1
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Grosse S, Cooymans L, Embrechts W, McGowan D, Jacoby E, Stoops B, Gupta K, Ackermann M, Alnajjar S, Guillemont J, Jin Z, Kesteleyn B, Matcha K, Sriboonyapirat P, Truong A, Van Den Berg J, Yu X, Herschke F, Roymans D, Raboisson P, Rigaux P, Jonckers THM. Discovery of gem-Dimethyl-hydroxymethylpyridine Derivatives as Potent Non-nucleoside RSV Polymerase Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 39105710 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an RNA virus infecting the upper and lower respiratory tract and is recognized as a major respiratory health threat, particularly to older adults, immunocompromised individuals, and young children. Around 64 million children and adults are infected every year worldwide. Despite two vaccines and a new generation monoclonal antibody recently approved, no effective antiviral treatment is available. In this manuscript, we present the medicinal chemistry efforts resulting in the identification of compound 28 (JNJ-8003), a novel RSV non-nucleoside inhibitor displaying subnanomolar activity in vitro as well as prominent efficacy in mice and a neonatal lamb models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandrine Grosse
- Janssen Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Ludwig Cooymans
- Janssen Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Werner Embrechts
- Janssen Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | | | - Edgar Jacoby
- Janssen Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Bart Stoops
- Janssen Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Kusum Gupta
- Neuron23 Inc. 343 Oyster Point Blvd, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | | | - Sarhad Alnajjar
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7AL, U.K
| | | | - Zhinan Jin
- Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Brisbane, California 94005, United States
| | - Bart Kesteleyn
- Janssen Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Kiran Matcha
- Janssen Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | | | - Anh Truong
- Neuron23 Inc. 343 Oyster Point Blvd, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Joke Van Den Berg
- Janssen Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Xiaodi Yu
- Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477 United States
| | - Florence Herschke
- Janssen Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Dirk Roymans
- DNS Life Sciences Consulting, Brandhoefstraat 63, 2300 Turnhout, Belgium
| | - Pierre Raboisson
- Galapagos, General De Wittelaan L112, A3, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium
| | - Peter Rigaux
- Janssen Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Tim H M Jonckers
- Janssen Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
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2
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Kleiner VA, Fearns R. How does the polymerase of non-segmented negative strand RNA viruses commit to transcription or genome replication? J Virol 2024:e0033224. [PMID: 39078194 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00332-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
The Mononegavirales, or non-segmented negative-sense RNA viruses (nsNSVs), includes significant human pathogens, such as respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza virus, measles virus, Ebola virus, and rabies virus. Although these viruses differ widely in their pathogenic properties, they are united by each having a genome consisting of a single strand of negative-sense RNA. Consistent with their shared genome structure, the nsNSVs have evolved similar ways to transcribe their genome into mRNAs and replicate it to produce new genomes. Importantly, both mRNA transcription and genome replication are performed by a single virus-encoded polymerase. A fundamental and intriguing question is: how does the nsNSV polymerase commit to being either an mRNA transcriptase or a replicase? The polymerase must become committed to one process or the other either before it interacts with the genome template or in its initial interactions with the promoter sequence at the 3´ end of the genomic RNA. This review examines the biochemical, molecular biology, and structural biology data regarding the first steps of transcription and RNA replication that have been gathered over several decades for different families of nsNSVs. These findings are discussed in relation to possible models that could explain how an nsNSV polymerase initiates and commits to either transcription or genome replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria A Kleiner
- Department of Virology, Immunology & Microbiology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rachel Fearns
- Department of Virology, Immunology & Microbiology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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3
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Felicetti T, Sarnari C, Gaito R, Tabarrini O, Manfroni G. Recent Progress toward the Discovery of Small Molecules as Novel Anti-Respiratory Syncytial Virus Agents. J Med Chem 2024; 67:11543-11579. [PMID: 38970494 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00630] [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: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) stands as the foremost cause of infant hospitalization globally, ranking second only to malaria in terms of infant mortality. Although three vaccines have recently been approved for the prophylaxis of adults aged 60 and above, and pregnant women, there is currently no effective antiviral drug for treating RSV infections. The only preventive measure for infants at high risk of severe RSV disease is passive immunization through monoclonal antibodies. This Perspective offers an overview of the latest advancements in RSV drug discovery of small molecule antivirals, with particular focus on the promising findings from agents targeting the fusion and polymerase proteins. A comprehensive reflection on the current state of RSV research is also given, drawing inspiration from the lessons gleaned from HCV and HIV, while also considering the impact of the recent approval of the three vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Felicetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via Del Liceo, 1-06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Chiara Sarnari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via Del Liceo, 1-06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Roberta Gaito
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via Del Liceo, 1-06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Oriana Tabarrini
- 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
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4
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Siegel DS, Hui HC, Pitts J, Vermillion MS, Ishida K, Rautiola D, Keeney M, Irshad H, Zhang L, Chun K, Chin G, Goyal B, Doerffler E, Yang H, Clarke MO, Palmiotti C, Vijjapurapu A, Riola NC, Stray K, Murakami E, Ma B, Wang T, Zhao X, Xu Y, Lee G, Marchand B, Seung M, Nayak A, Tomkinson A, Kadrichu N, Ellis S, Barauskas O, Feng JY, Perry JK, Perron M, Bilello JP, Kuehl PJ, Subramanian R, Cihlar T, Mackman RL. Discovery of GS-7682, a Novel 4'-Cyano-Modified C-Nucleoside Prodrug with Broad Activity against Pneumo- and Picornaviruses and Efficacy in RSV-Infected African Green Monkeys. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 39018526 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
Acute respiratory viral infections, such as pneumovirus and respiratory picornavirus infections, exacerbate disease in COPD and asthma patients. A research program targeting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) led to the discovery of GS-7682 (1), a novel phosphoramidate prodrug of a 4'-CN-4-aza-7,9-dideazaadenosine C-nucleoside GS-646089 (2) with broad antiviral activity against RSV (EC50 = 3-46 nM), human metapneumovirus (EC50 = 210 nM), human rhinovirus (EC50 = 54-61 nM), and enterovirus (EC50 = 83-90 nM). Prodrug optimization for cellular potency and lung cell metabolism identified 5'-methyl [(S)-hydroxy(phenoxy)phosphoryl]-l-alaninate in combination with 2',3'-diisobutyrate promoieties as being optimal for high levels of intracellular triphosphate formation in vitro and in vivo. 1 demonstrated significant reductions of viral loads in the lower respiratory tract of RSV-infected African green monkeys when administered once daily via intratracheal nebulized aerosol. Together, these findings support additional evaluation of 1 and its analogues as potential therapeutics for pneumo- and picornaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin S Siegel
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, California 94404, United States
| | - Hon C Hui
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, California 94404, United States
| | - Jared Pitts
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, California 94404, United States
| | - Meghan S Vermillion
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, California 94404, United States
- Lovelace Biomedical, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87108, United States
| | - Kazuya Ishida
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, California 94404, United States
| | - Davin Rautiola
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, California 94404, United States
| | - Michael Keeney
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, California 94404, United States
| | - Hammad Irshad
- Lovelace Biomedical, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87108, United States
| | - Lijun Zhang
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, California 94404, United States
| | - Kwon Chun
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, California 94404, United States
| | - Gregory Chin
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, California 94404, United States
| | - Bindu Goyal
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, California 94404, United States
| | - Edward Doerffler
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, California 94404, United States
| | - Hai Yang
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, California 94404, United States
| | - Michael O Clarke
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, California 94404, United States
| | - Chris Palmiotti
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, California 94404, United States
| | - Arya Vijjapurapu
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, California 94404, United States
| | - Nicholas C Riola
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, California 94404, United States
| | - Kirsten Stray
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, California 94404, United States
| | - Eisuke Murakami
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, California 94404, United States
| | - Bin Ma
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, California 94404, United States
| | - Ting Wang
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, California 94404, United States
| | - Xiaofeng Zhao
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, California 94404, United States
| | - Yili Xu
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, California 94404, United States
| | - Gary Lee
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, California 94404, United States
| | - Bruno Marchand
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, California 94404, United States
| | - Minji Seung
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, California 94404, United States
| | - Arabinda Nayak
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, California 94404, United States
| | - Adrian Tomkinson
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, California 94404, United States
| | - Nani Kadrichu
- Inspired - Pulmonary Solutions, San Carlos, California 94070, United States
| | - Scott Ellis
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, California 94404, United States
| | - Ona Barauskas
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, California 94404, United States
| | - Joy Y Feng
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, California 94404, United States
| | - Jason K Perry
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, California 94404, United States
| | - Michel Perron
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, California 94404, United States
| | - John P Bilello
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, California 94404, United States
| | - Philip J Kuehl
- Lovelace Biomedical, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87108, United States
| | - Raju Subramanian
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, California 94404, United States
| | - Tomas Cihlar
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, California 94404, United States
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5
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Musa AO, Faber SR, Forrest K, Smith KP, Sengupta S, López CB. Identification of distinct genotypes in circulating RSV A strains based on variants in the virus replication-associated genes. J Virol 2024:e0099024. [PMID: 39007617 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00990-24] [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: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of respiratory infection that often leads to hospitalization of infected younger children and older adults. RSV is classified into two strains, A and B, each with several subgroups or genotypes. One issue with the definition of these subgroups is the lack of a unified method of identification or genotyping. We propose that genotyping strategies based on the genes coding for replication-associated proteins could provide critical information on the replication capacity of the distinct subgroups, while clearly distinguishing genotypes. Here, we analyzed the virus replication-associated genes N, P, M2, and L from de novo assembled RSV A sequences obtained from 31 newly sequenced samples from hospitalized patients in Philadelphia and 78 additional publicly available sequences from different geographic locations within the United States. In-depth analysis and annotation of variants in the replication-associated proteins identified the polymerase protein L as a robust target for genotyping RSV subgroups. Importantly, our analysis revealed non-synonymous variations in L that were consistently accompanied by conserved changes in its co-factor P or the M2-2 protein, suggesting associations and interactions between specific domains of these proteins. Similar associations were seen among sequences of the related human metapneumovirus. These results highlight L as an alternative to other RSV genotyping targets and demonstrate the value of in-depth analyses and annotations of RSV sequences as it can serve as a foundation for subsequent in vitro and clinical studies on the efficiency of the polymerase and fitness of different virus isolates.IMPORTANCEGiven the historical heterogeneity of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and the disease it causes, there is a need to understand the properties of the circulating RSV strains each season. This information would benefit from an informative and consensus method of genotyping the virus. Here, we carried out a variant analysis that shows a pattern of specific variations among the replication-associated genes of RSV A across different seasons. Interestingly, these variation patterns, which were also seen in human metapneumovirus sequences, point to previously defined interactions of domains within these genes, suggesting co-variation in the replication-associated genes. Our results also suggest a genotyping strategy that can prove to be particularly important in understanding the genotype-phenotype correlation in the era of RSV vaccination, where selective pressure on the virus to evolve is anticipated. More importantly, the categorization of pneumoviruses based on these patterns may be of prognostic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulafiz O Musa
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
- Center for Women's Infectious Diseases Research, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Sydney R Faber
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
- Center for Women's Infectious Diseases Research, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Kaitlyn Forrest
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Division of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kenneth P Smith
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Infectious Disease Diagnostics Laboratory, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Shaon Sengupta
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Division of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Carolina B López
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
- Center for Women's Infectious Diseases Research, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
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6
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Sibert BS, Kim JY, Yang JE, Ke Z, Stobart CC, Moore ML, Wright ER. Assembly of respiratory syncytial virus matrix protein lattice and its coordination with fusion glycoprotein trimers. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5923. [PMID: 39004634 PMCID: PMC11247094 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50162-x] [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: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an enveloped, filamentous, negative-strand RNA virus that causes significant respiratory illness worldwide. RSV vaccines are available, however there is still significant need for research to support the development of vaccines and therapeutics against RSV and related Mononegavirales viruses. Individual virions vary in size, with an average diameter of ~130 nm and ranging from ~500 nm to over 10 µm in length. Though the general arrangement of structural proteins in virions is known, we use cryo-electron tomography and sub-tomogram averaging to determine the molecular organization of RSV structural proteins. We show that the peripheral membrane-associated RSV matrix (M) protein is arranged in a packed helical-like lattice of M-dimers. We report that RSV F glycoprotein is frequently observed as pairs of trimers oriented in an anti-parallel conformation to support potential interactions between trimers. Our sub-tomogram averages indicate the positioning of F-trimer pairs is correlated with the underlying M lattice. These results provide insight into RSV virion organization and may aid in the development of RSV vaccines and anti-viral targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan S Sibert
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Cryo-Electron Microscopy Research Center, Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Midwest Center for Cryo-Electron Tomography, Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Joseph Y Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jie E Yang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Cryo-Electron Microscopy Research Center, Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Midwest Center for Cryo-Electron Tomography, Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Zunlong Ke
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Elizabeth R Wright
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
- Cryo-Electron Microscopy Research Center, Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
- Midwest Center for Cryo-Electron Tomography, Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI, USA.
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7
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Bonneux B, Jacoby E, Ceconi M, Stobbelaar K, Delputte P, Herschke F. Direct-acting antivirals for RSV treatment, a review. Antiviral Res 2024; 229:105948. [PMID: 38972604 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105948] [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: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes respiratory disease and complications in infants, the elderly and the immunocompromised. While three vaccines and two prophylactic monoclonal antibodies are now available, only one antiviral, ribavirin, is currently approved for treatment. This review aims to summarize the current state of treatments directly targeting RSV. Two major viral processes are attractive for RSV-specific antiviral drug discovery and development as they play essential roles in the viral cycle: the entry/fusion process carried out by the fusion protein and the replication/transcription process carried out by the polymerase complex constituted of the L, P, N and M2-1 proteins. For each viral target resistance mutations to small molecules of different chemotypes seem to delineate definite binding pockets in the fusion proteins and in the large proteins. Elucidating the mechanism of action of these inhibitors thus helps to understand how the fusion and polymerase complexes execute their functions. While many inhibitors have been studied, few are currently in clinical development for RSV treatment: one is in phase III, three in phase II and two in phase I. Progression was halted for many others because of strategic decisions, low enrollment, safety, but also lack of efficacy. Lessons can be learnt from the halted programs to increase the success rate of the treatments currently in development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brecht Bonneux
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsbaan 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium; Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Edgar Jacoby
- Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Martina Ceconi
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsbaan 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Kim Stobbelaar
- Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Peter Delputte
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsbaan 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium.
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8
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Bonneux B, Shareef A, Tcherniuk S, Anson B, de Bruyn S, Verheyen N, Thys K, Conceição-Neto N, Van Ginderen M, Kwanten L, Ysebaert N, Vranckx L, Peeters E, Lanckacker E, Gallup JM, Sitthicharoenchai P, Alnajjar S, Ackermann MR, Adhikary S, Bhaumik A, Patrick A, Fung A, Sutto-Ortiz P, Decroly E, Mason SW, Lançois D, Deval J, Jin Z, Eléouët JF, Fearns R, Koul A, Roymans D, Rigaux P, Herschke F. JNJ-7184, a respiratory syncytial virus inhibitor targeting the connector domain of the viral polymerase. Antiviral Res 2024; 227:105907. [PMID: 38772503 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can cause pulmonary complications in infants, elderly and immunocompromised patients. While two vaccines and two prophylactic monoclonal antibodies are now available, treatment options are still needed. JNJ-7184 is a non-nucleoside inhibitor of the RSV-Large (L) polymerase, displaying potent inhibition of both RSV-A and -B strains. Resistance selection and hydrogen-deuterium exchange experiments suggest JNJ-7184 binds RSV-L in the connector domain. JNJ-7184 prevents RSV replication and transcription by inhibiting initiation or early elongation. JNJ-7184 is effective in air-liquid interface cultures and therapeutically in neonatal lambs, acting to drastically reverse the appearance of lung pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brecht Bonneux
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsbaan 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Afzaal Shareef
- Department of Virology, Immunology & Microbiology, National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Sergey Tcherniuk
- Unité de Virologie et Immunologie Moléculaires (VIM, UMR892), INRAE, Université Paris-Saclay, 78352 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Brandon Anson
- Janssen Research & Development LLC, Spring House (PA 19477) And Brisbane (CA 94005), USA
| | - Suzanne de Bruyn
- Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Nick Verheyen
- Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Kim Thys
- Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | | | | | - Leen Kwanten
- Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Nina Ysebaert
- Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Luc Vranckx
- Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Elien Peeters
- Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Ellen Lanckacker
- Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | - Suraj Adhikary
- Janssen Research & Development LLC, Spring House (PA 19477) And Brisbane (CA 94005), USA
| | - Anusarka Bhaumik
- Janssen Research & Development LLC, Spring House (PA 19477) And Brisbane (CA 94005), USA
| | - Aaron Patrick
- Janssen Research & Development LLC, Spring House (PA 19477) And Brisbane (CA 94005), USA
| | - Amy Fung
- Janssen Research & Development LLC, Spring House (PA 19477) And Brisbane (CA 94005), USA
| | - Priscila Sutto-Ortiz
- AFMB, Aix-Marseille University, CNRS UMR 7257, 163 Avenue de Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Etienne Decroly
- AFMB, Aix-Marseille University, CNRS UMR 7257, 163 Avenue de Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Stephen W Mason
- Janssen Research & Development LLC, Spring House (PA 19477) And Brisbane (CA 94005), USA
| | | | - Jerome Deval
- Janssen Research & Development LLC, Spring House (PA 19477) And Brisbane (CA 94005), USA
| | - Zhinan Jin
- Janssen Research & Development LLC, Spring House (PA 19477) And Brisbane (CA 94005), USA
| | - Jean-François Eléouët
- Unité de Virologie et Immunologie Moléculaires (VIM, UMR892), INRAE, Université Paris-Saclay, 78352 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Rachel Fearns
- Department of Virology, Immunology & Microbiology, National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Anil Koul
- Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium.
| | - Dirk Roymans
- Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Peter Rigaux
- Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
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9
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Gordon CJ, Walker SM, Tchesnokov EP, Kocincova D, Pitts J, Siegel DS, Perry JK, Feng JY, Bilello JP, Götte M. Mechanism and spectrum of inhibition of a 4'-cyano modified nucleotide analog against diverse RNA polymerases of prototypic respiratory RNA viruses. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107514. [PMID: 38945449 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107514] [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: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of safe and effective broad-spectrum antivirals that target the replication machinery of respiratory viruses is of high priority in pandemic preparedness programs. Here, we studied the mechanism of action of a newly discovered nucleotide analog against diverse RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RdRps) of prototypic respiratory viruses. GS-646939 is the active 5'-triphosphate metabolite of a 4'-cyano modified C-adenosine analog phosphoramidate prodrug GS-7682. Enzyme kinetics show that the RdRps of human rhinovirus type 16 (HRV-16) and enterovirus 71 incorporate GS-646939 with unprecedented selectivity; GS-646939 is incorporated 20-50-fold more efficiently than its natural ATP counterpart. The RdRp complex of respiratory syncytial virus and human metapneumovirus incorporate GS-646939 and ATP with similar efficiency. In contrast, influenza B RdRp shows a clear preference for ATP and human mitochondrial RNA polymerase does not show significant incorporation of GS-646939. Once incorporated into the nascent RNA strand, GS-646939 acts as a chain terminator although higher NTP concentrations can partially overcome inhibition for some polymerases. Modeling and biochemical data suggest that the 4'-modification inhibits RdRp translocation. Comparative studies with GS-443902, the active triphosphate form of the 1'-cyano modified prodrugs remdesivir and obeldesivir, reveal not only different mechanisms of inhibition, but also differences in the spectrum of inhibition of viral polymerases. In conclusion, 1'-cyano and 4'-cyano modifications of nucleotide analogs provide complementary strategies to target the polymerase of several families of respiratory RNA viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calvin J Gordon
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Simon M Walker
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Egor P Tchesnokov
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Dana Kocincova
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jared Pitts
- Gilead Sciences, Inc, Foster City, California, USA
| | | | | | - Joy Y Feng
- Gilead Sciences, Inc, Foster City, California, USA
| | | | - Matthias Götte
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
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10
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Oraby A, Bilawchuk L, West FG, Marchant DJ. Structure-Based Discovery of Allosteric Inhibitors Targeting a New Druggable Site in the Respiratory Syncytial Virus Polymerase. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:22213-22229. [PMID: 38799318 PMCID: PMC11112712 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c01207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of severe lower respiratory infections for which effective treatment options remain limited. Herein, we employed a computational structure-based design strategy aimed at identifying potential targets for a new class of allosteric inhibitors. Our investigation led to the discovery of a previously undisclosed allosteric binding site within the RSV polymerase, the large (L) protein. This discovery was achieved through a combination of virtual screening and molecular dynamics simulations. Subsequently, we identified two inhibitors, 6a and 10b, which both exhibited promising antiviral activity in the low micromolar range. Resistance profiling revealed a distinctive pattern in how RSV evaded treatment with this class of inhibitors. This pattern strongly suggested that this class of small molecules was targeting a new binding site in the RSV L protein, aligning with the computational predictions made in our study. This study paves the way for the development of more potent inhibitors for combating RSV infections by targeting a new druggable pocket within the RdRp which does not overlap with previously known resistance sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed
K. Oraby
- Department
of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences
and Drug Manufacturing, Misr University
for Science and Technology, 6th
of October City P.O. Box 77,Egypt
| | - Leanne Bilawchuk
- Department
of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Frederick G. West
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - David J. Marchant
- Department
of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
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11
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Palazzotti D, Sguilla M, Manfroni G, Cecchetti V, Astolfi A, Barreca ML. Small Molecule Drugs Targeting Viral Polymerases. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:661. [PMID: 38794231 PMCID: PMC11124969 DOI: 10.3390/ph17050661] [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: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Small molecules that specifically target viral polymerases-crucial enzymes governing viral genome transcription and replication-play a pivotal role in combating viral infections. Presently, approved polymerase inhibitors cover nine human viruses, spanning both DNA and RNA viruses. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of these licensed drugs, encompassing nucleoside/nucleotide inhibitors (NIs), non-nucleoside inhibitors (NNIs), and mutagenic agents. For each compound, we describe the specific targeted virus and related polymerase enzyme, the mechanism of action, and the relevant bioactivity data. This wealth of information serves as a valuable resource for researchers actively engaged in antiviral drug discovery efforts, offering a complete overview of established strategies as well as insights for shaping the development of next-generation antiviral therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Maria Letizia Barreca
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (D.P.); (M.S.); (G.M.); (V.C.); (A.A.)
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12
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Li T, Liu M, Gu Z, Su X, Liu Y, Lin J, Zhang Y, Shen QT. Structures of the mumps virus polymerase complex via cryo-electron microscopy. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4189. [PMID: 38760379 PMCID: PMC11101452 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48389-9] [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: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The viral polymerase complex, comprising the large protein (L) and phosphoprotein (P), is crucial for both genome replication and transcription in non-segmented negative-strand RNA viruses (nsNSVs), while structures corresponding to these activities remain obscure. Here, we resolved two L-P complex conformations from the mumps virus (MuV), a typical member of nsNSVs, via cryogenic-electron microscopy. One conformation presents all five domains of L forming a continuous RNA tunnel to the methyltransferase domain (MTase), preferably as a transcription state. The other conformation has the appendage averaged out, which is inaccessible to MTase. In both conformations, parallel P tetramers are revealed around MuV L, which, together with structures of other nsNSVs, demonstrates the diverse origins of the L-binding X domain of P. Our study links varying structures of nsNSV polymerase complexes with genome replication and transcription and points to a sliding model for polymerase complexes to advance along the RNA templates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianhao Li
- School of Life Sciences, Department of Chemical Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, China
- Institute for Biological Electron Microscopy, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Mingdong Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Department of Chemical Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, China
- Institute for Biological Electron Microscopy, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Zhanxi Gu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xin Su
- School of Life Sciences, Department of Chemical Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, China
- Institute for Biological Electron Microscopy, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Yunhui Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Department of Chemical Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, China
- Institute for Biological Electron Microscopy, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jinzhong Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qing-Tao Shen
- School of Life Sciences, Department of Chemical Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, China.
- Institute for Biological Electron Microscopy, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
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13
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Musa AO, Faber SR, Forrest K, Smith KP, Sengupta S, López CB. Identification of distinct genotypes in circulating RSV A strains based on variants on the virus replication-associated genes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.22.590570. [PMID: 38712045 PMCID: PMC11071361 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.22.590570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus is a common cause of respiratory infection that often leads to hospitalization of infected younger children and older adults. RSV is classified into two strains, A and B, each with several subgroups or genotypes. One issue with the definition of these subgroups is the lack of a unified method of identification or genotyping. We propose that genotyping strategies based on the genes coding for replication-associated proteins could provide critical information on the replication capacity of the distinct subgroup, while clearly distinguishing genotypes. Here, we analyzed the virus replication-associated genes N, P, M2, and L from de novo assembled RSV A sequences obtained from 31 newly sequenced samples from hospitalized patients in Philadelphia and 78 additional publicly available sequences from different geographic locations within the US. In-depth analysis and annotation of the protein variants in L and the other replication-associated proteins N, P, M2-1, and M2-2 identified the polymerase protein L as a robust target for genotyping RSV subgroups. Importantly, our analysis revealed non-synonymous variations in L that were consistently accompanied by conserved changes in its co-factor P or the M2-2 protein, suggesting associations and interactions between specific domains of these proteins. These results highlight L as an alternative to other RSV genotyping targets and demonstrate the value of in-depth analyses and annotations of RSV sequences as it can serve as a foundation for subsequent in vitro and clinical studies on the efficiency of the polymerase and fitness of different virus isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulafiz O. Musa
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
- Center for Womeńs Infectious Diseases Research, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Sydney R. Faber
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
- Center for Womeńs Infectious Diseases Research, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Kaitlyn Forrest
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Division of Neonatology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kenneth P. Smith
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Infectious Disease Diagnostics Laboratory, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Shaon Sengupta
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Division of Neonatology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Carolina B. López
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
- Center for Womeńs Infectious Diseases Research, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
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14
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Xie J, Ouizougun-Oubari M, Wang L, Zhai G, Wu D, Lin Z, Wang M, Ludeke B, Yan X, Nilsson T, Gao L, Huang X, Fearns R, Chen S. Structural basis for dimerization of a paramyxovirus polymerase complex. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3163. [PMID: 38605025 PMCID: PMC11009304 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47470-7] [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: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The transcription and replication processes of non-segmented, negative-strand RNA viruses (nsNSVs) are catalyzed by a multi-functional polymerase complex composed of the large protein (L) and a cofactor protein, such as phosphoprotein (P). Previous studies have shown that the nsNSV polymerase can adopt a dimeric form, however, the structure of the dimer and its function are poorly understood. Here we determine a 2.7 Å cryo-EM structure of human parainfluenza virus type 3 (hPIV3) L-P complex with the connector domain (CD') of a second L built, while reconstruction of the rest of the second L-P obtains a low-resolution map of the ring-like L core region. This study reveals detailed atomic features of nsNSV polymerase active site and distinct conformation of hPIV3 L with a unique β-strand latch. Furthermore, we report the structural basis of L-L dimerization, with CD' located at the putative template entry of the adjoining L. Disruption of the L-L interface causes a defect in RNA replication that can be overcome by complementation, demonstrating that L dimerization is necessary for hPIV3 genome replication. These findings provide further insight into how nsNSV polymerases perform their functions, and suggest a new avenue for rational drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Xie
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Lead Discovery, Roche Innovation Center Shanghai, 201203, Shanghai, China
| | - Mohamed Ouizougun-Oubari
- Department of Virology, Immunology & Microbiology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Li Wang
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Infectious Diseases, Roche Innovation Center Shanghai, 201203, Shanghai, China
| | - Guanglei Zhai
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Lead Discovery, Roche Innovation Center Shanghai, 201203, Shanghai, China
| | - Daitze Wu
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Infectious Diseases, Roche Innovation Center Shanghai, 201203, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaohu Lin
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Lead Discovery, Roche Innovation Center Shanghai, 201203, Shanghai, China
| | - Manfu Wang
- Wuxi Biortus Biosciences Co. Ltd., 214437, Jiangyin, Jiangsu, China
| | - Barbara Ludeke
- Department of Virology, Immunology & Microbiology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Xiaodong Yan
- Wuxi Biortus Biosciences Co. Ltd., 214437, Jiangyin, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tobias Nilsson
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Infectious Diseases, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, 4070, Switzerland
| | - Lu Gao
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Infectious Diseases, Roche Innovation Center Shanghai, 201203, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xinyi Huang
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Lead Discovery, Roche Innovation Center Shanghai, 201203, Shanghai, China.
| | - Rachel Fearns
- Department of Virology, Immunology & Microbiology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
| | - Shuai Chen
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Lead Discovery, Roche Innovation Center Shanghai, 201203, Shanghai, China.
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15
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Korsun N, Trifonova I, Madzharova I, Alexiev I, Uzunova I, Ivanov I, Velikov P, Tcherveniakova T, Christova I. Resurgence of respiratory syncytial virus with dominance of RSV-B during the 2022-2023 season. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1376389. [PMID: 38628867 PMCID: PMC11019023 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1376389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of upper and lower respiratory tract infections. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and other respiratory viruses in Bulgaria, characterize the genetic diversity of RSV strains, and perform amino acid sequence analyses of RSV surface and internal proteins. Methods Clinical and epidemiological data and nasopharyngeal swabs were prospectively collected from patients with acute respiratory infections between October 2020 and May 2023. Real-time PCR for 13 respiratory viruses, whole-genome sequencing, phylogenetic, and amino acid analyses were performed. Results This study included three epidemic seasons (2020-2021, 2021-2022, and 2022-2023) from week 40 of the previous year to week 20 of the following year. Of the 3,047 patients examined, 1,813 (59.5%) tested positive for at least one viral respiratory pathogen. RSV was the second most detected virus (10.9%) after SARS-CoV-2 (22%). Coinfections between RSV and other respiratory viruses were detected in 68 cases, including 14 with SARS-CoV-2. After two seasons of low circulation, RSV activity increased significantly during the 2022-2023 season. The detection rates of RSV were 3.2, 6.6, and 13.7% in the first, second, and third seasons, respectively. RSV was the most common virus found in children under 5 years old with bronchiolitis (40%) and pneumonia (24.5%). RSV-B drove the 2022-2023 epidemic. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the sequenced RSV-B strains belonged to the GB5.0.5a and GB5.0.6a genotypes. Amino acid substitutions in the surface and internal proteins, including the F protein antigenic sites were identified compared to the BA prototype strain. Conclusion This study revealed a strong resurgence of RSV in the autumn of 2022 after the lifting of anti-COVID-19 measures, the leading role of RSV as a causative agent of serious respiratory illnesses in early childhood, and relatively low genetic diversity in circulating RSV strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neli Korsun
- National Laboratory “Influenza and ARI”, Department of Virology, National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Ivelina Trifonova
- National Laboratory “Influenza and ARI”, Department of Virology, National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Iveta Madzharova
- National Laboratory “Influenza and ARI”, Department of Virology, National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Ivaylo Alexiev
- National Laboratory “Influenza and ARI”, Department of Virology, National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | | | - Ivan Ivanov
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Petar Velikov
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | | | - Iva Christova
- National Laboratory “Influenza and ARI”, Department of Virology, National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria
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16
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De Ávila-Arias M, Villarreal-Camacho JL, Cadena-Cruz C, Hurtado-Gómez L, Costello HM, Rodriguez A, Burgos-Florez F, Bettin A, Kararoudi MN, Muñoz A, Peeples ME, San-Juan-Vergara H. Exploring the secrets of virus entry: the first respiratory syncytial virus carrying beta lactamase. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1339569. [PMID: 38455070 PMCID: PMC10919290 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1339569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) presents a significant health threat, especially to young children. In-depth understanding of RSV entry mechanisms is essential for effective antiviral development. This study introduces an innovative RSV variant, featuring the fusion of the beta-lactamase (BlaM) enzyme with the RSV-P phosphoprotein, providing a versatile tool for dissecting viral entry dynamics. Methods Using the AlphaFold2 algorithm, we modeled the tertiary structure of the P-BlaM chimera, revealing structural similarities with both RSV-P and BlaM. Functional assessments, utilizing flow cytometry, quantified beta-lactamase activity and GFP expression in infected bronchial epithelial cells. Western blot analysis confirmed the integrity of P-BlaM within virions. Results The modeled P-BlaM chimera exhibited structural parallels with RSV-P and BlaM. Functional assays demonstrated robust beta-lactamase activity in recombinant virions, confirming successful P-BlaM incorporation as a structural protein. Quercetin, known for its antiviral properties, impeded viral entry by affecting virion fusion. Additionally, Ulixertinib, an ERK-1/2 inhibitor, significantly curtailed viral entry, implicating ERK-1/2 pathway signaling. Conclusions Our engineered RSV-P-BlaM chimera emerges as a valuable tool, illuminating RSV entry mechanisms. Structural and functional analyses unveil potential therapeutic targets. Quercetin and Ulixertinib, identified as distinct stage inhibitors, show promise for targeted antiviral strategies. Time-of-addition assays pinpoint quercetin's specific interference stage, advancing our comprehension of RSV entry and guiding future antiviral developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcio De Ávila-Arias
- Departamento de Medicina, División Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Norte, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Jose Luis Villarreal-Camacho
- Programa de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Libre Seccional Barranquilla, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Christian Cadena-Cruz
- Programa de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Libre Seccional Barranquilla, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Leidy Hurtado-Gómez
- Departamento de Medicina, División Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Norte, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Heather M. Costello
- Genomics Services Laboratory, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Alexander Rodriguez
- Departamento de Medicina, División Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Norte, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Francisco Burgos-Florez
- Programa de regencia en farmacia, grupo de investigación creatividad e innovación tecnológica, Corporación tecnológica Indoamérica, Barranquilla, Colombia
- Escuela de Pregrado, Dirección Académica, Vicerrectoría de Sede, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede La Paz, Cesar, Colombia
| | - Alfonso Bettin
- Departamento de Medicina, División Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Norte, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Meisam Naeimi Kararoudi
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Amner Muñoz
- Departamento de Química y Biología, Universidad del Norte, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Mark E. Peeples
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Abagail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Homero San-Juan-Vergara
- Departamento de Medicina, División Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Norte, Barranquilla, Colombia
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17
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Zou G, Cao S, Gao Z, Yie J, Wu JZ. Current state and challenges in respiratory syncytial virus drug discovery and development. Antiviral Res 2024; 221:105791. [PMID: 38160942 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2023.105791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in young children and elderly people worldwide. Recent significant progress in our understanding of the structure and function of RSV proteins has led to the discovery of several clinical candidates targeting RSV fusion and replication. These include both the development of novel small molecule interventions and the isolation of potent monoclonal antibodies. In this review, we summarize the state-of-the-art of RSV drug discovery, with a focus on the characteristics of the candidates that reached the clinical stage of development. We also discuss the lessons learned from failed and discontinued clinical developments and highlight the challenges that remain for development of RSV therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Zou
- Shanghai Ark Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Sushan Cao
- Shanghai Ark Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Zhao Gao
- Shanghai Ark Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Junming Yie
- Shanghai Ark Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jim Zhen Wu
- Shanghai Ark Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 201203, China
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18
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Cao D, Gao Y, Chen Z, Gooneratne I, Roesler C, Mera C, D'Cunha P, Antonova A, Katta D, Romanelli S, Wang Q, Rice S, Lemons W, Ramanathan A, Liang B. Structures of the promoter-bound respiratory syncytial virus polymerase. Nature 2024; 625:611-617. [PMID: 38123676 PMCID: PMC10794133 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06867-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) polymerase is a multifunctional RNA-dependent RNA polymerase composed of the large (L) protein and the phosphoprotein (P). It transcribes the RNA genome into ten viral mRNAs and replicates full-length viral genomic and antigenomic RNAs1. The RSV polymerase initiates RNA synthesis by binding to the conserved 3'-terminal RNA promoters of the genome or antigenome2. However, the lack of a structure of the RSV polymerase bound to the RNA promoter has impeded the mechanistic understanding of RSV RNA synthesis. Here we report cryogenic electron microscopy structures of the RSV polymerase bound to its genomic and antigenomic viral RNA promoters, representing two of the first structures of an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase in complex with its RNA promoters in non-segmented negative-sense RNA viruses. The overall structures of the promoter-bound RSV polymerases are similar to that of the unbound (apo) polymerase. Our structures illustrate the interactions between the RSV polymerase and the RNA promoters and provide the structural basis for the initiation of RNA synthesis at positions 1 and 3 of the RSV promoters. These structures offer a deeper understanding of the pre-initiation state of the RSV polymerase and could aid in antiviral research against RSV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongdong Cao
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Yunrong Gao
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Zhenhang Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Inesh Gooneratne
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Claire Roesler
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Cristopher Mera
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Paul D'Cunha
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Anna Antonova
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Deepak Katta
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sarah Romanelli
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Samantha Rice
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Wesley Lemons
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Anita Ramanathan
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Bo Liang
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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19
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Huang G, Hucek D, Cierpicki T, Grembecka J. Applications of oxetanes in drug discovery and medicinal chemistry. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 261:115802. [PMID: 37713805 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
The compact and versatile oxetane motifs have gained significant attention in drug discovery and medicinal chemistry campaigns. This review presents an overview of the diverse applications of oxetanes in clinical and preclinical drug candidates targeting various human diseases, including cancer, viral infections, autoimmune disorders, neurodegenerative conditions, metabolic disorders, and others. Special attention is given to biologically active oxetane-containing compounds and their disease-related targets, such as kinases, epigenetic and non-epigenetic enzymes, and receptors. The review also details the effect of the oxetane motif on important properties, including aqueous solubility, lipophilicity, pKa, P-glycoprotein (P-gp) efflux, metabolic stability, conformational preferences, toxicity profiles (e.g., cytochrome P450 (CYP) suppression and human ether-a-go-go related gene (hERG) inhibition), pharmacokinetic (PK) properties, potency, and target selectivity. We anticipate that this work will provide valuable insights that can drive future discoveries of novel bioactive oxetane-containing small molecules, enabling their effective application in combating a wide range of human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang Huang
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Devon Hucek
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Tomasz Cierpicki
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Jolanta Grembecka
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
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20
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Whitehead JD, Decool H, Leyrat C, Carrique L, Fix J, Eléouët JF, Galloux M, Renner M. Structure of the N-RNA/P interface indicates mode of L/P recruitment to the nucleocapsid of human metapneumovirus. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7627. [PMID: 37993464 PMCID: PMC10665349 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43434-5] [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: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a major cause of respiratory illness in young children. The HMPV polymerase (L) binds an obligate cofactor, the phosphoprotein (P). During replication and transcription, the L/P complex traverses the viral RNA genome, which is encapsidated within nucleoproteins (N). An essential interaction between N and a C-terminal region of P tethers the L/P polymerase to the template. This N-P interaction is also involved in the formation of cytoplasmic viral factories in infected cells, called inclusion bodies. To define how the polymerase component P recognizes N-encapsidated RNA (N-RNA) we employed cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and molecular dynamics simulations, coupled to activity assays and imaging of inclusion bodies in cells. We report a 2.9 Å resolution structure of a triple-complex between multimeric N, bound to both RNA and the C-terminal region of P. Furthermore, we also present cryo-EM structures of assembled N in different oligomeric states, highlighting the plasticity of N. Combined with our functional assays, these structural data delineate in molecular detail how P attaches to N-RNA whilst retaining substantial conformational dynamics. Moreover, the N-RNA-P triple complex structure provides a molecular blueprint for the design of therapeutics to potentially disrupt the attachment of L/P to its template.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack D Whitehead
- Division of Structural Biology, The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Hortense Decool
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, UVSQ, VIM, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Cédric Leyrat
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Loic Carrique
- Division of Structural Biology, The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jenna Fix
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, UVSQ, VIM, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | | | - Marie Galloux
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, UVSQ, VIM, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.
| | - Max Renner
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
- Umeå Centre for Microbial Research, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
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21
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Merritt TN, Pei J, Leung DW. Pathogenicity and virulence of human respiratory syncytial virus: Multifunctional nonstructural proteins NS1 and NS2. Virulence 2023:2283897. [PMID: 37964591 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2023.2283897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is a major cause of acute lower respiratory tract infections in children under the age of two as well as in the elderly and immunocompromised worldwide. Despite its discovery over 60 years ago and the global impact on human health, limited specific and effective prophylactic or therapeutic options have been available for hRSV infections. Part of the lack of treatment options is attributed to the legacy of vaccine failure in the 1960s using a formalin-inactivated RSV (FI-RSV), which led to enhancement of disease post exposure to hRSV infection and hampered subsequent development of vaccine candidates. Recent FDA approval of a vaccine for older adults and impending approval for a maternal vaccine are major advancements but leaves children between 6 months and 5 years of age unprotected. Part of this limitation can be attributed to a lack of complete understanding of the factors that contribute to hRSV pathogenesis. The nonstructural proteins NS1 and NS2 are multifunctional virulence factors that are unique to hRSV and that play critical roles during hRSV infection, including antagonizing interferon (IFN) signalling to modulate host responses to hRSV infection. However, the molecular mechanisms by which the nonstructural proteins mediate their IFN inhibitory functions have not been completely defined. Current progress on the characterization of NS1 and NS2 during infection provides deeper insight into their roles. Furthermore, reverse genetics systems for hRSV provide a viable strategy to generate attenuated viruses by introduction of select mutations while maintaining immunogenicity required to elicit a long-term protective response. Here we will review the current state of knowledge of the nonstructural proteins, their contributions to RSV pathogenesis, and their potential as targets for therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trudy N Merritt
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jingjing Pei
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Daisy W Leung
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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22
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Yu X, Abeywickrema P, Bonneux B, Behera I, Anson B, Jacoby E, Fung A, Adhikary S, Bhaumik A, Carbajo RJ, De Bruyn S, Miller R, Patrick A, Pham Q, Piassek M, Verheyen N, Shareef A, Sutto-Ortiz P, Ysebaert N, Van Vlijmen H, Jonckers THM, Herschke F, McLellan JS, Decroly E, Fearns R, Grosse S, Roymans D, Sharma S, Rigaux P, Jin Z. Structural and mechanistic insights into the inhibition of respiratory syncytial virus polymerase by a non-nucleoside inhibitor. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1074. [PMID: 37865687 PMCID: PMC10590419 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05451-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The respiratory syncytial virus polymerase complex, consisting of the polymerase (L) and phosphoprotein (P), catalyzes nucleotide polymerization, cap addition, and cap methylation via the RNA dependent RNA polymerase, capping, and Methyltransferase domains on L. Several nucleoside and non-nucleoside inhibitors have been reported to inhibit this polymerase complex, but the structural details of the exact inhibitor-polymerase interactions have been lacking. Here, we report a non-nucleoside inhibitor JNJ-8003 with sub-nanomolar inhibition potency in both antiviral and polymerase assays. Our 2.9 Å resolution cryo-EM structure revealed that JNJ-8003 binds to an induced-fit pocket on the capping domain, with multiple interactions consistent with its tight binding and resistance mutation profile. The minigenome and gel-based de novo RNA synthesis and primer extension assays demonstrated that JNJ-8003 inhibited nucleotide polymerization at the early stages of RNA transcription and replication. Our results support that JNJ-8003 binding modulates a functional interplay between the capping and RdRp domains, and this molecular insight could accelerate the design of broad-spectrum antiviral drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodi Yu
- Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, Spring House, Pennsylvania, PA, 19477, USA.
| | - Pravien Abeywickrema
- Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, Spring House, Pennsylvania, PA, 19477, USA
| | - Brecht Bonneux
- Janssen Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, 2340, Beerse, Belgium
- University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ishani Behera
- Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, Brisbane, CA, 94005, USA
| | - Brandon Anson
- Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, Brisbane, CA, 94005, USA
| | - Edgar Jacoby
- Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Amy Fung
- Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, Brisbane, CA, 94005, USA
| | - Suraj Adhikary
- Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, Spring House, Pennsylvania, PA, 19477, USA
| | - Anusarka Bhaumik
- Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, Spring House, Pennsylvania, PA, 19477, USA
| | - Rodrigo J Carbajo
- Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, Janssen-Cilag, Discovery Chemistry S.A. Río Jarama, 75A, 45007, Toledo, Spain
| | | | - Robyn Miller
- Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, Spring House, Pennsylvania, PA, 19477, USA
| | - Aaron Patrick
- Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, Spring House, Pennsylvania, PA, 19477, USA
| | - Quyen Pham
- Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, Brisbane, CA, 94005, USA
| | - Madison Piassek
- Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, Spring House, Pennsylvania, PA, 19477, USA
| | - Nick Verheyen
- Janssen Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, 2340, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Afzaal Shareef
- Department of Microbiology, National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | | | - Nina Ysebaert
- Janssen Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, 2340, Beerse, Belgium
| | | | | | | | - Jason S McLellan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Etienne Decroly
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, AFMB, UMR 7257, Marseille, France
| | - Rachel Fearns
- Department of Microbiology, National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | | | - Dirk Roymans
- Janssen Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, 2340, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Sujata Sharma
- Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, Spring House, Pennsylvania, PA, 19477, USA
| | - Peter Rigaux
- Janssen Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, 2340, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Zhinan Jin
- Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, Brisbane, CA, 94005, USA.
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23
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Abduljalil JM, Elfiky AA, Sayed ESTA, AlKhazindar MM. In silico structural elucidation of Nipah virus L protein and targeting RNA-dependent RNA polymerase domain by nucleoside analogs. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:8215-8229. [PMID: 36205638 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2130987] [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: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/10/2022]
Abstract
The large (L) protein of Mononegavirales is a multi-domain protein that performs transcription and genome replication. One of the important domains in L is the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), a promising target for antiviral drugs. In this work, we employed rigorous computational comparative modeling to predict the structure of L protein of Nipah virus (NiV). The RdRp domain was targeted by a panel of nucleotide analogs, previously reported to inhibit different viral RNA polymerases, using molecular docking. Best binder compounds were subjected to molecular dynamics simulation to validate their binding. Molecular mechanics/generalized-born surface area (MM/GBSA) calculations estimated the binding free energy. The predicted model of NiV L has an excellent quality as judged by physics- and knowledge-based validation tests. Galidesivir, AT-9010 and Norov-29 scored the top nucleotide analogs to bind to the RdRp. Their binding free energies obtained by MM/GBSA (-31.01 ± 3.9 to -38.37 ± 4.8 kcal/mol) ranked Norov-29 as the best potential inhibitor. Purine nucleotide analogs are expected to harbor the scaffold for an effective drug against NiV. Finally, this study is expected to provide a start point for medicinal chemistry and drug discovery campaigns toward identification of effective chemotherapeutic agent(s) against NiV.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jameel M Abduljalil
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Thamar University, Dhamar, Yemen
| | - Abdo A Elfiky
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - El-Sayed T A Sayed
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Maha M AlKhazindar
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
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24
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Peng Q, Yuan B, Cheng J, Wang M, Gao S, Bai S, Zhao X, Qi J, Gao GF, Shi Y. Molecular mechanism of de novo replication by the Ebola virus polymerase. Nature 2023; 622:603-610. [PMID: 37699521 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06608-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Non-segmented negative-strand RNA viruses, including Ebola virus (EBOV), rabies virus, human respiratory syncytial virus and pneumoviruses, can cause respiratory infections, haemorrhagic fever and encephalitis in humans and animals, and are considered a substantial health and economic burden worldwide1. Replication and transcription of the viral genome are executed by the large (L) polymerase, which is a promising target for the development of antiviral drugs. Here, using the L polymerase of EBOV as a representative, we show that de novo replication of L polymerase is controlled by the specific 3' leader sequence of the EBOV genome in an enzymatic assay, and that formation of at least three base pairs can effectively drive the elongation process of RNA synthesis independent of the specific RNA sequence. We present the high-resolution structures of the EBOV L-VP35-RNA complex and show that the 3' leader RNA binds in the template entry channel with a distinctive stable bend conformation. Using mutagenesis assays, we confirm that the bend conformation of the RNA is required for the de novo replication activity and reveal the key residues of the L protein that stabilize the RNA conformation. These findings provide a new mechanistic understanding of RNA synthesis for polymerases of non-segmented negative-strand RNA viruses, and reveal important targets for the development of antiviral drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Peng
- International Institute of Vaccine Research and Innovation (iVac), Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Yuan
- International Institute of Vaccine Research and Innovation (iVac), Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jinlong Cheng
- International Institute of Vaccine Research and Innovation (iVac), Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Min Wang
- International Institute of Vaccine Research and Innovation (iVac), Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Siwei Gao
- International Institute of Vaccine Research and Innovation (iVac), Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Suran Bai
- International Institute of Vaccine Research and Innovation (iVac), Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xuejin Zhao
- International Institute of Vaccine Research and Innovation (iVac), Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jianxun Qi
- International Institute of Vaccine Research and Innovation (iVac), Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Life Science Academy, Beijing, China.
| | - George F Gao
- International Institute of Vaccine Research and Innovation (iVac), Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Life Science Academy, Beijing, China.
- Center for Influenza Research and Early-warning (CASCIRE), CAS-TWAS Center of Excellence for Emerging Infectious Disease (CEEID), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Research Unit of Adaptive Evolution and Control of Emerging Viruses, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Yi Shi
- International Institute of Vaccine Research and Innovation (iVac), Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Life Science Academy, Beijing, China.
- Center for Influenza Research and Early-warning (CASCIRE), CAS-TWAS Center of Excellence for Emerging Infectious Disease (CEEID), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Research Unit of Adaptive Evolution and Control of Emerging Viruses, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
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25
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Abstract
The nonsegmented, negative-strand RNA viruses (nsNSVs), also known as the order Mononegavirales, have a genome consisting of a single strand of negative-sense RNA. Integral to the nsNSV replication cycle is the viral polymerase, which is responsible for transcribing the viral genome, to produce an array of capped and polyadenylated messenger RNAs, and replicating it to produce new genomes. To perform the different steps that are necessary for these processes, the nsNSV polymerases undergo a series of coordinated conformational transitions. While much is still to be learned regarding the intersection of nsNSV polymerase dynamics, structure, and function, recently published polymerase structures, combined with a history of biochemical and molecular biology studies, have provided new insights into how nsNSV polymerases function as dynamic machines. In this review, we consider each of the steps involved in nsNSV transcription and replication and suggest how these relate to solved polymerase structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Ouizougun-Oubari
- Department of Virology, Immunology & Microbiology, National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA;
| | - Rachel Fearns
- Department of Virology, Immunology & Microbiology, National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA;
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26
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Li H, Wu Y, Li M, Guo L, Gao Y, Wang Q, Zhang J, Lai Z, Zhang X, Zhu L, Lan P, Rao Z, Liu Y, Liang H. An intermediate state allows influenza polymerase to switch smoothly between transcription and replication cycles. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2023; 30:1183-1192. [PMID: 37488357 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-023-01043-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Influenza polymerase (FluPol) transcribes viral mRNA at the beginning of the viral life cycle and initiates genome replication after viral protein synthesis. However, it remains poorly understood how FluPol switches between its transcription and replication states, especially given that the structural bases of these two functions are fundamentally different. Here we propose a mechanism by which FluPol achieves functional switching between these two states through a previously unstudied conformation, termed an 'intermediate state'. Using cryo-electron microscopy, we obtained a structure of the intermediate state of H5N1 FluPol at 3.7 Å, which is characterized by a blocked cap-binding domain and a contracted core region. Structural analysis results suggest that the intermediate state may allow FluPol to transition smoothly into either the transcription or replication state. Furthermore, we show that the formation of the intermediate state is required for both the transcription and replication activities of FluPol, leading us to conclude that the transcription and replication cycles of FluPol are regulated via this intermediate state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Systems Medicine in Inflammatory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yixi Wu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Systems Medicine in Inflammatory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Minke Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Systems Medicine in Inflammatory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lu Guo
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yaqi Gao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Systems Medicine in Inflammatory Diseases, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Quan Wang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jihua Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Systems Medicine in Inflammatory Diseases, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhaohua Lai
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Systems Medicine in Inflammatory Diseases, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xing Zhang
- Departments of Biophysics and Pathology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Center of Cryo Electron Microscopy, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lixin Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ping Lan
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zihe Rao
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yingfang Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Systems Medicine in Inflammatory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China.
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Huanhuan Liang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Systems Medicine in Inflammatory Diseases, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China.
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27
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Li Z, Li B, Chen Z, Xu J, El Sabbagh A, Zhao Y, Du R, Rong L, Tian J, Cui Q. Licochalcone A plays dual antiviral roles by inhibiting RSV and protecting against host damage. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29059. [PMID: 37635463 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes lower respiratory tract diseases and bronchiolitis in children and elderly individuals. There are no effective drugs currently available to treat RSV infection. In this study, we report that Licochalcone A (LCA) can inhibit RSV replication and mitigate RSV-induced cell damage in vitro, and that LCA exerts a protective effect by reducing the viral titer and inflammation in the lungs of infected mice in vivo. We suggest that the mechanism of action occurs through pathways of antioxidant stress and inflammation. Further mechanistic results demonstrate that LCA can induce nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) translocation into the nucleus, activate heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), and inhibit reactive oxygen species-induced oxidative stress. LCA also works to reverse the decrease in I-kappa-B-alpha (IкBα) levels caused by RSV, which in turn inhibits inflammation through the associated nuclear factor kappa B and tumor necrosis factor-α signaling pathways. The combined action of the two cross-talking pathways protects hosts from RSV-induced damage. To conclude, our study is the first of its kind to establish evidence of LCA as a viable treatment for RSV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongyuan Li
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Baohong Li
- Innovative Institute of Chinse Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Zinuo Chen
- Innovative Institute of Chinse Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Jinke Xu
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, China
| | - Asma El Sabbagh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Yangang Zhao
- Qingdao Academy of Chinese Medicinal Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingdao, China
| | - Ruikun Du
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Innovative Institute of Chinse Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Qingdao Academy of Chinese Medicinal Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingdao, China
| | - Lijun Rong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jingzhen Tian
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Qingdao Academy of Chinese Medicinal Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingdao, China
| | - Qinghua Cui
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Innovative Institute of Chinse Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Qingdao Academy of Chinese Medicinal Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingdao, China
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Risso-Ballester J, Rameix-Welti MA. Spatial resolution of virus replication: RSV and cytoplasmic inclusion bodies. Adv Virus Res 2023; 116:1-43. [PMID: 37524479 DOI: 10.1016/bs.aivir.2023.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a major cause of respiratory illness in young children, elderly and immunocompromised individuals worldwide representing a severe burden for health systems. The urgent development of vaccines or specific antivirals against RSV is impaired by the lack of knowledge regarding its replication mechanisms. RSV is a negative-sense single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) virus belonging to the Mononegavirales order (MNV) which includes other viruses pathogenic to humans as Rabies (RabV), Ebola (EBOV), or measles (MeV) viruses. Transcription and replication of viral genomes occur within cytoplasmatic virus-induced spherical inclusions, commonly referred as inclusion bodies (IBs). Recently IBs were shown to exhibit properties of membrane-less organelles (MLO) arising by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). Compartmentalization of viral RNA synthesis steps in viral-induced MLO is indeed a common feature of MNV. Strikingly these key compartments still remain mysterious. Most of our current knowledge on IBs relies on the use of fluorescence microscopy. The ability to fluorescently label IBs in cells has been key to uncover their dynamics and nature. The generation of recombinant viruses expressing a fluorescently-labeled viral protein and the immunolabeling or the expression of viral fusion proteins known to be recruited in IBs are some of the tools used to visualize IBs in infected cells. In this chapter, microscope techniques and the most relevant studies that have shed light on RSV IBs fundamental aspects, including biogenesis, organization and dynamics are being discussed and brought to light with the investigations carried out on other MNV.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marie-Anne Rameix-Welti
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris-Saclay, Université de Versailles St. Quentin, UMR 1173 (2I), INSERM, Paris, France; Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Ambroise Paré, Laboratoire de Microbiologie, DMU15, Paris, France.
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29
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Xie E, Ahmad S, Smyth RP, Sieben C. Advanced fluorescence microscopy in respiratory virus cell biology. Adv Virus Res 2023; 116:123-172. [PMID: 37524480 DOI: 10.1016/bs.aivir.2023.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Respiratory viruses are a major public health burden across all age groups around the globe, and are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. They can be transmitted by multiple routes, including physical contact or droplets and aerosols, resulting in efficient spreading within the human population. Investigations of the cell biology of virus replication are thus of utmost importance to gain a better understanding of virus-induced pathogenicity and the development of antiviral countermeasures. Light and fluorescence microscopy techniques have revolutionized investigations of the cell biology of virus infection by allowing the study of the localization and dynamics of viral or cellular components directly in infected cells. Advanced microscopy including high- and super-resolution microscopy techniques available today can visualize biological processes at the single-virus and even single-molecule level, thus opening a unique view on virus infection. We will highlight how fluorescence microscopy has supported investigations on virus cell biology by focusing on three major respiratory viruses: respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Influenza A virus (IAV) and SARS-CoV-2. We will review our current knowledge of virus replication and highlight how fluorescence microscopy has helped to improve our state of understanding. We will start by introducing major imaging and labeling modalities and conclude the chapter with a perspective discussion on remaining challenges and potential opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enyu Xie
- Nanoscale Infection Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Shazeb Ahmad
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Redmond P Smyth
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Würzburg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christian Sieben
- Nanoscale Infection Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany; Institute of Genetics, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany.
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30
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Kleiner VA, O Fischmann T, Howe JA, Beshore DC, Eddins MJ, Hou Y, Mayhood T, Klein D, Nahas DD, Lucas BJ, Xi H, Murray E, Ma DY, Getty K, Fearns R. Conserved allosteric inhibitory site on the respiratory syncytial virus and human metapneumovirus RNA-dependent RNA polymerases. Commun Biol 2023; 6:649. [PMID: 37337079 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04990-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (HMPV) are related RNA viruses responsible for severe respiratory infections and resulting disease in infants, elderly, and immunocompromised adults1-3. Therapeutic small molecule inhibitors that bind to the RSV polymerase and inhibit viral replication are being developed, but their binding sites and molecular mechanisms of action remain largely unknown4. Here we report a conserved allosteric inhibitory site identified on the L polymerase proteins of RSV and HMPV that can be targeted by a dual-specificity, non-nucleoside inhibitor, termed MRK-1. Cryo-EM structures of the inhibitor in complexes with truncated RSV and full-length HMPV polymerase proteins provide a structural understanding of how MRK-1 is active against both viruses. Functional analyses indicate that MRK-1 inhibits conformational changes necessary for the polymerase to engage in RNA synthesis initiation and to transition into an elongation mode. Competition studies reveal that the MRK-1 binding pocket is distinct from that of a capping inhibitor with an overlapping resistance profile, suggesting that the polymerase conformation bound by MRK-1 may be distinct from that involved in mRNA capping. These findings should facilitate optimization of dual RSV and HMPV replication inhibitors and provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying their polymerase activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria A Kleiner
- Department of Virology, Immunology & Microbiology, National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Yan Hou
- MRL, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - He Xi
- MRL, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA
| | | | | | | | - Rachel Fearns
- Department of Virology, Immunology & Microbiology, National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
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31
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Visentin A, Demitroff N, Salgueiro M, Borkosky SS, Uversky VN, Camporeale G, de Prat-Gay G. Assembly of the Tripartite and RNA Condensates of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus Factory Proteins In Vitro: Role of the Transcription Antiterminator M 2-1. Viruses 2023; 15:1329. [PMID: 37376628 DOI: 10.3390/v15061329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
A wide variety of viruses replicate in liquid-like viral factories. Non-segmented negative stranded RNA viruses share a nucleoprotein (N) and a phosphoprotein (P) that together emerge as the main drivers of liquid-liquid phase separation. The respiratory syncytial virus includes the transcription antiterminator M2-1, which binds RNA and maximizes RNA transcriptase processivity. We recapitulate the assembly mechanism of condensates of the three proteins and the role played by RNA. M2-1 displays a strong propensity for condensation by itself and with RNA through the formation of electrostatically driven protein-RNA coacervates based on the amphiphilic behavior of M2-1 and finely tuned by stoichiometry. M2-1 incorporates into tripartite condensates with N and P, modulating their size through an interplay with P, where M2-1 is both client and modulator. RNA is incorporated into the tripartite condensates adopting a heterogeneous distribution, reminiscent of the M2-1-RNA IBAG granules within the viral factories. Ionic strength dependence indicates that M2-1 behaves differently in the protein phase as opposed to the protein-RNA phase, in line with the subcompartmentalization observed in viral factories. This work dissects the biochemical grounds for the formation and fate of the RSV condensates in vitro and provides clues to interrogate the mechanism under the highly complex infection context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Araceli Visentin
- Instituto Leloir, IIB-BA Conicet, Av. Patricias Argentinas 435, Buenos Aires 1405, Argentina
| | - Nicolás Demitroff
- Instituto Leloir, IIB-BA Conicet, Av. Patricias Argentinas 435, Buenos Aires 1405, Argentina
| | - Mariano Salgueiro
- Instituto Leloir, IIB-BA Conicet, Av. Patricias Argentinas 435, Buenos Aires 1405, Argentina
| | - Silvia Susana Borkosky
- Instituto Leloir, IIB-BA Conicet, Av. Patricias Argentinas 435, Buenos Aires 1405, Argentina
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Gabriela Camporeale
- Instituto Leloir, IIB-BA Conicet, Av. Patricias Argentinas 435, Buenos Aires 1405, Argentina
| | - Gonzalo de Prat-Gay
- Instituto Leloir, IIB-BA Conicet, Av. Patricias Argentinas 435, Buenos Aires 1405, Argentina
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas 13083-970, SP, Brazil
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32
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Cong J, Feng X, Kang H, Fu W, Wang L, Wang C, Li X, Chen Y, Rao Z. Structure of the Newcastle Disease Virus L protein in complex with tetrameric phosphoprotein. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1324. [PMID: 36898997 PMCID: PMC10006412 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37012-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Newcastle disease virus (NDV) belongs to Paramyxoviridae, which contains lethal human and animal pathogens. NDV RNA genome is replicated and transcribed by a multifunctional 250 kDa RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (L protein). To date, high-resolution structure of NDV L protein complexed with P protein remains to be elucidated, limiting our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of Paramyxoviridae replication/transcription. Here, we used cryo-EM and enzymatic assays to investigate the structure-function relationship of L-P complex. We found that C-terminal of CD-MTase-CTD module of the atomic-resolution L-P complex conformationally rearranges, and the priming/intrusion loops are likely in RNA elongation conformations different from previous structures. The P protein adopts a unique tetrameric organization and interacts with L protein. Our findings indicate that NDV L-P complex represents elongation state distinct from previous structures. Our work greatly advances the understanding of Paramyxoviridae RNA synthesis, revealing how initiation/elongation alternates, providing clues for identifying therapeutic targets against Paramyxoviridae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyuan Cong
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoying Feng
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Huiling Kang
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Wangjun Fu
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Wang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chenlong Wang
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuemei Li
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Yutao Chen
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Zihe Rao
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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Sutto-Ortiz P, Eléouët JF, Ferron F, Decroly E. Biochemistry of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus L Protein Embedding RNA Polymerase and Capping Activities. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020341. [PMID: 36851554 PMCID: PMC9960070 DOI: 10.3390/v15020341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus. It is the major cause of severe acute lower respiratory tract infection in infants, the elderly population, and immunocompromised individuals. There is still no approved vaccine or antiviral treatment against RSV disease, but new monoclonal prophylactic antibodies are yet to be commercialized, and clinical trials are in progress. Hence, urgent efforts are needed to develop efficient therapeutic treatments. RSV RNA synthesis comprises viral transcription and replication that are catalyzed by the large protein (L) in coordination with the phosphoprotein polymerase cofactor (P), the nucleoprotein (N), and the M2-1 transcription factor. The replication/transcription is orchestrated by the L protein, which contains three conserved enzymatic domains: the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), the polyribonucleotidyl transferase (PRNTase or capping), and the methyltransferase (MTase) domain. These activities are essential for the RSV replicative cycle and are thus considered as attractive targets for the development of therapeutic agents. In this review, we summarize recent findings about RSV L domains structure that highlight how the enzymatic activities of RSV L domains are interconnected, discuss the most relevant and recent antivirals developments that target the replication/transcription complex, and conclude with a perspective on identified knowledge gaps that enable new research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jean-François Eléouët
- Unité de Virologie et Immunologie Moléculaires, INRAE, Université Paris Saclay, F78350 Jouy en Josas, France
| | - François Ferron
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, AFMB, UMR, 7257 Marseille, France
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, Leutragraben 1, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Etienne Decroly
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, AFMB, UMR, 7257 Marseille, France
- Correspondence:
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Goya S, Lucion MF, Shilts MH, Juárez MDV, Gentile A, Mistchenko AS, Viegas M, Das SR. Evolutionary dynamics of respiratory syncytial virus in Buenos Aires: Viral diversity, migration, and subgroup replacement. Virus Evol 2023; 9:vead006. [PMID: 36880065 PMCID: PMC9985318 DOI: 10.1093/ve/vead006] [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: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Globally, the human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the major causes of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in children. The scarcity of complete genome data limits our understanding of RSV spatiotemporal distribution, evolution, and viral variant emergence. Nasopharyngeal samples collected from hospitalized pediatric patients from Buenos Aires tested positive for RSV LRTI during four consecutive outbreaks (2014-2017) were randomly subsampled for RSV complete genome sequencing. Phylodynamic studies and viral population characterization of genomic variability, diversity, and migration of viruses to and from Argentina during the study period were performed. Our sequencing effort resulted in one of the largest collections of RSV genomes from a given location (141 RSV-A and 135 RSV-B) published so far. RSV-B was dominant during the 2014-2016 outbreaks (60 per cent of cases) but was abruptly replaced by RSV-A in 2017, with RSV-A accounting for 90 per cent of sequenced samples. A significant decrease in RSV genomic diversity-represented by both a reduction in genetic lineages detected and the predominance of viral variants defined by signature amino acids-was observed in Buenos Aires in 2016, the year prior to the RSV subgroup predominance replacement. Multiple introductions to Buenos Aires were detected, some with persistent detection over seasons, and also, RSV was observed to migrate from Buenos Aires to other countries. Our results suggest that the decrease in viral diversity may have allowed the dramatic predominance switch from RSV-B to RSV-A in 2017. The immune pressure generated against circulating viruses with limited diversity during a given outbreak may have created a fertile ground for an antigenically divergent RSV variant to be introduced and successfully spread in the subsequent outbreak. Overall, our RSV genomic analysis of intra- and inter-outbreak diversity provides an opportunity to better understand the epochal evolutionary dynamics of RSV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Goya
- Virology Laboratory, Ricardo Gutiérrez Children’s Hospital, Gallo 1330, Buenos Aires 1425, Argentina
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council, Godoy Cruz 2290, Buenos Aires 1425, Argentina
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Maria Florencia Lucion
- Department of Epidemiology, Ricardo Gutiérrez Children’s Hospital, Gallo 1330, Buenos Aires 1425, Argentina
| | - Meghan H Shilts
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - María del Valle Juárez
- Department of Epidemiology, Ricardo Gutiérrez Children’s Hospital, Gallo 1330, Buenos Aires 1425, Argentina
| | - Angela Gentile
- Department of Epidemiology, Ricardo Gutiérrez Children’s Hospital, Gallo 1330, Buenos Aires 1425, Argentina
| | - Alicia S Mistchenko
- Virology Laboratory, Ricardo Gutiérrez Children’s Hospital, Gallo 1330, Buenos Aires 1425, Argentina
| | - Mariana Viegas
- Virology Laboratory, Ricardo Gutiérrez Children’s Hospital, Gallo 1330, Buenos Aires 1425, Argentina
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council, Godoy Cruz 2290, Buenos Aires 1425, Argentina
| | - Suman R Das
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Department Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1215 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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35
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Sugrue RJ, Tan BH. Defining the Assembleome of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus. Subcell Biochem 2023; 106:227-249. [PMID: 38159230 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-40086-5_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
During respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) particle assembly, the mature RSV particles form as filamentous projections on the surface of RSV-infected cells. The RSV assembly process occurs at the / on the cell surface that is modified by a virus infection, involving a combination of several different host cell factors and cellular processes. This induces changes in the lipid composition and properties of these lipid microdomains, and the virus-induced activation of associated Rho GTPase signaling networks drives the remodeling of the underlying filamentous actin (F-actin) cytoskeleton network. The modified sites that form on the surface of the infected cells form the nexus point for RSV assembly, and in this review chapter, they are referred to as the RSV assembleome. This is to distinguish these unique membrane microdomains that are formed during virus infection from the corresponding membrane microdomains that are present at the cell surface prior to infection. In this article, an overview of the current understanding of the processes that drive the formation of the assembleome during RSV particle assembly is given.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Sugrue
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Republic of Singapore.
| | - Boon Huan Tan
- LKC School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
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36
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Investigation of the Fuzzy Complex between RSV Nucleoprotein and Phosphoprotein to Optimize an Inhibition Assay by Fluorescence Polarization. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010569. [PMID: 36614009 PMCID: PMC9820559 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The interaction between Respiratory Syncytial Virus phosphoprotein P and nucleoprotein N is essential for the formation of the holo RSV polymerase that carries out replication. In vitro screening of antivirals targeting the N-P protein interaction requires a molecular interaction model, ideally consisting of a complex between N protein and a short peptide corresponding to the C-terminal tail of the P protein. However, the flexibility of C-terminal P peptides as well as their phosphorylation status play a role in binding and may bias the outcome of an inhibition assay. We therefore investigated binding affinities and dynamics of this interaction by testing two N protein constructs and P peptides of different lengths and composition, using nuclear magnetic resonance and fluorescence polarization (FP). We show that, although the last C-terminal Phe241 residue is the main determinant for anchoring P to N, only longer peptides afford sub-micromolar affinity, despite increasing mobility towards the N-terminus. We investigated competitive binding by peptides and small compounds, including molecules used as fluorescent labels in FP. Based on these results, we draw optimized parameters for a robust RSV N-P inhibition assay and validated this assay with the M76 molecule, which displays antiviral properties, for further screening of chemical libraries.
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37
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Borna Disease Virus 1 Phosphoprotein Forms a Tetramer and Interacts with Host Factors Involved in DNA Double-Strand Break Repair and mRNA Processing. Viruses 2022; 14:v14112358. [PMID: 36366462 PMCID: PMC9692295 DOI: 10.3390/v14112358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Determining the structural organisation of viral replication complexes and unravelling the impact of infection on cellular homeostasis represent important challenges in virology. This may prove particularly useful when confronted with viruses that pose a significant threat to human health, that appear unique within their family, or for which knowledge is scarce. Among Mononegavirales, bornaviruses (family Bornaviridae) stand out due to their compact genomes and their nuclear localisation for replication. The recent recognition of the zoonotic potential of several orthobornaviruses has sparked a surge of interest in improving our knowledge on this viral family. In this work, we provide a complete analysis of the structural organisation of Borna disease virus 1 (BoDV-1) phosphoprotein (P), an important cofactor for polymerase activity. Using X-ray diffusion and diffraction experiments, we revealed that BoDV-1 P adopts a long coiled-coil α-helical structure split into two parts by an original β-strand twist motif, which is highly conserved across the members of whole Orthobornavirus genus and may regulate viral replication. In parallel, we used BioID to determine the proximal interactome of P in living cells. We confirmed previously known interactors and identified novel proteins linked to several biological processes such as DNA repair or mRNA metabolism. Altogether, our study provides important structure/function cues, which may improve our understanding of BoDV-1 pathogenesis.
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38
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Revisiting Viral RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerases: Insights from Recent Structural Studies. Viruses 2022; 14:v14102200. [PMID: 36298755 PMCID: PMC9612308 DOI: 10.3390/v14102200] [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: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RdRPs) represent a distinctive yet versatile class of nucleic acid polymerases encoded by RNA viruses for the replication and transcription of their genome. The structure of the RdRP is comparable to that of a cupped right hand consisting of fingers, palm, and thumb subdomains. Despite the presence of a common structural core, the RdRPs differ significantly in the mechanistic details of RNA binding and polymerization. The present review aims at exploring these incongruities in light of recent structural studies of RdRP complexes with diverse cofactors, RNA moieties, analogs, and inhibitors.
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39
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Yuan B, Peng Q, Cheng J, Wang M, Zhong J, Qi J, Gao GF, Shi Y. Structure of the Ebola virus polymerase complex. Nature 2022; 610:394-401. [PMID: 36171293 PMCID: PMC9517992 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-05271-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Filoviruses, including Ebola virus, pose an increasing threat to the public health. Although two therapeutic monoclonal antibodies have been approved to treat the Ebola virus disease1,2, there are no approved broadly reactive drugs to control diverse filovirus infection. Filovirus has a large polymerase (L) protein and the cofactor viral protein 35 (VP35), which constitute the basic functional unit responsible for virus genome RNA synthesis3. Owing to its conservation, the L–VP35 polymerase complex is a promising target for broadly reactive antiviral drugs. Here we determined the structure of Ebola virus L protein in complex with tetrameric VP35 using cryo-electron microscopy (state 1). Structural analysis revealed that Ebola virus L possesses a filovirus-specific insertion element that is essential for RNA synthesis, and that VP35 interacts extensively with the N-terminal region of L by three protomers of the VP35 tetramer. Notably, we captured the complex structure in a second conformation with the unambiguous priming loop and supporting helix away from polymerase active site (state 2). Moreover, we demonstrated that the century-old drug suramin could inhibit the activity of the Ebola virus polymerase in an enzymatic assay. The structure of the L–VP35–suramin complex reveals that suramin can bind at the highly conserved NTP entry channel to prevent substrates from entering the active site. These findings reveal the mechanism of Ebola virus replication and may guide the development of more powerful anti-filovirus drugs. Structural studies of the Ebola virus polymerase complex provide insights into its function and demonstrate the structural basis of its inhibition by suramin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Yuan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Peng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jinlong Cheng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Min Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Zhong
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianxun Qi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - George F Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China. .,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China. .,Center for Influenza Research and Early-Warning (CASCIRE), CAS-TWAS Center of Excellence for Emerging Infectious Disease (CEEID), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China. .,Research Unit of Adaptive Evolution and Control of Emerging Viruses, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Yi Shi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China. .,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China. .,Center for Influenza Research and Early-Warning (CASCIRE), CAS-TWAS Center of Excellence for Emerging Infectious Disease (CEEID), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China. .,Research Unit of Adaptive Evolution and Control of Emerging Viruses, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
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40
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Gonnin L, Richard CA, Gutsche I, Chevret D, Troussier J, Vasseur JJ, Debart F, Eléouët JF, Galloux M. Importance of RNA length for in vitro encapsidation by the nucleoprotein of human Respiratory Syncytial Virus. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102337. [PMID: 35931116 PMCID: PMC9436823 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102337] [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: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus has a negative-sense single-stranded RNA genome constitutively encapsidated by the viral nucleoprotein N, forming a helical nucleocapsid which is the template for viral transcription and replication by the viral polymerase L. Recruitment of L onto the nucleocapsid depends on the viral phosphoprotein P, which is an essential L cofactor. A prerequisite for genome and antigenome encapsidation is the presence of the monomeric, RNA-free, neosynthesized N protein, named N0. Stabilization of N0 depends on the binding of the N-terminal residues of P to its surface, which prevents N oligomerization. However, the mechanism involved in the transition from N0-P to nucleocapsid assembly, and thus in the specificity of viral genome encapsidation, is still unknown. Furthermore, the specific role of N oligomerization and RNA in the morphogenesis of viral factories, where viral transcription and replication occur, have not been elucidated although the interaction between P and N complexed to RNA has been shown to be responsible for this process. Here, using a chimeric protein comprising N and the first 40 N-terminal residues of P, we succeeded in purifying a recombinant N0-like protein competent for RNA encapsidation in vitro. Our results showed the importance of RNA length for stable encapsidation and revealed that the nature of the 5′ end of RNA does not explain the specificity of encapsidation. Finally, we showed that RNA encapsidation is crucial for the in vitro reconstitution of pseudo-viral factories. Together, our findings provide insight into respiratory syncytial virus viral genome encapsidation specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorène Gonnin
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, UVSQ, VIM, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | | | - Irina Gutsche
- University of Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, IBS, Grenoble, France
| | - Didier Chevret
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, UVSQ, VIM, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Joris Troussier
- IBMM, Université de Montpellier, ENSCM, CNRS, UMR 5247, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Françoise Debart
- IBMM, Université de Montpellier, ENSCM, CNRS, UMR 5247, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Marie Galloux
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, UVSQ, VIM, Jouy-en-Josas, France.
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Respiratory Syncytial virus NS1 protein targets the transactivator binding domain of MED25. J Mol Biol 2022; 434:167763. [PMID: 35907573 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Human RSV is the leading cause of infantile bronchiolitis in the world and one of the major causes of childhood deaths in resource-poor settings. It is a major unmet target for vaccines and anti-viral drugs. Respiratory syncytial virus has evolved a unique strategy to evade host immune response by coding for two non-structural proteins NS1 and NS2. Recently it was shown that in infected cells, nuclear NS1 could be involved in transcription regulation of host genes linked to innate immune response, via interactions with chromatin and the Mediator complex. Here we identified the MED25 Mediator subunit as an NS1 interactor in a yeast two-hybrid screen. We demonstrate that NS1 directly interacts with MED25 in vitro and in cellula, and that this interaction involves the MED25 transactivator binding ACID domain on the one hand, and the C-terminal α3 helix of NS1, with an additional contribution of the globular domain of NS1, on the other hand. By NMR we show that the NS1 α3 sequence primarily binds to the MED25 ACID H2 face, similarly to the α-helical transactivation domains (TADs) of transcription regulators such as Herpex simplex VP16 and ATF6α, a master regulator of ER stress response activated upon viral infection. Moreover, we found out that the NS1 could compete with ATF6α TAD for binding to MED25. These findings point to a mechanism of NS1 interfering with innate immune response by impairing recruitment by cellular TADs of the Mediator via MED25 and hence transcription of specific genes by RNA polymerase II.
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Sourimant J, Lieber CM, Yoon JJ, Toots M, Govindarajan M, Udumula V, Sakamoto K, Natchus MG, Patti J, Vernachio J, Plemper RK. Orally efficacious lead of the AVG inhibitor series targeting a dynamic interface in the respiratory syncytial virus polymerase. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabo2236. [PMID: 35749502 PMCID: PMC9232112 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abo2236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of lower respiratory infections in infants and the immunocompromised, yet no efficient therapeutic exists. We have identified the AVG class of allosteric inhibitors of RSV RNA synthesis. Here, we demonstrate through biolayer interferometry and in vitro RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) assays that AVG compounds bind to the viral polymerase, stalling the polymerase in initiation conformation. Resistance profiling revealed a unique escape pattern, suggesting a discrete docking pose. Affinity mapping using photoreactive AVG analogs identified the interface of polymerase core, capping, and connector domains as a molecular target site. A first-generation lead showed nanomolar potency against RSV in human airway epithelium organoids but lacked in vivo efficacy. Docking pose-informed synthetic optimization generated orally efficacious AVG-388, which showed potent efficacy in the RSV mouse model when administered therapeutically. This study maps a druggable target in the RSV RdRP and establishes clinical potential of the AVG chemotype against RSV disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Sourimant
- Center for Translational Antiviral Research, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Carolin M. Lieber
- Center for Translational Antiviral Research, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Jeong-Joong Yoon
- Center for Translational Antiviral Research, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Mart Toots
- Center for Translational Antiviral Research, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | | | - Venkata Udumula
- Emory Institute for Drug Development, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Kaori Sakamoto
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Michael G. Natchus
- Emory Institute for Drug Development, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Joseph Patti
- Aviragen Therapeutics Inc, Alpharetta, GA 30009, USA
| | | | - Richard K. Plemper
- Center for Translational Antiviral Research, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
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43
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Cressey TN, Shareef AM, Kleiner VA, Noton SL, Byrne PO, McLellan JS, Mühlberger E, Fearns R. Distinctive features of the respiratory syncytial virus priming loop compared to other non-segmented negative strand RNA viruses. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010451. [PMID: 35731802 PMCID: PMC9255747 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
De novo initiation by viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerases often requires a polymerase priming residue, located within a priming loop, to stabilize the initiating NTPs. Polymerase structures from three different non-segmented negative strand RNA virus (nsNSV) families revealed putative priming loops in different conformations, and an aromatic priming residue has been identified in the rhabdovirus polymerase. In a previous study of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) polymerase, we found that Tyr1276, the L protein aromatic amino acid residue that most closely aligns with the rhabdovirus priming residue, is not required for RNA synthesis but two nearby residues, Pro1261 and Trp1262, were required. In this study, we examined the roles of Pro1261 and Trp1262 in RNA synthesis initiation. Biochemical studies showed that substitution of Pro1261 inhibited RNA synthesis initiation without inhibiting back-priming, indicating a defect in initiation. Biochemical and minigenome experiments showed that the initiation defect incurred by a P1261A substitution could be rescued by factors that would be expected to increase the stability of the initiation complex, specifically increased NTP concentration, manganese, and a more efficient promoter sequence. These findings indicate that Pro1261 of the RSV L protein plays a role in initiation, most likely in stabilizing the initiation complex. However, we found that substitution of the corresponding proline residue in a filovirus polymerase had no effect on RNA synthesis initiation or elongation. These results indicate that despite similarities between the nsNSV polymerases, there are differences in the features required for RNA synthesis initiation. RSV has a significant impact on human health. It is the major cause of respiratory disease in infants and exerts a significant toll on the elderly and immunocompromised. RSV is a member of the Mononegavirales, the non-segmented, negative strand RNA viruses (nsNSVs). Like other viruses in this order, RSV encodes an RNA dependent RNA polymerase, which is responsible for transcribing and replicating the viral genome. Due to its essential role during the viral replication cycle, the polymerase is a promising candidate target for antiviral inhibitors and so a greater understanding of the mechanistic basis of its activities could aid antiviral drug development. In this study, we identified an amino acid residue within the RSV polymerase that appears to stabilize the RNA synthesis initiation complex and showed that it plays a role in both transcription and RNA replication. However, the corresponding residue in a different nsNSV polymerase does not appear to play a similar role. This work reveals a key feature of the RSV polymerase but identifies differences with the polymerases of other related viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa N. Cressey
- Department of Microbiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories (NEIDL), Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Afzaal M. Shareef
- Department of Microbiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories (NEIDL), Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Victoria A. Kleiner
- Department of Microbiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories (NEIDL), Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Sarah L. Noton
- Department of Microbiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories (NEIDL), Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Patrick O. Byrne
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jason S. McLellan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States of America
| | - Elke Mühlberger
- Department of Microbiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories (NEIDL), Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Rachel Fearns
- Department of Microbiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories (NEIDL), Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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44
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Wyss M, Gradauskaite V, Ebert N, Thiel V, Zurbriggen A, Plattet P. Efficient Recovery of Attenuated Canine Distemper Virus from cDNA. Virus Res 2022; 316:198796. [PMID: 35568090 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2022.198796] [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: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
To provide insights into the biology of the attenuated canine distemper virus (CDV) Onderstepoort (OP) strain (large plaque forming variant), design next-generation multivalent vaccines, or further investigate its promising potential as an oncolytic vector, we employed contemporary modifications to establish an efficient OP-CDV-based reverse genetics platform. Successful viral rescue was obtained however only upon recovery of a completely conserved charged residue (V13E) residing at the N-terminal region of the large protein (L). Although L-V13 and L-V13E did not display drastic differences in cellular localization and physical interaction with P, efficient polymerase complex (P+L) activity was recorded only with L-V13E. Interestingly, grafting mNeonGreen to the viral N protein via a P2A ribosomal skipping sequence (OPneon) and its derivative V-protein-knockout variant (OPneon-Vko) exhibited delayed replication kinetics in cultured cells. Collectively, we established an efficient OP-CDV-based reverse genetics system that enables the design of various strategies potentially contributing to veterinary medicine and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Wyss
- Division of Neurological Sciences, Vetsuisse faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Vaiva Gradauskaite
- Division of Neurological Sciences, Vetsuisse faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nadine Ebert
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern and Mittelhäusern, Switzerland
| | - Volker Thiel
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern and Mittelhäusern, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Zurbriggen
- Division of Neurological Sciences, Vetsuisse faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Philippe Plattet
- Division of Neurological Sciences, Vetsuisse faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland.
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45
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Sakamoto K, Satoh Y, Takahashi KI, Wakimoto H, Kitagawa Y, Gotoh B, Ayata M, Itoh M. Upregulation of viral RNA polymerase activity promotes adaptation of SSPE virus to neuronal cells. Virology 2022; 573:1-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2022.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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46
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Detailed Analyses of Molecular Interactions between Favipiravir and RNA Viruses In Silico. Viruses 2022; 14:v14020338. [PMID: 35215932 PMCID: PMC8879546 DOI: 10.3390/v14020338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
There are currently no antiviral agents for human metapneumovirus (HMPV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), mumps virus (MuV), or measles virus (MeV). Favipiravir has been developed as an anti-influenza agent, and this agent may be effective against these viruses in vitro. However, the molecular mechanisms through which the agent affects virus replication remain to be fully elucidated. Thus, to clarify the detailed molecular interactions between favipiravir and the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of HMPV, RSV, MuV, MeV, and influenza virus, we performed in silico studies using authentic bioinformatics technologies. As a result, we found that the active form of favipiravir (favipiravir ribofuranosyl-5′-triphosphate [F-RTP]) can bind to the RdRp active sites of HMPV, RSV, MuV, and MeV. The aspartic acid residue of RdRp active sites was involved in the interaction. Moreover, F-RTP was incorporated into the growing viral RNA chain in the presence of nucleotide triphosphate and magnesium ions. The results suggested that favipiravir shows two distinct mechanisms in various viruses: RdRp active site inhibition and/or genome replication inhibition.
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47
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Ogino M, Green TJ, Ogino T. GDP polyribonucleotidyltransferase domain of vesicular stomatitis virus polymerase regulates leader-promoter escape and polyadenylation-coupled termination during stop-start transcription. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010287. [PMID: 35108335 PMCID: PMC8843114 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The unconventional mRNA capping enzyme (GDP polyribonucleotidyltransferase, PRNTase) domain of the vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) L protein possesses a dual-functional "priming-capping loop" that governs terminal de novo initiation for leader RNA synthesis and capping of monocistronic mRNAs during the unique stop-start transcription cycle. Here, we investigated the roles of basic amino acid residues on a helix structure directly connected to the priming-capping loop in viral RNA synthesis and identified single point mutations that cause previously unreported defective phenotypes at different steps of stop-start transcription. Mutations of residue R1183 (R1183A and R1183K) dramatically reduced the leader RNA synthesis activity by hampering early elongation, but not terminal de novo initiation or productive elongation, suggesting that the mutations negatively affect escape from the leader promoter. On the other hand, mutations of residue R1178 (R1178A and R1178K) decreased the efficiency of polyadenylation-coupled termination of mRNA synthesis at the gene junctions, but not termination of leader RNA synthesis at the leader-to-N-gene junction, resulting in the generation of larger amounts of aberrant polycistronic mRNAs. In contrast, both the R1183 and R1178 residues are not essential for cap-forming activities. The R1183K mutation was lethal to VSV, whereas the R1178K mutation attenuated VSV and triggered the production of the polycistronic mRNAs in infected cells. These observations suggest that the PRNTase domain plays multiple roles in conducting accurate stop-start transcription beyond its known role in pre-mRNA capping. Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), an animal rhabdovirus closely related to rabies virus, has served as a paradigm for understanding the basic molecular mechanisms of transcription and replication by rhabdoviruses (e.g., rabies) and other non-segmented negative strand (NNS) RNA viruses, such as measles and Ebola. NNS RNA viral polymerases sequentially synthesize the non-coding leader RNA and monocistronic mRNAs from the 3′-terminal leader region and internal genes, respectively, on their genomes by the stop-start transcription mechanism. A hallmark of NNS RNA viral polymerases is the presence of a unique enzymatic domain, called GDP polyribonucleotidyltransferase (PRNTase), which catalyzes pre-mRNA 5′-capping, one of the essential mRNA modifications. Our recent study revealed that the VSV PRNTase domain directs transcription initiation at the 3′-end of the genome as well as pre-mRNA capping with the dual functional priming-capping loop during stop-start transcription. Here, we further show that a helix structure flanked by the priming-capping loop regulates not only transcription elongation at an early phase of leader RNA synthesis but also polyadenylation-coupled transcription termination at gene junctions. These findings indicate that the PRNTase domain acts as a key regulatory domain for stop-start transcription as well as a catalytic domain for pre-mRNA capping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minako Ogino
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Todd J. Green
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Tomoaki Ogino
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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48
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Conley MJ, Short JM, Burns AM, Streetley J, Hutchings J, Bakker SE, Power BJ, Jaffery H, Haney J, Zanetti G, Murcia PR, Stewart M, Fearns R, Vijayakrishnan S, Bhella D. Helical ordering of envelope-associated proteins and glycoproteins in respiratory syncytial virus. EMBO J 2022; 41:e109728. [PMID: 34935163 PMCID: PMC8804925 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2021109728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes severe respiratory illness in children and the elderly. Here, using cryogenic electron microscopy and tomography combined with computational image analysis and three-dimensional reconstruction, we show that there is extensive helical ordering of the envelope-associated proteins and glycoproteins of RSV filamentous virions. We calculated a 16 Å resolution sub-tomogram average of the matrix protein (M) layer that forms an endoskeleton below the viral envelope. These data define a helical lattice of M-dimers, showing how M is oriented relative to the viral envelope. Glycoproteins that stud the viral envelope were also found to be helically ordered, a property that was coordinated by the M-layer. Furthermore, envelope glycoproteins clustered in pairs, a feature that may have implications for the conformation of fusion (F) glycoprotein epitopes that are the principal target for vaccine and monoclonal antibody development. We also report the presence, in authentic virus infections, of N-RNA rings packaged within RSV virions. These data provide molecular insight into the organisation of the virion and the mechanism of its assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela J Conley
- Medical Research Council – University of Glasgow Centre for Virus ResearchGlasgowUK
| | - Judith M Short
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular BiologyCambridgeUK
| | - Andrew M Burns
- Medical Research Council – University of Glasgow Centre for Virus ResearchGlasgowUK
| | - James Streetley
- Medical Research Council – University of Glasgow Centre for Virus ResearchGlasgowUK
| | - Joshua Hutchings
- Department of Biological SciencesBirkbeck CollegeLondonUK
- Present address:
Division of Biological SciencesUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCAUSA
| | - Saskia E Bakker
- Medical Research Council – University of Glasgow Centre for Virus ResearchGlasgowUK
- Present address:
School of Life SciencesUniversity of WarwickCoventryUK
| | - B Joanne Power
- Medical Research Council – University of Glasgow Centre for Virus ResearchGlasgowUK
- Present address:
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyThe Huck Center for Malaria ResearchPennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPAUSA
| | - Hussain Jaffery
- Medical Research Council – University of Glasgow Centre for Virus ResearchGlasgowUK
| | - Joanne Haney
- Medical Research Council – University of Glasgow Centre for Virus ResearchGlasgowUK
| | - Giulia Zanetti
- Department of Biological SciencesBirkbeck CollegeLondonUK
| | - Pablo R Murcia
- Medical Research Council – University of Glasgow Centre for Virus ResearchGlasgowUK
| | - Murray Stewart
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular BiologyCambridgeUK
| | - Rachel Fearns
- Department of MicrobiologyBoston University School of MedicineBostonMAUSA
- National Emerging Infectious Diseases LaboratoriesBoston UniversityBostonMAUSA
| | | | - David Bhella
- Medical Research Council – University of Glasgow Centre for Virus ResearchGlasgowUK
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49
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Chen JW, Yang L, Santos C, Hassan SA, Collins PL, Buchholz UJ, Le Nouën C. Reversion mutations in phosphoprotein P of a codon-pair-deoptimized human respiratory syncytial virus confer increased transcription, immunogenicity, and genetic stability without loss of attenuation. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1010191. [PMID: 34965283 PMCID: PMC8751989 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Recoding viral genomes by introducing numerous synonymous nucleotide substitutions that create suboptimal codon pairs provides new live-attenuated vaccine candidates. Because recoding typically involves a large number of nucleotide substitutions, the risk of de-attenuation is presumed to be low. However, this has not been thoroughly studied. We previously generated human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in which the NS1, NS2, N, P, M and SH ORFs were codon-pair deoptimized (CPD) by 695 synonymous nucleotide changes (Min A virus). Min A exhibited a global reduction in transcription and protein synthesis, was restricted for replication in vitro and in vivo, and exhibited moderate temperature sensitivity. Here, we show that under selective pressure by serial passage at progressively increasing temperatures, Min A regained replication fitness and lost its temperature sensitivity. Whole-genome deep sequencing identified numerous missense mutations in several genes, in particular ones accumulating between codons 25 and 34 of the phosphoprotein (P), a polymerase cofactor and chaperone. When re-introduced into Min A, these P mutations restored viral transcription to wt level, resulting in increased protein expression and RNA replication. Molecular dynamic simulations suggested that these P mutations increased the flexibility of the N-terminal domain of P, which might facilitate its interaction with the nucleoprotein N, and increase the functional efficiency of the RSV transcription/replication complex. Finally, we evaluated the effect of the P mutations on Min A replication and immunogenicity in hamsters. Mutation P[F28V] paradoxically reduced Min A replication but not its immunogenicity. The further addition of one missense mutation each in M and L generated a version of Min A with increased genetic stability. Thus, this study provides further insight into the adaptability of large-scale recoded RNA viruses under selective pressure and identified an improved CPD RSV vaccine candidate. Synonymous recoding of viral genomes by codon-pair deoptimization (CPD) generates live-attenuated vaccines presumed to be genetically stable due to the high number of nucleotide substitutions. However, their actual genetic stability under selective pressure was largely unknown. In a recoded human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) mutant called Min A, six of 11 ORFs were CPD, reducing protein expression and inducing moderate temperature sensitivity and attenuation. When passaged in vitro under selective pressure, Min A lost its temperature-sensitive phenotype and regained fitness by the acquisition of numerous mutations, in particular missense mutations in the viral phosphoprotein (P), a polymerase cofactor and a chaperone for soluble nucleoprotein. These P mutations increased RSV gene transcription globally, thereby increasing RSV protein expression, RNA replication, and virus particle production. Thus, the P mutations increased the efficiency of the RSV transcription/replication complex, compensating for the reduced protein expression due to CPD. In addition, introduction of the P mutations into Min A generated a live-attenuated vaccine candidate with increased genetic stability. Surprisingly, this vaccine candidate exhibited increased attenuation and, paradoxically, exhibited increased immunogenicity per plaque-forming unit in hamsters. This study provides insights into the adaptability of large-scale recoded RNA viruses and identified an improved CPD RSV vaccine candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica W. Chen
- RNA Viruses Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Lijuan Yang
- RNA Viruses Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Celia Santos
- RNA Viruses Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Sergio A. Hassan
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biosciences Branch, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Peter L. Collins
- RNA Viruses Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ursula J. Buchholz
- RNA Viruses Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Cyril Le Nouën
- RNA Viruses Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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50
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Comparison of RNA synthesis initiation properties of non-segmented negative strand RNA virus polymerases. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1010151. [PMID: 34914795 PMCID: PMC8717993 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
It is generally thought that the promoters of non-segmented, negative strand RNA viruses (nsNSVs) direct the polymerase to initiate RNA synthesis exclusively opposite the 3´ terminal nucleotide of the genome RNA by a de novo (primer independent) initiation mechanism. However, recent studies have revealed that there is diversity between different nsNSVs with pneumovirus promoters directing the polymerase to initiate at positions 1 and 3 of the genome, and ebolavirus polymerases being able to initiate at position 2 on the template. Studies with other RNA viruses have shown that polymerases that engage in de novo initiation opposite position 1 typically have structural features to stabilize the initiation complex and ensure efficient and accurate initiation. This raised the question of whether different nsNSV polymerases have evolved fundamentally different structural properties to facilitate initiation at different sites on their promoters. Here we examined the functional properties of polymerases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a pneumovirus, human parainfluenza virus type 3 (PIV-3), a paramyxovirus, and Marburg virus (MARV), a filovirus, both on their cognate promoters and on promoters of other viruses. We found that in contrast to the RSV polymerase, which initiated at positions 1 and 3 of its promoter, the PIV-3 and MARV polymerases initiated exclusively at position 1 on their cognate promoters. However, all three polymerases could recognize and initiate from heterologous promoters, with the promoter sequence playing a key role in determining initiation site selection. In addition to examining de novo initiation, we also compared the ability of the RSV and PIV-3 polymerases to engage in back-priming, an activity in which the promoter template is folded into a secondary structure and nucleotides are added to the template 3´ end. This analysis showed that whereas the RSV polymerase was promiscuous in back-priming activity, the PIV-3 polymerase generated barely detectable levels of back-primed product, irrespective of promoter template sequence. Overall, this study shows that the polymerases from these three nsNSV families are fundamentally similar in their initiation properties, but have differences in their abilities to engage in back-priming.
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