51
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Saul S, Pu SY, Zuercher WJ, Einav S, Asquith CRM. Potent antiviral activity of novel multi-substituted 4-anilinoquin(az)olines. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2020; 30:127284. [PMID: 32631507 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2020.127284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Screening a series of 4-anilinoquinolines and 4-anilinoquinazolines enabled identification of potent novel inhibitors of dengue virus (DENV). Preparation of focused 4-anilinoquinoline/quinazoline scaffold arrays led to the identification of a series of high potency 6-substituted bromine and iodine derivatives. The most potent compound 6-iodo-4-((3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)amino)quinoline-3-carbonitrile (47) inhibited DENV infection with an EC50 = 79 nM. Crucially, these compounds showed very limited toxicity with CC50 values >10 µM in almost all cases. This new promising series provides an anchor point for further development to optimize compound properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirle Saul
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Szu-Yuan Pu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - William J Zuercher
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Shirit Einav
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Christopher R M Asquith
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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52
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Sinigaglia A, Peta E, Riccetti S, Barzon L. New avenues for therapeutic discovery against West Nile virus. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 15:333-348. [DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2020.1714586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Elektra Peta
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Silvia Riccetti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Luisa Barzon
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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53
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Abdullah AA, Lee YK, Chin SP, Lim SK, Lee VS, Othman R, Othman S, Rahman NA, Yusof R, Heh CH. Discovery of Dengue Virus Inhibitors. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:4945-5036. [PMID: 30514185 DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666181204155336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Revised: 11/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
To date, there is still no approved anti-dengue agent to treat dengue infection in the market. Although the only licensed dengue vaccine, Dengvaxia is available, its protective efficacy against serotypes 1 and 2 of dengue virus was reported to be lower than serotypes 3 and 4. Moreover, according to WHO, the risk of being hospitalized and having severe dengue increased in seronegative individuals after they received Dengvaxia vaccination. Nevertheless, various studies had been carried out in search of dengue virus inhibitors. These studies focused on the structural (C, prM, E) and non-structural proteins (NS1, NS2A, NS2B, NS3, NS4A, NS4B and NS5) of dengue virus as well as host factors as drug targets. Hence, this article provides an overall up-to-date review of the discovery of dengue virus inhibitors that are only targeting the structural and non-structural viral proteins as drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adib Afandi Abdullah
- Drug Design and Development Research Group (DDDRG), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yean Kee Lee
- Drug Design and Development Research Group (DDDRG), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sek Peng Chin
- Drug Design and Development Research Group (DDDRG), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - See Khai Lim
- Drug Design and Development Research Group (DDDRG), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Vannajan Sanghiran Lee
- Drug Design and Development Research Group (DDDRG), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rozana Othman
- Drug Design and Development Research Group (DDDRG), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Shatrah Othman
- Drug Design and Development Research Group (DDDRG), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Noorsaadah Abdul Rahman
- Drug Design and Development Research Group (DDDRG), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rohana Yusof
- Drug Design and Development Research Group (DDDRG), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Choon Han Heh
- Drug Design and Development Research Group (DDDRG), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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54
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Akaberi D, Chinthakindi PK, Båhlström A, Palanisamy N, Sandström A, Lundkvist Å, Lennerstrand J. Identification of a C2-symmetric diol based human immunodeficiency virus protease inhibitor targeting Zika virus NS2B-NS3 protease. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2019; 38:5526-5536. [PMID: 31880199 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2019.1704882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging mosquito-borne flavivirus and infection by ZIKV Asian lineage is known to cause fetal brain anomalies and Guillain-Barrés syndrome. The WHO declared ZIKV a global public health emergency in 2016. However, currently neither vaccines nor antiviral prophylaxis/treatments are available. In this study, we report the identification of a C2-symmetric diol-based Human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV) protease inhibitor active against ZIKV NS2B-NS3 protease. The compound, referred to as 9b, was identified by in silico screening of a library of 6265 protease inhibitors. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies revealed that compound 9b formed a stable complex with ZIKV protease. Interaction analysis of compound 9b's binding pose from the cluster analysis of MD simulations trajectories predicted that 9b mostly interacted with ZIKV NS3. Although designed as an aspartyl protease inhibitor, compound 9b was found to inhibit ZIKV serine protease in vitro with IC50 = 143.25 ± 5.45 µM, in line with the in silico results. Additionally, linear interaction energy method (LIE) was used to estimate binding affinities of compounds 9b and 86 (a known panflavivirus peptide hybrid with IC50 = 1.64 ± 0.015 µM against ZIKV protease). The LIE method correctly predicted the binding affinity of compound 86 to be lower than that of 9b, proving to be superior to the molecular docking methods in scoring and ranking compounds. Since most of the reported ZIKV protease inhibitors are positively charged peptide-hybrids, with our without electrophilic warheads, compound 9b represents a less polar and more drug-like non-peptide hit compound useful for further optimization.Communicated by Ramaswamy Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Akaberi
- Clinical Microbiology, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.,Zoonosis Science Center, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Praveen K Chinthakindi
- The Beijer Laboratory, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Drug Design and Discovery, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Amanda Båhlström
- The Beijer Laboratory, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Drug Design and Discovery, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Navaneethan Palanisamy
- HBIGS, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Institute of Biology II, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anja Sandström
- The Beijer Laboratory, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Drug Design and Discovery, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Åke Lundkvist
- Zoonosis Science Center, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Johan Lennerstrand
- Clinical Microbiology, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
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55
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Dražić T, Kopf S, Corridan J, Leuthold MM, Bertoša B, Klein CD. Peptide-β-lactam Inhibitors of Dengue and West Nile Virus NS2B-NS3 Protease Display Two Distinct Binding Modes. J Med Chem 2019; 63:140-156. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tonko Dražić
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sara Kopf
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - James Corridan
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mila M. Leuthold
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Branimir Bertoša
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Horvatovac 102a, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Christian D. Klein
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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56
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Covarrubias-Zambrano O, Yu J, Bossmann SH. Nano-Inspired Technologies for Peptide Delivery. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2019; 21:379-400. [PMID: 31793426 DOI: 10.2174/1389203720666191202112429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Nano-inspired technologies offer unique opportunities to treat numerous diseases by using therapeutic peptides. Therapeutic peptides have attractive pharmacological profiles and can be manufactured at relatively low costs. The major advantages of using a nanodelivery approach comprises significantly lower required dosages compared to systemic delivery, and thus reduced toxicity and immunogenicity. The combination of therapeutic peptides with delivery peptides and nanoparticles or small molecule drugs offers systemic treatment approaches, instead of aiming for single biological targets or pathways. This review article discusses exemplary state-of-the-art nanosized delivery systems for therapeutic peptides and antibodies, as well as their biochemical and biophysical foundations and emphasizes still remaining challenges. The competition between using different nanoplatforms, such as liposome-, hydrogel-, polymer-, silica nanosphere-, or nanosponge-based delivery systems is still "on" and no clear frontrunner has emerged to date.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jing Yu
- Department of Chemistry, Kansas State University, 419 CBC Building, Manhattan, KS 66506-0401, United States.,Johns Hopkins University, Department of Radiology, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Stefan H Bossmann
- Department of Chemistry, Kansas State University, 419 CBC Building, Manhattan, KS 66506-0401, United States
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57
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Millies B, von Hammerstein F, Gellert A, Hammerschmidt S, Barthels F, Göppel U, Immerheiser M, Elgner F, Jung N, Basic M, Kersten C, Kiefer W, Bodem J, Hildt E, Windbergs M, Hellmich UA, Schirmeister T. Proline-Based Allosteric Inhibitors of Zika and Dengue Virus NS2B/NS3 Proteases. J Med Chem 2019; 62:11359-11382. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Millies
- Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Franziska von Hammerstein
- Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Andrea Gellert
- Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Stefan Hammerschmidt
- Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Fabian Barthels
- Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Ulrike Göppel
- Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Melissa Immerheiser
- Institut für Virologie und Immunbiologie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Versbacher Straße 7, 97078 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Fabian Elgner
- Department of Virology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Nathalie Jung
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology and Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Straße 15, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Michael Basic
- Department of Virology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Christian Kersten
- Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Werner Kiefer
- Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Jochen Bodem
- Institut für Virologie und Immunbiologie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Versbacher Straße 7, 97078 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Eberhard Hildt
- Department of Virology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Maike Windbergs
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology and Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Straße 15, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ute A. Hellmich
- Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Johann-Joachim-Becherweg 30, 55128 Mainz, Germany
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe-Universität, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Tanja Schirmeister
- Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany
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58
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Undersampling: case studies of flaviviral inhibitory activities. J Comput Aided Mol Des 2019; 33:997-1008. [DOI: 10.1007/s10822-019-00255-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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59
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Ramos RS, Macêdo WJC, Costa JS, da Silva CHTDP, Rosa JMC, da Cruz JN, de Oliveira MS, de Aguiar Andrade EH, E Silva RBL, Souto RNP, Santos CBR. Potential inhibitors of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase and juvenile hormone with insecticidal activity: study of the binding mode via docking and molecular dynamics simulations. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2019; 38:4687-4709. [PMID: 31674282 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2019.1688192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Models validation in QSAR, pharmacophore, docking and others can ensure the accuracy and reliability of future predictions in design and selection of molecules with biological activity. In this study, pyriproxyfen was used as a pivot/template to search the database of the Maybridge Database for potential inhibitors of the enzymes acetylcholinesterase and juvenile hormone as well. The initial virtual screening based on the 3D shape resulted in 2000 molecules with Tanimoto index ranging from 0.58 to 0.88. A new reclassification was performed on the overlapping of positive and negative charges, which resulted in 100 molecules with Tanimoto's electrostatic score ranging from 0.627 to 0.87. Using parameters related to absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion and the pivot molecule, the molecules selected in the previous stage were evaluated regarding these criteria, and 21 were then selected. The pharmacokinetic and toxicological properties were considered and for 12 molecules, the DEREK software not fired any alert of toxicity, which were thus considered satisfactory for prediction of biological activity using the Web server PASS. In the molecular docking with insect acetylcholinesterase, the Maybridge3_002654 molecule had binding affinity of -11.1 kcal/mol, whereas in human acetylcholinesterase, the Maybridge4_001571molecule show in silico affinity of -10.2 kcal/mol, and in the juvenile hormone, the molecule MCULE-8839595892 show in silico affinity value of -11.6 kcal/mol. Subsequent long-trajectory molecular dynamics studies indicated considerable stability of the novel molecules compared to the controls.AbbreviationsQSARquantitative structure-activity relationshipsPASSprediction of activity spectra for substancesCommunicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan S Ramos
- Graduate Program in Biotechnology and Biodiversity-Network BIONORTE, Federal University of Amapá, Macapá, Brazil.,Laboratory of Modeling and Computational Chemistry, Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Amapá, Macapá, Brazil.,Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Simulation System, Federal Rural University of Amazônia, Capanema, Brazil
| | - Williams J C Macêdo
- Laboratory of Modeling and Computational Chemistry, Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Amapá, Macapá, Brazil.,Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Simulation System, Federal Rural University of Amazônia, Capanema, Brazil
| | - Josivan S Costa
- Laboratory of Modeling and Computational Chemistry, Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Amapá, Macapá, Brazil.,Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Simulation System, Federal Rural University of Amazônia, Capanema, Brazil
| | - Carlos H T de P da Silva
- Computational Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Joaquín M C Rosa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | | | - Mozaniel S de Oliveira
- Program of Post-Graduation in Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Eloisa H de Aguiar Andrade
- Adolpho Ducke Laboratory, Emílio Goeldi Paraense Museum, Belém, Brazil.,Program of Post-Graduation in Biodiversity and Biotechnology (BIONORTE), Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Raullyan B L E Silva
- Center of Biodiversity, Institute for Scientific and Technological Research of Amapá (IEPA), Brazil
| | | | - Cleydson B R Santos
- Graduate Program in Biotechnology and Biodiversity-Network BIONORTE, Federal University of Amapá, Macapá, Brazil.,Laboratory of Modeling and Computational Chemistry, Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Amapá, Macapá, Brazil
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60
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Peptide derivatives as inhibitors of NS2B-NS3 protease from Dengue, West Nile, and Zika flaviviruses. Bioorg Med Chem 2019; 27:3963-3978. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2019.07.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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61
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Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of small-molecular di-basic esters, amides and carbamates as flaviviral protease inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 176:187-194. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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62
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Backbone modifications in peptidic inhibitors of flaviviral proteases. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2019; 29:1913-1917. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2019.05.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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63
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Rassias G, Zogali V, Swarbrick CMD, Ki Chan KW, Chan SA, Gwee CP, Wang S, Kaplanai E, Canko A, Kiousis D, Lescar J, Luo D, Matsoukas MT, Vasudevan SG. Cell-active carbazole derivatives as inhibitors of the zika virus protease. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 180:536-545. [PMID: 31344613 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) infection recently resulted in an international health emergency the Americas in and despite its high profile there is currently no approved treatment for ZIKV infection with millions of people being at risk. ZIKV is a member of Flaviviridae family which includes prominent members such as dengue virus (DENV) and West Nile virus (WNV). One of the best validated targets for developing anti-flaviviral treatment for DENV and WNV infection is the NS2B/NS3 protease. However the inhibitors reported to date have shown limited promise for further clinical development largely due to poor cellular activity. Prompted by the conserved nature of the viral NS2B/NS3 protease across flaviviruses, we envisaged that small molecule inhibitors of the ZIKVpro may be developed by applying rational design on previously reported scaffolds with demonstrated activity against other flaviviral proteases. Starting with an earlier WNVpro hit we performed a scaffold hopping exercise and discovered that certain carbazole derivatives bearing amidine groups possessed submicromolar potency and significant cellular activity against ZIKV. We successfully addressed various issues with the synthesis of novel N-substituted carbazole-based amidines thus permitting a targeted SAR campaign. The in vitro biochemical and cell-based inhibitory profiles exhibited by the lead molecule described in this work (ZIKVpro IC50 0.52 μM, EC50 1.25 μM), is among the best reported to date. Furthermore, these molecules possess capacity for further optimization of pharmacokinetics and may evolve to broad spectrum flaviviral protease inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerasimos Rassias
- Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Patra, 26504, Greece.
| | - Vasiliki Zogali
- Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Patra, 26504, Greece
| | - Crystall M D Swarbrick
- Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road 169857, Singapore; Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Australia
| | - Kitti Wing Ki Chan
- Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road 169857, Singapore
| | - Shu Ann Chan
- Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road 169857, Singapore
| | - Chin Piaw Gwee
- Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road 169857, Singapore
| | - Sai Wang
- Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road 169857, Singapore
| | - Entzy Kaplanai
- Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Patra, 26504, Greece
| | - Aleksander Canko
- Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Patra, 26504, Greece
| | | | - Julien Lescar
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Dahai Luo
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | | | - Subhash G Vasudevan
- Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road 169857, Singapore.
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64
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Nutho B, Mulholland AJ, Rungrotmongkol T. The reaction mechanism of Zika virus NS2B/NS3 serine protease inhibition by dipeptidyl aldehyde: a QM/MM study. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2019; 21:14945-14956. [PMID: 31236554 DOI: 10.1039/c9cp02377a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) infection has become a global public health problem, associated with microcephaly in newborns and Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults. Currently, there are no commercially available anti-ZIKV drugs. The viral protease NS2B/NS3, which is involved in viral replication and maturation, is a potential drug target. Peptidomimetic aldehyde inhibitors bind covalently to the catalytic S135 of the NS3 protease. Here, we apply hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) free-energy simulations at the PDDG-PM3/ff14SB level to investigate the inhibition mechanism of the ZIKV protease by a dipeptidyl aldehyde inhibitor (acyl-KR-aldehyde). The results show that proton transfer from the catalytic S135 to H51 occurs in concert with nucleophilic addition on the aldehyde warhead by S135. The anionic covalent complex between the dipeptidyl aldehyde and the ZIKV protease is analogous to the tetrahedral intermediate for substrate hydrolysis. Spontaneous protonation by H51 forms the hemiacetal. In addition, we use correlated ab initio QM/MM potential energy path calculations at levels up to LCCSD(T)/(aug)-cc-pVTZ to obtain accurate potential energy profiles of the reaction, which also support a concerted mechanism. These results provide detailed insight into the mechanism of ZIKV protease inhibition by a peptidyl aldehyde inhibitor, which will guide in the design of inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bodee Nutho
- Program in Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Adrian J Mulholland
- Centre for Computational Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK.
| | - Thanyada Rungrotmongkol
- Biocatalyst and Environmental Biotechnology Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand. and Program in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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65
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Majerová T, Novotný P, Krýsová E, Konvalinka J. Exploiting the unique features of Zika and Dengue proteases for inhibitor design. Biochimie 2019; 166:132-141. [PMID: 31077760 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2019.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Zika and Dengue viruses have attracted substantial attention from researchers in light of recent outbreaks of Dengue fever and increases in cases of congenital microcephaly in areas with Zika incidence. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge about Zika and Dengue proteases. These enzymes have several interesting features: 1) NS3 serine protease requires the activating co-factor NS2B, which is anchored in the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum; 2) NS2B displays extensive conformational dynamics; 3) NS3 is a multidomain protein with proteolytic, NTPase, RNA 5' triphosphatase and helicase activity and has many protein-protein interaction partners; 4) NS3 is autoproteolytically released from its precursor. Attempts to design tight-binding and specific active-site inhibitors are complicated by the facts that the substrate pocket of the NS2B-NS3 protease is flat and the active-site ligands are charged. The ionic character of potential active-site inhibitors negatively influences their cell permeability. Possibilities to block cis-autoprocessing of the protease precursor have recently been considered. Additionally, potential allosteric sites on NS2B-NS3 proteases have been identified and allosteric compounds have been designed to impair substrate binding and/or block the NS2B-NS3 interaction. Such compounds could be specific to viral proteases, without off-target effects on host serine proteases, and could have favorable pharmacokinetic profiles. This review discusses various groups of inhibitors of these proteases according to their mechanisms of action and chemical structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taťána Majerová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Nám. 2, 16610, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Novotný
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Nám. 2, 16610, Prague 6, Czech Republic; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, 12843, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Eliška Krýsová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Nám. 2, 16610, Prague 6, Czech Republic; Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, 12843, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Konvalinka
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Nám. 2, 16610, Prague 6, Czech Republic; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, 12843, Prague, Czech Republic.
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66
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Nitsche C. Proteases from dengue, West Nile and Zika viruses as drug targets. Biophys Rev 2019; 11:157-165. [PMID: 30806881 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-019-00508-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteases from flaviviruses have gained substantial interest as potential drug targets to combat infectious diseases caused by dengue, West Nile, Zika and related viruses. Despite nearly two decades of drug discovery campaigns, promising lead compounds for clinical trials have not yet been identified. The main challenges for successful lead compound development are associated with limited drug-likeness of inhibitors and structural ambiguity of the protease target. This brief review focuses on the available information on the structure of flavivirus proteases and their interactions with inhibitors and attempts to point the way forward for successful identification of future lead compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Nitsche
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia.
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67
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Hariono M, Choi SB, Roslim RF, Nawi MS, Tan ML, Kamarulzaman EE, Mohamed N, Yusof R, Othman S, Abd Rahman N, Othman R, Wahab HA. Thioguanine-based DENV-2 NS2B/NS3 protease inhibitors: Virtual screening, synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular modelling. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0210869. [PMID: 30677071 PMCID: PMC6345492 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Dengue virus Type 2 (DENV-2) is predominant serotype causing major dengue epidemics. There are a number of studies carried out to find its effective antiviral, however to date, there is still no molecule either from peptide or small molecules released as a drug. The present study aims to identify small molecules inhibitor from National Cancer Institute database through virtual screening. One of the hits, D0713 (IC50 = 62 μM) bearing thioguanine scaffold was derivatised into 21 compounds and evaluated for DENV-2 NS2B/NS3 protease inhibitory activity. Compounds 18 and 21 demonstrated the most potent activity with IC50 of 0.38 μM and 16 μM, respectively. Molecular dynamics and MM/PBSA free energy of binding calculation were conducted to study the interaction mechanism of these compounds with the protease. The free energy of binding of 18 calculated by MM/PBSA is -16.10 kcal/mol compared to the known inhibitor, panduratin A (-11.27 kcal/mol), which corroborates well with the experimental observation. Results from molecular dynamics simulations also showed that both 18 and 21 bind in the active site and stabilised by the formation of hydrogen bonds with Asn174.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maywan Hariono
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Sanata Dharma University, Maguwoharjo, Sleman, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Sy Bing Choi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
- School of Data Sciences, Perdana University, Blok B and d1, MARDI Complex, Jalan MAEPS Perdana, Serdang, Selangor
| | - Ros Fatihah Roslim
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Mohamed Sufian Nawi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Kulliyah of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Mei Lan Tan
- Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | | | - Nornisah Mohamed
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Rohana Yusof
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Shatrah Othman
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Noorsaadah Abd Rahman
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rozana Othman
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Habibah A. Wahab
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
- Malaysian Institute of Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Halaman Bukit Gambir, Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
- * E-mail: ,
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68
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Dengue drug discovery: Progress, challenges and outlook. Antiviral Res 2018; 163:156-178. [PMID: 30597183 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2018.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 12/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In the context of the only available vaccine (DENGVAXIA) that was marketed in several countries, but poses higher risks to unexposed individuals, the development of antivirals for dengue virus (DENV), whilst challenging, would bring significant benefits to public health. Here recent progress in the field of DENV drug discovery made in academic laboratories and industry is reviewed. Characteristics of an ideal DENV antiviral molecule, given the specific immunopathology provoked by this acute viral infection, are described. New chemical classes identified from biochemical, biophysical and phenotypic screens that target viral (especially NS4B) and host proteins, offer promising opportunities for further development. In particular, new methodologies ("omics") can accelerate the discovery of much awaited flavivirus specific inhibitors. Challenges and opportunities in lead identification activities as well as the path to clinical development of dengue drugs are discussed. To galvanize DENV drug discovery, collaborative public-public partnerships and open-access resources will greatly benefit both the DENV research community and DENV patients.
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69
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Skoreński M, Milewska A, Pyrć K, Sieńczyk M, Oleksyszyn J. Phosphonate inhibitors of West Nile virus NS2B/NS3 protease. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2018; 34:8-14. [PMID: 30362835 PMCID: PMC6211275 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2018.1506772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is a member of the flavivirus genus belonging to the Flaviviridae family. The viral serine protease NS2B/NS3 has been considered an attractive target for the development of anti-WNV agents. Although several NS2B/NS3 protease inhibitors have been described so far, most of them are reversible inhibitors. Herein, we present a series of α-aminoalkylphosphonate diphenyl esters and their peptidyl derivatives as potent inhibitors of the NS2B/NS3 protease. The most potent inhibitor identified was Cbz-Lys-Arg-(4-GuPhe)P(OPh)2 displaying Ki and k2/Ki values of 0.4 µM and 28 265 M−1s−1, respectively, with no significant inhibition of trypsin, cathepsin G, and HAT protease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Skoreński
- a Faculty of Chemistry, Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Microbiology , Wroclaw University of Science and Technology , Wroclaw , Poland
| | - Aleksandra Milewska
- b Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Microbiology Department , Jagiellonian University , Krakow , Poland.,c Laboratory of Virology, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology , Jagiellonian University , Krakow , Poland
| | - Krzysztof Pyrć
- b Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Microbiology Department , Jagiellonian University , Krakow , Poland.,c Laboratory of Virology, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology , Jagiellonian University , Krakow , Poland
| | - Marcin Sieńczyk
- a Faculty of Chemistry, Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Microbiology , Wroclaw University of Science and Technology , Wroclaw , Poland
| | - Józef Oleksyszyn
- a Faculty of Chemistry, Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Microbiology , Wroclaw University of Science and Technology , Wroclaw , Poland
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Strategies Towards Protease Inhibitors for Emerging Flaviviruses. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1062:175-186. [PMID: 29845533 PMCID: PMC7121277 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-8727-1_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Infections with flaviviruses are a continuing public health threat. In addition to vaccine development and vector control, the search for antiviral agents that alleviate symptoms in patients are of considerable interest. Among others, the flaviviral protease NS2B-NS3 is a promising drug target to inhibit viral replication. Flaviviral proteases share a high degree of structural similarity and substrate-recognition profile, which may facilitate a strategy towards development of pan-flaviviral protease inhibitors. However, the success of various drug discovery attempts during the last decade has been limited by the nature of the viral enzyme as well as a lack of robust structural templates. Small-molecular, structurally diverse protease inhibitors have been reported to reach affinities in the lower micromolar range. Peptide-based, substrate-derived compounds are often nanomolar inhibitors, however, with highly compromised drug-likeness. With some exceptions, the antiviral cellular activity of most of the reported compounds have been patchy and insufficient for further development. Recent progress has been made in the elucidation of inhibitor binding using different structural methods. This will hopefully lead to more rational attempts for the identification of various lead compounds that may be successful in cellular assays, animal models and ultimately translated to patients.
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71
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Tian YS, Zhou Y, Takagi T, Kameoka M, Kawashita N. Dengue Virus and Its Inhibitors: A Brief Review. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 2018; 66:191-206. [PMID: 29491253 DOI: 10.1248/cpb.c17-00794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The global occurrence of viral infectious diseases poses a significant threat to human health. Dengue virus (DENV) infection is one of the most noteworthy of these infections. According to a WHO survey, approximately 400 million people are infected annually; symptoms deteriorate in approximately one percent of cases. Numerous foundational and clinical investigations on viral epidemiology, structure and function analysis, infection source and route, therapeutic targets, vaccines, and therapeutic drugs have been conducted by both academic and industrial researchers. At present, CYD-TDV or Dengvaxia® is the only approved vaccine, but potent inhibitors are currently under development. In this review, an overview of the viral life circle and the history of DENVs is presented, and the most recently reported antiviral candidates and newly discovered promising targets are focused and summarized. We believe that these successes and failures have enabled progress in anti-DENV drug discovery and hope that our review will stimulate further innovation in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Shi Tian
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University
| | - Yi Zhou
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University
| | - Tatsuya Takagi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University
| | - Masanori Kameoka
- Department of International Health, Kobe University Graduate School of Health Sciences
| | - Norihito Kawashita
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University.,Faculty of Sciences and Engineering, Kindai University
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72
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Pinkham AM, Yu Z, Cowan JA. Attenuation of West Nile Virus NS2B/NS3 Protease by Amino Terminal Copper and Nickel Binding (ATCUN) Peptides. J Med Chem 2018; 61:980-988. [PMID: 29301071 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b01409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M. Pinkham
- Department of Chemistry and
Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 100 West 18th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Zhen Yu
- Department of Chemistry and
Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 100 West 18th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - J. A. Cowan
- Department of Chemistry and
Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 100 West 18th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
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73
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Leonel CA, Lima WG, dos Santos M, Ferraz AC, Taranto AG, de Magalhães JC, dos Santos LL, Ferreira JMS. Pharmacophoric characteristics of dengue virus NS2B/NS3pro inhibitors: a systematic review of the most promising compounds. Arch Virol 2017; 163:575-586. [DOI: 10.1007/s00705-017-3641-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Chew MF, Poh KS, Poh CL. Peptides as Therapeutic Agents for Dengue Virus. Int J Med Sci 2017; 14:1342-1359. [PMID: 29200948 PMCID: PMC5707751 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.21875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Dengue is an important global threat caused by dengue virus (DENV) that records an estimated 390 million infections annually. Despite the availability of CYD-TDV as a commercial vaccine, its long-term efficacy against all four dengue virus serotypes remains unsatisfactory. There is therefore an urgent need for the development of antiviral drugs for the treatment of dengue. Peptide was once a neglected choice of medical treatment but it has lately regained interest from the pharmaceutical industry following pioneering advancements in technology. In this review, the design of peptide drugs, antiviral activities and mechanisms of peptides and peptidomimetics (modified peptides) action against dengue virus are discussed. The development of peptides as inhibitors for viral entry, replication and translation is also described, with a focus on the three main targets, namely, the host cell receptors, viral structural proteins and viral non-structural proteins. The antiviral peptides designed based on these approaches may lead to the discovery of novel anti-DENV therapeutics that can treat dengue patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaw-Fang Chew
- Research Centre for Biomedical Sciences, Sunway University, Bandar Sunway, Selangor 47500, Malaysia
| | - Keat-Seong Poh
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Jalan Universiti, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia
| | - Chit-Laa Poh
- Research Centre for Biomedical Sciences, Sunway University, Bandar Sunway, Selangor 47500, Malaysia
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75
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STD-NMR experiments identify a structural motif with novel second-site activity against West Nile virus NS2B-NS3 protease. Antiviral Res 2017; 146:174-183. [PMID: 28927677 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2017.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Revised: 09/09/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) belongs to the genus Flavivirus of the family Flaviviridae. This mosquito-borne virus that is highly pathogenic to humans has been evolving into a global threat during the past two decades. Despite many efforts, neither antiviral drugs nor vaccines are available. The viral protease NS2B-NS3pro is essential for viral replication, and therefore it is considered a prime drug target. However, success in the development of specific NS2B-NS3pro inhibitors had been moderate so far. In the search for new structural motifs with binding affinity for NS2B-NS3pro, we have screened a fragment library, the Maybridge Ro5 library, employing saturation transfer difference (STD) NMR experiments as readout. About 30% of 429 fragments showed binding to NS2B-NS3pro. Subsequent STD-NMR competition experiments using the known active site fragment A as reporter ligand yielded 14 competitively binding fragments, and 22 fragments not competing with A. In a fluorophore-based protease assay, all of these fragments showed inhibition in the micromolar range. Interestingly, 10 of these 22 fragments showed a notable increase of STD intensities in the presence of compound A suggesting cooperative binding. The most promising non-competitive inhibitors 1 and 2 (IC50 ∼ 500 μM) share a structural motif that may guide the development of novel second-site (potentially allosteric) inhibitors of NS2B-NS3pro. To identify the matching protein binding site, chemical shift perturbation studies employing 1H,15N-TROSY-HSQC experiments with uniformly 2H,15N-labeled protease were performed in the presence of 1, and in the concomitant absence or presence of A. The data suggest that 1 interacts with Met 52* of NS2B, identifying a secondary site adjacent to the binding site of A. Therefore, our study paves the way for the synthesis of novel bidentate NS2B-NS3pro inhibitors.
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76
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Kang C, Keller TH, Luo D. Zika Virus Protease: An Antiviral Drug Target. Trends Microbiol 2017; 25:797-808. [PMID: 28789826 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2017.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2017] [Revised: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The recent outbreak of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection has caused global concern due to its link to severe damage to the brain development of foetuses and neuronal complications in adult patients. A worldwide research effort has been undertaken to identify effective and safe treatment and vaccination options. Among the proposed viral and host components, the viral NS2B-NS3 protease represents an attractive drug target due to its essential role in the virus life cycle. Here, we outline recent progress in studies on the Zika protease. Biochemical, biophysical, and structural studies on different protease constructs provide new insight into the structure and activity of the protease. The unlinked construct displays higher enzymatic activity and better mimics the native state of the enzyme and therefore is better suited for drug discovery. Furthermore, the structure of the free enzyme adopts a closed conformation and a preformed active site. The availability of a lead fragment hit and peptide inhibitors, as well as the attainability of soakable crystals, suggest that the unlinked construct is a promising tool for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- CongBao Kang
- Experimental Therapeutics Centre, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 31 Biopolis way, Nanos, #03-01, 138669, Singapore.
| | - Thomas H Keller
- Experimental Therapeutics Centre, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 31 Biopolis way, Nanos, #03-01, 138669, Singapore.
| | - Dahai Luo
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, EMB 03-07, 59 Nanyang Drive, 636921, Singapore; NTU Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University, EMB 06-01, 59 Nanyang Drive, 636921, Singapore.
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77
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Boldescu V, Behnam MAM, Vasilakis N, Klein CD. Broad-spectrum agents for flaviviral infections: dengue, Zika and beyond. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2017; 16:565-586. [PMID: 28473729 PMCID: PMC5925760 DOI: 10.1038/nrd.2017.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 198] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Infections with flaviviruses, such as dengue, West Nile virus and the recently re-emerging Zika virus, are an increasing and probably lasting global risk. This Review summarizes and comments on the opportunities for broad-spectrum agents that are active against multiple flaviviruses. Broad-spectrum activity is particularly desirable to prepare for the next flaviviral epidemic, which could emerge from as-yet unknown or neglected viruses. Potential molecular targets for broad-spectrum antiflaviviral compounds include viral proteins, such as the viral protease or polymerase, and host targets that are exploited by these viruses during entry and replication, including α-glucosidase and proteins involved in nucleoside biosynthesis. Numerous compounds with broad-spectrum antiviral activity have already been identified by target-specific or phenotypic assays. For other compounds, broad-spectrum activity can be anticipated because of their mode of action and molecular targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veaceslav Boldescu
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Laboratory of Organic Synthesis and Biopharmaceuticals, Institute of Chemistry of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova, Academiei 3, 2028 Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Mira A. M. Behnam
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nikos Vasilakis
- Dept. of Pathology and Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Center for Tropical Diseases and Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, 2.138D Keiller Bldg, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555–0609, USA
| | - Christian D. Klein
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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78
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Liang C, Behnam MA, Sundermann TR, Klein CD. Phenylglycine racemization in Fmoc-based solid-phase peptide synthesis: Stereochemical stability is achieved by choice of reaction conditions. Tetrahedron Lett 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tetlet.2017.04.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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79
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Takagi Y, Matsui K, Nobori H, Maeda H, Sato A, Kurosu T, Orba Y, Sawa H, Hattori K, Higashino K, Numata Y, Yoshida Y. Discovery of novel cyclic peptide inhibitors of dengue virus NS2B-NS3 protease with antiviral activity. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2017; 27:3586-3590. [PMID: 28539222 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2017.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2017] [Revised: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
NS2B-NS3 protease is an essential enzyme for the replication of dengue virus (DENV), which continues to be a serious threat to worldwide public health. We designed and synthesized a series of cyclic peptides mimicking the substrates of this enzyme, and assayed their activity against the DENV-2 NS2B-NS3 protease. The introduction of aromatic residues at the appropriate positions and conformational restriction generated the most promising cyclic peptide with an IC50 of 0.95μM against NS2B-NS3 protease. Cyclic peptides with proper positioning of additional arginines and aromatic residues exhibited antiviral activity against DENV. Furthermore, replacing the C-terminal amide bond of the polybasic amino acid sequence with an amino methylene moiety stabilized the cyclic peptides against hydrolysis by NS2B-NS3 protease, while maintaining their enzyme inhibitory activity and antiviral activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youhei Takagi
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., 3-1-1, Futaba-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 561-0825, Japan
| | - Kouhei Matsui
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., 3-1-1, Futaba-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 561-0825, Japan
| | - Haruaki Nobori
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., 3-1-1, Futaba-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 561-0825, Japan
| | - Haruka Maeda
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., 3-1-1, Futaba-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 561-0825, Japan
| | - Akihiko Sato
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., 3-1-1, Futaba-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 561-0825, Japan
| | - Takeshi Kurosu
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yasuko Orba
- Division of Molecular Pathobiology, Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Kita-20, Nishi-10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Sawa
- Division of Molecular Pathobiology, Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Kita-20, Nishi-10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan
| | - Kazunari Hattori
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., 3-1-1, Futaba-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 561-0825, Japan
| | - Kenichi Higashino
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., 3-1-1, Futaba-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 561-0825, Japan
| | - Yoshito Numata
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., 3-1-1, Futaba-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 561-0825, Japan
| | - Yutaka Yoshida
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., 3-1-1, Futaba-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 561-0825, Japan.
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Dengue Virus NS2B/NS3 Protease Inhibitors Exploiting the Prime Side. J Virol 2017; 91:JVI.00045-17. [PMID: 28298600 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00045-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The mosquito-transmitted dengue virus (DENV) infects millions of people in tropical and subtropical regions. Maturation of DENV particles requires proper cleavage of the viral polyprotein, including processing of 8 of the 13 substrate cleavage sites by dengue virus NS2B/NS3 protease. With no available direct-acting antiviral targeting DENV, NS2/NS3 protease is a promising target for inhibitor design. Current design efforts focus on the nonprime side of the DENV protease active site, resulting in highly hydrophilic and nonspecific scaffolds. However, the prime side also significantly modulates DENV protease binding affinity, as revealed by engineering the binding loop of aprotinin, a small protein with high affinity for DENV protease. In this study, we designed a series of cyclic peptides interacting with both sides of the active site as inhibitors of dengue virus protease. The design was based on two aprotinin loops and aimed to leverage both key specific interactions of substrate sequences and the entropic advantage driving aprotinin's high affinity. By optimizing the cyclization linker, length, and amino acid sequence, the tightest cyclic peptide achieved a Ki value of 2.9 μM against DENV3 wild-type (WT) protease. These inhibitors provide proof of concept that both sides of DENV protease active site can be exploited to potentially achieve specificity and lower hydrophilicity in the design of inhibitors targeting DENV.IMPORTANCE Viruses of the flaviviral family, including DENV and Zika virus transmitted by Aedes aegypti, continue to be a threat to global health by causing major outbreaks in tropical and subtropical regions, with no available direct-acting antivirals for treatment. A better understanding of the molecular requirements for the design of potent and specific inhibitors against flaviviral proteins will contribute to the development of targeted therapies for infections by these viruses. The cyclic peptides reported here as DENV protease inhibitors provide novel scaffolds that enable exploiting the prime side of the protease active site, with the aim of achieving better specificity and lower hydrophilicity than those of current scaffolds in the design of antiflaviviral inhibitors.
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81
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Increased activity of unlinked Zika virus NS2B/NS3 protease compared to linked Zika virus protease. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 492:668-673. [PMID: 28342876 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.03.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a flavivirus spread by daytime-active Aedes spp. mosquitoes such as A. aegypti and A. albopictus. Previously thought to be a mild infection, the latest ZIKV outbreak in the Americas is causally associated with more severe symptoms as well as severe birth defects, such as microcephaly. Currently no vaccine or antiviral exists. However, recent progress has demonstrated the viral NS2B/NS3 protease may be a suitable target for the development of small-molecule antiviral agents. To better understand the ZIKV protease, we expressed, purified, and characterized unlinked and linked NS2B/NS3 protease corresponding to an isolate from the recent outbreak in Puerto Rico. Unlinked ZIKV protease is more active and binds substrate with greater affinity than linked ZIKV protease. Therefore, we propose that unlinked ZIKV protease be used when evaluating or designing ZIKV protease inhibitors. Additionally, potent inhibitors of related viral proteases, like West Nile Virus and Dengue virus, may serve as advanced starting points to identify and develop ZIKV protease inhibitors.
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Nitsche C, Zhang L, Weigel LF, Schilz J, Graf D, Bartenschlager R, Hilgenfeld R, Klein CD. Peptide-Boronic Acid Inhibitors of Flaviviral Proteases: Medicinal Chemistry and Structural Biology. J Med Chem 2016; 60:511-516. [PMID: 27966962 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b01021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
A thousand-fold affinity gain is achieved by introduction of a C-terminal boronic acid moiety into dipeptidic inhibitors of the Zika, West Nile, and dengue virus proteases. The resulting compounds have Ki values in the two-digit nanomolar range, are not cytotoxic, and inhibit virus replication. Structure-activity relationships and a high resolution X-ray cocrystal structure with West Nile virus protease provide a basis for the design of optimized covalent-reversible inhibitors aimed at emerging flaviviral pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Nitsche
- Medicinal Chemistry, IPMB, Heidelberg University , INF-364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Linlin Zhang
- Institute of Biochemistry, Center for Structural and Cell Biology in Medicine, University of Lübeck , Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562 Lübeck, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) , Sites Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems and Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lena F Weigel
- Medicinal Chemistry, IPMB, Heidelberg University , INF-364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jonas Schilz
- Institute of Biochemistry, Center for Structural and Cell Biology in Medicine, University of Lübeck , Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Dominik Graf
- Medicinal Chemistry, IPMB, Heidelberg University , INF-364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ralf Bartenschlager
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) , Sites Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems and Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University , INF-345, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rolf Hilgenfeld
- Institute of Biochemistry, Center for Structural and Cell Biology in Medicine, University of Lübeck , Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562 Lübeck, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) , Sites Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems and Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian D Klein
- Medicinal Chemistry, IPMB, Heidelberg University , INF-364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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83
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Guo F, Wu S, Julander J, Ma J, Zhang X, Kulp J, Cuconati A, Block TM, Du Y, Guo JT, Chang J. A Novel Benzodiazepine Compound Inhibits Yellow Fever Virus Infection by Specifically Targeting NS4B Protein. J Virol 2016; 90:10774-10788. [PMID: 27654301 PMCID: PMC5110185 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01253-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although a highly effective vaccine is available, the number of yellow fever cases has increased over the past 2 decades, which highlights the pressing need for antiviral therapeutics. In a high-throughput screening campaign, we identified an acetic acid benzodiazepine (BDAA) compound which potently inhibits yellow fever virus (YFV). Interestingly, while treatment of YFV-infected cultures with 2 μM BDAA reduced the virion production by greater than 2 logs, the compound was not active against 21 other viruses from 14 different viral families. Selection and genetic analysis of drug-resistant viruses revealed that replacement of the proline at amino acid 219 (P219) of the nonstructural protein 4B (NS4B) with serine, threonine, or alanine conferred YFV with resistance to BDAA without apparent loss of replication fitness in cultured mammalian cells. However, replacement of P219 with glycine conferred BDAA resistance with significant loss of replication ability. Bioinformatics analysis predicts that the P219 amino acid is localized at the endoplasmic reticulum lumen side of the fifth putative transmembrane domain of NS4B, and the mutation may render the viral protein incapable of interacting with BDAA. Our studies thus revealed an important role and the structural basis for the NS4B protein in supporting YFV replication. Moreover, in YFV-infected hamsters, oral administration of BDAA protected 90% of the animals from death, significantly reduced viral load by greater than 2 logs, and attenuated virus infection-induced liver injury and body weight loss. The encouraging preclinical results thus warrant further development of BDAA or its derivatives as antiviral agents to treat yellow fever. IMPORTANCE Yellow fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic disease which threatens approximately 1 billion people living in tropical areas of Africa and Latin America. Although a highly effective yellow fever vaccine has been available for more than 7 decades, the low vaccination rate fails to prevent outbreaks in at-risk regions. It has been estimated that up to 1.7 million YFV infections occur in Africa each year, resulting in 29,000 to 60,000 deaths. Thus far, there is no specific antiviral treatment for yellow fever. To cope with this medical challenge, we identified a benzodiazepine compound that selectively inhibits YFV by targeting the viral NS4B protein. To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating in vivo safety and antiviral efficacy of a YFV NS4B inhibitor in an animal model. We have thus reached a critical milestone toward the development of specific antiviral therapeutics for clinical management of yellow fever.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Guo
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Hepatitis B Foundation, Doylestown, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Shuo Wu
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Hepatitis B Foundation, Doylestown, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Justin Julander
- Institute for Antiviral Research, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, USA
| | - Julia Ma
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Hepatitis B Foundation, Doylestown, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Xuexiang Zhang
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Hepatitis B Foundation, Doylestown, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - John Kulp
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Hepatitis B Foundation, Doylestown, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Andrea Cuconati
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Hepatitis B Foundation, Doylestown, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Timothy M Block
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Hepatitis B Foundation, Doylestown, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Yanming Du
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Hepatitis B Foundation, Doylestown, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ju-Tao Guo
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Hepatitis B Foundation, Doylestown, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jinhong Chang
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Hepatitis B Foundation, Doylestown, Pennsylvania, USA
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84
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Behnam MAM, Sundermann TR, Klein CD. Solid Phase Synthesis of C-Terminal Boronic Acid Peptides. Org Lett 2016; 18:2016-9. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.6b00625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mira A. M. Behnam
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute
of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tom R. Sundermann
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute
of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian D. Klein
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute
of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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85
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Flaviviruses are major causes of infectious disease. The vast global, social and economic impact due to morbidity and mortality associated with diseases caused by these viruses urgently demands effective therapeutic interventions. There is currently no specific antiviral therapy available for the effective clinical treatment of infections by any of the flaviviridae. Development of more effective vaccines and antiviral agents for the prevention and treatment of most flavivirus infections remains a clear public health priority in the 21st century. AREAS COVERED This review describes some of the recent discoveries in the field of flavivirus inhibitor development, with a particular focus on targeting viral proteins. Emphasis is placed on the advances published during the 2012-2015 period. EXPERT OPINION The field of drug discovery targeting viral proteins has progressed slowly in recent years. New information, particularly on structures, location and mechanisms of action of established protein targets have been reported. There have also been studies on repurposing known drugs as templates for targeting flavivirus proteins and these hits could be promising templates for developing new more potent inhibitors. Further research should be conducted to improve in vitro assays that better reflect the conditions found in cellular environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Mei Kok
- a Division of Chemistry and Structural Biology, Institute for Molecular Bioscience , The University of Queensland , Brisbane , Australia
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86
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Abstract
The dengue virus and related flaviviruses are an increasing global health threat. In this perspective, we comment on and review medicinal chemistry efforts aimed at the prevention or treatment of dengue infections. We include target-based approaches aimed at viral or host factors and results from phenotypic screenings in cellular assay systems for viral replication. This perspective is limited to the discussion of results that provide explicit chemistry or structure-activity relationship (SAR), or appear to be of particular interest to the medicinal chemist for other reasons. The discovery and development efforts discussed here may at least partially be extrapolated toward other emerging flaviviral infections, such as West Nile virus. Therefore, this perspective, although not aimed at flaviviruses in general, should also be able to provide an overview of the medicinal chemistry of these closely related infectious agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mira A M Behnam
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University , Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph Nitsche
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University , Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Veaceslav Boldescu
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University , Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.,Laboratory of Organic Synthesis, Institute of Chemistry of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova , Academiei 3, 2028 Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Christian D Klein
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University , Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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