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Chittasupho C, Umsumarng S, Srisawad K, Arjsri P, Phongpradist R, Samee W, Tingya W, Ampasavate C, Dejkriengkraikul P. Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2-Induced NLRP3 Inflammasome-Mediated Lung Cell Inflammation by Triphala-Loaded Nanoparticle Targeting Spike Glycoprotein S1. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:751. [PMID: 38931873 PMCID: PMC11206841 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16060751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, poses a significant global health threat. The spike glycoprotein S1 of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is known to induce the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, contributing to hyperinflammation in COVID-19 patients. Triphala, an ancient Ayurvedic remedy composed of dried fruits from three plant species-Emblica officinalis (Family Euphorbiaceae), Terminalia bellerica (Family Combretaceae), and Terminalia chebula (Family Combretaceae)-shows promise in addressing inflammation. However, the limited water solubility of its ethanolic extract impedes its bioavailability. In this study, we aimed to develop nanoparticles loaded with Triphala extract, termed "nanotriphala", as a drug delivery system. Additionally, we investigated the in vitro anti-inflammatory properties of nanotriphala and its major compounds, namely gallic acid, chebulagic acid, and chebulinic acid, in lung epithelial cells (A549) induced by CoV2-SP. The nanotriphala formulation was prepared using the solvent displacement method. The encapsulation efficiency of Triphala in nanotriphala was determined to be 87.96 ± 2.60% based on total phenolic content. In terms of in vitro release, nanotriphala exhibited a biphasic release profile with zero-order kinetics over 0-8 h. A549 cells were treated with nanotriphala or its active compounds and then induced with 100 ng/mL of spike S1 subunit (CoV2-SP). The results demonstrate that chebulagic acid and chebulinic acid are the active compounds in nanotriphala, which significantly reduced cytokine release (IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-18) and suppressed the expression of inflammatory genes (IL-6, IL-1β, IL-18, and NLRP3) (p < 0.05). Mechanistically, nanotriphala and its active compounds notably attenuated the expression of inflammasome machinery proteins (NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase-1) (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the nanoparticle formulation of Triphala enhances its stability and exhibits anti-inflammatory properties against CoV2-SP-induction. This was achieved by suppressing inflammatory mediators and the NLRP3 inflammasome machinery. Thus, nanotriphala holds promise as a supportive preventive anti-inflammatory therapy for COVID-19-related chronic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuda Chittasupho
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (C.C.); (R.P.); (W.T.); (C.A.)
| | - Sonthaya Umsumarng
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand;
- Center for Research and Development of Natural Products for Health, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Kamonwan Srisawad
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (K.S.); (P.A.)
- Anticarcinogenesis and Apoptosis Research Cluster, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Punnida Arjsri
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (K.S.); (P.A.)
| | - Rungsinee Phongpradist
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (C.C.); (R.P.); (W.T.); (C.A.)
| | - Weerasak Samee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Srinakharinwirot University, Ongkharak, Nakhon Nayok 26120, Thailand;
| | - Wipawan Tingya
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (C.C.); (R.P.); (W.T.); (C.A.)
| | - Chadarat Ampasavate
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (C.C.); (R.P.); (W.T.); (C.A.)
| | - Pornngarm Dejkriengkraikul
- Center for Research and Development of Natural Products for Health, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (K.S.); (P.A.)
- Anticarcinogenesis and Apoptosis Research Cluster, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
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de Sá KSG, Amaral LA, Rodrigues TS, Caetano CCS, Becerra A, Batah SS, Lopes FT, de Oliveira IM, Lopes LS, Almeida L, Mota CM, Oliveira S, Wada DT, Koenigkam-Santos M, Martins RB, Rosales RRC, Arruda E, Fabro AT, Zamboni DS. Pulmonary inflammation and viral replication define distinct clinical outcomes in fatal cases of COVID-19. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012222. [PMID: 38838044 PMCID: PMC11182505 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 has affected more than half a billion people worldwide, with more than 6.3 million deaths, but the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in lethal cases and the host determinants that determine the different clinical outcomes are still unclear. In this study, we assessed lung autopsies of 47 COVID-19 patients and examined the inflammatory profiles, viral loads, and inflammasome activation. Additionally, we correlated these factors with the patient's clinical and histopathological conditions. Robust inflammasome activation was detected in the lungs of lethal cases of SARS-CoV-2. Experiments conducted on transgenic mice expressing hACE2 and infected with SARS-CoV-2 showed that Nlrp3-/- mice were protected from disease development and lethality compared to Nlrp3+/+ littermate mice, supporting the involvement of this inflammasome in disease exacerbation. An analysis of gene expression allowed for the classification of COVID-19 patients into two different clusters. Cluster 1 died with higher viral loads and exhibited a reduced inflammatory profile than Cluster 2. Illness time, mechanical ventilation time, pulmonary fibrosis, respiratory functions, histopathological status, thrombosis, viral loads, and inflammasome activation significantly differed between the two clusters. Our data demonstrated two distinct profiles in lethal cases of COVID-19, thus indicating that the balance of viral replication and inflammasome-mediated pulmonary inflammation led to different clinical outcomes. We provide important information to understand clinical variations in severe COVID-19, a process that is critical for decisions between immune-mediated or antiviral-mediated therapies for the treatment of critical cases of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keyla S. G. de Sá
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luana A. Amaral
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tamara S. Rodrigues
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Camila C. S. Caetano
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Amanda Becerra
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sabrina S. Batah
- Departamento de Patologia e Medicina Legal, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Felipe T. Lopes
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Isadora M. de Oliveira
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Letícia S. Lopes
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leticia Almeida
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Caroline M. Mota
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Samuel Oliveira
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Danilo T. Wada
- Departamento de Imagens Médicas, Hematologia e Oncologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcel Koenigkam-Santos
- Departamento de Imagens Médicas, Hematologia e Oncologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ronaldo B. Martins
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Roberta R. C. Rosales
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eurico Arruda
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexandre T. Fabro
- Departamento de Patologia e Medicina Legal, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Dario S. Zamboni
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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Houssen M, El-Mahdy R, Samra NE, Tera Y, Nayera Mostafa K, El-Desoky MM, Hisham FA, Hewidy AA, Elmorsey RA, Samaha H, Mahmoud R, Abdelhafez MS. High Mobility Group Box 1 Gene Polymorphism and Serum High Mobility Group Box 1, Interleukin 1 Beta, and Alpha-Klotho Crosstalk in Severe COVID-19 Patients. Immunol Invest 2024; 53:450-463. [PMID: 38318856 DOI: 10.1080/08820139.2023.2299680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the serum levels of HMGB1, IL1β, and α-klotho in COVID-19 patients with different disease severity, investigate their association with clinicopathological parameters, and to assess HMGB1 rs1045411 polymorphism and its relation with clinical severity. METHODS 120 COVID-19 patients (89 critically ill, 15 severe, and 16 moderately severe) along with 80 healthy control were enrolled.The serum levels of HMGB1,IL1β, and α-klotho were determined by ELISA. The HMGB1 rs1045411 polymorphism was detected by RT- PCR. RESULTS The serum levels of HMGB1, IL1β, and α-klotho were significantly higher in critically ill COVID-19 patients compared to other groups. The HMGB1rs1045411 polymorphism revealed a significant decrease in the percentage of T/T genotypes in COVID-19 patients compared to controls. The (ROC) analysis showed moderate diagnostic potential for serum HMGB1, IL1β, and α-klotho. CONCLUSION The serum HMGB1, IL1β, and α-klotho may be severity markers and promising therapeutic targets for COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha Houssen
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damanhour University, Damnhour, Egypt
| | - Rasha El-Mahdy
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Nouran E Samra
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Yousra Tera
- Clinical Pathology Department, Hematology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Kamel Nayera Mostafa
- Occupational Health and Industrial Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Manal M El-Desoky
- Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Fatma Azzahraa Hisham
- Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Asem A Hewidy
- Chest Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Rehab A Elmorsey
- Chest Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Hala Samaha
- Chest Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Rasha Mahmoud
- Internal Medicine Department, Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Mona S Abdelhafez
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
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Heil M. Self-DNA driven inflammation in COVID-19 and after mRNA-based vaccination: lessons for non-COVID-19 pathologies. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1259879. [PMID: 38439942 PMCID: PMC10910434 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1259879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic triggered an unprecedented concentration of economic and research efforts to generate knowledge at unequalled speed on deregulated interferon type I signalling and nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer in B-cells (NF-κB)-driven interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-18 secretion causing cytokine storms. The translation of the knowledge on how the resulting systemic inflammation can lead to life-threatening complications into novel treatments and vaccine technologies is underway. Nevertheless, previously existing knowledge on the role of cytoplasmatic or circulating self-DNA as a pro-inflammatory damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) was largely ignored. Pathologies reported 'de novo' for patients infected with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-2 to be outcomes of self-DNA-driven inflammation in fact had been linked earlier to self-DNA in different contexts, e.g., the infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-1, sterile inflammation, and autoimmune diseases. I highlight particularly how synergies with other DAMPs can render immunogenic properties to normally non-immunogenic extracellular self-DNA, and I discuss the shared features of the gp41 unit of the HIV-1 envelope protein and the SARS-CoV 2 Spike protein that enable HIV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 to interact with cell or nuclear membranes, trigger syncytia formation, inflict damage to their host's DNA, and trigger inflammation - likely for their own benefit. These similarities motivate speculations that similar mechanisms to those driven by gp41 can explain how inflammatory self-DNA contributes to some of most frequent adverse events after vaccination with the BNT162b2 mRNA (Pfizer/BioNTech) or the mRNA-1273 (Moderna) vaccine, i.e., myocarditis, herpes zoster, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune nephritis or hepatitis, new-onset systemic lupus erythematosus, and flare-ups of psoriasis or lupus. The hope is to motivate a wider application of the lessons learned from the experiences with COVID-19 and the new mRNA vaccines to combat future non-COVID-19 diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Heil
- Departamento de Ingeniería Genética, Laboratorio de Ecología de Plantas, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados (CINVESTAV)-Unidad Irapuato, Irapuato, Mexico
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5
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Zheng G, Qiu G, Qian H, Shu Q, Xu J. Multifaceted role of SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins in lung injury. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1332440. [PMID: 38375473 PMCID: PMC10875085 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1332440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the third human coronavirus to cause acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and contains four structural proteins: spike, envelope, membrane, and nucleocapsid. An increasing number of studies have demonstrated that all four structural proteins of SARS-CoV-2 are capable of causing lung injury, even without the presence of intact virus. Therefore, the topic of SARS-CoV-2 structural protein-evoked lung injury warrants more attention. In the current article, we first synopsize the structural features of SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins. Second, we discuss the mechanisms for structural protein-induced inflammatory responses in vitro. Finally, we list the findings that indicate structural proteins themselves are toxic and sufficient to induce lung injury in vivo. Recognizing mechanisms of lung injury triggered by SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins may facilitate the development of targeted modalities in treating COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Guanguan Qiu
- Shaoxing Second Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huifeng Qian
- Shaoxing Second Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qiang Shu
- The Children’s Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine and National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianguo Xu
- Shaoxing Second Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
- The Children’s Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine and National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Zhao F, Zhang K, Chen H, Zhang T, Zhao J, Lv Q, Yu Q, Ruan M, Cui R, Li B. Therapeutic potential and possible mechanisms of ginseng for depression associated with COVID-19. Inflammopharmacology 2024; 32:229-247. [PMID: 38012459 PMCID: PMC10907431 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-023-01380-0] [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: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Recently, a global outbreak of COVID-19 has rapidly spread to various national regions. As the number of COVID-19 patients has increased, some of those infected with SARS-CoV-2 have developed a variety of psychiatric symptoms, including depression, cognitive impairment, and fatigue. A distinct storm of inflammatory factors that contribute to the initial disease but also a persistent post-acute phase syndrome has been reported in patients with COVID-19. Neuropsychological symptoms including depression, cognitive impairment, and fatigue are closely related to circulating and local (brain) inflammatory factors. Natural products are currently being examined for their ability to treat numerous complications caused by COVID-19. Among them, ginseng has anti-inflammatory, immune system stimulating, neuroendocrine modulating, and other effects, which may help improve psychiatric symptoms. This review summarizes the basic mechanisms of COVID-19 pneumonia, psychiatric symptoms following coronavirus infections, effects of ginseng on depression, restlessness, and other psychiatric symptoms associated with post-COVID syn-dromes, as well as possible mechanisms underlying these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangyi Zhao
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
- Engineering Laboratory for Screening of Antidepressant Drugs, Jilin Province Development and Reform Commission, Changchun, People's Republic of China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Target of Traditional Chinese Medicine with Anti-Depressive Effect, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
- Engineering Laboratory for Screening of Antidepressant Drugs, Jilin Province Development and Reform Commission, Changchun, People's Republic of China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Target of Traditional Chinese Medicine with Anti-Depressive Effect, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongyu Chen
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
- Engineering Laboratory for Screening of Antidepressant Drugs, Jilin Province Development and Reform Commission, Changchun, People's Republic of China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Target of Traditional Chinese Medicine with Anti-Depressive Effect, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianqi Zhang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
- Engineering Laboratory for Screening of Antidepressant Drugs, Jilin Province Development and Reform Commission, Changchun, People's Republic of China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Target of Traditional Chinese Medicine with Anti-Depressive Effect, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiayu Zhao
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
- Engineering Laboratory for Screening of Antidepressant Drugs, Jilin Province Development and Reform Commission, Changchun, People's Republic of China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Target of Traditional Chinese Medicine with Anti-Depressive Effect, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Qianyu Lv
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
- Engineering Laboratory for Screening of Antidepressant Drugs, Jilin Province Development and Reform Commission, Changchun, People's Republic of China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Target of Traditional Chinese Medicine with Anti-Depressive Effect, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Qin Yu
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
- Engineering Laboratory for Screening of Antidepressant Drugs, Jilin Province Development and Reform Commission, Changchun, People's Republic of China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Target of Traditional Chinese Medicine with Anti-Depressive Effect, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengyu Ruan
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
- Engineering Laboratory for Screening of Antidepressant Drugs, Jilin Province Development and Reform Commission, Changchun, People's Republic of China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Target of Traditional Chinese Medicine with Anti-Depressive Effect, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Ranji Cui
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
- Engineering Laboratory for Screening of Antidepressant Drugs, Jilin Province Development and Reform Commission, Changchun, People's Republic of China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Target of Traditional Chinese Medicine with Anti-Depressive Effect, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Bingjin Li
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China.
- Engineering Laboratory for Screening of Antidepressant Drugs, Jilin Province Development and Reform Commission, Changchun, People's Republic of China.
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Target of Traditional Chinese Medicine with Anti-Depressive Effect, Changchun, People's Republic of China.
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He Q, Hu D, Zheng F, Chen W, Hu K, Liu J, Yao C, Li H, Wei Y. Investigating the Nexus of NLRP3 Inflammasomes and COVID-19 Pathogenesis: Unraveling Molecular Triggers and Therapeutic Strategies. Viruses 2024; 16:213. [PMID: 38399989 PMCID: PMC10892947 DOI: 10.3390/v16020213] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has been marked by severe cases demonstrating a "cytokine storm", an upsurge of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the bloodstream. NLRP3 inflammasomes, integral to the innate immune system, are speculated to be activated by SARS-CoV-2 within host cells. This review investigates the potential correlation between NLRP3 inflammasomes and COVID-19, exploring the cellular and molecular mechanisms through which SARS-CoV-2 triggers their activation. Furthermore, promising strategies targeting NLRP3 inflammasomes are proposed to mitigate the excessive inflammatory response provoked by SARS-CoV-2 infection. By synthesizing existing studies, this paper offers insights into NLRP3 as a therapeutic target, elucidating the interplay between COVID-19 and its pathophysiology. It serves as a valuable reference for future clinical approaches in addressing COVID-19 by targeting NLRP3, thus providing potential avenues for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qun He
- Sino-German Biomedical Center, National “111” Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China; (Q.H.); (F.Z.); (W.C.); (K.H.); (J.L.); (C.Y.); (H.L.)
| | - Da Hu
- Sinopharm Animal Health Corporation Ltd., Wuhan 430075, China;
| | - Fuqiang Zheng
- Sino-German Biomedical Center, National “111” Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China; (Q.H.); (F.Z.); (W.C.); (K.H.); (J.L.); (C.Y.); (H.L.)
| | - Wenxuan Chen
- Sino-German Biomedical Center, National “111” Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China; (Q.H.); (F.Z.); (W.C.); (K.H.); (J.L.); (C.Y.); (H.L.)
| | - Kanghong Hu
- Sino-German Biomedical Center, National “111” Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China; (Q.H.); (F.Z.); (W.C.); (K.H.); (J.L.); (C.Y.); (H.L.)
| | - Jinbiao Liu
- Sino-German Biomedical Center, National “111” Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China; (Q.H.); (F.Z.); (W.C.); (K.H.); (J.L.); (C.Y.); (H.L.)
| | - Chenguang Yao
- Sino-German Biomedical Center, National “111” Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China; (Q.H.); (F.Z.); (W.C.); (K.H.); (J.L.); (C.Y.); (H.L.)
| | - Hanluo Li
- Sino-German Biomedical Center, National “111” Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China; (Q.H.); (F.Z.); (W.C.); (K.H.); (J.L.); (C.Y.); (H.L.)
| | - Yanhong Wei
- Sino-German Biomedical Center, National “111” Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China; (Q.H.); (F.Z.); (W.C.); (K.H.); (J.L.); (C.Y.); (H.L.)
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Toffoletto N, Salema-Oom M, Nicoli S, Pescina S, González-Fernández FM, Pinto CA, Saraiva JA, Alves de Matos AP, Vivero-Lopez M, Huete-Toral F, Carracedo G, Saramago B, Serro AP. Dexamethasone phosphate and penetratin co-eluting contact lenses: a strategy to enhance ocular drug permeability. Int J Pharm 2024; 650:123685. [PMID: 38072146 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123685] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Contact lenses (CLs) have been suggested as drug delivery platforms capable of increasing the drug residence time on the cornea and therefore its bioavailability. However, when targeting the posterior segment of the eye, the drug released from CLs still encounters the barrier effect of the ocular tissues, which considerably reduces the efficacy of administration. This work aims at the development of CLs able to simultaneously deliver an anti-inflammatory drug (dexamethasone sodium phosphate) and a cell-penetrating peptide (penetratin), the latter acting as a drug carrier across the tissues. Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA)-based hydrogels were functionalized with acrylic acid (AAc) and/or aminopropyl methacrylamide (APMA) to serve as CL materials with increased affinity for the drug and peptide. APMA-functionalized hydrogels sustained the dual release for 8 h, which is compatible with the wearing time of daily CLs. Hydrogels demonstrated suitable light transmittance, swelling capacity and in vitro biocompatibility. The anti-inflammatory activity of the drug was not compromised by the presence of the peptide nor by sterilization. The ocular distribution of the drug after 6 h of CL wearing was evaluated in vivo in rabbits and revealed that the amount of drug in the cornea and aqueous humor significantly increased when the drug was co-delivered with penetratin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Toffoletto
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal; Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz (CiiEM), Egas Moniz School of Health & Science, Campus Universitario, 2829-511 Caparica, Portugal.
| | - Madalena Salema-Oom
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz (CiiEM), Egas Moniz School of Health & Science, Campus Universitario, 2829-511 Caparica, Portugal.
| | - Sara Nicoli
- ADDRes Lab, Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze, 27/a, 43124 Parma, Italy.
| | - Silvia Pescina
- ADDRes Lab, Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze, 27/a, 43124 Parma, Italy.
| | - Felipe M González-Fernández
- ADDRes Lab, Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze, 27/a, 43124 Parma, Italy.
| | - Carlos A Pinto
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Jorge A Saraiva
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - António P Alves de Matos
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz (CiiEM), Egas Moniz School of Health & Science, Campus Universitario, 2829-511 Caparica, Portugal.
| | - Maria Vivero-Lopez
- Departamento de Farmacología, Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica, I+D Farma (GI-1645), Facultad de Farmacia, Instituto de Materiales (iMATUS) and Health Research Insititute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Fernando Huete-Toral
- Ocupharm Research Group, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, C/Arcos de Jalón 118, 28037 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Gonzalo Carracedo
- Ocupharm Research Group, Department of Optometry and Vision, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, C/Arcos de Jalón 118, 28037 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Benilde Saramago
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Ana Paula Serro
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal; Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz (CiiEM), Egas Moniz School of Health & Science, Campus Universitario, 2829-511 Caparica, Portugal.
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9
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Yue Z, Zhang X, Gu Y, Liu Y, Lan LM, Liu Y, Li Y, Yang G, Wan P, Chen X. Regulation and functions of the NLRP3 inflammasome in RNA virus infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 13:1309128. [PMID: 38249297 PMCID: PMC10796458 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1309128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Virus infection is one of the greatest threats to human life and health. In response to viral infection, the host's innate immune system triggers an antiviral immune response mostly mediated by inflammatory processes. Among the many pathways involved, the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome has received wide attention in the context of viral infection. The NLRP3 inflammasome is an intracellular sensor composed of three components, including the innate immune receptor NLRP3, adaptor apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing CARD (ASC), and the cysteine protease caspase-1. After being assembled, the NLRP3 inflammasome can trigger caspase-1 to induce gasdermin D (GSDMD)-dependent pyroptosis, promoting the maturation and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18). Recent studies have revealed that a variety of viruses activate or inhibit the NLRP3 inflammasome via viral particles, proteins, and nucleic acids. In this review, we present a variety of regulatory mechanisms and functions of the NLRP3 inflammasome upon RNA viral infection and demonstrate multiple therapeutic strategies that target the NLRP3 inflammasome for anti-inflammatory effects in viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoyang Yue
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control (Jinan University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuelong Zhang
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control (Jinan University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Gu
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control (Jinan University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control (Jinan University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lin-Miaoshen Lan
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control (Jinan University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yilin Liu
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control (Jinan University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongkui Li
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control (Jinan University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ge Yang
- Foshan Institute of Medical Microbiology, Foshan, China
| | - Pin Wan
- Foshan Institute of Medical Microbiology, Foshan, China
- Wuhan Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control (Jinan University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
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10
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Cao Y, Han Y, Wu J, Sun J, Dai Y, Qiao G, Li K, Li A, Zhang Y, Ma Y, Song Q. During the Omicron Pandemic Wave, the Severe Systemic Inflammatory Status of COVID-19 Indicated a Higher Risk of In-Hospital Mortality and Mediated the Clinical Efficacy of Corticosteroids. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:7377-7387. [PMID: 38053579 PMCID: PMC10695125 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s432679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background For the distinct immune/inflammatory responses from Omicron variant infection, this study aimed to investigate the diagnostic efficacy of systemic inflammatory indicators and the clinical efficacy of corticosteroids on the in-hospital mortality among COVID-19 patients. Methods Under a retrospective cohort study, 1081 COVID-19 patients were recruited from Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University between November 16, 2022 and January 30, 2023. We chose neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), CRP-to-lymphocyte ratio (CLR), and CRP-to-albumin ratio (CAR) as the systemic inflammatory indicators. Receiver operating curve (ROC) and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to determine the diagnostic efficacy of systemic inflammatory indicators and the association between systemic inflammatory indicators and in-hospital mortality. Results Among 684 patients included in analysis, 96 died during hospitalization. NLR, CLR and CAR performed well (with an area under the curve (AUC) greater than 0.75) in discriminating in-hospital mortality among COVID-19 patients. The severe status of systemic inflammation, with optimal cut-off value derived from ROC analysis, significantly associated higher risk of in-hospital mortality (OR = 3.81 for NLR ≥ 6.131; OR = 3.76 for CLR ≥ 45.455; OR = 5.10 for CAR ≥ 1.436). Corticosteroids use within 72 hours of admission increased the in-hospital mortality 2.88-fold for COVID-19 patients. In the subgroup of patients with severe systemic inflammation, corticosteroids increased the risk of in-hospital mortality (OR = 2.11 for NLR, p = 0.055; OR = 2.94 for CLR, p = 0.005; OR = 2.31 for CAR, p = 0.036). Conclusion Systemic inflammatory indicators had good diagnostic performance for in-hospital mortality. Patients with severe systemic inflammatory status should not receive corticosteroid treatment and further studies are warranted for confirmation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Cao
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying Han
- Center of Liver Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiangping Wu
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianping Sun
- Center of Biobank, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanchao Dai
- Center of Biobank, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guifang Qiao
- Center of Biobank, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kang Li
- Center of Biobank, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ang Li
- Center of Biobank, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yonghong Zhang
- Department of Hepatic Intervention, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yingmin Ma
- Department of Respiratory and Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qingkun Song
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Center of Biobank, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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11
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Gałgańska H, Jarmuszkiewicz W, Gałgański Ł. Carbon dioxide and MAPK signalling: towards therapy for inflammation. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:280. [PMID: 37817178 PMCID: PMC10566067 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01306-x] [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: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation, although necessary to fight infections, becomes a threat when it exceeds the capability of the immune system to control it. In addition, inflammation is a cause and/or symptom of many different disorders, including metabolic, neurodegenerative, autoimmune and cardiovascular diseases. Comorbidities and advanced age are typical predictors of more severe cases of seasonal viral infection, with COVID-19 a clear example. The primary importance of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in the course of COVID-19 is evident in the mechanisms by which cells are infected with SARS-CoV-2; the cytokine storm that profoundly worsens a patient's condition; the pathogenesis of diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, and hypertension, that contribute to a worsened prognosis; and post-COVID-19 complications, such as brain fog and thrombosis. An increasing number of reports have revealed that MAPKs are regulated by carbon dioxide (CO2); hence, we reviewed the literature to identify associations between CO2 and MAPKs and possible therapeutic benefits resulting from the elevation of CO2 levels. CO2 regulates key processes leading to and resulting from inflammation, and the therapeutic effects of CO2 (or bicarbonate, HCO3-) have been documented in all of the abovementioned comorbidities and complications of COVID-19 in which MAPKs play roles. The overlapping MAPK and CO2 signalling pathways in the contexts of allergy, apoptosis and cell survival, pulmonary oedema (alveolar fluid resorption), and mechanical ventilation-induced responses in lungs and related to mitochondria are also discussed. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Gałgańska
- Faculty of Biology, Molecular Biology Techniques Laboratory, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego 6, 61-614, Poznan, Poland
| | - Wieslawa Jarmuszkiewicz
- Faculty of Biology, Department of Bioenergetics, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego 6, 61-614, Poznan, Poland
| | - Łukasz Gałgański
- Faculty of Biology, Department of Bioenergetics, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego 6, 61-614, Poznan, Poland.
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12
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Bakos T, Kozma GT, Szebeni J, Szénási G. Eculizumab suppresses zymosan-induced release of inflammatory cytokines IL-1α, IL-1β, IFN-γ and IL-2 in autologous serum-substituted PBMC cultures: Relevance to cytokine storm in Covid-19. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 166:115294. [PMID: 37567071 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Cytokine storm (CS) is a major contributor to the fatal outcome of severe infectious diseases, including Covid-19. Treatment with the complement (C) C5 inhibitor eculizumab was beneficial in end-stage Covid-19, however, the mechanism of this effect is unknown. To clarify this, we analyzed the relationship between C activation and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in a PBMC model. METHODS Human PBMC with or without 20 % autologous serum was incubated with C3a, C5a, zymosan or zymosan-pre-activated serum (ZAS) for 24 h with or without eculizumab or the C5a receptor antagonist, DF2593A. C activation (sC5b-9) and 9 inflammatory cytokines were measured by ELISA. RESULTS In serum-free unstimulated PBMC only IL-8 release could be measured during incubation. Addition of C5a increased IL-8 secretion only, ZAS induced both IL-2 and IL-8, while zymosan led to significant production of all cytokines, most abundantly IL-8. In the presence of serum the above effects were greatly enhanced, and the zymosan-induced rises of IL-1α, IL-1β IFN-γ and IL-2 were significantly attenuated by eculizumab but not by DF2593a. CONCLUSIONS These data highlight the complexity of interrelationships between C activation and cytokine secretion under different experimental conditions. The clinically relevant findings include the abundant formation of the chemokine IL-8, which was stimulated by C5a, and the suppression of numerous inflammatory cytokines by eculizumab, which explains its therapeutic efficacy in severe Covid-19. These data strengthen the clinical relevance of the applied PBMC model for drug screening against CS, enabling the separation of complex innate immune cross-talks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamás Bakos
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - János Szebeni
- SeroScience LTD., Budapest, Hungary; Nanomedicine Research and Education Center, Department of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest 1089, Hungary; Department of Nanobiotechnology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Miskolc University, Miskolc 2880, Hungary; School of Chemical Engineering and Translational Nanobioscience Research Center, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, the Republic of Korea
| | - Gábor Szénási
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
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13
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Mahmoud IS, Jarrar YB, Febrimarsa. Modulation of IRAK enzymes as a therapeutic strategy against SARS-CoV-2 induced cytokine storm. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:2909-2923. [PMID: 37061574 PMCID: PMC10105542 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01064-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the cause of the current pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Dysregulated and excessive production of cytokines and chemokines, known as cytokine storm, is frequently seen in patients with severe COVID-19 disease and it can provoke a severe systematic inflammation in the patients. The IL-1R/TLRs/IRAKs signaling network is a key pathway in immune cells that plays a central role in regulating innate immunity and inflammatory responses via stimulating the expression and production of various proinflammatory molecules including cytokines. Modulation of IRAKs activity has been proposed to be a promising strategy in the treatment of inflammatory disorders. In this review, we highlight the biochemical properties of IRAKs and their role in regulating inflammatory molecular signaling pathways and discuss the potential targeting of IRAKs to suppress the SARS-CoV-2-induced cytokine storm in COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismail Sami Mahmoud
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, 13133, Jordan.
| | - Yazun Bashir Jarrar
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Balqa Applied University, As-Salt, Jordan
| | - Febrimarsa
- Centre for Chromosome Biology, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, University of Galway, Galway, Republic of Ireland
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14
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Potere N, Garrad E, Kanthi Y, Di Nisio M, Kaplanski G, Bonaventura A, Connors JM, De Caterina R, Abbate A. NLRP3 inflammasome and interleukin-1 contributions to COVID-19-associated coagulopathy and immunothrombosis. Cardiovasc Res 2023; 119:2046-2060. [PMID: 37253117 PMCID: PMC10893977 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvad084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunothrombosis-immune-mediated activation of coagulation-is protective against pathogens, but excessive immunothrombosis can result in pathological thrombosis and multiorgan damage, as in severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The NACHT-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome produces major proinflammatory cytokines of the interleukin (IL)-1 family, IL-1β and IL-18, and induces pyroptotic cell death. Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway also promotes immunothrombotic programs including release of neutrophil extracellular traps and tissue factor by leukocytes, and prothrombotic responses by platelets and the vascular endothelium. NLRP3 inflammasome activation occurs in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. In preclinical models, NLRP3 inflammasome pathway blockade restrains COVID-19-like hyperinflammation and pathology. Anakinra, recombinant human IL-1 receptor antagonist, showed safety and efficacy and is approved for the treatment of hypoxaemic COVID-19 patients with early signs of hyperinflammation. The non-selective NLRP3 inhibitor colchicine reduced hospitalization and death in a subgroup of COVID-19 outpatients but is not approved for the treatment of COVID-19. Additional COVID-19 trials testing NLRP3 inflammasome pathway blockers are inconclusive or ongoing. We herein outline the contribution of immunothrombosis to COVID-19-associated coagulopathy, and review preclinical and clinical evidence suggesting an engagement of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in the immunothrombotic pathogenesis of COVID-19. We also summarize current efforts to target the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in COVID-19, and discuss challenges, unmet gaps, and the therapeutic potential that inflammasome-targeted strategies may provide for inflammation-driven thrombotic disorders including COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Potere
- Department of Medicine and Ageing Sciences, ‘G. d’Annunzio’ University, Via Luigi Polacchi 11, Chieti 66100, Italy
| | - Evan Garrad
- Laboratory of Vascular Thrombosis and Inflammation, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Yogendra Kanthi
- Laboratory of Vascular Thrombosis and Inflammation, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Marcello Di Nisio
- Department of Medicine and Ageing Sciences, ‘G. d’Annunzio’ University, Via Luigi Polacchi 11, Chieti 66100, Italy
| | - Gilles Kaplanski
- Aix-Marseille Université, INSERM, INRAE, Marseille, France
- Division of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille, Hôpital Conception, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Aldo Bonaventura
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medicina Generale 1, Medical Center, Ospedale di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi, ASST Sette Laghi, Varese, Italy
| | - Jean Marie Connors
- Division of Hematology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Raffaele De Caterina
- University Cardiology Division, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
- Chair and Postgraduate School of Cardiology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Fondazione Villa Serena per la Ricerca, Città Sant’Angelo, Pescara, Italy
| | - Antonio Abbate
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Virginia, 415 Lane Rd (MR5), PO Box 801394, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
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15
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Frank MG, Fleshner M, Maier SF. Exploring the immunogenic properties of SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins: PAMP:TLR signaling in the mediation of the neuroinflammatory and neurologic sequelae of COVID-19. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 111:259-269. [PMID: 37116592 PMCID: PMC10132835 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) produces an array of neurologic and neuropsychiatric symptoms in the acute and post-acute phase of infection (PASC; post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection). Neuroinflammatory processes are considered key factors in the etiology of these symptoms. Several mechanisms underpinning the development of inflammatory events in the brain have been proposed including SARS-CoV-2 neurotropism and peripheral inflammatory responses (i.e., cytokine storm) to infection, which might produce neuroinflammation via immune-to-brain signaling pathways. In this review, we explore evidence in support of an alternate mechanism whereby structural proteins (e.g., spike and spike S1 subunit) derived from SARS-CoV-2 virions function as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) to elicit proinflammatory immune responses in the periphery and/or brain via classical Toll-Like Receptor (TLR) inflammatory pathways. We propose that SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins might directly produce inflammatory processes in brain independent of and/or in addition to peripheral proinflammatory effects, which might converge to play a causal role in the development of neurologic/neuropsychiatric symptoms in COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew G Frank
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder CO 80301, United States.
| | - Monika Fleshner
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder CO 80301, United States
| | - Steven F Maier
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder CO 80301, United States
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16
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Wang M, Yu F, Chang W, Zhang Y, Zhang L, Li P. Inflammasomes: a rising star on the horizon of COVID-19 pathophysiology. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1185233. [PMID: 37251383 PMCID: PMC10213254 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1185233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a contagious respiratory virus that is the cause of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic which has posed a serious threat to public health. COVID-19 is characterized by a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, ranging from asymptomatic infection to mild cold-like symptoms, severe pneumonia or even death. Inflammasomes are supramolecular signaling platforms that assemble in response to danger or microbial signals. Upon activation, inflammasomes mediate innate immune defense by favoring the release of proinflammatory cytokines and triggering pyroptotic cell death. Nevertheless, abnormalities in inflammasome functioning can result in a variety of human diseases such as autoimmune disorders and cancer. A growing body of evidence has showed that SARS-CoV-2 infection can induce inflammasome assembly. Dysregulated inflammasome activation and consequent cytokine burst have been associated with COVID-19 severity, alluding to the implication of inflammasomes in COVID-19 pathophysiology. Accordingly, an improved understanding of inflammasome-mediated inflammatory cascades in COVID-19 is essential to uncover the immunological mechanisms of COVID-19 pathology and identify effective therapeutic approaches for this devastating disease. In this review, we summarize the most recent findings on the interplay between SARS-CoV-2 and inflammasomes and the contribution of activated inflammasomes to COVID-19 progression. We dissect the mechanisms involving the inflammasome machinery in COVID-19 immunopathogenesis. In addition, we provide an overview of inflammasome-targeted therapies or antagonists that have potential clinical utility in COVID-19 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Wang
- *Correspondence: Man Wang, ; Peifeng Li,
| | | | | | | | | | - Peifeng Li
- *Correspondence: Man Wang, ; Peifeng Li,
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17
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Lucane Z, Slisere B, Gersone G, Papirte S, Gailite L, Tretjakovs P, Kurjane N. Cytokine Response Following SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Stimulation in Patients with Predominantly Antibody Deficiencies. Viruses 2023; 15:v15051146. [PMID: 37243231 DOI: 10.3390/v15051146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Predominantly antibody deficiencies (PADs) are inborn disorders characterized by immune dysregulation and increased susceptibility to infections. Response to vaccination, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), may be impaired in these patients, and studies on responsiveness correlates, including cytokine signatures to antigen stimulation, are sparse. In this study, we aimed to describe the spike-specific cytokine response following whole-blood stimulation with SARS-CoV-2 spike peptides in patients with PAD (n = 16 with common variable immunodeficiency and n = 15 with selective IgA deficiency) and its relationship with the occurrence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during up to 10-month follow-up period. Spike-induced antibody and cytokine production was measured using ELISA (anti-spike IgG, IFN-γ) and xMAP technology (interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-15, IL-17A, IL-21, TNF-α, TGF-β1). No difference was found in the production of cytokines between patients with PAD and controls. Anti-spike IgG and cytokine levels did not predict contraction of COVID-19. The only cytokine that distinguished between vaccinated and naturally infected unvaccinated PAD patients was IFN-γ (median 0.64 (IQR = 1.08) in vaccinated vs. 0.10 (IQR = 0.28) in unvaccinated). This study describes the spike-specific cytokine response to SARS-CoV-2 antigens, which is not predictive of contracting COVID-19 during the follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zane Lucane
- Department of Biology and Microbiology, Riga Stradins University, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
| | - Baiba Slisere
- The Joint Laboratory, Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, LV-1002 Riga, Latvia
- Department of Internal Diseases, Riga Stradins University, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
| | - Gita Gersone
- Department of Human Physiology and Biochemistry, Riga Stradins University, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
| | - Sindija Papirte
- Faculty of Medicine, Riga Stradins University, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
| | - Linda Gailite
- Scientific Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Riga Stradins University, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
| | - Peteris Tretjakovs
- Department of Human Physiology and Biochemistry, Riga Stradins University, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
| | - Natalja Kurjane
- Department of Biology and Microbiology, Riga Stradins University, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
- Outpatient Clinic, Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, LV-1002 Riga, Latvia
- Outpatient Clinic, Children's Clinical University Hospital, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia
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18
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Dutta D, Liu J, Xiong H. The Impact of COVID-19 on People Living with HIV-1 and HIV-1-Associated Neurological Complications. Viruses 2023; 15:1117. [PMID: 37243203 PMCID: PMC10223371 DOI: 10.3390/v15051117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative pathogen of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a fatal respiratory illness. The associated risk factors for COVID-19 are old age and medical comorbidities. In the current combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) era, a significant portion of people living with HIV-1 (PLWH) with controlled viremia is older and with comorbidities, making these people vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19-associated severe outcomes. Additionally, SARS-CoV-2 is neurotropic and causes neurological complications, resulting in a health burden and an adverse impact on PLWH and exacerbating HIV-1-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND). The impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 severity on neuroinflammation, the development of HAND and preexisting HAND is poorly explored. In the present review, we compiled the current knowledge of differences and similarities between SARS-CoV-2 and HIV-1, the conditions of the SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 and HIV-1/AIDS syndemic and their impact on the central nervous system (CNS). Risk factors of COVID-19 on PLWH and neurological manifestations, inflammatory mechanisms leading to the neurological syndrome, the development of HAND, and its influence on preexisting HAND are also discussed. Finally, we have reviewed the challenges of the present syndemic on the world population, with a particular emphasis on PLWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debashis Dutta
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5880, USA
| | | | - Huangui Xiong
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5880, USA
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19
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Root-Bernstein R. From Co-Infections to Autoimmune Disease via Hyperactivated Innate Immunity: COVID-19 Autoimmune Coagulopathies, Autoimmune Myocarditis and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24033001. [PMID: 36769320 PMCID: PMC9917907 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24033001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Neutrophilia and the production of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are two of many measures of increased inflammation in severe COVID-19 that also accompany its autoimmune complications, including coagulopathies, myocarditis and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). This paper integrates currently disparate measures of innate hyperactivation in severe COVID-19 and its autoimmune complications, and relates these to SARS-CoV-2 activation of innate immunity. Aggregated data include activation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs), nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD) receptors, NOD leucine-rich repeat and pyrin-domain-containing receptors (NLRPs), retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) and melanoma-differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA-5). SARS-CoV-2 mainly activates the virus-associated innate receptors TLR3, TLR7, TLR8, NLRP3, RIG-1 and MDA-5. Severe COVID-19, however, is characterized by additional activation of TLR1, TLR2, TLR4, TLR5, TLR6, NOD1 and NOD2, which are primarily responsive to bacterial antigens. The innate activation patterns in autoimmune coagulopathies, myocarditis and Kawasaki disease, or MIS-C, mimic those of severe COVID-19 rather than SARS-CoV-2 alone suggesting that autoimmunity follows combined SARS-CoV-2-bacterial infections. Viral and bacterial receptors are known to synergize to produce the increased inflammation required to support autoimmune disease pathology. Additional studies demonstrate that anti-bacterial antibodies are also required to account for known autoantigen targets in COVID-19 autoimmune complications.
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20
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Babazadeh Z. Involvement of NLRP3 Inflammasome in SARS-Cov-2-Induced Multiorgan Dysfunction in Patients with COVID-19: A Review of Molecular Mechanisms. TANAFFOS 2023; 22:40-52. [PMID: 37920322 PMCID: PMC10618576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat protein- 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a critical component of the innate immune system. The inflammasome activation is correlated with the COVID- 19 severity. Furthermore, the underlying conditions are accompanied by hyperactivation of NLRP3 inflammasome and poor outcomes. Herein, we presented the involvement of NLRP3 inflammasome in the pathogenies of SARS-CoV-2-induced multiorgan dysfunction and potential therapeutics. Overexpression of NLRP3 inflammasome components and subsequently increased levels of cytokines following viral infection leads to the cytokine storm and indirectly affects the organ functions. Besides, invading host cells via SARS-CoV-2 further activates the NLRP3 inflammasome and induces pyroptosis in immune cells, resulting in the secretion of higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines into the extracellular matrix. These events continued by induction of fibrosis and organ dysfunction following infection with SARS-CoV-2 in critically ill patients. This condition can be observed in individuals with comorbidities (e.g., diabetes, obesity, etc.) due to a primed state of immunity, which can cause severe disease or death in this population. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms underlying host-SARS-CoV-2 interaction may help to clarify the pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2- induced multiorgan dysfunction and introduce potential therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Babazadeh
- Department of Anatomical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
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21
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Forsyth CB, Zhang L, Bhushan A, Swanson B, Zhang L, Mamede JI, Voigt RM, Shaikh M, Engen PA, Keshavarzian A. The SARS-CoV-2 S1 Spike Protein Promotes MAPK and NF-kB Activation in Human Lung Cells and Inflammatory Cytokine Production in Human Lung and Intestinal Epithelial Cells. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10101996. [PMID: 36296272 PMCID: PMC9607240 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10101996] [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: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic began in January 2020 in Wuhan, China, with a new coronavirus designated SARS-CoV-2. The principal cause of death from COVID-19 disease quickly emerged as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). A key ARDS pathogenic mechanism is the “Cytokine Storm”, which is a dramatic increase in inflammatory cytokines in the blood. In the last two years of the pandemic, a new pathology has emerged in some COVID-19 survivors, in which a variety of long-term symptoms occur, a condition called post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) or “Long COVID”. Therefore, there is an urgent need to better understand the mechanisms of the virus. The spike protein on the surface of the virus is composed of joined S1–S2 subunits. Upon S1 binding to the ACE2 receptor on human cells, the S1 subunit is cleaved and the S2 subunit mediates the entry of the virus. The S1 protein is then released into the blood, which might be one of the pivotal triggers for the initiation and/or perpetuation of the cytokine storm. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the S1 spike protein is sufficient to activate inflammatory signaling and cytokine production, independent of the virus. Our data support a possible role for the S1 spike protein in the activation of inflammatory signaling and cytokine production in human lung and intestinal epithelial cells in culture. These data support a potential role for the SARS-CoV-2 S1 spike protein in COVID-19 pathogenesis and PASC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher B. Forsyth
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Rush Center for Integrated Microbiome and Chronobiology Research, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Graduate College, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Lijuan Zhang
- Rush Center for Integrated Microbiome and Chronobiology Research, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Abhinav Bhushan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL 60616, USA
| | - Barbara Swanson
- Department of Adult Health & Gerontological Nursing, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - João I. Mamede
- Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Robin M. Voigt
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Rush Center for Integrated Microbiome and Chronobiology Research, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Graduate College, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Maliha Shaikh
- Rush Center for Integrated Microbiome and Chronobiology Research, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Phillip A. Engen
- Rush Center for Integrated Microbiome and Chronobiology Research, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Ali Keshavarzian
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Rush Center for Integrated Microbiome and Chronobiology Research, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Graduate College, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Correspondence:
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22
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Potere N, Del Buono MG, Caricchio R, Cremer PC, Vecchié A, Porreca E, Dalla Gasperina D, Dentali F, Abbate A, Bonaventura A. Interleukin-1 and the NLRP3 inflammasome in COVID-19: Pathogenetic and therapeutic implications. EBioMedicine 2022; 85:104299. [PMID: 36209522 PMCID: PMC9536001 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A hyperinflammatory response during severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection crucially worsens clinical evolution of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) triggers the activation of the NACHT, leucine-rich repeat, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. Enhanced inflammasome activity has been associated with increased disease severity and poor prognosis. Evidence suggests that inflammasome activation and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) release aggravate pulmonary injury and induce hypercoagulability, favoring progression to respiratory failure and widespread thrombosis eventually leading to multiorgan failure and death. Observational studies with the IL-1 blockers anakinra and canakinumab provided promising results. In the SAVE-MORE trial, early treatment with anakinra significantly shortened hospital stay and improved survival in patients with moderate-to-severe COVID-19. In this review, we summarize current evidence supporting the pathogenetic role of the NLRP3 inflammasome and IL-1β in COVID-19, and discuss clinical trials testing IL-1 inhibition in COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Potere
- Department of Medicine and Ageing Sciences and Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, G. D'Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Marco Giuseppe Del Buono
- Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Paul C. Cremer
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Heart, Vascular, and Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Alessandra Vecchié
- Medicina Generale 1, Medical Center, Ospedale di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi, Department of Internal Medicine, ASST Sette Laghi, Varese, Italy
| | - Ettore Porreca
- Department of Medicine and Ageing Sciences and Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, G. D'Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Dentali
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Antonio Abbate
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Aldo Bonaventura
- Medicina Generale 1, Medical Center, Ospedale di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi, Department of Internal Medicine, ASST Sette Laghi, Varese, Italy,Corresponding author.
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23
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Cari L, Naghavi Alhosseini M, Bergamo A, Pacor S, Pierno S, Sava G, Nocentini G. Thrombotic events with or without thrombocytopenia in recipients of adenovirus-based COVID-19 vaccines. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:967926. [PMID: 36247442 PMCID: PMC9556888 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.967926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19, the severe acute respiratory syndrome, is one of the major emergencies that have affected health care systems. Drugs and oxygen are only partially effective in saving lives in patients with severe COVID-19, and the most important protection from death is vaccination. The widespread use of COVID-19 adenovirus-based vaccines has provided evidence for the occurrence of rare venous thrombotic events including cerebral venous thrombosis and splanchnic venous thrombosis in recipients of Vaxzevria and Jcovden vaccines and the review focus on them. One year ago, thromboses in Vaxzevria recipients have been associated with thrombocytopenia in the presence of antibodies to platelet factor 4 and have been called vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT). The incidence of VITT is equal to 9-31 events per one million doses of vaccines as evaluated by health agencies worldwide and is higher in female and young vaccine recipients. More recently, by using the European EudraVigilance database, it has been demonstrated that the incidence of thrombosis in recipients of adenovirus-based vaccines is 5–10 fold higher than that of VITT and 7–12 fold higher than observed in the recipients of Comirnaty, an mRNA-based vaccine, suggesting that adenovirus-based vaccines cause not only VITT but also thrombosis without thrombocytopenia (non-VITT thrombosis). The incidence of the vaccine-dependent non-VITT thrombosis is different in the adenovirus-based vaccines and the VITT/non-VITT incidence ratio depends on the severity of thrombosis and is inversely related to the age of the recipients. The possible causes and clinical implications of non-VITT thrombosis in vaccine recipients are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Cari
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Alberta Bergamo
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Sabrina Pacor
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Sabata Pierno
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Gianni Sava
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Nocentini
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- *Correspondence: Giuseppe Nocentini,
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24
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Halajian EA, LeBlanc EV, Gee K, Colpitts CC. Activation of TLR4 by viral glycoproteins: A double-edged sword? Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1007081. [PMID: 36246240 PMCID: PMC9557975 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1007081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Recognition of viral infection by pattern recognition receptors is paramount for a successful immune response to viral infection. However, an unbalanced proinflammatory response can be detrimental to the host. Recently, multiple studies have identified that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein activates Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), resulting in the induction of proinflammatory cytokine expression. Activation of TLR4 by viral glycoproteins has also been observed in the context of other viral infection models, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), dengue virus (DENV) and Ebola virus (EBOV). However, the mechanisms involved in virus-TLR4 interactions have remained unclear. Here, we review viral glycoproteins that act as pathogen-associated molecular patterns to induce an immune response via TLR4. We explore the current understanding of the mechanisms underlying how viral glycoproteins are recognized by TLR4 and discuss the contribution of TLR4 activation to viral pathogenesis. We identify contentious findings and research gaps that highlight the importance of understanding viral glycoprotein-mediated TLR4 activation for potential therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Katrina Gee
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Che C. Colpitts
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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25
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Zhong Y, Ashley CL, Steain M, Ataide SF. Assessing the suitability of long non-coding RNAs as therapeutic targets and biomarkers in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:975322. [PMID: 36052163 PMCID: PMC9424846 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.975322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are RNA transcripts that are over 200 nucleotides and rarely encode proteins or peptides. They regulate gene expression and protein activities and are heavily involved in many cellular processes such as cytokine secretion in respond to viral infection. In severe COVID-19 cases, hyperactivation of the immune system may cause an abnormally sharp increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines, known as cytokine release syndrome (CRS), which leads to severe tissue damage or even organ failure, raising COVID-19 mortality rate. In this review, we assessed the correlation between lncRNAs expression and cytokine release syndrome by comparing lncRNA profiles between COVID-19 patients and health controls, as well as between severe and non-severe cases. We also discussed the role of lncRNAs in CRS contributors and showed that the lncRNA profiles display consistency with patients’ clinic symptoms, thus suggesting the potential of lncRNAs as drug targets or biomarkers in COVID-19 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichen Zhong
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Caroline L. Ashley
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Megan Steain
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sandro Fernandes Ataide
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Sandro Fernandes Ataide,
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26
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Cinquegrani G, Spigoni V, Iannozzi NT, Parello V, Bonadonna RC, Dei Cas A. SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein is not pro-inflammatory in human primary macrophages: endotoxin contamination and lack of protein glycosylation as possible confounders. Cell Biol Toxicol 2022; 38:667-678. [PMID: 35015170 PMCID: PMC8749924 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-021-09693-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The inflammatory potential of SARS-CoV-2 Spike S1 (Spike) has never been tested in human primary macrophages (MΦ). Different recombinant Spikes might display different effects in vitro, according to protein length and glycosylation, and endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) contamination. OBJECTIVES To assess (1) the effects of different Spikes on human primary MΦ inflammation; (2) whether LPS contamination of recombinant Spike is (con)cause in vitro of increased MΦ inflammation. METHODS Human primary MΦ were incubated in the presence/absence of several different Spikes (10 nM) or graded concentrations of LPS. Pro-inflammatory marker expression (qPCR and ELISA) and supernatant endotoxin contamination (LAL test) were the main readouts. RESULTS LPS-free, glycosylated Spike (the form expressed in infected humans) caused no inflammation in human primary MΦ. Two (out of five) Spikes were contaminated with endotoxins ≥ 3 EU/ml and triggered inflammation. A non-contaminated non-glycosylated Spike produced in E. coli induced MΦ inflammation. CONCLUSIONS Glycosylated Spike per se is not pro-inflammatory for human MΦ, a feature which may be crucial to evade the host innate immunity. In vitro studies with commercially available Spike should be conducted with excruciating attention to potential LPS contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Cinquegrani
- Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Valentina Spigoni
- Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Nicolas Thomas Iannozzi
- Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Vanessa Parello
- Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Riccardo C. Bonadonna
- Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Alessandra Dei Cas
- Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
- Departmental Unit of Nutritional and Metabolic Sciences, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
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27
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Acquisition of Furin Cleavage Site and Further SARS-CoV-2 Evolution Change the Mechanisms of Viral Entry, Infection Spread, and Cell Signaling. J Virol 2022; 96:e0075322. [PMID: 35876526 PMCID: PMC9364789 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00753-22] [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] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Circulation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the human population leads to further viral evolution. The new variants that arise during this evolution are more infectious. Our data suggest that newer variants have shifted from utilizing both cathepsin/endosome- and TMPRSS2-mediated entry mechanisms to rely on a TMPRSS2-dependent entry pathway. Accordingly, only the early lineages of SARS-CoV-2 are capable of infecting and forming syncytia in Vero/ACE2 cells which lack TMPRSS2 expression. The presence of an intact multibasic furin cleavage site (FCS) in the S protein was a key requirement for cell-to-cell fusion. Deletion of FCS makes SARS-CoV-2 more infectious in vitro but renders it incapable of syncytium formation. Cell-to-cell fusion likely represents an alternative means of virus spread and is resistant to the presence of high levels of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) and immune sera in the media. In this study, we also noted that cells infected with SARS-CoV-2 with an intact FCS or alphavirus replicon expressing S protein (VEErep/S) released high levels of free S1 subunit. The released S1 is capable of activating the TLR4 receptor and inducing a pro-inflammatory response. Thus, S1 activation of TLR4 may be an important contributor to SARS-CoV-2-induced COVID-19 disease and needs to be considered in the design of COVID mRNA vaccines. Lastly, a VEErep/S-replicon was shown to produce large amounts of infectious, syncytium-forming pseudoviruses and thus could represent alternative experimental system for screening inhibitors of virus entry and syncytium formation. IMPORTANCE The results of this study demonstrate that the late lineages of SARS-CoV-2 evolved to more efficient use of the TMPRSS2-mediated entry pathway and gradually lost an ability to employ the cathepsins/endosome-mediated entry. The acquisition of a furin cleavage site (FCS) by SARS-CoV-2-specific S protein made the virus a potent producer of syncytia. Their formation is also determined by expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 and is resistant to neutralizing human MAbs and immune sera. Syncytium formation appears to be an alternative means of infection spread following the development of an adaptive immune response. Cells infected with SARS-CoV-2 with an intact FCS secrete high levels of the S1 subunit. The released S1 demonstrates an ability to activate the TLR4 receptor and induce pro-inflammatory cytokines, which represent a hallmark of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis. Alphavirus replicons encoding SARS-CoV-2 S protein cause spreading, syncytium-forming infection, and they can be applied as an experimental tool for studying the mechanism of syncytium formation.
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28
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Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and Peonidin-3-O-glucoside-Rich Fraction of Black Rice Germ and Bran Suppresses Inflammatory Responses from SARS-CoV-2 Spike Glycoprotein S1-Induction In Vitro in A549 Lung Cells and THP-1 Macrophages via Inhibition of the NLRP3 Inflammasome Pathway. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14132738. [PMID: 35807916 PMCID: PMC9268823 DOI: 10.3390/nu14132738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Black rice is a functional food that is high in anthocyanin content, primarily C3G and P3G. It possesses nutraceutical properties that exhibit a range of beneficial effects on human health. Currently, the spike glycoprotein S1 subunit of SARS-CoV-2 (SP) has been reported for its contribution to pathological inflammatory responses in targeting lung tissue and innate immune cells during COVID-19 infection and in the long-COVID phenomenon. Our objectives focused on the health benefits of the C3G and P3G-rich fraction of black rice germ and bran (BR extract) on the inhibition of inflammatory responses induced by SP, as well as the inhibition of NF-kB activation and the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in an in vitro model. In this study, BR extract was identified for its active anthocyanins, C3G and P3G, using the HPLC technique. A549-lung cells and differentiated THP-1 macrophages were treated with BR extract, C3G, or P3G prior to exposure to 100 ng/mL of SP. Their anti-inflammatory properties were then determined. BR extract at concentrations of 12.5−100 μg/mL exhibited anti-inflammation activity for both A549 and THP-1 cells through the significant suppression of NLRP3, IL-1β, and IL-18 inflammatory gene expressions and IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-18 cytokine secretions in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). It was determined that both cell lines, C3G and P3G (at 1.25−10 μg/mL), were compatibly responsible for the significant inhibition of SP-induced inflammatory responses for both gene and protein levels (p < 0.05). With regard to the anti-inflammation mechanism, BR extract, C3G, and P3G could attenuate SP-induced inflammation via counteraction with NF-kB activation and downregulation of the inflammasome-dependent inflammatory pathway proteins (NLRP3, ASC, and capase-1). Overall, the protective effects of anthocyanins obtained from black rice germ and bran can be employed in potentially preventive strategies that use pigmented rice against the long-term sequelae of COVID-19 infection.
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Fnu G, Hudock K, Powers-Fletcher M, Huang RP, Weber GF. Induction of a Cytokine Storm Involves Suppression of the Osteopontin-Dependent TH1 Response. Immunol Suppl 2022; 167:165-180. [PMID: 35752943 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13524] [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: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cytokine release syndromes represent a severe turn in certain disease states, which may be caused by several infections, including those with the virus SARS-CoV-2. This inefficient, even harmful, immune response has been associated with a broad release of chemokines. Although a cellular (type I) immune reaction is efficacious against viral infections, we noted a type I deficit in the cytokine patterns produced by cytokine storms of all reported etiologies. Agents including lipopolysaccharide (LPS, bacterial), anti-CD3 (antibody) and a version of the prominent SARS-CoV-2 viral surface molecule, Spike Glycoprotein, were individually sufficient to induce IL-6 and multiple chemokines in mice. They failed to upregulate the TH1 inducer cytokine Osteopontin, and the pathophysiologic triggers actually suppressed the PMA-induced Osteopontin secretion from monocytic cells. Osteopontin administration partially reversed the chemokine elevation, more effectively so in a mouse strain with TH1 bias. Corroboration was obtained from the inverse correlation in the levels of IL-6 and Osteopontin in plasma samples from acute COVID-19 patients. We hypothesize that the inhibition of Osteopontin by SARS-CoV-2 Spike Glycoprotein or LPS represents an immune evasion mechanism employed by the pathogens of origin. The ensuing dysfunctional inflammatory response promotes a vicious cycle of amplification, resulting in a cytokine storm. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulimirerouzi Fnu
- University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Kristin Hudock
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine; Division of Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
| | | | | | - Georg F Weber
- University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Unbalanced IDO1/IDO2 Endothelial Expression and Skewed Keynurenine Pathway in the Pathogenesis of COVID-19 and Post-COVID-19 Pneumonia. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061332. [PMID: 35740354 PMCID: PMC9220124 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite intense investigation, the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and the newly defined long COVID-19 syndrome are not fully understood. Increasing evidence has been provided of metabolic alterations characterizing this group of disorders, with particular relevance of an activated tryptophan/kynurenine pathway as described in this review. Recent histological studies have documented that, in COVID-19 patients, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) enzymes are differentially expressed in the pulmonary blood vessels, i.e., IDO1 prevails in early/mild pneumonia and in lung tissues from patients suffering from long COVID-19, whereas IDO2 is predominant in severe/fatal cases. We hypothesize that IDO1 is necessary for a correct control of the vascular tone of pulmonary vessels, and its deficiency in COVID-19 might be related to the syndrome’s evolution toward vascular dysfunction. The complexity of this scenario is discussed in light of possible therapeutic manipulations of the tryptophan/kynurenine pathway in COVID-19 and post-acute COVID-19 syndromes.
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Lu J, Zhang Y, Qi D, Yan C, Wu B, Huang JH, Yao J, Wu E, Zhang G. An L-theanine derivative targets against SARS-CoV-2 and its Delta and Omicron variants. Heliyon 2022; 8:e09660. [PMID: 35706933 PMCID: PMC9181633 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent research efforts have shown that tea has activities against SARS-CoV-2. However, the active compounds and the action mechanisms are largely unknown. Here we study the inhibitory potential of L-theanine from tea and its semi-synthesized derivative, a small-molecule fluorescent compound, ethyl 6-bromocoumarin-3-carboxylyl L-theanine (TBrC) against infection and replication of SARS-CoV-2 and the underlying mechanisms of action. We reveal that TBrC has potential activities against SARS-CoV-2 in addition to its activity against lung cancer. TBrC showed extracellular inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro/3CL and the host cell receptor ACE2 while interacting with the viral spike glycoproteins (wild-type, Delta, and Omicron mutants). Moreover, TBrC and L-theanine significantly suppressed growth and TNFα-induced nuclear transcriptional activation of NF-κB in human lung cancer cells without affecting the viability of normal lung cells, suggesting a potential protection of TBrC and L-theanine from pulmonary damages in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients, especially for lung cancer patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Lu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong, 264005, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong, 264005, China.,Shandong YingdongYinghao Biotechnology Inc., Yantai, Shandong, 264670, China.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, 58105, USA
| | - Dan Qi
- Neuroscience Institute, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, Texas, 76502, USA
| | - Chunyan Yan
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong, 264005, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital (Laishan branch), Yantai, Shandong, 264003, China
| | - Benhao Wu
- Shandong YingdongYinghao Biotechnology Inc., Yantai, Shandong, 264670, China
| | - Jason H Huang
- Neuroscience Institute, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, Texas, 76502, USA.,College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Jianwen Yao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong, 264005, China
| | - Erxi Wu
- Neuroscience Institute, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, Texas, 76502, USA.,College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.,College of Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.,LIVESTRONG Cancer Institutes and Department of Oncology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Guoying Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong, 264005, China
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Kircheis R, Planz O. Could a Lower Toll-like Receptor (TLR) and NF-κB Activation Due to a Changed Charge Distribution in the Spike Protein Be the Reason for the Lower Pathogenicity of Omicron? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23115966. [PMID: 35682644 PMCID: PMC9180620 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23115966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The novel SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant B.1.1.529, which emerged in late 2021, is currently active worldwide, replacing other variants, including the Delta variant, due to an enormously increased infectivity. Multiple substitutions and deletions in the N-terminal domain (NTD) and the receptor binding domain (RBD) in the spike protein collaborate with the observed increased infectivity and evasion from therapeutic monoclonal antibodies and vaccine-induced neutralizing antibodies after primary/secondary immunization. In contrast, although three mutations near the S1/S2 furin cleavage site were predicted to favor cleavage, observed cleavage efficacy is substantially lower than in the Delta variant and also lower compared to the wild-type virus correlating with significantly lower TMPRSS2-dependent replication in the lungs, and lower cellular syncytium formation. In contrast, the Omicron variant shows high TMPRSS2-independent replication in the upper airway organs, but lower pathogenicity in animal studies and clinics. Based on recent data, we present here a hypothesis proposing that the changed charge distribution in the Omicron’s spike protein could lead to lower activation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in innate immune cells, resulting in lower NF-κB activation, furin expression, and viral replication in the lungs, and lower immune hyper-activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Kircheis
- Syntacoll GmbH, 93342 Saal an der Donau, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-151-167-90606
| | - Oliver Planz
- Interfaculty Institute for Cell Biology, Department of Immunology, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany;
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Yi YS. Potential benefits of ginseng against COVID-19 by targeting inflammasomes. J Ginseng Res 2022; 46:722-730. [PMID: 35399195 PMCID: PMC8979607 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgr.2022.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the pathogenic virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), with major symptoms including hyper-inflammation and cytokine storm, which consequently impairs the respiratory system and multiple organs, or even cause death. SARS-CoV-2 activates inflammasomes and inflammasome-mediated inflammatory signaling pathways, which are key determinants of hyperinflammation and cytokine storm in COVID-19 patients. Additionally, SARS-CoV-2 inhibits inflammasome activation to evade the host's antiviral immunity. Therefore, regulating inflammasome initiation has received increasing attention as a preventive measure in COVID-19 patients. Ginseng and its major active constituents, ginsenosides and saponins, improve the immune system and exert anti-inflammatory effects by targeting inflammasome stimulation. Therefore, this review discussed the potential preventive and therapeutic roles of ginseng in COVID-19 based on its regulatory role in inflammasome initiation and the host's antiviral immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Su Yi
- Department of Life Sciences, Kyonggi University, 154-42 Gwanggyosan-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, 16227, Republic of Korea.
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Barilli A, Visigalli R, Ferrari F, Bianchi MG, Dall’Asta V, Rotoli BM. Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Responses of Alveolar Epithelial Cells: Implications for COVID-19 Lung Pathology. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10030618. [PMID: 35327420 PMCID: PMC8945544 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background. Clinical and experimental evidence point to a dysregulated immune response caused by SARS-CoV-2 as the primary mechanism of lung disease in COVID-19. However, the pathogenic mechanisms underlying COVID-19-associated ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) remain incompletely understood. This study aims to explore the inflammatory responses of alveolar epithelial cells to either the spike S1 protein or to a mixture of cytokines secreted by S1-activated macrophages. Methods and Results. The exposure of alveolar A549 cells to supernatants from spike-activated macrophages caused a further release of inflammatory mediators, with IL-8 reaching massive concentrations. The investigation of the molecular pathways indicated that NF-kB is involved in the transcription of IP-10 and RANTES, while STATs drive the expression of all the cytokines/chemokines tested, with the exception of IL-8 which is regulated by AP-1. Cytokines/chemokines produced by spike-activated macrophages are also likely responsible for the observed dysfunction of barrier integrity in Human Alveolar Epithelial Lentivirus-immortalized cells (hAELVi), as demonstrated by an increased permeability of the monolayers to mannitol, a marked decrease of TEER and a disorganization of claudin-7 distribution. Conclusion. Upon exposure to supernatants from S1-activated macrophages, A549 cells act both as targets and sources of cytokines/chemokines, suggesting that alveolar epithelium along with activated macrophages may orchestrate lung inflammation and contribute to alveolar injury, a hallmark of ARDS.
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Frank MG, Nguyen KH, Ball JB, Hopkins S, Kelley T, Baratta MV, Fleshner M, Maier SF. SARS-CoV-2 spike S1 subunit induces neuroinflammatory, microglial and behavioral sickness responses: Evidence of PAMP-like properties. Brain Behav Immun 2022; 100:267-277. [PMID: 34915155 PMCID: PMC8667429 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection produces neuroinflammation as well as neurological, cognitive (i.e., brain fog), and neuropsychiatric symptoms (e.g., depression, anxiety), which can persist for an extended period (6 months) after resolution of the infection. The neuroimmune mechanism(s) that produces SARS-CoV-2-induced neuroinflammation has not been characterized. Proposed mechanisms include peripheral cytokine signaling to the brain and/or direct viral infection of the CNS. Here, we explore the novel hypothesis that a structural protein (S1) derived from SARS-CoV-2 functions as a pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) to induce neuroinflammatory processes independent of viral infection. Prior evidence suggests that the S1 subunit of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is inflammatory in vitro and signals through the pattern recognition receptor TLR4. Therefore, we examined whether the S1 subunit is sufficient to drive 1) a behavioral sickness response, 2) a neuroinflammatory response, 3) direct activation of microglia in vitro, and 4) activation of transgenic human TLR2 and TLR4 HEK293 cells. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected intra-cisterna magna (ICM) with vehicle or S1. In-cage behavioral monitoring (8 h post-ICM) demonstrated that S1 reduced several behaviors, including total activity, self-grooming, and wall-rearing. S1 also increased social avoidance in the juvenile social exploration test (24 h post-ICM). S1 increased and/or modulated neuroimmune gene expression (Iba1, Cd11b, MhcIIα, Cd200r1, Gfap, Tlr2, Tlr4, Nlrp3, Il1b, Hmgb1) and protein levels (IFNγ, IL-1β, TNF, CXCL1, IL-2, IL-10), which varied across brain regions (hypothalamus, hippocampus, and frontal cortex) and time (24 h and 7d) post-S1 treatment. Direct exposure of microglia to S1 resulted in increased gene expression (Il1b, Il6, Tnf, Nlrp3) and protein levels (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF, CXCL1, IL-10). S1 also activated TLR2 and TLR4 receptor signaling in HEK293 transgenic cells. Taken together, these findings suggest that structural proteins derived from SARS-CoV-2 might function independently as PAMPs to induce neuroinflammatory processes via pattern recognition receptor engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew G Frank
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80301, United States.
| | - Kathy H Nguyen
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80301, United States
| | - Jayson B Ball
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80301, United States
| | - Shelby Hopkins
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80301, United States
| | - Tel Kelley
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80301, United States
| | - Michael V Baratta
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80301, United States
| | - Monika Fleshner
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80301, United States
| | - Steven F Maier
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80301, United States
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Dutta D, Liu J, Xiong H. NLRP3 inflammasome activation and SARS-CoV-2-mediated hyperinflammation, cytokine storm and neurological syndromes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY, PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2022; 14:138-160. [PMID: 35891930 PMCID: PMC9301183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Despite the introduction of vaccines and drugs for SARS-CoV-2, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread throughout the world. In severe COVID-19 patients, elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines have been detected in the blood, lung cells, and bronchoalveolar lavage, which is referred to as a cytokine storm, a consequence of overactivation of the NLR family pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and resultant excessive cytokine production. The hyperinflammatory response and cytokine storm cause multiorgan impairment including the central nervous system, in addition to a detriment to the respiratory system. Hyperactive NLRP3 inflammasome, due to dysregulated immune response, is the primary cause of COVID-19 severity. The severity could be enhanced due to viral evolution leading to the emergence of mutated variants of concern, such as delta and omicron. In this review, we elaborate on the inflammatory responses associated with the NLRP3 inflammasome activation in COVID-19 pathogenesis, the mechanisms for the NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pathway involved, cytokine storm, and neurological complications as long-term consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Also discussed is the therapeutic potential of NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors for the treatment of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debashis Dutta
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha, NE 68198-5880, USA
| | - Jianuo Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha, NE 68198-5880, USA
| | - Huangui Xiong
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha, NE 68198-5880, USA
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Olajide OA, Iwuanyanwu VU, Adegbola OD, Al-Hindawi AA. SARS-CoV-2 Spike Glycoprotein S1 Induces Neuroinflammation in BV-2 Microglia. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 59:445-458. [PMID: 34709564 PMCID: PMC8551352 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02593-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In addition to respiratory complications produced by SARS‐CoV‐2, accumulating evidence suggests that some neurological symptoms are associated with the disease caused by this coronavirus. In this study, we investigated the effects of the SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein S1 stimulation on neuroinflammation in BV-2 microglia. Analyses of culture supernatants revealed an increase in the production of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and iNOS/NO. S1 also increased protein levels of phospho-p65 and phospho-IκBα, as well as enhanced DNA binding and transcriptional activity of NF-κB. These effects of the protein were blocked in the presence of BAY11-7082 (1 µM). Exposure of S1 to BV-2 microglia also increased the protein levels of NLRP3 inflammasome and enhanced caspase-1 activity. Increased protein levels of p38 MAPK was observed in BV-2 microglia stimulated with the spike protein S1 (100 ng/ml), an action that was reduced in the presence of SKF 86,002 (1 µM). Results of immunofluorescence microscopy showed an increase in TLR4 protein expression in S1-stimulated BV-2 microglia. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition with TAK 242 (1 µM) and transfection with TLR4 small interfering RNA resulted in significant reduction in TNF-α and IL-6 production in S1-stimulated BV-2 microglia. These results have provided the first evidence demonstrating S1-induced neuroinflammation in BV-2 microglia. We propose that induction of neuroinflammation by this protein in the microglia is mediated through activation of NF-κB and p38 MAPK, possibly as a result of TLR4 activation. These results contribute to our understanding of some of the mechanisms involved in CNS pathologies of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olumayokun A Olajide
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, UK.
| | - Victoria U Iwuanyanwu
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, UK
| | - Oyinkansola D Adegbola
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, UK
| | - Alaa A Al-Hindawi
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, UK
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Olajide OA, Iwuanyanwu VU, Lepiarz-Raba I, Al-Hindawi AA, Aderogba MA, Sharp HL, Nash RJ. Garcinia kola and garcinoic acid suppress SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein S1-induced hyper-inflammation in human PBMCs through inhibition of NF-κB activation. Phytother Res 2021; 35:6963-6973. [PMID: 34697842 PMCID: PMC8661957 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Symptoms and complications associated with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and organ damage have been linked to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein S1-induced increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by immune cells. In this study, the effects of an extract of Garcinia kola seeds and garcinoic acid were investigated in SARS-CoV-2 spike protein S1-stimulated human PBMCs. Results of ELISA experiments revealed that Garcinia kola extract (6.25, 12.5, and 25 μg/ml) and garcinoic acid (1.25, 2.5, and 5 μM) significantly reduced SARS-CoV-2 spike protein S1-induced secretion of TNFα, IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-8 in PBMCs. In-cell western assays showed that pre-treatment with Garcinia kola extract and garcinoic acid reduced expressions of both phospho-p65 and phospho-IκBα proteins, as well as NF-κB DNA binding capacity and NF-κB-driven luciferase expression following stimulation of PBMCs with spike protein S1. Furthermore, pre-treatment of PBMCs with Garcinia kola extract prior to stimulation with SARS-CoV-2 spike protein S1 resulted in reduced damage to adjacent A549 lung epithelial cells. These results suggest that the seed of Garcinia kola and garcinoic acid are natural products which may possess pharmacological/therapeutic benefits in reducing cytokine storm in severe SARS-CoV-2 and other coronavirus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olumayokun A Olajide
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Victoria U Iwuanyanwu
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Izabela Lepiarz-Raba
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Alaa A Al-Hindawi
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Mutalib A Aderogba
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
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Inhaled [D-Ala 2]-Dynorphin 1-6 Prevents Hyperacetylation and Release of High Mobility Group Box 1 in a Mouse Model of Acute Lung Injury. J Immunol Res 2021; 2021:4414544. [PMID: 34616852 PMCID: PMC8490075 DOI: 10.1155/2021/4414544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is a respiratory infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus that can rapidly escalate to life-threatening pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Recently, extracellular high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) has been identified as an essential component of cytokine storms that occur with COVID-19; HMGB1 levels correlate significantly with disease severity. Thus, the modulation of HMGB1 release may be vital for treating COVID-19. HMGB1 is a ubiquitous nuclear DNA-binding protein whose biological function depends on posttranslational modifications, its redox state, and its cellular localization. The acetylation of HMGB1 is a prerequisite for its translocation from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and then to the extracellular milieu. When released, HMGB1 acts as a proinflammatory cytokine that binds primarily to toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and RAGE, thereby stimulating immune cells, endothelial cells, and airway epithelial cells to produce cytokines, chemokines, and other inflammatory mediators. In this study, we demonstrate that inhaled [D-Ala2]-dynorphin 1-6 (leytragin), a peptide agonist of δ-opioid receptors, significantly inhibits HMGB1 secretion in mice with lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced acute lung injury. The mechanism of action involves preventing HMGB1's hyperacetylation at critical lysine residues within nuclear localization sites, as well as promoting the expression of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), an enzyme known to deacetylate HMGB1. Leytragin's effects are mediated by opioid receptors, since naloxone, an antagonist of opioid receptors, abrogates the leytragin effect on SIRT1 expression. Overall, our results identify leytragin as a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of pulmonary inflammation associated with HMGB1 release. In a broader context, we demonstrate that the opioidergic system in the lungs may represent a promising target for the treatment of inflammatory lung diseases.
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Kircheis R. Coagulopathies after Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 May Be Derived from a Combined Effect of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein and Adenovirus Vector-Triggered Signaling Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10791. [PMID: 34639132 PMCID: PMC8509779 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has resulted in a global pandemic with worldwide 6-digit infection rates and thousands of death tolls daily. Enormous efforts are undertaken to achieve high coverage of immunization to reach herd immunity in order to stop the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Several SARS-CoV-2 vaccines based on mRNA, viral vectors, or inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus have been approved and are being applied worldwide. However, the recent increased numbers of normally very rare types of thromboses associated with thrombocytopenia have been reported, particularly in the context of the adenoviral vector vaccine ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 from Astra Zeneca. The statistical prevalence of these side effects seems to correlate with this particular vaccine type, i.e., adenoviral vector-based vaccines, but the exact molecular mechanisms are still not clear. The present review summarizes current data and hypotheses for molecular and cellular mechanisms into one integrated hypothesis indicating that coagulopathies, including thromboses, thrombocytopenia, and other related side effects, are correlated to an interplay of the two components in the vaccine, i.e., the spike antigen and the adenoviral vector, with the innate and immune systems, which under certain circumstances can imitate the picture of a limited COVID-19 pathological picture.
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Inflammatory Response in COVID-19 Patients Resulting from the Interaction of the Inflammasome and SARS-CoV-2. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22157914. [PMID: 34360684 PMCID: PMC8348456 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22157914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) began at the end of 2019. COVID-19 is caused by infection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and patients with COVID-19 may exhibit poor clinical outcomes. Some patients with severe COVID-19 experience cytokine release syndrome (CRS) or a cytokine storm—elevated levels of hyperactivated immune cells—and circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18. This severe inflammatory response can lead to organ damage/failure and even death. The inflammasome is an intracellular immune complex that is responsible for the secretion of IL-1β and IL-18 in various human diseases. Recently, there has been a growing number of studies revealing a link between the inflammasome and COVID-19. Therefore, this article summarizes the current literature regarding the inflammasome complex and COVID-19.
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