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Abla N, Almond LM, Bonner JJ, Richardson N, Wells TNC, Möhrle JJ. PBPK-led assessment of antimalarial drugs as candidates for Covid-19: Simulating concentrations at the site of action to inform repurposing strategies. Clin Transl Sci 2024; 17:e13865. [PMID: 39020517 PMCID: PMC11254780 DOI: 10.1111/cts.13865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The urgent need for safe, efficacious, and accessible drug treatments to treat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) prompted a global effort to evaluate drug repurposing opportunities. Pyronaridine and amodiaquine are both components of approved antimalarials with in vitro activity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In vitro activity does not always translate to clinical efficacy across a therapeutic dose range. This study applied available, verified, physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models for pyronaridine, amodiaquine, and its active metabolite N-desethylamodiaquine (DEAQ) to predict drug concentrations in lung tissue relative to plasma or blood in the default healthy virtual population. Lung exposures were compared to published data across the reported range of in vitro EC50 values against SARS-CoV-2. In the multicompartment permeability-limited PBPK model, the predicted total Cmax in lung mass for pyronaridine was 34.2 μM on Day 3, 30.5-fold greater than in blood (1.12 μM) and for amodiaquine was 0.530 μM, 8.83-fold greater than in plasma (0.060 μM). In the perfusion-limited PBPK model, the DEAQ predicted total Cmax on Day 3 in lung mass (30.2 μM) was 21.4-fold greater than for plasma (1.41 μM). Based on the available in vitro data, predicted drug concentrations in lung tissue for pyronaridine and DEAQ, but not amodiaquine, appeared sufficient to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication. Simulations indicated standard dosing regimens of pyronaridine-artesunate and artesunate-amodiaquine have potential to treat COVID-19. These findings informed repurposing strategies to select the most relevant compounds for clinical investigation in COVID-19. Clinical data for model verification may become available from ongoing clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nada Abla
- MMV Medicines for Malaria VentureGenevaSwitzerland
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2
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Rezvanian A, Khodadadi B, Tafreshi S, Shiri P. A versatile approach for one-pot synthesis of hybridized quinolines linked to fused N-containing heterocycles in water. Mol Divers 2024; 28:197-207. [PMID: 37695490 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-023-10719-2] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Here, highly efficient one-pot protocols for the synthesis of structurally diverse fused N-containing heterocycles containing 2-chloroquinoline employing 1,1-bis(methylsulfanyl)-2-nitroethene, diamines, 2-chloroquinoline-3-carbaldehydes and dimedone/Meldrum's acid in green media in the absence of catalyst are reported. The current report proposes sustainable, simple, four-component and straightforward strategies for generating interesting N-containing heterocyclic compounds from a range of diamines and 2-chloroquinoline-3-carbaldehydes. The utilization of water as green media furnishes sustainability by preventing the usage of toxic solvent. A range of quinoline-containing aldehydes and diamines can be converted to two types of products with respect to using dimedone or Meldrum's acid via an inexpensive, one-pot and easy route.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atieh Rezvanian
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Behnoosh Khodadadi
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sepideh Tafreshi
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pezhman Shiri
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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3
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Gervasoni S, Manelfi C, Adobati S, Talarico C, Biswas AD, Pedretti A, Vistoli G, Beccari AR. Target Prediction by Multiple Virtual Screenings: Analyzing the SARS-CoV-2 Phenotypic Screening by the Docking Simulations Submitted to the MEDIATE Initiative. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:450. [PMID: 38203621 PMCID: PMC10779154 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010450] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic screenings are usually combined with deconvolution techniques to characterize the mechanism of action for the retrieved hits. These studies can be supported by various computational analyses, although docking simulations are rarely employed. The present study aims to assess if multiple docking calculations can prove successful in target prediction. In detail, the docking simulations submitted to the MEDIATE initiative are utilized to predict the viral targets involved in the hits retrieved by a recently published cytopathic screening. Multiple docking results are combined by the EFO approach to develop target-specific consensus models. The combination of multiple docking simulations enhances the performances of the developed consensus models (average increases in EF1% value of 40% and 25% when combining three and two docking runs, respectively). These models are able to propose reliable targets for about half of the retrieved hits (31 out of 59). Thus, the study emphasizes that docking simulations might be effective in target identification and provide a convincing validation for the collaborative strategies that inspire the MEDIATE initiative. Disappointingly, cross-target and cross-program correlations suggest that common scoring functions are not specific enough for the simulated target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Gervasoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli, 25, I-20133 Milano, Italy; (S.G.); (S.A.); (A.P.)
- Department of Physics, Università di Cagliari, I-09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Candida Manelfi
- EXSCALATE, Dompé Farmaceutici S.p.A., Via Tommaso De Amicis, 95, I-80131 Napoli, Italy; (C.M.); (C.T.); (A.D.B.); (A.R.B.)
| | - Sara Adobati
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli, 25, I-20133 Milano, Italy; (S.G.); (S.A.); (A.P.)
| | - Carmine Talarico
- EXSCALATE, Dompé Farmaceutici S.p.A., Via Tommaso De Amicis, 95, I-80131 Napoli, Italy; (C.M.); (C.T.); (A.D.B.); (A.R.B.)
| | - Akash Deep Biswas
- EXSCALATE, Dompé Farmaceutici S.p.A., Via Tommaso De Amicis, 95, I-80131 Napoli, Italy; (C.M.); (C.T.); (A.D.B.); (A.R.B.)
| | - Alessandro Pedretti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli, 25, I-20133 Milano, Italy; (S.G.); (S.A.); (A.P.)
| | - Giulio Vistoli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli, 25, I-20133 Milano, Italy; (S.G.); (S.A.); (A.P.)
| | - Andrea R. Beccari
- EXSCALATE, Dompé Farmaceutici S.p.A., Via Tommaso De Amicis, 95, I-80131 Napoli, Italy; (C.M.); (C.T.); (A.D.B.); (A.R.B.)
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4
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Sethi P, Ghosh T, Chowdhury S, Bir R, Verma N, Pandey S, Subramanian A, Meena V, Nischal N, Bhattacharjee S, Aravindan A, Anand RK, Goswami D, Aggarwal R, Wig N. Malarial Antibodies and Endemicity: Does It Affect SARS-CoV-2 Severity and Outcomes? Cureus 2023; 15:e46871. [PMID: 37954722 PMCID: PMC10638102 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background India has a disproportionately lower rate of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severe disease and lower death rates with respect to other parts of the world. It has been proposed that malaria-endemic countries such as India are relatively protected against severe COVID-19 disease and deaths. Methods This was a cross-sectional, analytical, observational study conducted from August 2020 to July 2021 at a tertiary care COVID-19-designated center in New Delhi, India. It aimed to study the association between antimalarial antibody levels and COVID-19 disease severity and outcomes. Results One hundred forty-six patients were included in the final analysis. The mean (standard deviation {SD}) age of the study population was 44.6 (17.2) years, and there were 85 (58.2%) males. Sixty-five patients had mild disease, 14 patients had moderate disease, and 67 patients had severe disease at the time of enrolment in the study. Forty-six patients expired during the hospital stay. For the antimalarial antibody, there was a statistically significant difference between mild and moderate (p=0.018), mild and severe (p=0.016), and mild and combined moderate and severe diseases (p=0.013). However, there was no difference between the patients who survived and those who did not. Conclusion Antimalarial antibody levels may not be associated with the outcomes of COVID-19 during hospital stay. However, this study has provided some insights into the relationship between the severity and outcomes of COVID-19 and the levels of antimalarial antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prayas Sethi
- Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, IND
| | - Tamoghna Ghosh
- Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, IND
| | - Souradeep Chowdhury
- Infectious Diseases, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, IND
| | - Raunak Bir
- Microbiology, Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) Medical College and Hospital, Faridabad, IND
| | - Nishant Verma
- Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, IND
| | - Shivam Pandey
- Biostatistics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, IND
| | | | - Ved Meena
- Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, IND
| | - Neeraj Nischal
- Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, IND
| | - Sulagna Bhattacharjee
- Anesthesiology, Pain Medicine, and Critical Care, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, IND
| | - Ajisha Aravindan
- Anesthesiology, Pain Medicine, and Critical Care, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, IND
| | - Rahul K Anand
- Anesthesiology, Pain Medicine, and Critical Care, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, IND
| | - Devalina Goswami
- Anesthesiology, Pain Medicine, and Critical Care, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, IND
| | - Richa Aggarwal
- Anesthesiology, Pain Medicine, and Critical Care, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, IND
| | - Naveet Wig
- Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, IND
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Vanderlinden E, Boonen A, Noppen S, Schoofs G, Imbrechts M, Geukens N, Snoeck R, Stevaert A, Naesens L, Andrei G, Schols D. PRO-2000 exhibits SARS-CoV-2 antiviral activity by interfering with spike-heparin binding. Antiviral Res 2023; 217:105700. [PMID: 37562608 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2023.105700] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Here, we report on the anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of PRO-2000, a sulfonated polyanionic compound. In Vero cells infected with the Wuhan, alpha, beta, delta or omicron variant, PRO-2000 displayed EC50 values of 1.1 μM, 2.4 μM, 1.3 μM, 2.1 μM and 0.11 μM, respectively, and an average selectivity index (i.e. ratio of cytotoxic versus antiviral concentration) of 172. Its anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity was confirmed by virus yield assays in Vero cells, Caco2 cells and A549 cells overexpressing ACE2 and TMPRSS2 (A549-AT). Using pseudoviruses bearing the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S), PRO-2000 was shown to block the S-mediated pseudovirus entry in Vero cells and A549-AT cells, with EC50 values of 0.091 μM and 1.6 μM, respectively. This entry process is initiated by interaction of the S glycoprotein with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and heparan sulfate proteoglycans. Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) studies showed that PRO-2000 binds to the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of S with a KD of 1.6 nM. Similar KD values (range: 1.2 nM-2.1 nM) were obtained with the RBDs of the alpha, beta, delta and omicron variants. In an SPR neutralization assay, PRO-2000 had no effect on the interaction between the RBD and ACE2. Instead, PRO-2000 was proven to inhibit binding of the RBD to a heparin-coated sensor chip, yielding an IC50 of 1.1 nM. To conclude, PRO-2000 has the potential to inhibit a broad range of SARS-CoV-2 variants by blocking the heparin-binding site on the S protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelien Vanderlinden
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Arnaud Boonen
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sam Noppen
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Geert Schoofs
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maya Imbrechts
- PharmAbs, The KU Leuven Antibody Center, Herestraat 49 box 820, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nick Geukens
- PharmAbs, The KU Leuven Antibody Center, Herestraat 49 box 820, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Robert Snoeck
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Annelies Stevaert
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lieve Naesens
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Graciela Andrei
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dominique Schols
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
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6
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Himmi B, Brandán SA, Sert Y, Ahmed Kawther A, Dege N, Berrin Cinar E, El Louzi A, Bougrin K, Karrouchi K. A quinoline-benzotriazole derivative: Synthesis, crystal structure and characterization by using spectroscopic, DFT and molecular docking methods. RESULTS IN CHEMISTRY 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rechem.2023.100916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
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7
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Placidi G, Mattu C, Ciardelli G, Campa CC. Small molecules targeting endocytic uptake and recycling pathways. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1125801. [PMID: 36968200 PMCID: PMC10036367 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1125801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past years a growing number of studies highlighted the pivotal role of intracellular trafficking in cell physiology. Among the distinct transport itineraries connecting the endocytic system, both internalization (endocytosis) and recycling (endocytic recycling) pathways were found fundamental to ensure cellular sensing, cell-to-cell communication, cellular division, and collective cell migration in tissue specific-contexts. Consistently, the dysregulation of endocytic trafficking pathways is correlated with several human diseases including both cancers and neurodegeneration. Aimed at suppress specific intracellular trafficking routes involved in disease onset and progression, huge efforts have been made to identify small molecule inhibitors with suitable pharmacological properties for in vivo administration. Here, we review most used drugs and recently discovered small molecules able to block endocytosis and endocytic recycling pathways. We characterize such pharmacological inhibitors by emphasizing their target specificity, molecular affinity, biological activity and efficacy in both in vitro and in vivo experimental models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giampaolo Placidi
- Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine, Candiolo, Italy
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Clara Mattu
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Gianluca Ciardelli
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
- Chemical-Physical Processes, National Research Council (CNR-IPCF), Pisa, Italy
| | - Carlo C. Campa
- Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine, Candiolo, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
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8
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Bieberich AA, Asquith CRM. Utilization of Supervised Machine Learning to Understand Kinase Inhibitor Toxophore Profiles. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065088. [PMID: 36982163 PMCID: PMC10049021 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
There have been more than 70 FDA-approved drugs to target the ATP binding site of kinases, mainly in the field of oncology. These compounds are usually developed to target specific kinases, but in practice, most of these drugs are multi-kinase inhibitors that leverage the conserved nature of the ATP pocket across multiple kinases to increase their clinical efficacy. To utilize kinase inhibitors in targeted therapy and outside of oncology, a narrower kinome profile and an understanding of the toxicity profile is imperative. This is essential when considering treating chronic diseases with kinase targets, including neurodegeneration and inflammation. This will require the exploration of inhibitor chemical space and an in-depth understanding of off-target interactions. We have developed an early pipeline toxicity screening platform that uses supervised machine learning (ML) to classify test compounds’ cell stress phenotypes relative to a training set of on-market and withdrawn drugs. Here, we apply it to better understand the toxophores of some literature kinase inhibitor scaffolds, looking specifically at a series of 4-anilinoquinoline and 4-anilinoquinazoline model libraries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew A. Bieberich
- AsedaSciences Inc., 1281 Win Hentschel Boulevard, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA
| | - Christopher R. M. Asquith
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
- Structural Genomics Consortium and Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +358-50-400-3138; Fax: +358-82-944-4091
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9
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Amodiaquine derivatives as inhibitors of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) replication. Antiviral Res 2023; 210:105479. [PMID: 36566117 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2022.105479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging tick-borne viral infection caused by a bandavirus in the family of Phenuiviridae, commonly known as SFTS virus (SFTSV). We have previously isolated SFTSV from blood samples of SFTS patients and established an antiviral assay system to identify selective inhibitors of SFTSV in vitro. Using the assay system, the antimalarial agent amodiaquine was identified as a selective inhibitor of SFTSV replication. However, due to its insufficient antiviral activity, 98 amodiaquine derivatives were newly synthesized and examined for their anti-SFTSV activity. Among the derivatives, some compounds showed selective inhibitory effect on SFTSV replication in vitro. The 50% effective concentration (EC50) and cytotoxic concentration (CC50) of the most active compound (C-90) were 2.6 ± 0.6 and >50 μM, respectively. This EC50 value was comparable to or slightly better than that of favipiravir (4.1 ± 0.6 μM). On the other hand, pharmacokinetic studies in vivo revealed that C-90 was poor in its oral bioavailability in mice. Therefore, we further designed and synthesized derivatives and obtained 2 compounds with selective anti-SFTSV activity in vitro and improved pharmacokinetics in vivo.
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10
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Semple SL, Alkie TN, Jenik K, Warner BM, Tailor N, Kobasa D, DeWitte-Orr SJ. More tools for our toolkit: The application of HEL-299 cells and dsRNA-nanoparticles to study human coronaviruses in vitro. Virus Res 2022; 321:198925. [PMID: 36115551 PMCID: PMC9474404 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2022.198925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Human coronaviruses (HCoVs) are important human pathogens, as exemplified by the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. While the ability of type I interferons (IFNs) to limit coronavirus replication has been established, the ability of double-stranded (ds)RNA, a potent IFN inducer, to inhibit coronavirus replication when conjugated to a nanoparticle is largely unexplored. Additionally, the number of IFN competent cell lines that can be used to study coronaviruses in vitro are limited. In the present study, we show that poly inosinic: poly cytidylic acid (pIC), when conjugated to a phytoglycogen nanoparticle (pIC+NDX) is able to protect IFN-competent human lung fibroblasts (HEL-299 cells) from infection with different HCoV species. HEL-299 was found to be permissive to HCoV-229E, -OC43 and MERS-CoV-GFP but not to HCoV-NL63 or SARS-CoV-2. Further investigation revealed that HEL-299 does not contain the required ACE2 receptor to enable propagation of both HCoV-NL63 and SARS-CoV-2. Following 24h exposure, pIC+NDX was observed to stimulate a significant, prolonged increase in antiviral gene expression (IFNβ, CXCL10 and ISG15) when compared to both NDX alone and pIC alone. This antiviral response translated into complete protection against virus production, for 4 days or 7 days post treatment with HCoV-229E or -OC43 when either pre-treated for 6h or 24h respectively. Moreover, the pIC+NDX combination also provided complete protection for 2d post infection when HEL-299 cells were infected with MERS-CoV-GFP following a 24h pretreatment with pIC+NDX. The significance of this study is two-fold. Firstly, it was revealed that HEL-299 cells can effectively be used as an IFN-competent model system for in vitro analysis of MERS-CoV. Secondly, pIC+NDX acts as a powerful inducer of type I IFNs in HEL-299, to levels that provide complete protection against coronavirus replication. This suggests an exciting and novel area of investigation for antiviral therapies that utilize innate immune stimulants. The results of this study will help to expand the range of available tools scientists have to investigate, and thus further understand, human coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawna L Semple
- Department of Biology, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Tamiru N Alkie
- Department of Biology, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Kristof Jenik
- Department of Biology, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Bryce M Warner
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Nikesh Tailor
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Darwyn Kobasa
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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11
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Martinez-Gualda B, Graus M, Camps A, Vanhulle E, Saul S, Azari S, Nhu Tran DH, Vangeel L, Chiu W, Neyts J, Schols D, Einav S, Vermeire K, De Jonghe S. Synthesis and evaluation of 3-alkynyl-5-aryl-7-aza-indoles as broad-spectrum antiviral agents. Front Chem 2022; 10:1058229. [PMID: 36385995 PMCID: PMC9643853 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.1058229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA viral infections, including those caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and Venezuelan Equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), pose a major global health challenge. Here, we report the synthesis and screening of a series of pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridines targeting RSV, SARS-CoV-2 and/or VEEV. From this campaign, a series of lead compounds was generated that demonstrated antiviral activity in the low single-digit micromolar range against the various viruses and did not show cytotoxicity. These findings highlight the potential of 3-alkynyl-5-aryl-7-aza-indoles as a promising chemotype for the development of broad-spectrum antiviral agents.
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12
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Zhang Y, Huang Y, Xu Y. Antiviral Treatment Options for Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Infections. Infect Dis Ther 2022; 11:1805-1819. [PMID: 36136218 PMCID: PMC9510271 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-022-00693-x] [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: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) is a tick-borne virus that produces severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS). It is widespread in Japan, South Korea, and Central and Eastern China. The epidemic has developed rapidly through China in recent years. SFTS cases have been reported in 25 provinces in China, mainly distributed in rural areas in mountainous and hilly areas. The infection has a high case fatality rate and no specific treatments or vaccinations. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment of SFTS infection is important to survival and disease control. In this article, we provide an overview on different aspects of SFTS with an emphasis on management, to explore the current treatment and prophylactic measures further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218 Jixi Rd, Hefei, China
| | - Ying Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218 Jixi Rd, Hefei, China.
| | - Yuanhong Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218 Jixi Rd, Hefei, China.
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13
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Salah N, Emara AAA, Adly OMI, Taha A, Nabeel AI, Aziz MA, Ibrahim MA. Novel NO
2
semicarbazone ligand and its metal complexes as VEGFR‐2 inhibitors: Synthesis, spectral characterization, DFT calculations, molecular docking, antimicrobial and antitumor evaluation. Appl Organomet Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/aoc.6845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nesma Salah
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Education Ain Shams University, Roxy Cairo Egypt
| | - Adel A. A. Emara
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Education Ain Shams University, Roxy Cairo Egypt
| | - Omima M. I. Adly
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Education Ain Shams University, Roxy Cairo Egypt
| | - A. Taha
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Education Ain Shams University, Roxy Cairo Egypt
| | - Asmaa I. Nabeel
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Education Ain Shams University, Roxy Cairo Egypt
| | - Maged A. Aziz
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science Zagazig University Zagazig Egypt
| | - Magdy A. Ibrahim
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Education Ain Shams University, Roxy Cairo Egypt
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14
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Computer-Aided Design and Synthesis of (Functionalized quinazoline)–(α-substituted coumarin)–arylsulfonate Conjugates against Chikungunya Virus. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147646. [PMID: 35886992 PMCID: PMC9322071 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) has repeatedly spread via the bite of an infected mosquito and affected more than 100 countries. The disease poses threats to public health and the economy in the infected locations. Many efforts have been devoted to identifying compounds that could inhibit CHIKV. Unfortunately, successful clinical candidates have not been found yet. Computations through the simulating recognition process were performed on complexation of the nsP3 protein of CHIKV with the structures of triply conjugated drug lead candidates. The outcomes provided the aid on rational design of functionalized quinazoline-(α-substituted coumarin)-arylsulfonate compounds to inhibit CHIKV in Vero cells. The molecular docking studies showed a void space around the β carbon atom of coumarin when a substituent was attached at the α position. The formed vacancy offered a good chance for a Michael addition to take place owing to steric and electronic effects. The best conjugate containing a quinazolinone moiety exhibited potency with EC50 = 6.46 μM, low toxicity with CC50 = 59.7 μM, and the selective index (SI) = 9.24. Furthermore, the corresponding 4-anilinoquinazoline derivative improved the anti-CHIKV potency to EC50 = 3.84 μM, CC50 = 72.3 μM, and SI = 18.8. The conjugate with 4-anilinoquinazoline exhibited stronger binding affinity towards the macro domain than that with quinazolinone via hydrophobic and hydrogen bond interactions.
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15
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Calvo-Alvarez E, Dolci M, Perego F, Signorini L, Parapini S, D’Alessandro S, Denti L, Basilico N, Taramelli D, Ferrante P, Delbue S. Antiparasitic Drugs against SARS-CoV-2: A Comprehensive Literature Survey. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10071284. [PMID: 35889004 PMCID: PMC9320270 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10071284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
More than two years have passed since the viral outbreak that led to the novel infectious respiratory disease COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Since then, the urgency for effective treatments resulted in unprecedented efforts to develop new vaccines and to accelerate the drug discovery pipeline, mainly through the repurposing of well-known compounds with broad antiviral effects. In particular, antiparasitic drugs historically used against human infections due to protozoa or helminth parasites have entered the main stage as a miracle cure in the fight against SARS-CoV-2. Despite having demonstrated promising anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities in vitro, conflicting results have made their translation into clinical practice more difficult than expected. Since many studies involving antiparasitic drugs are currently under investigation, the window of opportunity might be not closed yet. Here, we will review the (controversial) journey of these old antiparasitic drugs to combat the human infection caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estefanía Calvo-Alvarez
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.D.); (F.P.); (L.S.); (L.D.); (N.B.); (P.F.); (S.D.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Maria Dolci
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.D.); (F.P.); (L.S.); (L.D.); (N.B.); (P.F.); (S.D.)
| | - Federica Perego
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.D.); (F.P.); (L.S.); (L.D.); (N.B.); (P.F.); (S.D.)
| | - Lucia Signorini
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.D.); (F.P.); (L.S.); (L.D.); (N.B.); (P.F.); (S.D.)
| | - Silvia Parapini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Sarah D’Alessandro
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; (S.D.); (D.T.)
| | - Luca Denti
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.D.); (F.P.); (L.S.); (L.D.); (N.B.); (P.F.); (S.D.)
| | - Nicoletta Basilico
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.D.); (F.P.); (L.S.); (L.D.); (N.B.); (P.F.); (S.D.)
| | - Donatella Taramelli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; (S.D.); (D.T.)
| | - Pasquale Ferrante
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.D.); (F.P.); (L.S.); (L.D.); (N.B.); (P.F.); (S.D.)
| | - Serena Delbue
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.D.); (F.P.); (L.S.); (L.D.); (N.B.); (P.F.); (S.D.)
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16
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Repurposing Histaminergic Drugs in Multiple Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116347. [PMID: 35683024 PMCID: PMC9181091 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116347] [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: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease with a strong neuroinflammatory component that contributes to severe demyelination, neurodegeneration and lesions formation in white and grey matter of the spinal cord and brain. Increasing attention is being paid to the signaling of the biogenic amine histamine in the context of several pathological conditions. In multiple sclerosis, histamine regulates the differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursors, reduces demyelination, and improves the remyelination process. However, the concomitant activation of histamine H1–H4 receptors can sustain either damaging or favorable effects, depending on the specifically activated receptor subtype/s, the timing of receptor engagement, and the central versus peripheral target district. Conventional drug development has failed so far to identify curative drugs for multiple sclerosis, thus causing a severe delay in therapeutic options available to patients. In this perspective, drug repurposing offers an exciting and complementary alternative for rapidly approving some medicines already approved for other indications. In the present work, we have adopted a new network-medicine-based algorithm for drug repurposing called SAveRUNNER, for quantifying the interplay between multiple sclerosis-associated genes and drug targets in the human interactome. We have identified new histamine drug-disease associations and predicted off-label novel use of the histaminergic drugs amodiaquine, rupatadine, and diphenhydramine among others, for multiple sclerosis. Our work suggests that selected histamine-related molecules might get to the root causes of multiple sclerosis and emerge as new potential therapeutic strategies for the disease.
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17
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Nizi MG, Persoons L, Corona A, Felicetti T, Cernicchi G, Massari S, Manfroni G, Vangeel L, Barreca ML, Esposito F, Jochmans D, Milia J, Cecchetti V, Schols D, Neyts J, Tramontano E, Sabatini S, De Jonghe S, Tabarrini O. Discovery of 2-Phenylquinolines with Broad-Spectrum Anti-coronavirus Activity. ACS Med Chem Lett 2022; 13:855-864. [PMID: 35571875 PMCID: PMC9088073 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.2c00123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
![]()
A selection of compounds
from a proprietary library, based on chemical
diversity and various biological activities, was evaluated as potential
inhibitors of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2
(SARS-CoV-2) in a phenotypic-based screening assay. A compound based
on a 2-phenylquinoline scaffold emerged as the most promising
hit, with EC50 and CC50 values of 6 and 18 μM,
respectively. The subsequent selection of additional analogues, along
with the synthesis of ad hoc derivatives, led to compounds that maintained
low μM activity as inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 replication and
lacked cytotoxicity at 100 μM. In addition, the most promising
congeners also show pronounced antiviral activity against the human
coronaviruses HCoV-229E and HCoV-OC43, with EC50 values
ranging from 0.2 to 9.4 μM. The presence of a 6,7-dimethoxytetrahydroisoquinoline
group at the C-4 position of the 2-phenylquinoline core gave
compound 6g that showed potent activity against SARS-CoV-2
helicase (nsp13), a highly conserved enzyme, highlighting a potentiality
against emerging HCoVs outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Giulia Nizi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Leentje Persoons
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Angela Corona
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Tommaso Felicetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Giada Cernicchi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Serena Massari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Manfroni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Laura Vangeel
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Francesca Esposito
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Dirk Jochmans
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jessica Milia
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Violetta Cecchetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Dominique Schols
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Johan Neyts
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Enzo Tramontano
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Stefano Sabatini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Steven De Jonghe
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Oriana Tabarrini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
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18
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Loiseau PM, Balaraman K, Barratt G, Pomel S, Durand R, Frézard F, Figadère B. The Potential of 2-Substituted Quinolines as Antileishmanial Drug Candidates. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27072313. [PMID: 35408712 PMCID: PMC9000572 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27072313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a need for new, cost-effective drugs to treat leishmaniasis. A strategy based on traditional medicine practiced in Bolivia led to the discovery of the 2-substituted quinoline series as a source of molecules with antileishmanial activity and low toxicity. This review documents the development of the series from the first isolated natural compounds through several hundred synthetized molecules to an optimized compound exhibiting an in vitro IC50 value of 0.2 µM against Leishmania donovani, and a selectivity index value of 187, together with in vivo activity on the L. donovani/hamster model. Attempts to establish structure–activity relationships are described, as well as studies that have attempted to determine the mechanism of action. For the latter, it appears that molecules of this series act on multiple targets, possibly including the immune system, which could explain the observed lack of drug resistance after in vitro drug pressure. We also show how nanotechnology strategies could valorize these drugs through adapted formulations and how a mechanistic targeting approach could generate new compounds with increased activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe M. Loiseau
- Antiparasite Chemotherapy, CNRS, BioCIS, Université Paris-Saclay, 92290 Chatenay-Malabry, France; (S.P.); (R.D.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Kaluvu Balaraman
- Chemistry Department, Georgetown University, 37th and O Streets, Washington, DC 20057, USA;
| | - Gillian Barratt
- Institute Galien Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, 92290 Chatenay-Malabry, France;
| | - Sébastien Pomel
- Antiparasite Chemotherapy, CNRS, BioCIS, Université Paris-Saclay, 92290 Chatenay-Malabry, France; (S.P.); (R.D.)
| | - Rémy Durand
- Antiparasite Chemotherapy, CNRS, BioCIS, Université Paris-Saclay, 92290 Chatenay-Malabry, France; (S.P.); (R.D.)
| | - Frédéric Frézard
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics-ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil;
| | - Bruno Figadère
- Chimie des Substances Naturelles, CNRS, BioCIS, Université Paris-Saclay, 92290 Chatenay-Malabry, France;
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19
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New type of RNA virus replication inhibitor based on decahydro-closo-decaborate anion containing amino acid ester pendant group. J Biol Inorg Chem 2022; 27:421-429. [PMID: 35332377 PMCID: PMC8948040 DOI: 10.1007/s00775-022-01937-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
In this work, a synthetic approach to prepare an example of new class of the derivatives of the closo-decaborate anion with amino acids detached from the boron cluster by pendant group has been proposed and implemented. Compound Na2[B10H9–O(CH2)4C(O)–His–OMe] was isolated and characterized. This compound has an inorganic hydrophobic core which is the 10-vertex boron cage and the –O(CH2)4C(O)–His–OMe organic substituent. It has been shown to possess strong antiviral activity in vitro against modern strains of A/H1N1 virus at 10 and 5 µg/mL. The compound has been found to be non-cytotoxic up to 160 µg/mL. At the same time, the compound has been found to be inactive against SARS-CoV-2, indicating specific activity against RNA virus replication. Molecular docking of the target derivative of the closo-decaborate anion with a model of the transmembrane region of the M2 protein has been performed and the mechanism of its antiviral action is discussed.
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20
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Zhao L, Li S, Zhong W. Mechanism of Action of Small-Molecule Agents in Ongoing Clinical Trials for SARS-CoV-2: A Review. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:840639. [PMID: 35281901 PMCID: PMC8916227 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.840639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the first reports from December 2019, COVID-19 caused an overwhelming global pandemic that has affected 223 countries, seriously endangering public health and creating an urgent need for effective drugs to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection. Currently, there is a lack of safe, effective, and specific therapeutic drugs for COVID-19, with mainly supportive and symptomatic treatments being administered to patients. The preferred option for responding to an outbreak of acute infectious disease is through drug repurposing, saving valuable time that would otherwise be lost in preclinical and clinical research, hastening clinical introduction, and lowering treatment costs. Alternatively, researchers seek to design and discover novel small-molecule candidate drugs targeting the key proteins in the life cycle of SARS-CoV-2 through an in-depth study of the infection mechanism, thus obtaining a number of candidate compounds with favorable antiviral effects in preclinical and clinical settings. There is an urgent need to further elucidate the efficacy and mechanism of action of potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 small-molecule drugs. Herein, we review the candidate small-molecule anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs in ongoing clinical trials, with a major focus on their mechanisms of action in an attempt to provide useful insight for further research and development of small-molecule compounds against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhao
- National Engineering Research Center for the Emergency Drug, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Sunho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Song Li
- National Engineering Research Center for the Emergency Drug, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Wu Zhong
- National Engineering Research Center for the Emergency Drug, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
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21
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Optimization of 4-Anilinoquinolines as Dengue Virus Inhibitors. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26237338. [PMID: 34885921 PMCID: PMC8659069 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26237338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging viral infections, including those caused by dengue virus (DENV) and Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis virus (VEEV), pose a significant global health challenge. Here, we report the preparation and screening of a series of 4-anilinoquinoline libraries targeting DENV and VEEV. This effort generated a series of lead compounds, each occupying a distinct chemical space, including 3-((6-bromoquinolin-4-yl)amino)phenol (12), 6-bromo-N-(5-fluoro-1H-indazol-6-yl)quinolin-4-amine (50) and 6-((6-bromoquinolin-4-yl)amino)isoindolin-1-one (52), with EC50 values of 0.63–0.69 µM for DENV infection. These compound libraries demonstrated very limited toxicity with CC50 values greater than 10 µM in almost all cases. Additionally, the lead compounds were screened for activity against VEEV and demonstrated activity in the low single-digit micromolar range, with 50 and 52 demonstrating EC50s of 2.3 µM and 3.6 µM, respectively. The promising results presented here highlight the potential to further refine this series in order to develop a clinical compound against DENV, VEEV, and potentially other emerging viral threats.
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22
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Identification and evaluation of 4-anilinoquin(az)olines as potent inhibitors of both dengue virus (DENV) and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV). Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2021; 52:128407. [PMID: 34624490 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2021.128407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
There is an urgent need for novel strategies for the treatment of emerging arthropod-borne viral infections, including those caused by dengue virus (DENV) and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV). We prepared and screened focused libraries of 4-anilinoquinolines and 4-anilinoquinazolines for antiviral activity and identified three potent compounds. N-(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-6-(trifluoromethyl)quinolin-4-amine (10) inhibited DENV infection with an EC50 = 0.25 µM, N-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-6-(trifluoromethyl)quinolin-4-amine (27) inhibited VEEV with an EC50 = 0.50 µM, while N-(3-ethynyl-4-fluorophenyl)-6,7-dimethoxyquinazolin-4-amine (54) inhibited VEEV with an EC50 = 0.60 µM. These series of compounds demonstrated nearly no toxicity with CC50 values greater than 10 µM in all cases. These promising results provide a future prospective to develop a clinical compound against these emerging viral threats.
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23
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Coghi P, Yang LJ, Ng JPL, Haynes RK, Memo M, Gianoncelli A, Wong VKW, Ribaudo G. A Drug Repurposing Approach for Antimalarials Interfering with SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) and Human Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2). Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:954. [PMID: 34681178 PMCID: PMC8537658 DOI: 10.3390/ph14100954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Host cell invasion by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is mediated by the interaction of the viral spike protein (S) with human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) through the receptor-binding domain (RBD). In this work, computational and experimental techniques were combined to screen antimalarial compounds from different chemical classes, with the aim of identifying small molecules interfering with the RBD-ACE2 interaction and, consequently, with cell invasion. Docking studies showed that the compounds interfere with the same region of the RBD, but different interaction patterns were noted for ACE2. Virtual screening indicated pyronaridine as the most promising RBD and ACE2 ligand, and molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the stability of the predicted complex with the RBD. Bio-layer interferometry showed that artemisone and methylene blue have a strong binding affinity for RBD (KD = 0.363 and 0.226 μM). Pyronaridine also binds RBD and ACE2 in vitro (KD = 56.8 and 51.3 μM). Overall, these three compounds inhibit the binding of RBD to ACE2 in the μM range, supporting the in silico data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Coghi
- School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa 999078, China;
| | - Li Jun Yang
- Neher’s Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa 999078, China; (L.J.Y.); (J.P.L.N.)
| | - Jerome P. L. Ng
- Neher’s Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa 999078, China; (L.J.Y.); (J.P.L.N.)
| | - Richard K. Haynes
- Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University Potchefstroom, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa;
| | - Maurizio Memo
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy; (M.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Alessandra Gianoncelli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy; (M.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Vincent Kam Wai Wong
- Neher’s Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa 999078, China; (L.J.Y.); (J.P.L.N.)
| | - Giovanni Ribaudo
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy; (M.M.); (A.G.)
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