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Anbuhl SM, Dervillez X, Neubacher S, Schriek AI, Bobkov V, de Taeye SW, Szpakowska M, Siderius M, Grossmann TN, Chevigné A, Smit MJ, Heukers R. Multivalent CXCR4-targeting nanobody formats differently affect affinity, receptor clustering, and antagonism. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 227:116457. [PMID: 39098732 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116457] [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: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
The chemokine receptor CXCR4 is involved in the development and migration of stem and immune cells but is also implicated in tumor progression and metastasis for a variety of cancers. Antagonizing ligand (CXCL12)-induced CXCR4 signaling is, therefore, of therapeutic interest. Currently, there are two small-molecule CXCR4 antagonists on the market for the mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells. Other molecules with improved potencies and safety profiles are being developed for different indications, including cancer. Moreover, multiple antagonistic nanobodies targeting CXCR4 displayed similar or better potencies as compared to the CXCR4-targeting molecule AMD3100 (Plerixafor), which was further enhanced through avid binding of bivalent derivatives. In this study, we aimed to compare the affinities of various multivalent nanobody formats which might be differently impacted by avidity. By fusion to a flexible GS-linker, Fc-region of human IgG1, different C4bp/CLR multimerization domains, or via site-directed conjugation to a trivalent linker scaffold, we generated different types of multivalent nanobodies with varying valencies ranging from bivalent to decavalent. Of these, C-terminal fusion, especially to human Fc, was most advantageous with a 2-log-fold and 3-log-fold increased potency in inhibiting CXCL12-mediated Gαi- or β-arrestin recruitment, respectively. Overall, we describe strategies for generating multivalent and high-potency CXCR4 antagonistic nanobodies able to induce receptor clustering and conclude that fusion to an Fc-tail results in the highest avidity effect irrespective of the hinge linker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M Anbuhl
- QVQ Holding BV, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV, The Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Xavier Dervillez
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Saskia Neubacher
- Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Chemistry & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Incircular BV, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Angela I Schriek
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection prevention, Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Amsterdam UMC, Location University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vladimir Bobkov
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV, The Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Argenx, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Steven W de Taeye
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection prevention, Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Amsterdam UMC, Location University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martyna Szpakowska
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Marco Siderius
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV, The Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tom N Grossmann
- Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Chemistry & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Incircular BV, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Andy Chevigné
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Martine J Smit
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV, The Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Raimond Heukers
- QVQ Holding BV, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV, The Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Waked A, Crabbé M, Neirinckx V, Pérez SR, Wellens J, Rogister B, Benotmane MA, Vermeulen K. Preclinical evaluation of CXCR4 peptides for targeted radionuclide therapy in glioblastoma. EJNMMI Radiopharm Chem 2024; 9:52. [PMID: 39008219 PMCID: PMC11250742 DOI: 10.1186/s41181-024-00282-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioblastoma (GBM), is the most fatal form of brain cancer, with a high tendency for recurrence despite combined treatments including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy with temozolomide. The C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) plays an important role in tumour radioresistance and recurrence, and is considered as an interesting GBM target. TRT holds untapped potential for GBM treatment, with CXCR4-TRT being a promising strategy for recurrent GBM treatment. Our study focuses on the preclinical assessment of different 177Lu-labelled CXCR4-targeting peptides, CTCE-9908, DV1-K-DV3, and POL3026 for GBM treatment and exploring some of the radiobiological mechanisms underlying these therapies. RESULTS All three DOTA-conjugated peptides could be radiolabelled with 177Lu with > 95% radiochemical yield. Binding studies show high specific binding of [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-POL3026 to U87-CXCR4 + cells, with 42% of the added activity binding to the membrane at 1 nM, and 6.5% internalised into the cells. In the presence of the heterologous CXCR4 blocking agent, AMD11070, membrane binding was reduced by 95%, a result confirmed by quantitative in vitro autoradiography of orthotopic GBM xenograft sections. An activity-dependent decrease in cell viability was observed for [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-DV1-K-DV3 and [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-POL3026, along with a slight increase in the induction of apoptotic markers. Additionally, the expression of γH2AX increased in a time-and activity-dependent manner. Ex vivo biodistribution studies with [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-POL3026 show uptake in the tumour reaching a SUV of 1.9 at 24 h post-injection, with higher uptake in the kidneys, lungs, spleen, and liver. Dosimetry estimations show an absorbed dose of 0.93 Gy/MBq in the tumour. A blocking study with AMD11070 showed a 38% reduction in tumour uptake, with no significant reduction observed in µSPECT imaging. Although no brain uptake was observed in the ex vivo biodistribution study, autoradiography on U87-CXCR4 + tumour inoculated mouse brain slices shows non-specific binding in the brain, next to high specific binding to the tumour. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, we compared different 177Lu-radiolabelled CXCR4-targeting peptides for their binding potential in GBM, and demonstrated their varied cytotoxic action against GBM cells in vitro, with POL3026 being the most promising, causing considerable DNA damage. Though the peptide's systemic biodistribution remains to be improved, our data demonstrate the potential of [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-POL3026 for CXCR4-TRT in the context of GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Waked
- Nuclear Medical Applications Institute, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Mol, Belgium
- Laboratory of Nervous System Disorders and Therapy, GIGA Neurosciences, Université de Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Melissa Crabbé
- Nuclear Medical Applications Institute, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Mol, Belgium
| | - Virginie Neirinckx
- Laboratory of Nervous System Disorders and Therapy, GIGA Neurosciences, Université de Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Sunay Rodriguez Pérez
- Nuclear Medical Applications Institute, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Mol, Belgium
| | - Jasmien Wellens
- Nuclear Medical Applications Institute, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Mol, Belgium
| | - Bernard Rogister
- Laboratory of Nervous System Disorders and Therapy, GIGA Neurosciences, Université de Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Neurology Department, CHU de Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - M Abderrafi Benotmane
- Nuclear Medical Applications Institute, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Mol, Belgium
| | - Koen Vermeulen
- Nuclear Medical Applications Institute, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Mol, Belgium.
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Spahn MA, Luyten K, Van Loy T, Sathekge M, Deroose CM, Koole M, Schols D, Vanduffel W, De Vos K, Annaert P, Bormans G, Cleeren F. Second generation Al 18F-labeled D-amino acid peptide for CXCR4 targeted molecular imaging. Nucl Med Biol 2024; 132-133:108906. [PMID: 38518400 DOI: 10.1016/j.nucmedbio.2024.108906] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) is overexpressed in many cancers, e.g. multiple myeloma and acute leukemia, yet solely [68Ga]PentixaFor is used for clinical PET imaging. The aim of this study was to develop and assess a second generation Al18F-labeled D-amino acid peptide based on the viral macrophage inflammatory protein II for CXCR4 targeted molecular imaging. METHODS We designed a library of monomer and multimer constructs and evaluated their binding affinity for human and mouse CXCR4. Based on these results, we selected the best vector molecule for development of an Al18F-labeled ligand, [18F]AlF-NOTA-2xDV1(c11sc12s), which was further evaluated in a cell-based binding assay to assess its binding properties and specificity for CXCR4. Next, pharmacokinetics and tumor uptake of [18F]AlF-NOTA-2xDV1(c11sc12s) were evaluated in naïve mice and mice with xenografts derived from U87.CXCR4 cells. Finally, we performed an imaging study in a non-human primate to assess the in vivo distribution of this novel radioligand in a species closely related to humans. RESULTS The lead ligand AlF-NOTA-2xDV1(c11sc12s) showed six-fold higher affinity for human CXCR4 compared to Ga-Pentixafor. The corresponding radiotracer was obtained in a good radiochemical yield of 40.1 ± 13.5 % (n = 4) and apparent molar activity of 20.4 ± 3.3 MBq/nmol (n = 4) after optimization. In U87.CD4.CXCR4 cell binding assays, the total bound fraction of [18F]AlF-NOTA-(2×)DV1(c11sc12s) was 32.4 ± 1.8 %. This fraction could be reduced by 82.5 % in the presence of 75 μM AMD3100. In naïve mice, [18F]AlF-NOTA-2xDV1(c11sc12s) accumulated in organs expressing mouse CXCR4, e.g. the liver (SUVmean (mean standardized uptake value) 75 min p.i. 11.7 ± 0.6), which was blockable by co-injecting AMD3100 (5 mg/kg). In U87.CXCR4 xenografted tumor mice, the tumor uptake of [18F]AlF-NOTA-2xDV1(c11sc12s) remained low (SUVmean 0.5 ± 0.1), but was reduced by co-administration of AMD3100. Surprisingly, [18F]AlF-NOTA-2xDV1(c11sc12s) exhibited a similar biodistribution in a non-human primate as in mice indicating off-target binding of [18F]AlF-NOTA-2xDV1(c11sc12s) in liver tissue. We confirmed that [18F]AlF-NOTA-2xDV1(c11sc12s) is taken up by hepatocytes using in vitro studies and that the uptake can be blocked with AMD3100 and rifampicin, a potent organic anion-transporting-polypeptide (OATP)1B1 and OATP1B3 inhibitor. CONCLUSION The second generation D-peptide AlF-NOTA-2xDV1(c11sc12s) showed high affinity for human CXCR4 and the corresponding radiotracer was produced in good radiochemical yields. However, [18F]AlF-NOTA-2xDV1(c11sc12s) is not specific for CXCR4 and is also a substrate for OATP1B1 and/or OATP1B3, known to mediate hepatic uptake. Therefore, D-amino acid peptides, based on the viral macrophage inflammatory protein II, are not the prefered vector molecule for the development of CXCR4 targeting molecular imaging tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muriel Aline Spahn
- Radiopharmaceutical Research, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kaat Luyten
- Radiopharmaceutical Research, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tom Van Loy
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mike Sathekge
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Pretoria & Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Christophe M Deroose
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Michel Koole
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dominique Schols
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wim Vanduffel
- Laboratory for Neuro- and Psychophysiology, KU Leuven Medical School, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kristof De Vos
- Drug Delivery and Disposition, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pieter Annaert
- Drug Delivery and Disposition, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Guy Bormans
- Radiopharmaceutical Research, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frederik Cleeren
- Radiopharmaceutical Research, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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Meng Q, Zhu R, Mao Y, Zhu S, Wu Y, Huang L, Ciechanover A, An J, Xu Y, Huang Z. Biological and mutational analyses of CXCR4-antagonist interactions and design of new antagonistic analogs. Biosci Rep 2023; 43:BSR20230981. [PMID: 38131305 PMCID: PMC10987480 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20230981] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The chemokine receptor CXCR4 has become an attractive therapeutic target for HIV-1 infection, hematopoietic stem cell mobilization, and cancer metastasis. A wide variety of synthetic antagonists of CXCR4 have been developed and studied for a growing list of clinical applications. To compare the biological effects of different antagonists on CXCR4 functions and their common and/or distinctive molecular interactions with the receptor, we conducted head-to-head comparative cell-based biological and mutational analyses of the interactions with CXCR4 of eleven reported antagonists, including HC4319, DV3, DV1, DV1 dimer, V1, vMIP-II, CVX15, LY2510924, IT1t, AMD3100, and AMD11070 that were representative of different structural classes of D-peptides, L-peptide, natural chemokine, cyclic peptides, and small molecules. The results were rationalized by molecular modeling of CXCR4-antagonist interactions from which the common as well as different receptor binding sites of these antagonists were derived, revealing a number of important residues such as W94, D97, H113, D171, D262, and E288, mostly of negative charge. To further examine this finding, we designed and synthesized new antagonistic analogs by adding positively charged residues Arg to a D-peptide template to enhance the postulated charge-charge interactions. The newly designed analogs displayed significantly increased binding to CXCR4, which supports the notion that negatively charged residues of CXCR4 can engage in interactions with moieties of positive charge of the antagonistic ligands. The results from these mutational, modeling and new analog design studies shed new insight into the molecular mechanisms of different types of antagonists in recognizing CXCR4 and guide the development of new therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Meng
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Ruohan Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yujia Mao
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Siyu Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yi Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Lina S.M. Huang
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Heath, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, U.S.A
| | - Aaron Ciechanover
- The Rapport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3109601, Israel
- Ciechanover Institute of Precision and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Jing An
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Heath, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, U.S.A
| | - Yan Xu
- Ciechanover Institute of Precision and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Ziwei Huang
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Heath, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, U.S.A
- Ciechanover Institute of Precision and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China
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Zhu R, Sang X, Zhou J, Meng Q, Huang LSM, Xu Y, An J, Huang Z. CXCR4 Recognition by L- and D-Peptides Containing the Full-Length V3 Loop of HIV-1 gp120. Viruses 2023; 15:1084. [PMID: 37243169 PMCID: PMC10221217 DOI: 10.3390/v15051084] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) recognizes one of its principal coreceptors, CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), on the host cell via the third variable loop (V3 loop) of HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120 during the viral entry process. Here, the mechanism of the molecular recognition of HIV-1 gp120 V3 loop by coreceptor CXCR4 was probed by synthetic peptides containing the full-length V3 loop. The two ends of the V3 loop were covalently linked by a disulfide bond to form a cyclic peptide with better conformational integrity. In addition, to probe the effect of the changed side-chain conformations of the peptide on CXCR4 recognition, an all-D-amino acid analog of the L-V3 loop peptide was generated. Both of these cyclic L- and D-V3 loop peptides displayed comparable binding recognition to the CXCR4 receptor, but not to another chemokine receptor, CCR5, suggesting their selective interactions with CXCR4. Molecular modeling studies revealed the important roles played by many negative-charged Asp and Glu residues on CXCR4 that probably engaged in favorable electrostatic interactions with the positive-charged Arg residues present in these peptides. These results support the notion that the HIV-1 gp120 V3 loop-CXCR4 interface is flexible for ligands of different chiralities, which might be relevant in terms of the ability of the virus to retain coreceptor recognition despite the mutations at the V3 loop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruohan Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xiaohong Sang
- Ciechanover Institute of Precision and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Jiao Zhou
- Ciechanover Institute of Precision and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Qian Meng
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Lina S. M. Huang
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Heath, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Yan Xu
- Ciechanover Institute of Precision and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Jing An
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Heath, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Ziwei Huang
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Ciechanover Institute of Precision and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China
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HIV-1 gp120-CXCR4 recognition probed with synthetic nanomolar affinity D-peptides containing fragments of gp120 V3 loop. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 244:114797. [PMID: 36270088 PMCID: PMC10150781 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114797] [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: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) recognizes one of its principal coreceptors, the CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) on the host cell via the third variable loop (V3 loop) of HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120 during the viral entry process. Here, we investigated the stereochemical mechanism of the molecular recognition of HIV-1 gp120 V3 loop with coreceptor CXCR4 by using peptide probes containing important fragments of the V3 loop. The tip and base/stem fragments of the V3 loop critical for V3 loop function were linked individually with the fragment derived from another CXCR4's chemokine ligand, vMIP-II to generate nanomolar affinity peptide probes of the interactions of CXCR4-V3 loop fragments. When the amino acid residues of the V3 loop fragments in these combinational peptides were changed from L-to D-configurations, the resulting peptides remarkably retained or had even enhanced recognition by CXCR4 as shown by competitive ligand-receptor binding. The ability of these peptides, regardless of the different l- or d-amino acids used, in binding CXCR4 and antagonizing CXCR4 functions was demonstrated by their blockade of calcium influx, cell migration, and CXCR4 internalization triggered by the activation of CXCR4 signaling by its endogenous ligand SDF-1α. The structural mechanisms of CXCR4 interactions with these peptides were examined with site-directed mutagenesis and molecular modeling. These results indicate that CXCR4's interface with key segments of HIV-1 gp120 V3 loop is flexible in terms of stereospecificity of ligand-receptor interaction which may have implication on understanding the viral entry mechanism and how the virus evades immune detection with V3 loop mutations and retains effective recognition of the host cell's coreceptor.
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Harms M, Hansson RF, Carmali S, Almeida-Hernández Y, Sanchez-Garcia E, Münch J, Zelikin AN. Dimerization of the Peptide CXCR4-Antagonist on Macromolecular and Supramolecular Protraction Arms Affords Increased Potency and Enhanced Plasma Stability. Bioconjug Chem 2022; 33:594-607. [PMID: 35293739 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.2c00034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Peptides are prime drug candidates due to their high specificity of action but are disadvantaged by low proteolytic stability. Here, we focus on the development of stabilized analogues of EPI-X4, an endogenous peptide antagonist of CXCR4. We synthesized macromolecular peptide conjugates and performed side-by-side comparison with their albumin-binding counterparts and considered monovalent conjugates, divalent telechelic conjugates, and Y-shaped peptide dimers. All constructs were tested for competition with the CXCR4 antibody-receptor engagement, inhibition of receptor activation, and inhibition of the CXCR4-tropic human immunodeficiency virus infection. We found that the Y-shaped conjugates were more potent than the parent peptide and at the same time more stable in human plasma, with a favorable outlook for translational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirja Harms
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Rikke Fabech Hansson
- Department of Chemistry and iNano Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus 8000, Denmark
| | - Sheiliza Carmali
- Department of Chemistry and iNano Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus 8000, Denmark
| | - Yasser Almeida-Hernández
- Computational Biochemistry, Center of Medical Biotechnology, University Duisburg-Essen, D-45141 Essen, Germany
| | - Elsa Sanchez-Garcia
- Computational Biochemistry, Center of Medical Biotechnology, University Duisburg-Essen, D-45141 Essen, Germany
| | - Jan Münch
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Alexander N Zelikin
- Department of Chemistry and iNano Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus 8000, Denmark
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8
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Mansoor S, Kayık G, Durdagi S, Sensoy O. Mechanistic insight into the impact of a bivalent ligand on the structure and dynamics of a GPCR oligomer. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:925-936. [PMID: 35242285 PMCID: PMC8861583 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Bivalent ligand; modulates conformational preferences of and correlations among microswitches, strengthens interaction between G protein and the receptor and also water channel formation.
Development of effective bivalent ligands has become the focus of intensive research toward modulation of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) oligomers, particularly in the field of GPCR pharmacology. Experimental studies have shown that they increased binding affinity and signaling potency compared to their monovalent counterparts, yet underlying molecular mechanism remains elusive. To address this, we performed accelerated molecular dynamics simulations on bivalent-ligand bound Adenosine 2A receptor (A2AR) dimer in the context of a modeled tetramer, which consists of A2AR and dopamine 2 receptor (D2R) homodimers and their cognate G proteins. Our results demonstrate that bivalent ligand impacted interactions between pharmacophore groups and ligand binding residues, thus modulating allosteric communication network and water channel formed within the receptor. Moreover, it also strengthens contacts between receptor and G protein, by modulating the volume of ligand binding pocket and intracellular domain of the receptor. Importantly, we showed that impact evoked by the bivalent ligand on A2AR dimer was also transmitted to apo D2R, which is part of the neighboring D2R dimer. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that provides a mechanistic insight into the impact of a bivalent ligand on dynamics of a GPCR oligomer. Consequently, this will pave the way for development of effective ligands for modulation of GPCR oligomers and hence treatment of crucial diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samman Mansoor
- School of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Bioinformatics, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul 34810, Turkey
| | - Gülru Kayık
- Computational Biology and Molecular Simulations Laboratory, Department of Biophysics, School of Medicine, Bahcesehir University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Serdar Durdagi
- Computational Biology and Molecular Simulations Laboratory, Department of Biophysics, School of Medicine, Bahcesehir University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozge Sensoy
- Regenerative and Restorative Medicine Research Center (REMER), Research Institute for Health Sciencesand Technologies (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University, 34810 Istanbul, Turkey
- School of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Department of Computer Engineering, Istanbul Medipol University, Turkey
- Corresponding author at: Regenerative and Restorative Medicine Research Center (REMER), Research Institute for Health Sciencesand Technologies (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University, 34810 Istanbul, Turkey.
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9
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A fragment integrational approach to GPCR inhibition: Identification of a high affinity small molecule CXCR4 antagonist. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 231:114150. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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10
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Luyten K, Van Loy T, Cawthorne C, Deroose CM, Schols D, Bormans G, Cleeren F. D-Peptide-Based Probe for CXCR4-Targeted Molecular Imaging and Radionuclide Therapy. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13101619. [PMID: 34683912 PMCID: PMC8537445 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13101619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of the C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) with [68Ga]PentixaFor has intrinsic diagnostic value and is used to select patients for personalized CXCR4-targeted radionuclide therapy with its therapeutic radiopharmaceutical companion [177Lu]PentixaTher. However, a CXCR4-targeting radiopharmaceutical labeled with fluorine-18 is still of high value due to its favorable characteristics over gallium-68. Furthermore, clinical results with [177Lu]PentixaTher are promising, but there is still room for improvement regarding pharmacokinetics and dosimetry profile. Therefore, this study aimed to develop innovative CXCR4-targeting radiopharmaceuticals, both for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, starting from a D-amino acid-based peptide probe (DV1-k-(DV3)) that conserves high CXCR4 binding affinity after radiolabeling. AlF-NOTA-DV1-k-(DV3) showed similar in vitro binding affinity to human CXCR4 (hCXCR4) compared to [natGa]PentixaFor (half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50): 5.3 ± 0.9 nM and 8.6 ± 1.1 nM, respectively) and also binds to murine CXCR4 (mCXCR4) (IC50: 33.4 ± 13.5 nM) while [natGa]PentixaFor is selective for hCXCR4 (IC50 > 1000 nM for mCXCR4). Both the diagnostic radiotracers based on the DV1-k-(DV3) vector platform, [18F]AlF-NOTA-DV1-k-(DV3) and [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-DV1-k-(DV3), and their therapeutic companion [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-DV1-k-(DV3) were successfully produced in high yield, demonstrated high in vitro and in vivo stability, and have the same favorable pharmacokinetic profile. Furthermore, in wild-type mice and a hCXCR4-expressing tumor model, [18F]AlF-NOTA-DV1-k-(DV3) shows CXCR4-specific targeting in mCXCR4-expressing organs such as liver (mean standardized uptake value (SUVmean) 8.2 ± 1.0 at 75 min post-injection (p.i.)), spleen (SUVmean 2.5 ± 1.0 at 75 min p.i.), and bone (SUVmean 0.4 ± 0.1 at 75 min p.i., femur harboring bone marrow) that can be blocked with the CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100. However, in a hCXCR4-expressing tumor model, tumor uptake of [18F]AlF-NOTA-DV1-k-(DV3) was significantly lower (SUVmean 0.6 ± 0.2) compared to [68Ga]PentixaFor (SUVmean 2.9). This might be explained by the high affinity of [18F]AlF-NOTA-DV1-k-(DV3) toward both mCXCR4 and hCXCR4. High mCXCR4 expression in mouse liver results in a large fraction of [18F]AlF-NOTA-DV1-k-(DV3) that is sequestered to the liver, resulting despite its similar in vitro affinity for hCXCR4, in lower tumor accumulation compared to [68Ga]PentixaFor. As CXCR4 is not expressed in healthy human liver, the findings in mice are not predictive for the potential clinical performance of this novel class of CXCR4-targeting radiotracers. In conclusion, the DV1-k-(DV3) scaffold is a promising vector platform for translational CXCR4-directed research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaat Luyten
- Laboratory for Radiopharmaceutical Research, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (K.L.); (G.B.)
| | - Tom Van Loy
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (T.V.L.); (D.S.)
| | - Christopher Cawthorne
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (C.C.); (C.M.D.)
| | - Christophe M. Deroose
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (C.C.); (C.M.D.)
| | - Dominique Schols
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (T.V.L.); (D.S.)
| | - Guy Bormans
- Laboratory for Radiopharmaceutical Research, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (K.L.); (G.B.)
| | - Frederik Cleeren
- Laboratory for Radiopharmaceutical Research, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (K.L.); (G.B.)
- Correspondence:
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11
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Su L, Hu Z, Yang YG. Role of CXCR4 in the progression and therapy of acute leukaemia. Cell Prolif 2021; 54:e13076. [PMID: 34050566 PMCID: PMC8249790 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
CXCR4 is expressed on leukaemia cells and haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), and its ligand stromal-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) is produced abundantly by stromal cells in the bone marrow (BM). The SDF-1/CXCR4 axis plays important roles in homing to and retention in the protective BM microenvironment of malignant leukaemia cells and normal HSCs. CXCR4 expression is regulated by multiple mechanisms and the level of CXCR4 expression on leukaemia cells has prognostic indications in patients with acute leukaemia. CXCR4 antagonists can mobilize leukaemia cells from BM to circulation, which render them effectively eradicated by chemotherapeutic agents, small molecular inhibitors or hypomethylating agents. Therefore, such combinational therapies have been tested in clinical trials. However, new evidence emerged that drug-resistant leukaemia cells were not affected by CXCR4 antagonists, and the migration of certain leukaemia cells to the leukaemia niche was independent of SDF-1/CXCR4 axis. In this review, we summarize the role of CXCR4 in progression and treatment of acute leukaemia, with a focus on the potential of CXCR4 as a therapeutic target for acute leukaemia. We also discuss the potential value of using CXCR4 antagonists as chemosensitizer for conditioning regimens and immunosensitizer for graft-vs-leukaemia effects of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Su
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, China.,International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Department of Hematology, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zheng Hu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, China
| | - Yong-Guang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, China.,International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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12
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Huang LSM, Snyder EY, Schooley RT. Strategies and progress in CXCR4-targeted anti-HIV therapeutic development. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 73:919-924. [PMID: 33624027 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciab160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), has been a global public health challenge for several decades. The majority of HIV infection is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) which enters and infects a host cell via the cell surface proteins of CD4 as the primary receptor, and chemokine receptors CXCR4 or CCR5 as the co-receptor-then undergoing replication using the cell's intracellular machinery. Whereas many drugs targeting CCR5-mediated entry or HIV-1 replication via reverse transcriptase or proteases have long been used clinically, agents targeting CXCR4 are yet to be advanced to clinical application. Here in this review we highlight some of the strategies for and progress made in the discovery of novel small molecules, peptides, and larger molecules that target CXCR4, and their future prospects for translation into the clinic as a new class of anti-HIV therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina S M Huang
- Center for Innovative Phage Applications and Therapeutics, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, U.S.A
| | - Evan Y Snyder
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, U.S.A.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine.,Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla U.S.A
| | - Robert T Schooley
- Center for Innovative Phage Applications and Therapeutics, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, U.S.A
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13
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Eiger DS, Boldizsar N, Honeycutt CC, Gardner J, Rajagopal S. Biased agonism at chemokine receptors. Cell Signal 2020; 78:109862. [PMID: 33249087 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2020.109862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In the human chemokine system, interactions between the approximately 50 known endogenous chemokine ligands and 20 known chemokine receptors (CKRs) regulate a wide range of cellular functions and biological processes including immune cell activation and homeostasis, development, angiogenesis, and neuromodulation. CKRs are a family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR), which represent the most common and versatile class of receptors in the human genome and the targets of approximately one third of all Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs. Chemokines and CKRs bind with significant promiscuity, as most CKRs can be activated by multiple chemokines and most chemokines can activate multiple CKRs. While these ligand-receptor interactions were previously regarded as redundant, it is now appreciated that many chemokine:CKR interactions display biased agonism, the phenomenon in which different ligands binding to the same receptor signal through different pathways with different efficacies, leading to distinct biological effects. Notably, these biased responses can be modulated through changes in ligand, receptor, and or the specific cellular context (system). In this review, we explore the biochemical mechanisms, functional consequences, and therapeutic potential of biased agonism in the chemokine system. An enhanced understanding of biased agonism in the chemokine system may prove transformative in the understanding of the mechanisms and consequences of biased signaling across all GPCR subtypes and aid in the development of biased pharmaceuticals with increased therapeutic efficacy and safer side effect profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Noelia Boldizsar
- Trinity College of Arts and Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
| | | | - Julia Gardner
- Trinity College of Arts and Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
| | - Sudarshan Rajagopal
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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14
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Fang X, Meng Q, Zhang H, Liang B, Zhu S, Wang J, Zhang C, Huang LS, Zhang X, Schooley RT, An J, Xu Y, Huang Z. Design, synthesis, and biological characterization of a new class of symmetrical polyamine-based small molecule CXCR4 antagonists. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 200:112410. [PMID: 32492596 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
CXCR4, a well-studied coreceptor of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) entry, recognizes its cognate ligand SDF-1α (also named CXCL12) which plays many important roles, including regulating immune cells, controlling hematopoietic stem cells, and directing cancer cells migration. These pleiotropic roles make CXCR4 an attractive target to mitigate human disorders. Here a new class of symmetrical polyamines was designed and synthesized as potential small molecule CXCR4 antagonists. Among them, a representative compound 21 (namely HF50731) showed strong CXCR4 binding affinity (mean IC50 = 19.8 nM) in the CXCR4 competitive binding assay. Furthermore, compound 21 significantly inhibited SDF-1α-induced calcium mobilization and cell migration, and blocked HIV-1 infection via antagonizing CXCR4 coreceptor function. The structure-activity relationship analysis, site-directed mutagenesis, and molecular docking were conducted to further elucidate the binding mode of compound 21, suggesting that compound 21 could primarily occupy the minor subpocket of CXCR4 and partially bind in the major subpocket by interacting with residues W94, D97, D171, and E288. Our studies provide not only new insights for the fragment-based design of small molecule CXCR4 antagonists for clinical applications, but also a new and effective molecular probe for CXCR4-targeting biological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiong Fang
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Qian Meng
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Huijun Zhang
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Boqiang Liang
- Nobel Institute of Biomedicine, Zhuhai, 519080, China
| | - Siyu Zhu
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Nobel Institute of Biomedicine, Zhuhai, 519080, China
| | - Chaozai Zhang
- Department of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Lina S Huang
- Department of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Xingquan Zhang
- Department of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Robert T Schooley
- Department of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Jing An
- Department of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Yan Xu
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China; School of Life and Health Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Ziwei Huang
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
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15
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Zhang C, Zhu R, Cao Q, Yang X, Huang Z, An J. Discoveries and developments of CXCR4-targeted HIV-1 entry inhibitors. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2020; 245:477-485. [PMID: 32019336 DOI: 10.1177/1535370220901498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The chemokine receptor CXCR4 is required for the entry of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) into target cells and its expression correlates with more profound pathogenicity, rapid progression to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and greater AIDS-related mortality. There is still no cure for AIDS and no method for preventing or eradicating HIV-1 infection. HIV-1 entry begins with the interaction of the viral envelope glycoprotein gp120 and the primary receptor CD4, and subsequently with the coreceptors, CCR5 or CXCR4, on the host cells. Blocking the interaction of HIV-1 and its coreceptors is therefore a promising strategy for developing new HIV-1 entry inhibitors. This approach has a dual benefit, as it prevents HIV-1 infection and progression while also targeting the reservoirs of HIV-1 infected, coreceptor positive macrophages and memory T cells. To date, multiple classes of CXCR4-targeted anti-HIV-1 inhibitors have been discovered and are now at different preclinical and clinical stages. In this review, we highlight the studies of CXCR4-targeted small-molecule and peptide HIV-1 entry inhibitors discovered during the last two decades and provide a reference for further potential HIV-1 exploration in the future. Impact statement This minireview summarized the current progress in the identification of CXCR4-targeted HIV-1-entry inhibitors based on discovery/developmental approaches. It also provided a discussion of the inhibitor structural features, antiviral activities, and pharmacological properties. Unlike other reviews on anti-HIV-1 drug development, which have generally emphasized inhibitors that target intracellular viral replication and host genomic integration, this review focused on the drug discovery approaches taken to develop viral-entry inhibitors aimed at disturbing the initial step of viral interaction with uninfected host cells and preventing the subsequent viral replication/genomic integration. This review amalgamated recently published and important work on bivalent CXCR4-targeted anti-HIV-1-entry candidates/conjugates, discussed the research challenges faced in developing drugs to prevent and eradicate HIV-1 infection, and provided a perspective on strategies that can lead to future drug discoveries. The findings and strategies summarized in this review will be of interest to investigators throughout the microbiological, pharmaceutical, and translational research communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaozai Zhang
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Ruohan Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Qizhi Cao
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Xiaohong Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Ziwei Huang
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.,School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jing An
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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16
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Adlere I, Caspar B, Arimont M, Dekkers S, Visser K, Stuijt J, de Graaf C, Stocks M, Kellam B, Briddon S, Wijtmans M, de Esch I, Hill S, Leurs R. Modulators of CXCR4 and CXCR7/ACKR3 Function. Mol Pharmacol 2019; 96:737-752. [DOI: 10.1124/mol.119.117663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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17
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Huang Y, Huang Z, An J, Xu Y. A novel dimeric CXCR4 antagonist synergizes with chemotherapy in acute myeloid leukaemia by mobilizing leukaemic cells from their associated bone marrow niches. Br J Haematol 2019; 187:e11-e15. [PMID: 31388999 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.16127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yazi Huang
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Centre for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Ziwei Huang
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Centre for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Jing An
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.,Nobel Institute of Biomedicine, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Yan Xu
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
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18
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Zhang C, Huang LS, Zhu R, Meng Q, Zhu S, Xu Y, Zhang H, Fang X, Zhang X, Zhou J, Schooley RT, Yang X, Huang Z, An J. High affinity CXCR4 inhibitors generated by linking low affinity peptides. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 172:174-185. [PMID: 30978562 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.03.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are implicated in many diseases and attractive targets for drug discovery. Peptide fragments derived from protein ligands of GPCRs are commonly used as probes of GPCR function and as leads for drug development. However, these peptide fragments lack the structural integrity of their parent full-length protein ligands and often show low receptor affinity, which limits their research and therapeutic values. It remains a challenge to efficiently generate high affinity peptide inhibitors of GPCRs. We have investigated a combinational approach involving the synthetic covalent linkage of two low affinity peptide fragments to determine if the strategy can yield high affinity GPCR inhibitors. We examined this design approach using the chemokine receptor CXCR4 as a model of GPCR system. Here, we provide a proof of concept demonstration by designing and synthesizing two peptides, AR5 and AR6, that combine a peptide fragment derived from two viral ligands of CXCR4, vMIP-II and HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120. AR5 and AR6 display nanomolar binding affinity, in contrast to the weak micromolar CXCR4 binding of each peptide fragment alone, and inhibit HIV-1 entry via CXCR4. Further studies were carried out for the representative peptide AR6 using western blotting and site-directed mutagenesis in conjunction with molecular dynamic simulation and binding free energy calculation to determine how the peptide interacts with CXCR4 and inhibits its downstream signaling. These results demonstrate that this combinational approach is effective for generating nanomolar active inhibitors of CXCR4 and may be applicable to other GPCRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaozai Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Lina S Huang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA; College of Arts and Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Ruohan Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Meng
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Siyu Zhu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA; School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Huijun Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA; School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiong Fang
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xingquan Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Jiao Zhou
- Nobel Institute of Biomedicine, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Robert T Schooley
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Xiaohong Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.
| | - Ziwei Huang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
| | - Jing An
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
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19
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Peptide Assembly on the Membrane Determines the HIV-1 Inhibitory Activity of Dual-Targeting Fusion Inhibitor Peptides. Sci Rep 2019; 9:3257. [PMID: 30824796 PMCID: PMC6397244 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-40125-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel strategies in the design of HIV-1 fusion/entry inhibitors are based on the construction of dual-targeting fusion proteins and peptides with synergistic antiviral effects. In this work we describe the design of dual-targeting peptides composed of peptide domains of E2 and E1 envelope proteins from Human Pegivirus with the aim of targeting both the loop region and the fusion peptide domains of HIV-1 gp41. In a previous work, we described the inhibitory role of a highly conserved fragment of the E1 protein (domain 139–156) which interacts with the HIV-1 fusion peptide at the membrane level. Here, two different dual-targeting peptides, where this E1 peptide is located on the N- or the C-terminus respectively, have been chemically synthesized and their antiviral activities have been evaluated with HIV pseudotyped viruses from different clades. The study of the functional behaviour of peptides in a membranous environment attending to the peptide recognition of the target sites on gp41, the peptide conformation as well as the peptide affinity to the membrane, demonstrate that antiviral activity of the dual-targeting peptides is directly related to the peptide affinity and its subsequent assembly into the model membrane. The overall results point out to the necessity that fusion inhibitor peptides that specifically interfere with the N-terminal region of gp41 are embedded within the membrane in order to properly interact with their viral target.
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20
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Mao Y, Meng Q, Song P, Zhu S, Xu Y, Snyder EY, An J, Huang Z. Novel Bivalent and D-Peptide Ligands of CXCR4 Mobilize Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells to the Blood in C3H/HeJ Mice. Cell Transplant 2018; 27:1249-1255. [PMID: 29991278 PMCID: PMC6434473 DOI: 10.1177/0963689718784957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The interaction of SDF-1α (also known as CXCL12) with the CXCR4 receptor plays a critical role in the retention of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in bone marrow. The viral macrophage inflammatory protein-II (vMIP-II), a human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8)-encoded viral chemokine, can bind the CXCR4 receptor and inhibit endogenous ligand-induced calcium responses and cell migration. Previously, we used the bivalent ligand approach to link synthetically two unnatural D-amino acid peptides derived from the N-terminus of vMIP-II (DV1 and DV3, respectively) to generate a dimeric peptide, DV1-K-(DV3) (also named HC4319), which shows very high affinity for CXCR4. Here, we studied the biological effects of this dimeric peptide, HC4319, and its monomeric counterpart, DV1, on SDF-1α-induced signaling in CXCR4- or CXCR7-transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells and mobilization of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) in C3H/HeJ mice using an HPC assay. HC4319 and DV1 inhibited significantly the phosphorylation of Akt and Erk, known to be downstream signaling events of CXCR4. This in vivo study in C3H/HeJ mice showed that HC4319 and DV-1 strongly induced rapid mobilization of granulocyte-macrophage colony-forming units (CFUs), erythrocyte burst-forming units, and granulocyte-erythrocyte-monocyte-megakaryocyte CFUs from the bone marrow to the blood. These results provide the first reported experimental evidence that bivalent and D-amino acid peptides derived from the N-terminus of vMIP-II are potent mobilizers of HPCs in C3H/HeJ mice and support the further development of such agents for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujia Mao
- 1 School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Meng
- 1 School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Panpan Song
- 1 School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Siyu Zhu
- 1 School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Xu
- 1 School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,2 Nobel Institute of Biomedicine, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Evan Y Snyder
- 3 Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jing An
- 2 Nobel Institute of Biomedicine, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China.,4 Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ziwei Huang
- 1 School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,4 Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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21
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Heon Lee I, Palombo MS, Zhang X, Szekely Z, Sinko PJ. Design and evaluation of a CXCR4 targeting peptide 4DV3 as an HIV entry inhibitor and a ligand for targeted drug delivery. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2018; 138:11-22. [PMID: 29894816 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2018.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2018] [Revised: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
The feasibility of utilizing the cell surface chemokine receptor CXCR4 for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) entry inhibition and as an intracellular portal for targeted drug delivery was evaluated. Novel DV3 ligands (1DV3, 2DV3, and 4DV3) were designed, synthesized and conjugated to various probes (fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) or biotin) and cargos with sizes ranging from 10 to 50 nm (polyethylene glycol (PEG), streptavidin, and a polymeric nanoparticle). 4DV3 conjugated probes inhibited HIV-1 entry into the CXCR4-expressing reporter cell line TZM-bl (IC50 at 553 nM) whereas 1DV3 and 2DV3 did not. 4DV3 also inhibited binding of anti-CXCR4 antibody 44,708 to TZM-bl cells with nanomolar potency, while the small-molecule CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 did not. Molecular modeling suggested simultaneous binding of a single 4DV3 molecule to four CXCR4 molecules. Differences in CXCR4-binding sites could explain the discrete inhibitory effects observed for 4DV3, the 44,708 antibody and AMD3100. In the Sup-T1 cell chemotaxis assay, the 4DV3 ligand functioned as a CXCR4 allosteric enhancer. In addition, 4DV3 ligand-conjugated cargos with sizes ranging from 10 to 50 nm were taken up into CXCR4-expressing Sup-T1 and TZM-bl cells, demonstrating that CXCR4 could serve as a drug delivery portal for nanocarriers. The uptake of 4DV3 functionalized nanocarriers combined with the allosteric interaction with CXCR4 suggests enhanced endocytosis occurs when 4DV3 is the targeting ligand. The current results indicate that 4DV3 might serve as a prototype for a new type of dual function ligand, one that acts as a HIV-1 entry inhibitor and a CXCR4 drug delivery targeting ligand.
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Affiliation(s)
- In Heon Lee
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 160 Frelinghuysen Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
| | - Matthew S Palombo
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 160 Frelinghuysen Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
| | - Xiaoping Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 160 Frelinghuysen Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
| | - Zoltan Szekely
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 160 Frelinghuysen Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
| | - Patrick J Sinko
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 160 Frelinghuysen Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
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22
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Lensing CJ, Adank DN, Wilber SL, Freeman KT, Schnell SM, Speth RC, Zarth AT, Haskell-Luevano C. A Direct in Vivo Comparison of the Melanocortin Monovalent Agonist Ac-His-DPhe-Arg-Trp-NH 2 versus the Bivalent Agonist Ac-His-DPhe-Arg-Trp-PEDG20-His-DPhe-Arg-Trp-NH 2: A Bivalent Advantage. ACS Chem Neurosci 2017; 8:1262-1278. [PMID: 28128928 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.6b00399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Bivalent ligands targeting putative melanocortin receptor dimers have been developed and characterized in vitro; however, studies of their functional in vivo effects have been limited. The current report compares the effects of homobivalent ligand CJL-1-87, Ac-His-DPhe-Arg-Trp-PEDG20-His-DPhe-Arg-Trp-NH2, to monovalent ligand CJL-1-14, Ac-His-DPhe-Arg-Trp-NH2, on energy homeostasis in mice after central intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration into the lateral ventricle of the brain. Bivalent ligand CJL-1-87 had noteworthy advantages as an antiobesity probe over CJL-1-14 in a fasting-refeeding in vivo paradigm. Treatment with CJL-1-87 significantly decreased food intake compared to CJL-1-14 or saline (50% less intake 2-8 h after treatment). Furthermore, CJL-1-87 treatment decreased the respiratory exchange ratio (RER) without changing the energy expenditure indicating that fats were being burned as the primary fuel source. Additionally, CJL-1-87 treatment significantly lowered body fat mass percentage 6 h after administration (p < 0.05) without changing the lean mass percentage. The bivalent ligand significantly decreased insulin, C-peptide, leptin, GIP, and resistin plasma levels compared to levels after CJL-1-14 or saline treatments. Alternatively, ghrelin plasma levels were significantly increased. Serum stability of CJL-1-87 and CJL-1-14 (T1/2 = 6.0 and 16.8 h, respectively) was sufficient to permit physiological effects. The differences in binding affinity of CJL-1-14 compared to CJL-1-87 are speculated as a possible mechanism for the bivalent ligand's unique effects. We also provide in vitro evidence for the formation of a MC3R-MC4R heterodimer complex, for the first time to our knowledge, that may be an unexploited neuronal molecular target. Regardless of the exact mechanism, the advantageous ability of CJL-1-87 compared to CJL-1-14 to increase in vitro binding affinity, increase the duration of action in spite of decreased serum stability, decrease in vivo food intake, decrease mice's body fat percent, and differentially affect mouse hormone levels demonstrates the distinct characteristics achieved from the current melanocortin agonist bivalent design strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody J. Lensing
- Department of Medicinal
Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Danielle N. Adank
- Department of Medicinal
Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Stacey L. Wilber
- Department of Medicinal
Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Katie T. Freeman
- Department of Medicinal
Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Sathya M. Schnell
- Department of Medicinal
Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Robert C. Speth
- College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33328-2018, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. 20057, United States
| | - Adam T. Zarth
- Department of Medicinal
Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, 2231 6th Street SE, 2-210 CCRB, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Carrie Haskell-Luevano
- Department of Medicinal
Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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23
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Yang Y, Gao M, Zhang Q, Zhang C, Yang X, Huang Z, An J. Design, synthesis, and biological characterization of novel PEG-linked dimeric modulators for CXCR4. Bioorg Med Chem 2016; 24:5393-5399. [PMID: 27658790 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2016.08.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2016] [Revised: 08/26/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
CXCR4 dimerization has been widely demonstrated both biologically and structurally. This paper mainly focused on the development of structure-based dimeric ligands that target CXCL12-CXCR4 interaction and signaling. This study presents the design and synthesis of a series of [PEG]n linked dimeric ligands of CXCR4 based on the knowledge of the homodimeric crystal structure of CXCR4 and our well established platform of chemistry and bioassays for CXCR4. These new ligands include [PEG]n linked homodimeric or heterodimeric peptides consisting of either two DV3-derived moieties (where DV3 is an all-d-amino acid analog of N-terminal modules of 1-10 (V3) residues of vMIP-II) or hybrids of DV3 moieties and CXCL121-8. Among a total of 24 peptide ligands, four antagonists and three agonists showed good CXCR4 binding affinity, with IC50 values of <50nM and <800nM, respectively. Chemotaxis and calcium mobilization assays with SUP-T1 cells further identified two promising lead modulators of CXCR4: ligand 4, a [PEG3]2 linked homodimeric DV3, was an effective CXCR4 antagonist (IC50=22nM); and ligand 21, a [PEG3]2 linked heterodimeric DV3-CXCL121-8, was an effective CXCR4 agonist (IC50=407nM). These dimeric CXCR4 modulators represent new molecular probes and therapeutics that effectively modulate CXCL12-CXCR4 interaction and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilei Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Upstate Medical University, State University of New York (SUNY), 750 Adams Street, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Mei Gao
- Department of Pharmacology, Upstate Medical University, State University of New York (SUNY), 750 Adams Street, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Qinghao Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Upstate Medical University, State University of New York (SUNY), 750 Adams Street, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Chaozai Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China; Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Xiaohong Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Ziwei Huang
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
| | - Jing An
- Department of Pharmacology, Upstate Medical University, State University of New York (SUNY), 750 Adams Street, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA; Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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24
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Arnatt CK, Zhang Y. Bivalent ligands targeting chemokine receptor dimerization: molecular design and functional studies. Curr Top Med Chem 2016; 14:1606-18. [PMID: 25159160 DOI: 10.2174/1568026614666140827144752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2014] [Revised: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence has shown that chemokine receptors may form functional dimers with unique pharmacological profiles. A common practice to characterize such G protein-coupled receptor dimerization processes is to apply bivalent ligands as chemical probes which can interact with both receptors simultaneously. Currently, two chemokine receptor dimers have been studied by applying bivalent compounds: the CXCR4-CXCR4 homodimer and the CCR5-MOR heterodimer. These bivalent compounds have revealed how dimerization influences receptor function and may lead to novel therapeutics. Future design of bivalent ligands for chemokine receptor dimers may be aided with the recently available CXCR4 homodimer, and CCR5 monomer crystal structures by more accurately simulating chemokine receptors and their dimers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 East Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23298, USA.
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25
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Lensing CJ, Freeman KT, Schnell SM, Adank DN, Speth RC, Haskell-Luevano C. An in Vitro and in Vivo Investigation of Bivalent Ligands That Display Preferential Binding and Functional Activity for Different Melanocortin Receptor Homodimers. J Med Chem 2016; 59:3112-28. [PMID: 26959173 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b01894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Pharmacological probes for the melanocortin receptors have been utilized for studying various disease states including cancer, sexual function disorders, Alzheimer's disease, social disorders, cachexia, and obesity. This study focused on the design and synthesis of bivalent ligands to target melanocortin receptor homodimers. Lead ligands increased binding affinity by 14- to 25-fold and increased cAMP signaling potency by 3- to 5-fold compared to their monovalent counterparts. Unexpectedly, different bivalent ligands showed preferences for particular melanocortin receptor subtypes depending on the linker that connected the binding scaffolds, suggesting structural differences between the various dimer subtypes. Homobivalent compound 12 possessed a functional profile that was unique from its monovalent counterpart providing evidence of the discrete effects of bivalent ligands. Lead compound 7 significantly decreased feeding in mice after intracerebroventricular administration. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a melanocortin bivalent ligand's in vivo physiological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody J Lensing
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Katie T Freeman
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Sathya M Schnell
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Danielle N Adank
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Robert C Speth
- College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University , Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33328-2018, United States.,Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University , Washington, D.C. 20057, United States
| | - Carrie Haskell-Luevano
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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26
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Nelson AG, Zhang X, Ganapathi U, Szekely Z, Flexner CW, Owen A, Sinko PJ. Drug delivery strategies and systems for HIV/AIDS pre-exposure prophylaxis and treatment. J Control Release 2015; 219:669-680. [PMID: 26315816 PMCID: PMC4879940 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2015.08.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Revised: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The year 2016 will mark an important milestone - the 35th anniversary of the first reported cases of HIV/AIDS. Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) including Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) drug regimens is widely considered to be one of the greatest achievements in therapeutic drug research having transformed HIV infection into a chronically managed disease. Unfortunately, the lack of widespread preventive measures and the inability to eradicate HIV from infected cells highlight the significant challenges remaining today. Moving forward there are at least three high priority goals for anti-HIV drug delivery (DD) research: (1) to prevent new HIV infections from occurring, (2) to facilitate a functional cure, i.e., when HIV is present but the body controls it without drugs and (3) to eradicate established infection. Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) represents a significant step forward in preventing the establishment of chronic HIV infection. However, the ultimate success of PrEP will depend on achieving sustained antiretroviral (ARV) tissue concentrations and will require strict patient adherence to the regimen. While first generation long acting/extended release (LA/ER) DD Systems (DDS) currently in development show considerable promise, significant DD treatment and prevention challenges persist. First, there is a critical need to improve cell specificity through targeting in order to selectively achieve efficacious drug concentrations in HIV reservoir sites to control/eradicate HIV as well as mitigate systemic side effects. In addition, approaches for reducing cellular efflux and metabolism of ARV drugs to prolong effective concentrations in target cells need to be developed. Finally, given the current understanding of HIV pathogenesis, next generation anti-HIV DDS need to address selective DD to the gut mucosa and lymph nodes. The current review focuses on the DDS technologies, critical challenges, opportunities, strategies, and approaches by which novel delivery systems will help iterate towards prevention, functional cure and eventually the eradication of HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoinette G Nelson
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 160 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
| | - Xiaoping Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 160 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
| | - Usha Ganapathi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 160 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
| | - Zoltan Szekely
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 160 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
| | - Charles W Flexner
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 160 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
| | - Andrew Owen
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 160 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
| | - Patrick J Sinko
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 160 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
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27
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Chemokine-Derived Peptides: Novel Antimicrobial and Antineoplasic Agents. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:12958-85. [PMID: 26062132 PMCID: PMC4490481 DOI: 10.3390/ijms160612958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2014] [Revised: 05/03/2015] [Accepted: 05/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemokines are a burgeoning family of chemotactic cytokines displaying a broad array of functions such as regulation of homeostatic leukocyte traffic and development, as well as activating the innate immune system. Their role in controlling early and late inflammatory stages is now well recognized. An improper balance either in chemokine synthesis or chemokine receptor expression contributes to various pathological disorders making chemokines and their receptors a useful therapeutic target. Research in this area is progressing rapidly, and development of novel agents based on chemokine/chemokine receptors antagonist functions are emerging as attractive alternative drugs. Some of these novel agents include generation of chemokine-derived peptides (CDP) with potential agonist and antagonist effects on inflammation, cancer and against bacterial infections. CDP have been generated mainly from N- and C-terminus chemokine sequences with subsequent modifications such as truncations or elongations. In this review, we present a glimpse of the different pharmacological actions reported for CDP and our current understanding regarding the potential use of CDP alone or as part of the novel therapies proposed in the treatment of microbial infections and cancer.
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28
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Duskey JT, Rice KG. Nanoparticle ligand presentation for targeting solid tumors. AAPS PharmSciTech 2014; 15:1345-54. [PMID: 24927668 PMCID: PMC4179653 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-014-0143-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2014] [Accepted: 05/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the many scientific advances to come from the study of nanoscience, the development of ligand-targeted nanoparticles to eliminate solid tumors is predicted to have a major impact on human health. There are many reports describing novel designs and testing of targeted nanoparticles to treat cancer. While the principles of the technology are well demonstrated in controlled lab experiments, there are still many hurdles to overcome for the science to mature into truly efficacious targeted nanoparticles that join the arsenal of agents currently used to treat cancer in humans. One of these hurdles is overcoming unwanted biodistribution to the liver while maximizing delivery to the tumor. This almost certainly requires advances in both nanoparticle stealth technology and targeting. Currently, it continues to be a challenge to control the loading of ligands onto polyethylene glycol (PEG) to achieve maximal targeting. Nanoparticle cellular uptake and subcellular targeting of genes and siRNA also remain a challenge. This review examines the types of ligands that have been most often used to target nanoparticles to solid tumors. As the science matures over the coming decade, careful control over ligand presentation on nanoparticles of precise size, shape, and charge will likely play a major role in achieving success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason T. Duskey
- Division of Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242 USA
| | - Kevin G. Rice
- Division of Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242 USA
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29
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Ramana LN, Anand AR, Sethuraman S, Krishnan UM. Targeting strategies for delivery of anti-HIV drugs. J Control Release 2014; 192:271-83. [PMID: 25119469 PMCID: PMC7114626 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2014.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2014] [Revised: 08/02/2014] [Accepted: 08/04/2014] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection remains a significant cause of mortality globally. Though antiretroviral therapy has significantly reduced AIDS-related morbidity and mortality, there are several drawbacks in the current therapy, including toxicity, drug–drug interactions, development of drug resistance, necessity for long-term drug therapy, poor bio-availability and lack of access to tissues and reservoirs. To circumvent these problems, recent anti-HIV therapeutic research has focused on improving drug delivery systems through drug delivery targeted specifically to host cells infected with HIV or could potentially get infected with HIV. In this regard, several surface molecules of both viral and host cell origin have been described in recent years, that would enable targeted drug delivery in HIV infection. In the present review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the need for novel drug delivery systems, and the successes and challenges in the identification of novel viral and host-cell molecules for the targeted drug delivery of anti-HIV drugs. Such targeted anti-retroviral drug delivery approaches could pave the way for effective treatment and eradication of HIV from the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshmi Narashimhan Ramana
- Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, India; School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, India
| | | | - Swaminathan Sethuraman
- Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, India; School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Uma Maheswari Krishnan
- Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, India; School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, India.
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30
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Marshall NC, Finlay BB. Targeting the type III secretion system to treat bacterial infections. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2013; 18:137-52. [DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2014.855199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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