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Kumar V, Meidinna HN, Kaul SC, Gupta D, Ishida Y, Terao K, Vrati S, Sundar D, Wadhwa R. Molecular insights to the anti-COVID-19 potential of α-, β- and γ-cyclodextrins. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023:1-11. [PMID: 38116950 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2294385] [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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 viral infection is regulated by the host cell receptors ACE2 and TMPRSS2, and therefore the effect of various natural and synthetic compounds on these receptors has recently been the subject of investigations. Cyclodextrins, naturally occurring polysaccharides derived from starch, are soluble in water and have a hydrophobic cavity at their center enabling them to accommodate small molecules and utilize them as carriers in the food, supplements, and pharmaceutical industries to improve the solubility, stability, and bioavailability of target compounds. In the current study, computational molecular simulations were used to investigate the ability of α-, β- and γ-Cyclodextrins on human cell surface receptors. Cell-based experimental approaches, including expression analyses at mRNA and protein levels and virus replication, were used to assess the effect on receptor expression and virus infection, respectively. We found that none of the three CDs could dock effectively to human cell surface receptor ACE2 and viral protease Mpro (essential for virus replication). On the other hand, α- and β-CD showed strong and stable interactions with TMPRSS2, and the expression of both ACE2 and TMPRSS2 was downregulated at the mRNA and protein levels in cyclodextrin (CD)-treated cells. A cell-based virus replication assay showed ∼20% inhibition by β- and γ-CD. Taken together, the study suggested that (i) downregulation of expression of host cell receptors may not be sufficient to inhibit virus infection (ii) activity of the receptors and virus protein Mpro may play a critical and clinically relevant role, and hence (iii) newly emerging anti-Covid-19 compounds warrant multimodal functional analyses.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vipul Kumar
- DAILAB, Department of Biochemical Engineering & Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, India
| | - Hazna Noor Meidinna
- AIST-INDIA DAILAB, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science & Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Sunil C Kaul
- AIST-INDIA DAILAB, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science & Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Japan
| | | | | | - Keiji Terao
- CycloChem Bio Co., Ltd, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Japan
| | | | - Durai Sundar
- DAILAB, Department of Biochemical Engineering & Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, India
| | - Renu Wadhwa
- AIST-INDIA DAILAB, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science & Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Japan
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2
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Vassiliev P, Gusev E, Komelkova M, Kochetkov A, Dobrynina M, Sarapultsev A. Computational Analysis of CD46 Protein Interaction with SARS-CoV-2 Structural Proteins: Elucidating a Putative Viral Entry Mechanism into Human Cells. Viruses 2023; 15:2297. [PMID: 38140538 PMCID: PMC10747966 DOI: 10.3390/v15122297] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
This study examines an unexplored aspect of SARS-CoV-2 entry into host cells, which is widely understood to occur via the viral spike (S) protein's interaction with human ACE2-associated proteins. While vaccines and inhibitors targeting this mechanism are in use, they may not offer complete protection against reinfection. Hence, we investigate putative receptors and their cofactors. Specifically, we propose CD46, a human membrane cofactor protein, as a potential putative receptor and explore its role in cellular invasion, acting possibly as a cofactor with other viral structural proteins. Employing computational techniques, we created full-size 3D models of human CD46 and four key SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins-EP, MP, NP, and SP. We further developed 3D models of CD46 complexes interacting with these proteins. The primary aim is to pinpoint the likely interaction domains between CD46 and these structural proteins to facilitate the identification of molecules that can block these interactions, thus offering a foundation for novel pharmacological treatments for SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Vassiliev
- Laboratory for Information Technology in Pharmacology and Computer Modeling of Drugs, Research Center for Innovative Medicines, Volgograd State Medical University, 39 Novorossiyskaya Street, Volgograd 400087, Russia;
| | - Evgenii Gusev
- Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 106 Pervomaiskaya Street, Yekaterinburg 620049, Russia; (E.G.); (M.D.)
- Russian-Chinese Education and Research Center of System Pathology, South Ural State University, 76 Lenin Prospekt, Chelyabinsk 454080, Russia;
| | - Maria Komelkova
- Russian-Chinese Education and Research Center of System Pathology, South Ural State University, 76 Lenin Prospekt, Chelyabinsk 454080, Russia;
| | - Andrey Kochetkov
- Laboratory for Information Technology in Pharmacology and Computer Modeling of Drugs, Research Center for Innovative Medicines, Volgograd State Medical University, 39 Novorossiyskaya Street, Volgograd 400087, Russia;
| | - Maria Dobrynina
- Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 106 Pervomaiskaya Street, Yekaterinburg 620049, Russia; (E.G.); (M.D.)
| | - Alexey Sarapultsev
- Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 106 Pervomaiskaya Street, Yekaterinburg 620049, Russia; (E.G.); (M.D.)
- Russian-Chinese Education and Research Center of System Pathology, South Ural State University, 76 Lenin Prospekt, Chelyabinsk 454080, Russia;
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Zanganeh S, Abbasgholinejad E, Doroudian M, Esmaelizad N, Farjadian F, Benhabbour SR. The Current Landscape of Glioblastoma Biomarkers in Body Fluids. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3804. [PMID: 37568620 PMCID: PMC10416862 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive and lethal primary brain cancer that necessitates early detection and accurate diagnosis for effective treatment and improved patient outcomes. Traditional diagnostic methods, such as imaging techniques and tissue biopsies, have limitations in providing real-time information and distinguishing treatment-related changes from tumor progression. Liquid biopsies, used to analyze biomarkers in body fluids, offer a non-invasive and dynamic approach to detecting and monitoring GBM. This article provides an overview of GBM biomarkers in body fluids, including circulating tumor cells (CTCs), cell-free DNA (cfDNA), cell-free RNA (cfRNA), microRNA (miRNA), and extracellular vesicles. It explores the clinical utility of these biomarkers for GBM detection, monitoring, and prognosis. Challenges and limitations in implementing liquid biopsy strategies in clinical practice are also discussed. The article highlights the potential of liquid biopsies as valuable tools for personalized GBM management but underscores the need for standardized protocols and further research to optimize their clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saba Zanganeh
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University and The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
| | - Elham Abbasgholinejad
- Department of Cell and Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran 15719-14911, Iran; (E.A.); (N.E.)
| | - Mohammad Doroudian
- Department of Cell and Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran 15719-14911, Iran; (E.A.); (N.E.)
| | - Nazanin Esmaelizad
- Department of Cell and Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran 15719-14911, Iran; (E.A.); (N.E.)
| | - Fatemeh Farjadian
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71348-14336, Iran;
| | - Soumya Rahima Benhabbour
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University and The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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Banerjee A, Somasundaram I, Das D, Jain Manoj S, Banu H, Mitta Suresh P, Paul S, Bisgin A, Zhang H, Sun XF, Duttaroy AK, Pathak S. Functional Foods: A Promising Strategy for Restoring Gut Microbiota Diversity Impacted by SARS-CoV-2 Variants. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15112631. [PMID: 37299594 DOI: 10.3390/nu15112631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural herbs and functional foods contain bioactive molecules capable of augmenting the immune system and mediating anti-viral functions. Functional foods, such as prebiotics, probiotics, and dietary fibers, have been shown to have positive effects on gut microbiota diversity and immune function. The use of functional foods has been linked to enhanced immunity, regeneration, improved cognitive function, maintenance of gut microbiota, and significant improvement in overall health. The gut microbiota plays a critical role in maintaining overall health and immune function, and disruptions to its balance have been linked to various health problems. SARS-CoV-2 infection has been shown to affect gut microbiota diversity, and the emergence of variants poses new challenges to combat the virus. SARS-CoV-2 recognizes and infects human cells through ACE2 receptors prevalent in lung and gut epithelial cells. Humans are prone to SARS-CoV-2 infection because their respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts are rich in microbial diversity and contain high levels of ACE2 and TMPRSS2. This review article explores the potential use of functional foods in mitigating the impact of SARS-CoV-2 variants on gut microbiota diversity, and the potential use of functional foods as a strategy to combat these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antara Banerjee
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Kelambakkam, Chennai 603103, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Indumathi Somasundaram
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Kolhapur Institute of Technology's College of Engineering, Kolhapur 416012, Maharashtra, India
| | - Diptimayee Das
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Kelambakkam, Chennai 603103, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Samatha Jain Manoj
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Kelambakkam, Chennai 603103, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Husaina Banu
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Kelambakkam, Chennai 603103, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Pavane Mitta Suresh
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Kelambakkam, Chennai 603103, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sujay Paul
- School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Campus Queretaro, San Pablo 76130, Mexico
| | - Atil Bisgin
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical Faculty, Cukurova University, Adana 01250, Turkey
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Orebro University, SE-701 82 Orebro, Sweden
| | - Xiao-Feng Sun
- Division of Ocology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linkoping University, SE-581 83 Linkoping, Sweden
| | - Asim K Duttaroy
- Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0313 Oslo, Norway
| | - Surajit Pathak
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Kelambakkam, Chennai 603103, Tamil Nadu, India
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Vaz ES, Vassiliades SV, Giarolla J, Polli MC, Parise-Filho R. Drug repositioning in the COVID-19 pandemic: fundamentals, synthetic routes, and overview of clinical studies. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2023; 79:723-751. [PMID: 37081137 PMCID: PMC10118228 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-023-03486-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Drug repositioning is a strategy to identify a new therapeutic indication for molecules that have been approved for other conditions, aiming to speed up the traditional drug development process and reduce its costs. The high prevalence and incidence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) underline the importance of searching for a safe and effective treatment for the disease, and drug repositioning is the most rational strategy to achieve this goal in a short period of time. Another advantage of repositioning is the fact that these compounds already have established synthetic routes, which facilitates their production at the industrial level. However, the hope for treatment cannot allow the indiscriminate use of medicines without a scientific basis. RESULTS The main small molecules in clinical trials being studied to be potentially repositioned to treat COVID-19 are chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, ivermectin, favipiravir, colchicine, remdesivir, dexamethasone, nitazoxanide, azithromycin, camostat, methylprednisolone, and baricitinib. In the context of clinical tests, in general, they were carried out under the supervision of large consortiums with a methodology based on and recognized in the scientific community, factors that ensure the reliability of the data collected. From the synthetic perspective, compounds with less structural complexity have more simplified synthetic routes. Stereochemical complexity still represents the major challenge in the preparation of dexamethasone, ivermectin, and azithromycin, for instance. CONCLUSION Remdesivir and baricitinib were approved for the treatment of hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19. Dexamethasone and methylprednisolone should be used with caution. Hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, ivermectin, and azithromycin are ineffective for the treatment of the disease, and the other compounds presented uncertain results. Preclinical and clinical studies should not be analyzed alone, and their methodology's accuracy should also be considered. Regulatory agencies are responsible for analyzing the efficacy and safety of a treatment and must be respected as the competent authorities for this decision, avoiding the indiscriminate use of medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Souza Vaz
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Prof. Lineu Prestes Avenue, 580, Bldg 13, SP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sandra Valeria Vassiliades
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Prof. Lineu Prestes Avenue, 580, Bldg 13, SP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jeanine Giarolla
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Prof. Lineu Prestes Avenue, 580, Bldg 13, SP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Michelle Carneiro Polli
- Pharmacy Course, São Francisco University (USF), Waldemar César da Silveira St, 105, SP, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Roberto Parise-Filho
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Prof. Lineu Prestes Avenue, 580, Bldg 13, SP, São Paulo, Brazil.
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6
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Kara N, Ayoub N, Ilgu H, Fotiadis D, Ilgu M. Aptamers Targeting Membrane Proteins for Sensor and Diagnostic Applications. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28093728. [PMID: 37175137 PMCID: PMC10180177 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28093728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Many biological processes (physiological or pathological) are relevant to membrane proteins (MPs), which account for almost 30% of the total of human proteins. As such, MPs can serve as predictive molecular biomarkers for disease diagnosis and prognosis. Indeed, cell surface MPs are an important class of attractive targets of the currently prescribed therapeutic drugs and diagnostic molecules used in disease detection. The oligonucleotides known as aptamers can be selected against a particular target with high affinity and selectivity by iterative rounds of in vitro library evolution, known as Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential Enrichment (SELEX). As an alternative to antibodies, aptamers offer unique features like thermal stability, low-cost, reuse, ease of chemical modification, and compatibility with various detection techniques. Particularly, immobilized-aptamer sensing platforms have been under investigation for diagnostics and have demonstrated significant value compared to other analytical techniques. These "aptasensors" can be classified into several types based on their working principle, which are commonly electrochemical, optical, or mass-sensitive. In this review, we review the studies on aptamer-based MP-sensing technologies for diagnostic applications and have included new methodological variations undertaken in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilufer Kara
- Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
| | - Nooraldeen Ayoub
- Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Huseyin Ilgu
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Dimitrios Fotiadis
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Muslum Ilgu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
- Aptalogic Inc., Ames, IA 50014, USA
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Hajiaghapour Asr M, Dayani F, Saedi Segherloo F, Kamedi A, Neill AO, MacLoughlin R, Doroudian M. Lipid Nanoparticles as Promising Carriers for mRNA Vaccines for Viral Lung Infections. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15041127. [PMID: 37111613 PMCID: PMC10146241 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, there has been an increase in deaths due to infectious diseases, most notably in the context of viral respiratory pathogens. Consequently, the focus has shifted in the search for new therapies, with attention being drawn to the use of nanoparticles in mRNA vaccines for targeted delivery to improve the efficacy of these vaccines. Notably, mRNA vaccine technologies denote as a new era in vaccination due to their rapid, potentially inexpensive, and scalable development. Although they do not pose a risk of integration into the genome and are not produced from infectious elements, they do pose challenges, including exposing naked mRNAs to extracellular endonucleases. Therefore, with the development of nanotechnology, we can further improve their efficacy. Nanoparticles, with their nanometer dimensions, move more freely in the body and, due to their small size, have unique physical and chemical properties. The best candidates for vaccine mRNA transfer are lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), which are stable and biocompatible and contain four components: cationic lipids, ionizable lipids, polyethylene glycols (PEGs), and cholesterol, which are used to facilitate cytoplasmic mRNA delivery. In this article, the components and delivery system of mRNA-LNP vaccines against viral lung infections such as influenza, coronavirus, and respiratory syncytial virus are reviewed. Moreover, we provide a succinct overview of current challenges and potential future directions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mena Hajiaghapour Asr
- Department of Cell and Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran 1571914911, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Dayani
- Department of Cell and Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran 1571914911, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Saedi Segherloo
- Department of Cell and Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran 1571914911, Iran
| | - Ali Kamedi
- Department of Cell and Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran 1571914911, Iran
| | - Andrew O’ Neill
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Tallaght University Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ronan MacLoughlin
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
- Research and Development, Science and Emerging Technologies, Aerogen Limited, Galway Business Park, H91 HE94 Galway, Ireland
- School of Pharmacy & Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mohammad Doroudian
- Department of Cell and Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran 1571914911, Iran
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Tallaght University Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
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8
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Doroudian M, Zanganeh S, Abbasgholinejad E, Donnelly SC. Nanomedicine in Lung Cancer Immunotherapy. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1144653. [PMID: 37008041 PMCID: PMC10064145 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1144653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the major cause of cancer death worldwide. Cancer immunotherapy has been introduced as a promising and effective treatment that can improve the immune system’s ability to eliminate cancer cells and help establish immunological memory. Nanoparticles can contribute to the rapidly evolving field of immunotherapy by simultaneously delivering a variety of immunological agents to the target site and tumor microenvironment. Nano drug delivery systems can precisely target biological pathways and be implemented to reprogram or regulate immune responses. Numerous investigations have been conducted to employ different types of nanoparticles for immunotherapy of lung cancer. Nano-based immunotherapy adds a strong tool to the diverse collection of cancer therapies. This review briefly summarizes the remarkable potential opportunities for nanoparticles in lung cancer immunotherapy and its challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Doroudian
- School of Medicine, Trinity College, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Cell and Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saba Zanganeh
- Department of Cell and Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Abbasgholinejad
- Department of Cell and Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seamas C. Donnelly
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- *Correspondence: Seamas C. Donnelly,
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Zhang H, Lv P, Jiang J, Liu Y, Yan R, Shu S, Hu B, Xiao H, Cai K, Yuan S, Li Y. Advances in developing ACE2 derivatives against SARS-CoV-2. THE LANCET. MICROBE 2023; 4:e369-e378. [PMID: 36934742 PMCID: PMC10019897 DOI: 10.1016/s2666-5247(23)00011-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Extensive immune evasion of SARS-CoV-2 rendered therapeutic antibodies ineffective in the COVID-19 pandemic. Propagating SARS-CoV-2 variants are characterised by immune evasion capacity through key amino acid mutations, but can still bind human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) through the spike protein and are, thus, sensitive to ACE2-mimicking decoys as inhibitors. In this Review, we examine advances in the development of ACE2 derivatives from the past 3 years, including the recombinant ACE2 proteins, ACE2-loaded extracellular vesicles, ACE2-mimicking antibodies, and peptide or mini-protein mimetics of ACE2. Several ACE2 derivatives are granted potent neutralisation efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 variants that rival or surpass endogenous antibodies by various auxiliary techniques such as chemical modification and practical recombinant design. The derivatives also represent enhanced production efficiency and improved bioavailability. In addition to these derivatives of ACE2, new effective therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2 variants are expected to be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Zhang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Panjing Lv
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingrui Jiang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yahui Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ruixi Yan
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Sainan Shu
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bing Hu
- Institute of Health Inspection and Testing, Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, China
| | - Han Xiao
- Institute of Maternal and Child Health, Wuhan Children's Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kun Cai
- Institute of Health Inspection and Testing, Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuai Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Wuhan, China.
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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10
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Azhdari MH, Goodarzi N, Doroudian M, MacLoughlin R. Molecular Insight into the Therapeutic Effects of Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes in Respiratory Diseases and the Potential for Pulmonary Delivery. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116273. [PMID: 35682948 PMCID: PMC9181737 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [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: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory diseases are the cause of millions of deaths annually around the world. Despite the recent growth of our understanding of underlying mechanisms contributing to the pathogenesis of lung diseases, most therapeutic approaches are still limited to symptomatic treatments and therapies that only delay disease progression. Several clinical and preclinical studies have suggested stem cell (SC) therapy as a promising approach for treating various lung diseases. However, challenges such as the potential tumorigenicity, the low survival rate of the SCs in the recipient body, and difficulties in cell culturing and storage have limited the applicability of SC therapy. SC-derived extracellular vesicles (SC-EVs), particularly SC-derived exosomes (SC-Exos), exhibit most therapeutic properties of stem cells without their potential drawbacks. Similar to SCs, SC-Exos exhibit immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic properties with the potential to be employed in the treatment of various inflammatory and chronic respiratory diseases. Furthermore, recent studies have demonstrated that the microRNA (miRNA) content of SC-Exos may play a crucial role in the therapeutic potential of these exosomes. Several studies have investigated the administration of SC-Exos via the pulmonary route, and techniques for SCs and SC-Exos delivery to the lungs by intratracheal instillation or inhalation have been developed. Here, we review the literature discussing the therapeutic effects of SC-Exos against respiratory diseases and advances in the pulmonary route of delivery of these exosomes to the damaged tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad H. Azhdari
- Department of Cell and Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran 15719-14911, Iran; (M.H.A.); (N.G.)
| | - Nima Goodarzi
- Department of Cell and Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran 15719-14911, Iran; (M.H.A.); (N.G.)
| | - Mohammad Doroudian
- Department of Cell and Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran 15719-14911, Iran; (M.H.A.); (N.G.)
- Correspondence: author: (M.D.); (R.M.)
| | - Ronan MacLoughlin
- Research and Development, Science and Emerging Technologies, Aerogen Limited, IDA Business Park, H91 HE94 Galway, Ireland
- School of Pharmacy, Royal College of Surgeons, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
- Correspondence: author: (M.D.); (R.M.)
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Meacci E, Pierucci F, Garcia-Gil M. Skeletal Muscle and COVID-19: The Potential Involvement of Bioactive Sphingolipids. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10051068. [PMID: 35625805 PMCID: PMC9138286 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10051068] [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: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 virus infection is the cause of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is still spreading over the world. The manifestation of this disease can range from mild to severe and can be limited in time (weeks) or persist for months in about 30–50% of patients. COVID-19 is considered a multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and the musculoskeletal system manifestations are beginning to be considered of absolute importance in both COVID-19 patients and in patients recovering from the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Musculoskeletal manifestations of COVID-19 and other coronavirus infections include loss of muscle mass, muscle weakness, fatigue or myalgia, and muscle injury. The molecular mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 can cause damage to skeletal muscle (SkM) cells are not yet well understood. Sphingolipids (SLs) represent an important class of eukaryotic lipids with structural functions as well as bioactive molecules able to modulate crucial processes, including inflammation and viral infection. In the last two decades, several reports have highlighted the role of SLs in modulating SkM cell differentiation, regeneration, aging, response to insulin, and contraction. This review summarizes the consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection on SkM and the potential involvement of SLs in the tissue responses to virus infection. In particular, we highlight the role of sphingosine 1-phosphate signaling in order to aid the prediction of novel targets for preventing and/or treating acute and long-term musculoskeletal manifestations of virus infection in COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Meacci
- Unit of Biochemical Sciences and Molecular Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Viale GB Morgagni 50, 50121 Florence, Italy;
- Interuniversity Institute of Myology, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-055-2751231
| | - Federica Pierucci
- Unit of Biochemical Sciences and Molecular Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Viale GB Morgagni 50, 50121 Florence, Italy;
| | - Mercedes Garcia-Gil
- Unit of Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via S. Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy;
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy
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Liang LJ, Wang D, Yu H, Wang J, Zhang H, Sun BB, Yang FY, Wang Z, Xie DW, Feng RE, Xu KF, Wang GZ, Zhou GB. Transcriptional regulation and small compound targeting of ACE2 in lung epithelial cells. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2022; 43:2895-2904. [PMID: 35468992 PMCID: PMC9035780 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-022-00906-6] [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: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the receptor of COVID-19 pathogen SARS-CoV-2, but the transcription factors (TFs) that regulate the expression of the gene encoding ACE2 (ACE2) have not been systematically dissected. In this study we evaluated TFs that control ACE2 expression, and screened for small molecule compounds that could modulate ACE2 expression to block SARS-CoV-2 from entry into lung epithelial cells. By searching the online datasets we found that 24 TFs might be ACE2 regulators with signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) as the most significant one. In human normal lung tissues, the expression of ACE2 was positively correlated with phosphorylated Stat3 (p-Stat3). We demonstrated that Stat3 bound ACE2 promoter, and controlled its expression in 16HBE cells stimulated with interleukin 6 (IL-6). To screen for medicinal compounds that could modulate ACE2 expression, we conducted luciferase assay using HLF cells transfected with ACE2 promoter-luciferase constructs. Among the 64 compounds tested, 6-O-angeloylplenolin (6-OAP), a sesquiterpene lactone in Chinese medicinal herb Centipeda minima (CM), represented the most potent ACE2 repressor. 6-OAP (2.5 µM) inhibited the interaction between Stat3 protein and ACE2 promoter, thus suppressed ACE2 transcription. 6-OAP (1.25-5 µM) and its parental medicinal herb CM (0.125%-0.5%) dose-dependently downregulated ACE2 in 16HBE and Beas-2B cells; similar results were observed in the lung tissues of mice following administration of 6-OAP or CM for one month. In addition, 6-OAP/CM dose-dependently reduced IL-6 production and downregulated chemokines including CXCL13 and CX3CL1 in 16HBE cells. Moreover, we found that 6-OAP/CM inhibited the entry of SARS-CoV-2 S protein pseudovirus into target cells. These results suggest that 6-OAP/CM are ACE2 inhibitors that may potentially protect lung epithelial cells from SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Ko MN, Hyun SB, Ahn KJ, Hyun CG. Immunomodulatory effects of Abelmoschus esculentus water extract through MAPK and NF-κB signaling in RAW 264.7 cells. BIOTECHNOLOGY NOTES 2022. [PMCID: PMC9156435 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotno.2022.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
During the current COVID-19 pandemic, the world is facing a new, highly contagious virus that suppresses innate immunity as one of its early virulence mechanisms. Therefore, finding new methods to enhance innate immunity is a promising strategy to attenuate the effects of this major global health problem. With the aim of characterizing bioactive ingredients as immune-enhancing agents, this study focuses on Abelmoschus esculentus (okra), which has several previously demonstrated bioactivities. Firstly, we investigated the immune-stimulatory effects of okra leaf ethanol extract (OLE) and okra leaf water extract (OLW) on nitric oxide (NO) production in macrophages. OLE significantly decreased nitrite accumulation in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, indicating that it potentially inhibited NO production in a concentration-dependent manner. In contrast, OLW significantly enhanced the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and NO in a dose-dependent manner. OLW also increased the expression levels of NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, potentially explaining the OLW-induced increase in NO and PGE2 production. In addition, OLW stimulated the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs; ERK, p38, and JNK) as well as the activation and subsequent nuclear translocation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). This indicated that OLW activates macrophages to secrete PGE2, TNF-α, IL-1β, and NO, inducing iNOS and COX-2 expression via activation of the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that OLW can effectively promote the activation of macrophages, suggesting that OLW may possess potent immunomodulatory effects and should be explored as a potential health-promoting materials to boost the immune system.
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