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Starvaggi J, Previti S, Zappalà M, Ettari R. The Inhibition of NS2B/NS3 Protease: A New Therapeutic Opportunity to Treat Dengue and Zika Virus Infection. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4376. [PMID: 38673962 PMCID: PMC11050111 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084376] [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: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In the global pandemic scenario, dengue and zika viruses (DENV and ZIKV, respectively), both mosquito-borne members of the flaviviridae family, represent a serious health problem, and considering the absence of specific antiviral drugs and available vaccines, there is a dire need to identify new targets to treat these types of viral infections. Within this drug discovery process, the protease NS2B/NS3 is considered the primary target for the development of novel anti-flavivirus drugs. The NS2B/NS3 is a serine protease that has a dual function both in the viral replication process and in the elusion of the innate immunity. To date, two main classes of NS2B/NS3 of DENV and ZIKV protease inhibitors have been discovered: those that bind to the orthosteric site and those that act at the allosteric site. Therefore, this perspective article aims to discuss the main features of the use of the most potent NS2B/NS3 inhibitors and their impact at the social level.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Roberta Ettari
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical, and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (J.S.); (S.P.); (M.Z.)
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2
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Maus H, Gellert A, Englert OR, Chen JX, Schirmeister T, Barthels F. Designing photoaffinity tool compounds for the investigation of the DENV NS2B-NS3 protease allosteric binding pocket. RSC Med Chem 2023; 14:2365-2379. [PMID: 37974966 PMCID: PMC10650954 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00331k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Dengue virus (DENV) infection still lacks specific antiviral therapy, making the NS2B-NS3 protease an attractive target for drug development. However, allosteric inhibitors that bind to a site other than the active site still need to be better understood. In this study, we designed and synthesised tool compounds for photoaffinity labelling (PAL) to investigate the binding site of allosteric inhibitors on the DENV protease. These tool compounds contained an affinity moiety, a photoreactive group, and a reporter tag for detection. Upon irradiation, the photoreactive group formed a covalent bond with the protease, allowing for binding site identification. SDS-PAGE-based assays confirmed the qualitative binding of the designed inhibitors to the allosteric pocket, and pull-down experiments validated the interaction. Tryptic protein digestion following liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis further supported the binding of the inhibitor to the proposed pocket revealing photo-attachment to an NS3 loop close to the C-terminus. These results enhance our understanding of allosteric inhibitors and their mechanism of action against the DENV protease. The developed tool compounds and PAL are potent tools for future drug discovery efforts and investigations targeting the DENV protease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Maus
- IPBS, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz Staudingerweg 5 55128 Mainz Germany
| | - Andrea Gellert
- IPBS, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz Staudingerweg 5 55128 Mainz Germany
| | - Olivia R Englert
- IPBS, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz Staudingerweg 5 55128 Mainz Germany
| | - Jia-Xuan Chen
- IMB, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz Ackermannweg 4 55128 Mainz Germany
| | - Tanja Schirmeister
- IPBS, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz Staudingerweg 5 55128 Mainz Germany
| | - Fabian Barthels
- IPBS, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz Staudingerweg 5 55128 Mainz Germany
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3
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Saleem HN, Kousar S, Jiskani AH, Sohail I, Faisal A, Saeed M. Repurposing of investigational cancer drugs: Early phase discovery of dengue virus NS2B/NS3 protease inhibitors. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2023; 356:e2300292. [PMID: 37582646 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202300292] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Dengue fever is a neglected vector-borne disease and is more prevalent in Asia. Currently, no specific treatment is available. Given the time and cost of de novo drug discovery and development, an alternative option of drug repurposing is becoming an effective tool. We screened a library of 1127 pharmacologically active, metabolically stable, and structurally diverse small anticancer molecules to identify inhibitors of the dengue virus (DENV) NS2B/NS3 protease. Enzyme kinetics and inhibition data revealed four B-cell lymphoma 2 inhibitors, that is, ABT263, ABT737, AT101, and TW37, as potent inhibitors of DENV NS2B/NS3 protease, with IC50 values of 0.86, 1.15, 0.81, and 0.89 µM, respectively. Mode of inhibition experiments and computational docking analyses indicated that ABT263 and ABT737 are competitive inhibitors, whereas AT101 and TW37 are noncompetitive inhibitors of the protease. With further evaluation, the identified inhibitors of the DENV NS2B/NS3 protease have the potential to be developed into specific anti-dengue therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hafiza N Saleem
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, SBA School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Summara Kousar
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, SBA School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ammar Hassan Jiskani
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, SBA School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Iqra Sohail
- Department of Life Sciences, SBA School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Amir Faisal
- Department of Life Sciences, SBA School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Saeed
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, SBA School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Lahore, Pakistan
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4
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Huber S, Braun NJ, Schmacke LC, Quek JP, Murra R, Bender D, Hildt E, Luo D, Heine A, Steinmetzer T. Structure-Based Optimization and Characterization of Macrocyclic Zika Virus NS2B-NS3 Protease Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2022; 65:6555-6572. [PMID: 35475620 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a human pathogenic arbovirus. So far, neither a specific treatment nor a vaccination against ZIKV infections has been approved. Starting from our previously described lead structure, a series of 29 new macrocyclic inhibitors of the Zika virus protease containing different linker motifs have been synthesized. By selecting hydrophobic d-amino acids as part of the linker, numerous inhibitors with Ki values < 5 nM were obtained. For 12 inhibitors, crystal structures in complex with the ZIKV protease up to 1.30 Å resolution were determined, which contribute to the understanding of the observed structure-activity relationship (SAR). In immunofluorescence assays, an antiviral effect was observed for compound 26 containing a d-homocyclohexylalanine residue in its linker segment. Due to its excellent selectivity profile and low cytotoxicity, this inhibitor scaffold could be a suitable starting point for the development of peptidic drugs against the Zika virus and related flaviviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Huber
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University of Marburg, Marbacher Weg 6, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Niklas J Braun
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University of Marburg, Marbacher Weg 6, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Luna C Schmacke
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University of Marburg, Marbacher Weg 6, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Jun Ping Quek
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, EMB 03-07, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921.,NTU Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University, EMB 06-01, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921
| | - Robin Murra
- Federal Institute for Vaccines and Biomedicines, Department of Virology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Paul-Ehrlich-Straße 51-59, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Daniela Bender
- Federal Institute for Vaccines and Biomedicines, Department of Virology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Paul-Ehrlich-Straße 51-59, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Eberhard Hildt
- Federal Institute for Vaccines and Biomedicines, Department of Virology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Paul-Ehrlich-Straße 51-59, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Dahai Luo
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, EMB 03-07, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921.,NTU Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University, EMB 06-01, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921.,School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551
| | - Andreas Heine
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University of Marburg, Marbacher Weg 6, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Torsten Steinmetzer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University of Marburg, Marbacher Weg 6, 35032 Marburg, Germany
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5
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Wahaab A, Mustafa BE, Hameed M, Stevenson NJ, Anwar MN, Liu K, Wei J, Qiu Y, Ma Z. Potential Role of Flavivirus NS2B-NS3 Proteases in Viral Pathogenesis and Anti-flavivirus Drug Discovery Employing Animal Cells and Models: A Review. Viruses 2021; 14:44. [PMID: 35062249 PMCID: PMC8781031 DOI: 10.3390/v14010044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Flaviviruses are known to cause a variety of diseases in humans in different parts of the world. There are very limited numbers of antivirals to combat flavivirus infection, and therefore new drug targets must be explored. The flavivirus NS2B-NS3 proteases are responsible for the cleavage of the flavivirus polyprotein, which is necessary for productive viral infection and for causing clinical infections; therefore, they are a promising drug target for devising novel drugs against different flaviviruses. This review highlights the structural details of the NS2B-NS3 proteases of different flaviviruses, and also describes potential antiviral drugs that can interfere with the viral protease activity, as determined by various studies. Moreover, optimized in vitro reaction conditions for studying the NS2B-NS3 proteases of different flaviviruses may vary and have been incorporated in this review. The increasing availability of the in silico and crystallographic/structural details of flavivirus NS2B-NS3 proteases in free and drug-bound states can pave the path for the development of promising antiflavivirus drugs to be used in clinics. However, there is a paucity of information available on using animal cells and models for studying flavivirus NS2B-NS3 proteases, as well as on the testing of the antiviral drug efficacy against NS2B-NS3 proteases. Therefore, on the basis of recent studies, an effort has also been made to propose potential cellular and animal models for the study of flavivirus NS2B-NS3 proteases for the purposes of exploring flavivirus pathogenesis and for testing the efficacy of possible drugs targets, in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Wahaab
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai 200241, China; (A.W.); (M.H.); (M.N.A.); (K.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Bahar E Mustafa
- Sub Campus Toba Tek Singh, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 36050, Pakistan;
| | - Muddassar Hameed
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai 200241, China; (A.W.); (M.H.); (M.N.A.); (K.L.); (J.W.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, State University, Fralin Life Sciences Building, 360 W Campus Blacksburg, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Nigel J. Stevenson
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Medical University of Bahrain, Busaiteen, Adliya 15503, Bahrain;
- Viral Immunology Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, D02 R590 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Muhammad Naveed Anwar
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai 200241, China; (A.W.); (M.H.); (M.N.A.); (K.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Ke Liu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai 200241, China; (A.W.); (M.H.); (M.N.A.); (K.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Jianchao Wei
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai 200241, China; (A.W.); (M.H.); (M.N.A.); (K.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Yafeng Qiu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai 200241, China; (A.W.); (M.H.); (M.N.A.); (K.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Zhiyong Ma
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai 200241, China; (A.W.); (M.H.); (M.N.A.); (K.L.); (J.W.)
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6
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Abstract
Viral proteases are diverse in structure, oligomeric state, catalytic mechanism, and substrate specificity. This chapter focuses on proteases from viruses that are relevant to human health: human immunodeficiency virus subtype 1 (HIV-1), hepatitis C (HCV), human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1), flaviviruses, enteroviruses, and coronaviruses. The proteases of HIV-1 and HCV have been successfully targeted for therapeutics, with picomolar FDA-approved drugs currently used in the clinic. The proteases of HTLV-1 and the other virus families remain emerging therapeutic targets at different stages of the drug development process. This chapter provides an overview of the current knowledge on viral protease structure, mechanism, substrate recognition, and inhibition. Particular focus is placed on recent advances in understanding the molecular basis of diverse substrate recognition and resistance, which is essential toward designing novel protease inhibitors as antivirals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueto Zephyr
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Nese Kurt Yilmaz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Celia A Schiffer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States.
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7
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Sheikh M, Shilkar D, Sarkar B, Sinha BN, Jayprakash V. A Critical Observation on the Design and Development of Reported Peptide Inhibitors of DENV NS2B-NS3 Protease in the Last Two Decades. Mini Rev Med Chem 2021; 22:1108-1130. [PMID: 34720077 DOI: 10.2174/1389557521666211101154619] [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: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Dengue is one of the neglected tropical diseases, which remains a reason for concern as cases seem to rise every year. The failure of the only dengue vaccine, Dengvaxia®, has made the problem more severe and humanity has no immediate respite from this global burden. Dengue virus (DENV) NS2B-NS3 protease is an attractive target partly due to its role in polyprotein processing. Also, since it is among the most conserved domains in the viral genome, it could produce a broad scope of opportunities toward antiviral drug discovery in general. This review has made a detailed analysis of each case of the design and development of peptide inhibitors against DENV NS2B-NS3 protease in the last two decades. Also, we have discussed the reasons attributed to their inhibitory activity, and wherever possible, we have highlighted the concerns raised, challenges met, and suggestions to improve the inhibitory activity. Thus, we attempt to take the readers through the designing and development of reported peptide inhibitors and gain insight from these developments, which could further contribute toward strategizing the designing and development of peptide inhibitors of DENV protease with improved properties in the coming future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murtuja Sheikh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technology, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi 835215 (JH). India
| | - Deepak Shilkar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technology, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi 835215 (JH). India
| | - Biswatrish Sarkar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technology, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi 835215 (JH). India
| | - Barij Nayan Sinha
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technology, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi 835215 (JH). India
| | - Venkatesan Jayprakash
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technology, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi 835215 (JH). India
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8
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Dražić T, Kühl N, Gottscheber N, Hacker CN, Klein CD. The spectrum between substrates and inhibitors: Pinpointing the binding mode of dengue protease ligands with modulated basicity and hydrophobicity. Bioorg Med Chem 2021; 48:116412. [PMID: 34592636 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2021.116412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Peptides can be inhibitors and substrates of proteases. The present study describes the inhibitor- vs. substrate-like properties of peptidic ligands of dengue protease which were designed to provide insight into their binding modes. Of particular interest was the localization of the cleavable peptide bond and the placement of hydrophobic elements in the binding site. The findings provide clues for the design of covalent inhibitors in which electrophilic functional groups bind to the catalytic serine, and in addition for the development of inhibitors that are less basic than the natural substrate and therefore have an improved pharmacokinetic profile. We observed a tendency of basic elements to favor a substrate-like binding mode, whereas hydrophobic elements decrease or eliminate enzymatic cleavage. This indicates a necessity to include basic elements which closely mimic the natural substrates into covalent inhibitors, posing a challenge from the chemical and pharmacokinetic perspective. However, hydrophobic elements may offer opportunities to develop non-covalent inhibitors with a favorable ADME profile and potentially improved target-binding kinetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tonko Dražić
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nikos Kühl
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nicole Gottscheber
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christina N Hacker
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian D Klein
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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9
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Rahman MM, Biswas S, Islam KJ, Paul AS, Mahato SK, Ali MA, Halim MA. Antiviral phytochemicals as potent inhibitors against NS3 protease of dengue virus. Comput Biol Med 2021; 134:104492. [PMID: 34022487 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2021.104492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Dengue, a mosquito-borne disease, has appeared as a major infectious disease globally. The virus requires its proteins to replicate and reproduce in the host cell. The NS3 protease converts the polyprotein to functional proteins with the help of the NS2B cofactor. Thus, NS3 protease is a promising target to develop antiviral inhibitors against the dengue virus. A systematic screening including ADMET properties, molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, binding free energy calculation, and QSAR studies is carried out to predict potent inhibitors against the NS3 protease. From the screening of 40 antiviral phytochemicals, ADMET properties analysis was used to screen out ligands that violate ADME rules and have probable toxicity. Cyanidin 3-Glucoside, Dithymoquinone, and Glabridin were predicted to be potent inhibitors against the NS3 protease according to their binding affinity. These ligands showed several noncovalent interactions, including hydrogen bond, hydrophobic interaction, electrostatic interaction, pi-sulfur interactions. The ligand-protein complexes were further scrutinized using 250 ns molecular dynamics simulation. The MM-PBSA binding free energy calculation was conducted to investigate their binding stability in dynamic conditions. The calculated pIC50(mM) value was predicted using the QSAR model with 89.91% goodness of fit. The predicted biologocal activity value for the ligands indicates they might have good potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Mahbubur Rahman
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Division of Computer-Aided Drug Design, The Red-Green Research Centre, BICCB, Tejgaon, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sourav Biswas
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Division of Computer-Aided Drug Design, The Red-Green Research Centre, BICCB, Tejgaon, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Kazi Jahidul Islam
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Division of Computer-Aided Drug Design, The Red-Green Research Centre, BICCB, Tejgaon, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Archi Sundar Paul
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Division of Computer-Aided Drug Design, The Red-Green Research Centre, BICCB, Tejgaon, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shiplob Kumar Mahato
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Division of Computer-Aided Drug Design, The Red-Green Research Centre, BICCB, Tejgaon, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Ackas Ali
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Division of Computer-Aided Drug Design, The Red-Green Research Centre, BICCB, Tejgaon, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad A Halim
- Department of Physical Sciences, University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, Fort Smith, AR, USA.
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10
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Kühl N, Leuthold MM, Behnam MAM, Klein CD. Beyond Basicity: Discovery of Nonbasic DENV-2 Protease Inhibitors with Potent Activity in Cell Culture. J Med Chem 2021; 64:4567-4587. [PMID: 33851839 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c02042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The viral serine protease NS2B-NS3 is one of the promising targets for drug discovery against dengue virus and other flaviviruses. The molecular recognition preferences of the protease favor basic, positively charged moieties as substrates and inhibitors, which leads to pharmacokinetic liabilities and off-target interactions with host proteases such as thrombin. We here present the results of efforts that were aimed specifically at the discovery and development of noncharged, small-molecular inhibitors of the flaviviral proteases. A key factor in the discovery of these compounds was a cellular reporter gene assay for the dengue protease, the DENV2proHeLa system. Extensive structure-activity relationship explorations resulted in novel benzamide derivatives with submicromolar activities in viral replication assays (EC50 0.24 μM), selectivity against off-target proteases, and negligible cytotoxicity. This structural class has increased drug-likeness compared to most of the previously published active-site-directed flaviviral protease inhibitors and includes promising candidates for further preclinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikos Kühl
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mila M Leuthold
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mira A M Behnam
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian D Klein
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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11
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Robello M, Barresi E, Baglini E, Salerno S, Taliani S, Settimo FD. The Alpha Keto Amide Moiety as a Privileged Motif in Medicinal Chemistry: Current Insights and Emerging Opportunities. J Med Chem 2021; 64:3508-3545. [PMID: 33764065 PMCID: PMC8154582 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Over the years, researchers in drug discovery have taken advantage of the use of privileged structures to design innovative hit/lead molecules. The α-ketoamide motif is found in many natural products, and it has been widely exploited by medicinal chemists to develop compounds tailored to a vast range of biological targets, thus presenting clinical potential for a plethora of pathological conditions. The purpose of this perspective is to provide insights into the versatility of this chemical moiety as a privileged structure in drug discovery. After a brief analysis of its physical-chemical features and synthetic procedures to obtain it, α-ketoamide-based classes of compounds are reported according to the application of this motif as either a nonreactive or reactive moiety. The goal is to highlight those aspects that may be useful to understanding the perspectives of employing the α-ketoamide moiety in the rational design of compounds able to interact with a specific target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Robello
- Synthetic Bioactive Molecules Section, LBC, NIDDK, NIH, 8 Center Drive, Room 404, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Elisabetta Barresi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Emma Baglini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Silvia Salerno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sabrina Taliani
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Federico Da Settimo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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12
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Felicetti T, Manfroni G, Cecchetti V, Cannalire R. Broad-Spectrum Flavivirus Inhibitors: a Medicinal Chemistry Point of View. ChemMedChem 2020; 15:2391-2419. [PMID: 32961008 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Infections by flaviviruses, such as Dengue, West Nile, Yellow Fever and Zika viruses, represent a growing risk for global health. There are vaccines only for few flaviviruses while no effective treatments are available. Flaviviruses share epidemiological, structural, and ecologic features and often different viruses can co-infect the same host. Therefore, the identification of broad-spectrum inhibitors is highly desirable either for known flaviviruses or for viruses that likely will emerge in the future. Strategies targeting both virus and host factors have been pursued to identify broad-spectrum antiflaviviral agents. In this review, we describe the most promising and best characterized targets and their relative broad-spectrum inhibitors, identified by drug repurposing/libraries screenings and by focused medicinal chemistry campaigns. Finally, we discuss about future strategies to identify new broad-spectrum antiflavivirus agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Felicetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, via del Liceo 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Manfroni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, via del Liceo 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Violetta Cecchetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, via del Liceo 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Rolando Cannalire
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli "Federico II", via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Napoli, Italy
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13
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Abstract
The 3,5-bis((E)-4-methoxybenzylidene)-1-(2-morpholinoethyl)piperidin-4-one (3) compound was synthesized by a two-step reaction with 92% yield. The chemical structure of compound 3 was confirmed by IR, NMR, and mass spectrometry. The title compound was screened for its anti-dengue activity against DENV2 NS2B-NS3 protease and showed 39.09% inhibitory activity at 200 µg/mL.
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Braun NJ, Quek JP, Huber S, Kouretova J, Rogge D, Lang‐Henkel H, Cheong EZK, Chew BLA, Heine A, Luo D, Steinmetzer T. Structure-Based Macrocyclization of Substrate Analogue NS2B-NS3 Protease Inhibitors of Zika, West Nile and Dengue viruses. ChemMedChem 2020; 15:1439-1452. [PMID: 32501637 PMCID: PMC7497253 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
A series of cyclic active-site-directed inhibitors of the NS2B-NS3 proteases from Zika (ZIKV), West Nile (WNV), and dengue-4 (DENV4) viruses has been designed. The most potent compounds contain a reversely incorporated d-lysine residue in the P1 position. Its side chain is connected to the P2 backbone, its α-amino group is converted into a guanidine to interact with the conserved Asp129 side chain in the S1 pocket, and its C terminus is connected to the P3 residue via different linker segments. The most potent compounds inhibit the ZIKV protease with Ki values <5 nM. Crystal structures of seven ZIKV protease inhibitor complexes were determined to support the inhibitor design. All the cyclic compounds possess high selectivity against trypsin-like serine proteases and furin-like proprotein convertases. Both WNV and DENV4 proteases are inhibited less efficiently. Nonetheless, similar structure-activity relationships were observed for these enzymes, thus suggesting their potential application as pan-flaviviral protease inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niklas J. Braun
- Institute of Pharmaceutical ChemistryPhilipps UniversityMarbacher Weg 635032MarburgGermany
| | - Jun P. Quek
- Lee Kong Chian School of MedicineNanyang Technological University, EMB 03–0759 Nanyang DriveSingapore636921Singapore
- Institute of Structural BiologyNanyang Technological University EMB 06–0159 Nanyang DriveSingapore636921Singapore
| | - Simon Huber
- Institute of Pharmaceutical ChemistryPhilipps UniversityMarbacher Weg 635032MarburgGermany
| | - Jenny Kouretova
- Institute of Pharmaceutical ChemistryPhilipps UniversityMarbacher Weg 635032MarburgGermany
| | - Dorothee Rogge
- Institute of Pharmaceutical ChemistryPhilipps UniversityMarbacher Weg 635032MarburgGermany
| | - Heike Lang‐Henkel
- Institute of Pharmaceutical ChemistryPhilipps UniversityMarbacher Weg 635032MarburgGermany
| | - Ezekiel Z. K. Cheong
- School of Biological SciencesNanyang Technological University60 Nanyang Dr.Singapore637551Singapore
| | - Bing L. A. Chew
- Lee Kong Chian School of MedicineNanyang Technological University, EMB 03–0759 Nanyang DriveSingapore636921Singapore
- Institute of Structural BiologyNanyang Technological University EMB 06–0159 Nanyang DriveSingapore636921Singapore
- Institute of Health TechnologiesInterdisciplinary Graduate ProgrammeNanyang Technological University61 Nanyang Dr.Singapore637335Singapore
| | - Andreas Heine
- Institute of Pharmaceutical ChemistryPhilipps UniversityMarbacher Weg 635032MarburgGermany
| | - Dahai Luo
- Lee Kong Chian School of MedicineNanyang Technological University, EMB 03–0759 Nanyang DriveSingapore636921Singapore
- Institute of Structural BiologyNanyang Technological University EMB 06–0159 Nanyang DriveSingapore636921Singapore
- School of Biological SciencesNanyang Technological University60 Nanyang Dr.Singapore637551Singapore
| | - Torsten Steinmetzer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical ChemistryPhilipps UniversityMarbacher Weg 635032MarburgGermany
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15
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Abdullah AA, Lee YK, Chin SP, Lim SK, Lee VS, Othman R, Othman S, Rahman NA, Yusof R, Heh CH. Discovery of Dengue Virus Inhibitors. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:4945-5036. [PMID: 30514185 DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666181204155336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Revised: 11/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
To date, there is still no approved anti-dengue agent to treat dengue infection in the market. Although the only licensed dengue vaccine, Dengvaxia is available, its protective efficacy against serotypes 1 and 2 of dengue virus was reported to be lower than serotypes 3 and 4. Moreover, according to WHO, the risk of being hospitalized and having severe dengue increased in seronegative individuals after they received Dengvaxia vaccination. Nevertheless, various studies had been carried out in search of dengue virus inhibitors. These studies focused on the structural (C, prM, E) and non-structural proteins (NS1, NS2A, NS2B, NS3, NS4A, NS4B and NS5) of dengue virus as well as host factors as drug targets. Hence, this article provides an overall up-to-date review of the discovery of dengue virus inhibitors that are only targeting the structural and non-structural viral proteins as drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adib Afandi Abdullah
- Drug Design and Development Research Group (DDDRG), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yean Kee Lee
- Drug Design and Development Research Group (DDDRG), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sek Peng Chin
- Drug Design and Development Research Group (DDDRG), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - See Khai Lim
- Drug Design and Development Research Group (DDDRG), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Vannajan Sanghiran Lee
- Drug Design and Development Research Group (DDDRG), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rozana Othman
- Drug Design and Development Research Group (DDDRG), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Shatrah Othman
- Drug Design and Development Research Group (DDDRG), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Noorsaadah Abdul Rahman
- Drug Design and Development Research Group (DDDRG), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rohana Yusof
- Drug Design and Development Research Group (DDDRG), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Choon Han Heh
- Drug Design and Development Research Group (DDDRG), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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16
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Dražić T, Kopf S, Corridan J, Leuthold MM, Bertoša B, Klein CD. Peptide-β-lactam Inhibitors of Dengue and West Nile Virus NS2B-NS3 Protease Display Two Distinct Binding Modes. J Med Chem 2019; 63:140-156. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tonko Dražić
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sara Kopf
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - James Corridan
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mila M. Leuthold
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Branimir Bertoša
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Horvatovac 102a, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Christian D. Klein
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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17
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Matsuhisa K, Saito A, Cai L, Kaneko M, Okamoto T, Sakaue F, Asada R, Urano F, Yanagida K, Okochi M, Kudo Y, Matsumoto M, Nakayama KI, Imaizumi K. Production of BBF2H7‐derived small peptide fragments via endoplasmic reticulum stress‐dependent regulated intramembrane proteolysis. FASEB J 2019; 34:865-880. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.201901748r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Koji Matsuhisa
- Department of Biochemistry Institute of Biomedical & Health Sciences Hiroshima University Hiroshima Japan
- Department of Stress Protein Processing Institute of Biomedical & Health Sciences Hiroshima University Hiroshima Japan
| | - Atsushi Saito
- Department of Biochemistry Institute of Biomedical & Health Sciences Hiroshima University Hiroshima Japan
- Department of Stress Protein Processing Institute of Biomedical & Health Sciences Hiroshima University Hiroshima Japan
| | - Longjie Cai
- Department of Biochemistry Institute of Biomedical & Health Sciences Hiroshima University Hiroshima Japan
| | - Masayuki Kaneko
- Department of Biochemistry Institute of Biomedical & Health Sciences Hiroshima University Hiroshima Japan
| | - Takumi Okamoto
- Department of Biochemistry Institute of Biomedical & Health Sciences Hiroshima University Hiroshima Japan
| | - Fumika Sakaue
- Department of Biochemistry Institute of Biomedical & Health Sciences Hiroshima University Hiroshima Japan
- Department of Stress Protein Processing Institute of Biomedical & Health Sciences Hiroshima University Hiroshima Japan
| | - Rie Asada
- Department of Biochemistry Institute of Biomedical & Health Sciences Hiroshima University Hiroshima Japan
- Department of Medicine Division of Endocrinology Metabolism, and Lipid Research Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis MO USA
| | - Fumihiko Urano
- Department of Medicine Division of Endocrinology Metabolism, and Lipid Research Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis MO USA
| | - Kanta Yanagida
- Neuropsychiatry Department of Integrated Medicine Division of Internal Medicine Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine Osaka Japan
| | - Masayasu Okochi
- Neuropsychiatry Department of Integrated Medicine Division of Internal Medicine Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine Osaka Japan
| | - Yukitsuka Kudo
- Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer Tohoku University Sendai Japan
| | - Masaki Matsumoto
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology Medical Institute of Bioregulation Kyushu University Fukuoka Japan
| | - Keiichi I. Nakayama
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology Medical Institute of Bioregulation Kyushu University Fukuoka Japan
| | - Kazunori Imaizumi
- Department of Biochemistry Institute of Biomedical & Health Sciences Hiroshima University Hiroshima Japan
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18
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Lim WZ, Cheng PG, Abdulrahman AY, Teoh TC. The identification of active compounds in Ganoderma lucidum var. antler extract inhibiting dengue virus serine protease and its computational studies. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2019; 38:4273-4288. [DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2019.1678523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wui Zhuan Lim
- Bioinformatics Programme, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Poh Guat Cheng
- Bioinformatics Programme, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Teow Chong Teoh
- Bioinformatics Programme, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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19
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Faheem M, Barbosa Lima JC, Jamal SB, Silva PA, Barbosa JARG. An insight into dengue virus proteins as potential drug/vaccine targets. Future Virol 2019. [DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2019-0107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Dengue virus (DENV) is an arbovirus that belongs to family flaviviridae. Its genome is composed of a single stranded RNA molecule that encodes a single polyprotein. The polyprotein is processed by viral and cellular proteases to generate ten viral proteins. There are four antigenically distinct serotypes of DENV (DENV1, DENV2, DENV3 and DENV4), which are genetically related. Although protein variability is a major problem in dengue treatment, the functional and structural studies of individual proteins are equally important in treatment development. The data accumulated on dengue proteins are significant to provide detailed understanding of viral infection, replication, host-immune evasion and pathogenesis. In this review, we summarized the detailed current knowledge about DENV proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Faheem
- Laboratory of Biophysics, Department of Cellular Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia-DF 70910-900, Brazil
- Post-graduate program of Genomics Sciences & Biotechnology, Catholic University of Brasilia, Brasília-DF 70790-160, Brazil
| | - Jônatas Cunha Barbosa Lima
- Laboratory of Biophysics, Department of Cellular Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia-DF 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Syed Babar Jamal
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Medical Sciences, The Mall road, Rawalpindi, Punjab 46000, Pakistan
| | - Paula Andreia Silva
- Post-graduate program of Genomics Sciences & Biotechnology, Catholic University of Brasilia, Brasília-DF 70790-160, Brazil
| | - João Alexandre Ribeiro Gonçalves Barbosa
- Laboratory of Biophysics, Department of Cellular Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia-DF 70910-900, Brazil
- Post-graduate program of Genomics Sciences & Biotechnology, Catholic University of Brasilia, Brasília-DF 70790-160, Brazil
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20
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Peptide derivatives as inhibitors of NS2B-NS3 protease from Dengue, West Nile, and Zika flaviviruses. Bioorg Med Chem 2019; 27:3963-3978. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2019.07.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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21
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Sobhia ME, Ghosh K, Singh A, Sul K, Singh M, Kumar R, Sandeep, Merugu S, Donempudi S. A Multi-Perspective Review on Dengue Research. Curr Drug Targets 2019; 20:1550-1562. [PMID: 31339068 DOI: 10.2174/1389450120666190724145937] [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: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Dengue fever is a disease which is caused by a family of viruses named Flaviviridae which are transmitted by female Aedes mosquitoes. Today, this is endemic in more than 100 nations in the World Health Organization's African, Americas, Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asia and Western Pacific locales. The treatment of typical dengue is focused on relieving the symptoms and signs. Carica papaya is a very common plant whose leaf extract is used in the treatment of this disease. Despite extensive research on Dengue, not a single vaccine or anti-viral drug was available until 2016 (a partially effective Chimeric Yellow fever virus treated by DENV-Tetravalent Dengue Vaccine for dengue fever made by Sanofi Pasteur). This review highlights dengue fever's current situation and explains the importance of Natural chemical moieties like methionine-proline anilides, tetrapeptide aldehyde uncovered via Structure Activity Relationship studies. Also, we have reviewed the drug candidates currently in the clinical trials that have the potential to solve these issues. Important patents in the past 20 years have been outlined in this review. An in depth Protein Data Bank analysis of the different possible target proteins that can potentially have a major role in curing Dengue fever has been conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Elizabeth Sobhia
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Mohali, India
| | - Ketan Ghosh
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Mohali, India
| | - Ajeet Singh
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Mohali, India
| | - Komal Sul
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Mohali, India
| | - Monica Singh
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Mohali, India
| | - Ravi Kumar
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Mohali, India
| | - Sandeep
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Mohali, India
| | - Satti Merugu
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Mohali, India
| | - Sunilchand Donempudi
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Mohali, India
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22
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Nutho B, Mulholland AJ, Rungrotmongkol T. The reaction mechanism of Zika virus NS2B/NS3 serine protease inhibition by dipeptidyl aldehyde: a QM/MM study. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2019; 21:14945-14956. [PMID: 31236554 DOI: 10.1039/c9cp02377a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) infection has become a global public health problem, associated with microcephaly in newborns and Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults. Currently, there are no commercially available anti-ZIKV drugs. The viral protease NS2B/NS3, which is involved in viral replication and maturation, is a potential drug target. Peptidomimetic aldehyde inhibitors bind covalently to the catalytic S135 of the NS3 protease. Here, we apply hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) free-energy simulations at the PDDG-PM3/ff14SB level to investigate the inhibition mechanism of the ZIKV protease by a dipeptidyl aldehyde inhibitor (acyl-KR-aldehyde). The results show that proton transfer from the catalytic S135 to H51 occurs in concert with nucleophilic addition on the aldehyde warhead by S135. The anionic covalent complex between the dipeptidyl aldehyde and the ZIKV protease is analogous to the tetrahedral intermediate for substrate hydrolysis. Spontaneous protonation by H51 forms the hemiacetal. In addition, we use correlated ab initio QM/MM potential energy path calculations at levels up to LCCSD(T)/(aug)-cc-pVTZ to obtain accurate potential energy profiles of the reaction, which also support a concerted mechanism. These results provide detailed insight into the mechanism of ZIKV protease inhibition by a peptidyl aldehyde inhibitor, which will guide in the design of inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bodee Nutho
- Program in Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Adrian J Mulholland
- Centre for Computational Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK.
| | - Thanyada Rungrotmongkol
- Biocatalyst and Environmental Biotechnology Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand. and Program in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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23
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Majerová T, Novotný P, Krýsová E, Konvalinka J. Exploiting the unique features of Zika and Dengue proteases for inhibitor design. Biochimie 2019; 166:132-141. [PMID: 31077760 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2019.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Zika and Dengue viruses have attracted substantial attention from researchers in light of recent outbreaks of Dengue fever and increases in cases of congenital microcephaly in areas with Zika incidence. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge about Zika and Dengue proteases. These enzymes have several interesting features: 1) NS3 serine protease requires the activating co-factor NS2B, which is anchored in the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum; 2) NS2B displays extensive conformational dynamics; 3) NS3 is a multidomain protein with proteolytic, NTPase, RNA 5' triphosphatase and helicase activity and has many protein-protein interaction partners; 4) NS3 is autoproteolytically released from its precursor. Attempts to design tight-binding and specific active-site inhibitors are complicated by the facts that the substrate pocket of the NS2B-NS3 protease is flat and the active-site ligands are charged. The ionic character of potential active-site inhibitors negatively influences their cell permeability. Possibilities to block cis-autoprocessing of the protease precursor have recently been considered. Additionally, potential allosteric sites on NS2B-NS3 proteases have been identified and allosteric compounds have been designed to impair substrate binding and/or block the NS2B-NS3 interaction. Such compounds could be specific to viral proteases, without off-target effects on host serine proteases, and could have favorable pharmacokinetic profiles. This review discusses various groups of inhibitors of these proteases according to their mechanisms of action and chemical structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taťána Majerová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Nám. 2, 16610, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Novotný
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Nám. 2, 16610, Prague 6, Czech Republic; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, 12843, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Eliška Krýsová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Nám. 2, 16610, Prague 6, Czech Republic; Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, 12843, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Konvalinka
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Nám. 2, 16610, Prague 6, Czech Republic; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, 12843, Prague, Czech Republic.
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24
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de Godoy AS, Sachetto Fernandes R, Campos Aguiar AC, Vieira Bueno R, de Moraes Roso Mesquita NC, Carvalho Guido RV, Oliva G. Structural and mechanistic insight from antiviral and antiparasitic enzyme drug targets for tropical infectious diseases. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2019; 59:65-72. [PMID: 30954758 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2019.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Revised: 02/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
With almost half of the world population living at risk, tropical infectious diseases cause millions of deaths every year in developing countries. Considering the lack of economic prospects for investment in this field, approaches aiming the rational design of compounds, such as structure-based drug discovery (SBDD), fragment screening, target-based drug discovery, and drug repurposing are of special interest. Herein, we focused in the advances on the field of SBDD targeting arboviruses such as dengue, yellow fever, zika and chikungunya enzymes of the RNA replication complex (RC) and enzymes involved in a variety of pathways essential to ensure parasitic survival in the host, for malaria, Chagas e leishmaniasis diseases. We also highlighted successful examples such as promising new inhibitors and molecules already in preclinical/clinical phase tests, major gaps in the field and perspectives for the future of drug design for tropical diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andre Schutzer de Godoy
- Institute of Physics of São Carlos, University of São Paulo, Av. Joao Dagnone, 1100 - Jardim Santa Angelina, São Carlos 13563-120, Brazil
| | - Rafaela Sachetto Fernandes
- Institute of Physics of São Carlos, University of São Paulo, Av. Joao Dagnone, 1100 - Jardim Santa Angelina, São Carlos 13563-120, Brazil
| | - Anna Caroline Campos Aguiar
- Institute of Physics of São Carlos, University of São Paulo, Av. Joao Dagnone, 1100 - Jardim Santa Angelina, São Carlos 13563-120, Brazil
| | - Renata Vieira Bueno
- Institute of Physics of São Carlos, University of São Paulo, Av. Joao Dagnone, 1100 - Jardim Santa Angelina, São Carlos 13563-120, Brazil
| | | | - Rafael Victorio Carvalho Guido
- Institute of Physics of São Carlos, University of São Paulo, Av. Joao Dagnone, 1100 - Jardim Santa Angelina, São Carlos 13563-120, Brazil
| | - Glaucius Oliva
- Institute of Physics of São Carlos, University of São Paulo, Av. Joao Dagnone, 1100 - Jardim Santa Angelina, São Carlos 13563-120, Brazil.
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25
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Zou J, Shi PY. Strategies for Zika drug discovery. Curr Opin Virol 2019; 35:19-26. [PMID: 30852345 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2019.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) can cause devastating congenital syndrome in fetuses from pregnant women and autoimmune disorder Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults. No clinically approved vaccine or drug is currently available for ZIKV. This unmet medical need has motivated a global effort to develop countermeasures. Several promising ZIKV vaccine candidates have already entered clinical trials. In contrast, antiviral development of ZIKV is lagging behind. Here, we review the overall strategies for ZIKV drug discovery, including (i) repurposing of clinically approved drugs, (ii) viral replication-based phenotypic screening for inhibitors, and (iii) targeted drug discovery of viral proteins. Along with vaccines, the development of antiviral treatment will provide a complementary means to control ZIKV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Pei-Yong Shi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Department of Phamarcology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
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26
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Godói IP, Da Silva LVD, Sarker AR, Megiddo I, Morton A, Godman B, Alvarez-Madrazo S, Bennie M, Guerra-Junior AA. Economic and epidemiological impact of dengue illness over 16 years from a public health system perspective in Brazil to inform future health policies including the adoption of a dengue vaccine. Expert Rev Vaccines 2019; 17:1123-1133. [PMID: 30417706 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2018.1546581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dengue is a serious global health problem endemic in Brazil. Consequently, our aim was to measure the costs and disease burden of symptomatic dengue infections in Brazil from the perspective of the Brazilian Public Health System (SUS) between 2000 and 2015, using Brazilian public health system databases. Specific age group incidence estimates were used to calculate the disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) to gain a better understanding of the disease burden. Areas covered: SUS spent almost USD159 million and USD10 million to treat dengue and severe dengue, respectively, between 2000 and 2015. This is principally hospitalization costs, with the majority of patients self-treated at home with minor symptoms. The average notification rate for dengue was 273 per 100,000 inhabitants and three per 100,000 for severe dengue, with annual DALYs estimates ranging between 72.35 and 6,824.45 during the 16 years. Expert commentary: The epidemiological and morbidity burden associated with dengue is substantial in Brazil, with costs affected by the fact that most patients self-treat at home with these costs not included in SUS. The Brazilian government urgently needs to proactively evaluate the real costs and clinical benefits of any potential dengue vaccination program by the National Immunization Program to guide future decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Piassi Godói
- a Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicamentos e Assistência Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia , Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil.,b SUS Collaborating Centre for Technology Assessment and Excellence in Health, Faculdade de Farmácia , Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil.,c Institute of Health and Biological Studies - Universidade Federal do Sul e Sudeste do Pará , Avenida dos Ipês, s/n , Cidade Universitária , Cidade Jardim , Marabá, Pará , Brazil
| | - Leonardo Vinicius Dias Da Silva
- c Institute of Health and Biological Studies - Universidade Federal do Sul e Sudeste do Pará , Avenida dos Ipês, s/n , Cidade Universitária , Cidade Jardim , Marabá, Pará , Brazil.,d Programa Interunidades de Pós Graduação em Bioinformática , Instituto de Ciências Biológicas , Belo Horizonte , Brazil
| | - Abdur Razzaque Sarker
- e Health Economics and Financing Research, Health Systems & Population Studies Division , icddr, b , Dhaka , Bangladesh.,f Department of Management Science , University of Strathclyde , Glasgow , UK
| | - Itamar Megiddo
- f Department of Management Science , University of Strathclyde , Glasgow , UK.,g Economics & Policy , The Center for Disease Dynamics , Washington , DC , USA
| | - Alec Morton
- f Department of Management Science , University of Strathclyde , Glasgow , UK
| | - Brian Godman
- h Department of Pharmacoepidemiology , Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Strathclyde University , Glasgow , UK.,i Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute , Karolinska University Hospital , Stockholm , Sweden.,j Health Economics Centre , Liverpool University Management School , Liverpool , UK.,k School of Pharmacy, Department of Public Health and Pharmacy Management , Sefako Health Sciences University , Pretoria , South Africa
| | - Samantha Alvarez-Madrazo
- h Department of Pharmacoepidemiology , Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Strathclyde University , Glasgow , UK.,l Farr Institute of Health Informatics Research , University of Strathclyde, Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences , Glasgow , UK
| | - Marion Bennie
- h Department of Pharmacoepidemiology , Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Strathclyde University , Glasgow , UK
| | - Augusto Afonso Guerra-Junior
- a Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicamentos e Assistência Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia , Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil.,b SUS Collaborating Centre for Technology Assessment and Excellence in Health, Faculdade de Farmácia , Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil
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Hariono M, Choi SB, Roslim RF, Nawi MS, Tan ML, Kamarulzaman EE, Mohamed N, Yusof R, Othman S, Abd Rahman N, Othman R, Wahab HA. Thioguanine-based DENV-2 NS2B/NS3 protease inhibitors: Virtual screening, synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular modelling. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0210869. [PMID: 30677071 PMCID: PMC6345492 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Dengue virus Type 2 (DENV-2) is predominant serotype causing major dengue epidemics. There are a number of studies carried out to find its effective antiviral, however to date, there is still no molecule either from peptide or small molecules released as a drug. The present study aims to identify small molecules inhibitor from National Cancer Institute database through virtual screening. One of the hits, D0713 (IC50 = 62 μM) bearing thioguanine scaffold was derivatised into 21 compounds and evaluated for DENV-2 NS2B/NS3 protease inhibitory activity. Compounds 18 and 21 demonstrated the most potent activity with IC50 of 0.38 μM and 16 μM, respectively. Molecular dynamics and MM/PBSA free energy of binding calculation were conducted to study the interaction mechanism of these compounds with the protease. The free energy of binding of 18 calculated by MM/PBSA is -16.10 kcal/mol compared to the known inhibitor, panduratin A (-11.27 kcal/mol), which corroborates well with the experimental observation. Results from molecular dynamics simulations also showed that both 18 and 21 bind in the active site and stabilised by the formation of hydrogen bonds with Asn174.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maywan Hariono
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Sanata Dharma University, Maguwoharjo, Sleman, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Sy Bing Choi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
- School of Data Sciences, Perdana University, Blok B and d1, MARDI Complex, Jalan MAEPS Perdana, Serdang, Selangor
| | - Ros Fatihah Roslim
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Mohamed Sufian Nawi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Kulliyah of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Mei Lan Tan
- Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | | | - Nornisah Mohamed
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Rohana Yusof
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Shatrah Othman
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Noorsaadah Abd Rahman
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rozana Othman
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Habibah A. Wahab
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
- Malaysian Institute of Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Halaman Bukit Gambir, Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
- * E-mail: ,
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28
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Development of a NS2B/NS3 protease inhibition assay using AlphaScreen ® beads for screening of anti-dengue activities. Heliyon 2018; 4:e01023. [PMID: 30560214 PMCID: PMC6289942 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2018.e01023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 10/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dengue infection is an endemic infectious disease and it can lead to dengue fever, dengue hemorrhagic fever, and/or dengue shock syndromes. Dengue NS2B/NS3 protease complex is essential for viral replication and is a primary target for anti-dengue drug development. In this study, a NS2B/NS3 protease inhibition assay was developed using AlphaScreen® beads and was used to screen compounds for their protease inhibition activities. Methods The assay system utilized a known NS2B/NS3 peptide substrate, a recombinant of NS2B/NS3 protease with proprietary StrepTactin® donor and nickel chelate acceptor beads in 384-well format. Results The optimized assay to screen for NS2B/NS3 protease inhibitors was demonstrated to be potentially useful with reasonable zʹ factor, coefficient variance and signal to background ratio. However, screening of synthesized thioguanine derivatives using the optimized AlphaScreen® assay revealed weak NS2B/NS3 inhibition activities. Conclusion The AlphaScreen® assay to screen for NS2B/NS3 protease inhibitors is potentially applicable for high throughput screening.
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Phoo WW, Zhang Z, Wirawan M, Chew EJC, Chew ABL, Kouretova J, Steinmetzer T, Luo D. Structures of Zika virus NS2B-NS3 protease in complex with peptidomimetic inhibitors. Antiviral Res 2018; 160:17-24. [PMID: 30315877 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2018.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Zika virus NS2B-NS3 protease plays an essential role in viral replication by processing the viral polyprotein into individual proteins. The viral protease is therefore considered as an ideal antiviral drug target. To facilitate the development of protease inhibitors, we report three high-resolution co-crystal structures of bZiPro with peptidomimetic inhibitors composed of a P1-P4 segment and different P1' residues. Compounds 1 and 2 possess small P1' groups that are split off by bZiPro, which could be detected by mass spectrometry. On the other hand, the more potent compound 3 contains a bulky P1' benzylamide structure that is resistant to cleavage by bZiPro, demonstrating that presence of an uncleavable C-terminal cap contributes to a slightly improved inhibitory potency. The N-terminal phenylacetyl residue occupies a position above the P1 side chain and therefore stabilizes a horseshoe-like backbone conformation of the bound inhibitors. The P4 moieties show unique intra- and intermolecular interactions. Our work reports the detailed binding mode interactions of substrate-analogue inhibitors within the S4-S1' pockets and explains the preference of bZiPro for basic P1-P3 residues. These new structures of protease-inhibitor complexes will guide the design of more effective NS2B-NS3 protease inhibitors with improved potency and bioavailability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wint Wint Phoo
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, EMB 03-07, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921, Singapore; NTU Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University, EMB 06-01, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921, Singapore; School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore
| | - Zhenzhen Zhang
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, EMB 03-07, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921, Singapore; NTU Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University, EMB 06-01, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921, Singapore
| | - Melissa Wirawan
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, EMB 03-07, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921, Singapore; NTU Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University, EMB 06-01, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921, Singapore
| | - Edwin Jun Chen Chew
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, EMB 03-07, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921, Singapore
| | - Alvin Bing Liang Chew
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, EMB 03-07, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921, Singapore; NTU Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University, EMB 06-01, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921, Singapore; NTU Institute of Health Technologies, Interdisciplinary Graduate School, Nanyang Technological University, RTP 02-07, 50 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637553, Singapore
| | - Jenny Kouretova
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University, Marbacher Weg 6, Marburg 35032, Germany
| | - Torsten Steinmetzer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University, Marbacher Weg 6, Marburg 35032, Germany.
| | - Dahai Luo
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, EMB 03-07, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921, Singapore; NTU Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University, EMB 06-01, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921, Singapore.
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30
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Li Y, Loh YR, Hung AW, Kang C. Characterization of molecular interactions between Zika virus protease and peptides derived from the C-terminus of NS2B. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 503:691-696. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.06.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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31
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Strategies Towards Protease Inhibitors for Emerging Flaviviruses. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1062:175-186. [PMID: 29845533 PMCID: PMC7121277 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-8727-1_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Infections with flaviviruses are a continuing public health threat. In addition to vaccine development and vector control, the search for antiviral agents that alleviate symptoms in patients are of considerable interest. Among others, the flaviviral protease NS2B-NS3 is a promising drug target to inhibit viral replication. Flaviviral proteases share a high degree of structural similarity and substrate-recognition profile, which may facilitate a strategy towards development of pan-flaviviral protease inhibitors. However, the success of various drug discovery attempts during the last decade has been limited by the nature of the viral enzyme as well as a lack of robust structural templates. Small-molecular, structurally diverse protease inhibitors have been reported to reach affinities in the lower micromolar range. Peptide-based, substrate-derived compounds are often nanomolar inhibitors, however, with highly compromised drug-likeness. With some exceptions, the antiviral cellular activity of most of the reported compounds have been patchy and insufficient for further development. Recent progress has been made in the elucidation of inhibitor binding using different structural methods. This will hopefully lead to more rational attempts for the identification of various lead compounds that may be successful in cellular assays, animal models and ultimately translated to patients.
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32
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Tian YS, Zhou Y, Takagi T, Kameoka M, Kawashita N. Dengue Virus and Its Inhibitors: A Brief Review. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 2018; 66:191-206. [PMID: 29491253 DOI: 10.1248/cpb.c17-00794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The global occurrence of viral infectious diseases poses a significant threat to human health. Dengue virus (DENV) infection is one of the most noteworthy of these infections. According to a WHO survey, approximately 400 million people are infected annually; symptoms deteriorate in approximately one percent of cases. Numerous foundational and clinical investigations on viral epidemiology, structure and function analysis, infection source and route, therapeutic targets, vaccines, and therapeutic drugs have been conducted by both academic and industrial researchers. At present, CYD-TDV or Dengvaxia® is the only approved vaccine, but potent inhibitors are currently under development. In this review, an overview of the viral life circle and the history of DENVs is presented, and the most recently reported antiviral candidates and newly discovered promising targets are focused and summarized. We believe that these successes and failures have enabled progress in anti-DENV drug discovery and hope that our review will stimulate further innovation in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Shi Tian
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University
| | - Yi Zhou
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University
| | - Tatsuya Takagi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University
| | - Masanori Kameoka
- Department of International Health, Kobe University Graduate School of Health Sciences
| | - Norihito Kawashita
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University.,Faculty of Sciences and Engineering, Kindai University
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33
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Gibbs AC, Steele R, Liu G, Tounge BA, Montelione GT. Inhibitor Bound Dengue NS2B-NS3pro Reveals Multiple Dynamic Binding Modes. Biochemistry 2018; 57:1591-1602. [PMID: 29447443 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.7b01127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Dengue virus poses a significant global health threat as the source of increasingly deleterious dengue fever, dengue hemorrhagic fever, and dengue shock syndrome. As no specific antiviral treatment exists for dengue infection, considerable effort is being applied to discover therapies and drugs for maintenance and prevention of these afflictions. The virus is primarily transmitted by mosquitoes, and infection occurs following viral endocytosis by host cells. Upon entering the cell, viral RNA is translated into a large multisubunit polyprotein which is post-translationally cleaved into mature, structural and nonstructural (NS) proteins. The viral genome encodes the enzyme to carry out cleavage of the large polyprotein, specifically the NS2B-NS3pro cofactor-protease complex-a target of high interest for drug design. One class of recently discovered NS2B-NS3pro inhibitors is the substrate-based trifluoromethyl ketone containing peptides. These compounds interact covalently with the active site Ser135 via a hemiketal adduct. A detailed picture of the intermolecular protease/inhibitor interactions of the hemiketal adduct is crucial for rational drug design. We demonstrate, through the use of protein- and ligand-detected solution-state 19F and 1H NMR methods, an unanticipated multibinding mode behavior of a representative of this class of inhibitors to dengue NS2B-NS3pro. Our results illustrate the highly dynamic nature of both the covalently bound ligand and protease protein structure, and the need to consider these dynamics when designing future inhibitors in this class.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan C Gibbs
- Janssen Research and Development LLC , Welsh & McKean Roads , Spring House , Pennsylvania 19477 , United States
| | - Ruth Steele
- Janssen Research and Development LLC , Welsh & McKean Roads , Spring House , Pennsylvania 19477 , United States
| | - Gaohua Liu
- Nexomics Biosciences, Inc. , 1200 Florence Columbus Road , Bordentown , New Jersey 08505 , United States
| | - Brett A Tounge
- Janssen Research and Development LLC , Welsh & McKean Roads , Spring House , Pennsylvania 19477 , United States
| | - Gaetano T Montelione
- Nexomics Biosciences, Inc. , 1200 Florence Columbus Road , Bordentown , New Jersey 08505 , United States
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34
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Huang YW, Lee CT, Wang TC, Kao YC, Yang CH, Lin YM, Huang KS. The Development of Peptide-based Antimicrobial Agents against Dengue Virus. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2018; 19:998-1010. [PMID: 29852867 PMCID: PMC6446661 DOI: 10.2174/1389203719666180531122724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Dengue fever has become an imminent threat to international public health because of global warming and climate change. The World Health Organization proclaimed that more than 50% of the world's population is at risk of dengue virus (DENV) infection. Therefore, developing a clinically approved vaccine and effective therapeutic remedy for treating dengue fever is imperative. Peptide drug development has become a novel pharmaceutical research field. This article reviews various peptidesbased antimicrobial agents targeting three pathways involved in the DENV lifecycle. Specifically, they are peptide vaccines from immunomodulation, peptide drugs that inhibit virus entry, and peptide drugs that interfere with viral replication. Many antiviral peptide studies against DENV have been conducted in animal model trials, and progression to clinical trials for these promising peptide drugs is anticipated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Keng-Shiang Huang
- Address correspondence to this author at the School of Chinese Medicine for Post-Baccalaureate, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan;, Tel: +886-988-399-979; E-mail:
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35
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Chew MF, Poh KS, Poh CL. Peptides as Therapeutic Agents for Dengue Virus. Int J Med Sci 2017; 14:1342-1359. [PMID: 29200948 PMCID: PMC5707751 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.21875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Dengue is an important global threat caused by dengue virus (DENV) that records an estimated 390 million infections annually. Despite the availability of CYD-TDV as a commercial vaccine, its long-term efficacy against all four dengue virus serotypes remains unsatisfactory. There is therefore an urgent need for the development of antiviral drugs for the treatment of dengue. Peptide was once a neglected choice of medical treatment but it has lately regained interest from the pharmaceutical industry following pioneering advancements in technology. In this review, the design of peptide drugs, antiviral activities and mechanisms of peptides and peptidomimetics (modified peptides) action against dengue virus are discussed. The development of peptides as inhibitors for viral entry, replication and translation is also described, with a focus on the three main targets, namely, the host cell receptors, viral structural proteins and viral non-structural proteins. The antiviral peptides designed based on these approaches may lead to the discovery of novel anti-DENV therapeutics that can treat dengue patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaw-Fang Chew
- Research Centre for Biomedical Sciences, Sunway University, Bandar Sunway, Selangor 47500, Malaysia
| | - Keat-Seong Poh
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Jalan Universiti, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia
| | - Chit-Laa Poh
- Research Centre for Biomedical Sciences, Sunway University, Bandar Sunway, Selangor 47500, Malaysia
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36
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Lei J, Hilgenfeld R. RNA-virus proteases counteracting host innate immunity. FEBS Lett 2017; 591:3190-3210. [PMID: 28850669 PMCID: PMC7163997 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.12827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Virus invasion triggers host immune responses, in particular, innate immune responses. Pathogen‐associated molecular patterns of viruses (such as dsRNA, ssRNA, or viral proteins) released during virus replication are detected by the corresponding pattern‐recognition receptors of the host, and innate immune responses are induced. Through production of type‐I and type‐III interferons as well as various other cytokines, the host innate immune system forms the frontline to protect host cells and inhibit virus infection. Not surprisingly, viruses have evolved diverse strategies to counter this antiviral system. In this review, we discuss the multiple strategies used by proteases of positive‐sense single‐stranded RNA viruses of the families Picornaviridae, Coronaviridae, and Flaviviridae, when counteracting host innate immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Lei
- Institute of Biochemistry, Center for Structural and Cell Biology in Medicine, University of Lübeck, Germany
| | - Rolf Hilgenfeld
- Institute of Biochemistry, Center for Structural and Cell Biology in Medicine, University of Lübeck, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg - Lübeck - Borstel - Riems Site, University of Lübeck, Germany
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37
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Kang C, Keller TH, Luo D. Zika Virus Protease: An Antiviral Drug Target. Trends Microbiol 2017; 25:797-808. [PMID: 28789826 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2017.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2017] [Revised: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The recent outbreak of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection has caused global concern due to its link to severe damage to the brain development of foetuses and neuronal complications in adult patients. A worldwide research effort has been undertaken to identify effective and safe treatment and vaccination options. Among the proposed viral and host components, the viral NS2B-NS3 protease represents an attractive drug target due to its essential role in the virus life cycle. Here, we outline recent progress in studies on the Zika protease. Biochemical, biophysical, and structural studies on different protease constructs provide new insight into the structure and activity of the protease. The unlinked construct displays higher enzymatic activity and better mimics the native state of the enzyme and therefore is better suited for drug discovery. Furthermore, the structure of the free enzyme adopts a closed conformation and a preformed active site. The availability of a lead fragment hit and peptide inhibitors, as well as the attainability of soakable crystals, suggest that the unlinked construct is a promising tool for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- CongBao Kang
- Experimental Therapeutics Centre, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 31 Biopolis way, Nanos, #03-01, 138669, Singapore.
| | - Thomas H Keller
- Experimental Therapeutics Centre, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 31 Biopolis way, Nanos, #03-01, 138669, Singapore.
| | - Dahai Luo
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, EMB 03-07, 59 Nanyang Drive, 636921, Singapore; NTU Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University, EMB 06-01, 59 Nanyang Drive, 636921, Singapore.
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38
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Boldescu V, Behnam MAM, Vasilakis N, Klein CD. Broad-spectrum agents for flaviviral infections: dengue, Zika and beyond. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2017; 16:565-586. [PMID: 28473729 PMCID: PMC5925760 DOI: 10.1038/nrd.2017.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 198] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Infections with flaviviruses, such as dengue, West Nile virus and the recently re-emerging Zika virus, are an increasing and probably lasting global risk. This Review summarizes and comments on the opportunities for broad-spectrum agents that are active against multiple flaviviruses. Broad-spectrum activity is particularly desirable to prepare for the next flaviviral epidemic, which could emerge from as-yet unknown or neglected viruses. Potential molecular targets for broad-spectrum antiflaviviral compounds include viral proteins, such as the viral protease or polymerase, and host targets that are exploited by these viruses during entry and replication, including α-glucosidase and proteins involved in nucleoside biosynthesis. Numerous compounds with broad-spectrum antiviral activity have already been identified by target-specific or phenotypic assays. For other compounds, broad-spectrum activity can be anticipated because of their mode of action and molecular targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veaceslav Boldescu
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Laboratory of Organic Synthesis and Biopharmaceuticals, Institute of Chemistry of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova, Academiei 3, 2028 Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Mira A. M. Behnam
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nikos Vasilakis
- Dept. of Pathology and Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Center for Tropical Diseases and Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, 2.138D Keiller Bldg, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555–0609, USA
| | - Christian D. Klein
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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39
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Dengue Virus NS2B/NS3 Protease Inhibitors Exploiting the Prime Side. J Virol 2017; 91:JVI.00045-17. [PMID: 28298600 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00045-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The mosquito-transmitted dengue virus (DENV) infects millions of people in tropical and subtropical regions. Maturation of DENV particles requires proper cleavage of the viral polyprotein, including processing of 8 of the 13 substrate cleavage sites by dengue virus NS2B/NS3 protease. With no available direct-acting antiviral targeting DENV, NS2/NS3 protease is a promising target for inhibitor design. Current design efforts focus on the nonprime side of the DENV protease active site, resulting in highly hydrophilic and nonspecific scaffolds. However, the prime side also significantly modulates DENV protease binding affinity, as revealed by engineering the binding loop of aprotinin, a small protein with high affinity for DENV protease. In this study, we designed a series of cyclic peptides interacting with both sides of the active site as inhibitors of dengue virus protease. The design was based on two aprotinin loops and aimed to leverage both key specific interactions of substrate sequences and the entropic advantage driving aprotinin's high affinity. By optimizing the cyclization linker, length, and amino acid sequence, the tightest cyclic peptide achieved a Ki value of 2.9 μM against DENV3 wild-type (WT) protease. These inhibitors provide proof of concept that both sides of DENV protease active site can be exploited to potentially achieve specificity and lower hydrophilicity in the design of inhibitors targeting DENV.IMPORTANCE Viruses of the flaviviral family, including DENV and Zika virus transmitted by Aedes aegypti, continue to be a threat to global health by causing major outbreaks in tropical and subtropical regions, with no available direct-acting antivirals for treatment. A better understanding of the molecular requirements for the design of potent and specific inhibitors against flaviviral proteins will contribute to the development of targeted therapies for infections by these viruses. The cyclic peptides reported here as DENV protease inhibitors provide novel scaffolds that enable exploiting the prime side of the protease active site, with the aim of achieving better specificity and lower hydrophilicity than those of current scaffolds in the design of antiflaviviral inhibitors.
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Lin KH, Nalivaika EA, Prachanronarong KL, Yilmaz NK, Schiffer CA. Dengue Protease Substrate Recognition: Binding of the Prime Side. ACS Infect Dis 2016; 2:734-743. [PMID: 27657335 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.6b00131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Dengue virus (DENV), transmitted predominantly in tropical and subtropical regions by the mosquito Aedes aegypti, infects millions of people and leads to dengue fever and thousands of deaths each year. There are no direct-acting antivirals to combat DENV, and molecular and structural knowledge is required to develop such compounds. The dengue NS2B/NS3 protease is a promising target for direct-acting antivirals, as viral polyprotein cleavage during replication is required for the maturation of the viral particle. The NS2B/NS3 protease processes 8 of the 13 viral polyprotein cleavage sites to allow viral maturation. Although these sites share little sequence homology beyond the P1 and P2 positions, most are well conserved among the serotypes. How the other substrate residues, especially at the P' side, affect substrate recognition remains unclear. We exploited the tight-binding general serine protease inhibitor aprotinin to investigate protease-substrate interactions at the molecular level. We engineered aprotinin's binding loop with sequences mimicking the P' side of DENV substrates. P' residues significantly modulate substrate affinity to protease, with inhibition constants varying from nanomolar to sub-millimolar. Structural and dynamic analysis revealed the molecular basis of this modulation and allowed identifying optimal residues for each of the P' positions. In addition, isothermal titration calorimetry showed binding to be solely entropy driven for all constructs. Potential flaviviral P' side inhibitors could benefit from mimicking the optimal residues at P' positions and incorporate hydrophobicity and rigidity to maintain entropic advantage for potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuan-Hung Lin
- Department of Biochemistry
and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Ellen A. Nalivaika
- Department of Biochemistry
and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Kristina L. Prachanronarong
- Department of Biochemistry
and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Nese Kurt Yilmaz
- Department of Biochemistry
and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Celia A. Schiffer
- Department of Biochemistry
and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
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Tahir ul Q M, Kiran S, Ashfaq UA, Javed MR, Anwar F, Ali MA, Gilani AUH. Discovery of Novel Dengue NS2B/NS3 Protease Inhibitors Using
Pharmacophore Modeling and Molecular Docking Based Virtual
Screening of the ZINC Database. INT J PHARMACOL 2016. [DOI: 10.3923/ijp.2016.621.632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Timiri AK, Sinha BN, Jayaprakash V. Progress and prospects on DENV protease inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2016; 117:125-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Revised: 03/28/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Flaviviruses are major causes of infectious disease. The vast global, social and economic impact due to morbidity and mortality associated with diseases caused by these viruses urgently demands effective therapeutic interventions. There is currently no specific antiviral therapy available for the effective clinical treatment of infections by any of the flaviviridae. Development of more effective vaccines and antiviral agents for the prevention and treatment of most flavivirus infections remains a clear public health priority in the 21st century. AREAS COVERED This review describes some of the recent discoveries in the field of flavivirus inhibitor development, with a particular focus on targeting viral proteins. Emphasis is placed on the advances published during the 2012-2015 period. EXPERT OPINION The field of drug discovery targeting viral proteins has progressed slowly in recent years. New information, particularly on structures, location and mechanisms of action of established protein targets have been reported. There have also been studies on repurposing known drugs as templates for targeting flavivirus proteins and these hits could be promising templates for developing new more potent inhibitors. Further research should be conducted to improve in vitro assays that better reflect the conditions found in cellular environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Mei Kok
- a Division of Chemistry and Structural Biology, Institute for Molecular Bioscience , The University of Queensland , Brisbane , Australia
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Piccirillo E, Merget B, Sotriffer CA, do Amaral AT. Conformational flexibility of DENV NS2B/NS3pro: from the inhibitor effect to the serotype influence. J Comput Aided Mol Des 2016; 30:251-70. [DOI: 10.1007/s10822-016-9901-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Abstract
The dengue virus and related flaviviruses are an increasing global health threat. In this perspective, we comment on and review medicinal chemistry efforts aimed at the prevention or treatment of dengue infections. We include target-based approaches aimed at viral or host factors and results from phenotypic screenings in cellular assay systems for viral replication. This perspective is limited to the discussion of results that provide explicit chemistry or structure-activity relationship (SAR), or appear to be of particular interest to the medicinal chemist for other reasons. The discovery and development efforts discussed here may at least partially be extrapolated toward other emerging flaviviral infections, such as West Nile virus. Therefore, this perspective, although not aimed at flaviviruses in general, should also be able to provide an overview of the medicinal chemistry of these closely related infectious agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mira A M Behnam
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University , Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph Nitsche
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University , Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Veaceslav Boldescu
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University , Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.,Laboratory of Organic Synthesis, Institute of Chemistry of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova , Academiei 3, 2028 Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Christian D Klein
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University , Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Behnam MAM, Graf D, Bartenschlager R, Zlotos DP, Klein CD. Discovery of Nanomolar Dengue and West Nile Virus Protease Inhibitors Containing a 4-Benzyloxyphenylglycine Residue. J Med Chem 2015; 58:9354-70. [PMID: 26562070 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b01441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The dengue virus (DENV) and West Nile Virus (WNV) NS2B-NS3 proteases are attractive targets for the development of dual-acting therapeutics against these arboviral pathogens. We present the synthesis and extensive biological evaluation of inhibitors that contain benzyl ethers of 4-hydroxyphenylglycine as non-natural peptidic building blocks synthesized via a copper-complex intermediate. A three-step optimization strategy, beginning with fragment growth of the C-terminal 4-hydroxyphenylglycine to the benzyloxy ether, followed by C- and N-terminal optimization, and finally fragment merging generated compounds with in vitro affinities in the low nanomolar range. The most promising derivative reached Ki values of 12 nM at the DENV-2 and 39 nM at the WNV proteases. Several of the newly discovered protease inhibitors yielded a significant reduction of dengue and West Nile virus titers in cell-based assays of virus replication, with an EC50 value of 3.4 μM at DENV-2 and 15.5 μM at WNV for the most active analogue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mira A M Behnam
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University , Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dominik Graf
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University , Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ralf Bartenschlager
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University , Im Neuenheimer Feld 345, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research, Heidelberg University , Im Neuenheimer Feld 345, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Darius P Zlotos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The German University in Cairo , New Cairo City, 11835 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Christian D Klein
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University , Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Anusuya S, Velmurugan D, Gromiha MM. Identification of dengue viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase inhibitor using computational fragment-based approaches and molecular dynamics study. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2015; 34:1512-32. [DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2015.1081620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shanmugam Anusuya
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Devadasan Velmurugan
- Centre of Advanced Study in Crystallography and Biophysics, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai 600 025, India
- Bioinformatics Infrastructure Facility (BIF), University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai 600 025, India
| | - M. Michael Gromiha
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, Tamil Nadu, India
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Weigel LF, Nitsche C, Graf D, Bartenschlager R, Klein CD. Phenylalanine and Phenylglycine Analogues as Arginine Mimetics in Dengue Protease Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2015; 58:7719-33. [PMID: 26367391 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b00612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Dengue virus is an increasingly global pathogen. One of the promising targets for antiviral drug discovery against dengue and related flaviviruses such as West Nile virus is the viral serine protease NS2B-NS3. We here report the synthesis and in vitro characterization of potent peptidic inhibitors of dengue virus protease that incorporate phenylalanine and phenylglycine derivatives as arginine-mimicking groups with modulated basicity. The most promising compounds were (4-amidino)-L-phenylalanine-containing inhibitors, which reached nanomolar affinities against dengue virus protease. The type and position of the substituents on the phenylglycine and phenylalanine side chains has a significant effect on the inhibitory activity against dengue virus protease and selectivity against other proteases. In addition, the non-natural, basic amino acids described here may have relevance for the development of other peptidic and peptidomimetic drugs such as inhibitors of the blood clotting cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena F Weigel
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University , Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph Nitsche
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University , Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dominik Graf
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University , Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ralf Bartenschlager
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University , Im Neuenheimer Feld 345, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research, Heidelberg University , D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian D Klein
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University , Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Bastos Lima A, Behnam MA, El Sherif Y, Nitsche C, Vechi SM, Klein CD. Dual inhibitors of the dengue and West Nile virus NS2B–NS3 proteases: Synthesis, biological evaluation and docking studies of novel peptide-hybrids. Bioorg Med Chem 2015; 23:5748-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2015.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Revised: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/09/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Policresulen, a novel NS2B/NS3 protease inhibitor, effectively inhibits the replication of DENV2 virus in BHK-21 cells. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2015; 36:1126-36. [PMID: 26279156 DOI: 10.1038/aps.2015.56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 05/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Dengue is a severe epidemic disease caused by dengue virus (DENV) infection, for which no effective treatment is available. The protease complex, consisting of nonstructural protein 3 (NS3) and its cofactor NS2B, plays a pivotal role in the replication of DENV, thus may be a potential target for anti-DENV drugs. Here, we report a novel inhibitor of DENV2 NS2B/NS3 protease and its antiviral action. METHODS An enzymatic inhibition assay was used for screening DENV2 NS2B/NS3 inhibitors. Cytotoxicity to BHK-21 cells was assessed with MTT assay. Antiviral activity was evaluated in BHK-21 cells transfected with Rlu-DENV-Rep. The molecular mechanisms of the antiviral action was analyzed using surface plasmon resonance, ultraviolet-visible spectral analysis and differential scanning calorimetry assays, as well as molecular docking analysis combined with site-directed mutagenesis. RESULTS In our in-house library of old drugs (~1000 compounds), a topical hemostatic and antiseptic 2-hydroxy-3,5-bis[(4-hydroxy-2-methyl-5-sulfophenyl)methyl]-4-methyl-benzene-sulfonic acid (policresulen) was found to be a potent inhibitor of DENV2 NS2B/NS3 protease with IC50 of 0.48 μg/mL. Furthermore, policresulen inhibited DENV2 replication in BHK-21 cells with IC50 of 4.99 μg/mL, whereas its IC50 for cytotoxicity to BHK-21 cells was 459.45 μg/mL. Policresulen acted as a competitive inhibitor of the protease, and slightly affected the protease stability. Using biophysical technology-based assays and molecular docking analysis combined with site-directed mutagenesis, we demonstrated that the residues Gln106 and Arg133 of DENV2 NS2B/NS3 protease directly interacted with policresulen via hydrogen bonding. CONCLUSION Policresulen is a potent inhibitor of DENV2 NS2B/NS3 protease that inhibits DENV2 replication in BHK-21 cells. The binding mode of the protease and policresulen provides useful hints for designing new type of inhibitors against the protease.
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