1
|
Goh JZH, De Hayr L, Khromykh AA, Slonchak A. The Flavivirus Non-Structural Protein 5 (NS5): Structure, Functions, and Targeting for Development of Vaccines and Therapeutics. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:865. [PMID: 39203991 PMCID: PMC11360482 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12080865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 07/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Flaviviruses, including dengue (DENV), Zika (ZIKV), West Nile (WNV), Japanese encephalitis (JEV), yellow fever (YFV), and tick-borne encephalitis (TBEV) viruses, pose a significant global emerging threat. With their potential to cause widespread outbreaks and severe health complications, the development of effective vaccines and antiviral therapeutics is imperative. The flaviviral non-structural protein 5 (NS5) is a highly conserved and multifunctional protein that is crucial for viral replication, and the NS5 protein of many flaviviruses has been shown to be a potent inhibitor of interferon (IFN) signalling. In this review, we discuss the functions of NS5, diverse NS5-mediated strategies adopted by flaviviruses to evade the host antiviral response, and how NS5 can be a target for the development of vaccines and antiviral therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Andrii Slonchak
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Center, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (J.Z.H.G.); (L.D.H.); (A.A.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hershan AA. Pathogenesis of COVID19 and the applications of US FDA-approved repurposed antiviral drugs to combat SARS-CoV-2 in Saudi Arabia: A recent update by review of literature. Saudi J Biol Sci 2024; 31:104023. [PMID: 38799719 PMCID: PMC11127266 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2024.104023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Still, there is no cure for the highly contagious severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-caused coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19). The COVID19 pandemic caused health emergencies which resulted in enormous medical and financial consequences worldwide including Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is the largest Arab country of the Middle East. The urban setting of Saudi Arabia makes it vulnerable towards SARS-CoV-2 (SCV-2). Religious areas of this country are visited by millions of pilgrims every year for the Umrah and Hajj pilgrimage, which contributes to the potential COVID19 epidemic risk. COVID19 throws various challenges to healthcare professionals to choose the right drugs or therapy in clinical settings because of the lack of availability of newer drugs. Current drug development and discovery is an expensive, complex, and long process, which involves a high failure rate in clinical trials. While repurposing of United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA)-approved antiviral drugs offers numerous benefits including complete pharmacokinetic and safety profiles, which significantly shorten drug development cycles and reduce costs. A range of repurposed US FDA-approved antiviral drugs including ribavirin, lopinavir/ritonavir combination, oseltamivir, darunavir, remdesivir, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir combination, and molnupiravir showed encouraging results in clinical trials in COVID19 treatment. In this article, several COVID19-related discussions have been provided including emerging variants of concern of, COVID19 pathogenesis, COVID19 pandemic scenario in Saudi Arabia, drug repurposing strategies against SCV-2, as well as repurposing of US FDA-approved antiviral drugs that might be considered to combat SCV-2 in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, drug repurposing in the context of COVID19 management along with its limitations and future perspectives have been summarized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Almonther Abdullah Hershan
- The University of Jeddah, College of Medicine, Department of Medical microbiology and parasitology, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kothapalli Y, Jones RA, Chu CK, Singh US. Synthesis of Fluorinated Nucleosides/Nucleotides and Their Antiviral Properties. Molecules 2024; 29:2390. [PMID: 38792251 PMCID: PMC11124531 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29102390] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The FDA has approved several drugs based on the fluorinated nucleoside pharmacophore, and numerous drugs are currently in clinical trials. Fluorine-containing nucleos(t)ides offer significant antiviral and anticancer activity. The insertion of a fluorine atom, either in the base or sugar of nucleos(t)ides, alters its electronic and steric parameters and transforms the lipophilicity, pharmacodynamic, and pharmacokinetic properties of these moieties. The fluorine atom restricts the oxidative metabolism of drugs and provides enzymatic metabolic stability towards the glycosidic bond of the nucleos(t)ide. The incorporation of fluorine also demonstrates additional hydrogen bonding interactions in receptors with enhanced biological profiles. The present article discusses the synthetic methodology and antiviral activities of FDA-approved drugs and ongoing fluoro-containing nucleos(t)ide drug candidates in clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chung K. Chu
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (Y.K.); (R.A.J.)
| | - Uma S. Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (Y.K.); (R.A.J.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rosales-Rosas AL, Soto A, Wang L, Mols R, Fontaine A, Sanon A, Augustijns P, Delang L. β-D-N 4-hydroxycytidine (NHC, EIDD-1931) inhibits chikungunya virus replication in mosquito cells and ex vivo Aedes aegypti guts, but not when ingested during blood-feeding. Antiviral Res 2024; 225:105858. [PMID: 38490342 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne virus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. While there are no antiviral therapies currently available to treat CHIKV infections, several licensed oral drugs have shown significant anti-CHIKV activity in cells and in mouse models. However, the efficacy in mosquitoes has not yet been assessed. Such cross-species antiviral activity could be favorable, since virus inhibition in the mosquito vector might prevent further transmission to vertebrate hosts. Here, we explored the antiviral effect of β-d-N4-hydroxycytidine (NHC, EIDD-1931), the active metabolite of molnupiravir, on CHIKV replication in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Antiviral assays in mosquito cells and in ex vivo cultured mosquito guts showed that NHC had significant antiviral activity against CHIKV. Exposure to a clinically relevant concentration of NHC did not affect Ae. aegypti lifespan when delivered via a bloodmeal, but it slightly reduced the number of eggs developed in the ovaries. When mosquitoes were exposed to a blood meal containing both CHIKV and NHC, the compound did not significantly reduce virus infection and dissemination in the mosquitoes. This was confirmed by modelling and could be explained by pharmacokinetic analysis, which revealed that by 6 h post-blood-feeding, 90% of NHC had been cleared from the mosquito bodies. Our data show that NHC inhibited CHIKV replication in mosquito cells and gut tissue, but not in vivo when mosquitoes were provided with a CHIKV-infectious bloodmeal spiked with NHC. The pipeline presented in this study offers a suitable approach to identify anti-arboviral drugs that may impede replication in mosquitoes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Lucia Rosales-Rosas
- KU Leuven Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Alina Soto
- KU Leuven Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lanjiao Wang
- KU Leuven Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Raf Mols
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Drug Delivery and Disposition, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Albin Fontaine
- Unité de Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département des Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Université, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, UMR Vecteurs - Infections Tropicales et Méditerranéennes (VITROME), IHU - Méditerranée Infection, 19-21 bd Jean Moulin, cedex 5, 13385 Marseille, France
| | - Aboubakar Sanon
- KU Leuven Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Patrick Augustijns
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Drug Delivery and Disposition, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Leen Delang
- KU Leuven Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Leuven, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Cochet M, Piumi F, Gorna K, Berry N, Gonzalez G, Danckaert A, Aulner N, Blanchet O, Zientara S, Donadeu FX, Munier-Lehmann H, Richardson J, Benchoua A, Coulpier M. An equine iPSC-based phenotypic screening platform identifies pro- and anti-viral molecules against West Nile virus. Vet Res 2024; 55:32. [PMID: 38493182 PMCID: PMC10943879 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-024-01290-1] [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: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Outbreaks of West Nile virus (WNV) occur periodically, affecting both human and equine populations. There are no vaccines for humans, and those commercialised for horses do not have sufficient coverage. Specific antiviral treatments do not exist. Many drug discovery studies have been conducted, but since rodent or primate cell lines are normally used, results cannot always be transposed to horses. There is thus a need to develop relevant equine cellular models. Here, we used induced pluripotent stem cells to develop a new in vitro model of WNV-infected equine brain cells suitable for microplate assay, and assessed the cytotoxicity and antiviral activity of forty-one chemical compounds. We found that one nucleoside analog, 2'C-methylcytidine, blocked WNV infection in equine brain cells, whereas other compounds were either toxic or ineffective, despite some displaying anti-viral activity in human cell lines. We also revealed an unexpected proviral effect of statins in WNV-infected equine brain cells. Our results thus identify a potential lead for future drug development and underscore the importance of using a tissue- and species-relevant cellular model for assessing the activity of antiviral compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marielle Cochet
- UMR VIROLOGIE, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, INRAE, Anses, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - François Piumi
- UMR VIROLOGIE, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, INRAE, Anses, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Kamila Gorna
- UMR VIROLOGIE, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, INRAE, Anses, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Noémie Berry
- UMR VIROLOGIE, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, INRAE, Anses, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Gaëlle Gonzalez
- UMR VIROLOGIE, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, INRAE, Anses, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Anne Danckaert
- UTechS Photonics Bioimaging/C2RT, Institut Pasteur Paris, Université Paris Cité, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Aulner
- UTechS Photonics Bioimaging/C2RT, Institut Pasteur Paris, Université Paris Cité, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Odile Blanchet
- Centre de Ressources Biologiques, BB-0033-00038, CHU Angers, 49933, Angers, France
| | - Stéphan Zientara
- UMR VIROLOGIE, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, INRAE, Anses, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Francesc Xavier Donadeu
- Division of Translational Bioscience, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | | | - Jennifer Richardson
- UMR VIROLOGIE, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, INRAE, Anses, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | | | - Muriel Coulpier
- UMR VIROLOGIE, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, INRAE, Anses, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Diani E, Lagni A, Lotti V, Tonon E, Cecchetto R, Gibellini D. Vector-Transmitted Flaviviruses: An Antiviral Molecules Overview. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2427. [PMID: 37894085 PMCID: PMC10608811 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11102427] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Flaviviruses cause numerous pathologies in humans across a broad clinical spectrum with potentially severe clinical manifestations, including hemorrhagic and neurological disorders. Among human flaviviruses, some viral proteins show high conservation and are good candidates as targets for drug design. From an epidemiological point of view, flaviviruses cause more than 400 million cases of infection worldwide each year. In particular, the Yellow Fever, dengue, West Nile, and Zika viruses have high morbidity and mortality-about an estimated 20,000 deaths per year. As they depend on human vectors, they have expanded their geographical range in recent years due to altered climatic and social conditions. Despite these epidemiological and clinical premises, there are limited antiviral treatments for these infections. In this review, we describe the major compounds that are currently under evaluation for the treatment of flavivirus infections and the challenges faced during clinical trials, outlining their mechanisms of action in order to present an overview of ongoing studies. According to our review, the absence of approved antivirals for flaviviruses led to in vitro and in vivo experiments aimed at identifying compounds that can interfere with one or more viral cycle steps. Still, the currently unavailability of approved antivirals poses a significant public health issue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erica Diani
- Department of Diagnostic and Public Health, Microbiology Section, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (A.L.); (V.L.); (R.C.)
| | - Anna Lagni
- Department of Diagnostic and Public Health, Microbiology Section, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (A.L.); (V.L.); (R.C.)
| | - Virginia Lotti
- Department of Diagnostic and Public Health, Microbiology Section, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (A.L.); (V.L.); (R.C.)
| | - Emil Tonon
- Unit of Microbiology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy;
| | - Riccardo Cecchetto
- Department of Diagnostic and Public Health, Microbiology Section, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (A.L.); (V.L.); (R.C.)
- Unit of Microbiology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy;
| | - Davide Gibellini
- Department of Diagnostic and Public Health, Microbiology Section, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (A.L.); (V.L.); (R.C.)
- Unit of Microbiology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Binderup A, Galli A, Fossat N, Fernandez-Antunez C, Mikkelsen LS, Rivera-Rangel LR, Scheel TKH, Fahnøe U, Bukh J, Ramirez S. Differential activity of nucleotide analogs against tick-borne encephalitis and yellow fever viruses in human cell lines. Virology 2023; 585:179-185. [PMID: 37356253 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2023.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
With no approved antiviral therapies, the continuous emergence and re-emergence of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and yellow fever virus (YFV) is a rising concern. We performed head-to-head comparisons of the antiviral activity of available nucleos(t)ide analogs (nucs) using relevant human cell lines. Eight existing nucs inhibited TBEV and/or YFV with differential activity between cell lines and viruses. Remdesivir, uprifosbuvir and sofosbuvir were the most potent drugs against TBEV and YFV in liver cells, but they had reduced activity in neural cells, whereas galidesivir retained uniform activity across cell lines and viruses. Ribavirin, valopicitabine, molnupiravir and GS-6620 exhibited only moderate antiviral activity. We found antiviral activity for drugs previously reported as inactive, demonstrating the importance of using human cell lines and comparative experimental assays when screening the activity of nucs. The relatively high antiviral activity of remdesivir, sofosbuvir and uprifosbuvir against TBEV and YFV merits further investigation in clinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alekxander Binderup
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andrea Galli
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nicolas Fossat
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Carlota Fernandez-Antunez
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lotte S Mikkelsen
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lizandro René Rivera-Rangel
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Troels K H Scheel
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ulrik Fahnøe
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jens Bukh
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Santseharay Ramirez
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhu Y, Chen S, Lurong Q, Qi Z. Recent Advances in Antivirals for Japanese Encephalitis Virus. Viruses 2023; 15:v15051033. [PMID: 37243122 DOI: 10.3390/v15051033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Culex mosquitoes are the primary vectors of the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). Since its discovery in 1935, Japanese encephalitis (JE), caused by JEV, has posed a significant threat to human health. Despite the widespread implementation of several JEV vaccines, the transmission chain of JEV in the natural ecosystem has not changed, and the vector of transmission cannot be eradicated. Therefore, JEV is still the focus of attention for flaviviruses. At present, there is no clinically specific drug for JE treatment. JEV infection is a complex interaction between the virus and the host cell, which is the focus of drug design and development. An overview of antivirals that target JEV elements and host factors is presented in this review. In addition, drugs that balance antiviral effects and host protection by regulating innate immunity, inflammation, apoptosis, or necrosis are reviewed to treat JE effectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongzhe Zhu
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Shenglin Chen
- Department of Clinic Laboratory Diagnostics, General Hospital of Tibet Military Area Command of PLA, Lhasa 850007, China
| | - Qilin Lurong
- Department of Geriatrics, General Hospital of Tibet Military Area Command of PLA, Lhasa 850007, China
| | - Zhongtian Qi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Identification of West Nile virus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase non-nucleoside inhibitors by real-time high throughput fluorescence screening. Antiviral Res 2023; 212:105568. [PMID: 36842536 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2023.105568] [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: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is a re-emergent mosquito-borne RNA virus that causes major outbreaks of encephalitis around the world. However, there is no therapeutic treatment to struggle against WNV, and the current treatment relies on alleviating symptoms. Therefore, due to the threat virus poses to animal and human health, there is an urgent need to come up with fast strategies to identify and assess effective antiviral compounds. A relevant target when developing drugs against RNA viruses is the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), responsible for the replication of the viral genome within a host cell. RdRps are key therapeutic targets based on their specificity for RNA and their essential role in the propagation of the infection. We have developed a fluorescence-based method to measure WNV RdRp activity in a fast and reliable real-time way. Interestingly, rilpivirine has shown in our assay inhibition of the WNV RdRp activity with an IC50 value of 3.3 μM and its antiviral activity was confirmed in cell cultures. Furthermore, this method has been extended to build up a high-throughput screening platform to identify WNV polymerase inhibitors. By screening a small chemical library, novel RdRp inhibitors 1-4 have been identified. When their antiviral activity was tested against WNV in cell culture, 4 exhibited an EC50 value of 2.5 μM and a selective index of 12.3. Thus, rilpivirine shows up as an interesting candidate for repurposing against flavivirus. Moreover, the here reported method allows the rapid identification of new WNV RdRp inhibitors.
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
Flaviviruses are vector-borne pathogens capable of causing devastating human diseases. The re-emergence of Zika in 2016 notoriously led to a widescale epidemic in the Americas. New daunting evidence suggests that a single mutation in Zika virus genome may increase transmission and pathogenesis, further highlighting the need to be prepared for flavivirus outbreaks. Dengue, in particular infects about 400 million people each year, leading to reoccurring local outbreaks. Public health efforts to mitigate flavivirus transmission is largely dependent on vector control strategies, as only a limited number of flavivirus vaccines have been developed thus far. There are currently no commercially available antivirals for flaviviruses, leaving supportive care as the primary treatment option. In this review, we will briefly paint a broad picture of the flavivirus landscape in terms of therapeutics, with particular focus on viral targets, promising novel compounds entering the drug discovery pipeline, as well as model systems for evaluating drug efficacy.
Collapse
|
11
|
Lei S, Chen X, Wu J, Duan X, Men K. Small molecules in the treatment of COVID-19. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:387. [PMID: 36464706 PMCID: PMC9719906 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01249-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of COVID-19 has become a global crisis, and brought severe disruptions to societies and economies. Until now, effective therapeutics against COVID-19 are in high demand. Along with our improved understanding of the structure, function, and pathogenic process of SARS-CoV-2, many small molecules with potential anti-COVID-19 effects have been developed. So far, several antiviral strategies were explored. Besides directly inhibition of viral proteins such as RdRp and Mpro, interference of host enzymes including ACE2 and proteases, and blocking relevant immunoregulatory pathways represented by JAK/STAT, BTK, NF-κB, and NLRP3 pathways, are regarded feasible in drug development. The development of small molecules to treat COVID-19 has been achieved by several strategies, including computer-aided lead compound design and screening, natural product discovery, drug repurposing, and combination therapy. Several small molecules representative by remdesivir and paxlovid have been proved or authorized emergency use in many countries. And many candidates have entered clinical-trial stage. Nevertheless, due to the epidemiological features and variability issues of SARS-CoV-2, it is necessary to continue exploring novel strategies against COVID-19. This review discusses the current findings in the development of small molecules for COVID-19 treatment. Moreover, their detailed mechanism of action, chemical structures, and preclinical and clinical efficacies are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sibei Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohua Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Jieping Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingmei Duan
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China.
| | - Ke Men
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Inhibition of Viral RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerases by Nucleoside Inhibitors: An Illustration of the Unity and Diversity of Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012649. [PMID: 36293509 PMCID: PMC9604226 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) is essential for the replication and expression of RNA viral genomes. This class of viruses comprise a large number of highly pathogenic agents that infect essentially all species of plants and animals including humans. Infections often lead to epidemics and pandemics that have remained largely out of control due to the lack of specific and reliable preventive and therapeutic regimens. This unmet medical need has led to the exploration of new antiviral targets, of which RdRP is a major one, due to the fact of its obligatory need in virus growth. Recent studies have demonstrated the ability of several synthetic nucleoside analogs to serve as mimics of the corresponding natural nucleosides. These mimics cause stalling/termination of RdRP, or misincorporation, preventing virus replication or promoting large-scale lethal mutations. Several such analogs have received clinical approval and are being routinely used in therapy. In parallel, the molecular structural basis of their inhibitory interactions with RdRP is being elucidated, revealing both traditional and novel mechanisms including a delayed chain termination effect. This review offers a molecular commentary on these mechanisms along with their clinical implications based on analyses of recent results, which should facilitate the rational design of structure-based antiviral drugs.
Collapse
|
13
|
Mangrio GR, Maneengam A, Khalid Z, Jafar TH, Chanihoon GQ, Nassani R, Unar A. RP-HPLC Method Development, Validation, and Drug Repurposing of Sofosbuvir Pharmaceutical Dosage Form: A Multidimensional Study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113282. [PMID: 35487258 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
A smooth, exceptionally sensitive, correct, and extra reproducible RP-HPLC technique was developed and demonstrated to estimate Sofosbuvir (SOF) in pharmaceutical dosage formulations. This process was carried out by Agilent High-Pressure Liquid Chromatograph 1260 with GI311C Quat. Pump, Phenomenex Luna C-18 (150 mm × 4.6 mm × 5 μm) (USA), and Photodiode Array Detector (PDA) G1315D. The cell section, including acetonitrile and methanol with 80:20 v/v and solution (B) 0.1% phosphoric acid (40:60), was used for the study. However, 10 μL of the sample was injected with a drift flow of 1 mL/min. The separation occurred at a column temperature of 30 °C, and the eluents used PDA set at 260 nm. The retention time of SOF was 5 min. The calibration curve was modified linearly within the range of 0.05-0.15 mg/mL with a correlation coefficient of 0.99 and genuine linear dating among top vicinity and consciousness in the calibration curve. The detection and quantification restrictions were 0.001 and 0.003 mg/mL, respectively. SOF recovery from pharmaceutical components ranged from 98% to 99%. The percentage assay of SOF was 99%. Analytical validation parameters, such as specificity, linearity, precision, accuracy, and selectivity, were studied, and the percentage relative standard deviation (%RSD) was less than 2%. All other key parameters were observed within the desired thresholds. Hence, the proposed RP-HPLC technique was proven effective for developing SOF in bulk and pharmaceutical pill dosage forms. SOF was found to interact with SARS-COV-2 nsp12, and molecular docking results revealed its high affinity and firm binding within the active site groove of nsp12. The key interacting residues include; LYS-72, GLN-75, MET-80 ALA-99, ASN-99, TRP-100, TYR-101 with ASN-99 and TRP-100 forming hydrogen bonds. Molecular Dynamics simulation of SOF and nsp12 complex elucidated that the system was stable throughout 20ns. Therefore, this drug repurposing strategy for SOF can be used for treating COVID-19 infections by performing animal experiments and accurate clinical trials in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Apichit Maneengam
- Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology, College of Industrial Technology, King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, Wongsawang, Bangsue, Bangkok, 10800, Thailand
| | - Zunera Khalid
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, PR China
| | | | - Ghulam Qadir Chanihoon
- National Center of Excellence in Analytical Chemistry, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, 76090, Pakistan
| | - Rayan Nassani
- Center for Computational Biology, Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Ahsanullah Unar
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zein AFMZ, Sulistiyana CS, Raffaello WM, Wibowo A, Pranata R. Sofosbuvir with daclatasvir and the outcomes of patients with COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis with GRADE assessment. Postgrad Med J 2022; 98:509-514. [PMID: 37066509 PMCID: PMC8189832 DOI: 10.1136/postgradmedj-2021-140287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of sofosbuvir/daclatasvir (SOF/DCV) on mortality, the need for intensive care unit (ICU) admission or invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) and clinical recovery in patients with COVID-19. METHODS We performed a systematic literature search through the PubMed, Scopus and Embase from the inception of databases until 6 April 2021. The intervention group was SOF/DCV, and the control group was standard of care. The primary outcome was mortality, defined as clinically validated death. The secondary outcomes were (1) the need for ICU admission or IMV and (2) clinical recovery. The pooled effect estimates were reported as risk ratios (RRs). RESULTS There were four studies with a total of 231 patients in this meta-analysis. Three studies were randomised controlled trial, and one study was non-randomised. SOF/DCV was associated with lower mortality (RR: 0.31 (0.12, 0.78); p=0.013; I2: 0%) and reduced need for ICU admission or IMV (RR: 0.35 (0.18, 0.69); p=0.002; I2: 0%). Clinical recovery was achieved more frequently in the SOF/DCV (RR: 1.20 (1.04, 1.37); p=0.011; I2: 21.1%). There was a moderate certainty of evidence for mortality and need for ICU/IMV outcome, and a low certainty of evidence for clinical recovery. The absolute risk reductions were 140 fewer per 1000 for mortality and 186 fewer per 1000 for the need for ICU/IMV. The increase in clinical recovery was 146 more per 1000. CONCLUSION SOF/DCV may reduce mortality rate and need for ICU/IMV in patients with COVID-19 while increasing the chance for clinical recovery. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION PROSPERO: CRD42021247510.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Fariz Malvi Zamzam Zein
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Swadaya Gunung Jati, Cirebon, Indonesia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Waled General Hospital, Cirebon, Indonesia
| | - Catur Setiya Sulistiyana
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Swadaya Gunung Jati, Cirebon, Indonesia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Waled General Hospital, Cirebon, Indonesia
| | | | - Arief Wibowo
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran, Rumah Sakit Umum Pusat Hasan Sadikin, Bandung, Jawa Barat, Indonesia
| | - Raymond Pranata
- Faculty of Medicine Universitas Pelita Harapan, Tangerang, Indonesia
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran, Rumah Sakit Umum Pusat Hasan Sadikin, Bandung, Jawa Barat, Indonesia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
Acipimox, a nicotinic acid derivative in clinical use for the treatment of hyperlipidaemia, incorporates a free carboxylic acid and an N-oxide moiety, functionalities known to interact with the metalloenzyme carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) and inhibit its activity. Herein we report that acipimox acts as a low micromolar CA inhibitor (CAI) against most human (h) isoforms possessing catalytic activity, hCA I – XIV. By using computational techniques (docking and molecular dynamics simulations), we propose that acipimox coordinates through its carboxylate group to the zinc ion from the enzyme active site cavity, whereas the N-oxide group is hydrogen-bonded to the proton shuttle His residue in some isoforms (hCA I) or to active site Thr or Gln residues in other isoforms (hCA II, III, IV, VII, etc). As some CA isoforms are involved in lipogenesis, these data may be useful for the design of more effective CAIs with antiobesity activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Mori
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, "Department of Excellence 2018-2022", University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Claudiu T Supuran
- Neurofarba Department, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Mule S, Singh A, Greish K, Sahebkar A, Kesharwani P, Shukla R. Drug repurposing strategies and key challenges for COVID-19 management. J Drug Target 2021; 30:413-429. [PMID: 34854327 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2021.2013852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 is a clinical outcome of viral infection emerged due to strain of beta coronavirus which attacks the type-2 pneumocytes in alveoli via angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors. There is no satisfactory drug developed against 'SARS-CoV2', highlighting an immediate necessity chemotherapeutic repurposing plan COVID-19. Drug repurposing is a method of selection of approved therapeutics for new use and is considered to be the most effective drug finding strategy since it includes less time and cost to obtain treatment compared to the de novo drug acquisition process. Several drugs such as hydroxychloroquine, remdesivir, teicoplanin, darunavir, ritonavir, nitazoxanide, chloroquine, tocilizumab and favipiravir (FPV) showed their activity against 'SARS-CoV2' in vitro. This review has emphasized on repurposing of drugs, and biologics used in clinical set up for targeting COVID-19 and to evaluate their pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and safety with their future aspect. The key benefit of drug repurposing is the wealth of information related to its safety, and easy accessibility. Altogether repurposing approach allows access to regulatory approval as well as reducing sophisticated safety studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shubham Mule
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Raebareli, Lucknow, India
| | - Ajit Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Raebareli, Lucknow, India
| | - Khaled Greish
- Nanomedicine Unit, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Al-Jawhara Center for Molecular Medicine and Inherited Disorders, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Prashant Kesharwani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | - Rahul Shukla
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Raebareli, Lucknow, India
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Azzimato V, Chen P, Barreby E, Morgantini C, Levi L, Vankova A, Jager J, Sulen A, Diotallevi M, Shen JX, Miller A, Ellis E, Rydén M, Näslund E, Thorell A, Lauschke VM, Channon KM, Crabtree MJ, Haschemi A, Craige SM, Mori M, Spallotta F, Aouadi M. Hepatic miR-144 Drives Fumarase Activity Preventing NRF2 Activation During Obesity. Gastroenterology 2021; 161:1982-1997.e11. [PMID: 34425095 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2021.08.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Oxidative stress plays a key role in the development of metabolic complications associated with obesity, including insulin resistance and the most common chronic liver disease worldwide, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. We have recently discovered that the microRNA miR-144 regulates protein levels of the master mediator of the antioxidant response, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2). On miR-144 silencing, the expression of NRF2 target genes was significantly upregulated, suggesting that miR-144 controls NRF2 at the level of both protein expression and activity. Here we explored a mechanism whereby hepatic miR-144 inhibited NRF2 activity upon obesity via the regulation of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) metabolite, fumarate, a potent activator of NRF2. METHODS We performed transcriptomic analysis in liver macrophages (LMs) of obese mice and identified the immuno-responsive gene 1 (Irg1) as a target of miR-144. IRG1 catalyzes the production of a TCA derivative, itaconate, an inhibitor of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH). TCA enzyme activities and kinetics were analyzed after miR-144 silencing in obese mice and human liver organoids using single-cell activity assays in situ and molecular dynamic simulations. RESULTS Increased levels of miR-144 in obesity were associated with reduced expression of Irg1, which was restored on miR-144 silencing in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, miR-144 overexpression reduces Irg1 expression and the production of itaconate in vitro. In alignment with the reduction in IRG1 levels and itaconate production, we observed an upregulation of SDH activity during obesity. Surprisingly, however, fumarate hydratase (FH) activity was also upregulated in obese livers, leading to the depletion of its substrate fumarate. miR-144 silencing selectively reduced the activities of both SDH and FH resulting in the accumulation of their related substrates succinate and fumarate. Moreover, molecular dynamics analyses revealed the potential role of itaconate as a competitive inhibitor of not only SDH but also FH. Combined, these results demonstrate that silencing of miR-144 inhibits the activity of NRF2 through decreased fumarate production in obesity. CONCLUSIONS Herein we unravel a novel mechanism whereby miR-144 inhibits NRF2 activity through the consumption of fumarate by activation of FH. Our study demonstrates that hepatic miR-144 triggers a hyperactive FH in the TCA cycle leading to an impaired antioxidant response in obesity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Azzimato
- Center for Infectious Medicine (CIM), Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden.
| | - Ping Chen
- Center for Infectious Medicine (CIM), Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Emelie Barreby
- Center for Infectious Medicine (CIM), Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Morgantini
- Center for Infectious Medicine (CIM), Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Laura Levi
- Center for Infectious Medicine (CIM), Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Ana Vankova
- Center for Infectious Medicine (CIM), Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Jennifer Jager
- Université Côte d'Azur, Inserm, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M), Team « Cellular and Molecular Pathophysiology of Obesity and Diabetes,» Côte d'Azur, France
| | - André Sulen
- Center for Infectious Medicine (CIM), Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Marina Diotallevi
- BHF Centre of Research Excellence, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Joanne X Shen
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Anne Miller
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ewa Ellis
- Division of Transplantation Surgery, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mikael Rydén
- Department of Medicine (H7), Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Erik Näslund
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Danderyd Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anders Thorell
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Danderyd Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Surgery, Ersta Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Volker M Lauschke
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden; Dr Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Keith M Channon
- BHF Centre of Research Excellence, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mark J Crabtree
- BHF Centre of Research Excellence, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Arvand Haschemi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Siobhan M Craige
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Mattia Mori
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Francesco Spallotta
- Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science "A. Ruberti," National Research Council (IASI - CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Myriam Aouadi
- Center for Infectious Medicine (CIM), Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Vicenti I, Martina MG, Boccuto A, De Angelis M, Giavarini G, Dragoni F, Marchi S, Trombetta CM, Crespan E, Maga G, Eydoux C, Decroly E, Montomoli E, Nencioni L, Zazzi M, Radi M. System-oriented optimization of multi-target 2,6-diaminopurine derivatives: Easily accessible broad-spectrum antivirals active against flaviviruses, influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 224:113683. [PMID: 34273661 PMCID: PMC8255191 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The worldwide circulation of different viruses coupled with the increased frequency and diversity of new outbreaks, strongly highlight the need for new antiviral drugs to quickly react against potential pandemic pathogens. Broad-spectrum antiviral agents (BSAAs) represent the ideal option for a prompt response against multiple viruses, new and re-emerging. Starting from previously identified anti-flavivirus hits, we report herein the identification of promising BSAAs by submitting the multi-target 2,6-diaminopurine chemotype to a system-oriented optimization based on phenotypic screening on cell cultures infected with different viruses. Among the synthesized compounds, 6i showed low micromolar potency against Dengue, Zika, West Nile and Influenza A viruses (IC50 = 0.5-5.3 μM) with high selectivity index. Interestingly, 6i also inhibited SARS-CoV-2 replication in different cell lines, with higher potency on Calu-3 cells that better mimic the SARS-CoV-2 infection in vivo (IC50 = 0.5 μM, SI = 240). The multi-target effect of 6i on flavivirus replication was also analyzed in whole cell studies (in vitro selection and immunofluorescence) and against isolated host/viral targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Vicenti
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Martina
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Parma, Viale delle Scienze, 27/A, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Adele Boccuto
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Marta De Angelis
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgia Giavarini
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Parma, Viale delle Scienze, 27/A, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Filippo Dragoni
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Serena Marchi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Emmanuele Crespan
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare, IGM-CNR "Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza", Via Abbiategrasso 207, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Maga
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare, IGM-CNR "Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza", Via Abbiategrasso 207, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Cecilia Eydoux
- AFMB, CNRS, Université Aix-Marseille, UMR 7257, Marseille, France
| | - Etienne Decroly
- AFMB, CNRS, Université Aix-Marseille, UMR 7257, Marseille, France
| | - Emanuele Montomoli
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; VisMederi s.r.l, Strada del Petriccio e Belriguardo 35, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Lucia Nencioni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Zazzi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Marco Radi
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Parma, Viale delle Scienze, 27/A, 43124, Parma, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Passow KT, Caldwell HS, Ngo KA, Arnold JJ, Antczak NM, Narayanan A, Jose J, Sturla SJ, Cameron CE, Ciota AT, Harki DA. A Chemical Strategy for Intracellular Arming of an Endogenous Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Nucleotide. J Med Chem 2021; 64:15429-15439. [PMID: 34661397 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The naturally occurring nucleotide 3'-deoxy-3',4'-didehydro-cytidine-5'-triphosphate (ddhCTP) was recently found to exert potent and broad-spectrum antiviral activity. However, nucleoside 5'-triphosphates in general are not cell-permeable, which precludes the direct use of ddhCTP as a therapeutic. To harness the therapeutic potential of this endogenous antiviral nucleotide, we synthesized phosphoramidate prodrug HLB-0532247 (1) and found it to result in dramatically elevated levels of ddhCTP in cells. We compared 1 and 3'-deoxy-3',4'-didehydro-cytidine (ddhC) and found that 1 more effectively reduces titers of Zika and West Nile viruses in cell culture with minimal nonspecific toxicity to host cells. We conclude that 1 is a promising antiviral agent based on a novel strategy of facilitating elevated levels of the endogenous ddhCTP antiviral nucleotide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kellan T Passow
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Haley S Caldwell
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Albany School of Public Health, Albany, New York 12144, United States.,The Arbovirus Laboratory, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Slingerlands, New York 12201, United States
| | - Kiet A Ngo
- The Arbovirus Laboratory, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Slingerlands, New York 12201, United States
| | - Jamie J Arnold
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Nicole M Antczak
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich 8092, Switzerland
| | - Anoop Narayanan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Joyce Jose
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States.,Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Shana J Sturla
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich 8092, Switzerland
| | - Craig E Cameron
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Alexander T Ciota
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Albany School of Public Health, Albany, New York 12144, United States.,The Arbovirus Laboratory, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Slingerlands, New York 12201, United States
| | - Daniel A Harki
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Fernandes PO, Chagas MA, Rocha WR, Moraes AH. Non-structural protein 5 (NS5) as a target for antiviral development against established and emergent flaviviruses. Curr Opin Virol 2021; 50:30-39. [PMID: 34340199 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2021.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Flaviviruses are among the most critical pathogens in tropical regions and cause a growing number of severe diseases in developing countries. The development of antiviral therapeutics is crucial for managing flavivirus outbreaks. Among the ten proteins encoded in the flavivirus RNA, non-structural protein 5, NS5, is a promising drug target. NS5 plays a fundamental role in flavivirus replication, viral RNA methylation, RNA polymerization, and host immune system evasion. Most of the NS5 inhibitor candidates target NS5 active sites. However, the similarity of NS5 activity sites with human enzymes can cause side effects. Identifying new allosteric sites in NS5 can contribute enormously to antiviral development. The NS5 structural characterization enabled exploring new regions, such as the residues involved in MTase-RdRp interaction, NS5 oligomerization, and NS5 interaction with other viral and host-cell proteins. Targeting NS5 critical interactions might lead to new compounds and overcomes the toxicity of current NS5-inhibitor candidates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philipe O Fernandes
- Departamento de Produtos Farmacêuticos, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Marcelo A Chagas
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Willian R Rocha
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Adolfo H Moraes
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of NMR-based Structural Biology, Max-Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, D-37077 Göttingen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Shabani M, Sadegh Ehdaei B, Fathi F, Dowran R. A mini-review on sofosbuvir and daclatasvir treatment in coronavirus disease 2019. New Microbes New Infect 2021; 42:100895. [PMID: 33976895 PMCID: PMC8103737 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2021.100895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Sofosbuvir and daclatasvir have been used successfully since 2013 for hepatitis C treatment. It has been shown by different studies that sofosbuvir can inhibit RNA polymerase of other positive-strand RNA viruses including Flaviviridae and Togaviridae. Homology between hepatitis C virus RNA polymerase and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has also been established. The efficacy of sofosbuvir and daclatasvir as potential choices in treating patients with coronavirus disease 2019 and their recovery can be hypothesized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M. Shabani
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - B. Sadegh Ehdaei
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - F. Fathi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - R. Dowran
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Saiz JC, Martín-Acebes MA, Blázquez AB, Escribano-Romero E, Poderoso T, Jiménez de Oya N. Pathogenicity and virulence of West Nile virus revisited eight decades after its first isolation. Virulence 2021; 12:1145-1173. [PMID: 33843445 PMCID: PMC8043182 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2021.1908740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is a flavivirus which transmission cycle is maintained between mosquitoes and birds, although it occasionally causes sporadic outbreaks in horses and humans that can result in serious diseases and even death. Since its first isolation in Africa in 1937, WNV had been considered a neglected pathogen until its recent spread throughout Europe and the colonization of America, regions where it continues to cause outbreaks with severe neurological consequences in humans and horses. Although our knowledge about the characteristics and consequences of the virus has increased enormously lately, many questions remain to be resolved. Here, we thoroughly update our knowledge of different aspects of the WNV life cycle: virology and molecular classification, host cell interactions, transmission dynamics, host range, epidemiology and surveillance, immune response, clinical presentations, pathogenesis, diagnosis, prophylaxis (antivirals and vaccines), and prevention, and we highlight those aspects that are still unknown and that undoubtedly require further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan-Carlos Saiz
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel A Martín-Acebes
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana B Blázquez
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Estela Escribano-Romero
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Teresa Poderoso
- Molecular Virology Group, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nereida Jiménez de Oya
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Vicenti I, Zazzi M, Saladini F. SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase as a therapeutic target for COVID-19. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2021; 31:325-337. [PMID: 33475441 PMCID: PMC7938656 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2021.1880568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: The current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic urgently demands for both prevention and treatment strategies. RNA-dependent RNA-polymerase (RdRp), which has no counterpart in human cells, is an excellent target for drug development. Given the time-consuming process of drug development, repurposing drugs approved for other indications or at least successfully tested in terms of safety and tolerability, is an attractive strategy to rapidly provide an effective medication for severe COVID-19 cases.Areas covered: The currently available data and upcominSg studies on RdRp which can be repurposed to halt SARS-CoV-2 replication, are reviewed.Expert opinion: Drug repurposing and design of novel compounds are proceeding in parallel to provide a quick response and new specific drugs, respectively. Notably, the proofreading SARS-CoV-2 exonuclease activity could limit the potential for drugs designed as immediate chain terminators and favor the development of compounds acting through delayed termination. While vaccination is awaited to curb the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic, even partially effective drugs from repurposing strategies can be of help to treat severe cases of disease. Considering the high conservation of RdRp among coronaviruses, an improved knowledge of its activity in vitro can provide useful information for drug development or drug repurposing to combat SARS-CoV-2 as well as future pandemics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Vicenti
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Maurizio Zazzi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Francesco Saladini
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Sofosbuvir Selects for Drug-Resistant Amino Acid Variants in the Zika Virus RNA-Dependent RNA-Polymerase Complex In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052670. [PMID: 33800884 PMCID: PMC7962015 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The nucleotide analog sofosbuvir, licensed for the treatment of hepatitis C, recently revealed activity against the Zika virus (ZIKV) in vitro and in animal models. However, the ZIKV genetic barrier to sofosbuvir has not yet been characterized. In this study, in vitro selection experiments were performed in infected human hepatoma cell lines. Increasing drug pressure significantly delayed viral breakthrough (p = 0.029). A double mutant in the NS5 gene (V360L/V607I) emerged in 3 independent experiments at 40–80 µM sofosbuvir resulting in a 3.9 ± 0.9-fold half- maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) shift with respect to the wild type (WT) virus. A triple mutant (C269Y/V360L/V607I), detected in one experiment at 80 µM, conferred a 6.8-fold IC50 shift with respect to the WT. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed that the double mutant V360L/V607I impacts the binding mode of sofosbuvir, supporting its role in sofosbuvir resistance. Due to the distance from the catalytic site and to the lack of reliable structural data, the contribution of C269Y was not investigated in silico. By a combination of sequence analysis, phenotypic susceptibility testing, and molecular modeling, we characterized a double ZIKV NS5 mutant with decreased sofosbuvir susceptibility. These data add important information to the profile of sofosbuvir as a possible lead for anti-ZIKV drug development.
Collapse
|
25
|
Cusinato J, Cau Y, Calvani AM, Mori M. Repurposing drugs for the management of COVID-19. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2020; 31:295-307. [PMID: 33283567 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2021.1861248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 represents a serious health issue worldwide, with more than 61 million cases and more than 1.4 million deaths since the beginning of the epidemic near the end of 2019. The scientific community strongly responded to this emergency situation with massive research efforts, mostly focused on diagnosis and clinical investigation of therapeutic solutions. In this scenario, drug repurposing played a crucial role in accelerating advanced clinical testing and shortening the time to access the regulatory review.Areas covered: This review covers the main and most successful drug repurposing approaches from a design, clinical, and regulatory standpoint. Available patents on repurposed drugs are also discussed.Expert opinion: Drug repurposing proved highly successful in response to the current pandemic, with remdesivir becoming the first specific antiviral drug approved for the treatment of COVID-19. In parallel, a number of drugs such as corticosteroids and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) are used to treat hospitalized COVID-19 patients, while clinical testing of additional therapeutic options is ongoing. It is reasonably expected that these research efforts will deliver optimized and specific therapeutic tools that will increase the preparedness of health systems to possible future epidemics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Cusinato
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Ylenia Cau
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Hospital Pharmacy School, Florence, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Calvani
- AOU Anna Meyer Children's University Hospital, Hospital Pharmacy, AOU Anna Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Mattia Mori
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Picarazzi F, Vicenti I, Saladini F, Zazzi M, Mori M. Targeting the RdRp of Emerging RNA Viruses: The Structure-Based Drug Design Challenge. Molecules 2020; 25:E5695. [PMID: 33287144 PMCID: PMC7730706 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25235695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is an essential enzyme for the viral replication process, catalyzing the viral RNA synthesis using a metal ion-dependent mechanism. In recent years, RdRp has emerged as an optimal target for the development of antiviral drugs, as demonstrated by recent approvals of sofosbuvir and remdesivir against Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), respectively. In this work, we overview the main sequence and structural features of the RdRp of emerging RNA viruses such as Coronaviruses, Flaviviruses, and HCV, as well as inhibition strategies implemented so far. While analyzing the structural information available on the RdRp of emerging RNA viruses, we provide examples of success stories such as for HCV and SARS-CoV-2. In contrast, Flaviviruses' story has raised attention about how the lack of structural details on catalytically-competent or ligand-bound RdRp strongly hampers the application of structure-based drug design, either in repurposing and conventional approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Picarazzi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018–2022, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Ilaria Vicenti
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (I.V.); (F.S.); (M.Z.)
| | - Francesco Saladini
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (I.V.); (F.S.); (M.Z.)
| | - Maurizio Zazzi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (I.V.); (F.S.); (M.Z.)
| | - Mattia Mori
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018–2022, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Khalili H, Nourian A, Ahmadinejad Z, Emadi Kouchak H, Jafari S, Dehghan Manshadi SA, Rasolinejad M, Kebriaeezadeh A. Efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir/ ledipasvir in treatment of patients with COVID-19; A randomized clinical trial. ACTA BIO-MEDICA : ATENEI PARMENSIS 2020; 91:e2020102. [PMID: 33525212 PMCID: PMC7927527 DOI: 10.23750/abm.v91i4.10877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background: There is no study regarding the use of SOF/LDP in treatment of COVID-19. Objectives: In this study, the efficacy and safety of SOF/LDP were assessed in treatment of patients with mild to moderate COVID-19. Methods: Among an open-label randomized clinical trial, 82 patients with mild to moderated COVID-19 were assigned to receive either SOF/LDP 400/100 mg daily plus the standard of care (SOF/LDP group, n=42) or the standard of care alone (control group, n=40) for 10 days. Time to clinical response, rate of clinical response, duration of hospital and ICU stay and 14-day mortality were assessed. Results: Clinical response occurred in 91.46% of patients. Although rates of clinical response were comparable between the groups but it occurred faster in the SOF/LDP group than the control group (2 vs. 4 days respectively, P= 0.02). Supportive cares were provided in the medical wards for most patients but 17.07% of patients were transferred to ICU during the hospitalization course. However, durations of hospital and ICU stay were comparable between the groups. 14-day mortality rate was 7.14% and 7.5% in the SOF/ LDP and control groups respectively. No adverse effects leading to drug discontinuation occurred. Gastrointestinal events (nausea, vomiting and diarrhea) were the most common side effects (15.85%). Conclusion: Added to the standard of care, SOF/LDP accelerated time to the clinical response. However, rate of clinical response, duration of hospital and ICU stay and 14-day mortality were not different. No significant adverse event was detected. More randomized clinical trials with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of SOF/LDP in the treatment of COVID-19. (www.actabiomedica.it)
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Sirous Jafari
- Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Sofosbuvir as a potential alternative to treat the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic. Sci Rep 2020; 10:9294. [PMID: 32518317 PMCID: PMC7283245 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66440-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
As of today, there is no antiviral for the treatment of the SARS-CoV-2 infection, and the development of a vaccine might take several months or even years. The structural superposition of the hepatitis C virus polymerase bound to sofosbuvir, a nucleoside analog antiviral approved for hepatitis C virus infections, with the SARS-CoV polymerase shows that the residues that bind to the drug are present in the latter. Moreover, a multiple alignment of several SARS-CoV-2, SARS and MERS-related coronaviruses polymerases shows that these residues are conserved in all these viruses, opening the possibility to use sofosbuvir against these highly infectious pathogens.
Collapse
|
29
|
Malik AA, Phanus-Umporn C, Schaduangrat N, Shoombuatong W, Isarankura-Na-Ayudhya C, Nantasenamat C. HCVpred: A web server for predicting the bioactivity of hepatitis C virus NS5B inhibitors. J Comput Chem 2020; 41:1820-1834. [PMID: 32449536 DOI: 10.1002/jcc.26223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the major causes of liver disease affecting an estimated 170 million people culminating in 300,000 deaths from cirrhosis or liver cancer. NS5B is one of three potential therapeutic targets against HCV (i.e., the other two being NS3/4A and NS5A) that is central to viral replication. In this study, we developed a classification structure-activity relationship (CSAR) model for identifying substructures giving rise to anti-HCV activities among a set of 578 non-redundant compounds. NS5B inhibitors were described by a set of 12 fingerprint descriptors and predictive models were constructed from 100 independent data splits using the random forest algorithm. The modelability (MODI index) of the data set was determined to be robust with a value of 0.88 exceeding established threshold of 0.65. The predictive performance was deduced by the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and Matthews correlation coefficient, which was found to be statistically robust (i.e., the former three parameters afforded values in excess of 0.8 while the latter statistical parameter provided a value >0.7). An in-depth analysis of the top 20 important descriptors revealed that aromatic ring and alkyl side chains are important for NS5B inhibition. Finally, the predictive model is deployed as a publicly accessible HCVpred web server (available at http://codes.bio/hcvpred/) that would allow users to predict the biological activity as being active or inactive against HCV NS5B. Thus, the knowledge and web server presented herein can be used in the design of more potent and specific drugs against the HCV NS5B.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aijaz Ahmad Malik
- Center of Data Mining and Biomedical Informatics, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chuleeporn Phanus-Umporn
- Center of Data Mining and Biomedical Informatics, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nalini Schaduangrat
- Center of Data Mining and Biomedical Informatics, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Watshara Shoombuatong
- Center of Data Mining and Biomedical Informatics, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Chanin Nantasenamat
- Center of Data Mining and Biomedical Informatics, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Nourian A, Khalili H. Sofosbuvir as a potential option for the treatment of COVID-19. ACTA BIO-MEDICA : ATENEI PARMENSIS 2020; 91:236-238. [PMID: 32420958 PMCID: PMC7569608 DOI: 10.23750/abm.v91i2.9609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Sofosbuvir may be a potential option in the treatment of COVID-19 based on the similarity between the replication mechanisms of the HCV and the coronavirus. According the limited experimental evidences, it is hypothesized that sofosbuvir might be a potential option to improve care of patients with COVID-19 especially at the start of the disease and before invasion of the virus into the lung parenchymal cells. Efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir in treatment of COVID-19 may be considered in future clinical studies.
Collapse
|