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Sharma G, Paul P, Dviwedi A, Kaur P, Kumar P, Gupta VK, Saha SB, Kulshrestha S. In silico screening and evaluation of antiviral peptides as inhibitors against ORF9b protein of SARS-CoV-2. 3 Biotech 2024; 14:192. [PMID: 39118822 PMCID: PMC11303353 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-024-04032-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The present study investigated antiviral peptides (AVPs) as inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Orf9b protein, a novel target for disrupting the Orf9b-TOM70 complex crucial for viral infection. In silico screening via molecular docking and MD simulations identified AVP1442 and AVP1896 with high binding affinities to Orf9b (- 846.3 kcal mol-1 and - 820 kcal mol-1, respectively), comparable to the Orf9b-TOM70 complex (- 810.99 kcal mol-1). These AVPs interacted with key amino acid residues in Orf9b, including phosphorylation sites. In addition, AVPs also closely interacted with conserved regions in Orf9b. AVP1896 formed a hydrogen bond with Orf9b's threonine at position 84. AVP1442 interacted with Orf9b's leucine at position 15. Favorable Ramachandran plots and compactness during MD simulations for up to 100 ns suggest good stability of formed complexes. These non-toxic AVPs warrant further in vitro and in vivo evaluation, potentially as components of drug cocktails with small molecules or interferon-based therapies. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-024-04032-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Sharma
- Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, 173229 Himachal Pradesh India
- School of Applied Sciences and Technology, Gujarat Technological University, Ahmedabad, 382424 Gujarat India
| | - Prateek Paul
- Department of Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology, and Sciences, Prayagraj, 211007 Uttar Pradesh India
| | - Ananya Dviwedi
- Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, 173229 Himachal Pradesh India
- Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Information Technology and Biotechnology, Pune, 411045 Maharashtra India
| | - Parneet Kaur
- Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, 173229 Himachal Pradesh India
| | - Pradeep Kumar
- Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, 173229 Himachal Pradesh India
- Department of Forensic Science, Himachal Pradesh University, Summer Hill, Shimla, 171005 Himachal Pradesh India
| | - V. Kumar Gupta
- Department of Applied Biology, University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya, 793101 India
| | - Saurav Bhaskar Saha
- Department of Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology, and Sciences, Prayagraj, 211007 Uttar Pradesh India
| | - Saurabh Kulshrestha
- Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, 173229 Himachal Pradesh India
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2
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Campanile M, Kurtul ED, Dec R, Möbitz S, Del Vecchio P, Petraccone L, Tatzelt J, Oliva R, Winter R. Morphological Transformations of SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein Biocondensates Mediated by Antimicrobial Peptides. Chemistry 2024; 30:e202400048. [PMID: 38483823 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202400048] [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: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Recently, the discovery of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as excellent candidates for overcoming antibiotic resistance has attracted significant attention. AMPs are short peptides active against bacteria, cancer cells, and viruses. It has been shown that the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein (N-P) undergoes liquid-liquid phase separation in the presence of RNA, resulting in biocondensate formation. These biocondensates are crucial for viral replication as they concentrate the viral RNA with the host cell's protein machinery required for viral protein expression. Thus, N-P biocondensates are promising targets to block or slow down viral RNA transcription and consequently virion assembly. We investigated the ability of three AMPs to interfere with N-P/RNA condensates. Using microscopy techniques, supported by biophysical characterization, we found that the AMP LL-III partitions into the condensate, leading to clustering. Instead, the AMP CrACP1 partitions into the droplets without affecting their morphology but reducing their dynamics. Conversely, GKY20 leads to the formation of fibrillar structures after partitioning. It can be expected that such morphological transformation severely impairs the normal functionality of the N-P droplets and thus virion assembly. These results could pave the way for the development of a new class of AMP-based antiviral agents targeting biocondensates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Campanile
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia, 26, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Emine Dila Kurtul
- Department Biochemistry of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Robert Dec
- Physical Chemistry I - Biophysical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 4a, 44227, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Simone Möbitz
- Physical Chemistry I - Biophysical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 4a, 44227, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Pompea Del Vecchio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia, 26, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Petraccone
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia, 26, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Jörg Tatzelt
- Department Biochemistry of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Rosario Oliva
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia, 26, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Roland Winter
- Physical Chemistry I - Biophysical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 4a, 44227, Dortmund, Germany
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3
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Han T, Song L, Niu X, Qiu M, Wang Y, Wang J, Sun X, Ma J, Hu S, Feng Z. Synergistic peptide combinations designed to suppress SARS-CoV-2. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30489. [PMID: 38726116 PMCID: PMC11079089 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30489] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2, responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, poses a significant threat to global healthcare. Peptide and peptide-based inhibitors, known for their safety, efficacy, and selectivity, have recently emerged as promising candidates for treating late-developing viral infections. In this study, three peptides were selected to target different stages of viral invasion, specifically ACE2 and S protein binding, as well as membrane fusion. The objective was to assess their ability to impede the entry of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike pseudotyped virus. Our findings revealed that a combination of these three peptides demonstrated enhanced antiviral effects. This outcome substantiates the feasibility of developing effective peptide combinations to combat diseases related to SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, the three-peptide combinations, designed to target multiple aspects of SARS-CoV-2 viral entry, exhibited heightened viral inhibition and broad-spectrum antiviral properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Han
- Department of Neonatology, Senior Department of Pediatrics, the Seventh Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, China
| | - Linhong Song
- Department of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, Senior Department of Pediatrics, the Seventh Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, China
| | - Xinxin Niu
- Department of Organ Transplantation, the Third Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, China
| | - Meng Qiu
- Senior Department of Pediatrics, the Seventh Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Senior Department of Pediatrics, the Seventh Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Seventh Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, China
| | - Xiuyan Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Seventh Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, China
| | - Jiali Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, the Seventh Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, China
| | - Siqi Hu
- Institute of Pediatrics, Senior Department of Pediatrics, the Seventh Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, China
| | - Zhichun Feng
- Senior Department of Pediatrics, the Seventh Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, China
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4
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Civit L, Moradzadeh N, Jonczyk A, Neckermann P, Asbach B, Peterhoff D, Wagner R, Famulok M, Mayer G, Kjems J, Valero J. A Multi-Faceted Binding Assessment of Aptamers Targeting the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4642. [PMID: 38731860 PMCID: PMC11083479 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094642] [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: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical need for the advancement of diagnostic and therapeutic platforms. These platforms rely on the rapid development of molecular binders that should facilitate surveillance and swift intervention against viral infections. In this study, we have evaluated by three independent research groups the binding characteristics of various published RNA and DNA aptamers targeting the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. For this comparative analysis, we have employed different techniques such as biolayer interferometry (BLI), enzyme-linked oligonucleotide assay (ELONA), and flow cytometry. Our data show discrepancies in the reported specificity and affinity among several of the published aptamers and underline the importance of standardized methods, the impact of biophysical techniques, and the controls used for aptamer characterization. We expect our results to contribute to the selection and application of suitable aptamers for the detection of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laia Civit
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark; (L.C.); (J.K.)
| | - Nima Moradzadeh
- Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES), University of Bonn, 53121 Bonn, Germany; (N.M.)
| | - Anna Jonczyk
- Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES), University of Bonn, 53121 Bonn, Germany; (N.M.)
| | - Patrick Neckermann
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Molecular Microbiology (Virology), Regensburg University, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Benedikt Asbach
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Molecular Microbiology (Virology), Regensburg University, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - David Peterhoff
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Molecular Microbiology (Virology), Regensburg University, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Wagner
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Molecular Microbiology (Virology), Regensburg University, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Michael Famulok
- Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES), University of Bonn, 53121 Bonn, Germany; (N.M.)
- Center of Aptamer Research & Development, University of Bonn, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Günter Mayer
- Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES), University of Bonn, 53121 Bonn, Germany; (N.M.)
- Center of Aptamer Research & Development, University of Bonn, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Jørgen Kjems
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark; (L.C.); (J.K.)
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Julián Valero
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark; (L.C.); (J.K.)
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark
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Guan J, Yao L, Xie P, Chung CR, Huang Y, Chiang YC, Lee TY. A two-stage computational framework for identifying antiviral peptides and their functional types based on contrastive learning and multi-feature fusion strategy. Brief Bioinform 2024; 25:bbae208. [PMID: 38706321 PMCID: PMC11070730 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbae208] [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: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Antiviral peptides (AVPs) have shown potential in inhibiting viral attachment, preventing viral fusion with host cells and disrupting viral replication due to their unique action mechanisms. They have now become a broad-spectrum, promising antiviral therapy. However, identifying effective AVPs is traditionally slow and costly. This study proposed a new two-stage computational framework for AVP identification. The first stage identifies AVPs from a wide range of peptides, and the second stage recognizes AVPs targeting specific families or viruses. This method integrates contrastive learning and multi-feature fusion strategy, focusing on sequence information and peptide characteristics, significantly enhancing predictive ability and interpretability. The evaluation results of the model show excellent performance, with accuracy of 0.9240 and Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC) score of 0.8482 on the non-AVP independent dataset, and accuracy of 0.9934 and MCC score of 0.9869 on the non-AMP independent dataset. Furthermore, our model can predict antiviral activities of AVPs against six key viral families (Coronaviridae, Retroviridae, Herpesviridae, Paramyxoviridae, Orthomyxoviridae, Flaviviridae) and eight viruses (FIV, HCV, HIV, HPIV3, HSV1, INFVA, RSV, SARS-CoV). Finally, to facilitate user accessibility, we built a user-friendly web interface deployed at https://awi.cuhk.edu.cn/∼dbAMP/AVP/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Guan
- School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 2001 Longxiang Road, 518172 Shenzhen, China
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2001 Longxiang Road, 518172 Shenzhen, China
| | - Lantian Yao
- School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 2001 Longxiang Road, 518172 Shenzhen, China
- School of Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2001 Longxiang Road, 518172 Shenzhen, China
| | - Peilin Xie
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2001 Longxiang Road, 518172 Shenzhen, China
| | - Chia-Ru Chung
- Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, National Central University, 320317 Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yixian Huang
- School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 2001 Longxiang Road, 518172 Shenzhen, China
| | - Ying-Chih Chiang
- School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 2001 Longxiang Road, 518172 Shenzhen, China
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2001 Longxiang Road, 518172 Shenzhen, China
| | - Tzong-Yi Lee
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, 300093 Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Center for Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-devices (IDS2B), National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, 300093 Hsinchu, Taiwan
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Kong X, Wang W, Zhong Y, Wang N, Bai K, Wu Y, Qi Q, Zhang Y, Liu X, Xie J. Recent advances in the exploration and discovery of SARS-CoV-2 inhibitory peptides from edible animal proteins. Front Nutr 2024; 11:1346510. [PMID: 38389797 PMCID: PMC10883054 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1346510] [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: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is spreading worldwide. Although the COVID-19 epidemic has passed its peak of transmission, the harm it has caused deserves our attention. Scientists are striving to develop medications that can effectively treat COVID-19 symptoms without causing any adverse reactions. SARS-CoV-2 inhibitory peptides derived from animal proteins have a wide range of functional activities in addition to safety. Identifying animal protein sources is crucial to obtaining SARS-CoV-2 inhibitory peptides from animal sources. This review aims to reveal the mechanisms of action of these peptides on SARS-CoV-2 and the possibility of animal proteins as a material source of SARS-CoV-2 inhibitory peptides. Also, it introduces the utilization of computer-aided design methods, phage display, and drug delivery strategies in the research on SARS-CoV-2 inhibitor peptides from animal proteins. In order to identify new antiviral peptides and boost their efficiency, we recommend investigating the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 inhibitory peptides from animal protein sources and non-structural proteins (Nsps) using a variety of technologies, including computer-aided drug approaches, phage display techniques, and drug delivery techniques. This article provides useful information for the development of novel anti-COVID-19 drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyue Kong
- College of Food and Health, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Hangzhou, China
- School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Wang
- School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yizhi Zhong
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Nan Wang
- College of Biology and Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kaiwen Bai
- School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Wu
- School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qianhui Qi
- School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Institute of Quality and Standard for Agriculture Products, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Science, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xingquan Liu
- College of Food and Health, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junran Xie
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Jan Z, Geethakumari AM, Biswas KH, Jithesh PV. Protegrin-2, a potential inhibitor for targeting SARS-CoV-2 main protease M pro. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:3665-3671. [PMID: 37576748 PMCID: PMC10412832 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.07.020] [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: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background SARS-CoV-2 variants continue to spread throughout the world and cause waves of COVID-19 infections. It is important to find effective antiviral drugs to combat SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. The main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 is a promising therapeutic target due to its crucial role in viral replication and its conservation in all the variants. Therefore, the aim of this work was to identify an effective inhibitor of Mpro. Methods We studied around 200 antimicrobial peptides using in silico methods including molecular docking and allergenicity and toxicity prediction. One selected antiviral peptide was studied experimentally using a Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer (BRET)-based Mpro biosensor, which reports Mpro activity through a decrease in energy transfer. Results Molecular docking identified one natural antimicrobial peptide, Protegrin-2, with high binding affinity and stable interactions with Mpro allosteric residues. Furthermore, free energy calculations and molecular dynamics simulation illustrated a high affinity interaction between the two. We also determined the impact of the binding of Protegrin-2 to Mpro using a BRET-based assay, showing that it inhibits the proteolytic cleavage activity of Mpro. Conclusions Our in silico and experimental studies identified Protegrin-2 as a potent inhibitor of Mpro that could be pursued further towards drug development against COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zainab Jan
- Division of Genomics and Translational Biomedicine, College of Health & Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha 34110, Qatar
| | - Anupriya M. Geethakumari
- Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, College of Health & Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha 34110, Qatar
| | - Kabir H. Biswas
- Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, College of Health & Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha 34110, Qatar
| | - Puthen Veettil Jithesh
- Division of Genomics and Translational Biomedicine, College of Health & Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha 34110, Qatar
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8
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Farkaš B, Minneci M, Misevicius M, Rozas I. A Tale of Two Proteases: M Pro and TMPRSS2 as Targets for COVID-19 Therapies. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:834. [PMID: 37375781 DOI: 10.3390/ph16060834] [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: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Considering the importance of the 2019 outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) resulting in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, an overview of two proteases that play an important role in the infection by SARS-CoV-2, the main protease of SARS-CoV-2 (MPro) and the host transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2), is presented in this review. After summarising the viral replication cycle to identify the relevance of these proteases, the therapeutic agents already approved are presented. Then, this review discusses some of the most recently reported inhibitors first for the viral MPro and next for the host TMPRSS2 explaining the mechanism of action of each protease. Afterward, some computational approaches to design novel MPro and TMPRSS2 inhibitors are presented, also describing the corresponding crystallographic structures reported so far. Finally, a brief discussion on a few reports found some dual-action inhibitors for both proteases is given. This review provides an overview of two proteases of different origins (viral and human host) that have become important targets for the development of antiviral agents to treat COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Farkaš
- School of Chemistry, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, 152-160 Pearse Street, D02 R590 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Marco Minneci
- School of Chemistry, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, 152-160 Pearse Street, D02 R590 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Matas Misevicius
- School of Chemistry, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, 152-160 Pearse Street, D02 R590 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Isabel Rozas
- School of Chemistry, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, 152-160 Pearse Street, D02 R590 Dublin, Ireland
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9
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Doijen J, Temmerman K, Van den Eynde C, Diels A, Van den Broeck N, Van Gool M, Heo I, Jaensch S, Zwaagstra M, Diosa Toro M, Chiu W, De Jonghe S, Leyssen P, Bojkova D, Ciesek S, Cinatl J, Verschueren L, Buyck C, Van Kuppeveld F, Neyts J, Van Loock M, Van Damme E. Identification of Z-Tyr-Ala-CHN 2, a Cathepsin L Inhibitor with Broad-Spectrum Cell-Specific Activity against Coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Microorganisms 2023; 11:717. [PMID: 36985290 PMCID: PMC10055926 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11030717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is partly under control by vaccination. However, highly potent and safe antiviral drugs for SARS-CoV-2 are still needed to avoid development of severe COVID-19. We report the discovery of a small molecule, Z-Tyr-Ala-CHN2, which was identified in a cell-based antiviral screen. The molecule exerts sub-micromolar antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-1, and human coronavirus 229E. Time-of-addition studies reveal that Z-Tyr-Ala-CHN2 acts at the early phase of the infection cycle, which is in line with the observation that the molecule inhibits cathepsin L. This results in antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 in VeroE6, A549-hACE2, and HeLa-hACE2 cells, but not in Caco-2 cells or primary human nasal epithelial cells since the latter two cell types also permit entry via transmembrane protease serine subtype 2 (TMPRSS2). Given their cell-specific activity, cathepsin L inhibitors still need to prove their value in the clinic; nevertheless, the activity profile of Z-Tyr-Ala-CHN2 makes it an interesting tool compound for studying the biology of coronavirus entry and replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Doijen
- Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Koen Temmerman
- Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | | | - Annick Diels
- Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | | | | | - Inha Heo
- Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Steffen Jaensch
- Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Marleen Zwaagstra
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yalelaan 1, Virology Division, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Utrecht University, 3584 Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mayra Diosa Toro
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yalelaan 1, Virology Division, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Utrecht University, 3584 Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Winston Chiu
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Steven De Jonghe
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pieter Leyssen
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Denisa Bojkova
- Institute for Medical Virology, University Hospital, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 40, Frankfurt University, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sandra Ciesek
- Institute for Medical Virology, University Hospital, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 40, Frankfurt University, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jindrich Cinatl
- Institute for Medical Virology, University Hospital, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 40, Frankfurt University, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Lore Verschueren
- Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Christophe Buyck
- Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Frank Van Kuppeveld
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yalelaan 1, Virology Division, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Utrecht University, 3584 Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Johan Neyts
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marnix Van Loock
- Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Ellen Van Damme
- Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
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Yang T, Wang SC, Ye L, Maimaitiyiming Y, Naranmandura H. Targeting viral proteins for restraining SARS-CoV-2: focusing lens on viral proteins beyond spike for discovering new drug targets. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2023; 18:247-268. [PMID: 36723288 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2175812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Emergence of highly infectious SARS-CoV-2 variants are reducing protection provided by current vaccines, requiring constant updates in antiviral approaches. The virus encodes four structural and sixteen nonstructural proteins which play important roles in viral genome replication and transcription, virion assembly, release , entry into cells, and compromising host cellular defenses. As alien proteins to host cells, many viral proteins represent potential targets for combating the SARS-CoV-2. AREAS COVERED Based on literature from PubMed and Web of Science databases, the authors summarize the typical characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 from the whole viral particle to the individual viral proteins and their corresponding functions in virus life cycle. The authors also discuss the potential and emerging targeted interventions to curb virus replication and spread in detail to provide unique insights into SARS-CoV-2 infection and countermeasures against it. EXPERT OPINION Our comprehensive analysis highlights the rationale to focus on non-spike viral proteins that are less mutated but have important functions. Examples of this include: structural proteins (e.g. nucleocapsid protein, envelope protein) and extensively-concerned nonstructural proteins (e.g. NSP3, NSP5, NSP12) along with the ones with relatively less attention (e.g. NSP1, NSP10, NSP14 and NSP16), for developing novel drugs to overcome resistance of SARS-CoV-2 variants to preexisting vaccines and antibody-based treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Yang
- Department of Hematology of First Affiliated Hospital, and Department of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Si Chun Wang
- Department of Hematology of First Affiliated Hospital, and Department of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Linyan Ye
- Department of Hematology of First Affiliated Hospital, and Department of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yasen Maimaitiyiming
- Department of Hematology of First Affiliated Hospital, and Department of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Haematology Oncology Diagnosis and Treatment, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Neurobiology, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, and MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hua Naranmandura
- Department of Hematology of First Affiliated Hospital, and Department of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Haematology Oncology Diagnosis and Treatment, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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