1
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Yuan L, Guo J. PharmaRedefine: A database server for repurposing drugs against pathogenic bacteria. Methods 2024; 227:78-85. [PMID: 38754711 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2024.05.011] [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: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic bacteria represent a formidable threat to human health, necessitating substantial resources for prevention and treatment. With the escalating concern regarding antibiotic resistance, there is a pressing need for innovative approaches to combat these pathogens. Repurposing existing drugs offers a promising solution. Our present work hypothesizes that proteins harboring ligand-binding pockets with similar chemical environments may be able to bind the same drug. To facilitate this drug-repurposing strategy against pathogenic bacteria, we introduce an online server, PharmaRedefine. Leveraging a combination of sequence and structure alignment and protein pocket similarity analysis, this platform enables the prediction of potential targets in representative bacteria for specific FDA-approved drugs. This novel approach holds tremendous potential for drug repositioning that effectively combat infections caused by pathogenic bacteria. PharmaRedefine is freely available at http://guolab.mpu.edu.mo/pharmredefine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longxiao Yuan
- Centre in Artificial Intelligence Driven Drug Discovery, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Macao Polytechnic University, Macao 999097, China
| | - Jingjing Guo
- Centre in Artificial Intelligence Driven Drug Discovery, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Macao Polytechnic University, Macao 999097, China.
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2
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Vanderlinden E, Boonen A, Noppen S, Schoofs G, Imbrechts M, Geukens N, Snoeck R, Stevaert A, Naesens L, Andrei G, Schols D. PRO-2000 exhibits SARS-CoV-2 antiviral activity by interfering with spike-heparin binding. Antiviral Res 2023; 217:105700. [PMID: 37562608 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2023.105700] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Here, we report on the anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of PRO-2000, a sulfonated polyanionic compound. In Vero cells infected with the Wuhan, alpha, beta, delta or omicron variant, PRO-2000 displayed EC50 values of 1.1 μM, 2.4 μM, 1.3 μM, 2.1 μM and 0.11 μM, respectively, and an average selectivity index (i.e. ratio of cytotoxic versus antiviral concentration) of 172. Its anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity was confirmed by virus yield assays in Vero cells, Caco2 cells and A549 cells overexpressing ACE2 and TMPRSS2 (A549-AT). Using pseudoviruses bearing the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S), PRO-2000 was shown to block the S-mediated pseudovirus entry in Vero cells and A549-AT cells, with EC50 values of 0.091 μM and 1.6 μM, respectively. This entry process is initiated by interaction of the S glycoprotein with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and heparan sulfate proteoglycans. Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) studies showed that PRO-2000 binds to the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of S with a KD of 1.6 nM. Similar KD values (range: 1.2 nM-2.1 nM) were obtained with the RBDs of the alpha, beta, delta and omicron variants. In an SPR neutralization assay, PRO-2000 had no effect on the interaction between the RBD and ACE2. Instead, PRO-2000 was proven to inhibit binding of the RBD to a heparin-coated sensor chip, yielding an IC50 of 1.1 nM. To conclude, PRO-2000 has the potential to inhibit a broad range of SARS-CoV-2 variants by blocking the heparin-binding site on the S protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelien Vanderlinden
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Arnaud Boonen
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sam Noppen
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Geert Schoofs
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maya Imbrechts
- PharmAbs, The KU Leuven Antibody Center, Herestraat 49 box 820, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nick Geukens
- PharmAbs, The KU Leuven Antibody Center, Herestraat 49 box 820, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Robert Snoeck
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Annelies Stevaert
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lieve Naesens
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Graciela Andrei
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dominique Schols
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
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3
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Synthesis of an amphiphilic vancomycin aglycone derivative inspired by polymyxins: overcoming glycopeptide resistance in Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria in synergy with teicoplanin in vitro. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20921. [PMID: 36463278 PMCID: PMC9719540 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24807-0] [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: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Gram-negative bacteria possess intrinsic resistance to glycopeptide antibiotics so these important antibacterial medications are only suitable for the treatment of Gram-positive bacterial infections. At the same time, polymyxins are peptide antibiotics, structurally related to glycopeptides, with remarkable activity against Gram-negative bacteria. With the aim of breaking the intrinsic resistance of Gram-negative bacteria against glycopeptides, a polycationic vancomycin aglycone derivative carrying an n-decanoyl side chain and five aminoethyl groups, which resembles the structure of polymyxins, was prepared. Although the compound by itself was not active against the Gram-negative bacteria tested, it synergized with teicoplanin against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii, and it was able to potentiate vancomycin against these Gram-negative strains. Moreover, it proved to be active against vancomycin- and teicoplanin-resistant Gram-positive bacteria.
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4
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Bereczki I, Vimberg V, Lőrincz E, Papp H, Nagy L, Kéki S, Batta G, Mitrović A, Kos J, Zsigmond Á, Hajdú I, Lőrincz Z, Bajusz D, Petri L, Hodek J, Jakab F, Keserű GM, Weber J, Naesens L, Herczegh P, Borbás A. Semisynthetic teicoplanin derivatives with dual antimicrobial activity against SARS-CoV-2 and multiresistant bacteria. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16001. [PMID: 36163239 PMCID: PMC9511441 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20182-y] [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: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 risk co-infection with Gram-positive bacteria, which severely affects their prognosis. Antimicrobial drugs with dual antiviral and antibacterial activity would be very useful in this setting. Although glycopeptide antibiotics are well-known as strong antibacterial drugs, some of them are also active against RNA viruses like SARS-CoV-2. It has been shown that the antiviral and antibacterial efficacy can be enhanced by synthetic modifications. We here report the synthesis and biological evaluation of seven derivatives of teicoplanin bearing hydrophobic or superbasic side chain. All but one teicoplanin derivatives were effective in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 replication in VeroE6 cells. One lipophilic and three perfluoroalkyl conjugates showed activity against SARS-CoV-2 in human Calu-3 cells and against HCoV-229E, an endemic human coronavirus, in HEL cells. Pseudovirus entry and enzyme inhibition assays established that the teicoplanin derivatives efficiently prevent the cathepsin-mediated endosomal entry of SARS-CoV-2, with some compounds inhibiting also the TMPRSS2-mediated surface entry route. The teicoplanin derivatives showed good to excellent activity against Gram-positive bacteria resistant to all approved glycopeptide antibiotics, due to their ability to dually bind to the bacterial membrane and cell-wall. To conclude, we identified three perfluoralkyl and one monoguanidine analog of teicoplanin as dual inhibitors of Gram-positive bacteria and SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilona Bereczki
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, 4032, Hungary.,National Laboratory of Virology, University of Pécs, Pecs, Ifjúság útja 20, 7624, Hungary
| | - Vladimir Vimberg
- Laboratory for Biology of Secondary Metabolism, Institute of Microbiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, BIOCEV, Průmyslová 595, 252 50, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Eszter Lőrincz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, 4032, Hungary.,Institute of Healthcare Industry, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Nagyerdei körút 98, 4032, Hungary.,Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, 4032, Hungary
| | - Henrietta Papp
- National Laboratory of Virology, University of Pécs, Pecs, Ifjúság útja 20, 7624, Hungary.,Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Biology, University of Pécs, Pecs, Ifjúság útja 6, 7624, Hungary
| | - Lajos Nagy
- Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Sándor Kéki
- Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Gyula Batta
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Ana Mitrović
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 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
| | - Áron Zsigmond
- TargetEx Ltd., Dunakeszi, Madách Imre utca 31/2, 2120, Hungary
| | - István Hajdú
- TargetEx Ltd., Dunakeszi, Madách Imre utca 31/2, 2120, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Lőrincz
- TargetEx Ltd., Dunakeszi, Madách Imre utca 31/2, 2120, Hungary
| | - Dávid Bajusz
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Magyar tudósok krt. 2, 1117, Hungary
| | - László Petri
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Magyar tudósok krt. 2, 1117, Hungary
| | - Jan Hodek
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo nam. 2, 16000, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Ferenc Jakab
- National Laboratory of Virology, University of Pécs, Pecs, Ifjúság útja 20, 7624, Hungary.,Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Biology, University of Pécs, Pecs, Ifjúság útja 6, 7624, Hungary
| | - György M Keserű
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Magyar tudósok krt. 2, 1117, Hungary.
| | - Jan Weber
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo nam. 2, 16000, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Lieve Naesens
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Pál Herczegh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, 4032, Hungary
| | - Anikó Borbás
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, 4032, Hungary. .,National Laboratory of Virology, University of Pécs, Pecs, Ifjúság útja 20, 7624, Hungary.
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5
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A Versatile Class of 1,4,4-Trisubstituted Piperidines Block Coronavirus Replication In Vitro. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15081021. [PMID: 36015168 PMCID: PMC9416004 DOI: 10.3390/ph15081021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a clear need for novel antiviral concepts to control SARS-CoV-2 infection. Based on the promising anti-coronavirus activity observed for a class of 1,4,4-trisubstituted piperidines, we here conducted a detailed analysis of the structure–activity relationship of these structurally unique inhibitors. Despite the presence of five points of diversity, the synthesis of an extensive series of analogues was readily achieved by Ugi four-component reaction from commercially available reagents. After evaluating 63 analogues against human coronavirus 229E, four of the best molecules were selected and shown to have micromolar activity against SARS-CoV-2. Since the action point was situated post virus entry and lying at the stage of viral polyprotein processing and the start of RNA synthesis, enzymatic assays were performed with CoV proteins involved in these processes. While no inhibition was observed for SARS-CoV-2 nsp12-nsp7-nsp8 polymerase, nsp14 N7-methyltransferase and nsp16/nsp10 2’-O-methyltransferase, nor the nsp3 papain-like protease, the compounds clearly inhibited the nsp5 main protease (Mpro). Although the inhibitory activity was quite modest, the plausibility of binding to the catalytic site of Mpro was established by in silico studies. Therefore, the 1,4,4-trisubstituted piperidines appear to represent a novel class of non-covalent CoV Mpro inhibitors that warrants further optimization and development.
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6
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van Groesen E, Innocenti P, Martin NI. Recent Advances in the Development of Semisynthetic Glycopeptide Antibiotics: 2014-2022. ACS Infect Dis 2022; 8:1381-1407. [PMID: 35895325 PMCID: PMC9379927 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.2c00253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The accelerated appearance of drug-resistant bacteria poses an ever-growing threat to modern medicine's capacity to fight infectious diseases. Gram-positive species such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Streptococcus pneumoniae continue to contribute significantly to the global burden of antimicrobial resistance. For decades, the treatment of serious Gram-positive infections relied upon the glycopeptide family of antibiotics, typified by vancomycin, as a last line of defense. With the emergence of vancomycin resistance, the semisynthetic glycopeptides telavancin, dalbavancin, and oritavancin were developed. The clinical use of these compounds is somewhat limited due to toxicity concerns and their unusual pharmacokinetics, highlighting the importance of developing next-generation semisynthetic glycopeptides with enhanced antibacterial activities and improved safety profiles. This Review provides an updated overview of recent advancements made in the development of novel semisynthetic glycopeptides, spanning the period from 2014 to today. A wide range of approaches are covered, encompassing innovative strategies that have delivered semisynthetic glycopeptides with potent activities against Gram-positive bacteria, including drug-resistant strains. We also address recent efforts aimed at developing targeted therapies and advances made in extending the activity of the glycopeptides toward Gram-negative organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma van Groesen
- Biological Chemistry Group, Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Paolo Innocenti
- Biological Chemistry Group, Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Nathaniel I Martin
- Biological Chemistry Group, Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
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7
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Flores-Holguín N, Frau J, Glossman-Mitnik D. Computational Chemistry Study of Natural Apocarotenoids and Their Synthetic Glycopeptide Conjugates as Therapeutic Drugs. Physiology (Bethesda) 2022. [DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.103130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of the research to be presented in the chapter is the determination of the chemical reactivity properties of some natural apocarotenoids and their synthetic glycopeptide conjugates that could have the ability to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication. The study will be based on the consideration of the Conceptual DFT branch of Density Functional Theory (DFT) through the consideration of particular successful model chemistry which has been demonstrated as satisfying the Janak and Ionization Energy theorems within Generalized Gradient Approximation (GGA) theory. The research will be complemented by a report of the ADMET and pharmacokinetic properties hoping that this information could be of help in the development of new pharmaceutical drugs for fighting COVID-19.
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8
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Acharya Y, Bhattacharyya S, Dhanda G, Haldar J. Emerging Roles of Glycopeptide Antibiotics: Moving beyond Gram-Positive Bacteria. ACS Infect Dis 2022; 8:1-28. [PMID: 34878254 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.1c00367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Glycopeptides, a class of cell wall biosynthesis inhibitors, have been the antibiotics of choice against drug-resistant Gram-positive bacterial infections. Their unique mechanism of action involving binding to the substrate of cell wall biosynthesis and substantial longevity in clinics makes this class of antibiotics an attractive choice for drug repurposing and reprofiling. However, resistance to glycopeptides has been observed due to alterations in the substrate, cell wall thickening, or both. The emergence of glycopeptide resistance has resulted in the development of synthetic and semisynthetic glycopeptide analogues to target acquired resistance. Recent findings demonstrate that these derivatives, along with some of the FDA approved glycopeptides have been shown to have antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative bacteria, Mycobacteria, and viruses thus expanding their spectrum of activity across the microbial kingdom. Additional mechanisms of action and identification of novel targets have proven to be critical in broadening the spectrum of activity of glycopeptides. This review focuses on the applications of glycopeptides beyond their traditional target group of Gram-positive bacteria. This will aid in making the scientific community aware about the nontraditional activity profiles of glycopeptides, identify the existing loopholes, and further explore this antibiotic class as a potential broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yash Acharya
- Antimicrobial Research Laboratory, New Chemistry Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Jakkur, Bengaluru 560064, Karnataka, India
| | - Shaown Bhattacharyya
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program, Departments of Chemistry and Biology, College of Arts and Science, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Geetika Dhanda
- Antimicrobial Research Laboratory, New Chemistry Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Jakkur, Bengaluru 560064, Karnataka, India
| | - Jayanta Haldar
- Antimicrobial Research Laboratory, New Chemistry Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Jakkur, Bengaluru 560064, Karnataka, India
- School of Advanced Materials, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Jakkur, Bengaluru 560064, Karnataka, India
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9
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Vanderheijden N, Stevaert A, Xie J, Ren X, Barbezange C, Noppen S, Desombere I, Verhasselt B, Geldhof P, Vereecke N, Stroobants V, Oh D, Vanhee M, Naesens LMJ, Nauwynck HJ. Functional Analysis of Human and Feline Coronavirus Cross-Reactive Antibodies Directed Against the SARS-CoV-2 Fusion Peptide. Front Immunol 2022; 12:790415. [PMID: 35069571 PMCID: PMC8766817 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.790415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
To face the continuous emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants, broadly protective therapeutic antibodies are highly needed. We here focused on the fusion peptide (FP) region of the viral spike antigen since it is highly conserved among alpha- and betacoronaviruses. First, we found that coronavirus cross-reactive antibodies are commonly formed during infection, being omnipresent in sera from COVID-19 patients, in ~50% of pre-pandemic human sera (rich in antibodies against endemic human coronaviruses), and even in feline coronavirus-infected cats. Pepscan analyses demonstrated that a confined N-terminal region of the FP is strongly immunogenic across diverse coronaviruses. Peptide-purified human antibodies targeting this conserved FP epitope exhibited broad binding of alpha- and betacoronaviruses, besides weak and transient SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing activity. Being frequently elicited by coronavirus infection, these FP-binding antibodies might potentially exhibit Fc-mediated effector functions and influence the kinetics or severity of coronavirus infection and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Vanderheijden
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Annelies Stevaert
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven – University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jiexiong Xie
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Xiaolei Ren
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Cyril Barbezange
- National Influenza Centre and Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sam Noppen
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven – University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Bruno Verhasselt
- Laboratory for Medical Microbiology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Peter Geldhof
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Nick Vereecke
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
- PathoSense BV, Lier, Belgium
| | - Veerle Stroobants
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Dayoung Oh
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Merijn Vanhee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, AZ Sint-Jan Brugge-Oostende, Bruges, Belgium
| | - Lieve M. J. Naesens
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven – University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hans J. Nauwynck
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
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10
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Natural Apocarotenoids and Their Synthetic Glycopeptide Conjugates Inhibit SARS-CoV-2 Replication. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14111111. [PMID: 34832893 PMCID: PMC8619593 DOI: 10.3390/ph14111111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The protracted global COVID-19 pandemic urges the development of new drugs against the causative agent SARS-CoV-2. The clinically used glycopeptide antibiotic, teicoplanin, emerged as a potential antiviral, and its efficacy was improved with lipophilic modifications. This prompted us to prepare new lipophilic apocarotenoid conjugates of teicoplanin, its pseudoaglycone and the related ristocetin aglycone. Their antiviral effect was tested against SARS-CoV-2 in Vero E6 cells, using a cell viability assay and quantitative PCR of the viral RNA, confirming their micromolar inhibitory activity against viral replication. Interestingly, two of the parent apocarotenoids, bixin and β-apo-8′carotenoic acid, exerted remarkable anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity. Mechanistic studies involved cathepsin L and B, as well as the main protease 3CLPro, and the results were rationalized by computational studies. Glycopeptide conjugates show dual inhibitory action, while apocarotenoids have mostly cathepsin B and L affinity. Since teicoplanin is a marketed antibiotic and the natural bixin is an approved, cheap and widely used red colorant food additive, these readily available compounds and their conjugates as potential antivirals are worthy of further exploration.
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11
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Stevaert A, Krasniqi B, Van Loy B, Nguyen T, Thomas J, Vandeput J, Jochmans D, Thiel V, Dijkman R, Dehaen W, Voet A, Naesens L. Betulonic Acid Derivatives Interfering with Human Coronavirus 229E Replication via the nsp15 Endoribonuclease. J Med Chem 2021; 64:5632-5644. [PMID: 33877845 PMCID: PMC8084268 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c02124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
To develop antiviral therapeutics against human coronavirus (HCoV) infections, suitable coronavirus drug targets and corresponding lead molecules must be urgently identified. Here, we describe the discovery of a class of HCoV inhibitors acting on nsp15, a hexameric protein component of the viral replication-transcription complexes, endowed with immune evasion-associated endoribonuclease activity. Structure-activity relationship exploration of these 1,2,3-triazolo-fused betulonic acid derivatives yielded lead molecule 5h as a strong inhibitor (antiviral EC50: 0.6 μM) of HCoV-229E replication. An nsp15 endoribonuclease active site mutant virus was markedly less sensitive to 5h, and selected resistance to the compound mapped to mutations in the N-terminal part of HCoV-229E nsp15, at an interface between two nsp15 monomers. The biological findings were substantiated by the nsp15 binding mode for 5h, predicted by docking. Hence, besides delivering a distinct class of inhibitors, our study revealed a druggable pocket in the nsp15 hexamer with relevance for anti-coronavirus drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelies Stevaert
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy,
Rega Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven,
Belgium
| | - Besir Krasniqi
- Molecular Design and Synthesis, Department of
Chemistry, KU Leuven, 3001 Leuven,
Belgium
| | - Benjamin Van Loy
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy,
Rega Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven,
Belgium
| | - Tien Nguyen
- Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology,
Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, 3001 Leuven,
Belgium
| | - Joice Thomas
- Molecular Design and Synthesis, Department of
Chemistry, KU Leuven, 3001 Leuven,
Belgium
| | - Julie Vandeput
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy,
Rega Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven,
Belgium
| | - Dirk Jochmans
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy,
Rega Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven,
Belgium
| | - Volker Thiel
- Institute of Virology and Immunology
(IVI), 3012 Bern and 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology,
Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern,
Switzerland
| | - Ronald Dijkman
- Institute of Virology and Immunology
(IVI), 3012 Bern and 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology,
Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern,
Switzerland
- Institute for Infectious Diseases (IFIK),
University of Bern, 3012 Bern,
Switzerland
| | - Wim Dehaen
- Molecular Design and Synthesis, Department of
Chemistry, KU Leuven, 3001 Leuven,
Belgium
| | - Arnout Voet
- Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology,
Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, 3001 Leuven,
Belgium
| | - Lieve Naesens
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy,
Rega Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven,
Belgium
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12
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The SARS-CoV-2 and other human coronavirus spike proteins are fine-tuned towards temperature and proteases of the human airways. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009500. [PMID: 33886690 PMCID: PMC8061995 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The high transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 is related to abundant replication in the upper airways, which is not observed for the other highly pathogenic coronaviruses SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. We here reveal features of the coronavirus spike (S) protein, which optimize the virus towards the human respiratory tract. First, the S proteins exhibit an intrinsic temperature preference, corresponding with the temperature of the upper or lower airways. Pseudoviruses bearing the SARS-CoV-2 spike (SARS-2-S) were more infectious when produced at 33°C instead of 37°C, a property shared with the S protein of HCoV-229E, a common cold coronavirus. In contrast, the S proteins of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV favored 37°C, in accordance with virus preference for the lower airways. Next, SARS-2-S-driven entry was efficiently activated by not only TMPRSS2, but also the TMPRSS13 protease, thus broadening the cell tropism of SARS-CoV-2. Both proteases proved relevant in the context of authentic virus replication. TMPRSS13 appeared an effective spike activator for the virulent coronaviruses but not the low pathogenic HCoV-229E virus. Activation of SARS-2-S by these surface proteases requires processing of the S1/S2 cleavage loop, in which both the furin recognition motif and extended loop length proved critical. Conversely, entry of loop deletion mutants is significantly increased in cathepsin-rich cells. Finally, we demonstrate that the D614G mutation increases SARS-CoV-2 stability, particularly at 37°C, and, enhances its use of the cathepsin L pathway. This indicates a link between S protein stability and usage of this alternative route for virus entry. Since these spike properties may promote virus spread, they potentially explain why the spike-G614 variant has replaced the early D614 variant to become globally predominant. Collectively, our findings reveal adaptive mechanisms whereby the coronavirus spike protein is adjusted to match the temperature and protease conditions of the airways, to enhance virus transmission and pathology. The devastating COVID-19 pandemic is caused by SARS-CoV-2, a novel virus that despite recent zoonotic introduction is already very well adapted to its human host. Its rapid spread is related to abundant replication in the upper airways, which is not observed for other highly pathogenic human coronaviruses. To understand the role of the viral spike protein in this airway adaptation, we constructed pseudoviruses of SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses that cause severe pneumonia or, on the contrary, a mild common cold. The key findings were verified with authentic virus. We reveal features of the spike proteins, which optimize the coronavirus towards specific parts of the respiratory tract. Namely, we show that the spike proteins exhibit intrinsic temperature preference to precisely match the upper (~33°C) or lower (37°C) airways. We recognized which proteases of human airways activate the spike for virus entry, in particular one protease that may mediate coronavirus virulence. Finally, a link was perceived between spike stability and entry via endosomal proteases. We propose that these mechanisms of spike fine-tuning may have contributed to a global shift in SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology, from the early spike-D614 to the currently predominating G614 variant.
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13
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Geraghty RJ, Aliota MT, Bonnac LF. Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Strategies and Nucleoside Analogues. Viruses 2021; 13:v13040667. [PMID: 33924302 PMCID: PMC8069527 DOI: 10.3390/v13040667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence or re-emergence of viruses with epidemic and/or pandemic potential, such as Ebola, Zika, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV), Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 1 and 2 (SARS and SARS-CoV-2) viruses, or new strains of influenza represents significant human health threats due to the absence of available treatments. Vaccines represent a key answer to control these viruses. However, in the case of a public health emergency, vaccine development, safety, and partial efficacy concerns may hinder their prompt deployment. Thus, developing broad-spectrum antiviral molecules for a fast response is essential to face an outbreak crisis as well as for bioweapon countermeasures. So far, broad-spectrum antivirals include two main categories: the family of drugs targeting the host-cell machinery essential for virus infection and replication, and the family of drugs directly targeting viruses. Among the molecules directly targeting viruses, nucleoside analogues form an essential class of broad-spectrum antiviral drugs. In this review, we will discuss the interest for broad-spectrum antiviral strategies and their limitations, with an emphasis on virus-targeted, broad-spectrum, antiviral nucleoside analogues and their mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J. Geraghty
- Center for Drug Design, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA;
| | - Matthew T. Aliota
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA;
| | - Laurent F. Bonnac
- Center for Drug Design, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA;
- Correspondence:
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14
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Apaydın ÇB, Loy BV, Stevaert A, Naesens L. New spirothiazolidinone derivatives: Synthesis and antiviral evaluation. PHOSPHORUS SULFUR 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/10426507.2020.1828886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Çağla Begüm Apaydın
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Benjamin Van Loy
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Annelies Stevaert
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lieve Naesens
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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15
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Izsépi L, Erdei R, Tevyashova AN, Grammatikova NE, Shchekotikhin AE, Herczegh P, Batta G. Bacterial Cell Wall Analogue Peptides Control the Oligomeric States and Activity of the Glycopeptide Antibiotic Eremomycin: Solution NMR and Antimicrobial Studies. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14020083. [PMID: 33499349 PMCID: PMC7911593 DOI: 10.3390/ph14020083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
For some time, glycopeptide antibiotics have been considered the last line of defense against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). However, vancomycin resistance of Gram-positive bacteria is an increasingly emerging worldwide health problem. The mode of action of glycopeptide antibiotics is essentially the binding of peptidoglycan cell-wall fragments terminating in the d-Ala-d-Ala sequence to the carboxylate anion binding pocket of the antibiotic. Dimerization of these antibiotics in aqueous solution was shown to persist and even to enhance the antibacterial effect in a co-operative manner. Some works based on solid state (ss) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) studies questioned the presence of dimers under the conditions of ssNMR while in a few cases, higher-order oligomers associated with contiguous back-to-back and face-to-face dimers were observed in the crystal phase. However, it is not proved if such oligomers persist in aqueous solutions. With the aid of 15N-labelled eremomycin using 15N relaxation and diffusion NMR methods, we observed tetramers and octamers when the N-Ac-d-Ala-d-Ala dipeptide was added. To the contrary, the N-Ac-d-Ala or (N-Ac)2-l-Lys-d-Ala-d-Ala tripeptide did not induce higher-order oligomers. These observations are interesting examples of tailored supramolecular self-organization. New antimicrobial tests have also been carried out with these self-assemblies against MRSA and VRE (resistant) strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- László Izsépi
- Doctoral School of Chemistry, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1., Hungary;
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1., Hungary;
| | - Réka Erdei
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1., Hungary;
| | - Anna N. Tevyashova
- Gause Institute of New Antibiotics, 11 B. Pirogovskaya, 119021 Moscow, Russia; (A.N.T.); (N.E.G.); (A.E.S.)
| | - Natalia E. Grammatikova
- Gause Institute of New Antibiotics, 11 B. Pirogovskaya, 119021 Moscow, Russia; (A.N.T.); (N.E.G.); (A.E.S.)
| | - Andrey E. Shchekotikhin
- Gause Institute of New Antibiotics, 11 B. Pirogovskaya, 119021 Moscow, Russia; (A.N.T.); (N.E.G.); (A.E.S.)
| | - Pál Herczegh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1., Hungary;
| | - Gyula Batta
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1., Hungary;
- Correspondence:
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