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Yang J, Fu B, Gou R, Lin X, Wu H, Xue W. Molecular Mechanism-Driven Discovery of Novel Small Molecule Inhibitors against Drug-Resistant SARS-CoV-2 M pro Variants. J Chem Inf Model 2024. [PMID: 39387184 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.4c01206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/12/2024]
Abstract
Under the selective pressure of nirmatrelvir, a peptidomimetic covalent drug targeting SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, various drug-resistant mutations on Mpro have been acquired in vitro. Among the mutations, L50F and E166V, along with the combination of L50F and E166V, are particularly representative and pose considerable obstacles to the effective treatment of COVID-19. Our previous study identified NMI-001 and NMI-002 as novel nonpeptide inhibitors that target SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, possessing unique scaffolds and binding modes different from those of nirmatrelvir. In view of these findings, we proposed a drug design strategy aimed at rapidly identifying inhibitors that can combat mutation-induced drug resistance. Initially, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was employed to investigate the binding mechanisms of NMI-001 and NMI-002 against the three drug-resistant mutants (Mpro_L50F, Mpro_E166V, and Mpro_L50F+E166V). Then, we conducted two phases of high-throughput virtual screening. In the first phase, NMI-001 served as a template to perform scaffold hopping-based similarity search in a library of 15,742,661 compounds. In the second phase, 968 compounds exhibiting similarity to NMI-001 were evaluated via molecular docking and MD simulations. Six compounds that may be effective against at least one mutant were identified, and five compounds were procured for conducting in vitro assays. Finally, the compound Z1557501297 (NMI-003) exhibiting inhibitory effects against the E166V (IC50 = 27.81 ± 2.65 μM) and L50F+E166V (IC50 = 8.78 ± 0.74 μM) mutants was discovered. The binding modes referring to NMI-003-Mpro_E166V and NMI-003-Mpro_L50F+E166V were further elucidated at the atomic level. In summary, NMI-003 reported herein is the first compound with activity against E166V and L50F+E166V, which provides a good starting point to design novel antiviral drugs for the treatment of drug-resistant SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Beibei Fu
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Rongpei Gou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Lin
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, College of Pharmacy and Medical Laboratory, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Haibo Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Weiwei Xue
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
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Niu ZX, Hu J, Sun JF, Wang YT. Fluorine in the pharmaceutical industry: Synthetic approaches and application of clinically approved fluorine-enriched anti-infectious medications. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 271:116446. [PMID: 38678824 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
The strategic integration of fluorine atoms into anti-infectious agents has become a cornerstone in the field of medicinal chemistry, owing to the unique influence of fluorine on the chemical and biological properties of pharmaceuticals. This review examines the synthetic methodologies that enable the incorporation of fluorine into anti-infectious drugs, and the resultant clinical applications of these fluorine-enriched compounds. With a focus on clinically approved medications, the discussion extends to the molecular mechanisms. It further outlines the specific effects of fluorination, which contribute to the heightened efficacy of anti-infective therapies. By presenting a comprehensive analysis of current drugs and their developmental pathways, this review underscores the continuing evolution and significance of fluorine in advancing anti-infectious treatment options. The insights offered extend valuable guidance for future drug design and the development of next-generation anti-infectious agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Xi Niu
- Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, China
| | - Jing Hu
- Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, China.
| | - Jin-Feng Sun
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, College of Pharmacy, Yanji, Jilin,133002, China.
| | - Ya-Tao Wang
- First People's Hospital of Shangqiu, Henan Province, Shangqiu, 476100, China; Rega Institute for Medical Research, Medicinal Chemistry, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49-Box 1041, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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Brady DK, Gurijala AR, Huang L, Hussain AA, Lingan AL, Pembridge OG, Ratangee BA, Sealy TT, Vallone KT, Clements TP. A guide to COVID-19 antiviral therapeutics: a summary and perspective of the antiviral weapons against SARS-CoV-2 infection. FEBS J 2024; 291:1632-1662. [PMID: 36266238 PMCID: PMC9874604 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Antiviral therapies are integral in the fight against SARS-CoV-2 (i.e. severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), the causative agent of COVID-19. Antiviral therapeutics can be divided into categories based on how they combat the virus, including viral entry into the host cell, viral replication, protein trafficking, post-translational processing, and immune response regulation. Drugs that target how the virus enters the cell include: Evusheld, REGEN-COV, bamlanivimab and etesevimab, bebtelovimab, sotrovimab, Arbidol, nitazoxanide, and chloroquine. Drugs that prevent the virus from replicating include: Paxlovid, remdesivir, molnupiravir, favipiravir, ribavirin, and Kaletra. Drugs that interfere with protein trafficking and post-translational processing include nitazoxanide and ivermectin. Lastly, drugs that target immune response regulation include interferons and the use of anti-inflammatory drugs such as dexamethasone. Antiviral therapies offer an alternative solution for those unable or unwilling to be vaccinated and are a vital weapon in the battle against the global pandemic. Learning more about these therapies helps raise awareness in the general population about the options available to them with respect to aiding in the reduction of the severity of COVID-19 infection. In this 'A Guide To' article, we provide an in-depth insight into the development of antiviral therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2 and their ability to help fight COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drugan K. Brady
- Department of Biological SciencesVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTNUSA
| | - Aashi R. Gurijala
- Department of Biological SciencesVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTNUSA
| | - Liyu Huang
- Department of Biological SciencesVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTNUSA
| | - Ali A. Hussain
- Department of Biological SciencesVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTNUSA
| | - Audrey L. Lingan
- Department of Biological SciencesVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTNUSA
| | | | - Brina A. Ratangee
- Department of Biological SciencesVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTNUSA
| | - Tristan T. Sealy
- Department of Biological SciencesVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTNUSA
| | - Kyle T. Vallone
- Department of Biological SciencesVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTNUSA
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Tian L, Qiang T, Yang X, Gao Y, Zhai X, Kang K, Du C, Lu Q, Gao H, Zhang D, Xie X, Liang C. Development of de-novo coronavirus 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CL pro) inhibitors since COVID-19 outbreak: A strategy to tackle challenges of persistent virus infection. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 264:115979. [PMID: 38048696 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Although no longer a public health emergency of international concern, COVID-19 remains a persistent and critical health concern. The development of effective antiviral drugs could serve as the ultimate piece of the puzzle to curbing this global crisis. 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro), with its substrate specificity mirroring that of the main picornavirus 3C protease and conserved across various coronaviruses, emerges as an ideal candidate for broad-spectrum antiviral drug development. Moreover, it holds the potential as a reliable contingency option to combat emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. In this light, the approved drugs, promising candidates, and de-novo small molecule therapeutics targeting 3CLpro since the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 are discussed. Emphasizing the significance of diverse structural characteristics in inhibitors, be they peptidomimetic or nonpeptidic, with a shared mission to minimize the risk of cross-resistance. Moreover, the authors propose an innovative optimization strategy for 3CLpro reversible covalent PROTACs, optimizing pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics to better prepare for potential future viral outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Tian
- College of Bioresources Chemical and Materials Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China; Key Laboratory for Antiviral and Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria Research of Xi'an, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China
| | - Taotao Qiang
- College of Bioresources Chemical and Materials Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China.
| | - Xiuding Yang
- Key Laboratory for Antiviral and Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria Research of Xi'an, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China; School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China
| | - Yue Gao
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR China
| | - Xiaopei Zhai
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, PR China
| | - Kairui Kang
- Key Laboratory for Antiviral and Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria Research of Xi'an, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China; School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China
| | - Cong Du
- Key Laboratory for Antiviral and Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria Research of Xi'an, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China; School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China
| | - Qi Lu
- Key Laboratory for Antiviral and Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria Research of Xi'an, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China; School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China
| | - Hong Gao
- Key Laboratory for Antiviral and Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria Research of Xi'an, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China; Shaanxi Pioneer Biotech Co., Ltd., Xi'an, 710021, PR China
| | - Dezhu Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Antiviral and Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria Research of Xi'an, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China; Shaanxi Panlong Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Xi'an, 710025, PR China
| | - Xiaolin Xie
- Shaanxi Panlong Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Xi'an, 710025, PR China
| | - Chengyuan Liang
- Key Laboratory for Antiviral and Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria Research of Xi'an, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China; School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China.
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Chakraborty C, Bhattacharya M, Alshammari A, Alharbi M, Albekairi TH, Zheng C. Exploring the structural and molecular interaction landscape of nirmatrelvir and Mpro complex: The study might assist in designing more potent antivirals targeting SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses. J Infect Public Health 2023; 16:1961-1970. [PMID: 37883855 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2023.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several therapeutics have been developed and approved against SARS-CoV-2 occasionally; nirmatrelvir is one of them. The drug target of nirmatrelvir is Mpro, and therefore, it is necessary to comprehend the structural and molecular interaction of the Mpro-nirmatrelvir complex. METHODS Integrative bioinformatics, system biology, and statistical models were used to analyze the macromolecular complex. RESULTS Using two macromolecular complexes, the study illustrated the interactive residues, H-bonds, and interactive interfaces. It informed of six and nine H-bond formations for the first and second complex, respectively. The maximum bond length was observed as 3.33 Å. The ligand binding pocket's surface area and volume were noted as 303.485 Å2 and 295.456 Å3 for the first complex and 308.397 Å2 and 304.865 Å3 for the second complex. The structural proteome dynamics were evaluated by analyzing the complex's NMA mobility, eigenvalues, deformability, and B-factor. Conversely, a model was created to assess the therapeutic status of nirmatrelvir. CONCLUSIONS Our study reveals the structural and molecular interaction landscape of Mpro-nirmatrelvir complex. The study will guide researchers in designing more broad-spectrum antiviral molecules mimicking nirmatrelvir, which assist in fighting against SARS-CoV-2 and other infectious viruses. It will also help to prepare for future epidemics or pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiranjib Chakraborty
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Adamas University, Kolkata, West Bengal 700126, India.
| | - Manojit Bhattacharya
- Department of Zoology, Fakir Mohan University, Vyasa Vihar, Balasore 756020, Odisha, India
| | - Abdulrahman Alshammari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Post Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Metab Alharbi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Post Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Thamer H Albekairi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Post Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Chunfu Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Zoonose Prevention and Control at Universities of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Medical College, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao 028000, China; Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Infection Diseases, University of Calgary, Health Research Innovation Centre, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada.
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6
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Bello SO, Imam MU, Bello MB, Yunusa A, Ahmed Adamu A, Shuaibu A, Igumbor EU, Habib ZG, Popoola MA, Ochu CL, Yahaya Bello A, Deeni YY, Okoye I. Erythromycin, retapamulin, pyridoxine, folic acid, and ivermectin inhibit cytopathic effect, papain-like protease, and M PRO enzymes of SARS-CoV-2. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1273982. [PMID: 38089816 PMCID: PMC10711598 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1273982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although tremendous success has been achieved in the development and deployment of effective COVID-19 vaccines, developing effective therapeutics for the treatment of those who do come down with the disease has been with limited success. To repurpose existing drugs for COVID-19, we previously showed, qualitatively, that erythromycin, retapamulin, pyridoxine, folic acid, and ivermectin inhibit SARS-COV-2-induced cytopathic effect (CPE) in Vero cells. Aim This study aimed to quantitatively explore the inhibition of SARS-CoV-2-induced CPE by erythromycin, retapamulin, pyridoxine, folic acid, and ivermectin and to determine the effect of these drugs on SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease and 3CL protease (MPRO) enzymes. Methods Neutral red (3-amino-7-dimethylamino-2-methyl-phenazine hydrochloride) cell viability assay was used to quantify CPE after infecting pre-treated Vero cells with clinical SARS-Cov-2 isolates. Furthermore, SensoLyte® 520 SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease and SensoLyte® 520 SARS-CoV-2 MPRO activity assay kits were used to evaluate the inhibitory activity of the drugs on the respective enzymes. Results Erythromycin, retapamulin, pyridoxine, folic acid, and ivermectin dose-dependently inhibit SARS-CoV-2-induced CPE in Vero cells, with inhibitory concentration-50 (IC50) values of 3.27 µM, 4.23 µM, 9.29 µM, 3.19 µM, and 84.31 µM, respectively. Furthermore, erythromycin, retapamulin, pyridoxine, folic acid, and ivermectin dose-dependently inhibited SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease with IC50 values of 0.94 µM, 0.88 µM, 1.14 µM, 1.07 µM, and 1.51 µM, respectively, and inhibited the main protease (MPRO) with IC50 values of 1.35 µM, 1.25 µM, 7.36 µM, 1.15 µM, and 2.44 µM, respectively. Conclusion The IC50 for all the drugs, except ivermectin, was at the clinically achievable plasma concentration in humans, which supports a possible role for the drugs in the management of COVID-19. The lack of inhibition of CPE by ivermectin at clinical concentrations could be part of the explanation for its lack of effectiveness in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaibu Oricha Bello
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
- Nigerian COVID-19 Research Coalition, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research Institute, Lagos, Nigeria
- Centre for Advanced Medical Research and Training, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Mustapha Umar Imam
- Centre for Advanced Medical Research and Training, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Muhammad Bashir Bello
- Centre for Advanced Medical Research and Training, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Abdulmajeed Yunusa
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
- Centre for Advanced Medical Research and Training, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Adamu Ahmed Adamu
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
- Centre for Advanced Medical Research and Training, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Abdulmalik Shuaibu
- Centre for Advanced Medical Research and Training, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Ehimario Uche Igumbor
- Nigerian COVID-19 Research Coalition, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research Institute, Lagos, Nigeria
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Zaiyad Garba Habib
- Nigerian COVID-19 Research Coalition, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research Institute, Lagos, Nigeria
- Department of Medicine, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Mustapha Ayodele Popoola
- Nigerian COVID-19 Research Coalition, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research Institute, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Chinwe Lucia Ochu
- Nigerian COVID-19 Research Coalition, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research Institute, Lagos, Nigeria
- Nigerian Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Aishatu Yahaya Bello
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Yusuf Yahaya Deeni
- Nigerian COVID-19 Research Coalition, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research Institute, Lagos, Nigeria
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Federal University of Dutse, Dutse, Nigeria
- Centre for Environmental and Public Health Research and Development, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Ifeoma Okoye
- University of Nigeria Centre for Clinical Trials, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria
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Sheikhi N, Bahraminejad M, Saeedi M, Mirfazli SS. A review: FDA-approved fluorine-containing small molecules from 2015 to 2022. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 260:115758. [PMID: 37657268 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Fluorine-containing small molecules have occupied a special position in drug discovery research. The successful clinical use of fluorinated corticosteroids in the 1950s and fluoroquinolones in the 1980s led to an ever-increasing number of approved fluorinated compounds over the last 50 years. They have shown various biological properties such as antitumor, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities. Fluoro-pharmaceuticals have been considered a strong and practical tool in the rational drug design approach due to their benefits from potency and ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) points of view. Herein, approved fluorinated drugs from 2015 to 2022 were reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negar Sheikhi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Bahraminejad
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mina Saeedi
- Medicinal Plants Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Persian Medicine and Pharmacy Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Seyedeh Sara Mirfazli
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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8
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Liu Y, Ma R, Fan H, Johnson BR, Briggs JM. Pharmacophore Oriented MP2 Characterization of Charge Distribution for Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Inhibitor Nirmatrelvir. J Mol Struct 2023; 1290:135871. [PMID: 37313328 PMCID: PMC10228204 DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2023.135871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Quantum mechanical second order Møller-Plesset (MP2) perturbation theory and density functional theory (DFT) Becke, 3-parameter, Lee-Yang-Parr (B3LYP) and Minnesota 2006 local functional (M06L) calculations were performed to optimize structure of nirmatrelvir and compute the Merz-Kollman electrostatic potential (MK ESP), natural population analysis (NPA), Hirshfeld, charge model 5 (CM5), and mulliken partial charges. The mulliken partial charge distribution of nirmatrelvir exhibits a poor correlation with the MK ESP charges in MP2, B3LYP, and M06L calculations respectively. The NPA, Hirshfeld, and CM5 partial charge scheme of nirmatrelvir indicate a reasonable correlation with MK ESP charge assignments in B3LYP and M06L calculations. The above correlations were not improved by the inclusion of implicit solvation model. The MK ESP and CM5 partial charges show a strong correlation between the results of MP2 and two DFT methods. The three optimized structures present a certain degree of differences from the crystal bioactive conformation of nirmatrelvir, suggesting the nirmatrelvir-enzyme complex is formed in the induced-fit model. The Reactivity of warhead electrophilic nitrile is justified by the relatively weaker strength of π bonds in the MP2 calculations. The nirmatrelvir hydrogen bond acceptors consistently show strong delocalization of lone pair electrons in three calculations, whereas hydrogen bond donors are found to have high polarization on the heavy nitrogen atoms in MP2 computations. This work helps to parametrize the force field of nirmatrelvir and improve accuracy of molecular docking and rational inhibitor design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuemin Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005
| | - Rulong Ma
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston TX 77004
| | - Huajun Fan
- College of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University Science and Engineering, Zigong, Sichuan 643000, PR China
| | | | - James M Briggs
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston TX 77004
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9
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Tian H, Yang C, Song T, Zhou K, Wen L, Tian Y, Tang L, Xu W, Zhang X. Efficacy and safety of paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir) in the treatment of COVID-19: An updated meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis. Rev Med Virol 2023; 33:e2473. [PMID: 37485774 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Our study is aimed to access the efficacy and safety outcomes for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients treated with Paxlovid. According to inclusion and exclusion criteria, databases were used to retrieve articles from 1 January 2020 to 1 January 2023. Article screening, quality evaluation and data extraction were completed and cross-checked. The meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis (TSA) were conducted using RevMan, StataMP, and TSA software. A total of 42 original articles were included. Overall meta-analysis results showed that for death, hospitalisation, death or hospitalisation, emergency department (ED) visit, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and extra oxygen requirement outcomes, every odds ratio (OR) was <1 and p < 0.05. For rebound outcome, the OR was >1 and p > 0.05. For adverse events (AEs) outcome, the OR was >1 and p < 0.05. In conclusion, Paxlovid effectively reduced the risks of death, hospitalisation, death or hospitalisation, ED visit, ICU admission, and extra oxygen requirement. There was no significant statistical difference considering rebound, but people should pay attention to possible AEs. However, for rebound and AEs outcomes, observations in certain subgroups suggested conclusions contrary to the overall meta-analysis. Trial sequential analysis indicated these two outcomes have a risk of false negative or false positive conclusions, so additional original studies are needed for further validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haokun Tian
- Joint Program of Nanchang University and Queen Mary University of London, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Nanchang Joint Programme, School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Changsen Yang
- Joint Program of Nanchang University and Queen Mary University of London, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Nanchang Joint Programme, School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Tiangang Song
- Joint Program of Nanchang University and Queen Mary University of London, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Nanchang Joint Programme, School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Kechen Zhou
- Joint Program of Nanchang University and Queen Mary University of London, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Nanchang Joint Programme, School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Lequan Wen
- Joint Program of Nanchang University and Queen Mary University of London, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Nanchang Joint Programme, School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Ye Tian
- Joint Program of Nanchang University and Queen Mary University of London, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Nanchang Joint Programme, School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Lirui Tang
- Joint Program of Nanchang University and Queen Mary University of London, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Nanchang Joint Programme, School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Weikai Xu
- Joint Program of Nanchang University and Queen Mary University of London, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Nanchang Joint Programme, School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Xinyuan Zhang
- Joint Program of Nanchang University and Queen Mary University of London, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Nanchang Joint Programme, School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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10
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Palazzotti D, Felicetti T, Sabatini S, Moro S, Barreca ML, Sturlese M, Astolfi A. Fighting Antimicrobial Resistance: Insights on How the Staphylococcus aureus NorA Efflux Pump Recognizes 2-Phenylquinoline Inhibitors by Supervised Molecular Dynamics (SuMD) and Molecular Docking Simulations. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:4875-4887. [PMID: 37515548 PMCID: PMC10428217 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c00516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
The superbug Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) exhibits several resistance mechanisms, including efflux pumps, that strongly contribute to antimicrobial resistance. In particular, the NorA efflux pump activity is associated with S. aureus resistance to fluoroquinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin) by promoting their active extrusion from cells. Thus, since efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs) are able to increase antibiotic concentrations in bacteria as well as restore their susceptibility to these agents, they represent a promising strategy to counteract bacterial resistance. Additionally, the very recent release of two NorA efflux pump cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures in complex with synthetic antigen-binding fragments (Fabs) represents a real breakthrough in the study of S. aureus antibiotic resistance. In this scenario, supervised molecular dynamics (SuMD) and molecular docking experiments were combined to investigate for the first time the molecular mechanisms driving the interaction between NorA and efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs), with the ultimate goal of elucidating how the NorA efflux pump recognizes its inhibitors. The findings provide insights into the dynamic NorA-EPI intermolecular interactions and lay the groundwork for future drug discovery efforts aimed at the identification of novel molecules to fight antimicrobial resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Palazzotti
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Excellence 2018−2022, University of Perugia, Via del Liceo, 1, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Tommaso Felicetti
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Excellence 2018−2022, University of Perugia, Via del Liceo, 1, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Stefano Sabatini
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Excellence 2018−2022, University of Perugia, Via del Liceo, 1, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Stefano Moro
- Molecular
Modeling Section (MMS), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological
Sciences, University of Padova, via Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Letizia Barreca
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Excellence 2018−2022, University of Perugia, Via del Liceo, 1, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Mattia Sturlese
- Molecular
Modeling Section (MMS), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological
Sciences, University of Padova, via Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Astolfi
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Excellence 2018−2022, University of Perugia, Via del Liceo, 1, 06123 Perugia, Italy
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11
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Bassani D, Moro S. Past, Present, and Future Perspectives on Computer-Aided Drug Design Methodologies. Molecules 2023; 28:3906. [PMID: 37175316 PMCID: PMC10180087 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28093906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The application of computational approaches in drug discovery has been consolidated in the last decades. These families of techniques are usually grouped under the common name of "computer-aided drug design" (CADD), and they now constitute one of the pillars in the pharmaceutical discovery pipelines in many academic and industrial environments. Their implementation has been demonstrated to tremendously improve the speed of the early discovery steps, allowing for the proficient and rational choice of proper compounds for a desired therapeutic need among the extreme vastness of the drug-like chemical space. Moreover, the application of CADD approaches allows the rationalization of biochemical and interactive processes of pharmaceutical interest at the molecular level. Because of this, computational tools are now extensively used also in the field of rational 3D design and optimization of chemical entities starting from the structural information of the targets, which can be experimentally resolved or can also be obtained with other computer-based techniques. In this work, we revised the state-of-the-art computer-aided drug design methods, focusing on their application in different scenarios of pharmaceutical and biological interest, not only highlighting their great potential and their benefits, but also discussing their actual limitations and eventual weaknesses. This work can be considered a brief overview of computational methods for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Bassani
- Pharmaceutical Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann—La Roche Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland;
- Molecular Modeling Section (MMS), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Stefano Moro
- Molecular Modeling Section (MMS), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
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12
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Carbone D, De Franco M, Pecoraro C, Bassani D, Pavan M, Cascioferro S, Parrino B, Cirrincione G, Dall'Acqua S, Sut S, Moro S, Gandin V, Diana P. Structural Manipulations of Marine Natural Products Inspire a New Library of 3-Amino-1,2,4-Triazine PDK Inhibitors Endowed with Antitumor Activity in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:md21050288. [PMID: 37233482 DOI: 10.3390/md21050288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the main aggressive types of cancer, characterized by late prognosis and drug resistance. Among the main factors sustaining PDAC progression, the alteration of cell metabolism has emerged to have a key role in PDAC cell proliferation, invasion, and resistance to standard chemotherapeutic agents. Taking into account all these factors and the urgency in evaluating novel options to treat PDAC, in the present work we reported the synthesis of a new series of indolyl-7-azaindolyl triazine compounds inspired by marine bis-indolyl alkaloids. We first assessed the ability of the new triazine compounds to inhibit the enzymatic activity of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinases (PDKs). The results showed that most of derivatives totally inhibit PDK1 and PDK4. Molecular docking analysis was executed to predict the possible binding mode of these derivatives using ligand-based homology modeling technique. Evaluation of the capability of new triazines to inhibit the cell growth in 2D and 3D KRAS-wild-type (BxPC-3) and KRAS-mutant (PSN-1) PDAC cell line, was carried out. The results showed the capacity of the new derivatives to reduce cell growth with a major selectivity against KRAS-mutant PDAC PSN-1 on both cell models. These data demonstrated that the new triazine derivatives target PDK1 enzymatic activity and exhibit cytotoxic effects on 2D and 3D PDAC cell models, thus encouraging further structure manipulation for analogs development against PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Carbone
- Department of Biological, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Michele De Franco
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 5, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Camilla Pecoraro
- Department of Biological, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Davide Bassani
- Molecular Modeling Section (MMS), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Matteo Pavan
- Molecular Modeling Section (MMS), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Stella Cascioferro
- Department of Biological, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Barbara Parrino
- Department of Biological, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Girolamo Cirrincione
- Department of Biological, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Stefano Dall'Acqua
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 5, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Stefania Sut
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 5, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Stefano Moro
- Molecular Modeling Section (MMS), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Valentina Gandin
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 5, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Patrizia Diana
- Department of Biological, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
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13
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Alsaeed A, Alkhalaf A, Alomran A, Alsfyani W, Alhaddad F, Alhaddad MJ. Paxlovid for Treating COVID-19 Patients: A Case-Control Study From Two Hospitals in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Cureus 2023; 15:e39234. [PMID: 37337482 PMCID: PMC10277155 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.39234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease that shortly progressed into an unprecedented pandemic spreading all over the world and causing millions of deaths. Many new COVID-19-specific therapies were suggested for the treatment of the patients at increased risk of progression to severe disease, especially those who were unvaccinated and those with a likely inadequate vaccine response. One of the preferred therapies in this setting is Paxlovid, a combination of the oral protease inhibitors nirmatrelvir and ritonavir. Paxlovid was authorized by the Saudi Ministry of Health for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19. This study aimed to report the effects of Paxlovid on the mortality of the COVID-19 patients at Dammam Medical Complex (DMC) and Qatif Complex Hospital (QCH), two hospitals in the Eastern Provence of Saudi Arabia, and compare the results with the international data. Methods The study was a retrospective study that included all the COVID-19 patients who were treated with Paxlovid at DMC and QCH between January and December 2022. Those patients were compared with control COVID-19 patients who did not receive Paxlovid. The patients were included irrespective of their COVID-19 vaccination status. All the patients were managed according to the Saudi Ministry of Health guidelines. They were followed up through the infectious disease virtual clinics and were monitored for ICU admissions and death of any cause for three months following their COVID-19 infections. Results A total of 92 COVID-19 patients were included. The patients consisted of 47 male and 45 female patients (51.09% and 48.91%, respectively). The mean ± standard deviation for the patients' age was 55.58±19.25 years. Twenty-eight patients were given Paxlovid (30.43%). Eighteen patients (19.57%) died. The use of Paxlovid was associated with lower ICU admissions (0.0% vs. 18.75%, P value <0.05) and with lower deaths (3.57% vs 26.56%, P value <0.05) but the Paxlovid group included less immunocompromised patients (7.14% vs. 60.94%, P value <0.001), cancer patients (0.0% vs. 42.19%, P value <0.001), and chronic kidney disease patients (7.14% vs. 29.69%, P value <0.05) than the control group. Conclusion This study suggests that Paxlovid is highly effective in reducing the risk of severe COVID-19 or mortality. However, larger studies with better qualities are needed for a full assessment of the role of Paxlovid in COVID-19 management in Saudi Arabia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Alsaeed
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Dammam Medical Complex, Dammam, SAU
| | - Abdullah Alkhalaf
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dammam Medical Complex, Dammam, SAU
| | - Ali Alomran
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dammam Medical Complex, Dammam, SAU
| | - Walaa Alsfyani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dammam Medical Complex, Dammam, SAU
| | - Fadhel Alhaddad
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Qatif Cental Hospital, Qatif, SAU
| | - Mousa J Alhaddad
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dammam Medical Complex, Dammam, SAU
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14
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Yang Y, Cao L, Yan M, Zhou J, Yang S, Xu T, Huang S, Li K, Zhou Q, Li G, Zhu Y, Cong F, Zhang H, Guo D, Li Y, Zhang X. Synthesis of deuterated S-217622 (Ensitrelvir) with antiviral activity against coronaviruses including SARS-CoV-2. Antiviral Res 2023; 213:105586. [PMID: 36997073 PMCID: PMC10043954 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2023.105586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
S-217622 (Ensitrelvir) is a reversible severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro) inhibitor which obtained emergency regulatory approval in Japan for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection on Nov 22, 2022. Herein, analogs of S-271622 with deuterium-for-hydrogen replacement were synthesized for comparison of the antiviral activities and pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles. Compared to the parent compound, C11-d2-S-217622 compound YY-278 retained in vitro activity against 3CLpro and SARS-CoV-2. X-ray crystal structural studies showed similar interactions of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro with YY-278 and S-271622. The PK profiling revealed the relatively favorable bioavailability and plasma exposure of YY-278. In addition, YY-278, as well as S-217622, displayed broadly anti-coronaviral activities against 6 other coronaviruses that infect humans and animals. These results laid the foundation for further research on the therapeutic potential of YY-278 against COVID-19 and other coronaviral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujian Yang
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, and Medi-X Pingshan, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, China
| | - Liu Cao
- Centre for Infection and Immunity Studies (CIIS), School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China
| | - Ming Yan
- Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, and Medi-X Pingshan, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, China
| | - Sidi Yang
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Bio-island, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510320, China
| | - Tiefeng Xu
- Centre for Infection and Immunity Studies (CIIS), School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China
| | - Siyao Huang
- Centre for Infection and Immunity Studies (CIIS), School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China
| | - Kun Li
- Centre for Infection and Immunity Studies (CIIS), School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China
| | - Qifan Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, and Medi-X Pingshan, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, China
| | - Guanguan Li
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, and Medi-X Pingshan, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, China
| | - Yujun Zhu
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Laboratory Animals, Guangdong Laboratory Animals Monitoring Institute, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510663, China
| | - Feng Cong
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Laboratory Animals, Guangdong Laboratory Animals Monitoring Institute, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510663, China
| | - Hongmin Zhang
- Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, China.
| | - Deyin Guo
- Centre for Infection and Immunity Studies (CIIS), School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China; Guangzhou Laboratory, Bio-island, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510320, China.
| | - Yingjun Li
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, and Medi-X Pingshan, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, China.
| | - Xumu Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, and Medi-X Pingshan, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, China.
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15
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Wang Y, Gao Q, Yao P, Yao Q, Zhang J. Multidimensional virtual screening approaches combined with drug repurposing to identify potential covalent inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:15262-15285. [PMID: 36961210 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2193994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused an unprecedented global pandemic, and new cases are still on the rise due to the absence of effective medicines. However, developing new drugs within a short time is extremely difficult. Repurposing the existing drugs provides a fast and effective strategy to identify promising inhibitors. Here we focus on the screening of drugs database for discovering potential covalent inhibitors that target 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro), an essential enzyme mediating viral replication and transcription. Firstly, we constructed a receptor-ligand pharmacophore model and verified it through decoy set. The importance of pharmacophore features was evaluated by combining molecular dynamics simulation with interaction analyses. Then, covalent docking was used to perform further screening. According to docking score and Prime/Molecular Mechanics Generalized Born Surface Area (MM-GBSA) score, total ten compounds obtained good scores and successfully established covalent bonds with the catalytic Cys145 residue. They also formed favorable interactions with key residues in active sites and closely integrated with 3CLpro with binding modes similar to known 3CLpro inhibitor. Finally, the top four hits DB08732, DB04653, DB01871 and DB07299 were further subjected to 100 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and MM-GBSA binding free energy calculations. The results suggest that the four candidates show good binding affinities for 3CLpro, which warrants further evaluation for their in-vitro/in-vivo activities. Overall, our research methods provide a valuable reference for discovering promising inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 and help to fight against the epidemic.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Department of Physical Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiushuang Gao
- Department of Physical Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Yao
- Department of Physical Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qizheng Yao
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ji Zhang
- Department of Physical Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
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16
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Pecoraro C, De Franco M, Carbone D, Bassani D, Pavan M, Cascioferro S, Parrino B, Cirrincione G, Dall'Acqua S, Moro S, Gandin V, Diana P. 1,2,4-Amino-triazine derivatives as pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase inhibitors: Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 249:115134. [PMID: 36709650 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Among the different hallmarks of cancer, deregulation of cellular metabolism turned out to be an essential mechanism in promoting cancer resistance and progression. The pyruvate dehydrogenase kinases (PDKs) are well known as key regulators in cells metabolic process and their activity was found to be overexpressed in different metabolic alerted types of cancer, including the high aggressive pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). To date few PDK inhibitors have been reported, and the different molecules developed are characterized by structural chemical diversity. In an attempt to find novel classes of potential PDK inhibitors, the molecular hybridization approach, which combine two or more active scaffolds in a single structure, was employed. Herein we report the synthesis and the pharmacological evaluation of the novel hybrid molecules, characterized by the fusion of three different pharmacophoric sub-units such as 1,2,4-amino triazines, 7-azaindoles and indoles, in a single structure. The synthesized derivatives demonstrated a promising ability in hampering the enzymatic activity of PDK1 and 4, further confirmed by docking studies. Interestingly, these derivatives retained a strong antiproliferative activity against pancreatic cancer cells either in 2D and 3D models. Mechanistic studies in highly aggressive PDAC cells confirmed their ability to hamper PDK axis and to induce cancer cell death by apoptosis. Moreover, in vivo translational studies in a murine syngeneic solid tumor model confirmed the ability of the most representative compounds to target the PDK system and highlight the ability to reduce the tumor growth without inducing substantial body weight changes in the treated mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Pecoraro
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, via Archirafi 32, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Michele De Franco
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, via F. Marzolo 5, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Daniela Carbone
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, via Archirafi 32, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Davide Bassani
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Molecular Modeling Section (MMS), University of Padova, via F. Marzolo 5, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Matteo Pavan
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Molecular Modeling Section (MMS), University of Padova, via F. Marzolo 5, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Stella Cascioferro
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, via Archirafi 32, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Barbara Parrino
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, via Archirafi 32, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Girolamo Cirrincione
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, via Archirafi 32, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Stefano Dall'Acqua
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, via F. Marzolo 5, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Stefano Moro
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Molecular Modeling Section (MMS), University of Padova, via F. Marzolo 5, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Valentina Gandin
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, via F. Marzolo 5, 35131, Padova, Italy.
| | - Patrizia Diana
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, via Archirafi 32, 90123, Palermo, Italy.
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17
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Garg A, Goel N, Abhinav N, Varma T, Achari A, Bhattacharjee P, Kamal IM, Chakrabarti S, Ravichandiran V, Reddy AM, Gupta S, Jaisankar P. Virtual screening of natural products inspired in-house library to discover potential lead molecules against the SARS-CoV-2 main protease. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:2033-2045. [PMID: 35043750 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2027271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, a new coronavirus emerged in 2019, causing a global healthcare epidemic. Although a variety of drug targets have been identified as potential antiviral therapies, and effective candidate against SARS-CoV-2 remains elusive. One of the most promising targets for combating COVID-19 is SARS-CoV-2 Main protease (Mpro, a protein responsible for viral replication. In this work, an in-house curated library was thoroughly evaluated for druggability against Mpro. We identified four ligands (FG, Q5, P5, and PJ4) as potential inhibitors based on docking scores, predicted binding energies (MMGBSA), in silico ADME, and RMSD trajectory analysis. Among the selected ligands, FG, a natural product from Andrographis nallamalayana, exhibited the highest binding energy of -10.31 kcal/mol close to the docking score of clinical candidates Boceprevir and GC376. Other ligands (P5, natural product from cardiospermum halicacabum and two synthetic molecules Q5 and PJ4) have shown comparable docking scores ranging -7.65 kcal/mol to -7.18 kcal/mol. Interestingly, we found all four top ligands had Pi bond interaction with the main amino acid residues HIS41 and CYS145 (catalytic dyad), H-bonding interactions with GLU166, ARG188, and GLN189, and hydrophobic interactions with MET49 and MET165 in the binding site of Mpro. According to the ADME analysis, Q5 and P5 are within the acceptable range of drug likeliness, compared to FG and PJ4. The interaction stability of the lead molecules with viral protease was verified using replicated MD simulations. Thus, the present study opens up the opportunity of developing drug candidates targeting SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) to mitigate the disease.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aakriti Garg
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Kolkata, Chunilal Bhawan, Kolkata, India.,Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | - Narender Goel
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Kolkata, Chunilal Bhawan, Kolkata, India.,Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | - Nipun Abhinav
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Kolkata, Chunilal Bhawan, Kolkata, India.,Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | - Tanmay Varma
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Kolkata, Chunilal Bhawan, Kolkata, India
| | - Anushree Achari
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | - Pinaki Bhattacharjee
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | - Izaz Monir Kamal
- Department of Structural Biology and Bioinformatics, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | - Saikat Chakrabarti
- Department of Structural Biology and Bioinformatics, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | - Velayutham Ravichandiran
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Kolkata, Chunilal Bhawan, Kolkata, India
| | | | - Sreya Gupta
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Kolkata, Chunilal Bhawan, Kolkata, India
| | - Parasuraman Jaisankar
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
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18
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Lessons Learnt from COVID-19: Computational Strategies for Facing Present and Future Pandemics. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054401. [PMID: 36901832 PMCID: PMC10003049 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Since its outbreak in December 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused the death of more than 6.5 million people around the world. The high transmissibility of its causative agent, the SARS-CoV-2 virus, coupled with its potentially lethal outcome, provoked a profound global economic and social crisis. The urgency of finding suitable pharmacological tools to tame the pandemic shed light on the ever-increasing importance of computer simulations in rationalizing and speeding up the design of new drugs, further stressing the need for developing quick and reliable methods to identify novel active molecules and characterize their mechanism of action. In the present work, we aim at providing the reader with a general overview of the COVID-19 pandemic, discussing the hallmarks in its management, from the initial attempts at drug repurposing to the commercialization of Paxlovid, the first orally available COVID-19 drug. Furthermore, we analyze and discuss the role of computer-aided drug discovery (CADD) techniques, especially those that fall in the structure-based drug design (SBDD) category, in facing present and future pandemics, by showcasing several successful examples of drug discovery campaigns where commonly used methods such as docking and molecular dynamics have been employed in the rational design of effective therapeutic entities against COVID-19.
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19
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Identifying Drug Candidates for COVID-19 with Large-Scale Drug Screening. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054397. [PMID: 36901828 PMCID: PMC10002104 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Papain-like protease (PLpro) is critical to COVID-19 infection. Therefore, it is a significant target protein for drug development. We virtually screened a 26,193 compound library against the PLpro of SARS-CoV-2 and identified several drug candidates with convincing binding affinities. The three best compounds all had better estimated binding energy than those of the drug candidates proposed in previous studies. By analyzing the docking results for the drug candidates identified in this and previous studies, we demonstrate that the critical interactions between the compounds and PLpro proposed by the computational approaches are consistent with those proposed by the biological experiments. In addition, the predicted binding energies of the compounds in the dataset showed a similar trend as their IC50 values. The predicted ADME and drug-likeness properties also suggested that these identified compounds can be used for COVID-19 treatment.
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20
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Carbone D, De Franco M, Pecoraro C, Bassani D, Pavan M, Cascioferro S, Parrino B, Cirrincione G, Dall’Acqua S, Moro S, Gandin V, Diana P. Discovery of the 3-Amino-1,2,4-triazine-Based Library as Selective PDK1 Inhibitors with Therapeutic Potential in Highly Aggressive Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043679. [PMID: 36835086 PMCID: PMC9959349 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinases (PDKs) are serine/threonine kinases, that are directly involved in altered cancer cell metabolism, resulting in cancer aggressiveness and resistance. Dichloroacetic acid (DCA) is the first PDK inhibitor that has entered phase II clinical; however, several side effects associated with weak anticancer activity and excessive drug dose (100 mg/kg) have led to its limitation in clinical application. Building upon a molecular hybridization approach, a small library of 3-amino-1,2,4-triazine derivatives has been designed, synthesized, and characterized for their PDK inhibitory activity using in silico, in vitro, and in vivo assays. Biochemical screenings showed that all synthesized compounds are potent and subtype-selective inhibitors of PDK. Accordingly, molecular modeling studies revealed that a lot of ligands can be properly placed inside the ATP-binding site of PDK1. Interestingly, 2D and 3D cell studies revealed their ability to induce cancer cell death at low micromolar doses, being extremely effective against human pancreatic KRAS mutated cancer cells. Cellular mechanistic studies confirm their ability to hamper the PDK/PDH axis, thus leading to metabolic/redox cellular impairment, and to ultimately trigger apoptotic cancer cell death. Remarkably, preliminary in vivo studies performed on a highly aggressive and metastatic Kras-mutant solid tumor model confirm the ability of the most representative compound 5i to target the PDH/PDK axis in vivo and highlighted its equal efficacy and better tolerability profile with respect to those elicited by the reference FDA approved drugs, cisplatin and gemcitabine. Collectively, the data highlights the promising anticancer potential of these novel PDK-targeting derivatives toward obtaining clinical candidates for combatting highly aggressive KRAS-mutant pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Carbone
- Department of Biological, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Michele De Franco
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Via F. Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Camilla Pecoraro
- Department of Biological, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Davide Bassani
- Molecular Modeling Section (MMS), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Via F. Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Matteo Pavan
- Molecular Modeling Section (MMS), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Via F. Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Stella Cascioferro
- Department of Biological, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Barbara Parrino
- Department of Biological, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Girolamo Cirrincione
- Department of Biological, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Stefano Dall’Acqua
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Via F. Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Stefano Moro
- Molecular Modeling Section (MMS), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Via F. Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Valentina Gandin
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Via F. Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
- Correspondence: (V.G.); (P.D.)
| | - Patrizia Diana
- Department of Biological, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
- Correspondence: (V.G.); (P.D.)
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21
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Spinaci A, Buccioni M, Catarzi D, Cui C, Colotta V, Dal Ben D, Cescon E, Francucci B, Grieco I, Lambertucci C, Marucci G, Bassani D, Pavan M, Varano F, Federico S, Spalluto G, Moro S, Volpini R. "Dual Anta-Inhibitors" of the A 2A Adenosine Receptor and Casein Kinase CK1delta: Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, and Molecular Modeling Studies. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:167. [PMID: 37259317 PMCID: PMC9960553 DOI: 10.3390/ph16020167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Based on a screening of a chemical library of A2A adenosine receptor (AR) antagonists, a series of di- and tri-substituted adenine derivatives were synthesized and tested for their ability to inhibit the activity of the enzyme casein kinase 1 delta (CK1δ) and to bind adenosine receptors (ARs). Some derivatives, here called "dual anta-inhibitors", demonstrated good CK1δ inhibitory activity combined with a high binding affinity, especially for the A2AAR. The N6-methyl-(2-benzimidazolyl)-2-dimethyamino-9-cyclopentyladenine (17, IC50 = 0.59 μM and KiA2A = 0.076 μM) showed the best balance of A2AAR affinity and CK1δ inhibitory activity. Computational studies were performed to simulate, at the molecular level, the protein-ligand interactions involving the compounds of our series. Hence, the dual anta-inhibitor 17 could be considered the lead compound of new therapeutic agents endowed with synergistic effects for the treatment of chronic neurodegenerative and cancer diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Spinaci
- Medicinal Chemistry Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Michela Buccioni
- Medicinal Chemistry Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Daniela Catarzi
- Area del Farmaco e Salute del Bambino, Sezione di Farmaceutica e Nutraceutica, Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Psicologia, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Via Ugo Schiff, 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Chang Cui
- Medicinal Chemistry Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Vittoria Colotta
- Area del Farmaco e Salute del Bambino, Sezione di Farmaceutica e Nutraceutica, Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Psicologia, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Via Ugo Schiff, 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Diego Dal Ben
- Medicinal Chemistry Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Eleonora Cescon
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Beatrice Francucci
- Medicinal Chemistry Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Ilenia Grieco
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Catia Lambertucci
- Medicinal Chemistry Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Gabriella Marucci
- Medicinal Chemistry Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Davide Bassani
- Molecular Modeling Section (MMS), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, via Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Matteo Pavan
- Molecular Modeling Section (MMS), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, via Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Flavia Varano
- Area del Farmaco e Salute del Bambino, Sezione di Farmaceutica e Nutraceutica, Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Psicologia, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Via Ugo Schiff, 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Stephanie Federico
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Giampiero Spalluto
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Stefano Moro
- Molecular Modeling Section (MMS), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, via Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Rosaria Volpini
- Medicinal Chemistry Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy
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22
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Heilmann E, Costacurta F, Moghadasi SA, Ye C, Pavan M, Bassani D, Volland A, Ascher C, Weiss AKH, Bante D, Harris RS, Moro S, Rupp B, Martinez-Sobrido L, von Laer D. SARS-CoV-2 3CL pro mutations selected in a VSV-based system confer resistance to nirmatrelvir, ensitrelvir, and GC376. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eabq7360. [PMID: 36194133 PMCID: PMC9765458 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abq7360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Protease inhibitors are among the most powerful antiviral drugs. Nirmatrelvir is the first protease inhibitor specifically developed against the SARS-CoV-2 protease 3CLpro that has been licensed for clinical use. To identify mutations that confer resistance to this protease inhibitor, we engineered a chimeric vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) that expressed a polyprotein composed of the VSV glycoprotein (G), the SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro, and the VSV polymerase (L). Viral replication was thus dependent on the autocatalytic processing of this precursor protein by 3CLpro and release of the functional viral proteins G and L, and replication of this chimeric VSV was effectively inhibited by nirmatrelvir. Using this system, we applied nirmatrelvir to select for resistance mutations. Resistance was confirmed by retesting nirmatrelvir against the selected mutations in additional VSV-based systems, in an independently developed cellular system, in a biochemical assay, and in a recombinant SARS-CoV-2 system. We demonstrate that some mutants are cross-resistant to ensitrelvir and GC376, whereas others are less resistant to these compounds. Furthermore, we found that most of these resistance mutations already existed in SARS-CoV-2 sequences that have been deposited in the NCBI and GISAID databases, indicating that these mutations were present in circulating SARS-CoV-2 strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Heilmann
- Institute of Virology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
| | - Francesco Costacurta
- Institute of Virology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
| | - Seyed Arad Moghadasi
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
| | - Chengjin Ye
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Matteo Pavan
- Molecular Modeling Section (MMS), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Via F. Marzolo 5, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Davide Bassani
- Molecular Modeling Section (MMS), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Via F. Marzolo 5, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Andre Volland
- Institute of Virology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
| | - Claudia Ascher
- Institute for Biomedical Aging Research, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
| | | | - David Bante
- Institute of Virology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
| | - Reuben S. Harris
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, United States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, United States
| | - Stefano Moro
- Molecular Modeling Section (MMS), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Via F. Marzolo 5, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Bernhard Rupp
- Division of Genetic Epidemiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
- k.-k. Hofkristallamt, San Diego, CA 92084, United States
| | | | - Dorothee von Laer
- Institute of Virology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
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23
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Pavan M, Bassani D, Sturlese M, Moro S. Bat coronaviruses related to SARS-CoV-2: what about their 3CL proteases (MPro)? J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2022; 37:1077-1082. [PMID: 35418253 PMCID: PMC9037175 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2022.2062336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite a huge effort by the scientific community to determine the animal reservoir of SARS-CoV-2, which led to the identification of several SARS-CoV-2-related viruses both in bats and in pangolins, the origin of SARS-CoV-2 is still not clear. Recently, Temmam et al. reported the discovery of bat coronaviruses with a high degree of genome similarity with SARS-CoV-2, especially concerning the RBDs of the S protein, which mediates the capability of such viruses to enter and therefore infect human cells through a hACE2-dependent pathway. These viruses, especially the one named BANAL-236, showed a higher affinity for the hACE2 compared to the original strain of SARS-CoV-2. In the present work, we analyse the similarities and differences between the 3CL protease (main protease, Mpro) of these newly reported viruses and SARS-CoV-2, discussing their relevance relative to the efficacy of existing therapeutic approaches against COVID-19, particularly concerning the recently approved orally available Paxlovid, and the development of future ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Pavan
- Molecular Modeling Section (MMS), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Davide Bassani
- Molecular Modeling Section (MMS), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Mattia Sturlese
- Molecular Modeling Section (MMS), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Stefano Moro
- Molecular Modeling Section (MMS), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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24
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Pavan M, Bassani D, Sturlese M, Moro S. From the Wuhan-Hu-1 strain to the XD and XE variants: is targeting the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein still a pharmaceutically relevant option against COVID-19? J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2022; 37:1704-1714. [PMID: 35695095 PMCID: PMC9196651 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2022.2081847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in December 2019, the SARS-CoV-2 genome has undergone several mutations. The emergence of such variants has resulted in multiple pandemic waves, contributing to sustaining to date the number of infections, hospitalisations, and deaths despite the swift development of vaccines, since most of these mutations are concentrated on the Spike protein, a viral surface glycoprotein that is the main target for most vaccines. A milestone in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic has been represented by the development of Paxlovid, the first orally available drug against COVID-19, which acts on the Main Protease (Mpro). In this article, we analyse the structural features of both the Spike protein and the Mpro of the recently reported SARS-CoV-2 variant XE, as well the closely related XD and XF ones, discussing their impact on the efficacy of existing treatments against COVID-19 and on the development of future ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Pavan
- Molecular Modeling Section (MMS), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Davide Bassani
- Molecular Modeling Section (MMS), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Mattia Sturlese
- Molecular Modeling Section (MMS), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Stefano Moro
- Molecular Modeling Section (MMS), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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25
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Al-Taie A, Büyük AŞ, Sardas S. Considerations into pharmacogenomics of COVID-19 pharmacotherapy: Hope, hype and reality. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2022; 77:102172. [PMID: 36265833 PMCID: PMC9576910 DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2022.102172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 medicines, such as molnupiravir are beginning to emerge for public health and clinical practice. On the other hand, drugs display marked variability in their efficacy and safety. Hence, COVID-19 medicines, as with all drugs, will be subject to the age-old maxim "one size prescription does not fit all". In this context, pharmacogenomics is the study of genome-by-drug interactions and offers insights on mechanisms of patient-to-patient and between-population variations in drug efficacy and safety. Pharmacogenomics information is crucial to tailoring the patients' prescriptions to achieve COVID-19 preventive and therapeutic interventions that take into account the host biology, patients' genome, and variable environmental exposures that collectively influence drug efficacy and safety. This expert review critically evaluates and summarizes the pharmacogenomics and personalized medicine aspects of the emerging COVID-19 drugs, and other selected drug interventions deployed to date. Here, we aim to sort out the hope, hype, and reality and suggest that there are veritable prospects to advance COVID-19 medicines for public health benefits, provided that pharmacogenomics is considered and implemented adequately. Pharmacogenomics is an integral part of rational and evidence-based medical practice. Scientists, health care professionals, pharmacists, pharmacovigilance practitioners, and importantly, patients stand to benefit by expanding the current pandemic response toolbox by the science of pharmacogenomics, and its applications in COVID-19 medicines and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anmar Al-Taie
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Ayşe Şeyma Büyük
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Semra Sardas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey
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26
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Pavan M, Bassani D, Sturlese M, Moro S. Investigating RNA-protein recognition mechanisms through supervised molecular dynamics (SuMD) simulations. NAR Genom Bioinform 2022; 4:lqac088. [PMID: 36458023 PMCID: PMC9706429 DOI: 10.1093/nargab/lqac088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Ribonucleic acid (RNA) plays a key regulatory role within the cell, cooperating with proteins to control the genome expression and several biological processes. Due to its characteristic structural features, this polymer can mold itself into different three-dimensional structures able to recognize target biomolecules with high affinity and specificity, thereby attracting the interest of drug developers and medicinal chemists. One successful example of the exploitation of RNA's structural and functional peculiarities is represented by aptamers, a class of therapeutic and diagnostic tools that can recognize and tightly bind several pharmaceutically relevant targets, ranging from small molecules to proteins, making use of the available structural and conformational freedom to maximize the complementarity with their interacting counterparts. In this scientific work, we present the first application of Supervised Molecular Dynamics (SuMD), an enhanced sampling Molecular Dynamics-based method for the study of receptor-ligand association processes in the nanoseconds timescale, to the study of recognition pathways between RNA aptamers and proteins, elucidating the main advantages and limitations of the technique while discussing its possible role in the rational design of RNA-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Pavan
- Molecular Modeling Section (MMS), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences University of Padova, via Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Davide Bassani
- Molecular Modeling Section (MMS), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences University of Padova, via Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Mattia Sturlese
- Molecular Modeling Section (MMS), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences University of Padova, via Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Stefano Moro
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +39 0498275704; Fax: +39 0498275366;
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27
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Pavan M, Menin S, Bassani D, Sturlese M, Moro S. Qualitative Estimation of Protein-Ligand Complex Stability through Thermal Titration Molecular Dynamics Simulations. J Chem Inf Model 2022; 62:5715-5728. [PMID: 36315402 PMCID: PMC9709921 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.2c00995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The prediction of ligand efficacy has long been linked to thermodynamic properties such as the equilibrium dissociation constant, which considers both the association and the dissociation rates of a defined protein-ligand complex. In the last 15 years, there has been a paradigm shift, with an increased interest in the determination of kinetic properties such as the drug-target residence time since they better correlate with ligand efficacy compared to other parameters. In this article, we present thermal titration molecular dynamics (TTMD), an alternative computational method that combines a series of molecular dynamics simulations performed at progressively increasing temperatures with a scoring function based on protein-ligand interaction fingerprints for the qualitative estimation of protein-ligand-binding stability. The protocol has been applied to four different pharmaceutically relevant test cases, including protein kinase CK1δ, protein kinase CK2, pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 2, and SARS-CoV-2 main protease, on a variety of ligands with different sizes, structures, and experimentally determined affinity values. In all four cases, TTMD was successfully able to distinguish between high-affinity compounds (low nanomolar range) and low-affinity ones (micromolar), proving to be a useful screening tool for the prioritization of compounds in a drug discovery campaign.
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28
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Progress on COVID-19 Chemotherapeutics Discovery and Novel Technology. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27238257. [PMID: 36500347 PMCID: PMC9736643 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27238257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a novel highly contagious and pathogenic coronavirus that emerged in late 2019. SARS-CoV-2 spreads primarily through virus-containing droplets and small particles of air pollution, which greatly increases the risk of inhaling these virus particles when people are in close proximity. COVID-19 is spreading across the world, and the COVID-19 pandemic poses a threat to human health and public safety. To date, there are no specific vaccines or effective drugs against SARS-CoV-2. In this review, we focus on the enzyme targets of the virus and host that may be critical for the discovery of chemical compounds and natural products as antiviral drugs, and describe the development of potential antiviral drugs in the preclinical and clinical stages. At the same time, we summarize novel emerging technologies applied to the research on new drug development and the pathological mechanisms of COVID-19.
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29
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Chen W, Liang B, Wu X, Li L, Wang C, Xing D. Advances And Challenges In Using Nirmatrelvir And Its Derivatives Against Sars-Cov-2 Infection. J Pharm Anal 2022; 13:255-261. [PMID: 36345404 PMCID: PMC9628234 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2022.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
On 22 December 2021, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first Mpro inhibitor, i.e., oral antiviral nirmatrelvir (PF-07321332)/ritonavir (Paxlovid), for the treatment of early severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Nirmatrelvir inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection, but high doses or long-term treatment may cause embryonic developmental toxicity and changes in host gene expression. The chiral structure of nirmatrelvir plays a key role in its antiviral activity. Ritonavir boosts the efficacy of nirmatrelvir by inactivating cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) expression and occupying the plasma protein binding sites. Multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1) inhibitors may increase the efficacy of nirmatrelvir. However, paxlovid has many contraindications. Some patients treated with paxlovid experience a second round of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptoms soon after recovery. Interestingly, the antiviral activity of nirmatrelvir metabolites, such as compounds 12−18, is similar to or higher than that of nirmatrelvir. Herein, we review the advances and challenges in using nirmatrelvir and its derivatives with the aim of providing knowledge to drug developers and physicians in the fight against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wujun Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, Shandong, 266071, China
| | - Bing Liang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, Shandong, 266071, China
| | - Xiaolin Wu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, Shandong, 266071, China
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519000, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, Shandong, 266071, China,Corresponding author
| | - Dongming Xing
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, Shandong, 266071, China,School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China,Corresponding author. Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, Shandong, 266071, China
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Sapir T, Averch Z, Lerman B, Bodzin A, Fishman Y, Maitra R. COVID-19 and the Immune Response: A Multi-Phasic Approach to the Treatment of COVID-19. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158606. [PMID: 35955740 PMCID: PMC9369212 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a viral agent that causes Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a disease that causes flu-like symptoms that, when exacerbated, can have life-threatening consequences. COVID-19 has been linked to persistent symptoms, sequelae, and medical complications that can last months after the initial infection. This systematic review aims to elucidate the innate and adaptive immune mechanisms involved and identify potential characteristics of COVID-19 pathology that may increase symptom duration. We also describe he three different stages of COVID-19—viral replication, immune hyperactivation, and post-acute sequelae—as well as each phase’s corresponding immune response. Finally, we use this multiphasic approach to describe different treatment approaches for each of the three stages—antivirals, immunosuppressants and monoclonal antibodies, and continued immunosuppressants—to fully curate the treatment to the stage of disease.
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Alvarado YJ, Olivarez Y, Lossada C, Vera-Villalobos J, Paz JL, Vera E, Loroño M, Vivas A, Torres FJ, Jeffreys LN, Hurtado-León ML, González-Paz L. Interaction of the new inhibitor paxlovid (PF-07321332) and ivermectin with the monomer of the main protease SARS-CoV-2: A volumetric study based on molecular dynamics, elastic networks, classical thermodynamics and SPT. Comput Biol Chem 2022; 99:107692. [PMID: 35640480 PMCID: PMC9107165 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2022.107692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the study of drugs, most notably ivermectin and more recently Paxlovid (PF-07321332) which is in phase III clinical trials with experimental data showing covalent binding to the viral protease Mpro. Theoretical developments of catalytic site-directed docking support thermodynamically feasible non-covalent binding to Mpro. Here we show that Paxlovid binds non-covalently at regions other than the catalytic sites with energies stronger than reported and at the same binding site as the ivermectin B1a homologue, all through theoretical methodologies, including blind docking. We volumetrically characterize the non-covalent interaction of the ivermectin homologues (avermectins B1a and B1b) and Paxlovid with the mMpro monomer, through molecular dynamics and scaled particle theory (SPT). Using the fluctuation-dissipation theorem (FDT), we estimated the electric dipole moment fluctuations at the surface of each of complex involved in this study, with similar trends to that observed in the interaction volume. Using fluctuations of the intrinsic volume and the number of flexible fragments of proteins using anisotropic and Gaussian elastic networks (ANM+GNM) suggests the complexes with ivermectin are more dynamic and flexible than the unbound monomer. In contrast, the binding of Paxlovid to mMpro shows that the mMpro-PF complex is the least structurally dynamic of all the species measured in this investigation. The results support a differential molecular mechanism of the ivermectin and PF homologues in the mMpro monomer. Finally, the results showed that Paxlovid despite beingbound in different sites through covalent or non-covalent forms behaves similarly in terms of its structural flexibility and volumetric behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ysaias José Alvarado
- Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Centro de Investigación y Tecnología de Materiales (CITeMA), Laboratorio de Caracterización Molecular y Biomolecular, 4001 Maracaibo, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
| | - Yosmari Olivarez
- Universidad del Zulia (LUZ). Facultad Experimental de Ciencias (FEC), Departamento de Quimica, Laboratorio de Electronica Molecular, 4001 Maracaibo, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
| | - Carla Lossada
- Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Centro de Investigación y Tecnología de Materiales (CITeMA), Laboratorio de Caracterización Molecular y Biomolecular, 4001 Maracaibo, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
| | - Joan Vera-Villalobos
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Matemáticas, Departamento de Química y Ciencias Ambientales, Laboratorio de Análisis Químico Instrumental (LAQUINS), Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - José Luis Paz
- Departamento Académico de Química Inorgánica, Facultad de Química e Ingeniería Química, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Eddy Vera
- Universidad del Zulia (LUZ). Facultad Experimental de Ciencias (FEC), Departamento de Quimica, Laboratorio de Electronica Molecular, 4001 Maracaibo, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
| | - Marcos Loroño
- Departamento Académico de Química Analítica e Instrumental, Facultad de Química e Ingeniería Química, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Alejandro Vivas
- Universidad del Zulia (LUZ). Facultad Experimental de Ciencias (FEC), Departamento de Quimica, Laboratorio de Electronica Molecular, 4001 Maracaibo, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
| | - Fernando Javier Torres
- Grupo de Química Computacional y Teórica (QCT-UR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia; Grupo de Química Computacional y Teórica (QCT-USFQ), Instituto de Simulación Computacional (ISC-USFQ), Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Quito, Ecuador
| | - Laura N Jeffreys
- Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - María Laura Hurtado-León
- Universidad del Zulia (LUZ), Facultad Experimental de Ciencias (FEC), Departamento de Biología, Laboratorio de Genética y Biología Molecular (LGBM), Maracaibo 4001, Zulia, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
| | - Lenin González-Paz
- Universidad del Zulia (LUZ), Facultad Experimental de Ciencias (FEC), Departamento de Biología, Laboratorio de Genética y Biología Molecular (LGBM), Maracaibo 4001, Zulia, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela; Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Centro de Estudios Botanicos y Agroforestales, (CEBA), Laboratorio de Proteccion Vegetal, 4001 Maracaibo, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
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Marzi M, Vakil MK, Bahmanyar M, Zarenezhad E. Paxlovid: Mechanism of Action, Synthesis, and In Silico Study. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:7341493. [PMID: 35845944 PMCID: PMC9283023 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7341493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In this work, the discovery and description of PF-07321332, a major bioavailable oral SARS-CoV-2 protease inhibitor with in vitro human coronavirus antiviral activity, and excellent selection of off-target and in vivo immune profiles are reported. Various drugs and novel compound candidates for the treatment of the COVID-19 pandemic have been developed. PF-07321332 (or nirmatrelvir) is a new oral antiviral drug developed by Pfizer. In response to the pandemic, Pfizer has developed the COVID vaccine and in 2022 will launch its new major anti-SARS-Cov-2 protease inhibitor (PI). The combination of ritonavir and nirmatrelvir is under study in phase III of the clinical trial with a brand name Paxlovid. Paxlovid is an active 3Cl protease inhibitor. Paxlovid exerts its antiviral efficacy by inhibiting a necessary protease in the viral replication procedure. Proteases of coronavirus cleave several sites in the viral polyprotein where pyrrolidone was replaced by flexible glutamine. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, there is high demand for synthesis and development of this novel drug. Herein, we report the synthetic route and the mechanism of action was recently published on nirmatrelvir. Also, a comparison of the performance of two new oral antiviruses (molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir) for the treatment of COVID-19 is described. This review will be helpful for different disciplines such as biochemistry, organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and pharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahrokh Marzi
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Mohammad Kazem Vakil
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Science, Fasa, Iran
| | - Maryam Bahmanyar
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Elham Zarenezhad
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
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Lieber CM, Plemper RK. 4'-Fluorouridine Is a Broad-Spectrum Orally Available First-Line Antiviral That May Improve Pandemic Preparedness. DNA Cell Biol 2022; 41:699-704. [PMID: 35788144 PMCID: PMC9416544 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2022.0312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the urgent need for the development of broad-spectrum antivirals to enhance preparedness against future spillover of zoonotic viruses with pandemic potential into the human population. Currently, the direct-acting orally available SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors molnupiravir and paxlovid are approved for human use under emergency use authorization. A promising next-generation therapeutic candidate is the orally available ribonucleoside analog 4'-fluorouridine (4'-FlU) that had potent antiviral efficacy against different viral targets, including SARS-CoV-2 in human organoids and animal models. Although a nucleoside analog inhibitor such as molnupiravir that targets the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) complex, 4'-FlU showed a distinct mechanism of activity, delayed chain termination, compared with molnupiravir's induction of viral error catastrophe. This review will focus on some currently approved and emerging medicines developed against SARS-CoV-2, examining their potential to form a pharmacological first-line defense against zoonotic viruses with pandemic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin M Lieber
- Center for Translational Antiviral Research, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Richard K Plemper
- Center for Translational Antiviral Research, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Antibody Responses after Two Doses of COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine in Dialysis and Kidney Transplantation Patients Recovered from SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58070893. [PMID: 35888612 PMCID: PMC9317561 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58070893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Hemodialysis patients (HD) and kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) have been heavily impacted by COVID-19, showing increased risk of infection, worse clinical outcomes, and higher mortality rates than the general population. Although mass vaccination remains the most successful measure in counteracting the pandemic, less evidence is available on vaccine effectiveness in immunodepressed subjects previously infected and recovered from COVID-19. Materials and Methods: This study aimed at investigating the ability to develop an adequate antibody response after vaccination in a 2-dose series against SARS-CoV-2 in HD patients and KTR that was administered after laboratory and clinical recovery from COVID-19. Results: Comparing SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 IgG levels measured before and after 2 doses of mRNA vaccine (BNT162b2 vaccine, Comirnaty, Pfizer–BioNTech or mRNA-1273 vaccine, Spikevax, Moderna), highly significant increases of antibody titers were observed. The antibody peak level was reached at 3 months following second dose administration, regardless of the underlying cause of immune depression and the time of pre-vaccine serology assessment after negativization. Conclusions: Our data indicate that HD patients and KTR exhibit a satisfying antibody response to a 2-dose series of mRNA vaccine, even in cases when infection-induced humoral immunity was poor or rapidly fading. Further studies are needed to evaluate the role of booster doses in conferring effective and durable protection in weak patient categories.
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35
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Markarian NM, Galli G, Patel D, Hemmings M, Nagpal P, Berghuis AM, Abrahamyan L, Vidal SM. Identifying Markers of Emerging SARS-CoV-2 Variants in Patients With Secondary Immunodeficiency. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:933983. [PMID: 35847101 PMCID: PMC9283111 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.933983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the end of 2019, the world has been challenged by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. With COVID-19 cases rising globally, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continues to evolve, resulting in the emergence of variants of interest (VOI) and of concern (VOC). Of the hundreds of millions infected, immunodeficient patients are one of the vulnerable cohorts that are most susceptible to this virus. These individuals include those with preexisting health conditions and/or those undergoing immunosuppressive treatment (secondary immunodeficiency). In these cases, several researchers have reported chronic infections in the presence of anti-COVID-19 treatments that may potentially lead to the evolution of the virus within the host. Such variations occurred in a variety of viral proteins, including key structural ones involved in pathogenesis such as spike proteins. Tracking and comparing such mutations with those arisen in the general population may provide information about functional sites within the SARS-CoV-2 genome. In this study, we reviewed the current literature regarding the specific features of SARS-CoV-2 evolution in immunocompromised patients and identified recurrent de novo amino acid changes in virus isolates of these patients that can potentially play an important role in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan M. Markarian
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- McGill University Research Centre on Complex Traits, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Swine and Poultry Infectious Diseases Research Center and Research Group on Infectious Diseases in Production Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | - Gaël Galli
- McGill University Research Centre on Complex Traits, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- CNRS, ImmunoConcEpT, UMR 5164, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- CHU de Bordeaux, FHU ACRONIM, Centre National de Référence des Maladies Auto-Immunes et Systémiques Rares Est/Sud-Ouest, Bordeaux, France
| | - Dhanesh Patel
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- McGill University Research Centre on Complex Traits, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Mark Hemmings
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Priya Nagpal
- Department of Pharmacology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Levon Abrahamyan
- Swine and Poultry Infectious Diseases Research Center and Research Group on Infectious Diseases in Production Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | - Silvia M. Vidal
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- McGill University Research Centre on Complex Traits, Montréal, QC, Canada
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36
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Nguyen KV. Containing the spread of COVID-19 virus facing to its high mutation rate: approach to intervention using a nonspecific way of blocking its entry into the cells. NUCLEOSIDES, NUCLEOTIDES & NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 41:778-814. [PMID: 35532338 DOI: 10.1080/15257770.2022.2071937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Viruses have multiple mutation rates that are higher than any other member of the kingdom of life. This gives them the ability to evolve, even within the course of a single infection, and to evade multiple host defenses, thereby impacting pathogenesis. Additionally, there are also interplays between mutation and recombination and the high multiplicity of infection (MOI) that enhance viral adaptability and increase levels of recombination leading to complex and conflicting effects on genome selection, and the net results is difficult to predict. Recently, the outbreak of COVID-19 virus represents a pandemic threat that has been declared a public health emergency of international concern. Up to present, however, due to the high mutation rate of COVID-19 virus, there are no effective procedures to contain the spread of this virus across the globe. For such a purpose, there is then an urgent need to explore new approaches. As an opinion, the present approach emphasizes on (a) the use of a nonspecific way of blocking the entry of COVID-19 virus as well as its variants into the cells via a therapeutic biocompatible compound (ideally, "in a pill") targeting its spike (S) glycoprotein; and (b) the construction of expression vectors via the glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol, GPI, anchor for studying intermolecular interactions between the spike S of COVID-19 virus as well as its variants and the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) of its host receptor for checking the efficacy of any therapeutic biocompatible compound of the nonspecific way of blocking. Such antiviral drug would be safer than the ACE1 and ACE2 inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers, and recombinant human ACE2 as well as nucleoside analogs or protease inhibitors used for fighting the spread of the virus inside the cells, and it would also be used as a universal one for any eventual future pandemic related to viruses, especially the RNA viruses with high mutation rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khue Vu Nguyen
- Department of Medicine, Biochemical Genetics and Metabolism, The Mitochondrial and Metabolic Disease Center, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, California, USA
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37
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Rational Discovery of Antiviral Whey Protein-Derived Small Peptides Targeting the SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10051067. [PMID: 35625804 PMCID: PMC9139167 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10051067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present work, and for the first time, three whey protein-derived peptides (IAEK, IPAVF, MHI), endowed with ACE inhibitory activity, were examined for their antiviral activity against the SARS-CoV-2 3C-like protease (3CLpro) and Human Rhinovirus 3C protease (3Cpro) by employing molecular docking. Computational studies showed reliable binding poses within 3CLpro for the three investigated small peptides, considering docking scores as well as the binding free energy values. Validation by in vitro experiments confirmed these results. In particular, IPAVF exhibited the highest inhibitory activity by returning an IC50 equal to 1.21 μM; it was followed by IAEK, which registered an IC50 of 154.40 μM, whereas MHI was less active with an IC50 equal to 2700.62 μM. On the other hand, none of the assayed peptides registered inhibitory activity against 3Cpro. Based on these results, the herein presented small peptides are introduced as promising molecules to be exploited in the development of “target-specific antiviral” agents against SARS-CoV-2.
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Pepperrelll T, Ellis L, Wang J, Hill A. Barriers to worldwide access for Paxlovid, a new treatment for COVID-19. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 9:ofac174. [PMID: 36176569 PMCID: PMC9383702 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Pfizer and the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) have reached a voluntary licensing agreement for Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir+ritonavir), a novel antiviral for COVID-19 taken orally in the first 5 days from symptom onset. The Pfizer-MPP deal enables 95 low- and middle-income countries (L/MICs) to access affordable biosimilars. Generics are delayed awaiting bioequivalence testing, and may be ineffective in L/MICs with reduced testing capacity, which comprise only 10% of global diagnoses. 39% of diagnoses originate in MICs forced to pay high prices due to exclusion from the Pfizer-MPP deal. Cost-effectiveness of Paxlovid could be limited compared to the creation of sustainable vaccine infrastructure in these nations, delaying socioeconomic pandemic recovery. Furthermore, Paxlovid may not be cost-effective in vaccinated populations and concerns remain over ritonavir drug interactions with COVID-19 comorbidity medications. We call for expanded coverage by the Paxlovid-MPP deal, greater access to testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toby Pepperrelll
- School of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Leah Ellis
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Junzheng Wang
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Andrew Hill
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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39
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Abstract
Nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir (Paxlovid™; Pfizer) is a co-packaged combination of nirmatrelvir and ritonavir tablets, intended for co-administration and developed for the treatment and post-exposure prophylaxis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Nirmatrelvir is a peptidomimetic inhibitor of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) main protease, while ritonavir is a human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) protease inhibitor and CYP3A inhibitor. Nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir received its first conditional authorization in December 2021 in the United Kingdom, for the treatment of COVID-19 in adults who do not require supplemental oxygen and who are at increased risk for progression to severe COVID-19. In January 2022, nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir received authorization in the EU for use in the same indication. Nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir is authorized for emergency use in the USA. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir leading to its first authorizations and approval for the treatment of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvette N Lamb
- Springer Nature, Mairangi Bay, Private Bag 65901, Auckland, 0754, New Zealand.
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40
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Patnin S, Makarasen A, Vijitphan P, Baicharoen A, Chaivisuthangkura A, Kuno M, Techasakul S. Computational Screening of Phenylamino-Phenoxy-Quinoline Derivatives against the Main Protease of SARS-CoV-2 Using Molecular Docking and the ONIOM Method. Molecules 2022; 27:1793. [PMID: 35335157 PMCID: PMC8955101 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27061793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In the search for new anti-HIV-1 agents, two forms of phenylamino-phenoxy-quinoline derivatives have been synthesized, namely, 2-phenylamino-4-phenoxy-quinoline and 6-phenylamino-4-phenoxy-quinoline. In this study, the binding interactions of phenylamino-phenoxy-quinoline derivatives and six commercially available drugs (hydroxychloroquine, ritonavir, remdesivir, S-217622, N3, and PF-07321332) with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) main protease (Mpro) were investigated using molecular docking and the ONIOM method. The molecular docking showed the hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions of all the compounds in the pocket of SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro), which plays an important role for the division and proliferation of the virus into the cell. The binding free energy values between the ligands and Mpro ranged from -7.06 to -10.61 kcal/mol. The molecular docking and ONIOM results suggested that 4-(2',6'-dimethyl-4'-cyanophenoxy)-2-(4″-cyanophenyl)-aminoquinoline and 4-(4'-cyanophenoxy)-2-(4″-cyanophenyl)-aminoquinoline have low binding energy values and appropriate molecular properties; moreover, both compounds could bind to Mpro via hydrogen bonding and Pi-Pi stacking interactions with amino acid residues, namely, HIS41, GLU166, and GLN192. These amino acids are related to the proteolytic cleavage process of the catalytic triad mechanisms. Therefore, this study provides important information for further studies on synthetic quinoline derivatives as antiviral candidates in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suwicha Patnin
- Laboratory of Organic Synthesis, Department of Chemistry, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Laksi, Bangkok 10210, Thailand; (S.P.); (P.V.); (A.B.)
| | - Arthit Makarasen
- Laboratory of Organic Synthesis, Department of Chemistry, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Laksi, Bangkok 10210, Thailand; (S.P.); (P.V.); (A.B.)
| | - Pongsit Vijitphan
- Laboratory of Organic Synthesis, Department of Chemistry, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Laksi, Bangkok 10210, Thailand; (S.P.); (P.V.); (A.B.)
| | - Apisara Baicharoen
- Laboratory of Organic Synthesis, Department of Chemistry, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Laksi, Bangkok 10210, Thailand; (S.P.); (P.V.); (A.B.)
| | - Apinya Chaivisuthangkura
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Srinakharinwirot University, Wattana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand; (A.C.); (M.K.)
| | - Mayuso Kuno
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Srinakharinwirot University, Wattana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand; (A.C.); (M.K.)
| | - Supanna Techasakul
- Laboratory of Organic Synthesis, Department of Chemistry, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Laksi, Bangkok 10210, Thailand; (S.P.); (P.V.); (A.B.)
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41
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Hengphasatporn K, Wilasluck P, Deetanya P, Wangkanont K, Chavasiri W, Visitchanakun P, Leelahavanichkul A, Paunrat W, Boonyasuppayakorn S, Rungrotmongkol T, Hannongbua S, Shigeta Y. Halogenated Baicalein as a Promising Antiviral Agent toward SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease. J Chem Inf Model 2022; 62:1498-1509. [PMID: 35245424 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.1c01304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease pandemic is a constant reminder that global citizens are in imminent danger of exposure to emerging infectious diseases. Therefore, developing a technique for inhibitor discovery is essential for effective drug design. Herein, we proposed fragment molecular orbital (FMO)-based virtual screening to predict the molecular binding energy of potential severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) main protease inhibitors. The integration of quantum mechanical approaches and trajectory analysis from a microsecond molecular dynamics simulation was used to identify potential inhibitors. We identified brominated baicalein as a potent inhibitor of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease and confirmed its inhibitory activity in an in vitro assay. Brominated baicalein did not demonstrate significant toxicity in either in vitro or in vivo studies. The pair interaction energy from FMO-RIMP2/PCM and inhibitory constants based on the protease enzyme assay suggested that the brominated baicalein could be further developed into novel SARS-CoV-2 protease inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kowit Hengphasatporn
- Center for Computational Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
| | - Patcharin Wilasluck
- Center of Excellence for Molecular Biology and Genomics of Shrimp, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.,Molecular Crop Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Peerapon Deetanya
- Center of Excellence for Molecular Biology and Genomics of Shrimp, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.,Molecular Crop Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Kittikhun Wangkanont
- Center of Excellence for Molecular Biology and Genomics of Shrimp, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.,Molecular Crop Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Warinthorn Chavasiri
- Center of Excellence in Natural Products Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Peerapat Visitchanakun
- Translational Research in Inflammation and Immunology Research Unit, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Asada Leelahavanichkul
- Translational Research in Inflammation and Immunology Research Unit, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Wattamon Paunrat
- Applied Medical Virology Research Unit, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Siwaporn Boonyasuppayakorn
- Applied Medical Virology Research Unit, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Thanyada Rungrotmongkol
- Program in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.,Center of Excellence in Biocatalyst and Sustainable Biotechnology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Supot Hannongbua
- Center of Excellence in Computational Chemistry (CECC), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Yasuteru Shigeta
- Center for Computational Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
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42
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Hamed AA, Fandy TE, Tkaczuk KL, Verspoor K, Lee BS. COVID-19 Drug Repurposing: A Network-Based Framework for Exploring Biomedical Literature and Clinical Trials for Possible Treatments. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:567. [PMID: 35335943 PMCID: PMC8955179 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14030567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the Coronavirus becoming a new reality of our world, global efforts continue to seek answers to many questions regarding the spread, variants, vaccinations, and medications. Particularly, with the emergence of several strains (e.g., Delta, Omicron), vaccines will need further development to offer complete protection against the new variants. It is critical to identify antiviral treatments while the development of vaccines continues. In this regard, the repurposing of already FDA-approved drugs remains a major effort. In this paper, we investigate the hypothesis that a combination of FDA-approved drugs may be considered as a candidate for COVID-19 treatment if (1) there exists an evidence in the COVID-19 biomedical literature that suggests such a combination, and (2) there is match in the clinical trials space that validates this drug combination. METHODS We present a computational framework that is designed for detecting drug combinations, using the following components (a) a Text-mining module: to extract drug names from the abstract section of the biomedical publications and the intervention/treatment sections of clinical trial records. (b) a network model constructed from the drug names and their associations, (c) a clique similarity algorithm to identify candidate drug treatments. RESULT AND CONCLUSIONS Our framework has identified treatments in the form of two, three, or four drug combinations (e.g., hydroxychloroquine, doxycycline, and azithromycin). The identifications of the various treatment candidates provided sufficient evidence that supports the trustworthiness of our hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Abdeen Hamed
- School of Cybersecurity, Data Science and Computing, Norwich University, Northfield, VT 05663, USA
- Sano Centre for Computational Medicine, 30-072 Kraków, Poland;
| | - Tamer E. Fandy
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Administrative Sciences, University of Charleston, Charleston, WV 25304, USA;
| | | | - Karin Verspoor
- School of Computing Technologies, RMIT University, Melbourne 3001, Australia;
- School of Computing and Information Systems, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia
| | - Byung Suk Lee
- Department of Computer Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA;
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43
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Soriano V, de-Mendoza C, Edagwa B, Treviño A, Barreiro P, Fernandez-Montero JV, Gendelman HE. Oral antivirals for the prevention and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. AIDS Rev 2022; 24:41-49. [PMID: 35073629 PMCID: PMC9352153 DOI: 10.24875/aidsrev.22000001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Vaccines and antivirals are the classical weapons deployed to contain, prevent, and treat life-threatening viral illnesses. Specifically, for SARS-CoV-2 infection, vaccines protect against severe COVID-19 disease manifestations and complications. However, waning immunity and emergence of vaccine escape mutants remains a growing threat. This is highlighted by the current surge of the omicron COVID-19 variant. Thus, there is a race to find treatment alternatives. We contend that oral small molecule antivirals that halt SARSCoV- 2 infection are essential. Compared to currently available monoclonal antibodies and remdesivir, where parenteral administration is required, oral antivirals offer treatments in an outpatient setting with dissemination available on a larger scale. In response to this need at 2021's end, regulatory agencies provided emergency use authorization for both molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir. These medicines act on the viral polymerase and protease, respectively. Each is given for 5 days and can reduce disease progression by 30% and 89%, respectively. The advent of additional oral antivirals, the assessment of combination therapies, the formulation of extended-release medications, and their benefit for both early treatment and prophylaxis will likely transform the landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carmen de-Mendoza
- Department of Internal Medicine, Puerta de Hierro Research Institute and University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Benson Edagwa
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, NE, USA
| | - Ana Treviño
- UNIR Health Sciences School & Medical Center, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Barreiro
- Clinical Research Laboratory, Hospital Isabel Zendal, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Howard E. Gendelman
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, NE, USA
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44
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Girardin F, Manuel O, Marzolini C, Buclin T. Evaluating the risk of drug-drug interactions with pharmacokinetic boosters: the case of ritonavir-enhanced nirmatrelvir to prevent severe COVID-19. Clin Microbiol Infect 2022; 28:1044-1046. [PMID: 35358684 PMCID: PMC8958820 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2022.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- François Girardin
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Lausanne University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Anesthesiology, Clinical Pharmacology, Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Oriol Manuel
- Infectious Diseases Service and Transplantation Centre, Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Catia Marzolini
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Departments of Medicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital of Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Thierry Buclin
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Lausanne University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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45
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Fornasier E, Macchia ML, Giachin G, Sosic A, Pavan M, Sturlese M, Salata C, Moro S, Gatto B, Bellanda M, Battistutta R. A new inactive conformation of SARS-CoV-2 main protease. ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION D STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2022; 78:363-378. [PMID: 35234150 PMCID: PMC8900819 DOI: 10.1107/s2059798322000948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The SARS‐CoV‐2 main protease (Mpro) has a pivotal role in mediating viral genome replication and transcription of the coronavirus, making it a promising target for drugs against the COVID‐19 pandemic. Here, a crystal structure is presented in which Mpro adopts an inactive state that has never been observed before, called new‐inactive. It is shown that the oxyanion loop, which is involved in substrate recognition and enzymatic activity, adopts a new catalytically incompetent conformation and that many of the key interactions of the active conformation of the enzyme around the active site are lost. Solvation/desolvation energetic contributions play an important role in the transition from the inactive to the active state, with Phe140 moving from an exposed to a buried environment and Asn142 moving from a buried environment to an exposed environment. In new‐inactive Mpro a new cavity is present near the S2′ subsite, and the N‐terminal and C‐terminal tails, as well as the dimeric interface, are perturbed, with partial destabilization of the dimeric assembly. This novel conformation is relevant both for comprehension of the mechanism of action of Mpro within the catalytic cycle and for the successful structure‐based drug design of antiviral drugs.
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46
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Lv Z, Cano KE, Jia L, Drag M, Huang TT, Olsen SK. Targeting SARS-CoV-2 Proteases for COVID-19 Antiviral Development. Front Chem 2022; 9:819165. [PMID: 35186898 PMCID: PMC8850931 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.819165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) in 2019 marked the third occurrence of a highly pathogenic coronavirus in the human population since 2003. As the death toll surpasses 5 million globally and economic losses continue, designing drugs that could curtail infection and disease progression is critical. In the US, three highly effective Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-authorized vaccines are currently available, and Remdesivir is approved for the treatment of hospitalized patients. However, moderate vaccination rates and the sustained evolution of new viral variants necessitate the ongoing search for new antivirals. Several viral proteins have been prioritized as SARS-CoV-2 antiviral drug targets, among them the papain-like protease (PLpro) and the main protease (Mpro). Inhibition of these proteases would target viral replication, viral maturation, and suppression of host innate immune responses. Knowledge of inhibitors and assays for viruses were quickly adopted for SARS-CoV-2 protease research. Potential candidates have been identified to show inhibitory effects against PLpro and Mpro, both in biochemical assays and viral replication in cells. These results encourage further optimizations to improve prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy. In this review, we examine the latest developments of potential small-molecule inhibitors and peptide inhibitors for PLpro and Mpro, and how structural biology greatly facilitates this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongyang Lv
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Kristin E. Cano
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Lijia Jia
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Marcin Drag
- Department of Chemical Biology and Bioimaging, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Tony T. Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Shaun K. Olsen
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
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47
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Bruiners N, Guerrini V, Ukey R, Dikdan R, Yang J, Mishra PK, Onyuka A, Handler D, Vieth J, Carayannopulos M, Guo S, Pollen M, Pinter A, Tyagi S, Feingold D, Philipp C, Libutti S, Gennaro ML. Biologic correlates of beneficial convalescent plasma therapy in a COVID-19 patient reveal disease resolution mechanisms. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2022:2022.02.03.22269612. [PMID: 35132422 PMCID: PMC8820674 DOI: 10.1101/2022.02.03.22269612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While the biomarkers of COVID-19 severity have been thoroughly investigated, the key biological dynamics associated with COVID-19 resolution are still insufficiently understood. MAIN BODY We report a case of full resolution of severe COVID-19 due to convalescent plasma transfusion in a patient with underlying multiple autoimmune syndrome. Following transfusion, the patient showed fever remission, improved respiratory status, and rapidly decreased viral burden in respiratory fluids and SARS-CoV-2 RNAemia. Longitudinal unbiased proteomic analysis of plasma and single-cell transcriptomics of peripheral blood cells conducted prior to and at multiple times after convalescent plasma transfusion identified the key biological processes associated with the transition from severe disease to disease-free state. These included (i) temporally ordered upward and downward changes in plasma proteins reestablishing homeostasis and (ii) post-transfusion disappearance of a particular subset of dysfunctional monocytes characterized by hyperactivated Interferon responses and decreased TNF-α signaling. CONCLUSIONS Monitoring specific subsets of innate immune cells in peripheral blood may provide prognostic keys in severe COVID-19. Moreover, understanding disease resolution at the molecular and cellular level should contribute to identify targets of therapeutic interventions against severe COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Bruiners
- Public Health Research Institute, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103
| | - Valentina Guerrini
- Public Health Research Institute, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103
| | - Rahul Ukey
- Public Health Research Institute, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103
| | - Ryan Dikdan
- Public Health Research Institute, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103
| | - Jason Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103
- Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Pathogens, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103
| | - Pankaj Kumar Mishra
- Public Health Research Institute, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103
| | - Alberta Onyuka
- Global Tuberculosis Institute, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103
| | - Deborah Handler
- Global Tuberculosis Institute, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103
| | - Joshua Vieth
- Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08903
| | - Mary Carayannopulos
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
| | - Shuang Guo
- Division of Hematology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
| | - Maressa Pollen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
| | - Abraham Pinter
- Public Health Research Institute, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103
| | - Sanjay Tyagi
- Public Health Research Institute, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103
| | - Daniel Feingold
- Department of Surgery, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
| | - Claire Philipp
- Division of Hematology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
| | - Steven Libutti
- Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08903
| | - Maria Laura Gennaro
- Public Health Research Institute, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103
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48
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Bassani D, Pavan M, Bolcato G, Sturlese M, Moro S. Re-Exploring the Ability of Common Docking Programs to Correctly Reproduce the Binding Modes of Non-Covalent Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Protease Mpro. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15020180. [PMID: 35215293 PMCID: PMC8878732 DOI: 10.3390/ph15020180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In the latest few decades, molecular docking has imposed itself as one of the most used approaches for computational drug discovery. Several docking benchmarks have been published, comparing the performance of different algorithms in respect to a molecular target of interest, usually evaluating their ability in reproducing the experimental data, which, in most cases, comes from X-ray structures. In this study, we elucidated the variation of the performance of three docking algorithms, namely GOLD, Glide, and PLANTS, in replicating the coordinates of the crystallographic ligands of SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro). Through the comparison of the data coming from docking experiments and the values derived from the calculation of the solvent exposure of the crystallographic ligands, we highlighted the importance of this last variable for docking performance. Indeed, we underlined how an increase in the percentage of the ligand surface exposed to the solvent in a crystallographic complex makes it harder for the docking algorithms to reproduce its conformation. We further validated our hypothesis through molecular dynamics simulations, showing that the less stable protein–ligand complexes (in terms of root-mean-square deviation and root-mean-square fluctuation) tend to be derived from the cases in which the solvent exposure of the ligand in the starting system is higher.
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49
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Atazanavir Is a Competitive Inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 M pro, Impairing Variants Replication In Vitro and In Vivo. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 15:ph15010021. [PMID: 35056078 PMCID: PMC8777605 DOI: 10.3390/ph15010021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Atazanavir (ATV) has already been considered as a potential repurposing drug to 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19); however, there are controversial reports on its mechanism of action and effectiveness as anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Through the pre-clinical chain of experiments: enzymatic, molecular docking, cell-based and in vivo assays, it is demonstrated here that both SARS-CoV-2 B.1 lineage and variant of concern gamma are susceptible to this antiretroviral. Enzymatic assays and molecular docking calculations showed that SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) was inhibited by ATV, with Morrison’s inhibitory constant (Ki) 1.5-fold higher than GC376 (a positive control) dependent of the catalytic water (H2Ocat) content. ATV was a competitive inhibitor, increasing the Mpro’s Michaelis–Menten (Km) more than sixfold. Cell-based assays indicated that different lineages of SARS-CoV-2 is susceptible to ATV. Using oral administration of ATV in mice to reach plasmatic exposure similar to humans, transgenic mice expression in human angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (K18-hACE2) were partially protected against lethal challenge with SARS-CoV-2 gamma. Moreover, less cell death and inflammation were observed in the lung from infected and treated mice. Our studies may contribute to a better comprehension of the Mpro/ATV interaction, which could pave the way to the development of specific inhibitors of this viral protease.
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50
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Peralta-Garcia A, Torrens-Fontanals M, Stepniewski TM, Grau-Expósito J, Perea D, Ayinampudi V, Waldhoer M, Zimmermann M, Buzón MJ, Genescà M, Selent J. Entrectinib-A SARS-CoV-2 Inhibitor in Human Lung Tissue (HLT) Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:13592. [PMID: 34948390 PMCID: PMC8707862 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, pharmaceutical companies and research groups have focused on the development of vaccines and antiviral drugs against SARS-CoV-2. Here, we apply a drug repurposing strategy to identify drug candidates that are able to block the entrance of the virus into human cells. By combining virtual screening with in vitro pseudovirus assays and antiviral assays in Human Lung Tissue (HLT) cells, we identify entrectinib as a potential antiviral drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Peralta-Garcia
- Research Programme on Biomedical Informatics (GRIB), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (A.P.-G.); (M.T.-F.); (T.M.S.)
| | - Mariona Torrens-Fontanals
- Research Programme on Biomedical Informatics (GRIB), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (A.P.-G.); (M.T.-F.); (T.M.S.)
| | - Tomasz Maciej Stepniewski
- Research Programme on Biomedical Informatics (GRIB), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (A.P.-G.); (M.T.-F.); (T.M.S.)
- InterAx Biotech AG, PARK InnovAARE, 5234 Villigen, Switzerland; (V.A.); (M.W.); (M.Z.)
| | - Judith Grau-Expósito
- Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (J.G.-E.); (D.P.); (M.J.B.); (M.G.)
| | - David Perea
- Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (J.G.-E.); (D.P.); (M.J.B.); (M.G.)
| | - Vikram Ayinampudi
- InterAx Biotech AG, PARK InnovAARE, 5234 Villigen, Switzerland; (V.A.); (M.W.); (M.Z.)
| | - Maria Waldhoer
- InterAx Biotech AG, PARK InnovAARE, 5234 Villigen, Switzerland; (V.A.); (M.W.); (M.Z.)
| | - Mirjam Zimmermann
- InterAx Biotech AG, PARK InnovAARE, 5234 Villigen, Switzerland; (V.A.); (M.W.); (M.Z.)
| | - María J. Buzón
- Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (J.G.-E.); (D.P.); (M.J.B.); (M.G.)
| | - Meritxell Genescà
- Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (J.G.-E.); (D.P.); (M.J.B.); (M.G.)
| | - Jana Selent
- Research Programme on Biomedical Informatics (GRIB), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (A.P.-G.); (M.T.-F.); (T.M.S.)
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