1
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Barton LS, Callahan JF, Cantizani J, Concha NO, Cotillo Torrejon I, Goodwin NC, Joshi-Pangu A, Kiesow TJ, McAtee JJ, Mellinger M, Nixon CJ, Padrón-Barthe L, Patterson JR, Pearson ND, Pouliot JJ, Rendina AR, Buitrago Santanilla A, Schneck JL, Sanz O, Thalji RK, Ward P, Williams SP, King BW. Exploration of the P1 residue in 3CL protease inhibitors leading to the discovery of a 2-tetrahydrofuran P1 replacement. Bioorg Med Chem 2024; 100:117618. [PMID: 38309201 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2024.117618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
The virally encoded 3C-like protease (3CLpro) is a well-validated drug target for the inhibition of coronaviruses including Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Most inhibitors of 3CLpro are peptidomimetic, with a γ-lactam in place of Gln at the P1 position of the pseudopeptide chain. An effort was pursued to identify a viable alternative to the γ-lactam P1 mimetic which would improve physicochemical properties while retaining affinity for the target. Discovery of a 2-tetrahydrofuran as a suitable P1 replacement that is a potent enzymatic inhibitor of 3CLpro in SARS-CoV-2 virus is described herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda S Barton
- GlaxoSmithKline, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, PA 19426, United States.
| | - James F Callahan
- GlaxoSmithKline, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, PA 19426, United States
| | - Juan Cantizani
- GlaxoSmithKline, Severo Ochoa 2, 28760 Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nestor O Concha
- GlaxoSmithKline, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, PA 19426, United States
| | | | - Nicole C Goodwin
- GlaxoSmithKline, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, PA 19426, United States
| | - Amruta Joshi-Pangu
- GlaxoSmithKline, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, PA 19426, United States
| | - Terry J Kiesow
- GlaxoSmithKline, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, PA 19426, United States
| | - Jeff J McAtee
- GlaxoSmithKline, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, PA 19426, United States
| | - Mark Mellinger
- GlaxoSmithKline, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, PA 19426, United States
| | - Christopher J Nixon
- GlaxoSmithKline, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, PA 19426, United States
| | | | - Jaclyn R Patterson
- GlaxoSmithKline, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, PA 19426, United States
| | - Neil D Pearson
- GlaxoSmithKline, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, PA 19426, United States
| | - Jeffrey J Pouliot
- GlaxoSmithKline, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, PA 19426, United States
| | - Alan R Rendina
- GlaxoSmithKline, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, PA 19426, United States
| | | | - Jessica L Schneck
- GlaxoSmithKline, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, PA 19426, United States
| | - Olalla Sanz
- GlaxoSmithKline, Severo Ochoa 2, 28760 Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Reema K Thalji
- GlaxoSmithKline, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, PA 19426, United States
| | - Paris Ward
- GlaxoSmithKline, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, PA 19426, United States
| | - Shawn P Williams
- GlaxoSmithKline, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, PA 19426, United States
| | - Bryan W King
- GlaxoSmithKline, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, PA 19426, United States
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2
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Flury P, Breidenbach J, Krüger N, Voget R, Schäkel L, Si Y, Krasniqi V, Calistri S, Olfert M, Sylvester K, Rocha C, Ditzinger R, Rasch A, Pöhlmann S, Kronenberger T, Poso A, Rox K, Laufer SA, Müller CE, Gütschow M, Pillaiyar T. Cathepsin-Targeting SARS-CoV-2 Inhibitors: Design, Synthesis, and Biological Activity. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2024; 7:493-514. [PMID: 38357286 PMCID: PMC10863444 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00313] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Cathepsins (Cats) are proteases that mediate the successful entry of SARS-CoV-2 into host cells. We designed and synthesized a tailored series of 21 peptidomimetics and evaluated their inhibitory activity against human cathepsins L, B, and S. Structural diversity was realized by combinations of different C-terminal warhead functions and N-terminal capping groups, while a central Leu-Phe fragment was maintained. Several compounds were identified as promising cathepsin L and S inhibitors with Ki values in the low nanomolar to subnanomolar range, for example, the peptide aldehydes 9a and 9b (9a, 2.67 nM, CatL; 0.455 nM, CatS; 9b, 1.76 nM, CatL; 0.512 nM, CatS). The compounds' inhibitory activity against the main protease of SARS-CoV-2 (Mpro) was additionally investigated. Based on the results at CatL, CatS, and Mpro, selected inhibitors were subjected to investigations of their antiviral activity in cell-based assays. In particular, the peptide nitrile 11e exhibited promising antiviral activity with an EC50 value of 38.4 nM in Calu-3 cells without showing cytotoxicity. High metabolic stability and favorable pharmacokinetic properties make 11e suitable for further preclinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Flury
- Institute
of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry and Tübingen
Center for Academic Drug Discovery, Eberhard
Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Julian Breidenbach
- PharmaCenter
Bonn, Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, Bonn 53121, Germany
| | - Nadine Krüger
- Infection
Biology Unit, German Primate Center, Leibniz
Institute for Primate Research Göttingen, Kellnerweg 4, Göttingen 37077, Germany
| | - Rabea Voget
- PharmaCenter
Bonn, Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, Bonn 53121, Germany
| | - Laura Schäkel
- PharmaCenter
Bonn, Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, Bonn 53121, Germany
| | - Yaoyao Si
- PharmaCenter
Bonn, Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, Bonn 53121, Germany
| | - Vesa Krasniqi
- PharmaCenter
Bonn, Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, Bonn 53121, Germany
| | - Sara Calistri
- Institute
of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry and Tübingen
Center for Academic Drug Discovery, Eberhard
Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Matthias Olfert
- Faculty
of Biology and Psychology, University Göttingen, Göttingen 37073, Germany
| | - Katharina Sylvester
- PharmaCenter
Bonn, Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, Bonn 53121, Germany
| | - Cheila Rocha
- Infection
Biology Unit, German Primate Center, Leibniz
Institute for Primate Research Göttingen, Kellnerweg 4, Göttingen 37077, Germany
| | - Raphael Ditzinger
- Institute
of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry and Tübingen
Center for Academic Drug Discovery, Eberhard
Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Alexander Rasch
- Institute
of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry and Tübingen
Center for Academic Drug Discovery, Eberhard
Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Stefan Pöhlmann
- Infection
Biology Unit, German Primate Center, Leibniz
Institute for Primate Research Göttingen, Kellnerweg 4, Göttingen 37077, Germany
- Faculty
of Biology and Psychology, University Göttingen, Göttingen 37073, Germany
| | - Thales Kronenberger
- Institute
of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry and Tübingen
Center for Academic Drug Discovery, Eberhard
Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, Tübingen 72076, Germany
- Faculty
of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio 70211, Finland
- Excellence
Cluster “Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections” (CMFI), Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Antti Poso
- Institute
of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry and Tübingen
Center for Academic Drug Discovery, Eberhard
Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, Tübingen 72076, Germany
- Faculty
of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio 70211, Finland
| | - Katharina Rox
- Department
of Chemical Biology, Helmholtz Centre for
Infection Research (HZI), Braunschweig 38124, Germany
- Partner
Site Hannover-Braunschweig, German Center
for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig 38124, Germany
| | - Stefan A. Laufer
- Institute
of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry and Tübingen
Center for Academic Drug Discovery, Eberhard
Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Christa E. Müller
- PharmaCenter
Bonn, Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, Bonn 53121, Germany
| | - Michael Gütschow
- PharmaCenter
Bonn, Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, Bonn 53121, Germany
| | - Thanigaimalai Pillaiyar
- Institute
of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry and Tübingen
Center for Academic Drug Discovery, Eberhard
Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, Tübingen 72076, Germany
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3
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Tripathi SM, Akash S, Rahman MA, Sundriyal S. Identification of synthetically tractable MERS-CoV main protease inhibitors using structure-based virtual screening and molecular dynamics potential of mean force (PMF) calculations. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023:1-11. [PMID: 37978909 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2283780] [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: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a potentially lethal infection that presents a substantial threat to health, especially in Middle East nations. Given that no FDA-approved specific therapy for MERS infection exists, designing and discovering a potent antiviral therapy for MERS-CoV is crucial. One pivotal strategy for inhibiting MERS replication is to focus on the viral main protease (Mpro). In this study, we identify potential novel Mpro inhibitors employing structure-based virtual screening of our recently reported Ugi reaction-derived library (URDL) consisting of cherry-picked molecules from the literature. The key features of the URDL library include synthetic tractability (1-2 pot synthesis) of the molecules scaffold and unexplored chemical space. The hits were ranked based on the docking score, MM-GBSA free energy of binding, and the interaction pattern with the active site residues. A molecular dynamics (MD) simulation study was performed for the first two top-ranked compounds to analyze the stability and free binding energy based on the molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area. The potential mean force calculated from the steered molecular dynamics (SMD) simulations of the hits indicates improved H-bond potential, enhanced conformational stability, and binding affinity toward the target, compared to the cocrystallized ligand. The discovered hits represent novel synthetically tractable scaffolds as potential MERS-CoV Mpro inhibitors.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shailesh Mani Tripathi
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, Rajasthan, India
| | - Shopnil Akash
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Ashulia, Bangladesh
| | | | - Sandeep Sundriyal
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, Rajasthan, India
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4
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Guo M, Xiong M, Peng J, Guan T, Su H, Huang Y, Yang CG, Li Y, Boraschi D, Pillaiyar T, Wang G, Yi C, Xu Y, Chen C. Multi-omics for COVID-19: driving development of therapeutics and vaccines. Natl Sci Rev 2023; 10:nwad161. [PMID: 37936830 PMCID: PMC10627145 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwad161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has raised global concern for public health and economy. The development of therapeutics and vaccines to combat this virus is continuously progressing. Multi-omics approaches, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, epigenomics and metallomics, have helped understand the structural and molecular features of the virus, thereby assisting in the design of potential therapeutics and accelerating vaccine development for COVID-19. Here, we provide an up-to-date overview of the latest applications of multi-omics technologies in strategies addressing COVID-19, in order to provide suggestions towards the development of highly effective knowledge-based therapeutics and vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyu Guo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, and CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Muya Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jinying Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Tong Guan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, and CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Haixia Su
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yanyi Huang
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Centre, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Institute for Cell Analysis, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 528107, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Cai-Guang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Centre for Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yang Li
- Laboratory of Immunology and Nanomedicine, and China-Italy Joint Laboratory of Pharmacobiotechnology for Medical Immunomodulation, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Diana Boraschi
- Laboratory of Immunology and Nanomedicine, and China-Italy Joint Laboratory of Pharmacobiotechnology for Medical Immunomodulation, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Napoli 80131, Italy
| | - Thanigaimalai Pillaiyar
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry and Tuebingen Center for Academic Drug Discovery, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Guanbo Wang
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Centre, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Institute for Cell Analysis, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 528107, China
| | - Chengqi Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Department of Chemical Biology and Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yechun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chunying Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, and CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- GBA National Institute for Nanotechnology Innovation, Guangzhou 510700, China
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5
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Stubbing LA, Hubert JG, Bell-Tyrer J, Hermant YO, Yang SH, McSweeney AM, McKenzie-Goldsmith GM, Ward VK, Furkert DP, Brimble MA. P 1 Glutamine isosteres in the design of inhibitors of 3C/3CL protease of human viruses of the Pisoniviricetes class. RSC Chem Biol 2023; 4:533-547. [PMID: 37547456 PMCID: PMC10398354 DOI: 10.1039/d3cb00075c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral infections are one of the leading causes of acute morbidity in humans and much endeavour has been made by the synthetic community for the development of drugs to treat associated diseases. Peptide-based enzyme inhibitors, usually short sequences of three or four residues, are one of the classes of compounds currently under development for enhancement of their activity and pharmaceutical properties. This review reports the advances made in the design of inhibitors targeting the family of highly conserved viral proteases 3C/3CLpro, which play a key role in viral replication and present minimal homology with mammalian proteases. Particular focus is put on the reported development of P1 glutamine isosteres to generate potent inhibitors mimicking the natural substrate sequence at the site of recognition.'
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise A Stubbing
- School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland 23 Symonds Street and 3b Symonds Street Auckland 1142 New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland 3b Symonds Street Auckland 1142 New Zealand
| | - Jonathan G Hubert
- School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland 23 Symonds Street and 3b Symonds Street Auckland 1142 New Zealand
| | - Joseph Bell-Tyrer
- School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland 23 Symonds Street and 3b Symonds Street Auckland 1142 New Zealand
| | - Yann O Hermant
- School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland 23 Symonds Street and 3b Symonds Street Auckland 1142 New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland 3b Symonds Street Auckland 1142 New Zealand
| | - Sung Hyun Yang
- School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland 23 Symonds Street and 3b Symonds Street Auckland 1142 New Zealand
| | - Alice M McSweeney
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland 3b Symonds Street Auckland 1142 New Zealand
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago PO Box 56, 720 Cumberland Street Dunedin 9054 New Zealand
| | - Geena M McKenzie-Goldsmith
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland 3b Symonds Street Auckland 1142 New Zealand
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago PO Box 56, 720 Cumberland Street Dunedin 9054 New Zealand
| | - Vernon K Ward
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland 3b Symonds Street Auckland 1142 New Zealand
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago PO Box 56, 720 Cumberland Street Dunedin 9054 New Zealand
| | - Daniel P Furkert
- School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland 23 Symonds Street and 3b Symonds Street Auckland 1142 New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland 3b Symonds Street Auckland 1142 New Zealand
| | - Margaret A Brimble
- School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland 23 Symonds Street and 3b Symonds Street Auckland 1142 New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland 3b Symonds Street Auckland 1142 New Zealand
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6
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Krüger N, Kronenberger T, Xie H, Rocha C, Pöhlmann S, Su H, Xu Y, Laufer SA, Pillaiyar T. Discovery of Polyphenolic Natural Products as SARS-CoV-2 M pro Inhibitors for COVID-19. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:190. [PMID: 37259339 PMCID: PMC9959258 DOI: 10.3390/ph16020190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has forced the development of direct-acting antiviral drugs due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The main protease of SARS-CoV-2 is a crucial enzyme that breaks down polyproteins synthesized from the viral RNA, making it a validated target for the development of SARS-CoV-2 therapeutics. New chemical phenotypes are frequently discovered in natural goods. In the current study, we used a fluorogenic assay to test a variety of natural products for their ability to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. Several compounds were discovered to inhibit Mpro at low micromolar concentrations. It was possible to crystallize robinetin together with SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, and the X-ray structure revealed covalent interaction with the protease's catalytic Cys145 site. Selected potent molecules also exhibited antiviral properties without cytotoxicity. Some of these powerful inhibitors might be utilized as lead compounds for future COVID-19 research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Krüger
- Infection Biology Unit, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research Göttingen, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Thales Kronenberger
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry and Tübingen Center for Academic Drug Discovery, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) “Image-Guided & Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Hang Xie
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Cheila Rocha
- Infection Biology Unit, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research Göttingen, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
- Faculty of Biology and Psychology, Georg-August-University Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Pöhlmann
- Infection Biology Unit, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research Göttingen, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
- Faculty of Biology and Psychology, Georg-August-University Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Haixia Su
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yechun Xu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Stefan A. Laufer
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry and Tübingen Center for Academic Drug Discovery, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) “Image-Guided & Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Thanigaimalai Pillaiyar
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry and Tübingen Center for Academic Drug Discovery, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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7
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Hepatocellular Damage and Severity of COVID-19 Infection in Iraqi Patients: A Biochemical Study. Rep Biochem Mol Biol 2022; 11:524-531. [PMID: 36718303 PMCID: PMC9883029 DOI: 10.52547/rbmb.11.3.524] [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: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Background Infection with COVID-19 can cause hepatic damages. Here, we aimed to examine the effect of COVID-19 infection on the serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), albumin, and procalcitonin (PCT) concentrations as markers to evaluate the liver function. Methods In this study, 56 patients infected with COVID- 19 and 28 healthy controls was recruited in Private Nursing Home Hospital of the Medical City, Baghdad. Patients were subdivided according to disease severity into severe and non-severe groups. Results The results showed that the mean±SD value of serum AST activity and serum PCT concentrations were elevated significantly in severe group in comparison to healthy control, (p< 0.01, p< 0.001) respectively. Also, the mean ±SD value of serum ALT activity was higher in severe group compared to the healthy subjects and non-severe ones, significantly (p< 0.0001, p< 0.003) respectively. While the mean value of serum albumin concentration of severe patients and non-severe group were significantly decreased compared to healthy subjects. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) revealed that ROC value of albumin (0.992) differentiates between non-severe infected patients and healthy subjects, while the ROC value of serum ALT activity (0.735) differentiates between severe COVID-19 patients and non- severe ones. Conclusion Changes of liver function parameters in COVID-19 patients were mild to moderate and measurement of serum ALT activity is the best biomarker in differentiation between non-severe patients and severe ones and albumin concentration is excellent in discrimination between patients and controls.
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8
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Jung E, Soto-Acosta R, Xie J, Wilson DJ, Dreis CD, Majima R, Edwards TC, Geraghty RJ, Chen L. Bisubstate Inhibitors of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 Nsp14 Methyltransferase. ACS Med Chem Lett 2022; 13:1477-1484. [PMID: 36097498 PMCID: PMC9344893 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.2c00265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eunkyung Jung
- Center for Drug Design, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Ruben Soto-Acosta
- Center for Drug Design, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Jiashu Xie
- Center for Drug Design, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Daniel J. Wilson
- Center for Drug Design, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Christine D. Dreis
- Center for Drug Design, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Ryuichi Majima
- Center for Drug Design, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Tiffany C. Edwards
- Center for Drug Design, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Robert J. Geraghty
- Center for Drug Design, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Liqiang Chen
- Center for Drug Design, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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9
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Pillaiyar T, Flury P, Krüger N, Su H, Schäkel L, Barbosa Da Silva E, Eppler O, Kronenberger T, Nie T, Luedtke S, Rocha C, Sylvester K, Petry MR, McKerrow JH, Poso A, Pöhlmann S, Gütschow M, O’Donoghue AJ, Xu Y, Müller CE, Laufer SA. Small-Molecule Thioesters as SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Inhibitors: Enzyme Inhibition, Structure-Activity Relationships, Antiviral Activity, and X-ray Structure Determination. J Med Chem 2022; 65:9376-9395. [PMID: 35709506 PMCID: PMC9216242 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The main protease (Mpro, 3CLpro) of SARS-CoV-2 is an attractive target in coronaviruses because of its crucial involvement in viral replication and transcription. Here, we report on the design, synthesis, and structure-activity relationships of novel small-molecule thioesters as SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors. Compounds 3w and 3x exhibited excellent SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibition with kinac/Ki of 58,700 M-1 s-1 (Ki = 0.0141 μM) and 27,200 M-1 s-1 (Ki = 0.0332 μM), respectively. In Calu-3 and Vero76 cells, compounds 3h, 3i, 3l, 3r, 3v, 3w, and 3x displayed antiviral activity in the nanomolar range without host cell toxicity. Co-crystallization of 3w and 3af with SARS-CoV-2 Mpro was accomplished, and the X-ray structures showed covalent binding with the catalytic Cys145 residue of the protease. The potent SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors also inhibited the Mpro of other beta-coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-1 and MERS-CoV, indicating that they might be useful to treat a broader range of coronaviral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanigaimalai Pillaiyar
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical/Medicinal
Chemistry and Tübingen Center for Academic Drug Discovery, Eberhard Karls
University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) “Image-Guided & Functionally Instructed
Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen,
Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Philipp Flury
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical/Medicinal
Chemistry and Tübingen Center for Academic Drug Discovery, Eberhard Karls
University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) “Image-Guided & Functionally Instructed
Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen,
Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Nadine Krüger
- Infection Biology Unit, German Primate
Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research Göttingen,
Kellnerweg 4, Göttingen 37077, Germany
| | - Haixia Su
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, and Stake Key
Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Laura Schäkel
- PharmaCenter Bonn, Pharmaceutical Institute,
Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn,
An der Immenburg 4, Bonn D-53121, Germany
| | - Elany Barbosa Da Silva
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences,
University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
92093, United States
| | - Olga Eppler
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical/Medicinal
Chemistry and Tübingen Center for Academic Drug Discovery, Eberhard Karls
University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) “Image-Guided & Functionally Instructed
Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen,
Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Thales Kronenberger
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical/Medicinal
Chemistry and Tübingen Center for Academic Drug Discovery, Eberhard Karls
University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) “Image-Guided & Functionally Instructed
Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen,
Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Tianqing Nie
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, and Stake Key
Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Stephanie Luedtke
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences,
University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
92093, United States
| | - Cheila Rocha
- Infection Biology Unit, German Primate
Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research Göttingen,
Kellnerweg 4, Göttingen 37077, Germany
| | - Katharina Sylvester
- PharmaCenter Bonn, Pharmaceutical Institute,
Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn,
An der Immenburg 4, Bonn D-53121, Germany
| | - Marvin R.I. Petry
- PharmaCenter Bonn, Pharmaceutical Institute,
Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn,
An der Immenburg 4, Bonn D-53121, Germany
| | - James H. McKerrow
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences,
University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
92093, United States
| | - Antti Poso
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical/Medicinal
Chemistry and Tübingen Center for Academic Drug Discovery, Eberhard Karls
University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) “Image-Guided & Functionally Instructed
Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen,
Tübingen 72076, Germany
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences,
University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio 70211,
Finland
| | - Stefan Pöhlmann
- Infection Biology Unit, German Primate
Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research Göttingen,
Kellnerweg 4, Göttingen 37077, Germany
- Faculty of Biology and Psychology,
University Göttingen,Göttingen 37073,
Germany
| | - Michael Gütschow
- PharmaCenter Bonn, Pharmaceutical Institute,
Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn,
An der Immenburg 4, Bonn D-53121, Germany
| | - Anthony J. O’Donoghue
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences,
University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
92093, United States
| | - Yechun Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, and Stake Key
Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Christa E. Müller
- PharmaCenter Bonn, Pharmaceutical Institute,
Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn,
An der Immenburg 4, Bonn D-53121, Germany
| | - Stefan A. Laufer
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical/Medicinal
Chemistry and Tübingen Center for Academic Drug Discovery, Eberhard Karls
University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) “Image-Guided & Functionally Instructed
Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen,
Tübingen 72076, Germany
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10
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Ferreira GM, Pillaiyar T, Hirata MH, Poso A, Kronenberger T. Inhibitor induced conformational changes in SARS-COV-2 papain-like protease. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11585. [PMID: 35803957 PMCID: PMC9270405 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15181-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2's papain-like protease (PLpro) interaction with ligands has recently been explored with a myriad of crystal structures. We used molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to study different PLpro-ligand complexes, their ligand-induced conformational changes, and interactions. We focused on inhibitors reported with known IC50 against PLpro, namely GRL-0617, XR8-89, PLP_Snyder530, and Sander's recently published compound 7 (CPD7), and compared these trajectories against the apostructure (Apo), with a total of around 60 µs worth simulation data. We aimed to study the conformational changes using molecular dynamics simulations for the inhibitors in the PLpro. PCA analyses and the MSM models revealed distinct conformations of PLpro in the absence/presence of ligands and proposed that BL2-loop contributes to the accessibility of these inhibitors. Further, bulkier substituents closer to Tyr268 and Gln269 could improve inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 PLpro by occupying the region between BL2-groove and BL2-loop, but we also expand on the relevance of exploring multiple PLpro sub-pockets to improve inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glaucio Monteiro Ferreira
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Av Prof Lineu Prestes 580, São Paulo, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Thanigaimalai Pillaiyar
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry and Tübingen Center for Academic Drug Discovery, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Mario Hiroyuki Hirata
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Av Prof Lineu Prestes 580, São Paulo, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Antti Poso
- Department of Oncology and Pneumonology, Internal Medicine VIII, University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Straße 10, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.,School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Thales Kronenberger
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry and Tübingen Center for Academic Drug Discovery, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076, Tübingen, Germany. .,Department of Oncology and Pneumonology, Internal Medicine VIII, University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Straße 10, 72076, Tübingen, Germany. .,School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211, Kuopio, Finland. .,Tübingen Center for Academic Drug Discovery and Development (TüCAD2), 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
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11
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Mahmoudi S, Dehkordi MM, Asgarshamsi MH. The effect of various compounds on the COVID mechanisms, from chemical to molecular aspects. Biophys Chem 2022; 288:106824. [PMID: 35728510 PMCID: PMC9095071 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2022.106824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The novel coronavirus that caused COVID-19 pandemic is SARS-CoV-2. Although various vaccines are currently being used to prevent the disease's severe consequences, there is still a need for medications for those who become infected. The SARS-CoV-2 has a variety of proteins that have been studied extensively since the virus's advent. In this review article, we looked at chemical to molecular aspects of the various structures studied that have pharmaceutical activity and attempted to find a link between drug activity and compound structure. For example, designing of the compounds which bind to the allosteric site and modify hydrogen bonds or the salt bridges can disrupt SARS-CoV2 RBD–ACE2 complex. It seems that quaternary ammonium moiety and quinolin-1-ium structure could act as a negative allosteric modulator to reduce the tendency between spike-ACE2. Pharmaceutical structures with amino heads and hydrophobic tails can block envelope protein to prevent making mature SARS-CoV-2. Also, structures based on naphthalene pharmacophores or isosteres can form a strong bond with the PLpro and form a π-π and the Mpro's active site can be occupied by octapeptide compounds or linear compounds with a similar fitting ability to octapeptide compounds. And for protein RdRp, it is critical to consider pH and pKa so that pKa regulation of compounds to comply with patients is very effective, thus, the presence of tetrazole, phenylpyrazole groups, and analogs of pyrophosphate in the designed drugs increase the likelihood of the RdRp active site inhibition. Finally, it can be deduced that designing hybrid drug molecules along with considering the aforementioned characteristics would be a suitable approach for developing medicines in order to accurate targeting and complete inhibition this virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Mahmoudi
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, Islamic Azad University Tehran North Branch, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mehrdad Mohammadpour Dehkordi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Hossein Asgarshamsi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
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12
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Naik RR, Shakya AK, Aladwan SM, El-Tanani M. Kinase Inhibitors as Potential Therapeutic Agents in the Treatment of COVID-19. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:806568. [PMID: 35444538 PMCID: PMC9014181 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.806568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Corona virus is quickly spreading around the world. The goal of viral management is to disrupt the virus’s life cycle, minimize lung damage, and alleviate severe symptoms. Numerous strategies have been used, including repurposing existing antivirals or drugs used in previous viral outbreaks. One such strategy is to repurpose FDA-approved kinase inhibitors that are potential chemotherapeutic agents and have demonstrated antiviral activity against a variety of viruses, including MERS, SARS-CoV-1, and others, by inhibiting the viral life cycle and the inflammatory response associated with COVID-19. The purpose of this article is to identify licensed kinase inhibitors that have the ability to reduce the virus’s life cycle, from entrance through viral propagation from cell to cell. Several of these inhibitors, including imatinib, ruxolitinib, silmitasertib, and tofacitinib (alone and in conjunction with hydroxychloroquine), are now undergoing clinical studies to determine their efficacy as a possible treatment drug. The FDA approved baricitinib (a Janus kinase inhibitor) in combination with remdesivir for the treatment of COVID-19 patients receiving hospital care in November 2020. While in vitro trials with gilteritinib, fedratinib, and osimertinib are encouraging, further research is necessary before these inhibitors may be used to treat COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajashri R Naik
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Amman, Jordan.,Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Ashok K Shakya
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacological and Diagnostic Research Centre, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman, Jordan.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Safwan M Aladwan
- Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Mohamed El-Tanani
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Amman, Jordan.,Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman, Jordan.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacological and Diagnostic Research Centre, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman, Jordan.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman, Jordan
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13
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Escape and Over-Activation of Innate Immune Responses by SARS-CoV-2: Two Faces of a Coin. Viruses 2022; 14:v14030530. [PMID: 35336937 PMCID: PMC8951629 DOI: 10.3390/v14030530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In the past 20 years, coronaviruses (CoVs), including SARS-CoV-1, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2, have rapidly evolved and emerged in the human population. The innate immune system is the first line of defense against invading pathogens. Multiple host cellular receptors can trigger the innate immune system to eliminate invading pathogens. However, these CoVs have acquired strategies to evade innate immune responses by avoiding recognition by host sensors, leading to impaired interferon (IFN) production and antagonizing of the IFN signaling pathways. In contrast, the dysregulated induction of inflammasomes, leading to uncontrolled production of IL-1 family cytokines (IL-1β and IL-18) and pyroptosis, has been associated with COVID-19 pathogenesis. This review summarizes innate immune evasion strategies employed by SARS-CoV-1 and MERS-CoV in brief and SARS-CoV-2 in more detail. In addition, we outline potential mechanisms of inflammasome activation and evasion and their impact on disease prognosis.
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14
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T cell responses to SARS-CoV-2 in humans and animals. J Microbiol 2022; 60:276-289. [PMID: 35157219 PMCID: PMC8852923 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-022-1624-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, first emerged in 2019. Antibody responses against SARS-CoV-2 have been given a lot of attention. However, the armamentarium of humoral and T cells may have differing roles in different viral infections. Though the exact role of T cells in COVID-19 remains to be elucidated, prior experience with human coronavirus has revealed an essential role of T cells in the outcomes of viral infections. Moreover, an increasing body of evidence suggests that T cells might be effective against SARS-CoV-2. This review summarizes the role of T cells in mouse CoV, human pathogenic respiratory CoV in general and SARS-CoV-2 in specific.
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15
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Fenton C, Keam SJ. Emerging small molecule antivirals may fit neatly into COVID-19 treatment. DRUGS & THERAPY PERSPECTIVES 2022; 38:112-126. [PMID: 35250258 PMCID: PMC8882464 DOI: 10.1007/s40267-022-00897-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Numerous treatments exist for COVID-19, the illness caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus, although most are not well established; among these are several small molecule antiviral agents. Intravenous remdesivir is an established treatment worldwide for inpatients and in some countries is also available for use in non-hospitalised high risk patients to prevent progression to severe disease and hospitalization. Oral molnupiravir and oral nirmatrelvir-ritonavir are also available in several countries to prevent progression to severe disease and hospitalization for high-risk outpatients. Many other antiviral small molecules that may have therapeutic potential are under investigation in clinical trials. This article provides a summary of key molecular targets, pharmacology and preliminary data on the efficacy and safety of small molecule antiviral agents being investigated for the treatment of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Fenton
- Springer Nature, Mairangi Bay, Private Bag 65901, Auckland, 0754 New Zealand
| | - Susan J. Keam
- Springer Nature, Mairangi Bay, Private Bag 65901, Auckland, 0754 New Zealand
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16
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Konno S, Kobayashi K, Senda M, Funai Y, Seki Y, Tamai I, Schäkel L, Sakata K, Pillaiyar T, Taguchi A, Taniguchi A, Gütschow M, Müller CE, Takeuchi K, Hirohama M, Kawaguchi A, Kojima M, Senda T, Shirasaka Y, Kamitani W, Hayashi Y. 3CL Protease Inhibitors with an Electrophilic Arylketone Moiety as Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Agents. J Med Chem 2022; 65:2926-2939. [PMID: 34313428 PMCID: PMC8340582 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has been identified as the causative agent for the current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. 3CL protease (3CLpro) plays a pivotal role in the processing of viral polyproteins. We report peptidomimetic compounds with a unique benzothiazolyl ketone as a warhead group, which display potent activity against SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro. The most potent inhibitor YH-53 can strongly block the SARS-CoV-2 replication. X-ray structural analysis revealed that YH-53 establishes multiple hydrogen bond interactions with backbone amino acids and a covalent bond with the active site of 3CLpro. Further results from computational and experimental studies, including an in vitro absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion profile, in vivo pharmacokinetics, and metabolic analysis of YH-53 suggest that it has a high potential as a lead candidate to compete with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sho Konno
- School of Pharmacy, Department of Medicinal Chemistry,
Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji,
Tokyo, 192-0392, Japan
| | - Kiyotaka Kobayashi
- School of Pharmacy, Department of Medicinal Chemistry,
Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji,
Tokyo, 192-0392, Japan
| | - Miki Senda
- Structural Biology Research Center, Institute of
Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization
(KEK), Tsukuba 305-0801, Japan
| | - Yuta Funai
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Institute of Medical,
Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University,
Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Yuta Seki
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Institute of Medical,
Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University,
Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Ikumi Tamai
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Institute of Medical,
Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University,
Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Laura Schäkel
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical &
Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, Bonn 53121,
Germany
| | - Kyousuke Sakata
- School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University
of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0392,
Japan
| | - Thanigaimalai Pillaiyar
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry,
University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72076,
Germany
| | - Akihiro Taguchi
- School of Pharmacy, Department of Medicinal Chemistry,
Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji,
Tokyo, 192-0392, Japan
| | - Atsuhiko Taniguchi
- School of Pharmacy, Department of Medicinal Chemistry,
Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji,
Tokyo, 192-0392, Japan
| | - Michael Gütschow
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical &
Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, Bonn 53121,
Germany
| | - Christa E. Müller
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical &
Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, Bonn 53121,
Germany
| | - Koh Takeuchi
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research
Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and
Technology, Koto, Tokyo 135-0064, Japan
| | - Mikako Hirohama
- Faculty of Medicine, Transborder Medical Research
Center, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8575,
Japan
| | - Atsushi Kawaguchi
- Faculty of Medicine, Transborder Medical Research
Center, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8575,
Japan
| | - Masaki Kojima
- School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University
of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0392,
Japan
| | - Toshiya Senda
- Structural Biology Research Center, Institute of
Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization
(KEK), Tsukuba 305-0801, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Shirasaka
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Institute of Medical,
Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University,
Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Wataru Kamitani
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Host Defense,
Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi
371-8511, Japan
| | - Yoshio Hayashi
- School of Pharmacy, Department of Medicinal Chemistry,
Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji,
Tokyo, 192-0392, Japan
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17
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Dhameliya TM, Nagar PR, Gajjar ND. Systematic virtual screening in search of SARS CoV-2 inhibitors against spike glycoprotein: pharmacophore screening, molecular docking, ADMET analysis and MD simulations. Mol Divers 2022; 26:2775-2792. [PMID: 35132518 PMCID: PMC8821869 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-022-10394-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
In the absence of efficient anti-viral medications, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), stemming from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS CoV-2), has spawned a worldwide catastrophe and global emergency. Amidst several anti-viral targets of COVID-19, spike glycoprotein has been recognized as an essential target for the viral entry into the host cell. In the search of effective SARS CoV-2 inhibitors acting against spike glycoprotein, the virtual screening of 175,851 ligands from the 2020.1 Asinex BioDesign library has been performed using in silico tools like SiteMap analysis, pharmacophore-based screening, molecular docking using different levels of precision, such as high throughput virtual screening, standard precision and extra precision, followed by absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity analysis, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Following a molecular docking study, seventeen molecules (with a docking score of less than - 6.0) were identified having the substantial interactions with the catalytic amino acid and nucleic acid residues of spike glycoprotein at the binding site. In investigations using MD simulations for 10 ns, the hit molecules (1 and 2) showed adequate compactness and uniqueness, as well as satisfactory stability. These computational research findings have offered a key starting point in the field of design and development of novel SARS CoV-2 entry inhibitors with appropriate drug likeliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tejas M Dhameliya
- L. M. College of Pharmacy, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380009, India.
| | - Prinsa R Nagar
- L. M. College of Pharmacy, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380009, India
| | - Normi D Gajjar
- L. M. College of Pharmacy, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380009, India
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18
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Abstract
The global coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) has affected more than 140 million and killed more than 3 million people worldwide as of April 20, 2021. The novel human severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been identified as an etiological agent for COVID-19. Several kinases have been proposed as possible mediators of multiple viral infections, including life-threatening coronaviruses like SARS-CoV-1, Middle East syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and SARS-CoV-2. Viral infections hijack abundant cell signaling pathways, resulting in drastic phosphorylation rewiring in the host and viral proteins. Some kinases play a significant role throughout the viral infection cycle (entry, replication, assembly, and egress), and several of them are involved in the virus-induced hyperinflammatory response that leads to cytokine storm, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), organ injury, and death. Here, we highlight kinases that are associated with coronavirus infections and their inhibitors with antiviral and potentially anti-inflammatory, cytokine-suppressive, or antifibrotic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanigaimalai Pillaiyar
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry
and Tuebingen Center for Academic Drug Discovery, Eberhard Karls University
Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen,
Germany
| | - Stefan Laufer
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry
and Tuebingen Center for Academic Drug Discovery, Eberhard Karls University
Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen,
Germany
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19
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Song Y, Deng Y, Wang H, Bei Z, Gu H, Zhao H, Wang H, Zhang D, Xu L, Wang B, Li Y, Wang H. Naphthoquine: A Potent Broad-Spectrum Anti-Coronavirus Drug In Vitro. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27030712. [PMID: 35163977 PMCID: PMC8840560 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27030712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 has spread around the world and caused serious public health and social problems. Although several vaccines have been authorized for emergency use, new effective antiviral drugs are still needed. Some repurposed drugs including Chloroquine, Hydroxychloroquine and Remdesivir were immediately used to treat COVID-19 after the pandemic. However, the therapeutic effects of these drugs have not been fully demonstrated in clinical studies. In this paper, we found an antimalarial drug, Naphthoquine, showed good broad-spectrum anti-coronavirus activity. Naphthoquineinhibited HCoV-229E, HCoV-OC43 and SARS-CoV-2 replication in vitro, with IC50 = 2.05 ± 1.44 μM, 5.83 ± 0.74 μM, and 2.01 ± 0.38 µM, respectively. Time-of-addition assay was also performed to explore at which stage Naphthoquine functions during SARS-CoV-2 replication. The results suggested that Naphthoquine may influence virus entry and post-entry replication. Considering the safety of Naphthoquine was even better than that of Chloroquine, we think Naphthoquine has the potential to be used as a broad-spectrum drug for coronavirus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yabin Song
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China; (Y.S.); (Y.D.); (Z.B.); (H.G.); (H.Z.); (H.W.); (D.Z.); (L.X.); (B.W.)
| | - Yongqiang Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China; (Y.S.); (Y.D.); (Z.B.); (H.G.); (H.Z.); (H.W.); (D.Z.); (L.X.); (B.W.)
| | - Huiqiang Wang
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drug Research, Beijing Key Laboratory of Antimicrobial Agents, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China;
| | - Zhuchun Bei
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China; (Y.S.); (Y.D.); (Z.B.); (H.G.); (H.Z.); (H.W.); (D.Z.); (L.X.); (B.W.)
| | - Hongjing Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China; (Y.S.); (Y.D.); (Z.B.); (H.G.); (H.Z.); (H.W.); (D.Z.); (L.X.); (B.W.)
| | - Hui Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China; (Y.S.); (Y.D.); (Z.B.); (H.G.); (H.Z.); (H.W.); (D.Z.); (L.X.); (B.W.)
| | - Hong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China; (Y.S.); (Y.D.); (Z.B.); (H.G.); (H.Z.); (H.W.); (D.Z.); (L.X.); (B.W.)
| | - Dongna Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China; (Y.S.); (Y.D.); (Z.B.); (H.G.); (H.Z.); (H.W.); (D.Z.); (L.X.); (B.W.)
| | - Likun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China; (Y.S.); (Y.D.); (Z.B.); (H.G.); (H.Z.); (H.W.); (D.Z.); (L.X.); (B.W.)
| | - Baogang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China; (Y.S.); (Y.D.); (Z.B.); (H.G.); (H.Z.); (H.W.); (D.Z.); (L.X.); (B.W.)
| | - Yuhuan Li
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drug Research, Beijing Key Laboratory of Antimicrobial Agents, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China;
- Correspondence: (Y.L.); (H.W.)
| | - Hongquan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China; (Y.S.); (Y.D.); (Z.B.); (H.G.); (H.Z.); (H.W.); (D.Z.); (L.X.); (B.W.)
- Correspondence: (Y.L.); (H.W.)
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20
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Macip G, Garcia-Segura P, Mestres-Truyol J, Saldivar-Espinoza B, Pujadas G, Garcia-Vallvé S. A Review of the Current Landscape of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Inhibitors: Have We Hit the Bullseye Yet? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:259. [PMID: 35008685 PMCID: PMC8745775 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In this review, we collected 1765 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) M-pro inhibitors from the bibliography and other sources, such as the COVID Moonshot project and the ChEMBL database. This set of inhibitors includes only those compounds whose inhibitory capacity, mainly expressed as the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value, against M-pro from SARS-CoV-2 has been determined. Several covalent warheads are used to treat covalent and non-covalent inhibitors separately. Chemical space, the variation of the IC50 inhibitory activity when measured by different methods or laboratories, and the influence of 1,4-dithiothreitol (DTT) are discussed. When available, we have collected the values of inhibition of viral replication measured with a cellular antiviral assay and expressed as half maximal effective concentration (EC50) values, and their possible relationship to inhibitory potency against M-pro is analyzed. Finally, the most potent covalent and non-covalent inhibitors that simultaneously inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 M-pro and the virus replication in vitro are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Gerard Pujadas
- Research Group in Cheminformatics & Nutrition, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Campus Sescelades, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain; (G.M.); (P.G.-S.); (J.M.-T.); (B.S.-E.)
| | - Santiago Garcia-Vallvé
- Research Group in Cheminformatics & Nutrition, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Campus Sescelades, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain; (G.M.); (P.G.-S.); (J.M.-T.); (B.S.-E.)
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21
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Gil‐Moles M, Türck S, Basu U, Pettenuzzo A, Bhattacharya S, Rajan A, Ma X, Büssing R, Wölker J, Burmeister H, Hoffmeister H, Schneeberg P, Prause A, Lippmann P, Kusi‐Nimarko J, Hassell‐Hart S, McGown A, Guest D, Lin Y, Notaro A, Vinck R, Karges J, Cariou K, Peng K, Qin X, Wang X, Skiba J, Szczupak Ł, Kowalski K, Schatzschneider U, Hemmert C, Gornitzka H, Milaeva ER, Nazarov AA, Gasser G, Spencer J, Ronconi L, Kortz U, Cinatl J, Bojkova D, Ott I. Metallodrug Profiling against SARS-CoV-2 Target Proteins Identifies Highly Potent Inhibitors of the S/ACE2 interaction and the Papain-like Protease PL pro. Chemistry 2021; 27:17928-17940. [PMID: 34714566 PMCID: PMC8653295 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202103258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The global spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has called for an urgent need for dedicated antiviral therapeutics. Metal complexes are commonly underrepresented in compound libraries that are used for screening in drug discovery campaigns, however, there is growing evidence for their role in medicinal chemistry. Based on previous results, we have selected more than 100 structurally diverse metal complexes for profiling as inhibitors of two relevant SARS-CoV-2 replication mechanisms, namely the interaction of the spike (S) protein with the ACE2 receptor and the papain-like protease PLpro . In addition to many well-established types of mononuclear experimental metallodrugs, the pool of compounds tested was extended to approved metal-based therapeutics such as silver sulfadiazine and thiomersal, as well as polyoxometalates (POMs). Among the mononuclear metal complexes, only a small number of active inhibitors of the S/ACE2 interaction was identified, with titanocene dichloride as the only strong inhibitor. However, among the gold and silver containing complexes many turned out to be very potent inhibitors of PLpro activity. Highly promising activity against both targets was noted for many POMs. Selected complexes were evaluated in antiviral SARS-CoV-2 assays confirming activity for gold complexes with N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) or dithiocarbamato ligands, a silver NHC complex, titanocene dichloride as well as a POM compound. These studies might provide starting points for the design of metal-based SARS-CoV-2 antiviral agents.
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22
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Macip G, Garcia-Segura P, Mestres-Truyol J, Saldivar-Espinoza B, Ojeda-Montes MJ, Gimeno A, Cereto-Massagué A, Garcia-Vallvé S, Pujadas G. Haste makes waste: A critical review of docking-based virtual screening in drug repurposing for SARS-CoV-2 main protease (M-pro) inhibition. Med Res Rev 2021; 42:744-769. [PMID: 34697818 PMCID: PMC8662214 DOI: 10.1002/med.21862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
This review makes a critical evaluation of 61 peer‐reviewed manuscripts that use a docking step in a virtual screening (VS) protocol to predict SARS‐CoV‐2 M‐pro (M‐pro) inhibitors in approved or investigational drugs. Various manuscripts predict different compounds, even when they use a similar initial dataset and methodology, and most of them do not validate their methodology or results. In addition, a set of known 150 SARS‐CoV‐2 M‐pro inhibitors extracted from the literature and a second set of 81 M‐pro inhibitors and 113 inactive compounds obtained from the COVID Moonshot project were used to evaluate the reliability of using docking scores as feasible predictors of the potency of a SARS‐CoV‐2 M‐pro inhibitor. Using two SARS‐CoV‐2 M‐pro structures and five protein‐ligand docking programs, we proved that the correlation between the pIC50 and docking scores is not good. Neither was any correlation found between the pIC50 and the ∆G calculated with an MM‐GBSA method. When a group of experimentally known inactive compounds was added, neither the docking scores or the ∆G were able to distinguish between compounds with or without M‐pro experimental inhibitory activity. Performances improved when covalent and noncovalent inhibitors were treated separately, but were not good enough to fully support using a docking score as a cutoff value for selecting new putative M‐pro inhibitors or predicting the relative bioactivity of a compound by comparison with a reference compound. The two sets of known SARS‐CoV‐2 M‐pro inhibitors presented here could be used for validating future VS protocols which aim to predict M‐pro inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillem Macip
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Research group in Cheminformatics & Nutrition, Tarragona, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Pol Garcia-Segura
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Research group in Cheminformatics & Nutrition, Tarragona, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Júlia Mestres-Truyol
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Research group in Cheminformatics & Nutrition, Tarragona, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Bryan Saldivar-Espinoza
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Research group in Cheminformatics & Nutrition, Tarragona, Tarragona, Spain
| | | | - Aleix Gimeno
- Joint IRB-BSC-CRG Program in Computational Biology, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adrià Cereto-Massagué
- EURECAT Centre Tecnològic de Catalunya, Centre for Omic Sciences (COS), Joint Unit Universitat Rovira i Virgili-EURECAT, Unique Scientific and Technical Infrastructures (ICTS), Reus, Spain
| | - Santiago Garcia-Vallvé
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Research group in Cheminformatics & Nutrition, Tarragona, Tarragona, Spain.,EURECAT, TECNIO, CEICS, Avinguda Universitat 1, Reus, Spain
| | - Gerard Pujadas
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Research group in Cheminformatics & Nutrition, Tarragona, Tarragona, Spain.,EURECAT, TECNIO, CEICS, Avinguda Universitat 1, Reus, Spain
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23
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Ayipo YO, Yahaya SN, Alananzeh WA, Babamale HF, Mordi MN. Pathomechanisms, therapeutic targets and potent inhibitors of some beta-coronaviruses from bench-to-bedside. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2021; 93:104944. [PMID: 34052418 PMCID: PMC8159710 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Since the emergence of their primitive strains, the complexity surrounding their pathogenesis, constant genetic mutation and translation are contributing factors to the scarcity of a successful vaccine for coronaviruses till moment. Although, the recent announcement of vaccine breakthrough for COVID-19 renews the hope, however, there remains a major challenge of accessibility to urgently match the rapid global therapeutic demand for curtailing the pandemic, thereby creating an impetus for further search. The reassessment of results from a stream of experiments is of enormous importance in identifying bona fide lead-like candidates to fulfil this quest. This review comprehensively highlights the common pathomechanisms and pharmacological targets of HCoV-OC43, SARS-CoV-1, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, and potent therapeutic potentials from basic and clinical experimental investigations. The implicated targets for the prevention and treatment include the viral proteases (Mpro, PLpro, 3CLpro), viral structural proteins (S- and N-proteins), non-structural proteins (nsp 3, 8, 10, 14, 16), accessory protein (ns12.9), viroporins (3a, E, 8a), enzymes (RdRp, TMPRSS2, ADP-ribosyltransferase, MTase, 2'-O-MTase, TATase, furin, cathepsin, deamidated human triosephosphate isomerase), kinases (MAPK, ERK, PI3K, mTOR, AKT, Abl2), interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R) and the human host receptor, ACE2. Notably among the 109 overviewed inhibitors include quercetin, eriodictyol, baicalin, luteolin, melatonin, resveratrol and berberine from natural products, GC373, NP164 and HR2P-M2 from peptides, 5F9, m336 and MERS-GD27 from specific human antibodies, imatinib, remdesivir, ivermectin, chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, nafamostat, interferon-β and HCQ from repurposing libraries, some iron chelators and traditional medicines. This review represents a model for further translational studies for effective anti-CoV therapeutic designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuf Oloruntoyin Ayipo
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, USM, 11800 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia,Department of Chemistry, Kwara State University, P. M. B. 1530, Malete, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Sani Najib Yahaya
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, USM, 11800 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Waleed A. Alananzeh
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, USM, 11800 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | | | - Mohd Nizam Mordi
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, USM, 11800 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia,Corresponding author
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24
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Hiscox JA, Khoo SH, Stewart JP, Owen A. Shutting the gate before the horse has bolted: is it time for a conversation about SARS-CoV-2 and antiviral drug resistance? J Antimicrob Chemother 2021; 76:2230-2233. [PMID: 34142123 PMCID: PMC8361339 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkab189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
This article provides a brief overview of drug resistance to antiviral therapy as well as known and emergent variability in key SARS-CoV-2 viral sequences. The purpose is to stimulate deliberation about the need to consider drug resistance prior to widespread roll-out of antivirals for SARS-CoV-2. Many existing candidate agents have mechanisms of action involving drug targets likely to be critical for future drug development. Resistance emerged quickly with monotherapies deployed for other pulmonary viruses such as influenza virus, and in HIV mutations in key drug targets compromised efficacy of multiple drugs within a class. The potential for drug resistance in SARS-CoV-2 has not yet been rigorously debated or assessed, and we call for more academic and industry research on this potentially important future threat prior to widespread roll-out of monotherapies for COVID-19 treatment and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian A. Hiscox
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Infectious Diseases Horizontal Technology Centre (ID HTC), A*STAR, Singapore
| | - Saye H. Khoo
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Materials Innovation Factory, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L7 3NY, UK
| | - James P. Stewart
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Andrew Owen
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Materials Innovation Factory, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L7 3NY, UK
- Centre of Excellence in Long acting Therapeutics (CELT), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3BX, UK
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25
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Yan K, Rawle DJ, Le TT, Suhrbier A. Simple rapid in vitro screening method for SARS-CoV-2 anti-virals that identifies potential cytomorbidity-associated false positives. Virol J 2021; 18:123. [PMID: 34107996 PMCID: PMC8188739 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-021-01587-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The international SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has resulted in an urgent need to identify new anti-viral drugs for treatment of COVID-19. The initial step to identifying potential candidates usually involves in vitro screening that includes standard cytotoxicity controls. Under-appreciated is that viable, but stressed or otherwise compromised cells, can also have a reduced capacity to replicate virus. A refinement proposed herein for in vitro drug screening thus includes a simple growth assay to identify drug concentrations that cause cellular stress or “cytomorbidity”, as distinct from cytotoxicity or loss of viability. Methods A simple rapid bioassay is presented for antiviral drug screening using Vero E6 cells and inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 induced cytopathic effects (CPE) measured using crystal violet staining. We use high cell density for cytotoxicity assays, and low cell density for cytomorbidity assays. Results The assay clearly illustrated the anti-viral activity of remdesivir, a drug known to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication. In contrast, nitazoxanide, oleuropein, cyclosporine A and ribavirin all showed no ability to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 CPE. Hydroxychloroquine, cyclohexamide, didemnin B, γ-mangostin and linoleic acid were all able to inhibit viral CPE at concentrations that did not induce cytotoxicity. However, these drugs inhibited CPE at concentrations that induced cytomorbidity, indicating non-specific anti-viral activity. Conclusions We describe the methodology for a simple in vitro drug screening assay that identifies potential anti-viral drugs via their ability to inhibit SARS-CoV-2-induced CPE. The additional growth assay illustrated how several drugs display anti-viral activity at concentrations that induce cytomorbidity. For instance, hydroxychloroquine showed anti-viral activity at concentrations that slow cell growth, arguing that its purported in vitro anti-viral activity arises from non-specific impairment of cellular activities. The cytomorbidity assay can therefore rapidly exclude potential false positives. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12985-021-01587-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Yan
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4029, Australia
| | - Daniel J Rawle
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4029, Australia
| | - Thuy T Le
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4029, Australia
| | - Andreas Suhrbier
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4029, Australia. .,Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, GVN Center of Excellence, Brisbane, QLD, 4029 and 4072, Australia.
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26
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Pillaiyar T, Wendt LL, Manickam M, Easwaran M. The recent outbreaks of human coronaviruses: A medicinal chemistry perspective. Med Res Rev 2020; 41:72-135. [PMID: 32852058 PMCID: PMC7461420 DOI: 10.1002/med.21724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Coronaviruses (CoVs) infect both humans and animals. In humans, CoVs can cause respiratory, kidney, heart, brain, and intestinal infections that can range from mild to lethal. Since the start of the 21st century, three β‐coronaviruses have crossed the species barrier to infect humans: severe‐acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)‐CoV‐1, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)‐CoV, and SARS‐CoV‐2 (2019‐nCoV). These viruses are dangerous and can easily be transmitted from human to human. Therefore, the development of anticoronaviral therapies is urgently needed. However, to date, no approved vaccines or drugs against CoV infections are available. In this review, we focus on the medicinal chemistry efforts toward the development of antiviral agents against SARS‐CoV‐1, MERS‐CoV, SARS‐CoV‐2, targeting biochemical events important for viral replication and its life cycle. These targets include the spike glycoprotein and its host‐receptors for viral entry, proteases that are essential for cleaving polyproteins to produce functional proteins, and RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase for viral RNA replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanigaimalai Pillaiyar
- PharmaCenter Bonn, Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Lukas L Wendt
- PharmaCenter Bonn, Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Manoj Manickam
- Department of Chemistry, PSG Institute of Technology and Applied Research, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Maheswaran Easwaran
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sethu Institute of Technology, Virudhunagar, Tamilnadu, India
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