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Freiberger MI, Ruiz-Serra V, Pontes C, Romero-Durana M, Galaz-Davison P, Ramírez-Sarmiento CA, Schuster CD, Marti MA, Wolynes PG, Ferreiro DU, Parra RG, Valencia A. Local energetic frustration conservation in protein families and superfamilies. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8379. [PMID: 38104123 PMCID: PMC10725452 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43801-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Energetic local frustration offers a biophysical perspective to interpret the effects of sequence variability on protein families. Here we present a methodology to analyze local frustration patterns within protein families and superfamilies that allows us to uncover constraints related to stability and function, and identify differential frustration patterns in families with a common ancestry. We analyze these signals in very well studied protein families such as PDZ, SH3, ɑ and β globins and RAS families. Recent advances in protein structure prediction make it possible to analyze a vast majority of the protein space. An automatic and unsupervised proteome-wide analysis on the SARS-CoV-2 virus demonstrates the potential of our approach to enhance our understanding of the natural phenotypic diversity of protein families beyond single protein instances. We apply our method to modify biophysical properties of natural proteins based on their family properties, as well as perform unsupervised analysis of large datasets to shed light on the physicochemical signatures of poorly characterized proteins such as the ones belonging to emergent pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria I Freiberger
- Laboratorio de Fisiología de Proteínas, Departamento de Química Biológica - IQUIBICEN/CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1428EGA, Argentina
| | - Victoria Ruiz-Serra
- Computational Biology Group, Life Sciences Department, Barcelona Supercomputing Center, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Camila Pontes
- Computational Biology Group, Life Sciences Department, Barcelona Supercomputing Center, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel Romero-Durana
- Computational Biology Group, Life Sciences Department, Barcelona Supercomputing Center, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pablo Galaz-Davison
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine, and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, 7820436, Chile
- ANID - Millennium Science Initiative Program - Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio), Santiago, 8331150, Chile
| | - Cesar A Ramírez-Sarmiento
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine, and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, 7820436, Chile
- ANID - Millennium Science Initiative Program - Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio), Santiago, 8331150, Chile
| | - Claudio D Schuster
- Laboratorio de Bioinformática, Departamento de Química Biológica - IQUIBICEN/CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, C1428EGA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcelo A Marti
- Laboratorio de Bioinformática, Departamento de Química Biológica - IQUIBICEN/CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, C1428EGA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Peter G Wolynes
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics and Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
| | - Diego U Ferreiro
- Laboratorio de Fisiología de Proteínas, Departamento de Química Biológica - IQUIBICEN/CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1428EGA, Argentina
| | - R Gonzalo Parra
- Computational Biology Group, Life Sciences Department, Barcelona Supercomputing Center, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Alfonso Valencia
- Computational Biology Group, Life Sciences Department, Barcelona Supercomputing Center, Barcelona, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
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Computational studies of potential antiviral compounds from some selected Nigerian medicinal plants against SARS-CoV-2 proteins. INFORMATICS IN MEDICINE UNLOCKED 2023; 38:101230. [PMID: 36974159 PMCID: PMC10030444 DOI: 10.1016/j.imu.2023.101230] [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: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The challenges posed by COVID-19's emergence have led to a search for its therapies. There is no cure for COVID-19 infection yet, but there is significant progress in vaccine formulation for prophylaxis and drug development (such as paxlovid) for high-risk patients. As a contribution to the ongoing quest for solutions, this study shows potent phytocompounds identification as inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 targets using in silico methods. We used virtual screening, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate the interaction of some phytochemicals with 3CLpro, ACE2, and PLpro proteins crucial to the SARS-CoV-2 viral cycle. The predicted docking scores range from −5.5 to −9.4 kcal/mol, denoting appreciable binding of these compounds to the SARS-CoV-2 proteins and presenting a multitarget inhibition for COVID-19. Some phytocompounds interact favorably at non-active sites of the enzymes. For instance, MD simulation shows that an identified site on PLpro is stable and likely an allosteric region for inhibitor binding and modulation. These phytocompounds could be developed into effective therapy against COVID-19 and probed as potential multitarget-directed ligands and drug candidates against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The study unveils drug repurposing, selectivity, allosteric site targeting, and multitarget-directed ligand in one piece. These concepts are three distinct approaches in the drug design and discovery pipeline.
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Perdalkar S, Basthi Mohan P, Musunuri B, Rajpurohit S, Shetty S, Bhat K, Pai CG. Thiopurine therapy in inflammatory bowel disease in the pandemic era: Safe or unsafe? Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 116:109597. [PMID: 36702073 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract. Crohn's disease (CD) and Ulcerative colitis (UC) are the two major types affecting millions across the globe. Various immunomodulatory drugs consisting of small molecules (thiopurines, methotrexate and tofacitinib) and biologics are used to treat IBD. Thiopurines (TP) are widely used in the treatment of IBD and it plays an important role both alone and in combination with anti-TNF agents as IBD maintenance therapy. Although the advent of biologics therapy has significantly advanced the management of IBD, TP remains the mainstay of treatment in resource-limited and low economic settings. However, the recently commenced pandemic has raised uncertainty over the safety of the use of immunosuppressant drugs such as TP among healthcare care providers and patients, as there is a scarcity of data on whether IBD patients are at higher risk of COVID-19 infection or more prone to its severe outcomes. AIM This review aims to encapsulate evidence on the risk of COVID-19 infection and its severe prognosis in IBD patients on TP. Additionally, it also evaluates the role of TP in inhibiting the viral protease, a potential drug target, essential for the replication and pathogenesis of the virus. CONCLUSION Emerging evidence suggests that TP therapy is safe during the current pandemic and does not carry an elevated risk when used as monotherapy or in combination with other IBD drugs. In-vitro studies demonstrate that TP is a potential therapeutic for present and future betacoronavirus pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shailesh Perdalkar
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
| | - Pooja Basthi Mohan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
| | - Balaji Musunuri
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
| | - Siddheesh Rajpurohit
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
| | - Shiran Shetty
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
| | - Krishnamurthy Bhat
- Department of Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
| | - Cannanore Ganesh Pai
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India.
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Ali Dahhas M, M Alkahtani H, Malik A, Almehizia AA, Bakheit AH, Akber Ansar S, AlAbdulkarim AS, S Alrasheed L, Alsenaidy MA. Screening and identification of potential MERS-CoV papain-like protease (PLpro) inhibitors; Steady-state kinetic and Molecular dynamic studies. Saudi Pharm J 2023; 31:228-244. [PMID: 36540698 PMCID: PMC9756750 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2022.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
MERS-CoV belongs to the coronavirus group. Recent years have seen a rash of coronavirus epidemics. In June 2012, MERS-CoV was discovered in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with 2,591 MERSA cases confirmed by lab tests by the end of August 2022 and 894 deaths at a case-fatality ratio (CFR) of 34.5% documented worldwide. Saudi Arabia reported the majority of these cases, with 2,184 cases and 813 deaths (CFR: 37.2%), necessitating a thorough understanding of the molecular machinery of MERS-CoV. To develop antiviral medicines, illustrative investigation of the protein in coronavirus subunits are required to increase our understanding of the subject. In this study, recombinant expression and purification of MERS-CoV (PLpro), a primary goal for the development of 22 new inhibitors, were completed using a high throughput screening methodology that employed fragment-based libraries in conjunction with structure-based virtual screening. Compounds 2, 7, and 20, showed significant biological activity. Moreover, a docking analysis revealed that the three compounds had favorable binding mood and binding free energy. Molecular dynamic simulation demonstrated the stability of compound 2 (2-((Benzimidazol-2-yl) thio)-1-arylethan-1-ones) the strongest inhibitory activity against the PLpro enzyme. In addition, disubstitutions at the meta and para locations are the only substitutions that may boost the inhibitory action against PLpro. Compound 2 was chosen as a MERS-CoV PLpro inhibitor after passing absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion studies; however, further investigations are required.
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Key Words
- 3CLpro, 3-Chymotrypsin -like Protease
- ADMET, Absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity
- CFR, Case fatality rate
- DTT, Dithiothreitol
- Drug Design
- Drug Discovery
- E. coli, Escherichia coli
- EDTA, Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid
- HCoV-, Human Coronavirus
- HIA, Human intestinal absorption
- His-tag, Histidine tag
- IPTG, Isopropyl b-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside
- Inhibitors
- Kan, Kanamicyn
- LB, Luria–Bertani
- MD, Molecular dynamic
- MERS-CoV PLpro Inhibitors
- MOE, Molecular Operating Environment
- MPLpro, MERS papain-like protease
- Molecular Docking
- Molecular dynamic simulation
- Ni-NTA, Nickel-nitrilotri
- Nonstructural proteins
- PLIF, Protein- ligand interaction fingerprint
- Papain-like protease
- Protease
- RMSD, Root Mean Square Deviation
- RMSF, Root Mean Square Fluctuation
- pp1a, Polyprotein 1a
- pp1b, Polyprotein 1b
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Ali Dahhas
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hamad M Alkahtani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department Chairman, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ajamaluddin Malik
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, King Saud University. King Saud University, PO Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Ahmed H Bakheit
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department Chairman, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Siddique Akber Ansar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department Chairman, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah S AlAbdulkarim
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lamees S Alrasheed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department Chairman, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad A Alsenaidy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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Jahirul Islam M, Nawal Islam N, Siddik Alom M, Kabir M, Halim MA. A review on structural, non-structural, and accessory proteins of SARS-CoV-2: Highlighting drug target sites. Immunobiology 2023; 228:152302. [PMID: 36434912 PMCID: PMC9663145 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2022.152302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of COVID-19, is a highly transmittable and pathogenic human coronavirus that first emerged in China in December 2019. The unprecedented outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 devastated human health within a short time leading to a global public health emergency. A detailed understanding of the viral proteins including their structural characteristics and virulence mechanism on human health is very crucial for developing vaccines and therapeutics. To date, over 1800 structures of non-structural, structural, and accessory proteins of SARS-CoV-2 are determined by cryo-electron microscopy, X-ray crystallography, and NMR spectroscopy. Designing therapeutics to target the viral proteins has several benefits since they could be highly specific against the virus while maintaining minimal detrimental effects on humans. However, for ongoing and future research on SARS-CoV-2, summarizing all the viral proteins and their detailed structural information is crucial. In this review, we compile comprehensive information on viral structural, non-structural, and accessory proteins structures with their binding and catalytic sites, different domain and motifs, and potential drug target sites to assist chemists, biologists, and clinicians finding necessary details for fundamental and therapeutic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Jahirul Islam
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Division of Computer Aided Drug Design, The Red-Green Research Centre, BICCB, 16 Tejkunipara, Tejgaon, Dhaka 1215, Bangladesh
| | - Nafisa Nawal Islam
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Siddik Alom
- Ohio State Biochemistry Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Mahmuda Kabir
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad A. Halim
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kennesaw State University, 370 Paulding Avenue NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA,Corresponding author
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Alaofi AL, Shahid M, Raish M, Ansari MA, Syed R, Kalam MA. Identification of Doxorubicin as Repurposing Inhibitory Drug for MERS-CoV PLpro. Molecules 2022; 27:7553. [PMID: 36364379 PMCID: PMC9654812 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27217553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), belonging to the betacoronavirus genus can cause severe respiratory illnesses, accompanied by pneumonia, multiorgan failure, and ultimately death. CoVs have the ability to transgress species barriers and spread swiftly into new host species, with human-to-human transmission causing epidemic diseases. Despite the severe public health threat of MERS-CoV, there are currently no vaccines or drugs available for its treatment. MERS-CoV papain-like protease (PLpro) is a key enzyme that plays an important role in its replication. In the present study, we evaluated the inhibitory activities of doxorubicin (DOX) against the recombinant MERS-CoV PLpro by employing protease inhibition assays. Hydrolysis of fluorogenic peptide from the Z-RLRGG-AMC-peptide bond in the presence of DOX showed an IC50 value of 1.67 μM at 30 min. Subsequently, we confirmed the interaction between DOX and MERS-CoV PLpro by thermal shift assay (TSA), and DOX increased ΔTm by ~20 °C, clearly indicating a coherent interaction between the MERS-CoV PL protease and DOX. The binding site of DOX on MERS-CoV PLpro was assessed using docking techniques and molecular dynamic (MD) simulations. DOX bound to the thumb region of the catalytic domain of the MERS-CoV PLpro. MD simulation results showed flexible BL2 loops, as well as other potential residues, such as R231, R233, and G276 of MERS-CoV PLpro. Development of drug repurposing is a remarkable opportunity to quickly examine the efficacy of different aspects of treating various diseases. Protease inhibitors have been found to be effective against MERS-CoV to date, and numerous candidates are currently undergoing clinical trials to prove this. Our effort follows a in similar direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed L. Alaofi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
- College of Pharmacy Building 23, Pharmaceutics Department, King Saud University, Ground Floor, Office AA 79, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mudassar Shahid
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Raish
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mushtaq Ahmad Ansari
- Department of Phamacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rabbani Syed
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd Abul Kalam
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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Su WL, Wu CC, Wu SFV, Lee MC, Liao MT, Lu KC, Lu CL. A Review of the Potential Effects of Melatonin in Compromised Mitochondrial Redox Activities in Elderly Patients With COVID-19. Front Nutr 2022; 9:865321. [PMID: 35795579 PMCID: PMC9251345 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.865321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Melatonin, an endogenous indoleamine, is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory molecule widely distributed in the body. It efficiently regulates pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines under various pathophysiological conditions. The melatonin rhythm, which is strongly associated with oxidative lesions and mitochondrial dysfunction, is also observed during the biological process of aging. Melatonin levels decline considerably with age and are related to numerous age-related illnesses. The signs of aging, including immune aging, increased basal inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, significant telomeric abrasion, and disrupted autophagy, contribute to the increased severity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. These characteristics can worsen the pathophysiological response of the elderly to SARS-CoV-2 and pose an additional risk of accelerating biological aging even after recovery. This review explains that the death rate of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) increases with chronic diseases and age, and the decline in melatonin levels, which is closely related to the mitochondrial dysfunction in the patient, affects the virus-related death rate. Further, melatonin can enhance mitochondrial function and limit virus-related diseases. Hence, melatonin supplementation in older people may be beneficial for the treatment of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Lin Su
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chao Wu
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department and Graduate Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Fang Vivienne Wu
- School of Nursing, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Chen Lee
- School of Nursing, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Min-Tser Liao
- Department of Pediatrics, Taoyuan Armed Forces General Hospital Hsinchu Branch, Hsinchu City, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Cheng Lu
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Lin Lu
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
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Surgical Strikes on Host Defenses: Role of the Viral Protease Activity in Innate Immune Antagonism. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11050522. [PMID: 35631043 PMCID: PMC9145062 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11050522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
As a frontline defense mechanism against viral infections, the innate immune system is the primary target of viral antagonism. A number of virulence factors encoded by viruses play roles in circumventing host defenses and augmenting viral replication. Among these factors are viral proteases, which are primarily responsible for maturation of viral proteins, but in addition cause proteolytic cleavage of cellular proteins involved in innate immune signaling. The study of these viral protease-mediated host cleavages has illuminated the intricacies of innate immune networks and yielded valuable insights into viral pathogenesis. In this review, we will provide a brief summary of how proteases of positive-strand RNA viruses, mainly from the Picornaviridae, Flaviviridae and Coronaviridae families, proteolytically process innate immune components and blunt their functions.
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Ataei-Pirkooh A, Alavi A, Kianirad M, Bagherzadeh K, Ghasempour A, Pourdakan O, Adl R, Kiani SJ, Mirzaei M, Mehravi B. Destruction mechanisms of ozone over SARS-CoV-2. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18851. [PMID: 34552128 PMCID: PMC8458291 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97860-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In this pandemic SARS-CoV-2 crisis, any attempt to contain and eliminate the virus will also stop its spread and consequently decrease the risk of severe illness and death. While ozone treatment has been suggested as an effective disinfection process, no precise mechanism of action has been previously reported. This study aimed to further investigate the effect of ozone treatment on SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, virus collected from nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab and sputum samples from symptomatic patients was exposed to ozone for different exposure times. The virus morphology and structure were monitored and analyzed through Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), and ATR-FTIR. The obtained results showed that ozone treatment not only unsettles the virus morphology but also alters the virus proteins' structure and conformation through amino acid disturbance and Zn ion release from the virus non-structural proteins. These results could provide a clearer pathway for virus elimination and therapeutics preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angila Ataei-Pirkooh
- Department of Virology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Alavi
- Department of Chemistry, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehran Kianirad
- Department of Biotechnology, Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
- Nano Fanavari Kian Gostar Company, Technologies Incubator Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kowsar Bagherzadeh
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical, Tehran, Iran
- Eye Research Center, The Five Senses Institute, Rassoul Akram Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Ghasempour
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, 1449614535, Tehran, Iran
| | - Omid Pourdakan
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, 1449614535, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Adl
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Jalal Kiani
- Department of Virology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mirzaei
- Iran Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Deputy Ministry for Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bita Mehravi
- Nano Fanavari Kian Gostar Company, Technologies Incubator Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, 1449614535, Tehran, Iran.
- Finetech in Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical, Tehran, Iran.
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10
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Shah NN, Nabi SU, Rather MA, Kalwar Q, Ali SI, Sheikh WM, Ganai A, Bashir SM. An update on emerging therapeutics to combat COVID-19. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2021; 129:104-129. [PMID: 33977663 PMCID: PMC8239852 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has demanded effective therapeutic protocol from researchers and clinicians across the world. Currently, a large amount of primary data have been generated from several preclinical studies. At least 300 clinical trials are underway for drug repurposing against COVID-19; the clinician needs objective evidence-based medication to treat COVID-19. OBSERVATIONS Single-stranded RNA viral genome of SARS-CoV-2 encodes structural proteins (spike protein), non-structural enzymatic proteins (RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, helicase, papain-like protease, 3-chymotrypsin-like protease) and other accessory proteins. These four enzymatic proteins on spike protein are rate-limiting steps in viral replications and, therefore, an attractive target for drug development against SARS-CoV-2. In silico and in vitro studies have identified various potential epitomes as candidate sequences for vaccine development. These studies have also revealed potential targets for drug development and drug repurposing against COVID-19. Clinical trials utilizing antiviral drugs and other drugs have given inconclusive results regarding their clinical efficacy and side effects. The need for angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE-2) inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers and corticosteroids has been recommended. Western countries have adopted telemedicine as an alternative to prevent transmission of infection in the population. Currently, no proven, evidence-based therapeutic regimen exists for COVID-19. CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic has put tremendous pressure on researchers to evaluate and approve drugs effective against the disease. Well-controlled randomized trials should assess medicines that are not marketed with substantial evidence of safety and efficacy and more emphasis on time tested approaches for drug evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Showkat Ul Nabi
- Large Animal Diagnostic LaboratoryDepartment of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ethics & JurisprudenceFaculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal HusbandrySKUAST‐KSrinagarIndia
| | - Muzafar Ahmad Rather
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology LabDivision of Veterinary BiochemistryFaculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal HusbandrySKUAST‐KSrinagarIndia
| | - Qudratullah Kalwar
- Department of Animal ReproductionShaheed Benazir Bhutto University of Veterinary and Animal SciencesSakrandPakistan
| | - Sofi Imtiyaz Ali
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology LabDivision of Veterinary BiochemistryFaculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal HusbandrySKUAST‐KSrinagarIndia
| | - Wajid Mohammad Sheikh
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology LabDivision of Veterinary BiochemistryFaculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal HusbandrySKUAST‐KSrinagarIndia
| | - Alveena Ganai
- Division of Veterinary ParasitologyFaculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal HusbandrySher‐e‐Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of JammuR.S. PuraIndia
| | - Showkeen Muzamil Bashir
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology LabDivision of Veterinary BiochemistryFaculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal HusbandrySKUAST‐KSrinagarIndia
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11
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Adegbola AE, Fadahunsi OS, Alausa A, Abijo AZ, Balogun TA, Aderibigbe TS, Semire B, Adegbola PI. Computational prediction of nimbanal as potential antagonist of respiratory syndrome coronavirus. INFORMATICS IN MEDICINE UNLOCKED 2021; 24:100617. [PMID: 34075339 PMCID: PMC8161736 DOI: 10.1016/j.imu.2021.100617] [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: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The high pathogenic nature of the Middle East Respiratory coronavirus (MER) and the associated high fatality rate demands an urgent attention from researchers. Because there is currently no approved drug for the management of the disease, research efforts have been intensified towards the discovery of a potent drug for the treatment of the disease. Papain Like protease (PLpro) is one of the key proteins involved in the viral replication. We therefore docked forty-six compounds already characterized from Azadirachta indica, Xylopia aethipica and Allium cepa against MERS-CoV-PLpro. The molecular docking analysis was performed with AutoDock 1.5.6 and compounds which exhibit more negative free energy of binding, and low inhibition constant (Ki) with the protein (MERS-CoV-PLpro) were considered potent. The physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties of the compounds were predicted using the Swissadme web server. Twenty-two of the compounds showed inhibition potential similar to dexamethasone and remdesvir, which had binding affinity of -6.8 and -6.3 kcal/mol respectively. The binding affinity of the compounds ranged between -3.4 kcal/mol and -7.7 kcal/mol whereas; hydroxychloroquine had a binding affinity of -4.5 kcal/mol. Among all the compounds, nimbanal and verbenone showed drug likeliness, they did not violate the Lipinski rule neither were they inhibitors of drug-metabolizing enzymes. Both nimbanal and verbenone were further post-scored with MM/GBSA and the binding free energy of nimbanal (-25.51 kcal/mol) was comparable to that of dexamethasone (-25.46 kcal/mol). The RMSD, RMSF, torsional angle, and other analysis following simulation further substantiate the efficacy of nimbanal as an effective drug candidate. In conclusion, our study showed that nimbanal is a more promising therapeutic agent and could be a lead for the discovery of a new drug that may be useful in the management of severe respiratory coronavirus syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aanuoluwa Eunice Adegbola
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Nigeria
| | - Olumide Samuel Fadahunsi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Nigeria
| | - Abdulahi Alausa
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Nigeria
| | - Ayodeji Zabdiel Abijo
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Nigeria
| | | | - Taiwo Sarah Aderibigbe
- Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Biological Sciences, Microbiology Unit, the Oke Ogun Polytechnic Saki, Nigeria
| | - Banjo Semire
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Nigeria
| | - Peter Ifeoluwa Adegbola
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Nigeria
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Proulx J, Borgmann K, Park IW. Role of Virally-Encoded Deubiquitinating Enzymes in Regulation of the Virus Life Cycle. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094438. [PMID: 33922750 PMCID: PMC8123002 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitin (Ub) proteasome system (UPS) plays a pivotal role in regulation of numerous cellular processes, including innate and adaptive immune responses that are essential for restriction of the virus life cycle in the infected cells. Deubiquitination by the deubiquitinating enzyme, deubiquitinase (DUB), is a reversible molecular process to remove Ub or Ub chains from the target proteins. Deubiquitination is an integral strategy within the UPS in regulating survival and proliferation of the infecting virus and the virus-invaded cells. Many viruses in the infected cells are reported to encode viral DUB, and these vial DUBs actively disrupt cellular Ub-dependent processes to suppress host antiviral immune response, enhancing virus replication and thus proliferation. This review surveys the types of DUBs encoded by different viruses and their molecular processes for how the infecting viruses take advantage of the DUB system to evade the host immune response and expedite their replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Proulx
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA; (J.P.); (K.B.)
| | - Kathleen Borgmann
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA; (J.P.); (K.B.)
| | - In-Woo Park
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(817)-735-5115; Fax: +1-(817)-735-2610
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13
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Mehrzadi S, Karimi MY, Fatemi A, Reiter RJ, Hosseinzadeh A. SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses negatively influence mitochondrial quality control: beneficial effects of melatonin. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 224:107825. [PMID: 33662449 PMCID: PMC7919585 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Revised: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Coronaviruses (CoVs) are a group of single stranded RNA viruses, of which some of them such as SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 are associated with deadly worldwide human diseases. Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), a condition caused by SARS-CoV-2, results in acute lung injury (ALI)/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) associated with high mortality in the elderly and in people with underlying comorbidities. Results from several studies suggest that CoVs localize in mitochondria and interact with mitochondrial protein translocation machinery to target their encoded products to mitochondria. Coronaviruses encode a number of proteins; this process is essential for viral replication through inhibiting degradation of viral proteins and host misfolded proteins including those in mitochondria. These viruses seem to maintain their replication by altering mitochondrial dynamics and targeting mitochondrial-associated antiviral signaling (MAVS), allowing them to evade host innate immunity. Coronaviruses infections such as COVID-19 are more severe in aging patients. Since endogenous melatonin levels are often dramatically reduced in the aged and because it is a potent anti-inflammatory agent, melatonin has been proposed to be useful in CoVs infections by altering proteasomal and mitochondrial activities. Melatonin inhibits mitochondrial fission due to its antioxidant and inhibitory effects on cytosolic calcium overload. The collective data suggests that melatonin may mediate mitochondrial adaptations through regulating both mitochondrial dynamics and biogenesis. We propose that melatonin may inhibit SARS-CoV-2-induced cell damage by regulating mitochondrial physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Mehrzadi
- Razi Drug Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Alireza Fatemi
- Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Shohada Tajrish Comprehensive Neurosurgical Center of Excellence, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Russel J Reiter
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Azam Hosseinzadeh
- Razi Drug Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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14
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Zong Z, Zhang Z, Wu L, Zhang L, Zhou F. The Functional Deubiquitinating Enzymes in Control of Innate Antiviral Immunity. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:2002484. [PMID: 33511009 PMCID: PMC7816709 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202002484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Innate antiviral immunity is the first line of host defense against invading viral pathogens. Immunity activation primarily relies on the recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). Viral proteins or nucleic acids mainly engage three classes of PRRs: Toll-like receptors (TLRs), retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I)-like receptors (RLRs), and DNA sensor cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) synthase (cGAS). These receptors initiate a series of signaling cascades that lead to the production of proinflammatory cytokines and type I interferon (IFN-I) in response to viral infection. This system requires precise regulation to avoid aberrant activation. Emerging evidence has unveiled the crucial roles that the ubiquitin system, especially deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs), play in controlling immune responses. In this review, an overview of the most current findings on the function of DUBs in the innate antiviral immune pathways is provided. Insights into the role of viral DUBs in counteracting host immune responses are also provided. Furthermore, the prospects and challenges of utilizing DUBs as therapeutic targets for infectious diseases are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Zong
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic SurgeryThe First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou310003P. R. China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling NetworkLife Sciences InstituteZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058P. R. China
| | - Zhengkui Zhang
- Institute of Biology and Medical ScienceSoochow UniversitySuzhou215123P. R. China
| | - Liming Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic SurgeryThe First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou310003P. R. China
| | - Long Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic SurgeryThe First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou310003P. R. China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling NetworkLife Sciences InstituteZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058P. R. China
| | - Fangfang Zhou
- Institute of Biology and Medical ScienceSoochow UniversitySuzhou215123P. R. China
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15
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Capasso C, Nocentini A, Supuran CT. Protease inhibitors targeting the main protease and papain-like protease of coronaviruses. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2020; 31:309-324. [PMID: 33246378 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2021.1857726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The two cysteine proteases from the coronaviruses, which produced deadly outbreaks in the last two decades, SARS CoV-1/2, and MERS, the main protease (Mpro) and the papain-like protease (PLP) are conserved among the three pathogens and started to be considered as exciting drug targets for developing antivirals. AREAS COVERED We review the drug design landscape in the scientific and patent literature to design peptidomimetic and non-peptidomimetic protease inhibitors (PIs) targeting these proteins. EXPERT OPINION The X-ray crystal structures of some of these proteases, alone and in complex with various inhibitors, were crucial for the discovery of effective such compounds, some of which also showed considerable antiviral activity and are considered preclinical candidates to fight these emerging infections, which in the case of Covid-19 already provoked an unprecedented worldwide pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemente Capasso
- Department of Biology, Agriculture and Food Sciences, CNR, Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, Napoli, Italy
| | - Alessio Nocentini
- Dipartimento Neurofarba, Sezione di Scienze Farmaceutiche e Nutraceutiche, Università Degli Studi di Firenze, Sesto Fiorentino (Florence), Italy
| | - Claudiu T Supuran
- Dipartimento Neurofarba, Sezione di Scienze Farmaceutiche e Nutraceutiche, Università Degli Studi di Firenze, Sesto Fiorentino (Florence), Italy
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16
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Sohag AAM, Hannan MA, Rahman S, Hossain M, Hasan M, Khan MK, Khatun A, Dash R, Uddin MJ. Revisiting potential druggable targets against SARS-CoV-2 and repurposing therapeutics under preclinical study and clinical trials: A comprehensive review. Drug Dev Res 2020; 81:919-941. [PMID: 32632960 PMCID: PMC7361641 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.21709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is one of the most contagious diseases in human history that has already affected millions of lives worldwide. To date, no vaccines or effective therapeutics have been discovered yet that may successfully treat COVID-19 patients or contain the transmission of the virus. Scientific communities across the globe responded rapidly and have been working relentlessly to develop drugs and vaccines, which may require considerable time. In this uncertainty, repurposing the existing antiviral drugs could be the best strategy to speed up the discovery of effective therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, drug repurposing may leave some vital information on druggable targets that could be capitalized in target-based drug discovery. Information on possible drug targets and the progress on therapeutic and vaccine development also needs to be updated. In this review, we revisited the druggable targets that may hold promise in the development of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 agent. Progresses on the development of potential therapeutics and vaccines that are under the preclinical studies and clinical trials have been highlighted. We anticipate that this review will provide valuable information that would help to accelerate the development of therapeutics and vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Al Mamun Sohag
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyBangladesh Agricultural UniversityMymensingh2202Bangladesh
| | - Md Abdul Hannan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyBangladesh Agricultural UniversityMymensingh2202Bangladesh
- Department of AnatomyDongguk University College of MedicineGyeongju38066South Korea
- ABEx Bio‐Research CenterEast Azampur, DhakaBangladesh
| | - Sadaqur Rahman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyShahjalal University of Science and TechnologySylhetBangladesh
| | - Motaher Hossain
- Department of Biological SciencesThe University of AlabamaTuscaloosaAlabamaUSA
| | - Mahmudul Hasan
- Department of Pharmaceuticals and Industrial BiotechnologySylhet Agricultural UniversitySylhetBangladesh
| | - Md Kawsar Khan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyShahjalal University of Science and TechnologySylhetBangladesh
- Department of Biological SciencesMacquarie UniversitySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Amena Khatun
- Northern International Medical College HospitalDhakaBangladesh
| | - Raju Dash
- Department of AnatomyDongguk University College of MedicineGyeongju38066South Korea
| | - Md Jamal Uddin
- ABEx Bio‐Research CenterEast Azampur, DhakaBangladesh
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of PharmacyEwha Womans UniversitySeoulRepublic of Korea
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17
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Mirza MU, Ahmad S, Abdullah I, Froeyen M. Identification of novel human USP2 inhibitor and its putative role in treatment of COVID-19 by inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 papain-like (PLpro) protease. Comput Biol Chem 2020; 89:107376. [PMID: 32979815 PMCID: PMC7487165 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2020.107376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Human ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase-2 (USP2) inhibitors, such as thiopurine analogs, have been reported to inhibit SARS-CoV papain-like proteases (PLpro). The PLpro have significant functional implications in the innate immune response during SARS-CoV-2 infection and considered an important antiviral target. Both proteases share strikingly similar USP fold with right-handed thumb-palm-fingers structural scaffold and conserved catalytic triad Cys-His-Asp/Asn. In this urgency situation of COVID-19 outbreak, there is a lack of in-vitro facilities readily available to test SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors in whole-cell assays. Therefore, we adopted an alternate route to identify potential USP2 inhibitor through integrated in-silico efforts. After an extensive virtual screening protocol, the best compounds were selected and tested. The compound Z93 showed significant IC50 value against Jurkat (9.67 μM) and MOTL-4 cells (11.8 μM). The binding mode of Z93 was extensively analyzed through molecular docking, followed by MD simulations, and molecular interactions were compared with SARS-CoV-2. The relative binding poses of Z93 fitted well in the binding site of both proteases and showed consensus π-π stacking and H-bond interactions with histidine and aspartate/asparagine residues of the catalytic triad. These results led us to speculate that compound Z93 might be the first potential chemical lead against SARS-CoV-2 PLpro, which warrants in-vitro evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Usman Mirza
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Medicinal Chemistry, University of Leuven, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sarfraz Ahmad
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia
| | - Iskandar Abdullah
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia
| | - Matheus Froeyen
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Medicinal Chemistry, University of Leuven, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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18
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Silva LR, da Silva Santos-Júnior PF, de Andrade Brandão J, Anderson L, Bassi ÊJ, Xavier de Araújo-Júnior J, Cardoso SH, da Silva-Júnior EF. Druggable targets from coronaviruses for designing new antiviral drugs. Bioorg Med Chem 2020; 28:115745. [PMID: 33007557 PMCID: PMC7836322 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2020.115745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Severe respiratory infections were highlighted in the SARS-CoV outbreak in 2002, as well as MERS-CoV, in 2012. Recently, the novel CoV (COVID-19) has led to severe respiratory damage to humans and deaths in Asia, Europe, and Americas, which allowed the WHO to declare the pandemic state. Notwithstanding all impacts caused by Coronaviruses, it is evident that the development of new antiviral agents is an unmet need. In this review, we provide a complete compilation of all potential antiviral agents targeting macromolecular structures from these Coronaviruses (Coronaviridae), providing a medicinal chemistry viewpoint that could be useful for designing new therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro Rocha Silva
- Chemistry and Biotechnology Institute, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus A.C. Simões, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, Maceió 57072-970, Brazil; Laboratory of Organic and Medicinal Synthesis, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus Arapiraca, Manoel Severino Barbosa Avenue, Arapiraca 57309-005, Brazil
| | | | - Júlia de Andrade Brandão
- IMUNOREG - Immunoregulation Research Group, Laboratory of Research in Virology and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus AC. Simões, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, Maceió 57072-970, Brazil
| | - Letícia Anderson
- IMUNOREG - Immunoregulation Research Group, Laboratory of Research in Virology and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus AC. Simões, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, Maceió 57072-970, Brazil; CESMAC University Center, Cônego Machado Street, Maceió 57051-160, Brazil
| | - Ênio José Bassi
- IMUNOREG - Immunoregulation Research Group, Laboratory of Research in Virology and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus AC. Simões, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, Maceió 57072-970, Brazil
| | - João Xavier de Araújo-Júnior
- Chemistry and Biotechnology Institute, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus A.C. Simões, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, Maceió 57072-970, Brazil; Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences Institute, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus A.C. Simões, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, Maceió 57072-970, Brazil
| | - Sílvia Helena Cardoso
- Laboratory of Organic and Medicinal Synthesis, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus Arapiraca, Manoel Severino Barbosa Avenue, Arapiraca 57309-005, Brazil
| | - Edeildo Ferreira da Silva-Júnior
- Chemistry and Biotechnology Institute, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus A.C. Simões, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, Maceió 57072-970, Brazil; Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences Institute, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus A.C. Simões, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, Maceió 57072-970, Brazil.
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19
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Henderson JA, Verma N, Harris RC, Liu R, Shen J. Assessment of proton-coupled conformational dynamics of SARS and MERS coronavirus papain-like proteases: Implication for designing broad-spectrum antiviral inhibitors. J Chem Phys 2020; 153:115101. [PMID: 32962355 PMCID: PMC7499820 DOI: 10.1063/5.0020458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Broad-spectrum antiviral drugs are urgently needed to stop the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic and prevent future ones. The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is related to the SARS-CoV and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), which have caused the previous outbreaks. The papain-like protease (PLpro) is an attractive drug target due to its essential roles in the viral life cycle. As a cysteine protease, PLpro is rich in cysteines and histidines, and their protonation/deprotonation modulates catalysis and conformational plasticity. Here, we report the pKa calculations and assessment of the proton-coupled conformational dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in comparison to SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV PLpros using the recently developed graphical processing unit (GPU)-accelerated implicit-solvent continuous constant pH molecular dynamics method with a new asynchronous replica-exchange scheme, which allows computation on a single GPU card. The calculated pKa's support the catalytic roles of the Cys-His-Asp triad. We also found that several residues can switch protonation states at physiological pH among which is C270/271 located on the flexible blocking loop 2 (BL2) of SARS-CoV-2/CoV PLpro. Simulations revealed that the BL2 can open and close depending on the protonation state of C271/270, consistent with the most recent crystal structure evidence. Interestingly, despite the lack of an analogous cysteine, BL2 in MERS-CoV PLpro is also very flexible, challenging a current hypothesis. These findings are supported by the all-atom fixed-charge simulations and provide a starting point for more detailed studies to assist the structure-based design of broad-spectrum inhibitors against CoV PLpros.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack A Henderson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA
| | - Neha Verma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA
| | - Robert C Harris
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA
| | - Ruibin Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA
| | - Jana Shen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA
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20
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Kandeel M, Kitade Y, Fayez M, Venugopala KN, Ibrahim A. The emerging SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease: Its relationship with recent coronavirus epidemics. J Med Virol 2020; 93:1581-1588. [PMID: 32902889 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.26497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The papain-like protease (PLpro ) is an important enzyme for coronavirus polyprotein processing, as well as for virus-host immune suppression. Previous studies reveal that a molecular analysis of PLpro indicates the catalytic activity of viral PLpro and its interactions with ubiquitin. By using sequence comparisons, molecular models, and protein-protein interaction maps, PLpro was compared in the three recorded fatal CoV epidemics, which involved severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), severe acute respiratory syndrome CoV (SARS-CoV), and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). The pairwise sequence comparison of SARS-CoV-2 PLpro indicated similarity percentages of 82.59% and 30.06% with SARS-CoV PLpro and MERS-CoV PLpro , respectively. In comparison with SARS-CoV PLpro , in SARS-CoV-2, the PLpro had a conserved catalytic triad of C111, H278, and D293, with a slightly lower number of polar interface residues and of hydrogen bonds, a higher number of buried interface sizes, and a lower number of residues that interact with ubiquitin and PLpro . These features might contribute to a similar or slightly lower level of deubiquitinating activity in SARS-CoV-2 PLpro. It was, however, a much higher level compared to MERS-CoV, which contained amino acid mutations and a low number of polar interfaces. SARS-CoV-2 PLpro and SARS-CoV PLpro showed almost the same catalytic site profiles, interface area compositions and polarities, suggesting a general similarity in deubiquitination activity. Compared with MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2 had a higher potential for binding interactions with ubiquitin. These estimated parameters contribute to the knowledge gap in understanding how the new virus interacts with the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Kandeel
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelshikh University, Kafrelshikh, Egypt
| | - Yukio Kitade
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Aichi Institute of Technology, Toyota, Aichi, Japan.,Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Mahmoud Fayez
- Ministry of Agriculture, Al-Ahsa Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Saudi Arabia.,Veterinary Serum and Vaccine Research institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Katharigatta N Venugopala
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
| | - Abdelazim Ibrahim
- Department of Pathology, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
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21
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Kouznetsova VL, Zhang A, Tatineni M, Miller MA, Tsigelny IF. Potential COVID-19 papain-like protease PL pro inhibitors: repurposing FDA-approved drugs. PeerJ 2020; 8:e9965. [PMID: 32999768 PMCID: PMC7505060 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Using the crystal structure of SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease (PLpro) as a template, we developed a pharmacophore model of functional centers of the PLpro inhibitor-binding pocket. With this model, we conducted data mining of the conformational database of FDA-approved drugs. This search identified 147 compounds that can be potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 PLpro. The conformations of these compounds underwent 3D fingerprint similarity clusterization, followed by docking of possible conformers to the binding pocket of PLpro. Docking of random compounds to the binding pocket of protease was also done for comparison. Free energies of the docking interaction for the selected compounds were lower than for random compounds. The drug list obtained includes inhibitors of HIV, hepatitis C, and cytomegalovirus (CMV), as well as a set of drugs that have demonstrated some activity in MERS, SARS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 therapy. We recommend testing of the selected compounds for treatment of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aidan Zhang
- REHS Program at San Diego Dupercomputer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Mahidhar Tatineni
- San Diego Supercomputer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Mark A. Miller
- San Diego Supercomputer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Igor F. Tsigelny
- San Diego Supercomputer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Science, CureMatch Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
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22
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Novikov FN, Stroylov VS, Svitanko IV, Nebolsin VE. Molecular basis of COVID-19 pathogenesis. RUSSIAN CHEMICAL REVIEWS 2020. [DOI: 10.1070/rcr4961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The review summarizes the publications, available at the time it was written, addressing the chemical and biological processes that occur in the human body upon exposure to coronaviruses, in particular SARS-CoV-2. The mechanisms of viral particle entry into the cell, viral replication and impact on the immune system and on oxygen transport system are considered. The causes behind complications of the viral infection, such as vasculitis, thrombosis, cytokine storm and lung fibrosis, are discussed. The latest research in the field of small molecule medications to counteract the virus is surveyed. Molecular targets and possible vectors to exploit them are considered. The review is primarily written for specialists who want to understand the chains of activation, replication, action and inhibition of SARS-CoV-2. Due to the short period of such studies, the data on complexes of small molecule compounds with possible protein targets are not numerous, but they will be useful in the search and synthesis of new potentially effective drugs.
The bibliography includes 144 references.
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23
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Masucci MG. Viral Ubiquitin and Ubiquitin-Like Deconjugases-Swiss Army Knives for Infection. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E1137. [PMID: 32752270 PMCID: PMC7464072 DOI: 10.3390/biom10081137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Posttranslational modifications of cellular proteins by covalent conjugation of ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like polypeptides regulate numerous cellular processes that are captured by viruses to promote infection, replication, and spreading. The importance of these protein modifications for the viral life cycle is underscored by the discovery that many viruses encode deconjugases that reverse their functions. The structural and functional characterization of these viral enzymes and the identification of their viral and cellular substrates is providing valuable insights into the biology of viral infections and the host's antiviral defense. Given the growing body of evidence demonstrating their key contribution to pathogenesis, the viral deconjugases are now recognized as attractive targets for the design of novel antiviral therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grazia Masucci
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, S-17177 Stockholm, Sweden
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24
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Li T, Zou C. The Role of Deubiquitinating Enzymes in Acute Lung Injury and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4842. [PMID: 32650621 PMCID: PMC7402294 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21144842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS) are characterized by an inflammatory response, alveolar edema, and hypoxemia. ARDS occurs most often in the settings of pneumonia, sepsis, aspiration of gastric contents, or severe trauma. The prevalence of ARDS is approximately 10% in patients of intensive care. There is no effective remedy with mortality high at 30-40%. Most functional proteins are dynamic and stringently governed by ubiquitin proteasomal degradation. Protein ubiquitination is reversible, the covalently attached monoubiquitin or polyubiquitin moieties within the targeted protein can be removed by a group of enzymes called deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs). Deubiquitination plays an important role in the pathobiology of ALI/ARDS as it regulates proteins critical in engagement of the alveolo-capillary barrier and in the inflammatory response. In this review, we provide an overview of how DUBs emerge in pathogen-induced pulmonary inflammation and related aspects in ALI/ARDS. Better understanding of deubiquitination-relatedsignaling may lead to novel therapeutic approaches by targeting specific elements of the deubiquitination pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chunbin Zou
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA;
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25
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Henderson JA, Verma N, Shen J. Assessment of Proton-Coupled Conformational Dynamics of SARS and MERS Coronavirus Papain-like Proteases: Implication for Designing Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Inhibitors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2020:2020.06.30.181305. [PMID: 32637952 PMCID: PMC7337382 DOI: 10.1101/2020.06.30.181305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Broad-spectrum antiviral drugs are urgently needed to stop the COVID-19 pandemic and prevent future ones. The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is related to SARS-CoV and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), which have caused the previous outbreaks. The papain-like protease (PLpro) is an attractive drug target due to its essential roles in the viral life cycle. As a cysteine protease, PLpro is rich in cysteines and histidines and their protonation/deprotonation modulates catalysis and conformational plasticity. Here we report the pKa calculations and assessment of the proton-coupled conformational dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in comparison to SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV PLpros using a newly developed GPU-accelerated implicit-solvent continuous constant pH molecular dynamics method with an asynchronous replica-exchange scheme. The calculated pKa's support the catalytic roles of the Cys-His-Asp triad. We also found that several residues can switch protonation states at physiological pH, among which is C270/271 located on the flexible blocking loop 2 (BL2) of SARS-CoV-2/CoV PLpro. Simulations revealed that the BL2 conformational dynamics is coupled to the titration of C271/270, in agreement with the crystal structures of SARS-CoV-2 PLpro. Simulations also revealed that BL2 in MERS-CoV PLpro is very flexible, sampling both open and closed states despite the lack of an analogous cysteine. Our work provides a starting point for more detailed mechanistic studies to assist structure-based design of broad-spectrum inhibitors against CoV PLpros.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack A. Henderson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Neha Verma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Jana Shen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD 21201
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26
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Kandeel M, Abdelrahman AHM, Oh-Hashi K, Ibrahim A, Venugopala KN, Morsy MA, Ibrahim MAA. Repurposing of FDA-approved antivirals, antibiotics, anthelmintics, antioxidants, and cell protectives against SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2020; 39:5129-5136. [PMID: 32597315 PMCID: PMC7332862 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2020.1784291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 or Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is a rapidly spreading, highly contagious, and sometimes fatal disease for which drug discovery and vaccine development are critical. SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease (PLpro) was used to virtually screen 1697 clinical FDA-approved drugs. Among the top results expected to bind with SARS-CoV-2 PLpro strongly were three cell protectives and antioxidants (NAD+, quercitrin, and oxiglutatione), three antivirals (ritonavir, moroxydine, and zanamivir), two antimicrobials (doripenem and sulfaguanidine), two anticancer drugs, three benzimidazole anthelmintics, one antacid (famotidine), three anti-hypertensive ACE receptor blockers (candesartan, losartan, and valsartan) and other miscellaneous systemically or topically acting drugs. The binding patterns of these drugs were superior to the previously identified SARS CoV PLpro inhibitor, 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP), suggesting a potential for repurposing these drugs to treat COVID-19. The objective of drug repurposing is the rapid relocation of safe and approved drugs by bypassing the lengthy pharmacokinetic, toxicity, and preclinical phases. The ten drugs with the highest estimated docking scores with favorable pharmacokinetics were subjected to molecular dynamics (MD) simulations followed by molecular mechanics/generalized Born surface area (MM/GBSA) binding energy calculations. Phenformin, quercetin, and ritonavir all demonstrated prospective binding affinities for COVID-19 PLpro over 50 ns MD simulations, with binding energy values of −56.6, −40.9, and −37.6 kcal/mol, respectively. Energetic and structural analyses showed phenformin was more stable than quercetin and ritonavir. The list of the drugs provided herein constitutes a primer for clinical application in COVID-19 patients and guidance for further antiviral studies. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Kandeel
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-ahsa, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelshikh University, Kafrelshikh, Egypt
| | - Alaa H M Abdelrahman
- Computational Chemistry Laboratory, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Kentaro Oh-Hashi
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Faculty of Engineering, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Abdelazim Ibrahim
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Katharigatta N Venugopala
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed A Morsy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahmoud A A Ibrahim
- Computational Chemistry Laboratory, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
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27
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Ghosh AK, Brindisi M, Shahabi D, Chapman ME, Mesecar AD. Drug Development and Medicinal Chemistry Efforts toward SARS-Coronavirus and Covid-19 Therapeutics. ChemMedChem 2020; 15:907-932. [PMID: 32324951 PMCID: PMC7264561 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection is spreading at an alarming rate and has created an unprecedented health emergency around the globe. There is no effective vaccine or approved drug treatment against COVID-19 and other pathogenic coronaviruses. The development of antiviral agents is an urgent priority. Biochemical events critical to the coronavirus replication cycle provided a number of attractive targets for drug development. These include, spike protein for binding to host cell-surface receptors, proteolytic enzymes that are essential for processing polyproteins into mature viruses, and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase for RNA replication. There has been a lot of ground work for drug discovery and development against these targets. Also, high-throughput screening efforts have led to the identification of diverse lead structures, including natural product-derived molecules. This review highlights past and present drug discovery and medicinal-chemistry approaches against SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and COVID-19 targets. The review hopes to stimulate further research and will be a useful guide to the development of effective therapies against COVID-19 and other pathogenic coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun K. Ghosh
- Department of ChemistryPurdue UniversityWest LafayetteIN 47907USA
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular PharmacolgyPurdue UniversityWest LafayetteIN 47907USA
| | - Margherita Brindisi
- Department of ChemistryPurdue UniversityWest LafayetteIN 47907USA
- Department of Excellence of PharmacyUniversity of Naples Federico II80131NaplesItaly
| | - Dana Shahabi
- Department of ChemistryPurdue UniversityWest LafayetteIN 47907USA
| | | | - Andrew D. Mesecar
- Department of ChemistryPurdue UniversityWest LafayetteIN 47907USA
- Department of BiochemistryPurdue UniversityWest LafayetteIN 47907USA
- Department of Biological SciencesPurdue UniversityWest LafayetteIN 47907USA
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28
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Wang L, Hu W, Fan C. Structural and biochemical characterization of SADS-CoV papain-like protease 2. Protein Sci 2020; 29:1228-1241. [PMID: 32216114 PMCID: PMC7184779 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS‐CoV) is a novel coronavirus that is involved in severe diarrhea disease in piglets, causing considerable agricultural and economic loss in China. The emergence of this new coronavirus increases the importance of understanding SADS‐CoV as well as antivirals. Coronaviral proteases, including main proteases and papain‐like proteases (PLP), are attractive antiviral targets because of their essential roles in polyprotein processing and thus viral maturation. Here, we describe the biochemical and structural identification of recombinant SADS papain‐like protease 2 (PLP2) domain of nsp3. The SADS‐CoV PLP2 was shown to cleave nsp1 proteins and also peptides mimicking the nsp2|nsp3 cleavage site and also had deubiquitinating and deISGynating activity by in vitro assays. The crystal structure adopts an architecture resembling that of PLPs from other coronaviruses. We characterize both conserved and unique structural features likely directing the interaction of PLP2 with the substrates, including the tentative mapping of active site and other essential residues. These results provide a foundation for understanding the molecular basis of coronaviral PLPs' catalytic mechanism and for the screening and design of therapeutics to combat infection by SADS coronavirus. PDB Code(s): http://firstglance.jmol.org/fg.htm?mol=6L5T;
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical SciencesWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Weihua Hu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical SciencesWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Chengpeng Fan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical SciencesWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
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29
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Clasman JR, Everett RK, Srinivasan K, Mesecar AD. Decoupling deISGylating and deubiquitinating activities of the MERS virus papain-like protease. Antiviral Res 2020; 174:104661. [PMID: 31765674 PMCID: PMC7114298 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2019.104661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus papain-like proteases (PLPs or PLpro), such as the one encoded in the genome of the infectious Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) virus, have multiple enzymatic activities that promote viral infection. PLpro acts as a protease and processes the large coronavirus polyprotein for virus replication. PLpro also functions as both a deubiquitinating (DUB) and deISGylating (deISG) enzyme and removes ubiquitin (Ub) and interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) from cellular proteins. Both DUB and deISG activities are implicated in suppressing innate immune responses; however, the precise role of each activity in this process is still unclear due in part to the difficulties in separating each activity. In this study, we determine the first structure of MERS PLpro in complex with the full-length human ISG15 to a resolution of 2.3 Å. This structure and available structures of MERS PLpro-Ub complexes were used as molecular guides to design PLpro mutants that lack either or both DUB/deISG activities. We tested 13 different PLpro mutants for protease, DUB, and deISG activitites using fluorescence-based assays. Results show that we can selectively modulate DUB activity at amino acid positions 1649 and 1653 while mutation of Val1691 or His1652 of PLpro to a positive charged residue completely impairs both DUB/deISG activities. These mutant enzymes will provide new functional tools for delineating the importance of DUB versus deISG activity in virus-infected cells and may serve as potential candidates for attenuating the MERS virus in vivo for modified vaccine design efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jozlyn R Clasman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Renata K Everett
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Karthik Srinivasan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Andrew D Mesecar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA; Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA; Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
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30
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Lee H, Ren J, Pesavento RP, Ojeda I, Rice AJ, Lv H, Kwon Y, Johnson ME. Identification and design of novel small molecule inhibitors against MERS-CoV papain-like protease via high-throughput screening and molecular modeling. Bioorg Med Chem 2019; 27:1981-1989. [PMID: 30940566 PMCID: PMC6638567 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2019.03.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2018] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The development of new therapeutic agents against the coronavirus causing Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a continuing imperative. The initial MERS-CoV epidemic was contained entirely through public health measures, but episodic cases continue, as there are currently no therapeutic agents effective in the treatment of MERS-CoV, although multiple strategies have been proposed. In this study, we screened 30,000 compounds from three different compound libraries against one of the essential proteases, the papain-like protease (PLpro), using a fluorescence-based enzymatic assay followed by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) direct binding analysis for hit confirmation. Mode of inhibition assays and competition SPR studies revealed two compounds to be competitive inhibitors. To improve upon the inhibitory activity of the best hit compounds, a small fragment library consisting of 352 fragments was screened in the presence of each hit compound, resulting in one fragment that enhanced the IC50 value of the best hit compound by 3-fold. Molecular docking and MM/PBSA binding energy calculations were used to predict potential binding sites, providing insight for design and synthesis of next-generation compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Lee
- Center for Biomolecular Sciences and Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, University of Illinois at Chicago, 900 S. Ashland, IL 60607, USA.
| | - Jinhong Ren
- Center for Biomolecular Sciences and Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, University of Illinois at Chicago, 900 S. Ashland, IL 60607, USA
| | - Russell P Pesavento
- Center for Biomolecular Sciences and Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, University of Illinois at Chicago, 900 S. Ashland, IL 60607, USA
| | - Isabel Ojeda
- Center for Biomolecular Sciences and Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, University of Illinois at Chicago, 900 S. Ashland, IL 60607, USA
| | - Amy J Rice
- Center for Biomolecular Sciences and Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, University of Illinois at Chicago, 900 S. Ashland, IL 60607, USA
| | - Haining Lv
- Center for Biomolecular Sciences and Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, University of Illinois at Chicago, 900 S. Ashland, IL 60607, USA
| | - Youngjin Kwon
- Center for Biomolecular Sciences and Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, University of Illinois at Chicago, 900 S. Ashland, IL 60607, USA
| | - Michael E Johnson
- Center for Biomolecular Sciences and Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, University of Illinois at Chicago, 900 S. Ashland, IL 60607, USA.
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31
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Dawson P, Malik MR, Parvez F, Morse SS. What Have We Learned About Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Emergence in Humans? A Systematic Literature Review. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2019; 19:174-192. [PMID: 30676269 PMCID: PMC6396572 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2017.2191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) was first identified in humans in 2012. A systematic literature review was conducted to synthesize current knowledge and identify critical knowledge gaps. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a systematic review on MERS-CoV using PRISMA guidelines. We identified 407 relevant, peer-reviewed publications and selected 208 of these based on their contributions to four key areas: virology; clinical characteristics, outcomes, therapeutic and preventive options; epidemiology and transmission; and animal interface and the search for natural hosts of MERS-CoV. RESULTS Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4/CD26) was identified as the human receptor for MERS-CoV, and a variety of molecular and serological assays developed. Dromedary camels remain the only documented zoonotic source of human infection, but MERS-like CoVs have been detected in bat species globally, as well as in dromedary camels throughout the Middle East and Africa. However, despite evidence of camel-to-human MERS-CoV transmission and cases apparently related to camel contact, the source of many primary cases remains unknown. There have been sustained health care-associated human outbreaks in Saudi Arabia and South Korea, the latter originating from one traveler returning from the Middle East. Transmission mechanisms are poorly understood; for health care, this may include environmental contamination. Various potential therapeutics have been identified, but not yet evaluated in human clinical trials. At least one candidate vaccine has progressed to Phase I trials. CONCLUSIONS There has been substantial MERS-CoV research since 2012, but significant knowledge gaps persist, especially in epidemiology and natural history of the infection. There have been few rigorous studies of baseline prevalence, transmission, and spectrum of disease. Terms such as "camel exposure" and the epidemiological relationships of cases should be clearly defined and standardized. We strongly recommend a shared and accessible registry or database. Coronaviruses will likely continue to emerge, arguing for a unified "One Health" approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Dawson
- 1 Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Mamunur Rahman Malik
- 2 Infectious Hazard Management, Department of Health Emergency, World Health Organization Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (WHO/EMRO), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Faruque Parvez
- 3 Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Stephen S Morse
- 1 Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
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32
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Srivastava S, Kamthania M, Singh S, Saxena AK, Sharma N. Structural basis of development of multi-epitope vaccine against Middle East respiratory syndrome using in silico approach. Infect Drug Resist 2018; 11:2377-2391. [PMID: 30538505 PMCID: PMC6254671 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s175114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is caused by MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Thus
far, MERS outbreaks have been reported from Saudi Arabia (2013 and 2014) and South Korea
(2015). No specific vaccine has yet been reported against MERS. Purpose To address the urgent need for an MERS vaccine, in the present study, we have designed
two multi-epitope vaccines (MEVs) against MERS utilizing several in silico methods and
tools. Methods The design of both the multi-epitope vaccines (MEVs) are composed of cytotoxic T
lymphocyte (CTL) and helper T lymphocyte (HTL) epitopes, screened form thirteen
different proteins of MERS-CoV. Both the MEVs also carry potential B-cell linear epitope
regions, B-cell discontinuous epitopes as well as interferon-γ-inducing
epitopes. Human β-defensin-2 and β-defensin-3 were used as adjuvants to
enhance the immune response of MEVs. To design the MEVs, short peptide molecular linkers
were utilized to link screened most potential CTL epitopes, HTL epitopes and the
adjuvants. Tertiary models for both the MEVs were generated, refined, and further
studied for their molecular interaction with toll-like receptor 3. The cDNAs of both
MEVs were generated and analyzed in silico for their expression in a mammalian host cell
line (human). Results Screened CTL and HTL epitopes were found to have high propensity for stable molecular
interaction with HLA alleles molecules. CTL epitopes were also found to have favorable
molecular interaction within the cavity of transporter associated with antigen
processing. The selected CTL and HTL epitopes jointly cover upto 94.0% of worldwide
human population. Both the CTL and HTL MEVs molecular models have shown to have stable
binding and complex formation propensity with toll-like receptor 3. The cDNA analysis of
both the MEVs have shown high expression tendency in mammalian host cell line
(human). Conclusion After multistage in silico analysis, both the MEVs are predicted to elicit humoral as
well as cell mediated immune response. Epitopes of the designed MEVs are predicted to
cover large human population worldwide. Hence both the designed MEVs could be tried in
vivo as potential vaccine candidates against MERS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukrit Srivastava
- Department of Biotechnology, Mangalayatan University, Aligarh, India, .,Molecular Medicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India,
| | - Mohit Kamthania
- Department of Biotechnology, Mangalayatan University, Aligarh, India, .,Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Applied Medicines and Research, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Soni Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Mangalayatan University, Aligarh, India,
| | - Ajay K Saxena
- Molecular Medicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India,
| | - Nishi Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Mangalayatan University, Aligarh, India,
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33
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Chu HF, Chen CC, Moses DC, Chen YH, Lin CH, Tsai YC, Chou CY. Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus papain-like protease 2 can be noncompetitively inhibited by 6-thioguanine. Antiviral Res 2018; 158:199-205. [PMID: 30138642 PMCID: PMC7113753 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2018.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a coronavirus (CoV) discovered in the 1970s that infects the intestinal tract of pigs, resulting in diarrhea and vomiting. It can cause extreme dehydration and death in neonatal piglets. In Asia, modified live attenuated vaccines have been used to control PEDV infection in recent years. However, a new strain of PEDV that belongs to genogroup 2a appeared in the USA in 2013 and then quickly spread to Canada and Mexico as well as Asian and European countries. Due to the less effective protective immunity provided by the vaccines against this new strain, it has caused considerable agricultural and economic loss worldwide. The emergence of this new strain increases the importance of understanding PEDV as well as strategies for inhibiting it. Coronaviral proteases, including main proteases and papain-like proteases, are ideal antiviral targets because of their essential roles in viral maturation. Here we provide a first description of the expression, purification and structural characteristics of recombinant PEDV papain-like protease 2, moreover present our finding that 6-thioguanine, a chemotherapeutic drug, in contrast to its competitive inhibition on SARS- and MERS-CoV papain-like proteases, is a noncompetitive inhibitor of PEDV papain-like protease 2. PEDV PL2pro exhibits much higher DUB activity than that of other PLpros in spite of their structural similarities. In contrast to its competitive inhibition on SARS- and MERS-CoV PLpros, 6-thioguanine inhibits PEDV PL2pro allosterically. Putative 6-thioguanine binding site is proposed to render the blocking loop less flexible and therefore disfavor catalysis. 6-thioguanine can be a lead compound for anti-coronaviral drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsu-Feng Chu
- Biomedical Industry Ph.D. Program, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 112, Taiwan; Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Chiao-Che Chen
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - David C Moses
- Department of Chemistry, Tamkang University, Tamsui 251, Taiwan
| | - Yau-Hung Chen
- Department of Chemistry, Tamkang University, Tamsui 251, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Hsiung Lin
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Chieh Tsai
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 112, Taiwan; Probiotic Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Yuan Chou
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 112, Taiwan.
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Narwal M, Singh H, Pratap S, Malik A, Kuhn RJ, Kumar P, Tomar S. Crystal structure of chikungunya virus nsP2 cysteine protease reveals a putative flexible loop blocking its active site. Int J Biol Macromol 2018; 116:451-462. [PMID: 29730006 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2018] [Revised: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), a mosquito-borne pathogenic alphavirus is a growing public health threat. No vaccines or antiviral drug is currently available in the market for chikungunya treatment. nsP2pro, the viral cysteine protease, carries out an essential function of nonstructural polyprotein processing and forms four nonstructural proteins (nsPs) that makes the replication complex, hence constitute a promising drug target. In this study, crystal structure of nsP2pro has been determined at 2.59 Å, which reveals that the protein consists of two subdomains: an N-terminal protease subdomain and a C-terminal methyltransferase subdomain. Structural comparison of CHIKV nsP2pro with structures of other alphavirus nsP2 advances that the substrate binding cleft is present at the interface of two subdomains. Additionally, structure insights revealed that access to the active site and substrate binding cleft is blocked by a flexible interdomain loop in CHIKV nsP2pro. This loop contains His548, the catalytic residue, and Trp549 and Asn547, the residues predicted to bind substrate. Interestingly, mutation of Asn547 leads to three-fold increase in Km confirming that Asn547 plays important role in substrate binding and recognition. This study presents the detailed molecular analysis and signifies the substrate specificity residues of CHIKV nsP2pro, which will be beneficial for structure-based drug design and optimization of CHIKV protease inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manju Narwal
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, 247667, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Harvijay Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, 247667, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Shivendra Pratap
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, 247667, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Anjali Malik
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, 247667, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Richard J Kuhn
- Markey Center for Structural Biology and Purdue Institute for Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Disease, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Pravindra Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, 247667, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Shailly Tomar
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, 247667, Uttarakhand, India.
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35
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Abstract
More than a decade after a Nobel Prize was awarded for the discovery of the ubiquitin-proteasome system and clinical approval of proteasome and ubiquitin E3 ligase inhibitors, first-generation deubiquitylating enzyme (DUB) inhibitors are now approaching clinical trials. However, although our knowledge of the physiological and pathophysiological roles of DUBs has evolved tremendously, the clinical development of selective DUB inhibitors has been challenging. In this Review, we discuss these issues and highlight recent advances in our understanding of DUB enzymology and biology as well as technological improvements that have contributed to the current interest in DUBs as therapeutic targets in diseases ranging from oncology to neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanine A. Harrigan
- Mission Therapeutics Ltd, Moneta, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT UK
| | - Xavier Jacq
- Mission Therapeutics Ltd, Moneta, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT UK
| | - Niall M. Martin
- Mission Therapeutics Ltd, Moneta, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT UK
- Present Address: and Department of Biochemistry, The Wellcome Trust and Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, Tennis Court Road, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1QN UK
- Present address: Artios Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Maia, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK,
| | - Stephen P. Jackson
- Mission Therapeutics Ltd, Moneta, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT UK
- Present Address: and Department of Biochemistry, The Wellcome Trust and Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, Tennis Court Road, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1QN UK
- Present address: Artios Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Maia, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK,
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36
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Lin MH, Moses DC, Hsieh CH, Cheng SC, Chen YH, Sun CY, Chou CY. Disulfiram can inhibit MERS and SARS coronavirus papain-like proteases via different modes. Antiviral Res 2017; 150:155-163. [PMID: 29289665 PMCID: PMC7113793 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2017.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Revised: 11/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) emerged in southern China in late 2002 and caused a global outbreak with a fatality rate around 10% in 2003. Ten years later, a second highly pathogenic human CoV, MERS-CoV, emerged in the Middle East and has spread to other countries in Europe, North Africa, North America and Asia. As of November 2017, MERS-CoV had infected at least 2102 people with a fatality rate of about 35% globally, and hence there is an urgent need to identify antiviral drugs that are active against MERS-CoV. Here we show that a clinically available alcohol-aversive drug, disulfiram, can inhibit the papain-like proteases (PLpros) of MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV. Our findings suggest that disulfiram acts as an allosteric inhibitor of MERS-CoV PLpro but as a competitive (or mixed) inhibitor of SARS-CoV PLpro. The phenomenon of slow-binding inhibition and the irrecoverability of enzyme activity after removing unbound disulfiram indicate covalent inactivation of SARS-CoV PLpro by disulfiram, while synergistic inhibition of MERS-CoV PLpro by disulfiram and 6-thioguanine or mycophenolic acid implies the potential for combination treatments using these three clinically available drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Han Lin
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - David C Moses
- Department of Chemistry, Tamkang University, Tamsui 251, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hua Hsieh
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Chun Cheng
- Department of Nephrology, Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung 204, Taiwan
| | - Yau-Hung Chen
- Department of Chemistry, Tamkang University, Tamsui 251, Taiwan
| | - Chiao-Yin Sun
- Department of Nephrology, Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung 204, Taiwan.
| | - Chi-Yuan Chou
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 112, Taiwan.
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37
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Bailey-Elkin BA, Knaap RCM, Kikkert M, Mark BL. Structure and Function of Viral Deubiquitinating Enzymes. J Mol Biol 2017; 429:3441-3470. [PMID: 28625850 PMCID: PMC7094624 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2017.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Revised: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Post-translational modification of cellular proteins by ubiquitin regulates numerous cellular processes, including innate and adaptive immune responses. Ubiquitin-mediated control over these processes can be reversed by cellular deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs), which remove ubiquitin from cellular targets and depolymerize polyubiquitin chains. The importance of protein ubiquitination to host immunity has been underscored by the discovery of viruses that encode proteases with deubiquitinating activity, many of which have been demonstrated to actively corrupt cellular ubiquitin-dependent processes to suppress innate antiviral responses and promote viral replication. DUBs have now been identified in diverse viral lineages, and their characterization is providing valuable insights into virus biology and the role of the ubiquitin system in host antiviral mechanisms. Here, we provide an overview of the structural biology of these fascinating viral enzymes and their role innate immune evasion and viral replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben A Bailey-Elkin
- Department of Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T2N2, Canada
| | - Robert C M Knaap
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marjolein Kikkert
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Brian L Mark
- Department of Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T2N2, Canada.
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Nsp3 of coronaviruses: Structures and functions of a large multi-domain protein. Antiviral Res 2017; 149:58-74. [PMID: 29128390 PMCID: PMC7113668 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2017.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 423] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Revised: 10/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The multi-domain non-structural protein 3 (Nsp3) is the largest protein encoded by the coronavirus (CoV) genome, with an average molecular mass of about 200 kD. Nsp3 is an essential component of the replication/transcription complex. It comprises various domains, the organization of which differs between CoV genera, due to duplication or absence of some domains. However, eight domains of Nsp3 exist in all known CoVs: the ubiquitin-like domain 1 (Ubl1), the Glu-rich acidic domain (also called “hypervariable region”), a macrodomain (also named “X domain”), the ubiquitin-like domain 2 (Ubl2), the papain-like protease 2 (PL2pro), the Nsp3 ectodomain (3Ecto, also called “zinc-finger domain”), as well as the domains Y1 and CoV-Y of unknown functions. In addition, the two transmembrane regions, TM1 and TM2, exist in all CoVs. The three-dimensional structures of domains in the N-terminal two thirds of Nsp3 have been investigated by X-ray crystallography and/or nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy since the outbreaks of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) in 2003 as well as Middle-East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in 2012. In this review, the structures and functions of these domains of Nsp3 are discussed in depth. Nonstructural protein 3 (∼200 kD) is a multifunctional protein comprising up to 16 different domains and regions. Nsp3 binds to viral RNA, nucleocapsid protein, as well as other viral proteins, and participates in polyprotein processing. The papain-like protease of Nsp3 is an established target for new antivirals. Through its de-ADP-ribosylating, de-ubiquitinating, and de-ISGylating activities, Nsp3 counteracts host innate immunity. Structural data are available for the N-terminal two thirds of Nsp3, but domains in the remainder are poorly characterized.
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39
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Lei J, Hilgenfeld R. RNA-virus proteases counteracting host innate immunity. FEBS Lett 2017; 591:3190-3210. [PMID: 28850669 PMCID: PMC7163997 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.12827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Virus invasion triggers host immune responses, in particular, innate immune responses. Pathogen‐associated molecular patterns of viruses (such as dsRNA, ssRNA, or viral proteins) released during virus replication are detected by the corresponding pattern‐recognition receptors of the host, and innate immune responses are induced. Through production of type‐I and type‐III interferons as well as various other cytokines, the host innate immune system forms the frontline to protect host cells and inhibit virus infection. Not surprisingly, viruses have evolved diverse strategies to counter this antiviral system. In this review, we discuss the multiple strategies used by proteases of positive‐sense single‐stranded RNA viruses of the families Picornaviridae, Coronaviridae, and Flaviviridae, when counteracting host innate immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Lei
- Institute of Biochemistry, Center for Structural and Cell Biology in Medicine, University of Lübeck, Germany
| | - Rolf Hilgenfeld
- Institute of Biochemistry, Center for Structural and Cell Biology in Medicine, University of Lübeck, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg - Lübeck - Borstel - Riems Site, University of Lübeck, Germany
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40
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Subbaram K, Kannan H, Khalil Gatasheh M. Emerging Developments on Pathogenicity, Molecular Virulence, Epidemiology and Clinical Symptoms of Current Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). HAYATI JOURNAL OF BIOSCIENCES 2017; 24:53-56. [PMID: 32288937 PMCID: PMC7104923 DOI: 10.1016/j.hjb.2017.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2017] [Revised: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a recently reported virus that is associated with severe, life threatening and rapidly spreading primarily respiratory illness called the Middle East respiratory syndrome. MERS-CoV possesses a unique positive-sense single-stranded RNA and can undergo rapid mutation in the viral genome. This results in antigenic switching and genetic variation, finally leading to the emergence of novel and new MERS-CoV subtypes which are uncontrollable by vaccines. Researchers are also finding difficulties to sort out therapeutic intervention strategies for MERS-CoV. This virus can spread from human to human, but transmission from dromedary camels to humans plays a crucial epidemiological significance. Dromedary camel acts as “gene mixing vessels” for MERS-CoV and these virus particles undergo rapid change in them. Viral receptors called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 are important receptors for attachment and spread of MERS-CoV in humans. The current method of laboratory confirmation is through real-time polymerase chain reaction on bronchoalveolar lavage, sputum and tracheal aspirates. Unfortunately, till today there are no definite anti-viral drugs available for MERS-CoV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kannan Subbaram
- Department of Preparatory (Biology), Al-Ghad International Colleges for Applied Medical Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hemalatha Kannan
- Department of Laboratory Sciences & Pathology, Jimma University, Ethiopia
| | - Mansour Khalil Gatasheh
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Al-Ghad International Colleges for Applied Medical Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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41
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Rabaan AA, Alahmed SH, Bazzi AM, Alhani HM. A review of candidate therapies for Middle East respiratory syndrome from a molecular perspective. J Med Microbiol 2017; 66:1261-1274. [PMID: 28855003 PMCID: PMC7079582 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.000565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
There have been 2040 laboratory-confirmed cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in 27 countries, with a mortality rate of 34.9 %. There is no specific therapy. The current therapies have mainly been adapted from severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV) treatments, including broad-spectrum antibiotics, corticosteroids, interferons, ribavirin, lopinavir–ritonavir or mycophenolate mofetil, and have not been subject to well-organized clinical trials. The development of specific therapies and vaccines is therefore urgently required. We examine existing and potential therapies and vaccines from a molecular perspective. These include viral S protein targeting; inhibitors of host proteases, including TMPRSS2, cathepsin L and furin protease, and of viral M(pro) and the PL(pro) proteases; convalescent plasma; and vaccine candidates. The Medline database was searched using combinations and variations of terms, including ‘Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus’, ‘MERS-CoV’, ‘SARS’, ‘therapy’, ‘molecular’, ‘vaccine’, ‘prophylactic’, ‘S protein’, ‘DPP4’, ‘heptad repeat’, ‘protease’, ‘inhibitor’, ‘anti-viral’, ‘broad-spectrum’, ‘interferon’, ‘convalescent plasma’, ‘lopinavir ritonavir’, ‘antibodies’, ‘antiviral peptides’ and ‘live attenuated viruses’. There are many options for the development of MERS-CoV-specific therapies. Currently, MERS-CoV is not considered to have pandemic potential. However, the high mortality rate and potential for mutations that could increase transmissibility give urgency to the search for direct, effective therapies. Well-designed and controlled clinical trials are needed, both for existing therapies and for prospective direct therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali A Rabaan
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran 31311, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shamsah H Alahmed
- Specialty Paediatric Medicine, Qatif Central Hospital, Qatif 32654, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali M Bazzi
- Microbiology Laboratory, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran 31311, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hatem M Alhani
- Maternity and Children Hospital, and Directorate of Infection Control at Eastern Province, Ministry of Health, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
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42
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Abuhammad A, Al-Aqtash RA, Anson BJ, Mesecar AD, Taha MO. Computational modeling of the bat HKU4 coronavirus 3CL pro inhibitors as a tool for the development of antivirals against the emerging Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) coronavirus. J Mol Recognit 2017; 30. [PMID: 28608547 PMCID: PMC7166879 DOI: 10.1002/jmr.2644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2017] [Revised: 05/01/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS‐CoV) is an emerging virus that poses a major challenge to clinical management. The 3C‐like protease (3CLpro) is essential for viral replication and thus represents a potential target for antiviral drug development. Presently, very few data are available on MERS‐CoV 3CLpro inhibition by small molecules. We conducted extensive exploration of the pharmacophoric space of a recently identified set of peptidomimetic inhibitors of the bat HKU4‐CoV 3CLpro. HKU4‐CoV 3CLpro shares high sequence identity (81%) with the MERS‐CoV enzyme and thus represents a potential surrogate model for anti‐MERS drug discovery. We used 2 well‐established methods: Quantitative structure‐activity relationship (QSAR)‐guided modeling and docking‐based comparative intermolecular contacts analysis. The established pharmacophore models highlight structural features needed for ligand recognition and revealed important binding‐pocket regions involved in 3CLpro‐ligand interactions. The best models were used as 3D queries to screen the National Cancer Institute database for novel nonpeptidomimetic 3CLpro inhibitors. The identified hits were tested for HKU4‐CoV and MERS‐CoV 3CLpro inhibition. Two hits, which share the phenylsulfonamide fragment, showed moderate inhibitory activity against the MERS‐CoV 3CLpro and represent a potential starting point for the development of novel anti‐MERS agents. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first pharmacophore modeling study supported by in vitro validation on the MERS‐CoV 3CLpro. Highlights MERS‐CoV is an emerging virus that is closely related to the bat HKU4‐CoV. 3CLpro is a potential drug target for coronavirus infection. HKU4‐CoV 3CLpro is a useful surrogate model for the identification of MERS‐CoV 3CLpro enzyme inhibitors. dbCICA is a very robust modeling method for hit identification. The phenylsulfonamide scaffold represents a potential starting point for MERS coronavirus 3CLpro inhibitors development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areej Abuhammad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Rua'a A Al-Aqtash
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Brandon J Anson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Andrew D Mesecar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.,Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.,Centers for Cancer Research & Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Mutasem O Taha
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
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43
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Malik A, Alsenaidy MA. MERS-CoV papain-like protease (PL pro): expression, purification, and spectroscopic/thermodynamic characterization. 3 Biotech 2017; 7:100. [PMID: 28560640 PMCID: PMC5449288 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-017-0744-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Within a decade, MERS-CoV emerged with nearly four times higher case fatality rate than an earlier outbreak of SARS-CoV and spread out in 27 countries in short span of time. As an emerging virus, combating it requires an in-depth understanding of its molecular machinery. Therefore, conformational characterization studies of coronavirus proteins are necessary to advance our knowledge of the matter for the development of antiviral therapies. In this study, MERS-CoV papain-like protease (PLpro) was recombinantly expressed and purified. Thermal folding pathway and thermodynamic properties were characterized using dynamic multimode spectroscopy (DMS) and thermal shift assay. DMS study showed that the PLpro undergoes a single thermal transition and follows a pathway of two-state folding with Tm and van’t Hoff enthalpy values of 54.4 ± 0.1 °C and 317.1 ± 3.9 kJ/mol, respectively. An orthogonal technique based on intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence also showed that MERS-CoV PLpro undergoes a single thermal transition and unfolds via a pathway of two-state folding with a Tm value of 51.4 °C. Our findings provide significant understandings of the thermodynamic and structural properties of MERS-CoV PLpro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajamaluddin Malik
- Department of Biochemistry, Protein Research Chair, College of Science, King Saud University, PO Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mohammad A Alsenaidy
- Vaccines and Biologics Research Unit, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, PO Box 2457, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
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44
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Zhang W, Bailey-Elkin BA, Knaap RCM, Khare B, Dalebout TJ, Johnson GG, van Kasteren PB, McLeish NJ, Gu J, He W, Kikkert M, Mark BL, Sidhu SS. Potent and selective inhibition of pathogenic viruses by engineered ubiquitin variants. PLoS Pathog 2017; 13:e1006372. [PMID: 28542609 PMCID: PMC5451084 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), Ebola and Zika virus outbreaks exemplify the continued threat of (re-)emerging viruses to human health, and our inability to rapidly develop effective therapeutic countermeasures. Many viruses, including MERS-CoV and the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) encode deubiquitinating (DUB) enzymes that are critical for viral replication and pathogenicity. They bind and remove ubiquitin (Ub) and interferon stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) from cellular proteins to suppress host antiviral innate immune responses. A variety of viral DUBs (vDUBs), including the MERS-CoV papain-like protease, are responsible for cleaving the viral replicase polyproteins during replication, and are thereby critical components of the viral replication cycle. Together, this makes vDUBs highly attractive antiviral drug targets. However, structural similarity between the catalytic cores of vDUBs and human DUBs complicates the development of selective small molecule vDUB inhibitors. We have thus developed an alternative strategy to target the vDUB activity through a rational protein design approach. Here, we report the use of phage-displayed ubiquitin variant (UbV) libraries to rapidly identify potent and highly selective protein-based inhibitors targeting the DUB domains of MERS-CoV and CCHFV. UbVs bound the vDUBs with high affinity and specificity to inhibit deubiquitination, deISGylation and in the case of MERS-CoV also viral replicative polyprotein processing. Co-crystallization studies further revealed critical molecular interactions between UbVs and MERS-CoV or CCHFV vDUBs, accounting for the observed binding specificity and high affinity. Finally, expression of UbVs during MERS-CoV infection reduced infectious progeny titers by more than four orders of magnitude, demonstrating the remarkable potency of UbVs as antiviral agents. Our results thereby establish a strategy to produce protein-based inhibitors that could protect against a diverse range of viruses by providing UbVs via mRNA or protein delivery technologies or through transgenic techniques. Emerging viruses pose a tremendous challenge to human health. While vaccine-based approaches are desirable in terms of infection prevention in the longer term, alternative antiviral strategies are needed, especially when providing treatment options for infected patients during acute outbreaks. Here we applied protein engineering technology to target virus-encoded deubiquitinating enzymes of two viruses with significant impact on human health: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV). This resulted in the rapid identification of ubiquitin variant (UbV) inhibitors that bound with high affinity and specificity to the viral deubiquitinating enzymes. These proteins inhibited the catalytic activities of the deubiquitinating enzymes and almost completely blocked MERS-CoV infection. This work provides proof-of-principle that structurally diverse, virus-specific deubiquitinating enzymes can be selectively targeted through rational protein design technology, and therefore opens new avenues for quickly developed molecularly tailored therapy across a broad spectrum of viral pathogens that infect humans, livestock and plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, Banting and Best Department of Medical Research, and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ben A. Bailey-Elkin
- Department of Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Robert C. M. Knaap
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Baldeep Khare
- Department of Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Tim J. Dalebout
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Garrett G. Johnson
- Department of Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Puck B. van Kasteren
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Nigel J. McLeish
- Department of Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Jun Gu
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, Banting and Best Department of Medical Research, and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wenguang He
- Department of Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Marjolein Kikkert
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- * E-mail: (MK); (BLM); (SSS)
| | - Brian L. Mark
- Department of Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- * E-mail: (MK); (BLM); (SSS)
| | - Sachdev S. Sidhu
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, Banting and Best Department of Medical Research, and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- * E-mail: (MK); (BLM); (SSS)
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Rabaan AA, Bazzi AM, Al-Ahmed SH, Al-Tawfiq JA. Molecular aspects of MERS-CoV. Front Med 2017; 11:365-377. [PMID: 28500431 PMCID: PMC7089120 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-017-0521-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a betacoronavirus which can cause acute respiratory distress in humans and is associated with a relatively high mortality rate. Since it was first identified in a patient who died in a Jeddah hospital in 2012, the World Health Organization has been notified of 1735 laboratory-confirmed cases from 27 countries, including 628 deaths. Most cases have occurred in Saudi Arabia. MERS-CoVancestors may be found in OldWorld bats of the Vespertilionidae family. After a proposed bat to camel switching event, transmission of MERS-CoV to humans is likely to have been the result of multiple zoonotic transfers from dromedary camels. Human-to-human transmission appears to require close contact with infected persons, with outbreaks mainly occurring in hospital environments. Outbreaks have been associated with inadequate infection prevention and control implementation, resulting in recommendations on basic and more advanced infection prevention and control measures by the World Health Organization, and issuing of government guidelines based on these recommendations in affected countries including Saudi Arabia. Evolutionary changes in the virus, particularly in the viral spike protein which mediates virus-host cell contact may potentially increase transmission of this virus. Efforts are on-going to identify specific evidence-based therapies or vaccines. The broad-spectrum antiviral nitazoxanide has been shown to have in vitro activity against MERS-CoV. Synthetic peptides and candidate vaccines based on regions of the spike protein have shown promise in rodent and non-human primate models. GLS-5300, a prophylactic DNA-plasmid vaccine encoding S protein, is the first MERS-CoV vaccine to be tested in humans, while monoclonal antibody, m336 has given promising results in animal models and has potential for use in outbreak situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali A Rabaan
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, 31311, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Ali M Bazzi
- Microbiology Laboratory, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, 31311, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shamsah H Al-Ahmed
- Specialty Paediatric Medicine, Qatif Central Hospital, Qatif, 32654, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jaffar A Al-Tawfiq
- Specialty Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, 31311, Saudi Arabia.,University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
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Alfuwaires M, Altaher A, Kandeel M. Molecular Dynamic Studies of Interferon and Innate Immunity Resistance in MERS CoV Non-Structural Protein 3. Biol Pharm Bull 2017; 40:345-351. [PMID: 28250277 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b16-00870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The new emerging Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS CoV) encodes several resistance proteins against the innate immune response of the host, including interferon (IFN) resistance. Monitoring of the status of such proteins will be important to track viral pathogenicity. In this study, molecular dynamics approaches were used to investigate MERS CoV Non-Structural Protein 3 (NSP3) specific proteins that resist host innate immunity. MERS CoV papain-like protease (Plpro) was more conformationally flexible than Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome CoV (SARS) CoV Plpro. This flexibility was evident in either the free form or when bound with ubiquitin. There were marked changes in the root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) in the ubiquitin like domain (Ubl) and the fingers subdomain of the catalytic domain of Plpro. An interesting feature is the dynamic change in Ubl, which shows a rigid conformation in the free form of Plpro but is fully flexible upon the binding of ubiquitin. This increased flexibility could be important for the downstream effects of the interaction with other proteins and the inhibition of the innate immunity. Four major residues involved in deubiquitination, L106, P163, R168 and F265, were conserved in all MERS CoVs and differed from other Beta CoVs. These conserved CoV residues were associated with lower deubiquitinating activity and render MERS CoV Plpro with less potent deubiquitinating potential. The number of residues and total interactions with ubiquitin were lower for the MERS CoV Plpro than for the SARS CoV. These factors contribute to the lower deubiquitinating actions of MERS CoV NSP3 and its subsequently lower interaction with the host immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manal Alfuwaires
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, King Faisal University
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Clasman JR, Báez-Santos YM, Mettelman RC, O’Brien A, Baker SC, Mesecar AD. X-ray Structure and Enzymatic Activity Profile of a Core Papain-like Protease of MERS Coronavirus with utility for structure-based drug design. Sci Rep 2017; 7:40292. [PMID: 28079137 PMCID: PMC5228125 DOI: 10.1038/srep40292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin-like domain 2 (Ubl2) is immediately adjacent to the N-terminus of the papain-like protease (PLpro) domain in coronavirus polyproteins, and it may play a critical role in protease regulation and stability as well as in viral infection. However, our recent cellular studies reveal that removing the Ubl2 domain from MERS PLpro has no effect on its ability to process the viral polyprotein or act as an interferon antagonist, which involves deubiquitinating and deISGylating cellular proteins. Here, we test the hypothesis that the Ubl2 domain is not required for the catalytic function of MERS PLpro in vitro. The X-ray structure of MERS PLpro-∆Ubl2 was determined to 1.9 Å and compared to PLpro containing the N-terminal Ubl2 domain. While the structures were nearly identical, the PLpro-∆Ubl2 enzyme revealed the intact structure of the substrate-binding loop. Moreover, PLpro-∆Ubl2 catalysis against different substrates and a purported inhibitor revealed no differences in catalytic efficiency, substrate specificity, and inhibition. Further, no changes in thermal stability were observed between enzymes. We conclude that the catalytic core of MERS PLpro, i.e. without the Ubl2 domain, is sufficient for catalysis and stability in vitro with utility to evaluate potential inhibitors as a platform for structure-based drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jozlyn R. Clasman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | | | - Robert C. Mettelman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Amornrat O’Brien
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Susan C. Baker
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Andrew D. Mesecar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
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Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV): Impact on Saudi Arabia, 2015. Saudi J Biol Sci 2016; 25:1402-1405. [PMID: 30505188 PMCID: PMC6252006 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2016.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Revised: 09/25/2016] [Accepted: 09/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Middle East respiratory syndrome is the acute respiratory syndrome caused by betacoronavirus MERS-CoV. The first case of this disease was reported from Saudi Arabia in 2012. This virus is lethal and is a close relative of a severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), which is responsible for more than 3000 deaths in 2002-2003. According to Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia. The number of new cases is 457 in 2015. Riyadh has the highest number of reports in comparison to the other cities. According to this report, males are more susceptible than female, especially after the age of 40. Because of the awareness and early diagnosis the incidence is falling gradually. The pre-existence of another disease like cancer or diabetic etc. boosts the infection. MERS is a zoonotic disease and human to human transmission is low. The MERS-CoV is a RNA virus with protein envelope. On the outer surface, virus has spike like glycoprotein which is responsible for the attachment and entrance inside host cells. There is no specific treatment for the MERS-CoV till now, but drugs are in pipeline which bind with the spike glycoprotein and inhibit its entrance host cells. MERS-CoV and SAR-CoV are from the same genus, so it was thought that the drugs which inhibit the growth of SARS-CoV can also inhibit the growth of MERS-CoV but those drugs are not completely inhibiting virus activity. Until we don't have proper structure and the treatment of MERS-CoV, We should take precautions, especially the health care workers, Camel owners and Pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah, because they are at a higher risk of getting infected.
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p53 down-regulates SARS coronavirus replication and is targeted by the SARS-unique domain and PLpro via E3 ubiquitin ligase RCHY1. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:E5192-201. [PMID: 27519799 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1603435113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Highly pathogenic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) has developed strategies to inhibit host immune recognition. We identify cellular E3 ubiquitin ligase ring-finger and CHY zinc-finger domain-containing 1 (RCHY1) as an interacting partner of the viral SARS-unique domain (SUD) and papain-like protease (PL(pro)), and, as a consequence, the involvement of cellular p53 as antagonist of coronaviral replication. Residues 95-144 of RCHY1 and 389-652 of SUD (SUD-NM) subdomains are crucial for interaction. Association with SUD increases the stability of RCHY1 and augments RCHY1-mediated ubiquitination as well as degradation of p53. The calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II delta (CAMK2D), which normally influences RCHY1 stability by phosphorylation, also binds to SUD. In vivo phosphorylation shows that SUD does not regulate phosphorylation of RCHY1 via CAMK2D. Similarly to SUD, the PL(pro)s from SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and HCoV-NL63 physically interact with and stabilize RCHY1, and thus trigger degradation of endogenous p53. The SARS-CoV papain-like protease is encoded next to SUD within nonstructural protein 3. A SUD-PL(pro) fusion interacts with RCHY1 more intensively and causes stronger p53 degradation than SARS-CoV PL(pro) alone. We show that p53 inhibits replication of infectious SARS-CoV as well as of replicons and human coronavirus NL63. Hence, human coronaviruses antagonize the viral inhibitor p53 via stabilizing RCHY1 and promoting RCHY1-mediated p53 degradation. SUD functions as an enhancer to strengthen interaction between RCHY1 and nonstructural protein 3, leading to a further increase in in p53 degradation. The significance of these findings is that down-regulation of p53 as a major player in antiviral innate immunity provides a long-sought explanation for delayed activities of respective genes.
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Allosteric Activation of Ubiquitin-Specific Proteases by β-Propeller Proteins UAF1 and WDR20. Mol Cell 2016; 63:249-260. [PMID: 27373336 PMCID: PMC4958508 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2016.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Revised: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Ubiquitin-specific proteases (USPs) constitute the largest family of deubiquitinating enzymes, whose catalytic competency is often modulated by their binding partners through unknown mechanisms. Here we report on a series of crystallographic and biochemical analyses of an evolutionarily conserved deubiquitinase, USP12, which is activated by two β-propeller proteins, UAF1 and WDR20. Our structures reveal that UAF1 and WDR20 interact with USP12 at two distinct sites far from its catalytic center. Without increasing the substrate affinity of USP12, the two β-propeller proteins potentiate the enzyme through different allosteric mechanisms. UAF1 docks at the distal end of the USP12 Fingers domain and induces a cascade of structural changes that reach a critical ubiquitin-contacting loop adjacent to the catalytic cleft. By contrast, WDR20 anchors at the base of this loop and remotely modulates the catalytic center of the enzyme. Our results provide a mechanistic example for allosteric activation of USPs by their regulatory partners.
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