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Gao J, Lei P, Su X, Liang J, Ren B, Ma X, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Ma W. In vitro pharmacokinetic behavior in lung of harringtonine, an antagonist of SARS-CoV-2 associated proteins: New insights of inhalation therapy for COVID-19. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 129:155582. [PMID: 38608595 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have shown that harringtonine (HT) could specifically bind with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike (S) protein and host cell transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) to block membrane fusion, which is an effective antagonist for SARS-CoV-2. PURPOSE Our study focused on in-depth exploration of in vitro pharmacokinetic characteristics of HT in lung. METHODS HPLC-fluorescence detection method was used to detect changes of HT content. Incubation systems of lung microsomes for phase I metabolism and UGT incubation systems for phase II metabolism were performed to elucidate metabolites and metabolic mechanisms of HT, and then the metabolic enzyme phenotypes for HT were clarified by chemical inhibition method and recombinant enzyme method. Through metabolomics, we comprehensively evaluated the physiological dynamic changes in SD rat and human lung microsomes, and revealed the relationship between metabolomics and pharmacological activity of HT. RESULTS HPLC-fluorescence detection method showed strong specificity, high accuracy, and good stability for rapid quantification of HT. We confirmed that HT mainly underwent phase I metabolism, and the metabolites of HT in different species were all identified as 4'-demethyl HT, with metabolic pathway being hydrolysis reaction. CYP1A2 and CYP2E1 participated in HT metabolism, but as HT metabolism was not NADPH dependent, the esterase HCES1 in lung also played a role. The main KEGG pathways in SD rat and human lung microsomes were cortisol synthesis and secretion, steroid hormone biosynthesis and linoleic acid metabolism, respectively. The downregulated key biomarkers of 11-deoxycortisol, 21-deoxycortisol and 9(10)-EpOME suggested that HT could prevent immunosuppression and interfere with infection and replication of SARS-CoV-2. CONCLUSION HT was mainly metabolized into 4'-demethyl HT through phase I reactions, which was mediated by CYP1A2, CYP2E1, and HCES1. The downregulation of 11-deoxycortisol, 21-deoxycortisol and 9(10)-EpOME were key ways of HT against SARS-CoV-2. Our study was of great significance for development and clinical application of HT in the treatment of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiapan Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Panpan Lei
- School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Xinyue Su
- School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Jinna Liang
- School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Bingxi Ren
- School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Xiaoyu Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Yuxiu Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Yongjing Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China; Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Weina Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China.
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Qiu X, Zhang H, Tang Z, Fan Y, Yuan W, Feng C, Chen C, Cui P, Cui Y, Qi Z, Li T, Zhu Y, Xie L, Peng F, Deng T, Jiang X, Peng L, Dai H. Homoharringtonine promotes heart allograft acceptance by enhancing regulatory T cells induction in a mouse model. Chin Med J (Engl) 2024; 137:1453-1464. [PMID: 37962205 PMCID: PMC11188914 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002813] [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: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Homoharringtonine (HHT) is an effective anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-tumor protein synthesis inhibitor that has been applied clinically. Here, we explored the therapeutic effects of HHT in a mouse heart transplant model. METHODS Healthy C57BL/6 mice were used to observe the toxicity of HHT in the liver, kidney, and hematology. A mouse heart transplantation model was constructed, and the potential mechanism of HHT prolonging allograft survival was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier analysis, immunostaining, and bulk RNA sequencing analysis. The HHT-T cell crosstalk was modeled ex vivo to further verify the molecular mechanism of HHT-induced regulatory T cells (Tregs) differentiation. RESULTS HHT inhibited the activation and proliferation of T cells and promoted their apoptosis ex vivo . Treatment of 0.5 mg/kg HHT for 10 days significantly prolonged the mean graft survival time of the allografts from 7 days to 48 days ( P <0.001) without non-immune toxicity. The allografts had long-term survival after continuous HHT treatment for 28 days. HHT significantly reduced lymphocyte infiltration in the graft, and interferon-γ-secreting CD4 + and CD8 + T cells in the spleen ( P <0.01). HHT significantly increased the number of peripheral Tregs (about 20%, P <0.001) and serum interleukin (IL)-10 levels. HHT downregulated the expression of T cell receptor (TCR) signaling pathway-related genes ( CD4 , H2-Eb1 , TRAT1 , and CD74 ) and upregulated the expression of IL-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β pathway-related genes and Treg signature genes ( CTLA4 , Foxp3 , CD74 , and ICOS ). HHT increased CD4 + Foxp3 + cells and Foxp3 expression ex vivo , and it enhanced the inhibitory function of inducible Tregs. CONCLUSIONS HHT promotes Treg cell differentiation and enhances Treg suppressive function by attenuating the TCR signaling pathway and upregulating the expression of Treg signature genes and IL-10 levels, thereby promoting mouse heart allograft acceptance. These findings may have therapeutic implications for organ transplant recipients, particularly those with viral infections and malignancies, which require a more suitable anti-rejection medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Qiu
- Medical College, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, China
- Department of Kidney Transplantation, Center of Organ Transplantation, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Hedong Zhang
- Department of Kidney Transplantation, Center of Organ Transplantation, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Zhouqi Tang
- Department of Kidney Transplantation, Center of Organ Transplantation, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Yuxi Fan
- Department of Kidney Transplantation, Center of Organ Transplantation, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Wenjia Yuan
- Department of Kidney Transplantation, Center of Organ Transplantation, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Chen Feng
- Department of Kidney Transplantation, Center of Organ Transplantation, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Chao Chen
- Medical College, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, China
- Department of Kidney Transplantation, Center of Organ Transplantation, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Pengcheng Cui
- Medical College, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, China
- Department of Kidney Transplantation, Center of Organ Transplantation, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Yan Cui
- Medical College, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, China
- Department of Kidney Transplantation, Center of Organ Transplantation, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Zhongquan Qi
- Medical College, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, China
| | - Tengfang Li
- Department of Kidney Transplantation, Center of Organ Transplantation, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Yuexing Zhu
- Medical College, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, China
- Department of Kidney Transplantation, Center of Organ Transplantation, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Liming Xie
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Fenghua Peng
- Department of Kidney Transplantation, Center of Organ Transplantation, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Tuo Deng
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Xin Jiang
- Department of Organ Transplantation, The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Henan University of Chinese Medicine (Zhengzhou People's Hospital), Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, China
| | - Longkai Peng
- Department of Kidney Transplantation, Center of Organ Transplantation, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Helong Dai
- Medical College, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, China
- Department of Kidney Transplantation, Center of Organ Transplantation, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
- Department of Organ Transplantation, The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Henan University of Chinese Medicine (Zhengzhou People's Hospital), Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, China
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Khatua S, Nandi S, Nag A, Sen S, Chakraborty N, Naskar A, Gürer ES, Calina D, Acharya K, Sharifi-Rad J. Homoharringtonine: updated insights into its efficacy in hematological malignancies, diverse cancers and other biomedical applications. Eur J Med Res 2024; 29:269. [PMID: 38704602 PMCID: PMC11069164 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-024-01856-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: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
HHT has emerged as a notable compound in the realm of cancer treatment, particularly for hematological malignancies. Its multifaceted pharmacological properties extend beyond traditional applications, warranting an extensive review of its mechanisms and efficacy. This review aims to synthesize comprehensive insights into the efficacy of HHT in treating hematological malignancies, diverse cancers, and other biomedical applications. It focuses on elucidating the molecular mechanisms, therapeutic potential, and broader applications of HHT. A comprehensive search for peer-reviewed papers was conducted across various academic databases, including ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Scopus, American Chemical Society, Google Scholar, PubMed/MedLine, and Wiley. The review highlights HHT's diverse mechanisms of action, ranging from its role in leukemia treatment to its emerging applications in managing other cancers and various biomedical conditions. It underscores HHT's influence on cellular processes, its efficacy in clinical settings, and its potential to alter pathological pathways. HHT demonstrates significant promise in treating various hematological malignancies and cancers, offering a multifaceted approach to disease management. Its ability to impact various physiological pathways opens new avenues for therapeutic applications. This review provides a consolidated foundation for future research and clinical applications of HHT in diverse medical fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somanjana Khatua
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, 211002, India
| | - Sudeshna Nandi
- Department of Botany, Molecular and Applied Mycology and Plant Pathology Laboratory, University of Calcutta, 35, Ballygung Circular Road, Kolkata, India
| | - Anish Nag
- Department of Life Sciences, CHRIST (Deemed to Be University), Bangalore Central Campus, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Surjit Sen
- Department of Botany, Fakir Chand College, Diamond Harbour, South 24-Parganas, Kolkata, India
| | | | - Arghya Naskar
- Department of Botany, Molecular and Applied Mycology and Plant Pathology Laboratory, University of Calcutta, 35, Ballygung Circular Road, Kolkata, India
| | - Eda Sönmez Gürer
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Daniela Calina
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349, Craiova, Romania.
| | - Krishnendu Acharya
- Department of Botany, Molecular and Applied Mycology and Plant Pathology Laboratory, University of Calcutta, 35, Ballygung Circular Road, Kolkata, India.
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Yang Z, Fu X, Zhao Y, Li X, Long J, Zhang L. Molecular insights into the inhibition mechanism of harringtonine against essential proteins associated with SARS-CoV-2 entry. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 240:124352. [PMID: 37054859 PMCID: PMC10085973 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has recently posed a serious threat to global public health. Harringtonine (HT), as a small-molecule antagonist, has antiviral activity against a variety of viruses. There is evidence that HT can inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 entry into host cells by blocking the Spike protein and transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2). However, the molecular mechanism underlying the inhibition effect of HT is largely elusive. Here, docking and all-atom molecular dynamic simulations were used to investigate the mechanism of HT against the receptor binding domain (RBD) of Spike, TMPRSS2, as well as the complex of RBD and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 complex (RBD-ACE2). The results reveal that HT binds to all proteins primarily through hydrogen bond and hydrophobic interactions. Binding with HT influences the structural stability and dynamic motility processes of each protein. The interactions of HT with residues N33, H34 and K353 of ACE2, and residue K417 and Y453 of RBD contribute to disrupting the binding affinity between RBD and ACE2, which may hinder the virus entry into host cells. Our research provides molecular insights into the inhibition mechanism of HT against SARS-CoV-2 associated proteins, which will help for the novel antiviral drugs development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of Physics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China; School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
| | - Xinyue Fu
- MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of Physics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Yizhen Zhao
- MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of Physics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Xuhua Li
- MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of Physics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
| | - Jiangang Long
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of Physics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
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Shen Z, Halberg A, Fong JY, Guo J, Song G, Louie B, Luedtke GR, Visuthikraisee V, Protter AA, Koh X, Baik T, Lum PY. Elucidating host cell response pathways and repurposing therapeutics for SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18811. [PMID: 36335206 PMCID: PMC9637228 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21984-w] [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: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19, first reported in late 2019, is an ongoing pandemic that has been causing devastation across the globe. Although there are multiple vaccines that can prevent severe symptoms, effective COVID-19 therapeutics are still of importance. Using our proprietary in silico engine, we screened more than 22,000 unique compounds represented by over half a million gene expression profiles to uncover compounds that can be repurposed for SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses in a timely and cost-efficient manner. We then tested 13 compounds in vitro and found three with potency against SARS-CoV-2 with reasonable cytotoxicity. Bortezomib and homoharringtonine are some of the most promising hits with IC50 of 1.39 μM and 0.16 μM, respectively for SARS-CoV-2. Tanespimycin and homoharringtonine were effective against the common cold coronaviruses. In-depth analysis highlighted proteasome, ribosome, and heat shock pathways as key targets in modulating host responses during viral infection. Further studies of these pathways and compounds have provided novel and impactful insights into SARS-CoV-2 biology and host responses that could be further leveraged for COVID-19 therapeutics development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhewei Shen
- Auransa Inc., 1726 Edgewood Drive, Palo Alto, CA 94303 USA
| | - Anna Halberg
- Auransa Inc., 1726 Edgewood Drive, Palo Alto, CA 94303 USA
| | - Jia Yi Fong
- grid.510300.7Experimental Drug Development Centre, 10 Biopolis Road, #05-01 Chromos, Singapore, 138670 Singapore
| | - Jingyu Guo
- Auransa Inc., 1726 Edgewood Drive, Palo Alto, CA 94303 USA
| | - Gavin Song
- Auransa Inc., 1726 Edgewood Drive, Palo Alto, CA 94303 USA
| | - Brent Louie
- Auransa Inc., 1726 Edgewood Drive, Palo Alto, CA 94303 USA
| | | | | | | | - Xiaoying Koh
- grid.510300.7Experimental Drug Development Centre, 10 Biopolis Road, #05-01 Chromos, Singapore, 138670 Singapore
| | - Taegon Baik
- Arum Therapeutics Inc., #301, 38 Magokjungang 8-ro 1-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, 07793 South Korea
| | - Pek Yee Lum
- Auransa Inc., 1726 Edgewood Drive, Palo Alto, CA 94303 USA
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Overview of Antiviral Drug Therapy for COVID-19: Where Do We Stand? Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10112815. [DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The vaccine weapon has resulted in being essential in fighting the COVID-19 outbreak, but it is not fully preventing infection due to an alarming spreading of several identified variants of concern. In fact, the recent emergence of variants has pointed out how the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic still represents a global health threat. Moreover, oral antivirals also develop resistance, supporting the need to find new targets as therapeutic tools. However, cocktail therapy is useful to reduce drug resistance and maximize vaccination efficacy. Natural products and metal-drug-based treatments have also shown interesting antiviral activity, representing a valid contribution to counter COVID-19 outbreak. This report summarizes the available evidence which supports the use of approved drugs and further focuses on significant clinical trials that have investigated the safety and efficacy of repurposing drugs and new molecules in different COVID-19 phenotypes. To date, there are many individuals vulnerable to COVID-19 exhibiting severe symptoms, thus characterizing valid therapeutic strategies for better management of the disease is still a challenge.
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