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Hanioka N, Isobe T, Saito K, Nagaoka K, Mori Y, Jinno H, Ohkawara S, Tanaka-Kagawa T. Glucuronidation of tizoxanide, an active metabolite of nitazoxanide, in liver and small intestine: Species differences in humans, monkeys, dogs, rats, and mice and responsible UDP-glucuronosyltransferase isoforms in humans. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2024; 283:109962. [PMID: 38889874 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2024.109962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Tizoxanide (TZX) is an active metabolite of nitazoxanide (NTZ) originally developed as an antiparasitic agent, and is predominantly metabolized into TZX glucuronide. In the present study, TZX glucuronidation by the liver and intestinal microsomes of humans, monkeys, dogs, rats, and mice, and recombinant human UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) were examined. The kinetics of TZX glucuronidation by the liver and intestinal microsomes followed the Michaelis-Menten or biphasic model, with species-specific variations in the intrinsic clearance (CLint). Rats and mice exhibited the highest CLint values for liver microsomes, while mice and rats were the highest for intestinal microsomes. Among human UGTs, UGT1A1 and UGT1A8 demonstrated significant glucuronidation activity. Estradiol and emodin inhibited TZX glucuronidation activities in the human liver and intestinal microsomes in a dose-dependent manner, with emodin showing stronger inhibition in the intestinal microsomes. These results suggest that the roles of UGT enzymes in TZX glucuronidation in the liver and small intestine differ extensively across species and that UGT1A1 and/or UGT1A8 mainly contribute to the metabolism and elimination of TZX in humans. This study presents the relevant and novel-appreciative report on TZX metabolism catalyzed by UGT enzymes, which may aid in the assessment of the antiparasitic, antibacterial, and antiviral activities of NTZ for the treatment of various infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobumitsu Hanioka
- Department of Health Pharmacy, Yokohama University of Pharmacy, 601 Matano-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama 245-0066, Japan.
| | - Takashi Isobe
- Department of Health Pharmacy, Yokohama University of Pharmacy, 601 Matano-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama 245-0066, Japan
| | - Keita Saito
- School of Pharmacy, Shujitsu University, 1-6-1 Nishigawara, Naka-ku, Okayama 703-8516, Japan
| | - Kenjiro Nagaoka
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Matsuyama University, 4-2 Bunkyo-cho, Matsuyama 790-8578, Japan
| | - Yoko Mori
- Division of Environmental Chemistry, Ntional Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-9501, Japan
| | - Hideto Jinno
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Meijo University, 150 Yagotoyama, Tempaku-ku, Nagoya 468-8503, Japan
| | - Susumu Ohkawara
- Department of Health Pharmacy, Yokohama University of Pharmacy, 601 Matano-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama 245-0066, Japan
| | - Toshiko Tanaka-Kagawa
- Department of Health Pharmacy, Yokohama University of Pharmacy, 601 Matano-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama 245-0066, Japan
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Lü Z, Dai X, Xu J, Liu Z, Guo Y, Gao Z, Meng F. Medicinal chemistry strategies toward broad-spectrum antiviral agents to prevent next pandemics. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 271:116442. [PMID: 38685143 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116442] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
The pandemic and tremendous impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 alert us, despite great achievements in prevention and control of infectious diseases, we still lack universal and powerful antiviral strategies to rapidly respond to the potential threat of serious infectious disease. Various highly contagious and pathogenic viruses, as well as other unknown viruses may appear or reappear in human society at any time, causing a catastrophic epidemic. Developing broad-spectrum antiviral drugs with high security and efficiency is of great significance for timely meeting public health emergency and protecting the lives and health of the people. Hence, in this review, we summarized diverse broad-spectrum antiviral targets and corresponding agents from a medicinal chemistry prospective, compared the pharmacological advantages and disadvantages of different targets, listed representative agents, showed their structures, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics characteristics, and conducted a critical discussion on their development potential, in the hope of providing up-to-date guidance for the development of broad-spectrum antivirals and perspectives for applications of antiviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zirui Lü
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing, 102205, China
| | - Xiandong Dai
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing, 102205, China
| | - Jianjie Xu
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing, 102205, China
| | - Zhenming Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yongbiao Guo
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing, 102205, China
| | - Zhenhua Gao
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing, 102205, China
| | - Fanhua Meng
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing, 102205, China.
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3
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Hayashi T, Kobayashi S, Hirano J, Murakami K. Human norovirus cultivation systems and their use in antiviral research. J Virol 2024; 98:e0166323. [PMID: 38470106 PMCID: PMC11019851 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01663-23] [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] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Human norovirus (HuNoV) is a major cause of acute gastroenteritis and foodborne diseases, affecting all age groups. Despite its clinical needs, no approved antiviral therapies are available. Since the discovery of HuNoV in 1972, studies on anti-norovirals, mechanism of HuNoV infection, viral inactivation, etc., have been hampered by the lack of a robust laboratory-based cultivation system for HuNoV. A recent breakthrough in the development of HuNoV cultivation systems has opened opportunities for researchers to investigate HuNoV biology in the context of de novo HuNoV infections. A tissue stem cell-derived human intestinal organoid/enteroid (HIO) culture system is one of those that supports HuNoV replication reproducibly and, to our knowledge, is most widely distributed to laboratories worldwide to study HuNoV and develop therapeutic strategies. This review summarizes recently developed HuNoV cultivation systems, including HIO, and their use in antiviral studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsuyoshi Hayashi
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sakura Kobayashi
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Junki Hirano
- Laboratory of Virus Control, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kosuke Murakami
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
- Center for Emergency Preparedness and Response, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
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Szotowska I, Ledwoń A. Antiviral Chemotherapy in Avian Medicine-A Review. Viruses 2024; 16:593. [PMID: 38675934 PMCID: PMC11054683 DOI: 10.3390/v16040593] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This review article describes the current knowledge about the use of antiviral chemotherapeutics in avian species, such as farm poultry and companion birds. Specific therapeutics are described in alphabetical order including classic antiviral drugs, such as acyclovir, abacavir, adefovir, amantadine, didanosine, entecavir, ganciclovir, interferon, lamivudine, penciclovir, famciclovir, oseltamivir, ribavirin, and zidovudine, repurposed drugs, such as ivermectin and nitazoxanide, which were originally used as antiparasitic drugs, and some others substances showing antiviral activity, such as ampligen, azo derivates, docosanol, fluoroarabinosylpyrimidine nucleosides, and novel peptides. Most of them have only been used for research purposes and are not widely used in clinical practice because of a lack of essential pharmacokinetic and safety data. Suggested future research directions are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Szotowska
- Department of Pathology and Veterinary Diagnostics, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland;
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Su X, Zhou H, Han Z, Xu F, Xiao B, Zhang J, Qi Q, Lin L, Zhang H, Li S, Yang B. Transcriptional Differential Analysis of Nitazoxanide-Mediated Anticanine Parvovirus Effect in F81 Cells. Viruses 2024; 16:282. [PMID: 38400057 PMCID: PMC10892128 DOI: 10.3390/v16020282] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a single-stranded DNA virus that can cause typical hemorrhagic enteritis, and it is one of the common canine lethal viruses. In previous studies, we screened the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)'s drug library and identified nitazoxanide (NTZ), which has anti-CPV capabilities. To investigate the potential antiviral mechanisms, we first reconfirmed the inhibitory effect of NTZ on the CPV by inoculating with different doses and treating for different lengths of time. Then, the differences in the transcription levels between the 0.1%-DMSO-treated virus group and the NTZ-treated virus group were detected using RNA-seq, and a total of 758 differential expression genes (DEGs) were finally identified. Further Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses of the DEGs revealed that these genes are involved in a variety of biological processes and/or signaling pathways, such as cell cycle, mitosis and cell proliferation and differentiation. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis further identified hub genes associated with cell cycle and division among the DEGs. In addition, the expression levels of some of the enriched genes were detected, which were consistent with the high-throughput sequencing results. Moreover, when the cell cycle was regulated with cell cycle checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1) inhibitor MK-8776 or Prexasertib HCl, both inhibitors inhibited the CPV. In summary, the transcriptome differential analysis results presented in this paper lay the foundation for further research on the molecular mechanism and potential targets of NTZ anti-CPV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Su
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; (X.S.); (H.Z.); (Z.H.); (F.X.); (B.X.); (J.Z.); (Q.Q.); (L.L.); (H.Z.)
| | - Hongzhuan Zhou
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; (X.S.); (H.Z.); (Z.H.); (F.X.); (B.X.); (J.Z.); (Q.Q.); (L.L.); (H.Z.)
| | - Ziwei Han
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; (X.S.); (H.Z.); (Z.H.); (F.X.); (B.X.); (J.Z.); (Q.Q.); (L.L.); (H.Z.)
- School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Fuzhou Xu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; (X.S.); (H.Z.); (Z.H.); (F.X.); (B.X.); (J.Z.); (Q.Q.); (L.L.); (H.Z.)
| | - Bing Xiao
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; (X.S.); (H.Z.); (Z.H.); (F.X.); (B.X.); (J.Z.); (Q.Q.); (L.L.); (H.Z.)
| | - Jin Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; (X.S.); (H.Z.); (Z.H.); (F.X.); (B.X.); (J.Z.); (Q.Q.); (L.L.); (H.Z.)
| | - Qi Qi
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; (X.S.); (H.Z.); (Z.H.); (F.X.); (B.X.); (J.Z.); (Q.Q.); (L.L.); (H.Z.)
| | - Lulu Lin
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; (X.S.); (H.Z.); (Z.H.); (F.X.); (B.X.); (J.Z.); (Q.Q.); (L.L.); (H.Z.)
| | - Huanhuan Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; (X.S.); (H.Z.); (Z.H.); (F.X.); (B.X.); (J.Z.); (Q.Q.); (L.L.); (H.Z.)
- School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Songping Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; (X.S.); (H.Z.); (Z.H.); (F.X.); (B.X.); (J.Z.); (Q.Q.); (L.L.); (H.Z.)
- School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Bing Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; (X.S.); (H.Z.); (Z.H.); (F.X.); (B.X.); (J.Z.); (Q.Q.); (L.L.); (H.Z.)
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Saleh M, Mostafa YA, Kumari J, Thabet MM, Sriram D, Kandeel M, Abdu-Allah HHM. New nitazoxanide derivatives: design, synthesis, biological evaluation, and molecular docking studies as antibacterial and antimycobacterial agents. RSC Med Chem 2023; 14:2714-2730. [PMID: 38107181 PMCID: PMC10718594 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00449j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
A new series inspired by combining fragments from nitazoxanide (NTZ) and 4-aminosalicylic acid (4-ASA) was synthesized and screened for in vitro antibacterial and antimycobacterial activities. The majority showed higher antibacterial potency than NTZ against all the screened strains, notably, 5f, 5j, 5n and 5o with MICs of 0.87-9.00 μM. Compounds 5c, 5n and 5o revealed higher potency than ciprofloxacin against K. pneumoniae, while 5i was equipotent. For E. faecalis, 3b, 5j, and 5k showed higher potency than ciprofloxacin. 5j was more potent against P. aeruginosa than ciprofloxacin, while 5n was more potent against S. aureus with an MIC of 0.87 μM. 5f showed equipotency to ciprofloxacin against H. pylori with an MIC of 1.74 μM. Compounds 3a and 3b (4-azidoNTZ, MIC 4.47 μM) are 2 and 5-fold more potent against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb H37Rv) than NTZ (MIC 20.23 μM) and safer. 4-Azidation and/or acetylation of NTZ improve both activities, while introducing 1,2,3-triazoles improves the antibacterial activity. Molecular docking studies within pyruvate ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFOR), glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase (G6PS) and dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) active sites were performed to explore the possible molecular mechanisms of actions. Acceptable drug-likeness properties were found. This study may shed light on further rational design of substituted NTZ as broad-spectrum more potent antimicrobial candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Saleh
- Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University Assiut 71526 Egypt
| | - Yaser A Mostafa
- Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University Assiut 71526 Egypt
| | - Jyothi Kumari
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology & Science-Pilani Hyderabad Campus, Jawahar Nagar Hyderabad-500 078 India
| | - Momen M Thabet
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, South Valley University Qena 83523 Egypt
| | - Dharmarajan Sriram
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology & Science-Pilani Hyderabad Campus, Jawahar Nagar Hyderabad-500 078 India
| | - Mahmoud Kandeel
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University 31982 Al-Ahsa Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University 33516 Kafrelsheikh Egypt
| | - Hajjaj H M Abdu-Allah
- Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University Assiut 71526 Egypt
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Stelitano D, La Frazia S, Ambrosino A, Zannella C, Tay D, Iovane V, Montagnaro S, De Filippis A, Santoro MG, Porotto M, Galdiero M. Antiviral activity of nitazoxanide against Morbillivirus infections. J Virus Erad 2023; 9:100353. [PMID: 38028567 PMCID: PMC10679774 DOI: 10.1016/j.jve.2023.100353] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The measles virus (MeV) and canine distemper virus (CDV) belong to the genus Morbillivirus of the Paramyxoviridae family. They are enveloped viruses harboring a non-segmented negative-sense RNA. Morbilliviruses are extremely contagious and transmitted through infectious aerosol droplets. Both MeV and CDV may cause respiratory infections and fatal encephalitis, although a high incidence of brain infections is unique to CDV. Despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine against these viruses, in recent years we are witnessing a strong resurgence of Morbillivirus infection. Measles still kills more than 100,000 people each year, and CDV causes widespread outbreaks, especially among wild animals, including non-human primates. No drugs are currently approved for MeV and CDV. Therefore, the identification of effective antiviral agents represents an unmet medical need. Here, we have investigated the potential antiviral properties of nitazoxanide (NTZ) against MeV and CDV. Antiviral activity was explored with live virus and cell-based assays. NTZ is a thiazolide that is approved by the FDA as an antiprotozoal agent for the treatment of Giardia intestinalis and Cryptosporidium parvum. Further, nitazoxanide and its metabolite tizoxanide have recently emerged as broad-spectrum antiviral agents. We found that NTZ blocks the MeV and CDV replication, acting at the post-entry level. Moreover, we showed that NTZ affects the function of the viral fusion protein (F), impairing viral spread. Our results indicate that NTZ should be further explored as a therapeutic option in measles and canine distemper virus treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debora Stelitano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, 701 West 168th st, 10032, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Host–Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, 701 West 168th st, 10032, New York, NY, USA
| | - Simone La Frazia
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Annalisa Ambrosino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Carla Zannella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Daniel Tay
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, 701 West 168th st, 10032, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Host–Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, 701 West 168th st, 10032, New York, NY, USA
| | - Valentina Iovane
- Department of Agriculture Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Università, 100-Portici, 80055, Naples, Italy
| | - Serena Montagnaro
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples “Federico II”, via Federico Delpino 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna De Filippis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Gabriella Santoro
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, CNR, Via Fosso del Cavaliere 100, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Porotto
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, 701 West 168th st, 10032, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Host–Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, 701 West 168th st, 10032, New York, NY, USA
| | - Massimiliano Galdiero
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
- Virology and Microbiology Unit, University Hospital “Luigi Vanvitelli”, via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
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8
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Zhuang AQ, Chen Y, Chen SM, Liu WC, Li Y, Zhang WJ, Wu YH. Current Status and Challenges in Anti-Hepatitis B Virus Agents Based on Inactivation/Inhibition or Elimination of Hepatitis B Virus Covalently Closed Circular DNA. Viruses 2023; 15:2315. [PMID: 38140556 PMCID: PMC10747957 DOI: 10.3390/v15122315] [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: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
There has been over half a century since the discovery of hepatitis B virus (HBV) to now, but approximately 300 million patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) still live in the world, resulting in about one million deaths every year. Although currently approved antivirals (e.g., nucleoside analogues) are effective at reducing HBV replication, they have almost no impact on the existing HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) reservoir. HBV cccDNA is a critical obstacle to the complete elimination of the virus via antiviral therapy. The true cure of HBV infection requires the eradication of viral cccDNA from HBV-infected cells; thus, the development of new agents directly or indirectly targeting HBV cccDNA is urgently needed due to the limitations of current available drugs against HBV infection. In this regard, it is the major focus of current anti-HBV research worldwide via different mechanisms to either inactivate/inhibit (functional cure) or eliminate (complete cure) HBV cccDNA. Therefore, this review discussed and summarized recent advances and challenges in efforts to inactivate/silence or eliminate viral cccDNA using anti-HBV agents from different sources, such as small molecules (including epigenetic drugs) and polypeptides/proteins, and siRNA or gene-editing approaches targeting/attenuating HBV cccDNA via different mechanisms, as well as future directions that may be considered in efforts to truly cure chronic HBV infection. In conclusion, no breakthrough has been made yet in attenuating HBV cccDNA, although a number of candidates have advanced into the phase of clinical trials. Furthermore, the overwhelming majority of the candidates function to indirectly target HBV cccDNA. No outstanding candidate directly targets HBV cccDNA. Relatively speaking, CCC_R08 and nitazoxanide may be some of the most promising agents to clear HBV infection in small molecule compounds. Additionally, CRISPR-Cas9 systems can directly target HBV cccDNA for decay and demonstrate significant anti-HBV activity. Consequently, gene-editing approaches targeting HBV cccDNA may be one of the most promising means to achieve the core goal of anti-HBV therapeutic strategies. In short, more basic studies on HBV infection need to be carried out to overcome these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Yi-Hang Wu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection & Quarantine, Department of Pharmacy, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
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Piacentini S, Riccio A, Santopolo S, Pauciullo S, La Frazia S, Rossi A, Rossignol JF, Santoro MG. The FDA-approved drug nitazoxanide is a potent inhibitor of human seasonal coronaviruses acting at postentry level: effect on the viral spike glycoprotein. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1206951. [PMID: 37705731 PMCID: PMC10497118 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1206951] [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: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronaviridae is recognized as one of the most rapidly evolving virus family as a consequence of the high genomic nucleotide substitution rates and recombination. The family comprises a large number of enveloped, positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses, causing an array of diseases of varying severity in animals and humans. To date, seven human coronaviruses (HCoV) have been identified, namely HCoV-229E, HCoV-NL63, HCoV-OC43 and HCoV-HKU1, which are globally circulating in the human population (seasonal HCoV, sHCoV), and the highly pathogenic SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. Seasonal HCoV are estimated to contribute to 15-30% of common cold cases in humans; although diseases are generally self-limiting, sHCoV can sometimes cause severe lower respiratory infections and life-threatening diseases in a subset of patients. No specific treatment is presently available for sHCoV infections. Herein we show that the anti-infective drug nitazoxanide has a potent antiviral activity against three human endemic coronaviruses, the Alpha-coronaviruses HCoV-229E and HCoV-NL63, and the Beta-coronavirus HCoV-OC43 in cell culture with IC50 ranging between 0.05 and 0.15 μg/mL and high selectivity indexes. We found that nitazoxanide does not affect HCoV adsorption, entry or uncoating, but acts at postentry level and interferes with the spike glycoprotein maturation, hampering its terminal glycosylation at an endoglycosidase H-sensitive stage. Altogether the results indicate that nitazoxanide, due to its broad-spectrum anti-coronavirus activity, may represent a readily available useful tool in the treatment of seasonal coronavirus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Piacentini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Riccio
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Santopolo
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Pauciullo
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Simone La Frazia
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Rossi
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, CNR, Rome, Italy
| | | | - M. Gabriella Santoro
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, CNR, Rome, Italy
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10
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Stachulski AV, Rossignol JF, Pate S, Taujanskas J, Iggo JA, Aerts R, Pascal E, Piacentini S, La Frazia S, Santoro MG, van Vooren L, Sintubin L, Cooper M, Swift K, O’Neill PM. Thiazolide Prodrug Esters and Derived Peptides: Synthesis and Activity. ACS BIO & MED CHEM AU 2023; 3:327-334. [PMID: 37599793 PMCID: PMC10436260 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomedchemau.2c00083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Amino acid ester prodrugs of the thiazolides, introduced to improve the pharmacokinetic parameters of the parent drugs, proved to be stable as their salts but were unstable at pH > 5. Although some of the instability was due to simple hydrolysis, we have found that the main end products of the degradation were peptides formed by rearrangement. These peptides were stable solids: they maintained significant antiviral activity, and in general, they showed improved pharmacokinetics (better solubility and reduced clearance) compared to the parent thiazolides. We describe the preparation and evaluation of these peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew V. Stachulski
- Donnan
and Robert Robinson Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, U.K.
| | | | - Sophie Pate
- Donnan
and Robert Robinson Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, U.K.
| | - Joshua Taujanskas
- Donnan
and Robert Robinson Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, U.K.
| | - Jonathan A. Iggo
- Donnan
and Robert Robinson Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, U.K.
| | - Rudi Aerts
- Romark
Belgium BVBA, Roosveld
6, 3400 Landen, Belgium
| | | | - Sara Piacentini
- Department
of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Simone La Frazia
- Department
of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - M. Gabriella Santoro
- Department
of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Institute
of Translational Pharmacology, CNR, Area della Ricerca di Roma 2, Via Fosso del Cavaliere, 00133 Roma, Italy
| | | | | | - Mark Cooper
- Bio-Techne, Avonmouth, Bristol BS11 9QD, U.K.
| | - Karl Swift
- Bio-Techne, Avonmouth, Bristol BS11 9QD, U.K.
| | - Paul M. O’Neill
- Donnan
and Robert Robinson Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, U.K.
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11
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Neary M, Arshad U, Tatham L, Pertinez H, Box H, Rajoli RKR, Valentijn A, Sharp J, Rannard SP, Biagini GA, Curley P, Owen A. Quantitation of tizoxanide in multiple matrices to support cell culture, animal and human research. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2023; 1228:123823. [PMID: 37517355 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2023.123823] [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: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Currently nitazoxanide is being assessed as a candidate therapeutic for SARS-CoV-2. Nitazoxanide is rapidly broken down to its active metabolite tizoxanide upon administration. Unlike many other candidates being investigated, tizoxanide plasma concentrations achieve antiviral levels after administration of the approved dose, although higher doses are expected to be needed to maintain these concentrations across the dosing interval in the majority of patients. Here an LC-MS/MS assay is described that has been validated in accordance with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines. Fundamental parameters have been evaluated, and these included accuracy, precision and sensitivity. The assay was validated for human plasma, mouse plasma and Dulbecco's Modified Eagles Medium (DMEM) containing varying concentrations of Foetal Bovine Serum (FBS). Matrix effects are a well-documented source of concern for chromatographic analysis, with the potential to impact various stages of the analytical process, including suppression or enhancement of ionisation. Herein a validated LC-MS/MS analytical method is presented capable of quantifying tizoxanide in multiple matrices with minimal impact of matrix effects. The validated assay presented here was linear from 15.6 ng/mL to 1000 ng/mL. The presented assay here has applications in both pre-clinical and clinical research and may be used to facilitate further investigations into the application of nitazoxanide against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Neary
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 3NY, UK; Centre of Excellence in Long-acting Therapeutics (CELT), University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 3NY, UK
| | - Usman Arshad
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 3NY, UK; Centre of Excellence in Long-acting Therapeutics (CELT), University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 3NY, UK
| | - Lee Tatham
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 3NY, UK; Centre of Excellence in Long-acting Therapeutics (CELT), University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 3NY, UK
| | - Henry Pertinez
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 3NY, UK; Centre of Excellence in Long-acting Therapeutics (CELT), University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 3NY, UK
| | - Helen Box
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 3NY, UK; Centre of Excellence in Long-acting Therapeutics (CELT), University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 3NY, UK
| | - Rajith K R Rajoli
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 3NY, UK; Centre of Excellence in Long-acting Therapeutics (CELT), University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 3NY, UK
| | - Anthony Valentijn
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 3NY, UK; Centre of Excellence in Long-acting Therapeutics (CELT), University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 3NY, UK
| | - Joanne Sharp
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 3NY, UK; Centre of Excellence in Long-acting Therapeutics (CELT), University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 3NY, UK
| | - Steve P Rannard
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK; Centre of Excellence in Long-acting Therapeutics (CELT), University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 3NY, UK
| | - Giancarlo A Biagini
- Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Paul Curley
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 3NY, UK; Centre of Excellence in Long-acting Therapeutics (CELT), University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 3NY, UK.
| | - Andrew Owen
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 3NY, UK; Centre of Excellence in Long-acting Therapeutics (CELT), University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 3NY, UK
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12
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Xu J, Xue Y, Bolinger AA, Li J, Zhou M, Chen H, Li H, Zhou J. Therapeutic potential of salicylamide derivatives for combating viral infections. Med Res Rev 2023; 43:897-931. [PMID: 36905090 PMCID: PMC10247541 DOI: 10.1002/med.21940] [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: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Since time immemorial human beings have constantly been fighting against viral infections. The ongoing and devastating coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic represents one of the most severe and most significant public health emergencies in human history, highlighting an urgent need to develop broad-spectrum antiviral agents. Salicylamide (2-hydroxybenzamide) derivatives, represented by niclosamide and nitazoxanide, inhibit the replication of a broad range of RNA and DNA viruses such as flavivirus, influenza A virus, and coronavirus. Moreover, nitazoxanide was effective in clinical trials against different viral infections including diarrhea caused by rotavirus and norovirus, uncomplicated influenza A and B, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. In this review, we summarize the broad antiviral activities of salicylamide derivatives, the clinical progress, and the potential targets or mechanisms against different viral infections and highlight their therapeutic potential in combating the circulating and emerging viral infections in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimin Xu
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Yu Xue
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Andrew A. Bolinger
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Jun Li
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Mingxiang Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Haiying Chen
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Hongmin Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Jia Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
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13
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Karim M, Lo CW, Einav S. Preparing for the next viral threat with broad-spectrum antivirals. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e170236. [PMID: 37259914 PMCID: PMC10232003 DOI: 10.1172/jci170236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a large global unmet need for the development of countermeasures to combat hundreds of viruses known to cause human disease and for the establishment of a therapeutic portfolio for future pandemic preparedness. Most approved antiviral therapeutics target proteins encoded by a single virus, providing a narrow spectrum of coverage. This, combined with the slow pace and high cost of drug development, limits the scalability of this direct-acting antiviral (DAA) approach. Here, we summarize progress and challenges in the development of broad-spectrum antivirals that target either viral elements (proteins, genome structures, and lipid envelopes) or cellular proviral factors co-opted by multiple viruses via newly discovered compounds or repurposing of approved drugs. These strategies offer new means for developing therapeutics against both existing and emerging viral threats that complement DAAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwah Karim
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Chieh-Wen Lo
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Shirit Einav
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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14
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Deng S, He W, Gong AY, Li M, Wang Y, Xia Z, Zhang XT, Huang Pacheco AS, Naqib A, Jenkins M, Swanson PC, Drescher KM, Strauss-Soukup JK, Belshan M, Chen XM. Cryptosporidium uses CSpV1 to activate host type I interferon and attenuate antiparasitic defenses. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1456. [PMID: 36928642 PMCID: PMC10020566 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37129-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium infects gastrointestinal epithelium and is a leading cause of infectious diarrhea and diarrheal-related death in children worldwide. There are no vaccines and no fully effective therapy available for the infection. Type II and III interferon (IFN) responses are important determinants of susceptibility to infection but the role for type I IFN response remains obscure. Cryptosporidium parvum virus 1 (CSpV1) is a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) virus harbored by Cryptosporidium spp. Here we show that intestinal epithelial conditional Ifnar1-/- mice (deficient in type I IFN receptor) are resistant to C. parvum infection. CSpV1-dsRNAs are delivered into host cells and trigger type I IFN response in infected cells. Whereas C. parvum infection attenuates epithelial response to IFN-γ, loss of type I IFN signaling or inhibition of CSpV1-dsRNA delivery can restore IFN-γ-mediated protective response. Our findings demonstrate that type I IFN signaling in intestinal epithelial cells is detrimental to intestinal anti-C. parvum defense and Cryptosporidium uses CSpV1 to activate type I IFN signaling to evade epithelial antiparasitic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silu Deng
- Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Wei He
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Ai-Yu Gong
- Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Min Li
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Zijie Xia
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Xin-Tiang Zhang
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Andrew S Huang Pacheco
- Pediatric Gastroenterology, Children's Hospital & Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Ankur Naqib
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mark Jenkins
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, the United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD, USA
| | - Patrick C Swanson
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Kristen M Drescher
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Juliane K Strauss-Soukup
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Creighton University College of Arts and Sciences, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Michael Belshan
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Xian-Ming Chen
- Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA.
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15
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Computational investigation into Nirematrelvir/Ritonavir synergetic efficiency compared with some approved antiviral drugs targeting main protease (Mpro) SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant. J INDIAN CHEM SOC 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jics.2023.100891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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16
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Qu B, Nebioglu F, Leuthold MM, Ni Y, Mutz P, Beneke J, Erfle H, Vondran FW, Bartenschlager R, Urban S. Dual role of neddylation in transcription of hepatitis B virus RNAs from cccDNA and production of viral surface antigen. JHEP Rep 2022; 4:100551. [PMID: 36124123 PMCID: PMC9482114 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2022.100551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims HBV persistence is maintained by both an episomal covalently closed circular (ccc)DNA reservoir and genomic integration of HBV DNA fragments. While cccDNA transcription is regulated by Cullin4A-DDB1-HBx-mediated degradation of the SMC5/6 complex, HBsAg expression from integrants is largely SMC5/6 independent. Inhibiting neddylation of Cullin-RING ubiquitin ligases impairs degradation of substrates. Herein, we show that targeting neddylation pathway components by small-interfering (si)RNAs or the drug MLN4924 (pevonedistat) suppresses expression of HBV proteins from both cccDNA and integrants. Methods An siRNA screen targeting secretory pathway regulators and neddylation genes was performed. Activity of MLN4924 was assessed in infection and integration models. Trans-complementation assays were used to study HBx function in cccDNA-driven expression. Results siRNA screening uncovered neddylation pathway components (Nedd8, Ube2m) that promote HBsAg production post-transcriptionally. Likewise, MLN4924 inhibited production of HBsAg encoded by integrants and reduced intracellular HBsAg levels, independent of HBx. MLN4924 also profoundly inhibited cccDNA transcription in three infection models. Using the HBV inducible cell line HepAD38 as a model, we verified the dual action of MLN4924 on both cccDNA and integrants with sustained suppression of HBV markers during 42 days of treatment. Conclusions Neddylation is required both for transcription of a cccDNA reservoir and for the genomic integration of viral DNA. Therefore, blocking neddylation might offer an attractive approach towards functional cure of chronic hepatitis B. Lay summary Current treatments for chronic hepatitis B are rarely able to induce a functional cure. This is partly because of the presence of a pool of circular viral DNA in the host nucleus, as well as viral DNA fragments that are integrated into the host genome. Herein, we show that a host biological pathway called neddylation could play a key role in infection and viral DNA integration. Inhibiting this pathway could hold therapeutic promise for patients with chronic hepatitis B. Neddylation plays a dual role in HBV expression from viral integrants and episomal cccDNA. Impaired neddylation suppresses production of HBsAg expressed from viral integrants. Neddylation promotes HBsAg generation from viral integrants in an HBx-independent manner. MLN4924 also inhibits the synthesis of viral transcripts from episomal cccDNA.
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17
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Tang H, Liu Y, Ren R, Liu Y, He Y, Qi Z, Peng H, Zhao P. Identification of clinical candidates against West Nile Virus by activity screening
in vitro
and effect evaluation
in vivo. J Med Virol 2022; 94:4918-4925. [DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hailin Tang
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Naval MedicineNavy Medical UniversityShanghai200433People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Naval MedicineNavy Medical UniversityShanghai200433People's Republic of China
| | - Ruiwen Ren
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Southern Theater CommandGuangdong Guangzhou510507People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Naval MedicineNavy Medical UniversityShanghai200433People's Republic of China
| | - Yanhua He
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Naval MedicineNavy Medical UniversityShanghai200433People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongtian Qi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Naval MedicineNavy Medical UniversityShanghai200433People's Republic of China
| | - Haoran Peng
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Naval MedicineNavy Medical UniversityShanghai200433People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Zhao
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Naval MedicineNavy Medical UniversityShanghai200433People's Republic of China
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18
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Riccio A, Santopolo S, Rossi A, Piacentini S, Rossignol JF, Santoro MG. Impairment of SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein maturation and fusion activity by nitazoxanide: an effect independent of spike variants emergence. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:227. [PMID: 35391601 PMCID: PMC8989121 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04246-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, has caused an unprecedented global health crisis. The SARS-CoV-2 spike, a surface-anchored trimeric class-I fusion glycoprotein essential for viral entry, represents a key target for developing vaccines and therapeutics capable of blocking virus invasion. The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 spike variants that facilitate virus spread and may affect vaccine efficacy highlights the need to identify novel antiviral strategies for COVID-19 therapy. Here, we demonstrate that nitazoxanide, an antiprotozoal agent with recognized broad-spectrum antiviral activity, interferes with SARS-CoV-2 spike maturation, hampering its terminal glycosylation at an endoglycosidase H-sensitive stage. Engineering multiple SARS-CoV-2 variant-pseudoviruses and utilizing quantitative cell–cell fusion assays, we show that nitazoxanide-induced spike modifications hinder progeny virion infectivity as well as spike-driven pulmonary cell–cell fusion, a critical feature of COVID-19 pathology. Nitazoxanide, being equally effective against the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan-spike and different emerging variants, including the Delta variant of concern, may represent a useful tool in the fight against COVID-19 infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Riccio
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Santopolo
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Rossi
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Piacentini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - M Gabriella Santoro
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy. .,Institute of Translational Pharmacology, CNR, Rome, Italy.
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19
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Walker LE, FitzGerald R, Saunders G, Lyon R, Fisher M, Martin K, Eberhart I, Woods C, Ewings S, Hale C, Rajoli RKR, Else L, Dilly‐Penchala S, Amara A, Lalloo DG, Jacobs M, Pertinez H, Hatchard P, Waugh R, Lawrence M, Johnson L, Fines K, Reynolds H, Rowland T, Crook R, Okenyi E, Byrne K, Mozgunov P, Jaki T, Khoo S, Owen A, Griffiths G, Fletcher TE. An Open Label, Adaptive, Phase 1 Trial of High-Dose Oral Nitazoxanide in Healthy Volunteers: An Antiviral Candidate for SARS-CoV-2. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2022; 111:585-594. [PMID: 34699618 PMCID: PMC8653087 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.2463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Repurposing approved drugs may rapidly establish effective interventions during a public health crisis. This has yielded immunomodulatory treatments for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but repurposed antivirals have not been successful to date because of redundancy of the target in vivo or suboptimal exposures at studied doses. Nitazoxanide is a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved antiparasitic medicine, that physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling has indicated may provide antiviral concentrations across the dosing interval, when repurposed at higher than approved doses. Within the AGILE trial platform (NCT04746183) an open label, adaptive, phase I trial in healthy adult participants was undertaken with high-dose nitazoxanide. Participants received 1,500 mg nitazoxanide orally twice-daily with food for 7 days. Primary outcomes were safety, tolerability, optimum dose, and schedule. Intensive pharmacokinetic (PK) sampling was undertaken day 1 and 5 with minimum concentration (Cmin ) sampling on days 3 and 7. Fourteen healthy participants were enrolled between February 18 and May 11, 2021. All 14 doses were completed by 10 of 14 participants. Nitazoxanide was safe and with no significant adverse events. Moderate gastrointestinal disturbance (loose stools or diarrhea) occurred in 8 participants (57.1%), with urine and sclera discoloration in 12 (85.7%) and 9 (64.3%) participants, respectively, without clinically significant bilirubin elevation. This was self-limiting and resolved upon drug discontinuation. PBPK predictions were confirmed on day 1 but with underprediction at day 5. Median Cmin was above the in vitro target concentration on the first dose and maintained throughout. Nitazoxanide administered at 1,500 mg b.i.d. with food was safe with acceptable tolerability a phase Ib/IIa study is now being initiated in patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E. Walker
- University of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLiverpoolUK
| | | | - Geoffrey Saunders
- Southampton Clinical Trials UnitUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
| | - Rebecca Lyon
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLiverpoolUK
| | - Michael Fisher
- University of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLiverpoolUK
| | - Karen Martin
- Southampton Clinical Trials UnitUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
| | - Izabela Eberhart
- Southampton Clinical Trials UnitUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
| | - Christie Woods
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLiverpoolUK
| | - Sean Ewings
- Southampton Clinical Trials UnitUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
| | - Colin Hale
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLiverpoolUK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Parys Hatchard
- Southampton Clinical Trials UnitUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
| | - Robert Waugh
- Southampton Clinical Trials UnitUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
| | - Megan Lawrence
- Southampton Clinical Trials UnitUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
| | - Lucy Johnson
- Southampton Clinical Trials UnitUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
| | - Keira Fines
- Southampton Clinical Trials UnitUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
| | | | - Timothy Rowland
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLiverpoolUK
| | - Rebecca Crook
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLiverpoolUK
| | - Emmanuel Okenyi
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLiverpoolUK
| | - Kelly Byrne
- Liverpool School of Tropical MedicineLiverpoolUK
| | - Pavel Mozgunov
- MRC Biostatistics UnitUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Thomas Jaki
- MRC Biostatistics UnitUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | | | | | - Gareth Griffiths
- Southampton Clinical Trials UnitUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
| | - Thomas E. Fletcher
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLiverpoolUK
- Liverpool School of Tropical MedicineLiverpoolUK
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20
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Synthesis and antiplasmodial assessment of nitazoxanide and analogs as new antimalarial candidates. Med Chem Res 2022; 31:426-435. [PMID: 35106047 PMCID: PMC8794615 DOI: 10.1007/s00044-021-02843-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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21
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Abstract
Viruses are intracellular parasites that subvert the functions of their host cells to accomplish their infection cycle. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-residing chaperone proteins are central for the achievement of different steps of the viral cycle, from entry and replication to assembly and exit. The most abundant ER chaperones are GRP78 (78-kDa glucose-regulated protein), GRP94 (94-kDa glucose-regulated protein), the carbohydrate or lectin-like chaperones calnexin (CNX) and calreticulin (CRT), the protein disulfide isomerases (PDIs), and the DNAJ chaperones. This review will focus on the pleiotropic roles of ER chaperones during viral infection. We will cover their essential role in the folding and quality control of viral proteins, notably viral glycoproteins which play a major role in host cell infection. We will also describe how viruses co-opt ER chaperones at various steps of their infectious cycle but also in order to evade immune responses and avoid apoptosis. Finally, we will discuss the different molecules targeting these chaperones and the perspectives in the development of broad-spectrum antiviral drugs.
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22
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Shrestha R, Johnson E, Byrne FL. Exploring the therapeutic potential of mitochondrial uncouplers in cancer. Mol Metab 2021; 51:101222. [PMID: 33781939 PMCID: PMC8129951 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2021.101222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mitochondrial uncouplers are well-known for their ability to treat a myriad of metabolic diseases, including obesity and fatty liver diseases. However, for many years now, mitochondrial uncouplers have also been evaluated in diverse models of cancer in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, some mitochondrial uncouplers are now in clinical trials for cancer, although none have yet been approved for the treatment of cancer. SCOPE OF REVIEW In this review we summarise published studies in which mitochondrial uncouplers have been investigated as an anti-cancer therapy in preclinical models. In many cases, mitochondrial uncouplers show strong anti-cancer effects both as single agents, and in combination therapies, and some are more toxic to cancer cells than normal cells. Furthermore, the mitochondrial uncoupling mechanism of action in cancer cells has been described in detail, with consistencies and inconsistencies between different structural classes of uncouplers. For example, many mitochondrial uncouplers decrease ATP levels and disrupt key metabolic signalling pathways such as AMPK/mTOR but have different effects on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Many of these effects oppose aberrant phenotypes common in cancer cells that ultimately result in cell death. We also highlight several gaps in knowledge that need to be addressed before we have a clear direction and strategy for applying mitochondrial uncouplers as anti-cancer agents. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS There is a large body of evidence supporting the therapeutic use of mitochondrial uncouplers to treat cancer. However, the long-term safety of some uncouplers remains in question and it will be critical to identify which patients and cancer types would benefit most from these agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riya Shrestha
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, 2052, Australia
| | - Edward Johnson
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, 2052, Australia
| | - Frances L Byrne
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, 2052, Australia.
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23
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Synthesis, antiviral activity, preliminary pharmacokinetics and structural parameters of thiazolide amine salts. Future Med Chem 2021; 13:1731-1741. [PMID: 34402654 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2021-0055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The thiazolides, typified by nitazoxanide, are an important class of anti-infective agents. A significant problem with nitazoxanide and its active circulating metabolite tizoxanide is their poor solubility. Results: We report the preparation and evaluation of a series of amine salts of tizoxanide and the corresponding 5-Cl thiazolide. These salts demonstrated improved aqueous solubility and absorption, as shown by physicochemical and in vivo measurements. They combine antiviral activity against influenza A virus with excellent cell safety indices. We also report the x-ray crystal structural data of the ethanolamine salt. Conclusion: The ethanol salt of thiazolide retains the activity of the parent together with an improved cell safety index, making it a good candidate for further evaluation.
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24
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Fenizia C, Ibba SV, Vanetti C, Strizzi S, Rossignol JF, Biasin M, Trabattoni D, Clerici M. The Modulation of Cholesterol Metabolism Is Involved in the Antiviral Effect of Nitazoxanide. Infect Dis Rep 2021; 13:636-644. [PMID: 34287319 PMCID: PMC8293206 DOI: 10.3390/idr13030060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously investigated the role of Nitazoxanide (NTZ), a thiazolide endowed with antiviral and antiparasitic activity, in HIV-1 infection. NTZ treatment in primary isolated PBMCs was able to reduce HIV-1 infection in vitro by inducing the expression of a number of type-I interferon-stimulated genes. Among them, NTZ was able to induce cholesterol-25-hydroxylase (CH25H), which is involved in cholesterol metabolism. In the present study, we wanted to deepen our knowledge about the antiviral mechanism of action of NTZ. Indeed, by inducing CH25H, which catalyzes the formation of 25-hydroxycholesterol from cholesterol, NTZ treatment repressed cholesterol biosynthetic pathways and promoted cholesterol mobilization and efflux from the cell. Such effects were even more pronounced upon stimulation with FLU antigens in combination. It is already well known how lipid metabolism and virus replication are tightly interconnected; thus, it is not surprising that the antiviral immune response employs genes related to cholesterol metabolism. Indeed, NTZ was able to modulate cholesterol metabolism in vitro and, by doing so, enhance the antiviral response. These results give us the chance to speculate about the suitability of NTZ as adjuvant for induction of specific natural immunity. Moreover, the putative application of NTZ to alimentary-related diseases should be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Fenizia
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Via F. Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy; (C.F.); (C.V.)
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy; (S.V.I.); (S.S.); (M.B.); (D.T.)
| | - Salomè Valentina Ibba
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy; (S.V.I.); (S.S.); (M.B.); (D.T.)
| | - Claudia Vanetti
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Via F. Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy; (C.F.); (C.V.)
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy; (S.V.I.); (S.S.); (M.B.); (D.T.)
| | - Sergio Strizzi
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy; (S.V.I.); (S.S.); (M.B.); (D.T.)
| | | | - Mara Biasin
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy; (S.V.I.); (S.S.); (M.B.); (D.T.)
| | - Daria Trabattoni
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy; (S.V.I.); (S.S.); (M.B.); (D.T.)
| | - Mario Clerici
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Via F. Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy; (C.F.); (C.V.)
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Via A. Capecelatro 66, 20148 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-02-5031-9678
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25
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Qu B, Brown RJP. Strategies to Inhibit Hepatitis B Virus at the Transcript Level. Viruses 2021; 13:v13071327. [PMID: 34372533 PMCID: PMC8310268 DOI: 10.3390/v13071327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 240 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV), despite four decades of effective HBV vaccination. During chronic infection, HBV forms two distinct templates responsible for viral transcription: (1) episomal covalently closed circular (ccc)DNA and (2) host genome-integrated viral templates. Multiple ubiquitous and liver-specific transcription factors are recruited onto these templates and modulate viral gene transcription. This review details the latest developments in antivirals that inhibit HBV gene transcription or destabilize viral transcripts. Notably, nuclear receptor agonists exhibit potent inhibition of viral gene transcription from cccDNA. Small molecule inhibitors repress HBV X protein-mediated transcription from cccDNA, while small interfering RNAs and single-stranded oligonucleotides result in transcript degradation from both cccDNA and integrated templates. These antivirals mediate their effects by reducing viral transcripts abundance, some leading to a loss of surface antigen expression, and they can potentially be added to the arsenal of drugs with demonstrable anti-HBV activity. Thus, these candidates deserve special attention for future repurposing or further development as anti-HBV therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingqian Qu
- Division of Veterinary Medicine, Paul Ehrlich Institute, 63225 Langen, Germany
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Correspondence: (B.Q.); (R.J.P.B.)
| | - Richard J. P. Brown
- Division of Veterinary Medicine, Paul Ehrlich Institute, 63225 Langen, Germany
- Correspondence: (B.Q.); (R.J.P.B.)
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26
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Pérez-Vargas J, Teppa E, Amirache F, Boson B, Pereira de Oliveira R, Combet C, Böckmann A, Fusil F, Freitas N, Carbone A, Cosset FL. A fusion peptide in preS1 and the human protein disulfide isomerase ERp57 are involved in hepatitis B virus membrane fusion process. eLife 2021; 10:64507. [PMID: 34190687 PMCID: PMC8282342 DOI: 10.7554/elife.64507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell entry of enveloped viruses relies on the fusion between the viral and plasma or endosomal membranes, through a mechanism that is triggered by a cellular signal. Here we used a combination of computational and experimental approaches to unravel the main determinants of hepatitis B virus (HBV) membrane fusion process. We discovered that ERp57 is a host factor critically involved in triggering HBV fusion and infection. Then, through modeling approaches, we uncovered a putative allosteric cross-strand disulfide (CSD) bond in the HBV S glycoprotein and we demonstrate that its stabilization could prevent membrane fusion. Finally, we identified and characterized a potential fusion peptide in the preS1 domain of the HBV L glycoprotein. These results underscore a membrane fusion mechanism that could be triggered by ERp57, allowing a thiol/disulfide exchange reaction to occur and regulate isomerization of a critical CSD, which ultimately leads to the exposition of the fusion peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimena Pérez-Vargas
- CIRI - Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm, U1111, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Elin Teppa
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, IBPS, Laboratoire de Biologie Computationnelle et Quantitative (LCQB) - UMR 7238, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Université, Institut des Sciences du Calcul et des Données (ISCD), Paris, France
| | - Fouzia Amirache
- CIRI - Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm, U1111, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Bertrand Boson
- CIRI - Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm, U1111, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Rémi Pereira de Oliveira
- CIRI - Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm, U1111, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Christophe Combet
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), UMR Inserm 1052 - CNRS 5286 - Université Lyon 1 - Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Anja Böckmann
- Molecular Microbiology and Structural Biochemistry, UMR5086 CNRS-Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Floriane Fusil
- CIRI - Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm, U1111, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Natalia Freitas
- CIRI - Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm, U1111, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Alessandra Carbone
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, IBPS, Laboratoire de Biologie Computationnelle et Quantitative (LCQB) - UMR 7238, Paris, France
| | - François-Loïc Cosset
- CIRI - Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm, U1111, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS Lyon, Lyon, France
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27
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Stachulski AV, Taujanskas J, Pate SL, Rajoli RKR, Aljayyoussi G, Pennington SH, Ward SA, Hong WD, Biagini GA, Owen A, Nixon GL, Leung SC, O’Neill PM. Therapeutic Potential of Nitazoxanide: An Appropriate Choice for Repurposing versus SARS-CoV-2? ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:1317-1331. [PMID: 33352056 PMCID: PMC7771247 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.0c00478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The rapidly growing COVID-19 pandemic is the most serious global health crisis since the "Spanish flu" of 1918. There is currently no proven effective drug treatment or prophylaxis for this coronavirus infection. While developing safe and effective vaccines is one of the key focuses, a number of existing antiviral drugs are being evaluated for their potency and efficiency against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro and in the clinic. Here, we review the significant potential of nitazoxanide (NTZ) as an antiviral agent that can be repurposed as a treatment for COVID-19. Originally, NTZ was developed as an antiparasitic agent especially against Cryptosporidium spp.; it was later shown to possess potent activity against a broad range of both RNA and DNA viruses, including influenza A, hepatitis B and C, and coronaviruses. Recent in vitro assessment of NTZ has confirmed its promising activity against SARS-CoV-2 with an EC50 of 2.12 μM. Here we examine its drug properties, antiviral activity against different viruses, clinical trials outcomes, and mechanisms of antiviral action from the literature in order to highlight the therapeutic potential for the treatment of COVID-19. Furthermore, in preliminary PK/PD analyses using clinical data reported in the literature, comparison of simulated TIZ (active metabolite of NTZ) exposures at two doses with the in vitro potency of NTZ against SARS-CoV-2 gives further support for drug repurposing with potential in combination chemotherapy approaches. The review concludes with details of second generation thiazolides under development that could lead to improved antiviral therapies for future indications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joshua Taujanskas
- Department of Chemistry, University of
Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, U.K.
| | - Sophie L. Pate
- Department of Chemistry, University of
Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, U.K.
| | - Rajith K. R. Rajoli
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology,
Materials Innovation Factory, University of Liverpool,
Liverpool L7 3NY, U.K.
| | - Ghaith Aljayyoussi
- Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Department of Tropical
Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine,
Liverpool L3 5QA, U.K.
| | - Shaun H. Pennington
- Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Department of Tropical
Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine,
Liverpool L3 5QA, U.K.
| | - Stephen A. Ward
- Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Department of Tropical
Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine,
Liverpool L3 5QA, U.K.
| | - Weiqian David Hong
- Department of Chemistry, University of
Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, U.K.
| | - Giancarlo A. Biagini
- Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Department of Tropical
Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine,
Liverpool L3 5QA, U.K.
| | - Andrew Owen
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology,
Materials Innovation Factory, University of Liverpool,
Liverpool L7 3NY, U.K.
| | - Gemma L. Nixon
- Department of Chemistry, University of
Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, U.K.
| | - Suet C. Leung
- Department of Chemistry, University of
Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, U.K.
| | - Paul M. O’Neill
- Department of Chemistry, University of
Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, U.K.
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28
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Zhu ZM, Zhang WJ. Spectroscopic Analysis of the Interaction Between the Antiparasitic Drug Nitazoxanide and Bovine Serum Albumin. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, TRANSACTIONS A: SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s40995-021-01102-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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29
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Neary M, Arshad U, Tatham L, Pertinez H, Box H, Rajoli RK, Valentijn A, Sharp J, Rannard SP, Biagini GA, Curley P, Owen A. Quantitation of tizoxanide in multiple matrices to support cell culture, animal and human research. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2021:2021.05.27.445500. [PMID: 34075381 PMCID: PMC8168394 DOI: 10.1101/2021.05.27.445500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Currently nitazoxanide is being assessed as a candidate therapeutic for SARS-CoV-2. Unlike many other candidates being investigated, tizoxanide (the active metabolite of nitazoxanide) plasma concentrations achieve antiviral levels after administration of the approved dose, although higher doses are expected to be needed to maintain these concentrations across the dosing interval in the majority of patients. Here an LC-MS/MS assay is described that has been validated in accordance with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines. Fundamental parameters have been evaluated, and these included accuracy, precision and sensitivity. The assay was validated for human plasma, mouse plasma and Dulbeccos Modified Eagles Medium (DMEM) containing varying concentrations of Foetal Bovine Serum (FBS). Matrix effects are a well-documented source of concern for chromatographic analysis, with the potential to impact various stages of the analytical process, including suppression or enhancement of ionisation. Therefore, a robustly validated LC-MS/MS analytical method is presented capable of quantifying tizoxanide in multiple matrices with minimal impact of matrix effects. The validated assay presented here was linear from 15.6ng/mL to 1000ng/mL. Accuracy and precision ranged between 102.2% and 113.5%, 100.1% and 105.4%, respectively. The presented assay here has applications in both pre-clinical and clinical research and may be used to facilitate further investigations into the application of nitazoxanide against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Neary
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L7 3NY, UK
- Centre of Excellence in Long-acting Therapeutics (CELT), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L7 3NY, UK
| | - Usman Arshad
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L7 3NY, UK
- Centre of Excellence in Long-acting Therapeutics (CELT), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L7 3NY, UK
| | - Lee Tatham
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L7 3NY, UK
- Centre of Excellence in Long-acting Therapeutics (CELT), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L7 3NY, UK
| | - Henry Pertinez
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L7 3NY, UK
- Centre of Excellence in Long-acting Therapeutics (CELT), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L7 3NY, UK
| | - Helen Box
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L7 3NY, UK
- Centre of Excellence in Long-acting Therapeutics (CELT), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L7 3NY, UK
| | - Rajith Kr Rajoli
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L7 3NY, UK
- Centre of Excellence in Long-acting Therapeutics (CELT), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L7 3NY, UK
| | - Anthony Valentijn
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L7 3NY, UK
- Centre of Excellence in Long-acting Therapeutics (CELT), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L7 3NY, UK
| | - Joanne Sharp
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L7 3NY, UK
- Centre of Excellence in Long-acting Therapeutics (CELT), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L7 3NY, UK
| | - Steve P Rannard
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3BX, UK
- Centre of Excellence in Long-acting Therapeutics (CELT), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L7 3NY, UK
| | - Giancarlo A Biagini
- Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Paul Curley
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L7 3NY, UK
- Centre of Excellence in Long-acting Therapeutics (CELT), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L7 3NY, UK
| | - Andrew Owen
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L7 3NY, UK
- Centre of Excellence in Long-acting Therapeutics (CELT), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L7 3NY, UK
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30
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Rasool N, Yasmin F, Sahai S, Hussain W, Inam H, Arshad A. Biological perspective of thiazolide derivatives against Mpro and MTase of SARS-CoV-2: Molecular docking, DFT and MD simulation investigations. Chem Phys Lett 2021; 771:138463. [PMID: 33716307 PMCID: PMC7936854 DOI: 10.1016/j.cplett.2021.138463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Humans around the globe have been severely affected by SARS-CoV-2 and no treatment has yet been authorized for the treatment of this severe condition brought by COVID-19. Here, an in silico research was executed to elucidate the inhibitory potential of selected thiazolides derivatives against SARS-CoV-2 Protease (Mpro) and Methyltransferase (MTase). Based on the analysis; 4 compounds were discovered to have efficacious and remarkable results against the proteins of the interest. Primarily, results obtained through this study not only allude these compounds as potential inhibitors but also pave the way for in vivo and in vitro validation of these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nouman Rasool
- Center for Professional & Applied Studies, Lahore, Pakistan,Corresponding author
| | - Farkhanda Yasmin
- Department of Biotechnology, Khawaja Fareed University of Science and Technology, Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan
| | | | - Waqar Hussain
- Center for Professional & Applied Studies, Lahore, Pakistan,National Center of Artificial Intelligence, Punjab University College of Information Technology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Hadiqa Inam
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Arooj Arshad
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
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31
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Li X, Peng T. Strategy, Progress, and Challenges of Drug Repurposing for Efficient Antiviral Discovery. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:660710. [PMID: 34017257 PMCID: PMC8129523 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.660710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging or re-emerging viruses are still major threats to public health. Prophylactic vaccines represent the most effective way to prevent virus infection; however, antivirals are more promising for those viruses against which vaccines are not effective enough or contemporarily unavailable. Because of the slow pace of novel antiviral discovery, the high disuse rates, and the substantial cost, repurposing of the well-characterized therapeutics, either approved or under investigation, is becoming an attractive strategy to identify the new directions to treat virus infections. In this review, we described recent progress in identifying broad-spectrum antivirals through drug repurposing. We defined the two major categories of the repurposed antivirals, direct-acting repurposed antivirals (DARA) and host-targeting repurposed antivirals (HTRA). Under each category, we summarized repurposed antivirals with potential broad-spectrum activity against a variety of viruses and discussed the possible mechanisms of action. Finally, we proposed the potential investigative directions of drug repurposing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinlei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Sino-French Hoffmann Institute, College of Basic Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tao Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Sino-French Hoffmann Institute, College of Basic Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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32
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Xu J, Xue Y, Zhou R, Shi PY, Li H, Zhou J. Drug repurposing approach to combating coronavirus: Potential drugs and drug targets. Med Res Rev 2021; 41:1375-1426. [PMID: 33277927 PMCID: PMC8044022 DOI: 10.1002/med.21763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
In the past two decades, three highly pathogenic human coronaviruses severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, and, recently, SARS-CoV-2, have caused pandemics of severe acute respiratory diseases with alarming morbidity and mortality. Due to the lack of specific anti-CoV therapies, the ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) poses a great challenge to clinical management and highlights an urgent need for effective interventions. Drug repurposing is a rapid and feasible strategy to identify effective drugs for combating this deadly infection. In this review, we summarize the therapeutic CoV targets, focus on the existing small molecule drugs that have the potential to be repurposed for existing and emerging CoV infections of the future, and discuss the clinical progress of developing small molecule drugs for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimin Xu
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Yu Xue
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Richard Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Pei-Yong Shi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Hongmin Li
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Jia Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
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33
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Simanjuntak Y, Schamoni-Kast K, Grün A, Uetrecht C, Scaturro P. Top-Down and Bottom-Up Proteomics Methods to Study RNA Virus Biology. Viruses 2021; 13:668. [PMID: 33924391 PMCID: PMC8070632 DOI: 10.3390/v13040668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA viruses cause a wide range of human diseases that are associated with high mortality and morbidity. In the past decades, the rise of genetic-based screening methods and high-throughput sequencing approaches allowed the uncovering of unique and elusive aspects of RNA virus replication and pathogenesis at an unprecedented scale. However, viruses often hijack critical host functions or trigger pathological dysfunctions, perturbing cellular proteostasis, macromolecular complex organization or stoichiometry, and post-translational modifications. Such effects require the monitoring of proteins and proteoforms both on a global scale and at the structural level. Mass spectrometry (MS) has recently emerged as an important component of the RNA virus biology toolbox, with its potential to shed light on critical aspects of virus-host perturbations and streamline the identification of antiviral targets. Moreover, multiple novel MS tools are available to study the structure of large protein complexes, providing detailed information on the exact stoichiometry of cellular and viral protein complexes and critical mechanistic insights into their functions. Here, we review top-down and bottom-up mass spectrometry-based approaches in RNA virus biology with a special focus on the most recent developments in characterizing host responses, and their translational implications to identify novel tractable antiviral targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yogy Simanjuntak
- Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology (HPI), 20251 Hamburg, Germany; (Y.S.); (K.S.-K.); (A.G.)
| | - Kira Schamoni-Kast
- Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology (HPI), 20251 Hamburg, Germany; (Y.S.); (K.S.-K.); (A.G.)
| | - Alice Grün
- Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology (HPI), 20251 Hamburg, Germany; (Y.S.); (K.S.-K.); (A.G.)
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Charlotte Uetrecht
- Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology (HPI), 20251 Hamburg, Germany; (Y.S.); (K.S.-K.); (A.G.)
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
- European XFEL GmbH, 22869 Schenefeld, Germany
| | - Pietro Scaturro
- Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology (HPI), 20251 Hamburg, Germany; (Y.S.); (K.S.-K.); (A.G.)
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Rajoli RKR, Pertinez H, Arshad U, Box H, Tatham L, Curley P, Neary M, Sharp J, Liptrott NJ, Valentijn A, David C, Rannard SP, Aljayyoussi G, Pennington SH, Hill A, Boffito M, Ward SA, Khoo SH, Bray PG, O'Neill PM, Hong WD, Biagini GA, Owen A. Dose prediction for repurposing nitazoxanide in SARS-CoV-2 treatment or chemoprophylaxis. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2021; 87:2078-2088. [PMID: 33085781 PMCID: PMC8056737 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.14619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been declared a global pandemic and urgent treatment and prevention strategies are needed. Nitazoxanide, an anthelmintic drug, has been shown to exhibit in vitro activity against SARS-CoV-2. The present study used physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modelling to inform optimal doses of nitazoxanide capable of maintaining plasma and lung tizoxanide exposures above the reported SARS-CoV-2 EC90 . METHODS A whole-body PBPK model was validated against available pharmacokinetic data for healthy individuals receiving single and multiple doses between 500 and 4000 mg with and without food. The validated model was used to predict doses expected to maintain tizoxanide plasma and lung concentrations above the EC90 in >90% of the simulated population. PopDes was used to estimate an optimal sparse sampling strategy for future clinical trials. RESULTS The PBPK model was successfully validated against the reported human pharmacokinetics. The model predicted optimal doses of 1200 mg QID, 1600 mg TID and 2900 mg BID in the fasted state and 700 mg QID, 900 mg TID and 1400 mg BID when given with food. For BID regimens an optimal sparse sampling strategy of 0.25, 1, 3 and 12 hours post dose was estimated. CONCLUSION The PBPK model predicted tizoxanide concentrations within doses of nitazoxanide already given to humans previously. The reported dosing strategies provide a rational basis for design of clinical trials with nitazoxanide for the treatment or prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection. A concordant higher dose of nitazoxanide is now planned for investigation in the seamless phase I/IIa AGILE trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajith K. R. Rajoli
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Materials Innovation FactoryUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
| | - Henry Pertinez
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Materials Innovation FactoryUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
| | - Usman Arshad
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Materials Innovation FactoryUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
| | - Helen Box
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Materials Innovation FactoryUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
| | - Lee Tatham
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Materials Innovation FactoryUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
| | - Paul Curley
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Materials Innovation FactoryUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
| | - Megan Neary
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Materials Innovation FactoryUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
| | - Joanne Sharp
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Materials Innovation FactoryUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
| | - Neill J. Liptrott
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Materials Innovation FactoryUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
| | - Anthony Valentijn
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Materials Innovation FactoryUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
| | - Christopher David
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Materials Innovation FactoryUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
| | | | - Ghaith Aljayyoussi
- Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, and Department of Tropical Disease BiologyLiverpool School of Tropical MedicineLiverpoolUK
| | - Shaun H. Pennington
- Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, and Department of Tropical Disease BiologyLiverpool School of Tropical MedicineLiverpoolUK
| | - Andrew Hill
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Materials Innovation FactoryUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
| | - Marta Boffito
- Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust and St Stephen's AIDS Trust 4th FloorChelsea and Westminster HospitalLondonUK
- Jefferiss Research Trust Laboratories, Department of MedicineImperial CollegeLondonUK
| | - Steve A. Ward
- Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, and Department of Tropical Disease BiologyLiverpool School of Tropical MedicineLiverpoolUK
| | - Saye H. Khoo
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Materials Innovation FactoryUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
| | | | | | - W. David Hong
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
| | - Giancarlo A. Biagini
- Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, and Department of Tropical Disease BiologyLiverpool School of Tropical MedicineLiverpoolUK
| | - Andrew Owen
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Materials Innovation FactoryUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
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35
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Liang H, Zhang L, Wang L, Gao M, Meng X, Li M, Liu J, Li W, Meng F. Repositioning Drugs on Human Influenza A Viruses Based on a Novel Nuclear Norm Minimization Method. Front Physiol 2021; 11:597494. [PMID: 33536933 PMCID: PMC7849835 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.597494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Influenza A viruses, especially H3N2 and H1N1 subtypes, are viruses that often spread among humans and cause influenza pandemic. There have been several big influenza pandemics that have caused millions of human deaths in history, and the threat of influenza viruses to public health is still serious nowadays due to the frequent antigenic drift and antigenic shift events. However, only few effective anti-flu drugs have been developed to date. The high development cost, long research and development time, and drug side effects are the major bottlenecks, which could be relieved by drug repositioning. In this study, we proposed a novel antiviral Drug Repositioning method based on minimizing Matrix Nuclear Norm (DRMNN). Specifically, a virus-drug correlation database consisting of 34 viruses and 205 antiviral drugs was first curated from public databases and published literature. Together with drug similarity on chemical structure and virus sequence similarity, we formulated the drug repositioning problem as a low-rank matrix completion problem, which was solved by minimizing the nuclear norm of a matrix with a few regularization terms. DRMNN was compared with three recent association prediction algorithms. The AUC of DRMNN in the global fivefold cross-validation (fivefold CV) is 0.8661, and the AUC in the local leave-one-out cross-validation (LOOCV) is 0.6929. Experiments have shown that DRMNN is better than other algorithms in predicting which drugs are effective against influenza A virus. With H3N2 as an example, 10 drugs most likely to be effective against H3N2 viruses were listed, among which six drugs were reported, in other literature, to have some effect on the viruses. The protein docking experiments between the chemical structure of the prioritized drugs and viral hemagglutinin protein also provided evidence for the potential of the predicted drugs for the treatment of influenza.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Liang
- Pediatric Department of Respiration II, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Pediatric Department of Respiration II, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lina Wang
- Pediatric Department of Respiration II, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Man Gao
- Pediatric Department of Respiration II, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiangfeng Meng
- Norman Bethune Health Science Center, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Mengyao Li
- Norman Bethune Health Science Center, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Junhui Liu
- Pediatric Department of Respiration II, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wei Li
- Pediatric Department of Respiration II, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Fanzheng Meng
- Pediatric Department of Respiration II, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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36
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Huang T, Sun L, Kang D, Poongavanam V, Liu X, Zhan P, Menéndez-Arias L. Search, Identification, and Design of Effective Antiviral Drugs Against Pandemic Human Coronaviruses. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1322:219-260. [PMID: 34258743 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-16-0267-2_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Recent coronavirus outbreaks of SARS-CoV-1 (2002-2003), MERS-CoV (since 2012), and SARS-CoV-2 (since the end of 2019) are examples of how viruses can damage health care and generate havoc all over the world. Coronavirus can spread quickly from person to person causing high morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, the antiviral armamentarium is insufficient to fight these infections. In this chapter, we provide a detailed summary of the current situation in the development of drugs directed against pandemic human coronaviruses. Apart from the recently licensed remdesivir, other antiviral agents discussed in this review include molecules targeting viral components (e.g., RNA polymerase inhibitors, entry inhibitors, or protease inhibitors), compounds interfering with virus-host interactions, and drugs identified in large screening assays, effective against coronavirus replication, but with an uncertain mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianguang Huang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lin Sun
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Dongwei Kang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | | | - Xinyong Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Peng Zhan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Luis Menéndez-Arias
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas & Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
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37
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Guzeloglu-Kayisli O, Guo X, Tang Z, Semerci N, Ozmen A, Larsen K, Mutluay D, Guller S, Schatz F, Kayisli UA, Lockwood CJ. Zika Virus-Infected Decidual Cells Elicit a Gestational Age-Dependent Innate Immune Response and Exaggerate Trophoblast Zika Permissiveness: Implication for Vertical Transmission. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 205:3083-3094. [PMID: 33139490 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2000713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Vertical transmission of the Zika virus (ZIKV) causes severe fetal defects, but the exact pathogenic mechanism is unclear. We identified up to a 10,480-fold higher expression of viral attachment factors AXL, GAS6, and PROS1 and a 3880-fold increase in ZIKV infectiousness/propagation in human term decidual stromal cells versus trophoblasts. Moreover, levels of viral attachment factors and ZIKV are significantly increased, whereas expression of innate immune response genes are significantly decreased, in human first trimester versus term decidual cells. ZIKV-infected decidual cell supernatants increased cytotrophoblasts infection up to 252-fold compared with directly infected cytotrophoblasts. Tizoxanide treatment efficiently inhibited Zika infection in both maternal and fetal cells. We conclude that ZIKV permissiveness, as well as innate immune responsiveness of human decidual cells, are gestational age dependent, and decidual cells augment ZIKV infection of primary human cytotrophoblast cultures, which are otherwise ZIKV resistant. Human decidual cells may act as reservoirs for trimester-dependent placental transmission of ZIKV, accounting for the higher Zika infection susceptibility and more severe fetal sequelae observed in early versus late pregnancy. Moreover, tizoxanide is a promising agent in preventing perinatal Zika transmission as well as other RNA viruses such as coronavirus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozlem Guzeloglu-Kayisli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612; and
| | - Xiaofang Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612; and
| | - Zhonghua Tang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510
| | - Nihan Semerci
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612; and
| | - Asli Ozmen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612; and
| | - Kellie Larsen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612; and
| | - Duygu Mutluay
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612; and
| | - Seth Guller
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510
| | - Frederick Schatz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612; and
| | - Umit Ali Kayisli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612; and
| | - Charles Joseph Lockwood
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612; and
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38
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Yamamoto KA, Blackburn K, Migowski E, Goshe MB, Brown DT, Ferreira DF, Soares MR. Quantitative proteomic analysis of the tizoxanide effect in vero cells. Sci Rep 2020; 10:14733. [PMID: 32895447 PMCID: PMC7477200 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71634-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitazoxanide (NTZ) is effective against helminths and numerous microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses. In vivo, NTZ is metabolized into Tizoxanide (TIZ), which is the active circulating metabolite. With the emergence of SARS-Cov-2 as a Pandemic agent, NTZ became one of the molecules already approved for human use to engage clinical trials, due to results in vitro showing that NTZ was highly effective against the SARS-Cov-2, agent of COVID-19. There are currently several ongoing clinical trials mainly in the USA and Brazil involving NTZ due not only to the in vitro results, but also for its long-known safety. Here, we study the response of Vero cells to TIZ treatment and unveil possible mechanisms for its antimicrobial effect, using a label-free proteomic approach (LC/MS/MS) analysis to compare the proteomic profile between untreated- and TIZ-treated cells. Fifteen differentially expressed proteins were observed related to various biological processes, including translation, intracellular trafficking, RNA processing and modification, and signal transduction. The broad antimicrobial range of TIZ points towards its overall effect in lowering cell metabolism and RNA processing and modification. The decreased levels of FASN, HNRNPH and HNRNPK with the treatment appear to be important for antiviral activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- K A Yamamoto
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Caixa Postal 68563, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-909, Brazil
| | - K Blackburn
- Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - E Migowski
- Institute of Pediatrics and Puericulture Martagão Gesteira, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - M B Goshe
- Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - D T Brown
- Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - D F Ferreira
- Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.,Department of Virology, Paulo de Góes Microbiology Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - M R Soares
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Caixa Postal 68563, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-909, Brazil.
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Kaddoura M, AlIbrahim M, Hijazi G, Soudani N, Audi A, Alkalamouni H, Haddad S, Eid A, Zaraket H. COVID-19 Therapeutic Options Under Investigation. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:1196. [PMID: 32848795 PMCID: PMC7424051 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.01196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Since its emergence in China in December 2019, COVID-19 has quickly spread around the globe causing a pandemic. Vaccination or the development of herd immunity seems the only way to slow down the spread of the virus; however, both are not achievable in the near future. Therefore, effective treatments to mitigate the burden of this pandemic and reduce mortality rates are urgently needed. Preclinical and clinical studies of potential antiviral and immunomodulatory compounds and molecules to identify safe and efficacious therapeutics for COVID-19 are ongoing. Two compounds, remdesivir, and dexamethasone have been so far shown to reduce COVID-19-associated death. Here, we provide a review of the potential therapeutic agents being considered for the treatment and management of COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malak Kaddoura
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology & Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Malak AlIbrahim
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology & Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ghina Hijazi
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology & Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nadia Soudani
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology & Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Amani Audi
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology & Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Habib Alkalamouni
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology & Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Salame Haddad
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology & Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ali Eid
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hassan Zaraket
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology & Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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40
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Mahmoud DB, Shitu Z, Mostafa A. Drug repurposing of nitazoxanide: can it be an effective therapy for COVID-19? J Genet Eng Biotechnol 2020; 18:35. [PMID: 32725286 PMCID: PMC7385476 DOI: 10.1186/s43141-020-00055-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background The current outbreak of pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) aggravates serious need for effective therapeutics. Over recent years, drug repurposing has been accomplished as an important opportunity in drug development as it shortens the time consumed for development, besides sparing the cost and the efforts exerted in the research and development process. Main body of the abstract The FDA-approved antiparasitic drug, nitazoxanide (NTZ), has been found to have antiviral activity against different viral infections such as coronaviruses, influenza, hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and other viruses signifying its potential as a broad spectrum antiviral drug. Moreover, it has been recently reported that NTZ exhibited in vitro inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 at a small micromolar concentration. Additionally, NTZ suppresses the production of cytokines emphasizing its potential to manage COVID-19-induced cytokine storm. Furthermore, the reported efficacy of NTZ to bronchodilate the extremely contracted airways can be beneficial in alleviating COVID-19-associated symptoms. Short conclusion All these findings, along with the high safety record of the drug, have gained our interest to urge conductance of clinical trials to assess the potential benefits of using it in COVID-19 patients. Thus, in this summarized article, we review the antiviral activities of NTZ and highlight its promising therapeutic actions that make the drug worth clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina B Mahmoud
- Pharmaceutics Department, National Organization for Drug Control and Research, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Zayyanu Shitu
- Hospital Services, Management Board, Ministry of Health, Zamfara State, Gusau, Nigeria
| | - Ahmed Mostafa
- Centre of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
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Neerukonda SN, Katneni U. A Review on SARS-CoV-2 Virology, Pathophysiology, Animal Models, and Anti-Viral Interventions. Pathogens 2020; 9:E426. [PMID: 32485970 PMCID: PMC7350325 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9060426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of CoV disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly pathogenic and transmissible CoV that is presently plaguing the global human population and economy. No proven effective antiviral therapy or vaccine currently exists, and supportive care remains to be the cornerstone treatment. Through previous lessons learned from SARS-CoV-1 and MERS-CoV studies, scientific groups worldwide have rapidly expanded the knowledge pertaining to SARS-CoV-2 virology that includes in vitro and in vivo models for testing of antiviral therapies and randomized clinical trials. In the present narrative, we review SARS-CoV-2 virology, clinical features, pathophysiology, and animal models with a specific focus on the antiviral and adjunctive therapies currently being tested or that require testing in animal models and randomized clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Upendra Katneni
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
- Current address: Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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42
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Rajoli RK, Pertinez H, Arshad U, Box H, Tatham L, Curley P, Neary M, Sharp J, Liptrott NJ, Valentijn A, David C, Rannard SP, Aljayyoussi G, Pennington SH, Hill A, Boffito M, Ward SA, Khoo SH, Bray PG, O'Neill PM, Hong WD, Biagini G, Owen A. Dose prediction for repurposing nitazoxanide in SARS-CoV-2 treatment or chemoprophylaxis. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2020:2020.05.01.20087130. [PMID: 32511548 PMCID: PMC7274229 DOI: 10.1101/2020.05.01.20087130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organisation and urgent treatment and prevention strategies are needed. Many clinical trials have been initiated with existing medications, but assessments of the expected plasma and lung exposures at the selected doses have not featured in the prioritisation process. Although no antiviral data is currently available for the major phenolic circulating metabolite of nitazoxanide (known as tizoxanide), the parent ester drug has been shown to exhibit in vitro activity against SARS-CoV-2. Nitazoxanide is an anthelmintic drug and its metabolite tizoxanide has been described to have broad antiviral activity against influenza and other coronaviruses. The present study used physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modelling to inform optimal doses of nitazoxanide capable of maintaining plasma and lung tizoxanide exposures above the reported nitazoxanide 90% effective concentration (EC 90 ) against SARS-CoV-2. METHODS A whole-body PBPK model was constructed for oral administration of nitazoxanide and validated against available tizoxanide pharmacokinetic data for healthy individuals receiving single doses between 500 mg SARS-CoV-2 4000 mg with and without food. Additional validation against multiple-dose pharmacokinetic data when given with food was conducted. The validated model was then used to predict alternative doses expected to maintain tizoxanide plasma and lung concentrations over the reported nitazoxanide EC 90 in >90% of the simulated population. Optimal design software PopDes was used to estimate an optimal sparse sampling strategy for future clinical trials. RESULTS The PBPK model was validated with AAFE values between 1.01 SARS-CoV-2 1.58 and a difference less than 2-fold between observed and simulated values for all the reported clinical doses. The model predicted optimal doses of 1200 mg QID, 1600 mg TID, 2900 mg BID in the fasted state and 700 mg QID, 900 mg TID and 1400 mg BID when given with food, to provide tizoxanide plasma and lung concentrations over the reported in vitro EC 90 of nitazoxanide against SARS-CoV-2. For BID regimens an optimal sparse sampling strategy of 0.25, 1, 3 and 12h post dose was estimated. CONCLUSION The PBPK model predicted that it was possible to achieve plasma and lung tizoxanide concentrations, using proven safe doses of nitazoxanide, that exceed the EC 90 for SARS-CoV-2. The PBPK model describing tizoxanide plasma pharmacokinetics after oral administration of nitazoxanide was successfully validated against clinical data. This dose prediction assumes that the tizoxanide metabolite has activity against SARS-CoV-2 similar to that reported for nitazoxanide, as has been reported for other viruses. The model and the reported dosing strategies provide a rational basis for the design (optimising plasma and lung exposures) of future clinical trials of nitazoxanide in the treatment or prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Astrovirus Replication Is Inhibited by Nitazoxanide In Vitro and In Vivo. J Virol 2020; 94:JVI.01706-19. [PMID: 31776285 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01706-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Astroviruses (AstV) are a leading cause of diarrhea, especially in the very young, the elderly, and immunocompromised populations. Despite their significant impact on public health, no drug therapies for astrovirus have been identified. In this study, we fill this gap in knowledge and demonstrate that the FDA-approved broad-spectrum anti-infective drug nitazoxanide (NTZ) blocks astrovirus replication in vitro with a 50% effective concentration (EC50) of approximately 1.47 μM. It can be administered up to 8 h postinfection and is effective against multiple human astrovirus serotypes, including clinical isolates. Most importantly, NTZ reduces viral shedding in vivo, exhibiting its potential as a future clinical therapeutic.IMPORTANCE Human astroviruses (HAstV) are thought to cause between 2 and 9% of acute, nonbacterial diarrhea cases in children worldwide. HAstV infection can be especially problematic in immunocompromised people and infants, where the virus has been associated with necrotizing enterocolitis and severe and persistent diarrhea, as well as rare instances of systemic and fatal disease. And yet, no antivirals have been identified to treat astrovirus infection. Our study provides the first evidence that nitazoxanide may be an effective therapeutic strategy against astrovirus disease.
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Ji X, Li Z. Medicinal chemistry strategies toward host targeting antiviral agents. Med Res Rev 2020; 40:1519-1557. [PMID: 32060956 PMCID: PMC7228277 DOI: 10.1002/med.21664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Direct‐acting antiviral agents (DAAs) represent a class of drugs targeting viral proteins and have been demonstrated to be very successful in combating viral infections in clinic. However, DAAs suffer from several inherent limitations, including narrow‐spectrum antiviral profiles and liability to drug resistance, and hence there are still unmet needs in the treatment of viral infections. In comparison, host targeting antivirals (HTAs) target host factors for antiviral treatment. Since host proteins are probably broadly required for various viral infections, HTAs are not only perceived, but also demonstrated to exhibit broad‐spectrum antiviral activities. In addition, host proteins are not under the genetic control of viral genome, and hence HTAs possess much higher genetic barrier to drug resistance as compared with DAAs. In recent years, much progress has been made to the development of HTAs with the approval of chemokine receptor type 5 antagonist maraviroc for human immunodeficiency virus treatment and more in the pipeline for other viral infections. In this review, we summarize various host proteins as antiviral targets from a medicinal chemistry prospective. Challenges and issues associated with HTAs are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyue Ji
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuorong Li
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Inhibitory Effects of Antiviral Drug Candidates on Canine Parvovirus in F81 cells. Viruses 2019; 11:v11080742. [PMID: 31412574 PMCID: PMC6724046 DOI: 10.3390/v11080742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a common etiological agent of acute enteritis, which occurs globally in domestic and wild carnivores. Despite the widespread use of inactivated or live attenuated vaccines, the emergence of antigenic variants and the influence of maternal antibodies have raised some concerns regarding the efficacy of commercial vaccines. While no specific antiviral therapy for CPV infection exists, the only treatment option for the infection is supportive therapy based on symptoms. Thus, there is an urgent medical need to develop antiviral therapeutic options to reduce the burden of CPV-related disease. In this study, a cytopathic effect (CPE)-based high-throughput screening assay was used to screen CPV inhibitors from a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug library. After two rounds of screening, seven out of 1430 screened drugs were found to have >50% CPE inhibition. Three drugs—Nitazoxanide, Closantel Sodium, and Closantel—with higher anti-CPV effects were further evaluated in F81 cells by absolute PCR quantification and indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). The inhibitory effects of all three drugs were dose-dependent. Time of addition assay indicated that the drugs inhibited the early processes of the CPV replication cycle, and the inhibition effects were relatively high within 2 h postinfection. Western blot assay also showed that the three drugs had broad-spectrum antiviral activity against different subspecies of three CPV variants. In addition, antiapoptotic effects were observed within 12 h in Nitazoxanide-treated F81 cells regardless of CPV infection, while Closantel Sodium- or Closantel-treated cells had no pro- or antiapoptotic effects. In conclusion, Nitazoxanide, Closantel Sodium, and Closantel can effectively inhibit different subspecies of CPV. Since the safety profiles of FDA-approved drugs have already been extensively studied, these three drugs can potentially become specific and effective anti-CPV drugs.
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Szollosi D, Bill A. Potential Role of Endonuclease Inhibition and Other Targets in the Treatment of Influenza. Curr Drug Targets 2019; 21:202-211. [PMID: 31368872 DOI: 10.2174/1389450120666190801115130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Influenza is a single-stranded RNA virus that is highly contagious and infects millions of people in the U.S. annually. Due to complications, approximately 959,000 people were hospitalized and another 79,400 people died during the 2017-2018 flu season. While the best methods of prevention continue to be vaccination and hygiene, antiviral treatments may help reduce symptoms for those who are infected. Until recently, the only antiviral drugs in use have been the neuraminidase inhibitors: oseltamivir, zanamivir, and peramivir. OBJECTIVE We reviewed novel drug targets that can be used in the treatment of influenza, particularly in the case of neuraminidase inhibitor-resistant strains that may emerge. RESULTS More recently, a drug with a new mechanism of action has been approved. Baloxavir marboxil inhibits the influenza cap-dependent endonuclease that is needed for the virus to initiate replication within the host cell. This endonuclease target is within the polymerase acid (PA) subunit of RNA polymerase. Since the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase consists of two other subunits, polymerase basic 1 and 2, RNA polymerase has several targets that prevent viral replication. Other targets still under investigation include viral kinases, endocytosis, and viral fusion. CONCLUSION Due to the possibility of viral mutations and resistance, it is important to have antivirals with different mechanisms available, especially in the case of a new pandemic strain. Several novel antivirals are within various stages of development and may represent new classes of treatments that can reduce symptoms and complications in those patients who may be at higher risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doreen Szollosi
- University of Saint Joseph, School of Pharmacy & Physician Assistant Studies 229 Trumbull Street, Hartford, CT 06103, United States
| | - Ashley Bill
- University of Saint Joseph, School of Pharmacy & Physician Assistant Studies 229 Trumbull Street, Hartford, CT 06103, United States
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Manka P, Zeller A, Syn WK. Fibrosis in Chronic Liver Disease: An Update on Diagnostic and Treatment Modalities. Drugs 2019; 79:903-927. [DOI: 10.1007/s40265-019-01126-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Rossignol JF, Bréchot C. A Pilot Clinical Trial of Nitazoxanide in the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B. Hepatol Commun 2019; 3:744-747. [PMID: 31168509 PMCID: PMC6546020 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic infection by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) has remained a major public health problem. To achieve an HBV cure, we will likely need to combine antivirals with different viral targets as well as immunotherapy. Here, we report data from a pilot proof‐of‐concept clinical trial of nitazoxanide in treating chronic hepatitis B. Conclusion: Nitazoxanide offers novel mechanisms of antiviral activity, and it would be interesting to evaluate the potential of combining nitazoxanide with oral nucleos(t)ide analogues.
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Lynch C, Mackowiak B, Huang R, Li L, Heyward S, Sakamuru S, Wang H, Xia M. Identification of Modulators That Activate the Constitutive Androstane Receptor From the Tox21 10K Compound Library. Toxicol Sci 2019; 167:282-292. [PMID: 30247703 PMCID: PMC6657574 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfy242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The constitutive androstane receptor (CAR; NR1I3) is a nuclear receptor involved in all phases of drug metabolism and disposition. However, recently it's been implicated in energy metabolism, tumor progression, and cancer therapy as well. It is, therefore, important to identify compounds that induce human CAR (hCAR) activation to predict drug-drug interactions and potential therapeutic usage. In this study, we screen the Tox21 10,000 compound collection to characterize hCAR activators. A potential novel structural cluster of compounds was identified, which included nitazoxanide and tenonitrozole, whereas known structural clusters, such as flavones and prazoles, were also detected. Four compounds, neticonazole, diphenamid, phenothrin, and rimcazole, have been identified as novel hCAR activators, one of which, rimcazole, shows potential selectivity toward hCAR over its sister receptor, the pregnane X receptor (PXR). All 4 compounds translocated hCAR from the cytoplasm into the nucleus demonstrating the first step to CAR activation. Profiling these compounds as hCAR activators would enable an estimation of drug-drug interactions, as well as identify prospective therapeutically beneficial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Lynch
- Division of Pre-Clinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Bryan Mackowiak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland 21201
| | - Ruili Huang
- Division of Pre-Clinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Linhao Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland 21201
| | | | - Srilatha Sakamuru
- Division of Pre-Clinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Hongbing Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland 21201
| | - Menghang Xia
- Division of Pre-Clinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
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Inhibition of HBV Transcription From cccDNA With Nitazoxanide by Targeting the HBx-DDB1 Interaction. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 7:297-312. [PMID: 30704981 PMCID: PMC6357790 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2018.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major health concern worldwide. Although currently used nucleos(t)ide analogs efficiently inhibit viral replication, viral proteins transcribed from the episomal viral covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) minichromosome continue to be expressed long-term. Because high viral RNA or antigen loads may play a biological role during this chronicity, the elimination of viral products is an ultimate goal of HBV treatment. HBV regulatory protein X (HBx) was recently found to promote transcription of cccDNA with degradation of Smc5/6 through the interaction of HBx with the host protein DDB1. Here, this protein-protein interaction was considered as a new molecular target of HBV treatment. METHODS To identify candidate compounds that target the HBx-DDB1 interaction, a newly constructed split luciferase assay system was applied to comprehensive compound screening. The effects of the identified compounds on HBV transcription and cccDNA maintenance were determined using HBV minicircle DNA, which mimics HBV cccDNA, and the natural HBV infection model of human primary hepatocytes. RESULTS We show that nitazoxanide (NTZ), a thiazolide anti-infective agent that has been approved by the FDA for protozoan enteritis, efficiently inhibits the HBx-DDB1 protein interaction. NTZ significantly restores Smc5 protein levels and suppresses viral transcription and viral protein production in the HBV minicircle system and in human primary hepatocytes naturally infected with HBV. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that NTZ, which targets an HBV-related viral-host protein interaction, may be a promising new therapeutic agent and a step toward a functional HBV cure.
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