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Rong Y, Wang X, Mao W, Yuan F, Chen M, Wang S, Wang PG, Wu Z, He Y, Kong Y. Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of SARS-CoV-2 Homogeneous O-Linked Glycopeptides for Exploring Their Inhibition Functions. ACS Infect Dis 2022; 8:2198-2206. [PMID: 36095241 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.2c00383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Harnessing highly conserved peptides derived from the receptor binding domain (RBD) of spike (S) protein to construct peptide-based inhibitors is one of the most effective strategies to fight against the ever-mutating coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. But how the O-glycosylation affects their inhibition abilities has not been intensively explored. Herein, an intrinsic O-glycosylated peptide P320-334 derived from RBD was screened and homogeneous O-linked glycopeptides containing Tn (GalNAcα1-O-Ser/Thr), T (Galβ1-3GalNAcα1-O-Ser/Thr), sialyl-Tn (sTn, Siaα2-6GalNAcα1-O-Ser/Thr), and sialyl-T (sT, Siaα2-3Galβ1-3GalNAcα1-O-Ser/Thr) structures were first synthesized via chemoenzymatic strategies. Compared with the unglycosylated peptide, the binding of sT-P320-334 to hACE2 was enhanced to 133% and the inhibition capacity against RBD-hACE2 binding of sTn- and sT-P320-334 was significantly increased up to 150-410%. Thus, our results suggest the sialic acid residue on the terminal of short O-glycan structures might strengthen the inhibition capacities of these peptide-based inhibitors, which might provide novel optimization directions for the inhibitor design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongheng Rong
- National Glycoengineering Research Center, Shandong Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Glycobiology, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Xingyun Wang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Weian Mao
- National Glycoengineering Research Center, Shandong Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Glycobiology, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Fang Yuan
- National Glycoengineering Research Center, Shandong Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Glycobiology, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Min Chen
- National Glycoengineering Research Center, Shandong Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Glycobiology, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Shengjun Wang
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Peng George Wang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Zhigang Wu
- College of Food and Biology, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang 050018, China
| | - Yunjiao He
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yun Kong
- National Glycoengineering Research Center, Shandong Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Glycobiology, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
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Goyal R, Gautam RK, Chopra H, Dubey AK, Singla RK, Rayan RA, Kamal MA. Comparative highlights on MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV-1, SARS-CoV-2, and NEO-CoV. EXCLI JOURNAL 2022; 21:1245-1272. [PMID: 36483910 PMCID: PMC9727256 DOI: 10.17179/excli2022-5355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV, now SARS-CoV-1), middle east respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV), Neo-CoV, and 2019 novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19) are the most notable coronaviruses, infecting the number of people worldwide by targeting the respiratory system. All these viruses are of zoonotic origin, predominantly from bats which are one of the natural reservoir hosts for coronaviruses. Thus, the major goal of our review article is to compare and contrast the characteristics and attributes of these coronaviruses. The SARS-CoV-1, MERS-CoV, and COVID-19 have many viral similarities due to their classification, they are not genetically related. COVID-19 shares approximately 79 % of its genome with SARS-CoV-1 and about 50 % with MERS-CoV. The shared receptor protein, ACE2 exhibit the most striking genetic similarities between SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV primarily replicates in the epithelial cells of the respiratory system, but it may also affect macrophages, monocytes, activated T cells, and dendritic cells. MERS-CoV not only infects and replicates inside the epithelial and immune cells, but it may lyse them too, which is one of the common reasons for MERS's higher mortality rate. The details of infections caused by SARS-CoV-2 and lytic replication mechanisms in host cells are currently mysterious. In this review article, we will discuss the comparative highlights of SARS-CoV-1, MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, and Neo-CoV, concerning their structural features, morphological characteristics, sources of virus origin and their evolutionary transitions, infection mechanism, computational study approaches, pathogenesis and their severity towards several diseases, possible therapeutic approaches, and preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajat Goyal
- MM College of Pharmacy, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala, Haryana, India,MM School of Pharmacy, Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Sadopur-Ambala, India
| | - Rupesh K. Gautam
- Department of Pharmacology, Indore Institute of Pharmacy, Rau, Indore, India-453331,*To whom correspondence should be addressed: Rupesh K. Gautam, Department of Pharmacology, Indore Institute of Pharmacy, IIST Campus, Opposite IIM Indore, Rau-Pithampur Road, Indore – 453331 (M.P.), India; Tel.: +91 9413654324, E-mail:
| | - Hitesh Chopra
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India-140401
| | | | - Rajeev K. Singla
- Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab-144411, India
| | - Rehab A. Rayan
- Department of Epidemiology, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, 5422031, Egypt
| | - Mohammad Amjad Kamal
- Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China,King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia,Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Bangladesh,Enzymoics, 7 Peterlee Place, Hebersham NSW 2770; Novel Global Community Educational Foundation, Australia
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53
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Zannella C, Chianese A, Greco G, Santella B, Squillaci G, Monti A, Doti N, Sanna G, Manzin A, Morana A, De Filippis A, D’Angelo G, Palmieri F, Franci G, Galdiero M. Design of Three Residues Peptides against SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Viruses 2022; 14:v14102103. [PMID: 36298659 PMCID: PMC9612326 DOI: 10.3390/v14102103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The continuous and rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the need to seek new therapeutic and prophylactic treatments. Peptide inhibitors are a valid alternative approach for the treatment of emerging viral infections, mainly due to their low toxicity and high efficiency. Recently, two small nucleotide signatures were identified in the genome of some members of the Coronaviridae family and many other human pathogens. In this study, we investigated whether the corresponding amino acid sequences of such nucleotide sequences could have effects on the viral infection of two representative human coronaviruses: HCoV-OC43 and SARS-CoV-2. Our results showed that the synthetic peptides analyzed inhibit the infection of both coronaviruses in a dose-dependent manner by binding the RBD of the Spike protein, as suggested by molecular docking and validated by biochemical studies. The peptides tested do not provide toxicity on cultured cells or human erythrocytes and are resistant to human serum proteases, indicating that they may be very promising antiviral peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Zannella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Annalisa Chianese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Greco
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Biagio Santella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Squillaci
- Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems, National Research Council (CNR), Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Monti
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), National Research Council (CNR), 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Nunzianna Doti
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), National Research Council (CNR), 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Sanna
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Aldo Manzin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Morana
- Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems, National Research Council (CNR), Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Anna De Filippis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Gianni D’Angelo
- Department of Computer Science, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Francesco Palmieri
- Department of Computer Science, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Franci
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Massimiliano Galdiero
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
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Saini J, Kaur P, Malik N, Lakhawat SS, Sharma PK. Antimicrobial peptides: A promising tool to combat multidrug resistance in SARS CoV2 era. Microbiol Res 2022; 265:127206. [PMID: 36162150 PMCID: PMC9491010 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2022.127206] [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: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019), a life-threatening viral infection, is caused by a highly pathogenic virus named SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2). Currently, no treatment is available for COVID-19; hence there is an urgent need to find effective therapeutic drugs to combat COVID-19 pandemic. Considering the fact that the world is facing a major issue of antimicrobial drug resistance, naturally occurring compounds have the potential to achieve this goal. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are naturally occurring antimicrobial agents which are effective against a wide variety of microbial infections. Therefore, the use of AMPs is an attractive therapeutic strategy for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This review sheds light on the potential of antimicrobial peptides as antiviral agents followed by a comprehensive description of effective antiviral peptides derived from various natural sources found to be effective against SARS-CoV and other respiratory viruses. It also highlights the mechanisms of action of antiviral peptides with special emphasis on their effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasleen Saini
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab, India
| | - Pritpal Kaur
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab, India
| | - Naveen Malik
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
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55
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Identification of antiviral peptide inhibitors for receptor binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 omicron and its sub-variants: an in-silico approach. 3 Biotech 2022; 12:198. [PMID: 35923684 PMCID: PMC9342843 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-022-03258-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Omicron, a variant of concern (VOC) of SARS-CoV-2, emerged in South Africa in November 2021. Omicron has been continuously acquiring a series of new mutations, especially in the spike (S) protein that led to high infectivity and transmissibility. Peptides targeting the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein by which omicron and its variants attach to the host receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE2) can block the viral infection at the first step. This study aims to identify antiviral peptides from the Antiviral peptide database (AVPdb) and HIV-inhibitory peptide database (HIPdb) against the RBD of omicron by using a molecular docking approach. The lead RBD binder peptides obtained through molecular docking were screened for allergenicity and physicochemical criteria (isoelectric point (pI) and net charge) required for peptide-based drugs. The binding affinity of the best five peptide inhibitors with the RBD of omicron was validated further by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Our result introduces five antiviral peptides, including AVP1056, AVP1059, AVP1225, AVP1801, and HIP755, that may effectively hinder omicron-host interactions. It is worth mentioning that all the three major sub-variants of omicron, BA.1 (B.1.1.529.1), BA.2 (B.1.1.529.2), and BA.3 (B.1.1.529.3), exhibits conserved ACE-2 interacting residues. Hence, the screened antiviral peptides with similar affinity can also interrupt the RBD-mediated invasion of different major sub-variants of omicron. Altogether, these peptides can be considered in the peptide-based therapeutics development for omicron treatment after further experimentation. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-022-03258-4.
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56
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Souza FR, Moura PG, Costa RKM, Silva RS, Pimentel AS. Absolute binding free energies of mucroporin and its analog mucroporin-M1 with the heptad repeat 1 domain and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of SARS-CoV-2. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022:1-12. [PMID: 35993479 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2114014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The peptide Mucroporin and its analog Mucroporin-M1 were studied using the molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation of their complexation with two protein targets, the Heptad Repeat 1 (HR1) domain and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of SARS-CoV-2. The molecular docking of the peptide-protein complexes was performed using the glowworm swarm optimization algorithm. The lowest energy poses were submitted to molecular dynamics simulation. Then, the binding free energies of Mucroporin and its analog Mucroporin-M1 with these two protein targets were calculated using the Multistate Bennett Acceptance Ratio (MBAR) method. It was verified that the peptides/HR1 domain complex showed stability in the interaction site determined by molecular docking. It was also found that Mucroporin-M1 has a much higher affinity than Mucroporin to the HR1 protein target. The peptides showed similar stability and affinity at the NTP binding site in the RdRp protein. Additional experimental studies are needed to confirm the antiviral activity of Mucroporin-M1 and a possible mechanism of action against SARS-CoV-2. However, here we indicate that Mucroporin-M1 may have potential antiviral activity against the HR1 domain with the possibility for further peptide optimization.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Rodrigues Souza
- Departamento de Química, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Paloma Guimarães Moura
- Departamento de Química, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Rudielson Santos Silva
- Departamento de Química, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - André Silva Pimentel
- Departamento de Química, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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57
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Kashyap P, Bhardwaj VK, Chauhan M, Chauhan V, Kumar A, Purohit R, Kumar A, Kumar S. A ricin-based peptide BRIP from Hordeum vulgare inhibits M pro of SARS-CoV-2. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12802. [PMID: 35896605 PMCID: PMC9326418 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15977-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 led to the research aiming to find the inhibitors of this virus. Towards this world problem, an attempt was made to identify SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) inhibitory peptides from ricin domains. The ricin-based peptide from barley (BRIP) was able to inhibit Mpro in vitro with an IC50 of 0.52 nM. Its low and no cytotoxicity upto 50 µM suggested its therapeutic potential against SARS-CoV-2. The most favorable binding site on Mpro was identified by molecular docking and steered molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The Mpro-BRIP interactions were further investigated by evaluating the trajectories for microsecond timescale MD simulations. The structural parameters of Mpro-BRIP complex were stable, and the presence of oppositely charged surfaces on the binding interface of BRIP and Mpro complex further contributed to the overall stability of the protein-peptide complex. Among the components of thermodynamic binding free energy, Van der Waals and electrostatic contributions were most favorable for complex formation. Our findings provide novel insight into the area of inhibitor development against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakriti Kashyap
- Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, 176061, India
| | - Vijay Kumar Bhardwaj
- Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, 176061, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Structural Bioinformatics Lab, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, 176061, India
| | - Mahima Chauhan
- Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, 176061, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Varun Chauhan
- Covid-19 Testing Facility, Dietetics & Nutrition Technology Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur, H.P, India, 176061
| | - Asheesh Kumar
- Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, 176061, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rituraj Purohit
- Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, 176061, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India.
- Structural Bioinformatics Lab, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, 176061, India.
| | - Arun Kumar
- Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, 176061, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Sanjay Kumar
- Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, 176061, India.
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58
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Wang Z, Li S, Huang B. Alveolar macrophages: Achilles' heel of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:242. [PMID: 35853858 PMCID: PMC9295089 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01106-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused more than 6.3 million deaths to date. Despite great efforts to curb the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), vaccines and neutralizing antibodies are in the gloom due to persistent viral mutations and antiviral compounds face challenges of specificity and safety. In addition, vaccines are unable to treat already-infected individuals, and antiviral drugs cannot be used prophylactically. Therefore, exploration of unconventional strategies to curb the current pandemic is highly urgent. Alveolar macrophages (AMs) residing on the surface of alveoli are the first immune cells that dispose of alveoli-invading viruses. Our findings demonstrate that M1 AMs have an acidic endosomal pH, thus favoring SARS-CoV-2 to leave endosomes and release into the cytosol where the virus initiates replication; in contrast, M2 AMs have an increased endosomal pH, which dampens the viral escape and facilitates delivery of the virus for lysosomal degradation. In this review, we propose that AMs are the Achilles’ heel of SARS-CoV-2 infection and that modulation of the endosomal pH of AMs has the potential to eliminate invaded SARS-CoV-2; the same strategy might also be suitable for other lethal respiratory viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenfeng Wang
- Department of Immunology & National Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) & Peking Union Medical College, 100005, Beijing, China
| | - Shunshun Li
- Department of Immunology, Basic Medicine College, China Medical University, 110122, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Bo Huang
- Department of Immunology & National Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) & Peking Union Medical College, 100005, Beijing, China. .,Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, 430030, Wuhan, China.
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59
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Agüero-Chapin G, Galpert-Cañizares D, Domínguez-Pérez D, Marrero-Ponce Y, Pérez-Machado G, Teijeira M, Antunes A. Emerging Computational Approaches for Antimicrobial Peptide Discovery. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11070936. [PMID: 35884190 PMCID: PMC9311958 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11070936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last two decades many reports have addressed the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in the search and design of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). AI has been represented by machine learning (ML) algorithms that use sequence-based features for the discovery of new peptidic scaffolds with promising biological activity. From AI perspective, evolutionary algorithms have been also applied to the rational generation of peptide libraries aimed at the optimization/design of AMPs. However, the literature has scarcely dedicated to other emerging non-conventional in silico approaches for the search/design of such bioactive peptides. Thus, the first motivation here is to bring up some non-standard peptide features that have been used to build classical ML predictive models. Secondly, it is valuable to highlight emerging ML algorithms and alternative computational tools to predict/design AMPs as well as to explore their chemical space. Another point worthy of mention is the recent application of evolutionary algorithms that actually simulate sequence evolution to both the generation of diversity-oriented peptide libraries and the optimization of hit peptides. Last but not least, included here some new considerations in proteogenomic analyses currently incorporated into the computational workflow for unravelling AMPs in natural sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermin Agüero-Chapin
- CIIMAR—Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade do Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208 Porto, Portugal;
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: (G.A.-C.); (A.A.); Tel.: +351-22-340-1813 (G.A.-C. & A.A.)
| | - Deborah Galpert-Cañizares
- Departamento de Ciencia de la Computación, Universidad Central Marta Abreu de Las Villas (UCLV), Santa Clara 54830, Cuba;
| | - Dany Domínguez-Pérez
- CIIMAR—Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade do Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208 Porto, Portugal;
- Proquinorte, Unipessoal, Lda, Avenida 5 de Outubro, 124, 7º Piso, Avenidas Novas, 1050-061 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Yovani Marrero-Ponce
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Grupo de Medicina Molecular y Translacional (MeM&T), Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud (COCSA), Escuela de Medicina, Edificio de Especialidades Médicas and Instituto de Simulación Computacional (ISC-USFQ), Diego de Robles y vía Interoceánica, Quito 170157, Ecuador;
| | - Gisselle Pérez-Machado
- EpiDisease S.L—Spin-Off of Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 46980 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Marta Teijeira
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultade de Química, Universidade de Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Galicia Sur, Hospital Álvaro Cunqueiro, 36213 Vigo, Spain
| | - Agostinho Antunes
- CIIMAR—Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade do Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208 Porto, Portugal;
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: (G.A.-C.); (A.A.); Tel.: +351-22-340-1813 (G.A.-C. & A.A.)
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60
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Pászti-Gere E, Szentkirályi-Tóth A, Szabó P, Steinmetzer T, Fliszár-Nyúl E, Poór M. In vitro characterization of the furin inhibitor MI-1851: Albumin binding, interaction with cytochrome P450 enzymes and cytotoxicity. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 151:113124. [PMID: 35594709 PMCID: PMC9110138 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The substrate-analog furin inhibitor MI-1851 can suppress the cleavage of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and consequently produces significant antiviral effect on infected human airway epithelial cells. In this study, the interaction of inhibitor MI-1851 was examined with human serum albumin using fluorescence spectroscopy and ultrafiltration techniques. Furthermore, the impacts of MI-1851 on human microsomal hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6 and 3A4 activities were assessed based on fluorometric assays. The inhibitory action was also examined on human recombinant CYP3A4 enzyme and on hepatocytes. In addition, microsomal stability (60 min) and cytotoxicity were tested as well. MI-1851 showed no relevant interaction with human serum albumin and was significantly depleted by human microsomes. Furthermore, it did not inhibit CYP1A2, 2C9, 2C19 and 2D6 enzymes. In human hepatocytes, CYP3A4 was significantly suppressed by MI-1851 and weak inhibition was noticed in regard to human microsomes and human recombinant CYP3A4. Finally, MI-1851 did not impair the viability and the oxidative status of primary human hepatocytes (up to 100 μM concentration). Based on these observations, furin inhibitor MI-1851 appears to be potential drug candidates in the treatment of COVID-19, due to the involvement of furin in S protein priming and thus activation of the pandemic SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erzsébet Pászti-Gere
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Anna Szentkirályi-Tóth
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Pál Szabó
- MS Metabolomics Laboratory, Center for Structural Study, Research Center for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Torsten Steinmetzer
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Eszter Fliszár-Nyúl
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Miklós Poór
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary; Lab-on-a-Chip Research Group, János Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
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Kircheis R, Planz O. Could a Lower Toll-like Receptor (TLR) and NF-κB Activation Due to a Changed Charge Distribution in the Spike Protein Be the Reason for the Lower Pathogenicity of Omicron? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23115966. [PMID: 35682644 PMCID: PMC9180620 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23115966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The novel SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant B.1.1.529, which emerged in late 2021, is currently active worldwide, replacing other variants, including the Delta variant, due to an enormously increased infectivity. Multiple substitutions and deletions in the N-terminal domain (NTD) and the receptor binding domain (RBD) in the spike protein collaborate with the observed increased infectivity and evasion from therapeutic monoclonal antibodies and vaccine-induced neutralizing antibodies after primary/secondary immunization. In contrast, although three mutations near the S1/S2 furin cleavage site were predicted to favor cleavage, observed cleavage efficacy is substantially lower than in the Delta variant and also lower compared to the wild-type virus correlating with significantly lower TMPRSS2-dependent replication in the lungs, and lower cellular syncytium formation. In contrast, the Omicron variant shows high TMPRSS2-independent replication in the upper airway organs, but lower pathogenicity in animal studies and clinics. Based on recent data, we present here a hypothesis proposing that the changed charge distribution in the Omicron’s spike protein could lead to lower activation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in innate immune cells, resulting in lower NF-κB activation, furin expression, and viral replication in the lungs, and lower immune hyper-activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Kircheis
- Syntacoll GmbH, 93342 Saal an der Donau, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-151-167-90606
| | - Oliver Planz
- Interfaculty Institute for Cell Biology, Department of Immunology, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany;
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Qin D, Bo W, Zheng X, Hao Y, Li B, Zheng J, Liang G. DFBP: A Comprehensive Database of Food-Derived Bioactive Peptides for Peptidomics Research. Bioinformatics 2022; 38:3275-3280. [PMID: 35552640 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btac323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION Food-derived bioactive peptides (FBPs) have demonstrated their significance in pharmaceuticals, diets, and nutraceuticals, benefiting public health and global ecology. While significant efforts have been made to discover FBPs and to elucidate the underlying bioactivity mechanisms, there is lack of a systemic study of sequence-structure-activity relationship of FBPs in a large dataset. RESULTS Here, we construct a database of food-derived bioactive peptides (DFBP), containing a total of 6276 peptide entries in 31 types from different sources. Further, we develop a series of analysis tools for function discovery/repurposing, traceability, multifunctional bioactive exploration, and physiochemical property assessment of peptides. Finally, we apply this database and data-mining techniques to discover new FBPs as potential drugs for cardiovascular diseases. The DFBP serves as a useful platform for not only the fundamental understanding of sequence-structure-activity of FBPs, but also the design, discovery, and repurposing of peptide-based drugs, vaccines, materials, and food ingredients. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION DFBP service can be accessed freely via http://www.cqudfbp.net/. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongya Qin
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Weichen Bo
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Xin Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Youjin Hao
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chingqing, 401331, China
| | - Bo Li
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chingqing, 401331, China
| | - Jie Zheng
- Department of Chemical, Biomolecular, and Corrosion Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio, 44325, USA
| | - Guizhao Liang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
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Rani P, Kapoor B, Gulati M, Atanasov AG, Alzahrani Q, Gupta R. Antimicrobial peptides: A plausible approach for COVID-19 treatment. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2022; 17:473-487. [PMID: 35255763 PMCID: PMC8935455 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2022.2050693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which emerged as a major public health threat, has affected >400 million people globally leading to >5 million mortalities to date. Treatments of COVID-19 are still to be developed as the available therapeutic approaches are not able to combat the virus causing the disease (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2; SARS-CoV-2) satisfactorily. However, antiviral peptides (AVPs) have demonstrated prophylactic and therapeutic effects against many coronaviruses (CoVs). AREAS COVERED This review critically discusses various types of AVPs evaluated for the treatment of COVID-19 along with their mechanisms of action. Furthermore, the peptides inhibiting the entry of the virus by targeting its binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) or integrins, fusion mechanism as well as activation of proteolytic enzymes (cathepsin L, transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), or furin) are also discussed. EXPERT OPINION Although extensively investigated, successful treatment of COVID-19 is still a challenge due to emergence of virus mutants. Antiviral peptides are anticipated to be blockbuster drugs for the management of this serious infection because of their formulation and therapeutic advantages. Although they may act on different pathways, AVPs having a multi-targeted approach are considered to have the upper hand in the management of this infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Rani
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, India
| | - Bhupinder Kapoor
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, India
| | - Monica Gulati
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, India
| | - Atanas G. Atanasov
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Digital Health and Patient Safety, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Magdalenka, Poland
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Qushmua Alzahrani
- Department of Pharmacy/Nursing/Medicine Health and Environment, University of the Region of Joinville (UNIVILLE) volunteer researcher, Joinville, Brazil
| | - Reena Gupta
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, India
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Shah M, Ung Moon S, Hyun Kim J, Thanh Thao T, Goo Woo H. SARS-CoV-2 pan-variant inhibitory peptides deter S1-ACE2 interaction and neutralize delta and omicron pseudoviruses. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:2042-2056. [PMID: 35495107 PMCID: PMC9040525 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Approved neutralizing antibodies that target the prototype Spike are losing their potency against the emerging variants of concern (VOCs) of SARS-CoV-2, particularly Omicron. Although SARS-CoV-2 is continuously adapting the host environment, emerging variants recognize the same ACE2 receptor for cell entry. Protein and peptide decoys derived from ACE2 or Spike proteins may hold the pan-variant inhibitory potential. Here, we deployed interactive structure- and pharmacophore-based approaches to design short and stable peptides -Coronavirus Spike Neutralizing Peptides (CSNPs)- capable of neutralizing all SARS-CoV-2 VOCs. After in silico structural stability investigation and free energies perturbation of the isolated and target-bound peptides, nine candidate peptides were evaluated for the biophysical interaction through SPR assay. CSNP1, CSNP2, and Pep1 dose-dependently bind the S1 domain of the prototype Spike, whereas CSNP4 binds both S1 and ACE2. After safety and immunocytochemistry evaluation, peptides were probed for their pan-variant inhibitory effects. CSNP1, CSNP2, and CSNP4 inhibited all VOCs dose-dependently, whereas Pep1 had a moderate effect. CSNP2 and CSNP4 could neutralize the wild-type pseudovirus up to 80 % when treated at 0.5 µM. Furthermore, CSNP4 synergize the neutralization effect of monoclonal antibody and CSNP1 in Delta variant pseudovirus assay as they target different regions on the RBD. Thus, we suggest that CSNPs are SARS-CoV-2 pan-variant inhibitory candidates for COVID-19 therapy, which may pave the way for combating the emerging immune-escaping variants. We also propose that CSNP1/2-CSNP4 peptide cocktail or CSNP1/4 mAbs cocktail with no overlapping epitopes could be effective therapeutic strategies against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaud Shah
- Department of Physiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Ung Moon
- Department of Physiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jang Hyun Kim
- Department of Physiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Trinh Thanh Thao
- Department of Physiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Goo Woo
- Department of Physiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
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65
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Han Y, Yang Z, Hu H, Zhang H, Chen L, Li K, Kong L, Wang Q, Liu B, Wang M, Lin J, Chen PR. Covalently Engineered Protein Minibinders with Enhanced Neutralization Efficacy against Escaping SARS-CoV-2 Variants. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:5702-5707. [PMID: 35212528 PMCID: PMC8905923 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c11554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The rapid emergence and spread of escaping mutations of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has significantly challenged our efforts in fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic. A broadly neutralizing reagent against these concerning variants is thus highly desirable for the prophylactic and therapeutic treatments of SARS-CoV-2 infection. We herein report a covalent engineering strategy on protein minibinders for potent neutralization of the escaping variants such as B.1.617.2 (Delta), B.1.617.1 (Kappa), and B.1.1.529 (Omicron) through in situ cross-linking with the spike receptor binding domain (RBD). The resulting covalent minibinder (GlueBinder) exhibited enhanced blockage of RBD-human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (huACE2) interaction and more potent neutralization effect against the Delta variant than its noncovalent counterpart as demonstrated on authentic virus. By leveraging the covalent chemistry against escaping mutations, our strategy may be generally applicable for restoring and enhancing the potency of neutralizing antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 and other rapidly evolving viral targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Han
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Key
Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education,
Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, College of Chemistry and Molecular
Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871,
China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for
Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing
100871, China
| | - Zhenlin Yang
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Key
Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education,
Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, College of Chemistry and Molecular
Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871,
China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for
Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing
100871, China
| | - Hengrui Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of
Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of
Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
| | - Heng Zhang
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Key
Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education,
Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, College of Chemistry and Molecular
Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871,
China
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory,
Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Long Chen
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Key
Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education,
Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, College of Chemistry and Molecular
Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871,
China
| | - Kexin Li
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for
Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing
100871, China
| | - Linghao Kong
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for
Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing
100871, China
| | - Qianran Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of
Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of
Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Department of Microorganism Engineering,
Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071,
China
| | - Manli Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of
Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of
Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
| | - Jian Lin
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Key
Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education,
Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, College of Chemistry and Molecular
Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871,
China
- Department of Pharmacy, Peking University
Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Peng R. Chen
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Key
Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education,
Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, College of Chemistry and Molecular
Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871,
China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for
Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing
100871, China
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory,
Shenzhen 518055, China
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Sigalov AB. SARS-CoV-2 may affect the immune response via direct inhibition of T cell receptor: Mechanistic hypothesis and rationale. Biochimie 2022; 195:86-89. [PMID: 34793886 PMCID: PMC8591858 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2021.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
During co-evolution with their hosts, many viruses have evolved a membrane fusion mechanism to facilitate host cell entry. Examples are human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronaviruses 1 and 2 (SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2). These viruses can also infect immune cells (e.g., T cells), providing one of the possible mechanisms for the T cell lymphopenia observed in patients with these infections. Previously, we hypothesized and confirmed in vivo that like HIV-1, SARS-CoV-1 can use its fusion domain not only to enter the T cell but also to directly inhibit T cell receptor signaling. Here, based on the analysis of available structural and clinical data, we hypothesize that SARS-CoV-2 may use a similar "disarm the alarm" strategy to suppress immune responses. We also discuss the implications of this hypothesis for better understanding coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pathology, developing effective COVID-19 vaccines and improving clinical outcomes for COVID-19 patients.
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67
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Huang J, Wang J, Li Y, Wang Z, Chu M, Wang Y. Tuftsin: A Natural Molecule Against SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:859162. [PMID: 35402510 PMCID: PMC8984176 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.859162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continuously progresses despite the application of a variety of vaccines. Therefore, it is still imperative to find effective ways for treating COVID-19. Recent studies indicate that NRP1, an important receptor of the natural peptide tuftsin (released from IgG), facilitates SARS-CoV-2 infection. Here, we found 91 overlapping genes between tuftsin targets and COVID-19-associated genes. We have demonstrated that tuftsin could also target ACE2 and exert some immune-related functions. Molecular docking results revealed that tustin could combine with ACE2 and NRP1 in stable structures, and their interacted regions cover the binding surfaces of S1-protein with the two receptors. Using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis, we confirmed that tuftsin can bind ACE2 and NRP1 directly. Importantly, using SPR-based competition assay we have shown here that tuftsin effectively prevented the binding of SARS-CoV-2 S1-protein to ACE2. Collectively, these data suggest that tuftsin is an attractive therapeutic candidate against COVID-19 and can be considered for translational as well as clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahao Huang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University. NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology(Peking University), Beijing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University. NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology(Peking University), Beijing, China
| | - Ziyuan Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University. NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology(Peking University), Beijing, China
| | - Ming Chu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University. NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology(Peking University), Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Ming Chu, ; Yuedan Wang,
| | - Yuedan Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University. NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology(Peking University), Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Ming Chu, ; Yuedan Wang,
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Flores-Holguín N, Frau J, Glossman-Mitnik D. Computational Chemistry Study of Natural Apocarotenoids and Their Synthetic Glycopeptide Conjugates as Therapeutic Drugs. Physiology (Bethesda) 2022. [DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.103130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of the research to be presented in the chapter is the determination of the chemical reactivity properties of some natural apocarotenoids and their synthetic glycopeptide conjugates that could have the ability to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication. The study will be based on the consideration of the Conceptual DFT branch of Density Functional Theory (DFT) through the consideration of particular successful model chemistry which has been demonstrated as satisfying the Janak and Ionization Energy theorems within Generalized Gradient Approximation (GGA) theory. The research will be complemented by a report of the ADMET and pharmacokinetic properties hoping that this information could be of help in the development of new pharmaceutical drugs for fighting COVID-19.
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69
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Abu-Saleh AAAA, Yadav A, Poirier RA. Accelerating the discovery of the beyond rule of five compounds that have high affinities toward SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022; 41:2518-2527. [PMID: 35132950 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2036640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The battle against SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is the focal point for the global pandemic that has affected millions of lives worldwide. The need for effective and selective therapeutics for the treatment of the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 is critical. Herein, we performed a hierarchical computational approach incorporating molecular docking studies, molecular dynamics simulations, absolute binding energy calculations, and steered molecular dynamics simulations for the discovery of potential compounds with high affinity towards SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD. By leveraging ZINC15 database, a total of 1282 in-clinical and FDA approved drugs were filtered out from nearly 0.5 million protomers of relatively large compounds (MW > 500, and LogP ≤ 5). Our results depict plausible mechanistic aspects related to the blockage of SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD by the top hits discovered. We found that the most promising candidates, namely, ZINC95628821, ZINC95617623, ZINC3979524, and ZINC261494658, strongly bind to the spike RBD and interfere with the human ACE2 receptor. These findings accelerate the rational design of selective inhibitors targeting the spike RBD protein of SARS-CoV-2.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arpita Yadav
- Department of Chemistry, University Institute of Engineering & Technology, Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur, India
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Identification of Chicken CD44 as a Novel B Lymphocyte Receptor for Infectious Bursal Disease Virus. J Virol 2022; 96:e0011322. [PMID: 35107370 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00113-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), which targets bursa B lymphocytes, causes severe immunosuppressive disease in chickens, inducing huge economic losses for the poultry industry. To date, the functional receptor for IBDV binding and entry into host cells remains unclear. This study used mass spectrometry to screen host proteins of chicken bursal lymphocytes interacting with VP2. The chicken transmembrane protein cluster of differentiation 44 (chCD44) was identified and evaluated for its interaction with IBDV VP2, the major capsid protein. Overexpression and knockdown experiments showed that chCD44 promotes replication of IBDV. Furthermore, soluble chCD44 and the anti-chCD44 antibody blocked virus binding. The results of receptor reconstitution indicated that chCD44 overexpression conferred viral binding capability in non-permissive cells. More important, although we found that IBDV could not replicate in the chCD44-overexpressed non-permissive cells, the virus could enter non-permissive cells using chCD44. Our finding reveals that chCD44 is a cellular receptor for IBDV, facilitating virus binding and entry in target cells by interacting with the IBDV VP2 protein. IMPORTANCE IBDV causes severe immunosuppressive disease in chickens, inducing huge economic losses for the poultry industry. However, the specific mechanism of IBDV invading host cells of IBDV was not very clear. This study shed light on which cellular protein component IBDV is used to bind and/or enter B lymphocytes. The results of our study revealed that chCD44 could promote both the binding and entry ability of IBDV in B lymphocytes, acting as a cellular receptor for IBDV. Besides, this is the first report about chicken CD44 function in viral replication. Our study impacts the understanding of the IBDV binding and entry process and sets the stage for further elucidation of the infection mechanism of IBDV.
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Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike (S) glycoprotein mediates viral entry and membrane fusion. Its cleavage at S1/S2 and S2′ sites during the biosynthesis in virus producer cells and viral entry are critical for viral infection and transmission. In contrast, the biological significance of the junction region between both cleavage sites for S protein synthesis and function is less understood. By analyzing the conservation and structure of S protein, we found that intrachain contacts formed by the conserved tyrosine (Y) residue 756 (Y756) with three α-helices contribute to the spike’s conformational stability. When Y756 is mutated to an amino acid residue that can provide hydrogen bonds, S protein could be expressed as a cleaved form, but not vice versa. Also, the L753 mutation linked to the Y756 hydrogen bond prevents the S protein from being cleaved. Y756 and L753 mutations alter S protein subcellular localization. Importantly, Y756 and L753 mutations are demonstrated to reduce the infectivity of the SARS-CoV-2 pseudoviruses by interfering with the incorporation of S protein into pseudovirus particles and causing the pseudoviruses to lose their sensitivity to neutralizing antibodies. Furthermore, both mutations affect the assembly and production of SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particles in cell culture. Together, our findings reveal for the first time a critical role for the conserved L753-LQ-Y756 motif between S1/S2 and S2′ cleavage sites in S protein synthesis and processing as well as virus assembly and infection. IMPORTANCE The continuous emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants such as the delta or lambda lineage caused the continuation of the COVID-19 epidemic and challenged the effectiveness of the existing vaccines. Logically, the spike (S) protein mutation has attracted much concern. However, the key amino acids in S protein for its structure and function are still not very clear. In this study, we discovered for the first time that the conserved residues Y756 and L753 at the junction between the S1/S2 and S2′ sites are very important, like the S2′ cleavage site R815, for the synthesis and processing of S protein such as protease cleavage, and that the mutations severely interfered with the incorporation of S protein into pseudotyped virus particles and SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particles. Consequently, we delineate the novel potential target for the design of broad-spectrum antiviral drugs in the future, especially in the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants.
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Manavalan B, Basith S, Lee G. Comparative analysis of machine learning-based approaches for identifying therapeutic peptides targeting SARS-CoV-2. Brief Bioinform 2022; 23:bbab412. [PMID: 34595489 PMCID: PMC8500067 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbab412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has impacted public health as well as societal and economic well-being. In the last two decades, various prediction algorithms and tools have been developed for predicting antiviral peptides (AVPs). The current COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the need to develop more efficient and accurate machine learning (ML)-based prediction algorithms for the rapid identification of therapeutic peptides against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Several peptide-based ML approaches, including anti-coronavirus peptides (ACVPs), IL-6 inducing epitopes and other epitopes targeting SARS-CoV-2, have been implemented in COVID-19 therapeutics. Owing to the growing interest in the COVID-19 field, it is crucial to systematically compare the existing ML algorithms based on their performances. Accordingly, we comprehensively evaluated the state-of-the-art IL-6 and AVP predictors against coronaviruses in terms of core algorithms, feature encoding schemes, performance evaluation metrics and software usability. A comprehensive performance assessment was then conducted to evaluate the robustness and scalability of the existing predictors using well-constructed independent validation datasets. Additionally, we discussed the advantages and disadvantages of the existing methods, providing useful insights into the development of novel computational tools for characterizing and identifying epitopes or ACVPs. The insights gained from this review are anticipated to provide critical guidance to the scientific community in the rapid design and development of accurate and efficient next-generation in silico tools against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shaherin Basith
- Department of Physiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Korea
| | - Gwang Lee
- Department of Physiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Korea
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73
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Jawad B, Adhikari P, Cheng K, Podgornik R, Ching WY. Computational Design of Miniproteins as SARS-CoV-2 Therapeutic Inhibitors. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:838. [PMID: 35055023 PMCID: PMC8776159 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A rational therapeutic strategy is urgently needed for combating SARS-CoV-2 infection. Viral infection initiates when the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) binds to the ACE2 receptor, and thus, inhibiting RBD is a promising therapeutic for blocking viral entry. In this study, the structure of lead antiviral candidate binder (LCB1), which has three alpha-helices (H1, H2, and H3), is used as a template to design and simulate several miniprotein RBD inhibitors. LCB1 undergoes two modifications: structural modification by truncation of the H3 to reduce its size, followed by single and double amino acid substitutions to enhance its binding with RBD. We use molecular dynamics (MD) simulations supported by ab initio density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Complete binding profiles of all miniproteins with RBD have been determined. The MD investigations reveal that the H3 truncation results in a small inhibitor with a -1.5 kcal/mol tighter binding to RBD than original LCB1, while the best miniprotein with higher binding affinity involves D17R or E11V + D17R mutation. DFT calculations provide atomic-scale details on the role of hydrogen bonding and partial charge distribution in stabilizing the minibinder:RBD complex. This study provides insights into general principles for designing potential therapeutics for SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahaa Jawad
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA; (B.J.); (P.A.)
- Department of Applied Sciences, University of Technology, Baghdad 10066, Iraq
| | - Puja Adhikari
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA; (B.J.); (P.A.)
| | - Kun Cheng
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA;
| | - Rudolf Podgornik
- Wenzhou Institute of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325000, China;
- School of Physical Sciences and Kavli Institute of Theoretical Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100090, China
| | - Wai-Yim Ching
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA; (B.J.); (P.A.)
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74
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Hudák A, Veres G, Letoha A, Szilák L, Letoha T. Syndecan-4 Is a Key Facilitator of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant's Superior Transmission. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:796. [PMID: 35054983 PMCID: PMC8775852 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants pose threats to vaccination campaigns against COVID-19. Being more transmissible than the original virus, the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617 lineage, named the Delta variant, swept through the world in 2021. The mutations in the Delta's spike protein shift the protein towards a net positive electrostatic potential. To understand the key molecular drivers of the Delta infection, we investigate the cellular uptake of the Delta spike protein and Delta spike-bearing SARS-CoV-2 pseudoviruses. Specific in vitro modification of ACE2 and syndecan expression enabled us to demonstrate that syndecan-4, the syndecan isoform abundant in the lung, enhances the transmission of the Delta variant by attaching its mutated spike glycoprotein and facilitating its cellular entry. Compared to the wild-type spike, the Delta one shows a higher affinity towards heparan sulfate proteoglycans than towards ACE2. In addition to attachment to the polyanionic heparan sulfate chains, the Delta spike's molecular interactions with syndecan-4 also involve syndecan-4's cell-binding domain that mediates cell-to-cell adhesion. Regardless of the complexity of these interactions, exogenously added heparin blocks Delta's cellular entry as efficiently as syndecan-4 knockdown. Therefore, a profound understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying Delta infections enables the development of molecularly targeted yet simple strategies to reduce the Delta variant's spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anett Hudák
- Pharmacoidea Ltd., 6726 Szeged, Hungary; (A.H.); (G.V.); (L.S.)
| | - Gábor Veres
- Pharmacoidea Ltd., 6726 Szeged, Hungary; (A.H.); (G.V.); (L.S.)
| | - Annamária Letoha
- Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary;
| | - László Szilák
- Pharmacoidea Ltd., 6726 Szeged, Hungary; (A.H.); (G.V.); (L.S.)
| | - Tamás Letoha
- Pharmacoidea Ltd., 6726 Szeged, Hungary; (A.H.); (G.V.); (L.S.)
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75
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Behzadipour Y, Hemmati S. Viral Prefusion Targeting Using Entry Inhibitor Peptides: The Case of SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza A virus. Int J Pept Res Ther 2022; 28:42. [PMID: 35002586 PMCID: PMC8722418 DOI: 10.1007/s10989-021-10357-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In this study, peptide entry inhibitors against the fusion processes of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SCV2) and influenza A virus (IAV) were designed and evaluated. Fusion inhibitor peptides targeting the conformational shift of the viral fusion protein were designed based on the relatively conserved sequence of HR2 from SCV2 spike protein and the conserved fusion peptide from hemagglutinin (HA) of IAV. Helical HR2 peptides bind more efficiently to HR1 trimer, while helical amphipathic anti-IAV peptides have higher cell penetration and endosomal uptake. The initial sequences were mutated by increasing the amphipathicity, using helix favoring residues, and residues likely to form salt- and disulfide-bridges. After docking against their targets, all anti-SCV2 designed peptides bonded with the HR1 3-helical bundle's hydrophobic crevice, while AntiSCV2P1, AntiSCV2P3, AntiSCV2P7, and AntiSCV2P8 expected to form coiled coils with at least one of the HR1 strands. Four of the designed anti-IAV peptides were cell-penetrating (AntiIAVP2, AntiIAVP3, AntiIAVP4, AntiIAVP7). All of them interacted with the fusion peptide of HA and some of the residues in the conserved hydrophobic pocket of HA2 in H1N1, H3N1, and H5N1 subtypes of IAV. AntiIAVP3 and AntiIAVP4 peptides had the best binding to HA2 conserved hydrophobic pocket, while, AntiIAVP2 and AntiIAVP6 showed the best binding to the fusion peptide region. According to analyses for in-vivo administration, AntiSCV2P1, AntiSCV2P7, AntiIAVP2, and AntiIAVP7 were the best candidates. AntiSCV2 and AntiIAV peptides were also conjugated using an in vivo cleavable linker sensitive to TMPRSS2 applicable as a single therapeutic in coinfections or uncertain diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasaman Behzadipour
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 71345-1583, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shiva Hemmati
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 71345-1583, Shiraz, Iran.,Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Biotechnology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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76
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Wang Y, Cao Y, Ji X, Li T, Xue L, Li C, Jia R, Ding H. The Novel Peptide AEDPPE Alleviates Trophoblast Cell Dysfunction Associated With Preeclampsia by Regulating the NF-κB Signaling Pathway. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 8:738378. [PMID: 34977169 PMCID: PMC8719592 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.738378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Preeclampsia (PE) is a serious risk to the health of pregnant women and fetuses during pregnancy, and there is no effective treatment for this condition. Although many reports have confirmed the therapeutic effects of peptides in diseases, the role of peptides in PE remains poorly understood. Methods: A differentially expressed peptide in PE (AEDPPE) is derived from heat-shock protein beta-1 (HSPB1), amino acids 100 to 109 (DVNHFAPDEL), which we identified in a previous study. We synthesized AEDPPE and investigated its effect on HTR-8/SVneo cell function using a Cell Counting Kit-8, flow cytometric assay, and Transwell and wound-healing assays. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and ELISA were used to determine cytokine expression. Pull-down assay, mass spectrometry, Western blot analysis, and immunofluorescence were used to explore the potential targets and signaling pathways regulated by AEDPPE. Finally, we assessed the effect of AEDPPE in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced PE-like rat model. Results: AEDPPE significantly promoted the migration and invasion of HTR-8/SVneo cells, and it decreased the expression of interleukins 1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and interleukin 8 (IL-8). These functions performed by AEDPPE remained evident after injury to HTR-8/SVneo cells with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and AEDPPE reversed the elevated sFlt-1/PlGF ratio induced by TNF-α. AEDPPE may exert these biological effects by binding to heat-shock protein 90β (HSP 90β) and, thus, affect the NF-κB signaling pathway. In an LPS-induced PE-like rat model, AEDPPE significantly improved PE symptoms and fetal rat outcomes. Conclusion: Our study showed that AEDPPE enhanced trophoblast migration and invasion and reduced inflammatory cytokine expression, and we hypothesized that these actions involved the NF-κB signaling pathway. The use of AEDPPE may thus develop into a novel modality in the treatment of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixiao Wang
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Cao
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaohong Ji
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Ting Li
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Lu Xue
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Chanjuan Li
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Ruizhe Jia
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongjuan Ding
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
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77
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Vanzolini T, Bruschi M, Rinaldi AC, Magnani M, Fraternale A. Multitalented Synthetic Antimicrobial Peptides and Their Antibacterial, Antifungal and Antiviral Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:545. [PMID: 35008974 PMCID: PMC8745555 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the great strides in healthcare during the last century, some challenges still remained unanswered. The development of multi-drug resistant bacteria, the alarming growth of fungal infections, the emerging/re-emerging of viral diseases are yet a worldwide threat. Since the discovery of natural antimicrobial peptides able to broadly hit several pathogens, peptide-based therapeutics have been under the lenses of the researchers. This review aims to focus on synthetic peptides and elucidate their multifaceted mechanisms of action as antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal agents. Antimicrobial peptides generally affect highly preserved structures, e.g., the phospholipid membrane via pore formation or other constitutive targets like peptidoglycans in Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, and glucan in the fungal cell wall. Additionally, some peptides are particularly active on biofilm destabilizing the microbial communities. They can also act intracellularly, e.g., on protein biosynthesis or DNA replication. Their intracellular properties are extended upon viral infection since peptides can influence several steps along the virus life cycle starting from viral receptor-cell interaction to the budding. Besides their mode of action, improvements in manufacturing to increase their half-life and performances are also taken into consideration together with advantages and impairments in the clinical usage. Thus far, the progress of new synthetic peptide-based approaches is making them a promising tool to counteract emerging infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Vanzolini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, PU, Italy; (T.V.); (M.M.); (A.F.)
| | - Michela Bruschi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, PU, Italy; (T.V.); (M.M.); (A.F.)
| | - Andrea C. Rinaldi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy;
| | - Mauro Magnani
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, PU, Italy; (T.V.); (M.M.); (A.F.)
| | - Alessandra Fraternale
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, PU, Italy; (T.V.); (M.M.); (A.F.)
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78
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Su S, Xu W, Jiang S. Virus Entry Inhibitors: Past, Present, and Future. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1366:1-13. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-16-8702-0_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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79
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Tallei TE, Fatimawali, Adam AA, Elseehy MM, El-Shehawi AM, Mahmoud EA, Tania AD, Niode NJ, Kusumawaty D, Rahimah S, Effendi Y, Idroes R, Celik I, Hossain MJ, Emran TB. Fruit Bromelain-Derived Peptide Potentially Restrains the Attachment of SARS-CoV-2 Variants to hACE2: A Pharmacoinformatics Approach. Molecules 2022; 27:260. [PMID: 35011492 PMCID: PMC8746556 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27010260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Before entering the cell, the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein receptor-binding domain (RBD) binds to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) receptor. Hence, this RBD is a critical target for the development of antiviral agents. Recent studies have discovered that SARS-CoV-2 variants with mutations in the RBD have spread globally. The purpose of this in silico study was to determine the potential of a fruit bromelain-derived peptide. DYGAVNEVK. to inhibit the entry of various SARS-CoV-2 variants into human cells by targeting the hACE binding site within the RBD. Molecular docking analysis revealed that DYGAVNEVK interacts with several critical RBD binding residues responsible for the adhesion of the RBD to hACE2. Moreover, 100 ns MD simulations revealed stable interactions between DYGAVNEVK and RBD variants derived from the trajectory of root-mean-square deviation (RMSD), radius of gyration (Rg), and root-mean-square fluctuation (RMSF) analysis, as well as free binding energy calculations. Overall, our computational results indicate that DYGAVNEVK warrants further investigation as a candidate for preventing SARS-CoV-2 due to its interaction with the RBD of SARS-CoV-2 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trina Ekawati Tallei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Sam Ratulangi University, Manado 95115, Indonesia
- The University Centre of Excellence for Biotechnology and Conservation of Wallacea, Institute for Research and Community Services, Sam Ratulangi University, Manado 95115, Indonesia; (F.); (N.J.N.)
| | - Fatimawali
- The University Centre of Excellence for Biotechnology and Conservation of Wallacea, Institute for Research and Community Services, Sam Ratulangi University, Manado 95115, Indonesia; (F.); (N.J.N.)
- Pharmacy Study Program, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Sam Ratulangi University, Manado 95115, Indonesia;
| | - Ahmad Akroman Adam
- Dentistry Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Sam Ratulangi University, Manado 95115, Indonesia;
| | - Mona M. Elseehy
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Alexandria, Alexandria 21545, Egypt;
| | - Ahmed M. El-Shehawi
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Eman A. Mahmoud
- Department of Food Industries, Faculty of Agriculture, Damietta University, Damietta 34511, Egypt;
| | - Adinda Dwi Tania
- Pharmacy Study Program, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Sam Ratulangi University, Manado 95115, Indonesia;
| | - Nurdjannah Jane Niode
- The University Centre of Excellence for Biotechnology and Conservation of Wallacea, Institute for Research and Community Services, Sam Ratulangi University, Manado 95115, Indonesia; (F.); (N.J.N.)
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sam Ratulangi, RD Kandou Hospital, Manado 95163, Indonesia
| | - Diah Kusumawaty
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences Education, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Bandung 40154, Indonesia;
| | - Souvia Rahimah
- Food Technology Study Program, Department of Food Industrial Technology, Faculty of Agroindustrial Technology, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor 45363, Indonesia;
| | - Yunus Effendi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Al-Azhar Indonesia University, Jakarta 12110, Indonesia;
| | - Rinaldi Idroes
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Kopelma Darussalam, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia;
| | - Ismail Celik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Erciyes University, Kayseri 38039, Turkey;
| | - Md. Jamal Hossain
- Department of Pharmacy, State University of Bangladesh, 77 Satmasjid Road, Dhanmondi, Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh;
| | - Talha Bin Emran
- Department of Pharmacy, BGC Trust University Bangladesh, Chittagong 4381, Bangladesh
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80
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Rajpoot S, Solanki K, Kumar A, Zhang KYJ, Pullamsetti SS, Savai R, Faisal SM, Pan Q, Baig MS. In-Silico Design of a Novel Tridecapeptide Targeting Spike Protein of SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern. Int J Pept Res Ther 2021; 28:28. [PMID: 34924897 PMCID: PMC8667532 DOI: 10.1007/s10989-021-10339-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Several mutations in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have increased the transmission and mortality rate of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) across the globe. Although many vaccines have been developed, a large proportion of the global population remains at high risk of infection. The current study aims to develop an antiviral peptide capable of inhibiting the interaction of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and its six major variants with the host cell angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. An in-silico approach was employed to design a therapeutic peptide inhibitor against the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants (B.1.1.7, B.1.351, P.1, B.1.617.1, B.1.617.2 and B.1.617.3). The binding specificity and affinity of our designed peptide inhibitor Mod13AApi (YADKYQKQYKDAY) with wild-type S-RBD and its six variants was confirmed by molecular docking using the HPEPDOCK tool, whereas complex stability was determined by the MD simulation study. The physicochemical and ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) properties of inhibitory peptides were determined using the ExPASy tool and pkCSM server. The docking results and its properties from our in-silico analysis present the Mod13AApi, a promising peptide for the rapid development of anti-coronavirus peptide-based antiviral therapy. Blockage of the binding of the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 variants with ACE2 in the presence of the therapeutic peptide may prevent deadly SARS-CoV-2 variants entry into host cells. Therefore, the designed inhibitory peptide can be utilized as a promising therapeutic strategy to combat COVID-19, as evident from this in-silico study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajjan Rajpoot
- Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering (BSBE), Indian Institute of Technology Indore (IITI), Simrol, Indore, 453552 India
| | - Kundan Solanki
- Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering (BSBE), Indian Institute of Technology Indore (IITI), Simrol, Indore, 453552 India
| | - Ashutosh Kumar
- Laboratory for Structural Bioinformatics, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, Tsurumi, Yokohama, Kanagawa Japan
| | - Kam Y J Zhang
- Laboratory for Structural Bioinformatics, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, Tsurumi, Yokohama, Kanagawa Japan
| | - Soni Savai Pullamsetti
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), 61231 Bad Nauheim, Hessen Germany.,Institute for Lung Health (ILH), Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Hessen Germany
| | - Rajkumar Savai
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), 61231 Bad Nauheim, Hessen Germany.,Institute for Lung Health (ILH), Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Hessen Germany
| | - Syed M Faisal
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB), Hyderabad, Telangana India
| | - Qiuwei Pan
- Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Mirza S Baig
- Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering (BSBE), Indian Institute of Technology Indore (IITI), Simrol, Indore, 453552 India
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81
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Dutta K, Elmezayen AD, Al-Obaidi A, Zhu W, Morozova OV, Shityakov S, Khalifa I. Seq12, Seq12m, and Seq13m, peptide analogues of the spike glycoprotein shows antiviral properties against SARS-CoV-2: An in silico study through molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and MM-PB/GBSA calculations. J Mol Struct 2021; 1246:131113. [PMID: 34305174 PMCID: PMC8283670 DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2021.131113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
At the very beginning of the new decade, the COVID-19 pandemic has badly hit modern human societies. SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19 acquiring mutations and circulating as new variants. Herein, we have found three new antiviral peptides (AVPs) against the SARS-CoV-2. These AVPs are analogous to the spike glycoprotein of the SARS-CoV-2. Antiviral peptides, i.e., Seq12, Seq12m, and Seq13m, can block the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2, which is necessary for communicating with the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Also, these AVPs sustain their antiviral properties, even after the insertion of 25 mutations in the RBD (Rosetta and FoldX based). Further, Seq12 and Seq12m showed negligible cytotoxicity. Besides, the binding free energies calculated using MM-PB/GBSA method are also in agreement with the molecular docking studies. The molecular interactions between AVPs and the viral membrane protein (M) also showed a favorable interaction suggesting it could inhibit the viral re-packaging process. In conclusion, this study suggests Seq12, Seq12m, and Seq13m could be helpful to fight against SARS-CoV-2. These AVPs could also aid virus diagnostic tools and nasal spray against SARS-CoV-2 in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunal Dutta
- Department of Human Physiology, Vidyasagar University, Midnapore 721102, West Bengal, India
| | - Ammar D Elmezayen
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genetics, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Kadir Has University, Cibali 34083, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Anas Al-Obaidi
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genetics, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Kadir Has University, Cibali 34083, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Wei Zhu
- College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Environment Correlative Food Science, Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Olga V Morozova
- I.N. Blokhina Nizhny Novgorod Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, 71 Malaya Yamskaya Str., Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russian Federation
| | - Sergey Shityakov
- Laboratory of Chemoinformatics, Infochemistry Scientific Center, ITMO University, 191002 Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Ibrahim Khalifa
- Food Technology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Moshtohor 13736, Benha University, Egypt
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82
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Efaz FM, Islam S, Talukder SA, Akter S, Tashrif MZ, Ali MA, Sufian MA, Parves MR, Islam MJ, Halim MA. Repurposing fusion inhibitor peptide against SARS-CoV-2. J Comput Chem 2021; 42:2283-2293. [PMID: 34591335 DOI: 10.1002/jcc.26758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is continuously evolving. Although several vaccines were approved, this pandemic is still a major threat to public life. Till date, no established therapies are available against SARS-CoV-2. Peptide inhibitors hold great promise for this viral pathogen due to their efficacy, safety, and specificity. In this study, seventeen antiviral peptides which were known to inhibit SARS-CoV-1 are collected and computationally screened against heptad repeat 1 (HR1) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S2). Out of 17 peptides, Fp13 and Fp14 showed better binding affinity toward HR1 compared to a control peptide EK1 (a modified pan-coronavirus fusion inhibitor) in molecular docking. To explore the time-dependent interactions of the fusion peptide with HR1, molecular dynamics simulation was performed incorporating lipid membrane. During 100 ns MD simulation, structural and energy parameters of Fp13-HR1 and Fp14-HR1 complexes demonstrated lower fluctuations compared to the control EK1-HR1 complex. Furthermore, principal component analysis and free energy landscape study revealed that these two peptides (Fp13 and Fp14) strongly bind to the HR1 with higher affinity than that of control EK1. Tyr917, Asn919, Gln926, lys933, and Gln949 residues in HR1 protein were found to be crucial residues for peptide interaction. Notably, Fp13, Fp14 showed reasonably better binding free energy and hydrogen bond contribution than that of EK1. Taken together, Fp13 and Fp14 peptides may be highly specific for HR1 which can potentially prevent the formation of the fusion core and could be further developed as therapeutics for treatment or prophylaxis of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faiyaz Md Efaz
- Division of Infectious disease and Division of Computer Aided Drug Design, The Red-Green Research Centre, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shafiqul Islam
- Division of Infectious disease and Division of Computer Aided Drug Design, The Red-Green Research Centre, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shafi Ahmad Talukder
- Division of Infectious disease and Division of Computer Aided Drug Design, The Red-Green Research Centre, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shaila Akter
- Division of Infectious disease and Division of Computer Aided Drug Design, The Red-Green Research Centre, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Zakaria Tashrif
- Division of Infectious disease and Division of Computer Aided Drug Design, The Red-Green Research Centre, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Ackas Ali
- Division of Infectious disease and Division of Computer Aided Drug Design, The Red-Green Research Centre, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Abu Sufian
- School of Pharmacy, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Md Rimon Parves
- Division of Infectious disease and Division of Computer Aided Drug Design, The Red-Green Research Centre, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Jahirul Islam
- Division of Infectious disease and Division of Computer Aided Drug Design, The Red-Green Research Centre, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad A Halim
- Department of Physical Sciences, University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, Fort Smith, Arkansas, USA.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, Georgia, USA
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83
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Zheng M, Cong W, Peng H, Qing J, Shen H, Tang Y, Geng C, Chen S, Zou Y, Zhang WD, Hu HG, Li X. Stapled Peptides Targeting SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein HR1 Inhibit the Fusion of Virus to Its Cell Receptor. J Med Chem 2021; 64:17486-17495. [PMID: 34818014 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The pandemic of acute respiratory disease in 2019 caused by highly pathogenic and infectious SARS-CoV-2 has seriously endangered human public safety. The 6-HB (HR1-HR2 complex) formation occurring in the process of spike protein-mediated membrane fusion could serve as a conserved and potential target for the design of fusion inhibitors. Based on the HR2 domain of 6-HB, we designed and synthesized 32 stapled peptides using an all-hydrocarbon peptide stapling strategy. Owing to the improved proteolytic stability and higher helical contents, the optimized stapled peptides termed SCH2-1-20 and SCH2-1-27 showed better inhibitory activities against pseudo and authentic SARS-CoV-2 compared to the linear counterpart. Of note, SCH2-1-20 and SCH2-1-27 were proved to interfere with S protein-mediated membrane fusion. Structural modeling indicated similar binding modes between SCH2-1-20 and the linear peptide. These optimized stapled peptides could serve as potent fusion inhibitors in treating and preventing SARS-CoV-2, and the corresponding SAR could facilitate further optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjun Zheng
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Wei Cong
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Haoran Peng
- Department of Microbiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jie Qing
- Research Center of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Affiliated Traditional Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Huaxing Shen
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Yaxin Tang
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Chenchen Geng
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Si Chen
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Yan Zou
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Wei-Dong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Hong-Gang Hu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Xiang Li
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
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84
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Potential of cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) in delivery of antiviral therapeutics and vaccines. Eur J Pharm Sci 2021; 169:106094. [PMID: 34896590 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2021.106094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Viral infections are a great threat to human health. Currently, there are no effective vaccines and antiviral drugs against the majority of viral diseases, suggesting the need to develop novel and effective antiviral agents. Since the intracellular delivery of antiviral agents, particularly the impermeable molecules, such as peptides, proteins, and nucleic acids, are essential to exert their therapeutic effects, using a delivery system is highly required. Among various delivery systems, cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), a group of short peptides with the unique ability of crossing cell membrane, offer great potential for the intracellular delivery of various biologically active cargoes. The results of numerous in vitro and in vivo studies with CPP conjugates demonstrate their promise as therapeutic agents in various medical fields including antiviral therapy. The CPP-mediated delivery of various antiviral agents including peptides, proteins, nucleic acids, and nanocarriers have been associated with therapeutic efficacy both in vitro and in vivo. This review describes various aspects of viruses including their biology, pathogenesis, and therapy and briefly discusses the concept of CPP and its potential in drug delivery. Particularly, it will highlight a variety of CPP applications in the management of viral infections.
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85
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Rabbani G, Ahn SN, Kwon H, Ahmad K, Choi I. Penta-peptide ATN-161 based neutralization mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Biochem Biophys Rep 2021; 28:101170. [PMID: 34778573 PMCID: PMC8578017 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2021.101170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 has become a big challenge for the scientific community worldwide. SARS-CoV-2 enters into the host cell by the spike protein binding with an ACE2 receptor present on the host cell. Developing safe and effective inhibitor appears an urgent need to interrupt the binding of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein with ACE2 receptor in order to reduce the SARS-CoV-2 infection. We have examined the penta-peptide ATN-161 as potential inhibitor of ACE2 and SARS-CoV-2 spike protein binding, where ATN-161 has been commercially approved for the safety and possess high affinity and specificity towards the receptor binding domain (RBD) of S1 subunit in SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. We carried out experiments and confirmed these phenomena that the virus bindings were indeed minimized. ATN-161 peptide can be used as an inhibitor of protein-protein interaction (PPI) stands as a crucial interaction in biological systems. The molecular docking finding suggests that the binding energy of the ACE2-spike protein complex is reduced in the presence of ATN-161. Protein-protein docking binding energy (-40.50 kcal/mol) of the spike glycoprotein toward the human ACE2 and binding of ATN-161 at their binding interface reduced the biding energy (-26.25 kcal/mol). The finding of this study suggests that ATN-161 peptide can mask the RBD of the spike protein and be considered as a neutralizing candidate by binding with the ACE2 receptor. Peptide-based masking of spike S1 protein (RBD) and its neutralization is a highly promising strategy to prevent virus penetration into the host cell. Thus masking of the RBD leads to the loss of receptor recognition property which can reduce the chance of infection host cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulam Rabbani
- Nano Diagnostics & Devices (NDD), IT-Medical Fusion Center, 350-27 Gumidae-ro, Gumi-si, Gyeongbuk, 39253, Republic of Korea
| | - Saeyoung Nate Ahn
- Nano Diagnostics & Devices (NDD), IT-Medical Fusion Center, 350-27 Gumidae-ro, Gumi-si, Gyeongbuk, 39253, Republic of Korea
- Fuzbien Technology Institute, 13 Taft Court, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Hyunhwa Kwon
- Nano Diagnostics & Devices (NDD), IT-Medical Fusion Center, 350-27 Gumidae-ro, Gumi-si, Gyeongbuk, 39253, Republic of Korea
| | - Khurshid Ahmad
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Inho Choi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea
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86
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Pant S, Jena NR. Inhibition of the RNA-dependent RNA Polymerase of the SARS-CoV-2 by Short Peptide Inhibitors. Eur J Pharm Sci 2021; 167:106012. [PMID: 34543728 PMCID: PMC8445883 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2021.106012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The rapid proliferation of SARS-CoV-2 in COVID-19 patients has become detrimental to their lives. However, blocking the replication cycle of SARS-CoV-2 will help in suppressing the viral loads in patients, which would ultimately help in the early recovery. To discover such drugs, molecular docking, MD-simulations, and MM/GBSA approaches have been used herein to examine the role of several short ionic peptides in inhibiting the RNA binding site of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). Out of the 49 tri- and tetrapeptide inhibitors studied, 8 inhibitors were found to bind RdRp strongly as revealed by the docking studies. Among these inhibitors, the Ala1-Arg2-Lys3-Asp4 and Ala1-Lys2-Lys3-Asp4 are found to make the most stable complexes with RdRp and possess the ΔGbind of -17.41 and -14.21 kcal/mol respectively as revealed by the MD and MM/GBSA studies. Hence these peptide inhibitors would be highly potent in inhibiting the activities of RdRp. It is further found that these inhibitors can occupy the positions of the nucleotide triphosphate (NTP) insertion site, thereby inhibiting the replication of the viral genome by obstructing the synthesis of new nucleotides. Structural and energetic comparisons of these inhibitors with Remdesivir and similar nucleotide drugs show that these peptides would be more specific and hence may act as promiscuous antiviral agents against RdRp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suyash Pant
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Kolkata, Maniktala Main Road, 700054, Kolkata, WB, India
| | - N R Jena
- Discipline of Natural Sciences, Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design, and Manufacturing, Dumna Airport Road, Jabalpur-482005, India.
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87
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Kuroki A, Tay J, Lee GH, Yang YY. Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Peptides and Polymers. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2101113. [PMID: 34599850 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202101113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
As the human cost of the pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is still being witnessed worldwide, the development of broad-spectrum antiviral agents against emerging and re-emerging viruses is seen as a necessity to hamper the spread of infections. Various targets during the viral life-cycle can be considered to inhibit viral infection, from viral attachment to viral fusion or replication. Macromolecules represent a particularly attractive class of therapeutics due to their multivalency and versatility. Although several antiviral macromolecules hold great promise in clinical applications, the emergence of resistance after prolonged exposure urges the need for improved solutions. In the present article, the recent advancement in the discovery of antiviral peptides and polymers with diverse structural features and antiviral mechanisms is reviewed. Future perspectives, such as, the development of virucidal peptides/polymers and their coatings against SARS-CoV-2 infection, standardization of antiviral testing protocols, and use of artificial intelligence or machine learning as a tool to accelerate the discovery of antiviral macromolecules, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnès Kuroki
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine National University of Singapore Singapore 117597 Singapore
- Institute of Bioengineering and Bioimaging 31 Biopolis Ways, The Nanos Singapore 138669 Singapore
| | - Joyce Tay
- Institute of Bioengineering and Bioimaging 31 Biopolis Ways, The Nanos Singapore 138669 Singapore
| | - Guan Huei Lee
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine National University of Singapore Singapore 117597 Singapore
| | - Yi Yan Yang
- Institute of Bioengineering and Bioimaging 31 Biopolis Ways, The Nanos Singapore 138669 Singapore
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88
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Acharya A, Pandey K, Thurman M, Klug E, Trivedi J, Sharma K, Lorson CL, Singh K, Byrareddy SN. Discovery and Evaluation of Entry Inhibitors for SARS-CoV-2 and Its Emerging Variants. J Virol 2021; 95:e0143721. [PMID: 34550770 PMCID: PMC8610590 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01437-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic. Despite unprecedented research and developmental efforts, SARS-CoV-2-specific antivirals are still unavailable for the treatment of COVID-19. In most instances, SARS-CoV-2 infection initiates with the binding of Spike glycoprotein to the host cell ACE2 receptor. Utilizing the crystal structure of the ACE2/Spike receptor-binding domain (S-RBD) complex (PDB file 6M0J) in a computer-aided drug design approach, we identified and validated five potential inhibitors of S-RBD and ACE-2 interaction. Two of the five compounds, MU-UNMC-1 and MU-UNMC-2, blocked the entry of pseudovirus particles expressing SARS-CoV-2 Spike glycoprotein. In live SARS-CoV-2 infection assays, both compounds showed antiviral activity with IC50 values in the micromolar range (MU-UNMC-1: IC50 = 0.67 μM and MU-UNMC-2: IC50 = 1.72 μM) in human bronchial epithelial cells. Furthermore, MU-UNMC-1 and MU-UNMC-2 effectively blocked the replication of rapidly transmitting variants of concern: South African variant B.1.351 (IC50 = 9.27 and 3.00 μM) and Scotland variant B.1.222 (IC50 = 2.64 and 1.39 μM), respectively. Following these assays, we conducted "induced-fit (flexible) docking" to understand the binding mode of MU-UNMC-1/MU-UNMC-2 at the S-RBD/ACE2 interface. Our data showed that mutation N501Y (present in B.1.351 variant) alters the binding mode of MU-UNMC-2 such that it is partially exposed to the solvent and has reduced polar contacts. Finally, MU-UNMC-2 displayed high synergy with remdesivir, the only approved drug for treating hospitalized COVID-19 patients. IMPORTANCE The ongoing coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is caused by a novel coronavirus named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). More than 207 million people have been infected globally, and 4.3 million have died due to this viral outbreak. While a few vaccines have been deployed, a SARS-CoV-2-specific antiviral for the treatment of COVID-19 is yet to be approved. As the interaction of SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein with ACE2 is critical for cellular entry, using a combination of a computer-aided drug design (CADD) approach and cell-based in vitro assays, we report the identification of five potential SARS-CoV-2 entry inhibitors. Out of the five, two compounds (MU-UNMC-1 and MU-UNMC-2) have antiviral activity against ancestral SARS-CoV-2 and emerging variants from South Africa and Scotland. Furthermore, MU-UNMC-2 acts synergistically with remdesivir (RDV), suggesting that RDV and MU-UNMC-2 can be developed as a combination therapy to treat COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpan Acharya
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Kabita Pandey
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Michellie Thurman
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Elizabeth Klug
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Jay Trivedi
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Kalicharan Sharma
- Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi, India
| | - Christian L. Lorson
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Kamal Singh
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Siddappa N. Byrareddy
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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89
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Kruse T, Benz C, Garvanska DH, Lindqvist R, Mihalic F, Coscia F, Inturi R, Sayadi A, Simonetti L, Nilsson E, Ali M, Kliche J, Moliner Morro A, Mund A, Andersson E, McInerney G, Mann M, Jemth P, Davey NE, Överby AK, Nilsson J, Ivarsson Y. Large scale discovery of coronavirus-host factor protein interaction motifs reveals SARS-CoV-2 specific mechanisms and vulnerabilities. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6761. [PMID: 34799561 PMCID: PMC8605023 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26498-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral proteins make extensive use of short peptide interaction motifs to hijack cellular host factors. However, most current large-scale methods do not identify this important class of protein-protein interactions. Uncovering peptide mediated interactions provides both a molecular understanding of viral interactions with their host and the foundation for developing novel antiviral reagents. Here we describe a viral peptide discovery approach covering 23 coronavirus strains that provides high resolution information on direct virus-host interactions. We identify 269 peptide-based interactions for 18 coronaviruses including a specific interaction between the human G3BP1/2 proteins and an ΦxFG peptide motif in the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein. This interaction supports viral replication and through its ΦxFG motif N rewires the G3BP1/2 interactome to disrupt stress granules. A peptide-based inhibitor disrupting the G3BP1/2-N interaction dampened SARS-CoV-2 infection showing that our results can be directly translated into novel specific antiviral reagents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Kruse
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Caroline Benz
- Department of Chemistry - BMC, Uppsala University, Box 576, Husargatan 3, 751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Dimitriya H Garvanska
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Richard Lindqvist
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, 90185, Umeå, Sweden
- Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), Umeå University, 90186, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Filip Mihalic
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, BMC, Box 582, Husargatan 3, 751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Fabian Coscia
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Spatial Proteomics Group, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Raviteja Inturi
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, BMC, Box 582, Husargatan 3, 751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ahmed Sayadi
- Department of Chemistry - BMC, Uppsala University, Box 576, Husargatan 3, 751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Leandro Simonetti
- Department of Chemistry - BMC, Uppsala University, Box 576, Husargatan 3, 751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Emma Nilsson
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, 90185, Umeå, Sweden
- Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), Umeå University, 90186, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Muhammad Ali
- Department of Chemistry - BMC, Uppsala University, Box 576, Husargatan 3, 751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Johanna Kliche
- Department of Chemistry - BMC, Uppsala University, Box 576, Husargatan 3, 751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ainhoa Moliner Morro
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andreas Mund
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Eva Andersson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, BMC, Box 582, Husargatan 3, 751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Gerald McInerney
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Matthias Mann
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Per Jemth
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, BMC, Box 582, Husargatan 3, 751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Norman E Davey
- Division of Cancer Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London, SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Anna K Överby
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, 90185, Umeå, Sweden.
- Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), Umeå University, 90186, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Jakob Nilsson
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Ylva Ivarsson
- Department of Chemistry - BMC, Uppsala University, Box 576, Husargatan 3, 751 23, Uppsala, Sweden.
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90
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Yin L, Cheng J, Deming TJ, Vicent MJ. Synthetic polypeptides for drug and gene delivery, and tissue engineering. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 178:113995. [PMID: 34606944 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.113995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lichen Yin
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, PR China.
| | - Jianjun Cheng
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
| | - Timothy J Deming
- University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1569, USA.
| | - María J Vicent
- Polymer Therapeutics Lab, Prince Felipe Research Center, 46012 Valencia Spain.
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91
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Han S, Zhao G, Wei Z, Chen Y, Zhao J, He Y, He YJ, Gao J, Chen S, Du C, Wang T, Sun W, Huang Y, Wang C, Wang J. An angiotensin-converting enzyme-2-derived heptapeptide GK-7 for SARS-CoV-2 spike blockade. Peptides 2021; 145:170638. [PMID: 34419496 PMCID: PMC8375220 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2021.170638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is a global concern and necessitates efficient drug antagonists. Angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) is the main receptor of SARS-CoV-2 spike 1 (S1), which mediates viral invasion into host cells. Herein, we designed and prepared short peptide inhibitors containing 4-6 critical residues of ACE2 that contribute to the interaction with SARS-CoV-2 S1. Among the candidates, a peptide termed GK-7 (GKGDFRI), which was designed by extracting residues ranging from Gly353 to Ile359 in the ligand-binding domain of ACE2, exhibited the highest binding affinity (25.1 nM) with the SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor-binding domain (RBD). GK-7 bound to the RBD and decreased SARS-CoV-2 S1 attachment to A549 human alveolar epithelial cells. Owing to spike blockade, GK-7 inhibited SARS-CoV-2 spike pseudovirion infection in a dose-dependent manner, with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 2.96 μg/mL. Inspiringly, pulmonary delivery of GK-7 by intranasal administration did not result in toxicity in mice. This study revealed an easy-to-produce peptide inhibitor for SARS-CoV-2 spike blockade, thus providing a promising candidate for COVID-19 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songling Han
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Gaomei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Zhuanzhuan Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Jianqi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yongwu He
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Ying-Juan He
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Jining Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Shilei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Changhong Du
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Tao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Biomedical Analysis Center, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yi Huang
- Biomedical Analysis Center, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Junping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
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92
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Ren E, Liu C, Lv P, Wang J, Liu G. Genetically Engineered Cellular Membrane Vesicles as Tailorable Shells for Therapeutics. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:e2100460. [PMID: 34494387 PMCID: PMC8564451 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202100460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Benefiting from the blooming interaction of nanotechnology and biotechnology, biosynthetic cellular membrane vesicles (Bio-MVs) have shown superior characteristics for therapeutic transportation because of their hydrophilic cavity and hydrophobic bilayer structure, as well as their inherent biocompatibility and negligible immunogenicity. These excellent cell-like features with specific functional protein expression on the surface can invoke their remarkable ability for Bio-MVs based recombinant protein therapy to facilitate the advanced synergy in poly-therapy. To date, various tactics have been developed for Bio-MVs surface modification with functional proteins through hydrophobic insertion or multivalent electrostatic interactions. While the Bio-MVs grow through genetically engineering strategies can maintain binding specificity, sort orders, and lead to strict information about artificial proteins in a facile and sustainable way. In this progress report, the most current technology of Bio-MVs is discussed, with an emphasis on their multi-functionalities as "tailorable shells" for delivering bio-functional moieties and therapeutic entities. The most notable success and challenges via genetically engineered tactics to achieve the new generation of Bio-MVs are highlighted. Besides, future perspectives of Bio-MVs in novel bio-nanotherapy are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- En Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational MedicineSchool of Public HealthXiamen UniversityXiamen361102China
| | - Chao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational MedicineSchool of Public HealthXiamen UniversityXiamen361102China
| | - Peng Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational MedicineSchool of Public HealthXiamen UniversityXiamen361102China
| | - Junqing Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen)Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510275China
| | - Gang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational MedicineSchool of Public HealthXiamen UniversityXiamen361102China
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93
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Chamata Y, Jackson KG, Watson KA, Jauregi P. Whey-Derived Peptides at the Heart of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11662. [PMID: 34769093 PMCID: PMC8584039 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is a key regulator of blood pressure and hypertension. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and angiotensin-converting enzyme I (ACE) are two main components of the RAS that play a major role in blood pressure homeostasis. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) uses ACE2 as a receptor to enter cells. Despite some controversies, numerous studies have reported a significant association between the use of ACE inhibitors and reduced risk of COVID-19. In our previous studies, we produced and identified peptide sequences present in whey hydrolysates exhibiting high ACE inhibitory activity. Therefore, the aim of this work is to obtain an improved understanding of the function of these natural peptides as RAS inhibitors and investigate their potential therapeutic role in the COVID-19 pandemic. The molecular interactions between peptides IPP, LIVTQ, IIAE, LVYPFP, and human ACE2 were assessed by employing a molecular docking approach. The results show that natural whey-derived peptides have a dual inhibitory action against both ACE and ACE2. This dual activity distinguishes these ACE inhibitory peptides from synthetic drugs, such as Captopril and Lisinopril which were not shown to inhibit ACE2 activity, and may represent a potential strategy in the treatment of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yara Chamata
- Harry Nursten Building, Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6DZ, UK; (K.G.J.); (P.J.)
| | - Kim G. Jackson
- Harry Nursten Building, Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6DZ, UK; (K.G.J.); (P.J.)
| | - Kimberly A. Watson
- Health and Life Sciences Building, School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6EX, UK;
| | - Paula Jauregi
- Harry Nursten Building, Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6DZ, UK; (K.G.J.); (P.J.)
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94
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A Collection of Designed Peptides to Target SARS-CoV-2 Spike RBD-ACE2 Interaction. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111627. [PMID: 34769056 PMCID: PMC8584250 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the receptor used by SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 coronaviruses to attach to cells via the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of their viral spike protein. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, several structures of protein complexes involving ACE2 and RBD as well as monoclonal antibodies and nanobodies have become available. We have leveraged the structural data to design peptides to target the interaction between the RBD of SARS-CoV-2 and ACE2 and SARS-CoV and ACE2, as contrasting exemplar, as well as the dimerization surface of ACE2 monomers. The peptides were modelled using our original method: PiPreD that uses native elements of the interaction between the targeted protein and cognate partner(s) that are subsequently included in the designed peptides. These peptides recapitulate stretches of residues present in the native interface plus novel and highly diverse conformations surrogating key interactions at the interface. To facilitate the access to this information we have created a freely available and dedicated web-based repository, PepI-Covid19 database, providing convenient access to this wealth of information to the scientific community with the view of maximizing its potential impact in the development of novel therapeutic and diagnostic agents.
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95
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In Silico Structure-Based Design of Antiviral Peptides Targeting the Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus Glycoprotein Gn. Viruses 2021; 13:v13102047. [PMID: 34696477 PMCID: PMC8539749 DOI: 10.3390/v13102047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) is an emerging tick-borne bunyavirus in Asia that causes severe disease. Despite its clinical importance, treatment options for SFTSV infection remains limited. The SFTSV glycoprotein Gn plays a major role in mediating virus entry into host cells and is therefore a potential antiviral target. In this study, we employed an in silico structure-based strategy to design novel cyclic antiviral peptides that target the SFTSV glycoprotein Gn. Among the cyclic peptides, HKU-P1 potently neutralizes the SFTSV virion. Combinatorial treatment with HKU-P1 and the broad-spectrum viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase inhibitor favipiravir exhibited synergistic antiviral effects in vitro. The in silico peptide design platform in this study may facilitate the generation of novel antiviral peptides for other emerging viruses.
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96
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Isaac-Lam MF. Molecular modeling of the interaction of ligands with ACE2-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein complex. In Silico Pharmacol 2021; 9:55. [PMID: 34631362 PMCID: PMC8495439 DOI: 10.1007/s40203-021-00114-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is a new communicable disease with a widespread outbreak that affects all populations worldwide triggering a rush of scientific interest in coronavirus research globally. In silico molecular docking experiment was utilized to determine interactions of available compounds with SARS-CoV-2 and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) complex. Chimera and AutoDock Vina were used for protein-ligand interaction structural analysis. Ligands were chosen based on the known characteristics and indications of the drugs as ACE inhibitors (captopril, enalapril, quinapril, moexipril, benazepril, ramipril, perindopril, zofenopril, fosinopril), as ACE2 blockers (losartan, olmesartan), as blood thinning agent (clopidogrel), as cholesterol-lowering prescriptions (simvastatin, atorvastatin), repurposed medications (dexamethasone, hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine), and as investigational drug (remdesivir). Experimental ACE/ACE2 inhibitors are also included: Sigma ACEI, N-(2-aminoethyl)-1-aziridine-ethanamine (NAAE), nicotianamine (NAM), and MLN-4760 (ACE2 inhibitor). The best docked conformations were all located in the ACE2 protein, 50% docked at the interface with lower scores and only clopidogrel and hydroxychloroquine docked at the spike protein. Captopril, moexipril, benazepril, fosinopril, losartan, remdesivir, Sigma ACEI, NAA, and NAM interacted and docked at the interface of ACE2 and SARS-CoV-2 spike protein complex. This may have significant implication in enhancing our understanding of the mechanism to hinder viral entry into the host organism during infection. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40203-021-00114-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meden F. Isaac-Lam
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Purdue University Northwest, Westville, IN 46391 USA
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97
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Rodríguez AA, Otero-González A, Ghattas M, Ständker L. Discovery, Optimization, and Clinical Application of Natural Antimicrobial Peptides. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1381. [PMID: 34680498 PMCID: PMC8533436 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9101381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are widespread in multicellular organisms. These structurally diverse molecules are produced as the first line of defense against pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Also known as host defense peptides in higher eukaryotic organisms, AMPs display immunomodulatory and anticancer activities. During the last 30 years, technological advances have boosted the research on antimicrobial peptides, which have also attracted great interest as an alternative to tackling the antimicrobial resistance scenario mainly provoked by some bacterial and fungal pathogens. However, the introduction of natural AMPs in clinical trials faces challenges such as proteolytic digestion, short half-lives, and cytotoxicity upon systemic and oral application. Therefore, some strategies have been implemented to improve the properties of AMPs aiming to be used as effective therapeutic agents. In the present review, we summarize the discovery path of AMPs, focusing on preclinical development, recent advances in chemical optimization and peptide delivery systems, and their introduction into the market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armando A. Rodríguez
- Core Facility for Functional Peptidomics, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
- Core Unit of Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Maretchia Ghattas
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo (GUC), Cairo 11511, Egypt;
| | - Ludger Ständker
- Core Facility for Functional Peptidomics, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
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98
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Interactive Mechanism of Potential Inhibitors with Glycosyl for SARS-CoV-2 by Molecular Dynamics Simulation. Processes (Basel) 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/pr9101749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a type of Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) coronavirus and it has infected and killed many people around the world. It is reported that the receptor binding domain of the spike protein (S_RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is responsible for attachment to human angiotensin converting enzyme II (ACE2). Many researchers are attempting to search potential inhibitors for fighting SARS-CoV-2 infection using theoretical or experimental methods. In terms of experimental and theoretical research, Cefuroxime, Erythromycin, Lincomycin and Ofloxacin are the potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2. However, the interactive mechanism of the protein SARS-CoV-2 and the inhibitors are still elusive. Here, we investigated the interactions between S_RBD and the inhibitors using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Interestingly, we found that there are two binding sites of S_RBD for the four small molecules. In addition, our analysis also illustrated that hydrophobic and π-π stacking interactions play crucial roles in the interactions between S_RBD and the small molecules. In our work, we also found that small molecules with glycosyl group have more effect on the conformation of S_RBD than other inhibitors, and they are also potential inhibitors for the genetic variants of SARS-CoV-2. This study provides in silico-derived mechanistic insights into the interactions of S_RBD and inhibitors, which may provide new clues for fighting SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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99
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Rivas-Santiago B, Jacobo-Delgado Y, Rodriguez-Carlos A. Are Host Defense Peptides and Their Derivatives Ready to be Part of the Treatment of the Next Coronavirus Pandemic? Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2021; 69:25. [PMID: 34529143 PMCID: PMC8444179 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-021-00630-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The term host defense peptides arose at the beginning to refer to those peptides that are part of the host's immunity. Because of their broad antimicrobial capacity and immunomodulatory activity, nowadays, they emerge as a hope to combat resistant multi-drug microorganisms and emerging viruses, such as the case of coronaviruses. Since the beginning of this century, coronaviruses have been part of different outbreaks and a pandemic, and they will be surely part of the next pandemics, this review analyses whether these peptides and their derivatives are ready to be part of the treatment of the next coronavirus pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Rivas-Santiago
- Biomedical Research Unit-Zacatecas, Mexican Institute for Social Security-IMSS, Col. Centro Zacatecas, Interior of Alameda #45, Zacatecas, Mexico.
| | - Yolanda Jacobo-Delgado
- Biomedical Research Unit-Zacatecas, Mexican Institute for Social Security-IMSS, Col. Centro Zacatecas, Interior of Alameda #45, Zacatecas, Mexico
| | - Adrian Rodriguez-Carlos
- Biomedical Research Unit-Zacatecas, Mexican Institute for Social Security-IMSS, Col. Centro Zacatecas, Interior of Alameda #45, Zacatecas, Mexico
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100
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Zahradník J, Marciano S, Shemesh M, Zoler E, Harari D, Chiaravalli J, Meyer B, Rudich Y, Li C, Marton I, Dym O, Elad N, Lewis MG, Andersen H, Gagne M, Seder RA, Douek DC, Schreiber G. SARS-CoV-2 variant prediction and antiviral drug design are enabled by RBD in vitro evolution. Nat Microbiol 2021; 6:1188-1198. [PMID: 34400835 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-021-00954-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 247] [Impact Index Per Article: 82.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 variants of interest and concern will continue to emerge for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. To map mutations in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein that affect binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the receptor for SARS-CoV-2, we applied in vitro evolution to affinity-mature the RBD. Multiple rounds of random mutagenic libraries of the RBD were sorted against decreasing concentrations of ACE2, resulting in the selection of higher affinity RBD binders. We found that mutations present in more transmissible viruses (S477N, E484K and N501Y) were preferentially selected in our high-throughput screen. Evolved RBD mutants include prominently the amino acid substitutions found in the RBDs of B.1.620, B.1.1.7 (Alpha), B1.351 (Beta) and P.1 (Gamma) variants. Moreover, the incidence of RBD mutations in the population as presented in the GISAID database (April 2021) is positively correlated with increased binding affinity to ACE2. Further in vitro evolution increased binding by 1,000-fold and identified mutations that may be more infectious if they evolve in the circulating viral population, for example, Q498R is epistatic to N501Y. We show that our high-affinity variant RBD-62 can be used as a drug to inhibit infection with SARS-CoV-2 and variants Alpha, Beta and Gamma in vitro. In a model of SARS-CoV-2 challenge in hamster, RBD-62 significantly reduced clinical disease when administered before or after infection. A 2.9 Å cryo-electron microscopy structure of the high-affinity complex of RBD-62 and ACE2, including all rapidly spreading mutations, provides a structural basis for future drug and vaccine development and for in silico evaluation of known antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiří Zahradník
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Shir Marciano
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Maya Shemesh
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Eyal Zoler
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Daniel Harari
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Jeanne Chiaravalli
- Chemogenomic and Biological Screening Core Facility, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Björn Meyer
- Viral Populations and Pathogenesis Unit CNRS UMR 3569, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Yinon Rudich
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Chunlin Li
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ira Marton
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.,Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Orly Dym
- Department of Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Nadav Elad
- Department of Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | | | | | - Matthew Gagne
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Robert A Seder
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Daniel C Douek
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Gideon Schreiber
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
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