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Monday LM, Keri V, Chandrasekar PH. Advances in pharmacotherapies for cytomegalovirus infection: what is the current state of play? Expert Opin Pharmacother 2024; 25:685-694. [PMID: 38717943 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2024.2353627] [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: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cytomegalovirus (CMV) remains a serious opportunistic infection in hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) and solid-organ transplant (SOT) recipients. Traditional anti-CMV drugs are limited by toxicities and the development of resistance. Letermovir and maribavir are newly approved antivirals for the prevention and treatment of CMV. AREAS COVERED Prior reviews have discussed use of letermovir for prevention of CMV after HCT and maribavir for resistant or refractory (R/R) CMV post HCT or SOT. Subsequent data have expanded their use including letermovir for primary CMV prophylaxis in high-risk renal transplant recipients and new recommendations for extending prophylaxis through day + 200 in certain HCT patients. Data on the use of maribavir for first asymptomatic CMV infection post-HCT has also been published. This review compares the pharmacology of anti-CMV agents and discusses the updated literature of these new drugs in the prevention and treatment of CMV. EXPERT OPINION Letermovir and maribavir are much needed tools that spare toxicities of ganciclovir, foscarnet, and cidofovir. High cost is a challenge preventing their integration into clinical practice in resource-limited countries. Transplant centers need to exercise restraint in overuse to avoid resistance, particularly in the setting of high viral loads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea M Monday
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Vishakh Keri
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
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2
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Liu JY, Sayes CM. Modeling mixtures interactions in environmental toxicology. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 106:104380. [PMID: 38309542 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2024.104380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
In the environment, organisms are exposed to mixtures of different toxicants, which may interact in ways that are difficult to predict when only considering each component individually. Adapting and expanding tools from pharmacology, the toxicology field uses analytical, graphical, and computational methods to identify and quantify interactions in multi-component mixtures. The two general frameworks are concentration addition, where components have similar modes of action and their effects sum together, or independent action, where components have dissimilar modes of action and do not interact. Other interaction behaviors include synergism and antagonism, where the combined effects are more or less than the additive sum of individual effects. This review covers foundational theory, methods, an in-depth survey of original research from the past 20 years, current trends, and future directions. As humans and ecosystems are exposed to increasingly complex mixtures of environmental contaminants, analyzing mixtures interactions will continue to become a more critical aspect of toxicological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Y Liu
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Christie M Sayes
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA.
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Suarez D, Kjar A, Scott B, Hillam K, Vargis E, Nielson C, Sommer E, Zhang E, Holley A, Traxler A, Hughes M, Wang Y, Firpo MA, Britt D, Park AH. Can Ganciclovir and Quercetin-P188 Ameliorate Cytomegalovirus Induced Hearing Loss? Laryngoscope 2024; 134:1457-1463. [PMID: 37589298 DOI: 10.1002/lary.30975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Determine whether combination therapy with ganciclovir (GCV) and a Quercetin-P188 solution improves hearing outcomes in a murine cytomegalovirus (CMV) model. METHODS BALB/c mice were infected with murine CMV on postnatal day 3 (p3). Quercetin was solubilized in saline using P188 (QP188). Treatment groups received either GCV, QP188, GCV and QP188, or P188 delivery vehicle BID at 12-hour intervals via intraperitoneal injection. All treatment groups were treated for 14 days starting at p3. Uninfected controls were treated with the combined regimen, saline or P188 delivery vehicle. Auditory thresholds were assessed using distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) and auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing at 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age. Temporal bones from separate CMV-infected groups were harvested at p10, and viral load was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS CMV-infected mice receiving combination therapy GCV+QP188 demonstrated statistically significant lower ABR (p < 0.001) and DPOAE thresholds (p < 0.001) compared with mice treated with GCV monotherapy, QP188 monotherapy, and P188 delivery vehicle at 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age. GCV+QP188 combination therapy, GCV monotherapy, and QP188 monotherapy resulted in a nonsignificant reduction in mean viral titers compared to P188 monotherapy (p = 0.08). CONCLUSION Combining GCV with the excipients quercetin and P188 effectively ameliorated CMV-induced sensorineural hearing loss in a murine model. This result may be partially explained by a reduction in viral titers in mouse temporal bones that correlate with in vitro studies demonstrating additive antiviral effect in cell culture. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE NA Laryngoscope, 134:1457-1463, 2024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Suarez
- Division of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Primary Children's Medical Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A
| | - Andrew Kjar
- Department of Biological Engineering, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, U.S.A
| | - Boston Scott
- Division of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Primary Children's Medical Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A
| | - Katrina Hillam
- Division of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Primary Children's Medical Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A
| | - Elizabeth Vargis
- Department of Biological Engineering, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, U.S.A
| | - Christopher Nielson
- Division of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Primary Children's Medical Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A
| | - Elizabeth Sommer
- Division of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Primary Children's Medical Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A
| | - Emily Zhang
- Division of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Primary Children's Medical Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A
| | - Anna Holley
- Division of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Primary Children's Medical Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A
| | - Abigail Traxler
- Division of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Primary Children's Medical Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A
| | - Maura Hughes
- Division of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Primary Children's Medical Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A
| | - Yong Wang
- Division of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Primary Children's Medical Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A
| | - Matthew A Firpo
- Division of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Primary Children's Medical Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A
| | - David Britt
- Department of Biological Engineering, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, U.S.A
| | - Albert H Park
- Division of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Primary Children's Medical Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A
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Piret J, Boivin G. Management of Cytomegalovirus Infections in the Era of the Novel Antiviral Players, Letermovir and Maribavir. Infect Dis Rep 2024; 16:65-82. [PMID: 38247977 PMCID: PMC10801527 DOI: 10.3390/idr16010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections may increase morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. Until recently, standard antiviral drugs against CMV were limited to viral DNA polymerase inhibitors (val)ganciclovir, foscarnet and cidofovir with a risk for cross-resistance. These drugs may also cause serious side effects. This narrative review provides an update on new antiviral agents that were approved for the prevention and treatment of CMV infections in transplant recipients. Letermovir was approved in 2017 for CMV prophylaxis in CMV-seropositive adults who received an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Maribavir followed four years later, with an indication in the treatment of adult and pediatric transplant patients with refractory/resistant CMV disease. The target of letermovir is the CMV terminase complex (constituted of pUL56, pUL89 and pUL51 subunits). Letermovir prevents the cleavage of viral DNA and its packaging into capsids. Maribavir is a pUL97 kinase inhibitor, which interferes with the assembly of capsids and the egress of virions from the nucleus. Both drugs have activity against most CMV strains resistant to standard drugs and exhibit favorable safety profiles. However, high-level resistance mutations may arise more rapidly in the UL56 gene under letermovir than low-grade resistance mutations. Some mutations emerging in the UL97 gene under maribavir can be cross-resistant with ganciclovir. Thus, letermovir and maribavir now extend the drug arsenal available for the management of CMV infections and their respective niches are currently defined.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Guy Boivin
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie, CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada;
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Gourin C, Alain S, Hantz S. Anti-CMV therapy, what next? A systematic review. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1321116. [PMID: 38053548 PMCID: PMC10694278 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1321116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is one of the main causes of serious complications in immunocompromised patients and after congenital infection. There are currently drugs available to treat HCMV infection, targeting viral polymerase, whose use is complicated by toxicity and the emergence of resistance. Maribavir and letermovir are the latest antivirals to have been developed with other targets. The approval of letermovir represents an important innovation for CMV prevention in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients, whereas maribavir allowed improving the management of refractory or resistant infections in transplant recipients. However, in case of multidrug resistance or for the prevention and treatment of congenital CMV infection, finding new antivirals or molecules able to inhibit CMV replication with the lowest toxicity remains a critical need. This review presents a range of molecules known to be effective against HCMV. Molecules with a direct action against HCMV include brincidofovir, cyclopropavir and anti-terminase benzimidazole analogs. Artemisinin derivatives, quercetin and baicalein, and anti-cyclooxygenase-2 are derived from natural molecules and are generally used for different indications. Although they have demonstrated indirect anti-CMV activity, few clinical studies were performed with these compounds. Immunomodulating molecules such as leflunomide and everolimus have also demonstrated indirect antiviral activity against HCMV and could be an interesting complement to antiviral therapy. The efficacy of anti-CMV immunoglobulins are discussed in CMV congenital infection and in association with direct antiviral therapy in heart transplanted patients. All molecules are described, with their mode of action against HCMV, preclinical tests, clinical studies and possible resistance. All these molecules have shown anti-HCMV potential as monotherapy or in combination with others. These new approaches could be interesting to validate in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Gourin
- INSERM, CHU Limoges, University of Limoges, RESINFIT, Limoges, France
| | - Sophie Alain
- INSERM, CHU Limoges, University of Limoges, RESINFIT, Limoges, France
- CHU Limoges, Laboratoire de Bactériologie-Virologie-Hygiène, National Reference Center for Herpesviruses, Limoges, France
| | - Sébastien Hantz
- INSERM, CHU Limoges, University of Limoges, RESINFIT, Limoges, France
- CHU Limoges, Laboratoire de Bactériologie-Virologie-Hygiène, National Reference Center for Herpesviruses, Limoges, France
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6
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Demin MV, Tikhomirov DS, Tupoleva TA, Filatov FP. [Resistance to antiviral drugs in human viruses from the subfamily Betaherpesvirinae]. Vopr Virusol 2022; 67:285-294. [PMID: 36515284 DOI: 10.36233/0507-4088-136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
The review provides information on the mechanisms of the emergence of resistance to antiviral drugs in human viruses from the subfamily Betaherpesvirinae. Data on the principles of action of antiviral drugs and their characteristics are given. The occurrence rates of viral resistance in various groups of patients is described and information about the possible consequences of the emergence of resistance to antiviral drugs is given. Information is provided regarding the virus genes in which mutations occur that lead to viral resistance, and a list of such mutations that have described so far is given. The significance of the study of mutations leading to the resistance of the virus to antiviral drugs for medical practice is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M V Demin
- National Medical Research Center of Hematology of the Ministry of Health of Russia
| | - D S Tikhomirov
- National Medical Research Center of Hematology of the Ministry of Health of Russia
| | - T A Tupoleva
- National Medical Research Center of Hematology of the Ministry of Health of Russia
| | - F P Filatov
- I.I. Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Serums of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia.,National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology named after Honorary Academician N.F. Gamaleya of the Ministry of Health of Russia
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7
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Kjar A, Wadsworth I, Vargis E, Britt DW. Poloxamer 188 - quercetin formulations amplify in vitro ganciclovir antiviral activity against cytomegalovirus. Antiviral Res 2022; 204:105362. [PMID: 35709898 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2022.105362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Treatment of human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection requires long-term administration of nucleoside analog antivirals such as ganciclovir (GCV), a therapy frequently limited by GCV-induced toxicity. Here, combining GCV treatment with two bioactive excipients, poloxamer 188 and quercetin, was investigated in vitro to reduce GCV dosage. Quercetin is a natural flavonoid exhibiting antiviral activity against CMV by a mechanism distinct from GCV, but is poorly soluble, limiting its use as a therapeutic. To overcome this challenge, quercetin was co-formulated with poloxamer 188 (P188, Pluronic ® F68). Quercetin-P188 (QP188) formulations yielded only modest CMV viral inhibition, with a selectivity index of 11.4, contrasted with a GCV selectivity index of 95. More significantly, when coadministered with GCV, QP188 exhibited an additive or synergistic interaction in subtherapeutic ranges of GCV. Fluorescence microscopy revealed QP188 accumulation in fibroblast mitochondria, suggesting that the excipient may modulate mitochondrial processes relevant to CMV infection. GCV antiviral therapy augmented with poloxamer-solubilized quercetin may be a viable approach to maintain CMV inhibition while lowering GCV doses, translating to reduced associated toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Kjar
- Biological Engineering Department, Utah State University, Logan Utah, 84325, USA
| | - Ian Wadsworth
- Biological Engineering Department, Utah State University, Logan Utah, 84325, USA
| | - Elizabeth Vargis
- Biological Engineering Department, Utah State University, Logan Utah, 84325, USA.
| | - David W Britt
- Biological Engineering Department, Utah State University, Logan Utah, 84325, USA.
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8
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In-depth summary over cytomegalovirus infection in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients. Virusdisease 2021; 32:422-434. [PMID: 34631973 DOI: 10.1007/s13337-021-00728-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we reviewed various aspects of cytomegalovirus infection, including pathophysiology, diagnosis methods, and antiviral treatments. Background: Infections continue to be a major reason of complications like high non-relapse morbidity and mortality rate after allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Cytomegalovirus is the most common infection in immunocompromised patients or those with graft-versus-host disease. The Latent-cytomegalovirus disease could increase the risk of reactivation in allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients and lead to profound adverse effects on transplantation outcomes. Cytomegalovirus-specific CD4 + and CD8 + T cells reconstitution is crucial for protection against the virus reactivation. Different prophylactic, pre-emptive, and therapeutic anti-viral drugs are available to prevent cytomegalovirus infection/reactivation and treat resistant infections. Conclusion: Although there has been introduced various CMV antiviral treatment strategies like antiviral drugs, Vaccination, passive immunotherapies and adoptive transfer of CMV-specific T cells, further clinical trials are required to approve current therapies.
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Imlay HN, Kaul DR. Letermovir and Maribavir for the Treatment and Prevention of Cytomegalovirus Infection in Solid Organ and Stem Cell Transplant Recipients. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 73:156-160. [PMID: 33197929 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa1713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Until recently, available drugs for cytomegalovirus (CMV) prevention and treatment in transplant patients included (val)ganciclovir, foscarnet, and cidofovir. Use of these drugs is limited by toxicity and the development of resistance. The 2017 approval of letermovir for prevention of CMV after stem cell transplant marked the first approval of an anti-CMV agent since 2003. The role of letermovir in treatment of established CMV infection or disease remains largely unstudied, although early reports suggest that a low barrier to resistance will likely limit efficacy as primary therapy for patients with refractory or resistant disease. The investigational agent maribavir has shown promise as preemptive treatment; in patients with refractory or resistant disease the emergence of resistance while on treatment has been observed and ongoing studies will define efficacy in this population. Both agents have unique mechanisms of action limiting cross resistance, and neither exhibit myelotoxicity or nephrotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah N Imlay
- University of Utah, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Daniel R Kaul
- University of Michigan, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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10
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Recent studies of nitrogen containing heterocyclic compounds as novel antiviral agents: A review. Bioorg Chem 2021; 114:105076. [PMID: 34157555 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
N-heterocycles are important, not only because of their abundance, but above all because of their chemical, biological and technical significance. They play an important role in biological investigation such as anticancer, antiinflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-tumor, antidiabetic, etc. In this study, we focused on examining synthesized some 5- or 6-ring N-heterocyclic compounds that showed the antiviral activity in last 5 years, and investigation of these compounds structure-activity relationship studies. This review will be useful to scientists in research fields of organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, and pharmacology.
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Gao Y, Cao J, Xing P, Altmeyer R, Zhang Y. Evaluation of Small Molecule Combinations against Respiratory Syncytial Virus In Vitro. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26092607. [PMID: 33946996 PMCID: PMC8125180 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26092607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major pathogen that causes severe lower respiratory tract infection in infants, the elderly and the immunocompromised worldwide. At present no approved specific drugs or vaccines are available to treat this pathogen. Recently, several promising candidates targeting RSV entry and multiplication steps are under investigation. However, it is possible to lead to drug resistance under the long-term treatment. Therapeutic combinations constitute an alternative to prevent resistance and reduce antiviral doses. Therefore, we tested in vitro two-drug combinations of fusion inhibitors (GS5806, Ziresovir and BMS433771) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase complex (RdRp) inhibitors (ALS8176, RSV604, and Cyclopamine). The statistical program MacSynergy II was employed to determine synergism, additivity or antagonism between drugs. From the result, we found that combinations of ALS8176 and Ziresovir or GS5806 exhibit additive effects against RSV in vitro, with interaction volume of 50 µM2% and 31 µM2% at 95% confidence interval, respectively. On the other hand, all combinations between fusion inhibitors showed antagonistic effects against RSV in vitro, with volume of antagonism ranging from −50 µM2 % to −176 µM2 % at 95% confidence interval. Over all, our results suggest the potentially therapeutic combinations in combating RSV in vitro could be considered for further animal and clinical evaluations.
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12
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Piret J, Boivin G. Antiviral Drugs Against Herpesviruses. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1322:1-30. [PMID: 34258735 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-16-0267-2_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of the nucleoside analogue, acyclovir, represented a milestone in the management of infections caused by herpes simplex virus and varicella-zoster virus. Ganciclovir, another nucleoside analogue, was then used for the management of systemic and organ-specific human cytomegalovirus diseases. The pyrophosphate analogue, foscarnet, and the nucleotide analogue, cidofovir, have been approved subsequently and constitute the second-line antiviral drugs. However, the viral DNA polymerase is the ultimate target of all these antiviral agents with a possible emergence of cross-resistance between these drugs. Recently, letermovir that targets the viral terminase complex was approved for the prophylaxis of human cytomegalovirus infections in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. Other viral targets such as the protein kinase and the helicase-primase complex are also evaluated for the development of novel potent inhibitors against herpesviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Guy Boivin
- CHU de Québec-Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada.
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13
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Abstract
Purpose of Review CMV DNA polymerase inhibitors such as ganciclovir and foscarnet have dramatically reduced the burden of CMV infection in the HCT recipient. However, their use is often limited by toxicities and resistance. Agents with novel mechanisms and favorable toxicity profiles are critically needed. We review recent developments in CMV antivirals and immune-based approaches to mitigating CMV infection. Recent Findings Letermovir, an inhibitor of the CMV terminase complex, was approved in 2017 for primary CMV prophylaxis in adult seropositive allogeneic HCT recipients. Maribavir, an inhibitor of the CMV UL97 kinase, is currently in two phase 3 treatment studies. Adoptive immunotherapy using third-party T cells has proven safe and effective in preliminary studies. Vaccine development continues, with several promising candidates currently under study. Summary No longer limited to DNA polymerase inhibitors, the prevention and treatment of CMV infections in the HCT recipient is a rapidly evolving field which should translate into improvements in CMV-related outcomes.
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A Fine Balance: Using Letermovir for Salvage Antiviral Treatment While Preserving Efficacy. Transplantation 2020; 104:240-241. [PMID: 31356579 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000002885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common infection after organ transplant. In addition to causing a viral syndrome and infection, it also increases the risk for complications in the organ transplant, along with higher overall morbidity and mortality. Prevention and ideal treatment of CMV is paramount for optimal outcomes, both for individuals as well as for transplant programs. New guidelines and novel therapies are changing the way we manage disease. RECENT FINDINGS Several new antiviral agents have emerged in recent times, including letermovir, maribavir, and brincidofovir, enhancing our ability to prevent and treat CMV. Recent data on novel agents will be reviewed, with an emphasis on recent guidelines and best practices. SUMMARY Optimal treatment, influenced by recent advances in the field, including management of resistant virus, results in better outcomes with this significant and virulent virus.
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Oiknine-Djian E, Bar-On S, Laskov I, Lantsberg D, Haynes RK, Panet A, Wolf DG. Artemisone demonstrates synergistic antiviral activity in combination with approved and experimental drugs active against human cytomegalovirus. Antiviral Res 2019; 172:104639. [PMID: 31654672 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2019.104639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
We have recently shown that the artemisinin derivative artemisone, which was screened against malaria in human clinical studies, is a potent inhibitor of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). Here we evaluated the antiviral effect of artemisone when employed in 2-drug combinations with approved and experimental anti-HCMV agents. Using the Chou-Talalay method, we found that in-vitro combination of artemisone with cidofovir, brincidofovir, or with the HCMV UL97 inhibitor maribavir resulted in antiviral synergism and the combination of artemisone with ganciclovir or with the viral terminase inhibitors letermovir and BDCRB resulted in moderate synergism. Importantly, the combination of artemisone with maribavir demonstrated synergistic antiviral activity ex-vivo, in a clinically-relevant multicellular model of human placental tissues maintained in organ culture. Our findings provide the basis for the use of artemisone in synergistically acting drug combinations, to enhance viral control and reduce antiviral drug toxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Oiknine-Djian
- Clinical Virology Unit, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel; Department of Biochemistry and the Chanock Center for Virology, IMRIC, The Hebrew University Faculty of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel; The Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology, IMRIC, The Hebrew University, Israel
| | - Shikma Bar-On
- Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, The Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ido Laskov
- Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, The Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Daniel Lantsberg
- Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, The Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Richard K Haynes
- Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Amos Panet
- Department of Biochemistry and the Chanock Center for Virology, IMRIC, The Hebrew University Faculty of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Dana G Wolf
- Clinical Virology Unit, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel; The Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology, IMRIC, The Hebrew University, Israel.
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17
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El Helou G, Razonable RR. Safety considerations with current and emerging antiviral therapies for cytomegalovirus infection in transplantation. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2019; 18:1017-1030. [PMID: 31478398 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2019.1662787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a major contributor of morbidity and mortality, and its management is essential for the successful outcome of solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Areas covered: This review discusses the safety profiles of currently available and emerging antiviral drugs and the other strategies for HCMV prevention and treatment after transplantation. Expert opinion: Strategies for management of HCMV rely largely on the use of antiviral agents that inhibit viral DNA polymerase (ganciclovir/valganciclovir, foscarnet, and cidofovir/brincidofovir) and viral terminase complex (letermovir), with different types and degrees of adverse effects. An investigational agent, maribavir, exerts its anti-CMV effect through UL97 inhibition, and its safety profile is under clinical evaluation. In choosing the antiviral medication to use, it is important to consider these safety profiles in addition to overall efficacy. In addition to antiviral drugs, reduction of immunosuppression is often generally needed in the management of HCMV infection, but with a potential risk of allograft rejection or graft-versus-host disease. The use of HCMV-specific or non-specific intravenous immunoglobulins remains debated, while adoptive HCMV-specific T cell therapy remains investigational, and associated with unique set of adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy El Helou
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, and William J von Liebig Center for Transplantation and Clinical Regeneration, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science , Rochester , MN , USA
| | - Raymund R Razonable
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, and William J von Liebig Center for Transplantation and Clinical Regeneration, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science , Rochester , MN , USA
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18
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Rechenchoski DZ, Samensari NL, Faccin-Galhardi LC, de Almeida RR, Cunha AP, Ricardo NMPS, Nozawa C, Linhares REC. The Combination of Dimorphandra gardneriana Galactomannan and Mangiferin Inhibits Herpes Simplex and Poliovirus. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2019; 20:215-221. [PMID: 30848197 DOI: 10.2174/1389201020666190307130431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Herpes simplex virus (HSV) and poliovirus (PV) are both agents of major concern in the public health system. It has been shown that Dimorphandra gardneriana galactomannans can be used as solubilizer vehicles in the manufacturing of medicine. Mangiferin is the major constituent of Mangifera indica and presents multiple medicinal and biological activities. OBJECTIVE This study assayed the effect of D. gardneriana galactomannan combined with mangiferin (DgGmM) against HSV-1 and PV-1. METHODS The DgGmM cytotoxicity was evaluated by the colorimetric MTT method and the antiviral activity by plaque reduction assay, immunofluorescence and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), in HEp-2 cells. RESULTS The DgGmM showed a 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) > 2000 µg/mL. The 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50) for HSV-1 and PV-1 were, respectively, 287.5 µg/mL and 206.2 µg/mL, with selectivity indexes (SI) > 6.95 for the former and > 9.69 for the latter. The DgGmM time-ofaddition protocol for HSV-1 showed a maximum inhibition at 500 µg/mL, when added concomitantly to infection and at the time 1 h post-infection (pi). While for PV-1, for the same protocol, the greatest inhibition, was also observed concomitantly to infection at 500 μg/mL and at the times 4 h and 8 h pi. The inhibition was also demonstrated by the decrease of fluorescent cells and/or the inhibition of specific viral genome. CONCLUSION These results suggested that the DgGmM inhibited HSV-1 and PV-1 replication, with low cytotoxicity and high selectivity and, therefore, represents a potential candidate for further studies on the control of herpes and polio infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Z Rechenchoski
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, CEP 86051-990, Londrina, Parana, Brazil
| | - Nayara L Samensari
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, CEP 86051-990, Londrina, Parana, Brazil
| | - Ligia C Faccin-Galhardi
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, CEP 86051-990, Londrina, Parana, Brazil
| | - Raimundo R de Almeida
- Departamento de Quimica Organica e Inorganica, Universidade Federal do Ceara, CEP 60020-181, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil
| | - Arcelina P Cunha
- Departamento de Quimica Organica e Inorganica, Universidade Federal do Ceara, CEP 60020-181, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil
| | - Nágila M P S Ricardo
- Departamento de Quimica Organica e Inorganica, Universidade Federal do Ceara, CEP 60020-181, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil
| | - Carlos Nozawa
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, CEP 86051-990, Londrina, Parana, Brazil
| | - Rosa E C Linhares
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, CEP 86051-990, Londrina, Parana, Brazil
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19
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Piret J, Boivin G. Clinical development of letermovir and maribavir: Overview of human cytomegalovirus drug resistance. Antiviral Res 2019; 163:91-105. [PMID: 30690043 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2019.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The prevention and treatment of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infections is based on the use of antiviral agents that currently target the viral DNA polymerase and that may cause serious side effects. The search for novel inhibitors against HCMV infection led to the discovery of new molecular targets, the viral terminase complex and the viral pUL97 kinase. The most advanced compounds consist of letermovir (LMV) and maribavir (MBV). LMV inhibits the cleavage of viral DNA and its packaging into capsids by targeting the HCMV terminase complex. LMV is safe and well tolerated and exhibits pharmacokinetic properties that allow once daily dosing. LMV showed efficacy in a phase III prophylaxis study in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients seropositive for HCMV. LMV was recently approved under the trade name Prevymis™ for prophylaxis of HCMV infection in adult seropositive recipients of an allogeneic HSCT. Amino acid substitutions conferring resistance to LMV selected in vitro map primarily to the pUL56 and rarely to the pUL89 and pUL51 subunits of the HCMV terminase complex. MBV is an inhibitor of the viral pUL97 kinase activity and interferes with the morphogenesis and nuclear egress of nascent viral particles. MBV is safe and well tolerated and has an excellent oral bioavailability. MBV was effective for the treatment of HCMV infections (including those that are refractory or drug-resistant) in transplant recipients in two phase II studies and is further evaluated in two phase III trials. Mutations conferring resistance to MBV map to the UL97 gene and can cause cross-resistance to ganciclovir. MBV-resistant mutations also emerged in the UL27 gene in vitro and could compensate for the inhibition of pUL97 kinase activity by MBV. Thus, LMV and probably MBV will broaden the armamentarium of antiviral drugs available for the prevention and treatment of HCMV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyne Piret
- Research Center in Infectious Diseases, CHU of Quebec and Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Guy Boivin
- Research Center in Infectious Diseases, CHU of Quebec and Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada.
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20
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Gentry BG, Bogner E, Drach JC. Targeting the terminase: An important step forward in the treatment and prophylaxis of human cytomegalovirus infections. Antiviral Res 2018; 161:116-124. [PMID: 30472161 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2018.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
A key step in the replication of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in the host cell is the generation and packaging of unit-length genomes into preformed capsids. Enzymes required for this process are so-called terminases, first described for double-stranded DNA bacteriophages. The HCMV terminase consists of the two subunits, the ATPase pUL56 and the nuclease pUL89, and a potential third component pUL51. The terminase subunits are essential for virus replication and are highly conserved throughout the Herpesviridae family. Together with the portal protein pUL104 they form a powerful biological nanomotor. It has been shown for tailed dsDNA bacteriophages that DNA translocation into preformed capsid needs an extraordinary amount of energy. The HCMV terminase subunit pUL56 provides the required ATP hydrolyzing activity. The necessary nuclease activity to cleave the concatemers into unit-length genomes is mediated by the terminase subunit pUL89. Whether this cleavage is mediated by site-specific duplex nicking has not been demonstrated, however, it is required for packaging. Binding to the portal is a prerequisite for DNA translocation. To date, it is a common view that during translocation the terminase moves along some domains of the DNA by a binding and release mechanism. These critical structures have proven to be outstanding targets for drugs to treat HCMV infections because corresponding structures do not exist in mammalian cells. Herein we examine the HCMV terminase as a target for drugs and review several inhibitors discovered by both lead-directed medicinal chemistry and by target-specific design. In addition to producing clinically active compounds the research also has furthered the understanding of the role and function of the terminase itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian G Gentry
- Drake University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2507 University Ave., Des Moines, 50311, IA, USA.
| | - Elke Bogner
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
| | - John C Drach
- University of Michigan School of Dentistry, 1101 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor, 48109, MI, USA.
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