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Metibemu DS, Adeyinka OS, Falode J, Crown O, Ogungbe IV. Inhibitors of the Structural and Nonstructural Proteins of Alphaviruses. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:2507-2524. [PMID: 38992989 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
The Alphavirus genus includes viruses that cause encephalitis due to neuroinvasion and viruses that cause arthritis due to acute and chronic inflammation. There is no approved therapeutic for alphavirus infections, but significant efforts are ongoing, more so in recent years, to develop vaccines and therapeutics for alphavirus infections. This review article highlights some of the major advances made so far to identify small molecules that can selectively target the structural and the nonstructural proteins in alphaviruses with the expectation that persistent investigation of an increasingly expanding chemical space through a variety of structure-based design and high-throughput screening strategies will yield candidate drugs for clinical studies. While most of the works discussed are still in the early discovery to lead optimization stages, promising avenues remain for drug development against this family of viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damilohun Samuel Metibemu
- Chemistry and Biotechnology Science and Engineering Programs, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, 301 Sparkman Drive, Huntsville, Alabama 35899, United States
| | - Olawale Samuel Adeyinka
- Chemistry and Biotechnology Science and Engineering Programs, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, 301 Sparkman Drive, Huntsville, Alabama 35899, United States
| | - John Falode
- Chemistry and Biotechnology Science and Engineering Programs, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, 301 Sparkman Drive, Huntsville, Alabama 35899, United States
| | - Olamide Crown
- Chemistry and Biotechnology Science and Engineering Programs, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, 301 Sparkman Drive, Huntsville, Alabama 35899, United States
| | - Ifedayo Victor Ogungbe
- Chemistry and Biotechnology Science and Engineering Programs, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, 301 Sparkman Drive, Huntsville, Alabama 35899, United States
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2
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Williams EP, Xue Y, Lee J, Fitzpatrick EA, Kong Y, Reichard W, Writt H, Jonsson CB. Deep spatial profiling of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus reveals increased genetic diversity amidst neuroinflammation and cell death during brain infection. J Virol 2023; 97:e0082723. [PMID: 37560924 PMCID: PMC10506382 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00827-23] [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: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) causes a febrile illness that can progress to neurological disease with the possibility of death in human cases. The evaluation and optimization of therapeutics that target brain infections demands knowledge of the host's response to VEEV, the dynamics of infection, and the potential for within-host evolution of the virus. We hypothesized that selective pressures during infection of the brain may differ temporally and spatially and so we investigated the dynamics of the host response, viral transcript levels, and genetic variation of VEEV TC-83 in eight areas of the brain in mice over 7 days post-infection (dpi). Viral replication increased throughout the brain until 5-6 dpi and decreased thereafter with neurons as the main site of viral replication. Low levels of genetic diversity were noted on 1 dpi and were followed by an expansion in the genetic diversity of VEEV and nonsynonymous (Ns) mutations that peaked by 5 dpi. The pro-inflammatory response and the influx of immune cells mirrored the levels of virus and correlated with substantial damage to neurons by 5 dpi and increased activation of microglial cells and astrocytes. The prevalence and dynamics of Ns mutations suggest that the VEEV is under selection within the brain and that progressive neuroinflammation may play a role in acting as a selective pressure. IMPORTANCE Treatment of encephalitis in humans caused by Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) from natural or aerosol exposure is not available, and hence, there is a great interest to address this gap. In contrast to natural infections, therapeutic treatment of infections from aerosol exposure will require fast-acting drugs that rapidly penetrate the blood-brain barrier, engage sites of infection in the brain and mitigate the emergence of drug resistance. Therefore, it is important to understand not only VEEV pathogenesis, but the trafficking of the viral population within the brain, the potential for within-host evolution of the virus, and how VEEV might evolve resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan P. Williams
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Yi Xue
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jasper Lee
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Fitzpatrick
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Institute for the Study of Host-Pathogen Systems, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Ying Kong
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Walter Reichard
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Haley Writt
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Colleen B. Jonsson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Institute for the Study of Host-Pathogen Systems, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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3
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Cao X, Yang D, Parvathareddy J, Chu YK, Kim EJ, Fitz-Henley JN, Li X, Lukka PB, Parmar KR, Temrikar ZH, Dhole P, Adcock RS, Gabbard J, Bansal S, Lee J, Zalduondo L, Hayes E, Stabenow J, Meibohm B, Fitzpatrick EA, Bailey K, Campos RK, Julander JG, Rossi SL, Chung D, Jonsson CB, Golden JE. Efficacy of a brain-penetrant antiviral in lethal Venezuelan and eastern equine encephalitis mouse models. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eabl9344. [PMID: 37043558 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abl9344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Venezuelan and eastern equine encephalitis viruses (VEEV and EEEV, respectively) are mosquito-borne, neuroinvasive human pathogens for which no FDA-approved therapeutic exists. Besides the biothreat posed by these viruses when aerosolized, arthropod transmission presents serious health risks to humans, as demonstrated by the 2019 outbreak of EEE disease in the United States that resulted in 38 confirmed cases, 19 deaths, and neurological effects in survivors. Here, we describe the discovery of a 2-pyrrolidinoquinazolinone scaffold, efficiently synthesized in two to five steps, whose structural optimization resulted in profound antiviral activity. The lead quinazolinone, BDGR-49, potently reduced cellular VEEV and EEEV titers by >7 log at 1 μM and exhibited suitable intravenous and oral pharmacokinetic profiles in BALB/c mice to achieve excellent brain exposure. Outstanding in vivo efficacy was observed in several lethal, subcutaneous infection mouse models using an 8-day dosing regimen. Prophylactically administered BDGR-49 at 25 mg kg-1 per day fully protected against a 10× LD50 VEEV Trinidad donkey (TrD) challenge in BALB/c mice. Similarly, we observed 70% protection when 10× LD50 EEEV FL93-939-infected C57BL/6 mice were treated prophylactically with BDGR-49 at 50 mg kg-1 per day. Last, we observed 100% therapeutic efficacy when mice, challenged with 10× LD50 VEEV TrD, were dosed at 48 hours after infection with BDGR-49 at 25 mg kg-1 per day. Mouse brain viral titers at 96 hours after infection were reduced to values near the limit of detection. Collectively, these results underscore the substantial development potential of a well-tolerated, brain-penetrant lead compound that shows promise in preventing and treating encephalitic alphavirus disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xufeng Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Dong Yang
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Jyothi Parvathareddy
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Yong-Kyu Chu
- Center for Predictive Medicine, Department of Microbiology Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Eun Jung Kim
- Center for Predictive Medicine, Department of Microbiology Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Jhewelle N Fitz-Henley
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Pradeep B Lukka
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Keyur R Parmar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Zaid H Temrikar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Priya Dhole
- Center for Predictive Medicine, Department of Microbiology Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Robert Scott Adcock
- Center for Predictive Medicine, Department of Microbiology Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Jon Gabbard
- Center for Predictive Medicine, Department of Microbiology Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Shruti Bansal
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Jasper Lee
- Departments of Microbiology, Immunology, Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Lillian Zalduondo
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Ernestine Hayes
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Jennifer Stabenow
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Bernd Meibohm
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Fitzpatrick
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
- Departments of Microbiology, Immunology, Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Kevin Bailey
- Institute for Antiviral Research, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - Rafael K Campos
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Justin G Julander
- Institute for Antiviral Research, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - Shannan L Rossi
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Donghoon Chung
- Center for Predictive Medicine, Department of Microbiology Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Colleen B Jonsson
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
- Departments of Microbiology, Immunology, Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Jennifer E Golden
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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4
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Carfagno A, Lin SC, Chafran L, Akhrymuk I, Callahan V, Po M, Zhu Y, Altalhi A, Durkin DP, Russo P, Vliet KA, Webb-Robertson BJ, Kehn-Hall K, Bishop B. Bioprospecting the American Alligator Peptidome for antiviral peptides against Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus. Proteomics 2023; 23:e2200237. [PMID: 36480152 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202200237] [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: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The innate immune protection provided by cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs) has been shown to extend to antiviral activity, with putative mechanisms of action including direct interaction with host cells or pathogen membranes. The lack of therapeutics available for the treatment of viruses such as Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) underscores the urgency of novel strategies for antiviral discovery. American alligator plasma has been shown to exhibit strong in vitro antibacterial activity, and functionalized hydrogel particles have been successfully employed for the identification of specific CAMPs from alligator plasma. Here, a novel bait strategy in which particles were encapsulated in membranes from either healthy or VEEV-infected cells was implemented to identify peptides preferentially targeting infected cells for subsequent evaluation of antiviral activity. Statistical analysis of peptide identification results was used to select five candidate peptides for testing, of which one exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition of VEEV and also significantly inhibited infectious titers. Results suggest our bioprospecting strategy provides a versatile platform that may be adapted for antiviral peptide identification from complex biological samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Carfagno
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, USA
| | - Shih-Chao Lin
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, USA.,National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung City, Taiwan
| | - Liana Chafran
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, USA
| | - Ivan Akhrymuk
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Victoria Callahan
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, USA
| | - Marynet Po
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, USA
| | - Yaling Zhu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, USA
| | - Amaal Altalhi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, USA
| | - David P Durkin
- Chemistry Department, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland, USA
| | - Paul Russo
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, USA
| | - Kent A Vliet
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | | | - Kylene Kehn-Hall
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA.,Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Barney Bishop
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, USA
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5
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Ogorek TJ, Golden JE. Advances in the Development of Small Molecule Antivirals against Equine Encephalitic Viruses. Viruses 2023; 15:413. [PMID: 36851628 PMCID: PMC9958955 DOI: 10.3390/v15020413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Venezuelan, western, and eastern equine encephalitic alphaviruses (VEEV, WEEV, and EEEV, respectively) are arboviruses that are highly pathogenic to equines and cause significant harm to infected humans. Currently, human alphavirus infection and the resulting diseases caused by them are unmitigated due to the absence of approved vaccines or therapeutics for general use. These circumstances, combined with the unpredictability of outbreaks-as exemplified by a 2019 EEE surge in the United States that claimed 19 patient lives-emphasize the risks posed by these viruses, especially for aerosolized VEEV and EEEV which are potential biothreats. Herein, small molecule inhibitors of VEEV, WEEV, and EEEV are reviewed that have been identified or advanced in the last five years since a comprehensive review was last performed. We organize structures according to host- versus virus-targeted mechanisms, highlight cellular and animal data that are milestones in the development pipeline, and provide a perspective on key considerations for the progression of compounds at early and later stages of advancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler J. Ogorek
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Jennifer E. Golden
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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6
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Targeting the alphavirus virus replication process for antiviral development. Antiviral Res 2023; 210:105494. [PMID: 36574906 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2022.105494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Many alphaviruses, including chikungunya virus (CHIKV) are known human pathogens that lack specific and effective antivirals or vaccines available. The upstream portion of the positive-sense single-stranded RNA genome of alphaviruses encodes four nonstructural proteins: nsP1 to nsP4. They are expressed and autoprocessed to nonstructural proteins which assemble into a replication complex (RC) playing multiple essential roles on viral RNA replication and communication with the host components. The assembly of alphavirus RC and its RNA genome initiates the membrane-derived ultrastructure known as spherule which facilitates viral RNA synthesis protected from host immune responses. Recent advances in the molecular understanding of the high-resolution CHIKV RC heteromeric ultrastructure have provided new insights into the viral replication process. Hence, alphavirus RC presents as an ideal multi-enzyme target for the development of structure-based antiviral drugs. Moreover, the alphavirus RC has therapeutic potential in the form of self-amplifying RNA technology against both infectious and non-infectious diseases.
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7
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Kehn-Hall K, Bradfute SB. Understanding host responses to equine encephalitis virus infection: implications for therapeutic development. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2022; 20:1551-1566. [PMID: 36305549 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2022.2141224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Venezuelan, eastern, and western equine encephalitis viruses (VEEV, EEEV, and WEEV) are mosquito-borne New World alphaviruses that cause encephalitis in equids and humans. These viruses can cause severe disease and death, as well as long-term severe neurological symptoms in survivors. Despite the pathogenesis and weaponization of these viruses, there are no approved therapeutics for treating infection. AREAS COVERED In this review, we describe the molecular pathogenesis of these viruses, discuss host-pathogen interactions needed for viral replication, and highlight new avenues for drug development with a focus on host-targeted approaches. EXPERT OPINION Current approaches have yielded some promising therapeutics, but additional emphasis should be placed on advanced development of existing small molecules and pursuit of pan-encephalitic alphavirus drugs. More research should be conducted on EEEV and WEEV, given their high lethality rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylene Kehn-Hall
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.,Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Steven B Bradfute
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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Ryan MC, Kim E, Cao X, Reichard W, Ogorek TJ, Das P, Jonsson CB, Baudry J, Chung D, Golden JE. Piperazinobenzodiazepinones: New Encephalitic Alphavirus Inhibitors via Ring Expansion of 2-Dichloromethylquinazolinones. ACS Med Chem Lett 2022; 13:546-553. [PMID: 35450382 PMCID: PMC9014857 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.1c00539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
![]()
Venezuelan and eastern
equine encephalitis viruses are disease-causing,
neuropathic pathogens with no approved treatment options in humans.
While expanding the pharmacophoric model of antialphaviral amidines
prepared via a quinazolinone rearrangement, we discovered that diamine-treated,
2-dihalomethylquinolinones unexpectedly afforded ring-expanded piperazine-fused
benzodiazepinones. Notably, this new chemotype (19 examples) showed
potent, submicromolar inhibition of virus-induced cell death, >7-log
reduction of viral yield, and tractable structure–activity
relationships across both viruses. Antiviral activity was confirmed
in primary human neuronal cells. A mechanistic rationale for product
formation is proposed, and key structural elements were comparatively
modeled between a similarly substituted antiviral amidine and piperazinobenzodiazepinone
prototypes to guide future antiviral development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C. Ryan
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin−Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
| | - Eunjung Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, United States
| | - Xufeng Cao
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin−Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
| | - Walter Reichard
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | - Tyler J. Ogorek
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin−Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Pronay Das
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin−Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
| | - Colleen B. Jonsson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
- College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | - Jerome Baudry
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, Alabama 35899, United States
| | - Donghoon Chung
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, United States
| | - Jennifer E. Golden
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin−Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin−Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
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Corrin T, Ackford R, Mascarenhas M, Greig J, Waddell LA. Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus: A Scoping Review of the Global Evidence. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2021; 21:305-320. [PMID: 33332203 PMCID: PMC8086401 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2020.2671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) is a mosquito-borne virus that is primarily found in North America and the Caribbean. Over the past decade there has been an increase in virus activity, including large outbreaks in human and horse populations. Predicted climate change is expected to affect the range of mosquitoes including vectors of EEEV, which may alter disease risk posing a public health concern. Methods: A scoping review (ScR) was conducted to identify and characterize the global evidence on EEEV. A thorough search was conducted in relevant bibliographic databases and government websites. Two reviewers screened titles and abstracts for relevance and the characteristics of relevant articles were extracted using a uniformly implemented data collection form. The study protocol was developed a priori and described the methods and tools used and this article follows the PRISMA-ScR guidelines for reporting ScRs. Results: The ScR included 718 relevant research articles. The majority of the articles originated from North America (97%) between 1933 and 2019. EEEV has been identified in 35 species of mosquitoes, over 200 species of birds, various domestic animals, wild mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Articles identified in this ScR primarily covered three topic areas: epidemiology of hosts and vectors (344 articles) including surveillance results (138), pathogenesis of EEEV in hosts (193), and in vitro studies characterizing EEEV (111). Fewer articles evaluated the accuracy of diagnostic tests (63), the efficacy of mitigation strategies (62), transmission dynamics (56), treatment of EEEV in hosts (10), societal knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions (4), and economic burden (2). Conclusion: With the projected impact of climate change on mosquito populations, it is expected that the risk of EEEV could change resulting in higher disease burden or spread into previously unaffected areas. Future research efforts should focus on closing some of the important knowledge gaps identified in this ScR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tricia Corrin
- Public Health Risk Sciences Division, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Guelph, Canada
| | - Rachel Ackford
- Public Health Risk Sciences Division, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Guelph, Canada
| | - Mariola Mascarenhas
- Public Health Risk Sciences Division, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Guelph, Canada
| | - Judy Greig
- Public Health Risk Sciences Division, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Guelph, Canada
| | - Lisa A. Waddell
- Public Health Risk Sciences Division, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Guelph, Canada
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10
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Zhang H, Harmon M, Radoshitzky SR, Soloveva V, Kane CD, Duplantier AJ, Ogungbe IV. Vinyl Sulfone-Based Inhibitors of Nonstructural Protein 2 Block the Replication of Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus. ACS Med Chem Lett 2020; 11:2139-2145. [PMID: 33214821 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.0c00215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging infectious diseases like those caused by arboviruses such as Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) pose a serious threat to public health systems. Development of medical countermeasures against emerging infectious diseases are of utmost importance. In this work, an acrylate and vinyl sulfone-based chemical series was investigated as promising starting scaffolds against VEEV and as inhibitors of the cysteine protease domain of VEEV's nonstructural protein 2 (nsP2). Primary screen and dose response studies were performed to evaluate the potency and cytotoxicity of the compounds. The results provide structural insights into a new class of potent nonpeptidic covalent inhibitors of nsP2 cysteine protease represented by compound 11 (VEEV TrD, EC50 = 2.4 μM (HeLa), 1.6 μM (Vero E6)). These results may facilitate the evolution of the compounds into selective and broad-spectrum anti-alphaviral drug leads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaisheng Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Physics, and Atmospheric Sciences, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi 39217-0095, United States
| | - Moeshia Harmon
- Department of Chemistry, Physics, and Atmospheric Sciences, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi 39217-0095, United States
| | - Sheli R. Radoshitzky
- The Geneva Foundation, Countermeasure Development Division, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Frederick, Maryland 21702-5011, United States
| | - Veronica Soloveva
- Cherokee Nation Assurance, Countermeasure Development Division, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Frederick, Maryland 21702-5011, United States
| | - Christopher D. Kane
- Research Program Office, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Frederick, Maryland 21702-5011, United States
| | - Allen J. Duplantier
- Cherokee Nation Assurance, Countermeasure Development Division, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Frederick, Maryland 21702-5011, United States
| | - Ifedayo Victor Ogungbe
- Department of Chemistry, Physics, and Atmospheric Sciences, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi 39217-0095, United States
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Lee J, Parvathareddy J, Yang D, Bansal S, O'Connell K, Golden JE, Jonsson CB. Emergence and Magnitude of ML336 Resistance in Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus Depend on the Microenvironment. J Virol 2020; 94:e00317-20. [PMID: 32878897 PMCID: PMC7592223 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00317-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is a New World Alphavirus that can cause neurological disease and death in humans and equines following transmission from infected mosquitoes. Despite the continued epidemic threat of VEEV, and its potential use as a bioterrorism agent, there are no FDA-approved antivirals or vaccines for treatment or prevention. Previously, we reported the discovery of a small molecule, ML336, with potent antiviral activity against VEEV. To further explore the population-level resistance profiles of ML336, we developed a whole-genome next-generation sequencing (NGS) approach to examine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from virus passaged in dose escalation studies in a nonhuman primate kidney epithelial and a human astrocyte cell line, Vero 76 and SVGA, respectively. We passaged VEEV TC-83 in these two cell lines over seven concentrations of ML336, starting at 50 nM. NGS revealed several prominent mutations in the nonstructural protein (nsP) 3 and nsP4 genes that emerged consistently in these two distinct in vitro environments-notably, a mutation at Q210 in nsP4. Several of these mutations were stable following passaging in the absence of ML336 in Vero 76 cells. Network analyses showed that the trajectory of resistance differed between Vero and SVGA. Moreover, the penetration of SNPs was lower in SVGA. In conclusion, we show that the microenvironment influenced the SNP profile of VEEV TC-83. Understanding the dynamics of resistance in VEEV against newly developed antiviral compounds will guide the design of optimal drug candidates and dosing regimens for minimizing the emergence of resistant viruses.IMPORTANCE RNA viruses, including Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), have high mutation rates that allow for rapid adaptation to selective pressures in their environment. Antiviral compounds exert one such pressure on virus populations during infections. Next-generation sequencing allows for examination of viruses at the population level, which enables tracking of low levels of single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the population over time. Therefore, the timing and extent of the emergence of resistance to antivirals can be tracked and assessed. We show here that in VEEV, the trajectory and penetration of antiviral resistance reflected the microenvironment in which the virus population replicates. In summary, we show the diversity of VEEV within a single population under antiviral pressure and two distinct cell types, and we show that population dynamics in these viruses can be examined to better understand how they evolve over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasper Lee
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jyothi Parvathareddy
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Dong Yang
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Shruti Bansal
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Kathryn O'Connell
- Laboratory Animal Care Unit, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jennifer E Golden
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Colleen B Jonsson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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Bugert JJ, Hucke F, Zanetta P, Bassetto M, Brancale A. Antivirals in medical biodefense. Virus Genes 2020; 56:150-167. [PMID: 32076918 PMCID: PMC7089181 DOI: 10.1007/s11262-020-01737-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The viruses historically implicated or currently considered as candidates for misuse in bioterrorist events are poxviruses, filoviruses, bunyaviruses, orthomyxoviruses, paramyxoviruses and a number of arboviruses causing encephalitis, including alpha- and flaviviruses. All these viruses are of concern for public health services when they occur in natural outbreaks or emerge in unvaccinated populations. Recent events and intelligence reports point to a growing risk of dangerous biological agents being used for nefarious purposes. Public health responses effective in natural outbreaks of infectious disease may not be sufficient to deal with the severe consequences of a deliberate release of such agents. One important aspect of countermeasures against viral biothreat agents are the antiviral treatment options available for use in post-exposure prophylaxis. These issues were adressed by the organizers of the 16th Medical Biodefense Conference, held in Munich in 2018, in a special session on the development of drugs to treat infections with viruses currently perceived as a threat to societies or associated with a potential for misuse as biothreat agents. This review will outline the state-of-the-art methods in antivirals research discussed and provide an overview of antiviral compounds in the pipeline that are already approved for use or still under development.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Bugert
- Bundeswehr Institute for Microbiology, Neuherbergstraße 11, 80937, Munich, Germany.
| | - F Hucke
- Bundeswehr Institute for Microbiology, Neuherbergstraße 11, 80937, Munich, Germany
| | - P Zanetta
- Bundeswehr Institute for Microbiology, Neuherbergstraße 11, 80937, Munich, Germany
| | - M Bassetto
- Department of Chemistry, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - A Brancale
- Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3NB, UK
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Duplantier AJ, Shurtleff AC, Miller C, Chiang CY, Panchal RG, Sunay M. Combating biothreat pathogens: ongoing efforts for countermeasure development and unique challenges. DRUG DISCOVERY TARGETING DRUG-RESISTANT BACTERIA 2020. [PMCID: PMC7258707 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-818480-6.00007-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Research to discover and develop antibacterial and antiviral drugs with potent activity against pathogens of biothreat concern presents unique methodological and process-driven challenges. Herein, we review laboratory approaches for finding new antibodies, antibiotics, and antiviral molecules for pathogens of biothreat concern. Using high-throughput screening techniques, molecules that directly inhibit a pathogen’s entry, replication, or growth can be identified. Alternatively, molecules that target host proteins can be interesting targets for development when countering biothreat pathogens, due to the modulation of the host immune response or targeting proteins that interfere with the pathways required by the pathogen for replication. Monoclonal and cocktail antibody therapies approved by the Food and Drug Administration for countering anthrax and under development for treatment of Ebola virus infection are discussed. A comprehensive tabular review of current in vitro, in vivo, pharmacokinetic and efficacy datasets has been presented for biothreat pathogens of greatest concern. Finally, clinical trials and animal rule or traditional drug approval pathways are also reviewed. Opinions; interpretations; conclusions; and recommendations are those of the authors and are not necessarily endorsed by the US Army.
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A new inactivation method to facilitate cryo-EM of enveloped, RNA viruses requiring high containment: A case study using Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus (VEEV). J Virol Methods 2019; 277:113792. [PMID: 31786314 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2019.113792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The challenges associated with operating electron microscopes (EM) in biosafety level 3 and 4 containment facilities have slowed progress of cryo-EM studies of high consequence viruses. We address this gap in a case study of Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus (VEEV) strain TC-83. Chemical inactivation of viruses may physically distort structure, and hence to verify retention of native structure, we selected VEEV strain TC-83 to develop this methodology as this virus has a 4.8 Å resolution cryo-EM structure. In our method, amplified VEEV TC-83 was concentrated directly from supernatant through a 30 % sucrose cushion, resuspended, and chemically inactivated with 1 % glutaraldehyde. A second 30 % sucrose cushion removed any excess glutaraldehyde that might interfere with single particle analyses. A cryo-EM map of fixed, inactivated VEEV was determined to a resolution of 7.9 Å. The map retained structural features of the native virus such as the icosahedral symmetry, and the organization of the capsid core and the trimeric spikes. Our results suggest that our strategy can easily be adapted for inactivation of other enveloped, RNA viruses requiring BSL-3 or BSL-4 for cryo-EM. However, the validation of inactivation requires the oversight of Biosafety Committee for each Institution.
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