1
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Vassiliev P, Gusev E, Komelkova M, Kochetkov A, Dobrynina M, Sarapultsev A. Computational Analysis of CD46 Protein Interaction with SARS-CoV-2 Structural Proteins: Elucidating a Putative Viral Entry Mechanism into Human Cells. Viruses 2023; 15:2297. [PMID: 38140538 PMCID: PMC10747966 DOI: 10.3390/v15122297] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
This study examines an unexplored aspect of SARS-CoV-2 entry into host cells, which is widely understood to occur via the viral spike (S) protein's interaction with human ACE2-associated proteins. While vaccines and inhibitors targeting this mechanism are in use, they may not offer complete protection against reinfection. Hence, we investigate putative receptors and their cofactors. Specifically, we propose CD46, a human membrane cofactor protein, as a potential putative receptor and explore its role in cellular invasion, acting possibly as a cofactor with other viral structural proteins. Employing computational techniques, we created full-size 3D models of human CD46 and four key SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins-EP, MP, NP, and SP. We further developed 3D models of CD46 complexes interacting with these proteins. The primary aim is to pinpoint the likely interaction domains between CD46 and these structural proteins to facilitate the identification of molecules that can block these interactions, thus offering a foundation for novel pharmacological treatments for SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Vassiliev
- Laboratory for Information Technology in Pharmacology and Computer Modeling of Drugs, Research Center for Innovative Medicines, Volgograd State Medical University, 39 Novorossiyskaya Street, Volgograd 400087, Russia;
| | - Evgenii Gusev
- Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 106 Pervomaiskaya Street, Yekaterinburg 620049, Russia; (E.G.); (M.D.)
- Russian-Chinese Education and Research Center of System Pathology, South Ural State University, 76 Lenin Prospekt, Chelyabinsk 454080, Russia;
| | - Maria Komelkova
- Russian-Chinese Education and Research Center of System Pathology, South Ural State University, 76 Lenin Prospekt, Chelyabinsk 454080, Russia;
| | - Andrey Kochetkov
- Laboratory for Information Technology in Pharmacology and Computer Modeling of Drugs, Research Center for Innovative Medicines, Volgograd State Medical University, 39 Novorossiyskaya Street, Volgograd 400087, Russia;
| | - Maria Dobrynina
- Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 106 Pervomaiskaya Street, Yekaterinburg 620049, Russia; (E.G.); (M.D.)
| | - Alexey Sarapultsev
- Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 106 Pervomaiskaya Street, Yekaterinburg 620049, Russia; (E.G.); (M.D.)
- Russian-Chinese Education and Research Center of System Pathology, South Ural State University, 76 Lenin Prospekt, Chelyabinsk 454080, Russia;
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2
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Ebraham L, Xu C, Wang A, Hernandez C, Siclari N, Rajah D, Walter L, Marras SAE, Tyagi S, Fine DH, Daep CA, Chang TL. Oral Epithelial Cells Expressing Low or Undetectable Levels of Human Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 Are Susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 Virus Infection In Vitro. Pathogens 2023; 12:843. [PMID: 37375533 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060843] [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: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The oral cavity is thought to be one of the portals for SARS-CoV-2 entry, although there is limited evidence of active oral infection by SARS-CoV-2 viruses. We assessed the capacity of SARS-CoV-2 to infect and replicate in oral epithelial cells. Oral gingival epithelial cells (hTERT TIGKs), salivary gland epithelial cells (A-253), and oral buccal epithelial cells (TR146), which occupy different regions of the oral cavity, were challenged with replication-competent SARS-CoV-2 viruses and with pseudo-typed viruses expressing SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins. All oral epithelial cells expressing undetectable or low levels of human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) but high levels of the alternative receptor CD147 were susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Distinct viral dynamics were seen in hTERT TIGKs compared to A-253 and TR146 cells. For example, levels of viral transcripts were sustained in hTERT TIGKs but were significantly decreased in A-253 and TR146 cells on day 3 after infection. Analysis of oral epithelial cells infected by replication-competent SARS-CoV-2 viruses expressing GFP showed that the GFP signal and SARS-CoV-2 mRNAs were not evenly distributed. Furthermore, we found cumulative SARS-CoV-2 RNAs from released viruses in the media from oral epithelial cells on day 1 and day 2 after infection, indicating productive viral infection. Taken together, our results demonstrated that oral epithelial cells were susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 viruses despite low or undetectable levels of hACE2, suggesting that alternative receptors contribute to SARS-CoV-2 infection and may be considered for the development of future vaccines and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laith Ebraham
- Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Chuan Xu
- Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Annie Wang
- Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Cyril Hernandez
- Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Nicholas Siclari
- Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Divino Rajah
- Global Technology Center, Colgate-Palmolive Company, Piscataway, NJ 08855, USA
| | - Lewins Walter
- Global Technology Center, Colgate-Palmolive Company, Piscataway, NJ 08855, USA
| | - Salvatore A E Marras
- Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Sanjay Tyagi
- Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Daniel H Fine
- Department of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Carlo Amorin Daep
- Global Technology Center, Colgate-Palmolive Company, Piscataway, NJ 08855, USA
| | - Theresa L Chang
- Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
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3
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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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4
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Avdonin PP, Rybakova EY, Trufanov SK, Avdonin PV. SARS-CoV-2 Receptors and Their Involvement in Cell Infection. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW), SUPPLEMENT SERIES A: MEMBRANE AND CELL BIOLOGY 2023; 17:1-11. [PMID: 37008884 PMCID: PMC10050803 DOI: 10.1134/s1990747822060034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
The new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has many times surpassed the epidemics caused by SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. The reason for this was the presence of sites in the protein sequence of SARS-CoV-2 that provide interaction with a broader range of receptor proteins on the host cell surface. In this review, we consider both already known receptors common to SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 and new receptors specific to SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. P. Avdonin
- N.K. Koltsov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - E. Yu. Rybakova
- N.K. Koltsov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - S. K. Trufanov
- N.K. Koltsov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - P. V. Avdonin
- N.K. Koltsov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
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5
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ACE2-Independent Alternative Receptors for SARS-CoV-2. Viruses 2022; 14:v14112535. [PMID: 36423144 PMCID: PMC9692829 DOI: 10.3390/v14112535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is highly contagious and remains a major public health challenge despite the availability of effective vaccines. SARS-CoV-2 enters cells through the binding of its spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor in concert with accessory receptors/molecules that facilitate viral attachment, internalization, and fusion. Although ACE2 plays a critical role in SARS-CoV-2 replication, its expression profiles are not completely associated with infection patterns, immune responses, and clinical manifestations. Additionally, SARS-CoV-2 infects cells that lack ACE2, and the infection is resistant to monoclonal antibodies against spike RBD in vitro, indicating that some human cells possess ACE2-independent alternative receptors, which can mediate SARS-CoV-2 entry. Here, we discuss these alternative receptors and their interactions with SARS-CoV-2 components for ACE2-independent viral entry. These receptors include CD147, AXL, CD209L/L-SIGN/CLEC4M, CD209/DC-SIGN/CLEC4L, CLEC4G/LSECtin, ASGR1/CLEC4H1, LDLRAD3, TMEM30A, and KREMEN1. Most of these receptors are known to be involved in the entry of other viruses and to modulate cellular functions and immune responses. The SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant exhibits altered cell tropism and an associated change in the cell entry pathway, indicating that emerging variants may use alternative receptors to escape the immune pressure against ACE2-dependent viral entry provided by vaccination against RBD. Understanding the role of ACE2-independent alternative receptors in SARS-CoV-2 viral entry and pathogenesis may provide avenues for the prevention of infection by SARS-CoV-2 variants and for the treatment of COVID-19.
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6
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AXL inhibitors selected by molecular docking: Option for reducing SARS-CoV-2 entry into cells. ACTA PHARMACEUTICA (ZAGREB, CROATIA) 2022; 72:329-343. [PMID: 36651539 DOI: 10.2478/acph-2022-0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing and the benefit from vaccines is still insufficient since COVID-19 continues to be dia g-nosed in vaccinated individuals. It is, therefore, necessary to propose specific pharmacological treatments against COVID-19. A new therapeutic target on the human cellular membrane is AXL (anexelekto), proposed as an independent pathway by which interaction with the S protein of SARS-CoV-2 allows the virus to enter the cell, without the participation of ACE2. AXL serves as another gate through which SARS-CoV-2 can enter cells. Therefore, any stage of COVID-19 could be ameliorated by hindering the interaction between AXL and SARS-CoV-2. This study proposes ten compounds (1-10), selected by mole-cu lar docking and using a library of nearly 500,000 compounds, to develop a new drug that will decrease the interaction of AXL with the S protein of SARS-CoV-2. These compounds have a specific potential site of interaction with AXL, between Glu59, His61, Glu70 and Ser74 amino acids. This site is necessary for the interaction of AXL with the S protein. With this, we propose to develop a new adjuvant treatment against COVID-19.
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7
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Badeti S, Jiang Q, Naghizadeh A, Tseng HC, Bushkin Y, Marras SAE, Nisa A, Tyagi S, Chen F, Romanienko P, Yehia G, Evans D, Lopez-Gonzalez M, Alland D, Russo R, Gause W, Shi L, Liu D. Development of a novel human CD147 knock-in NSG mouse model to test SARS-CoV-2 viral infection. Cell Biosci 2022; 12:88. [PMID: 35690792 PMCID: PMC9187929 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-022-00822-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An animal model that can mimic the SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans is critical to understanding the rapidly evolving SARS-CoV-2 virus and for development of prophylactic and therapeutic strategies to combat emerging mutants. Studies show that the spike proteins of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 bind to human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2, a well-recognized, functional receptor for SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2) to mediate viral entry. Several hACE2 transgenic (hACE2Tg) mouse models are being widely used, which are clearly invaluable. However, the hACE2Tg mouse model cannot fully explain: (1) low expression of ACE2 observed in human lung and heart, but lung or heart failure occurs frequently in severe COVID-19 patients; (2) low expression of ACE2 on immune cells, but lymphocytopenia occurs frequently in COVID-19 patients; and (3) hACE2Tg mice do not mimic the natural course of SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans. Moreover, one of most outstanding features of coronavirus infection is the diversity of receptor usage, which includes the newly proposed human CD147 (hCD147) as a possible co-receptor for SARS-CoV-2 entry. It is still debatable whether CD147 can serve as a functional receptor for SARS-CoV-2 infection or entry. RESULTS Here we successfully generated a hCD147 knock-in mouse model (hCD147KI) in the NOD-scid IL2Rgammanull (NSG) background. In this hCD147KI-NSG mouse model, the hCD147 genetic sequence was placed downstream of the endogenous mouse promoter for mouse CD147 (mCD147), which creates an in vivo model that may better recapitulate physiological expression of hCD147 proteins at the molecular level compared to the existing and well-studied K18-hACE2-B6 (JAX) model. In addition, the hCD147KI-NSG mouse model allows further study of SARS-CoV-2 in the immunodeficiency condition which may assist our understanding of this virus in the context of high-risk populations in immunosuppressed states. Our data show (1) the human CD147 protein is expressed in various organs (including bronchiolar epithelial cells) in hCD147KI-NSG mice by immunohistochemical staining and flow cytometry; (2) hCD147KI-NSG mice are marginally sensitive to SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to WT-NSG littermates characterized by increased viral copies by qRT-PCR and moderate body weight decline compared to baseline; (3) a significant increase in leukocytes in the lungs of hCD147KI-NSG mice, compared to infected WT-NSG mice. CONCLUSIONS hCD147KI-NSG mice are more sensitive to COVID-19 infection compared to WT-NSG mice. The hCD147KI-NSG mouse model can serve as an additional animal model for further interrogation whether CD147 serve as an independent functional receptor or accessory receptor for SARS-CoV-2 entry and immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saiaditya Badeti
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Immunity and Inflammation, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 205 S. Orange Ave., CC-H1218, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
- School of Graduate Studies, Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
- Center for Immunity and Inflammation, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Qingkui Jiang
- Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Alireza Naghizadeh
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Immunity and Inflammation, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 205 S. Orange Ave., CC-H1218, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
- Center for Immunity and Inflammation, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Hsiang-Chi Tseng
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Immunity and Inflammation, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 205 S. Orange Ave., CC-H1218, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
- Center for Immunity and Inflammation, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Yuri Bushkin
- Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Salvatore A E Marras
- Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Annuurun Nisa
- Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Sanjay Tyagi
- Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Fei Chen
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Immunity and Inflammation, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 205 S. Orange Ave., CC-H1218, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
- Center for Immunity and Inflammation, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Peter Romanienko
- Genome Editing Shared Resources, Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Ghassan Yehia
- Genome Editing Shared Resources, Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Deborah Evans
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Immunity and Inflammation, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 205 S. Orange Ave., CC-H1218, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
- Center for Immunity and Inflammation, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Moises Lopez-Gonzalez
- Regional Bio-Containment Laboratory, Center for COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness (CCRP2), Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - David Alland
- Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Riccardo Russo
- Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - William Gause
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Immunity and Inflammation, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 205 S. Orange Ave., CC-H1218, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
- Center for Immunity and Inflammation, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Lanbo Shi
- Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA.
| | - Dongfang Liu
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Immunity and Inflammation, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 205 S. Orange Ave., CC-H1218, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA.
- School of Graduate Studies, Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA.
- Center for Immunity and Inflammation, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA.
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8
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Badeti S, Jiang Q, Naghizadeh A, Tseng HC, Bushkin Y, Marras SAE, Nisa A, Tyagi S, Chen F, Romanienko P, Yehia G, Evans D, Lopez-Gonzalez M, Alland D, Russo R, Gause W, Shi L, Liu D. Development of a Novel Human CD147 Knock-in NSG Mouse Model to Test SARS-CoV-2 Viral Infection. RESEARCH SQUARE 2022:rs.3.rs-1431484. [PMID: 35475172 PMCID: PMC9040682 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-1431484/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background: An animal model that can mimic the SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans is critical to understanding the rapidly evolving SARS-CoV-2 virus and for development of prophylactic and therapeutic strategies to combat emerging mutants. Studies show that the spike proteins of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 bind to human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2, a well-recognized, functional receptor for SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2) to mediate viral entry. Several hACE2 transgenic (hACE2Tg) mouse models are being widely used, which are clearly invaluable. However, the hACE2Tg mouse model cannot fully explain: 1) low expression of ACE2 observed in human lung and heart, but lung or heart failure occurs frequently in severe COVID-19 patients; 2) low expression of ACE2 on immune cells, but lymphocytopenia occurs frequently in COVID-19 patients; and 3) hACE2Tg mice do not mimic the natural course of SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans. Moreover, one of most outstanding features of coronavirus infection is the diversity of receptor usage, which includes the newly proposed human CD147 (hCD147) as a possible co-receptor for SARS-CoV-2 entry. It is still debatable whether CD147 can serve as a functional receptor for SARS-CoV-2 infection or entry. Results: Here we successfully generated a hCD147 knock-in mouse model (hCD147KI) in the NOD- scid IL2Rgamma null (NSG) background. In this hCD147KI-NSG mouse model, the hCD147 genetic sequence was placed downstream of the endogenous mouse promoter for mouse CD147 (mCD147), which creates an in vivo model that may better recapitulate physiological expression of hCD147 proteins at the molecular level compared to the existing and well-studied K18-hACE2-B6 (JAX) model. In addition, the hCD147KI-NSG mouse model allows further study of SARS-CoV-2 in the immunodeficiency condition which may assist our understanding of this virus in the context of high-risk populations in immunosuppressed states. Our data show 1) the human CD147 protein is expressed in various organs (including bronchiolar epithelial cells) in hCD147KI-NSG mice by immunohistochemical staining and flow cytometry; 2) hCD147KI-NSG mice are marginally sensitive to SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to WT-NSG littermates characterized by increased viral copies by qRT-PCR and moderate body weight decline compared to baseline; 3) a significant increase in leukocytes in the lungs of hCD147KI-NSG mice, compared to infected WT-NSG mice. Conclusions: hCD147KI-NSG mice are more sensitive to COVID-19 infection compared to WT-NSG mice. The hCD147KI-NSG mouse model can serve as an additional animal model for further interrogation whether CD147 serve as an independent functional receptor or accessory receptor for SARS-CoV-2 entry and immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Fei Chen
- Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
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9
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Xu C, Wang A, Honnen W, Pinter A, Weston WK, Harness JA, Narayanan A, Chang TL. Brilacidin, a Non-Peptide Defensin-Mimetic Molecule, Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Infection by Blocking Viral Entry. EC MICROBIOLOGY 2022; 18:1-12. [PMID: 35695877 PMCID: PMC9186380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Brilacidin (PMX-30063), a non-peptide defensin-mimetic small molecule, inhibits SARS-CoV-2 viral infection but the anti-viral mechanism is not defined. Here we determined its effect on the specific step of the viral life cycle. Brilacidin blocked SARS-CoV-2 infection but had no effect after viral entry. Brilacidin inhibited pseudotyped SARS-CoV-2 viruses expressing spike proteins from the P.1 Brazil strain and the B.1.1.7 UK strain. Brilacidin affected viral attachment in hACE2-dependent and independent manners depending on the concentrations. The inhibitory effect on viral entry was not mediated through blocking the binding of either the spike receptor-binding domain or the spike S1 protein to hACE2 proteins. Taken together, brilacidin inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection by blocking viral entry and is active against SARS-CoV-2 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Xu
- Public Health Research Institute, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Annie Wang
- Public Health Research Institute, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - William Honnen
- Public Health Research Institute, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Abraham Pinter
- Public Health Research Institute, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Warren K Weston
- Innovation Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Wakefield, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jane A Harness
- Innovation Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Wakefield, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Aarthi Narayanan
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, USA
| | - Theresa L Chang
- Public Health Research Institute, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
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10
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Barilli A, Visigalli R, Ferrari F, Bianchi MG, Dall’Asta V, Rotoli BM. Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Responses of Alveolar Epithelial Cells: Implications for COVID-19 Lung Pathology. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10030618. [PMID: 35327420 PMCID: PMC8945544 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background. Clinical and experimental evidence point to a dysregulated immune response caused by SARS-CoV-2 as the primary mechanism of lung disease in COVID-19. However, the pathogenic mechanisms underlying COVID-19-associated ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) remain incompletely understood. This study aims to explore the inflammatory responses of alveolar epithelial cells to either the spike S1 protein or to a mixture of cytokines secreted by S1-activated macrophages. Methods and Results. The exposure of alveolar A549 cells to supernatants from spike-activated macrophages caused a further release of inflammatory mediators, with IL-8 reaching massive concentrations. The investigation of the molecular pathways indicated that NF-kB is involved in the transcription of IP-10 and RANTES, while STATs drive the expression of all the cytokines/chemokines tested, with the exception of IL-8 which is regulated by AP-1. Cytokines/chemokines produced by spike-activated macrophages are also likely responsible for the observed dysfunction of barrier integrity in Human Alveolar Epithelial Lentivirus-immortalized cells (hAELVi), as demonstrated by an increased permeability of the monolayers to mannitol, a marked decrease of TEER and a disorganization of claudin-7 distribution. Conclusion. Upon exposure to supernatants from S1-activated macrophages, A549 cells act both as targets and sources of cytokines/chemokines, suggesting that alveolar epithelium along with activated macrophages may orchestrate lung inflammation and contribute to alveolar injury, a hallmark of ARDS.
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11
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Petrenko VA, Gillespie JW, De Plano LM, Shokhen MA. Phage-Displayed Mimotopes of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Targeted to Authentic and Alternative Cellular Receptors. Viruses 2022; 14:v14020384. [PMID: 35215976 PMCID: PMC8879608 DOI: 10.3390/v14020384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the COVID-19 pandemic was accompanied by the emergence of new heavily mutated viral variants with increased infectivity and/or resistance to detection by the human immune system. To respond to the urgent need for advanced methods and materials to empower a better understanding of the mechanisms of virus’s adaptation to human host cells and to the immuno-resistant human population, we suggested using recombinant filamentous bacteriophages, displaying on their surface foreign peptides termed “mimotopes”, which mimic the structure of viral receptor-binding sites on the viral spike protein and can serve as molecular probes in the evaluation of molecular mechanisms of virus infectivity. In opposition to spike-binding antibodies that are commonly used in studying the interaction of the ACE2 receptor with SARS-CoV-2 variants in vitro, phage spike mimotopes targeted to other cellular receptors would allow discovery of their role in viral infection in vivo using cell culture, tissue, organs, or the whole organism. Phage mimotopes of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike S1 protein have been developed using a combination of phage display and molecular mimicry concepts, termed here “phage mimicry”, supported by bioinformatics methods. The key elements of the phage mimicry concept include: (1) preparation of a collection of p8-type (landscape) phages, which interact with authentic active receptors of live human cells, presumably mimicking the binding interactions of human coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and its variants; (2) discovery of closely related amino acid clusters with similar 3D structural motifs on the surface of natural ligands (FGF1 and NRP1), of the model receptor of interest FGFR and the S1 spike protein; and (3) an ELISA analysis of the interaction between candidate phage mimotopes with FGFR3 (a potential alternative receptor) in comparison with ACE2 (the authentic receptor).
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Affiliation(s)
- Valery A. Petrenko
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
- Correspondence: (V.A.P.); (J.W.G.); Tel.: +1-334-844-2897 (V.A.P.); +1-334-844-2625 (J.W.G.)
| | - James W. Gillespie
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
- Correspondence: (V.A.P.); (J.W.G.); Tel.: +1-334-844-2897 (V.A.P.); +1-334-844-2625 (J.W.G.)
| | - Laura Maria De Plano
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy;
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12
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Łacina P, Butrym A, Frontkiewicz D, Mazur G, Bogunia-Kubik K. Soluble CD147 (BSG) as a Prognostic Marker in Multiple Myeloma. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2022; 44:350-359. [PMID: 35723405 PMCID: PMC8929000 DOI: 10.3390/cimb44010026] [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: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
CD147 (basigin, BSG) is a membrane-bound glycoprotein involved in energy metabolism that plays a role in cancer cell survival. Its soluble form is a promising marker of some diseases, but it is otherwise poorly studied. CD147 is overexpressed in multiple myeloma (MM) and is known to affect MM progression, while its genetic variants are associated with MM survival. In the present study, we aimed to assess serum soluble CD147 (sCD147) expression as a potential marker in MM. We found that sCD147 level was higher in MM patients compared to healthy individuals. It was also higher in patients with more advanced disease (ISS III) compared to both patients with less advanced MM and healthy individuals, while its level was observed to drop after positive response to treatment. Patients with high sCD147 were characterized by worse overall survival. sCD147 level did not directly correlate with bone marrow CD147 mRNA expression. In conclusion, this study suggests that serum sCD147 may be a prognostic marker in MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Łacina
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114 Wrocław, Poland;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-713-709-960 (ext. 236)
| | - Aleksandra Butrym
- Department of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Diana Frontkiewicz
- Department of Haematology, Sokołowski Specialist Hospital, 58-309 Wałbrzych, Poland;
| | - Grzegorz Mazur
- Department of Internal, Occupational Diseases, Hypertension and Clinical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Katarzyna Bogunia-Kubik
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114 Wrocław, Poland;
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13
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Łacina P, Butrym A, Turlej E, Stachowicz-Suhs M, Wietrzyk J, Mazur G, Bogunia-Kubik K. BSG (CD147) Serum Level and Genetic Variants Are Associated with Overall Survival in Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11020332. [PMID: 35054026 PMCID: PMC8779396 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11020332] [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: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Basigin (BSG, CD147) is a multifunctional protein involved in cancer cell survival, mostly by controlling lactate transport through its interaction with monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) such as MCT1. Previous studies have found that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the gene coding for BSG and MCT1, as well as levels of the soluble form of BSG (sBSG), are potential biomarkers in various diseases. The goal of this study was to confirm BSG and MCT1 RNA overexpression in AML cell lines, as well as to analyse soluble BSG levels and selected BSG/MCT1 genetic variants as potential biomarkers in AML patients. We found that BSG and MCT1 were overexpressed in most AML cell lines. Soluble BSG was increased in AML patients compared to healthy controls, and correlated with various clinical parameters. High soluble BSG was associated with worse overall survival, higher bone marrow blast percentage, and higher white blood cell count. BSG SNPs rs4919859 and rs4682, as well as MCT1 SNP rs1049434, were also associated with overall survival of AML patients. In conclusion, this study confirms the importance of BSG/MCT1 in AML, and suggests that soluble BSG and BSG/MCT1 genetic variants may act as potential AML biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Łacina
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-713-709-960-236
| | - Aleksandra Butrym
- Department of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Eliza Turlej
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland; (E.T.); (M.S.-S.); (J.W.)
- Department of Experimental Biology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 50-375 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Martyna Stachowicz-Suhs
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland; (E.T.); (M.S.-S.); (J.W.)
| | - Joanna Wietrzyk
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland; (E.T.); (M.S.-S.); (J.W.)
| | - Grzegorz Mazur
- Department of Internal, Occupational Diseases, Hypertension and Clinical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Katarzyna Bogunia-Kubik
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland;
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14
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Pivniouk V, Pivniouk O, DeVries A, Uhrlaub JL, Michael A, Pivniouk D, VanLinden SR, Conway MY, Hahn S, Malone SP, Ezeh P, Churko JM, Anderson D, Kraft M, Nikolich-Zugich J, Vercelli D. The OM-85 bacterial lysate inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection of epithelial cells by downregulating SARS-CoV-2 receptor expression. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2021; 149:923-933.e6. [PMID: 34902435 PMCID: PMC8660661 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2021.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background Treatments for coronavirus disease 2019, which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), are urgently needed but remain limited. SARS-CoV-2 infects cells through interactions of its spike (S) protein with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) on host cells. Multiple cells and organs are targeted, particularly airway epithelial cells. OM-85, a standardized lysate of human airway bacteria with strong immunomodulating properties and an impeccable safety profile, is widely used to prevent recurrent respiratory infections. We found that airway OM-85 administration inhibits Ace2 and Tmprss2 transcription in the mouse lung, suggesting that OM-85 might hinder SARS-CoV-2/host cell interactions. Objectives We sought to investigate whether and how OM-85 treatment protects nonhuman primate and human epithelial cells against SARS-CoV-2. Methods ACE2 and TMPRSS2 mRNA and protein expression, cell binding of SARS-CoV-2 S1 protein, cell entry of SARS-CoV-2 S protein–pseudotyped lentiviral particles, and SARS-CoV-2 cell infection were measured in kidney, lung, and intestinal epithelial cell lines, primary human bronchial epithelial cells, and ACE2-transfected HEK293T cells treated with OM-85 in vitro. Results OM-85 significantly downregulated ACE2 and TMPRSS2 transcription and surface ACE2 protein expression in epithelial cell lines and primary bronchial epithelial cells. OM-85 also strongly inhibited SARS-CoV-2 S1 protein binding to, SARS-CoV-2 S protein–pseudotyped lentivirus entry into, and SARS-CoV-2 infection of epithelial cells. These effects of OM-85 appeared to depend on SARS-CoV-2 receptor downregulation. Conclusions OM-85 inhibits SARS-CoV-2 epithelial cell infection in vitro by downregulating SARS-CoV-2 receptor expression. Further studies are warranted to assess whether OM-85 may prevent and/or reduce the severity of coronavirus disease 2019.
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15
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Xie L, Zhang Z, Wang Q, Chen Y, Lu D, Wu W. COVID-19 and Diabetes: A Comprehensive Review of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2, Mutual Effects and Pharmacotherapy. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:772865. [PMID: 34867819 PMCID: PMC8639866 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.772865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The potential relationship between diabetes and COVID-19 has been evaluated. However, new knowledge is rapidly emerging. In this study, we systematically reviewed the relationship between viral cell surface receptors (ACE2, AXL, CD147, DC-SIGN, L-SIGN and DPP4) and SARS-CoV-2 infection risk, and emphasized the implications of ACE2 on SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 pathogenesis. Besides, we updated on the two-way interactions between diabetes and COVID-19, as well as the treatment options for COVID-19 comorbid patients from the perspective of ACE2. The efficacies of various clinical chemotherapeutic options, including anti-diabetic drugs, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors, lipid-lowering drugs, anticoagulants, and glucocorticoids for COVID-19 positive diabetic patients were discussed. Moreover, we reviewed the significance of two different forms of ACE2 (mACE2 and sACE2) and gender on COVID-19 susceptibility and severity. This review summarizes COVID-19 pathophysiology and the best strategies for clinical management of diabetes patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Weihua Wu
- Department of Endocrinology, The 3rd Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
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16
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Geng J, Chen L, Yuan Y, Wang K, Wang Y, Qin C, Wu G, Chen R, Zhang Z, Wei D, Du P, Zhang J, Lin P, Zhang K, Deng Y, Xu K, Liu J, Sun X, Guo T, Yang X, Wu J, Jiang J, Li L, Zhang K, Wang Z, Zhang J, Yan Q, Zhu H, Zheng Z, Miao J, Fu X, Yang F, Chen X, Tang H, Zhang Y, Shi Y, Zhu Y, Pei Z, Huo F, Liang X, Wang Y, Wang Q, Xie W, Li Y, Shi M, Bian H, Zhu P, Chen ZN. CD147 antibody specifically and effectively inhibits infection and cytokine storm of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants delta, alpha, beta, and gamma. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:347. [PMID: 34564690 PMCID: PMC8464593 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00760-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 mutations contribute to increased viral transmissibility and immune escape, compromising the effectiveness of existing vaccines and neutralizing antibodies. An in-depth investigation on COVID-19 pathogenesis is urgently needed to develop a strategy against SARS-CoV-2 variants. Here, we identified CD147 as a universal receptor for SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. Meanwhile, Meplazeumab, a humanized anti-CD147 antibody, could block cellular entry of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants-alpha, beta, gamma, and delta, with inhibition rates of 68.7, 75.7, 52.1, 52.1, and 62.3% at 60 μg/ml, respectively. Furthermore, humanized CD147 transgenic mice were susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 and its two variants, alpha and beta. When infected, these mice developed exudative alveolar pneumonia, featured by immune responses involving alveoli-infiltrated macrophages, neutrophils, and lymphocytes and activation of IL-17 signaling pathway. Mechanistically, we proposed that severe COVID-19-related cytokine storm is induced by a "spike protein-CD147-CyPA signaling axis": Infection of SARS-CoV-2 through CD147 initiated the JAK-STAT pathway, which further induced expression of cyclophilin A (CyPA); CyPA reciprocally bound to CD147 and triggered MAPK pathway. Consequently, the MAPK pathway regulated the expression of cytokines and chemokines, which promoted the development of cytokine storm. Importantly, Meplazumab could effectively inhibit viral entry and inflammation caused by SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. Therefore, our findings provided a new perspective for severe COVID-19-related pathogenesis. Furthermore, the validated universal receptor for SARS-CoV-2 and its variants can be targeted for COVID-19 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiejie Geng
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Liang Chen
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Yufeng Yuan
- Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Ke Wang
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Youchun Wang
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-transmitted Virus Vaccines, Institute for Biological Product Control, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC) and WHO Collaborating Center for Standardization and Evaluation of Biologicals, Beijing, 102629, China
| | - Chuan Qin
- Institute of Laboratory Animals Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Guizhen Wu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biosafety, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Ruo Chen
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Ding Wei
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Peng Du
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Peng Lin
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Kui Zhang
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yongqiang Deng
- Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Ke Xu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biosafety, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Jiangning Liu
- Institute of Laboratory Animals Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Xiuxuan Sun
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Ting Guo
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Xu Yang
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Jiao Wu
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Jianli Jiang
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Ling Li
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Qingguo Yan
- School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Hua Zhu
- Institute of Laboratory Animals Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Zhaohui Zheng
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Jinlin Miao
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Xianghui Fu
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Fengfan Yang
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Xiaochun Chen
- Jiangsu Pacific Meinuoke Biopharmceutical Co. Ltd, Changzhou, 213022, China
| | - Hao Tang
- Jiangsu Pacific Meinuoke Biopharmceutical Co. Ltd, Changzhou, 213022, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Ying Shi
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yumeng Zhu
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Zhuo Pei
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Fei Huo
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Xue Liang
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yatao Wang
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Qingyi Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Wen Xie
- Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yirong Li
- Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Mingyan Shi
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Huijie Bian
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Ping Zhu
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Zhi-Nan Chen
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
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Human Defensins Inhibit SARS-CoV-2 Infection by Blocking Viral Entry. Viruses 2021; 13:v13071246. [PMID: 34206990 PMCID: PMC8310277 DOI: 10.3390/v13071246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate immunity during acute infection plays a critical role in the disease severity of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), and is likely to contribute to COVID-19 disease outcomes. Defensins are highly abundant innate immune factors in neutrophils and epithelial cells, including intestinal Paneth cells, and exhibit antimicrobial and immune-modulatory activities. In this study, we investigated the effects of human α- and β-defensins and RC101, a θ-defensin analog, on SARS-CoV-2 infection. We found that human neutrophil peptides (HNPs) 1-3, human defensin (HD) 5 and RC101 exhibited potent antiviral activity against pseudotyped viruses expressing SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins. HNP4 and HD6 had weak anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity, whereas human β-defensins (HBD2, HBD5 and HBD6) had no effect. HNP1, HD5 and RC101 also inhibited infection by replication-competent SARS-CoV-2 viruses and SARS-CoV-2 variants. Pretreatment of cells with HNP1, HD5 or RC101 provided some protection against viral infection. These defensins did not have an effect when provided post-infection, indicating their effect was directed towards viral entry. Indeed, HNP1 inhibited viral fusion but not the binding of the spike receptor-binding domain to hACE2. The anti-SARS-CoV-2 effect of defensins was influenced by the structure of the peptides, as linear unstructured forms of HNP1 and HD5 lost their antiviral function. Pro-HD5, the precursor of HD5, did not block infection by SARS-CoV-2. High virus titers overcame the effect of low levels of HNP1, indicating that defensins act on the virion. HNP1, HD5 and RC101 also blocked viral infection of intestinal and lung epithelial cells. The protective effects of defensins reported here suggest that they may be useful additives to the antivirus arsenal and should be thoroughly studied.
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