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Ngari JW, Leumi S, Han L, Liu C, Tong Y, Zhong J. Identification and characterization of Sofosbuvir-resistant mutations of hepatitis C virus genotype 3a replicon. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29290. [PMID: 38102947 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29290] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Among its 8 genotypes (GT), GT3 has a relatively lower sustained virological response to highly effective direct-acting antiviral agents (DAA). Sofosbuvir (SOF), an anti-NS5B polymerase inhibitor, is a core component of many anti-HCV DAA cocktail regimens, and its resistant mutations are rare in clinics because these mutations usually severely impair the NS5B polymerase activity, including a mutation S282T in NS5B, the most frequently reported SOF-resistant mutation. In this study, we selected SOF-resistant variants of a previously developed GT3 subgenomic replicon (PR87A7). Two mutations were identified in the viral genome of SOF-resistant PR87A7 variants, Q606R in nontargeted NS3 and S282T in targeted N5SB. We demonstrated that Q606R could rescue the replication defect of S282T in PR87A7, and the resulting double mutant confers the SOF resistance. Finally, we showed that NS3-606R could not compensate for the replication defect of S282T in other GTs. In conclusion, we identified a novel GT3-specific combination of two mutations that confers SOF resistance. Our result calls for attention to potential mutations that may arise in nontargeted viral proteins during the SOF-based DAA treatment of chronic HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackline Wangu Ngari
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Unit of Viral Hepatitis, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Steve Leumi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Unit of Viral Hepatitis, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Han
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Unit of Viral Hepatitis, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chaolun Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Unit of Viral Hepatitis, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yimin Tong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Unit of Viral Hepatitis, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Zhong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Unit of Viral Hepatitis, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
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Liu C, Guo M, Han L, Lu J, Xiang X, Xie Q, Nouhin J, Duong V, Tong Y, Zhong J. Construction and characterization of a new hepatitis C virus genotype 6a subgenomic replicon that is prone to render the sofosbuvir resistance. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29103. [PMID: 37721366 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a challenge to human public health despite the development of highly effective direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). Sofosbuvir (SOF), a key component in most DAA-based anti-HCV cocktail regimens, is a potent viral RNA polymerase (NS5B) inhibitor with a high barrier to drug resistance. The serine-to-threonine mutation at NS5B 282 (S282T) confers the SOF resistance, but severely impairs viral replication in most HCV genotypes (GTs) and cannot be stably maintained after the termination of the SOF-based therapies. In this study, we first developed a new HCV GT-6a subgenomic replicon PR58D6. Next, we selected SOF-resistant PR58D6 variants by culturing the replicon cells in the presence of SOF. Interestingly, unlike many other HCV replicons which require additional mutations to compensate for the S282T-inducing fitness loss, S282T alone in PR58D6 is genetically stable and confers the SOF resistance without significantly impairing viral replication. Furthermore, we showed that amino acid residue at NS5B 74 (R74) and 556 (D556) which are conserved in GT 6a HCV contribute to efficient replication of PR58D6 containing S282T. Finally, we showed that the G556D mutation in NS5B could rescue the replication deficiency of the S282T in JFH1, a GT-2a replicon. In conclusion, we showed that a novel GT-6a HCV replicon may easily render SOF resistance, which may call for attention to potential drug resistance during DAA therapies of HCV GT-6a patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaolun Liu
- Unit of Viral Hepatitis, CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingzhe Guo
- Unit of Viral Hepatitis, CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Han
- Unit of Viral Hepatitis, CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Lu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaogang Xiang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Xie
- Department of Infectious Disease, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Janin Nouhin
- Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Pasteur Network, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Sequencing Platform, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Pasteur Network, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Veasna Duong
- Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Pasteur Network, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Sequencing Platform, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Pasteur Network, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Yimin Tong
- Unit of Viral Hepatitis, CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Zhong
- Unit of Viral Hepatitis, CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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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: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibei Lei
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaohua Chen
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060Department 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
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xingmei Duan
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060Department 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
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 People’s Republic of China
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Hosseini E, Sarraf Kazerooni E, Azarkeivan A, Sharifi Z, Shahabi M, Ghasemzadeh M. HLA-E*01:01 allele is associated with better response to anti-HCV therapy while homozygous status for HLA-E*01:03 allele increases the resistance to anti-HCV treatments in frequently transfused thalassemia patients. Hum Immunol 2022; 83:556-563. [PMID: 35570067 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2022.04.010] [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: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HLA-E binding to NKG2A/CD94 induces inhibitory signals that modulate NK cells cytotoxicity against infected targets. HCV-derived peptides stabilize HLA-E molecule that favours its higher expression. However, HLA-E stability and expression vary in different genotypes where the presence of HLA-E*01:03 allele is associated with higher HLA-E expression on targets that enhances NK cells inhibition and increases the chance of virus to escape from innate immune system. Here, we aimed to investigate whether HLA-E polymorphism affects HCV infection status or its treatment in major thalassemia patients who are more vulnerable to hepatitis C. METHODS AND MATERIALS Study included 89 cases of major thalassemia positive for HCV-antibody; of those 17 patients were negative for HCV-PCR (spontaneously cleared) and 72 patients were HCV-PCR positive (persistent hepatitis under different anti-viral treatment). 16 major thalassemia patients without hepatitis, negative for HCV-antibody were also considered as patients control group. Genomic DNAs extracted from whole bloods were genotyped for HLA-E locus using a sequence specific primer-PCR strategy. RESULTS In thalassemia patients, HLA-E*01:03 allele increased susceptibility to HCV infection [p = 0.02; 4.74(1.418-15.85)]. In addition, HLA-E*01:03/*01:03 genotype predicted more resistance to HCV treatment compared to other genotypes [p = 0.037; 3.5(1.1-11.4)]. In other words, we found that the presence of HLA-E*01:01 allele favors better response to anti-HCV therapy [p = 0.037; 3.5(1.1-11.4)]. CONCLUSION From a mechanistic point of view, the associations between HLA-E polymorphisms and susceptibility to HCV infection or its therapeutic resistance in thalassemia patients may suggest potential roles for the innate and adaptive immune responses to this infection, which are manifested by the acts of HLA-E - NKG2A/CD94 axis in the modulation of NK cell inhibitory function as well as HLA-E associated CD8+ T cell cytolytic activity against HCV, respectively. Notably, from a clinical point of view, paying attention to these associations may not only be useful in increasing the effectiveness of current anti-HCV regimens comprising direct acting antivirals (DAAs) in more complicated patients, but may also suggest antiviral prophylaxis for patients more vulnerable to HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehteramolsadat Hosseini
- Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Sarraf Kazerooni
- Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azita Azarkeivan
- Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Tehran, Iran; Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization, Thalassemia Clinic, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zohreh Sharifi
- Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Shahabi
- Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehran Ghasemzadeh
- Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Tehran, Iran.
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