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Pečar Fonović U, Kos J, Mitrović A. Compensational role between cathepsins. Biochimie 2024:S0300-9084(24)00085-3. [PMID: 38663456 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2024.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/30/2024]
Abstract
Cathepsins, a family of lysosomal peptidases, play a crucial role in maintaining cellular homeostasis by regulating protein turnover and degradation as well as many specific regulatory actions that are important for proper cell function and human health. Alterations in the activity and expression of cathepsins have been observed in many diseases such as cancer, inflammation, neurodegenerative disorders, bone remodelling-related conditions and others. These changes are not exclusively harmful, but rather appear to be a compensatory response on the lack of one cathepsin in order to maintain tissue integrity. The upregulation of specific cathepsins in response to the inhibition or dysfunction of other cathepsins suggests a fine-tuned system of proteolytic balance and understanding the compensatory role of cathepsins may improve therapeutic potential of cathepsin's inhibitors. Selectively targeting one cathepsin or modulating their activity could offer new treatment strategies for a number of diseases. This review emphasises the need for comprehensive research into cathepsin biology in the context of disease. The identification of the specific cathepsins involved in compensatory responses, the elucidation of the underlying molecular mechanisms and the development of targeted interventions could lead to innovative therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urša Pečar Fonović
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva Cesta 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Janko Kos
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva Cesta 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Ana Mitrović
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva Cesta 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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2
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Yang H, Zhou JN, Zhang XM, Ling DD, Sun YB, Li CY, Zhou QQ, Shi GN, Wang SH, Lin XS, Fan T, Wang HY, Zeng Q, Jia YL, Xi JF, Jin YG, Pei XT, Yue W. Nanoengineered Red Blood Cells Loaded with TMPRSS2 and Cathepsin L Inhibitors Block SARS-CoV-2 Pseudovirus Entry into Lung ACE2 + Cells. Adv Mater 2024; 36:e2310306. [PMID: 38194699 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202310306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
The enzymatic activities of Furin, Transmembrane serine proteinase 2 (TMPRSS2), Cathepsin L (CTSL), and Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor binding are necessary for the entry of coronaviruses into host cells. Precise inhibition of these key proteases in ACE2+ lung cells during a viral infection cycle shall prevent viral Spike (S) protein activation and its fusion with a host cell membrane, consequently averting virus entry to the cells. In this study, dual-drug-combined (TMPRSS2 inhibitor Camostat and CTSL inhibitor E-64d) nanocarriers (NCs) are constructed conjugated with an anti-human ACE2 (hACE2) antibody and employ Red Blood Cell (RBC)-hitchhiking, termed "Nanoengineered RBCs," for targeting lung cells. The significant therapeutic efficacy of the dual-drug-loaded nanoengineered RBCs in pseudovirus-infected K18-hACE2 transgenic mice is reported. Notably, the modular nanoengineered RBCs (anti-receptor antibody+NCs+RBCs) precisely target key proteases of host cells in the lungs to block the entry of Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), regardless of virus variations. These findings are anticipated to benefit the development of a series of novel and safe host-cell-protecting antiviral therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Yang
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Jun-Nian Zhou
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Xue-Mei Zhang
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Dan-Dan Ling
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Ying-Bao Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Chen-Yan Li
- Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Qian-Qian Zhou
- Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Gao-Na Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Si-Han Wang
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Xiao-Song Lin
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Tao Fan
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Hai-Yang Wang
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Quan Zeng
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Ya-Li Jia
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Jia-Fei Xi
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Yi-Guang Jin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Xue-Tao Pei
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Wen Yue
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
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3
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Zhou W, You B, Zhao X, Si S, Li Y, Zhang J. Establishment, optimization and validation of a fluorescence polarization-based high-throughput screening assay targeting cathepsin L inhibitors. SLAS Discov 2024; 29:100153. [PMID: 38518956 DOI: 10.1016/j.slasd.2024.100153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Cathepsin L (CTSL), a lysosomal cysteine proteinase, is primarily dedicated to the metabolic turnover of intracellular proteins. It is involved in various physiological processes and contributes to pathological conditions such as viral infection, tumor invasion and metastasis, inflammatory status, atherosclerosis, renal disease, diabetes, bone diseases, and other ailments. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), with its rapid global spread and significant mortality, has been a worldwide epidemic since the late 2019s. Notably, CTSL plays a role in the processing of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein, providing a potential avenue to block coronavirus host cell entry and thereby inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans. In this study, we have developed a novel method using fluorescence polarization (FP) for screening CTSL inhibitors in a high-throughput format. The optimized assay demonstrated its appropriateness for high-throughput screening (HTS) with a Z-factor of 0.9 in a 96-well format. Additionally, the IC50 of the known inhibitor, Z-Phe-Tyr-CHO, was determined to be 188.50 ± 46.88 nM. Upon screening over 2000 small molecules, we identified, for the first time, the anti-CTSL properties of a benzothiazoles derivative named IMB 8015. This work presents a novel high-throughput approach and its application in discovering and evaluating CTSL inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Zhou
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tiantanxili #1, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Baoqing You
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tiantanxili #1, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Xiaomeng Zhao
- Beijing Science and Technology Innovation Promotion Center, Beijing Municipal Science & Technology Commission, Administrative Commission of Zhongguancun Science Park, Beijing 100036, China
| | - Shuyi Si
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tiantanxili #1, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yan Li
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tiantanxili #1, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100050, China.
| | - Jing Zhang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tiantanxili #1, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100050, China.
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Xie X, Lan Q, Zhao J, Zhang S, Liu L, Zhang Y, Xu W, Shao M, Peng J, Xia S, Zhu Y, Zhang K, Zhang X, Zhang R, Li J, Dai W, Ge Z, Hu S, Yu C, Wang J, Ma D, Zheng M, Yang H, Xiao G, Rao Z, Lu L, Zhang L, Bai F, Zhao Y, Jiang S, Liu H. Structure-based design of pan-coronavirus inhibitors targeting host cathepsin L and calpain-1. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:54. [PMID: 38443334 PMCID: PMC10914734 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01758-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Respiratory disease caused by coronavirus infection remains a global health crisis. Although several SARS-CoV-2-specific vaccines and direct-acting antivirals are available, their efficacy on emerging coronaviruses in the future, including SARS-CoV-2 variants, might be compromised. Host-targeting antivirals provide preventive and therapeutic strategies to overcome resistance and manage future outbreak of emerging coronaviruses. Cathepsin L (CTSL) and calpain-1 (CAPN1) are host cysteine proteases which play crucial roles in coronaviral entrance into cells and infection-related immune response. Here, two peptidomimetic α-ketoamide compounds, 14a and 14b, were identified as potent dual target inhibitors against CTSL and CAPN1. The X-ray crystal structures of human CTSL and CAPN1 in complex with 14a and 14b revealed the covalent binding of α-ketoamide groups of 14a and 14b to C25 of CTSL and C115 of CAPN1. Both showed potent and broad-spectrum anticoronaviral activities in vitro, and it is worth noting that they exhibited low nanomolar potency against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants of concern (VOCs) with EC50 values ranging from 0.80 to 161.7 nM in various cells. Preliminary mechanistic exploration indicated that they exhibited anticoronaviral activity through blocking viral entrance. Moreover, 14a and 14b exhibited good oral pharmacokinetic properties in mice, rats and dogs, and favorable safety in mice. In addition, both 14a and 14b treatments demonstrated potent antiviral potency against SARS-CoV-2 XBB 1.16 variant infection in a K18-hACE2 transgenic mouse model. And 14b also showed effective antiviral activity against HCoV-OC43 infection in a mouse model with a final survival rate of 60%. Further evaluation showed that 14a and 14b exhibited excellent anti-inflammatory effects in Raw 264.7 mouse macrophages and in mice with acute pneumonia. Taken together, these results suggested that 14a and 14b are promising drug candidates, providing novel insight into developing pan-coronavirus inhibitors with antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiong Xie
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Qiaoshuai Lan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jinyi Zhao
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Sulin Zhang
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Lu Liu
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Yumin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Maolin Shao
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Jingjing Peng
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shuai Xia
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yan Zhu
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Keke Zhang
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xian Lin Road, Jiangsu, 210023, Nanjing, China
| | - Xianglei Zhang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Ruxue Zhang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Jian Li
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xian Lin Road, Jiangsu, 210023, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenhao Dai
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhen Ge
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xian Lin Road, Jiangsu, 210023, Nanjing, China
| | - Shulei Hu
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Changyue Yu
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jiang Wang
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Dakota Ma
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Mingyue Zheng
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xian Lin Road, Jiangsu, 210023, Nanjing, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou, 310024, China
| | - Haitao Yang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Gengfu Xiao
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Zihe Rao
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Lu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Leike Zhang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China.
| | - Fang Bai
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| | - Yao Zhao
- National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518112, China.
| | - Shibo Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Hong Liu
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xian Lin Road, Jiangsu, 210023, Nanjing, China.
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou, 310024, China.
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Ghazal A, Clarke D, Abdel-Rahman MA, Ribeiro A, Collie-Duguid E, Pattinson C, Burgoyne K, Muhammad T, Alfadhel S, Heidari Z, Samir R, Gerges MM, Nkene I, Colamarino RA, Hijazi K, Houssen WE. Venomous gland transcriptome and venom proteomic analysis of the scorpion Androctonus amoreuxi reveal new peptides with anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity. Peptides 2024; 173:171139. [PMID: 38142817 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2023.171139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
The recent COVID-19 pandemic shows the critical need for novel broad spectrum antiviral agents. Scorpion venoms are known to contain highly bioactive peptides, several of which have demonstrated strong antiviral activity against a range of viruses. We have generated the first annotated reference transcriptome for the Androctonus amoreuxi venom gland and used high performance liquid chromatography, transcriptome mining, circular dichroism and mass spectrometric analysis to purify and characterize twelve previously undescribed venom peptides. Selected peptides were tested for binding to the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and inhibition of the spike RBD - human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) interaction using surface plasmon resonance-based assays. Seven peptides showed dose-dependent inhibitory effects, albeit with IC50 in the high micromolar range (117-1202 µM). The most active peptide was synthesized using solid phase peptide synthesis and tested for its antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 (Lineage B.1.1.7). On exposure to the synthetic peptide of a human lung cell line infected with replication-competent SARS-CoV-2, we observed an IC50 of 200 nM, which was nearly 600-fold lower than that observed in the RBD - hACE2 binding inhibition assay. Our results show that scorpion venom peptides can inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 replication although unlikely through inhibition of spike RBD - hACE2 interaction as the primary mode of action. Scorpion venom peptides represent excellent scaffolds for design of novel anti-SARS-CoV-2 constrained peptides. Future studies should fully explore their antiviral mode of action as well as the structural dynamics of inhibition of target virus-host interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Ghazal
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK; Department of Chemistry, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, UK
| | - David Clarke
- School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FJ, UK
| | | | - Antonio Ribeiro
- Centre for Genome-Enabled Biology and Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3RY, UK
| | - Elaina Collie-Duguid
- Centre for Genome-Enabled Biology and Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3RY, UK
| | - Craig Pattinson
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Kate Burgoyne
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Taj Muhammad
- Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Biomedical Centre, Box 591 SE-75124 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sanad Alfadhel
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Zeynab Heidari
- Centre for Genome-Enabled Biology and Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3RY, UK
| | - Reham Samir
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Mariam M Gerges
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Istifanus Nkene
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Rosa A Colamarino
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Karolin Hijazi
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Wael E Houssen
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK; Department of Chemistry, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, UK.
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Behboudi E, Nooreddin Faraji S, Daryabor G, Mohammad Ali Hashemi S, Asadi M, Edalat F, Javad Raee M, Hatam G. SARS-CoV-2 mechanisms of cell tropism in various organs considering host factors. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26577. [PMID: 38420467 PMCID: PMC10901034 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
A critical step in the drug design for SARS-CoV-2 is to discover its molecular targets. This study comprehensively reviewed the molecular mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2, exploring host cell tropism and interaction targets crucial for cell entry. The findings revealed that beyond ACE2 as the primary entry receptor, alternative receptors, co-receptors, and several proteases such as TMPRSS2, Furin, Cathepsin L, and ADAM play critical roles in virus entry and subsequent pathogenesis. Additionally, SARS-CoV-2 displays tropism in various human organs due to its diverse receptors. This review delves into the intricate details of receptors, host proteases, and the involvement of each organ. Polymorphisms in the ACE2 receptor and mutations in the spike or its RBD region contribute to the emergence of variants like Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron, impacting the pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2. The challenge posed by mutations raises questions about the effectiveness of existing vaccines and drugs, necessitating consideration for updates in their formulations. In the urgency of these critical situations, repurposed drugs such as Camostat Mesylate and Nafamostat Mesylate emerge as viable pharmaceutical options. Numerous drugs are involved in inhibiting receptors and host factors crucial for SARS-CoV-2 entry, with most discussed in this review. In conclusion, this study may provide valuable insights to inform decisions in therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emad Behboudi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Khoy University of Medical Sciences, Khoy, Iran
| | - Seyed Nooreddin Faraji
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Daryabor
- Autoimmune Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Ali Hashemi
- Department of Bacteriology & Virology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Microbiology, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Maryam Asadi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Fahime Edalat
- Department of Bacteriology & Virology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javad Raee
- Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Hatam
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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7
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Kim MJ, Kim S, Reinheckel T, Krainc D. Inhibition of cysteine protease cathepsin L increases the level and activity of lysosomal glucocerebrosidase. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e169594. [PMID: 38329128 PMCID: PMC10967467 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.169594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The glucocerebrosidase (GCase) encoded by the GBA1 gene hydrolyzes glucosylceramide (GluCer) to ceramide and glucose in lysosomes. Homozygous or compound heterozygous GBA1 mutations cause the lysosomal storage disease Gaucher disease (GD) due to severe loss of GCase activity. Loss-of-function variants in the GBA1 gene are also the most common genetic risk factor for Parkinson's disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Restoring lysosomal GCase activity represents an important therapeutic approach for GBA1-associated diseases. We hypothesized that increasing the stability of lysosomal GCase protein could correct deficient GCase activity in these conditions. However, it remains unknown how GCase stability is regulated in the lysosome. We found that cathepsin L, a lysosomal cysteine protease, cleaves GCase and regulates its stability. In support of these data, GCase protein was elevated in the brain of cathepsin L-KO mice. Chemical inhibition of cathepsin L increased both GCase levels and activity in fibroblasts from patients with GD. Importantly, inhibition of cathepsin L in dopaminergic neurons from a patient GBA1-PD led to increased GCase levels and activity as well as reduced phosphorylated α-synuclein. These results suggest that targeting cathepsin L-mediated GCase degradation represents a potential therapeutic strategy for GCase deficiency in PD and related disorders that exhibit decreased GCase activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myung Jong Kim
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Soojin Kim
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Thomas Reinheckel
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, Medical Faculty and BIOSS Centre for Biological Signaling Studies, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dimitri Krainc
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Amen Y, Selim MA, Suef RA, Sayed AM, Othman A. Unveiling the Antiviral Efficacy of Forskolin: A Multifaceted In Vitro and In Silico Approach. Molecules 2024; 29:704. [PMID: 38338448 PMCID: PMC10856047 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29030704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Coleus forskohlii (Willd.) Briq. is a medicinal herb of the Lamiaceae family. It is native to India and widely present in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of Egypt, China, Ethiopia, and Pakistan. The roots of C. forskohlii are edible, rich with pharmaceutically bioactive compounds, and traditionally reported to treat a variety of diseases, including inflammation, respiratory disorders, obesity, and viral ailments. Notably, the emergence of viral diseases is expected to quickly spread; consequently, these data impose a need for various approaches to develop broad active therapeutics for utilization in the management of future viral infectious outbreaks. In this study, the naturally occurring labdane diterpenoid derivative, Forskolin, was obtained from Coleus forskohlii. Additionally, we evaluated the antiviral potential of Forskolin towards three viruses, namely the herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2), hepatitis A virus (HAV), and coxsackievirus B4 (COX-B4). We observed that Forskolin displayed antiviral activity against HAV, COX-B4, HSV-1, and HSV-2 with IC50 values of 62.9, 73.1, 99.0, and 106.0 μg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, we explored the Forskolin's potential antiviral target using PharmMapper, a pharmacophore-based virtual screening platform. Forskolin's modeled structure was analyzed to identify potential protein targets linked to its antiviral activity, with results ranked based on Fit scores. Cathepsin L (PDB ID: 3BC3) emerged as a top-scoring hit, prompting further exploration through molecular docking and MD simulations. Our analysis revealed that Forskolin's binding mode within Cathepsin L's active site, characterized by stable hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions, mirrors that of a co-crystallized inhibitor. These findings, supported by consistent RMSD profiles and similar binding free energies, suggest Forskolin's potential in inhibiting Cathepsin L, highlighting its promise as an antiviral agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yhiya Amen
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Selim
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt; (M.A.S.); (R.A.S.)
| | - Reda A. Suef
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt; (M.A.S.); (R.A.S.)
| | - Ahmed M. Sayed
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Collage of Pharmacy, Almaaqal University, Basrah 61014, Iraq;
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nahda University, Beni-Suef 62513, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Othman
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Plants, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
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9
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Dong M, Galvan Achi JM, Du R, Rong L, Cui Q. Development of SARS-CoV-2 entry antivirals. Cell Insight 2024; 3:100144. [PMID: 38323318 PMCID: PMC10844678 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellin.2023.100144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
The global outbreak of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) threatened human health and public safety. The development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapies have been essential to curb the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Particularly, antivirals targeting viral entry have become an attractive target for the development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapies. In this review, we elucidate the mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 viral entry and summarize the development of antiviral inhibitors targeting viral entry. Moreover, we speculate upon future directions toward more potent inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 entry. This study is expected to provide novel insights for the efficient discovery of promising candidate drugs against the entry of SARS-CoV-2, and contribute to the development of broad-spectrum anti-coronavirus drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiyue Dong
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, 250355, China
| | - Jazmin M. Galvan Achi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL60612, USA
| | - Ruikun Du
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, 250355, China
- Qingdao Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong, 266122, China
| | - Lijun Rong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL60612, USA
| | - Qinghua Cui
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, 250355, China
- Qingdao Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong, 266122, China
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10
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Medrano FJ, de la Hoz-Rodríguez S, Martí S, Arafet K, Schirmeister T, Hammerschmidt SJ, Müller C, González-Martínez Á, Santillana E, Ziebuhr J, Romero A, Zimmer C, Weldert A, Zimmermann R, Lodola A, Świderek K, Moliner V, González FV. Peptidyl nitroalkene inhibitors of main protease rationalized by computational and crystallographic investigations as antivirals against SARS-CoV-2. Commun Chem 2024; 7:15. [PMID: 38238420 PMCID: PMC10796436 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-024-01104-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to represent a global public health issue. The viral main protease (Mpro) represents one of the most attractive targets for the development of antiviral drugs. Herein we report peptidyl nitroalkenes exhibiting enzyme inhibitory activity against Mpro (Ki: 1-10 μM) good anti-SARS-CoV-2 infection activity in the low micromolar range (EC50: 1-12 μM) without significant toxicity. Additional kinetic studies of compounds FGA145, FGA146 and FGA147 show that all three compounds inhibit cathepsin L, denoting a possible multitarget effect of these compounds in the antiviral activity. Structural analysis shows the binding mode of FGA146 and FGA147 to the active site of the protein. Furthermore, our results illustrate that peptidyl nitroalkenes are effective covalent reversible inhibitors of the Mpro and cathepsin L, and that inhibitors FGA145, FGA146 and FGA147 prevent infection against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J Medrano
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas (CSIC), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | | | - Sergio Martí
- Departament de Química Física i Analítica, Universitat Jaume I, 12071, Castelló, Spain
| | - Kemel Arafet
- Departament de Química Física i Analítica, Universitat Jaume I, 12071, Castelló, Spain
| | - Tanja Schirmeister
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and BiomedicalSciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Stefan J Hammerschmidt
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and BiomedicalSciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Christin Müller
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Schubertstrasse 81, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Águeda González-Martínez
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas (CSIC), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Santillana
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas (CSIC), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - John Ziebuhr
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Schubertstrasse 81, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Antonio Romero
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas (CSIC), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Collin Zimmer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and BiomedicalSciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Annabelle Weldert
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and BiomedicalSciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Robert Zimmermann
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and BiomedicalSciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Alessio Lodola
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Katarzyna Świderek
- Departament de Química Física i Analítica, Universitat Jaume I, 12071, Castelló, Spain
| | - Vicent Moliner
- Departament de Química Física i Analítica, Universitat Jaume I, 12071, Castelló, Spain.
| | - Florenci V González
- Departament de Química Inorgànica i Orgànica, Universitat Jaume I, 12071, Castelló, Spain.
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11
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Mao L, Shaabani N, Zhang X, Jin C, Xu W, Argent C, Kushnareva Y, Powers C, Stegman K, Liu J, Xie H, Xu C, Bao Y, Xu L, Zhang Y, Yang H, Qian S, Hu Y, Shao J, Zhang C, Li T, Li Y, Liu N, Lin Z, Wang S, Wang C, Shen W, Lin Y, Shu D, Zhu Z, Kotoi O, Kerwin L, Han Q, Chumakova L, Teijaro J, Royal M, Brunswick M, Allen R, Ji H, Lu H, Xu X. Olgotrelvir, a dual inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 M pro and cathepsin L, as a standalone antiviral oral intervention candidate for COVID-19. Med 2024; 5:42-61.e23. [PMID: 38181791 DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2023.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oral antiviral drugs with improved antiviral potency and safety are needed to address current challenges in clinical practice for treatment of COVID-19, including the risks of rebound, drug-drug interactions, and emerging resistance. METHODS Olgotrelvir (STI-1558) is designed as a next-generation antiviral targeting the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro), an essential enzyme for SARS-CoV-2 replication, and human cathepsin L (CTSL), a key enzyme for SARS-CoV-2 entry into host cells. FINDINGS Olgotrelvir is a highly bioavailable oral prodrug that is converted in plasma to its active form, AC1115. The dual mechanism of action of olgotrelvir and AC1115 was confirmed by enzyme activity inhibition assays and co-crystal structures of AC1115 with SARS-CoV-2 Mpro and human CTSL. AC1115 displayed antiviral activity by inhibiting replication of all tested SARS-CoV-2 variants in cell culture systems. Olgotrelvir also inhibited viral entry into cells using SARS-CoV-2 Spike-mediated pseudotypes by inhibition of host CTSL. In the K18-hACE2 transgenic mouse model of SARS-CoV-2-mediated disease, olgotrelvir significantly reduced the virus load in the lungs, prevented body weight loss, and reduced cytokine release and lung pathologies. Olgotrelvir demonstrated potent activity against the nirmatrelvir-resistant Mpro E166 mutants. Olgotrelvir showed enhanced oral bioavailability in animal models and in humans with significant plasma exposure without ritonavir. In phase I studies (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05364840 and NCT05523739), olgotrelvir demonstrated a favorable safety profile and antiviral activity. CONCLUSIONS Olgotrelvir is an oral inhibitor targeting Mpro and CTSL with high antiviral activity and plasma exposure and is a standalone treatment candidate for COVID-19. FUNDING Funded by Sorrento Therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Mao
- ACEA Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | | | - Xiaoying Zhang
- ACEA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Can Jin
- ACEA Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Wanhong Xu
- ACEA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | | | | | - Colin Powers
- Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Karen Stegman
- Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Jia Liu
- ACEA Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Hui Xie
- Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Changxu Xu
- ACEA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Yimei Bao
- ACEA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Lijun Xu
- ACEA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Yuren Zhang
- ACEA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Haigang Yang
- ACEA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Shengdian Qian
- ACEA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Yong Hu
- ACEA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Jianping Shao
- ACEA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Can Zhang
- ACEA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Tingting Li
- ACEA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Yi Li
- ACEA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Na Liu
- ACEA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Zhenhao Lin
- ACEA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Shanbo Wang
- ACEA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Chao Wang
- ACEA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Wei Shen
- ACEA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Yuanlong Lin
- Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, SUSTech, Shenzhen, P.R. China
| | - Dan Shu
- Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, SUSTech, Shenzhen, P.R. China
| | - Zhenhong Zhu
- ACEA Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Olivia Kotoi
- ACEA Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Lisa Kerwin
- Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Qing Han
- Structure Based Design, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | | | - John Teijaro
- Department of Immunology and Microbial Science, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Mike Royal
- Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | | | - Robert Allen
- Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Henry Ji
- Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Hongzhou Lu
- Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, SUSTech, Shenzhen, P.R. China.
| | - Xiao Xu
- ACEA Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA.
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12
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Barchielli G, Capperucci A, Tanini D. Therapeutic cysteine protease inhibitors: a patent review (2018-present). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2024; 34:17-49. [PMID: 38445468 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2024.2327299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cysteine proteases are involved in a broad range of biological functions, ranging from extracellular matrix turnover to immunity. Playing an important role in the onset and progression of several diseases, including cancer, immune-related and neurodegenerative disease, viral and parasitic infections, cysteine proteases represent an attractive drug target for the development of therapeutic tools. AREAS COVERED Recent scientific and patent literature focusing on the design and study of cysteine protease inhibitors with potential therapeutic application has been reviewed. EXPERT OPINION The discovery of a number of effective structurally diverse cysteine protease inhibitors opened up new challenges and opportunities for the development of therapeutic tools. Mechanistic studies and the availability of X-ray crystal structures of some proteases, alone and in complex with inhibitors, provide crucial information for the rational design and development of efficient and selective cysteine protease inhibitors as preclinical candidates for the treatment of different diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Barchielli
- Department of Chemistry 'Ugo Schiff', University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino FI, Italy
| | - Antonella Capperucci
- Department of Chemistry 'Ugo Schiff', University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino FI, Italy
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13
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Le K, Kannappan S, Kim T, Lee JH, Lee HR, Kim KK. Structural understanding of SARS-CoV-2 virus entry to host cells. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1288686. [PMID: 38033388 PMCID: PMC10683510 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1288686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is a major global health concern associated with millions of fatalities worldwide. Mutant variants of the virus have further exacerbated COVID-19 mortality and infection rates, emphasizing the urgent need for effective preventive strategies. Understanding the viral infection mechanism is crucial for developing therapeutics and vaccines. The entry of SARS-CoV-2 into host cells is a key step in the infection pathway and has been targeted for drug development. Despite numerous reviews of COVID-19 and the virus, there is a lack of comprehensive reviews focusing on the structural aspects of viral entry. In this review, we analyze structural changes in Spike proteins during the entry process, dividing the entry process into prebinding, receptor binding, proteolytic cleavage, and membrane fusion steps. By understanding the atomic-scale details of viral entry, we can better target the entry step for intervention strategies. We also examine the impacts of mutations in Spike proteins, including the Omicron variant, on viral entry. Structural information provides insights into the effects of mutations and can guide the development of therapeutics and vaccines. Finally, we discuss available structure-based approaches for the development of therapeutics and vaccines. Overall, this review provides a detailed analysis of the structural aspects of SARS-CoV-2 viral entry, highlighting its significance in the development of therapeutics and vaccines against COVID-19. Therefore, our review emphasizes the importance of structural information in combating SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Le
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Institute of Antibacterial Resistance Research and Therapeutics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Shrute Kannappan
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Institute of Antibacterial Resistance Research and Therapeutics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- Research Center for Advanced Materials Technology Core Research Institute, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Truc Kim
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Institute of Antibacterial Resistance Research and Therapeutics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Heon Lee
- Research Center for Advanced Materials Technology Core Research Institute, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- School of Advanced Materials and Science Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Ra Lee
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, College of Science and Technology, Korea University, Sejong, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeong Kyu Kim
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Institute of Antibacterial Resistance Research and Therapeutics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
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14
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Fernández-de-la-Pradilla A, Royo S, Schirmeister T, Barthels F, Świderek K, González FV, Moliner V. Impact of the Warhead of Dipeptidyl Keto Michael Acceptors on the Inhibition Mechanism of Cysteine Protease Cathepsin L. ACS Catal 2023; 13:13354-13368. [PMID: 37881790 PMCID: PMC10594577 DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.3c02748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Cathepsin L (CatL) is a lysosomal cysteine protease whose activity has been related to several human pathologies. However, although preclinical trials using CatL inhibitors were promising, clinical trials have been unsuccessful up to now. We are presenting a study of two designed dipeptidyl keto Michael acceptor potential inhibitors of CatL with either a keto vinyl ester or a keto vinyl sulfone (KVS) warhead. The compounds were synthesized and experimentally assayed in vitro, and their inhibition molecular mechanism was explored based on molecular dynamics simulations at the density functional theory/molecular mechanics level. The results confirm that both compounds inhibit CatL in the nanomolar range and show a time-dependent inhibition. Interestingly, despite both presenting almost equivalent equilibrium constants for the reversible formation of the noncovalent enzyme/inhibitor complex, differences are observed in the chemical step corresponding to the enzyme-inhibitor covalent bond formation, results that are mirrored by the computer simulations. Theoretically determined kinetic and thermodynamic results, which are in very good agreement with the experiments, afford a detailed explanation of the relevance of the different structural features of both compounds having a significant impact on enzyme inhibition. The unprecedented binding interactions of both inhibitors in the P1' site of CatL represent valuable information for the design of inhibitors. In particular, the peptidyl KVS can be used as a starting lead compound in the development of drugs with medical applications for the treatment of cancerous pathologies since sulfone warheads have previously shown promising cell stability compared to other functions such as carboxylic esters. Future improvements can be guided by the atomistic description of the enzyme-inhibitor interactions established along the inhibition reaction derived from computer simulations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Santiago Royo
- Departament
de Química Inorgànica i Orgànica, Universitat Jaume I, 12071 Castelló, Spain
| | - Tanja Schirmeister
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Fabian Barthels
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Katarzyna Świderek
- BioComp
Group, Institute of Advanced Materials (INAM), Universitat Jaume I, 12071 Castelló, Spain
| | - Florenci V. González
- Departament
de Química Inorgànica i Orgànica, Universitat Jaume I, 12071 Castelló, Spain
| | - Vicent Moliner
- BioComp
Group, Institute of Advanced Materials (INAM), Universitat Jaume I, 12071 Castelló, Spain
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15
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Megha KB, Reshma S, Amir S, Krishnan MJA, Shimona A, Alka R, Mohanan PV. Comprehensive Risk Assessment of Infection Induced by SARS-CoV-2. Mol Neurobiol 2023:10.1007/s12035-023-03682-4. [PMID: 37817031 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03682-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
The pandemic COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which devastated the global economy and healthcare system. The infection caused an unforeseen rise in COVID-19 patients and increased the mortality rate globally. This study gives an overall idea about host-pathogen interaction, immune responses to COVID-19, recovery status of infection, targeted organs and complications associated, and comparison of post-infection immunity in convalescent subjects and non-infected individuals. The emergence of the variants and episodes of COVID-19 infections made the situation worsen. The timely introduction of vaccines and precautionary measures helped control the infection's severity. Later, the population that recovered from COVID-19 grew significantly. However, understanding the impact of healthcare issues resulting after infection is paramount for improving an individual's health status. It is now recognised that COVID-19 infection affects multiple organs and exhibits a broad range of clinical manifestations. So, post COVID-19 infection creates a high risk in individuals with already prevailing health complications. The identification of post-COVID-19-related health issues and their appropriate management is of greater importance to improving patient's quality of life. The persistence, sequelae and other medical complications that normally last from weeks to months after the recovery of the initial infection are involved with COVID-19. A multi-disciplinary approach is necessary for the development of preventive measures, techniques for rehabilitation and strategies for clinical management when it comes to long-term care.
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Affiliation(s)
- K B Megha
- Toxicology Division, Biomedical Technology Wing, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (Govt. of India), Poojapura, Trivandrum, Kerala, 695 012, India
| | - S Reshma
- Toxicology Division, Biomedical Technology Wing, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (Govt. of India), Poojapura, Trivandrum, Kerala, 695 012, India
| | - S Amir
- Toxicology Division, Biomedical Technology Wing, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (Govt. of India), Poojapura, Trivandrum, Kerala, 695 012, India
| | - M J Ajai Krishnan
- Toxicology Division, Biomedical Technology Wing, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (Govt. of India), Poojapura, Trivandrum, Kerala, 695 012, India
| | - A Shimona
- CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology, Sector 39-A, Chandigarh, 160036, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovation Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Rao Alka
- CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology, Sector 39-A, Chandigarh, 160036, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovation Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - P V Mohanan
- Toxicology Division, Biomedical Technology Wing, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (Govt. of India), Poojapura, Trivandrum, Kerala, 695 012, India.
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16
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Quirouette C, Cresta D, Li J, Wilkie KP, Liang H, Beauchemin CAA. The effect of random virus failure following cell entry on infection outcome and the success of antiviral therapy. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17243. [PMID: 37821517 PMCID: PMC10567758 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44180-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
A virus infection can be initiated with very few or even a single infectious virion, and as such can become extinct, i.e. stochastically fail to take hold or spread significantly. There are many ways that a fully competent infectious virion, having successfully entered a cell, can fail to cause a productive infection, i.e. one that yields infectious virus progeny. Though many stochastic models (SMs) have been developed and used to estimate a virus infection's establishment probability, these typically neglect infection failure post virus entry. The SM presented herein introduces parameter [Formula: see text] which corresponds to the probability that a virion's entry into a cell will result in a productive cell infection. We derive an expression for the likelihood of infection establishment in this new SM, and find that prophylactic therapy with an antiviral reducing [Formula: see text] is at least as good or better at decreasing the establishment probability, compared to antivirals reducing the rates of virus production or virus entry into cells, irrespective of the SM parameters. We investigate the difference in the fraction of cells consumed by so-called extinct versus established virus infections, and find that this distinction becomes biologically meaningless as the probability of establishment approaches zero. We explain why the release of virions continuously over an infectious cell's lifespan, rather than as a single burst at the end of the cell's lifespan, does not result in an increased risk of infection extinction. We show, instead, that the number of virus released, not the timing of the release, affects infection establishment and associated critical antiviral efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel Cresta
- Department of Physics, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jizhou Li
- Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences (iTHEMS), RIKEN, Wako, Japan
| | - Kathleen P Wilkie
- Department of Mathematics, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Haozhao Liang
- Nishina Center for Accelerator-Based Science (RNC), RIKEN, Wako, Japan
- Department of Physics, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Catherine A A Beauchemin
- Department of Physics, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada.
- Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences (iTHEMS), RIKEN, Wako, Japan.
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17
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Sarkar D, Majumder S, Giri K, Sabnam N. In silico characterization, molecular docking, and dynamic simulation of a novel fungal cell-death suppressing effector, MoRlpA as potential cathepsin B-like cysteine protease inhibitor during rice blast infection. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:9039-9056. [PMID: 36345772 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2139763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae is one of the most notorious pathogens affecting rice production worldwide. The cereal killer employs a special class of small secreted proteins called effectors to manipulate and perturb the host metabolism. In turn, the host plants trigger effector-triggered immunity (ETI) via localized cell death and hypersensitive response (HR). We have identified and characterized a novel secreted effector MoRlpA from M. oryzae by extensive in silico methods. The localization studies suggested that it is exclusively secreted in the host apoplasts. Interestingly, MoRlpA interacts with a protease, cathepsin B from rice with highest affinity. The 3D structural models of both the proteins were generated. Cathepsin B-like cysteine proteases are usually involved in programmed cell death (PCD) and autophagy in plants which lead to generation of HR upon infection. Our results suggest that MoRlpA interacts with rice cathepsin B-like cysteine protease and demolish the host counter-attack by suppressing cell death and HR during an active blast infection. This was further validated by molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation analyses. The important residues involved in the rice-blast pathogen interactions were deciphered. Overall, this research highlights stable interactions between MoRlpA-OsCathB during rice blast pathogenesis and providing an insight into how this novel RlpA protease inhibitor-cum-effector modulates the host's apoplast to invade the host tissues and establish a successful infection. Thus, this research will help to develop potential fungicide to block the binding region of MoRlpA target so that the cryptic pathogen would be recognized by the host. HIGHLIGHTSFor the first time, a novel secreted effector protein, MoRlpA has been identified and characterised from M. oryzae in silicoMoRlpA contains a rare lipoprotein A-like DPBB domain which is often an enzymatic domain in other systemsMoRlpA as an apoplastic effector interacts with the rice protease OsCathB to suppress the cell death and hypersensitive response during rice blast infectionThe three-dimensional structures of both the MoRlpA and OsCathB proteins were predictedMoRlpA-OsCathB interactions were analysed by molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation studiesCommunicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debrup Sarkar
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, India
| | | | - Kalyan Giri
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, India
| | - Nazmiara Sabnam
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, India
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18
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Odongo L, Habtegebrael BH, Kiessling V, White JM, Tamm LK. A novel in vitro system of supported planar endosomal membranes (SPEMs) reveals an enhancing role for cathepsin B in the final stage of Ebola virus fusion and entry. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0190823. [PMID: 37728342 PMCID: PMC10581071 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01908-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Ebola virus (EBOV) causes a hemorrhagic fever with fatality rates up to 90%. The EBOV entry process is complex and incompletely understood. Following attachment to host cells, EBOV is trafficked to late endosomes/lysosomes where its glycoprotein (GP) is processed to a 19-kDa form, which binds to the EBOV intracellular receptor Niemann-Pick type C1. We previously showed that the cathepsin protease inhibitor, E-64d, blocks infection by pseudovirus particles bearing 19-kDa GP, suggesting that further cathepsin action is needed to trigger fusion. This, however, has not been demonstrated directly. Since 19-kDa Ebola GP fusion occurs in late endosomes, we devised a system in which enriched late endosomes are used to prepare supported planar endosomal membranes (SPEMs), and fusion of fluorescent (pseudo)virus particles is monitored by total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy. We validated the system by demonstrating the pH dependencies of influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA)-mediated and Lassa virus (LASV) GP-mediated fusion. Using SPEMs, we showed that fusion mediated by 19-kDa Ebola GP is dependent on low pH, enhanced by Ca2+, and augmented by the addition of cathepsins. Subsequently, we found that E-64d inhibits full fusion, but not lipid mixing, mediated by 19-kDa GP, which we corroborated with the reversible cathepsin inhibitor VBY-825. Hence, we provide both gain- and loss-of-function evidence that further cathepsin action enhances the fusion activity of 19-kDa Ebola GP. In addition to providing new insights into how Ebola GP mediates fusion, the approach we developed employing SPEMs can now be broadly used for studies of virus and toxin entry through endosomes. IMPORTANCE Ebola virus is the causative agent of Ebola virus disease, which is severe and frequently lethal. EBOV gains entry into cells via late endosomes/lysosomes. The events immediately preceding fusion of the viral and endosomal membranes are incompletely understood. In this study, we report a novel in vitro system for studying virus fusion with endosomal membranes. We validated the system by demonstrating the low pH dependencies of influenza and Lassa virus fusion. Moreover, we show that further cathepsin B action enhances the fusion activity of the primed Ebola virus glycoprotein. Finally, this model endosomal membrane system should be useful in studying the mechanisms of bilayer breaching by other enveloped viruses, by non-enveloped viruses, and by acid-activated bacterial toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Odongo
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Betelihem H. Habtegebrael
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Volker Kiessling
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Judith M. White
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Lukas K. Tamm
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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Guo Y, Chen Y, Wang Q, Wang Z, Gong L, Sun Y, Song Z, Chang H, Zhang G, Wang H. Emodin and rhapontigenin inhibit the replication of African swine fever virus by interfering with virus entry. Vet Microbiol 2023; 284:109794. [PMID: 37295229 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2023.109794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Africa swine fever (ASF) is a highly pathogenic contagion caused by African swine fever virus (ASFV), which not only affects the development of domestic pig industry, but also causes huge losses to the world agricultural economy. Vaccine development targeting ASFV remains elusive, which leads to severe difficulties in disease prevention and control. Emodin (EM) and rhapontigenin (RHAG), which are extracted from the dried rhizome of Polygonum knotweed, have various biological properties such as anti-neoplastic and anti-bacterial activities, but no studies have reported that they have anti-ASFV effects. This study discovered that EM and RHAG at different concentrations had a significant dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the ASFV GZ201801 strain in porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs), and at the specified concentration, EM and RHAG showed continuous inhibition at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h. Not only did they strongly impact virion attachment and internalization, but also inhibit the early stages of ASFV replication. Further research proved that the expression level of Rab 7 protein was reduced by EM and RHAG, and treatments with EM and RHAG induced the accumulation of free cholesterol in endosomes and inhibited endosomal acidification, which prevented the virus from escaping and shelling from late endosomes. This study summarized the application of EM and RHAG in inhibiting ASFV replication in-vitro. Similarly, EM and RHAG targeted Rab 7 in the viral endocytosis pathway, inhibited viral infection, and induced the accumulation of cholesterol in the endosomes and the acidification of the endosomes to inhibit uncoating. A reference could be made to the results of this study when developing antiviral drugs and vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanchen Guo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Research Center for African Swine Fever Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Severe Clinical Animal Diseases, Guangzhou 510642, China; African Swine Fever Regional Laboratory of China (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yang Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Research Center for African Swine Fever Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Severe Clinical Animal Diseases, Guangzhou 510642, China; African Swine Fever Regional Laboratory of China (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Qiumei Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Research Center for African Swine Fever Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Severe Clinical Animal Diseases, Guangzhou 510642, China; African Swine Fever Regional Laboratory of China (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zhiyuan Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Research Center for African Swine Fever Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Severe Clinical Animal Diseases, Guangzhou 510642, China; African Swine Fever Regional Laboratory of China (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Lang Gong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Research Center for African Swine Fever Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; African Swine Fever Regional Laboratory of China (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 510642, China; Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Maoming 525000, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Vaccine Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yankuo Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Research Center for African Swine Fever Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; African Swine Fever Regional Laboratory of China (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 510642, China; Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Maoming 525000, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Vaccine Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zebu Song
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Research Center for African Swine Fever Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Severe Clinical Animal Diseases, Guangzhou 510642, China; African Swine Fever Regional Laboratory of China (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Hao Chang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Research Center for African Swine Fever Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Severe Clinical Animal Diseases, Guangzhou 510642, China; African Swine Fever Regional Laboratory of China (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Guihong Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Research Center for African Swine Fever Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; African Swine Fever Regional Laboratory of China (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 510642, China; Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Maoming 525000, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Vaccine Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Heng Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Research Center for African Swine Fever Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Severe Clinical Animal Diseases, Guangzhou 510642, China; African Swine Fever Regional Laboratory of China (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 510642, China.
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20
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Ren J, Wang XQ, Nakao T, Libby P, Shi GP. Differential Roles of Interleukin-6 in Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 Infection and Cardiometabolic Diseases. Cardiol Discov 2023; 3:166-182. [PMID: 38152628 PMCID: PMC10750760 DOI: 10.1097/cd9.0000000000000096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection can lead to a cytokine storm, unleashed in part by pyroptosis of virus-infected macrophages and monocytes. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) has emerged as a key participant in this ominous complication of COVID-19. IL-6 antagonists have improved outcomes in patients with COVID-19 in some, but not all, studies. IL-6 signaling involves at least 3 distinct pathways, including classic-signaling, trans-signaling, and trans-presentation depending on the localization of IL-6 receptor and its binding partner glycoprotein gp130. IL-6 has become a therapeutic target in COVID-19, cardiovascular diseases, and other inflammatory conditions. However, the efficacy of inhibition of IL-6 signaling in metabolic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes, may depend in part on cell type-dependent actions of IL-6 in controlling lipid metabolism, glucose uptake, and insulin sensitivity owing to complexities that remain to be elucidated. The present review sought to summarize and discuss the current understanding of how and whether targeting IL-6 signaling ameliorates outcomes following SARS-CoV-2 infection and associated clinical complications, focusing predominantly on metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Ren
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Xiao-Qi Wang
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Tetsushi Nakao
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Peter Libby
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Guo-Ping Shi
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
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21
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El-Fakharany EM, El-Gendi H, El-Maradny YA, Abu-Serie MM, Abdel-Wahhab KG, Shabana ME, Ashry M. Inhibitory effect of lactoferrin-coated zinc nanoparticles on SARS-CoV-2 replication and entry along with improvement of lung fibrosis induced in adult male albino rats. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 245:125552. [PMID: 37356684 PMCID: PMC10290166 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome 2019-new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is a major global challenge caused by a pandemic disease, named 'COVID-19' with no effective and selective therapy available so far. COVID-19-associated mortality is directly related to the inability to suppress the viral infection and the uncontrolled inflammatory response. So, we investigated the antiviral efficiency of the nanofabricated and well-characterized lactoferrin-coated zinc nanoparticles (Lf-Zn-NPs) on SARS-CoV-2 replication and entry into host cells. Lf-Zn-NPs showed potent inhibition of the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into the host cells by inhibition of ACE2, the SARS-CoV-2 receptor. This inhibitory activity of Lf-Zn-NPs to target the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and the ACE2 receptor offers potent protection against COVID-19 outbreaks. Moreover, the administration of Lf-Zn-NPs markedly improved lung fibrosis disorders, as supported by histopathological findings and monitored by the significant reduction in the values of CRP, LDH, ferritin, and D-dimer, with a remarkable rise in CD4+, lung SOD, GPx, GSH, and CAT levels. Lf-Zn-NPs revealed therapeutic efficiency against lung fibrosis owing to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and ACE2-inhibiting activities. These findings suggest a promising nanomedicine agent against COVID-19 and its complications, with improved antiviral and immunomodulatory properties as well as a safer mode of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmail M El-Fakharany
- Protein Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI), City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA- City), New Borg El-Arab City 21934, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Hamada El-Gendi
- Bioprocess Development Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), New Borg El-Arab City 21934, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Yousra A El-Maradny
- Protein Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI), City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA- City), New Borg El-Arab City 21934, Alexandria, Egypt; Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT), Alamein 51718, Egypt
| | - Marwa M Abu-Serie
- Medical Biotechnology Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI), City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), New Borg El-Arab 21934, Alexandria, Egypt
| | | | | | - Mahmoud Ashry
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Assuit, Egypt
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22
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Cojocaru E, Cojocaru C, Vlad CE, Eva L. Role of the Renin-Angiotensin System in Long COVID's Cardiovascular Injuries. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2004. [PMID: 37509643 PMCID: PMC10377338 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11072004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is one of the biggest challenges of cardiovascular medicine. The significance of the RAS in the chronic progression of SARS-CoV-2 infection and its consequences is one of the topics that are currently being mostly discussed. SARS-CoV-2 undermines the balance between beneficial and harmful RAS pathways. The level of soluble ACE2 and membrane-bound ACE2 are both upregulated by the endocytosis of the SARS-CoV-2/ACE2 complex and the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-converting enzyme (ADAM17)-induced cleavage. Through the link between RAS and the processes of proliferation, the processes of fibrous remodelling of the myocardium are initiated from the acute phase of the disease, continuing into the long COVID stage. In the long term, RAS dysfunction may cause an impairment of its beneficial effects leading to thromboembolic processes and a reduction in perfusion of target organs. The main aspects of ACE2-a key pathogenic role in COVID-19 as well as the mechanisms of RAS involvement in COVID cardiovascular injuries are studied. Therapeutic directions that can be currently anticipated in relation to the various pathogenic pathways of progression of cardiovascular damage in patients with longCOVID have also been outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Cojocaru
- Morpho-Functional Sciences II Department, Faculty of Medicine, "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Cristian Cojocaru
- Medical III Department, Faculty of Medicine, "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Cristiana-Elena Vlad
- Medical II Department, Faculty of Medicine, "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- "Dr. C. I. Parhon" Clinical Hospital, 700503 Iasi, Romania
| | - Lucian Eva
- Faculty of Dental Medicine, "Apollonia" University of Iasi, 700511 Iasi, Romania
- "Prof. Dr. Nicolae Oblu" Clinic Emergency Hospital, 700309 Iasi, Romania
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23
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Cui Z, Wang H, Dong Y, Liu SL, Wang Q. Deciphering and targeting host factors to counteract SARS-CoV-2 and coronavirus infections: insights from CRISPR approaches. Front Genome Ed 2023; 5:1231656. [PMID: 37520399 PMCID: PMC10372414 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2023.1231656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and other coronaviruses depend on host factors for the process of viral infection and replication. A better understanding of the dynamic interplay between viral pathogens and host cells, as well as identifying of virus-host dependencies, offers valuable insights into disease mechanisms and informs the development of effective therapeutic strategies against viral infections. This review delves into the key host factors that facilitate or hinder SARS-CoV-2 infection and replication, as identified by CRISPR/Cas9-based screening platforms. Furthermore, we explore CRISPR/Cas13-based gene therapy strategies aimed at targeting these host factors to inhibit viral infection, with the ultimate goal of eradicating SARS-CoV-2 and preventing and treating related coronaviruses for future outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhifen Cui
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Hongyan Wang
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Yizhou Dong
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn Genomics Institute, Precision Immunology Institute, Tisch Cancer Institute, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Shan-Lu Liu
- Center for Retrovirus Research, Viruses and Emerging Pathogens Program, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Infectious Diseases Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Qianben Wang
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
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24
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Milan Bonotto R, Mitrović A, Sosič I, Martinez-Orellana P, Dattola F, Gobec S, Kos J, Marcello A. Cathepsin inhibitors nitroxoline and its derivatives inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection. Antiviral Res 2023:105655. [PMID: 37355023 PMCID: PMC10287183 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2023.105655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
The severity of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the recurring (re)emergence of viruses prompted the development of new therapeutic approaches that target viral and host factors crucial for viral infection. Among them, host peptidases cathepsins B and L have been described as essential enzymes during SARS-CoV-2 entry. In this study, we evaluated the effect of potent selective cathepsin inhibitors as antiviral agents. We demonstrated that selective cathepsin B inhibitors, such as the antimicrobial agent nitroxoline and its derivatives, impair SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro. Antiviral activity observed at early stage of virus entry was cell-type dependent and correlated well with the intracellular content and enzymatic function of cathepsins B or L. Furthermore, tested inhibitors were effective against the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 D614 as well as against the more recent BA.1_4 (Omicron). Taken together, our results highlight the important role of host cysteine cathepsin B in SARS-CoV-2 virus entry and show that cathepsin-specific inhibitors, such as nitroxoline and its derivatives, could be used to treat COVID-19. Finally, these results also suggest that nitroxoline has potential to be further explored as repurposed drug in antiviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela Milan Bonotto
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Padriciano, 99, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Ana Mitrović
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Izidor Sosič
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Pamela Martinez-Orellana
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Padriciano, 99, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Federica Dattola
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Padriciano, 99, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Stanislav Gobec
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janko Kos
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Alessandro Marcello
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Padriciano, 99, 34149, Trieste, Italy.
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Tassakka ACMAR, Iskandar IW, Alam JF, Permana AD, Massi MN, Jompa J, Liao LM. Docking Studies and Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Potential Inhibitors from the Brown Seaweed Sargassum polycystum (Phaeophyceae) against PLpro of SARS-CoV-2. BioTech (Basel) 2023; 12:46. [PMID: 37366794 DOI: 10.3390/biotech12020046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 disease is a major problem affecting human health all over the world. Consequently, researchers have been trying to find solutions to treat this pandemic-scale disease. Even if there are vaccines and approved drugs that could decrease the spread of this pandemic, multidisciplinary approaches are still needed to identify new small molecules as alternatives to combat COVID-19, especially those from nature. In this study, we employed computational approaches by screening 17 natural compounds from the tropical brown seaweed Sargassum polycystum known to have anti-viral properties that benefit human health. This study assessed some seaweed natural products that are bound to the PLpro of SARS-CoV-2. By employing pharmacophore and molecular docking, these natural compounds from S. polycystum showed remarkable scores for protein targets with competitive scores compared to X-ray crystallography ligands and well-known antiviral compounds. This study provides insightful information for advanced study and further in vitro examination and clinical investigation for drug development prospects of abundant yet underexploited tropical seaweeds.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jamaluddin Fitrah Alam
- Faculty of Marine Science and Fisheries, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar 90245, Indonesia
| | - Andi Dian Permana
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar 90245, Indonesia
| | | | - Jamaluddin Jompa
- Faculty of Marine Science and Fisheries, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar 90245, Indonesia
| | - Lawrence Manzano Liao
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-8528, Japan
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26
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Xue Y, Mei H, Chen Y, Griffin JD, Liu Q, Weisberg E, Yang J. Repurposing clinically available drugs and therapies for pathogenic targets to combat SARS-CoV-2. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e254. [PMID: 37193304 PMCID: PMC10183156 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected a large portion of the global population, both physically and mentally. Current evidence suggests that the rapidly evolving coronavirus subvariants risk rendering vaccines and antibodies ineffective due to their potential to evade existing immunity, with enhanced transmission activity and higher reinfection rates that could lead to new outbreaks across the globe. The goal of viral management is to disrupt the viral life cycle as well as to relieve severe symptoms such as lung damage, cytokine storm, and organ failure. In the fight against viruses, the combination of viral genome sequencing, elucidation of the structure of viral proteins, and identifying proteins that are highly conserved across multiple coronaviruses has revealed many potential molecular targets. In addition, the time- and cost-effective repurposing of preexisting antiviral drugs or approved/clinical drugs for these targets offers considerable clinical advantages for COVID-19 patients. This review provides a comprehensive overview of various identified pathogenic targets and pathways as well as corresponding repurposed approved/clinical drugs and their potential against COVID-19. These findings provide new insight into the discovery of novel therapeutic strategies that could be applied to the control of disease symptoms emanating from evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiying Xue
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and TechnologyTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Husheng Mei
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical ScienceChinese Academy of SciencesHefeiChina
- University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Yisa Chen
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and TechnologyTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - James D. Griffin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana‐Farber Cancer InstituteBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Qingsong Liu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical ScienceChinese Academy of SciencesHefeiChina
- University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
- Hefei Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of SciencesHefeiChina
| | - Ellen Weisberg
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana‐Farber Cancer InstituteBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and TechnologyTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical ScienceChinese Academy of SciencesHefeiChina
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27
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Tang TT, Li SM, Pan BW, Xiao JW, Pang YX, Xie SX, Zhou Y, Yang J, Wei Y. Identification of Flavonoids from Scutellaria barbata D. Don as Inhibitors of HIV-1 and Cathepsin L Proteases and Their Structure-Activity Relationships. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28114476. [PMID: 37298951 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28114476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Scutellaria barbata D. Don (SB, Chinese: Ban Zhi Lian), a well-known medicinal plant used in traditional Chinese medicine, is rich in flavonoids. It possesses antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral activities. In this study, we evaluated the inhibitory activities of SB extracts and its active components against HIV-1 protease (HIV-1 PR) and SARS-CoV2 viral cathepsin L protease (Cat L PR). UPLC/HRMS was used to identify and quantify the major active flavonoids in different SB extracts, and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) assays were used to determine HIV-1 PR and Cat L PR inhibitions and identify structure-activity relationships. Molecular docking was also performed, to explore the diversification in bonding patterns of the active flavonoids upon binding to the two PRs. Three SB extracts (SBW, SB30, and SB60) and nine flavonoids inhibited HIV-1 PR with an IC50 range from 0.006 to 0.83 mg/mL. Six of the flavonoids showed 10~37.6% inhibition of Cat L PR at a concentration of 0.1 mg/mL. The results showed that the introduction of the 4'-hydroxyl and 6-hydroxyl/methoxy groups was essential in the 5,6,7-trihydroxyl and 5,7,4'-trihydroxyl flavones, respectively, to enhance their dual anti-PR activities. Hence, the 5,6,7,4'-tetrahydroxyl flavone scutellarein (HIV-1 PR, IC50 = 0.068 mg/mL; Cat L PR, IC50 = 0.43 mg/mL) may serve as a lead compound to develop more effective dual protease inhibitors. The 5,7,3',4'-tetrahydroxyl flavone luteolin also showed a potent and selective inhibition of HIV-1 PR (IC50 = 0.039 mg/mL).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Ting Tang
- College of Pharmacy, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Su-Mei Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen 518020, China
| | - Bo-Wen Pan
- College of Pharmacy, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Jun-Wei Xiao
- College of Pharmacy, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Yu-Xin Pang
- College of Pharmacy, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Shou-Xia Xie
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen 518020, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- College of Pharmacy, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Jian Yang
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Ying Wei
- College of Pharmacy, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China
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28
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Ivanova T, Mariienko Y, Mehterov N, Kazakova M, Sbirkov Y, Todorova K, Hayrabedyan S, Sarafian V. Autophagy and SARS-CoV-2-Old Players in New Games. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:7734. [PMID: 37175443 PMCID: PMC10178552 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
At present it is well-defined that autophagy is a fundamental process essential for cell life but its pro-viral and anti-viral role has been stated out with the COVID pandemic. However, viruses in turn have evolved diverse adaptive strategies to cope with autophagy driven host defense, either by blocking or hijacking the autophagy machinery for their own benefit. The mechanisms underlying autophagy modulation are presented in the current review which summarizes the accumulated knowledge on the crosstalk between autophagy and viral infections, with a particular emphasizes on SARS-CoV-2. The different types of autophagy related to infections and their molecular mechanisms are focused in the context of inflammation. In particular, SARS-CoV-2 entry, replication and disease pathogenesis are discussed. Models to study autophagy and to formulate novel treatment approaches and pharmacological modulation to fight COVID-19 are debated. The SARS-CoV-2-autophagy interplay is presented, revealing the complex dynamics and the molecular machinery of autophagy. The new molecular targets and strategies to treat COVID-19 effectively are envisaged. In conclusion, our finding underline the importance of development new treatment strategies and pharmacological modulation of autophagy to fight COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsvetomira Ivanova
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Yuliia Mariienko
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Nikolay Mehterov
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Maria Kazakova
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Yordan Sbirkov
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Krassimira Todorova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Soren Hayrabedyan
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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29
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Vilaplana-Carnerero C, Giner-Soriano M, Dominguez À, Morros R, Pericas C, Álamo-Junquera D, Toledo D, Gallego C, Redondo A, Grau M. Atherosclerosis, Cardiovascular Disease, and COVID-19: A Narrative Review. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11041206. [PMID: 37189823 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory and degenerative process that mainly occurs in large- and medium-sized arteries and is morphologically characterized by asymmetric focal thickenings of the innermost layer of the artery, the intima. This process is the basis of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), the most common cause of death worldwide. Some studies suggest a bidirectional link between atherosclerosis and the consequent CVD with COVID-19. The aims of this narrative review are (1) to provide an overview of the most recent studies that point out a bidirectional relation between COVID-19 and atherosclerosis and (2) to summarize the impact of cardiovascular drugs on COVID-19 outcomes. A growing body of evidence shows that COVID-19 prognosis in individuals with CVD is worse compared with those without. Moreover, various studies have reported the emergence of newly diagnosed patients with CVD after COVID-19. The most common treatments for CVD may influence COVID-19 outcomes. Thus, their implication in the infection process is briefly discussed in this review. A better understanding of the link among atherosclerosis, CVD, and COVID-19 could proactively identify risk factors and, as a result, develop strategies to improve the prognosis for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carles Vilaplana-Carnerero
- Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), 08007 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- School of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Maria Giner-Soriano
- Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), 08007 Barcelona, Spain
- School of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Àngela Dominguez
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Research Consortium in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa Morros
- Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), 08007 Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Research Consortium in Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Carles Pericas
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Epidemiology Service, Public Health Agency of Barcelona (ASPB), 08023 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Dolores Álamo-Junquera
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Quality, Process and Innovation Direction, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Health Services Research Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Diana Toledo
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Research Consortium in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Gallego
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Methodology, Quality and Medical Care Assessment Department, Direcció d'Atenció Primària Metropolitana Sud, Catalan Institute of Health (ICS), 08908 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Redondo
- Hospital Universitario Bellvitge, Catalan Institute of Health (ICS), 08907 Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Grau
- Biomedical Research Consortium in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Serra Húnter Fellow, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
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30
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Li Y, Wang K, Sun H, Wu S, Wang H, Shi Y, Li X, Yan H, Yang G, Wu M, Li Y, Ding X, Si S, Jiang J, Du Y, Li Y, Hong B. Omicsynin B4 potently blocks coronavirus infection by inhibiting host proteases cathepsin L and TMPRSS2. Antiviral Res 2023; 214:105606. [PMID: 37076089 PMCID: PMC10110284 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2023.105606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants represents a major threat to public health and requires identification of novel therapeutic agents to address the unmet medical needs. Small molecules impeding viral entry through inhibition of spike protein priming proteases could have potent antiviral effects against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Omicsynin B4, a pseudo-tetrapeptides identified from Streptomyces sp. 1647, has potent antiviral activity against influenza A viruses in our previous study. Here, we found omicsynin B4 exhibited broad-spectrum anti-coronavirus activity against HCoV-229E, HCoV-OC43 and SARS-CoV-2 prototype and its variants in multiple cell lines. Further investigations revealed omicsynin B4 blocked the viral entry and might be related to the inhibition of host proteases. SARS-CoV-2 spike protein mediated pseudovirus assay supported the inhibitory activity on viral entry of omicsynin B4 with a more potent inhibition of Omicron variant, especially when overexpression of human TMPRSS2. Moreover, omicsynin B4 exhibited superior inhibitory activity in the sub-nanomolar range against CTSL, and a sub-micromolar inhibition against TMPRSS2 in biochemical assays. The molecular docking analysis confirmed that omicsynin B4 fits well in the substrate binding sites and forms a covalent bond to Cys25 and Ser441 in CTSL and TMPRSS2, respectively. In conclusion, we found that omicsynin B4 may serve as a natural protease inhibitor for CTSL and TMPRSS2, blocking various coronavirus S protein-driven entry into cells. These results further highlight the potential of omicsynin B4 as an attractive candidate as a broad-spectrum anti-coronavirus agent that could rapidly respond to emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihua Li
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology for Drug Innovation, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Kun Wang
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drug Research, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Hongmin Sun
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology for Drug Innovation, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Shuo Wu
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drug Research, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Huiqiang Wang
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drug Research, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Yuanyuan Shi
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology for Drug Innovation, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Xingxing Li
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology for Drug Innovation, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Haiyan Yan
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drug Research, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Ge Yang
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drug Research, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Mengyuan Wu
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drug Research, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Yihong Li
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology for Drug Innovation, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Xiaotian Ding
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology for Drug Innovation, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Shuyi Si
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Jiandong Jiang
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drug Research, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Yu Du
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology for Drug Innovation, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Yuhuan Li
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drug Research, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Bin Hong
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology for Drug Innovation, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
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31
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Wang C, Ye X, Ding C, Zhou M, Li W, Wang Y, You Q, Zong S, Peng Q, Duanmu D, Chen H, Sun B, Qiao J. Two Resveratrol Oligomers Inhibit Cathepsin L Activity to Suppress SARS-CoV-2 Entry. J Agric Food Chem 2023; 71:5535-5546. [PMID: 36996017 PMCID: PMC10069644 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c07811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Cell entry of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) depends on specific host cell proteases, which are the key targets for preventing and treating viral infections. Herein, we describe miyabenol C and trans-ε-viniferin, two resveratrol oligomers that specifically inhibit SARS-CoV-2 entry by targeting host protease cathepsin L. Several cell-based assays were used to demonstrate the effect of resveratrol oligomers, and their target was identified via screening of antiviral targets. Molecular docking analysis suggested that the oligomers could occupy the active cavity of cathepsin L. The surface plasmon resonance assay showed that the equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) values of miyabenol C-cathepsin L and trans-ε-viniferin-cathepsin L were 5.54 and 8.54 μM, respectively, indicating their excellent binding ability for cathepsin L. Our study demonstrated the potential application of resveratrol oligomers as lead compounds in controlling SARS-CoV-2 infection by targeting cathepsin L.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenghai Wang
- Wuhan Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of
Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056,
China
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology,
Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University,
Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xiansheng Ye
- Wuhan Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of
Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056,
China
| | - Chengchao Ding
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life
Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China
(USTC), Hefei 230026, China
| | - Mengqi Zhou
- Wuhan Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of
Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056,
China
| | - Weiling Li
- Wuhan Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of
Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056,
China
| | - Yuansong Wang
- Wuhan Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of
Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056,
China
| | - Qiang You
- Wuhan Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of
Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056,
China
| | - Shan Zong
- Wuhan Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of
Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056,
China
| | - Qian Peng
- Wuhan Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of
Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056,
China
| | - Deqiang Duanmu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology,
Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University,
Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Haifeng Chen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug
Target, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University,
Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Binlian Sun
- Wuhan Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of
Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056,
China
| | - Jialu Qiao
- Wuhan Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of
Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056,
China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine
Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000,
China
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32
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Kronenberger T, Laufer SA, Pillaiyar T. COVID-19 therapeutics: small-molecule drug development targeting SARS-CoV-2 main protease. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103579. [PMID: 37028502 PMCID: PMC10074736 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative factor behind the 2019 global coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). The main protease, known as Mpro, is encoded by the viral genome and is essential for viral replication. It has also been an effective target for drug development. In this review, we discuss the rationale for inhibitors that specifically target SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. Small molecules and peptidomimetic inhibitors are two types of inhibitor with various modes of action and we focus here on novel inhibitors that were only discovered during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighting their binding modes and structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thales Kronenberger
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry and Tuebingen Center for Academic Drug Discovery, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland; Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) 'Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies', University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefan A Laufer
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry and Tuebingen Center for Academic Drug Discovery, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) 'Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies', University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Thanigaimalai Pillaiyar
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry and Tuebingen Center for Academic Drug Discovery, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
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33
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Chen Q, Qu S, Liang Z, Liu Y, Chen H, Ma S, Liu X. Cathepsin H Knockdown Reverses Radioresistance of Hepatocellular Carcinoma via Metabolic Switch Followed by Apoptosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:5257. [PMID: 36982347 PMCID: PMC10049059 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the wide application of radiotherapy in HCC, radiotherapy efficacy is sometimes limited due to radioresistance. Although radioresistance is reported with high glycolysis, the underlying mechanism between radioresistance and cancer metabolism, as well as the role of cathepsin H (CTSH) within it, remain unclear. In this study, tumor-bearing models and HCC cell lines were used to observe the effect of CTSH on radioresistance. Proteome mass spectrometry, followed by enrichment analysis, were used to investigate the cascades and targets regulated by CTSH. Technologies such as immunofluorescence co-localization flow cytometry and Western blot were used for further detection and verification. Through these methods, we originally found CTSH knockdown (KD) perturbed aerobic glycolysis and enhanced aerobic respiration, and thus promoted apoptosis through up-regulation and the release of proapoptotic factors such as AIFM1, HTRA2, and DIABLO, consequently reducing radioresistance. We also found that CTSH, together with its regulatory targets (such as PFKL, HK2, LDH, and AIFM1), was correlated with tumorigenesis and poor prognosis. In summary, our study found that the cancer metabolic switch and apoptosis were regulated by CTSH signaling, leading to the occurrence of radioresistance in HCC cells and suggesting the potential value of HCC diagnosis and therapy.
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Wang H, Inoue A, Lei Y, Wu H, Hong L, Cheng XW. Cathepsins in the extracellular space: Focusing on non-lysosomal proteolytic functions with clinical implications. Cell Signal 2023; 103:110531. [PMID: 36417977 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2022.110531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Cathepsins can be found in the extracellular space, cytoplasm, and nucleus. It was initially suspected that the primary physiological function of the cathepsins was to break down intracellular protein, and that they also had a role in pathological processes including inflammation and apoptosis. However, the many actions of cathepsins outside the cell and their complicated biological impacts have garnered much interest. Cathepsins play significant roles in a number of illnesses by regulating parenchymal cell proliferation, cell migration, viral invasion, inflammation, and immunological responses through extracellular matrix remodeling, signaling disruption, leukocyte recruitment, and cell adhesion. In this review, we outline the physiological roles of cathepsins in the extracellular space, the crucial pathological functions performed by cathepsins in illnesses, and the recent breakthroughs in the detection and therapy of specific inhibitors and fluorescent probes in associated dysfunction.
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Lundstrom K, Hromić-Jahjefendić A, Bilajac E, Aljabali AAA, Baralić K, Sabri NA, Shehata EM, Raslan M, Raslan SA, Ferreira ACBH, Orlandi L, Serrano-Aroca Á, Uversky VN, Hassan SS, Redwan EM, Azevedo V, Alzahrani KJ, Alsharif KF, Halawani IF, Alzahrani FM, Tambuwala MM, Barh D. COVID-19 signalome: Potential therapeutic interventions. Cell Signal 2023; 103:110559. [PMID: 36521656 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2022.110559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered intensive research and development of drugs and vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 during the last two years. The major success was especially observed with development of vaccines based on viral vectors, nucleic acids and whole viral particles, which have received emergent authorization leading to global mass vaccinations. Although the vaccine programs have made a big impact on COVID-19 spread and severity, emerging novel variants have raised serious concerns about vaccine efficacy. Due to the urgent demand, drug development had originally to rely on repurposing of antiviral drugs developed against other infectious diseases. For both drug and vaccine development the focus has been mainly on SARS-CoV-2 surface proteins and host cell receptors involved in viral attachment and entry. In this review, we expand the spectrum of SARS-CoV-2 targets by investigating the COVID-19 signalome. In addition to the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein, the envelope, membrane, and nucleoprotein targets have been subjected to research. Moreover, viral proteases have presented the possibility to develop different strategies for the inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 replication and spread. Several signaling pathways involving the renin-angiotensin system, angiotensin-converting enzymes, immune pathways, hypoxia, and calcium signaling have provided attractive alternative targets for more efficient drug development.
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Bonatto V, Lameiro RF, Rocho FR, Lameira J, Leitão A, Montanari CA. Nitriles: an attractive approach to the development of covalent inhibitors. RSC Med Chem 2023; 14:201-217. [PMID: 36846367 PMCID: PMC9945868 DOI: 10.1039/d2md00204c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitriles have broad applications in medicinal chemistry, with more than 60 small molecule drugs on the market containing the cyano functional group. In addition to the well-known noncovalent interactions that nitriles can perform with macromolecular targets, they are also known to improve drug candidates' pharmacokinetic profiles. Moreover, the cyano group can be used as an electrophilic warhead to covalently bind an inhibitor to a target of interest, forming a covalent adduct, a strategy that can present benefits over noncovalent inhibitors. This approach has gained much notoriety in recent years, mainly with diabetes and COVID-19-approved drugs. Nevertheless, the application of nitriles in covalent ligands is not restricted to it being the reactive center, as it can also be employed to convert irreversible inhibitors into reversible ones, a promising strategy for kinase inhibition and protein degradation. In this review, we introduce and discuss the roles of the cyano group in covalent inhibitors, how to tune its reactivity and the possibility of achieving selectivity only by replacing the warhead. Finally, we provide an overview of nitrile-based covalent compounds in approved drugs and inhibitors recently described in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinícius Bonatto
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Group, São Carlos Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo Avenue Trabalhador Sancarlense, 400 13566-590 São Carlos/SP Brazil
| | - Rafael F Lameiro
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Group, São Carlos Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo Avenue Trabalhador Sancarlense, 400 13566-590 São Carlos/SP Brazil
| | - Fernanda R Rocho
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Group, São Carlos Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo Avenue Trabalhador Sancarlense, 400 13566-590 São Carlos/SP Brazil
| | - Jerônimo Lameira
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Group, São Carlos Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo Avenue Trabalhador Sancarlense, 400 13566-590 São Carlos/SP Brazil
- Institute of Biological Science, Federal University of Pará Rua Augusto Correa S/N Belém PA Brazil
| | - Andrei Leitão
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Group, São Carlos Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo Avenue Trabalhador Sancarlense, 400 13566-590 São Carlos/SP Brazil
| | - Carlos A Montanari
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Group, São Carlos Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo Avenue Trabalhador Sancarlense, 400 13566-590 São Carlos/SP Brazil
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Previti S, Ettari R, Calcaterra E, Di Maro S, Hammerschmidt SJ, Müller C, Ziebuhr J, Schirmeister T, Cosconati S, Zappalà M. Structure-based lead optimization of peptide-based vinyl methyl ketones as SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 247:115021. [PMID: 36549112 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.115021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Despite several major achievements in the development of vaccines and antivirals, the fight against SARS-CoV-2 and the health problems accompanying COVID-19 are still ongoing. SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro), an essential viral cysteine protease, is a crucial target for the development of antiviral agents. A virtual screening analysis of in-house cysteine protease inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro allowed us to identify two hits (i.e., 1 and 2) bearing a methyl vinyl ketone warhead. Starting from these compounds, we herein report the development of Michael acceptors targeting SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, which differ from each other for the warhead and for the amino acids at the P2 site. The most promising vinyl methyl ketone-containing analogs showed sub-micromolar activity against the viral protease. SPR38, SPR39, and SPR41 were fully characterized, and additional inhibitory properties towards hCatL, which plays a key role in the virus entry into host cells, were observed. SPR39 and SPR41 exhibited single-digit micromolar EC50 values in a SARS-CoV-2 infection model in cell culture.
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38
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Alkazmi L, Al-Kuraishy HM, Al-Gareeb AI, El-Bouseary MM, Ahmed EA, Batiha GES. Dantrolene and ryanodine receptors in COVID-19: The daunting task and neglected warden. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2023; 50:335-352. [PMID: 36732880 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Dantrolene (DTN) is a ryanodine receptor (RyR) antagonist that inhibits Ca2+ release from stores in the sarcoplasmic reticulum. DTN is mainly used in the management of malignant hyperthermia. RyRs are highly expressed in immune cells and are involved in different viral infections, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), because Ca2+ is necessary for viral replication, maturation and release. DTN can inhibit the proliferation of SARS-CoV-2, indicating its potential role in reducing entry and pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2. DTN may increase clearance of SARS-CoV-2 and promote coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) recovery by shortening the period of infection. DTN inhibits N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) mediated platelets aggregations and thrombosis. Therefore, DTN may inhibit thrombosis and coagulopathy in COVID-19 through suppression of platelet NMDA receptors. Moreover, DTN has a neuroprotective effect against SARS-CoV-2 infection-induced brain injury through modulation of NMDA receptors, which are involved in excitotoxicity, neuronal injury and the development of neuropsychiatric disorders. In conclusion, DTN by inhibiting RyRs may attenuate inflammatory disorders in SARS-CoV-2 infection and associated cardio-pulmonary complications. Therefore, DNT could be a promising drug therapy against COVID-19. Preclinical and clinical studies are warranted in this regards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luay Alkazmi
- Biology Department, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hayder M Al-Kuraishy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Medicine, College of Medicine, Al-Mustansiriya University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Ali I Al-Gareeb
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Medicine, College of Medicine, Al-Mustansiriya University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Maisra M El-Bouseary
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Eman A Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt
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39
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Chen H, Peng J, Wang T, Wen J, Chen S, Huang Y, Zhang Y. Counter-regulatory renin-angiotensin system in hypertension: Review and update in the era of COVID-19 pandemic. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 208:115370. [PMID: 36481346 PMCID: PMC9721294 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of mortality and disability, with hypertension being the most prevalent risk factor. Excessive activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) under pathological conditions, leading to vascular remodeling and inflammation, is closely related to cardiovascular dysfunction. The counter-regulatory axis of the RAS consists of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), angiotensin (1-7), angiotensin (1-9), alamandine, proto-oncogene Mas receptor, angiotensin II type-2 receptor and Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor member D. Each of these components has been shown to counteract the effects of the overactivated RAS. In this review, we summarize the latest insights into the complexity and interplay of the counter-regulatory RAS axis in hypertension, highlight the pathophysiological functions of ACE2, a multifunctional molecule linking hypertension and COVID-19, and discuss the function and therapeutic potential of targeting this counter-regulatory RAS axis to prevent and treat hypertension in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyin Chen
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518000, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiangyun Peng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China,Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan 528200, Guangdong, China
| | - Tengyao Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China,Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan 528200, Guangdong, China
| | - Jielu Wen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China,Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan 528200, Guangdong, China
| | - Sifan Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China,Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan 528200, Guangdong, China
| | - Yu Huang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China,Corresponding authors
| | - Yang Zhang
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518000, Guangdong, China,Corresponding authors
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Al-Kuraishy HM, Al-Gareeb AI, Kaushik A, Kujawska M, Ahmed EA, Batiha GES. SARS-COV-2 infection and Parkinson's disease: Possible links and perspectives. J Neurosci Res 2023; 101:952-975. [PMID: 36717481 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. The hallmarks are the presence of Lewy bodies composed mainly of aggregated α-synuclein and immune activation and inflammation in the brain. The neurotropism of SARS-CoV-2 with induction of cytokine storm and neuroinflammation can contribute to the development of PD. Interestingly, overexpression of α-synuclein in PD patients may limit SARS-CoV-2 neuroinvasion and degeneration of dopaminergic neurons; however, on the other hand, this virus can speed up the α-synuclein aggregation. The review aims to discuss the potential link between COVID-19 and the risk of PD, highlighting the need for further studies to authenticate the potential association. We have also overviewed the influence of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the PD course and management. In this context, we presented the prospects for controlling the COVID-19 pandemic and related PD cases that, beyond global vaccination and novel anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents, may include the development of graphene-based nanoscale platforms offering antiviral and anti-amyloid strategies against PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayder M Al-Kuraishy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Medicine, College of Medicine, Al-Mustansiriyia University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Ali I Al-Gareeb
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Medicine, College of Medicine, Al-Mustansiriyia University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Ajeet Kaushik
- NanoBioTech Laboratory, Department of Environmental Engineering, Florida Polytechnic University, Lakeland, Florida, USA
| | - Małgorzata Kujawska
- Department of Toxicology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Eman A Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt
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41
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Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is the etiological pathogen of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to more than 6.5 million deaths since the beginning of the outbreak in December 2019. The unprecedented disruption of social life and public health caused by COVID-19 calls for fast-track development of diagnostic kits, vaccines, and antiviral drugs. Small molecule antivirals are essential complements of vaccines and can be used for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infections. Currently, there are three FDA-approved antiviral drugs, remdesivir, molnupiravir, and paxlovid. Given the moderate clinical efficacy of remdesivir and molnupiravir, the drug-drug interaction of paxlovid, and the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants with potential drug-resistant mutations, there is a pressing need for additional antivirals to combat current and future coronavirus outbreaks.In this Account, we describe our efforts in developing covalent and noncovalent main protease (Mpro) inhibitors and the identification of nirmatrelvir-resistant mutants. We initially discovered GC376, calpain inhibitors II and XII, and boceprevir as dual inhibitors of Mpro and host cathepsin L from a screening of a protease inhibitor library. Given the controversy of targeting cathepsin L, we subsequently shifted the focus to designing Mpro-specific inhibitors. Specifically, guided by the X-ray crystal structures of these initial hits, we designed noncovalent Mpro inhibitors such as Jun8-76-3R that are highly selective toward Mpro over host cathepsin L. Using the same scaffold, we also designed covalent Mpro inhibitors with novel cysteine reactive warheads containing di- and trihaloacetamides, which similarly had high target specificity. In parallel to our drug discovery efforts, we developed the cell-based FlipGFP Mpro assay to characterize the cellular target engagement of our rationally designed Mpro inhibitors. The FlipGFP assay was also applied to validate the structurally disparate Mpro inhibitors reported in the literature. Lastly, we introduce recent progress in identifying naturally occurring Mpro mutants that are resistant to nirmatrelvir from genome mining of the nsp5 sequences deposited in the GISAID database. Collectively, the covalent and noncovalent Mpro inhibitors and the nirmatrelvir-resistant hot spot residues from our studies provide insightful guidance for future work aimed at developing orally bioavailable Mpro inhibitors that do not have overlapping resistance profile with nirmatrelvir.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Tan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
| | - Ryan Joyce
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
| | - Haozhou Tan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
| | - Yanmei Hu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
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Zhou Q, Chen Y, Wang R, Jia F, He F, Yuan F. Advances of CRISPR-Cas13 system in COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment. Genes Dis 2022; 10:S2352-3042(22)00317-8. [PMID: 36591005 PMCID: PMC9793954 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2022.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has resulted in over 570 million infections and 6 million deaths worldwide. Early detection and quarantine are essential to arrest the spread of the highly contagious COVID-19. High-risk groups, such as older adults and individuals with comorbidities, can present severe symptoms, including pyrexia, pertussis, and acute respiratory distress syndrome, on SARS-CoV-2 infection that can prove fatal, demonstrating a clear need for high-throughput and sensitive platforms to detect and eliminate SARS-CoV-2. CRISPR-Cas13, an emerging CRISPR system targeting RNA with high specificity and efficiency, has recently drawn much attention for COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment. Here, we summarized the current research progress on CRISPR-Cas13 in COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment and highlight the challenges and future research directions of CRISPR-Cas13 for effectively counteracting COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ruolei Wang
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Fengjing Jia
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Feng He
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Fuwen Yuan
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
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43
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Yu W, Zhao Y, Ye H, Wu N, Liao Y, Chen N, Li Z, Wan N, Hao H, Yan H, Xiao Y, Lai M. Structure-Based Design of a Dual-Targeted Covalent Inhibitor Against Papain-like and Main Proteases of SARS-CoV-2. J Med Chem 2022; 65:16252-16267. [PMID: 36503248 PMCID: PMC9762420 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The two proteases, PLpro and Mpro, of SARS-CoV-2 are essential for replication of the virus. Using a structure-based co-pharmacophore screening approach, we developed a novel dual-targeted inhibitor that is equally potent in inhibiting PLpro and Mpro of SARS-CoV-2. The inhibitor contains a novel warhead, which can form a covalent bond with the catalytic cysteine residue of either enzyme. The maximum rate of the covalent inactivation is comparable to that of the most potent inhibitors reported for the viral proteases and covalent inhibitor drugs currently in clinical use. The covalent inhibition appears to be very specific for the viral proteases. The inhibitor has a potent antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 and is also well tolerated by mice and rats in toxicity studies. These results suggest that the inhibitor is a promising lead for development of drugs for treatment of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenying Yu
- State
Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China
Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing210009, China
| | - Yucheng Zhao
- Department
of Resources Science of Traditional Chinese Medicines and State Key
Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing210009, China
| | - Hui Ye
- State
Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China
Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing210009, China
- Jiangsu
Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing210009, China
| | - Nanping Wu
- State
Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases,
National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310003, China
- First
Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310003, China
| | - Yixian Liao
- State
Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China
Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing210009, China
| | - Nannan Chen
- State
Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China
Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing210009, China
| | - Zhiling Li
- State
Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China
Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing210009, China
| | - Ning Wan
- State
Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China
Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing210009, China
- Jiangsu
Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing210009, China
| | - Haiping Hao
- State
Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China
Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing210009, China
- Jiangsu
Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing210009, China
| | - Honggao Yan
- State
Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China
Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing210009, China
- Department
of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China
Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing310003, China
| | - Yibei Xiao
- State
Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China
Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing210009, China
- Department
of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China
Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing310003, China
| | - Maode Lai
- State
Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China
Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing210009, China
- State
Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases,
National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310003, China
- School
of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing210009, China
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44
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Kato Y, Nishiyama K, Man Lee J, Ibuki Y, Imai Y, Noda T, Kamiya N, Kusakabe T, Kanda Y, Nishida M. TRPC3-Nox2 Protein Complex Formation Increases the Risk of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein-Induced Cardiomyocyte Dysfunction through ACE2 Upregulation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010102. [PMID: 36613540 PMCID: PMC9820218 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Myocardial damage caused by the newly emerged coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection is one of the key determinants of COVID-19 severity and mortality. SARS-CoV-2 entry to host cells is initiated by binding with its receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) 2, and the ACE2 abundance is thought to reflect the susceptibility to infection. Here, we report that ibudilast, which we previously identified as a potent inhibitor of protein complex between transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) 3 and NADPH oxidase (Nox) 2, attenuates the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein pseudovirus-evoked contractile and metabolic dysfunctions of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs). Epidemiologically reported risk factors of severe COVID-19, including cigarette sidestream smoke (CSS) and anti-cancer drug treatment, commonly upregulate ACE2 expression level, and these were suppressed by inhibiting TRPC3-Nox2 complex formation. Exposure of NRCMs to SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus, as well as CSS and doxorubicin (Dox), induces ATP release through pannexin-1 hemi-channels, and this ATP release potentiates pseudovirus entry to NRCMs and human iPS cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPS-CMs). As the pseudovirus entry followed by production of reactive oxygen species was attenuated by inhibiting TRPC3-Nox2 complex in hiPS-CMs, we suggest that TRPC3-Nox2 complex formation triggered by panexin1-mediated ATP release participates in exacerbation of myocardial damage by amplifying ACE2-dependent SARS-CoV-2 entry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Kato
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Nishiyama
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Jae Man Lee
- Laboratory of Creative Science for Insect Industries, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Yuko Ibuki
- Graduate Division of Nutritional and Environmental Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan
| | - Yumiko Imai
- Laboratory of Regulation for Intractable Infectious Diseases, Center for Vaccine and Adjuvant Research (CVAR), National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation Health and Nutrition (NIBIOHN), Osaka 567-0085, Japan
| | - Takamasa Noda
- Department of Psychiatry, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo 187-8551, Japan
- Integrative Brain Imaging Center, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo 187-8551, Japan
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo 187-8553, Japan
- Department of Brain Bioregulatory Science, The Jikei University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan
| | - Noriho Kamiya
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
- Division of Biotechnology, Center for Future Chemistry, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Takahiro Kusakabe
- Laboratory of Insect Genome Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Yasunari Kanda
- Division of Pharmacology, National Institute of Health Sciences (NIHS), Kawasaki 210-9501, Japan
| | - Motohiro Nishida
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
- National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +81-92-642-6556
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Lei S, Chen X, Wu J, Duan X, Men K. Small molecules in the treatment of COVID-19. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:387. [PMID: 36464706 PMCID: PMC9719906 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01249-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of COVID-19 has become a global crisis, and brought severe disruptions to societies and economies. Until now, effective therapeutics against COVID-19 are in high demand. Along with our improved understanding of the structure, function, and pathogenic process of SARS-CoV-2, many small molecules with potential anti-COVID-19 effects have been developed. So far, several antiviral strategies were explored. Besides directly inhibition of viral proteins such as RdRp and Mpro, interference of host enzymes including ACE2 and proteases, and blocking relevant immunoregulatory pathways represented by JAK/STAT, BTK, NF-κB, and NLRP3 pathways, are regarded feasible in drug development. The development of small molecules to treat COVID-19 has been achieved by several strategies, including computer-aided lead compound design and screening, natural product discovery, drug repurposing, and combination therapy. Several small molecules representative by remdesivir and paxlovid have been proved or authorized emergency use in many countries. And many candidates have entered clinical-trial stage. Nevertheless, due to the epidemiological features and variability issues of SARS-CoV-2, it is necessary to continue exploring novel strategies against COVID-19. This review discusses the current findings in the development of small molecules for COVID-19 treatment. Moreover, their detailed mechanism of action, chemical structures, and preclinical and clinical efficacies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibei Lei
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaohua Chen
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072 China
| | - Jieping Wu
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xingmei Duan
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072 China
| | - Ke Men
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 People’s Republic of China
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Gumede NJ. Pathfinder-Driven Chemical Space Exploration and Multiparameter Optimization in Tandem with Glide/IFD and QSAR-Based Active Learning Approach to Prioritize Design Ideas for FEP+ Calculations of SARS-CoV-2 PL(pro) Inhibitors. Molecules 2022; 27. [PMID: 36500659 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27238569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A global pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus that started in 2020 and has wreaked havoc on humanity still ravages up until now. As a result, the negative impact of travel restrictions and lockdowns has underscored the importance of our preparedness for future pandemics. The main thrust of this work was based on addressing this need by traversing chemical space to design inhibitors that target the SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease (PLpro). Pathfinder-based retrosynthesis analysis was used to generate analogs of GRL-0617 using commercially available building blocks by replacing the naphthalene moiety. A total of 10 models were built using active learning QSAR, which achieved good statistical results such as an R2 > 0.70, Q2 > 0.64, STD Dev < 0.30, and RMSE < 0.31, on average for all models. A total of 35 ideas were further prioritized for FEP+ calculations. The FEP+ results revealed that compound 45 was the most active compound in this series with a ΔG of −7.28 ± 0.96 kcal/mol. Compound 5 exhibited a ΔG of −6.78 ± 1.30 kcal/mol. The inactive compounds in this series were compound 91 and compound 23 with a ΔG of −5.74 ± 1.06 and −3.11 ± 1.45 kcal/mol. The combined strategy employed here is envisaged to be of great utility in multiparameter lead optimization efforts, to traverse chemical space, maintaining and/or improving the potency as well as the property space of synthetically aware design ideas.
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Kladnik J, Dolinar A, Kljun J, Perea D, Grau-Expósito J, Genescà M, Novinec M, Buzon MJ, Turel I. Zinc pyrithione is a potent inhibitor of PL Pro and cathepsin L enzymes with ex vivo inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 entry and replication. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2022; 37:2158-2168. [PMID: 35943189 PMCID: PMC9367663 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2022.2108417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Zinc pyrithione (1a), together with its analogues 1b–h and ruthenium pyrithione complex 2a, were synthesised and evaluated for the stability in biologically relevant media and anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity. Zinc pyrithione revealed potent in vitro inhibition of cathepsin L (IC50=1.88 ± 0.49 µM) and PLPro (IC50=0.50 ± 0.07 µM), enzymes involved in SARS-CoV-2 entry and replication, respectively, as well as antiviral entry and replication properties in an ex vivo system derived from primary human lung tissue. Zinc complexes 1b–h expressed comparable in vitro inhibition. On the contrary, ruthenium complex 2a and the ligand pyrithione a itself expressed poor inhibition in mentioned assays, indicating the importance of the selection of metal core and structure of metal complex for antiviral activity. Safe, effective, and preferably oral at-home therapeutics for COVID-19 are needed and as such zinc pyrithione, which is also commercially available, could be considered as a potential therapeutic agent against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerneja Kladnik
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ana Dolinar
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jakob Kljun
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - David Perea
- Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, VHIR Task Force COVID-19, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Judith Grau-Expósito
- Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, VHIR Task Force COVID-19, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Meritxell Genescà
- Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, VHIR Task Force COVID-19, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marko Novinec
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maria J Buzon
- Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, VHIR Task Force COVID-19, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Iztok Turel
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Mondal S, Chen Y, Lockbaum GJ, Sen S, Chaudhuri S, Reyes AC, Lee JM, Kaur AN, Sultana N, Cameron MD, Shaffer SA, Schiffer CA, Fitzgerald KA, Thompson PR. Dual Inhibitors of Main Protease (M Pro) and Cathepsin L as Potent Antivirals against SARS-CoV2. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:21035-21045. [PMID: 36356199 PMCID: PMC9662648 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c04626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Given the current impact of SARS-CoV2 and COVID-19 on human health and the global economy, the development of direct acting antivirals is of paramount importance. Main protease (MPro), a cysteine protease that cleaves the viral polyprotein, is essential for viral replication. Therefore, MPro is a novel therapeutic target. We identified two novel MPro inhibitors, D-FFRCMKyne and D-FFCitCMKyne, that covalently modify the active site cysteine (C145) and determined cocrystal structures. Medicinal chemistry efforts led to SM141 and SM142, which adopt a unique binding mode within the MPro active site. Notably, these inhibitors do not inhibit the other cysteine protease, papain-like protease (PLPro), involved in the life cycle of SARS-CoV2. SM141 and SM142 block SARS-CoV2 replication in hACE2 expressing A549 cells with IC50 values of 8.2 and 14.7 nM. Detailed studies indicate that these compounds also inhibit cathepsin L (CatL), which cleaves the viral S protein to promote viral entry into host cells. Detailed biochemical, proteomic, and knockdown studies indicate that the antiviral activity of SM141 and SM142 results from the dual inhibition of MPro and CatL. Notably, intranasal and intraperitoneal administration of SM141 and SM142 lead to reduced viral replication, viral loads in the lung, and enhanced survival in SARS-CoV2 infected K18-ACE2 transgenic mice. In total, these data indicate that SM141 and SM142 represent promising scaffolds on which to develop antiviral drugs against SARS-CoV2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santanu Mondal
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Yongzhi Chen
- Program in Innate Immunity, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Gordon J. Lockbaum
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Sudeshna Sen
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Sauradip Chaudhuri
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Archie C. Reyes
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Jeong Min Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Arshia N. Kaur
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Nadia Sultana
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Michael D. Cameron
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute,130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Scott A. Shaffer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Celia A. Schiffer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Katherine A. Fitzgerald
- Program in Innate Immunity, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Paul R. Thompson
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
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Wang L, Wang Z, Yang Z, Wang X, Yan L, Wu J, Liu Y, Fu B, Yang H. Potential common mechanism of four Chinese patent medicines recommended by diagnosis and treatment protocol for COVID-19 in medical observation period. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:874611. [PMID: 36388945 PMCID: PMC9643314 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.874611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The global epidemic has been controlled to some extent, while sporadic outbreaks still occur in some places. It is essential to summarize the successful experience and promote the development of new drugs. This study aimed to explore the common mechanism of action of the four Chinese patent medicine (CPMs) recommended in the Medical Observation Period COVID-19 Diagnostic and Treatment Protocol and to accelerate the new drug development process. Firstly, the active ingredients and targets of the four CPMs were obtained by the Chinese medicine composition database (TCMSP, TCMID) and related literature, and the common action targets of the four TCMs were sorted out. Secondly, the targets of COVID-19 were obtained through the gene-disease database (GeneCards, NCBI). Then the Venn diagram was used to intersect the common drug targets with the disease targets. And GO and KEGG pathway functional enrichment analysis was performed on the intersected targets with the help of the R package. Finally, the results were further validated by molecular docking and molecular dynamics analysis. As a result, a total of 101 common active ingredients and 21 key active ingredients of four CPMs were obtained, including quercetin, luteolin, acacetin, kaempferol, baicalein, naringenin, artemisinin, aloe-emodin, which might be medicinal substances for the treatment of COVID-19. TNF, IL6, IL1B, CXCL8, CCL2, IL2, IL4, ICAM1, IFNG, and IL10 has been predicted as key targets. 397 GO biological functions and 166 KEGG signaling pathways were obtained. The former was mainly enriched in regulating apoptosis, inflammatory response, and T cell activation. The latter, with 92 entries related to COVID-19, was mainly enriched to signaling pathways such as Coronavirus disease-COVID-19, Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, IL-17 signaling pathway, and Toll-like receptor signaling pathway. Molecular docking results showed that 19/21 of key active ingredients exhibited strong binding activity to recognized COVID-19-related targets (3CL of SARS-CoV-2, ACE2, and S protein), even better than one of these four antiviral drugs. Among them, shinflavanone had better affinity to 3CL, ACE2, and S protein of SARS-CoV-2 than these four antiviral drugs. In summary, the four CPMs may play a role in the treatment of COVID-19 by binding flavonoids such as quercetin, luteolin, and acacetin to target proteins such as ACE2, 3CLpro, and S protein and acting on TNF, IL6, IL1B, CXCL8, and other targets to participate in broad-spectrum antiviral, immunomodulatory and inflammatory responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Wang
- Department of Nephrology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Zheyi Wang
- Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Shandong, China
| | - Zhihua Yang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xingwang Wang
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Liping Yan
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Jianxiong Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Yue Liu
- Department of Nephrology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Baohui Fu
- Department of Nephrology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Hongtao Yang
- Department of Nephrology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
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50
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Singh S, O’reilly S, Gewaid H, Bowie AG, Gautier V, Worrall DM. Reactive Centre Loop Mutagenesis of SerpinB3 to Target TMPRSS2 and Furin: Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Cell Entry and Replication. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:12522. [PMID: 36293378 PMCID: PMC9604144 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 virus can utilize host cell proteases to facilitate cell entry, whereby the Spike (S) protein is cleaved at two specific sites to enable membrane fusion. Furin, transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2), and cathepsin L (CatL) are the major proteases implicated, and are thus targets for anti-viral therapy. The human serpin (serine protease inhibitor) alpha-1 antitrypsin (A1AT) shows inhibitory activity for TMPRSS2, and has previously been found to suppress cell infection with SARS-CoV-2. Here, we have generated modified serpin inhibitors with increased specificity for these cellular proteases. Using SerpinB3 (SCCA-1), a cross-class inhibitor of CatL, as a scaffold, we have designed and produced reactive centre loop (RCL) variants to more specifically target both furin and TMPRSS2. Two further variants were generated by substituting the RCL P7–P1 with the spike protein S1/S2 cleavage site from either SARS-CoV-2 alpha or delta (P681R) sequences. Altered inhibitory specificity of purified recombinant proteins was verified in protease assays, with attenuated CatL inhibition and gain of furin or TMPRSS2 inhibition, as predicted, and modified serpins were shown to block S protein cleavage in vitro. Furthermore, the serpin variants were able to inhibit S-pseudoparticle entry into A549-ACE2-TMPRSS2 cells and suppress SARS-CoV-2 replication in Vero E6 cells expressing TMPRSS2. The construct designed to inhibit TMPRSS2 (B3-TMP) was most potent. It was more effective than A1AT for TMPRSS2 enzyme inhibition (with an eighteen-fold improvement in the second order inhibition rate constant) and for blocking SARS-CoV-2 viral replication. These findings advance the potential for serpin RCL mutagenesis to generate new inhibitors, and may lead to novel anti-viral biological molecules.
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