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Shawky AM, Almalki FA, Alzahrani HA, Abdalla AN, Youssif BGM, Ibrahim NA, Gamal M, El-Sherief HAM, Abdel-Fattah MM, Hefny AA, Abdelazeem AH, Gouda AM. Covalent small-molecule inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro: Insights into their design, classification, biological activity, and binding interactions. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 277:116704. [PMID: 39121741 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116704] [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: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Since 2020, many compounds have been investigated for their potential use in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Among these agents, a huge number of natural products and FDA-approved drugs have been evaluated as potential therapeutics for SARS-CoV-2 using virtual screening and docking studies. However, the identification of the molecular targets involved in viral replication led to the development of rationally designed anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents. Among these targets, the main protease (Mpro) is one of the key enzymes needed in the replication of the virus. The data gleaned from the crystal structures of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro complexes with small-molecule covalent inhibitors has been used in the design and discovery of many highly potent and broad-spectrum Mpro inhibitors. The current review focuses mainly on the covalent type of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors. The design, chemistry, and classification of these inhibitors were also in focus. The biological activity of these inhibitors, including their inhibitory activities against Mpro, their antiviral activities, and the SAR studies, were discussed. The review also describes the potential mechanism of the interaction between these inhibitors and the catalytic Cys145 residue in Mpro. Moreover, the binding modes and key binding interactions of these covalent inhibitors were also illustrated. The covalent inhibitors discussed in this review were of diverse chemical nature and origin. Their antiviral activity was mediated mainly by the inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, with IC50 values in the micromolar to the nanomolar range. Many of these inhibitors exhibited broad-spectrum inhibitory activity against the Mpro enzymes of other coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-1 and MERS-CoV). The dual inhibition of the Mpro and PLpro enzymes of SARS-CoV-2 could also provide higher therapeutic benefits than Mpro inhibition. Despite the approval of nirmatrelvir by the FDA, many mutations in the Mpro enzyme of SARS-CoV-2 have been reported. Although some of these mutations did not affect the potency of nirmatrelvir, there is an urgent need to develop a second generation of Mpro inhibitors. We hope that the data summarized in this review could help researchers in the design of a new potent generation of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Shawky
- Science and Technology Unit (STU), Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faisal A Almalki
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hayat Ali Alzahrani
- Applied Medical Science College, Medical Laboratory Technology Department, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ashraf N Abdalla
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, 21955, Saudi Arabia; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medicinal And Aromatic Plants Research Institute, National Center for Research, Khartoum, 2404, Sudan
| | - Bahaa G M Youssif
- Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526, Egypt.
| | - Nashwa A Ibrahim
- Medicinal Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62514, Egypt
| | - Mohammed Gamal
- Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62514, Egypt
| | - Hany A M El-Sherief
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Deraya University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Maha M Abdel-Fattah
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62514, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A Hefny
- Medicinal Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62514, Egypt; School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Kitchener, Ontario, N2G 1C5, Canada
| | - Ahmed H Abdelazeem
- Medicinal Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62514, Egypt; Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy, Nursing and Medical Sciences, Riyadh Elm University, Riyadh, 11681, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed M Gouda
- Medicinal Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62514, Egypt.
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2
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Bolinger AA, Li J, Xie X, Li H, Zhou J. Lessons learnt from broad-spectrum coronavirus antiviral drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024:1-19. [PMID: 39078037 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2385598] [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: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Highly pathogenic coronaviruses (CoVs), such as severe acute respiratory syndrome CoV (SARS-CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome CoV (MERS-CoV), and the most recent SARS-CoV-2 responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, pose significant threats to human populations over the past two decades. These CoVs have caused a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations ranging from asymptomatic to severe distress syndromes (ARDS), resulting in high morbidity and mortality. AREAS COVERED The accelerated advancements in antiviral drug discovery, spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, have shed new light on the imperative to develop treatments effective against a broad spectrum of CoVs. This perspective discusses strategies and lessons learnt in targeting viral non-structural proteins, structural proteins, drug repurposing, and combinational approaches for the development of antivirals against CoVs. EXPERT OPINION Drawing lessons from the pandemic, it becomes evident that the absence of efficient broad-spectrum antiviral drugs increases the vulnerability of public health systems to the potential onslaught by highly pathogenic CoVs. The rapid and sustained spread of novel CoVs can have devastating consequences without effective and specifically targeted treatments. Prioritizing the effective development of broad-spectrum antivirals is imperative for bolstering the resilience of public health systems and mitigating the potential impact of future highly pathogenic CoVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew A Bolinger
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Jun Li
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Xuping Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Sealy Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Hongmin Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The BIO5 Institute, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Jia Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Sealy Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
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3
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Song N, Zheng W, Song B, Zheng J. Allosteric Regulation and Inhibition of Coronavirus 3CLpro Revealed by HDX-MS. Chembiochem 2024; 25:e202400001. [PMID: 38720172 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202400001] [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: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Coronavirus (CoV) infections have caused contagious and fatal respiratory diseases in humans worldwide. CoV 3-chymotrypsin-like proteases (3CLpro or Mpro) play an important role in viral maturation, and maintenance of their dimeric conformation is crucial for viral activity. Therefore, allosterically regulated dimerization of 3CLpro can be employed as a drug development target. Here, we investigated the allosteric regulatory mechanism of 3CLpro dimerization by using hydrogen/deuterium exchange coupled with mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) technology. We found that the FLAG tag directly coupled to the N-finger of 3CLpro significantly increased HDX kinetics at the dimer interface, and 3CLpro transformed from a dimer to a monomer. The 3CLpro mutants of SARS-CoV-2, which are monomeric, also exhibited increased deuterium exchange. Binding of the allosteric inhibitor Gastrodenol to most betacoronavirus 3CLpros led to increased allosteric deuterium exchange, resulting in the monomeric conformation of the CoV 3CLpro upon binding. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation analysis further indicated the molecular mechanism of action of Gastrodenol on CoV 3CLpro: binding of Gastrodenol to SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro destroyed the hydrogen bond in the dimer interface. These results suggest that Gastrodenol may be a potential broad-spectrum anti-betacoronavirus drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Song
- Immunological Disease Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Rd, 201203, Shanghai, PR China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 1 Yanqihu East Rd, Huairou District, 101408, Beijing, PR China
| | - Wen Zheng
- CADD computer-aided protein Design Simulator, Hubei Yuanda Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Building B6, Optics Valley Biological City, Hongshan District, 430000, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Bin Song
- Shanghai Institute of Virology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 227 South Chongqing Road, 200025, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Jie Zheng
- Immunological Disease Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Rd, 201203, Shanghai, PR China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 1 Yanqihu East Rd, Huairou District, 101408, Beijing, PR China
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4
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Zhang Y, Guo J, Liu Y, Qu Y, Li YQ, Mu Y, Li W. An allosteric mechanism for potent inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 main proteinase. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 265:130644. [PMID: 38462102 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130644] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
The main proteinase (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 plays a critical role in cleaving viral polyproteins into functional proteins required for viral replication and assembly, making it a prime drug target for COVID-19. It is well known that noncompetitive inhibition offers potential therapeutic options for treating COVID-19, which can effectively reduce the likelihood of cross-reactivity with other proteins and increase the selectivity of the drug. Therefore, the discovery of allosteric sites of Mpro has both scientific and practical significance. In this study, we explored the binding characteristics and inhibiting process of Mpro activity by two recently reported allosteric inhibitors, pelitinib and AT7519 which were obtained by the X-ray screening experiments, to probe the allosteric mechanism via molecular dynamic (MD) simulations. We found that pelitinib and AT7519 can stably bind to Mpro far from the active site. The binding affinity is estimated to be -24.37 ± 4.14 and - 26.96 ± 4.05 kcal/mol for pelitinib and AT7519, respectively, which is considerably stable compared with orthosteric drugs. Furthermore, the strong binding caused clear changes in the catalytic site of Mpro, thus decreasing the substrate accessibility. The community network analysis also validated that pelitinib and AT7519 strengthened intra- and inter-domain communication of Mpro dimer, resulting in a rigid Mpro, which could negatively impact substrate binding. In summary, our findings provide the detailed working mechanism for the two experimentally observed allosteric sites of Mpro. These allosteric sites greatly enhance the 'druggability' of Mpro and represent attractive targets for the development of new Mpro inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunju Zhang
- School of Physics, Shandong University, China
| | - Jingjing Guo
- Centre in Artificial Intelligence Driven Drug Discovery, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Macao Polytechnic University, 999078, Macao
| | - Yang Liu
- School of Physics, Shandong University, China
| | - Yuanyuan Qu
- School of Physics, Shandong University, China
| | | | - Yuguang Mu
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Weifeng Li
- School of Physics, Shandong University, China.
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Borges PHO, Ferreira SB, Silva FP. Recent Advances on Targeting Proteases for Antiviral Development. Viruses 2024; 16:366. [PMID: 38543732 PMCID: PMC10976044 DOI: 10.3390/v16030366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Viral proteases are an important target for drug development, since they can modulate vital pathways in viral replication, maturation, assembly and cell entry. With the (re)appearance of several new viruses responsible for causing diseases in humans, like the West Nile virus (WNV) and the recent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), understanding the mechanisms behind blocking viral protease's function is pivotal for the development of new antiviral drugs and therapeutical strategies. Apart from directly inhibiting the target protease, usually by targeting its active site, several new pathways have been explored to impair its activity, such as inducing protein aggregation, targeting allosteric sites or by inducing protein degradation by cellular proteasomes, which can be extremely valuable when considering the emerging drug-resistant strains. In this review, we aim to discuss the recent advances on a broad range of viral proteases inhibitors, therapies and molecular approaches for protein inactivation or degradation, giving an insight on different possible strategies against this important class of antiviral target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Henrique Oliveira Borges
- Laboratory of Organic Synthesis and Biological Prospecting, Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, Brazil;
- Laboratory of Experimental and Computational Biochemistry of Drugs, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Sabrina Baptista Ferreira
- Laboratory of Organic Synthesis and Biological Prospecting, Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, Brazil;
| | - Floriano Paes Silva
- Laboratory of Experimental and Computational Biochemistry of Drugs, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
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6
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Iqbal S, Firdous F, Furqan M, Bilal A, Fozail S, Pohl SÖG, Doleschall NJ, Myant KB, Singh U, Emwas AH, Jaremko M, Faisal A, Saleem RSZ. Synthesis and characterization of bis-amide SSE1917 as a microtubule-stabilizing anticancer agent. Bioorg Chem 2024; 143:107094. [PMID: 38199139 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.107094] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Microtubule dynamics are critical for spindle assembly and chromosome segregation during cell division. Pharmacological inhibition of microtubule dynamics in cells causes prolonged mitotic arrest, resulting in apoptosis, an approach extensively employed in treating different types of cancers. The present study reports the synthesis of thirty-two novel bis-amides (SSE1901-SSE1932) and the evaluation of their antiproliferative activities. N-(1-oxo-3-phenyl-1-(phenylamino)propan-2-yl)benzamide (SSE1917) exhibited the most potent activity with GI50 values of 0.331 ± 0.01 µM in HCT116 colorectal and 0.48 ± 0.27 µM in BT-549 breast cancer cells. SSE1917 stabilized microtubules in biochemical and cellular assays, bound to taxol site in docking studies, and caused aberrant mitosis and G2/M arrest in cells. Prolonged treatment of cells with the compound increased p53 expression and triggered apoptotic cell death. Furthermore, SSE1917 suppressed the growth of both mouse and patient-derived human colon cancer organoids, highlighting its potential therapeutic value as an anticancer agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sana Iqbal
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore 54792, Pakistan
| | - Farhat Firdous
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore 54792, Pakistan; Department of Life Sciences, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore 54792, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Furqan
- Department of Life Sciences, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore 54792, Pakistan
| | - Aishah Bilal
- Department of Life Sciences, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore 54792, Pakistan
| | - Salman Fozail
- Department of Life Sciences, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore 54792, Pakistan
| | - Sebastian Öther-Gee Pohl
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital Campus, Crewe Road, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Nora Julia Doleschall
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital Campus, Crewe Road, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin B Myant
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital Campus, Crewe Road, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Upendra Singh
- Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdul-Hamid Emwas
- KAUST Core Labs, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mariusz Jaremko
- Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amir Faisal
- Department of Life Sciences, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore 54792, Pakistan.
| | - Rahman Shah Zaib Saleem
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore 54792, Pakistan.
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7
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Janin YL. On the origins of SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitors. RSC Med Chem 2024; 15:81-118. [PMID: 38283212 PMCID: PMC10809347 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00493g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
In order to address the world-wide health challenge caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the 3CL protease/SARS-CoV-2 main protease (SARS-CoV-2-Mpro) coded by its nsp5 gene became one of the biochemical targets for the design of antiviral drugs. In less than 3 years of research, 4 inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2-Mpro have actually been authorized for COVID-19 treatment (nirmatrelvir, ensitrelvir, leritrelvir and simnotrelvir) and more such as EDP-235, FB-2001 and STI-1558/Olgotrelvir or five undisclosed compounds (CDI-988, ASC11, ALG-097558, QLS1128 and H-10517) are undergoing clinical trials. This review is an attempt to picture this quite unprecedented medicinal chemistry feat and provide insights on how these cysteine protease inhibitors were discovered. Since many series of covalent SARS-CoV-2-Mpro inhibitors owe some of their origins to previous work on other proteases, we first provided a description of various inhibitors of cysteine-bearing human caspase-1 or cathepsin K, as well as inhibitors of serine proteases such as human dipeptidyl peptidase-4 or the hepatitis C protein complex NS3/4A. This is then followed by a description of the results of the approaches adopted (repurposing, structure-based and high throughput screening) to discover coronavirus main protease inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yves L Janin
- Structure et Instabilité des Génomes (StrInG), Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, INSERM, CNRS, Alliance Sorbonne Université 75005 Paris France
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8
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Borba JRBDM, de Araújo LP, Veloso MP, da Silveira NJF. Applying the bioisosterism strategy to obtain lead compounds against SARS-CoV-2 cysteine proteases: An in-silico approach. J Comput Chem 2024; 45:35-46. [PMID: 37641955 DOI: 10.1002/jcc.27217] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 cysteine proteases are essential nonstructural proteins due to their role in the formation of the virus multiple enzyme replication-transcription complex. As a result, those functional proteins are extremely relevant targets in the development of a new drug candidate to fight COVID-19. Based on this fact and guided by the bioisosterism strategy, the present work has selected 126 out of 1050 ligands from DrugBank website. Subsequently, 831 chemical analogs containing bioisosteres, some of which became structurally simplified, were created using the MB-Isoster software, and molecular docking simulations were performed using AutoDock Vina. Finally, a study of physicochemical properties, along with pharmacokinetic profiles, was carried out through SwissADME and ADMETlab 2.0 platforms. The promising results obtained with the molecules encoded as DB00549_BI_005, DB04868_BI_003, DB11984_BI_002, DB12364_BI_006 and DB12805_BI_004 must be confirmed by molecular dynamics studies, followed by in vitro and in vivo empirical tests that ratify the advocated in-silico results.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Ricardo Bueno de Morais Borba
- João Ricardo Bueno de Morais Borba, Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Computer Simulation - MolMod-CS, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Alfenas - UNIFAL-MG, Alfenas, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Pereira de Araújo
- Leonardo Pereira de Araújo, Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Computer Simulation - MolMod-CS, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Alfenas - UNIFAL-MG, Alfenas, Brazil
| | - Marcia Paranho Veloso
- Marcia Paranho Veloso, Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Computer Simulation - MolMod-CS, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Alfenas - UNIFAL-MG, Alfenas, Brazil
| | - Nelson José Freitas da Silveira
- Nelson José Freitas da Silveira, Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Computer Simulation - MolMod-CS, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Alfenas - UNIFAL-MG, Alfenas, Brazil
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9
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Duan Y, Wang H, Yuan Z, Yang H. Structural biology of SARS-CoV-2 M pro and drug discovery. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2023; 82:102667. [PMID: 37544112 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2023.102667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Since its outbreak in late 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic has drawn enormous attention worldwide as a consequence of being the most disastrous infectious disease in the past century. As one of the most immediately druggable targets of SARS-CoV-2, the main protease (Mpro) has been studied thoroughly. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of recent advances in structural studies of Mpro, which provide new knowledge about Mpro in terms of its biological function, structural characteristics, substrate specificity, and autocleavage process. We examine the remarkable strides made in targeting Mpro for drug discovery during the pandemic. We summarize insights into the current understanding of the structural features of Mpro and the discovery of existing Mpro-targeting drugs, illuminating pathways for the future development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinkai Duan
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Haofeng Wang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenghong Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences and Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Haitao Yang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai, China.
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10
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Citarella A, Dimasi A, Moi D, Passarella D, Scala A, Piperno A, Micale N. Recent Advances in SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Inhibitors: From Nirmatrelvir to Future Perspectives. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1339. [PMID: 37759739 PMCID: PMC10647625 DOI: 10.3390/biom13091339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The main protease (Mpro) plays a pivotal role in the replication of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and is considered a highly conserved viral target. Disruption of the catalytic activity of Mpro produces a detrimental effect on the course of the infection, making this target one of the most attractive for the treatment of COVID-19. The current success of the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitor Nirmatrelvir, the first oral drug for the treatment of severe forms of COVID-19, has further focused the attention of researchers on this important viral target, making the search for new Mpro inhibitors a thriving and exciting field for the development of antiviral drugs active against SARS-CoV-2 and related coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Citarella
- Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, Via Golgi 19, 20133 Milano, Italy; (A.D.); (D.P.)
| | - Alessandro Dimasi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, Via Golgi 19, 20133 Milano, Italy; (A.D.); (D.P.)
| | - Davide Moi
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, S.P. 8 CA, 09042 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Daniele Passarella
- Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, Via Golgi 19, 20133 Milano, Italy; (A.D.); (D.P.)
| | - Angela Scala
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.S.); (A.P.)
| | - Anna Piperno
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.S.); (A.P.)
| | - Nicola Micale
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.S.); (A.P.)
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11
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Ali S, Zhou J. Highlights on U.S. FDA-approved fluorinated drugs over the past five years (2018-2022). Eur J Med Chem 2023; 256:115476. [PMID: 37207534 PMCID: PMC10247436 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this review is to provide an update on the fluorine-containing drugs approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration in the span of past five years (2018-2022). The agency accepted a total of fifty-eight fluorinated entities to diagnose, mitigate and treat a plethora of diseases. Among them, thirty drugs are for therapy of various types of cancers, twelve for infectious diseases, eleven for CNS disorders, and six for some other diseases. These are categorized and briefly discussed based on their therapeutic areas. In addition, this review gives a glimpse about their trade name, date of approval, active ingredients, company developers, indications, and drug mechanisms. We anticipate that this review may inspire the drug discovery and medicinal chemistry community in both industrial and academic settings to explore the fluorinated molecules leading to the discovery of new drugs in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saghir Ali
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX, 77555, United States
| | - Jia Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX, 77555, United States.
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12
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Samrat SK, Bashir Q, Huang Y, Trieshmann CW, Tharappel AM, Zhang R, Chen K, Geoge Zheng Y, Li Z, Li H. Broad-Spectrum Small-Molecule Inhibitors Targeting the SAM-Binding Site of Flavivirus NS5 Methyltransferase. ACS Infect Dis 2023; 9:1319-1333. [PMID: 37348028 PMCID: PMC10436986 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.2c00571] [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] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Flavivirus infections, such as those caused by dengue virus (DENV), West Nile virus (WNV), yellow fever virus (YFV), and Zika virus (ZIKV), pose a rising threat to global health. There are no FDA-approved drugs for flaviviruses, although a small number of flaviviruses have vaccines. For flaviviruses or unknown viruses that may appear in the future, it is particularly desirable to identify broad-spectrum inhibitors. The NS5 protein is regarded as one of the most promising flavivirus drug targets because it is conserved across flaviviruses. In this study, we used FL-NAH, a fluorescent analog of the methyl donor S-adenosyl methionine (SAM), to develop a fluorescence polarization (FP)-based high throughput screening (HTS) assay to specifically target methyltransferase (MTase), a vital enzyme for flaviviruses that methylates the N7 and 2'-O positions of the viral 5'-RNA cap. Pilot screening identified two candidate MTase inhibitors, NSC 111552 and 288387. The two compounds inhibited the FL-NAH binding to the DENV3 MTase with low micromolar IC50. Functional assays verified the inhibitory potency of these molecules for the flavivirus MTase activity. Binding studies indicated that these molecules are bound directly to the DENV3 MTase with similar low micromolar affinity. Furthermore, we showed that these compounds greatly reduced ZIKV replication in cell-based experiments at dosages that did not cause cytotoxicity. Finally, docking studies revealed that these molecules bind to the SAM-binding region on the DENV3 MTase, and further mutagenesis studies verified residues important for the binding of these compounds. Overall, these compounds are innovative and attractive candidates for the development of broad-spectrum inhibitors for the treatment of flavivirus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subodh Kumar Samrat
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, 1703 E Mabel St, Tucson AZ, 85721-0207, USA
| | - Qamar Bashir
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, 1703 E Mabel St, Tucson AZ, 85721-0207, USA
| | - Yiding Huang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, 1703 E Mabel St, Tucson AZ, 85721-0207, USA
| | - Carl William Trieshmann
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, 30602, USA
| | - Anil Mathew Tharappel
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, 1703 E Mabel St, Tucson AZ, 85721-0207, USA
| | - Ran Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, 1703 E Mabel St, Tucson AZ, 85721-0207, USA
| | - Ke Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, 1703 E Mabel St, Tucson AZ, 85721-0207, USA
| | - Y. Geoge Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, 1703 E Mabel St, Tucson AZ, 85721-0207, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, 30602, USA
| | - Zhong Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, 1703 E Mabel St, Tucson AZ, 85721-0207, USA
| | - Hongmin Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, 1703 E Mabel St, Tucson AZ, 85721-0207, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Science & College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson AZ, 85721, USA
- The BIO5 Institute, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
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13
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Xu J, Xue Y, Bolinger AA, Li J, Zhou M, Chen H, Li H, Zhou J. Therapeutic potential of salicylamide derivatives for combating viral infections. Med Res Rev 2023; 43:897-931. [PMID: 36905090 PMCID: PMC10247541 DOI: 10.1002/med.21940] [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: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Since time immemorial human beings have constantly been fighting against viral infections. The ongoing and devastating coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic represents one of the most severe and most significant public health emergencies in human history, highlighting an urgent need to develop broad-spectrum antiviral agents. Salicylamide (2-hydroxybenzamide) derivatives, represented by niclosamide and nitazoxanide, inhibit the replication of a broad range of RNA and DNA viruses such as flavivirus, influenza A virus, and coronavirus. Moreover, nitazoxanide was effective in clinical trials against different viral infections including diarrhea caused by rotavirus and norovirus, uncomplicated influenza A and B, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. In this review, we summarize the broad antiviral activities of salicylamide derivatives, the clinical progress, and the potential targets or mechanisms against different viral infections and highlight their therapeutic potential in combating the circulating and emerging viral infections in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimin Xu
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Yu Xue
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Andrew A. Bolinger
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Jun Li
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Mingxiang Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Haiying Chen
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Hongmin Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Jia Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
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14
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Rungruangmaitree R, Phoochaijaroen S, Chimprasit A, Saparpakorn P, Pootanakit K, Tanramluk D. Structural analysis of the coronavirus main protease for the design of pan-variant inhibitors. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7055. [PMID: 37120654 PMCID: PMC10148699 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34305-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023] Open
Abstract
With the rapid rate of SARS-CoV-2 Main protease (Mpro) structures deposition, a computational method that can combine all the useful structural features becomes crucial. This research focuses on the frequently occurring atoms and residues to find a generalized strategy for inhibitor design given a large amount of protein complexes from SARS-CoV in contrast to SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. By superposing large numbers of the ligands onto the protein template and grid box, we can analyse which part of the structure is conserved from position-specific interaction for both data sets for the development of pan-Mpro antiviral design. The difference in conserved recognition sites from the crystal structures can be used to determine specificity determining residues for designing selective drugs. We can display pictures of the imaginary shape of the ligand by unionising all atoms from the ligand. We also pinpoint the most probable atom adjustments to imitate the frequently found densities from the ligand atoms statistics. With molecular docking, Molecular Dynamics simulation, and MM-PBSA methods, a carbonyl replacement at the nitrile warhead (N5) of Paxlovid's Nirmatrelvir (PF-07321332) was suggested. By gaining insights into the selectivity and promiscuity regions for proteins and ligands, crucial residues are highlighted, and the antiviral design strategies are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sakao Phoochaijaroen
- Integrative Computational BioScience (ICBS) Center, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
| | - Aunlika Chimprasit
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Patchreenart Saparpakorn
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Kusol Pootanakit
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
| | - Duangrudee Tanramluk
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand.
- Integrative Computational BioScience (ICBS) Center, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand.
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15
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Charles S, Edgar MP, Mahapatra RK. Artificial intelligence based virtual screening study for competitive and allosteric inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:15286-15304. [PMID: 36943715 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2188419] [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: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is a highly contagious and dangerous coronavirus that first appeared in late 2019 causing COVID-19, a pandemic of acute respiratory illnesses that is still a threat to health and the general public safety. We performed deep docking studies of 800 M unique compounds in both the active and allosteric sites of the SARS-COV-2 Main Protease (Mpro) and the 15 M and 13 M virtual hits obtained were further taken for conventional docking and molecular dynamic (MD) studies. The best XP Glide docking scores obtained were -14.242 and -12.059 kcal/mol by CHEMBL591669 and the highest binding affinities were -10.5 kcal/mol (from 444215) and -11.2 kcal/mol (from NPC95421) for active and allosteric sites, respectively. Some hits can bind both sites making them a great area of concern. Re-docking of 8 random allosteric complexes in the active site shows a significant reduction in docking scores with a t-test P value of 2.532 × 10-11 at 95% confidence. Some specific interactions have higher elevations in docking scores. MD studies on 15 complexes show that single-ligand systems are stable as compared to double-ligand systems, and the allosteric binders identified are shown to modulate the active site binding as evidenced by the changes in the interaction patterns and stability of ligands and active site residues. When an allosteric complex was docked to the second monomer to check for homodimer formation, the validated homodimer could not be re-established, further supporting the potential of the identified allosteric binders. These findings could be important in developing novel therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ssemuyiga Charles
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
- Department of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mulumba Pius Edgar
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
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Yang T, Wang SC, Ye L, Maimaitiyiming Y, Naranmandura H. Targeting viral proteins for restraining SARS-CoV-2: focusing lens on viral proteins beyond spike for discovering new drug targets. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2023; 18:247-268. [PMID: 36723288 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2175812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Emergence of highly infectious SARS-CoV-2 variants are reducing protection provided by current vaccines, requiring constant updates in antiviral approaches. The virus encodes four structural and sixteen nonstructural proteins which play important roles in viral genome replication and transcription, virion assembly, release , entry into cells, and compromising host cellular defenses. As alien proteins to host cells, many viral proteins represent potential targets for combating the SARS-CoV-2. AREAS COVERED Based on literature from PubMed and Web of Science databases, the authors summarize the typical characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 from the whole viral particle to the individual viral proteins and their corresponding functions in virus life cycle. The authors also discuss the potential and emerging targeted interventions to curb virus replication and spread in detail to provide unique insights into SARS-CoV-2 infection and countermeasures against it. EXPERT OPINION Our comprehensive analysis highlights the rationale to focus on non-spike viral proteins that are less mutated but have important functions. Examples of this include: structural proteins (e.g. nucleocapsid protein, envelope protein) and extensively-concerned nonstructural proteins (e.g. NSP3, NSP5, NSP12) along with the ones with relatively less attention (e.g. NSP1, NSP10, NSP14 and NSP16), for developing novel drugs to overcome resistance of SARS-CoV-2 variants to preexisting vaccines and antibody-based treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Yang
- Department of Hematology of First Affiliated Hospital, and Department of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Si Chun Wang
- Department of Hematology of First Affiliated Hospital, and Department of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Linyan Ye
- Department of Hematology of First Affiliated Hospital, and Department of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yasen Maimaitiyiming
- Department of Hematology of First Affiliated Hospital, and Department of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Haematology Oncology Diagnosis and Treatment, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Neurobiology, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, and MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hua Naranmandura
- Department of Hematology of First Affiliated Hospital, and Department of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Haematology Oncology Diagnosis and Treatment, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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17
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Schindewolf C, Lokugamage K, Vu MN, Johnson BA, Scharton D, Plante JA, Kalveram B, Crocquet-Valdes PA, Sotcheff S, Jaworski E, Alvarado RE, Debbink K, Daugherty MD, Weaver SC, Routh AL, Walker DH, Plante KS, Menachery VD. SARS-CoV-2 Uses Nonstructural Protein 16 To Evade Restriction by IFIT1 and IFIT3. J Virol 2023; 97:e0153222. [PMID: 36722972 PMCID: PMC9973020 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01532-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the molecular basis of innate immune evasion by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an important consideration for designing the next wave of therapeutics. Here, we investigate the role of the nonstructural protein 16 (NSP16) of SARS-CoV-2 in infection and pathogenesis. NSP16, a ribonucleoside 2'-O-methyltransferase (MTase), catalyzes the transfer of a methyl group to mRNA as part of the capping process. Based on observations with other CoVs, we hypothesized that NSP16 2'-O-MTase function protects SARS-CoV-2 from cap-sensing host restriction. Therefore, we engineered SARS-CoV-2 with a mutation that disrupts a conserved residue in the active site of NSP16. We subsequently show that this mutant is attenuated both in vitro and in vivo, using a hamster model of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Mechanistically, we confirm that the NSP16 mutant is more sensitive than wild-type SARS-CoV-2 to type I interferon (IFN-I) in vitro. Furthermore, silencing IFIT1 or IFIT3, IFN-stimulated genes that sense a lack of 2'-O-methylation, partially restores fitness to the NSP16 mutant. Finally, we demonstrate that sinefungin, an MTase inhibitor that binds the catalytic site of NSP16, sensitizes wild-type SARS-CoV-2 to IFN-I treatment and attenuates viral replication. Overall, our findings highlight the importance of SARS-CoV-2 NSP16 in evading host innate immunity and suggest a target for future antiviral therapies. IMPORTANCE Similar to other coronaviruses, disruption of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) NSP16 function attenuates viral replication in a type I interferon-dependent manner. In vivo, our results show reduced disease and viral replication at late times in the hamster lung, but an earlier titer deficit for the NSP16 mutant (dNSP16) in the upper airway. In addition, our results confirm a role for IFIT1 but also demonstrate the necessity of IFIT3 in mediating dNSP16 attenuation. Finally, we show that targeting NSP16 activity with a 2'-O-methyltransferase inhibitor in combination with type I interferon offers a novel avenue for antiviral development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig Schindewolf
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Kumari Lokugamage
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Michelle N. Vu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Bryan A. Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Dionna Scharton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Jessica A. Plante
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Birte Kalveram
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Stephanea Sotcheff
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Elizabeth Jaworski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Rojelio E. Alvarado
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Institute for Translational Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Kari Debbink
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Matthew D. Daugherty
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Scott C. Weaver
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Andrew L. Routh
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - David H. Walker
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Disease, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Kenneth S. Plante
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Vineet D. Menachery
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
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18
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Xu J, Shi S, Liu G, Xie X, Li J, Bolinger AA, Chen H, Zhang W, Shi PY, Liu H, Zhou J. Design, synthesis, and pharmacological evaluations of pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxaline-based derivatives as potent and selective sirt6 activators. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 246:114998. [PMID: 36508969 PMCID: PMC9805530 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114998] [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: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Sirt6 activation has emerged as a promising drug target for the treatment of various human diseases, while only limited Sirt6 activators have been reported. Herein, a series of novel pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxaline-based derivatives have been identified as potent and selective Sirt6 activators with low cytotoxicity. Sirt6-knockdown findings have validated the on-target effects of this class of Sirt6 activators. Docking studies indicate the protonated nitrogen on the side chain of 38 forms π-cation interactions with Trp188, further stabilizing it into this extended binding pocket. New compounds 35, 36, 38, 46, 47, and 50 strongly repressed LPS-induced proinflammatory cytokine/chemokine production, while 38 also significantly suppressed SARS-CoV-2 infection with an EC50 value of 9.3 μM. Moreover, compound 36 significantly inhibited the colony formation of cancer cells. These new molecules may serve as useful pharmacological tools or potential therapeutics against cancer, inflammation, and infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimin Xu
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Shuizhen Shi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Gang Liu
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Xuping Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Jun Li
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Andrew A Bolinger
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Haiying Chen
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Wenbo Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Pei-Yong Shi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Hua Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA.
| | - Jia Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA.
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Dong J, Varbanov M, Philippot S, Vreken F, Zeng WB, Blay V. Ligand-based discovery of coronavirus main protease inhibitors using MACAW molecular embeddings. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2023; 38:24-35. [PMID: 36305272 PMCID: PMC9621234 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2022.2132486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ligand-based drug design methods are thought to require large experimental datasets to become useful for virtual screening. In this work, we propose a computational strategy to design novel inhibitors of coronavirus main protease, Mpro. The pipeline integrates publicly available screening and binding affinity data in a two-stage machine-learning model using the recent MACAW embeddings. Once trained, the model can be deployed to rapidly screen large libraries of molecules in silico. Several hundred thousand compounds were virtually screened and 10 of them were selected for experimental testing. From these 10 compounds, 8 showed a clear inhibitory effect on recombinant Mpro, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration values (IC50) in the range 0.18–18.82 μM. Cellular assays were also conducted to evaluate cytotoxic, haemolytic, and antiviral properties. A promising lead compound against coronavirus Mpro was identified with dose-dependent inhibition of virus infectivity and minimal toxicity on human MRC-5 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Dong
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, P. R. China
| | - Mihayl Varbanov
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, Nancy, France
- Laboratoire de Virologie, CHRU de Nancy Brabois, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | | | | | - Wen-bin Zeng
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, P. R. China
| | - Vincent Blay
- Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, University of California at Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
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20
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Green and efficient one-pot three-component synthesis of novel drug-like furo[2,3–d]pyrimidines as potential active site inhibitors and putative allosteric hotspots modulators of both SARS-CoV-2 MPro and PLPro. Bioorg Chem 2023; 135:106390. [PMID: 37037129 PMCID: PMC9883075 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, an environmentally benign, convenient, and efficient one-pot three-component reaction has been developed for the regioselective synthesis of novel 5-aroyl(or heteroaroyl)-6-(alkylamino)-1,3-dimethylfuro[2,3-d]pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-diones (4a‒n) through the sequential condensation of aryl(or heteroaryl)glyoxal monohydrates (1a‒g), 1,3-dimethylbarbituric acid (2), and alkyl(viz. cyclohexyl or tert-butyl)isocyanides (3a or 3b) catalyzed by ultra-low loading ZrOCl2•8H2O (just 2 mol%) in water at 50 ˚C. After synthesis and characterization of the mentioned furo[2,3-d]pyrimidines (4a‒n), their multi-targeting inhibitory properties were investigated against the active site and putative allosteric hotspots of both SARS-CoV-2 main protease (MPro) and papain-like protease (PLPro) based on molecular docking studies and compare the attained results with various medicinal compounds which approximately in three past years were used, introduced, and or repurposed to fight against COVID-19. Furthermore, drug-likeness properties of the mentioned small heterocyclic frameworks (4a‒n) have been explored using in silico ADMET analyses. Interestingly, the molecular docking studies and ADMET-related data revealed that the novel series of furo[2,3-d]pyrimidines (4a‒n), especially 5-(3,4-methylendioxybenzoyl)-6-(cyclohexylamino)-1,3-dimethylfuro[2,3-d]pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione (4g) as hit one is potential COVID-19 drug candidate, can subject to further in vitro and in vivo studies. It is worthwhile to note that the protein-ligand-type molecular docking studies on the human body temperature-dependent MPro protein that surprisingly contains zincII (ZnII) ion between His41/Cys145 catalytic dyad in the active site, which undoubtedly can make new plans for designing novel SARS-CoV-2 MPro inhibitors, is performed for the first time in this paper, to the best of our knowledge.
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Beheshti Shirazi SS, Sakhaee F, Sotoodehnejadnematalahi F, Zamani MS, Ahmadi I, Anvari E, Fateh A. rs12329760 Polymorphism in Transmembrane Serine Protease 2 Gene and Risk of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Mortality. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:7841969. [PMID: 36457338 PMCID: PMC9708353 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7841969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
The protease produced by the transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) gene enhances viral infections and has been linked to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pathogenesis. Therefore, this study evaluated the association between TMPRSS2 and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mortality. TMPRSS2 rs12329760 polymorphism was genotyped using the tetraprimer amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction method in 592 dead and 693 improved patients. In the current study, the frequency of TMPRSS2 rs12329760 CC than TT genotypes was significantly lower in improved patients than in dead patients. According to the findings of the multivariate logistic regression test, higher levels of mean age, creatinine, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, aspartate aminotransferase, lower levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, uric acid, and real-time PCR Ct values and TMPRSS2 rs12329760 CC genotype were observed to be associated with increased COVID-19 mortality rates. In conclusion, the TMPRSS2 rs12329760 CC genotype was a polymorphism linked to a significantly higher incidence of severe COVID-19. Further studies are required to corroborate the obtained findings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fatemeh Sakhaee
- Department of Mycobacteriology and Pulmonary Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Iraj Ahmadi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Science, Ilam, Iran
| | - Enayat Anvari
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Science, Ilam, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Fateh
- Department of Mycobacteriology and Pulmonary Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Microbiology Research Center (MRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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22
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Bhullar KS, Nael MA, Elokely KM, Drews SJ, Wu J. Structurally Modified Bioactive Peptide Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Lentiviral Particles Expression. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14102045. [PMID: 36297481 PMCID: PMC9607082 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14102045] [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: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the current global pandemic is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Various pharmaceuticals are being developed to counter the spread of the virus. The strategy of repurposing known drugs and bioactive molecules is a rational approach. A previously described molecule, Ile-Arg-Trp (IRW), is a bioactive tripeptide that exhibits an ability to boost angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) expression in animals and cells. Given the importance of SARS-CoV-2 S receptor binding domain (RBD)-ACE2 interaction in SARS-CoV-2 pathophysiology, we synthesized various IRW analogs intending to mitigate the RBD-ACE-2 interaction. Herein, we describe two analogs of IRW, A9 (Acetyl-Ile-Arg-Trp-Amide) and A14 (Formyl-Ile-Arg-Trp-Amide) which lowered the SARS-CoV-2 S RBD-ACE2 (at 50 µM) in vitro. The free energy of binding suggested that A9 and A14 interacted with the SARS-CoV-2 S RBD more favorably than ACE2. The calculated MMGBSA ΔG of spike binding for A9 was −57.22 kcal/mol, while that of A14 was −52.44 kcal/mol. A14 also inhibited furin enzymatic activity at various tested concentrations (25, 50, and 100 µM). We confirmed the effect of the two potent analogs using SARS-CoV-2 spike protein overexpressing cells. Both peptides lowered the protein expression of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein at the tested concentration (50 µM). Similarly, both peptides, A9 and A14 (50 µM), also inhibited pseudotyped lentiviral particles with SARS-CoV-2 Spike in ACE2 overexpressing cells. Further, the molecular dynamics (MD) calculations showed the interaction of A9 and A14 with multiple residues in spike S1 RBD. In conclusion, novel peptide analogs of ACE2 boosting IRW were prepared and confirmed through in vitro, cellular, and computational evaluations to be potential seed candidates for SARS-CoV-2 host cell binding inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khushwant S. Bhullar
- Department of Agricultural, Food & Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P5, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Manal A. Nael
- Institute for Computational Molecular Science and Department of Chemistry, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta 31527, Egypt
| | - Khaled M. Elokely
- Institute for Computational Molecular Science and Department of Chemistry, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Steven J. Drews
- Canadian Blood Services, Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P5, Canada
| | - Jianping Wu
- Department of Agricultural, Food & Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P5, Canada
- Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R7, Canada
- Correspondence:
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23
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SARS-CoV-2 Uses Nonstructural Protein 16 to Evade Restriction by IFIT1 and IFIT3. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2022:2022.09.26.509529. [PMID: 36203546 PMCID: PMC9536030 DOI: 10.1101/2022.09.26.509529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the molecular basis of innate immune evasion by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an important consideration for designing the next wave of therapeutics. Here, we investigate the role of the nonstructural protein 16 (NSP16) of SARS-CoV-2 in infection and pathogenesis. NSP16, a ribonucleoside 2'- O methyltransferase (MTase), catalyzes the transfer of a methyl group to mRNA as part of the capping process. Based on observations with other CoVs, we hypothesized that NSP16 2'- O MTase function protects SARS-CoV-2 from cap-sensing host restriction. Therefore, we engineered SARS-CoV-2 with a mutation that disrupts a conserved residue in the active site of NSP16. We subsequently show that this mutant is attenuated both in vitro and in vivo , using a hamster model of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Mechanistically, we confirm that the NSP16 mutant is more sensitive to type I interferon (IFN-I) in vitro . Furthermore, silencing IFIT1 or IFIT3, IFN-stimulated genes that sense a lack of 2'- O methylation, partially restores fitness to the NSP16 mutant. Finally, we demonstrate that sinefungin, a methyltransferase inhibitor that binds the catalytic site of NSP16, sensitizes wild-type SARS-CoV-2 to IFN-I treatment. Overall, our findings highlight the importance of SARS-CoV-2 NSP16 in evading host innate immunity and suggest a possible target for future antiviral therapies. Importance Similar to other coronaviruses, disruption of SARS-CoV-2 NSP16 function attenuates viral replication in a type I interferon-dependent manner. In vivo , our results show reduced disease and viral replication at late times in the hamster lung, but an earlier titer deficit for the NSP16 mutant (dNSP16) in the upper airway. In addition, our results confirm a role for IFIT1, but also demonstrate the necessity of IFIT3 in mediating dNSP16 attenuation. Finally, we show that targeting NSP16 activity with a 2'- O methyltransferase inhibitor in combination with type I interferon offers a novel avenue for antiviral development.
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