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Huber S, Braun NJ, Schmacke LC, Murra R, Bender D, Hildt E, Heine A, Steinmetzer T. Synthesis and structural characterization of new macrocyclic inhibitors of the Zika virus NS2B-NS3 protease. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2024:e2400250. [PMID: 38809037 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202400250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Three new series of macrocyclic active site-directed inhibitors of the Zika virus (ZIKV) NS2B-NS3 protease were synthesized. First, attempts were made to replace the basic P3 lysine residue of our previously described inhibitors with uncharged and more hydrophobic residues. This provided numerous compounds with inhibition constants between 30 and 50 nM. A stronger reduction of the inhibitory potency was observed when the P2 lysine was replaced by neutral residues, all of these inhibitors possess Ki values >1 µM. However, it is possible to replace the P2 lysine with the less basic 3-aminomethylphenylalanine, which provides a similarly potent inhibitor of the ZIKV protease (Ki = 2.69 nM). Crystal structure investigations showed that the P2 benzylamine structure forms comparable interactions with the protease as lysine. Twelve additional structures of these inhibitors in complex with the protease were determined, which explain many, but not all, SAR data obtained in this study. All individual modifications in the P2 or P3 position resulted in inhibitors with low antiviral efficacy in cell culture. Therefore, a third inhibitor series with combined modifications was synthesized; all of them contain a more hydrophobic d-cyclohexylalanine in the linker segment. At a concentration of 40 µM, two of these compounds possess similar antiviral potency as ribavirin at 100 µM. Due to their reliable crystallization in complex with the ZIKV protease, these cyclic compounds are very well suited for a rational structure-based development of improved inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Huber
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Niklas J Braun
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Luna C Schmacke
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Robin Murra
- Department of Virology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Federal Institute for Vaccines and Biomedicines, Langen, Germany
| | - Daniela Bender
- Department of Virology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Federal Institute for Vaccines and Biomedicines, Langen, Germany
| | - Eberhard Hildt
- Department of Virology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Federal Institute for Vaccines and Biomedicines, Langen, Germany
| | - Andreas Heine
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Torsten Steinmetzer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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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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3
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Serafim MSM, Kronenberger T, Rocha REO, Rosa ADRA, Mello TLG, Poso A, Ferreira RS, Abrahão JS, Kroon EG, Mota BEF, Maltarollo VG. Aminopyrimidine Derivatives as Multiflavivirus Antiviral Compounds Identified from a Consensus Virtual Screening Approach. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:393-411. [PMID: 38194508 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Around three billion people are at risk of infection by the dengue virus (DENV) and potentially other flaviviruses. Worldwide outbreaks of DENV, Zika virus (ZIKV), and yellow fever virus (YFV), the lack of antiviral drugs, and limitations on vaccine usage emphasize the need for novel antiviral research. Here, we propose a consensus virtual screening approach to discover potential protease inhibitors (NS3pro) against different flavivirus. We employed an in silico combination of a hologram quantitative structure-activity relationship (HQSAR) model and molecular docking on characterized binding sites followed by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, which filtered a data set of 7.6 million compounds to 2,775 hits. Lastly, docking and MD simulations selected six final potential NS3pro inhibitors with stable interactions along the simulations. Five compounds had their antiviral activity confirmed against ZIKV, YFV, DENV-2, and DENV-3 (ranging from 4.21 ± 0.14 to 37.51 ± 0.8 μM), displaying aggregator characteristics for enzymatic inhibition against ZIKV NS3pro (ranging from 28 ± 7 to 70 ± 7 μM). Taken together, the compounds identified in this approach may contribute to the design of promising candidates to treat different flavivirus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateus Sá Magalhães Serafim
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Thales Kronenberger
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry and Tübingen Center for Academic Drug Discovery (TüCAD2), Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, Tübingen 72076, Germany
- Excellence Cluster "Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections" (CMFI), Tübingen 72076, Germany
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio 70211, Finland
| | - Rafael Eduardo Oliveira Rocha
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Amanda Del Rio Abreu Rosa
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Thaysa Lara Gonçalves Mello
- Departamento de Produtos Farmacêuticos, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Antti Poso
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry and Tübingen Center for Academic Drug Discovery (TüCAD2), Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, Tübingen 72076, Germany
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio 70211, Finland
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology, University Hospital of Tübingen, Tübingen 70211, Germany
| | - Rafaela Salgado Ferreira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Jonatas Santos Abrahão
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Erna Geessien Kroon
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Bruno Eduardo Fernandes Mota
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Vinícius Gonçalves Maltarollo
- Departamento de Produtos Farmacêuticos, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
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Structural Insights into Plasticity and Discovery of Flavonoid Allosteric Inhibitors of Flavivirus NS2B–NS3 Protease. BIOPHYSICA 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/biophysica3010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Flaviviruses are among the most critical pathogens in tropical regions; they cause various severe diseases in developing countries but are not restricted to these countries. The development of antiviral therapeutics is crucial for managing flavivirus outbreaks. Ten proteins are encoded in the flavivirus RNA. The N2B–NS3pro protein complex plays a fundamental role in flavivirus replication and is a promising drug target; however, no flavivirus protease inhibitors have progressed to the preclinical stage. This study analyzed the structural models and plasticity of the NS2B–NS3pro protein complex of five medically important non-dengue flaviviruses (West Nile, Rocio, Ilhéus, yellow fever, and Saint Louis encephalitis). The flavonoids amentoflavone, tetrahydrorobustaflavone, and quercetin were selected for their exceptional binding energies as potential inhibitors of the NS2B–NS3pro protein complex. AutoDock Vina results ranged from −7.0 kcal/mol to −11.5 kcal/mol and the compounds preferentially acted non-competitively. Additionally, the first structural model for the NS2B–NS3pro protein complex was proposed for Ilhéus and Rocio viruses. The NS2B–NS3pro protease is an attractive molecular target for drug development. The three identified natural flavonoids showed great inhibitory potential against the viral species. Nevertheless, further in silico and in vitro studies are required to obtain more information regarding NS2B–NS3pro inhibition by these flavonoids and their therapeutic potential.
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Dengue virus infection - a review of pathogenesis, vaccines, diagnosis and therapy. Virus Res 2023; 324:199018. [PMID: 36493993 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2022.199018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The transmission of dengue virus (DENV) from an infected Aedes mosquito to a human, causes illness ranging from mild dengue fever to fatal dengue shock syndrome. The similar conserved structure and sequence among distinct DENV serotypes or different flaviviruses has resulted in the occurrence of cross reaction followed by antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE). Thus far, the vaccine which can provide effective protection against infection by different DENV serotypes remains the biggest hurdle to overcome. Therefore, deep investigation is crucial for the potent and effective therapeutic drugs development. In addition, the cross-reactivity of flaviviruses that leads to false diagnosis in clinical settings could result to delay proper intervention management. Thus, the accurate diagnostic with high specificity and sensitivity is highly required to provide prompt diagnosis in respect to render early treatment for DENV infected individuals. In this review, the recent development of neutralizing antibodies, antiviral agents, and vaccine candidates in therapeutic platform for DENV infection will be discussed. Moreover, the discovery of antigenic cryptic epitopes, principle of molecular mimicry, and application of single-chain or single-domain antibodies towards DENV will also be presented.
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Abstract
In the design and development of therapeutic agents, macromolecules with restricted structures have stronger competitive edges than linear biological entities since cyclization can overcome the limitations of linear structures. The common issues of linear peptides include susceptibility to degradation of the peptidase enzyme, off-target effects, and necessity of routine dosing, leading to instability and ineffectiveness. The unique conformational constraint of cyclic peptides provides a larger surface area to interact with the target at the same time, improving the membrane permeability and in vivo stability compared to their linear counterparts. Currently, cyclic peptides have been reported to possess various activities, such as antifungal, antiviral and antimicrobial activities. To date, there is emerging interest in cyclic peptide therapeutics, and increasing numbers of clinically approved cyclic peptide drugs are available on the market. In this review, the medical significance of cyclic peptides in the defence against viral infections will be highlighted. Except for chikungunya virus, which lacks specific antiviral treatment, all the viral diseases targeted in this review are those with effective treatments yet with certain limitations to date. Thus, strategies and approaches to optimise the antiviral effect of cyclic peptides will be discussed along with their respective outcomes. Apart from isolated naturally occurring cyclic peptides, chemically synthesized or modified cyclic peptides with antiviral activities targeting coronavirus, herpes simplex viruses, human immunodeficiency virus, Ebola virus, influenza virus, dengue virus, five main hepatitis viruses, termed as type A, B, C, D and E and chikungunya virus will be reviewed herein. Graphical Abstract
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Novel Aporphine- and Proaporphine-Clerodane Hybrids Identified from the Barks of Taiwanese Polyalthia longifolia (Sonn.) Thwaites var. pendula with Strong Anti-DENV2 Activity. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15101218. [PMID: 36297330 PMCID: PMC9610793 DOI: 10.3390/ph15101218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hybrid natural products produced via mixed biosynthetic pathways are unique and often surprise one with unexpected medicinal properties in addition to their fascinating structural complexity/diversity. In view of chemical structures, hybridization is a way of diversifying natural products usually through dimerization of two similar or dissimilar subcomponents through a C-C or N-C covalent linkage. Here, we report four structurally attractive diterpene-alkaloid conjugates polyalongarins A-D (1-4), clerodane-containing aporphine and proaporphine alkaloids, the first of its kind from the barks of Taiwanese Polyalthia longifolia (Sonn.) Thwaites var. pendula. In addition to conventional spectroscopic analysis, single crystal X-ray crystallography was employed to determine the chemical structures and stereo-configurations of 1. Compounds 1-4 were subsequently subjected to in vitro antiviral examination against DENV2 by evaluating the expression level of the NS2B protein in DENV2-infected Huh-7 cells. These compounds display encouraging anti-DENV2 activity with superb EC50 (2.8-6.4 μM) and CC50 values (50.4-200 μM). The inhibitory mechanism of 1-4 on NS2B was further explored drawing on in-silico molecular docking analysis. Based on calculated binding affinities and predicted interactions between the functional groups of 1-4 and the allosteric-site residues of the DENV2 NS2B-NS3 protease, our analysis concludes that the clerodane-aporphine/proaporphine-type hybrids are novel and effective DENV NS2B-NS3 protease inhibitors.
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Guarracino DA, Iannaccone J, Cabrera A, Kancharla S. Harnessing the Therapeutic Potential and Biological Activity of Antiviral Peptides. Chembiochem 2022; 23:e202200415. [PMID: 36075015 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202200415] [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: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Peptides are ideal candidates for the development of antiviral therapeutics due to their specificity, chemical diversity and potential for highly potent, safe, molecular interventions. By restricting conformational freedom and flexibility, cyclic peptides frequently increase peptide stability. Viral targets are often very challenging as their evasive strategies for infectivity can preclude standard therapies. In recent years, several peptides from natural sources mitigated an array of viral infections. In parallel, short peptides derived from key viral proteins, modified with chemical groups such as lipids and cell-penetrating sequences, led to highly effective antiviral inhibitor designs. These strategies have been further developed during the recent COVID-19 pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Several anti-SARS-CoV-2 peptides are gaining ground in pre-clinical development. Overall, peptides are strong contenders for lead compounds against many life-threatening viruses and may prove to be the key to future efforts revealing viral mechanisms of action and alleviating their effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sneha Kancharla
- The College of New Jersey School of Science, Chemistry, UNITED STATES
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9
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Qian X, Qi Z. Mosquito-Borne Flaviviruses and Current Therapeutic Advances. Viruses 2022; 14:v14061226. [PMID: 35746697 PMCID: PMC9229039 DOI: 10.3390/v14061226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Mosquito-borne flavivirus infections affect approximately 400 million people worldwide each year and are global threats to public health. The common diseases caused by such flaviviruses include West Nile, yellow fever, dengue, Zika infection and Japanese encephalitis, which may result in severe symptoms and disorders of multiple organs or even fatal outcomes. Till now, no specific antiviral agents are commercially available for the treatment of the diseases. Numerous strategies have been adopted to develop novel and promising inhibitors against mosquito-borne flaviviruses, including drugs targeting the critical viral components or essential host factors during infection. Research advances in antiflaviviral therapy might optimize and widen the treatment options for flavivirus infection. This review summarizes the current developmental progresses and involved molecular mechanisms of antiviral agents against mosquito-borne flaviviruses.
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Antiviral Agents against Flavivirus Protease: Prospect and Future Direction. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11030293. [PMID: 35335617 PMCID: PMC8955721 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11030293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Flaviviruses cause a significant amount of mortality and morbidity, especially in regions where they are endemic. A recent example is the outbreak of Zika virus throughout the world. Development of antiviral drugs against different viral targets is as important as the development of vaccines. During viral replication, a single polyprotein precursor (PP) is produced and further cleaved into individual proteins by a viral NS2B-NS3 protease complex together with host proteases. Flavivirus protease is one of the most attractive targets for development of therapeutic antivirals because it is essential for viral PP processing, leading to active viral proteins. In this review, we have summarized recent development in drug discovery targeting the NS2B-NS3 protease of flaviviruses, especially Zika, dengue, and West Nile viruses.
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Shimu MSS, Mahmud S, Tallei TE, Sami SA, Adam AA, Acharjee UK, Paul GK, Emran TB, Zaman S, Uddin MS, Saleh MA, Alshehri S, Ghoneim MM, Alruwali M, Obaidullah AJ, Jui NR, Kim J, Kim B. Phytochemical Compound Screening to Identify Novel Small Molecules against Dengue Virus: A Docking and Dynamics Study. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27030653. [PMID: 35163918 PMCID: PMC8840231 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27030653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The spread of the Dengue virus over the world, as well as multiple outbreaks of different serotypes, has resulted in a large number of deaths and a medical emergency, as no viable medications to treat Dengue virus patients have yet been found. In this paper, we provide an in silico virtual screening and molecular dynamics-based analysis to uncover efficient Dengue infection inhibitors. Based on a Google search and literature mining, a large phytochemical library was generated and employed as ligand molecules. In this investigation, the protein target NS2B/NS3 from Dengue was employed, and around 27 compounds were evaluated in a docking study. Phellodendroside (−63 kcal/mole), quercimeritrin (−59.5 kcal/mole), and quercetin-7-O-rutinoside (−54.1 kcal/mole) were chosen based on their binding free energy in MM-GBSA. The tested compounds generated numerous interactions at Lys74, Asn152, and Gln167 residues in the active regions of NS2B/NS3, which is needed for the protein’s inhibition. As a result, the stable mode of docked complexes is defined by various descriptors from molecular dynamics simulations, such as RMSD, SASA, Rg, RMSF, and hydrogen bond. The pharmacological properties of the compounds were also investigated, and no toxicity was found in computational ADMET properties calculations. As a result, this computational analysis may aid fellow researchers in developing innovative Dengue virus inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shafi Mahmud
- Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh; (S.M.); (G.K.P.); (S.Z.); (M.S.U.)
| | - Trina Ekwati Tallei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Sam Ratulangi University, Manado 95115, Indonesia;
| | - Saad Ahmed Sami
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Chittagong, Chittagong 4331, Bangladesh;
| | - Ahmad Akroman Adam
- Dentistry Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Sam Ratulangi University, Manado 95115, Indonesia;
| | - Uzzal Kumar Acharjee
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh;
- Correspondence: (U.K.A.); (M.A.S.); (B.K.)
| | - Gobindo Kumar Paul
- Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh; (S.M.); (G.K.P.); (S.Z.); (M.S.U.)
| | - Talha Bin Emran
- Department of Pharmacy, BGC Trust University Bangladesh, Chittagong 4381, Bangladesh;
| | - Shahriar Zaman
- Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh; (S.M.); (G.K.P.); (S.Z.); (M.S.U.)
| | - Md. Salah Uddin
- Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh; (S.M.); (G.K.P.); (S.Z.); (M.S.U.)
| | - Md. Abu Saleh
- Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh; (S.M.); (G.K.P.); (S.Z.); (M.S.U.)
- Correspondence: (U.K.A.); (M.A.S.); (B.K.)
| | - Sultan Alshehri
- Department of Pharamaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Mohammed M Ghoneim
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharamcy, AlMaarefa University, Ad Diriyah 13713, Saudi Arabia; (M.M.G.); (M.A.)
| | - Maha Alruwali
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharamcy, AlMaarefa University, Ad Diriyah 13713, Saudi Arabia; (M.M.G.); (M.A.)
| | - Ahmad J. Obaidullah
- Drug Exploration and Development Chair (DEDC), Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nabilah Rahman Jui
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Science and Technology, Chittagong 4202, Bangladesh;
| | - Junghwan Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea;
| | - Bonglee Kim
- Department of Pathology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Hoegidong Dongdaemungu, Seoul 05253, Korea
- Correspondence: (U.K.A.); (M.A.S.); (B.K.)
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12
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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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Murtuja S, Shilkar D, Sarkar B, Sinha BN, Jayaprakash V. A short survey of dengue protease inhibitor development in the past 6 years (2015-2020) with an emphasis on similarities between DENV and SARS-CoV-2 proteases. Bioorg Med Chem 2021; 49:116415. [PMID: 34601454 PMCID: PMC8450225 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2021.116415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Dengue remains a disease of significant concern, responsible for nearly half of all arthropod-borne disease cases across the globe. Due to the lack of potent and targeted therapeutics, palliative treatment and the adoption of preventive measures remain the only available options. Compounding the problem further, the failure of the only dengue vaccine, Dengvaxia®, also delivered a significant blow to any hopes for the treatment of dengue fever. However, the success of Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) protease inhibitors in the past have continued to encourage researchers to investigate other viral protease targets. Dengue virus (DENV) NS2B-NS3 protease is an attractive target partly due to its role in polyprotein processing and also for being the most conserved domain in the viral genome. During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, a few cases of Dengue-COVID 19 co-infection were reported. In this review, we compared the substrate-peptide residue preferences and the residues lining the sub-pockets of the proteases of these two viruses and analyzed the significance of this similarity. Also, we attempted to abridge the developments in anti-dengue drug discovery in the last six years (2015-2020), focusing on critical discoveries that influenced the research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheikh Murtuja
- 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 Jayaprakash
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technology, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi 835215 (JH), India.
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14
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Al-Wahaibi LH, Mostafa A, Mostafa YA, Abou-Ghadir OF, Abdelazeem AH, Gouda AM, Kutkat O, Abo Shama NM, Shehata M, Gomaa HAM, Abdelrahman MH, Mohamed FAM, Gu X, Ali MA, Trembleau L, Youssif BGM. Discovery of novel oxazole-based macrocycles as anti-coronaviral agents targeting SARS-CoV-2 main protease. Bioorg Chem 2021; 116:105363. [PMID: 34555629 PMCID: PMC8445767 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
We have discovered a family of synthetic oxazole-based macrocycles to be active against SARS-CoV-2. The synthesis, pharmacological properties, and docking studies of the compounds are reported in this study. The structure of the new macrocycles was confirmed by NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Compounds 13, 14, and 15a-c were evaluated for their anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity on SARS-COV-2 (NRC-03-nhCoV) virus in Vero-E6 cells. Isopropyl triester 13 and triacid 14 demonstrated superior inhibitory activities against SARS-CoV-2 compared to carboxamides 15a-c. MTT cytotoxicity assays showed that the CC50 (50% cytotoxicity concentration) of 13, 14, and 15a-c ranged from 159.1 to 741.8 μM and their safety indices ranged from 2.50 to 39.1. Study of the viral inhibition via different mechanisms of action (viral adsorption, replication, or virucidal property) showed that 14 had mild virucidal (60%) and inhibitory effects on virus adsorption (66%) at 20 μM concentrations. Compound 13 displayed several inhibitory effects at three levels, but the potency of its action is primarily virucidal. The inhibitory activity of compounds 13, 14, and 15a-c against the enzyme SARS-CoV-2 Mpro was evaluated. Isopropyl triester 13 had a significant inhibition activity against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro with an IC50 of 2.58 µM. Large substituents on the macrocyclic template significantly reduced the inhibitory effects of the compounds. Study of the docking of the compounds in the SARS CoV-2-Mpro active site showed that the most potent macrocycles 13 and 14 exhibited the best fit and highest affinity for the active site binding pocket. Taken together, the present study shows that the new macrocyclic compounds constitute a new family of SARS CoV-2-Mpro inhibitors that are worth being further optimized and developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lamya H Al-Wahaibi
- Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Ahmed Mostafa
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Yaser A Mostafa
- Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt
| | - Ola F Abou-Ghadir
- Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt
| | - Ahmed H Abdelazeem
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62514, Egypt; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Riyadh Elm University, Riyadh 11681, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed M Gouda
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62514, Egypt
| | - Omnia Kutkat
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Noura M Abo Shama
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Shehata
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Hesham A M Gomaa
- Pharmacology Department, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka, Aljouf 72341, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mostafa H Abdelrahman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut 71524, Egypt; Chemistry Department, School of Natural and Computing Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Meston Building, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, United Kingdom
| | - Fatma A M Mohamed
- Clinical Laboratory Science Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Aljouf 72341, Saudi Arabia; Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21321, Egypt
| | - Xuyuan Gu
- Chemistry Department, School of Natural and Computing Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Meston Building, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, United Kingdom
| | - Mohamed A Ali
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Laurent Trembleau
- Chemistry Department, School of Natural and Computing Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Meston Building, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, United Kingdom.
| | - Bahaa G M Youssif
- Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt.
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15
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Facile Synthesis and In Vitro Activity of N-Substituted 1,2-Benzisothiazol-3(2 H)-ones against Dengue Virus NS2BNS3 Protease. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10040464. [PMID: 33921368 PMCID: PMC8070447 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10040464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Several new N-substituted 1,2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-ones (BITs) were synthesised through a facile synthetic route for testing their anti-dengue protease inhibition. Contrary to the conventional multistep synthesis, we achieved structurally diverse BITs with excellent yields using a two-step, one-pot reaction strategy. All the synthesised compounds were prescreened for drug-like properties using the online Swiss Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Elimination (SwissADME) model, indicating their favourable pharmaceutical properties. Thus, the synthesised BITs were tested for inhibitory activity against the recombinant dengue virus serotype-2 (DENV-2) NS2BNS3 protease. Dose–response experiments and computational docking analyses revealed that several BITs bind to the protease in the vicinity of the catalytic triad with IC50 values in the micromolar range. The DENV2 infection assay showed that two BITs, 2-(2-chlorophenyl)benzo[d]isothiazol-3(2H)-one and 2-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)benzo[d]isothiazol-3(2H)-one, could suppress DENV replication and virus infectivity. These results indicate the potential of BITs for developing new anti-dengue therapeutics.
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16
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Zhang Y, Zhang TJ, Tu S, Zhang ZH, Meng FH. Identification of Novel Src Inhibitors: Pharmacophore-Based Virtual Screening, Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulations. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25184094. [PMID: 32911607 PMCID: PMC7571137 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25184094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Src plays a crucial role in many signaling pathways and contributes to a variety of cancers. Therefore, Src has long been considered an attractive drug target in oncology. However, the development of Src inhibitors with selectivity and novelty has been challenging. In the present study, pharmacophore-based virtual screening and molecular docking were carried out to identify potential Src inhibitors. A total of 891 molecules were obtained after pharmacophore-based virtual screening, and 10 molecules with high docking scores and strong interactions were selected as potential active molecules for further study. Absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination and toxicity (ADMET) property evaluation was used to ascertain the drug-like properties of the obtained molecules. The proposed inhibitor–protein complexes were further subjected to molecular dynamics (MD) simulations involving root-mean-square deviation and root-mean-square fluctuation to explore the binding mode stability inside active pockets. Finally, two molecules (ZINC3214460 and ZINC1380384) were obtained as potential lead compounds against Src kinase. All these analyses provide a reference for the further development of novel Src inhibitors.
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17
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Vishvakarma VK, Chandra R, Singh P. An Experimental and Theoretical Approach to Understand Fever, DENF & its Cure. Infect Disord Drug Targets 2020; 21:495-513. [PMID: 32888275 DOI: 10.2174/1871526520999200905122052] [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: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Fever is a response of a human body, due to an increase in the temperature, against certain stimuli. It may be associated with several reasons and one of the major causes of fever is a mosquito bite. Fever due to dengue virus (DENV) infection is being paid most attention out of several other fever types because of a large number of deaths reported worldwide. Dengue virus is transmitted by biting of the mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. DENV1, DENV2, DENV3 and DENV4 are the four serotypes of dengue virus and these serotypes have 65% similarities in their genomic structure. The genome of DENV is composed of single-stranded RNA and it encodes for the polyprotein. Structural and non-structural proteins (nsP) are the two major parts of polyprotein. Researchers have paid high attention to the non-structural protease (nsP) of DENV like nsP1, nsP2A, nsP2B, nsP3, nsP4A, nsP4B and nsP5. The NS2B-NS3 protease of DENV is the prime target of the researchers as it is responsible for the catalytic activity. In the present time, Dengvaxia (vaccine) is being recommended to patients suffering severely from DENV infection in few countries only. Till date, neither a vaccine nor an effective medicine is available to combat all four serotypes. This review describes the fever, its causes, and studies to cure the infection due to DENV using theoretical and experimental approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Kumar Vishvakarma
- Department of Chemistry, Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Ramesh Chandra
- Drug Discovery & Development Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Prashant Singh
- Department of Chemistry, Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
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18
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Peptides targeting dengue viral nonstructural protein 1 inhibit dengue virus production. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12933. [PMID: 32737386 PMCID: PMC7395749 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69515-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses manipulate the life cycle in host cells via the use of viral properties and host machineries. Development of antiviral peptides against dengue virus (DENV) infection has previously been concentrated on blocking the actions of viral structural proteins and enzymes in virus entry and viral RNA processing in host cells. In this study, we proposed DENV NS1, which is a multifunctional non-structural protein indispensable for virus production, as a new target for inhibition of DENV infection by specific peptides. We performed biopanning assays using a phage-displayed peptide library and identified 11 different sequences of 12-mer peptides binding to DENV NS1. In silico analyses of peptide-protein interactions revealed 4 peptides most likely to bind to DENV NS1 at specific positions and their association was analysed by surface plasmon resonance. Treatment of Huh7 cells with these 4 peptides conjugated with N-terminal fluorescent tag and C-terminal cell penetrating tag at varying time-of-addition post-DENV infection could inhibit the production of DENV-2 in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The inhibitory effects of the peptides were also observed in other virus serotypes (DENV-1 and DENV-4), but not in DENV-3. These findings indicate the potential application of peptides targeting DENV NS1 as antiviral agents against DENV infection.
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19
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Shanmugam A, Ramakrishnan C, Velmurugan D, Gromiha MM. Identification of Potential Inhibitors for Targets Involved in Dengue Fever. Curr Top Med Chem 2020; 20:1742-1760. [PMID: 32552652 DOI: 10.2174/1568026620666200618123026] [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: 10/20/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Lethality due to dengue infection is a global threat. Nearly 400 million people are affected every year, which approximately costs 500 million dollars for surveillance and vector control itself. Many investigations on the structure-function relationship of proteins expressed by the dengue virus are being made for more than a decade and had come up with many reports on small molecule drug discovery. In this review, we present a detailed note on viral proteins and their functions as well as the inhibitors discovered/designed so far using experimental and computational methods. Further, the phytoconstituents from medicinal plants, specifically the extract of the papaya leaves, neem and bael, which combat dengue infection via dengue protease, helicase, methyl transferase and polymerase are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anusuya Shanmugam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Vinayaka Mission's Kirupananda Variyar Engineering College, Vinayaka Mission's Research Foundation (Deemed to be University), Salem - 636308, India
| | - Chandrasekaran Ramakrishnan
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, Chennai - 600036, India
| | - Devadasan Velmurugan
- Centre of Advanced Study in Crystallography and Biophysics, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai - 600025, India
| | - M Michael Gromiha
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, Chennai - 600036, India
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20
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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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21
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Choi JS, Joo SH. Recent Trends in Cyclic Peptides as Therapeutic Agents and Biochemical Tools. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2020; 28:18-24. [PMID: 31597413 PMCID: PMC6939695 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2019.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Notable progress has been made in the therapeutic and research applications of cyclic peptides since our previous review. New drugs based on cyclic peptides are entering the market, such as plecanatide, a cyclic peptide approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration in 2017 for the treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation. In this review, we discuss recent developments in stapled peptides, prepared with the use of chemical linkers, and bicyclic/tricyclic peptides with more than two rings. These have widespread applications for clinical and research purposes: imaging, diagnostics, improvement of oral absorption, enzyme inhibition, development of receptor agonist/antagonist, and the modulation of protein-protein interaction or protein-RNA interaction. Many cyclic peptides are expected to emerge as therapeutics and biochemical tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joon-Seok Choi
- College of Pharmacy, Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongsan 38430, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Hoon Joo
- College of Pharmacy, Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongsan 38430, Republic of Korea
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22
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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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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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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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25
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El Arnaout T, Soulimane T. Targeting Lipoprotein Biogenesis: Considerations towards Antimicrobials. Trends Biochem Sci 2019; 44:701-715. [PMID: 31036406 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2019.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Decades have passed without approval of a new antibiotic class. Several companies have recently halted related discovery efforts because of multiple obstacles. One promising route under research is to target the lipoprotein maturation pathway in light of major recent findings and the virulence roles of lipoproteins. To support the future design of selective drugs, considerations and priority-setting are established for the main lipoprotein processing enzymes (Lgt, LspA, and Lnt) based on microbiology, biochemistry, structural biology, chemical design, and pharmacology. Although not all bacterial species will be similarly impacted by drug candidates, several advantages make LspA a top target to pursue in the development of novel antibiotics effective against bacteria that are resistant to existing drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toufic El Arnaout
- Kappa Crystals Ltd, Dublin, Ireland; School of Food Science and Environmental Health, Technological University (TU) Dublin City Campus, TU, Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Tewfik Soulimane
- Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland; Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
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26
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Dengue drug discovery: Progress, challenges and outlook. Antiviral Res 2018; 163:156-178. [PMID: 30597183 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2018.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 12/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In the context of the only available vaccine (DENGVAXIA) that was marketed in several countries, but poses higher risks to unexposed individuals, the development of antivirals for dengue virus (DENV), whilst challenging, would bring significant benefits to public health. Here recent progress in the field of DENV drug discovery made in academic laboratories and industry is reviewed. Characteristics of an ideal DENV antiviral molecule, given the specific immunopathology provoked by this acute viral infection, are described. New chemical classes identified from biochemical, biophysical and phenotypic screens that target viral (especially NS4B) and host proteins, offer promising opportunities for further development. In particular, new methodologies ("omics") can accelerate the discovery of much awaited flavivirus specific inhibitors. Challenges and opportunities in lead identification activities as well as the path to clinical development of dengue drugs are discussed. To galvanize DENV drug discovery, collaborative public-public partnerships and open-access resources will greatly benefit both the DENV research community and DENV patients.
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27
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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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Potent Inhibition of Hepatitis E Virus Release by a Cyclic Peptide Inhibitor of the Interaction between Viral Open Reading Frame 3 Protein and Host Tumor Susceptibility Gene 101. J Virol 2018; 92:JVI.00684-18. [PMID: 30068652 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00684-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) generally causes self-limiting acute viral hepatitis in normal individuals. It causes a more severe disease in immunocompromised persons and pregnant women. Due to the lack of an efficient cell culture system or animal model, the life cycle of the virus is understudied, few antiviral targets are known, and very few antiviral candidates against HEV infection have been identified. Inhibition of virus release is one possible antiviral development strategy, which limits the spread of the virus. Previous studies have demonstrated the essential role of the interaction between the PSAP motif of the viral open reading frame 3 protein (ORF3-PSAP) and the UEV domain of the host tumor susceptibility gene 101 (TSG101) protein (UEV-TSG101) in mediating the release of genotype 3 HEV. Cyclic peptide (CP) inhibitors of the interaction between the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) gag-PTAP motif and UEV-TSG101 are known to block the release of HIV. Using a molecular dynamic simulation, we observed that both gag-PTAP and ORF3-PSAP motifs bind to the same site in UEV-TSG101 by hydrogen bonding. HIV-released inhibitory CPs also displayed binding to the same site in UEV-TSG101, indicating that they may compete with ORF3-PSAP or gag-PTAP for binding to UEV-TSG101. Two independent assays confirmed the ability of a cyclic peptide (CP11) to inhibit the ORF3-TSG101 interaction. CP11 treatment also reduced the release of both genotype 1 and genotype 3 HEV by approximately 90%, with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 2 μM. Thus, CP11 appears to be an attractive candidate for further validation of its anti-HEV properties.IMPORTANCE There is no specific therapy against hepatitis E virus (HEV)-induced hepatic and nonhepatic health problems. Prevention of the release of the progeny viruses from infected cells is an attractive strategy to limit the spread of the virus. Interactions between the viral open reading frame 3 and the host tumor susceptibility gene 101 proteins have been shown to be essential for the release of genotype 3 HEV from infected cells. In this study, we have identified a cyclic peptide inhibitor of the above-mentioned interaction and demonstrate the efficiency of the inhibitor in preventing virus release from infected cells. Thus, our findings uncover the possibility of developing a specific antiviral agent against HEV by blocking its release from infected cells.
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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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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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Leonel CA, Lima WG, dos Santos M, Ferraz AC, Taranto AG, de Magalhães JC, dos Santos LL, Ferreira JMS. Pharmacophoric characteristics of dengue virus NS2B/NS3pro inhibitors: a systematic review of the most promising compounds. Arch Virol 2017; 163:575-586. [DOI: 10.1007/s00705-017-3641-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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