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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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2
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Okamoto S, Echigoya Y, Tago A, Segawa T, Sato Y, Itou T. Antiviral Efficacy of RNase H-Dependent Gapmer Antisense Oligonucleotides against Japanese Encephalitis Virus. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14846. [PMID: 37834294 PMCID: PMC10573891 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
RNase H-dependent gapmer antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are a promising therapeutic approach via sequence-specific binding to and degrading target RNAs. However, the efficacy and mechanism of antiviral gapmer ASOs have remained unclear. Here, we investigated the inhibitory effects of gapmer ASOs containing locked nucleic acids (LNA gapmers) on proliferating a mosquito-borne flavivirus, Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), with high mortality. We designed several LNA gapmers targeting the 3' untranslated region of JEV genomic RNAs. In vitro screening by plaque assay using Vero cells revealed that LNA gapmers targeting a stem-loop region effectively inhibit JEV proliferation. Cell-based and RNA cleavage assays using mismatched LNA gapmers exhibited an underlying mechanism where the inhibition of viral production results from JEV RNA degradation by LNA gapmers in a sequence- and modification-dependent manner. Encouragingly, LNA gapmers potently inhibited the proliferation of five JEV strains of predominant genotypes I and III in human neuroblastoma cells without apparent cytotoxicity. Database searching showed a low possibility of off-target binding of our LNA gapmers to human RNAs. The target viral RNA sequence conservation observed here highlighted their broad-spectrum antiviral potential against different JEV genotypes/strains. This work will facilitate the development of an antiviral LNA gapmer therapy for JEV and other flavivirus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Okamoto
- Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan; (S.O.); (T.S.); (T.I.)
- Nihon University Veterinary Research Center, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan; (A.T.); (Y.S.)
| | - Yusuke Echigoya
- Nihon University Veterinary Research Center, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan; (A.T.); (Y.S.)
- Laboratory of Biomedical Science, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan
| | - Ayaka Tago
- Nihon University Veterinary Research Center, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan; (A.T.); (Y.S.)
- Laboratory of Biomedical Science, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan
| | - Takao Segawa
- Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan; (S.O.); (T.S.); (T.I.)
- Nihon University Veterinary Research Center, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan; (A.T.); (Y.S.)
| | - Yukita Sato
- Nihon University Veterinary Research Center, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan; (A.T.); (Y.S.)
- Laboratory of Biomedical Science, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan
| | - Takuya Itou
- Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan; (S.O.); (T.S.); (T.I.)
- Nihon University Veterinary Research Center, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan; (A.T.); (Y.S.)
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Khairkhah N, Namvar A, Bolhassani A. Application of Cell Penetrating Peptides as a Promising Drug Carrier to Combat Viral Infections. Mol Biotechnol 2023; 65:1387-1402. [PMID: 36719639 PMCID: PMC9888354 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-00679-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Novel effective drugs or therapeutic vaccines have been already developed to eradicate viral infections. Some non-viral carriers have been used for effective drug delivery to a target cell or tissue. Among them, cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) attracted a special interest to enhance drug delivery into the cells with low toxicity. They were also applied to transfer peptide/protein-based and nucleic acids-based therapeutic vaccines against viral infections. CPPs-conjugated drugs or vaccines were investigated in several viral infections including poliovirus, Ebola, coronavirus, herpes simplex virus, human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, and influenza A virus. Some studies showed that the uptake of CPPs or CPPs-conjugated drugs can be performed through both non-endocytic and endocytic pathways. Despite high potential of CPPs for cargo delivery, there are some serious drawbacks such as non-tissue-specificity, instability, and suboptimal pharmacokinetics features that limit their clinical applications. At present, some solutions are utilized to improve the CPPs properties such as conjugation of CPPs with targeting moieties, the use of fusogenic lipids, generation of the proton sponge effect, etc. Up to now, no CPP or composition containing CPPs has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to the lack of sufficient in vivo studies on stability, immunological assays, toxicity, and endosomal escape of CPPs. In this review, we briefly describe the properties, uptake mechanisms, advantages and disadvantages, and improvement of intracellular delivery, and bioavailability of cell penetrating peptides. Moreover, we focus on their application as an effective drug carrier to combat viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niloofar Khairkhah
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Namvar
- Iranian Comprehensive Hemophilia Care Center, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azam Bolhassani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
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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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Antiviral Peptide-Based Conjugates: State of the Art and Future Perspectives. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020357. [PMID: 36839679 PMCID: PMC9958607 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases caused by microbial pathogens (bacteria, virus, fungi, parasites) claim millions of deaths per year worldwide and have become a serious challenge to global human health in our century. Viral infections are particularly notable in this regard, not only because humankind is facing some of the deadliest viral pandemics in recent history, but also because the arsenal of drugs to combat the high levels of mutation, and hence the antigenic variability of (mostly RNA) viruses, is disturbingly scarce. Therefore, the search for new antivirals able to successfully fight infection with minimal or no adverse effects on the host is a pressing task. Traditionally, antiviral therapies have relied on relatively small-sized drugs acting as proteases, polymerases, integrase inhibitors, etc. In recent decades, novel approaches involving targeted delivery such as that achieved by peptide-drug conjugates (PDCs) have gained attention as alternative (pro)drugs for tackling viral diseases. Antiviral PDC therapeutics typically involve one or more small drug molecules conjugated to a cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) carrier either directly or through a linker. Such integration of two bioactive elements into a single molecular entity is primarily aimed at achieving improved bioavailability in conditions where conventional drugs are challenged, but may also turn up novel unexpected functionalities and applications. Advances in peptide medicinal chemistry have eased the way to antiviral PDCs, but challenges remain on the way to therapeutic success. In this paper, we review current antiviral CPP-drug conjugates (antiviral PDCs), with emphasis on the types of CPP and antiviral cargo. We integrate the conjugate and the chemical approaches most often applied to combine both entities. Additionally, we comment on various obstacles faced in the design of antiviral PDCs and on the future outlooks for this class of antiviral therapeutics.
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Avila-Bonilla RG, Salas-Benito JS. Interactions of host miRNAs in the flavivirus 3´UTR genome: From bioinformatics predictions to practical approaches. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:976843. [PMID: 36310869 PMCID: PMC9606609 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.976843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The genus Flavivirus of the Flaviviridae family includes important viruses, such as Dengue, Zika, West Nile, Japanese encephalitis, Murray Valley encephalitis, tick-borne encephalitis, Yellow fever, Saint Louis encephalitis, and Usutu viruses. They are transmitted by mosquitoes or ticks, and they can infect humans, causing fever, encephalitis, or haemorrhagic fever. The treatment resources for these diseases and the number of vaccines available are limited. It has been discovered that eukaryotic cells synthesize small RNA molecules that can bind specifically to sequences present in messenger RNAs to inhibit the translation process, thus regulating gene expression. These small RNAs have been named microRNAs, and they have an important impact on viral infections. In this review, we compiled the available information on miRNAs that can interact with the 3’ untranslated region (3’UTR) of the flavivirus genome, a conserved region that is important for viral replication and translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Gamaliel Avila-Bonilla
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Rodolfo Gamaliel Avila-Bonilla, ; Juan Santiago Salas-Benito,
| | - Juan Santiago Salas-Benito
- Laboratorio de Biomedicina Moleculart 3, Maestría en Ciencias en Biomedicina Molecular, Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
- *Correspondence: Rodolfo Gamaliel Avila-Bonilla, ; Juan Santiago Salas-Benito,
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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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Potential of cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) in delivery of antiviral therapeutics and vaccines. Eur J Pharm Sci 2021; 169:106094. [PMID: 34896590 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2021.106094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Viral infections are a great threat to human health. Currently, there are no effective vaccines and antiviral drugs against the majority of viral diseases, suggesting the need to develop novel and effective antiviral agents. Since the intracellular delivery of antiviral agents, particularly the impermeable molecules, such as peptides, proteins, and nucleic acids, are essential to exert their therapeutic effects, using a delivery system is highly required. Among various delivery systems, cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), a group of short peptides with the unique ability of crossing cell membrane, offer great potential for the intracellular delivery of various biologically active cargoes. The results of numerous in vitro and in vivo studies with CPP conjugates demonstrate their promise as therapeutic agents in various medical fields including antiviral therapy. The CPP-mediated delivery of various antiviral agents including peptides, proteins, nucleic acids, and nanocarriers have been associated with therapeutic efficacy both in vitro and in vivo. This review describes various aspects of viruses including their biology, pathogenesis, and therapy and briefly discusses the concept of CPP and its potential in drug delivery. Particularly, it will highlight a variety of CPP applications in the management of viral infections.
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Barzon L, Palù G. Recent developments in vaccines and biological therapies against Japanese encephalitis virus. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2018; 18:851-864. [DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2018.1499721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Barzon
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giorgio Palù
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Developments in Cell-Penetrating Peptides as Antiviral Agents and as Vehicles for Delivery of Peptide Nucleic Acid Targeting Hepadnaviral Replication Pathway. Biomolecules 2018; 8:biom8030055. [PMID: 30013006 PMCID: PMC6165058 DOI: 10.3390/biom8030055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative therapeutic approaches against chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection need to be urgently developed because current therapies are only virostatic. In this context, cell penetration peptides (CPPs) and their Peptide Nucleic Acids (PNAs) cargoes appear as a promising novel class of biologically active compounds. In this review we summarize different in vitro and in vivo studies, exploring the potential of CPPs as vehicles for intracellular delivery of PNAs targeting hepadnaviral replication. Thus, studies conducted in the duck HBV (DHBV) infection model showed that conjugation of (D-Arg)8 CPP to PNA targeting viral epsilon (ε) were able to efficiently inhibit viral replication in vivo following intravenous administration to ducklings. Unexpectedly, some CPPs, (D-Arg)8 and Decanoyl-(D-Arg)8, alone displayed potent antiviral effect, altering late stages of DHBV and HBV morphogenesis. Such antiviral effects of CPPs may affect the sequence-specificity of CPP-PNA conjugates. By contrast, PNA conjugated to (D-Lys)4 inhibited hepadnaviral replication without compromising sequence specificity. Interestingly, Lactose-modified CPP mediated the delivery of anti-HBV PNA to human hepatoma cells HepaRG, thus improving its antiviral activity. In light of these promising data, we believe that future studies will open new perspectives for translation of CPPs and CPP-PNA based technology to therapy of chronic hepatitis B.
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Flaviviral RNA Structures and Their Role in Replication and Immunity. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1062:45-62. [PMID: 29845524 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-8727-1_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
More than simple vectors of genetic information, flaviviral RNAs have emerged as critical regulators of the virus life cycle. Viral RNAs regulate interactions with viral and cellular proteins in both, mosquito and mammalian hosts to ultimately influence processes as diverse as RNA replication, translation, packaging or pathogenicity. In this chapter, we will review the current knowledge of the role of sequence and structures in the flaviviral RNA in viral propagation and interaction with the host cell. We will also cover the increasing body of evidence linking viral non-coding RNAs with pathogenicity, host immunity and epidemic potential.
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Li W, Mao L, Cao Y, Zhou B, Yang L, Han L, Hao F, Lin T, Zhang W, Jiang J. Porcine Viperin protein inhibits the replication of classical swine fever virus (CSFV) in vitro. Virol J 2017; 14:202. [PMID: 29061156 PMCID: PMC5654138 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-017-0868-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Classical swine fever virus (CSFV) is the causative pathogen of Classical swine fever (CSF), a highly contagious disease of swine. Viperin is one of the hundreds of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), and possesses a wide range of antiviral activities. The aim of this study was to explore whether porcine Viperin has the anti-CSFV activity. Method The influences of CSFV infection on Viperin expression and Newcastle disease virus (NDV)/Pseudorabies virus (PRV)-induced Viperin expression were examined in 3D4/21 cells and porcine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Porcine Viperin gene was amplified to generate cell line PK-Vi over-expressing Viperin. CSFV was inoculated in the cell lines and viral load was detected by qRT-PCR, virus titration and Western blot. The influence of Viperin expression on CSFV binding, entry and release in the cells was also examined. The co-localization of Viperin with CSFV and its proteins (E2, NS5B) was determined by confocal laser scanning microscopy test. Co-IP assay was performed to check the interaction of Viperin with CSFV proteins. Results CSFV infection could not induce Viperin expression in vitro while significantly inhibiting NDV/PRV-induced Viperin expression at 12, 24 and 48 h post infection (hpi; P < 0.05). The proliferation of CSFV in PK-Vi was significantly inhibited at 24, 48 and 72 hpi (P < 0.05), comparing with control cells (PK-C1 expressing EGFP). Virus in both cell culture supernatants and cell pellets were reduced equally. CSFV binding and entry in the cells were not interfered by Viperin expression. These results indicated its anti-CSFV function occurred during the genome and/or protein synthesis step. Confocal laser scanning microscopy test showed the Viperin-EGFP protein co-localized with CSFV E2 protein in CSFV infected PK-Vi cells. Further experiments indicated that Viperin protein co-localized with E2 and NS5B proteins of CSFV in the transfected 293 T cells. Furthermore, Co-IP assay confirmed the interaction of Viperin with E2 protein, but not NS5B. Conclusion Porcine Viperin effectively inhibited CSFV replication in vitro, potentially via the interaction of Viperin with CSFV E2 protein in cytoplasm. The results provided foundation for further studies of the interaction of Viperin with CSFV and other viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenliang Li
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, 210014, China.
| | - Li Mao
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, 210014, China
| | - Yongguo Cao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Bin Zhou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Leilei Yang
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, 210014, China
| | - Linxiao Han
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Fei Hao
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, 210014, China
| | - Tao Lin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, 57007, USA
| | - Wenwen Zhang
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, 210014, China
| | - Jieyuan Jiang
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, 210014, China.
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Ishikawa T, Konishi E. Potential chemotherapeutic targets for Japanese encephalitis: current status of antiviral drug development and future challenges. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2015; 19:1379-95. [PMID: 26156208 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2015.1065817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Japanese encephalitis (JE) remains a public health threat in Asia. Although several vaccines have been licensed, ∼ 67,900 cases of the disease are estimated to occur annually, probably because the vaccine coverage is low. Therefore, effective antiviral drugs are required to control JE. However, no licensed anti-JE drugs are available, despite extensive efforts to develop them. AREAS COVERED We provide a general overview of JE and JE virus, including its transmission cycle, distribution, structure, replication machinery, immune evasion mechanisms and vaccines. The current situation in antiviral drug development is then reviewed and future perspectives are discussed. EXPERT OPINION Although the development of effective anti-JE drugs is an urgent issue, only supportive care is currently available. Recent progress in our understanding of the viral replication machinery and immune evasion strategies has identified new targets for anti-JE drug development. To date, most candidate drugs have only been evaluated in single-drug formulations, and efficient drug delivery to the CNS has virtually not been considered. However, an effective anti-JE treatment is expected to be achieved with multiple-drug formulations and a targeted drug delivery system in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiro Ishikawa
- a 1 Dokkyo Medical University, School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology , 880 Kitakobayashi, Mibu-machi, Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi 321-0293, Japan
| | - Eiji Konishi
- b 2 Mahidol University, BIKEN Endowed Department of Dengue Vaccine Development, Faculty of Tropical Medicine , 420/6 Ratchawithi Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.,c 3 Osaka University, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, BIKEN Endowed Department of Dengue Vaccine Development , 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan +66 2 354 5981 ;
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Abstract
Over the past two decades, cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have become increasingly popular both in research and in application. There have been numerous studies on the physiochemical characteristics and behavior of CPPs in various environments; likewise, the mechanisms of entry and delivery capabilities of these peptides have also been extensively researched. Besides the fundamental issues, there is an enormous interest in the delivery capabilities of the peptides as the family of CPPs is a promising and mostly non-toxic delivery vector candidate for numerous medical applications such as gene silencing, transgene delivery, and splice correction. Lately, however, there has been an emerging field of study besides the high-profile gene therapy applications-the use of peptides and CPPs to combat various infections caused by harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses.In this chapter, we aim to provide a short overview of the history and properties of CPPs which is followed by more thorough descriptions of antimicrobial and antiviral peptides. To achieve this, we analyze the origin of such peptides, give an overview of the mechanisms of action and discuss the various practical applications which are ongoing or have been suggested based on research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalle Pärn
- Laboratory of Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Technology, Tartu University, Nooruse 1/517, Tartu, 50411, Estonia,
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15
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He DN, Zhang XM, Liu K, Pang R, Zhao J, Zhou B, Chen PY. In vitro inhibition of the replication of classical swine fever virus by porcine Mx1 protein. Antiviral Res 2014; 104:128-35. [PMID: 24500530 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2014.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2013] [Revised: 12/01/2013] [Accepted: 01/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Classical swine fever virus (CSFV) is the causative pathogen of classical swine fever (CSF), a highly contagious disease of swine. Mx proteins are interferon-induced dynamin-like GTPases present in all vertebrates with a wide range of antiviral activities. Although Zhao et al. (2011) have reported that human MxA can inhibit CSFV replication, whether porcine Mx1 (poMx1) has anti-CSFV activity remains unknown. In this study, we generated a cell line designated PK-15/EGFP-poMx1 which expressed porcine Mx1 protein constitutively, and we observed that the proliferation of progeny virus in this cell line was significantly inhibited as measured by virus titration, indirect immune fluorescence assay, Q-PCR and Western blot. Furthermore, when PTD-poMx1 fusion protein expressed in Escherichia coli (Zhang et al., 2013) was used to treat CSFV-infected PK-15 cells, the results showed that PTD-poMx1 inhibited CSFV replication in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, the proliferation of progeny virus was inhibited as measured by virus titration and Q-PCR. Overall, the results demonstrated that poMx1 effectively inhibited CSFV replication, suggesting that poMx1 may be a valuable therapeutic agent against CSFV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan-ni He
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Xiao-min Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Ke Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Ran Pang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Jin Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Bin Zhou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Pu-yan Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
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16
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Li C, Ge LL, Li PP, Wang Y, Dai JJ, Sun MX, Huang L, Shen ZQ, Hu XC, Ishag H, Mao X. Cellular DDX3 regulates Japanese encephalitis virus replication by interacting with viral un-translated regions. Virology 2013; 449:70-81. [PMID: 24418539 PMCID: PMC7111930 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2013.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2013] [Revised: 09/03/2013] [Accepted: 11/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Japanese encephalitis virus is one of the most common causes for epidemic viral encephalitis in humans and animals. Herein we demonstrated that cellular helicase DDX3 is involved in JEV replication. DDX3 knockdown inhibits JEV replication. The helicase activity of DDX3 is crucial for JEV replication. GST-pulldown and co-immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated that DDX3 could interact with JEV non-structural proteins 3 and 5. Co-immunoprecipitation and confocal microscopy analysis confirmed that DDX3 interacts and colocalizes with these viral proteins and viral RNA during the infection. We determined that DDX3 binds to JEV 5′ and 3′ un-translated regions. We used a JEV-replicon system to demonstrate that DDX3 positively regulates viral RNA translation, which might affect viral RNA replication at the late stage of virus infection. Collectively, we identified that DDX3 is necessary for JEV infection, suggesting that DDX3 might be a novel target to design new antiviral agents against JEV or other flavivirus infections. DDX3 is necessary for JEV replication. DDX3 interacts with JEV NS3, NS5 proteins. DDX3 can bind to the JEV 5′ and 3′ UTR. DDX3 plays important roles in viral protein translation and viral RNA replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, 1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210095, China; Shandong Binzhou Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine Institute, 169 Yellow River Road 2, Binzhou, Shandong Province 256600, China.
| | - Ling-ling Ge
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, 1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210095, China
| | - Peng-peng Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, 1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210095, China
| | - Yue Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, 1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210095, China
| | - Juan-juan Dai
- Shandong Lvdu Ante Veterinary Drug Industry, 169 Yellow River Road 2, Binzhou, Shandong Province 256600, China
| | - Ming-xia Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, 1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210095, China
| | - Li Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, 1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210095, China
| | - Zhi-qiang Shen
- Shandong Binzhou Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine Institute, 169 Yellow River Road 2, Binzhou, Shandong Province 256600, China
| | - Xiao-chun Hu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, 1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210095, China
| | - Hassan Ishag
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, 1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210095, China
| | - Xiang Mao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, 1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210095, China.
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17
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Zhang XM, He DN, Zhou B, Pang R, Liu K, Zhao J, Chen PY. In vitro inhibition of vesicular stomatitis virus replication by purified porcine Mx1 protein fused to HIV-1 Tat protein transduction domain (PTD). Antiviral Res 2013; 99:149-57. [DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2013.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2013] [Revised: 05/19/2013] [Accepted: 05/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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18
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Anantpadma M, Vrati S. siRNA-mediated suppression of Japanese encephalitis virus replication in cultured cells and mice. J Antimicrob Chemother 2011; 67:444-51. [DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkr487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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19
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Fan YH, Nadar M, Chen CC, Weng CC, Lin YT, Chang RY. Small noncoding RNA modulates Japanese encephalitis virus replication and translation in trans. Virol J 2011; 8:492. [PMID: 22040380 PMCID: PMC3221644 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-8-492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2011] [Accepted: 11/01/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sequence and structural elements in the 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) are known to regulate translation and replication. We previously reported an abundant accumulation of small subgenomic flaviviral RNA (sfRNA) which is collinear with the highly conserved regions of the 3'-UTR in JEV-infected cells. However, function of the sfRNA in JEV life cycle remains unknown. Results Northern blot and real-time RT-PCR analyses indicated that the sfRNA becomes apparent at the time point at which minus-strand RNA (antigenome) reaches a plateau suggesting a role for sfRNA in the regulation of antigenome synthesis. Transfection of minus-sense sfRNA into JEV-infected cells, in order to counter the effects of plus-sense sfRNA, resulted in higher levels of antigenome suggesting that the presence of the sfRNA inhibits antigenome synthesis. Trans-acting effect of sfRNA on JEV translation was studied using a reporter mRNA containing the luciferase gene fused to partial coding regions of JEV and flanked by the respective JEV UTRs. In vivo and in vitro translation revealed that sfRNA inhibited JEV translation. Conclusions Our results indicate that sfRNA modulates viral translation and replication in trans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Hsin Fan
- Department of Life Science and Institute of Biotechnology, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien 97401, Taiwan
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20
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Ahn DG, Lee W, Choi JK, Kim SJ, Plant EP, Almazán F, Taylor DR, Enjuanes L, Oh JW. Interference of ribosomal frameshifting by antisense peptide nucleic acids suppresses SARS coronavirus replication. Antiviral Res 2011; 91:1-10. [PMID: 21549154 PMCID: PMC4728714 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2011.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2010] [Revised: 03/09/2011] [Accepted: 04/19/2011] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
The programmed −1 ribosomal frameshifting (−1 PRF) utilized by eukaryotic RNA viruses plays a crucial role for the controlled, limited synthesis of viral RNA replicase polyproteins required for genome replication. The viral RNA replicase polyproteins of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) are encoded by the two overlapping open reading frames 1a and 1b, which are connected by a −1 PRF signal. We evaluated the antiviral effects of antisense peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) targeting a highly conserved RNA sequence on the – PRF signal. The ribosomal frameshifting was inhibited by the PNA, which bound sequence-specifically a pseudoknot structure in the −1 PRF signal, in cell lines as assessed using a dual luciferase-based reporter plasmid containing the −1 PRF signal. Treatment of cells, which were transfected with a SARS-CoV-replicon expressing firefly luciferase, with the PNA fused to a cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) resulted in suppression of the replication of the SARS-CoV replicon, with a 50% inhibitory concentration of 4.4 μM. There was no induction of type I interferon responses by PNA treatment, suggesting that the effect of PNA is not due to innate immune responses. Our results demonstrate that −1 PRF, critical for SARS-CoV viral replication, can be inhibited by CPP-PNA, providing an effective antisense strategy for blocking −1 PRF signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dae-Gyun Ahn
- Department of Biotechnology and Translational Research Center for Protein Function Control, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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21
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The 5' and 3' downstream AUG region elements are required for mosquito-borne flavivirus RNA replication. J Virol 2010; 85:1900-5. [PMID: 21123391 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02037-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Flaviviruses require complementarity between the 5' and 3' ends of the genome for RNA replication. For mosquito-borne flaviviruses, the cyclization sequences (CS) and upstream of AUG region (UAR) elements at the genomic termini are necessary for viral RNA replication, and a third motif, the downstream of AUG region (DAR), was recently designated for dengue virus. The 3' DAR sequence is also part of a hairpin (HP-3'SL), and both complementarity between 5' and 3' DAR motifs and formation of the HP-3'SL in the absence of the 5' end are conserved among mosquito-borne flaviviruses. Using West Nile virus as a model, we demonstrate that 5'-3' DAR complementarity and HP-3'SL formation are essential for viral RNA replication.
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22
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Ishikawa T, Konishi E. Combating Japanese encephalitis: Vero-cell derived inactivated vaccines and the situation in Japan. Future Virol 2010. [DOI: 10.2217/fvl.10.55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a major public health threat in Asia, because of its high mortality and high incidence of psychoneurological sequelae in survivors. It is caused by JE virus (JEV) infection, transmitted by vector mosquitoes. The disease is vaccine preventable and has been well controlled in some countries. Since no specific antivirals have been approved, prevention with vaccine is important in this disease. This article provides a general overview of JE and JEV, but special focus has been put on recently developed Vero cell-derived formalin-inactivated JE vaccines, and the situation in Japan relating to these vaccines. In Japan, where JE has been well controlled, the strong governmental recommendation of the mouse brain-derived vaccine for routine immunization was suspended in 2005, owing to a patient suffering severe postvaccination events. In 2010, the recommendation was reinstated, targeting a limited population utilizing a Vero cell-derived vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiro Ishikawa
- Department of International Health, Kobe University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 7-10-2 Tomogaoka, Suma-ku, Kobe 654-0142, Japan
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Oh SY, Ju Y, Kim S, Park H. PNA-based antisense oligonucleotides for micrornas inhibition in the absence of a transfection reagent. Oligonucleotides 2010; 20:225-30. [PMID: 20946011 DOI: 10.1089/oli.2010.0238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding RNAs approximately 22 nucleotides in length that play a major role in the regulation of important biological processes, including cellular development, differentiation, and apoptosis. Antisense oligonucleotides against miRNAs are useful tools for studying the biological mechanisms and therapeutic targets of miRNAs. Various antisense oligonucleotides chemistries, including peptide nucleic acids (PNAs), have been developed to enhance nuclease-resistance and affinity and specificity for miRNA targets. PNAs have a greater specificity and affinity for DNA and RNA than do natural nucleic acids, and they are resistant to nucleases-an essential property of an miRNA inhibitor that will be exposed to cellular nucleases. However, the main limiting factor in the use of PNAs is their reduced penetration into cells. Recently, several cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have been investigated as a means to overcome the limited penetration of PNAs. Here, we evaluated the ability of 11 CPPs to transport PNAs inside cells in the absence of transfection reagents and then investigated the ability of these CPPs to inhibit miRNAs. Of the 11 CPPs tested, Tat-modified-conjugated PNA showed the most effective penetration into cells in the absence of transfection reagents and most effectively inhibited miRNAs. Our data demonstrate that Tat-modified-conjugated CPP is the most suitable for supporting PNA-mediated miRNA inhibition.
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Interplay of RNA elements in the dengue virus 5' and 3' ends required for viral RNA replication. J Virol 2010; 84:6103-18. [PMID: 20357095 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02042-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Dengue virus (DENV) is a member of the Flavivirus genus of positive-sense RNA viruses. DENV RNA replication requires cyclization of the viral genome mediated by two pairs of complementary sequences in the 5' and 3' ends, designated 5' and 3' cyclization sequences (5'-3' CS) and the 5' and 3' upstream of AUG region (5'-3' UAR). Here, we demonstrate that another stretch of six nucleotides in the 5' end is involved in DENV replication and possibly genome cyclization. This new sequence is located downstream of the AUG, designated the 5' downstream AUG region (5' DAR); the motif predicted to be complementary in the 3' end is termed the 3' DAR. In addition to the UAR, CS and DAR motifs, two other RNA elements are located at the 5' end of the viral RNA: the 5' stem-loop A (5' SLA) interacts with the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and promotes RNA synthesis, and a stem-loop in the coding region named cHP is involved in translation start site selection as well as RNA replication. We analyzed the interplay of these 5' RNA elements in relation to RNA replication, and our data indicate that two separate functional units are formed; one consists of the SLA, and the other includes the UAR, DAR, cHP, and CS elements. The SLA must be located at the 5' end of the genome, whereas the position of the second unit is more flexible. We also show that the UAR, DAR, cHP, and CS must act in concert and therefore likely function together to form the tertiary RNA structure of the circularized DENV genome.
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25
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Anantpadma M, Stein DA, Vrati S. Inhibition of Japanese encephalitis virus replication in cultured cells and mice by a peptide-conjugated morpholino oligomer. J Antimicrob Chemother 2010; 65:953-61. [PMID: 20299495 PMCID: PMC7109675 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkq074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) has a significant impact on public health throughout Asia, and there is a pressing need for development of new therapeutics against it. Methods Peptide-conjugated phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PPMOs) are antisense agents that enter cells readily and interfere with gene expression. Four PPMOs, targeting various locations in the JEV genome, were evaluated for antiviral activity against JEV in cultured cells and the mouse model of JEV infection. Results A PPMO (P10882) targeting the JEV 3′ cyclization sequence (3′CSI) had significant antiviral activity in Vero (epithelial), Neuro2A (neuronal) and J774E (macrophage) cells at concentrations that were not cytotoxic. P10882 added before infection suppressed JEV replication to an undetectable level in Vero cells and produced a 93% and 66% reduction in titre in J774E and Neuro2A cells, respectively, when measured at 24 h post-infection. In uninfected cells, fluorescein-labelled PPMOs entered J774E cells most efficiently, followed by Vero and Neuro2A cells. The antiviral effect of P10882 was also demonstrated in vivo, where 60%–80% of 1-week-old mice treated intracerebrally with a 20 mg/kg dose of P10882 every 12 h for 5 days were protected from a lethal dose of JEV and showed an undetectable level of virus in brain tissue at 2 days post-infection. Conclusions P10882, which targets sequence that is highly conserved across members of the JEV serocomplex, was previously shown to be effective in a mouse model of West Nile disease, and represents a candidate antiviral agent against members of the JEV serocomplex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manu Anantpadma
- National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
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Delcroix M, Riley LW. Cell-Penetrating Peptides for Antiviral Drug Development. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2010; 3:448-470. [PMID: 27713263 PMCID: PMC4033964 DOI: 10.3390/ph3030448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2009] [Revised: 02/06/2010] [Accepted: 03/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral diseases affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide, and the few available drugs to treat these diseases often come with limitations. The key obstacle to the development of new antiviral agents is their delivery into infected cells in vivo. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are short peptides that can cross the cellular lipid bilayer with the remarkable capability to shuttle conjugated cargoes into cells. CPPs have been successfully utilized to enhance the cellular uptake and intracellular trafficking of antiviral molecules, and thereby increase the inhibitory activity of potential antiviral proteins and oligonucleotide analogues, both in cultured cells and in animal models. This review will address the notable findings of these studies, highlighting some promising results and discussing the challenges CPP technology has to overcome for further clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melaine Delcroix
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
| | - Lee W Riley
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
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