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Obeng EM, Fianu I, Danquah MK. Multivalent ACE2 engineering-A promising pathway for advanced coronavirus nanomedicine development. NANO TODAY 2022; 46:101580. [PMID: 35942040 PMCID: PMC9350675 DOI: 10.1016/j.nantod.2022.101580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The spread of coronavirus diseases has resulted in a clarion call to develop potent drugs and vaccines even as different strains appear beyond human prediction. An initial step that is integral to the viral entry into host cells results from an active-targeted interaction of the viral spike (S) proteins and the cell surface receptor, called angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Thus, engineered ACE2 has been an interesting decoy inhibitor against emerging coronavirus infestation. This article discusses promising innovative ACE2 engineering pathways for current and emerging coronavirus therapeutic development. First, we provide a brief discussion of some ACE2-associated human coronaviruses and their cell invasion mechanism. Then, we describe and contrast the individual spike proteins and ACE2 receptor interactions, highlighting crucial hotspots across the ACE2-associated coronaviruses. Lastly, we address the importance of multivalency in ACE2 nanomedicine engineering and discuss novel approaches to develop and achieve multivalent therapeutic outcomes. Beyond coronaviruses, these approaches will serve as a paradigm to develop new and improved treatment technologies against pathogens that use ACE2 receptor for invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene M Obeng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Isaac Fianu
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Michael K Danquah
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Tennessee, 615 McCallie Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37403, United States
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52
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Zhou L, Hou W, Wang Y, Lin X, Hu J, Li J, Liu C, Liu H, Li H. An extracellular matrix biosensing mimetic for evaluating cathepsin as a host target for COVID-19. Anal Chim Acta 2022; 1225:340267. [PMID: 36038228 PMCID: PMC9380907 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2022.340267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
To combat the new virus currently ravaging the whole world, every possible anti-virus strategy should be explored. As the main strategy of targeting the virus itself is being frustrated by the rapid mutation of the virus, people are seeking an alternative "host targeting" strategy: neutralizing proteins in the human body that cooperate with the virus. The cathepsin family is such a group of promising host targets, the main biological function of which is to digest the extracellular matrix (ECM) to clear a path for virus spreading. To evaluate the potential of cathepsin as a host target, we have constructed a biosensing interface mimicking the ECM, which can detect cathepsin from 3.3 pM to 33 nM with the limit of detection of 1 pM. Based on our quantitative analysis enabled by this biosensing interface, it is clear that patients with background diseases such as chronic inflammation and tumor, tend to have higher cathepsin activity, confirming the potential of cathepsin to serve as a host target for combating COVID-19 virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhou
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, 336 West Road of Nan, Xinzhuang, 250022, China; Shandong Keyuan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, 250022, China.
| | - Wenmin Hou
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, 336 West Road of Nan, Xinzhuang, 250022, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University Jinan, Jinan Children's Hospital Jinan, 250002, PR China
| | - Xia Lin
- Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University Jinan, Jinan Children's Hospital Jinan, 250002, PR China
| | - Jianguo Hu
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Culture and Tourism, University of Jinan, 13#, Shungeng Road, Jinan, 250000, China
| | - Jinlong Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210003, PR China
| | - Chen Liu
- Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University Jinan, Jinan Children's Hospital Jinan, 250002, PR China.
| | - Hongkai Liu
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Culture and Tourism, University of Jinan, 13#, Shungeng Road, Jinan, 250000, China.
| | - Hao Li
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, 336 West Road of Nan, Xinzhuang, 250022, China.
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53
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Hu Q, Xiong Y, Zhu G, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Huang P, Ge G. The SARS-CoV-2 main protease (M pro): Structure, function, and emerging therapies for COVID-19. MedComm (Beijing) 2022; 3:e151. [PMID: 35845352 PMCID: PMC9283855 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The main proteases (Mpro), also termed 3-chymotrypsin-like proteases (3CLpro), are a class of highly conserved cysteine hydrolases in β-coronaviruses. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that 3CLpros play an indispensable role in viral replication and have been recognized as key targets for preventing and treating coronavirus-caused infectious diseases, including COVID-19. This review is focused on the structural features and biological function of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) main protease Mpro (also known as 3CLpro), as well as recent advances in discovering and developing SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro inhibitors. To better understand the characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro inhibitors, the inhibition activities, inhibitory mechanisms, and key structural features of various 3CLpro inhibitors (including marketed drugs, peptidomimetic, and non-peptidomimetic synthetic compounds, as well as natural compounds and their derivatives) are summarized comprehensively. Meanwhile, the challenges in this field are highlighted, while future directions for designing and developing efficacious 3CLpro inhibitors as novel anti-coronavirus therapies are also proposed. Collectively, all information and knowledge presented here are very helpful for understanding the structural features and inhibitory mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro inhibitors, which offers new insights or inspiration to medicinal chemists for designing and developing more efficacious 3CLpro inhibitors as novel anti-coronavirus agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Hu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical BiologyInstitute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine ResearchShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
- Clinical Pharmacy CenterCancer CenterDepartment of PharmacyZhejiang Provincial People's HospitalAffiliated People's HospitalHangzhou Medical College, HangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Yuan Xiong
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical BiologyInstitute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine ResearchShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Guang‐Hao Zhu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical BiologyInstitute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine ResearchShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Ya‐Ni Zhang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical BiologyInstitute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine ResearchShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Yi‐Wen Zhang
- Clinical Pharmacy CenterCancer CenterDepartment of PharmacyZhejiang Provincial People's HospitalAffiliated People's HospitalHangzhou Medical College, HangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Ping Huang
- Clinical Pharmacy CenterCancer CenterDepartment of PharmacyZhejiang Provincial People's HospitalAffiliated People's HospitalHangzhou Medical College, HangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Guang‐Bo Ge
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical BiologyInstitute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine ResearchShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
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54
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(+)-Usnic acid and its salts, inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2, identified by using in silico methods and in vitro assay. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13118. [PMID: 35908082 PMCID: PMC9338942 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17506-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been ongoing for over two years, and treatment for COVID-19, other than monoclonal antibodies, is urgently required. Accordingly, we have investigated the inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 protein targets by high-throughput virtual screening using a marine natural products database. Considering the calculated molecular properties and availability of the compounds, (+)-usnic acid was selected as a suitable hit. In the in vitro antiviral assay of (+)-usnic acid by the immunofluorescence method, IC50 was 7.99 μM, which is similar to that of remdesivir used as a positive control. The generalized Born and surface area continuum solvation (MM/GBSA) method was performed to find the potent target of (+)-usnic acid, and the Mpro protein showed the most prominent value, -52.05 kcal/mol, among other SARS-CoV-2 protein targets. Thereafter, RMSD and protein-ligand interactions were profiled using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Sodium usnate (NaU) improved in vitro assay results with an IC50 of 5.33 μM and a selectivity index (SI) of 9.38. Additionally, when (+)-usnic acid was assayed against SARS-CoV-2 variants, it showed enhanced efficacy toward beta variants with an IC50 of 2.92 μM and SI of 11.1. We report the in vitro anti-SARS-CoV-2 efficacy of (+)-usnic acid in this study and propose that it has the potential to be developed as a COVID-19 treatment if its in vivo efficacy has been confirmed.
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55
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Schroeder PH, Brenner LN, Kaur V, Cromer SJ, Armstrong K, LaRocque RC, Ryan ET, Meigs JB, Florez JC, Charles RC, Mercader JM, Leong A. Proteomic analysis of cardiometabolic biomarkers and predictive modeling of severe outcomes in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Cardiovasc Diabetol 2022; 21:136. [PMID: 35864532 PMCID: PMC9301894 DOI: 10.1186/s12933-022-01569-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The high heterogeneity in the symptoms and severity of COVID-19 makes it challenging to identify high-risk patients early in the disease. Cardiometabolic comorbidities have shown strong associations with COVID-19 severity in epidemiologic studies. Cardiometabolic protein biomarkers, therefore, may provide predictive insight regarding which patients are most susceptible to severe illness from COVID-19. METHODS In plasma samples collected from 343 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 during the first wave of the pandemic, we measured 92 circulating protein biomarkers previously implicated in cardiometabolic disease. We performed proteomic analysis and developed predictive models for severe outcomes. We then used these models to predict the outcomes of out-of-sample patients hospitalized with COVID-19 later in the surge (N = 194). RESULTS We identified a set of seven protein biomarkers predictive of admission to the intensive care unit and/or death (ICU/death) within 28 days of presentation to care. Two of the biomarkers, ADAMTS13 and VEGFD, were associated with a lower risk of ICU/death. The remaining biomarkers, ACE2, IL-1RA, IL6, KIM1, and CTSL1, were associated with higher risk. When used to predict the outcomes of the future, out-of-sample patients, the predictive models built with these protein biomarkers outperformed all models built from standard clinical data, including known COVID-19 risk factors. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that proteomic profiling can inform the early clinical impression of a patient's likelihood of developing severe COVID-19 outcomes and, ultimately, accelerate the recognition and treatment of high-risk patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip H Schroeder
- Diabetes Unit, Endocrine Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Programs in Metabolism and Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Laura N Brenner
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Programs in Metabolism and Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Varinderpal Kaur
- Diabetes Unit, Endocrine Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Programs in Metabolism and Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sara J Cromer
- Diabetes Unit, Endocrine Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Programs in Metabolism and Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Katrina Armstrong
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Regina C LaRocque
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Edward T Ryan
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - James B Meigs
- Programs in Metabolism and Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 100 Cambridge St 16th Floor, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Jose C Florez
- Diabetes Unit, Endocrine Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Programs in Metabolism and Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Richelle C Charles
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Josep M Mercader
- Diabetes Unit, Endocrine Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Programs in Metabolism and Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aaron Leong
- Diabetes Unit, Endocrine Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. .,Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. .,Programs in Metabolism and Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA. .,Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. .,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. .,Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 100 Cambridge St 16th Floor, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
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56
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Uhomoibhi JOO, Shode FO, Idowu KA, Sabiu S. Molecular modelling identification of phytocompounds from selected African botanicals as promising therapeutics against druggable human host cell targets of SARS-CoV-2. J Mol Graph Model 2022; 114:108185. [PMID: 35430474 PMCID: PMC9002601 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2022.108185] [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: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is highly pathogenic and transmissible. It is mediated by the binding of viral spike proteins to human cells via entry and replication processes involving human angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (hACE2), transmembrane serine protease (TMPRSS2) and cathepsin L (Cath L). The identification of novel therapeutics that can modulate viral entry or replication has been of research interest and would be germane in managing COVID-19 subjects. This study investigated the structure-activity relationship inhibitory potential of 99 phytocompounds from selected African botanicals with proven therapeutic benefits against respiratory diseases focusing on SARS-CoV-2's human cell proteins (hACE2, TMPRSS2, and Cathepsin L) as druggable targets using computational methods. Evaluation of the binding energies of the phytocompounds showed that two compounds, Abrusoside A (-63.393 kcal/mol) and Kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside (-58.939 kcal/mol) had stronger affinity for the exopeptidase site of hACE2 compared to the reference drug, MLN-4760 (-54.545 kcal/mol). The study further revealed that Verbascoside (-63.338 kcal/mol), Abrectorin (-37.880 kcal/mol), and Friedelin (-36.989 kcal/mol) are potential inhibitors of TMPRSS2 compared to Nafamostat (-36.186 kcal/mol), while Hemiphloin (-41.425 kcal/mol), Quercetin-3-O-rutinoside (-37.257 kcal/mol), and Myricetin-3-O-galactoside (-36.342 kcal/mol) are potential inhibitors of Cathepsin L relative to Bafilomycin A1 (-38.180 kcal/mol). The structural analysis suggests that these compounds do not compromise the structural integrity of the proteins, but rather stabilized and interacted well with the active site amino acid residues critical to inhibition of the respective proteins. Overall, the findings from this study are suggestive of the structural mechanism of inhibitory action of the identified leads against the proteins critical for SARS-CoV-2 to enter the human host cell. While the study has lent credence to the significant role the compounds could play in developing potent SARS-CoV-2 candidate drugs against COVID-19, further structural refinement, and modifications of the compounds for subsequent in vitro as well as preclinical and clinical evaluations are underway.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Omo-Osagie Uhomoibhi
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Durban University of Technology, PO Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Francis Oluwole Shode
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Durban University of Technology, PO Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Kehinde Ademola Idowu
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Durban University of Technology, PO Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Saheed Sabiu
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Durban University of Technology, PO Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa.
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Kuzikov M, Woens J, Zaliani A, Hambach J, Eden T, Fehse B, Ellinger B, Riecken K. High-throughput drug screening allowed identification of entry inhibitors specifically targeting different routes of SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron/BA.1. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 151:113104. [PMID: 35643072 PMCID: PMC9108036 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has continuously evolved, resulting in the emergence of several variants of concern (VOCs). To study mechanisms of viral entry and potentially identify specific inhibitors, we pseudotyped lentiviral vectors with different SARS-CoV-2 VOC spike variants (D614G, Alpha, Beta, Delta, Omicron/BA.1), responsible for receptor binding and membrane fusion. These SARS-CoV-2 lentiviral pseudoviruses were applied to screen 774 FDA-approved drugs. For the assay we decided to use CaCo2 cells, since they equally allow cell entry through both the direct membrane fusion pathway mediated by TMPRSS2 and the endocytosis pathway mediated by cathepsin-L. The active molecules which showed stronger differences in their potency to inhibit certain SARS-CoV-2 VOCs included antagonists of G-protein coupled receptors, like phenothiazine-derived antipsychotic compounds such as Chlorpromazine, with highest activity against the Omicron pseudovirus. In general, our data showed that the various VOCs differ in their preferences for cell entry, and we were able to identify synergistic combinations of inhibitors. Notably, Omicron singled out by relying primarily on the endocytosis pathway while Delta preferred cell entry via membrane fusion. In conclusion, our data provide new insights into different entry preferences of SARS-CoV-2 VOCs, which might help to identify new drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kuzikov
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Schnackenburgallee 114, 22525 Hamburg, Germany,Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Diseases CIMD, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany,Department of Life Sciences and Chemistry, Jacobs University Bremen, 28759 Bremen, Germany
| | - Jannis Woens
- Research Department Cell and Gene Therapy, Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Zaliani
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Schnackenburgallee 114, 22525 Hamburg, Germany,Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Diseases CIMD, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Julia Hambach
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Eden
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Boris Fehse
- Research Department Cell and Gene Therapy, Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Ellinger
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Schnackenburgallee 114, 22525 Hamburg, Germany,Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Diseases CIMD, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany,Corresponding author at: Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Schnackenburgallee 114, 22525 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kristoffer Riecken
- Research Department Cell and Gene Therapy, Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany,Correspondence to: Research Department Cell and Gene Therapy, Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
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Singh S, Weiss A, Goodman J, Fisk M, Kulkarni S, Lu I, Gray J, Smith R, Sommer M, Cheriyan J. Niclosamide-A promising treatment for COVID-19. Br J Pharmacol 2022; 179:3250-3267. [PMID: 35348204 PMCID: PMC9111792 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccines have reduced the transmission and severity of COVID-19, but there remains a paucity of efficacious treatment for drug-resistant strains and more susceptible individuals, particularly those who mount a suboptimal vaccine response, either due to underlying health conditions or concomitant therapies. Repurposing existing drugs is a timely, safe and scientifically robust method for treating pandemics, such as COVID-19. Here, we review the pharmacology and scientific rationale for repurposing niclosamide, an anti-helminth already in human use as a treatment for COVID-19. In addition, its potent antiviral activity, niclosamide has shown pleiotropic anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, bronchodilatory and anticancer effects in numerous preclinical and early clinical studies. The advantages and rationale for nebulized and intranasal formulations of niclosamide, which target the site of the primary infection in COVID-19, are reviewed. Finally, we give an overview of ongoing clinical trials investigating niclosamide as a promising candidate against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivani Singh
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care MedicineNYU School of MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Anne Weiss
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for BiosustainabilityTechnical University of DenmarkKongens LyngbyDenmark
- UNION Therapeutics Research ServicesHellerupDenmark
| | - James Goodman
- Department of MedicineCambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustCambridgeUK
| | - Marie Fisk
- Department of MedicineCambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustCambridgeUK
| | - Spoorthy Kulkarni
- Department of MedicineCambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustCambridgeUK
| | - Ing Lu
- Department of MedicineCambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustCambridgeUK
| | - Joanna Gray
- Department of MedicineCambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustCambridgeUK
| | - Rona Smith
- Department of MedicineCambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustCambridgeUK
- Cambridge Clinical Trials UnitCambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustCambridgeUK
| | - Morten Sommer
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for BiosustainabilityTechnical University of DenmarkKongens LyngbyDenmark
- UNION TherapeuticsHellerupDenmark
| | - Joseph Cheriyan
- Department of MedicineCambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustCambridgeUK
- Cambridge Clinical Trials UnitCambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustCambridgeUK
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59
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Rangu R, Wander PL, Barrow BM, Zraika S. Going viral in the islet: mediators of SARS-CoV-2 entry beyond ACE2. J Mol Endocrinol 2022; 69:R63-R79. [PMID: 35521990 PMCID: PMC10622140 DOI: 10.1530/jme-21-0282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Following initial infection of airway epithelia, SARS-CoV-2 invades a wide range of cells in multiple organs, including pancreatic islet cells. Diabetes is now recognised as a risk factor for severe COVID-19 outcomes, including hospitalisation and death. Additionally, COVID-19 is associated with a higher risk of new-onset diabetes and metabolic complications of diabetes. One mechanism by which these deleterious outcomes may occur is via the destruction of insulin-producing islet β cells, either directly by SARS-CoV-2 entry into β cells or indirectly due to inflammation and fibrosis in the surrounding microenvironment. While the canonical pathway of viral entry via angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has been established as a major route of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the lung, it may not be solely responsible for viral entry into the endocrine pancreas. This is likely due to the divergent expression of viral entry factors among different tissues. For example, expression of ACE2 has not been unequivocally demonstrated in β cells. Thus, it is important to understand how other proteins known to be highly expressed in pancreatic endocrine cells may be involved in SARS-CoV-2 entry, with the view that these could be targeted to prevent the demise of the β cell in COVID-19. To that end, this review discusses alternate receptors of SARS-CoV-2 (CD147 and GRP78), as well as mediators (furin, TMPRSS2, cathepsin L, ADAM17, neuropilin-1, and heparan sulphate) that may facilitate SARS-CoV-2 entry into pancreatic islets independent of or in conjunction with ACE2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohita Rangu
- Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, United States
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Pandora L. Wander
- Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, United States
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Breanne M. Barrow
- Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, United States
| | - Sakeneh Zraika
- Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, United States
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
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60
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW As of January 8, 2022, a global pandemic caused by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-2, a new RNA virus, has resulted in 304,896,785 cases in over 222 countries and regions, with over 5,500,683 deaths (www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/). Reports of neurological and psychiatric symptoms in the context of coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19) range from headache, anosmia, and dysgeusia, to depression, fatigue, psychosis, seizures, delirium, suicide, meningitis, encephalitis, inflammatory demyelination, infarction, and acute hemorrhagic necrotizing encephalopathy. Moreover, 30-50% of COVID-19 survivors develop long-lasting neurologic symptoms, including a dysexecutive syndrome, with inattention and disorientation, and/or poor movement coordination. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA within the central nervous system (CNS) of patients is rare, and mechanisms of neurological damage and ongoing neurologic diseases in COVID-19 patients are unknown. However, studies demonstrating viral glycoprotein effects on coagulation and cerebral vasculature, and hypoxia- and cytokine-mediated coagulopathy and CNS immunopathology suggest both virus-specific and neuroimmune responses may be involved. This review explores potential mechanistic insights that could contribute to COVID-19-related neurologic disease. RECENT FINDINGS While the development of neurologic diseases during acute COVID-19 is rarely associated with evidence of viral neuroinvasion, new evidence suggests SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) protein exhibits direct inflammatory and pro-coagulation effects. This, in conjunction with immune dysregulation resulting in cytokine release syndrome (CRS) may result in acute cerebrovascular or neuroinflammatory diseases. Additionally, CRS-mediated loss of blood-brain barrier integrity in specific brain regions may contribute to the expression of proinflammatory mediators by neural cells that may impact brain function long after resolution of acute infection. Importantly, host co-morbid diseases that affect vascular, pulmonary, or CNS function may contribute to the type of neurologic disease triggered by SARS-COV-2 infection. SUMMARY Distinct effects of SARS-CoV-2 S protein and CNS compartment- and region-specific responses to CRS may underlie acute and chronic neuroinflammatory diseases associated with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn S Klein
- Center for Neuroimmunology & Neuroinfectious Diseases, Departments of Medicine, Pathology & Immunology, and Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Lan Y, He W, Wang G, Wang Z, Chen Y, Gao F, Song D. Potential Antiviral Strategy Exploiting Dependence of SARS-CoV-2 Replication on Lysosome-Based Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116188. [PMID: 35682877 PMCID: PMC9181800 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) disease (COVID-19) outbreak created a severe public health burden worldwide. Unfortunately, the SARS-CoV-2 variant is still spreading at an unprecedented speed in many countries and regions. There is still a lack of effective treatment for moderate and severe COVID-19 patients, due to a lack of understanding of the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle. Lysosomes, which act as “garbage disposals” for nearly all types of eukaryotic cells, were shown in numerous studies to support SARS-CoV-2 replication. Lysosome-associated pathways are required for virus entry and exit during replication. In this review, we summarize experimental evidence demonstrating a correlation between lysosomal function and SARS-CoV-2 replication, and the development of lysosomal perturbation drugs as anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yungang Lan
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130022, China; (W.H.); (Z.W.); (Y.C.); (F.G.)
- Correspondence: (Y.L.); (D.S.)
| | - Wenqi He
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130022, China; (W.H.); (Z.W.); (Y.C.); (F.G.)
| | - Gaili Wang
- Jilin Academy of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Changchun 130022, China;
| | - Zhenzhen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130022, China; (W.H.); (Z.W.); (Y.C.); (F.G.)
| | - Yuzhu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130022, China; (W.H.); (Z.W.); (Y.C.); (F.G.)
| | - Feng Gao
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130022, China; (W.H.); (Z.W.); (Y.C.); (F.G.)
| | - Deguang Song
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130022, China; (W.H.); (Z.W.); (Y.C.); (F.G.)
- Correspondence: (Y.L.); (D.S.)
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62
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Qi JH, Dong FX, Wang K, Zhang SY, Liu ZM, Wang WJ, Sun FZ, Zhang HM, Wang XL. Feasibility analysis and mechanism exploration of Rhei Radix et Rhizome-Schisandrae Sphenantherae Fructus (RS) against COVID-19. J Med Microbiol 2022; 71. [PMID: 35584000 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction. As a novel global epidemic, corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 brought great suffering and disaster to mankind. Recently, although significant progress has been made in vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, there are still no drugs for treating COVID-19. It is well known that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has achieved excellent efficacy in the treatment of COVID-19 in China. As a treasure-house of natural drugs, Chinese herbs offer a promising prospect for discovering anti-COVID-19 drugs.Hypothesis/Gap Statement. We proposed that Rhei Radix et Rhizome-Schisandrae Sphenantherae Fructus (RS) may have potential value in the treatment of COVID-19 patients by regulating immune response, protecting the cardiovascular system, inhibiting the production of inflammatory factors, and blocking virus invasion and replication processes.Aim. We aimed to explore the feasibility and molecular mechanisms of RS against COVID-19, to provide a reference for basic research and clinical applications.Methodology. Through literature mining, it is found that a Chinese herbal pair, RS, has potential anti-COVID-19 activity. In this study, we analysed the feasibility of RS against COVID-19 by high-throughput molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. Furthermore, we predicted the molecular mechanisms of RS against COVID-19 based on network pharmacology.Results. We proved the feasibility of RS anti-COVID-19 by literature mining, virtual docking and molecular dynamics simulations, and found that angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and 3C-like protease (3 CL pro) were also two critical targets for RS against COVID-19. In addition, we predicted the molecular mechanisms of RS in the treatment of COVID-19, and identified 29 main ingredients, 21 potential targets and 16 signalling pathways. Rhein, eupatin, (-)-catechin, aloe-emodin may be important active ingredients in RS. ALB, ESR1, EGFR, HMOX1, CTSL, and RHOA may be important targets against COVID-19. Platelet activation, renin secretion, ras signalling pathway, chemokine signalling pathway, and human cytomegalovirus infection may be important signalling pathways against COVID-19.Conclusion. RS plays a key role in the treatment of COVID-19, which may be closely related to immune regulation, cardiovascular protection, anti-inflammation, virus invasion and replication processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Hong Qi
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, PR China
| | - Fang-Xu Dong
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, PR China
| | - Ke Wang
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, PR China
| | - Shan-Yu Zhang
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, PR China
| | - Zi-Ming Liu
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, PR China
| | - Wen-Jing Wang
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, PR China
| | - Feng-Zhi Sun
- The Pharmacy Department, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shandong Province, Jinan 250014, PR China
| | - Hui-Min Zhang
- Shandong Academy of Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, PR China
| | - Xiao-Long Wang
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, PR China.,Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, PR China.,Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Basic Research, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, PR China
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63
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Yang WL, Li Q, Sun J, Huat Tan S, Tang YH, Zhao MM, Li YY, Cao X, Zhao JC, Yang JK. Potential drug discovery for COVID-19 treatment targeting Cathepsin L using a deep learning-based strategy. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:2442-2454. [PMID: 35602976 PMCID: PMC9110316 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.05.023] [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: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cathepsin L (CTSL), a cysteine protease that can cleave and activate the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein, could be a promising therapeutic target for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, there is still no clinically available CTSL inhibitor that can be used. Here, we applied Chemprop, a newly trained directed-message passing deep neural network approach, to identify small molecules and FDA-approved drugs that can block CTSL activity to expand the discovery of CTSL inhibitors for drug development and repurposing for COVID-19. We found 5 molecules (Mg-132, Z-FA-FMK, leupeptin hemisulfate, Mg-101 and calpeptin) that were able to significantly inhibit the activity of CTSL in the nanomolar range and inhibit the infection of both pseudotype and live SARS-CoV-2. Notably, we discovered that daptomycin, an FDA-approved antibiotic, has a prominent CTSL inhibitory effect and can inhibit SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus infection. Further, molecular docking calculation showed stable and robust binding of these compounds with CTSL. In conclusion, this study suggested for the first time that Chemprop is ideally suited to predict additional inhibitors of enzymes and revealed the noteworthy strategy for screening novel molecules and drugs for the treatment of COVID-19 and other diseases with unmet needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Li Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Diabetes Research and Care, Beijing Diabetes Institute, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Qi Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Diabetes Research and Care, Beijing Diabetes Institute, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Jing Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510182, China
| | - Sia Huat Tan
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Information Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan-Hong Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510182, China
| | - Miao-Miao Zhao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Diabetes Research and Care, Beijing Diabetes Institute, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Yu-Yang Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Diabetes Research and Care, Beijing Diabetes Institute, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Xi Cao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Diabetes Research and Care, Beijing Diabetes Institute, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Jin-Cun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510182, China
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Bio-Island, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510320, China
- Institute of Infectious Disease, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510000, China
| | - Jin-Kui Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Diabetes Research and Care, Beijing Diabetes Institute, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, China
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Jiménez D, Torres Arias M. Immunouniverse of SARS-CoV-2. Immunol Med 2022; 45:186-224. [PMID: 35502127 DOI: 10.1080/25785826.2022.2066251] [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: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 virus has become a global health problem that has caused millions of deaths worldwide. The infection can present with multiple clinical features ranging from asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic patients to patients with severe or critical illness that can even lead to death. Although the immune system plays an important role in pathogen control, SARS-CoV-2 can drive dysregulation of this response and trigger severe immunopathology. Exploring the mechanisms of the immune response involved in host defense against SARS-CoV-2 allows us to understand its immunopathogenesis and possibly detect features that can be used as potential therapies to eliminate the virus. The main objective of this review on SARS-CoV-2 is to highlight the interaction between the virus and the immune response. We explore the function and action of the immune system, the expression of molecules at the site of infection that cause hyperinflammation and hypercoagulation disorders, the factors leading to the development of pneumonia and subsequent severe acute respiratory distress syndrome which is the leading cause of death in patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Jiménez
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida y Agricultura, Carrera de Ingeniería en Biotecnología, Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas ESPE, Sangolquí, Pichincha, Ecuador
| | - Marbel Torres Arias
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida y Agricultura, Carrera de Ingeniería en Biotecnología, Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas ESPE, Sangolquí, Pichincha, Ecuador.,Laboratorio de Inmunología y Virología, CENCINAT, GISAH, Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas, Sangolquí, Pichincha, Ecuador
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65
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Liu H, Iketani S, Zask A, Khanizeman N, Bednarova E, Forouhar F, Fowler B, Hong SJ, Mohri H, Nair MS, Huang Y, Tay NES, Lee S, Karan C, Resnick SJ, Quinn C, Li W, Shion H, Xia X, Daniels JD, Bartolo-Cruz M, Farina M, Rajbhandari P, Jurtschenko C, Lauber MA, McDonald T, Stokes ME, Hurst BL, Rovis T, Chavez A, Ho DD, Stockwell BR. Development of optimized drug-like small molecule inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease for treatment of COVID-19. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1891. [PMID: 35393402 PMCID: PMC8989888 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29413-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease is a critical drug target for small molecule COVID-19 therapy, given its likely druggability and essentiality in the viral maturation and replication cycle. Based on the conservation of 3CL protease substrate binding pockets across coronaviruses and using screening, we identified four structurally distinct lead compounds that inhibit SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease. After evaluation of their binding specificity, cellular antiviral potency, metabolic stability, and water solubility, we prioritized the GC376 scaffold as being optimal for optimization. We identified multiple drug-like compounds with <10 nM potency for inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 3CL and the ability to block SARS-CoV-2 replication in human cells, obtained co-crystal structures of the 3CL protease in complex with these compounds, and determined that they have pan-coronavirus activity. We selected one compound, termed coronastat, as an optimized lead and characterized it in pharmacokinetic and safety studies in vivo. Coronastat represents a new candidate for a small molecule protease inhibitor for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection for eliminating pandemics involving coronaviruses. Small molecule drugs promise to remain a valuable tool in controlling the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Here the authors describe optimized drug-like small molecule inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease for potential treatment of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengrui Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Sho Iketani
- Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Arie Zask
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Nisha Khanizeman
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Eva Bednarova
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Farhad Forouhar
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Brandon Fowler
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Seo Jung Hong
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Hiroshi Mohri
- Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Manoj S Nair
- Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Yaoxing Huang
- Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Nicholas E S Tay
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Sumin Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Charles Karan
- Sulzberger Columbia Genome Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Samuel J Resnick
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA.,Medical Scientist Training Program, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Colette Quinn
- Waters Corporation, 34 Maple Street, Milford, MA, 01757, USA
| | - Wenjing Li
- Waters Corporation, 34 Maple Street, Milford, MA, 01757, USA
| | - Henry Shion
- Waters Corporation, 34 Maple Street, Milford, MA, 01757, USA
| | - Xin Xia
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Jacob D Daniels
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | | | - Marcelo Farina
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Presha Rajbhandari
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | | | | | - Thomas McDonald
- Waters Corporation, 34 Maple Street, Milford, MA, 01757, USA
| | - Michael E Stokes
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Brett L Hurst
- Institute for Antiviral Research, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, USA
| | - Tomislav Rovis
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA.
| | - Alejandro Chavez
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - David D Ho
- Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Brent R Stockwell
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA. .,Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA.
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Rejdak K, Fiedor P, Bonek R, Goch A, Gala-Błądzińska A, Chełstowski W, Łukasiak J, Kiciak S, Dąbrowski P, Dec M, Król ZJ, Papuć E, Zasybska A, Segiet A, Grieb P. The use of amantadine in the prevention of progression and treatment of COVID-19 symptoms in patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COV-PREVENT): Study rationale and design. Contemp Clin Trials 2022; 116:106755. [PMID: 35390511 PMCID: PMC8978450 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2022.106755] [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: 09/05/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background COVID-19, a disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic in most cases. Some patients, usually burdened with risk factors develop acute respiratory failure and other organ dysfunction. In such cases, the mortality rate is very high despite the use of intensive therapy. Amantadine has complex activity including antiviral, antiinflammatory and dopaminergic effects. This clinical trial will assess the efficacy and safety of amantadine in the prevention of COVID-19 progression toward acute respiratory failure and neurological complications. Methods and results The trial will enroll 200 patients who are positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection and have one or more risk factors for worsening the disease. These patients will be included as hospitalized or ambulatory subjects for early treatment of illness. The recruitment will take place in 8 centers covering different regions of Poland. For 14 days they will be given either 200 mg of amantadine a day or placebo. Our hypothesis is a considerable reduction in the number of patients with progression toward respiratory insufficiency or neurological complications thanks to the treatment of amantadine. Conclusions Demonstrating the efficacy and safety of amantadine treatment in improving the clinical condition of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 is of great importance in combating the effects of the pandemic. It has potential to influence on the severity and course of neurological complications, which are very common and persist long after the infection as long-COVID syndrome. Clinical trial registration:www.clinicaltrials.gov identification no. NCT04854759; Eudra CT number: 2021–001144-98 (dated 27 February 2021).
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Affiliation(s)
- Konrad Rejdak
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Piotr Fiedor
- Department of General and Transplantation Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - Robert Bonek
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neuroimmunology, Regional Specialist Hospital, Grudziadz, Poland
| | - Aleksander Goch
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neuroimmunology, Regional Specialist Hospital, Grudziadz, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Gala-Błądzińska
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland; St' Queen Jadwiga Clinical District Hospital No. 2, Rzeszów, Poland
| | | | | | - Sławomir Kiciak
- Independent Voivodeship Hospital "Jana Bożego" in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Piotr Dąbrowski
- Independent Voivodeship Hospital "Jana Bożego" in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Mateusz Dec
- SPZOZ Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, Poland
| | - Zbigniew J Król
- Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Papuć
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Adriana Zasybska
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Segiet
- Chair and Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paweł Grieb
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
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Rhoades R, Solomon S, Johnson C, Teng S. Impact of SARS-CoV-2 on Host Factors Involved in Mental Disorders. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:845559. [PMID: 35444632 PMCID: PMC9014212 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.845559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, is a systemic illness due to its multiorgan effects in patients. The disease has a detrimental impact on respiratory and cardiovascular systems. One early symptom of infection is anosmia or lack of smell; this implicates the involvement of the olfactory bulb in COVID-19 disease and provides a route into the central nervous system. However, little is known about how SARS-CoV-2 affects neurological or psychological symptoms. SARS-CoV-2 exploits host receptors that converge on pathways that impact psychological symptoms. This systemic review discusses the ways involved by coronavirus infection and their impact on mental health disorders. We begin by briefly introducing the history of coronaviruses, followed by an overview of the essential proteins to viral entry. Then, we discuss the downstream effects of viral entry on host proteins. Finally, we review the literature on host factors that are known to play critical roles in neuropsychiatric symptoms and mental diseases and discuss how COVID-19 could impact mental health globally. Our review details the host factors and pathways involved in the cellular mechanisms, such as systemic inflammation, that play a significant role in the development of neuropsychological symptoms stemming from COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raina Rhoades
- Department of Biology, Howard University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Sarah Solomon
- Department of Biology, Howard University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Christina Johnson
- Department of Biology, Howard University, Washington, DC, United States
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Azhar A, Khan WH, Al-Hosaini K, Kamal MA. miRNAs in SARS-CoV-2 Infection: An Update. Curr Drug Metab 2022; 23:283-298. [PMID: 35319361 DOI: 10.2174/1389200223666220321102824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a highly infectious disease caused by newly discovered severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Since the inception of SARS-CoV-2 from Wuhan, China, the virus has traveled to more than 200 countries globally. The role of SARS-CoV-2 in COVID-19 has been thoroughly investigated and reviewed in the last 22 months or so; however, a comprehensive outline of miRNAs in SARS-CoV-2 infection is still missing. The genetic material of SARS-CoV-2 is a single-stranded RNA molecule nearly 29 kb in size. RNA is composed of numerous sub-constituents, including microRNAs (miRNAs). miRNAs play an essential role in biological processes like apoptosis, cellular metabolism, cell death, cell movement, oncogenesis, intracellular signaling, immunity, and infection. Lately, miRNAs have been involved in SARS-CoV-2 infection, though the clear demonstration of miRNAs in the SARS-CoV-2 infection is not fully elucidated. The present review article summarizes recent findings of miRNAs associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. We presented various facets of miRNAs such as miRNAs as the protagonist in viral infection, the occurrence of miRNA in cellular receptors, expression of miRNAs in multiple diseases, miRNA as a biomarker, and miRNA as a therapeutic tool discussed in detail. We also presented the vaccine status available in various countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asim Azhar
- Aligarh College of Education, Aligarh, UP, India
| | - Wajihul Hasan Khan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Khaled Al-Hosaini
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Post Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Amjad Kamal
- West China School of Nursing / 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, P. O. Box 80216, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Enzymoics, NSW; Novel Global Community Educational Foundation, Australia
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Exploring Toxins for Hunting SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Inhibitors: Molecular Docking, Molecular Dynamics, Pharmacokinetic Properties, and Reactome Study. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15020153. [PMID: 35215266 PMCID: PMC8875976 DOI: 10.3390/ph15020153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The main protease (Mpro) is a potential druggable target in SARS-CoV-2 replication. Herein, an in silico study was conducted to mine for Mpro inhibitors from toxin sources. A toxin and toxin-target database (T3DB) was virtually screened for inhibitor activity towards the Mpro enzyme utilizing molecular docking calculations. Promising toxins were subsequently characterized using a combination of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and molecular mechanics-generalized Born surface area (MM-GBSA) binding energy estimations. According to the MM-GBSA binding energies over 200 ns MD simulations, three toxins—namely philanthotoxin (T3D2489), azaspiracid (T3D2672), and taziprinone (T3D2378)—demonstrated higher binding affinities against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro than the co-crystalized inhibitor XF7 with MM-GBSA binding energies of −58.9, −55.9, −50.1, and −43.7 kcal/mol, respectively. The molecular network analyses showed that philanthotoxin provides a ligand lead using the STRING database, which includes the biochemical top 20 signaling genes CTSB, CTSL, and CTSK. Ultimately, pathway enrichment analysis (PEA) and Reactome mining results revealed that philanthotoxin could prevent severe lung injury in COVID-19 patients through the remodeling of interleukins (IL-4 and IL-13) and the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). These findings have identified that philanthotoxin—a venom of the Egyptian solitary wasp—holds promise as a potential Mpro inhibitor and warrants further in vitro/in vivo validation.
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Majidpoor J, Mortezaee K. Interleukin-6 in SARS-CoV-2 induced disease: Interactions and therapeutic applications. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 145:112419. [PMID: 34781146 PMCID: PMC8585600 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a multi-tasking cytokine that represents high activity in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and cancer. High concentration of this pleiotropic cytokine accounts for hyperinflammation and cytokine storm, and is related to multi-organ failure in patients with SARS-CoV-2 induced disease. IL-6 promotes lymphopenia and increases C-reactive protein (CRP) in such cases. However, blockade of IL-6 is not a full-proof of complete response. Hypoxia, hypoxemia, aberrant angiogenesis and chronic inflammation are inter-related events occurring as a response to the SARS-CoV-2 stimulatory effect on high IL-6 activity. Taking both pro- and anti-inflammatory activities will make complex targeting IL-6 in patient with SARS-CoV-2 induced disease. The aim of this review was to discuss about interactions occurring within the body of patients with SARS-CoV-2 induced disease who are representing high IL-6 levels, and to determine whether IL-6 inhibition therapy is effective for such patients or not. We also address the interactions and targeted therapies in cancer patients who also have SARS-CoV-2 induced disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamal Majidpoor
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Infectious Disease Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| | - Keywan Mortezaee
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
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The roles of cellular protease interactions in viral infections and programmed cell death: a lesson learned from the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak and COVID-19 pandemic. Pharmacol Rep 2022; 74:1149-1165. [PMID: 35997950 PMCID: PMC9395814 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-022-00394-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The unprecedented pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), which leads to COVID-19, is threatening global health. Over the last 2 years, we have witnessed rapid progress in research focusing on developing new antiviral vaccines and drugs, as well as in academic and clinical efforts to understand the biology and pathology of COVID-19. The roles of proteases among master regulators of SARS-CoV-2 invasion and replication and their pivotal roles in host defence against this pathogen, including programmed cell death, have not been well established. Our understanding of protease function in health and disease has increased considerably over the last two decades, with caspases, matrix metalloproteases, and transmembrane serine proteases representing the most prominent examples. Therefore, during the COVID-19 pandemic, these enzymes have been investigated as potential molecular targets for therapeutic interventions. Proteases that are responsible for SARS-CoV-2 cell entry and replication, such as TMPRSS2, ACE2 or cathepsins, are screened with inhibitor libraries to discover lead structures for further drug design that would prevent virus multiplication. On the other hand, proteases that orchestrate programmed cell death can also be harnessed to enhance the desired demise of infected cells through apoptosis or to attenuate highly inflammatory lytic cell death that leads to undesired cytokine storms, a major hallmark of severe COVID-19. Given the prominent role of proteases in SARS-CoV-2-induced cell death, we discuss the individual roles of these enzymes and their catalytic interactions in the pathology of COVID-19 in this article. We provide a rationale for targeting proteases participating in cell death as potential COVID-19 treatments and identify knowledge gaps that might be investigated to better understand the mechanism underlying SARS-CoV-2-induced cell death.
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72
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Mine K, Nagafuchi S, Mori H, Takahashi H, Anzai K. SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Pancreatic β Cell Failure. BIOLOGY 2021; 11:biology11010022. [PMID: 35053020 PMCID: PMC8772979 DOI: 10.3390/biology11010022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary Accumulating evidence suggests that the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may have the potential to induce pancreatic β-cell damage, leading to diabetes onset in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, controversial results have been reported among study groups. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of published findings that describe the potential relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19) and pancreatic β-cell failure, and how this may contribute to the development of diabetes. Abstract SARS-CoV-2 infection primarily causes pulmonary symptoms; however, accumulating reports indicate that some patients with COVID-19 have multiple organ dysfunction or failure. Although diabetes is considered a risk factor for severe COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 infection may also be a causal factor for diabetes mellitus in patients with COVID-19. According to the research reviewed in this paper, the pancreas and pancreatic β cells appear to be targets of SARS-CoV-2 and are damaged by direct or indirect effects of the infection. However, controversial results have been reported between study groups, mainly due to the limited number of cases with diabetes precipitated by COVID-19. In this review, we comprehensively discuss the published findings on the potential association between SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 and pancreatic β-cell damage leading to diabetes onset. These findings will further contribute to our understanding of the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiichiro Mine
- Division of Metabolism and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, 5-1-1, Nabeshima, Saga 849-8501, Japan; (S.N.); (H.M.); (H.T.); (K.A.)
- Division of Mucosal Immunology, Research Center for Systems Immunology, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, 3-1-1, Maidashi, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
- Correspondence:
| | - Seiho Nagafuchi
- Division of Metabolism and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, 5-1-1, Nabeshima, Saga 849-8501, Japan; (S.N.); (H.M.); (H.T.); (K.A.)
| | - Hitoe Mori
- Division of Metabolism and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, 5-1-1, Nabeshima, Saga 849-8501, Japan; (S.N.); (H.M.); (H.T.); (K.A.)
| | - Hirokazu Takahashi
- Division of Metabolism and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, 5-1-1, Nabeshima, Saga 849-8501, Japan; (S.N.); (H.M.); (H.T.); (K.A.)
- Liver Center, Saga University Hospital, Saga University, 5-1-1, Nabeshima, Saga 849-8501, Japan
| | - Keizo Anzai
- Division of Metabolism and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, 5-1-1, Nabeshima, Saga 849-8501, Japan; (S.N.); (H.M.); (H.T.); (K.A.)
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Teicoplanin-A New Use for an Old Drug in the COVID-19 Era? Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14121227. [PMID: 34959628 PMCID: PMC8708781 DOI: 10.3390/ph14121227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Teicoplanin is an antibiotic that has been actively used in medical practice since 1986 to treat serious Gram-positive bacterial infections. Due to its efficiency and low cytotoxicity, teicoplanin has also been used for patients with complications, including pediatric and immunocompromised patients. Although teicoplanin is accepted as an antibacterial drug, its action against RNA viruses, including SARS-CoV2, has been proven in vitro. Here, we provide a thorough overview of teicoplanin usage in medicine, based on the current literature. We summarize infection sites treated with teicoplanin, concentrations of the antibiotic in different organs, and side effects. Finally, we summarize all available data about the antiviral activity of teicoplanin. We believe that, due to the extensive experience of teicoplanin usage in clinical settings to treat bacterial infections and its demonstrated activity against SARS-CoV2, teicoplanin could become a drug of choice in the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Teicoplanin stops the replication of the virus and at the same time avoids the development of Gram-positive bacterial co-infections.
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Groppa SA, Ciolac D, Duarte C, Garcia C, Gasnaș D, Leahu P, Efremova D, Gasnaș A, Bălănuță T, Mîrzac D, Movila A. Molecular Mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 Pathogenicity on the Central Nervous System: Bridging Experimental Probes to Clinical Evidence and Therapeutic Interventions. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1376:1-27. [PMID: 34735712 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2021_675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, induced by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has dramatically impacted the global healthcare systems, constantly challenging both research and clinical practice. Although it was initially believed that the SARS-CoV-2 infection is limited merely to the respiratory system, emerging evidence indicates that COVID-19 affects multiple other systems including the central nervous system (CNS). Furthermore, most of the published clinical studies indicate that the confirmed CNS inflammatory manifestations in COVID-19 patients are meningitis, encephalitis, acute necrotizing encephalopathy, acute transverse myelitis, and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. In addition, the neuroinflammation along with accelerated neurosenescence and susceptible genetic signatures in COVID-19 patients might prime the CNS to neurodegeneration and precipitate the occurrence of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Thus, this review provides a critical evaluation and interpretive analysis of existing published preclinical as well as clinical studies on the key molecular mechanisms modulating neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration induced by the SARS-CoV-2. In addition, the essential age- and gender-dependent impacts of SARS-CoV-2 on the CNS of COVID-19 patients are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanislav A Groppa
- Department of Neurology, Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova.,Laboratory of Neurobiology and Medical Genetics, Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova.,Department of Neurology, Institute of Emergency Medicine, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
| | - Dumitru Ciolac
- Department of Neurology, Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova.,Laboratory of Neurobiology and Medical Genetics, Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova.,Department of Neurology, Institute of Emergency Medicine, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
| | - Carolina Duarte
- Department of Oral Science and Translational Research, College of Dental Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Christopher Garcia
- Department of Oral Science and Translational Research, College of Dental Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Daniela Gasnaș
- Department of Neurology, Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova.,Laboratory of Neurobiology and Medical Genetics, Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova.,Department of Neurology, Institute of Emergency Medicine, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
| | - Pavel Leahu
- Department of Neurology, Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova.,Laboratory of Neurobiology and Medical Genetics, Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova.,Department of Neurology, Institute of Emergency Medicine, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
| | - Daniela Efremova
- Department of Neurology, Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova.,Department of Neurology, Institute of Emergency Medicine, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova.,Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Diseases and Epilepsy, Institute of Emergency Medicine, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
| | - Alexandru Gasnaș
- Department of Neurology, Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova.,Department of Neurology, Institute of Emergency Medicine, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova.,Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Diseases and Epilepsy, Institute of Emergency Medicine, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
| | - Tatiana Bălănuță
- Department of Neurology, Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova.,Department of Neurology, Institute of Emergency Medicine, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova.,Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Diseases and Epilepsy, Institute of Emergency Medicine, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
| | - Daniela Mîrzac
- Department of Neurology, Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova.,Department of Neurology, Institute of Emergency Medicine, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
| | - Alexandru Movila
- Department of Oral Science and Translational Research, College of Dental Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA. .,Institute of Neuro Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA.
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Natural Apocarotenoids and Their Synthetic Glycopeptide Conjugates Inhibit SARS-CoV-2 Replication. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14111111. [PMID: 34832893 PMCID: PMC8619593 DOI: 10.3390/ph14111111] [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: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The protracted global COVID-19 pandemic urges the development of new drugs against the causative agent SARS-CoV-2. The clinically used glycopeptide antibiotic, teicoplanin, emerged as a potential antiviral, and its efficacy was improved with lipophilic modifications. This prompted us to prepare new lipophilic apocarotenoid conjugates of teicoplanin, its pseudoaglycone and the related ristocetin aglycone. Their antiviral effect was tested against SARS-CoV-2 in Vero E6 cells, using a cell viability assay and quantitative PCR of the viral RNA, confirming their micromolar inhibitory activity against viral replication. Interestingly, two of the parent apocarotenoids, bixin and β-apo-8′carotenoic acid, exerted remarkable anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity. Mechanistic studies involved cathepsin L and B, as well as the main protease 3CLPro, and the results were rationalized by computational studies. Glycopeptide conjugates show dual inhibitory action, while apocarotenoids have mostly cathepsin B and L affinity. Since teicoplanin is a marketed antibiotic and the natural bixin is an approved, cheap and widely used red colorant food additive, these readily available compounds and their conjugates as potential antivirals are worthy of further exploration.
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Yasukochi Y, Shin S, Wakabayashi H, Maeda T. Upregulation of cathepsin L gene under mild cold conditions in young Japanese male adults. J Physiol Anthropol 2021; 40:16. [PMID: 34686211 PMCID: PMC8533667 DOI: 10.1186/s40101-021-00267-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physiological thermoregulatory systems in humans have been a key factor for adaptation to local environments after their exodus from Africa, particularly, to cold environments outside Africa. Recent studies using high-throughput sequencing have identified various genes responsible for cold adaptation. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying initial thermoregulation in response to acute cold exposure remain unclear. Therefore, we investigated transcriptional profiles of six young Japanese male adults exposed to acute cold stress. METHODS In a climatic chamber, the air temperature was maintained at 28°C for 65 min and was then gradually decreased to 19°C for 70 min. Saliva samples were obtained from the subjects at 28°C before and after 19°C cold exposure and were used for RNA sequencing. RESULTS In the cold exposure experiment, expression levels of 14 genes were significantly changed [false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05] although the degree of transcriptional changes was not high due to experimental conditions or blunted transcriptional reaction in saliva to cold stress. As a result, differential gene expression analyses detected the cathepsin L (CTSL) gene to be significantly upregulated, with FDR < 0.05 and log2 fold change value > 1; thus, this gene was identified as a differentially expressed gene. Given that the cathepsin L protein is related to invasion of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), mild cold stress might alter the susceptibility to coronavirus disease-19 in humans. The gene ontology enrichment analysis for 14 genes with FDR < 0.05 suggested that immune-related molecules could be activated by mild cold stress. CONCLUSIONS The results obtained from this study indicate that CTSL expression levels can be altered by acute mild cold stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiki Yasukochi
- Department of Human Functional Genomics, Advanced Science Research Promotion Center, Organization for the Promotion of Regional Innovation, Mie University, 1577 Kurima-machiya, Tsu, Mie, 514-8507, Japan.
- Department of Genome Analysis, Institute of Biomedical Science, Kansai Medical University, 2-5-1 Shinmachi, Hirakata, Osaka, 573-1010, Japan.
| | - Sora Shin
- Department of Human Science, Graduate School of Design, Kyushu University, 4-9-1 Shiobaru, Minami-ku, Fukuoka, 815-8540, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Wakabayashi
- Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, N13 W8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-8628, Japan
| | - Takafumi Maeda
- Department of Human Science, Faculty of Design, Kyushu University, 4-9-1 Shiobaru, Minami-ku, Fukuoka, 815-8540, Japan
- Physiological Anthropology Research Center, Faculty of Design, Kyushu University, 4-9-1 Shiobaru, Minami-ku, Fukuoka, 815-8540, Japan
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77
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Berdowska I, Matusiewicz M. Cathepsin L, transmembrane peptidase/serine subfamily member 2/4, and other host proteases in COVID-19 pathogenesis – with impact on gastrointestinal tract. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:6590-6600. [PMID: 34754154 PMCID: PMC8554394 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i39.6590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) seems to employ two routes of entrance to the host cell; via membrane fusion (with the cells expressing both angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane peptidase/serine subfamily member 2/4 (TMPRSS2/4)) or via receptor-mediated endocytosis (to the target cells expressing only ACE2). The second mode is associated with cysteine cathepsins (probably cathepsin L) involvement in the virus spike protein (S protein) proteolytic activation. Also furin might activate the virus S protein enabling it to enter cells. Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) involvement in SARS-CoV-2 infection is evident in a subset of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients exhibiting GIT symptoms, such as diarrhea, and presenting viral-shedding in feces. Considering the abundance and co-localization of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in the lower GIT (especially brush-border enterocytes), these two receptors seem to be mainly involved in SARS-CoV-2 invasion of the digestive tract. Additionally, in vitro studies have demonstrated the virions capability of infection and replication in the human epithelial cells lining GIT. However, also furin and cysteine cathepsins (cathepsin L) might participate in the activation of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein contributing to the virus invasiveness within GIT. Moreover, cathepsin L (due to its involvement in extracellular matrix components degradation and remodeling, the processes enhanced during SARS-CoV-2-induced inflammation) might be responsible for the dysregulation of absorption/ digestion functions of GIT, thus adding to the observed in some COVID-19 patients symptoms such as diarrhea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Berdowska
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunochemistry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw 50-368, Lower Silesia, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Matusiewicz
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunochemistry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw 50-368, Lower Silesia, Poland
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Bai B, Arutyunova E, Khan MB, Lu J, Joyce MA, Saffran HA, Shields JA, Kandadai AS, Belovodskiy A, Hena M, Vuong W, Lamer T, Young HS, Vederas JC, Tyrrell DL, Lemieux MJ, Nieman JA. Peptidomimetic nitrile warheads as SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease inhibitors. RSC Med Chem 2021; 12:1722-1730. [PMID: 34778773 PMCID: PMC8529539 DOI: 10.1039/d1md00247c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tragically, the death toll from the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rise, and with variants being observed around the globe new therapeutics, particularly direct-acting antivirals that are easily administered, are desperately needed. Studies targeting the SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease, which is critical for viral replication, with different peptidomimetics and warheads is an active area of research for development of potential drugs. To date, however, only a few publications have evaluated the nitrile warhead as a viral 3CL protease inhibitor, with only modest activity reported. This article describes our investigation of P3 4-methoxyindole peptidomimetic analogs with select P1 and P2 groups with a nitrile warhead that are potent inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease and demonstrate in vitro SARS-CoV-2 antiviral activity. A selectivity for SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease over human cathepsins B, S and L was also observed with the nitrile warhead, which was superior to that with the aldehyde warhead. A co-crystal structure with SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease and a reversibility study indicate that a reversible, thioimidate adduct is formed when the catalytic sulfur forms a covalent bond with the carbon of the nitrile. This effort also identified efflux as a property limiting antiviral activity of these compounds, and together with the positive attributes described these results provide insight for further drug development of novel nitrile peptidomimetics targeting SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Bai
- Li Ka Shing Applied Virology Institute, University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta T6G 2E1 Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta T6G 2E1 Canada
| | - Elena Arutyunova
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta T6G 2H7 Canada
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta T6G 2E1 Canada
| | - Muhammad Bashir Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta T6G 2H7 Canada
| | - Jimmy Lu
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta T6G 2E1 Canada
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta T6G 2E1 Canada
| | - Michael A Joyce
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta T6G 2E1 Canada
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta T6G 2E1 Canada
| | - Holly A Saffran
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta T6G 2E1 Canada
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta T6G 2E1 Canada
| | - Justin A Shields
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta T6G 2E1 Canada
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta T6G 2E1 Canada
| | - Appan Srinivas Kandadai
- Li Ka Shing Applied Virology Institute, University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta T6G 2E1 Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta T6G 2E1 Canada
| | - Alexandr Belovodskiy
- Li Ka Shing Applied Virology Institute, University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta T6G 2E1 Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta T6G 2E1 Canada
| | - Mostofa Hena
- Li Ka Shing Applied Virology Institute, University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta T6G 2E1 Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta T6G 2E1 Canada
| | - Wayne Vuong
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta T6G 2G2 Canada
| | - Tess Lamer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta T6G 2G2 Canada
| | - Howard S Young
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta T6G 2E1 Canada
| | - John C Vederas
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta T6G 2G2 Canada
| | - D Lorne Tyrrell
- Li Ka Shing Applied Virology Institute, University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta T6G 2E1 Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta T6G 2E1 Canada
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta T6G 2E1 Canada
| | - M Joanne Lemieux
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta T6G 2H7 Canada
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta T6G 2E1 Canada
| | - James A Nieman
- Li Ka Shing Applied Virology Institute, University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta T6G 2E1 Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta T6G 2E1 Canada
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Kumar S, Çalışkan DM, Janowski J, Faist A, Conrad BCG, Lange J, Ludwig S, Brunotte L. Beyond Vaccines: Clinical Status of Prospective COVID-19 Therapeutics. Front Immunol 2021; 12:752227. [PMID: 34659259 PMCID: PMC8519339 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.752227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Since November 2019 the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has caused nearly 200 million infection and more than 4 million deaths globally (Updated information from the World Health Organization, as on 2nd Aug 2021). Within only one year into the pandemic, several vaccines were designed and reached approval for the immunization of the world population. The remarkable protective effects of the manufactured vaccines are demonstrated in countries with high vaccination rates, such as Israel and UK. However, limited production capacities, poor distribution infrastructures and political hesitations still hamper the availability of vaccines in many countries. In addition, due to the emergency of SARS-CoV-2 variants with immune escape properties towards the vaccines the global numbers of new infections as well as patients developing severe COVID-19, remains high. New studies reported that about 8% of infected individuals develop long term symptoms with strong personal restrictions on private as well as professional level, which contributes to the long socioeconomic problems caused by this pandemic. Until today, emergency use-approved treatment options for COVID-19 are limited to the antiviral Remdesivir, a nucleoside analogue targeting the viral polymerase, the glucocorticosteroide Dexamethasone as well as neutralizing antibodies. The therapeutic benefits of these treatments are under ongoing debate and clinical studies assessing the efficiency of these treatments are still underway. To identify new therapeutic treatments for COVID-19, now and by the post-pandemic era, diverse experimental approaches are under scientific evaluation in companies and scientific research teams all over the world. To accelerate clinical translation of promising candidates, repurposing approaches of known approved drugs are specifically fostered but also novel technologies are being developed and are under investigation. This review summarizes the recent developments from the lab bench as well as the clinical status of emerging therapeutic candidates and discusses possible therapeutic entry points for the treatment strategies with regard to the biology of SARS-CoV-2 and the clinical course of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sriram Kumar
- Institute of Virology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- EvoPAD Research Training Group 2220, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Duygu Merve Çalışkan
- Institute of Virology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- EvoPAD Research Training Group 2220, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Josua Janowski
- Institute of Virology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- SP BioSciences Graduate Program, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Aileen Faist
- Institute of Virology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- CiM-IMPRS Graduate Program, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Julius Lange
- Institute of Virology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Stephan Ludwig
- Institute of Virology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- EvoPAD Research Training Group 2220, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- CiM-IMPRS Graduate Program, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Medical Research, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Linda Brunotte
- Institute of Virology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Medical Research, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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80
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Kojima T, Shindo Y, Konno T, Kodera Y, Arai W, Miyakawa M, Ohwada K, Tanaka H, Tsujiwaki M, Sakuma Y, Kikuchi S, Ohkuni T, Takano K, Watanabe A, Kohno T. Dysfunction of epithelial permeability barrier induced by HMGB1 in 2.5D cultures of human epithelial cells. Tissue Barriers 2021; 10:1972760. [PMID: 34538217 DOI: 10.1080/21688370.2021.1972760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Airway and intestinal epithelial permeability barriers are crucial in epithelial homeostasis. High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), increased by various stimuli, is involved in the induction of airway inflammation, as well as the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. HMGB1 enhances epithelial hyperpermeability. Two-and-a-half dimensional (2.5D) culture assays are experimentally convenient and induce cells to form a more physiological tissue architecture than 2D culture assays for molecular transfer mechanism analysis. In 2.5D culture, treatment with HMGB1 induced permeability of FITC-dextran into the lumen formed by human lung, nasal and intestinal epithelial cells. The tricellular tight junction molecule angulin-1/LSR is responsible for the epithelial permeability barrier at tricellular contacts and contributes to various human airway and intestinal inflammatory diseases. In this review, we indicate the mechanisms including angulin-1/LSR and multiple signaling in dysfunction of the epithelial permeability barrier induced by HMGB1 in 2.5D culture of human airway and intestinal epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Kojima
- Department of Cell Science, Research Institute for Frontier Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yuma Shindo
- Department of Cell Science, Research Institute for Frontier Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan.,Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Takumi Konno
- Department of Cell Science, Research Institute for Frontier Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yuki Kodera
- Department of Cell Science, Research Institute for Frontier Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan.,Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Wataru Arai
- Department of Cell Science, Research Institute for Frontier Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan.,Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Maki Miyakawa
- Department of Cell Science, Research Institute for Frontier Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan.,IBD Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Kizuku Ohwada
- Department of Cell Science, Research Institute for Frontier Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan.,Department of Otolaryngology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | | | - Mitsuhiro Tsujiwaki
- Department of Pathology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yuji Sakuma
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Research Institute for Frontier Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Shin Kikuchi
- Department of Anatomy, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Ohkuni
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Kenichi Takano
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Atsushi Watanabe
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Takayuki Kohno
- Department of Cell Science, Research Institute for Frontier Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
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81
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Azu OO, Olojede SO, Lawal SK, Oseni SO, Rennie CO, Offo U, Naidu ECS. Novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) infection: Microbiologic perspectives and anatomic considerations for sanctuary sites. J Infect Public Health 2021; 14:1237-1246. [PMID: 34455307 PMCID: PMC8378066 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2021.08.015] [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: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction A significant chunk of global life – the economy, sports, aviation, academic, and entertainment activities – has significantly been affected by the ravaging outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) with devastating consequences on morbidity and mortality in many countries of the world. Methods This review utilized search engines such as google scholar, PubMed, ResearchGate, and web of science to retrieve articles and information using keywords like “Coronavirus”, “SARS-CoV-2”, “COVID-19”, “Origin of coronavirus and SARS-CoV-2”, “microbiology of coronavirus”, “microbiology of SARS-CoV-2”, COVID-19”, “Coronavirus reservoir sites”, “Anatomic sanctuary sites and SARS-CoV-2”, biological barriers and coronavirus”, biological barrier and SARS-CoV-2”. Results While this pandemic has caught the global scientific community at its lowest level of preparedness, it has inadvertently created a unified and wholesome approach towards developing potential vaccine (s) candidates by escalating clinical trial protocols in many countries of Europe, China and the United States. Interestingly, viral pathobiology continues to be an evolving aspect that potentially shows that the management of the current outbreak may largely depend on the discovery of a vaccine as the administration of known antiviral drugs are proving to offer some respite. Unfortunately, discontinuation and longtime administration of these drugs have been implicated in endocrine, reproductive and neurological disorders owing to the development of pathological lesions at anatomical sanctuary sites such as the brain and testis, as well as the presence of complex biological barriers that permit the entry of viruses but selective to the entrance of chemical substances and drugs. Conclusion This review focuses on the microbiologic perspectives and importance of anatomical sanctuary sites in the possible viral rebound or reinfection into the system and their implications in viral re-entry and development of reproductive and neurological disorders in COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onyemaechi O Azu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Namibia, Private Bag, Windhoek, 13301, Namibia.
| | - Samuel O Olojede
- Discipline of Clinical Anatomy, School of Laboratory Medicine & Medical Sciences, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 719 Umbilo Road, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sodiq K Lawal
- Discipline of Clinical Anatomy, School of Laboratory Medicine & Medical Sciences, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 719 Umbilo Road, Durban, South Africa
| | - Saheed O Oseni
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Davie, FL 33314, USA
| | - Carmen O Rennie
- Discipline of Clinical Anatomy, School of Laboratory Medicine & Medical Sciences, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 719 Umbilo Road, Durban, South Africa
| | - Ugochukwu Offo
- Department of Pre-Clinical Sciences, University of Limpopo, South Africa
| | - Edwin C S Naidu
- Discipline of Clinical Anatomy, School of Laboratory Medicine & Medical Sciences, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 719 Umbilo Road, Durban, South Africa
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82
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Zhou YW, Xie Y, Tang LS, Pu D, Zhu YJ, Liu JY, Ma XL. Therapeutic targets and interventional strategies in COVID-19: mechanisms and clinical studies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:317. [PMID: 34446699 PMCID: PMC8390046 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00733-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Owing to the limitations of the present efforts on drug discovery against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the lack of the understanding of the biological regulation mechanisms underlying COVID-19, alternative or novel therapeutic targets for COVID-19 treatment are still urgently required. SARS-CoV-2 infection and immunity dysfunction are the two main courses driving the pathogenesis of COVID-19. Both the virus and host factors are potential targets for antiviral therapy. Hence, in this study, the current therapeutic strategies of COVID-19 have been classified into "target virus" and "target host" categories. Repurposing drugs, emerging approaches, and promising potential targets are the implementations of the above two strategies. First, a comprehensive review of the highly acclaimed old drugs was performed according to evidence-based medicine to provide recommendations for clinicians. Additionally, their unavailability in the fight against COVID-19 was analyzed. Next, a profound analysis of the emerging approaches was conducted, particularly all licensed vaccines and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) enrolled in clinical trials against primary SARS-CoV-2 and mutant strains. Furthermore, the pros and cons of the present licensed vaccines were compared from different perspectives. Finally, the most promising potential targets were reviewed, and the update of the progress of treatments has been summarized based on these reviews.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Wen Zhou
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yao Xie
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
- Department of Dermatovenerology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Lian-Sha Tang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Dan Pu
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ya-Juan Zhu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ji-Yan Liu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.
| | - Xue-Lei Ma
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.
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83
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Ohwada K, Konno T, Kohno T, Nakano M, Ohkuni T, Miyata R, Kakuki T, Kondoh M, Takano K, Kojima T. Effects of HMGB1 on Tricellular Tight Junctions via TGF-β Signaling in Human Nasal Epithelial Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168390. [PMID: 34445093 PMCID: PMC8395041 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168390] [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: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The airway epithelium of the human nasal mucosa acts as a physical barrier that protects against inhaled substances and pathogens via bicellular and tricellular tight junctions (bTJs and tTJs) including claudins, angulin-1/LSR and tricellulin. High mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) increased by TGF-β1 is involved in the induction of nasal inflammation and injury in patients with allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, and eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis. However, the detailed mechanisms by which this occurs remain unknown. In the present study, to investigate how HMGB1 affects the barrier of normal human nasal epithelial cells, 2D and 2.5D Matrigel culture of primary cultured human nasal epithelial cells were pretreated with TGF-β type I receptor kinase inhibitor EW-7197 before treatment with HMGB1. Knockdown of angulin-1/LSR downregulated the epithelial barrier. Treatment with EW-7197 decreased angulin-1/LSR and concentrated the expression at tTJs from bTJs and increased the epithelial barrier. Treatment with a binder to angulin-1/LSR angubindin-1 decreased angulin-1/LSR and the epithelial barrier. Treatment with HMGB1 decreased angulin-1/LSR and the epithelial barrier. In 2.5D Matrigel culture, treatment with HMGB1 induced permeability of FITC-dextran (FD-4) into the lumen. Pretreatment with EW-7197 prevented the effects of HMGB1. HMGB1 disrupted the angulin-1/LSR-dependent epithelial permeability barriers of HNECs via TGF-β signaling in HNECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kizuku Ohwada
- Department of Cell Science, Research Institute for Frontier Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan; (K.O.); (T.K.); (T.K.); (M.N.)
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan; (T.O.); (R.M.); (T.K.); (K.T.)
| | - Takumi Konno
- Department of Cell Science, Research Institute for Frontier Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan; (K.O.); (T.K.); (T.K.); (M.N.)
| | - Takayuki Kohno
- Department of Cell Science, Research Institute for Frontier Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan; (K.O.); (T.K.); (T.K.); (M.N.)
| | - Masaya Nakano
- Department of Cell Science, Research Institute for Frontier Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan; (K.O.); (T.K.); (T.K.); (M.N.)
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan; (T.O.); (R.M.); (T.K.); (K.T.)
| | - Tsuyoshi Ohkuni
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan; (T.O.); (R.M.); (T.K.); (K.T.)
| | - Ryo Miyata
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan; (T.O.); (R.M.); (T.K.); (K.T.)
| | - Takuya Kakuki
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan; (T.O.); (R.M.); (T.K.); (K.T.)
| | - Masuo Kondoh
- Drug Discovery Center, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan;
| | - Kenichi Takano
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan; (T.O.); (R.M.); (T.K.); (K.T.)
| | - Takashi Kojima
- Department of Cell Science, Research Institute for Frontier Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan; (K.O.); (T.K.); (T.K.); (M.N.)
- Correspondence:
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84
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Bilinska K, von Bartheld CS, Butowt R. Expression of the ACE2 Virus Entry Protein in the Nervus Terminalis Reveals the Potential for an Alternative Route to Brain Infection in COVID-19. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:674123. [PMID: 34290590 PMCID: PMC8287262 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.674123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies suggested that the SARS-CoV-2 virus may gain access to the brain by using a route along the olfactory nerve. However, there is a general consensus that the obligatory virus entry receptor, angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), is not expressed in olfactory receptor neurons, and the timing of arrival of the virus in brain targets is inconsistent with a neuronal transfer along olfactory projections. We determined whether nervus terminalis neurons and their peripheral and central projections should be considered as a potential alternative route from the nose to the brain. Nervus terminalis neurons in postnatal mice were double-labeled with antibodies against ACE2 and two nervus terminalis markers, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and choline acetyltransferase (CHAT). We show that a small fraction of CHAT-labeled nervus terminalis neurons, and the large majority of GnRH-labeled nervus terminalis neurons with cell bodies in the region between the olfactory epithelium and the olfactory bulb express ACE2 and cathepsins B and L. Nervus terminalis neurons therefore may provide a direct route for the virus from the nasal epithelium, possibly via innervation of Bowman's glands, to brain targets, including the telencephalon and diencephalon. This possibility needs to be examined in suitable animal models and in human tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Bilinska
- L. Rydygier Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Christopher S. von Bartheld
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States
| | - Rafal Butowt
- L. Rydygier Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
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85
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Ojha R, Prajapati VK. Cognizance of posttranslational modifications in vaccines: A way to enhanced immunogenicity. J Cell Physiol 2021; 236:8020-8034. [PMID: 34170014 PMCID: PMC8427110 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Vaccination is a significant advancement or preventative strategy for controlling the spread of various severe infectious and noninfectious diseases. The purpose of vaccination is to stimulate or activate the immune system by injecting antigens, i.e., either whole microorganisms or using the pathogen's antigenic part or macromolecules. Over time, researchers have made tremendous efforts to reduce vaccine side effects or failure by developing different strategies combining with immunoinformatic and molecular biology. These newly designed vaccines are composed of single or several antigenic molecules derived from a pathogenic organism. Although, whole‐cell vaccines are still in use against various diseases but due to their ineffectiveness, other vaccines like DNA‐based, RNA‐based, and protein‐based vaccines, with the addition of immunostimulatory agents, are in the limelight. Despite this, many researchers escape the most common fundamental phenomenon of protein posttranslational modifications during the development of vaccines, which regulates protein functional behavior, evokes immunogenicity and stability, etc. The negligence about post translational modification (PTM) during vaccine development may affect the vaccine's efficacy and immune responses. Therefore, it becomes imperative to consider these modifications of macromolecules before finalizing the antigenic vaccine construct. Here, we have discussed different types of posttranslational/transcriptional modifications that are usually considered during vaccine construct designing: Glycosylation, Acetylation, Sulfation, Methylation, Amidation, SUMOylation, Ubiquitylation, Lipidation, Formylation, and Phosphorylation. Based on the available research information, we firmly believe that considering these modifications will generate a potential and highly immunogenic antigenic molecule against communicable and noncommunicable diseases compared to the unmodified macromolecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupal Ojha
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India
| | - Vijay Kumar Prajapati
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India
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86
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Vianello A, Del Turco S, Babboni S, Silvestrini B, Ragusa R, Caselli C, Melani L, Fanucci L, Basta G. The Fight against COVID-19 on the Multi-Protease Front and Surroundings: Could an Early Therapeutic Approach with Repositioning Drugs Prevent the Disease Severity? Biomedicines 2021; 9:710. [PMID: 34201505 PMCID: PMC8301470 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9070710] [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: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The interaction between the membrane spike (S) protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the transmembrane angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor of the human epithelial host cell is the first step of infection, which has a critical role for viral pathogenesis of the current coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Following the binding between S1 subunit and ACE2 receptor, different serine proteases, including TMPRSS2 and furin, trigger and participate in the fusion of the viral envelope with the host cell membrane. On the basis of the high virulence and pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2, other receptors have been found involved for viral binding and invasiveness of host cells. This review comprehensively discusses the mechanisms underlying the binding of SARS-CoV2 to ACE2 and putative alternative receptors, and the role of potential co-receptors and proteases in the early stages of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Given the short therapeutic time window within which to act to avoid the devastating evolution of the disease, we focused on potential therapeutic treatments-selected mainly among repurposing drugs-able to counteract the invasive front of proteases and mild inflammatory conditions, in order to prevent severe infection. Using existing approved drugs has the advantage of rapidly proceeding to clinical trials, low cost and, consequently, immediate and worldwide availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Vianello
- Department of Information Engineering, Telemedicine Section, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (A.V.); (L.F.)
| | - Serena Del Turco
- Council of National Research (CNR), Institute of Clinical Physiology, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (S.B.); (R.R.); (C.C.)
| | - Serena Babboni
- Council of National Research (CNR), Institute of Clinical Physiology, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (S.B.); (R.R.); (C.C.)
| | - Beatrice Silvestrini
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology, and Critical Area, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Rosetta Ragusa
- Council of National Research (CNR), Institute of Clinical Physiology, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (S.B.); (R.R.); (C.C.)
| | - Chiara Caselli
- Council of National Research (CNR), Institute of Clinical Physiology, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (S.B.); (R.R.); (C.C.)
| | - Luca Melani
- Department of Territorial Medicine, ASL Toscana Nord-Ovest, 56121 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Luca Fanucci
- Department of Information Engineering, Telemedicine Section, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (A.V.); (L.F.)
| | - Giuseppina Basta
- Council of National Research (CNR), Institute of Clinical Physiology, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (S.B.); (R.R.); (C.C.)
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87
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Nishima W, Kulik M. Full-Length Computational Model of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein and Its Implications for a Viral Membrane Fusion Mechanism. Viruses 2021; 13:v13061126. [PMID: 34208191 PMCID: PMC8230804 DOI: 10.3390/v13061126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 virus has now become one of the greatest causes of infectious death and morbidity since the 1918 flu pandemic. Substantial and unprecedented progress has been made in the elucidation of the viral infection process in a short time; however, our understanding of the structure–function dynamics of the spike protein during the membrane fusion process and viral uptake remains incomplete. Employing computational approaches, we use full-length structural models of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein integrating Cryo-EM images and biophysical properties, which fill the gaps in our understanding. We propose a membrane fusion model incorporating structural transitions associated with the proteolytic processing of the spike protein, which initiates and regulates a series of events to facilitate membrane fusion and viral genome uptake. The membrane fusion mechanism highlights the notable role of the S1 subunit and eventual mature spike protein uptake through the host membrane. Our comprehensive view accounts for distinct neutralizing antibody binding effects targeting the spike protein and the enhanced infectivity of the SARS-CoV-2 variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wataru Nishima
- New Mexico Consortium, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA
- University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Marta Kulik
- Biological and Chemical Research Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 101, 02-839 Warsaw, Poland;
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88
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Bilinska K, von Bartheld CS, Butowt R. Expression of the ACE2 virus entry protein in the nervus terminalis reveals the potential for an alternative route to brain infection in COVID-19. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2021:2021.04.11.439398. [PMID: 33880469 PMCID: PMC8057234 DOI: 10.1101/2021.04.11.439398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies suggested that the SARS-CoV-2 virus may gain access to the brain by using a route along the olfactory nerve. However, there is a general consensus that the obligatory virus entry receptor, angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), is not expressed in olfactory receptor neurons, and the timing of arrival of the virus in brain targets is inconsistent with a neuronal transfer along olfactory projections. We determined whether nervus terminalis neurons and their peripheral and central projections should be considered as a potential alternative route from the nose to the brain. Nervus terminalis neurons in postnatal mice were double-labeled with antibodies against ACE2 and two nervus terminalis markers, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and choline acetyltransferase (CHAT). We show that a small fraction of CHAT-labeled nervus terminalis neurons, and the large majority of GnRH-labeled nervus terminalis neurons with cell bodies in the region between the olfactory epithelium and the olfactory bulb express ACE2 and cathepsins B and L. Nervus terminalis neurons therefore may provide a direct route for the virus from the nasal epithelium, possibly via innervation of Bowman's glands, to brain targets, including the telencephalon and diencephalon. This possibility needs to be examined in suitable animal models and in human tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Bilinska
- L. Rydygier Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Christopher S. von Bartheld
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, United States
| | - Rafal Butowt
- L. Rydygier Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
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89
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Raghav PK, Kalyanaraman K, Kumar D. Human cell receptors: potential drug targets to combat COVID-19. Amino Acids 2021; 53:813-842. [PMID: 33950300 PMCID: PMC8097256 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-021-02991-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that COVID-19 is a pandemic having a higher spread rate rather than the mortality. Identification of a potential approach or therapy against COVID-19 is still under consideration. Therefore, it is essential to have an insight into SARS-CoV-2, its interacting partner, and domains for an effective treatment. The present study is divided into three main categories, including SARS-CoV-2 prominent receptor and its expression levels, other interacting partners, and their binding domains. The first section focuses primarily on coronaviruses' general aspects (SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronaviruses (MERS-CoV)) their structures, similarities, and mode of infections. The second section discusses the host receptors which includes the human targets of coronaviruses like dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4), CD147, CD209L, Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2), and other miscellaneous targets (type-II transmembrane serine proteases (TTSPs), furin, trypsin, cathepsins, thermolysin, elastase, phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate 5-kinase, two-pore segment channel, and epithelium sodium channel C-α subunit). The human cell receptor, ACE2 plays an essential role in the Renin-Angiotensin system (RAS) pathway and COVID-19. Thus, this section also discusses the ACE2 expression and risk of COVID-19 infectivity in various organs and tissues such as the liver, lungs, intestine, heart, and reproductive system in the human body. Absence of ACE2 protein expression in immune cells could be used for limiting the SARS-CoV-2 infection. The third section covers the current available approaches for COVID-19 treatment. Overall, this review focuses on the critical role of human cell receptors involved in coronavirus pathogenesis, which would likely be used in designing target-specific drugs to combat COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Keerthana Kalyanaraman
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Sector-125, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Dinesh Kumar
- ICMR-National Institute of Cancer Prevention & Research, Noida, 201301, India.
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90
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De Sanctis JB, García AH, Moreno D, Hajduch M. Coronavirus infection: An immunologists' perspective. Scand J Immunol 2021; 93:e13043. [PMID: 33783027 PMCID: PMC8250184 DOI: 10.1111/sji.13043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus infections are frequent viral infections in several species. As soon as the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) appeared in the early 2000s, most of the research focused on pulmonary disease. However, disorders in immune response and organ dysfunctions have been documented. Elderly individuals with comorbidities exhibit worse outcomes in all the coronavirus that cause SARS. Disease severity in SARS-CoV-2 infection is related to severe inflammation and tissue injury, and effective immune response against the virus is still under analysis. ACE2 receptor expression and polymorphism, age, gender and immune genetics are factors that also play an essential role in patients' clinical features and immune responses and have been partially discussed. The present report aims to review the physiopathology of SARS-CoV-2 infection and propose new research topics to understand the complex mechanisms of viral infection and viral clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Bautista De Sanctis
- Institute of Molecular and Translational MedicineFaculty of Medicine and DentistryPalacky UniversityOlomoucCzech Republic
- Institute of ImmunologyFaculty of MedicineUniversidad Central de VenezuelaCaracasVenezuela
| | - Alexis Hipólito García
- Institute of ImmunologyFaculty of MedicineUniversidad Central de VenezuelaCaracasVenezuela
| | - Dolores Moreno
- Chair of General Pathology and PathophysiologyFaculty of MedicineCentral University of VenezuelaCaracasVenezuela
| | - Marián Hajduch
- Institute of Molecular and Translational MedicineFaculty of Medicine and DentistryPalacky UniversityOlomoucCzech Republic
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91
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You J, Seok JH, Joo M, Bae JY, Kim JI, Park MS, Kim K. Multifactorial Traits of SARS-CoV-2 Cell Entry Related to Diverse Host Proteases and Proteins. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2021; 29:249-262. [PMID: 33875625 PMCID: PMC8094071 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2021.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The most effective way to control newly emerging infectious disease, such as the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, is to strengthen preventative or therapeutic public health strategies before the infection spreads worldwide. However, global health systems remain at the early stages in anticipating effective therapeutics or vaccines to combat the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. While maintaining social distance is the most crucial metric to avoid spreading the virus, symptomatic therapy given to patients on the clinical manifestations helps save lives. The molecular properties of SARS-CoV-2 infection have been quickly elucidated, paving the way to therapeutics, vaccine development, and other medical interventions. Despite this progress, the detailed biomolecular mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 infection remains elusive. Given virus invasion of cells is a determining factor for virulence, understanding the viral entry process can be a mainstay in controlling newly emerged viruses. Since viral entry is mediated by selective cellular proteases or proteins associated with receptors, identification and functional analysis of these proteins could provide a way to disrupt virus propagation. This review comprehensively discusses cellular machinery necessary for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Understanding multifactorial traits of the virus entry will provide a substantial guide to facilitate antiviral drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaehwan You
- Department of Microbiology, Institute for Viral Diseases, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Hyeon Seok
- Department of Microbiology, Institute for Viral Diseases, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Myungsoo Joo
- School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Pusan 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon-Yong Bae
- Department of Microbiology, Institute for Viral Diseases, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Il Kim
- Department of Microbiology, Institute for Viral Diseases, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
- Biosafety Center, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Man-Seong Park
- Department of Microbiology, Institute for Viral Diseases, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
- Biosafety Center, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Kisoon Kim
- Department of Microbiology, Institute for Viral Diseases, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
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92
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Zhao MM, Yang WL, Yang FY, Zhang L, Huang WJ, Hou W, Fan CF, Jin RH, Feng YM, Wang YC, Yang JK. Cathepsin L plays a key role in SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans and humanized mice and is a promising target for new drug development. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:134. [PMID: 33774649 PMCID: PMC7997800 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00558-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 306] [Impact Index Per Article: 102.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
To discover new drugs to combat COVID-19, an understanding of the molecular basis of SARS-CoV-2 infection is urgently needed. Here, for the first time, we report the crucial role of cathepsin L (CTSL) in patients with COVID-19. The circulating level of CTSL was elevated after SARS-CoV-2 infection and was positively correlated with disease course and severity. Correspondingly, SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus infection increased CTSL expression in human cells in vitro and human ACE2 transgenic mice in vivo, while CTSL overexpression, in turn, enhanced pseudovirus infection in human cells. CTSL functionally cleaved the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and enhanced virus entry, as evidenced by CTSL overexpression and knockdown in vitro and application of CTSL inhibitor drugs in vivo. Furthermore, amantadine, a licensed anti-influenza drug, significantly inhibited CTSL activity after SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus infection and prevented infection both in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, CTSL is a promising target for new anti-COVID-19 drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao-Miao Zhao
- Department of Endocrinology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei-Li Yang
- Department of Endocrinology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Fang-Yuan Yang
- Department of Endocrinology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-Transmitted Virus Vaccines, Institute for Biological Product Control, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC), Beijing, China
| | - Wei-Jin Huang
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-Transmitted Virus Vaccines, Institute for Biological Product Control, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC), Beijing, China
| | - Wei Hou
- Department of Science and Technology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chang-Fa Fan
- Division of Animal Model Research, Institute for Laboratory Animal Resources, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Rong-Hua Jin
- Department of Science and Technology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ying-Mei Feng
- Department of Science and Technology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - You-Chun Wang
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-Transmitted Virus Vaccines, Institute for Biological Product Control, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC), Beijing, China.
| | - Jin-Kui Yang
- Department of Endocrinology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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93
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Ceccarelli G, Alessandri F, Oliva A, Borrazzo C, Dell'Isola S, Ialungo AM, Rastrelli E, Pelli M, Raponi G, Turriziani O, Ruberto F, Rocco M, Pugliese F, Russo A, d'Ettorre G, Venditti M. The role of teicoplanin in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection: A retrospective study in critically ill COVID-19 patients (Tei-COVID study). J Med Virol 2021; 93:4319-4325. [PMID: 33675235 PMCID: PMC8250836 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.26925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Teicoplanin has a potential antiviral activity expressed against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and was suggested as a complementary option to treat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. In this multicentric, retrospective, observational research the aim was to evaluate the impact of teicoplanin on the course of COVID-19 in critically ill patients. Fifty-five patients with severe COVID-19, hospitalized in the intensive care units (ICUs) and treated with best available therapy were retrospectively analysed. Among them 34 patients were also treated with teicoplanin (Tei-COVID group), while 21 without teicoplanin (control group). Crude in-hospital Day-30 mortality was lower in Tei-COVID group (35.2%) than in control group (42.8%), however not reaching statistical significance (p = .654). No statistically significant differences in length of stay in the ICU were observed between Tei-COVID group and control group (p = .248). On Day 14 from the ICU hospitalization, viral clearance was achieved in 64.7% patients of Tei-COVID group and 57.1% of control group, without statistical difference. Serum C-reactive protein level was significantly reduced in Tei-COVID group compared to control group, but not other biochemical parameters. Finally, Gram-positive were the causative pathogens for 25% of BSIs in Tei-COVID group and for 70.6% in controls. No side effects related to teicoplanin use were observed. Despite several limitations require further research, in this study the use of teicoplanin is not associated with a significant improvement in outcomes analysed. The antiviral activity of teicoplanin against SARS-CoV-2, previously documented, is probably more effective at early clinical stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giancarlo Ceccarelli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Covid Division, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Alessandri
- Covid Division, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy.,Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Oliva
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Covid Division, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristian Borrazzo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Elena Rastrelli
- Protect Medicine Division, Belcolle Hospital, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Pelli
- Intensive Care Unit, Department of medical and Surgical Science and Traslational Medicine, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giammarco Raponi
- Microbiology Unit, Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ombretta Turriziani
- Virology Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Franco Ruberto
- Covid Division, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy.,Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Rocco
- Intensive Care Unit, Department of medical and Surgical Science and Traslational Medicine, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Pugliese
- Covid Division, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy.,Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Russo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,COVID Unit - Medicine Division, Casilino Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella d'Ettorre
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Covid Division, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Venditti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Covid Division, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
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