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Cheng Y, Wang R, Wu Q, Chen J, Wang A, Wu Z, Sun F, Zhu S. Advancements in Research on Duck Tembusu Virus Infections. Viruses 2024; 16:811. [PMID: 38793692 PMCID: PMC11126125 DOI: 10.3390/v16050811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Duck Tembusu Virus (DTMUV) is a pathogen of the Flaviviridae family that causes infections in poultry, leading to significant economic losses in the duck farming industry in recent years. Ducks infected with this virus exhibit clinical symptoms such as decreased egg production and neurological disorders, along with serious consequences such as ovarian hemorrhage, organ enlargement, and necrosis. Variations in morbidity and mortality rates exist across different age groups of ducks. It is worth noting that DTMUV is not limited to ducks alone; it can also spread to other poultry such as chickens and geese, and antibodies related to DTMUV have even been found in duck farm workers, suggesting a potential risk of zoonotic transmission. This article provides a detailed overview of DTMUV research, delving into its genomic characteristics, vaccines, and the interplay with host immune responses. These in-depth research findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the virus's transmission mechanism and pathogenic process, offering crucial scientific support for epidemic prevention and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Cheng
- Engineering Technology Research Center for Modern Animal Science and Novel Veterinary Pharmaceutic Development, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Veterinary Bio-Pharmaceutical High Technology Research, Jiangsu Agri-Animal Husbandry Vocational College, Taizhou 225300, China; (Y.C.)
| | - Ruoheng Wang
- Engineering Technology Research Center for Modern Animal Science and Novel Veterinary Pharmaceutic Development, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Veterinary Bio-Pharmaceutical High Technology Research, Jiangsu Agri-Animal Husbandry Vocational College, Taizhou 225300, China; (Y.C.)
| | - Qingguo Wu
- Engineering Technology Research Center for Modern Animal Science and Novel Veterinary Pharmaceutic Development, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Veterinary Bio-Pharmaceutical High Technology Research, Jiangsu Agri-Animal Husbandry Vocational College, Taizhou 225300, China; (Y.C.)
| | - Jinying Chen
- Engineering Technology Research Center for Modern Animal Science and Novel Veterinary Pharmaceutic Development, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Veterinary Bio-Pharmaceutical High Technology Research, Jiangsu Agri-Animal Husbandry Vocational College, Taizhou 225300, China; (Y.C.)
| | - Anping Wang
- Engineering Technology Research Center for Modern Animal Science and Novel Veterinary Pharmaceutic Development, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Veterinary Bio-Pharmaceutical High Technology Research, Jiangsu Agri-Animal Husbandry Vocational College, Taizhou 225300, China; (Y.C.)
| | - Zhi Wu
- Engineering Technology Research Center for Modern Animal Science and Novel Veterinary Pharmaceutic Development, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Veterinary Bio-Pharmaceutical High Technology Research, Jiangsu Agri-Animal Husbandry Vocational College, Taizhou 225300, China; (Y.C.)
| | - Fang Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Shanyuan Zhu
- Engineering Technology Research Center for Modern Animal Science and Novel Veterinary Pharmaceutic Development, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Veterinary Bio-Pharmaceutical High Technology Research, Jiangsu Agri-Animal Husbandry Vocational College, Taizhou 225300, China; (Y.C.)
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Cruz KG, Eron MH, Makhaik S, Savinov S, Hardy JA. A Non-Active-Site Inhibitor with Selectivity for Zika Virus NS2B-NS3 Protease. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:412-425. [PMID: 38265226 PMCID: PMC11099878 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Flavivirus infection usually results in fever accompanied by headache, arthralgia, and, in some cases, rash. Although the symptoms are mild, full recovery can take several months. Flaviviruses encode seven nonstructural proteins that represent potential drug targets for this viral family. Focusing on the Zika virus NS2B-NS3 protease, we uncovered a unique inhibitor, MH1, composed of aminothiazolopyridine and benzofuran moieties. MH1 inhibits ZVP with a biochemical IC50 of 440 nM and effectively blocks cleavage of ZVP substrates in cells. Surprisingly, MH1 inhibits the other flaviviral proteases at least 18-fold more weakly. This same phenomenon was observed in assays of the viral cytopathic effect, where only Zika virus showed sensitivity to MH1. This selectivity was unexpected since flaviviral proteases have high similarity in sequence and protein structure. MH1 binds at an allosteric site, as demonstrated by its ability to stabilize ZVP synergistically with an active site inhibitor. To understand its selectivity, we constructed a series of hybrid proteases composed of select segments of ZVP, which is sensitive to MH1, and dengue virus protease, which is essentially insensitive to MH1. Our results suggest that MH1 binds to the NS3 protease domain, disrupting its interaction with NS2B. These interactions are essential for substrate binding and cleavage. In particular, the unique dynamic properties of NS2B from Zika seem to be required for the function of MH1. Insights into the mechanism of MH1 function will aid us in developing non-active-site-directed, pan-flaviviral inhibitors, by highlighting the importance of evaluating and considering the dynamics of the NS2B regions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sparsh Makhaik
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA, US 01002
| | | | - Jeanne A. Hardy
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA, US 01002
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Gaikwad S, Senapati S, Haque MA, Kayed R. Senescence, brain inflammation, and oligomeric tau drive cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease: Evidence from clinical and preclinical studies. Alzheimers Dement 2024; 20:709-727. [PMID: 37814508 PMCID: PMC10841264 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Aging, tau pathology, and chronic inflammation in the brain play crucial roles in synaptic loss, neurodegeneration, and cognitive decline in tauopathies, including Alzheimer's disease. Senescent cells accumulate in the aging brain, accelerate the aging process, and promote tauopathy progression through their abnormal inflammatory secretome known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Tau oligomers (TauO)-the most neurotoxic tau species-are known to induce senescence and the SASP, which subsequently promote neuropathology, inflammation, oxidative stress, synaptic dysfunction, neuronal death, and cognitive dysfunction. TauO, brain inflammation, and senescence are associated with heterogeneity in tauopathy progression and cognitive decline. However, the underlying mechanisms driving the disease heterogeneity remain largely unknown, impeding the development of therapies for tauopathies. Based on clinical and preclinical evidence, this review highlights the critical role of TauO and senescence in neurodegeneration. We discuss key knowledge gaps and potential strategies for targeting senescence and TauO to treat tauopathies. HIGHLIGHTS: Senescence, oligomeric Tau (TauO), and brain inflammation accelerate the aging process and promote the progression of tauopathies, including Alzheimer's disease. We discuss their role in contributing to heterogeneity in tauopathy and cognitive decline. We highlight strategies to target senescence and TauO to treat tauopathies while addressing key knowledge gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sagar Gaikwad
- The Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseasesand Department of NeurologyUniversity of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonTexasUSA
| | - Sudipta Senapati
- The Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseasesand Department of NeurologyUniversity of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonTexasUSA
| | - Md. Anzarul Haque
- The Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseasesand Department of NeurologyUniversity of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonTexasUSA
| | - Rakez Kayed
- The Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseasesand Department of NeurologyUniversity of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonTexasUSA
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Maus H, Hammerschmidt SJ, Hinze G, Barthels F, Pérez Carrillo VH, Hellmich UA, Basché T, Schirmeister T. The effects of allosteric and competitive inhibitors on ZIKV protease conformational dynamics explored through smFRET, nanoDSF, DSF, and 19F NMR. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 258:115573. [PMID: 37379675 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Zika and dengue viruses cause mosquito-borne diseases of high epidemic relevance. The viral NS2B-NS3 proteases play crucial roles in the pathogen replication cycle and are validated drug targets. They can adopt at least two conformations depending on the position of the NS2B cofactor. Recently, we reported ligand-induced conformational changes of dengue virus NS2B-NS3 protease by single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer (smFRET). Here, we investigated the conformational dynamics of the homologous Zika virus protease through an integrated methodological approach combining smFRET, thermal shift assays (DSF and nanoDSF) and 19F NMR spectroscopy. Our results show that allosteric inhibitors favor the open conformation and competitive inhibitors stabilize the closed conformation of the Zika virus protease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Maus
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences (IPBW), Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Stefan J Hammerschmidt
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences (IPBW), Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Gerald Hinze
- Department of Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Fabian Barthels
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences (IPBW), Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Victor H Pérez Carrillo
- Institute of Organic Chemistry & Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Ute A Hellmich
- Institute of Organic Chemistry & Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Thomas Basché
- Department of Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Tanja Schirmeister
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences (IPBW), Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany.
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Nucleo-Cytoplasmic Transport of ZIKV Non-Structural 3 Protein Is Mediated by Importin-α/β and Exportin CRM-1. J Virol 2023; 97:e0177322. [PMID: 36475764 PMCID: PMC9888292 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01773-22] [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: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Flaviviruses have a cytoplasmic replicative cycle, and crucial events, such as genome translation and replication, occur in the endoplasmic reticulum. However, some viral proteins, such as C, NS1, and NS5 from Zika virus (ZIKV) containing nuclear localization signals (NLSs) and nuclear export signals (NESs), are also located in the nucleus of Vero cells. The NS2A, NS3, and NS4A proteins from dengue virus (DENV) have also been reported to be in the nucleus of A549 cells, and our group recently reported that the NS3 protein is also located in the nucleus of Huh7 and C636 cells during DENV infection. However, the NS3 protease-helicase from ZIKV locates in the perinuclear region of infected cells and alters the morphology of the nuclear lamina, a component of the nuclear envelope. Furthermore, ZIKV NS3 has been reported to accumulate on the concave face of altered kidney-shaped nuclei and may be responsible for modifying other elements of the nuclear envelope. However, nuclear localization of NS3 from ZIKV has not been substantially investigated in human host cells. Our group has recently reported that DENV and ZIKV NS3 alter the nuclear pore complex (NPC) by cleaving some nucleoporins. Here, we demonstrate the presence of ZIKV NS3 in the nucleus of Huh7 cells early in infection and in the cytoplasm at later times postinfection. In addition, we found that ZIKV NS3 contains an NLS and a putative NES and uses the classic import (importin-α/β) and export pathway via CRM-1 to be transported between the cytoplasm and the nucleus. IMPORTANCE Flaviviruses have a cytoplasmic replication cycle, but recent evidence indicates that nuclear elements play a role in their viral replication. Viral proteins, such as NS5 and C, are imported into the nucleus, and blocking their import prevents replication. Because of the importance of the nucleus in viral replication and the role of NS3 in the modification of nuclear components, we investigated whether NS3 can be localized in the nucleus during ZIKV infection. We found that NS3 is imported into the nucleus via the importin pathway and exported to the cytoplasm via CRM-1. The significance of viral protein nuclear import and export and its relationship with infection establishment is highlighted, emphasizing the development of new host-directed antiviral therapeutic strategies.
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Mirza MU, Alanko I, Vanmeert M, Muzzarelli KM, Salo-Ahen OMH, Abdullah I, Kovari IA, Claes S, De Jonghe S, Schols D, Schinazi RF, Kovari LC, Trant JF, Ahmad S, Froeyen M. The discovery of Zika virus NS2B-NS3 inhibitors with antiviral activity via an integrated virtual screening approach. Eur J Pharm Sci 2022; 175:106220. [PMID: 35618201 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2022.106220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
With expanding recent outbreaks and a lack of treatment options, the Zika virus (ZIKV) poses a severe health concern. The availability of ZIKV NS2B-NS3 co-crystallized structures paved the way for rational drug discovery. A computer-aided structure-based approach was used to screen a diverse library of compounds against ZIKV NS2B-NS3 protease. The top hits were selected based on various binding free energy calculations followed by per-residue decomposition analysis. The selected hits were then evaluated for their biological potential with ZIKV protease inhibition assay and antiviral activity. Among 26 selected compounds, 8 compounds showed promising activity against ZIKV protease with a percentage inhibition of greater than 25 and 3 compounds displayed ∼50% at 10 µM, which indicates an enrichment rate of approximately 36% (threshold IC50 < 10 µM) in the ZIKV-NS2B-NS3 protease inhibition assay. Of these, only one compound (23) produced whole-cell anti-ZIKV activity, and the binding mode of 23 was extensively analyzed through long-run molecular dynamics simulations. The current study provides a promising starting point for the further development of novel compounds against ZIKV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Usman Mirza
- KU Leuven, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry, Herestraat 49, box 1041, Leuven 3000, Belgium; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor N9B 3P4, ON, Canada
| | - Ida Alanko
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Pharmacy, Åbo Akademi University, FI-20520 Turku, Finland; Structural Bioinformatics Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Biochemistry, Åbo Akademi University, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Michiel Vanmeert
- KU Leuven, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry, Herestraat 49, box 1041, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Kendall M Muzzarelli
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit 48201, MI, USA
| | - Outi M H Salo-Ahen
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Pharmacy, Åbo Akademi University, FI-20520 Turku, Finland; Structural Bioinformatics Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Biochemistry, Åbo Akademi University, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Iskandar Abdullah
- Drug Design Development Research Group, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Iulia A Kovari
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit 48201, MI, USA
| | - Sandra Claes
- KU Leuven, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, box 1043, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Steven De Jonghe
- KU Leuven, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, box 1043, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dominique Schols
- KU Leuven, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, box 1043, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Raymond F Schinazi
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta 30322, GA, USA
| | - Ladislau C Kovari
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit 48201, MI, USA
| | - John F Trant
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor N9B 3P4, ON, Canada
| | - Sarfraz Ahmad
- Drug Design Development Research Group, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Matheus Froeyen
- KU Leuven, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry, Herestraat 49, box 1041, Leuven 3000, Belgium.
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Discovery of Bispecific Lead Compounds from Azadirachta indica against ZIKA NS2B-NS3 Protease and NS5 RNA Dependent RNA Polymerase Using Molecular Simulations. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27082562. [PMID: 35458761 PMCID: PMC9025849 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27082562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) has been characterized as one of many potential pathogens and placed under future epidemic outbreaks by the WHO. However, a lack of potential therapeutics can result in an uncontrolled pandemic as with other human pandemic viruses. Therefore, prioritized effective therapeutics development has been recommended against ZIKV. In this context, the present study adopted a strategy to explore the lead compounds from Azadirachta indica against ZIKV via concurrent inhibition of the NS2B-NS3 protease (ZIKVpro) and NS5 RNA dependent RNA polymerase (ZIKVRdRp) proteins using molecular simulations. Initially, structure-based virtual screening of 44 bioflavonoids reported in Azadirachta indica against the crystal structures of targeted ZIKV proteins resulted in the identification of the top four common bioflavonoids, viz. Rutin, Nicotiflorin, Isoquercitrin, and Hyperoside. These compounds showed substantial docking energy (−7.9 to −11.01 kcal/mol) and intermolecular interactions with essential residues of ZIKVpro (B:His51, B:Asp75, and B:Ser135) and ZIKVRdRp (Asp540, Ile799, and Asp665) by comparison to the reference compounds, O7N inhibitor (ZIKVpro) and Sofosbuvir inhibitor (ZIKVRdRp). Besides, long interval molecular dynamics simulation (500 ns) on the selected docked poses reveals stability of the respective docked poses contributed by intermolecular hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. The predicted complex stability was further supported by calculated end-point binding free energy using molecular mechanics generalized born surface area (MM/GBSA) method. Consequently, the identified common bioflavonoids are recommended as promising therapeutic inhibitors of ZIKVpro and ZIKVRdRp against ZIKV for further experimental assessment.
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Barthels F, Meyr J, Hammerschmidt SJ, Marciniak T, Räder HJ, Ziebuhr W, Engels B, Schirmeister T. 2-Sulfonylpyrimidines as Privileged Warheads for the Development of S. aureus Sortase A Inhibitors. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 8:804970. [PMID: 35047562 PMCID: PMC8763382 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.804970] [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: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most frequent causes of nosocomial and community-acquired infections, with emerging multiresistant isolates causing a significant burden to public health systems. We identified 2-sulfonylpyrimidines as a new class of potent inhibitors against S. aureus sortase A acting by covalent modification of the active site cysteine 184. Series of derivatives were synthesized to derive structure-activity relationship (SAR) with the most potent compounds displaying low micromolar KI values. Studies on the inhibition selectivity of homologous cysteine proteases showed that 2-sulfonylpyrimidines reacted efficiently with protonated cysteine residues as found in sortase A, though surprisingly, no reaction occurred with the more nucleophilic cysteine residue from imidazolinium-thiolate dyads of cathepsin-like proteases. By means of enzymatic and chemical kinetics as well as quantum chemical calculations, it could be rationalized that the SNAr reaction between protonated cysteine residues and 2-sulfonylpyrimidines proceeds in a concerted fashion, and the mechanism involves a ternary transition state with a conjugated base. Molecular docking and enzyme inhibition at variable pH values allowed us to hypothesize that in sortase A this base is represented by the catalytic histidine 120, which could be substantiated by QM model calculation with 4-methylimidazole as histidine analog.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Barthels
- Institute for Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jessica Meyr
- Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Stefan J Hammerschmidt
- Institute for Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Tessa Marciniak
- Institute for Molecular Infection Biology, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Wilma Ziebuhr
- Institute for Molecular Infection Biology, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Bernd Engels
- Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Tanja Schirmeister
- Institute for Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
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Structure and Dynamics of Zika Virus Protease and Its Insights into Inhibitor Design. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9081044. [PMID: 34440248 PMCID: PMC8394600 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9081044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV)—a member of the Flaviviridae family—is an important human pathogen. Its genome encodes a polyprotein that can be further processed into structural and non-structural proteins. ZIKV protease is an important target for antiviral development due to its role in cleaving the polyprotein to release functional viral proteins. The viral protease is a two-component protein complex formed by NS2B and NS3. Structural studies using different approaches demonstrate that conformational changes exist in the protease. The structures and dynamics of this protease in the absence and presence of inhibitors were explored to provide insights into the inhibitor design. The dynamic nature of residues binding to the enzyme cleavage site might be important for the function of the protease. Due to the charges at the protease cleavage site, it is challenging to develop small-molecule compounds acting as substrate competitors. Developing small-molecule compounds to inhibit protease activity through an allosteric mechanism is a feasible strategy because conformational changes are observed in the protease. Herein, structures and dynamics of ZIKV protease are summarized. The conformational changes of ZIKV protease and other proteases in the same family are discussed. The progress in developing allosteric inhibitors is also described. Understanding the structures and dynamics of the proteases are important for designing potent inhibitors.
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Dabrowska A, Milewska A, Ner-Kluza J, Suder P, Pyrc K. Mass Spectrometry versus Conventional Techniques of Protein Detection: Zika Virus NS3 Protease Activity towards Cellular Proteins. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26123732. [PMID: 34207340 PMCID: PMC8234618 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26123732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Mass spectrometry (MS) used in proteomic approaches is able to detect hundreds of proteins in a single assay. Although undeniable high analytical power of MS, data acquired sometimes lead to confusing results, especially during a search of very selective, unique interactions in complex biological matrices. Here, we would like to show an example of such confusing data, providing an extensive discussion on the observed phenomenon. Our investigations focus on the interaction between the Zika virus NS3 protease, which is essential for virus replication. This enzyme is known for helping to remodel the microenvironment of the infected cells. Several reports show that this protease can process cellular substrates and thereby modify cellular pathways that are important for the virus. Herein, we explored some of the targets of NS3, clearly shown by proteomic techniques, as processed during infection. Unfortunately, we could not confirm the biological relevance of protein targets for viral infections detected by MS. Thus, although mass spectrometry is highly sensitive and useful in many instances, also being able to show directions where cell/virus interaction occurs, we believe that deep recognition of their biological role is essential to receive complete insight into the investigated process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Dabrowska
- Virogenetics Laboratory of Virology, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7a, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (A.D.); (A.M.)
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7a, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Milewska
- Virogenetics Laboratory of Virology, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7a, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (A.D.); (A.M.)
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7a, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Joanna Ner-Kluza
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Materials Science and Ceramics, AGH University of Science and Technology, Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Piotr Suder
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Materials Science and Ceramics, AGH University of Science and Technology, Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland;
- Correspondence: (P.S.); (K.P.); Tel.: +48-12-617-50-83 (P.S.); +48-12-664-61-21 (K.P.)
| | - Krzysztof Pyrc
- Virogenetics Laboratory of Virology, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7a, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (A.D.); (A.M.)
- Correspondence: (P.S.); (K.P.); Tel.: +48-12-617-50-83 (P.S.); +48-12-664-61-21 (K.P.)
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Patil NA, Quek JP, Schroeder B, Morewood R, Rademann J, Luo D, Nitsche C. 2-Cyanoisonicotinamide Conjugation: A Facile Approach to Generate Potent Peptide Inhibitors of the Zika Virus Protease. ACS Med Chem Lett 2021; 12:732-737. [PMID: 34055219 PMCID: PMC8155238 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.0c00657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid generation and modification of macrocyclic peptides in medicinal chemistry is an ever-growing area that can present various synthetic challenges. The reaction between N-terminal cysteine and 2-cyanoisonicotinamide is a new biocompatible click reaction that allows rapid access to macrocyclic peptides. Importantly, 2-cyanoisonicotinamide can be attached to different linkers directly during solid-phase peptide synthesis. The synthesis involves only commercially available precursors, allowing for a fully automated process. We demonstrate the approach for four cyclic peptide ligands of the Zika virus protease NS2B-NS3. Although all peptides display the substrate recognition motif, the activity strongly depends on the linker length, with the shortest cyclization linker corresponding to highest activity (K i = 0.64 μM). The most active cyclic peptide displays affinity 78 times higher than that of its linear analogue. We solved a crystal structure of the proteolytically cleaved ligand and synthesized it by applying the presented chemistry to peptide ligation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitin A. Patil
- Biomedicine
Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Jun-Ping Quek
- Lee
Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological
University, Singapore 636921, Singapore
| | - Barbara Schroeder
- Pharmaceutical
and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Straße 2 + 4, 14195 Berlin, Germany
- Research
School of Chemistry, Australian National
University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - Richard Morewood
- Research
School of Chemistry, Australian National
University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - Jörg Rademann
- Pharmaceutical
and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Straße 2 + 4, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Dahai Luo
- Lee
Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological
University, Singapore 636921, Singapore
| | - Christoph Nitsche
- Research
School of Chemistry, Australian National
University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
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12
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Gambino F, Tai W, Voronin D, Zhang Y, Zhang X, Shi J, Wang X, Wang N, Du L, Qiao L. A vaccine inducing solely cytotoxic T lymphocytes fully prevents Zika virus infection and fetal damage. Cell Rep 2021; 35:109107. [PMID: 33979612 PMCID: PMC8742672 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
As vaccine-induced non-neutralizing antibodies may cause antibody-dependent enhancement of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection, we test a vaccine that induces only specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) without specific antibodies. We construct a DNA vaccine expressing a ubiquitinated and rearranged ZIKV non-structural protein 3 (NS3). The protein is immediately degraded and processed in the proteasome for presentation via major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I for CTL generation. We immunize Ifnar1-/- adult mice with the ubiquitin/NS3 vaccine, impregnate them, and challenge them with ZIKV. Our data show that the vaccine greatly reduces viral titers in reproductive organs and other tissues of adult mice. All mice immunized with the vaccine survived after ZIKV challenge. The vaccine remarkably reduces placenta damage and levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and it fully protects fetuses from damage. CD8+ CTLs are essential in protection, as demonstrated via depletion experiments. Our study provides a strategy to develop safe and effective vaccines against viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Gambino
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA,These authors contributed equally
| | - Wanbo Tai
- Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY 10065, USA,These authors contributed equally
| | - Denis Voronin
- Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Yi Zhang
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Xiujuan Zhang
- Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Juan Shi
- Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Xinyi Wang
- Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Ning Wang
- Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Lanying Du
- Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY 10065, USA,Senior author,Correspondence: (L.D.), (L.Q.)
| | - Liang Qiao
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA,Senior author,Lead contact,Correspondence: (L.D.), (L.Q.)
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13
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De Jesús-González LA, Palacios-Rápalo S, Reyes-Ruiz JM, Osuna-Ramos JF, Cordero-Rivera CD, Farfan-Morales CN, Gutiérrez-Escolano AL, del Ángel RM. The Nuclear Pore Complex Is a Key Target of Viral Proteases to Promote Viral Replication. Viruses 2021; 13:v13040706. [PMID: 33921849 PMCID: PMC8073804 DOI: 10.3390/v13040706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Various viruses alter nuclear pore complex (NPC) integrity to access the nuclear content favoring their replication. Alteration of the nuclear pore complex has been observed not only in viruses that replicate in the nucleus but also in viruses with a cytoplasmic replicative cycle. In this last case, the alteration of the NPC can reduce the transport of transcription factors involved in the immune response or mRNA maturation, or inhibit the transport of mRNA from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, favoring the translation of viral mRNAs or allowing access to nuclear factors necessary for viral replication. In most cases, the alteration of the NPC is mediated by viral proteins, being the viral proteases, one of the most critical groups of viral proteins that regulate these nucleus–cytoplasmic transport changes. This review focuses on the description and discussion of the role of viral proteases in the modification of nucleus–cytoplasmic transport in viruses with cytoplasmic replicative cycles and its repercussions in viral replication.
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14
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Single Amino Acid Mutations Affect Zika Virus Replication In Vitro and Virulence In Vivo. Viruses 2020; 12:v12111295. [PMID: 33198111 PMCID: PMC7697975 DOI: 10.3390/v12111295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The 2014–2016 Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic in the Americas resulted in large deposits of next-generation sequencing data from clinical samples. This resource was mined to identify emerging mutations and trends in mutations as the outbreak progressed over time. Information on transmission dynamics, prevalence, and persistence of intra-host mutants, and the position of a mutation on a protein were then used to prioritize 544 reported mutations based on their ability to impact ZIKV phenotype. Using this criteria, six mutants (representing naturally occurring mutations) were generated as synthetic infectious clones using a 2015 Puerto Rican epidemic strain PRVABC59 as the parental backbone. The phenotypes of these naturally occurring variants were examined using both cell culture and murine model systems. Mutants had distinct phenotypes, including changes in replication rate, embryo death, and decreased head size. In particular, a NS2B mutant previously detected during in vivo studies in rhesus macaques was found to cause lethal infections in adult mice, abortions in pregnant females, and increased viral genome copies in both brain tissue and blood of female mice. Additionally, mutants with changes in the region of NS3 that interfaces with NS5 during replication displayed reduced replication in the blood of adult mice. This analytical pathway, integrating both bioinformatic and wet lab experiments, provides a foundation for understanding how naturally occurring single mutations affect disease outcome and can be used to predict the of severity of future ZIKV outbreaks. To determine if naturally occurring individual mutations in the Zika virus epidemic genotype affect viral virulence or replication rate in vitro or in vivo, we generated an infectious clone representing the epidemic genotype of stain Puerto Rico, 2015. Using this clone, six mutants were created by changing nucleotides in the genome to cause one to two amino acid substitutions in the encoded proteins. The six mutants we generated represent mutations that differentiated the early epidemic genotype from genotypes that were either ancestral or that occurred later in the epidemic. We assayed each mutant for changes in growth rate, and for virulence in adult mice and pregnant mice. Three of the mutants caused catastrophic embryo effects including increased embryonic death or significant decrease in head diameter. Three other mutants that had mutations in a genome region associated with replication resulted in changes in in vitro and in vivo replication rates. These results illustrate the potential impact of individual mutations in viral phenotype.
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15
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Cui X, Zhou R, Huang C, Zhang R, Wang J, Zhang Y, Ding J, Li X, Zhou J, Cen S. Identification of Theaflavin-3,3'-Digallate as a Novel Zika Virus Protease Inhibitor. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:514313. [PMID: 33192499 PMCID: PMC7609463 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.514313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mounting evidence indicates that Zika virus (ZIKV) is closely related to neurological disorders such as microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome. There are currently no effective vaccines and FDA-approved inhibitors against ZIKV infection. The flaviviral heterodimeric serine protease NS2B-NS3 plays an essential role in ZIKV maturation and replication, thus becoming a promising target in anti-ZIKV therapy. Herein, we developed a fluorescence-based screening assay to search for inhibitors targeting the ZIKV NS2B-NS3 protease (ZIKVpro), and identified theaflavin-3,3’-digallate (ZP10), a natural active compound derived from black tea, as a potent ZIKV protease inhibitor in vitro (IC50 = 2.3 μM). ZP10 exhibited dose-dependent inhibitory effect on ZIKV replication (EC50 = 7.65 μM). Western blot analysis suggested that ZP10 inhibited the cleavage processing of viral polyprotein precursor in cells either infected with ZIKV or expressing minimal self-cleaving proteinase NS2B-3 protease, resulting in inhibition of virus growth. Moreover, ZP10 was showed to directly bind to ZIKVpro, and a docking model further revealed that ZP10 interacted with several critical residues at the proteolytic cavity of the ZIKVpro. This study highlights that ZP10 has anti-ZIKV potency through ZIKVpro inhibition, which indicates its potential application in anti-ZIKV therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangling Cui
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Zhou
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Chenchao Huang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China.,Drug Discovery & Innovation Center, College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
| | - Rongyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China.,Drug Discovery & Innovation Center, College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Yongxin Zhang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Jiwei Ding
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China.,CAMS Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drug Research, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Jinming Zhou
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China.,Drug Discovery & Innovation Center, College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
| | - Shan Cen
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China.,CAMS Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drug Research, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute of Tropical Medicine, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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16
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Li Q. Application of Fragment-Based Drug Discovery to Versatile Targets. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:180. [PMID: 32850968 PMCID: PMC7419598 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.00180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) is a powerful method to develop potent small-molecule compounds starting from fragments binding weakly to targets. As FBDD exhibits several advantages over high-throughput screening campaigns, it becomes an attractive strategy in target-based drug discovery. Many potent compounds/inhibitors of diverse targets have been developed using this approach. Methods used in fragment screening and understanding fragment-binding modes are critical in FBDD. This review elucidates fragment libraries, methods utilized in fragment identification/confirmation, strategies applied in growing the identified fragments into drug-like lead compounds, and applications of FBDD to different targets. As FBDD can be readily carried out through different biophysical and computer-based methods, it will play more important roles in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingxin Li
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Biomass High Value Utilization, Guangdong Provincial Bioengineering Institute, Guangzhou Sugarcane Industry Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
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17
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Crystal structures of full length DENV4 NS2B-NS3 reveal the dynamic interaction between NS2B and NS3. Antiviral Res 2020; 182:104900. [PMID: 32763315 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2020.104900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Flavivirus is a genus of the Flaviviridae family which includes significant emerging and re-emerging human disease-causing arboviruses such as dengue and Zika viruses. Flaviviral non-structural protein 3 (NS3) protease-helicase plays essential roles in viral replication and is an attractive antiviral target. A construct which connects the cytoplasmic cofactor region of NS2B and NS3 protease with an artificial glycine-rich flexible linker has been widely used for structural, biochemical and drug-screening studies. The effect of this linker on the dynamics and enzymatic activity of the protease has been studied by several biochemical and NMR methods but the findings remained inconclusive. Here, we designed and carried out a comparative study of constructs of NS2B cofactor joined to the full length DENV4 NS3 in three different ways, namely bNS2B47NS3 (bivalent), eNS2B47NS3(enzymatically cleavable) and gNS2B47NS3 (glycine-rich linker). We report the crystal structures of linked and unlinked NS2B47-NS3 constructs in their free state and in complex with bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI). These structures demonstrate that the NS2B cofactor predominantly adopts a closed conformation in complex with full-length NS3. The glycine-rich linker between NS2B and NS3 may promote the open conformation which interferes with protease activity. This negative impact on the enzyme structure and function is restricted to the protease activity as the ATPase activity is not affected in vitro.
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18
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Jiang B, Zhang W, Wu Y, Wang T, Wang M, Jia R, Zhu D, Liu M, Zhao X, Yang Q, Wu Y, Zhang S, Liu Y, Zhang L, Yu Y, Pan L, Chen S, Cheng A. Determinants of duck Tembusu virus NS2A/2B polyprotein procession attenuated viral replication and proliferation in vitro. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12423. [PMID: 32709930 PMCID: PMC7381675 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68271-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Duck Tembusu virus (DTMUV), a mosquito-borne Flavivirus, has caused serious economic losses for the Chinese poultry industry. The genome is translated into a polyprotein that is cleaved to mature protein by host and viral proteases in the host cell, and this proteolytic process is important for the viral life cycle. However, the cleavage mechanism of DTMUV polyprotein is still unclear. In this study, we identified that several amino acids (P1-R, P1′-G, P2-R, P3-T, and P4-V) were vital for NS2A/2B cleavage. Meanwhile, both NS2A and NS2B were essential in cis for polyprotein NS2A/2B intramolecular cleavage. Subsequently, a DTMUV replicon and an infectious clone showed that the P1 site is essential to viral replication, while a mutation in P1′ could boost viral RNA replication. Furthermore, a recombinant virus with P1 and P1′ site mutations named rDTMUV-NS2A/2B-P1P1′(AA) was rescued from transfected BHK21 cells. The maximum viral titers and viral genome copies of rDTMUV-NS2A/2B-P1P1′(AA) were much lower than those of rDTMUV-WT both in the intracellular and extracellular samples of transfected and infected BHK21 cells. Taken together, the NS2A/2B cleavage sites processed by the NS2B3 protease are vital for DTMUV proliferation and virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Jiang
- Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wu
- Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Mingshu Wang
- Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Renyong Jia
- Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Dekang Zhu
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Mafeng Liu
- Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Xinxin Zhao
- Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Qiao Yang
- Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Ying Wu
- Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - ShaQiu Zhang
- Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - YunYa Liu
- Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - YanLing Yu
- Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Leichang Pan
- Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Shun Chen
- Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China. .,Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China. .,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.
| | - Anchun Cheng
- Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China. .,Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China. .,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.
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19
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Pathak N, Kuo YP, Chang TY, Huang CT, Hung HC, Hsu JTA, Yu GY, Yang JM. Zika Virus NS3 Protease Pharmacophore Anchor Model and Drug Discovery. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8929. [PMID: 32488021 PMCID: PMC7265434 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65489-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) of the flaviviridae family, is the cause of emerging infections characterized by fever, Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) in adults and microcephaly in newborns. There exists an urgent unmet clinical need for anti-ZIKV drugs for the treatment of infected individuals. In the current work, we aimed at the promising virus drug target, ZIKV NS3 protease and constructed a Pharmacophore Anchor (PA) model for the active site. The PA model reveals a total of 12 anchors (E, H, V) mapped across the active site subpockets. We further identified five of these anchors to be critical core anchors (CEH1, CH3, CH7, CV1, CV3) conserved across flaviviral proteases. The ZIKV protease PA model was then applied in anchor-enhanced virtual screening yielding 14 potential antiviral candidates, which were tested by in vitro assays. We discovered FDA drugs Asunaprevir and Simeprevir to have potent anti-ZIKV activities with EC50 values 4.7 µM and 0.4 µM, inhibiting the viral protease with IC50 values 6.0 µM and 2.6 µM respectively. Additionally, the PA model anchors aided in the exploration of inhibitor binding mechanisms. In conclusion, our PA model serves as a promising guide map for ZIKV protease targeted drug discovery and the identified ‘previr’ FDA drugs are promising for anti-ZIKV treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Pathak
- Bioinformatics Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Institute of Information Science, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan.,Institute of Bioinformatics and Structural Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ping Kuo
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, 35053, Taiwan
| | - Teng-Yuan Chang
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, 35053, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Ting Huang
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, 35053, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Chen Hung
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, 35053, Taiwan
| | - John Tsu-An Hsu
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, 35053, Taiwan
| | - Guann-Yi Yu
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, 35053, Taiwan
| | - Jinn-Moon Yang
- Bioinformatics Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Institute of Information Science, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan. .,Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 30010, Taiwan. .,Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 30010, Taiwan.
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20
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The Nuclear Pore Complex: A Target for NS3 Protease of Dengue and Zika Viruses. Viruses 2020; 12:v12060583. [PMID: 32466480 PMCID: PMC7354628 DOI: 10.3390/v12060583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
During flavivirus infection, some viral proteins move to the nucleus and cellular components are relocated from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Thus, the integrity of the main regulator of the nuclear-cytoplasmic transport, the nuclear pore complex (NPC), was evaluated during infection with dengue virus (DENV) and Zika virus (ZIKV). We found that while during DENV infection the integrity and distribution of at least three nucleoporins (Nup), Nup153, Nup98, and Nup62 were altered, during ZIKV infection, the integrity of TPR, Nup153, and Nup98 were modified. In this work, several lines of evidence indicate that the viral serine protease NS2B3 is involved in Nups cleavage. First, the serine protease inhibitors, TLCK and Leupeptin, prevented Nup98 and Nup62 cleavage. Second, the transfection of DENV and ZIKV NS2B3 protease was sufficient to inhibit the nuclear ring recognition detected in mock-infected cells with the Mab414 antibody. Third, the mutant but not the active (WT) protease was unable to cleave Nups in transfected cells. Thus, here we describe for the first time that the NS3 protein from flavivirus plays novel functions hijacking the nuclear pore complex, the main controller of the nuclear-cytoplasmic transport.
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21
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Barthels F, Marincola G, Marciniak T, Konhäuser M, Hammerschmidt S, Bierlmeier J, Distler U, Wich PR, Tenzer S, Schwarzer D, Ziebuhr W, Schirmeister T. Asymmetric Disulfanylbenzamides as Irreversible and Selective Inhibitors of Staphylococcus aureus Sortase A. ChemMedChem 2020; 15:839-850. [PMID: 32118357 PMCID: PMC7318353 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201900687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most frequent causes of nosocomial and community-acquired infections, with drug-resistant strains being responsible for tens of thousands of deaths per year. S. aureus sortase A inhibitors are designed to interfere with virulence determinants. We have identified disulfanylbenzamides as a new class of potent inhibitors against sortase A that act by covalent modification of the active-site cysteine. A broad series of derivatives were synthesized to derive structure-activity relationships (SAR). In vitro and in silico methods allowed the experimentally observed binding affinities and selectivities to be rationalized. The most active compounds were found to have single-digit micromolar Ki values and caused up to a 66 % reduction of S. aureus fibrinogen attachment at an effective inhibitor concentration of 10 μM. This new molecule class exhibited minimal cytotoxicity, low bacterial growth inhibition and impaired sortase-mediated adherence of S. aureus cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Barthels
- Institute for Pharmacy and BiochemistryJohannes-Gutenberg-University of MainzStaudinger Weg 555128MainzGermany
| | - Gabriella Marincola
- Institute for Molecular Infection BiologyJulius-Maximilians-University of WürzburgJosef-Schneider-Strasse 297080WürzburgGermany
| | - Tessa Marciniak
- Institute for Molecular Infection BiologyJulius-Maximilians-University of WürzburgJosef-Schneider-Strasse 297080WürzburgGermany
| | - Matthias Konhäuser
- Institute for Pharmacy and BiochemistryJohannes-Gutenberg-University of MainzStaudinger Weg 555128MainzGermany
| | - Stefan Hammerschmidt
- Institute for Pharmacy and BiochemistryJohannes-Gutenberg-University of MainzStaudinger Weg 555128MainzGermany
| | - Jan Bierlmeier
- Interfaculty Institute of BiochemistryEberhard-Karls-University of TübingenHoppe-Seyler-Strasse 472076TübingenGermany
| | - Ute Distler
- Institute for ImmunologyUniversity Medical CenterJohannes-Gutenberg-University of MainzLangenbeckstr. 155131MainzGermany
- Focus Program Translational Neuroscience (FTN)University Medical CenterLangenbeckstr. 155131MainzGermany
| | - Peter R. Wich
- Institute for Pharmacy and BiochemistryJohannes-Gutenberg-University of MainzStaudinger Weg 555128MainzGermany
- School of Chemical EngineeringUniversity of New South WalesScience and Engineering BuildingSydneyNSW 2052Australia
| | - Stefan Tenzer
- Institute for ImmunologyUniversity Medical CenterJohannes-Gutenberg-University of MainzLangenbeckstr. 155131MainzGermany
| | - Dirk Schwarzer
- Interfaculty Institute of BiochemistryEberhard-Karls-University of TübingenHoppe-Seyler-Strasse 472076TübingenGermany
| | - Wilma Ziebuhr
- Institute for Molecular Infection BiologyJulius-Maximilians-University of WürzburgJosef-Schneider-Strasse 297080WürzburgGermany
| | - Tanja Schirmeister
- Institute for Pharmacy and BiochemistryJohannes-Gutenberg-University of MainzStaudinger Weg 555128MainzGermany
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22
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Insights into Structures and Dynamics of Flavivirus Proteases from NMR Studies. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072527. [PMID: 32260545 PMCID: PMC7177695 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy plays important roles in structural biology and drug discovery, as it is a powerful tool to understand protein structures, dynamics, and ligand binding under physiological conditions. The protease of flaviviruses is an attractive target for developing antivirals because it is essential for the maturation of viral proteins. High-resolution structures of the proteases in the absence and presence of ligands/inhibitors were determined using X-ray crystallography, providing structural information for rational drug design. Structural studies suggest that proteases from Dengue virus (DENV), West Nile virus (WNV), and Zika virus (ZIKV) exist in open and closed conformations. Solution NMR studies showed that the closed conformation is predominant in solution and should be utilized in structure-based drug design. Here, we reviewed solution NMR studies of the proteases from these viruses. The accumulated studies demonstrated that NMR spectroscopy provides additional information to understand conformational changes of these proteases in the absence and presence of substrates/inhibitors. In addition, NMR spectroscopy can be used for identifying fragment hits that can be further developed into potent protease inhibitors.
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23
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Noske GD, Gawriljuk VO, Fernandes RS, Furtado ND, Bonaldo MC, Oliva G, Godoy AS. Structural characterization and polymorphism analysis of the NS2B-NS3 protease from the 2017 Brazilian circulating strain of Yellow Fever virus. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2020; 1864:129521. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2020.129521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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24
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Identification and structural characterization of small molecule fragments targeting Zika virus NS2B-NS3 protease. Antiviral Res 2020; 175:104707. [PMID: 31953156 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2020.104707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) NS2B-NS3 protease is a validated antiviral target as it is essential for maturation of viral proteins. However, its negatively charged active site hinders the development of orthosteric small-molecule inhibitors. Fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) is a powerful tool to generate novel chemical starting points against difficult drug targets. In this study, we scre ened a fragment compound library against the Zika protease using a primary thermal shift assay and identified twenty-two fragments which (bind to and) stabilize the protease. We then determined the X-ray crystal structures of two hits from different classes, all of which bind to the S1 pocket of the protease. We confirmed that these two fragments bind to the protease without inducing significant conformational changes using solution NMR spectroscopy. These fragment scaffolds serve as the starting point for subsequent lead compound development.
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25
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Campos DMO, Bezerra KS, Esmaile SC, Fulco UL, Albuquerque EL, Oliveira JIN. Intermolecular interactions of cn-716 and acyl-KR-aldehyde dipeptide inhibitors against Zika virus. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2020; 22:15683-15695. [DOI: 10.1039/d0cp02254c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Structural representation and graphic panel showing the most relevant residues that contribute to the ZIKV NS2B–NS3–ligand complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M. O. Campos
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte
- Natal
- Brazil
| | - Katyanna S. Bezerra
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte
- Natal
- Brazil
| | - Stephany C. Esmaile
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte
- Natal
- Brazil
| | - Umberto L. Fulco
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte
- Natal
- Brazil
| | | | - Jonas I. N. Oliveira
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte
- Natal
- Brazil
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26
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Hammerstein F, Lauth LM, Hammerschmidt S, Wagner A, Schirmeister T, Hellmich UA. Cisautocatalytic cleavage of glycine‐linked Zika virus NS2B‐NS3 protease constructs. FEBS Lett 2019; 593:2204-2213. [DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Luca M. Lauth
- Institute for Pharmacy and Biochemistry Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz Germany
| | - Stefan Hammerschmidt
- Institute for Pharmacy and Biochemistry Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz Germany
| | - Annika Wagner
- Institute for Pharmacy and Biochemistry Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz Germany
- Centre for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ) Goethe‐University Frankfurt Germany
| | - Tanja Schirmeister
- Institute for Pharmacy and Biochemistry Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz Germany
| | - Ute A. Hellmich
- Institute for Pharmacy and Biochemistry Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz Germany
- Centre for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ) Goethe‐University Frankfurt Germany
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27
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Nitsche C. Proteases from dengue, West Nile and Zika viruses as drug targets. Biophys Rev 2019; 11:157-165. [PMID: 30806881 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-019-00508-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteases from flaviviruses have gained substantial interest as potential drug targets to combat infectious diseases caused by dengue, West Nile, Zika and related viruses. Despite nearly two decades of drug discovery campaigns, promising lead compounds for clinical trials have not yet been identified. The main challenges for successful lead compound development are associated with limited drug-likeness of inhibitors and structural ambiguity of the protease target. This brief review focuses on the available information on the structure of flavivirus proteases and their interactions with inhibitors and attempts to point the way forward for successful identification of future lead compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Nitsche
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia.
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28
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Li Q, Ng HQ, Kang C. Secondary structure and topology of the transmembrane domain of Syndecan‐2 in detergent micelles. FEBS Lett 2019; 593:554-561. [DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 02/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Qingxin Li
- Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) Jurong Island Singapore
| | - Hui Qi Ng
- Experimental Therapeutics Centre Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC) Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) Singapore Singapore
| | - CongBao Kang
- Experimental Therapeutics Centre Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC) Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) Singapore Singapore
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29
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Li Y, Loh YR, Hung AW, Kang C. Characterization of molecular interactions between Zika virus protease and peptides derived from the C-terminus of NS2B. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 503:691-696. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.06.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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30
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Saiz JC, Oya NJD, Blázquez AB, Escribano-Romero E, Martín-Acebes MA. Host-Directed Antivirals: A Realistic Alternative to Fight Zika Virus. Viruses 2018; 10:v10090453. [PMID: 30149598 PMCID: PMC6163279 DOI: 10.3390/v10090453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus, was an almost neglected pathogen until its introduction in the Americas in 2015, where it has been responsible for a threat to global health, causing a great social and sanitary alarm due to its increased virulence, rapid spread, and an association with severe neurological and ophthalmological complications. Currently, no specific antiviral therapy against ZIKV is available, and treatments are palliative and mainly directed toward the relief of symptoms, such as fever and rash, by administering antipyretics, anti-histamines, and fluids for dehydration. Nevertheless, lately, search for antivirals has been a major aim in ZIKV investigations. To do so, screening of libraries from different sources, testing of natural compounds, and repurposing of drugs with known antiviral activity have allowed the identification of several antiviral candidates directed to both viral (structural proteins and enzymes) and cellular elements. Here, we present an updated review of current knowledge about anti-ZIKV strategies, focusing on host-directed antivirals as a realistic alternative to combat ZIKV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan-Carlos Saiz
- Department of Biotechnology, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Nereida Jiménez de Oya
- Department of Biotechnology, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Ana-Belén Blázquez
- Department of Biotechnology, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Estela Escribano-Romero
- Department of Biotechnology, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Miguel A Martín-Acebes
- Department of Biotechnology, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), 28040 Madrid, Spain.
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31
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Structural Insights into the Inhibition of Zika Virus NS2B-NS3 Protease by a Small-Molecule Inhibitor. Structure 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2018.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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32
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The Structure of the Zika Virus Protease, NS2B/NS3pro. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1062:131-145. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-8727-1_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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33
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Kang C, Keller TH, Luo D. Zika Virus Protease: An Antiviral Drug Target. Trends Microbiol 2017; 25:797-808. [PMID: 28789826 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2017.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2017] [Revised: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The recent outbreak of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection has caused global concern due to its link to severe damage to the brain development of foetuses and neuronal complications in adult patients. A worldwide research effort has been undertaken to identify effective and safe treatment and vaccination options. Among the proposed viral and host components, the viral NS2B-NS3 protease represents an attractive drug target due to its essential role in the virus life cycle. Here, we outline recent progress in studies on the Zika protease. Biochemical, biophysical, and structural studies on different protease constructs provide new insight into the structure and activity of the protease. The unlinked construct displays higher enzymatic activity and better mimics the native state of the enzyme and therefore is better suited for drug discovery. Furthermore, the structure of the free enzyme adopts a closed conformation and a preformed active site. The availability of a lead fragment hit and peptide inhibitors, as well as the attainability of soakable crystals, suggest that the unlinked construct is a promising tool for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- CongBao Kang
- Experimental Therapeutics Centre, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 31 Biopolis way, Nanos, #03-01, 138669, Singapore.
| | - Thomas H Keller
- Experimental Therapeutics Centre, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 31 Biopolis way, Nanos, #03-01, 138669, Singapore.
| | - Dahai Luo
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, EMB 03-07, 59 Nanyang Drive, 636921, Singapore; NTU Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University, EMB 06-01, 59 Nanyang Drive, 636921, Singapore.
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