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Meseko C, Sanicas M, Asha K, Sulaiman L, Kumar B. Antiviral options and therapeutics against influenza: history, latest developments and future prospects. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1269344. [PMID: 38094741 PMCID: PMC10716471 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1269344] [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: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Drugs and chemotherapeutics have helped to manage devastating impacts of infectious diseases since the concept of 'magic bullet'. The World Health Organization estimates about 650,000 deaths due to respiratory diseases linked to seasonal influenza each year. Pandemic influenza, on the other hand, is the most feared health disaster and probably would have greater and immediate impact on humanity than climate change. While countermeasures, biosecurity and vaccination remain the most effective preventive strategies against this highly infectious and communicable disease, antivirals are nonetheless essential to mitigate clinical manifestations following infection and to reduce devastating complications and mortality. Continuous emergence of the novel strains of rapidly evolving influenza viruses, some of which are intractable, require new approaches towards influenza chemotherapeutics including optimization of existing anti-infectives and search for novel therapies. Effective management of influenza infections depend on the safety and efficacy of selected anti-infective in-vitro studies and their clinical applications. The outcomes of therapies are also dependent on understanding diversity in patient groups, co-morbidities, co-infections and combination therapies. In this extensive review, we have discussed the challenges of influenza epidemics and pandemics and discoursed the options for anti-viral chemotherapies for effective management of influenza virus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clement Meseko
- Regional Centre for Animal Influenza, National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Nigeria
| | - Melvin Sanicas
- Medical and Clinical Development, Clover Biopharmaceuticals, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kumari Asha
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Lanre Sulaiman
- Regional Centre for Animal Influenza, National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Nigeria
| | - Binod Kumar
- Department of Antiviral Research, Institute of Advanced Virology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
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Xiao L, Zhao Y, Yang M, Luan G, Du T, Deng S, Jia X. A promising nucleic acid therapy drug: DNAzymes and its delivery system. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1270101. [PMID: 37753371 PMCID: PMC10518456 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1270101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Based on the development of nucleic acid therapeutic drugs, DNAzymes obtained through in vitro selection technology in 1994 are gradually being sought. DNAzymes are single-stranded DNA molecules with catalytic function, which specifically cleave RNA under the action of metal ions. Various in vivo and in vitro models have recently demonstrated that DNAzymes can target related genes in cancer, cardiovascular disease, bacterial and viral infection, and central nervous system disease. Compared with other nucleic acid therapy drugs, DNAzymes have gained more attention due to their excellent cutting efficiency, high stability, and low cost. Here, We first briefly reviewed the development and characteristics of DNAzymes, then discussed disease-targeting inhibition model of DNAzymes, hoping to provide new insights and ways for disease treatment. Finally, DNAzymes were still subject to some restrictions in practical applications, including low cell uptake efficiency, nuclease degradation and interference from other biological matrices. We discussed the latest delivery strategy of DNAzymes, among which lipid nanoparticles have recently received widespread attention due to the successful delivery of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine, which provides the possibility for the subsequent clinical application of DNAzymes. In addition, the future development of DNAzymes was prospected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lang Xiao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Noncoding RNA and Drugs, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Meng Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Noncoding RNA and Drugs, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Guangxin Luan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Noncoding RNA and Drugs, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ting Du
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Noncoding RNA and Drugs, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shanshan Deng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Noncoding RNA and Drugs, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xu Jia
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Noncoding RNA and Drugs, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Czapik T, Piasecka J, Kierzek R, Kierzek E. Structural variants and modifications of hammerhead ribozymes targeting influenza A virus conserved structural motifs. MOLECULAR THERAPY - NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 29:64-74. [PMID: 35784013 PMCID: PMC9217987 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.05.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The naturally occurring structure and biological functions of RNA are correlated, which includes hammerhead ribozymes. We proposed new variants of hammerhead ribozymes targeting conserved structural motifs of segment 5 of influenza A virus (IAV) (+)RNA. The variants carry structural and chemical modifications aiming to improve the RNA cleavage activity of ribozymes. We introduced an additional hairpin motif and attempted to select ribozyme-target pairs with sequence features that enable the potential formation of the trans-Hoogsteen interactions that are present in full-length, highly active hammerhead ribozymes. We placed structurally defined guanosine analogs into the ribozyme catalytic core. Herein, the significantly improved synthesis of 2′-deoxy-2′-fluoroarabinoguanosine derivatives is described. The most potent hammerhead ribozymes were applied to chimeric short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-ribozyme plasmid constructs to improve the antiviral activity of the two components. The modified hammerhead ribozymes showed moderate cleavage activity. Treatment of IAV-infected Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells with the plasmid constructs resulted in significant inhibition of virus replication. Real-time PCR analysis revealed a significant (80%–88%) reduction in viral RNA when plasmids carriers were used. A focus formation assay (FFA) for chimeric plasmids showed inhibition of virus replication by 1.6–1.7 log10 units, whereas the use of plasmids carrying ribozymes or shRNAs alone resulted in lower inhibition.
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Alavizadeh SH, Doagooyan M, Zahedipour F, Torghabe SY, Baharieh B, Soleymani F, Gheybi F. Antisense technology as a potential strategy for the treatment of coronaviruses infection: With focus on COVID-19. IET Nanobiotechnol 2022; 16:67-77. [PMID: 35274474 PMCID: PMC9007150 DOI: 10.1049/nbt2.12079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
After the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in December 2019 and the increasing number of SARS-CoV-2 infections all over the world, researchers are struggling to investigate effective therapeutic strategies for the treatment of this infection. Targeting viral small molecules that are involved in the process of infection is a promising strategy. Since many host factors are also used by SARS-CoV-2 during various stages of infection, down-regulating or silencing these factors can serve as an effective therapeutic tool. Several nucleic acid-based technologies including short interfering RNAs, antisense oligonucleotides, aptamers, DNAzymes, and ribozymes have been suggested for the control of SARS-CoV-2 as well as other respiratory viruses. The antisense technology also plays an indispensable role in the treatment of many other diseases including cancer, influenza, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. In this review, we summarised the potential applications of antisense technology for the treatment of coronaviruses and specifically COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyedeh Hoda Alavizadeh
- Nanotechnology Research CenterPharmaceutical Technology InstituteMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
- Department of Pharmaceutical NanotechnologySchool of PharmacyMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
| | - Maham Doagooyan
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and NanotechnologyFaculty of MedicineMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
- Department of Molecular MedicineBiotechnology Research CenterPasteur Institute of IranTehranIran
| | - Fatemeh Zahedipour
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and NanotechnologyFaculty of MedicineMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
- Student Research CommitteeFaculty of MedicineMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
| | - Shima Yahoo Torghabe
- Department of Basic SciencesSari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources UniversitySariIran
| | - Bahare Baharieh
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and NanotechnologyFaculty of MedicineMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
| | - Firooze Soleymani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and NanotechnologyFaculty of MedicineMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
| | - Fatemeh Gheybi
- Nanotechnology Research CenterPharmaceutical Technology InstituteMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and NanotechnologyFaculty of MedicineMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
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Szabat M, Lorent D, Czapik T, Tomaszewska M, Kierzek E, Kierzek R. RNA Secondary Structure as a First Step for Rational Design of the Oligonucleotides towards Inhibition of Influenza A Virus Replication. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9110925. [PMID: 33171815 PMCID: PMC7694947 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9110925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Influenza is an important research subject around the world because of its threat to humanity. Influenza A virus (IAV) causes seasonal epidemics and sporadic, but dangerous pandemics. A rapid antigen changes and recombination of the viral RNA genome contribute to the reduced effectiveness of vaccination and anti-influenza drugs. Hence, there is a necessity to develop new antiviral drugs and strategies to limit the influenza spread. IAV is a single-stranded negative sense RNA virus with a genome (viral RNA—vRNA) consisting of eight segments. Segments within influenza virion are assembled into viral ribonucleoprotein (vRNP) complexes that are independent transcription-replication units. Each step in the influenza life cycle is regulated by the RNA and is dependent on its interplay and dynamics. Therefore, viral RNA can be a proper target to design novel therapeutics. Here, we briefly described examples of anti-influenza strategies based on the antisense oligonucleotide (ASO), small interfering RNA (siRNA), microRNA (miRNA) and catalytic nucleic acids. In particular we focused on the vRNA structure-function relationship as well as presented the advantages of using secondary structure information in predicting therapeutic targets and the potential future of this field.
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Asha K, Kumar B. Emerging Influenza D Virus Threat: What We Know so Far! J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8020192. [PMID: 30764577 PMCID: PMC6406440 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8020192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Influenza viruses, since time immemorial, have been the major respiratory pathogen known to infect a wide variety of animals, birds and reptiles with established lineages. They belong to the family Orthomyxoviridae and cause acute respiratory illness often during local outbreaks or seasonal epidemics and occasionally during pandemics. Recent studies have identified a new genus within the Orthomyxoviridae family. This newly identified pathogen, D/swine/Oklahoma/1334/2011 (D/OK), first identified in pigs with influenza-like illness was classified as the influenza D virus (IDV) which is distantly related to the previously characterized human influenza C virus. Several other back-to-back studies soon suggested cattle as the natural reservoir and possible involvement of IDV in the bovine respiratory disease complex was established. Not much is known about its likelihood to cause disease in humans, but it definitely poses a potential threat as an emerging pathogen in cattle-workers. Here, we review the evolution, epidemiology, virology and pathobiology of influenza D virus and the possibility of transmission among various hosts and potential to cause human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumari Asha
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA.
| | - Binod Kumar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA.
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Asha K, Kumar P, Sanicas M, Meseko CA, Khanna M, Kumar B. Advancements in Nucleic Acid Based Therapeutics against Respiratory Viral Infections. J Clin Med 2018; 8:jcm8010006. [PMID: 30577479 PMCID: PMC6351902 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Several viruses cause pulmonary infections due to their shared tropism with cells of the respiratory tract. These respiratory problems due to viral infection become a public health concern due to rapid transmission through air/aerosols or via direct-indirect contact with infected persons. In addition, the cross-species transmission causes alterations to viral genetic makeup thereby increasing the risk of emergence of pathogens with new and more potent infectivity. With the introduction of effective nucleic acid-based technologies, post translational gene silencing (PTGS) is being increasingly used to silence viral gene targets and has shown promising approach towards management of many viral infections. Since several host factors are also utilized by these viruses during various stages of infection, silencing these host factors can also serve as promising therapeutic tool. Several nucleic acid-based technologies such as short interfering RNAs (siRNA), antisense oligonucleotides, aptamers, deoxyribozymes (DNAzymes), and ribozymes have been studied and used against management of respiratory viruses. These therapeutic nucleic acids can be efficiently delivered through the airways. Studies have also shown efficacy of gene therapy in clinical trials against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as well as models of respiratory diseases including severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), measles and influenza. In this review, we have summarized some of the recent advancements made in the area of nucleic acid based therapeutics and highlighted the emerging roles of nucleic acids in the management of some of the severe respiratory viral infections. We have also focused on the methods of their delivery and associated challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumari Asha
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA.
| | - Prashant Kumar
- Amity Institute of Virology and Immunology, Amity University, Noida 201303, India.
| | - Melvin Sanicas
- Sanofi Pasteur, Asia and JPAC Region, Singapore 257856, Singapore.
| | - Clement A Meseko
- Regional Centre for Animal Influenza, National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom 930010, Nigeria.
| | - Madhu Khanna
- Department of Respiratory Virology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India.
| | - Binod Kumar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA.
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Kumar B, Asha K, Khanna M, Ronsard L, Meseko CA, Sanicas M. The emerging influenza virus threat: status and new prospects for its therapy and control. Arch Virol 2018; 163:831-844. [PMID: 29322273 PMCID: PMC7087104 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-018-3708-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Influenza A viruses (IAVs) are zoonotic pathogens that cause yearly outbreaks with high rates of morbidity and fatality. The virus continuously acquires point mutations while circulating in several hosts, ranging from aquatic birds to mammals, including humans. The wide range of hosts provides influenza A viruses greater chances of genetic re-assortment, leading to the emergence of zoonotic strains and occasional pandemics that have a severe impact on human life. Four major influenza pandemics have been reported to date, and health authorities worldwide have shown tremendous progress in efforts to control epidemics and pandemics. Here, we primarily discuss the pathogenesis of influenza virus type A, its epidemiology, pandemic potential, current status of antiviral drugs and vaccines, and ways to effectively manage the disease during a crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binod Kumar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Kumari Asha
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Madhu Khanna
- Department of Respiratory Virology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | | | - Clement Adebajo Meseko
- Virology Department, National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria
| | - Melvin Sanicas
- Sanofi Pasteur, Asia and JPAC Region, Singapore, Singapore
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Repkova M, Levina A, Chelobanov B, Ismagilov Z, Shatskaya N, Baiborodin S, Filippova E, Mazurkova N, Zarytova V. Efficient inhibition of influenza A viral replication in cells by deoxyribozymes delivered by nanocomposites. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2017; 49:703-708. [PMID: 28412273 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2017.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Revised: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Nucleic-acid-based drugs are a promising class of novel therapeutics; however, their use in medicine is widely limited because of insufficient delivery into cells. This article proposes a new delivery strategy of nucleic acid fragments into cells as components of TiO2-based nanocomposites. For the first time, unmodified Dz molecules were non-covalently immobilized on TiO2 nanoparticles precovered with polylysine (TiO2•PL) with the formation of (TiO2•PL)•Dz nanocomposites. DNAzymes in the proposed nanocomposites were shown to retain their ability to cleave the RNA target in a cell-free system with the same selectivity as unbound Dz molecules. It was shown by confocal laser microscopy that the fluorescein-labelled (TiO2•PL)•DzFlu nanocomposites penetrate into eukaryotic cells, where DzFlu is internalized in the cytoplasm and predominantly in nuclei. Delivery of deoxyribozymes into cells in the proposed nanocomposites permits very efficient interactions with RNA targets inside cells. This was demonstrated by an example of inhibition of H5N1 influenza A virus replication (inhibition by a factor of ca. 3000). This effect was one order of magnitude higher than with using lipofectamine as the transfection agent. The proposed (TiO2•PL)•Dz nanocomposites demonstrated high antiviral activity and are thus potent as nucleic-acid-based drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Repkova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Asya Levina
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Boris Chelobanov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia; Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Zinfer Ismagilov
- Boreskov Institute of Catalysis, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Natalia Shatskaya
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Sergei Baiborodin
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Ekaterina Filippova
- FBRI State Research Centre of Virology and Biotechnology 'Vector', Koltsovo, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Natalia Mazurkova
- FBRI State Research Centre of Virology and Biotechnology 'Vector', Koltsovo, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Valentina Zarytova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia.
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Dolot R, Sobczak M, Mikołajczyk B, Nawrot B. Synthesis, crystallization and preliminary crystallographic analysis of a 52-nucleotide DNA/2'-OMe-RNA oligomer mimicking 10-23 DNAzyme in the complex with a substrate. NUCLEOSIDES NUCLEOTIDES & NUCLEIC ACIDS 2017; 36:292-301. [PMID: 28323518 DOI: 10.1080/15257770.2016.1276291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
A 52-nucleotide DNA/2'-OMe-RNA oligomer mimicking 10-23 DNAzyme in the complex with its substrate was synthesized, purified and crystallized by the hanging-drop method using 0.8 M sodium potassium tartrate as a precipitant. A data set to 1.21 Å resolution was collected from a monocrystal at 100 K using synchrotron radiation on a beamline BL14.1 at BESSY. The crystal belonged to the P21 group with unit-cell a = 49.42, b = 24.69, c = 50.23, β = 118.48.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafał Dolot
- a Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences , Department of Bioorganic Chemistry , Łódź , Poland
| | - Milena Sobczak
- a Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences , Department of Bioorganic Chemistry , Łódź , Poland
| | - Barbara Mikołajczyk
- a Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences , Department of Bioorganic Chemistry , Łódź , Poland
| | - Barbara Nawrot
- a Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences , Department of Bioorganic Chemistry , Łódź , Poland
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Potent Intracellular Knock-Down of Influenza A Virus M2 Gene Transcript by DNAzymes Considerably Reduces Viral Replication in Host Cells. Mol Biotechnol 2016; 57:836-45. [PMID: 26021603 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-015-9876-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Influenza A virus has been known to be an important respiratory pathogen and cause of several epidemics and devastating pandemics leading to loss of life and resources across the globe. The M2 ion channel protein is highly conserved and essentially required during the trafficking, assembly, and budding processes of virus, thus an attractive target for designing antiviral drugs. We designed several 10-23 DNAzymes (Dz) targeting different regions of the M2 gene and analyzed their ability to specifically cleave the target RNA in both cell-free system as well as in cell culture using transient transfections. Dz114, among several others, directed against the predicted single-stranded bulge regions showed 70% inhibition of M2 gene expression validated by PCR and Western blot analysis. The activity was dependent on Mg(2+) (10-50 mM) in a dose-dependent manner. The mutant-Dz against M2 gene showed no down-regulation thereby illustrating high level of specificity of designed Dz114 towards the target RNA. Our findings suggest that Dz may be used as potential inhibitor of viral RNA replication and can be explored further for development of an effective therapeutic agent against influenza infection. These catalytic nucleic acid molecules may further be investigated as an alternative to the traditional influenza vaccines that require annual formulation.
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12
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A Conserved Secondary Structural Element in the Coding Region of the Influenza A Virus Nucleoprotein (NP) mRNA Is Important for the Regulation of Viral Proliferation. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0141132. [PMID: 26488402 PMCID: PMC4619443 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza A virus is a threat to humans due to seasonal epidemics and infrequent, but dangerous, pandemics that lead to widespread infection and death. Eight segments of RNA constitute the genome of this virus and they encode greater than eight proteins via alternative splicing of coding (+)RNAs generated from the genomic (-)RNA template strand. RNA is essential in its life cycle. A bioinformatics analysis of segment 5, which encodes nucleoprotein, revealed a conserved structural motif in the (+)RNA. The secondary structure proposed by energy minimization and comparative analysis agrees with structure predicted based on experimental data using a 121 nucleotide in vitro RNA construct comprising an influenza A virus consensus sequence and also an entire segment 5 (+)RNA (strain A/VietNam/1203/2004 (H5N1)). The conserved motif consists of three hairpins with one being especially thermodynamically stable. The biological importance of this conserved secondary structure is supported in experiments using antisense oligonucleotides in cell line, which found that disruption of this motif led to inhibition of viral fitness. These results suggest that this conserved motif in the segment 5 (+)RNA might be a candidate for oligonucleotide-based antiviral therapy.
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13
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Levina AS, Repkova MN, Mazurkova NA, Makarevich EV, Ismagilov ZR, Zarytova VF. Knockdown of different influenza A virus subtypes in cell culture by a single antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotide. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2015; 46:125-8. [PMID: 25963340 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2015.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Revised: 02/04/2015] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Influenza is a heavy socially significant viral infection that affects humans, birds, and wild and domestic animals. The threat of existing and new highly pathogenic subtypes of influenza A virus (IAV) makes it necessary to develop an effective drug that may affect different IAV strains. For this purpose, oligodeoxynucleotides (DNA fragments) attached to titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles through a polylysine linker, forming TiO2·PL-DNA nanocomposites, that penetrated into cells without transfection agents were used. For the first time, efficient (≥99.9%) suppression of the reproduction of different subtypes of IAV, including highly pathogenic H5N1 and H1N1, was achieved. These results were obtained using the TiO2·PL-DNA nanocomposite bearing a single antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (0.1μM) targeted to the conserved 3'-noncoding region of RNA segment 5, which is common to all tested strains. Very efficient suppression of the reproduction of different subtypes of IAV was probably achieved due to the use of the proposed delivery system for oligonucleotides in the form of the TiO2·PL-DNA nanocomposites. These results indicate the possibility of creating an efficient drug to affect existing and newly emerging pathogenic IAV strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asya S Levina
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, pr. Lavrent'eva 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Marina N Repkova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, pr. Lavrent'eva 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Natalia A Mazurkova
- FBRI State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology, 'Vector', Koltsovo, Novosibirsk 630559, Russia
| | - Elena V Makarevich
- FBRI State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology, 'Vector', Koltsovo, Novosibirsk 630559, Russia
| | - Zinfer R Ismagilov
- Institute of Catalysis, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, pr. Lavrent'eva 5, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Valentina F Zarytova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, pr. Lavrent'eva 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia.
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14
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Fokina AA, Stetsenko DA, François JC. DNA enzymes as potential therapeutics: towards clinical application of 10-23 DNAzymes. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2015; 15:689-711. [PMID: 25772532 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2015.1025048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ongoing studies on the inhibition of gene expression at the mRNA level have identified several types of specific inhibitors such as antisense oligonucleotides, small interfering RNA, ribozymes and DNAzymes (Dz). After its discovery in 1997, the 10-23 Dz (which can cleave RNA efficiently and site-specifically, has flexible design, is independent from cell mechanisms, does not require expensive chemical modifications for effective use in vivo) has been employed to downregulate a range of therapeutically important genes. Recently, 10-23 Dzs have taken their first steps into clinical trials. AREAS COVERED This review focuses predominantly on Dz applications as potential antiviral, antibacterial, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory agents as well as for the treatment of cardiovascular disease and diseases of CNS, summarizing results of their clinical trials up to the present day. EXPERT OPINION In comparison with antisense oligonucleotides and small interfering RNAs, Dzs do not usually show off-target effects due to their high specificity and lack of immunogenicity in vivo. As more results of clinical trials carried out so far are gradually becoming available, Dzs may turn out to be safe and well-tolerated therapeutics in humans. Therefore, there is a good chance that we may witness a deoxyribozyme drug reaching the clinic in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alesya A Fokina
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences , 8 Lavrentiev Avenue, Novosibirsk 630090 , Russia
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Khanna M, Saxena L, Rajput R, Kumar B, Prasad R. Gene silencing: a therapeutic approach to combat influenza virus infections. Future Microbiol 2015; 10:131-40. [DOI: 10.2217/fmb.14.94] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Selective gene silencing technologies such as RNA interference (RNAi) and nucleic acid enzymes have shown therapeutic potential for treating viral infections. Influenza virus is one of the major public health concerns around the world and its management is challenging due to a rapid increase in antiviral resistance. Influenza vaccine also has its limitations due to the emergence of new strains that may escape the immunity developed by the previous year's vaccine. Antiviral drugs are the primary mode of prevention and control against a pandemic and there is an urgency to develop novel antiviral strategies against influenza virus. In this review, we discuss the potential utility of several gene silencing mechanisms and their prophylactic and therapeutic potential against the influenza virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhu Khanna
- Department of Respiratory Virology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Latika Saxena
- Department of Respiratory Virology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Roopali Rajput
- Department of Respiratory Virology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Binod Kumar
- Department of Respiratory Virology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Rajendra Prasad
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
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Kumar P, Kumar B, Rajput R, Saxena L, Banerjea AC, Khanna M. Cross-protective effect of antisense oligonucleotide developed against the common 3' NCR of influenza A virus genome. Mol Biotechnol 2014; 55:203-11. [PMID: 23729285 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-013-9670-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The influenza A virus (IAV) has eight segmented single-stranded RNA genome containing a common and evolutionarily conserved non-coding region (NCRs) at 5' and 3' ends that are important for the virus replication. In this study, we designed an antisense oligonucleotide against the 3' NCR of vital segments of the IAV genome to inhibit its replication. The results demonstrated that the co-transfection of Madine Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells with the antisense oligonucleotide and the plasmids encoding the viral genes led to the down-regulation of the viral gene expression. The designed antisense molecules reduced the cytopathic effect caused by A/PR/8/34 (H1N1), A/Udorn/307/72 (H3N2), and A/New Caledonia/20/99 (H1N1) strains of IAV for almost 48 h. Furthermore, the intra-venous delivery of this oligonucleotide significantly reduced the viral titers in the lungs of infected mice and protected the mice from lethal effects of all the strains of influenza virus. The study demonstrated that the antisense oligonucleotide designed against the NCR region inhibits the expression of the viral genome. The decrease of the cytopathic effect in the MDCK cells and increase in survival of mice confirmed the reduction of virus multiplication and pathogenesis in the presence of antisense oligonucleotide. Thus, we demonstrate that a single antisense oligonucleotide is capable of providing protection against more than one strains of the IAV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashant Kumar
- Department of Respiratory Virology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India
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Mishra SK, Chilakamarthi U, Deb JK, Mukherjee SK. Unfolding of in planta activity of anti-rep ribozyme in presence of a RNA silencing suppressor. FEBS Lett 2014; 588:1967-72. [PMID: 24735726 PMCID: PMC7164126 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2014.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2014] [Revised: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 04/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Antisense RNA ribozymes have intrinsic endonucleolytic activity to effect cleavage of the target RNA. However, this activity in vivo is often controlled by the dominance of antisense or other double-stranded RNA mechanism. In this work, we demonstrate the in planta activity of a hammerhead ribozyme designed to target rep-mRNA of a phytopathogen Mungbean Yellow Mosaic India virus (MYMIV) as an antiviral agent. We also found RNA-silencing is induced on introduction of catalytically active as well as inactive ribozymes. Using RNA-silencing suppressors (RSS), we demonstrate that the endonucleolytic activity of ribozymes is a true phenomenon, even while a mutated version may demonstrate a similar down-regulation of the target RNA. This helps to ease the confusion over the action mechanism of ribozymes in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumona Karjee Mishra
- Plant Molecular Biology Division, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110 067, India.
| | - Ushasri Chilakamarthi
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110 016, India
| | - J K Deb
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110 016, India
| | - Sunil Kumar Mukherjee
- Plant Molecular Biology Division, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110 067, India; Department of Genetics, University of Delhi, South Campus, Benito Juarez Marg, New Delhi 110021, India
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Kumar B, Kumar P, Rajput R, Saxena L, Daga MK, Khanna M. Sequence-Specific Cleavage of BM2 Gene Transcript of Influenza B Virus by 10-23 Catalytic Motif Containing DNA Enzymes Significantly Inhibits Viral RNA Translation and Replication. Nucleic Acid Ther 2013; 23:355-62. [DOI: 10.1089/nat.2013.0432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Binod Kumar
- Department of Respiratory Virology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Prashant Kumar
- Department of Respiratory Virology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Roopali Rajput
- Department of Respiratory Virology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Latika Saxena
- Department of Respiratory Virology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Mradul K. Daga
- Department of Medicine, Maulana Azad Medical College and Lok Nayak Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Madhu Khanna
- Department of Respiratory Virology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
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Rajput R, Khanna M, Kumar P, Kumar B, Sharma S, Gupta N, Saxena L. Small interfering RNA targeting the nonstructural gene 1 transcript inhibits influenza A virus replication in experimental mice. Nucleic Acid Ther 2012; 22:414-22. [PMID: 23062009 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2012.0359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) of influenza A viruses counteracts the host immune response against the influenza viruses by not only inhibiting the nuclear export and maturation of host cell messenger RNA (mRNA), but by also blocking the double-stranded RNA-activated protein kinase-mediated inhibition of viral RNA translation. Reduction of NS1 gene product in the host cell may be a potent antiviral strategy to provide protection against the influenza virus infection. We used small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) synthesized against the viral mRNA to down regulate the NS1 gene and observed its effect on inhibition of virus replication. When NS1 gene-specific siRNA were transfected in Madin Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells followed by influenza A virus infection, approximately 60% inhibition in intracellular levels of NS1 RNA was observed. When siRNA was administered in BALB/c mice, 92% reduction in the levels of NS1 gene expression in mice lungs was observed. A significant reduction in the lung virus titers and cytokine levels was also detected in the presence of siRNAs as compared with the untreated control. The study was validated by the use of selectively disabled mutants of each set of siRNA. Our findings suggest that siRNA targeted against NS1 gene of influenza A virus can provide considerable protection to the virus-infected host cells and may be used as potential candidates for nucleic acid-based antiviral therapy for prevention of influenza A virus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roopali Rajput
- Department of Respiratory Virology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
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LIANG YU, ZHOU YUELAN, YIN WEIGUO, LI YINGJU, YANG QIULIN, GAO YUAN, ZHANG YUKUAI, YANG YAOFEI, PENG LI, XIAO JIANHUA. Correlation between hammerhead ribozyme-mediated eggshell protein gene cleavage and reproduction inhibition of Schistosoma japonicum. Mol Med Rep 2012; 5:1087-91. [PMID: 22246067 PMCID: PMC3493069 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2012.752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2011] [Accepted: 12/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosoma japonicum (S. japonicum) is an extremely harmful pathogen, which infects humans and causes severe public health problems. To date, no effective therapeutic drugs for this pathogen are available. In this study, we designed and constructed three hammerhead ribozymes targeting the eggshell protein gene of S. japonicum (SjESG). The cleavage activities of these three ribozymes were determined using cleavage experiments. The in vitro cleavage results showed that among the three synthesized ribozymes (Rz1, Rz2 and Rz3), Rz1 and Rz3 cleaved their target RNAs effectively. However, Rz2 did not cleave its target RNA detectably. The putative therapeutic roles of these three ribozymes to inhibit the reproduction of S. japonicum in mice were studied in vivo. Compared with the negative controls, Rz1 and Rz3 treatments resulted in increased levels of IFN-γ but decreased levels of IL-4 in mice. Rz2 affected levels of IFN-γ and IL-4 to degrees similar with those caused by the vector controls. In addition, Rz1 and Rz3 reduced the amounts of adult worms and eggs in the livers of mice more extensively than Rz2 and the vector controls. Altogether, these results suggest a correlation between the in vitro cleavage abilities of Rz1 and Rz3 and their roles in reproduction inhibition of S. japonicum.
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Affiliation(s)
- YU LIANG
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - YUELAN ZHOU
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - WEIGUO YIN
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - YINGJU LI
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - QIULIN YANG
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - YUAN GAO
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - YUKUAI ZHANG
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - YAOFEI YANG
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - LI PENG
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - JIANHUA XIAO
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
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