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Cheng S, Feng Y, Li W, Liu T, Lv X, Tong X, Xi G, Ye X, Li X. Development of novel antivrial agents that induce the degradation of the main protease of human-infecting coronaviruses. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 275:116629. [PMID: 38941718 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116629] [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: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
The family of human-infecting coronaviruses (HCoVs) poses a serious threat to global health and includes several highly pathogenic strains that cause severe respiratory illnesses. It is essential that we develop effective broad-spectrum anti-HCoV agents to prepare for future outbreaks. In this study, we used PROteolysis TArgeting Chimera (PROTAC) technology focused on degradation of the HCoV main protease (Mpro), a conserved enzyme essential for viral replication and pathogenicity. By adapting the Mpro inhibitor GC376, we produced two novel PROTACs, P2 and P3, which showed relatively broad-spectrum activity against the human-infecting CoVs HCoV-229E, HCoV-OC43, and SARS-CoV-2. The concentrations of these PROTACs that reduced virus replication by 50 % ranged from 0.71 to 4.6 μM, and neither showed cytotoxicity at 100 μM. Furthermore, mechanistic binding studies demonstrated that P2 and P3 effectively targeted HCoV-229E, HCoV-OC43, and SARS-CoV-2 by degrading Mpro within cells in vitro. This study highlights the potential of PROTAC technology in the development of broad-spectrum anti-HCoVs agents, presenting a novel approach for dealing with future viral outbreaks, particularly those stemming from CoVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuihong Cheng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China; Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huairou District, Beijing, 101408, China.
| | - Yong Feng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Wei Li
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 15 Datun Road, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Tong Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China; Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huairou District, Beijing, 101408, China
| | - Xun Lv
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China; Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huairou District, Beijing, 101408, China
| | - Xiaomei Tong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Gan Xi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China; Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huairou District, Beijing, 101408, China
| | - Xin Ye
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xuebing Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China; Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huairou District, Beijing, 101408, China.
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2
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Luo D, Luo R, Wang W, Deng R, Wang S, Ma X, Pu C, Liu Y, Zhang H, Yu S, Huang Q, Yang L, Tong Y, Zheng Y, Li R. Discovery of L15 as a novel Vif PROTAC degrader with antiviral activity against HIV-1. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2024; 111:129880. [PMID: 38996941 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2024.129880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Viral infectivity factor (Vif) has been recognized as a new therapeutic target for human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infected patients. In our previous work, we have synthesized a novel class of Vif inhibitors with 2-amino-N-(5-hydroxy-2-methoxyphenyl)-6-((4-nitrophenyl)thio)benzamide scaffold, which show obvious activity in HIV-1 infected cells and are also effective against drug-resistant strains. Proteolytic targeting chimera (PROTAC) utilizes the ubiquitin-proteasome system to degrade target proteins, which is well established in the field of cancer, but the antiviral PROTAC molecules are rarely reported. In order to explore the effectiveness of PROTAC in the antiviral area, we designed and synthesized a series of degrader of HIV-1 Vif based on 2-amino-N-(5-hydroxy-2-methoxyphenyl)-6-((4-nitrophenyl)thio)benzamide scaffold. Among them, L15 can degrade Vif protein obviously in a dose-dependent manner and shows certain antivirus activity. Meanwhile, molecular dynamics simulation indicated that the ternary complex formed by L15, Vif, and E3 ligase adopted a reasonable binding mode and maintained a stable interaction. This provided a molecular basis and prerequisite for the selective degradation of the Vif protein by L15. This study reports the HIV-1 Vif PROTAC for the first time and represents the proof-of-concept of PROTACs-based antiviral drug discovery in the field of HIV/ acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Sichuan, Chengdu 610041, China; Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ronghua Luo
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province/Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China
| | - Weilin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Sichuan, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Rui Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Sichuan, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Shirui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Sichuan, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xinyu Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Sichuan, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Chunlan Pu
- Medical Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu 610504, China
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Sichuan, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Hongjia Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Sichuan, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Su Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Sichuan, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Qing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Sichuan, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Liumeng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province/Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China
| | - Yu Tong
- West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.
| | - Yongtang Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province/Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China.
| | - Rui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Sichuan, Chengdu 610041, China.
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3
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Liu HY, Li Z, Reindl T, He Z, Qiu X, Golden RP, Donovan KA, Bailey A, Fischer ES, Zhang T, Gray NS, Yang PL. Broad-spectrum activity against mosquito-borne flaviviruses achieved by a targeted protein degradation mechanism. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5179. [PMID: 38898037 PMCID: PMC11187112 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49161-9] [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: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Viral genetic diversity presents significant challenges in developing antivirals with broad-spectrum activity and high barriers to resistance. Here we report development of proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) targeting the dengue virus envelope (E) protein through coupling of known E fusion inhibitors to ligands of the CRL4CRBN E3 ubiquitin ligase. The resulting small molecules block viral entry through inhibition of E-mediated membrane fusion and interfere with viral particle production by depleting intracellular E in infected Huh 7.5 cells. This activity is retained in the presence of point mutations previously shown to confer partial resistance to the parental inhibitors due to decreased inhibitor-binding. The E PROTACs also exhibit broadened spectrum of activity compared to the parental E inhibitors against a panel of mosquito-borne flaviviruses. These findings encourage further exploration of targeted protein degradation as a differentiated and potentially advantageous modality for development of broad-spectrum direct-acting antivirals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Yuan Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Zhengnian Li
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Theresia Reindl
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Zhixiang He
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xueer Qiu
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Ryan P Golden
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Katherine A Donovan
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Adam Bailey
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Eric S Fischer
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tinghu Zhang
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Nathanael S Gray
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Priscilla L Yang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
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4
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Xin L, Wang C, Cheng Y, Wang H, Guo X, Deng X, Deng X, Xie B, Hu H, Min C, Dong C, Zhou HB. Discovery of Novel ERα and Aromatase Dual-Targeting PROTAC Degraders to Overcome Endocrine-Resistant Breast Cancer. J Med Chem 2024; 67:8913-8931. [PMID: 38809993 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00196] [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: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Estrogen receptor α (ERα) plays a pivotal role in the proliferation, differentiation, and migration of breast cancer (BC) cells, and aromatase (ARO) is a crucial enzyme in estrogen synthesis. Hence, it is necessary to inhibit estrogen production or the activity of ERα for the treatment of estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) BC. Herein, we present a new category of dual-targeting PROTAC degraders designed to specifically target ERα and ARO. Among them, compound 18c bifunctionally degrades and inhibits ERα/ARO, thus effectively suppressing the proliferation of MCF-7 cells while showing negligible cytotoxicity to normal cells. In vivo, 18c promotes the degradation of ERα and ARO and inhibits the growth of MCF-7 xenograft tumors. Finally, compound 18c demonstrates promising antiproliferative and ERα degradation activity against the ERαMUT cells. These findings suggest that 18c, being the inaugural dual-targeting degrader for ERα and ARO, warrants further advancement for the management of BC and the surmounting of endocrine resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilan Xin
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yan Cheng
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Hongli Wang
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xinyi Guo
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xiaofei Deng
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xiangping Deng
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Baohua Xie
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Hankun Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Chang Min
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Chune Dong
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Hai-Bing Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, State Key Laboratory of Virology, Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery (MOE) and Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
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5
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Ma X, Wang X, Chen F, Zou W, Ren J, Xin L, He P, Liang J, Xu Z, Dong C, Lan K, Wu S, Zhou HB. Novel Acyl Thiourea-Based Hydrophobic Tagging Degraders Exert Potent Anti-Influenza Activity through Two Distinct Endonuclease Polymerase Acidic-Targeted Degradation Pathways. J Med Chem 2024; 67:8791-8816. [PMID: 38775356 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00131] [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: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
The spread of the influenza virus has caused devastating pandemics and huge economic losses worldwide. Antiviral drugs with diverse action modes are urgently required to overcome the challenges of viral mutation and drug resistance, and targeted protein degradation strategies constitute excellent candidates for this purpose. Herein, the first degradation of the influenza virus polymerase acidic (PA) protein using small-molecule degraders developed by hydrophobic tagging (HyT) technology to effectively combat the influenza virus was reported. The SAR results revealed that compound 19b with Boc2-(L)-Lys demonstrated excellent inhibitory activity against A/WSN/33/H1N1 (EC50 = 0.015 μM) and amantadine-resistant strain (A/PR/8/H1N1), low cytotoxicity, high selectivity, substantial degradation ability, and good drug-like properties. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that the proteasome system and autophagic lysosome pathway were the potential drivers of these HyT degraders. Thus, this study provides a powerful tool for investigating the targeted degradation of influenza virus proteins and for antiviral drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Ma
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xueyun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Feifei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Wenting Zou
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Junrui Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Lilan Xin
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Pei He
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Jinsen Liang
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Zhichao Xu
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Chune Dong
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Ke Lan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Shuwen Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Hai-Bing Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, State Key Laboratory of Virology, Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery (MOE) and Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
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6
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Li Z, Liu HY, He Z, Chakravarty A, Golden RP, Jiang Z, You I, Yue H, Donovan KA, Du G, Che J, Tse J, Che I, Lu W, Fischer ES, Zhang T, Gray NS, Yang PL. Discovery of Potent Degraders of the Dengue Virus Envelope Protein. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.01.596987. [PMID: 38854003 PMCID: PMC11160776 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.01.596987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation has been widely adopted as a new approach to eliminate both established and previously recalcitrant therapeutic targets. Here we report the development of small molecule degraders of the envelope (E) protein of dengue virus. We developed two classes of bivalent E-degraders, linking two previously reported E-binding small molecules, GNF-2 and CVM-2-12-2, to a glutarimide-based recruiter of the CRL4CRBN ligase to effect proteosome-mediated degradation of the E protein. ZXH-2-107 (based on GNF-2) is an E degrader with ABL inhibition while ZXH-8-004 (based on CVM-2-12-2) is a selective and potent E-degrader. These two compounds provide proof-of-concept that difficult-to-drug targets such as a viral envelope protein can be effectively eliminated using a bivalent degrader and provide starting points for the future development of a new class antiviral drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengnian Li
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Han-Yuan Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Zhixiang He
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Antara Chakravarty
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Ryan P. Golden
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Zixuan Jiang
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Inchul You
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Hong Yue
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Katherine A. Donovan
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Guangyan Du
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Jianwei Che
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Jason Tse
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Isaac Che
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Wenchao Lu
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Eric S. Fischer
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Tinghu Zhang
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Nathanael S. Gray
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Priscilla L. Yang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
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7
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Xu D, Gong Y, Zhang L, Xiao F, Wang X, Qin J, Tan L, Yang T, Lin Z, Xu Z, Liu X, Xiao F, Zhang F, Tang F, Zuo J, Luo X, Huang W, Yang L, Yang W. Modular Biomimetic Strategy Enables Discovery and SAR Exploration of Oxime Macrocycles as Influenza A Virus (H1N1) Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2024; 67:8201-8224. [PMID: 38736187 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00319] [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: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Although vaccination remains the prevalent prophylactic means for controlling Influenza A virus (IAV) infections, novel structural antivirus small-molecule drugs with new mechanisms of action for treating IAV are highly desirable. Herein, we describe a modular biomimetic strategy to expeditiously achieve a new class of macrocycles featuring oxime, which might target the hemagglutinin (HA)-mediated IAV entry into the host cells. SAR analysis revealed that the size and linker of the macrocycles play an important role in improving potency. Particularly, as a 14-membered macrocyclic oxime, 37 exhibited potent inhibitory activity against IAV H1N1 with an EC50 value of 23 nM and low cytotoxicity, which alleviated cytopathic effects and protected cell survival obviously after H1N1 infection. Furthermore, 37 showed significant synergistic activity with neuraminidase inhibitor oseltamivir in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- State key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ying Gong
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lianju Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- State key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Fu Xiao
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xinran Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Ji Qin
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- State key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lin Tan
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- State key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Teng Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zeng Lin
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- State key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhongliang Xu
- State key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiujuan Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- State key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Fuling Xiao
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Feili Zhang
- State key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Feng Tang
- State key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jianping Zuo
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xiaomin Luo
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Wei Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- State key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Li Yang
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Weibo Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- State key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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8
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Tsai JM, Nowak RP, Ebert BL, Fischer ES. Targeted protein degradation: from mechanisms to clinic. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2024:10.1038/s41580-024-00729-9. [PMID: 38684868 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-024-00729-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation refers to the use of small molecules to induce the selective degradation of proteins. In its most common form, this degradation is achieved through ligand-mediated neo-interactions between ubiquitin E3 ligases - the principal waste disposal machines of a cell - and the protein targets of interest, resulting in ubiquitylation and subsequent proteasomal degradation. Notable advances have been made in biological and mechanistic understanding of serendipitously discovered degraders. This improved understanding and novel chemistry has not only provided clinical proof of concept for targeted protein degradation but has also led to rapid growth of the field, with dozens of investigational drugs in active clinical trials. Two distinct classes of protein degradation therapeutics are being widely explored: bifunctional PROTACs and molecular glue degraders, both of which have their unique advantages and challenges. Here, we review the current landscape of targeted protein degradation approaches and how they have parallels in biological processes. We also outline the ongoing clinical exploration of novel degraders and provide some perspectives on the directions the field might take.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan M Tsai
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Radosław P Nowak
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Institute of Structural Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Benjamin L Ebert
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Eric S Fischer
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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9
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Desantis J, Bazzacco A, Eleuteri M, Tuci S, Bianconi E, Macchiarulo A, Mercorelli B, Loregian A, Goracci L. Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of first-in-class indomethacin-based PROTACs degrading SARS-CoV-2 main protease and with broad-spectrum antiviral activity. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 268:116202. [PMID: 38394929 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116202] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
To date, Proteolysis Targeting Chimera (PROTAC) technology has been successfully applied to mediate proteasomal-induced degradation of several pharmaceutical targets mainly related to oncology, immune disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. On the other hand, its exploitation in the field of antiviral drug discovery is still in its infancy. Recently, we described two indomethacin (INM)-based PROTACs displaying broad-spectrum antiviral activity against coronaviruses. Here, we report the design, synthesis, and characterization of a novel series of INM-based PROTACs that recruit either Von-Hippel Lindau (VHL) or cereblon (CRBN) E3 ligases. The panel of INM-based PROTACs was also enlarged by varying the linker moiety. The antiviral activity resulted very susceptible to this modification, particularly for PROTACs hijacking VHL as E3 ligase, with one piperazine-based compound (PROTAC 6) showing potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity in infected human lung cells. Interestingly, degradation assays in both uninfected and virus-infected cells with the most promising PROTACs emerged so far (PROTACs 5 and 6) demonstrated that INM-PROTACs do not degrade human PGES-2 protein, as initially hypothesized, but induce the concentration-dependent degradation of SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) both in Mpro-transfected and in SARS-CoV-2-infected cells. Importantly, thanks to the target degradation, INM-PROTACs exhibited a considerable enhancement in antiviral activity with respect to indomethacin, with EC50 values in the low-micromolar/nanomolar range. Finally, kinetic solubility as well as metabolic and chemical stability were measured for PROTACs 5 and 6. Altogether, the identification of INM-based PROTACs as the first class of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro degraders demonstrating activity also in SARS-CoV-2-infected cells represents a significant advance in the development of effective, broad-spectrum anti-coronavirus strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Desantis
- Department of Chemistry, Biology, and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Michela Eleuteri
- Department of Chemistry, Biology, and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Italy
| | - Sara Tuci
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Elisa Bianconi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Perugia, Italy
| | | | | | - Arianna Loregian
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
| | - Laura Goracci
- Department of Chemistry, Biology, and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Italy.
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10
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Wang X, Xin L, Deng X, Dong C, Hu G, Zhou HB. Fluorescence theranostic PROTACs for real-time visualization of ERα degradation. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 267:116184. [PMID: 38320426 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology, a groundbreaking strategy for degradation of pathogenic proteins by hijacking of the ubiquitin-proteasome-system has become a promising strategy in drug design. However, the real-time monitoring and visualization of protein degradation processes have been long-standing challenges in the realm of drug development. In this research, we sought to amalgamate the highly efficient protein-degrading capabilities of PROTAC technology with the visualization attributes of fluorescent probes, with the potential to pave the path for the design and development of a novel class of visual PROTACs. These novel PROTACs uniquely possess both fluorescence imaging and therapeutic characteristics, all with the goal of enabling real-time observations of protein degradation processes. Our approach involved the utilization of a high ER-targeting fluorescent probe, previously reported in our laboratory, which served as a warhead that specifically binds to the protein of interest (POI). Additionally, a VHL ligand for recruiting E3 ligase and linkers of various lengths were incorporated to synthesize a series of novel ER-inherent fluorescence PROTACs. Among them, compound A3 demonstrated remarkable efficiency in degrading ERα proteins (DC50 = 0.12 μM) and displaying exceptional anti-proliferative activity against MCF-7 cells (IC50 = 0.051 μM). Furthermore, it exhibited impressive fluorescence imaging performance, boasting an emission wavelength of up to 582 nm, a Stokes shift of 116 nm, and consistent optical properties. These attributes make it especially suitable for the real-time, in situ tracking of ERα protein degradation processes, thus may serve as a privileged visual theranostic PROTAC for ERα+ breast cancer. This study not only broadens the application spectrum of PROTAC technology but also introduces a novel approach for real-time visualization of protein degradation processes, ultimately enhancing the diagnostic and treatment efficacy of PROTACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohua Wang
- School of Environmental Ecology and Biological Engineering, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan, 430205, China; College of Life Sciences, Wuchang University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430223, China
| | - Lilan Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, Wuhan University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Xiaofei Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, Wuhan University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Chune Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, Wuhan University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Guoyuan Hu
- School of Environmental Ecology and Biological Engineering, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan, 430205, China.
| | - Hai-Bing Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, Wuhan University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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11
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Du S, Hu X, Menéndez-Arias L, Zhan P, Liu X. Target-based drug design strategies to overcome resistance to antiviral agents: opportunities and challenges. Drug Resist Updat 2024; 73:101053. [PMID: 38301487 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2024.101053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Viral infections have a major impact in human health. Ongoing viral transmission and escalating selective pressure have the potential to favor the emergence of vaccine- and antiviral drug-resistant viruses. Target-based approaches for the design of antiviral drugs can play a pivotal role in combating drug-resistant challenges. Drug design computational tools facilitate the discovery of novel drugs. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current drug design strategies employed in the field of antiviral drug resistance, illustrated through the description of a series of successful applications. These strategies include technologies that enhance compound-target affinity while minimizing interactions with mutated binding pockets. Furthermore, emerging approaches such as virtual screening, targeted protein/RNA degradation, and resistance analysis during drug design have been harnessed to curtail the emergence of drug resistance. Additionally, host targeting antiviral drugs offer a promising avenue for circumventing viral mutation. The widespread adoption of these refined drug design strategies will effectively address the prevailing challenge posed by antiviral drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoqing Du
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Xueping Hu
- Institute of Frontier Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, PR China
| | - Luis Menéndez-Arias
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas & Universidad Autónoma de Madrid), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Peng Zhan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, PR China; China-Belgium Collaborative Research Center for Innovative Antiviral Drugs of Shandong Province, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, PR China.
| | - Xinyong Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, PR China; China-Belgium Collaborative Research Center for Innovative Antiviral Drugs of Shandong Province, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, PR China.
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12
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Li X, Song Y. Targeting SARS-CoV-2 nonstructural protein 3: Function, structure, inhibition, and perspective in drug discovery. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:103832. [PMID: 37977285 PMCID: PMC10872262 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
As a highly contagious human pathogen, severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has infected billions of people worldwide with more than 6 million deaths. With several effective vaccines and antiviral drugs now available, the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic been brought under control. However, a new pathogenic coronavirus could emerge in the future, given the zoonotic nature of this virus. Natural evolution and drug-induced mutations of SARS-CoV-2 also require continued efforts for new anti-coronavirus drugs. Nonstructural protein (nsp) 3 of CoVs is a large, multifunctional protein, containing a papain-like protease (PLpro) and a macrodomain (Mac1), which are essential for viral replication. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the function, structure, and inhibition of SARS-CoV/-CoV-2 PLpro and Mac1. We also discuss advances in, and challenges to, the discovery of drugs against these targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Yongcheng Song
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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13
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Khramtsov YV, Ulasov AV, Lupanova TN, Slastnikova TA, Rosenkranz AA, Bunin ES, Georgiev GP, Sobolev AS. Intracellular Degradation of SARS-CoV-2 N-Protein Caused by Modular Nanotransporters Containing Anti-N-Protein Monobody and a Sequence That Recruits the Keap1 E3 Ligase. Pharmaceutics 2023; 16:4. [PMID: 38276482 PMCID: PMC10818351 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16010004] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The proper viral assembly relies on both nucleic acids and structural viral proteins. Thus a biologically active agent that provides the degradation of one of these key proteins and/or destroys the viral factory could suppress viral replication efficiently. The nucleocapsid protein (N-protein) is a key protein for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. As a bioactive agent, we offer a modular nanotransporter (MNT) developed by us, which, in addition to an antibody mimetic to the N-protein, contains an amino acid sequence for the attraction of the Keap1 E3 ubiquitin ligase. This should lead to the subsequent degradation of the N-protein. We have shown that the functional properties of modules within the MNT permit its internalization into target cells, endosome escape into the cytosol, and binding to the N-protein. Using flow cytometry and western blotting, we demonstrated significant degradation of N-protein when A549 and A431 cells transfected with a plasmid coding for N-protein were incubated with the developed MNTs. The proposed MNTs open up a new approach for the treatment of viral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri V. Khramtsov
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Intracellular Transport, Institute of Gene Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov St., 119334 Moscow, Russia; (Y.V.K.); (A.V.U.); (T.N.L.); (T.A.S.); (A.A.R.); (E.S.B.); (G.P.G.)
| | - Alexey V. Ulasov
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Intracellular Transport, Institute of Gene Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov St., 119334 Moscow, Russia; (Y.V.K.); (A.V.U.); (T.N.L.); (T.A.S.); (A.A.R.); (E.S.B.); (G.P.G.)
| | - Tatiana N. Lupanova
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Intracellular Transport, Institute of Gene Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov St., 119334 Moscow, Russia; (Y.V.K.); (A.V.U.); (T.N.L.); (T.A.S.); (A.A.R.); (E.S.B.); (G.P.G.)
| | - Tatiana A. Slastnikova
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Intracellular Transport, Institute of Gene Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov St., 119334 Moscow, Russia; (Y.V.K.); (A.V.U.); (T.N.L.); (T.A.S.); (A.A.R.); (E.S.B.); (G.P.G.)
| | - Andrey A. Rosenkranz
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Intracellular Transport, Institute of Gene Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov St., 119334 Moscow, Russia; (Y.V.K.); (A.V.U.); (T.N.L.); (T.A.S.); (A.A.R.); (E.S.B.); (G.P.G.)
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1-12 Leninskie Gory St., 119234 Moscow, Russia
| | - Egor S. Bunin
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Intracellular Transport, Institute of Gene Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov St., 119334 Moscow, Russia; (Y.V.K.); (A.V.U.); (T.N.L.); (T.A.S.); (A.A.R.); (E.S.B.); (G.P.G.)
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1-12 Leninskie Gory St., 119234 Moscow, Russia
| | - Georgii P. Georgiev
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Intracellular Transport, Institute of Gene Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov St., 119334 Moscow, Russia; (Y.V.K.); (A.V.U.); (T.N.L.); (T.A.S.); (A.A.R.); (E.S.B.); (G.P.G.)
| | - Alexander S. Sobolev
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Intracellular Transport, Institute of Gene Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov St., 119334 Moscow, Russia; (Y.V.K.); (A.V.U.); (T.N.L.); (T.A.S.); (A.A.R.); (E.S.B.); (G.P.G.)
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1-12 Leninskie Gory St., 119234 Moscow, Russia
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14
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Liu C, Hu L, Dong G, Zhang Y, Ferreira da Silva-Júnior E, Liu X, Menéndez-Arias L, Zhan P. Emerging drug design strategies in anti-influenza drug discovery. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023; 13:4715-4732. [PMID: 38045039 PMCID: PMC10692392 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.08.010] [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: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses (IFV), According to the World Health Organization (WHO), seasonal IFV epidemics result in approximately 3-5 million cases of severe illness, leading to about half a million deaths worldwide, along with severe economic losses and social burdens. Unfortunately, frequent mutations in IFV lead to a certain lag in vaccine development as well as resistance to existing antiviral drugs. Therefore, it is of great importance to develop anti-IFV drugs with high efficiency against wild-type and resistant strains, needed in the fight against current and future outbreaks caused by different IFV strains. In this review, we summarize general strategies used for the discovery and development of antiviral agents targeting multiple IFV strains (including those resistant to available drugs). Structure-based drug design, mechanism-based drug design, multivalent interaction-based drug design and drug repurposing are amongst the most relevant strategies that provide a framework for the development of antiviral drugs targeting IFV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanfeng Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Lide Hu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Guanyu Dong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Edeildo Ferreira da Silva-Júnior
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió 57072-970, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Xinyong Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Luis Menéndez-Arias
- Centro de Biología Molecular “Severo Ochoa” (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas & Universidad Autónoma de Madrid), Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Peng Zhan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
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15
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Amirian R, Azadi Badrbani M, Izadi Z, Samadian H, Bahrami G, Sarvari S, Abdolmaleki S, Nabavi SM, Derakhshankhah H, Jaymand M. Targeted protein modification as a paradigm shift in drug discovery. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 260:115765. [PMID: 37659194 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
Targeted Protein Modification (TPM) is an umbrella term encompassing numerous tools and approaches that use bifunctional agents to induce a desired modification over the POI. The most well-known TPM mechanism is PROTAC-directed protein ubiquitination. PROTAC-based targeted degradation offers several advantages over conventional small-molecule inhibitors, has shifted the drug discovery paradigm, and is acquiring increasing interest as over ten PROTACs have entered clinical trials in the past few years. Targeting the protein of interest for proteasomal degradation by PROTACS was the pioneer of various toolboxes for selective protein degradation. Nowadays, the ever-increasing number of tools and strategies for modulating and modifying the POI has expanded far beyond protein degradation, which phosphorylation and de-phosphorylation of the protein of interest, targeted acetylation, and selective modification of protein O-GlcNAcylation are among them. These novel strategies have opened new avenues for achieving more precise outcomes while remaining feasible and minimizing side effects. This field, however, is still in its infancy and has a long way to precede widespread use and translation into clinical practice. Herein, we investigate the pros and cons of these novel strategies by exploring the latest advancements in this field. Ultimately, we briefly discuss the emerging potential applications of these innovations in cancer therapy, neurodegeneration, viral infections, and autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshanak Amirian
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran; Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran; USERN Office, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
| | - Mehdi Azadi Badrbani
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran; Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran; USERN Office, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
| | - Zhila Izadi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran; USERN Office, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
| | - Hadi Samadian
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
| | - Gholamreza Bahrami
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran; USERN Office, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
| | - Sajad Sarvari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmacy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.
| | - Sara Abdolmaleki
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran.
| | - Seyed Mohammad Nabavi
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, 82100, Benevento, Italy.
| | - Hossein Derakhshankhah
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran; USERN Office, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
| | - Mehdi Jaymand
- Nano Drug Delivery Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
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16
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Liu X, Xu Z, Liang J, Xu T, Zou W, Zhu L, Wu Y, Dong C, Lan K, Wu S, Zhou HB. Rational design and optimization of acylthioureas as novel potent influenza virus non-nucleoside polymerase inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 259:115678. [PMID: 37531746 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115678] [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: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Evidence suggests that rapidly evolving virus subvariants risk rendering current vaccines and anti-influenza drugs ineffective. Hence, exploring novel scaffolds or new targets of anti-influenza drugs is of great urgency. Herein, we report the discovery of a series of acylthiourea derivatives produced via a scaffold-hopping strategy as potent antiviral agents against influenza A and B subtypes. The most effective compound 10m displayed subnanomolar activity against H1N1 proliferation (EC50 = 0.8 nM) and exhibited inhibitory activity toward other influenza strains, including influenza B virus and H1N1 variant (H1N1, H274Y). Additionally, druggability evaluation revealed that 10m exhibited favorable pharmacokinetic properties and was metabolically stable in liver microsome preparations from three different species as well as in human plasma. In vitro and in vivo toxicity studies confirmed that 10m demonstrated a high safety profile. Furthermore, 10m exhibited satisfactory antiviral activity in a lethal influenza virus mouse model. Moreover, mechanistic studies indicated that these acylthiourea derivatives inhibited influenza virus proliferation by targeting influenza virus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Thus, 10m is a potential lead compound for the further exploration of treatment options for influenza.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinjin Liu
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China; State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Zhichao Xu
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Jinsen Liang
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Ting Xu
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Wenting Zou
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Lijun Zhu
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yihe Wu
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Chune Dong
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Ke Lan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China.
| | - Shuwen Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China.
| | - Hai-Bing Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China; Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, State Key Laboratory of Virology, Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery (MOE) and Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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17
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Liu C, Hu L, Jia H, Zhang J, Dong G, da Silva-Júnior EF, Liu X, Zhan P. Unveiling innovative anti-influenza agents through modern medicinal chemistry approaches (2019-2023 updates). Future Med Chem 2023; 15:1915-1917. [PMID: 37929606 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2023-0258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chuanfeng Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P.R. China
- Suzhou Research Institute of Shandong University, Room 607, Building B of NUSP, No. 388 Ruoshui Road, SIP, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, P.R. China
| | - Lide Hu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P.R. China
| | - Huinan Jia
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P.R. China
| | - Jiwei Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P.R. China
| | - Guanyu Dong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P.R. China
| | - Edeildo Ferreira da Silva-Júnior
- Biological & Molecular Chemistry Research Group, Institute of Chemistry & Biotechnology, Federal University of Alagoas, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, AC. Simoesõ Campus, Alagoas, Maceió, 57072-970, Brazil
| | - Xinyong Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P.R. China
| | - Peng Zhan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P.R. China
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18
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Mello-Vieira J, Bopp T, Dikic I. Ubiquitination and cell-autonomous immunity. Curr Opin Immunol 2023; 84:102368. [PMID: 37451128 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2023.102368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Cell-autonomous immunity is the first line of defense by which cells recognize and contribute to eliminating invasive pathogens. It is composed of immune signaling networks that sense microbial pathogens, promote pathogen restriction, and stimulate their elimination, including host cell death. Ubiquitination is a pivotal orchestrator of these pathways, by changing the activity of signal transducers and effector proteins in an efficient way. In this review, we will focus on how ubiquitin connects the pathways that sense pathogens to the cellular responses to invaders and shed light on how ubiquitination impacts the microenvironment around the infected cell, stimulating the appropriate immune response. Finally, we discuss therapeutic options directed at favoring cell-autonomous immune responses to infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Mello-Vieira
- Institute of Biochemistry II, Medical Faculty, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Tobias Bopp
- Institute for Immunology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Ivan Dikic
- Institute of Biochemistry II, Medical Faculty, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Max Planck Institute for Biophysics, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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19
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Zhao N, Ho JSY, Meng F, Zheng S, Kurland AP, Tian L, Rea-Moreno M, Song X, Seo JS, Kaniskan HÜ, Te Velthuis AJW, Tortorella D, Chen YW, Johnson JR, Jin J, Marazzi I. Generation of host-directed and virus-specific antivirals using targeted protein degradation promoted by small molecules and viral RNA mimics. Cell Host Microbe 2023; 31:1154-1169.e10. [PMID: 37339625 PMCID: PMC10528416 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2023.05.030] [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: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation (TPD), as exemplified by proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC), is an emerging drug discovery platform. PROTAC molecules, which typically contain a target protein ligand linked to an E3 ligase ligand, recruit a target protein to the E3 ligase to induce its ubiquitination and degradation. Here, we applied PROTAC approaches to develop broad-spectrum antivirals targeting key host factors for many viruses and virus-specific antivirals targeting unique viral proteins. For host-directed antivirals, we identified a small-molecule degrader, FM-74-103, that elicits selective degradation of human GSPT1, a translation termination factor. FM-74-103-mediated GSPT1 degradation inhibits both RNA and DNA viruses. Among virus-specific antivirals, we developed viral RNA oligonucleotide-based bifunctional molecules (Destroyers). As a proof of principle, RNA mimics of viral promoter sequences were used as heterobifunctional molecules to recruit and target influenza viral polymerase for degradation. This work highlights the broad utility of TPD to rationally design and develop next-generation antivirals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhao
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jessica Sook Yuin Ho
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Fanye Meng
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Simin Zheng
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Andrew P Kurland
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Lu Tian
- Department of Otolaryngology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Martha Rea-Moreno
- Department of Otolaryngology, Master of Science in Biomedical Science Program, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Xiangyang Song
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Ji-Seon Seo
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - H Ümit Kaniskan
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Aartjan J W Te Velthuis
- Lewis Thomas Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Domenico Tortorella
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Ya-Wen Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology, Department of Cell, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Institute for Airway Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Jeffrey R Johnson
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Jian Jin
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
| | - Ivan Marazzi
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
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20
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Ganter B, Zickler M, Huchting J, Winkler M, Lüttjohann A, Meier C, Gabriel G, Beck S. T-705-Derived Prodrugs Show High Antiviral Efficacies against a Broad Range of Influenza A Viruses with Synergistic Effects When Combined with Oseltamivir. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1732. [PMID: 37376180 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15061732] [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: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging influenza A viruses (IAV) bear the potential to cause pandemics with unpredictable consequences for global human health. In particular, the WHO has declared avian H5 and H7 subtypes as high-risk candidates, and continuous surveillance of these viruses as well as the development of novel, broadly acting antivirals, are key for pandemic preparedness. In this study, we sought to design T-705 (Favipiravir) related inhibitors that target the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and evaluate their antiviral efficacies against a broad range of IAVs. Therefore, we synthesized a library of derivatives of T-705 ribonucleoside analogues (called T-1106 pronucleotides) and tested their ability to inhibit both seasonal and highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses in vitro. We further showed that diphosphate (DP) prodrugs of T-1106 are potent inhibitors of H1N1, H3N2, H5N1, and H7N9 IAV replication. Importantly, in comparison to T-705, these DP derivatives achieved 5- to 10-fold higher antiviral activity and were non-cytotoxic at the therapeutically active concentrations. Moreover, our lead DP prodrug candidate showed drug synergy with the neuraminidase inhibitor oseltamivir, thus opening up another avenue for combinational antiviral therapy against IAV infections. Our findings may serve as a basis for further pre-clinical development of T-1106 prodrugs as an effective countermeasure against emerging IAVs with pandemic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Ganter
- Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Hamburg University, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Zickler
- Department for Viral Zoonoses-One Health, Leibniz Institute of Virology, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Johanna Huchting
- Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Hamburg University, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, 22525 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Winkler
- Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Hamburg University, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anna Lüttjohann
- Department for Viral Zoonoses-One Health, Leibniz Institute of Virology, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Chris Meier
- Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Hamburg University, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Gülsah Gabriel
- Department for Viral Zoonoses-One Health, Leibniz Institute of Virology, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
- Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Sebastian Beck
- Department for Viral Zoonoses-One Health, Leibniz Institute of Virology, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
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21
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Liang J, Wu Y, Lan K, Dong C, Wu S, Li S, Zhou HB. Antiviral PROTACs: Opportunity borne with challenge. CELL INSIGHT 2023; 2:100092. [PMID: 37398636 PMCID: PMC10308200 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellin.2023.100092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) degradation of pathogenic proteins by hijacking of the ubiquitin-proteasome-system has become a promising strategy in drug design. The overwhelming advantages of PROTAC technology have ensured a rapid and wide usage, and multiple PROTACs have entered clinical trials. Several antiviral PROTACs have been developed with promising bioactivities against various pathogenic viruses. However, the number of reported antiviral PROTACs is far less than that of other diseases, e.g., cancers, immune disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases, possibly because of the common deficiencies of PROTAC technology (e.g., limited available ligands and poor membrane permeability) plus the complex mechanism involved and the high tendency of viral mutation during transmission and replication, which may challenge the successful development of effective antiviral PROTACs. This review highlights the important advances in this rapidly growing field and critical limitations encountered in developing antiviral PROTACs by analyzing the current status and representative examples of antiviral PROTACs and other PROTAC-like antiviral agents. We also summarize and analyze the general principles and strategies for antiviral PROTAC design and optimization with the intent of indicating the potential strategic directions for future progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinsen Liang
- Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yihe Wu
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery (MOE) and Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Ke Lan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Chune Dong
- Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Shuwen Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Shu Li
- Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Hai-Bing Zhou
- Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery (MOE) and Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
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22
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Yadav Y, Tyagi R, Kumar R, Sagar R. Conformationally locked sugar derivatives and analogues as potential neuraminidase inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 255:115410. [PMID: 37120995 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The influenza virus remains a major health concern for mankind because it tends to mutate frequently and cause high morbidity. Influenza prevention and treatment are greatly aided by the use of antivirals. One such class of antivirals is neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs), effective against influenza viruses. A neuraminidase on the virus's surface serves a vital function in viral propogation by assisting in the release of viruses from infected host cells. Neuraminidase inhibitors are the backbone in stoping such virus propagation thus helps in the treatment of influenza viruses infections. Two NAI medicines are licensed globally: Oseltamivir (Tamiflu™) and Zanamivir (Relanza™). There are two molecules that have acquired Japanese approval recently: Peramivir and Laninamivir, whereas Laninamivir octanoate is in Phase III clinical trials. The need for novel NAIs is due to frequent mutations in viruses and the rise in resistance against existing medication. The NA inhibitors (NAIs) are designed to have (oxa)cyclohexene scaffolds (a sugar scaffold) to mimic the oxonium transition state in the enzymatic cleavage of sialic acid. This review discusses in details and comprises all such conformationally locked (oxa)cyclohexene scaffolds and their analogues which have been recently designed and synthesized as potential neuraminidase inhibitors, thus as antiviral molecules. The structure-activity relationship of such diverese molecules has also been discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yogesh Yadav
- Glycochemistry Laboratory, School of Physical Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Rajdeep Tyagi
- Glycochemistry Laboratory, School of Physical Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Ramesh Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, Kurukshetra University Kurukshetra, Haryana, 136119, India
| | - Ram Sagar
- Glycochemistry Laboratory, School of Physical Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India.
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23
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Espinoza-Chávez R, Salerno A, Liuzzi A, Ilari A, Milelli A, Uliassi E, Bolognesi ML. Targeted Protein Degradation for Infectious Diseases: from Basic Biology to Drug Discovery. ACS BIO & MED CHEM AU 2023; 3:32-45. [PMID: 37101607 PMCID: PMC10125329 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomedchemau.2c00063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation (TPD) is emerging as one of the most innovative strategies to tackle infectious diseases. Particularly, proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC)-mediated protein degradation may offer several benefits over classical anti-infective small-molecule drugs. Because of their peculiar and catalytic mechanism of action, anti-infective PROTACs might be advantageous in terms of efficacy, toxicity, and selectivity. Importantly, PROTACs may also overcome the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. Furthermore, anti-infective PROTACs might have the potential to (i) modulate "undruggable" targets, (ii) "recycle" inhibitors from classical drug discovery approaches, and (iii) open new scenarios for combination therapies. Here, we try to address these points by discussing selected case studies of antiviral PROTACs and the first-in-class antibacterial PROTACs. Finally, we discuss how the field of PROTAC-mediated TPD might be exploited in parasitic diseases. Since no antiparasitic PROTAC has been reported yet, we also describe the parasite proteasome system. While in its infancy and with many challenges ahead, we hope that PROTAC-mediated protein degradation for infectious diseases may lead to the development of next-generation anti-infective drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío
Marisol Espinoza-Chávez
- Department
of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater
Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandra Salerno
- Department
of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater
Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Anastasia Liuzzi
- Institute
of Molecular Biology and Pathology of the Italian National Research
Council (IBPM-CNR) - Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Andrea Ilari
- Institute
of Molecular Biology and Pathology of the Italian National Research
Council (IBPM-CNR) - Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Andrea Milelli
- Department
for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum
- University of Bologna, Corso d’Augusto 237, 47921 Rimini, Italy
| | - Elisa Uliassi
- Department
of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater
Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Bolognesi
- Department
of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater
Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- E-mail:
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24
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Ahmad H, Zia B, Husain H, Husain A. Recent Advances in PROTAC-Based Antiviral Strategies. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11020270. [PMID: 36851148 PMCID: PMC9958553 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11020270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous mysteries of cell and molecular biology have been resolved through extensive research into intracellular processes, which has also resulted in the development of innovative technologies for the treatment of infectious and non-infectious diseases. Some of the deadliest diseases, accounting for a staggering number of deaths, have been caused by viruses. Conventional antiviral therapies have been unable to achieve a feat in combating viral infections. As a result, the healthcare system has come under tremendous pressure globally. Therefore, there is an urgent need to discover and develop newer therapeutic approaches against viruses. One such innovative approach that has recently garnered attention in the research world and can be exploited for developing antiviral therapeutic strategies is the PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTAC) technology, in which heterobifunctional compounds are employed for the selective degradation of target proteins by the intracellular protein degradation machinery. This review covers the most recent advancements in PROTAC technology, its diversity and mode of action, and how it can be applied to open up new possibilities for creating cutting-edge antiviral treatments and vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haleema Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, India
| | - Bushra Zia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, India
| | - Hashir Husain
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Integral University, Lucknow 226026, India
| | - Afzal Husain
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, India
- Correspondence:
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25
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Venkatesan J, Murugan D, Rangasamy L. A Perspective on Newly Emerging Proteolysis-Targeting Strategies in Antimicrobial Drug Discovery. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:1717. [PMID: 36551374 PMCID: PMC9774230 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11121717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation is a new aspect in the field of drug discovery. Traditionally, developing an antibiotic includes tedious and expensive processes, such as drug screening, lead optimization, and formulation. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are new-generation drugs that use the proteolytic mechanism to selectively degrade and eliminate proteins involved in human diseases. The application of PROTACs is explored immensely in the field of cancer, and various PROTACs are in clinical trials. Thus, researchers have a profound interest in pursuing PROTAC technology as a new weapon to fight pathogenic viruses and bacteria. This review highlights the importance of antimicrobial PROTACs and other similar "PROTAC-like" techniques to degrade pathogenic target proteins (i.e., viral/bacterial proteins). These techniques can perform specific protein degradation of the pathogenic protein to avoid resistance caused by mutations or abnormal expression of the pathogenic protein. PROTAC-based antimicrobial therapeutics have the advantage of high specificity and the ability to degrade "undruggable" proteins, such as nonenzymatic and structural proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janarthanan Venkatesan
- Drug Discovery Unit (DDU), Centre for Biomaterials, Cellular, and Molecular Theranostics (CBCMT), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
- School of Advanced Sciences (SAS), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Dhanashree Murugan
- Drug Discovery Unit (DDU), Centre for Biomaterials, Cellular, and Molecular Theranostics (CBCMT), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
- School of Biosciences and Technology (SBST), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Loganathan Rangasamy
- Drug Discovery Unit (DDU), Centre for Biomaterials, Cellular, and Molecular Theranostics (CBCMT), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
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