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Deng J, Gong F, Li Y, Tan X, Liu X, Yang S, Chen X, Wang H, Liu Q, Shen C, Zhou L, Chen Y. Structural and functional insights into the 2'-O-methyltransferase of SARS-CoV-2. Virol Sin 2024:S1995-820X(24)00111-1. [PMID: 38969340 DOI: 10.1016/j.virs.2024.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
A unique feature of coronaviruses is their utilization of self-encoded nonstructural protein 16 (nsp16), 2'-O-methyltransferase (2'-O-MTase), to cap their RNAs through ribose 2'-O-methylation modification. This process is crucial for maintaining viral genome stability, facilitating efficient translation, and enabling immune escape. Despite considerable advances in the ultrastructure of SARS-CoV-2 nsp16/nsp10, insights into its molecular mechanism have so far been limited. In this study, we systematically characterized the 2'-O-MTase activity of nsp16 in SARS-CoV-2, focusing on its dependence on nsp10 stimulation. We observed cross-reactivity between nsp16 and nsp10 in various coronaviruses due to a conserved interaction interface. However, a single residue substitution (K58T) in SARS-CoV-2 nsp10 restricted the functional activation of MERS-CoV nsp16. Furthermore, the cofactor nsp10 effectively enhanced the binding of nsp16 to the substrate RNA and the methyl donor S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM). Mechanistically, His-80, Lys-93, and Gly-94 of nsp10 interacted with Asp-102, Ser-105, and Asp-106 of nsp16, respectively, thereby effectively stabilizing the SAM binding pocket. Lys-43 of nsp10 interacted with Lys-38 and Gly-39 of nsp16 to dynamically regulate the RNA binding pocket and facilitate precise binding of RNA to the nsp16/nsp10 complex. By assessing the conformational epitopes of nsp16/nsp10 complex, we further determined the critical residues involved in 2'-O-MTase activity. Additionally, we utilize an in vitro biochemical platform to screen potential inhibitors targeting 2'-O-MTase activity. Overall, our results significantly enhance the understanding of viral 2'-O methylation process and mechanism, providing valuable targets for antiviral drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jikai Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences and Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Feiyu Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences and Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Yingjian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences and Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Xue Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences and Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Xuemei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences and Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Shimin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences and Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Xianying Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences and Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Hongyun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences and Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Qianyun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences and Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Chao Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences and Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Li Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences and Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China; Animal Bio-Safety Level III Laboratory/Institute for Vaccine Research, Wuhan University School of Medicine, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences and Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China; Animal Bio-Safety Level III Laboratory/Institute for Vaccine Research, Wuhan University School of Medicine, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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2
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Solotchi M, Patel SS. Proofreading mechanisms of the innate immune receptor RIG-I: distinguishing self and viral RNA. Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:1131-1148. [PMID: 38884803 DOI: 10.1042/bst20230724] [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: 04/13/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
The RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs), comprising retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I), melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5), and laboratory of genetics and physiology 2 (LGP2), are pattern recognition receptors belonging to the DExD/H-box RNA helicase family of proteins. RLRs detect viral RNAs in the cytoplasm and respond by initiating a robust antiviral response that up-regulates interferon and cytokine production. RIG-I and MDA5 complement each other by recognizing different RNA features, and LGP2 regulates their activation. RIG-I's multilayered RNA recognition and proofreading mechanisms ensure accurate viral RNA detection while averting harmful responses to host RNAs. RIG-I's C-terminal domain targets 5'-triphosphate double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) blunt ends, while an intrinsic gating mechanism prevents the helicase domains from non-specifically engaging with host RNAs. The ATPase and RNA translocation activity of RIG-I adds another layer of selectivity by minimizing the lifetime of RIG-I on non-specific RNAs, preventing off-target activation. The versatility of RIG-I's ATPase function also amplifies downstream signaling by enhancing the signaling domain (CARDs) exposure on 5'-triphosphate dsRNA and promoting oligomerization. In this review, we offer an in-depth understanding of the mechanisms RIG-I uses to facilitate viral RNA sensing and regulate downstream activation of the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihai Solotchi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, U.S.A
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, U.S.A
| | - Smita S Patel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, U.S.A
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3
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Krejčová K, Krafcikova P, Klima M, Chalupska D, Chalupsky K, Zilecka E, Boura E. Structural and functional insights in flavivirus NS5 proteins gained by the structure of Ntaya virus polymerase and methyltransferase. Structure 2024:S0969-2126(24)00173-4. [PMID: 38781970 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2024.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Flaviviruses are single-stranded positive-sense RNA (+RNA) viruses that are responsible for several (re)emerging diseases such as yellow, dengue, or West Nile fevers. The Zika epidemic highlighted their dangerousness when a relatively benign virus known since the 1950s turned into a deadly pathogen. The central protein for their replication is NS5 (non-structural protein 5), which is composed of the N-terminal methyltransferase (MTase) domain and the C-terminal RNA-dependent RNA-polymerase (RdRp) domain. It is responsible for both RNA replication and installation of the 5' RNA cap. We structurally and biochemically analyzed the Ntaya virus MTase and RdRp domains and we compared their properties to other flaviviral NS5s. The enzymatic centers are well conserved across Flaviviridae, suggesting that the development of drugs targeting all flaviviruses is feasible. However, the enzymatic activities of the isolated proteins were significantly different for the MTase domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kateřina Krejčová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i, Flemingovo nám. 2, 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic; Faculty of Sciences, Charles University, Albertov 6, 128 00 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Krafcikova
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i, Flemingovo nám. 2, 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Klima
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i, Flemingovo nám. 2, 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Dominika Chalupska
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i, Flemingovo nám. 2, 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Chalupsky
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i, Flemingovo nám. 2, 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Zilecka
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i, Flemingovo nám. 2, 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Evzen Boura
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i, Flemingovo nám. 2, 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic.
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4
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Khan A, Riaz R, Nadeem A, Amir A, Siddiqui T, Batool UEA, Raufi N. Japanese encephlu emergence in Australia: the potential population at risk. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2024; 86:1540-1549. [PMID: 38463109 PMCID: PMC10923274 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000001739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), an RNA virus transmitted by Culex mosquitoes, primarily cycles between aquatic birds and mosquitoes with pigs as amplifying hosts, posing a significant global encephalitis threat. The emergence and spread of the JEV in new epidemiological regions, such as recent cases in Australia and nonendemic areas like Pune, India, raise significant concerns. With an estimated 68 000 clinical cases and 13 600 to 20 400 deaths annually, JEV poses a substantial global health threat. The virus primarily affects children, with a case-fatality ratio of 20-30% and long-term neurological sequelae in survivors. The changing epidemiology, influenced by factors like bird migration, climate change, and increased urbanization, contributes to the geographic expansion of JEV. The recent outbreaks underscore the potential for the virus to establish itself in nonendemic regions, posing a threat to populations previously considered at low-risk. With limited treatment options and high rates of neurological complications, continued surveillance, traveler vaccination, and research into treatments are crucial to mitigate the impact of JEV on human health. The evolving scenario necessitates proactive measures to prevent and control the spread of the virus in both endemic and newly affected areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afsheen Khan
- Department of Medicine, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Rumaisa Riaz
- Department of Medicine, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Abdullah Nadeem
- Department of Medicine, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Ayesha Amir
- Department of Surgery, Hamad Medical Corporation
| | - Tasmiyah Siddiqui
- Department of Medicine, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Um e A. Batool
- Department of Medicine, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Nahid Raufi
- Department of Medicine, Kabul Medical University, Afghanistan
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5
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Li Y, Li Z, Zou H, Zhou P, Huo Y, Fan Y, Liu X, Wu J, Li G, Wang X. A conserved methyltransferase active site residue of Zika virus NS5 is required for the restriction of STING activation and interferon expression. J Gen Virol 2024; 105. [PMID: 38299799 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001954] [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] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a re-emerging RNA virus and causes major public health events due to its link to severe neurological complications in foetuses and neonates. The cGAS-STING signalling pathway regulates innate immunity and plays an important role in the invasion of DNA and RNA viruses. This study reveals a distinct mechanism by which ZIKV restricts the cGAS-STING signalling to repress IFN-β expression. ZIKV attenuates IFN-β expression induced by DNA viruses (herpes simplex virus type 1, HSV-1) or two double-stranded DNAs (dsDNA90 and HSV120) in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). Notably, ZIKV NS5, the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, was responsible for the repression of IFN-β. NS5 interacts with STING in the cytoplasm, suppresses IRF3 phosphorylation and nucleus localization and promotes the cleavage of STING K48-linked polyubiquitination. Furthermore, the NS5 methyltransferase (MTase) domain interacts with STING to restrict STING-induced IFN-β expression. Interestingly, point mutation analyses of conserved methyltransferase active site residue D146 indicate that it is critical for repressing IFN-β expression induced by STING stimulation in cGAS-STING signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Li
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Zhaoxin Li
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Haimei Zou
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, PR China
| | - Peiwen Zhou
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Yuhang Huo
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Yaohua Fan
- First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Xiaohong Liu
- First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Jianguo Wu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Geng Li
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Xiao Wang
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong, PR China
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6
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Alotaibi F, Aba Alkhayl FF, Foudah AI, Azhar Kamal M, Moglad EH, Khan S, Rehman ZU, Warsi MK, Jawaid T, Alam A. Investigating the effects of four medicinal plants against dengue virus through QSAR modeling and molecular dynamics studies. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-18. [PMID: 38197579 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2301744] [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: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
The Dengue virus (DENV) has been increasingly recognized as a prevalent viral pathogen responsible for global transmission of infection. It has been established that DENV's NS5 methyltransferase (MTase) controls viral replication. As a result, NS5 MTase is considered a potentially useful drug target for DENV. In this study, the two phases of virtual screening were conducted using the ML-based QSAR model and molecular docking to identify potential compounds against NS5 of DENV. Four medicinal plants [Aloe vera, Cannabis sativa (Hemp), Ocimum sanctum (Holy Basil; Tulsi), and Zingiber officinale (Ginger)] that showed anti-viral properties were selected for sourcing the phytochemicals and screening them against NS5. Additionally, re-docking at higher exhaustiveness and interaction analysis were performed which resulted in the identification of the top four hits (135398658, 5281675, 119394, and 969516) which showed comparable results with the control Sinefungin (SFG). Post molecular dynamics simulation, 135398658 showed the lowest RMSD (0.4-0.5 nm) and the maximum number of hydrogen bonds (eight hydrogen bonds) after the control while 5281675 and 969516 showed comparable hydrogen bonds to the control. These compounds showed direct interactions with the catalytic site residues GLU111 and ASP131, in addition to this these compounds showed stable complex formation as depicted by principal component analysis and free energy landscape. 135398658 showed lower total binding free energy (ΔGTotal = -36.56 kcal/mol) than the control, while 5281675 had comparable values to the control (ΔGTotal = -34.1 kcal/mol). Overall, the purpose of this study was to identify phytochemicals that inhibit NS5 function, that could be further tested experimentally to treat dengue virus (DENV).Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faisal Alotaibi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Shaqra University, Al-Dawadmi, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faris F Aba Alkhayl
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed I Foudah
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Azhar Kamal
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ehssan H Moglad
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research Institute, National Center for Research, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Shamshir Khan
- Department of Pharmacognosy & Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Dentistry and Pharmacy, Buraydah Private Colleges, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zia Ur Rehman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohiuddin Khan Warsi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Talha Jawaid
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aftab Alam
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
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7
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Shen S, Zhang LS. The regulation of antiviral innate immunity through non-m 6A RNA modifications. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1286820. [PMID: 37915585 PMCID: PMC10616867 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1286820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The post-transcriptional RNA modifications impact the dynamic regulation of gene expression in diverse biological and physiological processes. Host RNA modifications play an indispensable role in regulating innate immune responses against virus infection in mammals. Meanwhile, the viral RNAs can be deposited with RNA modifications to interfere with the host immune responses. The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) has boosted the recent emergence of RNA epigenetics, due to its high abundance and a transcriptome-wide widespread distribution in mammalian cells, proven to impact antiviral innate immunity. However, the other types of RNA modifications are also involved in regulating antiviral responses, and the functional roles of these non-m6A RNA modifications have not been comprehensively summarized. In this Review, we conclude the regulatory roles of 2'-O-methylation (Nm), 5-methylcytidine (m5C), adenosine-inosine editing (A-to-I editing), pseudouridine (Ψ), N1-methyladenosine (m1A), N7-methylguanosine (m7G), N6,2'-O-dimethyladenosine (m6Am), and N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C) in antiviral innate immunity. We provide a systematic introduction to the biogenesis and functions of these non-m6A RNA modifications in viral RNA, host RNA, and during virus-host interactions, emphasizing the biological functions of RNA modification regulators in antiviral responses. Furthermore, we discussed the recent research progress in the development of antiviral drugs through non-m6A RNA modifications. Collectively, this Review conveys knowledge and inspiration to researchers in multiple disciplines, highlighting the challenges and future directions in RNA epitranscriptome, immunology, and virology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenghai Shen
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Li-Sheng Zhang
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
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8
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Samrat SK, Bashir Q, Huang Y, Trieshmann CW, Tharappel AM, Zhang R, Chen K, Geoge Zheng Y, Li Z, Li H. Broad-Spectrum Small-Molecule Inhibitors Targeting the SAM-Binding Site of Flavivirus NS5 Methyltransferase. ACS Infect Dis 2023; 9:1319-1333. [PMID: 37348028 PMCID: PMC10436986 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.2c00571] [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: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Flavivirus infections, such as those caused by dengue virus (DENV), West Nile virus (WNV), yellow fever virus (YFV), and Zika virus (ZIKV), pose a rising threat to global health. There are no FDA-approved drugs for flaviviruses, although a small number of flaviviruses have vaccines. For flaviviruses or unknown viruses that may appear in the future, it is particularly desirable to identify broad-spectrum inhibitors. The NS5 protein is regarded as one of the most promising flavivirus drug targets because it is conserved across flaviviruses. In this study, we used FL-NAH, a fluorescent analog of the methyl donor S-adenosyl methionine (SAM), to develop a fluorescence polarization (FP)-based high throughput screening (HTS) assay to specifically target methyltransferase (MTase), a vital enzyme for flaviviruses that methylates the N7 and 2'-O positions of the viral 5'-RNA cap. Pilot screening identified two candidate MTase inhibitors, NSC 111552 and 288387. The two compounds inhibited the FL-NAH binding to the DENV3 MTase with low micromolar IC50. Functional assays verified the inhibitory potency of these molecules for the flavivirus MTase activity. Binding studies indicated that these molecules are bound directly to the DENV3 MTase with similar low micromolar affinity. Furthermore, we showed that these compounds greatly reduced ZIKV replication in cell-based experiments at dosages that did not cause cytotoxicity. Finally, docking studies revealed that these molecules bind to the SAM-binding region on the DENV3 MTase, and further mutagenesis studies verified residues important for the binding of these compounds. Overall, these compounds are innovative and attractive candidates for the development of broad-spectrum inhibitors for the treatment of flavivirus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subodh Kumar Samrat
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, 1703 E Mabel St, Tucson AZ, 85721-0207, USA
| | - Qamar Bashir
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, 1703 E Mabel St, Tucson AZ, 85721-0207, USA
| | - Yiding Huang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, 1703 E Mabel St, Tucson AZ, 85721-0207, USA
| | - Carl William Trieshmann
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, 30602, USA
| | - Anil Mathew Tharappel
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, 1703 E Mabel St, Tucson AZ, 85721-0207, USA
| | - Ran Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, 1703 E Mabel St, Tucson AZ, 85721-0207, USA
| | - Ke Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, 1703 E Mabel St, Tucson AZ, 85721-0207, USA
| | - Y. Geoge Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, 1703 E Mabel St, Tucson AZ, 85721-0207, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, 30602, USA
| | - Zhong Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, 1703 E Mabel St, Tucson AZ, 85721-0207, USA
| | - Hongmin Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, 1703 E Mabel St, Tucson AZ, 85721-0207, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Science & College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson AZ, 85721, USA
- The BIO5 Institute, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
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9
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Zmudzinski M, Rut W, Olech K, Granda J, Giurg M, Burda-Grabowska M, Kaleta R, Zgarbova M, Kasprzyk R, Zhang L, Sun X, Lv Z, Nayak D, Kesik-Brodacka M, Olsen SK, Weber J, Hilgenfeld R, Jemielity J, Drag M. Ebselen derivatives inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication by inhibition of its essential proteins: PL pro and M pro proteases, and nsp14 guanine N7-methyltransferase. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9161. [PMID: 37280236 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35907-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteases encoded by SARS-CoV-2 constitute a promising target for new therapies against COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro, 3CLpro) and papain-like protease (PLpro) are responsible for viral polyprotein cleavage-a process crucial for viral survival and replication. Recently it was shown that 2-phenylbenzisoselenazol-3(2H)-one (ebselen), an organoselenium anti-inflammatory small-molecule drug, is a potent, covalent inhibitor of both the proteases and its potency was evaluated in enzymatic and antiviral assays. In this study, we screened a collection of 34 ebselen and ebselen diselenide derivatives for SARS-CoV-2 PLpro and Mpro inhibitors. Our studies revealed that ebselen derivatives are potent inhibitors of both the proteases. We identified three PLpro and four Mpro inhibitors superior to ebselen. Independently, ebselen was shown to inhibit the N7-methyltransferase activity of SARS-CoV-2 nsp14 protein involved in viral RNA cap modification. Hence, selected compounds were also evaluated as nsp14 inhibitors. In the second part of our work, we employed 11 ebselen analogues-bis(2-carbamoylaryl)phenyl diselenides-in biological assays to evaluate their anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity in Vero E6 cells. We present their antiviral and cytoprotective activity and also low cytotoxicity. Our work shows that ebselen, its derivatives, and diselenide analogues constitute a promising platform for development of new antivirals targeting the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikolaj Zmudzinski
- Department of Chemical Biology and Bioimaging, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wyb. Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370, Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Wioletta Rut
- Department of Chemical Biology and Bioimaging, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wyb. Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Kamila Olech
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wyb. Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Jarosław Granda
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wyb. Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Mirosław Giurg
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wyb. Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Burda-Grabowska
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wyb. Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Rafał Kaleta
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wyb. Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Michala Zgarbova
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Nám. 2, 16610, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Renata Kasprzyk
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2C, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland
- College of Inter-Faculty Individual Studies in Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2C, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Linlin Zhang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Xinyuanyuan Sun
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Zongyang Lv
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Digant Nayak
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | | | - Shaun K Olsen
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Jan Weber
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Nám. 2, 16610, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Rolf Hilgenfeld
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems Site, University of Lübeck, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Jacek Jemielity
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2C, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marcin Drag
- Department of Chemical Biology and Bioimaging, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wyb. Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370, Wroclaw, Poland.
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10
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Srivastava KS, Jeswani V, Pal N, Bohra B, Vishwakarma V, Bapat AA, Patnaik YP, Khanna N, Shukla R. Japanese Encephalitis Virus: An Update on the Potential Antivirals and Vaccines. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11040742. [PMID: 37112654 PMCID: PMC10146181 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11040742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is the causal agent behind Japanese encephalitis (JE), a potentially severe brain infection that spreads through mosquito bites. JE is predominant over the Asia-Pacific Region and has the potential to spread globally with a higher rate of morbidity and mortality. Efforts have been made to identify and select various target molecules essential in JEV’s progression, but until now, no licensed anti-JEV drug has been available. From a prophylactic point of view, a few licensed JE vaccines are available, but various factors, viz., the high cost and different side effects imposed by them, has narrowed their global use. With an average occurrence of >67,000 cases of JE annually, there is an urgent need to find a suitable antiviral drug to treat patients at the acute phase, as presently only supportive care is available to mitigate infection. This systematic review highlights the current status of efforts put in to develop antivirals against JE and the available vaccines, along with their effectiveness. It also summarizes epidemiology, structure, pathogenesis, and potential drug targets that can be explored to develop a new range of anti-JEV drugs to combat JEV infection globally.
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11
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Delgado-Maldonado T, Moreno-Herrera A, Pujadas G, Vázquez-Jiménez LK, González-González A, Rivera G. Recent advances in the development of methyltransferase (MTase) inhibitors against (re)emerging arboviruses diseases dengue and Zika. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 252:115290. [PMID: 36958266 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023]
Abstract
Emerging and/or re-emerging viral diseases such as dengue and Zika are a worldwide concern. Therefore, new antiviral therapeutics are necessary. In this sense, a non-structural protein with methyltransferase (MTase) activity is an attractive drug target because it plays a crucial role in dengue and Zika virus replication. Different drug strategies such as virtual screening, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics have identified new inhibitors that bind on the MTase active site. Therefore, in this review, we analyze MTase inhibitors, including S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM), S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine (SAH) and guanosine-5'-triphosphate (GTP) analogs, nitrogen-containing heterocycles (pyrimidine, adenosine, and pyridine), urea derivatives, and natural products. Advances in the design of MTase inhibitors could lead to the optimization of a possible single or broad-spectrum antiviral drug against dengue and Zika virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timoteo Delgado-Maldonado
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Farmacéutica, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, 88710, Reynosa, Mexico
| | - Antonio Moreno-Herrera
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Farmacéutica, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, 88710, Reynosa, Mexico
| | - Gerard Pujadas
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Research group in Cheminformatics & Nutrition, Campus de Sescelades, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43007, Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Lenci K Vázquez-Jiménez
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Farmacéutica, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, 88710, Reynosa, Mexico
| | - Alonzo González-González
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Farmacéutica, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, 88710, Reynosa, Mexico
| | - Gildardo Rivera
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Farmacéutica, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, 88710, Reynosa, Mexico.
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12
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Schindewolf C, Lokugamage K, Vu MN, Johnson BA, Scharton D, Plante JA, Kalveram B, Crocquet-Valdes PA, Sotcheff S, Jaworski E, Alvarado RE, Debbink K, Daugherty MD, Weaver SC, Routh AL, Walker DH, Plante KS, Menachery VD. SARS-CoV-2 Uses Nonstructural Protein 16 To Evade Restriction by IFIT1 and IFIT3. J Virol 2023; 97:e0153222. [PMID: 36722972 PMCID: PMC9973020 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01532-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the molecular basis of innate immune evasion by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an important consideration for designing the next wave of therapeutics. Here, we investigate the role of the nonstructural protein 16 (NSP16) of SARS-CoV-2 in infection and pathogenesis. NSP16, a ribonucleoside 2'-O-methyltransferase (MTase), catalyzes the transfer of a methyl group to mRNA as part of the capping process. Based on observations with other CoVs, we hypothesized that NSP16 2'-O-MTase function protects SARS-CoV-2 from cap-sensing host restriction. Therefore, we engineered SARS-CoV-2 with a mutation that disrupts a conserved residue in the active site of NSP16. We subsequently show that this mutant is attenuated both in vitro and in vivo, using a hamster model of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Mechanistically, we confirm that the NSP16 mutant is more sensitive than wild-type SARS-CoV-2 to type I interferon (IFN-I) in vitro. Furthermore, silencing IFIT1 or IFIT3, IFN-stimulated genes that sense a lack of 2'-O-methylation, partially restores fitness to the NSP16 mutant. Finally, we demonstrate that sinefungin, an MTase inhibitor that binds the catalytic site of NSP16, sensitizes wild-type SARS-CoV-2 to IFN-I treatment and attenuates viral replication. Overall, our findings highlight the importance of SARS-CoV-2 NSP16 in evading host innate immunity and suggest a target for future antiviral therapies. IMPORTANCE Similar to other coronaviruses, disruption of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) NSP16 function attenuates viral replication in a type I interferon-dependent manner. In vivo, our results show reduced disease and viral replication at late times in the hamster lung, but an earlier titer deficit for the NSP16 mutant (dNSP16) in the upper airway. In addition, our results confirm a role for IFIT1 but also demonstrate the necessity of IFIT3 in mediating dNSP16 attenuation. Finally, we show that targeting NSP16 activity with a 2'-O-methyltransferase inhibitor in combination with type I interferon offers a novel avenue for antiviral development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig Schindewolf
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Kumari Lokugamage
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Michelle N. Vu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Bryan A. Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Dionna Scharton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Jessica A. Plante
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Birte Kalveram
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Stephanea Sotcheff
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Elizabeth Jaworski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Rojelio E. Alvarado
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Institute for Translational Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Kari Debbink
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Matthew D. Daugherty
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Scott C. Weaver
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Andrew L. Routh
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - David H. Walker
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Disease, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Kenneth S. Plante
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Vineet D. Menachery
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
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13
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Identification of West Nile virus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase non-nucleoside inhibitors by real-time high throughput fluorescence screening. Antiviral Res 2023; 212:105568. [PMID: 36842536 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2023.105568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is a re-emergent mosquito-borne RNA virus that causes major outbreaks of encephalitis around the world. However, there is no therapeutic treatment to struggle against WNV, and the current treatment relies on alleviating symptoms. Therefore, due to the threat virus poses to animal and human health, there is an urgent need to come up with fast strategies to identify and assess effective antiviral compounds. A relevant target when developing drugs against RNA viruses is the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), responsible for the replication of the viral genome within a host cell. RdRps are key therapeutic targets based on their specificity for RNA and their essential role in the propagation of the infection. We have developed a fluorescence-based method to measure WNV RdRp activity in a fast and reliable real-time way. Interestingly, rilpivirine has shown in our assay inhibition of the WNV RdRp activity with an IC50 value of 3.3 μM and its antiviral activity was confirmed in cell cultures. Furthermore, this method has been extended to build up a high-throughput screening platform to identify WNV polymerase inhibitors. By screening a small chemical library, novel RdRp inhibitors 1-4 have been identified. When their antiviral activity was tested against WNV in cell culture, 4 exhibited an EC50 value of 2.5 μM and a selective index of 12.3. Thus, rilpivirine shows up as an interesting candidate for repurposing against flavivirus. Moreover, the here reported method allows the rapid identification of new WNV RdRp inhibitors.
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14
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Chen R, Francese R, Wang N, Li F, Sun X, Xu B, Liu J, Liu Z, Donalisio M, Lembo D, Zhou GC. Exploration of novel hexahydropyrrolo[1,2-e]imidazol-1-one derivatives as antiviral agents against ZIKV and USUV. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 248:115081. [PMID: 36623328 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.115081] [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: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) and Usutu virus (USUV) are two emerging flaviviruses mostly transmitted by mosquitos. ZIKV is associated with microcephaly in newborns and the less-known USUV, with its reported neurotropism and its extensive spread in Europe, represents a growing concern for human health. There is still no approved vaccine or specific antiviral against ZIKV and USUV infections. The main goal of this study is to investigate the anti-ZIKV and anti-USUV activity of a new library of compounds and to preliminarily investigate the mechanism of action of the selected hit compounds in vitro. Two potent anti-ZIKV and anti-USUV agents, namely ZDL-115 and ZDL-116, were discovered, both presenting low cytotoxicity, cell-line independent antiviral activity in the low micromolar range and ability of reducing viral progeny production. The analysis of the structure-activity relationship (SAR) revealed that introduction of 2-deoxyribose to 3-arene was fundamental to enhance the solubility and improve the antiviral action. Additionally, we demonstrated that ZDL-115 and ZDL-116 are significantly active against both viruses when added on cells for at least 24 h prior to viral inoculation or immediately post-infection. The docking analysis showed that ZDL-116 could target the host vitamin D receptor (VDR) and viral proteins. Future experiments will be focused on compound modification to discover analogues that are more potent and on the clarification of the mechanism of action and the specific drug target. The discovery and the development of a novel anti-flavivirus drug will have a significant impact in a context where there are no fully effective antiviral drugs or vaccines for most flaviviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, Jiangsu, China; Xitaihu Lake Industrial College, Nanjing Tech University, Changzhou, 213149, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rachele Francese
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Antiviral Research, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, S. Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, 10043 Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Na Wang
- Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Feng Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xia Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bin Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jinsong Liu
- Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Zhuyun Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Taizhou Polytechnic College, Taizhou, 225300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Manuela Donalisio
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Antiviral Research, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, S. Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, 10043 Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - David Lembo
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Antiviral Research, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, S. Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, 10043 Orbassano, Turin, Italy.
| | - Guo-Chun Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, Jiangsu, China; Xitaihu Lake Industrial College, Nanjing Tech University, Changzhou, 213149, Jiangsu, China.
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15
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Abstract
Flaviviruses are vector-borne pathogens capable of causing devastating human diseases. The re-emergence of Zika in 2016 notoriously led to a widescale epidemic in the Americas. New daunting evidence suggests that a single mutation in Zika virus genome may increase transmission and pathogenesis, further highlighting the need to be prepared for flavivirus outbreaks. Dengue, in particular infects about 400 million people each year, leading to reoccurring local outbreaks. Public health efforts to mitigate flavivirus transmission is largely dependent on vector control strategies, as only a limited number of flavivirus vaccines have been developed thus far. There are currently no commercially available antivirals for flaviviruses, leaving supportive care as the primary treatment option. In this review, we will briefly paint a broad picture of the flavivirus landscape in terms of therapeutics, with particular focus on viral targets, promising novel compounds entering the drug discovery pipeline, as well as model systems for evaluating drug efficacy.
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16
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Murali A, Kumar S, Akshaya S, Singh SK. Drug repurposing toward the inhibition of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of various flaviviruses through computational study. J Cell Biochem 2023; 124:127-145. [PMID: 36502494 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Numerous pathogens affecting human is present in the flavivirus family namely west nile, dengue, yellow fever, and zika which involves in development of global burden and distressing the environment economically. Till date, no approved drugs are available for targeting these viruses. The threat which urged the identification of small molecules for the inhibition of these viruses is the spreading of serious viral diseases. The recent outbreak of zika and dengue infections postured a solemn risk to worldwide public well-being. RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is the supreme adaptable enzymes of all the RNA viruses which is responsible for the replication and transcription of genome among the structural and nonstructural proteins of flaviviruses. It is understood that the RdRp of the flaviviruses are similar stating that the japanese encephalitis and west nile shares 70% identity with zika whereas the dengue serotype 2 and 3 shares the identity of 76% and 81%, respectively. In this study, we investigated the binding site of four flaviviral RdRp and provided insights into various interaction of the molecules using the computational approach. Our study helps in recognizing the potent compounds that could inhibit the viral protein as a common inhibitor. Additionally, with the conformational stability analysis, we proposed the possible mechanism of inhibition of the identified common small molecule toward RdRp of flavivirus. Finally, this study could be an initiative for the identification of common inhibitors and can be explored further for understanding the mechanism of action through in vitro studies for the study on efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarthy Murali
- Computer Aided Drug Designing and Molecular Modeling Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sushil Kumar
- Computer Aided Drug Designing and Molecular Modeling Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Sanjeev K Singh
- Computer Aided Drug Designing and Molecular Modeling Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India
- Department of Data Sciences, Centre of Biomedical Research, Sanjay Gandhi Post Institute of Medical Sciences Campus, Lucknow, India
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17
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Li R, Niu Z, Liu Y, Bai X, Wang D, Chen C. Crystal structure and cap binding analysis of the methyltransferase of langat virus. Antiviral Res 2022; 208:105459. [PMID: 36347437 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2022.105459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a major dangerous human pathogen, as TBEV infection can cause serious illness that can lead to irreversible neurological sequelae and even death. Langat virus (LGTV), a member of the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) serogroup, belongs to the family Flaviviridae, genus Flavivirus. Its nonstructural protein 5 (NS5) protein contains a methyltransferase (MTase) domain that can methylate RNA cap structures, which is critical for viral replication. We determined the structure of LGTV NS5 methyltransferase bound to S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine (SAH) at a 1.70 Å resolution. Sequence analysis and structural comparison of homologous MTases suggests that folds and structures are closely conserved throughout Flavivirus species and play important roles. This study provides the key structural information on LGTV MTase and the foundation for research on antiviral drugs targeting LGTV MTase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruixue Li
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Ziping Niu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Yujie Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Xue Bai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Deping Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, the Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, China.
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China.
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18
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Discovery of dehydroandrographolide derivatives with C19 hindered ether as potent anti-ZIKV agents with inhibitory activities to MTase of ZIKV NS5. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 243:114710. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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19
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SARS-CoV-2 Uses Nonstructural Protein 16 to Evade Restriction by IFIT1 and IFIT3. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2022:2022.09.26.509529. [PMID: 36203546 PMCID: PMC9536030 DOI: 10.1101/2022.09.26.509529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the molecular basis of innate immune evasion by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an important consideration for designing the next wave of therapeutics. Here, we investigate the role of the nonstructural protein 16 (NSP16) of SARS-CoV-2 in infection and pathogenesis. NSP16, a ribonucleoside 2'- O methyltransferase (MTase), catalyzes the transfer of a methyl group to mRNA as part of the capping process. Based on observations with other CoVs, we hypothesized that NSP16 2'- O MTase function protects SARS-CoV-2 from cap-sensing host restriction. Therefore, we engineered SARS-CoV-2 with a mutation that disrupts a conserved residue in the active site of NSP16. We subsequently show that this mutant is attenuated both in vitro and in vivo , using a hamster model of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Mechanistically, we confirm that the NSP16 mutant is more sensitive to type I interferon (IFN-I) in vitro . Furthermore, silencing IFIT1 or IFIT3, IFN-stimulated genes that sense a lack of 2'- O methylation, partially restores fitness to the NSP16 mutant. Finally, we demonstrate that sinefungin, a methyltransferase inhibitor that binds the catalytic site of NSP16, sensitizes wild-type SARS-CoV-2 to IFN-I treatment. Overall, our findings highlight the importance of SARS-CoV-2 NSP16 in evading host innate immunity and suggest a possible target for future antiviral therapies. Importance Similar to other coronaviruses, disruption of SARS-CoV-2 NSP16 function attenuates viral replication in a type I interferon-dependent manner. In vivo , our results show reduced disease and viral replication at late times in the hamster lung, but an earlier titer deficit for the NSP16 mutant (dNSP16) in the upper airway. In addition, our results confirm a role for IFIT1, but also demonstrate the necessity of IFIT3 in mediating dNSP16 attenuation. Finally, we show that targeting NSP16 activity with a 2'- O methyltransferase inhibitor in combination with type I interferon offers a novel avenue for antiviral development.
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20
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Hour MJ, Chen Y, Lin CS, Baltina LA, Kan JY, Tsai YT, Kiu YT, Lai HC, Baltina LA, Petrova SF, Lin CW. Glycyrrhizic Acid Derivatives Bearing Amino Acid Residues in the Carbohydrate Part as Dengue Virus E Protein Inhibitors: Synthesis and Antiviral Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:10309. [PMID: 36142222 PMCID: PMC9499324 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Dengue virus (DENV) is one of the most geographically distributed mosquito-borne flaviviruses, like Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), and Zika virus (ZIKV). In this study, a library of the known and novel Glycyrrhizic acid (GL) derivatives bearing amino acid residues or their methyl/ethyl esters in the carbohydrate part were synthesized and studied as DENV inhibitors in vitro using the cytopathic effect (CPE), viral infectivity and virus yield assays with DENV1 and DENV-2 in Vero E6 and A549 cells. Among the GL conjugates tested, compound hits GL-D-ValOMe 3, GL-TyrOMe 6, GL-PheOEt 11, and GL-LysOMe 21 were discovered to have better antiviral activity than GL, with IC50 values ranging from <0.1 to 5.98 μM on the in vitro infectivity of DENV1 and DENV2 in Vero E6 and A549 cells. Compound hits 3, 6, 11, and 21 had a concentration-dependent inhibition on the virus yield in Vero E6, in which GL-D-ValOMe 3 and GL-PheOEt 11 were the most active inhibitors of DENV2 yield. Meanwhile, the time-of-addition assay indicated that conjugates GL-D-ValOMe 3 and GL-PheOEt 11 exhibited a substantial decrease in the DENV2 attachment stage. Subsequently, chimeric single-round infectious particles (SRIPs) of DENV2 C-prM-E protein/JEV replicon and DENV2 prM-E/ZIKV replicon were utilized for the DENV envelope I protein-mediated attachment assay. GL conjugates 3 and 11 significantly reduced the attachment of chimeric DENV2 C-prM-E/JEV and DENV2 prM-E/ZIKV SRIPs onto Vero E6 cells in a concentration-dependent manner but did not impede the attachment of wild-type JEV CprME/JEV and ZIKV prM-E/ZIKV SRIPs, indicating the inhibition of Compounds 3 and 11 on DENV2 E-mediated attachment. Molecular docking data revealed that Compounds 3 and 11 have hydrophobic interactions within a hydrophobic pocket among the interfaces of Domains I, II, and the stem region of the DENV2 envelope (E) protein. These results displayed that Compounds 3 and 11 were the lead compounds targeting the DENV E protein. Altogether, our findings provide new insights into the structure−activity relationship of GL derivatives conjugated with amino acid residues and can be the new fundamental basis for the search and development of novel flavivirus inhibitors based on natural compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mann-Jen Hour
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Yeh Chen
- Institute of New Drug Development, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Sheng Lin
- Division of Gastroenterology, Kuang Tien General Hospital, No. 117 Shatian Road, Shalu District, Taichung 43303, Taiwan
| | - Lidia A. Baltina
- Ufa Institute of Chemistry, Ufa Federal Research Centre of RAS, 71 Prospect Oktyabrya, 450054 Ufa, Russia
| | - Ju-Ying Kan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, 91, Hsueh-Shin Road, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Yan-Ting Tsai
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, China Medical University, 91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Asia University, 500 Lioufeng Road, Wufeng, Taichung 41354, Taiwan
| | - Yan-Tung Kiu
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, China Medical University, 91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Hsueh-Chou Lai
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, 91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Lia A. Baltina
- Ufa Institute of Chemistry, Ufa Federal Research Centre of RAS, 71 Prospect Oktyabrya, 450054 Ufa, Russia
| | - Svetlana F. Petrova
- Ufa Institute of Chemistry, Ufa Federal Research Centre of RAS, 71 Prospect Oktyabrya, 450054 Ufa, Russia
| | - Cheng-Wen Lin
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, 91, Hsueh-Shin Road, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, China Medical University, 91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Asia University, 500 Lioufeng Road, Wufeng, Taichung 41354, Taiwan
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21
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Desantis J, Felicetti T, Cannalire R. An overview on small molecules acting as broad spectrum-agents for yellow fever infection. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2022; 17:755-773. [PMID: 35638299 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2022.2084529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Yellow Fever virus (YFV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus, endemic in 47 countries in Africa and South America, which causes febrile symptoms that can evolve in 15% of the patients to serious haemorrhagic conditions, liver injury, and multiorgan failure. Although a highly effective vaccine (YF-17D vaccine) is available, to date, no antiviral drugs have been approved for the prevention and treatment of YFV infections. AREAS COVERED This review article focuses on the description of viral targets that have been considered within YFV and flavivirus drug discovery studies and on the most relevant candidates reported so far that elicit broad-spectrum inhibition against relevant strains and mutants of YFV. EXPERT OPINION Considering the growing interest on (re)emerging vector-borne viral infections, it is expected that flavivirus drug discovery will quickly deliver potential candidates for clinical evaluation. Due to similarity among flaviviral targets, several candidates identified against different flaviviruses have shown broad-spectrum activity, thus exhibiting anti-YFV activity, as well. In this regard, it would be desirable to routinely include the assessment of antiviral activity against different YFV strains. On the other hand, the development of host targeting agents are still at an initial stage and deserve further focused efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Desantis
- Department of Chemistry, Biology, and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via Elce di Sotto 8, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Tommaso Felicetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Rolando Cannalire
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Napoli, Italy
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22
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Fischer TR, Meidner L, Schwickert M, Weber M, Zimmermann RA, Kersten C, Schirmeister T, Helm M. Chemical biology and medicinal chemistry of RNA methyltransferases. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:4216-4245. [PMID: 35412633 PMCID: PMC9071492 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA methyltransferases (MTases) are ubiquitous enzymes whose hitherto low profile in medicinal chemistry, contrasts with the surging interest in RNA methylation, the arguably most important aspect of the new field of epitranscriptomics. As MTases become validated as drug targets in all major fields of biomedicine, the development of small molecule compounds as tools and inhibitors is picking up considerable momentum, in academia as well as in biotech. Here we discuss the development of small molecules for two related aspects of chemical biology. Firstly, derivates of the ubiquitous cofactor S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM) are being developed as bioconjugation tools for targeted transfer of functional groups and labels to increasingly visible targets. Secondly, SAM-derived compounds are being investigated for their ability to act as inhibitors of RNA MTases. Drug development is moving from derivatives of cosubstrates towards higher generation compounds that may address allosteric sites in addition to the catalytic centre. Progress in assay development and screening techniques from medicinal chemistry have led to recent breakthroughs, e.g. in addressing human enzymes targeted for their role in cancer. Spurred by the current pandemic, new inhibitors against coronaviral MTases have emerged at a spectacular rate, including a repurposed drug which is now in clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim R Fischer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128Mainz, Germany
| | - Laurenz Meidner
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128Mainz, Germany
| | - Marvin Schwickert
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128Mainz, Germany
| | - Marlies Weber
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128Mainz, Germany
| | - Robert A Zimmermann
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128Mainz, Germany
| | - Christian Kersten
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128Mainz, Germany
| | - Tanja Schirmeister
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128Mainz, Germany
| | - Mark Helm
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128Mainz, Germany
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23
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Antiviral drug research for Japanese encephalitis: an updated review. Pharmacol Rep 2022; 74:273-296. [PMID: 35182390 PMCID: PMC8964565 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-022-00355-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Japanese encephalitis (JE) caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is one of Asia's most common viral encephalitis. JEV is a flavivirus, common in rural and sub-urban regions of Asian countries. Although only 1% of JEV-infected individuals develop JE, there is a 20-30% chance of death among these individuals and possible neurological sequelae post-infection. No licensed anti-JE drugs are currently available, despite extensive efforts to develop them. Literature search was performed using databases such as PubMed Central, Google Scholar, Wiley Online Library, etc. using keywords such as Japanese encephalitis virus, antiviral drugs, antiviral drug screening, antiviral drug targets, etc. From around 230 papers/abstracts and research reviews retrieved and reviewed for this study, approximately 180 most relevant and important ones have been cited. Different approaches in drug testing and various antiviral drug targets explored so far have been thoroughly searched from the literature and compiled, besides addressing the future perspectives of the antiviral drug development strategies. Although the development of effective anti-JE drugs is an urgent issue, only supportive care is currently available. Recent advancements in understanding the biology of infection and new drug targets have been promising improvements. Despite hindrances such as the unavailability of a proper drug delivery system or a treatment regimen irrespective of the stage of infection, several promising anti-JE candidate molecules are in different phases of clinical trials. Nonetheless, efficient therapy against JEV is expected to be achieved with drug combinations and a highly targeted drug delivery system soon.
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24
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García-Ariza LL, Rocha-Roa C, Padilla-Sanabria L, Castaño-Osorio JC. Virtual Screening of Drug-Like Compounds as Potential Inhibitors of the Dengue Virus NS5 Protein. Front Chem 2022; 10:637266. [PMID: 35223766 PMCID: PMC8867075 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.637266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dengue virus (DENV) is the causative agent of dengue fever. Annually, there are about 400 million new cases of dengue worldwide, and so far there is no specific treatment against this disease. The NS5 protein is the largest and most conserved viral protein among flaviviruses and is considered a therapeutic target of great interest. This study aims to search drug-like compounds for possible inhibitors of the NS5 protein in the four serotypes of DENV. Using a virtual screening from a ∼642,759-compound database, we suggest 18 compounds with NS5 binding and highlight the best compound per region, in the methyltransferase and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase domains. These compounds interact mainly with the amino acids of the catalytic sites and/or are involved in processes of protein activity. The identified compounds presented physicochemical and pharmacological properties of interest for their use as possible drugs; furthermore, we found that some of these compounds do not affect cell viability in Huh-7; therefore, we suggest evaluating these compounds in vitro as candidates in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leidy L. García-Ariza
- Grupo de Inmunología Molecular, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia
- *Correspondence: Leidy L. García-Ariza,
| | - Cristian Rocha-Roa
- Grupo de Parasitología Molecular, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia
- Biophysics of Tropical Diseases, Max Planck Tandem Group, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Leonardo Padilla-Sanabria
- Grupo de Inmunología Molecular, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia
| | - Jhon C. Castaño-Osorio
- Grupo de Inmunología Molecular, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia
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25
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Dantsu Y, Zhang Y, Zhang W. Advances in Therapeutic L-Nucleosides and L-Nucleic Acids with Unusual Handedness. Genes (Basel) 2021; 13:46. [PMID: 35052385 PMCID: PMC8774879 DOI: 10.3390/genes13010046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleic-acid-based small molecule and oligonucleotide therapies are attractive topics due to their potential for effective target of disease-related modules and specific control of disease gene expression. As the non-naturally occurring biomolecules, modified DNA/RNA nucleoside and oligonucleotide analogues composed of L-(deoxy)riboses, have been designed and applied as innovative therapeutics with superior plasma stability, weakened cytotoxicity, and inexistent immunogenicity. Although all the chiral centers in the backbone are mirror converted from the natural D-nucleic acids, L-nucleic acids are equipped with the same nucleobases (A, G, C and U or T), which are critical to maintain the programmability and form adaptable tertiary structures for target binding. The types of L-nucleic acid drugs are increasingly varied, from chemically modified nucleoside analogues that interact with pathogenic polymerases to nanoparticles containing hundreds of repeating L-nucleotides that circulate durably in vivo. This article mainly reviews three different aspects of L-nucleic acid therapies, including pharmacological L-nucleosides, Spiegelmers as specific target-binding aptamers, and L-nanostructures as effective drug-delivery devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuliya Dantsu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 635 Barnhill Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (Y.D.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 635 Barnhill Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (Y.D.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 635 Barnhill Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (Y.D.); (Y.Z.)
- Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, 535 Barnhill Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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26
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Amaryllidaceae Alkaloid Cherylline Inhibits the Replication of Dengue and Zika Viruses. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 65:e0039821. [PMID: 34152811 PMCID: PMC8370201 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00398-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Dengue fever, caused by dengue virus (DENV), is the most prevalent arthropod-borne viral disease and is endemic in many tropical and subtropical parts of the world, with an increasing incidence in temperate regions. The closely related flavivirus Zika virus (ZIKV) can be transmitted vertically in utero and causes congenital Zika syndrome and other birth defects. In adults, ZIKV is associated with Guillain-Barré syndrome. There are no approved antiviral therapies against either virus. Effective antiviral compounds are urgently needed. Amaryllidaceae alkaloids (AAs) are a specific class of nitrogen-containing compounds produced by plants of the Amaryllidaceae family with numerous biological activities. Recently, the AA lycorine was shown to present strong antiflaviviral properties. Previously, we demonstrated that Crinum jagus contained lycorine and several alkaloids of the cherylline, crinine, and galanthamine types with unknown antiviral potential. In this study, we explored their biological activities. We show that C. jagus crude alkaloid extract inhibited DENV infection. Among the purified AAs, cherylline efficiently inhibited both DENV (50% effective concentration [EC50], 8.8 μM) and ZIKV replication (EC50, 20.3 μM) but had no effect on HIV-1 infection. Time-of-drug-addition and -removal experiments identified a postentry step as the one targeted by cherylline. Consistently, using subgenomic replicons and replication-defective genomes, we demonstrate that cherylline specifically hinders the viral RNA synthesis step but not viral translation. In conclusion, AAs are an underestimated source of antiflavivirus compounds, including the effective inhibitor cherylline, which could be optimized for new therapeutic approaches.
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27
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Fernandes PO, Chagas MA, Rocha WR, Moraes AH. Non-structural protein 5 (NS5) as a target for antiviral development against established and emergent flaviviruses. Curr Opin Virol 2021; 50:30-39. [PMID: 34340199 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2021.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Flaviviruses are among the most critical pathogens in tropical regions and cause a growing number of severe diseases in developing countries. The development of antiviral therapeutics is crucial for managing flavivirus outbreaks. Among the ten proteins encoded in the flavivirus RNA, non-structural protein 5, NS5, is a promising drug target. NS5 plays a fundamental role in flavivirus replication, viral RNA methylation, RNA polymerization, and host immune system evasion. Most of the NS5 inhibitor candidates target NS5 active sites. However, the similarity of NS5 activity sites with human enzymes can cause side effects. Identifying new allosteric sites in NS5 can contribute enormously to antiviral development. The NS5 structural characterization enabled exploring new regions, such as the residues involved in MTase-RdRp interaction, NS5 oligomerization, and NS5 interaction with other viral and host-cell proteins. Targeting NS5 critical interactions might lead to new compounds and overcomes the toxicity of current NS5-inhibitor candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipe O Fernandes
- Departamento de Produtos Farmacêuticos, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Marcelo A Chagas
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Willian R Rocha
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Adolfo H Moraes
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of NMR-based Structural Biology, Max-Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, D-37077 Göttingen, Germany.
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28
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Identification and evaluation of potential SARS-CoV-2 antiviral agents targeting mRNA cap guanine N7-Methyltransferase. Antiviral Res 2021; 193:105142. [PMID: 34303749 PMCID: PMC8299157 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2021.105142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the cause of the currently ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, encodes its own mRNA capping machinery. Insights into this capping system may provide new ideas for therapeutic interventions and drug discovery. In this work, we employ a previously developed Py-FLINT screening approach to study the inhibitory effects of compounds against the cap guanine N7-methyltransferase enzyme, which is involved in SARS-CoV-2 mRNA capping. We screened five commercially available libraries (7039 compounds in total) to identify 83 inhibitors with IC50 < 50 μM, which were further validated using RP HPLC and dot blot assays. Novel fluorescence anisotropy binding assays were developed to examine the targeted binding site. The inhibitor structures were analyzed for structure-activity relationships in order to define common structural patterns. Finally, the most potent inhibitors were tested for antiviral activity on SARS-CoV-2 in a cell based assay.
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29
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Vlachakis D. Genetic and structural analyses of ssRNA viruses pave the way for the discovery of novel antiviral pharmacological targets. Mol Omics 2021; 17:357-364. [PMID: 33725065 DOI: 10.1039/d0mo00173b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
In the era of big data and artificial intelligence, a lot of new discoveries have influenced the fields of antiviral drug design and pharmacophore identification. Viruses have always been a threat to society in terms of public health and economic stability. Viruses not only affect humans but also livestock and agriculture with a direct impact on food safety, economy and environmental imprint. Most recently, with the pandemic of COVID-19, it was made clear that a single virus can have a devastating impact on global well-being and economy. In this direction, there is an emerging need for the identification of promising pharmacological targets in viruses. Herein, an effort has been made to discuss the current knowledge, state-of-the-art applications and future implications for the main pharmacological targets of single-stranded RNA viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Vlachakis
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied BIology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
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30
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The Role of the Stem-Loop A RNA Promoter in Flavivirus Replication. Viruses 2021; 13:v13061107. [PMID: 34207869 PMCID: PMC8226660 DOI: 10.3390/v13061107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
An essential challenge in the lifecycle of RNA viruses is identifying and replicating the viral genome amongst all the RNAs present in the host cell cytoplasm. Yet, how the viral polymerase selectively recognizes and copies the viral RNA genome is poorly understood. In flaviviruses, the 5′-end of the viral RNA genome contains a 70 nucleotide-long stem-loop, called stem-loop A (SLA), which functions as a promoter for genome replication. During replication, flaviviral polymerase NS5 specifically recognizes SLA to both initiate viral RNA synthesis and to methylate the 5′ guanine cap of the nascent RNA. While the sequences of this region vary between different flaviviruses, the three-way junction arrangement of secondary structures is conserved in SLA, suggesting that viruses recognize a common structural feature to replicate the viral genome rather than a particular sequence. To better understand the molecular basis of genome recognition by flaviviruses, we recently determined the crystal structures of flavivirus SLAs from dengue virus (DENV) and Zika virus (ZIKV). In this review, I will provide an overview of (1) flaviviral genome replication; (2) structures of viral SLA promoters and NS5 polymerases; and (3) and describe our current model of how NS5 polymerases specifically recognize the SLA at the 5′ terminus of the viral genome to initiate RNA synthesis at the 3′ terminus.
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31
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Cordycepin Inhibits Virus Replication in Dengue Virus-Infected Vero Cells. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26113118. [PMID: 34071102 PMCID: PMC8197141 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26113118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Dengue virus (DENV) infection causes mild to severe illness in humans that can lead to fatality in severe cases. Currently, no specific drug is available for the treatment of DENV infection. Thus, the development of an anti-DENV drug is urgently required. Cordycepin (3′-deoxyadenosine), which is a major bioactive compound in Cordyceps (ascomycete) fungus that has been used for centuries in Chinese traditional medicine, was reported to exhibit antiviral activity. However, the anti-DENV activity of cordycepin is unknown. We hypothesized that cordycepin exerts anti-DENV activity and that, as an adenosine derivative, it inhibits DENV replication. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the anti-DENV activity of cordycepin in DENV-infected Vero cells. Cordycepin treatment significantly decreased DENV protein at a half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) of 26.94 μM. Moreover, DENV RNA was dramatically decreased in cordycepin-treated Vero cells, indicating its effectiveness in inhibiting viral RNA replication. Via in silico molecular docking, the binding of cordycepin to DENV non-structural protein 5 (NS5), which is an important enzyme for RNA synthesis, at both the methyltransferase (MTase) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) domains, was predicted. The results of this study demonstrate that cordycepin is able to inhibit DENV replication, which portends its potential as an anti-dengue therapy.
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32
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Netzband R, Pager CT. Viral Epitranscriptomics. Virology 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/9781119818526.ch4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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33
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The Pseudo-Circular Genomes of Flaviviruses: Structures, Mechanisms, and Functions of Circularization. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030642. [PMID: 33805761 PMCID: PMC7999817 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The circularization of viral genomes fulfills various functions, from evading host defense mechanisms to promoting specific replication and translation patterns supporting viral proliferation. Here, we describe the genomic structures and associated host factors important for flaviviruses genome circularization and summarize their functional roles. Flaviviruses are relatively small, single-stranded, positive-sense RNA viruses with genomes of approximately 11 kb in length. These genomes contain motifs at their 5′ and 3′ ends, as well as in other regions, that are involved in circularization. These motifs are highly conserved throughout the Flavivirus genus and occur both in mature virions and within infected cells. We provide an overview of these sequence motifs and RNA structures involved in circularization, describe their linear and circularized structures, and discuss the proteins that interact with these circular structures and that promote and regulate their formation, aiming to clarify the key features of genome circularization and understand how these affect the flaviviruses life cycle.
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34
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Thames JE, Waters CD, Valle C, Bassetto M, Aouadi W, Martin B, Selisko B, Falat A, Coutard B, Brancale A, Canard B, Decroly E, Seley-Radtke KL. Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel flexible nucleoside analogues that inhibit flavivirus replication in vitro. Bioorg Med Chem 2020; 28:115713. [PMID: 33128910 PMCID: PMC7457965 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2020.115713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Flaviviruses, such as Dengue (DENV) and Zika (ZIKV) viruses, represent a severe health burden. There are currently no FDA-approved treatments, and vaccines against most flaviviruses are still lacking. We have developed several flexible analogues ("fleximers") of the FDA-approved nucleoside Acyclovir that exhibit activity against various RNA viruses, demonstrating their broad-spectrum potential. The current study reports activity against DENV and Yellow Fever Virus (YFV), particularly for compound 1. Studies to elucidate the mechanism of action suggest the flex-analogue triphosphates, especially 1-TP, inhibit DENV and ZIKV methyltransferases, and a secondary, albeit weak, effect on the DENV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase was observed at high concentrations. The results of these studies are reported herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy E Thames
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Charles D Waters
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Coralie Valle
- AFMB-UMR7257, CNRS, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Marcella Bassetto
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Wahiba Aouadi
- AFMB-UMR7257, CNRS, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Baptiste Martin
- AFMB-UMR7257, CNRS, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Barbara Selisko
- AFMB-UMR7257, CNRS, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Arissa Falat
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Bruno Coutard
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille Univ - IRD 190 - Inserm 1207 - IHU Méditerranée Infection), Marseille, France
| | - Andrea Brancale
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Bruno Canard
- AFMB-UMR7257, CNRS, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Etienne Decroly
- AFMB-UMR7257, CNRS, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Katherine L Seley-Radtke
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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35
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Felicetti T, Manfroni G, Cecchetti V, Cannalire R. Broad-Spectrum Flavivirus Inhibitors: a Medicinal Chemistry Point of View. ChemMedChem 2020; 15:2391-2419. [PMID: 32961008 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Infections by flaviviruses, such as Dengue, West Nile, Yellow Fever and Zika viruses, represent a growing risk for global health. There are vaccines only for few flaviviruses while no effective treatments are available. Flaviviruses share epidemiological, structural, and ecologic features and often different viruses can co-infect the same host. Therefore, the identification of broad-spectrum inhibitors is highly desirable either for known flaviviruses or for viruses that likely will emerge in the future. Strategies targeting both virus and host factors have been pursued to identify broad-spectrum antiflaviviral agents. In this review, we describe the most promising and best characterized targets and their relative broad-spectrum inhibitors, identified by drug repurposing/libraries screenings and by focused medicinal chemistry campaigns. Finally, we discuss about future strategies to identify new broad-spectrum antiflavivirus agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Felicetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, via del Liceo 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Manfroni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, via del Liceo 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Violetta Cecchetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, via del Liceo 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Rolando Cannalire
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli "Federico II", via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Napoli, Italy
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Chagas M, Rocha W, Moraes A. Dynamics and allostery of Zika virus non-structural protein 5 methyltransferase. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2020; 39:5526-5538. [DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2020.1792343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Chagas
- Departamento de Química, ICEx, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Willian Rocha
- Departamento de Química, ICEx, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Adolfo Moraes
- Departamento de Química, ICEx, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Department of NMR-based Structural Biology, Max-Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
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Martin MF, Nisole S. West Nile Virus Restriction in Mosquito and Human Cells: A Virus under Confinement. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:E256. [PMID: 32485916 PMCID: PMC7350012 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8020256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is an emerging neurotropic flavivirus that naturally circulates between mosquitoes and birds. However, WNV has a broad host range and can be transmitted from mosquitoes to several mammalian species, including humans, through infected saliva during a blood meal. Although WNV infections are mostly asymptomatic, 20% to 30% of cases are symptomatic and can occasionally lead to severe symptoms, including fatal meningitis or encephalitis. Over the past decades, WNV-carrying mosquitoes have become increasingly widespread across new regions, including North America and Europe, which constitutes a public health concern. Nevertheless, mosquito and human innate immune defenses can detect WNV infection and induce the expression of antiviral effectors, so-called viral restriction factors, to control viral propagation. Conversely, WNV has developed countermeasures to escape these host defenses, thus establishing a constant arms race between the virus and its hosts. Our review intends to cover most of the current knowledge on viral restriction factors as well as WNV evasion strategies in mosquito and human cells in order to bring an updated overview on WNV-host interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sébastien Nisole
- Viral Trafficking, Restriction and Innate Signaling Team, Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier (IRIM), CNRS, 34090 Montpellier, France;
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Pierson TC, Diamond MS. The continued threat of emerging flaviviruses. Nat Microbiol 2020; 5:796-812. [PMID: 32367055 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-020-0714-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 463] [Impact Index Per Article: 115.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Flaviviruses are vector-borne RNA viruses that can emerge unexpectedly in human populations and cause a spectrum of potentially severe diseases including hepatitis, vascular shock syndrome, encephalitis, acute flaccid paralysis, congenital abnormalities and fetal death. This epidemiological pattern has occurred numerous times during the last 70 years, including epidemics of dengue virus and West Nile virus, and the most recent explosive epidemic of Zika virus in the Americas. Flaviviruses are now globally distributed and infect up to 400 million people annually. Of significant concern, outbreaks of other less well-characterized flaviviruses have been reported in humans and animals in different regions of the world. The potential for these viruses to sustain epidemic transmission among humans is poorly understood. In this Review, we discuss the basic biology of flaviviruses, their infectious cycles, the diseases they cause and underlying host immune responses to infection. We describe flaviviruses that represent an established ongoing threat to global health and those that have recently emerged in new populations to cause significant disease. We also provide examples of lesser-known flaviviruses that circulate in restricted areas of the world but have the potential to emerge more broadly in human populations. Finally, we discuss how an understanding of the epidemiology, biology, structure and immunity of flaviviruses can inform the rapid development of countermeasures to treat or prevent human infections as they emerge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore C Pierson
- Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Michael S Diamond
- Departments of Medicine, Molecular Microbiology, Pathology & Immunology, Andrew M. and Jane M. Bursky Center for Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Programs, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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de Souza Neto LR, Moreira-Filho JT, Neves BJ, Maidana RLBR, Guimarães ACR, Furnham N, Andrade CH, Silva FP. In silico Strategies to Support Fragment-to-Lead Optimization in Drug Discovery. Front Chem 2020; 8:93. [PMID: 32133344 PMCID: PMC7040036 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2020.00093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragment-based drug (or lead) discovery (FBDD or FBLD) has developed in the last two decades to become a successful key technology in the pharmaceutical industry for early stage drug discovery and development. The FBDD strategy consists of screening low molecular weight compounds against macromolecular targets (usually proteins) of clinical relevance. These small molecular fragments can bind at one or more sites on the target and act as starting points for the development of lead compounds. In developing the fragments attractive features that can translate into compounds with favorable physical, pharmacokinetics and toxicity (ADMET-absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) properties can be integrated. Structure-enabled fragment screening campaigns use a combination of screening by a range of biophysical techniques, such as differential scanning fluorimetry, surface plasmon resonance, and thermophoresis, followed by structural characterization of fragment binding using NMR or X-ray crystallography. Structural characterization is also used in subsequent analysis for growing fragments of selected screening hits. The latest iteration of the FBDD workflow employs a high-throughput methodology of massively parallel screening by X-ray crystallography of individually soaked fragments. In this review we will outline the FBDD strategies and explore a variety of in silico approaches to support the follow-up fragment-to-lead optimization of either: growing, linking, and merging. These fragment expansion strategies include hot spot analysis, druggability prediction, SAR (structure-activity relationships) by catalog methods, application of machine learning/deep learning models for virtual screening and several de novo design methods for proposing synthesizable new compounds. Finally, we will highlight recent case studies in fragment-based drug discovery where in silico methods have successfully contributed to the development of lead compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauro Ribeiro de Souza Neto
- LaBECFar – Laboratório de Bioquímica Experimental e Computacional de Fármacos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - José Teófilo Moreira-Filho
- LabMol – Laboratory for Molecular Modeling and Drug Design, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Bruno Junior Neves
- LabMol – Laboratory for Molecular Modeling and Drug Design, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
- Laboratory of Cheminformatics, Centro Universitário de Anápolis – UniEVANGÉLICA, Anápolis, Brazil
| | - Rocío Lucía Beatriz Riveros Maidana
- LaBECFar – Laboratório de Bioquímica Experimental e Computacional de Fármacos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Bioinformática, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Ramos Guimarães
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Bioinformática, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Nicholas Furnham
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Carolina Horta Andrade
- LabMol – Laboratory for Molecular Modeling and Drug Design, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Floriano Paes Silva
- LaBECFar – Laboratório de Bioquímica Experimental e Computacional de Fármacos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Netzband R, Pager CT. Epitranscriptomic marks: Emerging modulators of RNA virus gene expression. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2019; 11:e1576. [PMID: 31694072 PMCID: PMC7169815 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Epitranscriptomics, the study of posttranscriptional chemical moieties placed on RNA, has blossomed in recent years. This is due in part to the emergence of high‐throughput detection methods as well as the burst of discoveries showing biological function of select chemical marks. RNA modifications have been shown to affect RNA structure, localization, and functions such as alternative splicing, stabilizing transcripts, nuclear export, cap‐dependent and cap‐independent translation, microRNA biogenesis and binding, RNA degradation, and immune regulation. As such, the deposition of chemical marks on RNA has the unique capability to spatially and temporally regulate gene expression. The goal of this article is to present the exciting convergence of the epitranscriptomic and virology fields, specifically the deposition and biological impact of N7‐methylguanosine, ribose 2′‐O‐methylation, pseudouridine, inosine, N6‐methyladenosine, and 5‐methylcytosine epitranscriptomic marks on gene expression of RNA viruses. This article is categorized under:RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Interactions: Functional Implications
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Netzband
- Department of Biological Sciences, The RNA Institute, University at Albany-SUNY, Albany, New York
| | - Cara T Pager
- Department of Biological Sciences, The RNA Institute, University at Albany-SUNY, Albany, New York
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Vishvakarma VK, Singh P, Kumar V, Kumari K, Patel R, Chandra R. Pyrrolothiazolones as Potential Inhibitors for the nsP2B‐nsP3 Protease of Dengue Virus and Their Mechanism of Synthesis. ChemistrySelect 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.201901119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Kumar Vishvakarma
- Department of ChemistryA.R.S.D. CollegeUniversity of Delhi, Delhi India
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Delhi, Delhi India
| | - Prashant Singh
- Department of ChemistryA.R.S.D. CollegeUniversity of Delhi, Delhi India
| | - Vinod Kumar
- Department of ChemistryKirori Mal College, University of Delhi India
| | - Kamlesh Kumari
- Department of ZoologyDDU College, University of Delhi, Delhi India
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Sinigaglia A, Riccetti S, Trevisan M, Barzon L. In silico approaches to Zika virus drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2018; 13:825-835. [PMID: 30160181 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2018.1515909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION After the WHO declared Zika virus (ZIKV) as a public health emergency of international concern, intense research for the development of vaccines and drugs has been undertaken, leading to the development of several candidates. Areas covered: This review discusses the developments achieved so far by computational methods in the discovery of candidate compounds targeting ZIKV proteins, i.e. the envelope and capsid structural proteins, the NS3 helicase/protease, and the NS5 methyltransferase/RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Expert opinion: Research for effective drugs against ZIKV is still in a very early discovery phase. Notwithstanding the intense efforts for the development of new drugs and the identification of several promising candidates by using different approaches, including computational methods, so far only a few candidates have been experimentally tested. An important caveat of anti-flavivirus drug development is represented by the difficult of reproducing the in vivo microenvironment of the replication complex, which may lead to discrepancies between in vitro results and experimental evaluation in vivo. Moreover, anti-ZIKV drugs have the additional requirement of an excellent safety profile in pregnancy and ability to diffuse to different tissues, including the central nervous system, the testis, and the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Silvia Riccetti
- a Department of Molecular Medicine , University of Padova , Padova , Italy
| | - Marta Trevisan
- a Department of Molecular Medicine , University of Padova , Padova , Italy
| | - Luisa Barzon
- a Department of Molecular Medicine , University of Padova , Padova , Italy
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Šebera J, Dubankova A, Sychrovský V, Ruzek D, Boura E, Nencka R. The structural model of Zika virus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase in complex with RNA for rational design of novel nucleotide inhibitors. Sci Rep 2018; 8:11132. [PMID: 30042483 PMCID: PMC6057956 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-29459-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus is a global health threat due to significantly elevated risk of fetus malformations in infected pregnant women. Currently, neither an effective therapy nor a prophylactic vaccination is available for clinical use, desperately necessitating novel therapeutics and approaches to obtain them. Here, we present a structural model of the Zika virus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (ZIKV RdRp) in complex with template and nascent RNAs, Mg2+ ions and accessing nucleoside triphosphate. The model allowed for docking studies aimed at effective pre-screening of potential inhibitors of ZIKV RdRp. Applicability of the structural model for docking studies was illustrated with the NITD008 artificial nucleotide that is known to effectively inhibit the function of the ZIKV RdRp. The ZIKV RdRp – RNA structural model is provided for all possible variations of the nascent RNA bases pairs to enhance its general utility in docking and modelling experiments. The developed model makes the rational design of novel nucleosides and nucleotide analogues feasible and thus provides a solid platform for the development of advanced antiviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Šebera
- Gilead Sciences Research Centre at IOCB Prague, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Praha, Czech Republic
| | - Anna Dubankova
- Gilead Sciences Research Centre at IOCB Prague, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Praha, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimír Sychrovský
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Praha, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Ruzek
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, CZ-62100, Brno, Czech Republic.,Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branisovska 31, CZ-37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Evzen Boura
- Gilead Sciences Research Centre at IOCB Prague, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Praha, Czech Republic.
| | - Radim Nencka
- Gilead Sciences Research Centre at IOCB Prague, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Praha, Czech Republic.
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Züst R, Li SH, Xie X, Velumani S, Chng M, Toh YX, Zou J, Dong H, Shan C, Pang J, Qin CF, Newell EW, Shi PY, Fink K. Characterization of a candidate tetravalent vaccine based on 2'-O-methyltransferase mutants. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0189262. [PMID: 29298302 PMCID: PMC5751980 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0189262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Dengue virus (DENV) is one of the most widespread arboviruses. The four DENV serotypes infect about 400 million people every year, causing 96 million clinical dengue cases, of which approximately 500’000 are severe and potentially life-threatening. The only licensed vaccine has a limited efficacy and is only recommended in regions with high endemicity. We previously reported that 2’-O-methyltransferase mutations in DENV-1 and DENV-2 block their capacity to inhibit type I IFNs and render the viruses attenuated in vivo, making them amenable as vaccine strains; here we apply this strategy to all four DENV serotypes to generate a tetravalent, non-chimeric live-attenuated dengue vaccine. 2’-O-methyltransferase mutants of all four serotypes are highly sensitive to type I IFN inhibition in human cells. The tetravalent formulation is attenuated and immunogenic in mice and cynomolgus macaques and elicits a response that protects from virus challenge. These results show the potential of 2’-O-methyltransferase mutant viruses as a safe, tetravalent, non-chimeric dengue vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Züst
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shi-Hua Li
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Chromos, Singapore, Singapore
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Xuping Xie
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Chromos, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States of America
| | - Sumathy Velumani
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Melissa Chng
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ying-Xiu Toh
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jing Zou
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Chromos, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States of America
| | - Hongping Dong
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Chromos, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chao Shan
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Chromos, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States of America
| | - Jassia Pang
- Biological Resource Centre, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Cheng-Feng Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Evan W. Newell
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Pei-Yong Shi
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Chromos, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States of America
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States of America
- Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States of America
- * E-mail: (KF); (PYS)
| | - Katja Fink
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
- * E-mail: (KF); (PYS)
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Huang YW, Lee CT, Wang TC, Kao YC, Yang CH, Lin YM, Huang KS. The Development of Peptide-based Antimicrobial Agents against Dengue Virus. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2018; 19:998-1010. [PMID: 29852867 PMCID: PMC6446661 DOI: 10.2174/1389203719666180531122724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Dengue fever has become an imminent threat to international public health because of global warming and climate change. The World Health Organization proclaimed that more than 50% of the world's population is at risk of dengue virus (DENV) infection. Therefore, developing a clinically approved vaccine and effective therapeutic remedy for treating dengue fever is imperative. Peptide drug development has become a novel pharmaceutical research field. This article reviews various peptidesbased antimicrobial agents targeting three pathways involved in the DENV lifecycle. Specifically, they are peptide vaccines from immunomodulation, peptide drugs that inhibit virus entry, and peptide drugs that interfere with viral replication. Many antiviral peptide studies against DENV have been conducted in animal model trials, and progression to clinical trials for these promising peptide drugs is anticipated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Keng-Shiang Huang
- Address correspondence to this author at the School of Chinese Medicine for Post-Baccalaureate, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan;, Tel: +886-988-399-979; E-mail:
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Abstract
The persistence of West Nile virus (WNV) infections throughout the USA since its inception in 1999 and its continuous spread throughout the globe calls for an urgent need of effective treatments and prevention measures. Although the licensing of several WNV vaccines for veterinary use provides a proof of concept, similar efforts on the development of an effective vaccine for humans remain still unsuccessful. Increased understanding of biology and pathogenesis of WNV together with recent technological advancements have raised hope that an effective WNV vaccine may be available in the near future. In addition, rapid progress in the structural and functional characterization of WNV and other flaviviral proteins have provided a solid base for the design and development of several classes of inhibitors as potential WNV therapeutics. Moreover, the therapeutic monoclonal antibodies demonstrate an excellent efficacy against WNV in animal models and represent a promising class of WNV therapeutics. However, there are some challenges as to the design and development of a safe and efficient WNV vaccine or therapeutic. In this chapter, we discuss the current approaches, progress, and challenges toward the development of WNV vaccines, therapeutic antibodies, and antiviral drugs.
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Chatrin C, Talapatra SK, Canard B, Kozielski F. The structure of the binary methyltransferase-SAH complex from Zika virus reveals a novel conformation for the mechanism of mRNA capping. Oncotarget 2017; 9:3160-3171. [PMID: 29423037 PMCID: PMC5790454 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.23223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus, a flavivirus like Dengue and West Nile viruses, poses a significant risk as a pathogen in the category of emerging infectious diseases. Zika infections typically cause nonspecific, mild symptoms, but can also manifest as a neurological disorder like Guillain-Barré syndrome. Infection in pregnant women is linked to microcephaly in newborn infants. The methyltransferase domain of the non-structural protein 5 is responsible for two sequential methylations of the 5′-RNA cap. This is crucial for genome stability, efficient translation, and escape from the host immune response. Here we present the crystal structures of the Zika methyltransferase domain in complex with the methyl-donor SAM and its by-product SAH. The methyltransferase-SAH binary complex presents a new conformation of a “closed” or “obstructed” state that would restrict the binding of new RNA for capping. The combination and comparison of our new structures with recently published Zika methyltransferase structures provide a first glimpse into the structural mechanism of Zika virus mRNA capping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chatrin Chatrin
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biological Chemistry, UCL School of Pharmacy, WC1N 1AX, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sandeep K Talapatra
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biological Chemistry, UCL School of Pharmacy, WC1N 1AX, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bruno Canard
- CNRS, Aix Marseille University, AFMB UMR7257, Marseille, France
| | - Frank Kozielski
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biological Chemistry, UCL School of Pharmacy, WC1N 1AX, London, United Kingdom
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Structures and Functions of the Envelope Glycoprotein in Flavivirus Infections. Viruses 2017; 9:v9110338. [PMID: 29137162 PMCID: PMC5707545 DOI: 10.3390/v9110338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Revised: 10/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Flaviviruses are enveloped, single-stranded RNA viruses that widely infect many animal species. The envelope protein, a structural protein of flavivirus, plays an important role in host cell viral infections. It is composed of three separate structural envelope domains I, II, and III (EDI, EDII, and EDIII). EDI is a structurally central domain of the envelope protein which stabilizes the overall orientation of the protein, and the glycosylation sites in EDI are related to virus production, pH sensitivity, and neuroinvasiveness. EDII plays an important role in membrane fusion because of the immunodominance of the fusion loop epitope and the envelope dimer epitope. Additionally, EDIII is the major target of neutralization antibodies. The envelope protein is an important target for research to develop vaccine candidates and antiviral therapeutics. This review summarizes the structures and functions of ED I/II/III, and provides practical applications for the three domains, with the ultimate goal of implementing strategies to utilize the envelope protein against flavivirus infections, thus achieving better diagnostics and developing potential flavivirus therapeutics and vaccines.
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Development of RNA aptamer that inhibits methyltransferase activity of dengue virus. Biotechnol Lett 2017; 40:315-324. [PMID: 29063288 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-017-2462-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To develop an RNA aptamer specific for the methyltransferase (MTase) of dengue virus (DENV) which is essential for viral genome replication and translation acting directly on N-7 and 2'-O-methylation of the type-I cap structure of the viral RNA. RESULTS We identified 2'-fluoro-modified RNA aptamers that can specifically bind DENV serotype 2 (DENV2) MTase using systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment technology. We truncated the chosen aptamer into a 45-mer RNA sequence that can bind DENV2 MTase with K d ~ 28 nM and inhibit N-7 methylation activity of the protein. Moreover, the 45-mer truncated aptamer could not only bind with an K d ~ 15.6 nM but also inhibit methylation activity of DENV serotype 3 (DENV3) MTase. The 45-mer aptamer competitively impeded binding of both DENV2 and DENV3 genomic RNA to MTase of each serotype. CONCLUSION The selected 45-mer truncated RNA aptamer specifically and avidly bound DENV MTase and competitively inhibited its methylation activity, and thus could be useful for the development of anti-DENV agents.
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García LL, Padilla L, Castaño JC. Inhibitors compounds of the flavivirus replication process. Virol J 2017; 14:95. [PMID: 28506240 PMCID: PMC5433246 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-017-0761-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Flaviviruses are small viruses with single-stranded RNA, which include the yellow fever virus, dengue virus, West Nile virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, tick-borne encephalitis virus, and Zika virus; and are causal agents of the most important emerging diseases that have no available treatment to date. In recent years, the strategy has focused on the development of replication inhibitors of these viruses designed to act mainly by affecting the activity of enzyme proteins, such as NS3 and NS5, which perform important functions in the viral replication process. This article describes the importance of flaviviruses and the development of molecules used as inhibitors of viral replication in this genus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leidy L García
- Group of Molecular Immunology, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia (Quindío), Colombia.
| | - Leonardo Padilla
- Group of Molecular Immunology, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia (Quindío), Colombia
| | - Jhon C Castaño
- Group of Molecular Immunology, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia (Quindío), Colombia
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