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Jagtap P, Meena VK, Sambhare S, Basu A, Abraham P, Cherian S. Exploring Niclosamide as a Multi-target Drug Against SARS-CoV-2: Molecular Dynamics Simulation Studies on Host and Viral Proteins. Mol Biotechnol 2024:10.1007/s12033-024-01296-2. [PMID: 39373955 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-024-01296-2] [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: 08/29/2024] [Accepted: 09/23/2024] [Indexed: 10/08/2024]
Abstract
Niclosamide has emerged as a promising repurposed drug against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In vitro studies suggested that niclosamide inhibits the host transmembrane protein 16F (hTMEM16F), crucial for lipid scramblase activity, which consequently reduces syncytia formation that aids viral spread. Based on other in vitro reports, niclosamide may also target viral proteases such as papain-like protease (PLpro) and main protease (Mpro), essential for viral replication and maturation. However, the precise interactions by which niclosamide interacts with these multiple targets remain largely unclear. Docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies were undertaken based on a homology model of the hTMEM16F and available crystal structures of SARS-CoV-2 PLpro and Mpro. Niclosamide was observed to bind stably throughout a 400 ns MD simulation at the extracellular exit gate of the hTMEM16F tunnel, forming crucial interactions with residues spanning the TM1-TM2 loop (Gln350), TM3 (Phe481), and TM5-TM6 loop (Lys573, Glu594, and Asp596). Among the SARS-CoV-2 proteases, niclosamide was found to interact effectively with conserved active site residues of PLpro (Tyr268), exhibiting better stability in comparison to the control inhibitor, GRL0617. In conclusion, our in silico analyses support niclosamide as a multi-targeted drug inhibiting viral and host proteins involved in SARS-CoV-2 infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prachi Jagtap
- Bioinformatics & Data Management Group, ICMR National Institute of Virology, 20A Dr. Ambedkar Road, Pune, Maharashtra, 411 001, India
| | - Virendra Kumar Meena
- ICMR National Institute of Virology, 20A Dr. Ambedkar Road, Pune, Maharashtra, 411 001, India
| | - Susmit Sambhare
- ICMR National Institute of Virology, 20A Dr. Ambedkar Road, Pune, Maharashtra, 411 001, India
| | - Atanu Basu
- ICMR National Institute of Virology, 20A Dr. Ambedkar Road, Pune, Maharashtra, 411 001, India
| | - Priya Abraham
- Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sarah Cherian
- Bioinformatics & Data Management Group, ICMR National Institute of Virology, 20A Dr. Ambedkar Road, Pune, Maharashtra, 411 001, India.
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2
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Roy D, Manumol M, Alagarasu K, Parashar D, Cherian S. Phytochemicals of Different Medicinal Herbs as Potential Inhibitors Against Dengue Serotype 2 Virus: A Computational Approach. Mol Biotechnol 2024:10.1007/s12033-024-01282-8. [PMID: 39264526 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-024-01282-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
Dengue is one of the major mosquito-borne infectious diseases of the present century, reported to affect about 100-400 million people globally. The lack of effective therapeutic options has inspired several in vitro and in silico studies for the search of antivirals. Our previous study revealed the anti-dengue activity of different plant extracts from Plumeria alba, Bacopa monnieri, Vitex negundo, and Ancistrocladus heyneanus. Therefore, the current in silico study was designed to identify the phytochemicals present in the aforementioned plants, which are possibly responsible for the anti-dengue activity. Different plant databases as well as relevant literature were explored to find out the major compounds present in the above-stated plants followed by screening of the retrieved phytochemicals for the assessment of their binding affinity against different dengue viral proteins via molecular docking. The best poses of protein-ligand complexes obtained after molecular docking were selected for the calculation of binding free energy via MM-GBSA method. Based on the highest docking score and binding energy, six complexes were considered for further analysis. To analyze the stability of the complex, 100 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were carried out using Desmond module in the Schrodinger suite. The MD simulation analysis showed that four compounds viz. liriodendrin, bacopaside VII, isoorientin, and cynaroside exhibited stability with viral targets including the RdRp, NS3 helicase, and E protein indicating their potential as novel anti-dengue antivirals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diya Roy
- Bioinformatics Group, ICMR-National Institute of Virology, 20-A, Dr. Ambedkar Road, Pune, Maharashtra, 411001, India
| | - M Manumol
- Bioinformatics Group, ICMR-National Institute of Virology, 20-A, Dr. Ambedkar Road, Pune, Maharashtra, 411001, India
| | - Kalichamy Alagarasu
- Dengue & Chikungunya Group, ICMR-National Institute of Virology, 20-A, Dr. Ambedkar Road, Pune, Maharashtra, 411001, India
| | - Deepti Parashar
- Dengue & Chikungunya Group, ICMR-National Institute of Virology, 20-A, Dr. Ambedkar Road, Pune, Maharashtra, 411001, India
| | - Sarah Cherian
- Bioinformatics Group, ICMR-National Institute of Virology, 20-A, Dr. Ambedkar Road, Pune, Maharashtra, 411001, India.
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3
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Chaudhary M, Kumar A, Bala Sharma K, Vrati S, Sehgal D. In silico identification of chikungunya virus replication inhibitor validated using biochemical and cell-based approaches. FEBS J 2024; 291:2656-2673. [PMID: 38303163 DOI: 10.1111/febs.17066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Discovering an alternative therapy with a long-lasting effect on symptoms caused by chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection is prompted by the lack of a vaccine and the absence of safe, effective and non-toxic medications. One potential strategy is synthesizing or identifying small compounds that can specifically target the active site of an essential enzyme and prevent virus replication. Previous site-directed mutagenesis studies have demonstrated the crucial role of the macrodomain, which is a part of non-structural protein 3 (nsP3), in virus replication. Exploiting this fact, the macrodomain can be targeted to discover a natural substance that can inhibit its function and thereby impede virus replication. With this aim, the present study focused on potential CHIKV nsP3 macrodomain (nsP3MD) inhibitors through in silico, in vitro and cell-based methods. Through virtual screening of the natural compound library, nine nsP3MD inhibitors were initially identified. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were employed to evaluate these nine compounds based on the stability of their ligand-receptor complexes and energy parameters. Target analysis and ADMET (i.e. absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity) prediction of the selected compounds revealed their drug-like characteristics. Subsequent in vitro investigation allowed us to narrow the selection down to one compound, N-[2-(5-methoxy-1H-indol-3-yl) ethyl]-2-oxo-1,2-dihydroquinoline-4-carboxamide, which exhibited potent inhibition of CHIKV growth. This molecule effectively inhibited CHIKV replication in the stable embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma cell line capable of producing CHIKV. Our findings demonstrate that the selected compound possesses substantial anti-CHIKV nsP3MD activity both in vitro and in vivo. This work provides a promising molecule for further preclinical studies to develop a potential drug against the CHIKV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meenakshi Chaudhary
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, Shiv Nadar Institute of Eminence, Greater Noida, India
| | - Akash Kumar
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, Shiv Nadar Institute of Eminence, Greater Noida, India
| | - Kiran Bala Sharma
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, India
| | - Sudhanshu Vrati
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, India
| | - Deepak Sehgal
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, Shiv Nadar Institute of Eminence, Greater Noida, India
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4
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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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Bhole RP, Patil S, Kapare HS, Chikhale RV, Gurav SS. PROTAC Beyond Cancer- Exploring the New Therapeutic Potential of Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras. Curr Top Med Chem 2024; 24:2050-2073. [PMID: 38963108 DOI: 10.2174/0115680266309968240621072550] [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: 03/09/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
In the realm of oncology, the transformative impact of PROTAC (PROteolysis TAgeting Chimeras) technology has been particularly pronounced since its introduction in the 21st century. Initially conceived for cancer treatment, PROTACs have evolved beyond their primary scope, attracting increasing interest in addressing a diverse array of medical conditions. This expanded focus includes not only oncological disorders but also viral infections, bacterial ailments, immune dysregulation, neurodegenerative conditions, and metabolic disorders. This comprehensive review explores the broadening landscape of PROTAC application, highlighting ongoing developments and innovations aimed at deploying these molecules across a spectrum of diseases. Careful consideration of the design challenges associated with PROTACs reveals that, when appropriately addressed, these compounds present significant advantages over traditional therapeutic approaches, positioning them as promising alternatives. To evaluate the efficacy of PROTAC molecules, a diverse array of assays is employed, ranging from High-Throughput Imaging (HTI) assays to Cell Painting assays, CRBN engagement assays, Fluorescence Polarization assays, amplified luminescent proximity homogeneous assays, Timeresolved fluorescence energy transfer assays, and Isothermal Titration Calorimetry assays. These assessments collectively contribute to a nuanced understanding of PROTAC performance. Looking ahead, the trajectory of PROTAC technology suggests its potential recognition as a versatile therapeutic strategy for an expansive range of medical conditions. Ongoing progress in this field sets the stage for PROTACs to emerge as valuable tools in the multifaceted landscape of medical treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritesh P Bhole
- Dr. D.Y. Patil Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Pimpri, Pune, 411018, India
- Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyappeth, Pimpri, Pune, 411018, India
| | - Sapana Patil
- Dr. D.Y. Patil Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Pimpri, Pune, 411018, India
| | - Harshad S Kapare
- Dr. D.Y. Patil Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Pimpri, Pune, 411018, India
| | | | - Shailendra S Gurav
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Goa College of Pharmacy, Panjim, Goa, India
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Mushebenge AGA, Ugbaja SC, Mbatha NA, B. Khan R, Kumalo HM. Assessing the Potential Contribution of In Silico Studies in Discovering Drug Candidates That Interact with Various SARS-CoV-2 Receptors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15518. [PMID: 37958503 PMCID: PMC10647470 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115518] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred intense research efforts to identify effective treatments for SARS-CoV-2. In silico studies have emerged as a powerful tool in the drug discovery process, particularly in the search for drug candidates that interact with various SARS-CoV-2 receptors. These studies involve the use of computer simulations and computational algorithms to predict the potential interaction of drug candidates with target receptors. The primary receptors targeted by drug candidates include the RNA polymerase, main protease, spike protein, ACE2 receptor, and transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2). In silico studies have identified several promising drug candidates, including Remdesivir, Favipiravir, Ribavirin, Ivermectin, Lopinavir/Ritonavir, and Camostat Mesylate, among others. The use of in silico studies offers several advantages, including the ability to screen a large number of drug candidates in a relatively short amount of time, thereby reducing the time and cost involved in traditional drug discovery methods. Additionally, in silico studies allow for the prediction of the binding affinity of the drug candidates to target receptors, providing insight into their potential efficacy. This study is aimed at assessing the useful contributions of the application of computational instruments in the discovery of receptors targeted in SARS-CoV-2. It further highlights some identified advantages and limitations of these studies, thereby revealing some complementary experimental validation to ensure the efficacy and safety of identified drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aganze Gloire-Aimé Mushebenge
- Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, Durban 4000, South Africa;
- Drug Research and Innovation Unit, Discipline of Medical Biochemistry, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi 1825, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Samuel Chima Ugbaja
- Drug Research and Innovation Unit, Discipline of Medical Biochemistry, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
- Africa Health Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Nonkululeko Avril Mbatha
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Rene B. Khan
- Drug Research and Innovation Unit, Discipline of Medical Biochemistry, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Hezekiel M. Kumalo
- Drug Research and Innovation Unit, Discipline of Medical Biochemistry, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
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Wang Y, Li P, Xu L, de Vries AC, Rottier RJ, Wang W, Crombag MRB, Peppelenbosch MP, Kainov DE, Pan Q. Combating pan-coronavirus infection by indomethacin through simultaneously inhibiting viral replication and inflammatory response. iScience 2023; 26:107631. [PMID: 37664584 PMCID: PMC10474465 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe infections with coronaviruses are often accompanied with hyperinflammation, requiring therapeutic strategies to simultaneously tackle the virus and inflammation. By screening a safe-in-human broad-spectrum antiviral agents library, we identified that indomethacin can inhibit pan-coronavirus infection in human cell and airway organoids models. Combining indomethacin with oral antiviral drugs authorized for treating COVID-19 results in synergistic anti-coronavirus activity. Coincidentally, screening a library of FDA-approved drugs identified indomethacin as the most potent potentiator of interferon response through increasing STAT1 phosphorylation. Combining indomethacin with interferon-alpha exerted synergistic antiviral effects against multiple coronaviruses. The anti-coronavirus activity of indomethacin is associated with activating interferon response. In a co-culture system of lung epithelial cells with macrophages, indomethacin inhibited both viral replication and inflammatory response. Collectively, indomethacin is a pan-coronavirus inhibitor that can simultaneously inhibit virus-triggered inflammatory response. The therapeutic potential of indomethacin can be further augmented by combining it with oral antiviral drugs or interferon-alpha.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yining Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Pengfei Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lei Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Annemarie C. de Vries
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Robbert J. Rottier
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children’s Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Wenshi Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Marie-Rose B.S. Crombag
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Maikel P. Peppelenbosch
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Denis E. Kainov
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7028 Trondheim, Norway
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, 50090 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Qiuwei Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Lee HJ, Choi H, Nowakowska A, Kang LW, Kim M, Kim YB. Antiviral Activity Against SARS-CoV-2 Variants Using in Silico and in Vitro Approaches. J Microbiol 2023; 61:703-711. [PMID: 37358709 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-023-00062-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emergence in 2019 led to global health crises and the persistent risk of viral mutations. To combat SARS-CoV-2 variants, researchers have explored new approaches to identifying potential targets for coronaviruses. This study aimed to identify SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors using drug repurposing. In silico studies and network pharmacology were conducted to validate targets and coronavirus-associated diseases to select potential candidates, and in vitro assays were performed to evaluate the antiviral effects of the candidate drugs to elucidate the mechanisms of the viruses at the molecular level and determine the effective antiviral drugs for them. Plaque and cytopathic effect reduction were evaluated, and real-time quantitative reverse transcription was used to evaluate the antiviral activity of the candidate drugs against SARS-CoV-2 variants in vitro. Finally, a comparison was made between the molecular docking binding affinities of fenofibrate and remdesivir (positive control) to conventional and identified targets validated from protein-protein interaction (PPI). Seven candidate drugs were obtained based on the biological targets of the coronavirus, and potential targets were identified by constructing complex disease targets and PPI networks. Among the candidates, fenofibrate exhibited the strongest inhibition effect 1 h after Vero E6 cell infection with SARS-CoV-2 variants. This study identified potential targets for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and SARS-CoV-2 and suggested fenofibrate as a potential therapy for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Jung Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Hanul Choi
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Aleksandra Nowakowska
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Lin-Woo Kang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Minjee Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea.
| | - Young Bong Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea.
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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: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [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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Sarohan AR, Edipsoy S, Özkurt ZG, Özlü C, Demir AN, Cen O. Vitamin A Deficiency, COVID-19, and Rhino-Orbital Mucormycosis (Black Fungus): An Analytical Perspective. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1436:153-166. [PMID: 37253944 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2023_774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Mucormycosis is a rare but serious opportunistic fungal disease characterized by rhino-orbito-cerebral and pulmonary involvement. It is mainly seen in people with secondary immunosuppression, isolated vitamin A deficiency, measles, and AIDS patients. It showed a rise during the second wave of the COVID-19 epidemic in the spring of 2021 in India, especially in diabetic COVID-19 patients. Vitamin A deficiency is known to cause nutritional immunodeficiency and hence leading the way to increased opportunistic fungal, bacterial, and viral infections. In the eye, it causes keratitis, night blindness, xerophthalmia, conjunctivitis, Bitot spots, keratomalacia, and retinopathy. It also causes decreased tear secretion and deterioration of the anatomical/physiological defense barrier of the eye. The negative impact of vitamin A deficiency has been previously demonstrated in measles, AIDS, and COVID-19. We think that mucormycosis in COVID-19 might be rendered by vitamin A deficiency and that vitamin A supplementation may have preventive and therapeutic values against mucormycosis and other ocular symptoms associated with COVID-19. However, any vitamin A treatment regimen needs to be based on laboratory and clinical data and supervised by medical professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sait Edipsoy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medicina Plus Medical Center, İstanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Can Özlü
- Department of Hematology, Kütahya Health Science University, Evliya Çelebi Education and Research Hospital, Kütahya, Turkey
| | - Ayça Nur Demir
- Faculty of Medicine, Afyonkarahisar Health Science University, Afyon, Turkey
| | - Osman Cen
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Waubonsee College, Sugar Grove, IL, USA
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