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Sadler RA, Shoveller AK, Shandilya UK, Charchoglyan A, Wagter-Lesperance L, Bridle BW, Mallard BA, Karrow NA. Beyond the Coagulation Cascade: Vitamin K and Its Multifaceted Impact on Human and Domesticated Animal Health. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:7001-7031. [PMID: 39057059 PMCID: PMC11276079 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46070418] [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: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Vitamin K (VK) is an essential micronutrient impacting many systems in the body. This lipid-soluble vitamin is found in various plant and animal products and is absorbed via the lymphatic system. This biomolecule's importance to human health includes but is not limited to its promotion of brain, cardiovascular, bone, and immune functions. These biological properties are also necessary for maintaining domesticated animal health. The synergistic impact of both VK and vitamin D (VD) maximizes these health benefits, specifically for the circulatory and skeletal systems. This manuscript reviews VK's properties, molecular structures, nutrikinetics, mechanisms of action, daily requirements, safety in supplemental form, biomarkers used for its detection, and impacts on various organs. The purpose of synthesizing this information is to evaluate the potential uses of VK for the treatment or prevention of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecka A. Sadler
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (R.A.S.); (A.K.S.); (U.K.S.)
| | - Anna K. Shoveller
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (R.A.S.); (A.K.S.); (U.K.S.)
| | - Umesh K. Shandilya
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (R.A.S.); (A.K.S.); (U.K.S.)
| | - Armen Charchoglyan
- ImmunoCeutica Inc., Cambridge, ON N1T 1N6, Canada; (A.C.); (L.W.-L.); (B.W.B.); (B.A.M.)
- Advanced Analysis Centre, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Lauraine Wagter-Lesperance
- ImmunoCeutica Inc., Cambridge, ON N1T 1N6, Canada; (A.C.); (L.W.-L.); (B.W.B.); (B.A.M.)
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Byram W. Bridle
- ImmunoCeutica Inc., Cambridge, ON N1T 1N6, Canada; (A.C.); (L.W.-L.); (B.W.B.); (B.A.M.)
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Bonnie A. Mallard
- ImmunoCeutica Inc., Cambridge, ON N1T 1N6, Canada; (A.C.); (L.W.-L.); (B.W.B.); (B.A.M.)
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Niel A. Karrow
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (R.A.S.); (A.K.S.); (U.K.S.)
- ImmunoCeutica Inc., Cambridge, ON N1T 1N6, Canada; (A.C.); (L.W.-L.); (B.W.B.); (B.A.M.)
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2
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Wang H, Zhang Z, Xie L, Lu K, Zhang S, Xing S. Retinol and retinol binding protein 4 levels and COVID-19: a Mendelian randomization study. BMC Pulm Med 2024; 24:206. [PMID: 38671384 PMCID: PMC11046857 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-024-03013-w] [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: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has struck globally. Whether the related proteins of retinoic acid (RA) signaling pathway are causally associated with the risk of COVID-19 remains unestablished. We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study to assess the associations of retinol, retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4), retinol dehydrogenase 16 (RDH16) and cellular retinoic acid binding protein 1 (CRABP1) with COVID-19 in European population. METHODS The outcome utilized the summary statistics of COVID-19 from the COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative. The exposure data were obtained from public genome wide association study (GWAS) database. We extracted SNPs from exposure data and outcome data. The inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger and Wald ratio methods were employed to assess the causal relationship between exposure and outcome. Sensitivity analyses were performed to ensure the validity of the results. RESULTS The MR estimates showed that retinol was associated with lower COVID-19 susceptibility using IVW (OR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.53-0.90, P: 0.0065), whereas the associations between retinol and COVID-19 hospitalization or severity were not significant. RBP4 was associated with lower COVID-19 susceptibility using the Wald ratio (OR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.72-0.95, P: 0.0072). IVW analysis showed RDH16 was associated with increased COVID-19 hospitalization (OR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.01-1.18, P: 0.0199). CRABP1 was association with lower COVID-19 susceptibility (OR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.91-0.99, P: 0.0290) using the IVW. CONCLUSIONS We found evidence of possible causal association of retinol, RBP4, RDH16 and CRABP1 with the susceptibility, hospitalization and severity of COVID-19. Our study defines that retinol is significantly associated with lower COVID-19 susceptibility, which provides a reference for the prevention of COVID-19 with vitamin A supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixia Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200127, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiyun Zhang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200127, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Xie
- Clinical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Kongli Lu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200127, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuyi Zhang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200127, Shanghai, China.
| | - Shunpeng Xing
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200127, Shanghai, China.
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3
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Hasse T, Mantei E, Shahoei R, Pawnikar S, Wang J, Miao Y, Huang YMM. Mechanistic insights into ligand dissociation from the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein. PLoS Comput Biol 2024; 20:e1011955. [PMID: 38452125 PMCID: PMC10959368 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1011955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, driven by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has spurred an urgent need for effective therapeutic interventions. The spike glycoprotein of the SARS-CoV-2 is crucial for infiltrating host cells, rendering it a key candidate for drug development. By interacting with the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, the spike initiates the infection of SARS-CoV-2. Linoleate is known to bind the spike glycoprotein, subsequently reducing its interaction with ACE2. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying the protein-ligand interaction remain unclear. In this study, we characterized the pathways of ligand dissociation and the conformational changes associated with the spike glycoprotein by using ligand Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics (LiGaMD). Our simulations resulted in eight complete ligand dissociation trajectories, unveiling two distinct ligand unbinding pathways. The preference between these two pathways depends on the gate distance between two α-helices in the receptor binding domain (RBD) and the position of the N-linked glycan at N343. Our study also highlights the essential contributions of K417, N121 glycan, and N165 glycan in ligand unbinding, which are equally crucial in enhancing spike-ACE2 binding. We suggest that the presence of the ligand influences the motions of these residues and glycans, consequently reducing accessibility for spike-ACE2 binding. These findings enhance our understanding of ligand dissociation from the spike glycoprotein and offer significant implications for drug design strategies in the battle against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Hasse
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Esra Mantei
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Rezvan Shahoei
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Shristi Pawnikar
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, United States of America
- Center for Computational Biology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Jinan Wang
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, United States of America
- Center for Computational Biology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Yinglong Miao
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, United States of America
- Center for Computational Biology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Yu-ming M. Huang
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
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4
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Nishihara R, Dokainish HM, Kihara Y, Ashiba H, Sugita Y, Kurita R. Pseudo-Luciferase Activity of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein for Cypridina Luciferin. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2024; 10:283-290. [PMID: 38435535 PMCID: PMC10906034 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.3c00887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Enzymatic reactions that involve a luminescent substrate (luciferin) and enzyme (luciferase) from luminous organisms enable a luminescence detection of target proteins and cells with high specificity, albeit that conventional assay design requires a prelabeling of target molecules with luciferase. Here, we report a luciferase-independent luminescence assay in which the target protein directly catalyzes the oxidative luminescence reaction of luciferin. The SARS-CoV-2 antigen (spike) protein catalyzes the light emission of Cypridina luciferin, whereas no such catalytic function was observed for salivary proteins. This selective luminescence reaction is due to the enzymatic recognition of the 3-(1-guanidino)propyl group in luciferin at the interfaces between the units of the spike protein, allowing a specific detection of the spike protein in human saliva without sample pretreatment. This method offers a novel platform to detect virus antigens simply and rapidly without genetic manipulation or antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Nishihara
- National
Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8566, Japan
- Japan
Science and Technology Agency (JST), PREST, 4-1-8, Honcho, Kawaguchi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan
| | - Hisham M. Dokainish
- Faculty
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Nishi 6 Kita12 Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
- Theoretical
Molecular Science Laboratory, RIKEN Cluster
for Pioneering Research, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Kihara
- National
Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8566, Japan
- Faculty
of
Pure and Applied Sciences, University of
Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8573, Japan
| | - Hiroki Ashiba
- National
Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8566, Japan
| | - Yuji Sugita
- Theoretical
Molecular Science Laboratory, RIKEN Cluster
for Pioneering Research, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
- Laboratory
for Biomolecular Function Simulation, RIKEN
Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 6-7-1 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
- Computational
Biophysics Research Team, RIKEN Center for
Computational Science, 6-7-1 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
| | - Ryoji Kurita
- National
Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8566, Japan
- Faculty
of
Pure and Applied Sciences, University of
Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8573, Japan
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5
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Queirós-Reis L, Mesquita JR, Brancale A, Bassetto M. Exploring the Fatty Acid Binding Pocket in the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein - Confirmed and Potential Ligands. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:7282-7298. [PMID: 37991468 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c00803] [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] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a respiratory virus responsible for coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) and the still ongoing and unprecedented global pandemic. The key viral protein for cell infection is the spike glycoprotein, a surface-exposed fusion protein that both recognizes and mediates entry into host cells. Within the spike glycoprotein, a fatty acid binding pocket (FABP) was confirmed, with the crystallization of linoleic acid (LA) occupying a well-defined site. Importantly, when the pocket is occupied by a fatty acid, an inactive conformation is stabilized, and cell recognition is hindered. In this review, we discuss ligands reported so far for this site, correlating their activity predicted through in silico studies with antispike experimental activity, assessed by either binding assays or cell-infection assays. LA was the first confirmed ligand, cocrystallized in a cryo-EM structure of the spike protein, resulting in increased stability of the inactive conformation of the spike protein. The next identified ligand, lifitegrast, was also experimentally confirmed as a ligand with antiviral activity, suggesting the potential for diverse chemical scaffolds to bind this site. Finally, SPC-14 was also confirmed as a ligand, although no inhibition assays were performed. In this review, we identified 20 studies describing small-molecule compounds predicted to bind the pocket in in silico studies and with confirmed binding or in vitro activity, either inhibitory activity against the spike-ACE2 interaction or antiviral activity in cell-based assays. When considering all ligands confirmed with in vitro assays, a good overall occupation of the pocket should be complemented with the ability to make direct interactions, both hydrophilic and hydrophobic, with key amino acid residues defining the pocket surface. Among the active compounds, long flexible carbon chains are recurrent, with retinoids capable of binding the FABP, although bulkier systems are also capable of affecting viral fitness. Compounds able to bind this site with high affinity have the potential to stabilize the inactive conformation of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and therefore reduce the virus's ability to infect new cells. Since this pocket is conserved in highly pathogenic human coronaviruses, including MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV, this effect could be exploited for the development of new antiviral agents, with broad-spectrum anticoronavirus activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Queirós-Reis
- Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - João R Mesquita
- Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIunit), Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, 4050-091 Porto, Portugal
| | - Andrea Brancale
- University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, 166 28 Praha, Czechia
| | - Marcella Bassetto
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3BN, U.K
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, U.K
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6
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Santo KP, Neimark AV. Adsorption of pulmonary and exogeneous surfactants on SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 650:28-39. [PMID: 37392497 PMCID: PMC10279468 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.06.121] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 is transmitted by airborne particles containing virions of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Coronavirus virions represent nanoparticles enveloped by a lipid bilayer decorated by a "crown" of Spike protein protrusions. Virus transmission into the cells is induced by binding of Spike proteins with ACE2 receptors of alveolar epithelial cells. Active clinical search is ongoing for exogenous surfactants and biologically active chemicals capable of hindering virion-receptor binding. Here, we explore by using coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations the physico-chemical mechanisms of adsorption of selected pulmonary surfactants, zwitterionic dipalmitoyl phosphatidyl choline and cholesterol, and exogeneous anionic surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulfate, on the S1-domain of the Spike protein. We show that surfactants form micellar aggregates that selectively adhere to the specific regions of the S1-domain that are responsible for binding with ACE2 receptors. We find distinctly higher cholesterol adsorption and stronger cholesterol-S1 interactions in comparison with other surfactants, that is consistent with the experimental observations of the effects of cholesterol on COVID-19 infection. Distribution of adsorbed surfactant along the protein residue chain is highly specific and inhomogeneous with preferential adsorption around specific amino acid sequences. We observe preferential adsorption of surfactants on cationic arginine and lysine residues in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) that play an important role in ACE2 binding and are present in higher amounts in Delta and Omicron variants, which may lead to blocking direct Spike-ACE2 interactions. Our findings of strong selective adhesion of surfactant aggregates to Spike proteins have important implications for informing clinical search for therapeutic surfactants for curing and preventing COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 and its variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kolattukudy P Santo
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Alexander V Neimark
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
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7
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He YF, Liu JQ, Hu XD, Li HM, Wu N, Wang J, Jiang ZG. Breastfeeding vs. breast milk transmission during COVID-19 pandemic, which is more important? Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1253333. [PMID: 37744448 PMCID: PMC10511770 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1253333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The catastrophic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has raised many health questions, and whether breast milk from SARS-CoV-2 infected mothers may be a vector for SARS-CoV-2 transmission has become a hot topic of concern worldwide. Currently, there are extremely limited and conflicting data on the risk of infection in infants through breastfeeding. For this reason, we investigated almost all current clinical studies and systematically analyzed the presence of SARS-CoV-2 and antibodies in the breast milk of mothers infected with SARS-CoV-2, their effects on newborns, and the mechanisms involved. A total of 82 studies were included in this review, of which 66 examined the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in breast milk samples from mothers diagnosed with COVID-19, 29 reported results of antibody detection of SARS-CoV-2 in breast milk, and 13 reported both nucleic acid and antibody test results. Seventeen studies indicated the presence of detectable SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid in breast milk samples, and only two studies monitored viral activity, both of which reported that infectious viruses could not be cultured from RNA-positive breast milk samples. All 29 studies indicated the presence of at least one of the three antibodies, IgA, IgG and IgM, in breast milk. Five studies indicated the presence of at least one antibody in the serum of breastfed newborns. No COVID-19-related deaths were reported in all 1,346 newborns. Our study suggests that direct breastfeeding does not pose an additional risk of infection to newborns and that breast milk is a beneficial source of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies that provide passive immune protection to infants. In addition, direct breastfeeding would provide maternal benefits. Our review supports the recommendation to encourage direct breastfeeding under appropriate infection control guidelines. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#myprospero, identifier: 458043.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-fei He
- Health Management Center, The Sixth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jun-qiang Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Sixth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-dong Hu
- Department of Endocrinology, The Sixth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hu-ming Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Sixth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ni Wu
- Health Management Center, The Sixth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Health Management Center, The Sixth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi-gang Jiang
- Department of Statistics, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
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8
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Oliveira ASF, Shoemark DK, Davidson AD, Berger I, Schaffitzel C, Mulholland AJ. SARS-CoV-2 spike variants differ in their allosteric responses to linoleic acid. J Mol Cell Biol 2023; 15:mjad021. [PMID: 36990513 PMCID: PMC10563148 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjad021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein contains a functionally important fatty acid (FA) binding site, which is also found in some other coronaviruses, e.g. SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. The occupancy of the FA site by linoleic acid (LA) reduces infectivity by 'locking' the spike in a less infectious conformation. Here, we use dynamical-nonequilibrium molecular dynamics (D-NEMD) simulations to compare the allosteric responses of spike variants to LA removal. D-NEMD simulations show that the FA site is coupled to other functional regions of the protein, e.g. the receptor-binding motif (RBM), N-terminal domain (NTD), furin cleavage site, and regions surrounding the fusion peptide. D-NEMD simulations also identify the allosteric networks connecting the FA site to these functional regions. The comparison between the wild-type spike and four variants (Alpha, Delta, Delta plus, and Omicron BA.1) shows that the variants differ significantly in their responses to LA removal. The allosteric connections to the FA site on Alpha are generally similar to those on the wild-type protein, with the exception of the RBM and the S71-R78 region, which show a weaker link to the FA site. In contrast, Omicron is the most different variant, exhibiting significant differences in the RBM, NTD, V622-L629, and furin cleavage site. These differences in the allosteric modulation may be of functional relevance, potentially affecting transmissibility and virulence. Experimental comparison of the effects of LA on SARS-CoV-2 variants, including emerging variants, is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Sofia F Oliveira
- School of Chemistry, Centre for Computational Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | | | - Andrew D Davidson
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Imre Berger
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
- School of Chemistry, Max Planck Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
| | | | - Adrian J Mulholland
- School of Chemistry, Centre for Computational Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
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Jiao Y, Xing Y, Sun Y. Impact of E484Q and L452R Mutations on Structure and Binding Behavior of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.1 Using Deep Learning AlphaFold2, Molecular Docking and Dynamics Simulation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11564. [PMID: 37511322 PMCID: PMC10380202 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
During the outbreak of COVID-19, many SARS-CoV-2 variants presented key amino acid mutations that influenced their binding abilities with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) and neutralizing antibodies. For the B.1.617 lineage, there had been fears that two key mutations, i.e., L452R and E484Q, would have additive effects on the evasion of neutralizing antibodies. In this paper, we systematically investigated the impact of the L452R and E484Q mutations on the structure and binding behavior of B.1.617.1 using deep learning AlphaFold2, molecular docking and dynamics simulation. We firstly predicted and verified the structure of the S protein containing L452R and E484Q mutations via the AlphaFold2-calculated pLDDT value and compared it with the experimental structure. Next, a molecular simulation was performed to reveal the structural and interaction stabilities of the S protein of the double mutant variant with hACE2. We found that the double mutations, L452R and E484Q, could lead to a decrease in hydrogen bonds and higher interaction energy between the S protein and hACE2, demonstrating the lower structural stability and the worse binding affinity in the long dynamic evolutional process, even though the molecular docking showed the lower binding energy score of the S1 RBD of the double mutant variant with hACE2 than that of the wild type (WT) with hACE2. In addition, docking to three approved neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) showed a reduced binding affinity of the double mutant variant, suggesting a lower neutralization ability of the mAbs against the double mutant variant. Our study helps lay the foundation for further SARS-CoV-2 studies and provides bioinformatics and computational insights into how the double mutations lead to immune evasion, which could offer guidance for subsequent biomedical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanqi Jiao
- School of Science, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yichen Xing
- School of Science, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yao Sun
- School of Science, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China
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10
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Shi C, Jiao Y, Yang C, Sun Y. The influence of single-point mutation D614G on the binding process between human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-an atomistic simulation study. RSC Adv 2023; 13:9800-9810. [PMID: 36998522 PMCID: PMC10044093 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra00198a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 has continuously evolved as changes in the genetic code occur during replication of the genome, with some of the mutations leading to higher transmission among human beings. The spike aspartic acid-614 to glycine (D614G) substitution in the spike represents a "more transmissible form of SARS-CoV-2" and occurs in all SARS-CoV-2 mutants. However, the underlying mechanism of the D614G substitution in virus infectivity has remained unclear. In this paper, we adopt molecular simulations to study the contact processes of the D614G mutant and wild-type (WT) spikes with hACE2. The interaction areas with hACE2 for the two spikes are completely different by visualizing the whole binding processes. The D614G mutant spike moves towards the hACE2 faster than the WT spike. We have also found that the receptor-binding domain (RBD) and N-terminal domain (NTD) of the D614G mutant extend more outwards than those of the WT spike. By analyzing the distances between the spikes and hACE2, the changes of number of hydrogen bonds and interaction energy, we suggest that the increased infectivity of the D614G mutant is not possibly related to the binding strength, but to the binding velocity and conformational change of the mutant spike. This work reveals the impact of D614G substitution on the infectivity of the SARS-CoV-2, and hopefully could provide a rational explanation of interaction mechanisms for all the SARS-CoV-2 mutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengcheng Shi
- School of Science, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen) Shenzhen 518055 China
- State Key Lab of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Science, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen) Shenzhen 518055 China
| | - Yanqi Jiao
- School of Science, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen) Shenzhen 518055 China
| | - Chao Yang
- School of Science, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen) Shenzhen 518055 China
- State Key Lab of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Science, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen) Shenzhen 518055 China
| | - Yao Sun
- School of Science, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen) Shenzhen 518055 China
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11
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Triveri A, Casali E, Frasnetti E, Doria F, Frigerio F, Cinquini F, Pavoni S, Moroni E, Marchetti F, Serapian SA, Colombo G. Conformational Behavior of SARS-Cov-2 Spike Protein Variants: Evolutionary Jumps in Sequence Reverberate in Structural Dynamic Differences. J Chem Theory Comput 2023; 19:2120-2134. [PMID: 36926878 PMCID: PMC10029694 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.3c00077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 has evolved rapidly in the first 3 years of pandemic diffusion. The initial evolution of the virus appeared to proceed through big jumps in sequence changes rather than through the stepwise accumulation of point mutations on already established variants. Here, we examine whether this nonlinear mutational process reverberates in variations of the conformational dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein (S-protein), the first point of contact between the virus and the human host. We run extensive microsecond-scale molecular dynamics simulations of seven distinct variants of the protein in their fully glycosylated state and set out to elucidate possible links between the mutational spectrum of the S-protein and the structural dynamics of the respective variant, at global and local levels. The results reveal that mutation-dependent structural and dynamic modulations mostly consist of increased coordinated motions in variants that acquire stability and in an increased internal flexibility in variants that are less stable. Importantly, a limited number of functionally important substructures (the receptor binding domain, in particular) share the same time of movements in all variants, indicating efficient preorganization for functional regions dedicated to host interactions. Our results support a model in which the internal dynamics of the S-proteins from different strains varies in a way that reflects the observed random and non-stepwise jumps in sequence evolution, while conserving the functionally oriented traits of conformational dynamics necessary to support productive interactions with host receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Triveri
- Dipartimento di Chimica,
Università di Pavia, via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia,
Italy
| | - Emanuele Casali
- Dipartimento di Chimica,
Università di Pavia, via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia,
Italy
| | - Elena Frasnetti
- Dipartimento di Chimica,
Università di Pavia, via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia,
Italy
| | - Filippo Doria
- Dipartimento di Chimica,
Università di Pavia, via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia,
Italy
| | - Francesco Frigerio
- Department of Physical Chemistry, R&D
Eni SpA, via Maritano 27, 20097 San Donato Milanese (Mi),
Italy
| | - Fabrizio Cinquini
- Upstream & Technical
Services—TECS/STES—Eni Spa, via Emilia 1, 20097 San Donato
Milanese (Mi), Italy
| | - Silvia Pavoni
- Department of Physical Chemistry, R&D
Eni SpA, via Maritano 27, 20097 San Donato Milanese (Mi),
Italy
| | | | - Filippo Marchetti
- Dipartimento di Chimica,
Università di Pavia, via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia,
Italy
| | - Stefano A. Serapian
- Dipartimento di Chimica,
Università di Pavia, via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia,
Italy
| | - Giorgio Colombo
- Dipartimento di Chimica,
Università di Pavia, via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia,
Italy
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12
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Overduin M, Bhat RK, Kervin TA. SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Subvariants Balance Host Cell Membrane, Receptor, and Antibody Docking via an Overlapping Target Site. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020447. [PMID: 36851661 PMCID: PMC9967007 DOI: 10.3390/v15020447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are emerging rapidly and offer surfaces that are optimized for recognition of host cell membranes while also evading antibodies arising from vaccinations and previous infections. Host cell infection is a multi-step process in which spike heads engage lipid bilayers and one or more angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptors. Here, the membrane binding surfaces of Omicron subvariants are compared using cryo-electron microscopy (cEM) structures of spike trimers from BA.2, BA.2.12.1, BA.2.13, BA.2.75, BA.3, BA.4, and BA.5 viruses. Despite significant differences around mutated sites, they all maintain strong membrane binding propensities that first appeared in BA.1. Both their closed and open states retain elevated membrane docking capacities, although the presence of more closed than open states diminishes opportunities to bind receptors while enhancing membrane engagement. The electrostatic dipoles are generally conserved. However, the BA.2.75 spike dipole is compromised, and its ACE-2 affinity is increased, and BA.3 exhibits the opposite pattern. We propose that balancing the functional imperatives of a stable, readily cleavable spike that engages both lipid bilayers and receptors while avoiding host defenses underlies betacoronavirus evolution. This provides predictive criteria for rationalizing future pandemic waves and COVID-19 transmissibility while illuminating critical sites and strategies for simultaneously combating multiple variants.
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13
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Toelzer C, Gupta K, Berger I, Schaffitzel C. Cryo-EM reveals binding of linoleic acid to SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein, suggesting an antiviral treatment strategy. Acta Crystallogr D Struct Biol 2023; 79:111-121. [PMID: 36762857 PMCID: PMC9912919 DOI: 10.1107/s2059798323000049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and concomitant lockdowns presented a global health challenge and triggered unprecedented research efforts to elucidate the molecular mechanisms and pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2. The spike glycoprotein decorating the surface of SARS-CoV-2 virions is a prime target for vaccine development, antibody therapy and serology as it binds the host cell receptor and is central for viral cell entry. The electron cryo-microscopy structure of the spike protein revealed a hydrophobic pocket in the receptor-binding domain that is occupied by an essential fatty acid, linoleic acid (LA). The LA-bound spike protein adopts a non-infectious locked conformation which is more stable than the infectious form and shields important immunogenic epitopes. Here, the impact of LA binding on viral infectivity and replication, and the evolutionary conservation of the pocket in other highly pathogenic coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs), are reviewed. The importance of LA metabolic products, the eicosanoids, in regulating the human immune response and inflammation is highlighted. Lipid and fatty-acid binding to a hydrophobic pocket in proteins on the virion surface appears to be a broader strategy employed by viruses, including picornaviruses and Zika virus. Ligand binding stabilizes their protein structure and assembly, and downregulates infectivity. In the case of rhinoviruses, this has been exploited to develop small-molecule antiviral drugs that bind to the hydrophobic pocket. The results suggest a COVID-19 antiviral treatment based on the LA-binding pocket.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Toelzer
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard’s Close, Bristol BS8 1TD, United Kingdom
- Bristol Synthetic Biology Centre: BrisSynBio, 24 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TQ, United Kingdom
| | - Kapil Gupta
- Imophoron Ltd, St Philips Central, Albert Road, Bristol BS2 0XJ, United Kingdom
| | - Imre Berger
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard’s Close, Bristol BS8 1TD, United Kingdom
- Bristol Synthetic Biology Centre: BrisSynBio, 24 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TQ, United Kingdom
- Max Planck Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology, Cantock’s Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, United Kingdom
| | - Christiane Schaffitzel
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard’s Close, Bristol BS8 1TD, United Kingdom
- Bristol Synthetic Biology Centre: BrisSynBio, 24 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TQ, United Kingdom
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14
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Zhang X, Shen P, Zhao J, Chen Y, Li X, Huang JW, Zhang L, Li Q, Gao C, Xing Q, Chen CC, Guo RT, Li A. Rationally Controlling Selective Steroid Hydroxylation via Scaffold Sampling of a P450 Family. ACS Catal 2023. [DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.2c04906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, P.R. China
| | - Panpan Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, P.R. China
| | - Jing Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, P.R. China
| | - Yueyue Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, P.R. China
| | - Xian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, P.R. China
| | - Jian-Wen Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, P.R. China
| | - Lilan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, P.R. China
| | - Qian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, P.R. China
| | - Chenghua Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, P.R. China
| | - Qiong Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, P.R. China
| | - Chun-Chi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, P.R. China
| | - Rey-Ting Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, P.R. China
| | - Aitao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, P.R. China
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15
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Horne BD, Bunker T. Pathogenic Mechanisms of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 and Potential Direct and Indirect Counteractions by Intermittent Fasting. Nutrients 2022; 15:20. [PMID: 36615679 PMCID: PMC9823718 DOI: 10.3390/nu15010020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic created an unprecedented burden on human health and on the function and interaction of societies across the globe. Public health preventive measures, vaccines, and antivirals were key components of the world-wide response to the health emergency. Due to the uncoordinated and variably successful response to COVID-19 and the ability of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to rapidly mutate, SARS-CoV-2 continues to create considerable difficulty for humanity today. Additional preventive or therapeutic modalities are needed to help people to achieve the best possible health outcomes in the context of the evolving COVID-19 threat. Intermittent fasting is a potential complementary therapy that not only impacts chronic disease risk but also has good evidence of an impact on infectious diseases. While the data regarding fasting and COVID-19 outcomes are very limited, the conceptual connection of fasting to better outcomes includes a variety of mechanisms in human biology. This paper reviews the known mechanisms of disease impacted by SARS-CoV-2 infection and the potential or likely direct or indirect counteractions that fasting may provide that may reduce the severity of COVID-19 and help to realize the best possible health outcomes. Furthermore, fasting adds no financial cost to a care plan and, when practiced safely, is available to most adults without limitation. Further research is needed on the impact of intermittent fasting on human health in the fight against infectious diseases including COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin D. Horne
- Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute, Salt Lake City, UT 84107, USA
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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16
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The Development of Pharmacophore Models for the Search of New Natural Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Spike RBD-ACE2 Binding Interface. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27248938. [PMID: 36558067 PMCID: PMC9788546 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27248938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
To date, some succeeding variants of SARS-CoV-2 have become more contagious. This virus is known to enter human cells by binding the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of spike protein with the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the latter being a membrane protein that regulates the renin-angiotensin system. Since the host cell receptor plays a critical role in viral entry, inhibition of the RBD-ACE2 complex is a promising strategy for preventing COVID-19 infection. In the present communication, we propose and utilize an approach based on the generation of a complex of pharmacophore models and subsequent Induced Fit Docking (IFD) to identify potential inhibitors of the main binding sites of the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 RBD(S1)-ACE2 complex (PDB ID: 7T9L) among a number of natural products of various types and origins. Several natural compounds have been found to provide a high affinity for the receptor of interest. It is expected that the present results will stimulate further research aimed at the development of specialized drugs against this virus.
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17
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Novel CYP11A1-Derived Vitamin D and Lumisterol Biometabolites for the Management of COVID-19. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14224779. [PMID: 36432468 PMCID: PMC9698837 DOI: 10.3390/nu14224779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D deficiency is associated with a higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and poor outcomes of the COVID-19 disease. However, a satisfactory mechanism explaining the vitamin D protective effects is missing. Based on the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties of classical and novel (CYP11A1-derived) vitamin D and lumisterol hydroxymetabolites, we have proposed that they would attenuate the self-amplifying damage in lungs and other organs through mechanisms initiated by interactions with corresponding nuclear receptors. These include the VDR mediated inhibition of NFκβ, inverse agonism on RORγ and the inhibition of ROS through activation of NRF2-dependent pathways. In addition, the non-receptor mediated actions of vitamin D and related lumisterol hydroxymetabolites would include interactions with the active sites of SARS-CoV-2 transcription machinery enzymes (Mpro;main protease and RdRp;RNA dependent RNA polymerase). Furthermore, these metabolites could interfere with the binding of SARS-CoV-2 RBD with ACE2 by interacting with ACE2 and TMPRSS2. These interactions can cause the conformational and dynamical motion changes in TMPRSS2, which would affect TMPRSS2 to prime SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins. Therefore, novel, CYP11A1-derived, active forms of vitamin D and lumisterol can restrain COVID-19 through both nuclear receptor-dependent and independent mechanisms, which identify them as excellent candidates for antiviral drug research and for the educated use of their precursors as nutrients or supplements in the prevention and attenuation of the COVID-19 disease.
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18
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Lou F, Hu R, Chen Y, Li M, An X, Song L, Tong Y, Fan H. 2'-Fucosyllactose Inhibits Coxsackievirus Class A Type 9 Infection by Blocking Virus Attachment and Internalisation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213727. [PMID: 36430203 PMCID: PMC9691179 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Coxsackieviruses, a genus of enteroviruses in the small RNA virus family, cause fatal infectious diseases in humans. Thus far, there are no approved drugs to prevent these diseases. Human milk contains various biologically active components against pathogens. Currently, the potential activity of breast milk components against the coxsackievirus remains unclear. In our study, the inhibitory effect of 16 major human milk components was tested on coxsackievirus class A type 9 isolate (CV-A9), BUCT01; 2'-Fucosyllactose (2'-FL) was identified to be effective. Time-of-addition, attachment internalisation assays, and the addition of 2'-FL at different time points were applied to investigate its specific role in the viral life cycle. Molecular docking was used to predict 2'-FL's specific cellular targets. The initial screening revealed a significant inhibitory effect (99.97%) against CV-A9 with 10 mg/mL 2'-FL, with no cytotoxicity observed. Compared with the control group, 2'-FL blocked virus entry (85%) as well as inhibited viral attachment (48.4%) and internalisation (51.3%), minimising its infection in rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cells. The cell pre-incubation with 2'-FL exhibited significant inhibition (73.2-99.9%). Extended incubation between cells with 2'-FL reduced CV-A9 infection (93.9%), suggesting that 2'-FL predominantly targets cells to block infection. Molecular docking results revealed that 2'-FL interacted with the attachment receptor αvβ6 and the internalisation receptor FCGRT and β2M with an affinity of -2.14, -1.87, and -5.43 kcal/mol, respectively. This study lays the foundation for using 2'-FL as a food additive against CV-A9 infections.
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19
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Bao J, Liu S, Liang X, Wang C, Cao L, Li Z, Wei F, Fu A, Shi Y, Shen B, Zhu X, Zhao Y, Liu H, Miao L, Wang Y, Liang S, Wu L, Huang J, Guo T, Liu F. A prediction model for COVID-19 liver dysfunction in patients with normal hepatic biochemical parameters. Life Sci Alliance 2022; 6:6/1/e202201576. [PMID: 36261228 PMCID: PMC9585965 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201576] [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: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with liver dysfunction (LD) have a higher chance of developing severe and critical disease. The routine hepatic biochemical parameters ALT, AST, GGT, and TBIL have limitations in reflecting COVID-19-related LD. In this study, we performed proteomic analysis on 397 serum samples from 98 COVID-19 patients to identify new biomarkers for LD. We then established 19 simple machine learning models using proteomic measurements and clinical variables to predict LD in a development cohort of 74 COVID-19 patients with normal hepatic biochemical parameters. The model based on the biomarker ANGL3 and sex (AS) exhibited the best discrimination (time-dependent AUCs: 0.60-0.80), calibration, and net benefit in the development cohort, and the accuracy of this model was 69.0-73.8% in an independent cohort. The AS model exhibits great potential in supporting optimization of therapeutic strategies for COVID-19 patients with a high risk of LD. This model is publicly available at https://xixihospital-liufang.shinyapps.io/DynNomapp/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfeng Bao
- Department of Hepatology, Affiliated Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shourong Liu
- Department of Hepatology, Affiliated Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Liang
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China,Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China,Center for Infectious Disease Research, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Congcong Wang
- Insititute of Hepatology and Epidemiology, Affiliated Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lili Cao
- Department of Nursing, Affiliated Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhaoyi Li
- Insititute of Hepatology and Epidemiology, Affiliated Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Furong Wei
- Insititute of Hepatology and Epidemiology, Affiliated Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ai Fu
- Insititute of Hepatology and Epidemiology, Affiliated Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yingqiu Shi
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China,Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China,Center for Infectious Disease Research, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bo Shen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Yuge Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liangbin Miao
- Insititute of Hepatology and Epidemiology, Affiliated Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Insititute of Hepatology and Epidemiology, Affiliated Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuang Liang
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China,Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China,Center for Infectious Disease Research, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Linyan Wu
- Department of Nursing, Affiliated Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinsong Huang
- Department of Hepatology, Affiliated Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tiannan Guo
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China .,Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China.,Center for Infectious Disease Research, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fang Liu
- Insititute of Hepatology and Epidemiology, Affiliated Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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20
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Liu S, Wang Z, Wu S, Cao T, Chen Y, Zhao G. Highly sensitive and group-targeting detection of steroid estrogens in water environment using a valid oligonucleotide class-specific editing technique. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 439:129545. [PMID: 35863227 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Steroid environmental estrogens (SEEs) are often coexist in water, require complex analytical techniques for separation and monitoring. However, aptamer-based chemical detection often only recognizes one of them, and the detection of SEEs is still a huge challenge. Herein, a group-targeting aptamer with the ability to recognize SEEs was constructed using efficient oligonucleotide class-specific editing technology, and a photoelectrochemical aptasensor capable of detecting the class of SEEs was established. A quantitative analysis of highly toxic SEEs in the environment and carrying similar core carbon skeleton, including 17β-estradiol, esterone, estriol and ethinylestradiol, was performed. The detection limit was as low as 0.1 nM with a response time of only 15 min. Specifically, this method exhibited high anti-interference with different complex media existing. Combining the theoretical calculations with a variety of spectral experiments, the Π-Π stacking and hydrogen bond synergistic interactions between the photoelectric interface and the three ring structures on SEEs and the hydroxyl group of ring 1 were analyzed in depth. Besides, the conformational changes of loose base helix structure and the free rotation limitation of oligonucleotides after the recognition of SEEs at the molecular level were also elucidated, facilitating the transfer of electrons on the surface of the photoelectrode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyao Liu
- School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiming Wang
- School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, People's Republic of China
| | - Siqi Wu
- School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, People's Republic of China
| | - Tongcheng Cao
- School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, People's Republic of China
| | - Yinguang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, People's Republic of China
| | - Guohua Zhao
- School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, People's Republic of China.
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21
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Zhong L, Zhao Z, Peng X, Zou J, Yang S. Recent advances in small-molecular therapeutics for COVID-19. PRECISION CLINICAL MEDICINE 2022; 5:pbac024. [PMID: 36268466 PMCID: PMC9579963 DOI: 10.1093/pcmedi/pbac024] [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: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic poses a fundamental challenge to global health. Since the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2, great efforts have been made to identify antiviral strategies and develop therapeutic drugs to combat the disease. There are different strategies for developing small molecular anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs, including targeting coronavirus structural proteins (e.g. spike protein), non-structural proteins (nsp) (e.g. RdRp, Mpro, PLpro, helicase, nsp14, and nsp16), host proteases (e.g. TMPRSS2, cathepsin, and furin) and the pivotal proteins mediating endocytosis (e.g. PIKfyve), as well as developing endosome acidification agents and immune response modulators. Favipiravir and chloroquine are the anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents that were identified earlier in this epidemic and repurposed for COVID-19 clinical therapy based on these strategies. However, their efficacies are controversial. Currently, three small molecular anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents, remdesivir, molnupiravir, and Paxlovid (PF-07321332 plus ritonavir), have been granted emergency use authorization or approved for COVID-19 therapy in many countries due to their significant curative effects in phase III trials. Meanwhile, a large number of promising anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug candidates have entered clinical evaluation. The development of these drugs brings hope for us to finally conquer COVID-19. In this account, we conducted a comprehensive review of the recent advances in small molecule anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents according to the target classification. Here we present all the approved drugs and most of the important drug candidates for each target, and discuss the challenges and perspectives for the future research and development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xuerun Peng
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
| | | | - Shengyong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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22
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Hardy E, Fernandez-Patron C. Could Endogenous Glucocorticoids Influence SARS-CoV-2 Infectivity? Cells 2022; 11:cells11192955. [PMID: 36230917 PMCID: PMC9562004 DOI: 10.3390/cells11192955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Endogenous glucocorticoids and their synthetic analogues, such as dexamethasone, stimulate receptor-mediated signal transduction mechanisms on target cells. Some of these mechanisms result in beneficial outcomes whereas others are deleterious in the settings of pathogen infections and immunological disorders. Here, we review recent studies by several groups, including our group, showing that glucocorticoids can directly interact with protein components on SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19. We postulate an antiviral defence mechanism by which endogenous glucocorticoids (e.g., cortisol produced in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection) can bind to multiple sites on SARS-CoV-2 surface protein, Spike, inducing conformational alterations in Spike subunit 1 (S1) that inhibit SARS-CoV-2 interaction with the host SARS-CoV-2 receptor, ACE2. We suggest that glucocorticoids-mediated inhibition of S1 interaction with ACE2 may, consequently, affect SARS-CoV-2 infectivity. Further, glucocorticoids interactions with Spike could protect against a broad spectrum of coronaviruses and their variants that utilize Spike for infection of the host. These notions may be useful for the design of new antivirals for coronavirus diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenio Hardy
- Center of Molecular Immunology, P.O. Box 16040, Havana 11600, Cuba
- Correspondence: (E.H.); (C.F.-P.)
| | - Carlos Fernandez-Patron
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
- Correspondence: (E.H.); (C.F.-P.)
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23
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Immunomodulator Vitamin C: An Adjuvant Therapy in Second Wave of Coronavirus Disease 2019. JOURNAL OF PURE AND APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.22207/jpam.16.3.46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Since its sudden outbreak in December 2019 in Wuhan, A pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 has been announced. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin with anti-oxidant and immunity-boosting properties. Vitamin C acts as a nutritional supplement profoundly impacting the immune response to the second or third wave of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Vitamin C efficacy as an adjuvant treatment for inflammation and symptoms associated with COVID-19 infection should be investigated further. This report sheds light on the available information on the current clinical trials and pharmacotherapy related to COVID-19. Information available on Pubmed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science databases and EU clinical trials regarding the use of therapeutic agents in patients with COVID-19 was used to perform analysis. Data was taken from 18 clinical trials available in the U.S. National Library of Medicine. All trials that are active, completed, or in the process of recruiting are included in data. Because of majority of clinical trials are still ongoing, specific results and high-quality clinical evidence are lacking. Before being standardised for use, the protocol must undergo large randomised clinical studies using a variety of existing medications and potential therapies. The pivotal role played by vitamins C in maintaining our immune system, is quite apparent. This review is an attempt to summarize the available information regarding the use of vitamin C as an adjuvant therapy in COVID-19 patients.
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24
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Wang T, Cao Y, Zhang H, Wang Z, Man CH, Yang Y, Chen L, Xu S, Yan X, Zheng Q, Wang Y. COVID-19 metabolism: Mechanisms and therapeutic targets. MedComm (Beijing) 2022; 3:e157. [PMID: 35958432 PMCID: PMC9363584 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) dysregulates antiviral signaling, immune response, and cell metabolism in human body. Viral genome and proteins hijack host metabolic network to support viral biogenesis and propagation. However, the regulatory mechanism of SARS-CoV-2-induced metabolic dysfunction has not been elucidated until recently. Multiomic studies of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) revealed an intensive interaction between host metabolic regulators and viral proteins. SARS-CoV-2 deregulated cellular metabolism in blood, intestine, liver, pancreas, fat, and immune cells. Host metabolism supported almost every stage of viral lifecycle. Strikingly, viral proteins were found to interact with metabolic enzymes in different cellular compartments. Biochemical and genetic assays also identified key regulatory nodes and metabolic dependencies of viral replication. Of note, cholesterol metabolism, lipid metabolism, and glucose metabolism are broadly involved in viral lifecycle. Here, we summarized the current understanding of the hallmarks of COVID-19 metabolism. SARS-CoV-2 infection remodels host cell metabolism, which in turn modulates viral biogenesis and replication. Remodeling of host metabolism creates metabolic vulnerability of SARS-CoV-2 replication, which could be explored to uncover new therapeutic targets. The efficacy of metabolic inhibitors against COVID-19 is under investigation in several clinical trials. Ultimately, the knowledge of SARS-CoV-2-induced metabolic reprogramming would accelerate drug repurposing or screening to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianshi Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and InflammationDepartment of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell BiologyShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Ying Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesShanghai Cancer InstituteRenji HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Haiyan Zhang
- Bai Jia Obstetrics and Gynecology HospitalShanghaiChina
| | - Zihao Wang
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterKey Laboratory of Breast Cancer in ShanghaiShanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation OncologyCancer Instituteand The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical EpigeneticsInstitutes of Biomedical SciencesShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- The International Co‐laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and MetabolismMinistry of Science and TechnologyShanghaiChina
| | - Cheuk Him Man
- Division of HematologyDepartment of MedicineUniversity of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong, China
| | - Yunfan Yang
- Department of Cell BiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesCheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Lingchao Chen
- Department of NeurosurgeryHuashan HospitalShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityNational Center for Neurological DisordersShanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Restoration and Neural RegenerationNeurosurgical Institute of Fudan UniversityShanghai Clinical Medical Center of NeurosurgeryShanghaiChina
| | - Shuangnian Xu
- Department of HematologySouthwest HospitalArmy Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Xiaojing Yan
- Department of HematologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Quan Zheng
- Center for Single‐Cell OmicsSchool of Public HealthShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Yi‐Ping Wang
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterKey Laboratory of Breast Cancer in ShanghaiShanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation OncologyCancer Instituteand The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical EpigeneticsInstitutes of Biomedical SciencesShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- The International Co‐laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and MetabolismMinistry of Science and TechnologyShanghaiChina
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25
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Amrane M, Oukid S, Ensari T. SMILES generation against Covid-19 with Encoder-Decoder LSTM and PCA's features. J MECH MED BIOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1142/s0219519422500725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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26
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Puhl AC, Mottin M, Sacramento CQ, Tavella TA, Dias GG, Fintelman-Rodrigues N, Temerozo JR, Dias SSG, Ramos PRPS, Merten EM, Pearce KH, Costa FT, Premkumar L, Souza TML, Andrade CH, Ekins S. Computational and Experimental Approaches Identify Beta-Blockers as Potential SARS-CoV-2 Spike Inhibitors. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:27950-27958. [PMID: 35983371 PMCID: PMC9380819 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c01707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Finding antivirals for SARS-CoV-2 is still a major challenge, and many computational and experimental approaches have been employed to find a solution to this problem. While the global vaccination campaigns are the primary driver of controlling the current pandemic, orally bioavailable small-molecule drugs and biologics are critical to overcome this global issue. Improved therapeutics and prophylactics are required to treat people with circulating and emerging new variants, addressing severe infection, and people with underlying or immunocompromised conditions. The SARS-CoV-2 envelope spike is a challenging target for viral entry inhibitors. Pindolol presented a good docking score in a previous virtual screening using computational docking calculations after screening a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug library of 2400 molecules as potential candidates to block the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein interaction with the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2). Here, we expanded the computational evaluation to identify five beta-blockers against SARS-CoV-2 using several techniques, such as microscale thermophoresis, NanoDSF, and in vitro assays in different cell lines. These data identified carvedilol with a K d of 364 ± 22 nM for the SARS-CoV-2 spike and in vitro activity (EC50 of 7.57 μM, CC50 of 18.07 μM) against SARS-CoV-2 in Calu-3 cells. We have shown how we can apply multiple computational and experimental approaches to find molecules that can be further optimized to improve anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana C. Puhl
- Collaborations
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 840 Main Campus Drive, Lab 3510, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
| | - Melina Mottin
- LabMol
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Drug Design, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia 74605-170, GO, Brazil
- Pathogen-Host
Interface Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Carolina Q. Sacramento
- Laboratory
of Immunopharmacology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute—Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil
- Center
of Technological Development in Health (CDTS)/National Institute of
Science and Technology for Innovation on Neglected Population Diseases
(INCT-IDPN), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
| | - Tatyana Almeida Tavella
- Laboratory
of Tropical Diseases—Prof. Dr. Luiz Jacinto da Silva, Department
of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Campinas 13083-970, SP, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Gonçalves Dias
- LabMol
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Drug Design, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia 74605-170, GO, Brazil
| | - Natalia Fintelman-Rodrigues
- Laboratory
of Immunopharmacology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute—Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil
- Center
of Technological Development in Health (CDTS)/National Institute of
Science and Technology for Innovation on Neglected Population Diseases
(INCT-IDPN), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
| | - Jairo R. Temerozo
- Laboratory
on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute—Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
- National
Institute for Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT/NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute—Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil
| | - Suelen S. G. Dias
- Laboratory
of Immunopharmacology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute—Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Eric M. Merten
- Center
for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Chemical Biology
and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Kenneth H. Pearce
- Center
for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Chemical Biology
and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
- UNC
Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Fabio Trindade
Maranhão Costa
- Laboratory
of Tropical Diseases—Prof. Dr. Luiz Jacinto da Silva, Department
of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Campinas 13083-970, SP, Brazil
| | - Lakshmanane Premkumar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Thiago Moreno L. Souza
- Laboratory
of Immunopharmacology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute—Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil
- Center
of Technological Development in Health (CDTS)/National Institute of
Science and Technology for Innovation on Neglected Population Diseases
(INCT-IDPN), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
| | - Carolina Horta Andrade
- LabMol
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Drug Design, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia 74605-170, GO, Brazil
| | - Sean Ekins
- Collaborations
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 840 Main Campus Drive, Lab 3510, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
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27
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Creutznacher R, Maass T, Veselkova B, Ssebyatika G, Krey T, Empting M, Tautz N, Frank M, Kölbel K, Uetrecht C, Peters T. NMR Experiments Provide Insights into Ligand-Binding to the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Receptor-Binding Domain. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:13060-13065. [PMID: 35830336 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c05603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We have used chemical shift perturbation (CSP) and saturation transfer difference (STD) NMR experiments to identify and characterize the binding of selected ligands to the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike glycoprotein (S-protein) of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We also subjected full-length S-protein to STD NMR experiments, allowing correlations with RBD-based results. CSPs reveal the binding sites for heparin and fondaparinux, and affinities were measured using CSP titrations. We then show that α-2,3-sialyllactose binds to the S-protein but not to the RBD. Finally, combined CSP and STD NMR experiments show that lifitegrast, a compound used for the treatment of dry eye, binds to the linoleic acid (LA) binding pocket with a dissociation constant in the μM range. This is an interesting finding, as lifitegrast lends itself well as a blueprint for medicinal chemistry, eventually furnishing novel entry inhibitors targeting the highly conserved LA binding site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Creutznacher
- Center of Structural and Cell Biology in Medicine, Institute of Chemistry and Metabolomics, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Thorben Maass
- Center of Structural and Cell Biology in Medicine, Institute of Chemistry and Metabolomics, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Barbora Veselkova
- Center of Structural and Cell Biology in Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - George Ssebyatika
- Center of Structural and Cell Biology in Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Thomas Krey
- Center of Structural and Cell Biology in Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Martin Empting
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Antiviral & Antivirulence Drugs (AVID), Campus E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Norbert Tautz
- Center of Structural and Cell Biology in Medicine, Institute of Virology and Cell Biology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Martin Frank
- Biognos AB, Generatorsgatan 1, P.O. Box 8963, SE-402 74 Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Knut Kölbel
- CSSB Center for Structural Systems Biology, Leibniz Institute of Virology (LIV) & Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron, Notkestr. 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Charlotte Uetrecht
- CSSB Center for Structural Systems Biology, Leibniz Institute of Virology (LIV) & Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron, Notkestr. 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany.,School of Life Sciences, University of Siegen, 57076 Siegen, Germany
| | - Thomas Peters
- Center of Structural and Cell Biology in Medicine, Institute of Chemistry and Metabolomics, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
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Tateo F, Fiorino S, Peruzzo L, Zippi M, De Biase D, Lari F, Melucci D. Effects of environmental parameters and their interactions on the spreading of SARS-CoV-2 in North Italy under different social restrictions. A new approach based on multivariate analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 210:112921. [PMID: 35150709 PMCID: PMC8828377 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.112921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In 2020 North Italy suffered the SARS-CoV-2-related pandemic with a high number of deaths and hospitalization. The effect of atmospheric parameters on the amount of hospital admissions (temperature, solar radiation, particulate matter, relative humidity and wind speed) is studied through about 8 months (May-December). Two periods are considered depending on different conditions: a) low incidence of COVID-19 and very few regulations concerning personal mobility and protection ("free/summer period"); b) increasing incidence of disease, social restrictions and use of personal protections ("confined/autumn period"). The "hospitalized people in medical area wards/100000 residents" was used as a reliable measure of COVID-19 spreading and load on the sanitary system. We developed a chemometric approach (multiple linear regression analysis) using the daily incidence of hospitalizations as a function of the single independent variables and of their products (interactions). Eight administrative domains were considered (altogether 26 million inhabitants) to account for relatively homogeneous territorial and social conditions. The obtained models very significantly match the daily variation of hospitalizations, during the two periods. Under the confined/autumn period, the effect of non-pharmacologic measures (social distances, personal protection, etc.) possibly attenuates the virus diffusion despite environmental factors. On the contrary, in the free/summer conditions the effects of atmospheric parameters are very significant through all the areas. Particulate matter matches the growth of hospitalizations in areas with low chronic particulate pollution. Fewer hospitalizations strongly correspond to higher temperature and solar radiation. Relative humidity plays the same role, but with a lesser extent. The interaction between solar radiation and high temperature is also highly significant and represents surprising evidence. The solar radiation alone and combined with high temperature exert an anti-SARS-CoV-2 effect, via both the direct inactivation of virions and the stimulation of vitamin D synthesis, improving immune system function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Tateo
- Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources (IGG), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Via G. Gradenigo, 6, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Sirio Fiorino
- Internal Medicine Unit, Budrio Hospital, Azienda USL, Via Benni, 44, 40054, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Peruzzo
- Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources (IGG), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Via G. Gradenigo, 6, 35131, Padova, Italy.
| | - Maddalena Zippi
- Unit of Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy, Sandro Pertini Hospital, Via dei Monti Tiburtini 385, 00157, Rome, Italy
| | - Dario De Biase
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federico Lari
- Internal Medicine Unit, Budrio Hospital, Azienda USL, Via Benni, 44, 40054, Bologna, Italy
| | - Dora Melucci
- Department of Chemistry Ciamician, University of Bologna, Via Selmi, 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy
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29
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Sarker H, Panigrahi R, Hardy E, Glover JNM, Elahi S, Fernandez-Patron C. Glucocorticoids Bind to SARS-CoV-2 S1 at Multiple Sites Causing Cooperative Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 S1 Interaction With ACE2. Front Immunol 2022; 13:906687. [PMID: 35784352 PMCID: PMC9242398 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.906687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Dexamethasone may reduce mortality in COVID-19 patients. Whether dexamethasone or endogenous glucocorticoids, such as cortisol, biochemically interact with SARS-CoV-2 spike 1 protein (S1), or its cellular receptor ACE2, is unknown. Using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and binding energy calculations, we identified 162 druggable pockets in various conformational states of S1 and all possible binding pockets for cortisol and dexamethasone. Through biochemical binding studies, we confirmed that cortisol and dexamethasone bind to S1. Limited proteolysis and mass spectrometry analyses validated several MD identified binding pockets for cortisol and dexamethasone on S1. Interaction assays indicated that cortisol and dexamethasone separately and cooperatively disrupt S1 interaction with ACE2, through direct binding to S1, without affecting ACE2 catalytic activity. Cortisol disrupted the binding of the mutant S1 Beta variant (E484K, K417N, N501Y) to ACE2. Delta and Omicron variants are mutated in or near identified cortisol-binding pockets in S1, which may affect cortisol binding to them. In the presence of cortisol, we find increased inhibition of S1 binding to ACE2 by an anti-SARS-CoV-2 S1 human chimeric monoclonal antibody against the receptor binding domain. Whether glucocorticoid/S1 direct interaction is an innate defence mechanism that may have contributed to mild or asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection deserves further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Sarker
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Rashmi Panigrahi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - J. N. Mark Glover
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Shokrollah Elahi
- Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Carlos Fernandez-Patron
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- *Correspondence: Carlos Fernandez-Patron,
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30
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Potential Use of Tea Tree Oil as a Disinfectant Agent against Coronaviruses: A Combined Experimental and Simulation Study. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27123786. [PMID: 35744913 PMCID: PMC9228983 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27123786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the relevance of proper disinfection procedures and renewed interest in developing novel disinfectant materials as a preventive strategy to limit SARS-CoV-2 contamination. Given its widely known antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil, also named Tea tree oil (TTO), is recognized as a potential effective and safe natural disinfectant agent. In particular, the proposed antiviral activity of TTO involves the inhibition of viral entry and fusion, interfering with the structural dynamics of the membrane and with the protein envelope components. In this study, for the first time, we demonstrated the virucidal effects of TTO against the feline coronavirus (FCoVII) and the human coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43), both used as surrogate models for SARS-CoV-2. Then, to atomistically uncover the possible effects exerted by TTO compounds on the outer surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virion, we performed Gaussian accelerated Molecular Dynamics simulations of a SARS-CoV-2 envelope portion, including a complete model of the Spike glycoprotein in the absence or presence of the three main TTO compounds (terpinen-4-ol, γ-terpinene, and 1,8-cineole). The obtained results allowed us to hypothesize the mechanism of action of TTO and its possible use as an anti-coronavirus disinfectant agent.
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31
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Bae JH, Choe HJ, Holick MF, Lim S. Association of vitamin D status with COVID-19 and its severity : Vitamin D and COVID-19: a narrative review. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2022; 23:579-599. [PMID: 34982377 PMCID: PMC8724612 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-021-09705-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Vitamin D is associated with biological activities of the innate and adaptive immune systems, as well as inflammation. In observational studies, an inverse relationship has been found between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations and the risk or severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Several mechanisms have been proposed for the role of vitamin D in COVID-19, including modulation of immune and inflammatory responses, regulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, and involvement in glucose metabolism and cardiovascular system. Low 25(OH)D concentrations might predispose patients with COVID-19 to severe outcomes not only via the associated hyperinflammatory syndrome but also by worsening preexisting impaired glucose metabolism and cardiovascular diseases. Some randomized controlled trials have shown that vitamin D supplementation is beneficial for reducing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 RNA positivity but not for reducing intensive care unit admission or all-cause mortality in patients with moderate-to-severe COVID-19. Current evidence suggests that taking a vitamin D supplement to maintain a serum concentration of 25(OH)D of at least 30 ng/mL (preferred range 40-60 ng/mL), can help reduce the risk of COVID-19 and its severe outcomes, including mortality. Although further well designed studies are warranted, it is prudent to recommend vitamin D supplements to people with vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency during the COVID-19 pandemic according to international guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Hyun Bae
- grid.411134.20000 0004 0474 0479Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hun Jee Choe
- grid.412484.f0000 0001 0302 820XDepartment of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Michael F. Holick
- grid.189504.10000 0004 1936 7558Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Nutrition and Weight Management, Department of Medicine, Boston University Medical Campus, 715 Albany St #437, Boston, MA 02118 USA
| | - Soo Lim
- grid.412480.b0000 0004 0647 3378Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 82, Gumi-ro, 173 Beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, 13620 South Korea
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32
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Guimond S, Mycroft-West CJ, Gandhi NS, Tree JA, Le TT, Spalluto CM, Humbert MV, Buttigieg KR, Coombes N, Elmore MJ, Wand M, Nyström K, Said J, Setoh YX, Amarilla AA, Modhiran N, Sng JDJ, Chhabra M, Young PR, Rawle DJ, Lima MA, Yates EA, Karlsson R, Miller RL, Chen YH, Bagdonaite I, Yang Z, Stewart J, Nguyen D, Laidlaw S, Hammond E, Dredge K, Wilkinson TMA, Watterson D, Khromykh AA, Suhrbier A, Carroll MW, Trybala E, Bergström T, Ferro V, Skidmore MA, Turnbull JE. Synthetic Heparan Sulfate Mimetic Pixatimod (PG545) Potently Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 by Disrupting the Spike-ACE2 Interaction. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2022; 8:527-545. [PMID: 35647275 PMCID: PMC9136977 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.1c01293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Heparan sulfate (HS) is a cell surface polysaccharide recently identified as a coreceptor with the ACE2 protein for the S1 spike protein on SARS-CoV-2 virus, providing a tractable new therapeutic target. Clinically used heparins demonstrate an inhibitory activity but have an anticoagulant activity and are supply-limited, necessitating alternative solutions. Here, we show that synthetic HS mimetic pixatimod (PG545), a cancer drug candidate, binds and destabilizes the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor binding domain and directly inhibits its binding to ACE2, consistent with molecular modeling identification of multiple molecular contacts and overlapping pixatimod and ACE2 binding sites. Assays with multiple clinical isolates of SARS-CoV-2 virus show that pixatimod potently inhibits the infection of monkey Vero E6 cells and physiologically relevant human bronchial epithelial cells at safe therapeutic concentrations. Pixatimod also retained broad potency against variants of concern (VOC) including B.1.1.7 (Alpha), B.1.351 (Beta), B.1.617.2 (Delta), and B.1.1.529 (Omicron). Furthermore, in a K18-hACE2 mouse model, pixatimod significantly reduced SARS-CoV-2 viral titers in the upper respiratory tract and virus-induced weight loss. This demonstration of potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity tolerant to emerging mutations establishes proof-of-concept for targeting the HS-Spike protein-ACE2 axis with synthetic HS mimetics and provides a strong rationale for clinical investigation of pixatimod as a potential multimodal therapeutic for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott
E. Guimond
- Centre
for Glycoscience, School of Life Sciences, Keele University, Newcastle-Under-Lyme, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, United Kingdom
| | - Courtney J. Mycroft-West
- Centre
for Glycoscience, School of Life Sciences, Keele University, Newcastle-Under-Lyme, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, United Kingdom
| | - Neha S. Gandhi
- School
of Chemistry and Physics, Centre for Genomics and Personalized Health, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane, Queensland 4000, Australia
| | - Julia A. Tree
- National
Infection Service, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4
0JG, United Kingdom
| | - Thuy T. Le
- QIMR
Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4029, Australia
| | - C. Mirella Spalluto
- School
of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University
of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
| | - Maria V. Humbert
- School
of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University
of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
| | - Karen R. Buttigieg
- National
Infection Service, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4
0JG, United Kingdom
| | - Naomi Coombes
- National
Infection Service, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4
0JG, United Kingdom
| | - Michael J. Elmore
- National
Infection Service, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4
0JG, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Wand
- National
Infection Service, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4
0JG, United Kingdom
| | - Kristina Nyström
- Department
of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Guldhedsgatan 10B, S-413 46 Goteborg, Sweden
| | - Joanna Said
- Department
of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Guldhedsgatan 10B, S-413 46 Goteborg, Sweden
| | - Yin Xiang Setoh
- School
of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Australian
Infectious Diseases Research Centre, GVN
Center of Excellence, Brisbane, Queensland 4072/4079, Australia
| | - Alberto A. Amarilla
- School
of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Australian
Infectious Diseases Research Centre, GVN
Center of Excellence, Brisbane, Queensland 4072/4079, Australia
| | - Naphak Modhiran
- School
of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Australian
Infectious Diseases Research Centre, GVN
Center of Excellence, Brisbane, Queensland 4072/4079, Australia
| | - Julian D. J. Sng
- School
of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Australian
Infectious Diseases Research Centre, GVN
Center of Excellence, Brisbane, Queensland 4072/4079, Australia
| | - Mohit Chhabra
- School
of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Australian
Infectious Diseases Research Centre, GVN
Center of Excellence, Brisbane, Queensland 4072/4079, Australia
| | - Paul R. Young
- School
of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Australian
Infectious Diseases Research Centre, GVN
Center of Excellence, Brisbane, Queensland 4072/4079, Australia
| | - Daniel J. Rawle
- QIMR
Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4029, Australia
| | - Marcelo A. Lima
- Centre
for Glycoscience, School of Life Sciences, Keele University, Newcastle-Under-Lyme, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, United Kingdom
| | - Edwin A. Yates
- Department
of Biochemistry and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular
and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Karlsson
- Copenhagen
Center for Glycomics, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N 2200, Denmark
| | - Rebecca L. Miller
- Copenhagen
Center for Glycomics, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N 2200, Denmark
| | - Yen-Hsi Chen
- Copenhagen
Center for Glycomics, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N 2200, Denmark
| | - Ieva Bagdonaite
- Copenhagen
Center for Glycomics, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N 2200, Denmark
| | - Zhang Yang
- Copenhagen
Center for Glycomics, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N 2200, Denmark
| | - James Stewart
- Department
of Infection Biology & Microbiomes, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, United Kingdom
| | - Dung Nguyen
- Wellcome
Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Oxford University, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, Oxford OX3 7BN, United
Kingdom
| | - Stephen Laidlaw
- Wellcome
Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Oxford University, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, Oxford OX3 7BN, United
Kingdom
| | - Edward Hammond
- Zucero Therapeutics Ltd, 1 Westlink Court, Brisbane, Queensland 4076, Australia
| | - Keith Dredge
- Zucero Therapeutics Ltd, 1 Westlink Court, Brisbane, Queensland 4076, Australia
| | - Tom M. A. Wilkinson
- School
of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University
of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
- NIHR
Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Watterson
- School
of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Australian
Infectious Diseases Research Centre, GVN
Center of Excellence, Brisbane, Queensland 4072/4079, Australia
| | - Alexander A. Khromykh
- School
of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Australian
Infectious Diseases Research Centre, GVN
Center of Excellence, Brisbane, Queensland 4072/4079, Australia
| | - Andreas Suhrbier
- QIMR
Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4029, Australia
| | - Miles W. Carroll
- National
Infection Service, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4
0JG, United Kingdom
- Wellcome
Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Oxford University, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, Oxford OX3 7BN, United
Kingdom
| | - Edward Trybala
- Department
of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Guldhedsgatan 10B, S-413 46 Goteborg, Sweden
| | - Tomas Bergström
- Department
of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Guldhedsgatan 10B, S-413 46 Goteborg, Sweden
| | - Vito Ferro
- School
of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Australian
Infectious Diseases Research Centre, GVN
Center of Excellence, Brisbane, Queensland 4072/4079, Australia
| | - Mark A. Skidmore
- Centre
for Glycoscience, School of Life Sciences, Keele University, Newcastle-Under-Lyme, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, United Kingdom
| | - Jeremy E. Turnbull
- Centre
for Glycoscience, School of Life Sciences, Keele University, Newcastle-Under-Lyme, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, United Kingdom
- Department
of Biochemistry and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular
and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, United Kingdom
- Copenhagen
Center for Glycomics, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N 2200, Denmark
- ;
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33
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Tran A, Kervin TA, Overduin M. Multifaceted membrane binding head of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Curr Res Struct Biol 2022; 4:146-157. [PMID: 35602928 PMCID: PMC9109970 DOI: 10.1016/j.crstbi.2022.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein presents a surface with enormous membrane binding potential to host tissues and organelles of infected cells. Its exposed trimeric head binds not only the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), but also host phospholipids which are missing from all existing structures. Hence, the membrane interaction surfaces that mediate viral fusion, entry, assembly and egress remain unclear. Here the spike:membrane docking sites are identified based on membrane optimal docking area (MODA) analysis of 3D structures of spike proteins in closed and open conformations at endocytic and neutral pH levels as well as ligand complexes. This reveals multiple membrane binding sites in the closed spike head that together prefer convex membranes and are modulated by pH, fatty acids and post-translational modifications including glycosylation. The exposure of the various membrane interaction sites adjusts upon domain repositioning within the trimer, allowing formation of intermediate bilayer complexes that lead to the prefusion state while also enabling ACE2 receptor recognition. In contrast, all antibodies that target the spike head would block the membrane docking process that precedes ACE2 recognition. Together this illuminates the engagements of the spike protein with plasma, endocytic, ER or exocytic vesicle membranes that help to drive the cycle of viral infection, and offers novel sites for intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anh Tran
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Troy A. Kervin
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Michael Overduin
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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34
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Significantly Reduced Retinol Binding Protein 4 (RBP4) Levels in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14102007. [PMID: 35631143 PMCID: PMC9147114 DOI: 10.3390/nu14102007] [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: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 virus is the causative agent of the COVID-19 pandemic. The disease causes respiratory failure in some individuals accompanied by marked hyperinflammation. Vitamin A (syn. retinol) can exist in the body in the storage form as retinyl ester, or in the transcriptionally active form as retinoic acid. The main function of retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4), synthesized in the liver, is to transport hydrophobic vitamin A to various tissues. Vitamin A has an important role in the innate and acquired immune system. In particular, it is involved in the repair of lung tissue after infections. In viral respiratory diseases such as influenza pneumonia, vitamin A supplementation has been shown to reduce mortality in animal models. In critically ill COVID-19 patients, a significant decrease in plasma vitamin A levels and an association with increased mortality have been observed. However, there is no evidence on RBP4 in relation to COVID-19. This prospective, multicenter, observational, cross-sectional study examined RBP4 (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and vitamin A plasma levels (high-performance liquid chromatography) in COVID-19 patients, including 59 hospitalized patients. Of these, 19 developed critical illness (ARDS/ECMO), 20 developed severe illness (oxygenation disorder), and 20 developed moderate illness (no oxygenation disorder). Twenty age-matched convalescent patients following SARS-CoV-2 infection, were used as a control group. Reduced RBP4 plasma levels significantly correlated with impaired liver function and elevated inflammatory markers (CRP, lymphocytopenia). RBP4 levels were decreased in hospitalized patients with critical illness compared to nonpatients (p < 0.01). In comparison, significantly lower vitamin A levels were detected in hospitalized patients regardless of disease severity. Overall, we conclude that RBP4 plasma levels are significantly reduced in critically ill COVID-19 patients during acute inflammation, and vitamin A levels are significantly reduced in patients with moderate/severe/critical illness during the acute phase of illness.
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35
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Wang MK, Yu XL, Zhou LY, Si HM, Hui JF, Hou DY, Li WP, Yang JS. COVID-19 and liver dysfunction: What nutritionists need to know. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:1526-1535. [PMID: 35582132 PMCID: PMC9048466 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i15.1526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 has brought serious challenges for the medical field. Patients with COVID-19 usually have respiratory symptoms. However, liver dysfunction is not an uncommon presentation. Additionally, the degree of liver dysfunction is associated with the severity and prognosis of COVID-19. Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of malnutrition should be routinely recommended in the management of patients with COVID-19, especially in those with liver dysfunction. Recently, a large number of studies have reported that nutrition therapy measures, including natural dietary supplements, vitamins, minerals and trace elements, and probiotics, might have potential hepatoprotective effects against COVID-19-related liver dysfunction via their antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and positive immunomodulatory effects. This review mainly focuses on the possible relationship between COVID-19 and liver dysfunction, nutritional and metabolic characteristics, nutritional status assessment, and nutrition therapy to provide a reference for the nutritionists while making evidence-based nutritional decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Ke Wang
- Department of Disease Control and Prevention, Naval Medical Center of PLA, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200052, China
| | - Xue-Lu Yu
- Department of Disease Control and Prevention, Naval Medical Center of PLA, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200052, China
| | - Li-Yun Zhou
- Department of Disease Control and Prevention, Naval Medical Center of PLA, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200052, China
| | - Hong-Mei Si
- Department of Disease Control and Prevention, Naval Medical Center of PLA, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200052, China
| | - Ju-Fen Hui
- Department of Disease Control and Prevention, Naval Medical Center of PLA, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200052, China
| | - Deng-Yong Hou
- Department of Disease Control and Prevention, Naval Medical Center of PLA, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200052, China
| | - Wei-Peng Li
- Department of Disease Control and Prevention, Naval Medical Center of PLA, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200052, China
| | - Ji-Shun Yang
- Medical Care Center, Naval Medical Center of PLA, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200052, China
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36
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Mavlankar A, Ansari A, Sharma M, Dwivedi P, Singh P. Interaction of surface glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern with potential drug candidates: A molecular docking study. F1000Res 2022; 11. [PMID: 36111219 PMCID: PMC9445560 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.109586.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: COVID-19 has become a global threat. Since its first outbreak from Wuhan, China in December 2019, the SARS-CoV-2 virus has gone through structural changes arising due to mutations in its surface glycoprotein. These mutations have led to the emergence of different genetic variants threatening public health due to increased transmission and virulence. As new drug development is a long process, repurposing existing antiviral drugs with potential activity against SARS-CoV-2 might be a possible solution to mitigate the current situation. Methods: This study focused on utilizing molecular docking to determine the effect of potential drugs on several variants of concern (VOCs). The effect of various drugs such as baricitinib, favipiravir, lopinavir, remdesivir and dexamethasone, which might have the potential to treat SARS-CoV-2 infections as evident from previous studies, was investigated for different VOCs. Results: Remdesivir showed promising results for B.1.351 variant (binding energy: -7.3 kcal/mol) with residues Gln319 and Val503 facilitating strong binding. Favipiravir showed favorable results against B.1.1.7 (binding energy: -5.6 kcal/mol), B.1.351 (binding energy: -5.1 kcal/mol) and B.1.617.2 (binding energy: -5 kcal/mol). Molecular dynamics simulation for favipiravir/B.1.1.7 was conducted and showed significant results in agreement with our findings. Conclusions: From structural modeling and molecular docking experiments, it is evident that mutations outside the receptor binding domain of surface glycoprotein do not have a sharp impact on drug binding affinity. Thus, the potential use of these drugs should be explored further for their antiviral effect against SARS-CoV-2 VOCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuj Mavlankar
- Microbial Pathogenesis and Genomics Laboratory, ICMR National Institute of Research in Tribal Health, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, 482003, India
| | - Afzal Ansari
- Microbial Pathogenesis and Genomics Laboratory, ICMR National Institute of Research in Tribal Health, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, 482003, India
| | - Mukul Sharma
- Microbial Pathogenesis and Genomics Laboratory, ICMR National Institute of Research in Tribal Health, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, 482003, India
| | - Purna Dwivedi
- Microbial Pathogenesis and Genomics Laboratory, ICMR National Institute of Research in Tribal Health, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, 482003, India
- Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat, 390002, India
| | - Pushpendra Singh
- Microbial Pathogenesis and Genomics Laboratory, ICMR National Institute of Research in Tribal Health, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, 482003, India
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37
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Das T, Mukhopadhyay C. Computational studies suggest compounds restoring function of p53 cancer mutants can bind SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022; 41:3368-3381. [PMID: 35333136 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2048081] [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]
Abstract
It is reasonable to think that cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or immunotherapy may have a more aggressive course if they are positive for the novel coronavirus disease. Their compulsive condition requires investigation into effective drugs. We applied computational techniques to a series of compounds known for restoring the function of p53 cancer mutant p53R175H and p53G245S. Two potent inhibitors, 1-(3-chlorophenyl)-3-(1, 3 -thiazol-2-yl) urea (CTU, PubChem NSC321792) with the highest binding affinity -6.92 kcal/mol followed by a thiosemicarbazone compound N'-(1-(Pyridin-2-yl)ethylidene) azetidine - 1 -carbothiohydrazide (NPC, PubChem NSC319726) with -6.75 kcal/mol were subjected to Molecular Dynamics simulation with receptor binding domain (RBD) and compared with control ligand dexamethasone. In particular, CTU adheres to pocket 1 with an average free energy of binding -21.65 ± 2.89 kcal/mol at the RBD - angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 binding region with the highest frequency of amino acid residues after reaching a local equilibrium in 100 ns MD simulation trajectory. A significant enthalpy contribution from the independent simulations unfolds the possibility of dual binding sites for NPC as shifted pocket 1 (-15.59 ± 5.98 kcal/mol) and pocket 2 (-18.90 ± 5.02 kcal/mol). The obtained results for these two compounds are in good agreement with dexamethasone (-18.45 ± 2.42 kcal/mol). Taken together our findings could facilitate the discovery of small molecules that restore the function of p53 cancer mutants newly against COVID-19 in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanushree Das
- Department of Chemistry, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India
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38
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Staufer O, Gupta K, Hernandez Bücher JE, Kohler F, Sigl C, Singh G, Vasileiou K, Yagüe Relimpio A, Macher M, Fabritz S, Dietz H, Cavalcanti Adam EA, Schaffitzel C, Ruggieri A, Platzman I, Berger I, Spatz JP. Synthetic virions reveal fatty acid-coupled adaptive immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein. Nat Commun 2022; 13:868. [PMID: 35165285 PMCID: PMC8844029 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28446-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection is a major global public health concern with incompletely understood pathogenesis. The SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) glycoprotein comprises a highly conserved free fatty acid binding pocket (FABP) with unknown function and evolutionary selection advantage1,2. Deciphering FABP impact on COVID-19 progression is challenged by the heterogenous nature and large molecular variability of live virus. Here we create synthetic minimal virions (MiniVs) of wild-type and mutant SARS-CoV-2 with precise molecular composition and programmable complexity by bottom-up assembly. MiniV-based systematic assessment of S free fatty acid (FFA) binding reveals that FABP functions as an allosteric regulatory site enabling adaptation of SARS-CoV-2 immunogenicity to inflammation states via binding of pro-inflammatory FFAs. This is achieved by regulation of the S open-to-close equilibrium and the exposure of both, the receptor binding domain (RBD) and the SARS-CoV-2 RGD motif that is responsible for integrin co-receptor engagement. We find that the FDA-approved drugs vitamin K and dexamethasone modulate S-based cell binding in an FABP-like manner. In inflammatory FFA environments, neutralizing immunoglobulins from human convalescent COVID-19 donors lose neutralization activity. Empowered by our MiniV technology, we suggest a conserved mechanism by which SARS-CoV-2 dynamically couples its immunogenicity to the host immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oskar Staufer
- Department for Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 253, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Max Planck-Bristol Center for Minimal Biology, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard's Close, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK.
- Max Planck School Matter to Life, Jahnstraße 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Kapil Gupta
- School of Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard's Close, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
- Bristol Synthetic Biology Centre BrisSynBio, University of Bristol, 4 Tyndall Ave, Bristol, BS8 1TQ, UK
| | - Jochen Estebano Hernandez Bücher
- Department for Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 253, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Fabian Kohler
- Department of Physics, Technical University of Munich, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Christian Sigl
- Department of Physics, Technical University of Munich, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Gunjita Singh
- School of Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard's Close, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Kate Vasileiou
- School of Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard's Close, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Ana Yagüe Relimpio
- Department for Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 253, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Meline Macher
- Department for Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 253, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Max Planck School Matter to Life, Jahnstraße 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Fabritz
- Department for Chemical Biology, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hendrik Dietz
- Max Planck School Matter to Life, Jahnstraße 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Physics, Technical University of Munich, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Elisabetta Ada Cavalcanti Adam
- Department for Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Max Planck School Matter to Life, Jahnstraße 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christiane Schaffitzel
- School of Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard's Close, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
- Bristol Synthetic Biology Centre BrisSynBio, University of Bristol, 4 Tyndall Ave, Bristol, BS8 1TQ, UK
- Halo Therapeutics Ltd, Science Creates, Albert Road St. Philips Central, Bristol, BS2 0XJ, UK
| | - Alessia Ruggieri
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Center for Integrated Infectious Disease Research, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 344, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ilia Platzman
- Department for Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 253, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Max Planck-Bristol Center for Minimal Biology, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard's Close, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Imre Berger
- Max Planck-Bristol Center for Minimal Biology, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard's Close, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK.
- School of Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard's Close, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK.
- Bristol Synthetic Biology Centre BrisSynBio, University of Bristol, 4 Tyndall Ave, Bristol, BS8 1TQ, UK.
- Halo Therapeutics Ltd, Science Creates, Albert Road St. Philips Central, Bristol, BS2 0XJ, UK.
| | - Joachim P Spatz
- Department for Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 253, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Max Planck-Bristol Center for Minimal Biology, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard's Close, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK.
- Max Planck School Matter to Life, Jahnstraße 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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39
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Shi Y, Zeida A, Edwards CE, Mallory ML, Sastre S, Machado MR, Pickles RJ, Fu L, Liu K, Yang J, Baric RS, Boucher RC, Radi R, Carroll KS. Thiol-based chemical probes exhibit antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 via allosteric disulfide disruption in the spike glycoprotein. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2120419119. [PMID: 35074895 PMCID: PMC8833197 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2120419119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of small-molecules targeting different components of SARS-CoV-2 is a key strategy to complement antibody-based treatments and vaccination campaigns in managing the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we show that two thiol-based chemical probes that act as reducing agents, P2119 and P2165, inhibit infection by human coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, and decrease the binding of spike glycoprotein to its receptor, the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Proteomics and reactive cysteine profiling link the antiviral activity to the reduction of key disulfides, specifically by disruption of the Cys379-Cys432 and Cys391-Cys525 pairs distal to the receptor binding motif in the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike glycoprotein. Computational analyses provide insight into conformation changes that occur when these disulfides break or form, consistent with an allosteric role, and indicate that P2119/P2165 target a conserved hydrophobic binding pocket in the RBD with the benzyl thiol-reducing moiety pointed directly toward Cys432. These collective findings establish the vulnerability of human coronaviruses to thiol-based chemical probes and lay the groundwork for developing compounds of this class, as a strategy to inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 infection by shifting the spike glycoprotein redox scaffold.
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MESH Headings
- Allosteric Regulation
- Amino Alcohols/chemistry
- Amino Alcohols/pharmacology
- Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2/antagonists & inhibitors
- Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2/chemistry
- Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2/genetics
- Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2/metabolism
- Antiviral Agents/chemistry
- Antiviral Agents/pharmacology
- Binding Sites
- COVID-19/virology
- Cell Line
- Disulfides/antagonists & inhibitors
- Disulfides/chemistry
- Disulfides/metabolism
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Humans
- Molecular Docking Simulation
- Nasal Mucosa/drug effects
- Nasal Mucosa/metabolism
- Nasal Mucosa/virology
- Oxidation-Reduction
- Phenyl Ethers/chemistry
- Phenyl Ethers/pharmacology
- Protein Binding
- Protein Conformation, alpha-Helical
- Protein Conformation, beta-Strand
- Protein Interaction Domains and Motifs
- Receptors, Virus/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Virus/chemistry
- Receptors, Virus/genetics
- Receptors, Virus/metabolism
- Recombinant Proteins/chemistry
- Recombinant Proteins/genetics
- Recombinant Proteins/metabolism
- SARS-CoV-2/drug effects
- SARS-CoV-2/genetics
- SARS-CoV-2/metabolism
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/antagonists & inhibitors
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/chemistry
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/genetics
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/metabolism
- Sulfhydryl Compounds/chemistry
- Sulfhydryl Compounds/pharmacology
- COVID-19 Drug Treatment
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunlong Shi
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, Jupiter, FL 33458
| | - Ari Zeida
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina and Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad de la República, Montevideo 11800, Uruguay
| | - Caitlin E Edwards
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Michael L Mallory
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Santiago Sastre
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina and Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad de la República, Montevideo 11800, Uruguay
| | - Matías R Machado
- Protein Engineering Unit, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay
| | - Raymond J Pickles
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Ling Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences, Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Keke Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences, Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Jing Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences, Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Ralph S Baric
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Richard C Boucher
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599;
| | - Rafael Radi
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina and Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad de la República, Montevideo 11800, Uruguay;
| | - Kate S Carroll
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, Jupiter, FL 33458;
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40
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Röder K, Wales DJ. The Energy Landscape Perspective: Encoding Structure and Function for Biomolecules. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:820792. [PMID: 35155579 PMCID: PMC8829389 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.820792] [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: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The energy landscape perspective is outlined with particular reference to biomolecules that perform multiple functions. We associate these multifunctional molecules with multifunnel energy landscapes, illustrated by some selected examples, where understanding the organisation of the landscape has provided new insight into function. Conformational selection and induced fit may provide alternative routes to realisation of multifunctionality, exploiting the possibility of environmental control and distinct binding modes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David J. Wales
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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41
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Zhang M, Wang H, Foster ER, Nikolov ZL, Fernando SD, King MD. Binding behavior of spike protein and receptor binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus at different environmental conditions. Sci Rep 2022; 12:789. [PMID: 35039570 PMCID: PMC8763896 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-04673-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was identified as the cause of the COVID-19 pandemic that originated in China in December 2019. Although extensive research has been performed on SARS-CoV-2, the binding behavior of spike (S) protein and receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 at different environmental conditions have yet to be studied. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of temperature, fatty acids, ions, and protein concentration on the binding behavior and rates of association and dissociation between the S protein and RBD of SARS-CoV-2 and the hydrophobic aminopropylsilane (APS) biosensors using biolayer interferometry (BLI) validated with molecular dynamics simulation. Our results suggest three conditions-high ionic concentration, presence of hydrophobic fatty acids, and low temperature-favor the attachment of S protein and RBD to hydrophobic surfaces. Increasing the temperature within an hour from 0 to 25 °C results in S protein detachment, suggesting that freezing can cause structural changes in the S protein, affecting its binding kinetics at higher temperature. At all the conditions, RBD exhibits lower dissociation capabilities than the full-length S trimer protein, indicating that the separated RBD formed stronger attachment to hydrophobic surfaces compared to when it was included in the S protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiyi Zhang
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Texas A&M University, 2117 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Haoqi Wang
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Texas A&M University, 2117 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Emma R Foster
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Texas A&M University, 2117 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Zivko L Nikolov
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Texas A&M University, 2117 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Sandun D Fernando
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Texas A&M University, 2117 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Maria D King
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Texas A&M University, 2117 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
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42
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Structural insights in cell-type specific evolution of intra-host diversity by SARS-CoV-2. Nat Commun 2022; 13:222. [PMID: 35017512 PMCID: PMC8752678 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27881-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
As the global burden of SARS-CoV-2 infections escalates, so does the evolution of viral variants with increased transmissibility and pathology. In addition to this entrenched diversity, RNA viruses can also display genetic diversity within single infected hosts with co-existing viral variants evolving differently in distinct cell types. The BriSΔ variant, originally identified as a viral subpopulation from SARS-CoV-2 isolate hCoV-19/England/02/2020, comprises in the spike an eight amino-acid deletion encompassing a furin recognition motif and S1/S2 cleavage site. We elucidate the structure, function and molecular dynamics of this spike providing mechanistic insight into how the deletion correlates to viral cell tropism, ACE2 receptor binding and infectivity of this SARS-CoV-2 variant. Our results reveal long-range allosteric communication between functional domains that differ in the wild-type and the deletion variant and support a view of SARS-CoV-2 probing multiple evolutionary trajectories in distinct cell types within the same infected host.
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43
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Sofia F. Oliveira A, Shoemark DK, Avila Ibarra A, Davidson AD, Berger I, Schaffitzel C, Mulholland AJ. The fatty acid site is coupled to functional motifs in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and modulates spike allosteric behaviour. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 20:139-147. [PMID: 34934478 PMCID: PMC8670790 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.12.011] [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: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is the first contact point between the SARS-CoV-2 virus and host cells and mediates membrane fusion. Recently, a fatty acid binding site was identified in the spike (Toelzer et al. Science 2020). The presence of linoleic acid at this site modulates binding of the spike to the human ACE2 receptor, stabilizing a locked conformation of the protein. Here, dynamical-nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations reveal that this fatty acid site is coupled to functionally relevant regions of the spike, some of them far from the fatty acid binding pocket. Removal of a ligand from the fatty acid binding site significantly affects the dynamics of distant, functionally important regions of the spike, including the receptor-binding motif, furin cleavage site and fusion-peptide-adjacent regions. Simulations of the D614G mutant show differences in behaviour between these clinical variants of the spike: the D614G mutant shows a significantly different conformational response for some structural motifs relevant for binding and fusion. The simulations identify structural networks through which changes at the fatty acid binding site are transmitted within the protein. These communication networks significantly involve positions that are prone to mutation, indicating that observed genetic variation in the spike may alter its response to linoleate binding and associated allosteric communication.
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Key Words
- ACE2, angiotensin-converting 2 enzyme
- CD, connector domain
- CH, central helix
- FA, fatty acid
- FP, fusion peptide
- FPPR, fusion-peptide proximal region
- HR1, heptad repeat 1
- LA, Linoleic acid
- MD, Molecular dynamics
- MERS, middle east respiratory syndrome
- NTD, N-terminal domain
- RBD, receptor binding domain
- RBM, receptor-binding motif
- RMB, receptor binding motif
- SARS, severe acute respiratory syndrome
- SARS-CoV-2, severe acute respiratory syndrome 2
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Sofia F. Oliveira
- Centre for Computational Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
- BrisSynBio, Life Sciences Building, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
| | - Deborah K. Shoemark
- BrisSynBio, Life Sciences Building, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Amaurys Avila Ibarra
- Research Software Engineering, Advanced Computing Research Centre, University of Bristol, Bristol BS1 5QD, UK
| | - Andrew D. Davidson
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Imre Berger
- BrisSynBio, Life Sciences Building, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
- Max Planck Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology, Cantock's Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
| | - Christiane Schaffitzel
- BrisSynBio, Life Sciences Building, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Adrian J. Mulholland
- Centre for Computational Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
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44
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Common cardiac medications potently inhibit ACE2 binding to the SARS-CoV-2 Spike, and block virus penetration and infectivity in human lung cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22195. [PMID: 34773067 PMCID: PMC8589851 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01690-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
To initiate SARS-CoV-2 infection, the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) on the viral spike protein must first bind to the host receptor ACE2 protein on pulmonary and other ACE2-expressing cells. We hypothesized that cardiac glycoside drugs might block the binding reaction between ACE2 and the Spike (S) protein, and thus block viral penetration into target cells. To test this hypothesis we developed a biochemical assay for ACE2:Spike binding, and tested cardiac glycosides as inhibitors of binding. Here we report that ouabain, digitoxin, and digoxin, as well as sugar-free derivatives digitoxigenin and digoxigenin, are high-affinity competitive inhibitors of ACE2 binding to the Original [D614] S1 and the α/β/γ [D614G] S1 proteins. These drugs also inhibit ACE2 binding to the Original RBD, as well as to RBD proteins containing the β [E484K], Mink [Y453F] and α/β/γ [N501Y] mutations. As hypothesized, we also found that ouabain, digitoxin and digoxin blocked penetration by SARS-CoV-2 Spike-pseudotyped virus into human lung cells, and infectivity by native SARS-CoV-2. These data indicate that cardiac glycosides may block viral penetration into the target cell by first inhibiting ACE2:RBD binding. Clinical concentrations of ouabain and digitoxin are relatively safe for short term use for subjects with normal hearts. It has therefore not escaped our attention that these common cardiac medications could be deployed worldwide as inexpensive repurposed drugs for anti-COVID-19 therapy.
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45
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Surma S, Banach M, Lewek J. COVID-19 and lipids. The role of lipid disorders and statin use in the prognosis of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Lipids Health Dis 2021; 20:141. [PMID: 34689776 PMCID: PMC8542506 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-021-01563-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus started in March 2020. The conclusions from numerous studies indicate that people with comorbidities, such as arterial hypertension, diabetes, obesity, underlying cardiovascular disease, are particularly vulnerable to the severe course of COVID-19. The available data also suggest that patients with dyslipidemia, the most common risk factor of cardiovascular diseases, are also at greater risk of severe course of COVID-19. On the other hand, it has been shown that COVID-19 infection has an influence on lipid profile leading to dyslipidemia, which might require appropriate treatment. Owing to antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and cardioprotective activity, statin therapy has been considered as valuable tool to improve COVID-19 outcomes. Numerous observational studies have shown potential beneficial effects of lipid-lowering treatment on the course of COVID-19 with significant improved prognosis and reduced mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanisław Surma
- Faculty of Medicial Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland; Medyków 18, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
- Club of Young Hypertensiologists, Polish Society of Hypertension, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Banach
- Department of Preventive Cardiology and Lipidology, Medical University of Lodz, Rzgowska 281/289, 93-338 Lodz, Poland
- Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Zielona Gora, Zielona Gora, Poland
- Department of Cardiology and Adult Congenital Heart Diseases, Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital Research Institute (PMMHRI), Rzgowska 281/289, 93-338 Lodz, Poland
| | - Joanna Lewek
- Department of Preventive Cardiology and Lipidology, Medical University of Lodz, Rzgowska 281/289, 93-338 Lodz, Poland
- Department of Cardiology and Adult Congenital Heart Diseases, Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital Research Institute (PMMHRI), Rzgowska 281/289, 93-338 Lodz, Poland
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46
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Francés-Monerris A, García-Iriepa C, Iriepa I, Hognon C, Miclot T, Barone G, Monari A, Marazzi M. Microscopic interactions between ivermectin and key human and viral proteins involved in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2021; 23:22957-22971. [PMID: 34636373 DOI: 10.1039/d1cp02967c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The identification of chemical compounds able to bind specific sites of the human/viral proteins involved in the SARS-CoV-2 infection cycle is a prerequisite to design effective antiviral drugs. Here we conduct a molecular dynamics study with the aim to assess the interactions of ivermectin, an antiparasitic drug with broad-spectrum antiviral activity, with the human Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2), the viral 3CLpro and PLpro proteases, and the viral SARS Unique Domain (SUD). The drug/target interactions have been characterized in silico by describing the nature of the non-covalent interactions found and by measuring the extent of their time duration along the MD simulation. Results reveal that the ACE2 protein and the ACE2/RBD aggregates form the most persistent interactions with ivermectin, while the binding with the remaining viral proteins is more limited and unspecific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Francés-Monerris
- Université de Lorraine and CNRS, LPCT UMR 7019, F-54000 Nancy, France. .,Departament de Química Física, Universitat de València, 46100 Burjassot, Spain.
| | - Cristina García-Iriepa
- Departamento de Química Analítica, Química Física e Ingeniería Química, Universidad de Alcalá, Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona, Km 33,600, 28871 Alcalá de Henares (Madrid), Spain. .,Instituto de Investigación Química "Andrés M. del Río" (IQAR), Universidad de Alcalá, 28871 Alcalá de Henares (Madrid), Spain
| | - Isabel Iriepa
- Departamento de Química Analítica, Química Física e Ingeniería Química, Universidad de Alcalá, Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona, Km 33,600, 28871 Alcalá de Henares (Madrid), Spain. .,Departamento de Química Orgánica y Química Inorgánica, Universidad de Alcalá, Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona, Km 33,600, 28871 Alcalá de Henares (Madrid), Spain
| | - Cécilia Hognon
- Université de Lorraine and CNRS, LPCT UMR 7019, F-54000 Nancy, France.
| | - Tom Miclot
- Université de Lorraine and CNRS, LPCT UMR 7019, F-54000 Nancy, France. .,Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceuticche, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Barone
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceuticche, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonio Monari
- Université de Lorraine and CNRS, LPCT UMR 7019, F-54000 Nancy, France. .,Université de Paris and CNRS, ITODYS, F-75006, Paris, France
| | - Marco Marazzi
- Departamento de Química Analítica, Química Física e Ingeniería Química, Universidad de Alcalá, Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona, Km 33,600, 28871 Alcalá de Henares (Madrid), Spain. .,Instituto de Investigación Química "Andrés M. del Río" (IQAR), Universidad de Alcalá, 28871 Alcalá de Henares (Madrid), Spain
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47
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Lou F, Qin H, He S, Li M, An X, Song L, Tong Y, Fan H. The Benefits of Breastfeeding Still Outweigh the Risks of COVID-19 Transmission. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:703950. [PMID: 34568367 PMCID: PMC8455845 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.703950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Fuxing Lou
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Hongbo Qin
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Shiting He
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Maochen Li
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoping An
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Lihua Song
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yigang Tong
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Huahao Fan
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
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48
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Triveri A, Serapian SA, Marchetti F, Doria F, Pavoni S, Cinquini F, Moroni E, Rasola A, Frigerio F, Colombo G. SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Mutations and Escape from Antibodies: A Computational Model of Epitope Loss in Variants of Concern. J Chem Inf Model 2021; 61:4687-4700. [PMID: 34468141 PMCID: PMC8479857 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.1c00857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein is exposed on the viral surface and is the first point of contact between the virus and the host. For these reasons it represents the prime target for Covid-19 vaccines. In recent months, variants of this protein have started to emerge. Their ability to reduce or evade recognition by S-targeting antibodies poses a threat to immunological treatments and raises concerns for their consequences on vaccine efficacy. To develop a model able to predict the potential impact of S-protein mutations on antibody binding sites, we performed unbiased multi-microsecond molecular dynamics of several glycosylated S-protein variants and applied a straightforward structure-dynamics-energy based strategy to predict potential changes in immunogenic regions on each variant. We recover known epitopes on the reference D614G sequence. By comparing our results, obtained on isolated S-proteins in solution, to recently published data on antibody binding and reactivity in new S variants, we directly show that modifications in the S-protein consistently translate into the loss of potentially immunoreactive regions. Our findings can thus be qualitatively reconnected to the experimentally characterized decreased ability of some of the Abs elicited against the dominant S-sequence to recognize variants. While based on the study of SARS-CoV-2 spike variants, our computational epitope-prediction strategy is portable and could be applied to study immunoreactivity in mutants of proteins of interest whose structures have been characterized, helping the development/selection of vaccines and antibodies able to control emerging variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Triveri
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Stefano A. Serapian
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Filippo Marchetti
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Filippo Doria
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Silvia Pavoni
- Department
of Physical Chemistry, R&D Eni SpA, Via Maritano 27, San Donato Milanese, Milan 20097, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Cinquini
- Upstream
& Technical Services—TECS/STES—Eni Spa, Via Emilia 1, San
Donato Milanese, Milan 20097, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Moroni
- Istituto
di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche “Giulio Natta”—SCITEC, CNR Via Mario Bianco 9, Milano 20131, Italy
| | - Andrea Rasola
- Department
of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Viale G. Colombo 3, Padova 35131, Italy
| | - Francesco Frigerio
- Department
of Physical Chemistry, R&D Eni SpA, Via Maritano 27, San Donato Milanese, Milan 20097, Italy
| | - Giorgio Colombo
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, Pavia 27100, Italy
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Vitamin K in COVID-19—Potential Anti-COVID-19 Properties of Fermented Milk Fortified with Bee Honey as a Natural Source of Vitamin K and Probiotics. FERMENTATION 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/fermentation7040202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin K deficiency is evident in severe and fatal COVID-19 patients. It is associated with the cytokine storm, thrombotic complications, multiple organ damage, and high mortality, suggesting a key role of vitamin K in the pathology of COVID-19. To support this view, we summarized findings reported from machine learning studies, molecular simulation, and human studies on the association between vitamin K and SARS-CoV-2. We also investigated the literature for the association between vitamin K antagonists (VKA) and the prognosis of COVID-19. In addition, we speculated that fermented milk fortified with bee honey as a natural source of vitamin K and probiotics may protect against COVID-19 and its severity. The results reported by several studies emphasize vitamin K deficiency in COVID-19 and related complications. However, the literature on the role of VKA and other oral anticoagulants in COVID-19 is controversial: some studies report reductions in (intensive care unit admission, mechanical ventilation, and mortality), others report no effect on mortality, while some studies report higher mortality among patients on chronic oral anticoagulants, including VKA. Supplementing fermented milk with honey increases milk peptides, bacterial vitamin K production, and compounds that act as potent antioxidants: phenols, sulforaphane, and metabolites of lactobacilli. Lactobacilli are probiotic bacteria that are suggested to interfere with various aspects of COVID-19 infection ranging from receptor binding to metabolic pathways involved in disease prognosis. Thus, fermented milk that contains natural honey may be a dietary manipulation capable of correcting nutritional and immune deficiencies that predispose to and aggravate COVID-19. Empirical studies are warranted to investigate the benefits of these compounds.
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50
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Lobo VR, Warwicker J. Predicted pH-dependent stability of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein trimer from interfacial acidic groups. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:5140-5148. [PMID: 34490059 PMCID: PMC8410215 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.08.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Transition between receptor binding domain (RBD) up and down forms of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein trimer is coupled to receptor binding and is one route by which variants can alter viral properties. It is becoming apparent that key roles in the transition are played by pH and a more compact closed form, termed locked. Calculations of pH-dependence are made for a large set of spike trimers, including locked form trimer structures that have recently become available. Several acidic sidechains become sufficiently buried in the locked form to give a predicted pH-dependence in the mild acidic range, with stabilisation of the locked form as pH reduces from 7.5 to 5, consistent with emerging characterisation by cryo-electron microscopy. The calculated pH effects in pre-fusion spike trimers are modulated mainly by aspartic acid residues, rather than the more familiar histidine role at mild acidic pH. These acidic sidechains are generally surface located and weakly interacting when not in a locked conformation. According to this model, their replacement (perhaps with asparagine) would remove the pH-dependent destabilisation of locked spike trimer conformations, and increase their recovery at neutral pH. This would provide an alternative or supplement to the insertion of disulphide linkages for stabilising spike protein trimers, with potential relevance for vaccine design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa R. Lobo
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester, M1 7DN, UK
| | - Jim Warwicker
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester, M1 7DN, UK
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