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Yu D, Wagner S, Schütz M, Jeon Y, Seo M, Kim J, Brückner N, Kicuntod J, Tillmanns J, Wangen C, Hahn F, Kaufer BB, Neipel F, Eickhoff J, Klebl B, Nam K, Marschall M. An Antiherpesviral Host-Directed Strategy Based on CDK7 Covalently Binding Drugs: Target-Selective, Picomolar-Dose, Cross-Virus Reactivity. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:158. [PMID: 38399219 PMCID: PMC10892818 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16020158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The repertoire of currently available antiviral drugs spans therapeutic applications against a number of important human pathogens distributed worldwide. These include cases of the pandemic severe acute respiratory coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19), human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1 or AIDS), and the pregnancy- and posttransplant-relevant human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). In almost all cases, approved therapies are based on direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), but their benefit, particularly in long-term applications, is often limited by the induction of viral drug resistance or side effects. These issues might be addressed by the additional use of host-directed antivirals (HDAs). As a strong input from long-term experiences with cancer therapies, host protein kinases may serve as HDA targets of mechanistically new antiviral drugs. The study demonstrates such a novel antiviral strategy by targeting the major virus-supportive host kinase CDK7. Importantly, this strategy focuses on highly selective, 3D structure-derived CDK7 inhibitors carrying a warhead moiety that mediates covalent target binding. In summary, the main experimental findings of this study are as follows: (1) the in vitro verification of CDK7 inhibition and selectivity that confirms the warhead covalent-binding principle (by CDK-specific kinase assays), (2) the highly pronounced antiviral efficacies of the hit compounds (in cultured cell-based infection models) with half-maximal effective concentrations that reach down to picomolar levels, (3) a particularly strong potency of compounds against strains and reporter-expressing recombinants of HCMV (using infection assays in primary human fibroblasts), (4) additional activity against further herpesviruses such as animal CMVs and VZV, (5) unique mechanistic properties that include an immediate block of HCMV replication directed early (determined by Western blot detection of viral marker proteins), (6) a substantial drug synergism in combination with MBV (measured by a Loewe additivity fixed-dose assay), and (7) a strong sensitivity of clinically relevant HCMV mutants carrying MBV or ganciclovir resistance markers. Combined, the data highlight the huge developmental potential of this host-directed antiviral targeting concept utilizing covalently binding CDK7 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- DongHoon Yu
- Qurient Co., Ltd., C-Dong, 242 Pangyo-ro, C801 Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si 13487, Republic of Korea
| | - Sabrina Wagner
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virolosgy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schlossgarten 4, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Martin Schütz
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virolosgy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schlossgarten 4, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Yeejin Jeon
- Qurient Co., Ltd., C-Dong, 242 Pangyo-ro, C801 Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si 13487, Republic of Korea
| | - Mooyoung Seo
- Qurient Co., Ltd., C-Dong, 242 Pangyo-ro, C801 Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si 13487, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaeseung Kim
- Qurient Co., Ltd., C-Dong, 242 Pangyo-ro, C801 Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si 13487, Republic of Korea
| | - Nadine Brückner
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virolosgy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schlossgarten 4, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jintawee Kicuntod
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virolosgy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schlossgarten 4, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Julia Tillmanns
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virolosgy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schlossgarten 4, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christina Wangen
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virolosgy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schlossgarten 4, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Friedrich Hahn
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virolosgy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schlossgarten 4, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Benedikt B. Kaufer
- Institute of Virology, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Straße 7–13, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank Neipel
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virolosgy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schlossgarten 4, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jan Eickhoff
- Lead Discovery Center GmbH, Otto-Hahn-Straße 15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Bert Klebl
- Lead Discovery Center GmbH, Otto-Hahn-Straße 15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
- The Norwegian College of Fishery Science UiT, Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Kiyean Nam
- Qurient Co., Ltd., C-Dong, 242 Pangyo-ro, C801 Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si 13487, Republic of Korea
| | - Manfred Marschall
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virolosgy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schlossgarten 4, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
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2
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Wild M, Karner D, Eickhoff J, Wagner S, Kicuntod J, Chang W, Barry P, Jonjić S, Lenac Roviš T, Marschall M. Combined Treatment with Host-Directed and Anticytomegaloviral Kinase Inhibitors: Mechanisms, Synergisms and Drug Resistance Barriers. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2680. [PMID: 38140021 PMCID: PMC10748244 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15122680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the availability of currently approved antiviral drugs, infections with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) still cause clinically challenging, sometimes life-threatening situations. There is an urgent need for enhanced anti-HCMV drugs that offer improved efficacy, reduced dosages and options for long-term treatment without risk of the development of viral drug resistance. Recently, we reported the pronounced anti-HCMV efficacy of pharmacological inhibitors of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), in particular, the potential of utilizing drug synergies upon combination treatment with inhibitors of host CDKs and the viral CDK-like kinase pUL97 (vCDK/pUL97). Here, we expand this finding by further assessing the in vitro synergistic antiviral interaction between vCDK and CDK inhibitors towards HCMV as well as non-human cytomegaloviruses. An extension of this synergy approach was achieved in vivo by using the recombinant MCMV-UL97/mouse model, confirming the high potential of combination treatment with the clinically approved vCDK inhibitor maribavir (MBV) and the developmental CDK7 inhibitor LDC4297. Moreover, mechanistic aspects of this synergistic drug combination were illustrated on the levels of intracellular viral protein transport and viral genome replication. The analysis of viral drug resistance did not reveal resistance formation in the case of MBV + LDC4297 combination treatment. Spanning various investigational levels, these new results strongly support our concept, employing the great potential of anti-HCMV synergistic drug treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Wild
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schlossgarten 4, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (M.W.); (S.W.); (J.K.)
| | - Dubravka Karner
- Center for Proteomics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Brace Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; (D.K.); (S.J.); (T.L.R.)
| | - Jan Eickhoff
- Lead Discovery Center GmbH, Otto-Hahn-Str. 15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany;
| | - Sabrina Wagner
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schlossgarten 4, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (M.W.); (S.W.); (J.K.)
| | - Jintawee Kicuntod
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schlossgarten 4, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (M.W.); (S.W.); (J.K.)
| | - William Chang
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, California National Primate Research Center, University of California, 3146 Tupper Hall, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (W.C.); (P.B.)
| | - Peter Barry
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, California National Primate Research Center, University of California, 3146 Tupper Hall, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (W.C.); (P.B.)
| | - Stipan Jonjić
- Center for Proteomics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Brace Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; (D.K.); (S.J.); (T.L.R.)
| | - Tihana Lenac Roviš
- Center for Proteomics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Brace Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; (D.K.); (S.J.); (T.L.R.)
| | - Manfred Marschall
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schlossgarten 4, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (M.W.); (S.W.); (J.K.)
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3
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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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Syrigos GV, Feige M, Dirlam A, Businger R, Gruska I, Wiebusch L, Hamprecht K, Schindler M. Abemaciclib restricts HCMV replication by suppressing pUL97-mediated phosphorylation of SAMHD1. Antiviral Res 2023; 217:105689. [PMID: 37516154 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2023.105689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a herpesvirus that causes life-threatening infections in newborns or immunosuppressed patients. For viral replication, HCMV establishes a network of cellular interactions, among others cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK). Furthermore, HCMV encodes pUL97, a viral kinase, which is a CDK-homologue. HCMV uses pUL97 in order to phosphorylate and thereby antagonize SAMHD1, an antiviral host cell factor. Since HCMV has several mechanisms to evade restriction by SAMHD1, we first analyzed the kinetics of SAMHD1-inactivation and found that phosphorylation of SAMHD1 by pUL97 occurs directly after infection of macrophages. We hence hypothesized that inhibition of this process qualifies as efficient antiviral target and FDA approved CDK-inhibitors (CDKIs) might be potent antivirals that prevent the inactivation of SAMHD1. Indeed, Abemaciclib, a 2nd generation CDKI exhibited superior IC50s against HCMV in infected macrophages and the antiviral activity largely relied on its ability to block pUL97-mediated SAMHD1-phosphorylation. Altogether, our study highlights the therapeutic potential of clinically-approved CDKIs as antivirals against HCMV, sheds light on their mode of action and establishes SAMHD1 as a valid and highly potent therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Vavouras Syrigos
- Institute for Medical Virology and Epidemiology of Viral Diseases, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Maximilian Feige
- Institute for Medical Virology and Epidemiology of Viral Diseases, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Alicia Dirlam
- Institute for Medical Virology and Epidemiology of Viral Diseases, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ramona Businger
- Institute for Medical Virology and Epidemiology of Viral Diseases, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Iris Gruska
- Laboratory of Molecular Pediatrics, Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lüder Wiebusch
- Laboratory of Molecular Pediatrics, Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Klaus Hamprecht
- Institute for Medical Virology and Epidemiology of Viral Diseases, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Michael Schindler
- Institute for Medical Virology and Epidemiology of Viral Diseases, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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5
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Liang J, Wu Y, Lan K, Dong C, Wu S, Li S, Zhou HB. Antiviral PROTACs: Opportunity borne with challenge. CELL INSIGHT 2023; 2:100092. [PMID: 37398636 PMCID: PMC10308200 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellin.2023.100092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) degradation of pathogenic proteins by hijacking of the ubiquitin-proteasome-system has become a promising strategy in drug design. The overwhelming advantages of PROTAC technology have ensured a rapid and wide usage, and multiple PROTACs have entered clinical trials. Several antiviral PROTACs have been developed with promising bioactivities against various pathogenic viruses. However, the number of reported antiviral PROTACs is far less than that of other diseases, e.g., cancers, immune disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases, possibly because of the common deficiencies of PROTAC technology (e.g., limited available ligands and poor membrane permeability) plus the complex mechanism involved and the high tendency of viral mutation during transmission and replication, which may challenge the successful development of effective antiviral PROTACs. This review highlights the important advances in this rapidly growing field and critical limitations encountered in developing antiviral PROTACs by analyzing the current status and representative examples of antiviral PROTACs and other PROTAC-like antiviral agents. We also summarize and analyze the general principles and strategies for antiviral PROTAC design and optimization with the intent of indicating the potential strategic directions for future progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinsen Liang
- Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yihe Wu
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery (MOE) and Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Ke Lan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Chune Dong
- Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Shuwen Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Shu Li
- Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Hai-Bing Zhou
- Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery (MOE) and Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
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6
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The Trimeric Artesunate Analog TF27, a Broadly Acting Anti-Infective Model Drug, Exerts Pronounced Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Activity Spanning Variants and Host Cell Types. Pharmaceutics 2022; 15:pharmaceutics15010115. [PMID: 36678744 PMCID: PMC9866877 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15010115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Starting in 2019, the spread of respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the associated pandemic of the corona virus disease (COVID-19) has led to enormous efforts in the development of medical countermeasures. Although innovative vaccines have scaled back the number of severe COVID cases, the emergence of the omicron variant (B.1.1.529) illustrates how vaccine development struggles to keep pace with viral evolution. On the other hand, while the recently approved antiviral drugs remdesivir, molnupiravir, and Paxlovid are considered as broadly acting anti-coronavirus therapeutics, only molnupiravir and Paxlovid are orally available and none of these drugs are recommended for prophylactic use. Thus, so far unexploited small molecules, targeting strategies, and antiviral mechanisms are urgently needed to address issues in the current pandemic and in putative future outbreaks of newly emerging variants of concern. Recently, we and others have described the anti-infective potential and particularly the pronounced antiviral activity of artesunate and related compounds of the trioxane/sesquiterpene class. In particular, the trimeric derivative TF27 demonstrated strong anti-cytomegalovirus activity at nanomolar concentrations in vitro as well as in vivo efficacy after oral administration in therapeutic and even prophylactic treatment settings. Here, we extended this analysis by evaluating TF27 for its anti-SARS-CoV-2 potential. Our main findings are as follows: (i) compound TF27 exerted strong anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity in vitro (EC50 = 0.46 ± 0.20 µM), (ii) antiviral activity was clearly distinct from the induction of cytotoxicity, (iii) pretreatment with TF27 prevented virus replication in cultured cells, (iv) antiviral activity has likewise been demonstrated in Calu-3 human lung and Caco-2 human colon cells infected with wild-type, delta, or omicron SARS-CoV-2, respectively, and (v) analysis of TF27 combination treatments has revealed synergistic interaction with GC376, but antagonistic interaction with EIDD-1931. Combined, the data demonstrated the pronounced anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of TF27 and thus highlight the potential of trioxane compounds for further pharmacologic development towards improved options for COVID-specific medication.
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Li ZM, Liu G, Gao Y, Zhao MG. Targeting CDK7 in oncology: The avenue forward. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 240:108229. [PMID: 35700828 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 7 is best characterized for the ability to regulate biological processes, including the cell cycle and gene transcription. Abnormal CDK7 activity is observed in various tumours and represents a driving force for tumourigenesis. Therefore, CDK7 may be an appealing target for cancer treatment. Whereas, the enthusiasm for CDK7-targeted therapeutic strategy is mitigated due to the widely possessed belief that this protein is essential for normal cells. Indeed, the fact confronts the consensus. This is the first review to introduce the role of CDK7 in pan-cancers via a combined analysis of comprehensive gene information and (pre)clinical research results. We also discuss the recent advances in protein structure and summarize the understanding of mechanisms underlying CDK7 function. These endeavours highlight the pivotal roles of CDK7 in tumours and may contribute to the development of effective CDK7 inhibitors within the strategy of structure-based drug discovery for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Mei Li
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Guan Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xinsi Road 1, Xi'an 710038, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Ya Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, Institute of Drug Discovery and Development, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, PR China.
| | - Ming-Gao Zhao
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, Shaanxi, PR China; Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xinsi Road 1, Xi'an 710038, Shaanxi, PR China.
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The Oligomeric Assemblies of Cytomegalovirus Core Nuclear Egress Proteins Are Associated with Host Kinases and Show Sensitivity to Antiviral Kinase Inhibitors. Viruses 2022; 14:v14051021. [PMID: 35632762 PMCID: PMC9146606 DOI: 10.3390/v14051021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The nucleo-cytoplasmic capsid egress of herpesviruses is a unique regulated process that ensures the efficiency of viral replication and release. For human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), the core of the nuclear egress complex (NEC) consists of the pUL50–pUL53 heterodimer that is able to oligomerize and thus to build hexameric lattices. These structures determine capsid binding and multicomponent protein interaction including NEC-associated host factors. The underlying characteristic of the core NEC formation is based on the N-terminal hook structure of pUL53 that binds into an alpha-helical groove of pUL50, and is thus described as a hook-into-groove interaction. This central regulatory element has recently been validated as a target of antiviral strategies, and first NEC-targeted prototypes of inhibitory small molecules were reported by our previous study. Here, we further analyzed the oligomerization properties of the viral NEC through an approach of chemical protein cross-linking. Findings were as follows: (i) a cross-link approach demonstrated the oligomeric state of the HCMV core NEC using material from HCMV-infected or plasmid-transfected cells, (ii) a Western blot-based identification of NEC-associated kinases using the cross-linked multicomponent NECs was successful, and (iii) we demonstrated the NEC-inhibitory and antiviral activity of specific inhibitors directed to these target kinases. Combined, the results strongly underline the functional importance of the oligomerization of the HCMV-specific NEC that is both phosphorylation-dependent and sensitive to antiviral kinase inhibitors.
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9
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Wild M, Hahn F, Brückner N, Schütz M, Wangen C, Wagner S, Sommerer M, Strobl S, Marschall M. Cyclin-Dependent Kinases (CDKs) and the Human Cytomegalovirus-Encoded CDK Ortholog pUL97 Represent Highly Attractive Targets for Synergistic Drug Combinations. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052493. [PMID: 35269635 PMCID: PMC8910733 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a pathogenic human herpesvirus associated with serious, potentially life-threatening symptoms in the immunocompromised or immunonaïve host. The limitations encountered by antiviral therapy options currently available include a narrow panel of accessible targets, the induction of viral drug resistance as well as severe drug dosage-mediated side-effects. Improved drug-targeting strategies to resolve these issues are the focus of our investigations. In particular, pharmaceutical kinase inhibitors (PKIs), either directed to host kinases or directed to the viral protein kinase pUL97, have been considered to overcome these restrictions. Recently, we reported the identification of a synergistic combination of two PKIs directed to host cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) and viral CDK ortholog pUL97. Here, we substantiate these findings with the following results: (i) true drug synergy was exhibited by various chemical classes of PKI pairs directed to pUL97 and CDK7; (ii) no putative amplification of cytotoxicity by these drug combinations was observed; (iii) a reduction in drug dosage levels for synergistic combinations was defined on a quantitative basis and compared to monotreatments; (iv) the quantities of target proteins CDK7 and pUL97 expressed in HCMV-infected cells were assessed by confocal imaging, indicating a strong down-modulation of CDK7 levels as a result of synergistic drug treatment; (v) the functional importance of these target kinases, both binding to cyclin H, was illustrated by assessing HCMV replication under the viral genomic deletion of ORF-UL97 or cellular cyclin knock-out; (vi) new combinations of HCMV-specific drug synergy were demonstrated for solely host-directed treatments using PKIs against CDK2, CDK7, CDK8 and/or CDK9 and (vii) a triple PKI combination provided further support for the synergy approach. With these combined findings, this study highlights the potential of therapeutic drug combinations of approved, developmental and preclinical PKIs for expanding future options for anti-HCMV therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Wild
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schlossgarten 4, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (M.W.); (F.H.); (N.B.); (M.S.); (C.W.); (S.W.); (M.S.)
| | - Friedrich Hahn
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schlossgarten 4, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (M.W.); (F.H.); (N.B.); (M.S.); (C.W.); (S.W.); (M.S.)
| | - Nadine Brückner
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schlossgarten 4, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (M.W.); (F.H.); (N.B.); (M.S.); (C.W.); (S.W.); (M.S.)
| | - Martin Schütz
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schlossgarten 4, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (M.W.); (F.H.); (N.B.); (M.S.); (C.W.); (S.W.); (M.S.)
| | - Christina Wangen
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schlossgarten 4, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (M.W.); (F.H.); (N.B.); (M.S.); (C.W.); (S.W.); (M.S.)
| | - Sabrina Wagner
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schlossgarten 4, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (M.W.); (F.H.); (N.B.); (M.S.); (C.W.); (S.W.); (M.S.)
| | - Mona Sommerer
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schlossgarten 4, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (M.W.); (F.H.); (N.B.); (M.S.); (C.W.); (S.W.); (M.S.)
| | - Stefan Strobl
- 4SC AG/4SC Discovery GmbH, Fraunhoferstraße 22, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany;
- BioNTech SE, Am Klopferspitz 19a, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Manfred Marschall
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schlossgarten 4, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (M.W.); (F.H.); (N.B.); (M.S.); (C.W.); (S.W.); (M.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-9131-8526089
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10
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Control of Expression of Key Cell Cycle Enzymes Drives Cell Line-Specific Functions of CDK7 in Human PDAC Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020812. [PMID: 35054996 PMCID: PMC8775745 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of the dual function cell cycle and transcription kinase CDK7 is known to affect the viability of cancer cells, but the mechanisms underlying cell line-specific growth control remain poorly understood. Here, we employed a previously developed, highly specific small molecule inhibitor that non-covalently blocks ATP binding to CDK7 (LDC4297) to study the mechanisms underlying cell line-specific growth using a panel of genetically heterogeneous human pancreatic tumor lines as model system. Although LDC4297 diminished both transcription rates and CDK T-loop phosphorylation in a comparable manner, some PDAC lines displayed significantly higher sensitivity than others. We focused our analyses on two well-responsive lines (Mia-Paca2 and Panc89) that, however, showed significant differences in their viability upon extended exposure to limiting LDC4297 concentrations. Biochemical and RNAseq analysis revealed striking differences in gene expression and cell cycle control. Especially the downregulation of a group of cell cycle control genes, among them CDK1/2 and CDC25A/C, correlated well to the observed viability differences in Panc89 versus Mia-Paca2 cells. A parallel downregulation of regulatory pathways supported the hypothesis of a feedforward programmatic effect of CDK7 inhibitors, eventually causing hypersensitivity of PDAC lines.
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11
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Hahn F, Hamilton ST, Wangen C, Wild M, Kicuntod J, Brückner N, Follett JEL, Herrmann L, Kheimar A, Kaufer BB, Rawlinson WD, Tsogoeva SB, Marschall M. Development of a PROTAC-Based Targeting Strategy Provides a Mechanistically Unique Mode of Anti-Cytomegalovirus Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12858. [PMID: 34884662 PMCID: PMC8657773 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a major pathogenic herpesvirus that is prevalent worldwide and it is associated with a variety of clinical symptoms. Current antiviral therapy options do not fully satisfy the medical needs; thus, improved drug classes and drug-targeting strategies are required. In particular, host-directed antivirals, including pharmaceutical kinase inhibitors, might help improve the drug qualities. Here, we focused on utilizing PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs), i.e., hetero-bifunctional molecules containing two elements, namely a target-binding molecule and a proteolysis-inducing element. Specifically, a PROTAC that was based on a cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor, i.e., CDK9-directed PROTAC THAL-SNS032, was analyzed and proved to possess strong anti-HCMV AD169-GFP activity, with values of EC50 of 0.030 µM and CC50 of 0.175 µM (SI of 5.8). Comparing the effect of THAL-SNS032 with its non-PROTAC counterpart SNS032, data indicated a 3.7-fold stronger anti-HCMV efficacy. This antiviral activity, as illustrated for further clinically relevant strains of human and murine CMVs, coincided with the mid-nanomolar concentration range necessary for a drug-induced degradation of the primary (CDK9) and secondary targets (CDK1, CDK2, CDK7). In addition, further antiviral activities were demonstrated, such as the inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 replication, whereas other investigated human viruses (i.e., varicella zoster virus, adenovirus type 2, and Zika virus) were found insensitive. Combined, the antiviral quality of this approach is seen in its (i) mechanistic uniqueness; (ii) future options of combinatorial drug treatment; (iii) potential broad-spectrum activity; and (iv) applicability in clinically relevant antiviral models. These novel data are discussed in light of the current achievements of anti-HCMV drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friedrich Hahn
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (C.W.); (M.W.); (J.K.); (N.B.)
| | - Stuart T. Hamilton
- Serology and Virology Division, NSW Health Pathology Microbiology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Schools of Women’s and Children’s Health, Medicine and Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia; (S.T.H.); (J.E.L.F.); (W.D.R.)
| | - Christina Wangen
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (C.W.); (M.W.); (J.K.); (N.B.)
| | - Markus Wild
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (C.W.); (M.W.); (J.K.); (N.B.)
| | - Jintawee Kicuntod
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (C.W.); (M.W.); (J.K.); (N.B.)
| | - Nadine Brückner
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (C.W.); (M.W.); (J.K.); (N.B.)
| | - Jasmine E. L. Follett
- Serology and Virology Division, NSW Health Pathology Microbiology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Schools of Women’s and Children’s Health, Medicine and Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia; (S.T.H.); (J.E.L.F.); (W.D.R.)
| | - Lars Herrmann
- Institute of Organic Chemistry I, FAU, 91058 Erlangen, Germany; (L.H.); (S.B.T.)
| | - Ahmed Kheimar
- Institute of Virology, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (A.K.); (B.B.K.)
| | - Benedikt B. Kaufer
- Institute of Virology, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (A.K.); (B.B.K.)
| | - William D. Rawlinson
- Serology and Virology Division, NSW Health Pathology Microbiology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Schools of Women’s and Children’s Health, Medicine and Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia; (S.T.H.); (J.E.L.F.); (W.D.R.)
| | - Svetlana B. Tsogoeva
- Institute of Organic Chemistry I, FAU, 91058 Erlangen, Germany; (L.H.); (S.B.T.)
| | - Manfred Marschall
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (C.W.); (M.W.); (J.K.); (N.B.)
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12
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Methodological Development of a Multi-Readout Assay for the Assessment of Antiviral Drugs against SARS-CoV-2. PATHOGENS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 10:pathogens10091076. [PMID: 34578109 PMCID: PMC8466411 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Currently, human infections with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are accelerating the ongoing spread of the pandemic. Several innovative types of vaccines have already been developed, whereas effective options of antiviral treatments still await a scientific implementation. The development of novel anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug candidates demands skillful strategies and analysis systems. Promising results have been achieved with first generation direct-acting antivirals targeting the viral polymerase RdRp or the protease 3CLpro. Such recently approved or investigational drugs like remdesivir and GC376 represent a basis for further development and optimization. Here, we establish a multi-readout assay (MRA) system that enables the antiviral assessment and mechanistic characterization of novel test compounds, drug repurposing and combination treatments. Our SARS-CoV-2-specific MRA combines the quantitative measurement of several parameters of virus infection, such as the intracellular production of proteins and genomes, enzymatic activities and virion release, as well as the use of reporter systems. In this regard, the antiviral efficacy of remdesivir and GC376 has been investigated in human Caco-2 cells. The readouts included the use of spike- and double-strand RNA-specific monoclonal antibodies for in-cell fluorescence imaging, a newly generated recombinant SARS-CoV-2 reporter virus d6YFP, the novel 3CLpro-based FRET CFP::YFP and the previously reported FlipGFP reporter assays, as well as viral genome-specific RT-qPCR. The data produced by our MRA confirm the high antiviral potency of these two drugs in vitro. Combined, this MRA approach may be applied for broader analyses of SARS-CoV-2-specific antivirals, including compound screenings and the characterization of selected drug candidates.
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13
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Häge S, Sonntag E, Svrlanska A, Borst EM, Stilp AC, Horsch D, Müller R, Kropff B, Milbradt J, Stamminger T, Schlötzer-Schrehardt U, Marschall M. Phenotypical Characterization of the Nuclear Egress of Recombinant Cytomegaloviruses Reveals Defective Replication upon ORF-UL50 Deletion but Not pUL50 Phosphosite Mutation. Viruses 2021; 13:v13020165. [PMID: 33499341 PMCID: PMC7911381 DOI: 10.3390/v13020165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear egress is a common herpesviral process regulating nucleocytoplasmic capsid release. For human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), the nuclear egress complex (NEC) is determined by the pUL50-pUL53 core that regulates multicomponent assembly with NEC-associated proteins and capsids. Recently, NEC crystal structures were resolved for α-, β- and γ-herpesviruses, revealing profound structural conservation, which was not mirrored, however, by primary sequence and binding properties. The NEC binding principle is based on hook-into-groove interaction through an N-terminal hook-like pUL53 protrusion that embraces an α-helical pUL50 binding groove. So far, pUL50 has been considered as the major kinase-interacting determinant and massive phosphorylation of pUL50-pUL53 was assigned to NEC formation and functionality. Here, we addressed the question of phenotypical changes of ORF-UL50-mutated HCMVs. Surprisingly, our analyses did not detect a predominant replication defect for most of these viral mutants, concerning parameters of replication kinetics (qPCR), viral protein production (Western blot/CoIP) and capsid egress (confocal imaging/EM). Specifically, only the ORF-UL50 deletion rescue virus showed a block of genome synthesis during late stages of infection, whereas all phosphosite mutants exhibited marginal differences compared to wild-type or revertants. These results (i) emphasize a rate-limiting function of pUL50 for nuclear egress, and (ii) demonstrate that mutations in all mapped pUL50 phosphosites may be largely compensated. A refined mechanistic concept points to a multifaceted nuclear egress regulation, for which the dependence on the expression and phosphorylation of pUL50 is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigrun Häge
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (S.H.); (E.S.); (A.S.); (D.H.); (R.M.); (B.K.); (J.M.)
| | - Eric Sonntag
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (S.H.); (E.S.); (A.S.); (D.H.); (R.M.); (B.K.); (J.M.)
| | - Adriana Svrlanska
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (S.H.); (E.S.); (A.S.); (D.H.); (R.M.); (B.K.); (J.M.)
| | - Eva Maria Borst
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School (MHH), 30625 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Anne-Charlotte Stilp
- Institute for Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (A.-C.S.); (T.S.)
| | - Deborah Horsch
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (S.H.); (E.S.); (A.S.); (D.H.); (R.M.); (B.K.); (J.M.)
| | - Regina Müller
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (S.H.); (E.S.); (A.S.); (D.H.); (R.M.); (B.K.); (J.M.)
| | - Barbara Kropff
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (S.H.); (E.S.); (A.S.); (D.H.); (R.M.); (B.K.); (J.M.)
| | - Jens Milbradt
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (S.H.); (E.S.); (A.S.); (D.H.); (R.M.); (B.K.); (J.M.)
| | - Thomas Stamminger
- Institute for Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (A.-C.S.); (T.S.)
| | | | - Manfred Marschall
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (S.H.); (E.S.); (A.S.); (D.H.); (R.M.); (B.K.); (J.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-9131-8526089
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14
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Wild M, Kicuntod J, Seyler L, Wangen C, Bertzbach LD, Conradie AM, Kaufer BB, Wagner S, Michel D, Eickhoff J, Tsogoeva SB, Bäuerle T, Hahn F, Marschall M. Combinatorial Drug Treatments Reveal Promising Anticytomegaloviral Profiles for Clinically Relevant Pharmaceutical Kinase Inhibitors (PKIs). Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020575. [PMID: 33430060 PMCID: PMC7826512 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a human pathogenic herpesvirus associated with a variety of clinical symptoms. Current antiviral therapy is not always effective, so that improved drug classes and drug-targeting strategies are needed. Particularly host-directed antivirals, including pharmaceutical kinase inhibitors (PKIs), may help to overcome problems of drug resistance. Here, we focused on utilizing a selection of clinically relevant PKIs and determined their anticytomegaloviral efficacies. Particularly, PKIs directed to host or viral cyclin-dependent kinases, i.e., abemaciclib, LDC4297 and maribavir, exerted promising profiles against human and murine cytomegaloviruses. The anti-HCMV in vitro activity of the approved anti-cancer drug abemaciclib was confirmed in vivo using our luciferase-based murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) animal model in immunocompetent mice. To assess drug combinations, we applied the Bliss independence checkerboard and Loewe additivity fixed-dose assays in parallel. Results revealed that (i) both affirmative approaches provided valuable information on anti-CMV drug efficacies and interactions, (ii) the analyzed combinations comprised additive, synergistic or antagonistic drug interactions consistent with the drugs’ antiviral mode-of-action, (iii) the selected PKIs, especially LDC4297, showed promising inhibitory profiles, not only against HCMV but also other α-, β- and γ-herpesviruses, and specifically, (iv) the combination treatment with LDC4297 and maribavir revealed a strong synergism against HCMV, which might open doors towards novel clinical options in the near future. Taken together, this study highlights the potential of therapeutic drug combinations of current developmental/preclinical PKIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Wild
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schlossgarten 4, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (M.W.); (J.K.); (C.W.); (S.W.); (F.H.)
| | - Jintawee Kicuntod
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schlossgarten 4, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (M.W.); (J.K.); (C.W.); (S.W.); (F.H.)
| | - Lisa Seyler
- Institute of Radiology, University Medical Center Erlangen, FAU, Palmsanlage 5, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.S.); (T.B.)
| | - Christina Wangen
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schlossgarten 4, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (M.W.); (J.K.); (C.W.); (S.W.); (F.H.)
| | - Luca D. Bertzbach
- Institute of Virology, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Straße 7-13, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (L.D.B.); (A.M.C.); (B.B.K.)
| | - Andelé M. Conradie
- Institute of Virology, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Straße 7-13, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (L.D.B.); (A.M.C.); (B.B.K.)
| | - Benedikt B. Kaufer
- Institute of Virology, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Straße 7-13, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (L.D.B.); (A.M.C.); (B.B.K.)
| | - Sabrina Wagner
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schlossgarten 4, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (M.W.); (J.K.); (C.W.); (S.W.); (F.H.)
| | - Detlef Michel
- Institute for Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany;
| | - Jan Eickhoff
- Lead Discovery Center GmbH, Otto-Hahn-Str. 15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany;
| | - Svetlana B. Tsogoeva
- Institute of Organic Chemistry I, FAU, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Straße 10, 91058 Erlangen, Germany;
| | - Tobias Bäuerle
- Institute of Radiology, University Medical Center Erlangen, FAU, Palmsanlage 5, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.S.); (T.B.)
| | - Friedrich Hahn
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schlossgarten 4, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (M.W.); (J.K.); (C.W.); (S.W.); (F.H.)
| | - Manfred Marschall
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schlossgarten 4, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (M.W.); (J.K.); (C.W.); (S.W.); (F.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-9131-8526-089
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15
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Sampath Kumar HM, Herrmann L, Tsogoeva SB. Structural hybridization as a facile approach to new drug candidates. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2020; 30:127514. [PMID: 32860980 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2020.127514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Structural hybridization of preclinically and clinically validated pharmacologically active molecules has emerged as a promising tool to develop new generations of safe and highly efficient drug candidates against various diseases including microbial infections, virus infections and cancer. Strategies of drug-drug combinations have been adopted to generate hybrid conjugates of many clinically used drugs, designed to address inherent problems associated with these drugs. Thus, the design of hybrids was aimed to achieve higher efficacy through possible multi-target interactions, selective delivery of the drug to the site of action with the aim to improve bioavailability, alleviate toxicity and circumvent drug resistances. In this review article, we summarize the progress made in recent years in the rapidly growing field of drug discovery, focusing on the rationality of the hybrid design with particular emphasis on the linker architecture, which plays a crucial role in the overall success of a hybrid drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halmuthur M Sampath Kumar
- Organic Chemistry Chair I and Interdisciplinary Center for Molecular Materials (ICMM), Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Straße 10, 91058 Erlangen, Germany; CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad 500007, India
| | - Lars Herrmann
- Organic Chemistry Chair I and Interdisciplinary Center for Molecular Materials (ICMM), Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Straße 10, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Svetlana B Tsogoeva
- Organic Chemistry Chair I and Interdisciplinary Center for Molecular Materials (ICMM), Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Straße 10, 91058 Erlangen, Germany.
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16
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The Artemisinin-Derived Autofluorescent Compound BG95 Exerts Strong Anticytomegaloviral Activity Based on a Mitochondrial Targeting Mechanism. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21155578. [PMID: 32759737 PMCID: PMC7432203 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a major human pathogen associated with severe pathology. Current options of antiviral therapy only partly satisfy the needs of a well-tolerated long-term treatment/prophylaxis free from drug-induced viral resistance. Recently, we reported the strong antiviral properties in vitro and in vivo of the broad-spectrum anti-infective drug artesunate and its optimized derivatives. NF-κB signaling was described as a targeting mechanism and additional target proteins have recently been identified. Here, we analyzed the autofluorescent hybrid compound BG95, which could be utilized for intracellular visualization by confocal imaging and a tracking analysis in virus-infected primary human fibroblasts. As an important finding, BG95 accumulated in mitochondria visualized by anti-prohibitin and MitoTracker staining, and induced statistically significant changes of mitochondrial morphology, distinct from those induced by HCMV infection. Notably, mitochondrial membrane potential was found substantially reduced by BG95, an effect apparently counteracting efficient HCMV replication, which requires active mitochondria and upregulated energy levels. This finding was consistent with binding properties of artesunate-like compounds to mitochondrial proteins and thereby suggested a new mechanistic aspect. Combined, the present study underlines an important role of mitochondria in the multifaceted, host-directed antiviral mechanism of this drug class, postulating a new mitochondria-specific mode of protein targeting.
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17
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Hahn F, Niesar A, Wangen C, Wild M, Grau B, Herrmann L, Capci A, Adrait A, Couté Y, Tsogoeva SB, Marschall M. Target verification of artesunate-related antiviral drugs: Assessing the role of mitochondrial and regulatory proteins by click chemistry and fluorescence labeling. Antiviral Res 2020; 180:104861. [PMID: 32590041 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2020.104861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is associated with serious pathology such as transplant rejection or embryonic developmental defects. Antiviral treatment with currently available drugs targeting viral enzymes is often accompanied with severe side effects and the occurrence of drug-resistant viruses. For this reason, novel ways of anti-HCMV therapy focusing on so far unexploited small molecules, targets and mechanisms are intensively studied. Recently, we described the pronounced antiviral activity of the artesunate-related class of trioxane compounds, comprising NF-κB/signaling inhibitors like the trimeric derivative TF27, which proved to be highly active in a nanomolar range both in vitro and in vivo. Here, we extend this analysis by presenting further TF27/artesunate-derived antiviral compounds designed for their specific use in target verification by click chemistry applied in fluorescence labeling and tag affinity strategies. Our main findings are as follows: (i) compounds TF27, BG95, AC98 and AC173 exert strong inhibitory activity against HCMV replication in cultured primary human cells, (ii) autofluorescence activity could be quantitatively detected for BG95 and AC98, and confocal fluorescence imaging revealed accumulation in mitochondria, (iii) postulated cellular targets including mitochondrial proteins were down-regulated upon TF27 treatment, (iv) a click chemistry-based protocol of target enrichment was established, and (v) mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis, using proteins from HCMV-infected fibroblasts covalently interacting with AC173, revealed a refined list of targets. Combined, data strongly suggest a complex mode of antiviral drug-target interaction of artesunate-related compounds, now highlighting potential roles of mitochondrial, NF-κB pathway proteins, exportins and possibly more. This strategy may further promote antiviral drug development on the basis of pharmacologically optimized trioxane derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friedrich Hahn
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Aischa Niesar
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Christina Wangen
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Markus Wild
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Benedikt Grau
- Organic Chemistry Chair I and Interdisciplinary Center for Molecular Materials (ICMM), Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus Fiebiger-Straße 10, 91058, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Lars Herrmann
- Organic Chemistry Chair I and Interdisciplinary Center for Molecular Materials (ICMM), Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus Fiebiger-Straße 10, 91058, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Aysun Capci
- Organic Chemistry Chair I and Interdisciplinary Center for Molecular Materials (ICMM), Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus Fiebiger-Straße 10, 91058, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Annie Adrait
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, Inserm, IRIG, BGE, 38000, Grenoble, France.
| | - Yohann Couté
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, Inserm, IRIG, BGE, 38000, Grenoble, France.
| | - Svetlana B Tsogoeva
- Organic Chemistry Chair I and Interdisciplinary Center for Molecular Materials (ICMM), Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus Fiebiger-Straße 10, 91058, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Manfred Marschall
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
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Wild M, Bertzbach LD, Tannig P, Wangen C, Müller R, Herrmann L, Fröhlich T, Tsogoeva SB, Kaufer BB, Marschall M, Hahn F. The trimeric artesunate derivative TF27 exerts strong anti-cytomegaloviral efficacy: Focus on prophylactic efficacy and oral treatment of immunocompetent mice. Antiviral Res 2020; 178:104788. [PMID: 32251769 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2020.104788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) causes serious and even life-threatening diseases, particularly upon congenital or post-transplant infection. Treatment of HCMV infections with currently available drugs targeting viral enzymes is often limited by severe side effects and the emergence of drug-resistant viruses. To avoid this problem, novel therapeutic options directed to host proteins involved in virus replication are being investigated. Recently, we described the pronounced antiherpesviral activity of the trimeric artesunate derivative TF27 at low nanomolar concentrations in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, we report first data on the prophylactic efficacy of TF27 against human and murine CMV and the oncogenic avian alphaherpesvirus Marek's disease virus (MDV). The main findings of this study are (i) a pronounced activity of the experimental drug TF27 against alpha- and betaherpesviruses in vitro upon prophylactic treatment and (ii) a therapeutic and prophylactic efficacy upon oral treatment in an immunocompetent mouse model. Moreover, our data highlight (iii) the tolerability of orally administered TF27 free of compound-associated adverse events and further confirm (iv) the suitability of cellular factors as primary antiviral targets. Thus, we provide evidence for therapeutic and prophylactic antiherpesviral efficacy of TF27 upon oral treatment in immunocompetent hosts and thereby underline its potential for future antiviral drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Wild
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Luca D Bertzbach
- Institute of Virology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Pierre Tannig
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Christina Wangen
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Regina Müller
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Lars Herrmann
- Institute of Organic Chemistry I, FAU, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Tony Fröhlich
- Institute of Organic Chemistry I, FAU, Erlangen, Germany.
| | | | | | - Manfred Marschall
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Friedrich Hahn
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
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Adamson CS, Nevels MM. Bright and Early: Inhibiting Human Cytomegalovirus by Targeting Major Immediate-Early Gene Expression or Protein Function. Viruses 2020; 12:v12010110. [PMID: 31963209 PMCID: PMC7019229 DOI: 10.3390/v12010110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), one of eight human herpesviruses, establishes lifelong latent infections in most people worldwide. Primary or reactivated HCMV infections cause severe disease in immunosuppressed patients and congenital defects in children. There is no vaccine for HCMV, and the currently approved antivirals come with major limitations. Most approved HCMV antivirals target late molecular processes in the viral replication cycle including DNA replication and packaging. “Bright and early” events in HCMV infection have not been exploited for systemic prevention or treatment of disease. Initiation of HCMV replication depends on transcription from the viral major immediate-early (IE) gene. Alternative transcripts produced from this gene give rise to the IE1 and IE2 families of viral proteins, which localize to the host cell nucleus. The IE1 and IE2 proteins are believed to control all subsequent early and late events in HCMV replication, including reactivation from latency, in part by antagonizing intrinsic and innate immune responses. Here we provide an update on the regulation of major IE gene expression and the functions of IE1 and IE2 proteins. We will relate this insight to experimental approaches that target IE gene expression or protein function via molecular gene silencing and editing or small chemical inhibitors.
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20
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Newman DJ. Modern traditional Chinese medicine: Identifying, defining and usage of TCM components. PHARMACOLOGICAL ADVANCES IN NATURAL PRODUCT DRUG DISCOVERY 2020; 87:113-158. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2019.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Jacquet C, Marschall M, Andouard D, El Hamel C, Chianea T, Tsogoeva SB, Hantz S, Alain S. A highly potent trimeric derivative of artesunate shows promising treatment profiles in experimental models for congenital HCMV infection in vitro and ex vivo. Antiviral Res 2019; 175:104700. [PMID: 31870762 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2019.104700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Chloé Jacquet
- Université Limoges, UMR1092, 2 rue du Pr Descottes, 87000, Limoges, France; INSERM, UMR 1092, 2 rue du Pr Descottes, 87000, Limoges, France
| | - Manfred Marschall
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schlossgarten 4, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Déborah Andouard
- Université Limoges, UMR1092, 2 rue du Pr Descottes, 87000, Limoges, France; INSERM, UMR 1092, 2 rue du Pr Descottes, 87000, Limoges, France; National Reference Center for Herpesviruses, Virology department, CHU Limoges, 2 rue Martin Luther King, 87000, Limoges, France
| | - Charhazed El Hamel
- Mother and Child Biobank (CB-HME), Pediatric department, Hôpital de la mère et de l'enfant, CHU Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Thierry Chianea
- Department of Biochemistry and molecular Genetics, CHU Limoges, France
| | - Svetlana B Tsogoeva
- Organic Chemistry Chair I and Interdisciplinary Center for Molecular Materials (ICMM), Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Straße 10, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sébastien Hantz
- Université Limoges, UMR1092, 2 rue du Pr Descottes, 87000, Limoges, France; INSERM, UMR 1092, 2 rue du Pr Descottes, 87000, Limoges, France; National Reference Center for Herpesviruses, Virology department, CHU Limoges, 2 rue Martin Luther King, 87000, Limoges, France
| | - Sophie Alain
- Université Limoges, UMR1092, 2 rue du Pr Descottes, 87000, Limoges, France; INSERM, UMR 1092, 2 rue du Pr Descottes, 87000, Limoges, France; National Reference Center for Herpesviruses, Virology department, CHU Limoges, 2 rue Martin Luther King, 87000, Limoges, France.
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Recent advances in the development of cyclin-dependent kinase 7 inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 183:111641. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.111641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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23
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Bertzbach LD, Conradie AM, Hahn F, Wild M, Marschall M, Kaufer BB. Artesunate derivative TF27 inhibits replication and pathogenesis of an oncogenic avian alphaherpesvirus. Antiviral Res 2019; 171:104606. [PMID: 31520682 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2019.104606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Nucleoside analogues have been the cornerstone of clinical treatment of herpesvirus infections since the 1970s. However, severe side effects and emergence of drug resistant viruses raise the need for alternative treatment options. We recently investigated the broad and strong antiherpesviral activity of the optimized artesunate derivative TF27 in vitro. TF27 efficiently inhibited replication of the highly oncogenic Marek's disease virus (MDV), a virus that infects chickens, causes deadly lymphomas and threatens poultry populations worldwide. In this study, we used this natural virus-host model for herpesvirus-induced cancer by infecting chickens with MDV, and evaluated the protective efficacy of TF27 and the nucleoside analogue valganciclovir (VGCV) on virus replication and tumorigenesis. We could demonstrate that both drugs reduced viral load in the blood and prevented tumor development in a large portion of the animals. Antiviral treatment also had a positive impact on body weight gain, while no negative compound-associated side effects were observed. This research provides the first evidence that the artesunate derivative TF27 and VGCV can be used in avian species and that they inhibit MDV replication and tumorigenesis. In addition, our study paves the way for promising approaches in future antiherpesviral drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca D Bertzbach
- Institute of Virology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | | | - Friedrich Hahn
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Markus Wild
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Manfred Marschall
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
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