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Balakrishnan KN, Abdullah AA, Bala JA, Jesse FFA, Abdullah CAC, Noordin MM, Mohd-Azmi ML. Multiple gene targeting siRNAs for down regulation of Immediate Early-2 (Ie2) and DNA polymerase genes mediated inhibition of novel rat Cytomegalovirus (strain All-03). Virol J 2020; 17:164. [PMID: 33109247 PMCID: PMC7590257 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-020-01436-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is an opportunistic pathogen that causes severe complications in congenitally infected newborns and non-immunocompetent individuals. Developing an effective vaccine is a major public health priority and current drugs are fronting resistance and side effects on recipients. In the present study, with the aim of exploring new strategies to counteract CMV replication, several anti-CMV siRNAs targeting IE2 and DNA polymerase gene regions were characterized and used as in combinations for antiviral therapy. Methods The rat embryo fibroblast (REF) cells were transfected with multi siRNA before infecting with CMV strain ALL-03. Viral growth inhibition was measured by tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50), cytopathic effect (CPE) and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) while IE2 and DNA polymerase gene knockdown was determined by real-time PCR. Ganciclovir was deployed as a control to benchmark the efficacy of antiviral activities of respective individual siRNAs. Results There was no significant cytotoxicity encountered for all the combinations of siRNAs on REF cells analyzed by MTT colorimetric assay (P > 0.05). Cytopathic effects (CPE) in cells infected by RCMV ALL-03 had developed significantly less and at much slower rate compared to control group. The expression of targeted genes was downregulated successfully resulted in significant reduction (P < 0.05) of viral mRNA and DNA copies (dpb + dpc: 79%, 68%; dpb + ie2b: 68%, 60%; dpb + dpc + ie2b: 48%, 42%). Flow cytometry analysis showed a greater percentage of viable and early apoptosis of combined siRNAs-treated cells compared to control group. Notably, the siRNAs targeting gene regions were sequenced and mutations were not encountered, thereby avoiding the formation of mutant with potential resistant viruses. Conclusions In conclusion. The study demonstrated a tremendous promise of innovative approach with the deployment of combined siRNAs targeting at several genes simultaneously with the aim to control CMV replication in host cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishnan Nair Balakrishnan
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ashwaq Ahmed Abdullah
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Applied Science, Taiz University, Taiz, Yemen
| | - Jamilu Abubakar Bala
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Microbiology Unit, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Faez Firdaus Abdullah Jesse
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | | | - Mustapha Mohamed Noordin
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Lila Mohd-Azmi
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Bhatia R, Ganti SS, Narang RK, Rawal RK. Strategies and Challenges to Develop Therapeutic Candidates against COVID-19 Pandemic. Open Virol J 2020. [DOI: 10.2174/1874357902014010016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
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Pashkov EA, Faizuloev EB, Svitich OA, Sergeev OV, Zverev VV. [The potential of synthetic small interfering RNA-based antiviral drugs for influenza treatment]. Vopr Virusol 2020; 65:182-190. [PMID: 33533221 DOI: 10.36233/0507-4088-2020-65-4-182-190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Influenza is a worldwide public health problem. Annually, this infection affects up to 15% of the world population; and about half a million people die from this disease every year. Moreover, influenza A and B viruses tend to garner most of the attention, as these types are a major cause of the epidemics and pandemics. Although the influenza virus primarily affects the respiratory tract, it may also affect the cardiovascular and central nervous systems. Several antiviral drugs, that target various stages of viral reproduction, have been considered effective for the treatment and prevention of influenza, but some virus strains become resistant to these medications. Thus, new strategies and techniques should be developed to overcome the antiviral drug resistance. Recent studies suggest that new drugs based on RNA interference (RNAi) appear to be a promising therapeutic approach that regulates the activity of viral or cellular genes. As it is known, the RNAi is a eukaryotic gene regulatory mechanism that can be triggered by a foreign double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) and results in the cleavage of the target messenger RNA (mRNA). This review discusses the prospects, advantages, and disadvantages of using RNAi in carrying out a specific treatment for influenza infection. However, some viruses confer resistance to small interfering RNAs (siRNA) targeting viral genes. This problem can significantly reduce the effectiveness of RNAi. Therefore, applying siRNAs targeting host cell factors required for influenza virus reproduction can be a way to overcome the antiviral drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- E A Pashkov
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University); I.I. Mechnikov Research Institute for Vaccines and Sera
| | - E B Faizuloev
- I.I. Mechnikov Research Institute for Vaccines and Sera
| | - O A Svitich
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University); I.I. Mechnikov Research Institute for Vaccines and Sera
| | - O V Sergeev
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University); National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology named after the honorary academician N.F. Gamaleya
| | - V V Zverev
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University); I.I. Mechnikov Research Institute for Vaccines and Sera
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Rabaan AA, Al-Ahmed SH, Sah R, Tiwari R, Yatoo MI, Patel SK, Pathak M, Malik YS, Dhama K, Singh KP, Bonilla-Aldana DK, Haque S, Martinez-Pulgarin DF, Rodriguez-Morales AJ, Leblebicioglu H. SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 and advances in developing potential therapeutics and vaccines to counter this emerging pandemic. Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob 2020; 19:40. [PMID: 32878641 PMCID: PMC7464065 DOI: 10.1186/s12941-020-00384-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), causing an emerging coronavirus disease (COVID-19), first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, which has taken a catastrophic turn with high toll rates in China and subsequently spreading across the globe. The rapid spread of this virus to more than 210 countries while affecting more than 25 million people and causing more than 843,000 human deaths, it has resulted in a pandemic situation in the world. The SARS-CoV-2 virus belongs to the genus Betacoronavirus, like MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV, all of which originated in bats. It is highly contagious, causing symptoms like fever, dyspnea, asthenia and pneumonia, thrombocytopenia, and the severely infected patients succumb to the disease. Coronaviruses (CoVs) among all known RNA viruses have the largest genomes ranging from 26 to 32 kb in length. Extensive research has been conducted to understand the molecular basis of the SARS-CoV-2 infection and evolution, develop effective therapeutics, antiviral drugs, and vaccines, and to design rapid and confirmatory viral diagnostics as well as adopt appropriate prevention and control strategies. To date, August 30, 2020, no effective, proven therapeutic antibodies or specific drugs, and vaccines have turned up. In this review article, we describe the underlying molecular organization and phylogenetic analysis of the coronaviruses, including the SARS-CoV-2, and recent advances in diagnosis and vaccine development in brief and focusing mainly on developing potential therapeutic options that can be explored to manage this pandemic virus infection, which would help in valid countering of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali A Rabaan
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shamsah H Al-Ahmed
- Specialty Paediatric Medicine, Qatif Central Hospital, Qatif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ranjit Sah
- Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Ruchi Tiwari
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Sciences, UP Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhayay Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalay Evum Go-Anusandhan Sansthan (DUVASU), Mathura, 281001, India
| | - Mohd Iqbal Yatoo
- Sher-E-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, 190025, India
| | - Shailesh Kumar Patel
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, 243 122, India
| | - Mamta Pathak
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, 243 122, India
| | - Yashpal Singh Malik
- Division of Biological Standardization, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, 243 122, India
| | - Kuldeep Dhama
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, 243 122, India.
| | - Karam Pal Singh
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, 243 122, India
| | - D Katterine Bonilla-Aldana
- Semillero de Investigación en Zoonosis (SIZOO), Grupo de Investigación BIOECOS, Fundación Universitaria Autónoma de las Américas, Sede Pereira, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
- Public Health and Infection Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Tecnologica de Pereira, Pereira, Colombia
| | - Shafiul Haque
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing & Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dayron F Martinez-Pulgarin
- Public Health and Infection Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Tecnologica de Pereira, Pereira, Colombia
| | - Alfonso J Rodriguez-Morales
- Public Health and Infection Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Tecnologica de Pereira, Pereira, Colombia.
- Grupo de Investigación Biomedicina, Faculty of Medicine, Fundación Universitaria Autónoma de las Americas, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia.
- School of Medicine, Universidad Privada Franz Tamayo (UNIFRANZ), Cochabamba, Bolivia.
| | - Hakan Leblebicioglu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Samsun VM Medicalpark Hospital, Samsun, Turkey
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Cabezón E, Arechaga I. Drug Weaponry to Fight Against SARS-CoV-2. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:204. [PMID: 33195397 PMCID: PMC7477106 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.00204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The current outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 virus has caused a large increase in mortality and morbidity associated with respiratory diseases. Huge efforts are currently ongoing to develop a vaccine against this virus. However, alternative approaches could be considered in the fight against this disease. Among other strategies, structural-based drug design could be an effective approach to generate specific molecules against SARS-CoV-2, thus reducing viral burden in infected patients. Here, in addition to this structural approach, we also revise several therapeutic strategies to fight against this viral threat. Furthermore, we report ACE-2 genetic polymorphic variants affecting residues involved in close contacts with SARS-CoV-2 that might be associated to different infection risks. These analyses could provide valuable information to predict the course of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Cabezón
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria (IBBTEC), Universidad de Cantabria-CSIC, Santander, Spain
| | - Ignacio Arechaga
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria (IBBTEC), Universidad de Cantabria-CSIC, Santander, Spain
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Lundstrom K. Viral Vectors Applied for RNAi-Based Antiviral Therapy. Viruses 2020; 12:v12090924. [PMID: 32842491 PMCID: PMC7552024 DOI: 10.3390/v12090924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) provides the means for alternative antiviral therapy. Delivery of RNAi in the form of short interfering RNA (siRNA), short hairpin RNA (shRNA) and micro-RNA (miRNA) have demonstrated efficacy in gene silencing for therapeutic applications against viral diseases. Bioinformatics has played an important role in the design of efficient RNAi sequences targeting various pathogenic viruses. However, stability and delivery of RNAi molecules have presented serious obstacles for reaching therapeutic efficacy. For this reason, RNA modifications and formulation of nanoparticles have proven useful for non-viral delivery of RNAi molecules. On the other hand, utilization of viral vectors and particularly self-replicating RNA virus vectors can be considered as an attractive alternative. In this review, examples of antiviral therapy applying RNAi-based approaches in various animal models will be described. Due to the current coronavirus pandemic, a special emphasis will be dedicated to targeting Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19).
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Zhang D, Lu J. In Silico Design of siRNAs Targeting Existing and Future Respiratory Viruses with VirusSi. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2020:2020.08.13.250076. [PMID: 32817944 PMCID: PMC7430574 DOI: 10.1101/2020.08.13.250076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed global inadequacies in therapeutic options against both the COVID-19-causing SARS-CoV-2 virus and other newly emerged respiratory viruses. In this study, we present the VirusSi computational pipeline, which facilitates the rational design of siRNAs to target existing and future respiratory viruses. Mode A of VirusSi designs siRNAs against an existing virus, incorporating considerations on siRNA properties, off-target effects, viral RNA structure and viral mutations. It designs multiple siRNAs out of which the top candidate targets >99% of SARS-CoV-2 strains, and the combination of the top four siRNAs is predicted to target all SARS-CoV-2 strains. Additionally, we develop Greedy Algorithm with Redundancy (GAR) and Similarity-weighted Greedy Algorithm with Redundancy (SGAR) to support the Mode B of VirusSi, which pre-designs siRNAs against future emerging viruses based on existing viral sequences. Time-simulations using known coronavirus genomes as early as 10 years prior to the COVID-19 outbreak show that at least three SARS-CoV-2-targeting siRNAs are among the top 30 pre-designed siRNAs. Before-the-outbreak pre-design is also possible against the MERS-CoV virus and the 2009-H1N1 swine flu virus. Our data support the feasibility of pre-designing anti-viral siRNA therapeutics prior to viral outbreaks. We propose the development of a collection of pre-designed, safety-tested, and off-the-shelf siRNAs that could accelerate responses toward future viral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingyao Zhang
- Yale Stem Cell Center, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Jun Lu
- Yale Stem Cell Center, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Yale Center for RNA Science and Medicine, Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Yale Cooperative Center of Excellence in Hematology, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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Wang SF, Chen KH, Wang SY, Yarmishyn AA, Lai WY, Lin YY, Wang ML, Chou SJ, Yang YP, Chang YL. The pharmacological development of direct acting agents for emerging needed therapy against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2. J Chin Med Assoc 2020; 83:712-718. [PMID: 32433345 PMCID: PMC7493775 DOI: 10.1097/jcma.0000000000000353] [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] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) was quickly identified as the causal pathogen leading to the outbreak of SARS-like illness all over the world. As the SARS-CoV-2 infection pandemic proceeds, many efforts are being dedicated to the development of diverse treatment strategies. Increasing evidence showed potential therapeutic agents directly acting against SARS-CoV-2 virus, such as interferon, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase inhibitors, protease inhibitors, viral entry blockers, neuraminidase inhibitor, vaccine, antibody agent targeting the SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome, natural killer cells, and nucleocytoplasmic trafficking inhibitor. To date, several direct anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents have demonstrated promising in vitro and clinical efficacy. This article reviews the current and future development of direct acting agents against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Fan Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- School of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Kuan-Hsuan Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Faculty of Pharmacy, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Szu-Yu Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | | | - Wei-Yi Lai
- Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yi-Ying Lin
- Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Mong-Lien Wang
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Institute of Food Safety and Health Risk Assessment, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Shih-Jie Chou
- Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yi-Ping Yang
- Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Institute of Food Safety and Health Risk Assessment, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yuh-Lih Chang
- Department of Pharmacy, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Faculty of Pharmacy, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Address Correspondence: Dr. Yuh-Lih Chang, Pharmacy Department, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, 201, Section 2, Shi-Pai Road, Taipei 112, Taiwan, ROC. E-mail address: (Y.-L. Chang)
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Wang L, Saarela J, Poque S, Valkonen JP. Development of FRET-based high-throughput screening for viral RNase III inhibitors. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2020; 21:961-974. [PMID: 32436305 PMCID: PMC7280029 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.12942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The class 1 ribonuclease III (RNase III) encoded by Sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus (CSR3) suppresses RNA silencing in plant cells and thereby counters the host antiviral response by cleaving host small interfering RNAs, which are indispensable components of the plant RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. The synergy between sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus and sweet potato feathery mottle virus can reduce crop yields by 90%. Inhibitors of CSR3 might prove efficacious to counter this viral threat, yet no screen has been carried out to identify such inhibitors. Here, we report a novel high-throughput screening (HTS) assay based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) for identifying inhibitors of CSR3. For monitoring CSR3 activity via HTS, we used a small interfering RNA substrate that was labelled with a FRET-compatible dye. The optimized HTS assay yielded 109 potential inhibitors of CSR3 out of 6,620 compounds tested from different small-molecule libraries. The three best inhibitor candidates were validated with a dose-response assay. In addition, a parallel screen of the selected candidates was carried out for a similar class 1 RNase III enzyme from Escherichia coli (EcR3), and this screen yielded a different set of inhibitors. Thus, our results show that the CSR3 and EcR3 enzymes were inhibited by distinct types of molecules, indicating that this HTS assay could be widely applied in drug discovery of class 1 RNase III enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linping Wang
- Department of Agricultural SciencesUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Jani Saarela
- Institute for Molecular Medicine FinlandUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Sylvain Poque
- Department of Agricultural SciencesUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Jari P.T. Valkonen
- Department of Agricultural SciencesUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
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Zhou H, Fang Y, Xu T, Ni W, Shen A, Meng X. Potential therapeutic targets and promising drugs for combating SARS-CoV-2. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:3147-3161. [PMID: 32368792 PMCID: PMC7267399 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
As of April 9, 2020, a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) had caused 89,931 deaths and 1,503,900 confirmed cases worldwide, which indicates an increasingly severe and uncontrollable situation. Initially, little was known about the virus. As research continues, we now know the genome structure, epidemiological and clinical characteristics, and pathogenic mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2. Based on this knowledge, potential targets involved in the processes of virus pathogenesis need to be identified, and the discovery or development of drugs based on these potential targets is the most pressing need. Here, we have summarized the potential therapeutic targets involved in virus pathogenesis and discuss the advances, possibilities, and significance of drugs based on these targets for treating SARS-CoV-2. This review will facilitate the identification of potential targets and provide clues for drug development that can be translated into clinical applications for combating SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Anhui Provincial Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Yan Fang
- Department of Pharmacy, Anhui Provincial Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Tao Xu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of PharmacyAnhui Medical UniversityHefeiChina
| | - Wei‐Jian Ni
- Department of Pharmacy, Anhui Provincial Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of PharmacyAnhui Medical UniversityHefeiChina
| | - Ai‐Zong Shen
- Department of Pharmacy, Anhui Provincial Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Xiao‐Ming Meng
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of PharmacyAnhui Medical UniversityHefeiChina
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Lin Z, Li Y, Xu T, Guo M, Wang C, Zhao M, Chen H, Kuang J, Li W, Zhang Y, Lin T, Chen Y, Chen H, Zhu B. Inhibition of Enterovirus 71 by Selenium Nanoparticles Loaded with siRNA through Bax Signaling Pathways. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:12495-12500. [PMID: 32548434 PMCID: PMC7271353 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c01382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is the principal pathogen leading to severe cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). Specific drugs for EV71 are not discovered currently. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) provides a promising antiviral treatment pathway, but it is difficult to cross cell membranes and is easy to degrade. Nanoparticles are promising for their carrying capacity currently. In this study, the siRNA targeting EV71 VP1 gene was loaded with selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) and surface decorated with polyethylenimine (PEI) (Se@PEI@siRNA). Se@PEI@siRNA showed a remarkable interference efficiency in the nerve cell line SK-N-SH and prevented the cells to be infected. The mechanism study revealed that Se@PEI@siRNA could lighten the extent of SK-N-SH cells for staying in the sub-G1 phase. Activation of Bax apoptosis signaling was restrained either. Taken together, this study demonstrated that Se@PEI@siRNA is a promising drug against EV71 virus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Bing Zhu
- . Tel: +86 20-81330740. Fax: +86 20 81885978
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Abstract
Antiviral drugs have traditionally been developed by directly targeting essential viral components. However, this strategy often fails due to the rapid generation of drug-resistant viruses. Recent genome-wide approaches, such as those employing small interfering RNA (siRNA) or clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) or those using small molecule chemical inhibitors targeting the cellular "kinome," have been used successfully to identify cellular factors that can support virus replication. Since some of these cellular factors are critical for virus replication, but are dispensable for the host, they can serve as novel targets for antiviral drug development. In addition, potentiation of immune responses, regulation of cytokine storms, and modulation of epigenetic changes upon virus infections are also feasible approaches to control infections. Because it is less likely that viruses will mutate to replace missing cellular functions, the chance of generating drug-resistant mutants with host-targeted inhibitor approaches is minimized. However, drug resistance against some host-directed agents can, in fact, occur under certain circumstances, such as long-term selection pressure of a host-directed antiviral agent that can allow the virus the opportunity to adapt to use an alternate host factor or to alter its affinity toward the target that confers resistance. This review describes novel approaches for antiviral drug development with a focus on host-directed therapies and the potential mechanisms that may account for the acquisition of antiviral drug resistance against host-directed agents.
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Kruse RL. Therapeutic strategies in an outbreak scenario to treat the novel coronavirus originating in Wuhan, China. F1000Res 2020; 9:72. [PMID: 32117569 PMCID: PMC7029759 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.22211.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 208] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) originating in Wuhan, China presents a potential respiratory viral pandemic to the world population. Current efforts are focused on containment and quarantine of infected individuals. Ultimately, the outbreak could be controlled with a protective vaccine to prevent 2019-nCoV infection. While vaccine research should be pursued intensely, there exists today no therapy to treat 2019-nCoV upon infection, despite an urgent need to find options to help these patients and preclude potential death. Herein, I review the potential options to treat 2019-nCoV in patients, with an emphasis on the necessity for speed and timeliness in developing new and effective therapies in this outbreak. I consider the options of drug repurposing, developing neutralizing monoclonal antibody therapy, and an oligonucleotide strategy targeting the viral RNA genome, emphasizing the promise and pitfalls of these approaches. Finally, I advocate for the fastest strategy to develop a treatment now, which could be resistant to any mutations the virus may have in the future. The proposal is a biologic that blocks 2019-nCoV entry using a soluble version of the viral receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), fused to an immunoglobulin Fc domain (ACE2-Fc), providing a neutralizing antibody with maximal breath to avoid any viral escape, while also helping to recruit the immune system to build lasting immunity. The ACE2-Fc therapy would also supplement decreased ACE2 levels in the lungs during infection, thereby directly treating acute respiratory distress pathophysiology as a third mechanism of action. The sequence of the ACE2-Fc protein is provided to investigators, allowing its possible use in recombinant protein expression systems to start producing drug today to treat patients under compassionate use, while formal clinical trials are later undertaken. Such a treatment could help infected patients before a protective vaccine is developed and widely available in the coming months to year(s).
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert L Kruse
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, 21287, USA
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Abstract
A novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) originating in Wuhan, China presents a potential respiratory viral pandemic to the world population. Current efforts are focused on containment and quarantine of infected individuals. Ultimately, the outbreak could be controlled with a protective vaccine to prevent 2019-nCoV infection. While vaccine research should be pursued intensely, there exists today no therapy to treat 2019-nCoV upon infection, despite an urgent need to find options to help these patients and preclude potential death. Herein, I review the potential options to treat 2019-nCoV in patients, with an emphasis on the necessity for speed and timeliness in developing new and effective therapies in this outbreak. I consider the options of drug repurposing, developing neutralizing monoclonal antibody therapy, and an oligonucleotide strategy targeting the viral RNA genome, emphasizing the promise and pitfalls of these approaches. Finally, I advocate for the fastest strategy to develop a treatment now, which could be resistant to any mutations the virus may have in the future. The proposal is a biologic that blocks 2019-nCoV entry using a soluble version of the viral receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), fused to an immunoglobulin Fc domain, providing a neutralizing antibody with maximal breath to avoid any viral escape, while also helping to recruit the immune system to build lasting immunity. The sequence of the ACE2-Fc protein is provided to investigators, allowing its possible use in recombinant protein expression systems to start producing drug today to treat patients under compassionate use, while formal clinical trials are later undertaken. Such a treatment could help infected patients before a protective vaccine is developed and widely available in the coming months to year(s).
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert L Kruse
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, 21287, USA
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Valdés JJ, Miller AD. New opportunities for designing effective small interfering RNAs. Sci Rep 2019; 9:16146. [PMID: 31695077 PMCID: PMC6834666 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52303-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that silence genes of infectious diseases are potentially potent drugs. A continuing obstacle for siRNA-based drugs is how to improve their efficacy for adequate dosage. To overcome this obstacle, the interactions of antiviral siRNAs, tested in vivo, were computationally examined within the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). Thermodynamics data show that a persistent RISC cofactor is significantly more exothermic for effective antiviral siRNAs than their ineffective counterparts. Detailed inspection of viral RNA secondary structures reveals that effective antiviral siRNAs target hairpin or pseudoknot loops. These structures are critical for initial RISC interactions since they partially lack intramolecular complementary base pairing. Importing two temporary RISC cofactors from magnesium-rich hairpins and/or pseudoknots then kickstarts full RNA hybridization and hydrolysis. Current siRNA design guidelines are based on RNA primary sequence data. Herein, the thermodynamics of RISC cofactors and targeting magnesium-rich RNA secondary structures provide additional guidelines for improving siRNA design.
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MESH Headings
- Argonaute Proteins/chemistry
- Argonaute Proteins/metabolism
- Base Pairing
- Crystallography, X-Ray
- Drug Design
- Humans
- Hydrolysis
- Magnesium
- Molecular Docking Simulation
- Monte Carlo Method
- Nucleic Acid Conformation
- Nucleic Acid Hybridization
- RNA Interference
- RNA, Messenger/chemistry
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- RNA, Small Interfering/chemistry
- RNA, Small Interfering/genetics
- RNA, Small Interfering/metabolism
- RNA, Viral/antagonists & inhibitors
- RNA, Viral/chemistry
- RNA-Induced Silencing Complex
- Structure-Activity Relationship
- Thermodynamics
- RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems
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Affiliation(s)
- James J Valdés
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, CZ-62100, Brno, Czech Republic.
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovska 1160/31, CZ-37005, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Andrew D Miller
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, CZ-62100, Brno, Czech Republic.
- KP Therapeutics Ltd, 86 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 2ER, UK.
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Aghamiri S, Jafarpour A, Gomari MM, Ghorbani J, Rajabibazl M, Payandeh Z. siRNA nanotherapeutics: a promising strategy for anti‐HBV therapy. IET Nanobiotechnol 2019; 13:457-463. [PMCID: PMC8676379 DOI: 10.1049/iet-nbt.2018.5286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 11/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 07/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is the most common cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver cirrhosis worldwide. In spite of the numerous advances in the treatment of CHB, drugs and vaccines have failed because of many factors like complexity, resistance, toxicity, and heavy cost. New RNA interference (RNAi)‐based technologies have developed innovative strategies to target Achilles' heel of the several hazardous diseases involving cancer, some genetic disease, autoimmune illnesses, and viral disorders particularly hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections. Naked siRNA delivery has serious challenges including failure to cross the cell membrane, susceptibility to the enzymatic digestion, and excretion by renal filtration, which ideally can be addressed by nanoparticle‐mediated delivery systems. cccDNA formation is a significant problem in obtaining HBV infections complete cure because of strength, durability, and lack of proper immune response. Nano‐siRNA drugs have a great potential to address this problem by silencing specific genes which are involved in cccDNA formation. In this article, the authors describe siRNA nanocarrier‐mediated delivery systems as a promising new strategy for HBV infections therapy. Simultaneously, the authors completely represent the clinical trials which use these strategies for treatment of the HBV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahin Aghamiri
- Student research committeeDepartment of Medical BiotechnologySchool of Advanced Technologies in MedicineShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Ali Jafarpour
- Students' Scientific Research CenterVirology DivisionDepartment of PathobiologySchool of Public HealthTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | | | - Jaber Ghorbani
- Department of Medical BiotechnologySchool of Advanced Technologies in MedicineTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Masoumeh Rajabibazl
- Department of Clinical BiochemistryFaculty of MedicineShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell SciencesSchool of Advanced Technologies in MedicineShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Zahra Payandeh
- Immunology Research CenterTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
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Maillard PV, van der Veen AG, Poirier EZ, Reis e Sousa C. Slicing and dicing viruses: antiviral RNA interference in mammals. EMBO J 2019; 38:e100941. [PMID: 30872283 PMCID: PMC6463209 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2018100941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
To protect against the harmful consequences of viral infections, organisms are equipped with sophisticated antiviral mechanisms, including cell-intrinsic means to restrict viral replication and propagation. Plant and invertebrate cells utilise mostly RNA interference (RNAi), an RNA-based mechanism, for cell-intrinsic immunity to viruses while vertebrates rely on the protein-based interferon (IFN)-driven innate immune system for the same purpose. The RNAi machinery is conserved in vertebrate cells, yet whether antiviral RNAi is still active in mammals and functionally relevant to mammalian antiviral defence is intensely debated. Here, we discuss cellular and viral factors that impact on antiviral RNAi and the contexts in which this system might be at play in mammalian resistance to viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre V Maillard
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Enzo Z Poirier
- Immunobiology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
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68
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To accelerate the Zika beat: Candidate design for RNA interference-based therapy. Virus Res 2018; 255:133-140. [DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2018.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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69
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Qureshi A, Tantray VG, Kirmani AR, Ahangar AG. A review on current status of antiviral siRNA. Rev Med Virol 2018; 28:e1976. [PMID: 29656441 PMCID: PMC7169094 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.1976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Revised: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Viral diseases like influenza, AIDS, hepatitis, and Ebola cause severe epidemics worldwide. Along with their resistant strains, new pathogenic viruses continue to be discovered so creating an ongoing need for new antiviral treatments. RNA interference is a cellular gene‐silencing phenomenon in which sequence‐specific degradation of target mRNA is achieved by means of complementary short interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules. Short interfering RNA technology affords a potential tractable strategy to combat viral pathogenesis because siRNAs are specific, easy to design, and can be directed against multiple strains of a virus by targeting their conserved gene regions. In this review, we briefly summarize the current status of siRNA therapy for representative examples from different virus families. In addition, other aspects like their design, delivery, medical significance, bioinformatics resources, and limitations are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abid Qureshi
- Biomedical Informatics Center, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar, India
| | - Vaqar Gani Tantray
- Biomedical Informatics Center, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar, India
| | - Altaf Rehman Kirmani
- Biomedical Informatics Center, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar, India
| | - Abdul Ghani Ahangar
- Biomedical Informatics Center, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar, India
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