS-CoV-2 cell entry is primarily dependent on ACE2 and the proteases TMPRSS2 or cathepsin L but other cofactors and attachment receptors have been identified that may play a more important role in specific tissues such as the skin. The continued emergence of new variants may also alter the tropism of the virus. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on these receptors and cofactors, their expression profile, factors modulating their expression and their role in facilitating SARS-CoV-2 infection. We discuss their expression in the skin and their possible involvement in percutaneous infection since the presence of the virus has been detected in the skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Barthe
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS UMR7275, 06560 Valbonne, France; (M.B.); (L.H.); (N.L.)
- PKDERM Laboratories, 45 Boulevard Marcel Pagnol, 06130 Grasse, France
| | - Leslie Hertereau
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS UMR7275, 06560 Valbonne, France; (M.B.); (L.H.); (N.L.)
| | - Noura Lamghari
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS UMR7275, 06560 Valbonne, France; (M.B.); (L.H.); (N.L.)
- PKDERM Laboratories, 45 Boulevard Marcel Pagnol, 06130 Grasse, France
| | - Hanan Osman-Ponchet
- PKDERM Laboratories, 45 Boulevard Marcel Pagnol, 06130 Grasse, France
- Correspondence: (H.O.-P.); (V.M.B.)
| | - Véronique M. Braud
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS UMR7275, 06560 Valbonne, France; (M.B.); (L.H.); (N.L.)
- Correspondence: (H.O.-P.); (V.M.B.)
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25
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Autophagy in Inflammatory Response against SARS-CoV-2. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054928. [PMID: 36902354 PMCID: PMC10002778 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease pandemic, which profoundly reshaped the world in 2019 (COVID-19), and is currently ongoing, has affected over 200 countries, caused over 500 million cumulative cases, and claimed the lives of over 6.4 million people worldwide as of August 2022. The causative agent is severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Depicting this virus' life cycle and pathogenic mechanisms, as well as the cellular host factors and pathways involved during infection, has great relevance for the development of therapeutic strategies. Autophagy is a catabolic process that sequesters damaged cell organelles, proteins, and external invading microbes, and delivers them to the lysosomes for degradation. Autophagy would be involved in the entry, endo, and release, as well as the transcription and translation, of the viral particles in the host cell. Secretory autophagy would also be involved in developing the thrombotic immune-inflammatory syndrome seen in a significant number of COVID-19 patients that can lead to severe illness and even death. This review aims to review the main aspects that characterize the complex and not yet fully elucidated relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection and autophagy. It briefly describes the key concepts regarding autophagy and mentions its pro- and antiviral roles, while also noting the reciprocal effect of viral infection in autophagic pathways and their clinical aspects.
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26
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Cathepsins in the extracellular space: Focusing on non-lysosomal proteolytic functions with clinical implications. Cell Signal 2023; 103:110531. [PMID: 36417977 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2022.110531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Cathepsins can be found in the extracellular space, cytoplasm, and nucleus. It was initially suspected that the primary physiological function of the cathepsins was to break down intracellular protein, and that they also had a role in pathological processes including inflammation and apoptosis. However, the many actions of cathepsins outside the cell and their complicated biological impacts have garnered much interest. Cathepsins play significant roles in a number of illnesses by regulating parenchymal cell proliferation, cell migration, viral invasion, inflammation, and immunological responses through extracellular matrix remodeling, signaling disruption, leukocyte recruitment, and cell adhesion. In this review, we outline the physiological roles of cathepsins in the extracellular space, the crucial pathological functions performed by cathepsins in illnesses, and the recent breakthroughs in the detection and therapy of specific inhibitors and fluorescent probes in associated dysfunction.
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27
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Karges J, Cohen SM. Rhenium(V) Complexes as Cysteine-Targeting Coordinate Covalent Warheads. J Med Chem 2023; 66:3088-3105. [PMID: 36752718 PMCID: PMC9969397 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c02074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Interest in covalent enzyme inhibitors as therapeutic agents has seen a recent resurgence. Covalent enzyme inhibitors typically possess an organic functional group that reacts with a key feature of the target enzyme, often a nucleophilic cysteine residue. Herein, the application of small, modular ReV complexes as inorganic cysteine-targeting warheads is described. These metal complexes were found to react with cysteine residues rapidly and selectively. To demonstrate the utility of these ReV complexes, their reactivity with SARS-CoV-2-associated cysteine proteases is presented, including the SARS-CoV-2 main protease and papain-like protease and human enzymes cathepsin B and L. As all of these proteins are cysteine proteases, these enzymes were found to be inhibited by the ReV complexes through the formation of adducts. These findings suggest that these ReV complexes could be used as a new class of warheads for targeting surface accessible cysteine residues in disease-relevant target proteins.
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28
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Chang MC, Chen JH, Lee HN, Chen SY, Zhong BH, Dhingra K, Pan YH, Chang HH, Chen YJ, Jeng JH. Inducing cathepsin L expression/production, lysosomal activation, and autophagy of human dental pulp cells by dentin bonding agents, camphorquinone and BisGMA and the related mechanisms. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2023; 145:213253. [PMID: 36563508 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2022.213253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Camphorquinone (CQ) and resin monomers are included in dentin bonding agents (DBAs) and composite resin to restore tooth defects due to abrasion, crown fracture, or dental caries. DBAs, CQ, and bisphenol A-glycidyl methacrylate (BisGMA) applications influence the biological activities of the dental pulp. The current investigation aimed to delineate the effect of DBAs, CQ, and BisGMA on cathepsin L production/expression, lysosomal activity, and autophagy induction in human dental pulp cells (HDPCs). HDPCs were exposed to DBAs, CQ, or BisGMA with/without inhibitors for 24 h. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to determine the cathepsin L level in culture medium. The cell layer was utilized to measure cell viability by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl -tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Real-time PCR was used to evaluate the mRNA expression. Western blotting or immunofluorescent staining was used to study protein expression. Lysosomal density was evaluated by lysotracker red staining. We found that DBAs, CQ, and BisGMA stimulated cathepsin L mRNA, protein expression, and production in HDPCs. In addition, CQ and BisGMA induced lysosomal activity, Beclin1, ATG12, LC3B, Bax, and p53 expression in HDPCs, indicating the stimulation of autophagy. Glutathione (GSH) prevented CQ- and BisGMA-induced cytotoxicity. Moreover, E64d, cathepsin L inhibitor (two cathepsin inhibitors), and Pifithrin-α (a p53 inhibitor) showed little preventive effect toward CQ- and BisGMA-induced cytotoxicity. Autophagy inhibitors (NH4Cl, Lys05) mildly enhanced the CQ- and BisGMA-induced cytotoxicity. These results indicate that DBAs stimulated cathepsin L, possibly due to their content of CQ and BisGMA that may induce cathepsin L in HDPCs. CQ and BisGMA stimulated lysosomal activity, autophagy, and apoptosis, possibly via induction of Beclin 1, ATG12, LC-3B, Bax, and p53 expression. In addition, CQ and BisGMA cytotoxicity was related to redox change and autophagy. These events are important role in pulpal changes after the restoration of tooth decay using CQ- and BisGMA-containing DBAs and resin composite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Chi Chang
- Biomedical Science Team, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Kwei-Shan, Taoyuan City, Taiwan; Department of Dentistry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Hao Chen
- School of Dentistry, College of Dental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Dentistry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Na Lee
- School of Dentistry, College of Dental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Dentistry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shyuan-Yow Chen
- Department of Dentistry, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Bor-Hao Zhong
- School of Dentistry, National Taiwan University Medical College, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Dentistry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kunaal Dhingra
- Periodontics Division, Centre for Dental Education and Research, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Yu-Hwa Pan
- Department of Dentistry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Hua Chang
- School of Dentistry, National Taiwan University Medical College, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Dentistry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Jane Chen
- School of Dentistry, National Taiwan University Medical College, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Dentistry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Jiiang-Huei Jeng
- School of Dentistry, College of Dental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Dentistry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; School of Dentistry, National Taiwan University Medical College, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Dentistry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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29
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Yamada T, Takaoka A. Innate immune recognition against SARS-CoV-2. Inflamm Regen 2023; 43:7. [PMID: 36703213 PMCID: PMC9879261 DOI: 10.1186/s41232-023-00259-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative virus of pandemic acute respiratory disease called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Most of the infected individuals have asymptomatic or mild symptoms, but some patients show severe and critical systemic inflammation including tissue damage and multi-organ failures. Immune responses to the pathogen determine clinical course. In general, the activation of innate immune responses is mediated by host pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) that recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) as well as host damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), which results in the activation of the downstream gene induction programs of types I and III interferons (IFNs) and proinflammatory cytokines for inducing antiviral activity. However, the excessive activation of these responses may lead to deleterious inflammation. Here, we review the recent advances in our understanding of innate immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly in terms of innate recognition and the subsequent inflammation underlying COVID-19 immunopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taisho Yamada
- grid.39158.360000 0001 2173 7691Division of Signaling in Cancer and Immunology, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido Japan ,grid.39158.360000 0001 2173 7691Molecular Medical Biochemistry Unit, Graduate School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido Japan
| | - Akinori Takaoka
- grid.39158.360000 0001 2173 7691Division of Signaling in Cancer and Immunology, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido Japan ,grid.39158.360000 0001 2173 7691Molecular Medical Biochemistry Unit, Graduate School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido Japan
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30
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Tang M, Zhang X, Huang Y, Cheng W, Qu J, Gui S, Li L, Li S. Peptide-based inhibitors hold great promise as the broad-spectrum agents against coronavirus. Front Microbiol 2023; 13:1093646. [PMID: 36741878 PMCID: PMC9893414 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1093646] [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] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), and the recent SARS-CoV-2 are lethal coronaviruses (CoVs) that have caused dreadful epidemic or pandemic in a large region or globally. Infections of human respiratory systems and other important organs by these pathogenic viruses often results in high rates of morbidity and mortality. Efficient anti-viral drugs are needed. Herein, we firstly take SARS-CoV-2 as an example to present the molecular mechanism of CoV infection cycle, including the receptor binding, viral entry, intracellular replication, virion assembly, and release. Then according to their mode of action, we provide a summary of anti-viral peptides that have been reported in peer-reviewed publications. Even though CoVs can rapidly evolve to gain resistance to the conventional small molecule drugs, peptide-based inhibitors targeting various steps of CoV lifecycle remain a promising approach. Peptides can be continuously modified to improve their antiviral efficacy and spectrum along with the emergence of new viral variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxing Tang
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China,Department of Otolaryngology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China,School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yanhong Huang
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China,School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wenxiang Cheng
- Center for Translational Medicine Research and Development, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jing Qu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shuiqing Gui
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China,*Correspondence: Shuiqing Gui, ✉
| | - Liang Li
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China,Liang Li, ✉
| | - Shuo Li
- Department of Otolaryngology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China,Shuo Li, ✉
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31
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Nejat R, Torshizi MF, Najafi DJ. S Protein, ACE2 and Host Cell Proteases in SARS-CoV-2 Cell Entry and Infectivity; Is Soluble ACE2 a Two Blade Sword? A Narrative Review. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11020204. [PMID: 36851081 PMCID: PMC9968219 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11020204] [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] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the spread of the deadly virus SARS-CoV-2 in late 2019, researchers have restlessly sought to unravel how the virus enters the host cells. Some proteins on each side of the interaction between the virus and the host cells are involved as the major contributors to this process: (1) the nano-machine spike protein on behalf of the virus, (2) angiotensin converting enzyme II, the mono-carboxypeptidase and the key component of renin angiotensin system on behalf of the host cell, (3) some host proteases and proteins exploited by SARS-CoV-2. In this review, the complex process of SARS-CoV-2 entrance into the host cells with the contribution of the involved host proteins as well as the sequential conformational changes in the spike protein tending to increase the probability of complexification of the latter with angiotensin converting enzyme II, the receptor of the virus on the host cells, are discussed. Moreover, the release of the catalytic ectodomain of angiotensin converting enzyme II as its soluble form in the extracellular space and its positive or negative impact on the infectivity of the virus are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Nejat
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Laleh Hospital, Tehran 1467684595, Iran
- Correspondence:
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32
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Tan B, Joyce R, Tan H, Hu Y, Wang J. SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Drug Design, Assay Development, and Drug Resistance Studies. Acc Chem Res 2023; 56:157-168. [PMID: 36580641 PMCID: PMC9843634 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.2c00735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is the etiological pathogen of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to more than 6.5 million deaths since the beginning of the outbreak in December 2019. The unprecedented disruption of social life and public health caused by COVID-19 calls for fast-track development of diagnostic kits, vaccines, and antiviral drugs. Small molecule antivirals are essential complements of vaccines and can be used for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infections. Currently, there are three FDA-approved antiviral drugs, remdesivir, molnupiravir, and paxlovid. Given the moderate clinical efficacy of remdesivir and molnupiravir, the drug-drug interaction of paxlovid, and the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants with potential drug-resistant mutations, there is a pressing need for additional antivirals to combat current and future coronavirus outbreaks.In this Account, we describe our efforts in developing covalent and noncovalent main protease (Mpro) inhibitors and the identification of nirmatrelvir-resistant mutants. We initially discovered GC376, calpain inhibitors II and XII, and boceprevir as dual inhibitors of Mpro and host cathepsin L from a screening of a protease inhibitor library. Given the controversy of targeting cathepsin L, we subsequently shifted the focus to designing Mpro-specific inhibitors. Specifically, guided by the X-ray crystal structures of these initial hits, we designed noncovalent Mpro inhibitors such as Jun8-76-3R that are highly selective toward Mpro over host cathepsin L. Using the same scaffold, we also designed covalent Mpro inhibitors with novel cysteine reactive warheads containing di- and trihaloacetamides, which similarly had high target specificity. In parallel to our drug discovery efforts, we developed the cell-based FlipGFP Mpro assay to characterize the cellular target engagement of our rationally designed Mpro inhibitors. The FlipGFP assay was also applied to validate the structurally disparate Mpro inhibitors reported in the literature. Lastly, we introduce recent progress in identifying naturally occurring Mpro mutants that are resistant to nirmatrelvir from genome mining of the nsp5 sequences deposited in the GISAID database. Collectively, the covalent and noncovalent Mpro inhibitors and the nirmatrelvir-resistant hot spot residues from our studies provide insightful guidance for future work aimed at developing orally bioavailable Mpro inhibitors that do not have overlapping resistance profile with nirmatrelvir.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Tan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
| | - Ryan Joyce
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
| | - Haozhou Tan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
| | - Yanmei Hu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
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33
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Batchu S, Diaz MJ, Tran JT, Fadil A, Taneja K, Patel K, Lucke-Wold B. Spatial Mapping of Genes Implicated in SARS-CoV-2 Neuroinvasion to Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex Gray Matter. COVID 2023; 3:82-89. [PMID: 36714172 PMCID: PMC9880821 DOI: 10.3390/covid3010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Introduction SARS-CoV-2 is the newest beta coronavirus family member to demonstrate neuroinvasive capability in severe cases of infection. Despite much research activity in the SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 space, the gene-level biology of this phenomenon remains poorly understood. In the present analysis, we leveraged spatial transcriptomics methodologies to examine relevant gene heterogeneity in tissue retrieved from the human prefrontal cortex. Methods Expression profiles of genes with established relations to the SARS-CoV-2 neuroinvasion process were spatially resolved in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex tissue (N = 4). Spotplots were generated with mapping to six (6) previously defined gray matter layers. Results Docking gene BSG, processing gene CTSB, and viral defense gene LY6E demonstrated similar spatial enrichment. Docking gene ACE2 and transmembrane series proteases involved in spike protein processing were lowly expressed across DLPFC samples. Numerous other findings were obtained. Conclusion Efforts to spatially represent expression levels of key SARS-CoV-2 brain infiltration genes remain paltry to date. Understanding the sobering history of beta coronavirus neuroinvasion represents a weak point in viral research. Here we provide the first efforts to characterize a motley of such genes in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Batchu
- Cooper Medical School, Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103, USA
| | | | - Jasmine Thuy Tran
- School of Medicine, University of Indiana, Indianapolis, IN 47405, USA
| | - Angela Fadil
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Kamil Taneja
- Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Karan Patel
- Cooper Medical School, Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103, USA
| | - Brandon Lucke-Wold
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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Rajoria S, Nair D, Suvarna K, Pai MGJ, Salkar A, Palanivel V, Verma A, Barpanda A, Awasthi G, Doshi H, Dhara V, Burli A, Agrawal S, Shrivastav O, Shastri J, Srivastava S. Proteomic Investigation of COVID-19 Severity During the Tsunamic Second Wave in Mumbai. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1412:175-195. [PMID: 37378767 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-28012-2_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Maharashtra was severely affected during the noxious second wave of COVID-19, with the highest number of cases recorded across India. The emergence of new symptoms and dysregulation of multiple organs resulted in high disease severity during the second wave which led to increased difficulties in understanding the molecular mechanisms behind the disease pathology. Exploring the underlying factors can help to relieve the burden on the medical communities to some extent by prioritizing the patients and, at the same time, opening avenues for improved treatments. In the current study, we have performed a mass-spectrometry-based proteomic analysis to investigate the disease pathology using nasopharyngeal swab samples collected from the COVID-19 patients in the Mumbai region of Maharashtra over the period of March-June 2021, the peak of the second wave. A total of 59 patients, including 32 non-severe and 27 severe cases, were considered for this proteomic study. We identified 23 differentially regulated proteins in severe patients as a host response to infection. In addition to the previously identified innate mechanisms of neutrophil and platelet degranulation, this study revealed significant alterations of anti-microbial peptide pathways in severe conditions, illustrating its role in the severity of the infectious strain of COVID-19 during the second wave. Furthermore, myeloperoxidase, cathepsin G, and profilin-1 were identified as potential therapeutic targets of the FDA-approved drugs dabrafenib, ZINC4097343, and ritonavir. This study has enlightened the role of the anti-microbial peptide pathway associated with the second wave in India and proposed its importance in potential therapeutics for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakshi Rajoria
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India
| | - Divya Nair
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India
| | - Kruthi Suvarna
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India
| | - Medha Gayathri J Pai
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India
| | - Akanksha Salkar
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India
| | - Viswanthram Palanivel
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India
| | - Ayushi Verma
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India
| | - Abhilash Barpanda
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India
| | - Gaurav Awasthi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India
| | - Hastyn Doshi
- Department of Computer Science, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India
| | - Vivek Dhara
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India
| | - Ananya Burli
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India
| | - Sachee Agrawal
- Kasturba Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Chinchpokli, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Om Shrivastav
- Kasturba Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Chinchpokli, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Jayanthi Shastri
- Kasturba Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Chinchpokli, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sanjeeva Srivastava
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India.
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Zhang J, He M, Xie Q, Su A, Yang K, Liu L, Liang J, Li Z, Huang X, Hu J, Liu Q, Song B, Hu C, Chen L, Wang Y. Predicting In Vitro and In Vivo Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Activities of Antivirals by Intracellular Bioavailability and Biochemical Activity. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:45023-45035. [PMID: 36530252 PMCID: PMC9753181 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c05376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Cellular drug response (concentration required for obtaining 50% of a maximum cellular effect, EC50) can be predicted by the intracellular bioavailability (F ic) and biochemical activity (half-maximal inhibitory concentration, IC50) of drugs. In an ideal model, the cellular negative log of EC50 (pEC50) equals the sum of log F ic and the negative log of IC50 (pIC50). Here, we measured F ic's of remdesivir, favipiravir, and hydroxychloroquine in various cells and calculated their anti-SARS-CoV-2 EC50's. The predicted EC50's are close to the observed EC50's in vitro. When the lung concentrations of antiviral drugs are higher than the predicted EC50's in alveolar type 2 cells, the antiviral drugs inhibit virus replication in vivo, and vice versa. Overall, our results indicate that both in vitro and in vivo antiviral activities of drugs can be predicted by their intracellular bioavailability and biochemical activity without using virus. This virus-free strategy can help medicinal chemists and pharmacologists to screen antivirals during early drug discovery, especially for researchers who are not able to work in the high-level biosafety lab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinwen Zhang
- Center
for Translation Medicine Research and Development, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen518055, China
| | - Mingfeng He
- Institute
of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese
Medicine, Foshan528000, China
| | - Qian Xie
- Center
for Translation Medicine Research and Development, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen518055, China
- Key
Laboratory of Structure-based Drug Design & Discovery (Ministry
of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang110016, China
| | - Ailing Su
- Center
for Translation Medicine Research and Development, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen518055, China
| | - Kuangyang Yang
- Institute
of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese
Medicine, Foshan528000, China
| | - Lichu Liu
- Institute
of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese
Medicine, Foshan528000, China
| | - Jianhui Liang
- Center
for Translation Medicine Research and Development, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen518055, China
- Key
Laboratory of Structure-based Drug Design & Discovery (Ministry
of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang110016, China
| | - Ziqi Li
- Center
for Translation Medicine Research and Development, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen518055, China
| | - Xiuxin Huang
- The
First Clinical College of Changsha Medical College, Changsha410219, China
| | - Jianshu Hu
- Department
of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, OxfordOX1 3QT, UK
| | - Qian Liu
- Center
for Translation Medicine Research and Development, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen518055, China
| | - Bing Song
- Center
for Translation Medicine Research and Development, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen518055, China
| | - Chun Hu
- Key
Laboratory of Structure-based Drug Design & Discovery (Ministry
of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang110016, China
| | - Lei Chen
- School of
Life Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes
and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing210096, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Center
for Translation Medicine Research and Development, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen518055, China
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Arumugam GS, Damodharan K, Doble M, Thennarasu S. Significant perspectives on various viral infections targeted antiviral drugs and vaccines including COVID-19 pandemicity. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2022; 3:21. [PMID: 35838929 PMCID: PMC9283561 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-022-00078-z] [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: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
A virus enters a living organism and recruits host metabolism to reproduce its own genome and proteins. The viral infections are intricate and cannot be completely removed through existing antiviral drugs. For example, the herpes, influenza, hepatitis and human immunodeficiency viruses are a few dreadful ones amongst them. Significant studies are needed to understand the viral entry and their growth in host cells to design effective antivirals. This review emphasizes the range of therapeutical antiviral drugs, inhibitors along with vaccines to fight against viral pathogens, especially for combating COVID-19. Moreover, we have provided the basic and in depth information about viral targets, drugs availability, their mechanisms of action, method of prevention of viral diseases and highlighted the significances of anticoagulants, convalescent plasma for COVID-19 treatment, scientific details of airborne transmission, characteristics of antiviral drug delivery using nanoparticles/carriers, nanoemulsions, nanogels, metal based nanoparticles, alike the future nanosystems through nanobubbles, nanofibers, nanodiamonds, nanotraps, nanorobots and eventually, the therapeutic applications of micro- and nanoparticulates, current status for clinical development against COVID-19 together with environmental implications of antivirals, gene therapy etc., which may be useful for repurposing and designing of novel antiviral drugs against various dreadful diseases, especially the SARS-CoV-2 and other associated variants.
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Mondal S, Chen Y, Lockbaum GJ, Sen S, Chaudhuri S, Reyes AC, Lee JM, Kaur AN, Sultana N, Cameron MD, Shaffer SA, Schiffer CA, Fitzgerald KA, Thompson PR. Dual Inhibitors of Main Protease (M Pro) and Cathepsin L as Potent Antivirals against SARS-CoV2. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:21035-21045. [PMID: 36356199 PMCID: PMC9662648 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c04626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Given the current impact of SARS-CoV2 and COVID-19 on human health and the global economy, the development of direct acting antivirals is of paramount importance. Main protease (MPro), a cysteine protease that cleaves the viral polyprotein, is essential for viral replication. Therefore, MPro is a novel therapeutic target. We identified two novel MPro inhibitors, D-FFRCMKyne and D-FFCitCMKyne, that covalently modify the active site cysteine (C145) and determined cocrystal structures. Medicinal chemistry efforts led to SM141 and SM142, which adopt a unique binding mode within the MPro active site. Notably, these inhibitors do not inhibit the other cysteine protease, papain-like protease (PLPro), involved in the life cycle of SARS-CoV2. SM141 and SM142 block SARS-CoV2 replication in hACE2 expressing A549 cells with IC50 values of 8.2 and 14.7 nM. Detailed studies indicate that these compounds also inhibit cathepsin L (CatL), which cleaves the viral S protein to promote viral entry into host cells. Detailed biochemical, proteomic, and knockdown studies indicate that the antiviral activity of SM141 and SM142 results from the dual inhibition of MPro and CatL. Notably, intranasal and intraperitoneal administration of SM141 and SM142 lead to reduced viral replication, viral loads in the lung, and enhanced survival in SARS-CoV2 infected K18-ACE2 transgenic mice. In total, these data indicate that SM141 and SM142 represent promising scaffolds on which to develop antiviral drugs against SARS-CoV2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santanu Mondal
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Yongzhi Chen
- Program in Innate Immunity, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Gordon J. Lockbaum
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Sudeshna Sen
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Sauradip Chaudhuri
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Archie C. Reyes
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Jeong Min Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Arshia N. Kaur
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Nadia Sultana
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Michael D. Cameron
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute,130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Scott A. Shaffer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Celia A. Schiffer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Katherine A. Fitzgerald
- Program in Innate Immunity, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Paul R. Thompson
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
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38
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Overview of Antiviral Drug Therapy for COVID-19: Where Do We Stand? Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10112815. [DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The vaccine weapon has resulted in being essential in fighting the COVID-19 outbreak, but it is not fully preventing infection due to an alarming spreading of several identified variants of concern. In fact, the recent emergence of variants has pointed out how the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic still represents a global health threat. Moreover, oral antivirals also develop resistance, supporting the need to find new targets as therapeutic tools. However, cocktail therapy is useful to reduce drug resistance and maximize vaccination efficacy. Natural products and metal-drug-based treatments have also shown interesting antiviral activity, representing a valid contribution to counter COVID-19 outbreak. This report summarizes the available evidence which supports the use of approved drugs and further focuses on significant clinical trials that have investigated the safety and efficacy of repurposing drugs and new molecules in different COVID-19 phenotypes. To date, there are many individuals vulnerable to COVID-19 exhibiting severe symptoms, thus characterizing valid therapeutic strategies for better management of the disease is still a challenge.
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Siewiński M, Bażanów B, Orzechowska B, Gołąb K, Gburek J, Matkowski A, Rapak A, Janocha A, Krata L, Dobrzyński M, Kilar E. Use of natural cysteine protease inhibitors in limiting SARS-Co-2 fusion into human respiratory cells. Med Hypotheses 2022; 168:110965. [PMID: 36313266 PMCID: PMC9598048 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2022.110965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Specific antibodies that humans acquire as a result of disease or after vaccination are needed to effectively suppress infection with a specific variant of SARS CoV-2 virus. The S protein of the D614G variant of coronavirus is used as an antigen in known vaccines to date. It is known that COVID-19 disease resulting from infection with this coronavirus can often be very dangerous to the health and lives of patients. In contrast, vaccines produce antibodies against an older version of the protein S-D614G (January 2020) and therefore have difficulty recognizing new variants of the virus. In our project we propose to obtain specific and precise antibodies by means of so-called controlled infection against specific infectious variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus “here and now”. Currently, several variants of this pathogen have already emerged that threaten the health and lives of patients. We propose to reduce this threat by partially, but not completely, blocking the fusion mechanism of the SARS-CoV-2 virus into human respiratory cells. According to our plan, this can be achieved by inhibiting cathepsin L activity in respiratory cells, after introducing natural and non-toxic cysteine protease inhibitors into this area. We obtain these inhibitors by our own method from natural, “human body friendly” natural resources. We hypothesize that blocking cathepsin L will reduce the number of infecting viruses in cells to such an extent that COVID-19 developing in infected individuals will not threaten their health and life. At the same time, the number of viruses will be sufficient for the body's own immune system to produce precise antibodies against a specific version of this pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Siewiński
- Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland; TherapyRaft comp. Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Barbara Bażanów
- Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathology, C.K.Norwida 31, 50-375 Wrocław, Poland,Corresponding author
| | - Beata Orzechowska
- Laboratory of Virology, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Weigla 12, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Gołąb
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211A, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Jakub Gburek
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211A, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Adam Matkowski
- Wroclaw Medical University, Dept. Pharmaceutical Biology and Biotechnology
| | - Andrzej Rapak
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Anna Janocha
- Wroclaw Medical University, Dept. Physiology, Wrocław, Poland Chałubińskiego 10
| | | | - Maciej Dobrzyński
- Wroclaw Medical University, Dept. of Conservative Dentistry and Pedodontics: Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Kilar
- Wroclaw Medical University, Dept. of Clinical Pharmacology Wroclaw, Poland
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40
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Pires De Souza GA, Le Bideau M, Boschi C, Wurtz N, Colson P, Aherfi S, Devaux C, La Scola B. Choosing a cellular model to study SARS-CoV-2. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:1003608. [PMID: 36339347 PMCID: PMC9634005 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1003608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
As new pathogens emerge, new challenges must be faced. This is no different in infectious disease research, where identifying the best tools available in laboratories to conduct an investigation can, at least initially, be particularly complicated. However, in the context of an emerging virus, such as SARS-CoV-2, which was recently detected in China and has become a global threat to healthcare systems, developing models of infection and pathogenesis is urgently required. Cell-based approaches are crucial to understanding coronavirus infection biology, growth kinetics, and tropism. Usually, laboratory cell lines are the first line in experimental models to study viral pathogenicity and perform assays aimed at screening antiviral compounds which are efficient at blocking the replication of emerging viruses, saving time and resources, reducing the use of experimental animals. However, determining the ideal cell type can be challenging, especially when several researchers have to adapt their studies to specific requirements. This review strives to guide scientists who are venturing into studying SARS-CoV-2 and help them choose the right cellular models. It revisits basic concepts of virology and presents the currently available in vitro models, their advantages and disadvantages, and the known consequences of each choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Augusto Pires De Souza
- Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI), UM63, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Marion Le Bideau
- Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI), UM63, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Céline Boschi
- Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI), UM63, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Nathalie Wurtz
- Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI), UM63, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Colson
- Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI), UM63, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Sarah Aherfi
- Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI), UM63, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Christian Devaux
- Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI), UM63, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Department of Biological Sciences (INSB), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Marseille, France
| | - Bernard La Scola
- Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI), UM63, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
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41
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Quantum tunnelling in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16929. [PMID: 36209224 PMCID: PMC9547378 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21321-1] [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: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has added new urgency to the study of viral mechanisms of infection. But while vaccines offer a measure of protection against this specific outbreak, a new era of pandemics has been predicted. In addition to this, COVID-19 has drawn attention to post-viral syndromes and the healthcare burden they entail. It seems integral that knowledge of viral mechanisms is increased through as wide a research field as possible. To this end we propose that quantum biology might offer essential new insights into the problem, especially with regards to the important first step of virus-host invasion. Research in quantum biology often centres around energy or charge transfer. While this is predominantly in the context of photosynthesis there has also been some suggestion that cellular receptors such as olfactory or neural receptors might employ vibration assisted electron tunnelling to augment the lock-and-key mechanism. Quantum tunnelling has also been observed in enzyme function. Enzymes are implicated in the invasion of host cells by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Receptors such as olfactory receptors also appear to be disrupted by COVID-19. Building on these observations we investigate the evidence that quantum tunnelling might be important in the context of infection with SARS-CoV-2. We illustrate this with a simple model relating the vibronic mode of, for example, a viral spike protein to the likelihood of charge transfer in an idealised receptor. Our results show a distinct parameter regime in which the vibronic mode of the spike protein enhances electron transfer. With this in mind, novel therapeutics to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission could potentially be identified by their vibrational spectra.
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42
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Obeng EM, Fianu I, Danquah MK. Multivalent ACE2 engineering-A promising pathway for advanced coronavirus nanomedicine development. NANO TODAY 2022; 46:101580. [PMID: 35942040 PMCID: PMC9350675 DOI: 10.1016/j.nantod.2022.101580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The spread of coronavirus diseases has resulted in a clarion call to develop potent drugs and vaccines even as different strains appear beyond human prediction. An initial step that is integral to the viral entry into host cells results from an active-targeted interaction of the viral spike (S) proteins and the cell surface receptor, called angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Thus, engineered ACE2 has been an interesting decoy inhibitor against emerging coronavirus infestation. This article discusses promising innovative ACE2 engineering pathways for current and emerging coronavirus therapeutic development. First, we provide a brief discussion of some ACE2-associated human coronaviruses and their cell invasion mechanism. Then, we describe and contrast the individual spike proteins and ACE2 receptor interactions, highlighting crucial hotspots across the ACE2-associated coronaviruses. Lastly, we address the importance of multivalency in ACE2 nanomedicine engineering and discuss novel approaches to develop and achieve multivalent therapeutic outcomes. Beyond coronaviruses, these approaches will serve as a paradigm to develop new and improved treatment technologies against pathogens that use ACE2 receptor for invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene M Obeng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Isaac Fianu
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Michael K Danquah
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Tennessee, 615 McCallie Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37403, United States
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43
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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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Patil D, Chen S, Fogliano V, Madadlou A. Hydrolysis improves the inhibition efficacy of bovine lactoferrin against infection by SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus. Int Dairy J 2022; 137:105488. [PMID: 36089931 PMCID: PMC9444154 DOI: 10.1016/j.idairyj.2022.105488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The entry of SARS-CoV-2 into host cells may involve the spike protein cleavage by cathepsin L (CTSL). Certain food proteins such as lactoferrin (Lf) inhibit CTSL. The current study investigated the impact of hydrolysis (0–180 min) by proteinase K on electrophoretic pattern, secondary structure, cathepsin inhibitory and SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus infectivity inhibitory of bovine Lf. Gel electrophoresis indicated that hydrolysis cut Lf molecules to half lobes (∼40 kDa) and produced peptides ≤18 kDa. Approximation of the secondary structural features through analysis of the second-derivative amide I band collected by infra-red spectroscopy suggested a correlative–causative relationship between cathepsin inhibition and the content of helix-unordered structures in Lf hydrolysate. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of Lf hydrolysed for 90 min (H90) against CTSL was about 100 times smaller than that of the Lf hydrolysed for 0 min (H0). H90 had also double activity against SARS-CoV-2 pseudo-types infectivity compared with H0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devashree Patil
- Food Quality and Design Group, Department of Agrotechnology and Food Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Siyu Chen
- Food Quality and Design Group, Department of Agrotechnology and Food Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Vincenzo Fogliano
- Food Quality and Design Group, Department of Agrotechnology and Food Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Ashkan Madadlou
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
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Hu Q, Xiong Y, Zhu GH, Zhang YN, Zhang YW, Huang P, Ge GB. The SARS-CoV-2 main protease (M pro): Structure, function, and emerging therapies for COVID-19. MedComm (Beijing) 2022; 3:e151. [PMID: 35845352 PMCID: PMC9283855 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The main proteases (Mpro), also termed 3‐chymotrypsin‐like proteases (3CLpro), are a class of highly conserved cysteine hydrolases in β‐coronaviruses. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that 3CLpros play an indispensable role in viral replication and have been recognized as key targets for preventing and treating coronavirus‐caused infectious diseases, including COVID‐19. This review is focused on the structural features and biological function of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) main protease Mpro (also known as 3CLpro), as well as recent advances in discovering and developing SARS‐CoV‐2 3CLpro inhibitors. To better understand the characteristics of SARS‐CoV‐2 3CLpro inhibitors, the inhibition activities, inhibitory mechanisms, and key structural features of various 3CLpro inhibitors (including marketed drugs, peptidomimetic, and non‐peptidomimetic synthetic compounds, as well as natural compounds and their derivatives) are summarized comprehensively. Meanwhile, the challenges in this field are highlighted, while future directions for designing and developing efficacious 3CLpro inhibitors as novel anti‐coronavirus therapies are also proposed. Collectively, all information and knowledge presented here are very helpful for understanding the structural features and inhibitory mechanisms of SARS‐CoV‐2 3CLpro inhibitors, which offers new insights or inspiration to medicinal chemists for designing and developing more efficacious 3CLpro inhibitors as novel anti‐coronavirus agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Hu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Shanghai China.,Clinical Pharmacy Center Cancer Center Department of Pharmacy Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated People's Hospital Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou Zhejiang China
| | - Yuan Xiong
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Shanghai China
| | - Guang-Hao Zhu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Shanghai China
| | - Ya-Ni Zhang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Shanghai China
| | - Yi-Wen Zhang
- Clinical Pharmacy Center Cancer Center Department of Pharmacy Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated People's Hospital Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou Zhejiang China
| | - Ping Huang
- Clinical Pharmacy Center Cancer Center Department of Pharmacy Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated People's Hospital Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou Zhejiang China
| | - Guang-Bo Ge
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Shanghai China
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46
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(+)-Usnic acid and its salts, inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2, identified by using in silico methods and in vitro assay. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13118. [PMID: 35908082 PMCID: PMC9338942 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17506-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been ongoing for over two years, and treatment for COVID-19, other than monoclonal antibodies, is urgently required. Accordingly, we have investigated the inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 protein targets by high-throughput virtual screening using a marine natural products database. Considering the calculated molecular properties and availability of the compounds, (+)-usnic acid was selected as a suitable hit. In the in vitro antiviral assay of (+)-usnic acid by the immunofluorescence method, IC50 was 7.99 μM, which is similar to that of remdesivir used as a positive control. The generalized Born and surface area continuum solvation (MM/GBSA) method was performed to find the potent target of (+)-usnic acid, and the Mpro protein showed the most prominent value, -52.05 kcal/mol, among other SARS-CoV-2 protein targets. Thereafter, RMSD and protein-ligand interactions were profiled using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Sodium usnate (NaU) improved in vitro assay results with an IC50 of 5.33 μM and a selectivity index (SI) of 9.38. Additionally, when (+)-usnic acid was assayed against SARS-CoV-2 variants, it showed enhanced efficacy toward beta variants with an IC50 of 2.92 μM and SI of 11.1. We report the in vitro anti-SARS-CoV-2 efficacy of (+)-usnic acid in this study and propose that it has the potential to be developed as a COVID-19 treatment if its in vivo efficacy has been confirmed.
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Schroeder PH, Brenner LN, Kaur V, Cromer SJ, Armstrong K, LaRocque RC, Ryan ET, Meigs JB, Florez JC, Charles RC, Mercader JM, Leong A. Proteomic analysis of cardiometabolic biomarkers and predictive modeling of severe outcomes in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Cardiovasc Diabetol 2022; 21:136. [PMID: 35864532 PMCID: PMC9301894 DOI: 10.1186/s12933-022-01569-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The high heterogeneity in the symptoms and severity of COVID-19 makes it challenging to identify high-risk patients early in the disease. Cardiometabolic comorbidities have shown strong associations with COVID-19 severity in epidemiologic studies. Cardiometabolic protein biomarkers, therefore, may provide predictive insight regarding which patients are most susceptible to severe illness from COVID-19. METHODS In plasma samples collected from 343 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 during the first wave of the pandemic, we measured 92 circulating protein biomarkers previously implicated in cardiometabolic disease. We performed proteomic analysis and developed predictive models for severe outcomes. We then used these models to predict the outcomes of out-of-sample patients hospitalized with COVID-19 later in the surge (N = 194). RESULTS We identified a set of seven protein biomarkers predictive of admission to the intensive care unit and/or death (ICU/death) within 28 days of presentation to care. Two of the biomarkers, ADAMTS13 and VEGFD, were associated with a lower risk of ICU/death. The remaining biomarkers, ACE2, IL-1RA, IL6, KIM1, and CTSL1, were associated with higher risk. When used to predict the outcomes of the future, out-of-sample patients, the predictive models built with these protein biomarkers outperformed all models built from standard clinical data, including known COVID-19 risk factors. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that proteomic profiling can inform the early clinical impression of a patient's likelihood of developing severe COVID-19 outcomes and, ultimately, accelerate the recognition and treatment of high-risk patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip H Schroeder
- Diabetes Unit, Endocrine Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Programs in Metabolism and Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Laura N Brenner
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Programs in Metabolism and Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Varinderpal Kaur
- Diabetes Unit, Endocrine Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Programs in Metabolism and Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sara J Cromer
- Diabetes Unit, Endocrine Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Programs in Metabolism and Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Katrina Armstrong
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Regina C LaRocque
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Edward T Ryan
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - James B Meigs
- Programs in Metabolism and Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 100 Cambridge St 16th Floor, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Jose C Florez
- Diabetes Unit, Endocrine Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Programs in Metabolism and Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Richelle C Charles
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Josep M Mercader
- Diabetes Unit, Endocrine Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Programs in Metabolism and Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aaron Leong
- Diabetes Unit, Endocrine Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. .,Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. .,Programs in Metabolism and Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA. .,Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. .,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. .,Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 100 Cambridge St 16th Floor, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
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Balmforth D, Swales JA, Silpa L, Dunton A, Davies KE, Davies SG, Kamath A, Gupta J, Gupta S, Masood MA, McKnight Á, Rees D, Russell AJ, Jaggi M, Uppal R. Evaluating the efficacy and safety of a novel prophylactic nasal spray in the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection: A multi-centre, double blind, placebo-controlled, randomised trial. J Clin Virol 2022; 155:105248. [PMID: 35952426 PMCID: PMC9313533 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2022.105248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Uhomoibhi JOO, Shode FO, Idowu KA, Sabiu S. Molecular modelling identification of phytocompounds from selected African botanicals as promising therapeutics against druggable human host cell targets of SARS-CoV-2. J Mol Graph Model 2022; 114:108185. [PMID: 35430474 PMCID: PMC9002601 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2022.108185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is highly pathogenic and transmissible. It is mediated by the binding of viral spike proteins to human cells via entry and replication processes involving human angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (hACE2), transmembrane serine protease (TMPRSS2) and cathepsin L (Cath L). The identification of novel therapeutics that can modulate viral entry or replication has been of research interest and would be germane in managing COVID-19 subjects. This study investigated the structure-activity relationship inhibitory potential of 99 phytocompounds from selected African botanicals with proven therapeutic benefits against respiratory diseases focusing on SARS-CoV-2's human cell proteins (hACE2, TMPRSS2, and Cathepsin L) as druggable targets using computational methods. Evaluation of the binding energies of the phytocompounds showed that two compounds, Abrusoside A (−63.393 kcal/mol) and Kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside (−58.939 kcal/mol) had stronger affinity for the exopeptidase site of hACE2 compared to the reference drug, MLN-4760 (−54.545 kcal/mol). The study further revealed that Verbascoside (−63.338 kcal/mol), Abrectorin (−37.880 kcal/mol), and Friedelin (−36.989 kcal/mol) are potential inhibitors of TMPRSS2 compared to Nafamostat (−36.186 kcal/mol), while Hemiphloin (−41.425 kcal/mol), Quercetin-3-O-rutinoside (−37.257 kcal/mol), and Myricetin-3-O-galactoside (−36.342 kcal/mol) are potential inhibitors of Cathepsin L relative to Bafilomycin A1 (−38.180 kcal/mol). The structural analysis suggests that these compounds do not compromise the structural integrity of the proteins, but rather stabilized and interacted well with the active site amino acid residues critical to inhibition of the respective proteins. Overall, the findings from this study are suggestive of the structural mechanism of inhibitory action of the identified leads against the proteins critical for SARS-CoV-2 to enter the human host cell. While the study has lent credence to the significant role the compounds could play in developing potent SARS-CoV-2 candidate drugs against COVID-19, further structural refinement, and modifications of the compounds for subsequent in vitro as well as preclinical and clinical evaluations are underway.
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Kuzikov M, Woens J, Zaliani A, Hambach J, Eden T, Fehse B, Ellinger B, Riecken K. High-throughput drug screening allowed identification of entry inhibitors specifically targeting different routes of SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron/BA.1. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 151:113104. [PMID: 35643072 PMCID: PMC9108036 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has continuously evolved, resulting in the emergence of several variants of concern (VOCs). To study mechanisms of viral entry and potentially identify specific inhibitors, we pseudotyped lentiviral vectors with different SARS-CoV-2 VOC spike variants (D614G, Alpha, Beta, Delta, Omicron/BA.1), responsible for receptor binding and membrane fusion. These SARS-CoV-2 lentiviral pseudoviruses were applied to screen 774 FDA-approved drugs. For the assay we decided to use CaCo2 cells, since they equally allow cell entry through both the direct membrane fusion pathway mediated by TMPRSS2 and the endocytosis pathway mediated by cathepsin-L. The active molecules which showed stronger differences in their potency to inhibit certain SARS-CoV-2 VOCs included antagonists of G-protein coupled receptors, like phenothiazine-derived antipsychotic compounds such as Chlorpromazine, with highest activity against the Omicron pseudovirus. In general, our data showed that the various VOCs differ in their preferences for cell entry, and we were able to identify synergistic combinations of inhibitors. Notably, Omicron singled out by relying primarily on the endocytosis pathway while Delta preferred cell entry via membrane fusion. In conclusion, our data provide new insights into different entry preferences of SARS-CoV-2 VOCs, which might help to identify new drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kuzikov
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Schnackenburgallee 114, 22525 Hamburg, Germany,Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Diseases CIMD, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany,Department of Life Sciences and Chemistry, Jacobs University Bremen, 28759 Bremen, Germany
| | - Jannis Woens
- Research Department Cell and Gene Therapy, Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Zaliani
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Schnackenburgallee 114, 22525 Hamburg, Germany,Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Diseases CIMD, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Julia Hambach
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Eden
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Boris Fehse
- Research Department Cell and Gene Therapy, Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Ellinger
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Schnackenburgallee 114, 22525 Hamburg, Germany,Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Diseases CIMD, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany,Corresponding author at: Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Schnackenburgallee 114, 22525 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kristoffer Riecken
- Research Department Cell and Gene Therapy, Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany,Correspondence to: Research Department Cell and Gene Therapy, Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
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