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Classen N, Pitakbut T, Schöfbänker M, Kühn J, Hrincius ER, Ludwig S, Hensel A, Kayser O. Cannabigerol and Cannabicyclol Block SARS-CoV-2 Cell Fusion. PLANTA MEDICA 2024; 90:717-725. [PMID: 38885660 DOI: 10.1055/a-2320-8822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The search for new active substances against SARS-CoV-2 is still a central challenge after the COVID-19 pandemic. Antiviral agents to complement vaccination are an important pillar in the clinical situation. Selected cannabinoids such as cannabigerol, cannabicyclol, cannabichromene, and cannabicitran from Cannabis sativa and synthetic homologues of cannabigerol and cannabicyclol were evaluated for effects on the cell viability of Vero cells (CC50 of cannabigerol and cannabicyclol 40 resp. 38 µM) and reduced virus entry of vesicular stomatitis pseudotyped viruses with surface-expressed SARS-CoV-2 spike protein at 20 µM. In addition to a reduction of pseudotyped virus entry, a titer reduction assay on Vero cells after preincubation of Wuhan SARS-CoV-2 significantly confirmed antiviral activity. Investigations on the molecular targets addressed by cannabigerol and cannabicyclol indicated that both compounds are inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-mediated membrane fusion, as could be shown by a virus-free reporter fusion inhibition assay (EC50 for cannabigerol 5.5 µM and for cannabicyclol 10.8 µM) and by monitoring syncytia formation in Vero reporter cells. Selectivity indices were calculated as 7.4 for cannabigerol and 3.5 for cannabicyclol. Systematic semisynthetic alterations of cannabigerol and cannabicyclol indicated that the side chains of both compounds do not contribute to the observed anti-membrane fusion activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nica Classen
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology and Phytochemistry, University of Münster, Germany
| | - Thanet Pitakbut
- Technical Biochemistry Laboratory, Faculty of Biochemical and Chemical Engineering, Technical University of Dortmund, Germany
| | | | - Joachim Kühn
- Institute of Virology Münster (IVM), University of Münster, Germany
| | - Eike R Hrincius
- Institute of Virology Münster (IVM), University of Münster, Germany
| | - Stephan Ludwig
- Institute of Virology Münster (IVM), University of Münster, Germany
| | - Andreas Hensel
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology and Phytochemistry, University of Münster, Germany
| | - Oliver Kayser
- Technical Biochemistry Laboratory, Faculty of Biochemical and Chemical Engineering, Technical University of Dortmund, Germany
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2
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Webb NE, Sevareid CM, Sanchez C, Tobin NH, Aldrovandi GM. Natural Variation in HIV-1 Entry Kinetics Map to Specific Residues and Reveal an Interdependence Between Attachment and Fusion. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.25.600587. [PMID: 38979136 PMCID: PMC11230229 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.25.600587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
HIV-1 entry kinetics reflect the fluid motion of the HIV envelope glycoprotein through at least three major structural configurations that drive virus-cell membrane fusion. The lifetime of each state is an important component of potency for inhibitors that target them. We used the time-of-addition inhibitor assay and a novel analytical strategy to define the kinetics of pre-hairpin exposure (using T20) and co-receptor engagement (via. maraviroc), through a characteristic delay metric, across a variety of naturally occurring HIV Env isolates. Among 257 distinct HIV-1 envelope isolates we found a remarkable breadth of T20 and maraviroc delays ranging from as early as 30 seconds to as late as 60 minutes. The most extreme delays were observed among transmission-linked clade C isolates. We identified four single-residue determinants of late T20 and maraviroc delays that are associated with either receptor engagement or gp41 function. Comparison of these delays with T20 sensitivity suggest co-receptor engagement and fusogenic activity in gp41 act cooperatively but sequentially to drive entry. Our findings support current models of entry where co-receptor engagement drives gp41 eclipse and have strong implications for the design of entry inhibitors and antibodies that target transient entry states. Author Summary The first step of HIV-1 infection is entry, where virus-cell membrane fusion is driven by the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein through a series of conformational changes. Some of the most broadly active entry inhibitors work by binding conformations that exist only transiently during entry. The lifetimes of these states and the kinetics of entry are important elements of inhibitor activity for which little is known. We demonstrate a remarkable range of kinetics among 257 diverse HIV-1 isolates and find that this phenotype is highly flexible, with multiple single-residue determinants. Examination of the kinetics of two conformational landmarks shed light on novel kinetic features that offer new details about the role of co-receptor engagement and provide a framework to explain entry inhibitor synergy.
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3
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Wang C, Wang H, Wang X, Sun L, Wang Q, Li Q, Liang R, Dou D, Yu F, Lu L, Jiang S. Multitargeted drug design strategy for discovery of short-peptide-based HIV-1 entry inhibitors with high potency. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 252:115294. [PMID: 36944281 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
The development of short-peptide-based inhibitors to prevent HIV-1 entry into the host cell has been rewarded with limited success. Herein, we report a multitarget-directed ligand strategy to generate a series of short-peptide HIV-1 entry inhibitors that integrated the pharmacological activities of a peptide fusion inhibitor able to disrupt HIV-1 gp41 glycoprotein hexameric coiled-coil assembly and a small-molecule CCR5 antagonist that blocks the interaction between HIV-1 and its coreceptor. Among these inhibitors, dual-target 23-residue peptides SP12T and SP12L displayed dramatically increased inhibitory activities against HIV-1 replication as compared to the marketed 36-residue peptide T20. Moreover, results suggested that SP12T and SP12L successfully performed a dual-targeting mechanism. It can be concluded that these short-peptide-based HIV-1 entry inhibitors have potential for further development as candidates for a novel multitarget therapy to treat HIV-1 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27 Tai-Ping Road, Beijing, 100850, China.
| | - Huan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27 Tai-Ping Road, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Xinling Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Fudan University, 131 Dong an Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lujia Sun
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Fudan University, 131 Dong an Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Fudan University, 131 Dong an Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27 Tai-Ping Road, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Ruiying Liang
- Hebei Center for Wildlife Health, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, 071001, China
| | - Dou Dou
- Hebei Center for Wildlife Health, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, 071001, China
| | - Fei Yu
- Hebei Center for Wildlife Health, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, 071001, China.
| | - Lu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Fudan University, 131 Dong an Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Shibo Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Fudan University, 131 Dong an Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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4
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Recent Patents and FDA-Approved Drugs Based on Antiviral Peptides and Other Peptide-Related Antivirals. Int J Pept Res Ther 2023; 29:5. [PMID: 36466430 PMCID: PMC9702942 DOI: 10.1007/s10989-022-10477-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In spite of existing cases of severe viral infections with a high mortality rate, there are not enough antiviral drugs and vaccines available for the prevention and treatment of such diseases. In addition, the increasing reports of the emergence of viral epidemics highlight, the need for novel molecules with antiviral potential. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with antiviral activity or antiviral peptides (AVPs) have turned into a research hotspot and already show tremendous potential to become pharmaceutically available antiviral medicines. AMPs, a diverse group of bioactive peptides act as a part of our first line of defense against pathogen inactivation. Although most of the currently reported AMPs are either antibacterial or antifungal peptides, the number of antiviral peptides is gradually increasing. Some of the AMPs that are shown as effective antivirals have been deployed against viruses such as influenza A virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), HIV, HSV, West Nile Virus (WNV), and other viruses. This review offers an overview of AVPs that have been approved within the past few years and will set out a few of the most essential patents and their usage within the context mentioned above during 2000-2020. Moreover, the present study will explain some of the progress in antiviral drugs based on peptides and peptide-related antivirals.
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5
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Broadly Applicable, Virus-Free Dual Reporter Assay to Identify Compounds Interfering with Membrane Fusion: Performance for HSV-1 and SARS-CoV-2. Viruses 2022; 14:v14071354. [PMID: 35891336 PMCID: PMC9322530 DOI: 10.3390/v14071354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Membrane fusion constitutes an essential step in the replication cycle of numerous viral pathogens, hence it represents an important druggable target. In the present study, we established a virus-free, stable reporter fusion inhibition assay (SRFIA) specifically designed to identify compounds interfering with virus-induced membrane fusion. The dual reporter assay is based on two stable Vero cell lines harboring the third-generation tetracycline (Tet3G) transactivator and a bicistronic reporter gene cassette under the control of the tetracycline responsive element (TRE3G), respectively. Cell–cell fusion by the transient transfection of viral fusogens in the presence of doxycycline results in the expression of the reporter enzyme secreted alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) and the fluorescent nuclear localization marker EYFPNuc. A constitutively expressed, secreted form of nanoluciferase (secNLuc) functioned as the internal control. The performance of the SRFIA was tested for the quantification of SARS-CoV-2- and HSV-1-induced cell–cell fusion, respectively, showing high sensitivity and specificity, as well as the reliable identification of known fusion inhibitors. Parallel quantification of secNLuc enabled the detection of cytotoxic compounds or insufficient transfection efficacy. In conclusion, the SRFIA reported here is well suited for high-throughput screening for new antiviral agents and essentially will be applicable to all viral fusogens causing cell–cell fusion in Vero cells.
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6
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Wang C, Xia S, Wang X, Li Y, Wang H, Xiang R, Jiang Q, Lan Q, Liang R, Li Q, Huo S, Lu L, Wang Q, Yu F, Liu K, Jiang S. Supercoiling Structure-Based Design of a Trimeric Coiled-Coil Peptide with High Potency against HIV-1 and Human β-Coronavirus Infection. J Med Chem 2022; 65:2809-2819. [PMID: 33929200 PMCID: PMC8117781 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hexameric structure formation through packing of three C-terminal helices and an N-terminal trimeric coiled-coil core has been proposed as a general mechanism of class I enveloped virus entry. In this process, the C-terminal helical repeat (HR2) region of viral membrane fusion proteins becomes transiently exposed and accessible to N-terminal helical repeat (HR1) trimer-based fusion inhibitors. Herein, we describe a mimetic of the HIV-1 gp41 HR1 trimer, N3G, as a promising therapeutic against HIV-1 infection. Surprisingly, we found that in addition to protection against HIV-1 infection, N3G was also highly effective in inhibiting infection of human β-coronaviruses, including MERS-CoV, HCoV-OC43, and SARS-CoV-2, possibly by binding the HR2 region in the spike protein of β-coronaviruses to block their hexameric structure formation. These studies demonstrate the potential utility of anti-HIV-1 HR1 peptides in inhibiting human β-coronavirus infection. Moreover, this strategy could be extended to the design of broad-spectrum antivirals based on the supercoiling structure of peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical
Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and
Toxicology, 27 Tai-Ping Road, Beijing 100850,
China
| | - Shuai Xia
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology
(MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences & Shanghai Public Health Clinical
Center, Fudan University, 130 Dong An Road, Shanghai 200032,
China
| | - Xinling Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology
(MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences & Shanghai Public Health Clinical
Center, Fudan University, 130 Dong An Road, Shanghai 200032,
China
| | - Yue Li
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical
Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and
Toxicology, 27 Tai-Ping Road, Beijing 100850,
China
| | - Huan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical
Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and
Toxicology, 27 Tai-Ping Road, Beijing 100850,
China
| | - Rong Xiang
- Hebei Center for Wildlife Health, College of Life
Sciences, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071001,
China
| | - Qinwen Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-based Drug Design &
Discovery of the Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical
University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Qiaoshuai Lan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology
(MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences & Shanghai Public Health Clinical
Center, Fudan University, 130 Dong An Road, Shanghai 200032,
China
| | - Ruiying Liang
- Hebei Center for Wildlife Health, College of Life
Sciences, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071001,
China
| | - Qing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical
Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and
Toxicology, 27 Tai-Ping Road, Beijing 100850,
China
| | - Shanshan Huo
- Hebei Center for Wildlife Health, College of Life
Sciences, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071001,
China
| | - Lu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology
(MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences & Shanghai Public Health Clinical
Center, Fudan University, 130 Dong An Road, Shanghai 200032,
China
| | - Qian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology
(MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences & Shanghai Public Health Clinical
Center, Fudan University, 130 Dong An Road, Shanghai 200032,
China
| | - Fei Yu
- Hebei Center for Wildlife Health, College of Life
Sciences, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071001,
China
| | - Keliang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical
Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and
Toxicology, 27 Tai-Ping Road, Beijing 100850,
China
| | - Shibo Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology
(MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences & Shanghai Public Health Clinical
Center, Fudan University, 130 Dong An Road, Shanghai 200032,
China
- Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute,
New York Blood Center, New York, New York 10065,
United States
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7
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Huhmann S, Nyakatura EK, Rohrhofer A, Moschner J, Schmidt B, Eichler J, Roth C, Koksch B. Systematic Evaluation of Fluorination as Modification for Peptide-Based Fusion Inhibitors against HIV-1 Infection. Chembiochem 2021; 22:3443-3451. [PMID: 34605595 PMCID: PMC9297971 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202100417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
With the emergence of novel viruses, the development of new antivirals is more urgent than ever. A key step in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection is six-helix bundle formation within the envelope protein subunit gp41. Selective disruption of bundle formation by peptides has been shown to be effective; however, these drugs, exemplified by T20, are prone to rapid clearance from the patient. The incorporation of non-natural amino acids is known to improve these pharmacokinetic properties. Here, we evaluate a peptide inhibitor in which a critical Ile residue is replaced by fluorinated analogues. We characterized the influence of the fluorinated analogues on the biophysical properties of the peptide. Furthermore, we show that the fluorinated peptides can block HIV-1 infection of target cells at nanomolar levels. These findings demonstrate that fluorinated amino acids are appropriate tools for the development of novel peptide therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Huhmann
- Freie Universität BerlinDepartment of Biology, Chemistry and PharmacyInstitute of Chemistry and BiochemistryArnimallee 2014195BerlinGermany
| | - Elisabeth K. Nyakatura
- Freie Universität BerlinDepartment of Biology, Chemistry and PharmacyInstitute of Chemistry and BiochemistryArnimallee 2014195BerlinGermany
- Antibody Engineering Tri-Institutional Therapeutics Discovery Institute417 East 68th Street, 19 Floor North, P: 646-888-2003New YorkNY 10021USA
| | - Anette Rohrhofer
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology and HygieneRegensburg University HospitalFranz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 1193053RegensburgGermany
| | - Johann Moschner
- Freie Universität BerlinDepartment of Biology, Chemistry and PharmacyInstitute of Chemistry and BiochemistryArnimallee 2014195BerlinGermany
| | - Barbara Schmidt
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology and HygieneRegensburg University HospitalFranz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 1193053RegensburgGermany
| | - Jutta Eichler
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-NürnbergDepartment Chemie und PharmazieNikolaus-Fiebiger-Str. 1091058ErlangenGermany
| | - Christian Roth
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and InterfacesBiomolecular SystemsArnimallee 2214195BerlinGermany
| | - Beate Koksch
- Freie Universität BerlinDepartment of Biology, Chemistry and PharmacyInstitute of Chemistry and BiochemistryArnimallee 2014195BerlinGermany
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8
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Kuroki A, Tay J, Lee GH, Yang YY. Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Peptides and Polymers. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2101113. [PMID: 34599850 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202101113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
As the human cost of the pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is still being witnessed worldwide, the development of broad-spectrum antiviral agents against emerging and re-emerging viruses is seen as a necessity to hamper the spread of infections. Various targets during the viral life-cycle can be considered to inhibit viral infection, from viral attachment to viral fusion or replication. Macromolecules represent a particularly attractive class of therapeutics due to their multivalency and versatility. Although several antiviral macromolecules hold great promise in clinical applications, the emergence of resistance after prolonged exposure urges the need for improved solutions. In the present article, the recent advancement in the discovery of antiviral peptides and polymers with diverse structural features and antiviral mechanisms is reviewed. Future perspectives, such as, the development of virucidal peptides/polymers and their coatings against SARS-CoV-2 infection, standardization of antiviral testing protocols, and use of artificial intelligence or machine learning as a tool to accelerate the discovery of antiviral macromolecules, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnès Kuroki
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine National University of Singapore Singapore 117597 Singapore
- Institute of Bioengineering and Bioimaging 31 Biopolis Ways, The Nanos Singapore 138669 Singapore
| | - Joyce Tay
- Institute of Bioengineering and Bioimaging 31 Biopolis Ways, The Nanos Singapore 138669 Singapore
| | - Guan Huei Lee
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine National University of Singapore Singapore 117597 Singapore
| | - Yi Yan Yang
- Institute of Bioengineering and Bioimaging 31 Biopolis Ways, The Nanos Singapore 138669 Singapore
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9
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Gao B, Zhao D, Li L, Cheng Z, Guo Y. Antiviral Peptides with in vivo Activity: Development and Modes of Action. Chempluschem 2021; 86:1547-1558. [PMID: 34755499 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202100351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The viral pandemic has resulted in a growing demand for antiviral drugs. The existing small-molecule antiviral drugs are limited, due to their incidence of drug resistance and adverse side effects. As potential drugs, antiviral peptides have the benefits of high activity, high stability, and few side effects. Furthermore, the diversity of acquisition methods allows antiviral peptides to be quickly designed and yielded. The drug properties (such as high bioavailability and in vivo stability) of antiviral peptides can be improved by the developed modifications. Currently, two peptide antiviral drugs have been approved for the treatment of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Many antiviral peptides have entered clinical trials for the treatment of diseases caused by viruses. In addition, new antiviral peptides are continuously being identified and validated against virus infections. Given the benefits of antiviral peptides, they will become major antiviral drugs to combat new outbreaks caused by unknown viruses in the future. This review provides an overview of recent developments in antiviral peptides with in vivo activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Gao
- School of Public Health, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, 31 Construction Road, Donghe District, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, P. R. China
| | - Dongdong Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, 31 Construction Road, Donghe District, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, P. R. China
| | - Lingmu Li
- School of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, 31 Construction Road, Donghe District, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, P. R. China
| | - Zhigang Cheng
- School of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, 31 Construction Road, Donghe District, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, P. R. China
| | - Ye Guo
- School of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, 31 Construction Road, Donghe District, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, P. R. China
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Disease-Related Biomarkers, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, 31 Construction Road, Donghe District, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, P. R. China
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10
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Shin YH, Park CM, Yoon CH. An Overview of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 Antiretroviral Drugs: General Principles and Current Status. Infect Chemother 2021; 53:29-45. [PMID: 34409780 PMCID: PMC8032919 DOI: 10.3947/ic.2020.0100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) can prolong a patient's life-span by disrupting pivotal steps in the replication cycle of the human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1). However, drug resistance is emerging as a major problem worldwide due to the prolonged period of treatment undergone by HIV-1 patients. Since the approval of zidovudine in 1987, over thirty antiretroviral drugs have been categorized into the following six distinct classes based on their biological function and resistance profiles: (1) nucleoside analog reverse-transcriptase inhibitors; (2) non–nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors; (3) integrase strand transferase inhibitors; (4) protease inhibitors; (5) fusion inhibitors; and (6) co-receptor antagonists. Additionally, several antiretroviral drugs have been developed recently, such as a long active drug, humanized antibody and pro-drug metabolized into an active form in the patient's body. Although plenty of antiretroviral drugs are beneficially used to treat patients with HIV-1, the ongoing efforts to develop antiretroviral drugs have overcome the drug resistances, adverse effects, and limited adherence of drugs observed in previous drugs to some extent. Furthermore, studies focused on agents targeting latent HIV-1 reservoirs should be strengthened, as that may lead to eradication of HIV-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Hyun Shin
- Division of Chronic Viral Disease Research, Center for Emerging Virus Research, Korea National Institute of Health, Chungbuk, Korea
| | - Chul Min Park
- Center for Convergent Research of Emerging Virus Infection, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Cheol Hee Yoon
- Division of Chronic Viral Disease Research, Center for Emerging Virus Research, Korea National Institute of Health, Chungbuk, Korea.
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11
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Luque FJ, Camarasa MJ. HIV-1 Envelope Spike MPER: From a Vaccine Target to a New Druggable Pocket for Novel and Effective Fusion Inhibitors. ChemMedChem 2020; 16:105-107. [PMID: 33428329 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Here we highlight a sound and unique work reported by Chen and co-workers entitled "HIV-1 fusion inhibitors targeting the membrane-proximal external region of Env spikes" (Xiao et al., Nat. Chem. Biol. 2020, 16, 529). In this article, the authors identify, by means of a clever antibody-guided strategy, several small molecules as fusion inhibitors of HIV-1 replication acting at the membrane proximal external region (MPER) of the HIV-1 envelope (Env) spike. MPER, which was previously recognized as a vaccine target, emerges as a novel druggable target for the discovery of HIV-1 fusion inhibitors. The compounds (exemplified by dequalinium and dequalinium-inspired analogues) prevent the conformational changes of Env from the prefusion species to the intermediate states required for membrane fusion. This work not only paves the way to novel, specific and useful anti-HIV-1 inhibitors, but also discloses new therapeutic strategies against other infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Javier Luque
- Departament de Nutrició, Ciències de l'Alimentació I Gastronomía, Institut de Biomedicina (IBUB) and Institut de Química Teórica I Computacional (IQTCUB), Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Prat de la Riba 171, 08921, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain
| | - María-José Camarasa
- Instituto de Química Médica (IQM-CSIC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Juan de la Cierva 6, 28006, Madrid, Spain
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12
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Pattnaik GP, Chakraborty H. Entry Inhibitors: Efficient Means to Block Viral Infection. J Membr Biol 2020; 253:425-444. [PMID: 32862236 PMCID: PMC7456447 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-020-00136-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The emerging and re-emerging viral infections are constant threats to human health and wellbeing. Several strategies have been explored to develop vaccines against these viral diseases. The main effort in the journey of development of vaccines is to neutralize the fusion protein using antibodies. However, significant efforts have been made in discovering peptides and small molecules that inhibit the fusion between virus and host cell, thereby inhibiting the entry of viruses. This class of inhibitors is called entry inhibitors, and they are extremely efficient in reducing viral infection as the entry of the virus is considered as the first step of infection. Nevertheless, these inhibitors are highly selective for a particular virus as antibody-based vaccines. The recent COVID-19 pandemic lets us ponder to shift our attention towards broad-spectrum antiviral agents from the so-called ‘one bug-one drug’ approach. This review discusses peptide and small molecule-based entry inhibitors against class I, II, and III viruses and sheds light on broad-spectrum antiviral agents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hirak Chakraborty
- School of Chemistry, Sambalpur University, Jyoti Vihar, Burla, Odisha, 768 019, India. .,Centre of Excellence in Natural Products and Therapeutics, Sambalpur University, Jyoti Vihar, Burla, Odisha, 768 019, India.
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13
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Kumar R, Gupta N, Kodan P, Mittal A, Soneja M, Wig N. Battling COVID-19: using old weapons for a new enemy. Trop Dis Travel Med Vaccines 2020; 6:6. [PMID: 32454984 PMCID: PMC7237624 DOI: 10.1186/s40794-020-00107-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) has reached pandemic proportions. Most of the drugs that are being tried for the treatment have not been evaluated in any randomized controlled trials. The purpose of this review was to summarize the in-vitro and in-vivo efficacy of these drugs on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) and related viruses (SARS and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) and evaluate their potential for re-purposing them in the management of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Kumar
- Department of Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029 India
| | - Nitin Gupta
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka 576104 India
| | - Parul Kodan
- Dr Ram Manohar Lohia hospital & Post-Graduate Institute of Medica education and Research, New Delhi, 110001 India
| | - Ankit Mittal
- Department of Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029 India
| | - Manish Soneja
- Department of Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029 India
| | - Naveet Wig
- Department of Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029 India
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14
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Figueira TN, Domingues MM, Illien F, Cadima-Couto I, Todorovski T, Andreu D, Sagan S, Castanho MARB, Walrant A, Veiga AS. Enfuvirtide-Protoporphyrin IX Dual-Loaded Liposomes: In Vitro Evidence of Synergy against HIV-1 Entry into Cells. ACS Infect Dis 2020; 6:224-236. [PMID: 31855415 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.9b00285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
We have developed a nanocarrier consisting of large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) for combined delivery of two human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) entry inhibitors, enfuvirtide (ENF) and protoporphyrin IX (PPIX). The intrinsic lipophilicity of ENF and PPIX, a fusion inhibitor and an attachment inhibitor, respectively, leads to their spontaneous incorporation into the lipid bilayer of the LUVs nanocarrier. Both entry inhibitors partition significantly toward LUVs composed of 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) and a 9:1 mixture of POPC:1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[methoxy(polyethylene glycol)-2000] (DPPE-PEG2000), representative of conventional and immune-evasive drug delivery formulations, respectively. These colocalize in the core of lipid membranes. Dual-loaded nanocarriers are monodispersed and retain the size distribution, thermotropic behavior, and surface charge of the unloaded form. Combination of the two entry inhibitors in the nanocarrier resulted in improved synergy against HIV-1 entry compared to combination in free form, strongly when immune-evasive formulations are used. We propose that the improved action of the entry inhibitors when loaded into the nanocarriers results from their slow release at the site of viral entry. Overall, liposomes remain largely unexplored platforms for combination of viral entry inhibitors, with potential for improvement of current antiretroviral therapy drug safety and application. Our work calls for a reappraisal of the potential of entry inhibitor combinations and delivery for clinical use in antiretroviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago N. Figueira
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marco M. Domingues
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Françoise Illien
- Sorbonne Université, École Normale Supérieure, PSL University, CNRS, Laboratoire des Biomolécules, LBM, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Iris Cadima-Couto
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Toni Todorovski
- Department of Experimental and Health Science, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Andreu
- Department of Experimental and Health Science, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sandrine Sagan
- Sorbonne Université, École Normale Supérieure, PSL University, CNRS, Laboratoire des Biomolécules, LBM, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Miguel A. R. B. Castanho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Astrid Walrant
- Sorbonne Université, École Normale Supérieure, PSL University, CNRS, Laboratoire des Biomolécules, LBM, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Ana Salomé Veiga
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
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15
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Abstract
Paramyxoviruses, including human parainfluenza virus type 3, are internalized into host cells by fusion between viral and target cell membranes. The receptor binding protein, hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN), upon binding to its cell receptor, triggers conformational changes in the fusion protein (F). This action of HN activates F to reach its fusion-competent state. Using small molecules that interact with HN, we can induce the premature activation of F and inactivate the virus. To obtain highly active pretriggering compounds, we carried out a virtual modeling screen for molecules that interact with a sialic acid binding site on HN that we propose to be the site involved in activating F. We use cryo-electron tomography of authentic intact viral particles for the first time to directly assess the mechanism of action of this treatment on the conformation of the viral F protein and present the first direct observation of the induced conformational rearrangement in the viral F protein. The receptor binding protein of parainfluenza virus, hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN), is responsible for actively triggering the viral fusion protein (F) to undergo a conformational change leading to insertion into the target cell and fusion of the virus with the target cell membrane. For proper viral entry to occur, this process must occur when HN is engaged with host cell receptors at the cell surface. It is possible to interfere with this process through premature activation of the F protein, distant from the target cell receptor. Conformational changes in the F protein and adoption of the postfusion form of the protein prior to receptor engagement of HN at the host cell membrane inactivate the virus. We previously identified small molecules that interact with HN and induce it to activate F in an untimely fashion, validating a new antiviral strategy. To obtain highly active pretriggering candidate molecules we carried out a virtual modeling screen for molecules that interact with sialic acid binding site II on HN, which we propose to be the site responsible for activating F. To directly assess the mechanism of action of one such highly effective new premature activating compound, PAC-3066, we use cryo-electron tomography on authentic intact viral particles for the first time to examine the effects of PAC-3066 treatment on the conformation of the viral F protein. We present the first direct observation of the conformational rearrangement induced in the viral F protein.
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16
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Wittine K, Saftić L, Peršurić Ž, Kraljević Pavelić S. Novel Antiretroviral Structures from Marine Organisms. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24193486. [PMID: 31561445 PMCID: PMC6804230 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24193486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In spite of significant advancements and success in antiretroviral therapies directed against HIV infection, there is no cure for HIV, which scan persist in a human body in its latent form and become reactivated under favorable conditions. Therefore, novel antiretroviral drugs with different modes of actions are still a major focus for researchers. In particular, novel lead structures are being sought from natural sources. So far, a number of compounds from marine organisms have been identified as promising therapeutics for HIV infection. Therefore, in this paper, we provide an overview of marine natural products that were first identified in the period between 2013 and 2018 that could be potentially used, or further optimized, as novel antiretroviral agents. This pipeline includes the systematization of antiretroviral activities for several categories of marine structures including chitosan and its derivatives, sulfated polysaccharides, lectins, bromotyrosine derivatives, peptides, alkaloids, diterpenes, phlorotannins, and xanthones as well as adjuvants to the HAART therapy such as fish oil. We critically discuss the structures and activities of the most promising new marine anti-HIV compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karlo Wittine
- University of Rijeka, Department of Biotechnology, Centre for high-throughput technologies, Radmile Matejčić 2, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia.
| | - Lara Saftić
- University of Rijeka, Department of Biotechnology, Centre for high-throughput technologies, Radmile Matejčić 2, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia.
| | - Željka Peršurić
- University of Rijeka, Department of Biotechnology, Centre for high-throughput technologies, Radmile Matejčić 2, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Sandra Kraljević Pavelić
- University of Rijeka, Department of Biotechnology, Centre for high-throughput technologies, Radmile Matejčić 2, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia.
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17
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Meng G, Pu J, Li Y, Han A, Tian Y, Xu W, Zhang T, Li X, Lu L, Wang C, Jiang S, Liu K. Design and Biological Evaluation of m-Xylene Thioether-Stapled Short Helical Peptides Targeting the HIV-1 gp41 Hexameric Coiled-Coil Fusion Complex. J Med Chem 2019; 62:8773-8783. [PMID: 31513410 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Short peptide-based inhibition of fusion remains an attractive goal in antihuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) research based on its potential for the development of technically and economically desirable antiviral agents. Herein, we report the use of the dithiol bisalkylation reaction to generate a series of m-xylene thioether-stapled 22-residue α-helical peptides that have been identified as fusion inhibitors targeting HIV-1 glycoprotein 41 (gp41). The peptide sequence is based on the helix-zone binding domain of the gp41 C-terminal heptad repeat region. We found that one of these stapled peptides, named hCS6ERE, showed promising inhibitory potency against HIV-1 Env-mediated cell-cell fusion and viral replication at a level comparable to the clinically used 36-mer peptide T20. Furthermore, combining hCS6ERE with a fusion inhibitor having a different target site, such as HP23, produced synergistic anti-HIV-1 activity. Collectively, our study offers new insight into the design of anti-HIV peptides with short sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangpeng Meng
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of the Ministry of Education , Shenyang Pharmaceutical University , Shenyang 110016 , China
| | - Jing Pu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences & Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center , Fudan University , 131 Dong An Road , Shanghai 200032 , China
| | - Yue Li
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of the Ministry of Education , Shenyang Pharmaceutical University , Shenyang 110016 , China
| | - Aixin Han
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures , Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology , 27 Tai-Ping Road , Beijing 100850 , China
| | - Yangli Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures , Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology , 27 Tai-Ping Road , Beijing 100850 , China
| | - Wei Xu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences & Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center , Fudan University , 131 Dong An Road , Shanghai 200032 , China
| | - Tianhong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures , Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology , 27 Tai-Ping Road , Beijing 100850 , China
| | - Xue Li
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures , Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology , 27 Tai-Ping Road , Beijing 100850 , China
| | - Lu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences & Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center , Fudan University , 131 Dong An Road , Shanghai 200032 , China
| | - Chao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures , Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology , 27 Tai-Ping Road , Beijing 100850 , China
| | - Shibo Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences & Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center , Fudan University , 131 Dong An Road , Shanghai 200032 , China.,Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute , New York Blood Center , 310 East 67th Street , New York , New York 10065 , United States
| | - Keliang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of the Ministry of Education , Shenyang Pharmaceutical University , Shenyang 110016 , China.,State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures , Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology , 27 Tai-Ping Road , Beijing 100850 , China
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18
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Trimeric heptad repeat synthetic peptides HR1 and HR2 efficiently inhibit HIV-1 entry. Biosci Rep 2019; 39:BSR20192196. [PMID: 31477581 PMCID: PMC6757187 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20192196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The trimeric heptad repeat domains HR1 and HR2 of the human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) gp41 play a key role in HIV-1-entry by membrane fusion. To develop efficient inhibitors against this step, the corresponding trimeric-N36 and C34 peptides were designed and synthesized. Analysis by circular dichroism of monomeric and trimeric N36 and C34 peptides showed their capacities to adopt α-helical structures and to establish physical interactions. At the virological level, while trimeric-C34 conserves the same high anti-fusion activity as monomeric-C34, trimerization of N36-peptide induced a significant increase, reaching 500-times higher in anti-fusion activity, against R5-tropic virus-mediated fusion. This result was associated with increased stability of the N36 trimer peptide with respect to the monomeric form, as demonstrated by the comparative kinetics of their antiviral activities during 6-day incubation in a physiological medium. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that while the trimerization of C34 peptide had no beneficial effect on its stability and antiviral activity, the trimerization of N36 peptide strengthened both stability and antiviral activity. This approach, promotes trimers as new promising HIV-1 inhibitors and point to future development aimed toward innovative peptide fusion inhibitors, microbicides or as immunogens.
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19
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Conserved Residue Asn-145 in the C-Terminal Heptad Repeat Region of HIV-1 gp41 is Critical for Viral Fusion and Regulates the Antiviral Activity of Fusion Inhibitors. Viruses 2019; 11:v11070609. [PMID: 31277353 PMCID: PMC6669600 DOI: 10.3390/v11070609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 06/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Entry of HIV-1 into target cells is mediated by its envelope (Env) glycoprotein composed of the receptor binding subunit gp120 and the fusion protein gp41. Refolding of the gp41 N- and C-terminal heptad repeats (NHR and CHR) into a six-helix bundle (6-HB) conformation drives the viral and cellular membranes in close apposition and generates huge amounts of energy to overcome the kinetic barrier leading to membrane fusion. In this study, we focused on characterizing the structural and functional properties of a single Asn-145 residue, which locates at the middle CHR site of gp41 and is extremely conserved among all the HIV-1, HIV-2, and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) isolates. By mutational analysis, we found that Asn-145 plays critical roles for Env-mediated cell-cell fusion and HIV-1 entry. As determined by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), the substitution of Asn-145 with alanine (N145A) severely impaired the interactions between the NHR and CHR helices. Asn-145 was also verified to be important for the antiviral activity of CHR-derived peptide fusion inhibitors and served as a turn-point for the inhibitory potency. Intriguingly, Asn-145 could regulate the functionality of the M-T hook structure at the N-terminus of the inhibitors and displayed comparable activities with the C-terminal IDL anchor. Crystallographic studies further demonstrated the importance of Asn-145-mediated interhelical and intrahelical interactions in the 6-HB structure. Combined, the present results have provided valuable information for the structure-function relationship of HIV-1 gp41 and the structure-activity relationship of gp41-dependent fusion inhibitors.
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20
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Duarte CA, Chávez S, Masforrol Y, Puertas S, Paneque T, Ramirez AC, Casillas D, Puente P, Garay H, Fernández-Ortega C. A competitive ELISA for the quantitative determination of the novel anti-HIV drug candidate CIGB-210 in biological fluids. J Immunoassay Immunochem 2018; 40:193-213. [PMID: 30497338 DOI: 10.1080/15321819.2018.1547975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The synthetic peptide CIGB-210 is a promising anti-HIV drug candidate shown to inhibit HIV replication in MT4 cells at the nanomolar range by triggering the rearrangement of vimentin intermediate filaments. Sensitive and specific analytical methods are required for pharmacological studies of CIBG-210 in animals. In this study, we describe the development of a competitive ELISA for the quantitative determination of CIGB-210 using an anti-CIGB-210 hyperimmune serum. After optimization of all the steps, the assay exhibited a dynamic range from 11.87 to 0.0095 µg/mL. The intra-assay coefficient of variation (CV) was lower than or close to 5% for all the six concentrations of the calibrator, and the inter-assay CV was below 10% in five out of the six concentrations tested. No interference of either murine or human plasma was observed. The analyte was stable in plasma after five freeze-thaw cycles, while the hyperimmune serum maintained its binding capacity after 10 freeze-thaw cycles. Furthermore, the ELISA was able to detect the two main metabolites of CIGB-210, although with a tenfold decrease in sensitivity. Our results demonstrate the utility and feasibility of this analytical method for pharmacological experiments in animals as humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A Duarte
- a Pharmaceutical Departments , Centro de Ingeniería Genética y Biotecnología , La Habana , Cuba
| | - Sheila Chávez
- a Pharmaceutical Departments , Centro de Ingeniería Genética y Biotecnología , La Habana , Cuba
| | - Yordanka Masforrol
- b Physical-Chemistry Departments , Centro de Ingeniería Genética y Biotecnología , La Habana , Cuba
| | - Samy Puertas
- c Animal Research Departments , Centro de Ingeniería Genética y Biotecnología , La Habana , Cuba
| | - Taimí Paneque
- a Pharmaceutical Departments , Centro de Ingeniería Genética y Biotecnología , La Habana , Cuba
| | - Anna C Ramirez
- a Pharmaceutical Departments , Centro de Ingeniería Genética y Biotecnología , La Habana , Cuba
| | - Dionne Casillas
- a Pharmaceutical Departments , Centro de Ingeniería Genética y Biotecnología , La Habana , Cuba
| | - Pedro Puente
- c Animal Research Departments , Centro de Ingeniería Genética y Biotecnología , La Habana , Cuba
| | - Hilda Garay
- b Physical-Chemistry Departments , Centro de Ingeniería Genética y Biotecnología , La Habana , Cuba
| | - Celia Fernández-Ortega
- a Pharmaceutical Departments , Centro de Ingeniería Genética y Biotecnología , La Habana , Cuba
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21
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Zhang X, Zhu Y, Hu H, Zhang S, Wang P, Chong H, He J, Wang X, He Y. Structural Insights into the Mechanisms of Action of Short-Peptide HIV-1 Fusion Inhibitors Targeting the Gp41 Pocket. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2018. [PMID: 29535974 PMCID: PMC5834435 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The deep hydrophobic pocket of HIV-1 gp41 has been considered a drug target, but short-peptides targeting this site usually lack potent antiviral activity. By applying the M-T hook structure, we previously generated highly potent short-peptide fusion inhibitors that specifically targeted the pocket site, such as MT-SC22EK, HP23L, and LP-11. Here, the crystal structures of HP23L and LP-11 bound to the target mimic peptide N36 demonstrated the critical intrahelical and interhelical interactions, especially verifying that the hook-like conformation was finely adopted while the methionine residue was replaced by the oxidation-less prone residue leucine, and that addition of an extra glutamic acid significantly enhanced the binding and inhibitory activities. The structure of HP23L bound to N36 with two mutations (E49K and L57R) revealed the critical residues and motifs mediating drug resistance and provided new insights into the mechanism of action of inhibitors. Therefore, the present data help our understanding for the structure-activity relationship (SAR) of HIV-1 fusion inhibitors and facilitate the development of novel antiviral drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiujuan Zhang
- College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, School of Science, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, China.,Institute of Pathogen Biology and Center for AIDS Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanmei Zhu
- Institute of Pathogen Biology and Center for AIDS Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Hu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Science, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Senyan Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Science, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Pengfei Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Science, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Huihui Chong
- Institute of Pathogen Biology and Center for AIDS Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jinsheng He
- College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, School of Science, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinquan Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Science, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuxian He
- Institute of Pathogen Biology and Center for AIDS Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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22
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Wang C, Xia S, Zhang P, Zhang T, Wang W, Tian Y, Meng G, Jiang S, Liu K. Discovery of Hydrocarbon-Stapled Short α-Helical Peptides as Promising Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) Fusion Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2018; 61:2018-2026. [PMID: 29442512 PMCID: PMC7075646 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b01732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The hexameric α-helical coiled-coil formed between the C-terminal and N-terminal heptad repeat (CHR and NHR) regions of class I viral fusion proteins plays an important role in mediating the fusion of the viral and cellular membranes and provides a clear starting point for molecular mimicry that drives viral fusion inhibitor design. Unfortunately, such peptide mimicry of the short α-helical region in the CHR of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) spike protein has been thwarted by the loss of the peptide's native α-helical conformation when taken out of the parent protein structure. Here, we describe that appropriate all-hydrocarbon stapling of the short helical portion-based peptide to reinforce its bioactive secondary structure remarkably improves antiviral potency. The resultant stapled peptide P21S10 could effectively inhibit infection by MERS-CoV pseudovirus and its spike protein-mediated cell-cell fusion; additionally, P21S10 exhibits improved pharmacokinetic properties than HR2P-M2, suggesting strong potential for development as an anti-MERS-CoV therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures , Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology , 27 Tai-Ping Road , Beijing 100850 , China
| | - Shuai Xia
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center , Fudan University , 130 Dong An Road , Shanghai 200032 , China
| | - Peiyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery of the Ministry of Education , Shenyang Pharmaceutical University , Shenyang 110016 , China
| | - Tianhong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures , Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology , 27 Tai-Ping Road , Beijing 100850 , China
| | - Weicong Wang
- Pharmaceutical Preparation Section, Plastic Surgery Hospital , Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College , Beijing 100144 , China
| | - Yangli Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures , Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology , 27 Tai-Ping Road , Beijing 100850 , China
| | - Guangpeng Meng
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery of the Ministry of Education , Shenyang Pharmaceutical University , Shenyang 110016 , China
| | - Shibo Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center , Fudan University , 130 Dong An Road , Shanghai 200032 , China.,Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute , New York Blood Center , New York , New York 10065 , United States
| | - Keliang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures , Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology , 27 Tai-Ping Road , Beijing 100850 , China.,Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery of the Ministry of Education , Shenyang Pharmaceutical University , Shenyang 110016 , China
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23
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Zhu Y, Zhang X, Ding X, Chong H, Cui S, He J, Wang X, He Y. Exceptional potency and structural basis of a T1249-derived lipopeptide fusion inhibitor against HIV-1, HIV-2, and simian immunodeficiency virus. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:5323-5334. [PMID: 29425101 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.001729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Revised: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Enfuvirtide (T20) is the only viral fusion inhibitor approved for clinical use, but it has relatively weak anti-HIV activity and easily induces drug resistance. In succession to T20, T1249 has been designed as a 39-mer peptide composed of amino acid sequences derived from HIV-1, HIV-2, and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV); however, its development has been suspended due to formulation difficulties. We recently developed a T20-based lipopeptide (LP-40) showing greatly improved pharmaceutical properties. Here, we generated a T1249-based lipopeptide, termed LP-46, by replacing its C-terminal tryptophan-rich sequence with fatty acid. As compared with T20, T1249, and LP-40, the truncated LP-46 (31-mer) had dramatically increased activities in inhibiting a large panel of HIV-1 subtypes, with IC50 values approaching low picomolar concentrations. Also, LP-46 was an exceptionally potent inhibitor against HIV-2, SIV, and T20-resistant variants, and it displayed obvious synergistic effects with LP-40. Furthermore, we showed that LP-46 had increased helical stability and binding affinity with the target site. The crystal structure of LP-46 in complex with a target surrogate revealed its critical binding motifs underlying the mechanism of action. Interestingly, it was found that the introduced pocket-binding domain in LP-46 did not interact with the gp41 pocket as expected; instead, it adopted a mode similar to that of LP-40. Therefore, our studies have provided an exceptionally potent and broad fusion inhibitor for developing new anti-HIV drugs, which can also serve as a tool to exploit the mechanisms of viral fusion and inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanmei Zhu
- From the MOH Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China.,the Center for AIDS Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Xiujuan Zhang
- the College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, School of Science, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China, and
| | - Xiaohui Ding
- From the MOH Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China.,the Center for AIDS Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Huihui Chong
- From the MOH Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China.,the Center for AIDS Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Sheng Cui
- From the MOH Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Jinsheng He
- the College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, School of Science, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China, and
| | - Xinquan Wang
- the Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Science, Center for Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yuxian He
- From the MOH Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China, .,the Center for AIDS Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
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Enfuvirtide (T20)-Based Lipopeptide Is a Potent HIV-1 Cell Fusion Inhibitor: Implications for Viral Entry and Inhibition. J Virol 2017; 91:JVI.00831-17. [PMID: 28659478 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00831-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The peptide drug enfuvirtide (T20) is the only viral fusion inhibitor used in combination therapy for HIV-1 infection, but it has relatively low antiviral activity and easily induces drug resistance. Emerging studies demonstrate that lipopeptide-based fusion inhibitors, such as LP-11 and LP-19, which mainly target the gp41 pocket site, have greatly improved antiviral potency and in vivo stability. In this study, we focused on developing a T20-based lipopeptide inhibitor that lacks pocket-binding sequence and targets a different site. First, the C-terminal tryptophan-rich motif (TRM) of T20 was verified to be essential for its target binding and inhibition; then, a novel lipopeptide, termed LP-40, was created by replacing the TRM with a fatty acid group. LP-40 showed markedly enhanced binding affinity for the target site and dramatically increased inhibitory activity on HIV-1 membrane fusion, entry, and infection. Unlike LP-11 and LP-19, which required a flexible linker between the peptide sequence and the lipid moiety, addition of a linker to LP-40 sharply reduced its potency, implying different binding modes with the extended N-terminal helices of gp41. Also, interestingly, LP-40 showed more potent activity than LP-11 in inhibiting HIV-1 Env-mediated cell-cell fusion while it was less active than LP-11 in inhibiting pseudovirus entry, and the two inhibitors displayed synergistic antiviral effects. The crystal structure of LP-40 in complex with a target peptide revealed their key binding residues and motifs. Combined, our studies have not only provided a potent HIV-1 fusion inhibitor, but also revealed new insights into the mechanisms of viral inhibition.IMPORTANCE T20 is the only membrane fusion inhibitor available for treatment of viral infection; however, T20 requires high doses and has a low genetic barrier for resistance, and its inhibitory mechanism and structural basis remain unclear. Here, we report the design of LP-40, a T20-based lipopeptide inhibitor that has greatly improved anti-HIV activity and is a more potent inhibitor of cell-cell fusion than of cell-free virus infection. The binding modes of two classes of membrane-anchoring lipopeptides (LP-40 and LP-11) verify the current fusion model in which an extended prehairpin structure bridges the viral and cellular membranes, and their complementary effects suggest a vital strategy for combination therapy of HIV-1 infection. Moreover, our understanding of the mechanism of action of T20 and its derivatives benefits from the crystal structure of LP-40.
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25
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Ahn KW, Root MJ. Complex interplay of kinetic factors governs the synergistic properties of HIV-1 entry inhibitors. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:16498-16510. [PMID: 28696261 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.791731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2017] [Revised: 07/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The homotrimeric HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) undergoes receptor-triggered structural changes that mediate viral entry through membrane fusion. This process is inhibited by chemokine receptor antagonists (CoRAs) that block Env-receptor interactions and by fusion inhibitors (FIs) that disrupt Env conformational transitions. Synergy between CoRAs and FIs has been attributed to a CoRA-dependent decrease in the rate of viral membrane fusion that extends the lifetime of the intermediate state targeted by FIs. Here, we demonstrated that the magnitude of CoRA/FI synergy unexpectedly depends on FI-binding affinity and the stoichiometry of chemokine receptor binding to trimeric Env. For C-peptide FIs (clinically represented by enfuvirtide), synergy waned as binding strength decreased until inhibitor combinations behaved additively. Curiously, this affinity dependence on synergy was absent for 5-Helix-type FIs. We linked this complex behavior to the CoRA dependence of Env deactivation following FI binding. For both FI classes, reducing chemokine receptor levels on target cells or eliminating competent chemokine receptor-binding sites on Env trimers resulted in a loss of synergistic activity. These data imply that the stoichiometry required for CoRA/FI synergy exceeds that required for HIV-1 entry. Our analysis suggests two distinct roles for chemokine receptor binding, one to trigger formation of the FI-sensitive intermediate state and another to facilitate subsequent conformational transitions. Together, our results could explain the wide variety of previously reported activities for CoRA/FI combinations. These findings also have implications for the combined use of CoRAs and FIs in antiviral therapies and point to a multifaceted role for chemokine receptor binding in promoting HIV-1 entry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koree W Ahn
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
| | - Michael J Root
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
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26
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Khasnis MD, Halkidis K, Bhardwaj A, Root MJ. Receptor Activation of HIV-1 Env Leads to Asymmetric Exposure of the gp41 Trimer. PLoS Pathog 2016; 12:e1006098. [PMID: 27992602 PMCID: PMC5222517 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Revised: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Structural rearrangements of HIV-1 glycoprotein Env promote viral entry through membrane fusion. Env is a symmetric homotrimer with each protomer composed of surface subunit gp120 and transmembrane subunit gp41. Cellular CD4- and chemokine receptor-binding to gp120 coordinate conformational changes in gp41, first to an extended prehairpin intermediate (PHI) and, ultimately, into a fusogenic trimer-of-hairpins (TOH). HIV-1 fusion inhibitors target gp41 in the PHI and block TOH formation. To characterize structural transformations into and through the PHI, we employed asymmetric Env trimers containing both high and low affinity binding sites for individual fusion inhibitors. Asymmetry was achieved using engineered Env heterotrimers composed of protomers deficient in either CD4- or chemokine receptor-binding. Linking receptor engagement to inhibitor affinity allowed us to assess conformational changes of individual Env protomers in the context of a functioning trimer. We found that the transition into the PHI could occur symmetrically or asymmetrically depending on the stoichiometry of CD4 binding. Sequential engagement of multiple CD4s promoted progressive exposure of individual fusion inhibitor binding sites in a CD4-dependent fashion. By contrast, engagement of only a single CD4 molecule led to a delayed, but symmetric, exposure of the gp41 trimer. This complex coupling between Env-CD4 interaction and gp41 exposure explained the multiphasic fusion-inhibitor titration observed for a mutant Env homotrimer with a naturally asymmetric gp41. Our results suggest that the spatial and temporal exposure of gp41 can proceed in a nonconcerted, asymmetric manner depending on the number of CD4s that engage the Env trimer. The findings have important implications for the mechanism of viral membrane fusion and the development of vaccine candidates designed to elicit neutralizing antibodies targeting gp41 in the PHI. For HIV, cellular invasion requires merging viral and cellular membranes, an event achieved through the activity of the viral fusion protein Env. Env consists of three gp120 and three gp41 subunits symmetrically arranged on the viral surface. The gp120 subunits bind cellular receptors, which, in turn, coordinate gp41 conformational changes that promote membrane fusion. Understanding these structural rearrangements illuminates the mechanism of viral membrane fusion, and also spurs development of targeted inhibitors of viral entry and vaccine candidates that elicit antiviral immune responses. In this study, we employed a novel strategy to investigate individual subunits in the context of functioning Env complexes. The strategy links distinct gp120-receptor interactions to conformational changes that expose specific gp41 subunits. We found that, despite the initial symmetric arrangement of its subunits, Env conformational changes most often proceed quite asymmetrically, leading to exposure of only one-third of the gp41 trimer for much of the fusion event. This finding might explain why attempts to elicit potent anti-HIV antibodies to a fully exposed gp41 trimer have been largely unsuccessful. The study gives us a glimpse of the early structural transitions leading to Env-mediated membrane fusion and provides a framework for interrogating the fusion proteins of other membrane-encapsulated viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukta D. Khasnis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Konstantine Halkidis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Anshul Bhardwaj
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Michael J. Root
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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27
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In Vivo Efficacy of Measles Virus Fusion Protein-Derived Peptides Is Modulated by the Properties of Self-Assembly and Membrane Residence. J Virol 2016; 91:JVI.01554-16. [PMID: 27733647 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01554-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Measles virus (MV) infection is undergoing resurgence and remains one of the leading causes of death among young children worldwide despite the availability of an effective measles vaccine. MV infects its target cells by coordinated action of the MV hemagglutinin (H) and fusion (F) envelope glycoproteins; upon receptor engagement by H, the prefusion F undergoes a structural transition, extending and inserting into the target cell membrane and then refolding into a postfusion structure that fuses the viral and cell membranes. By interfering with this structural transition of F, peptides derived from the heptad repeat (HR) regions of F can inhibit MV infection at the entry stage. In previous work, we have generated potent MV fusion inhibitors by dimerizing the F-derived peptides and conjugating them to cholesterol. We have shown that prophylactic intranasal administration of our lead fusion inhibitor efficiently protects from MV infection in vivo We show here that peptides tagged with lipophilic moieties self-assemble into nanoparticles until they reach the target cells, where they are integrated into cell membranes. The self-assembly feature enhances biodistribution and the half-life of the peptides, while integration into the target cell membrane increases fusion inhibitor potency. These factors together modulate in vivo efficacy. The results suggest a new framework for developing effective fusion inhibitory peptides. IMPORTANCE Measles virus (MV) infection causes an acute illness that may be associated with infection of the central nervous system (CNS) and severe neurological disease. No specific treatment is available. We have shown that fusion-inhibitory peptides delivered intranasally provide effective prophylaxis against MV infection. We show here that specific biophysical properties regulate the in vivo efficacy of MV F-derived peptides.
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28
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A Helical Short-Peptide Fusion Inhibitor with Highly Potent Activity against Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1), HIV-2, and Simian Immunodeficiency Virus. J Virol 2016; 91:JVI.01839-16. [PMID: 27795437 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01839-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) has already spread to different regions worldwide, and currently about 1 to 2 million people have been infected, calling for new antiviral agents that are effective on both HIV-1 and HIV-2 isolates. T20 (enfuvirtide), a 36-mer peptide derived from the C-terminal heptad repeat region (CHR) of gp41, is the only clinically approved HIV-1 fusion inhibitor, but it easily induces drug resistance and is not active on HIV-2. In this study, we first demonstrated that the M-T hook structure was also vital to enhancing the binding stability and inhibitory activity of diverse CHR-based peptide inhibitors. We then designed a novel short peptide (23-mer), termed 2P23, by introducing the M-T hook structure, HIV-2 sequences, and salt bridge-forming residues. Promisingly, 2P23 was a highly stable helical peptide with high binding to the surrogate targets derived from HIV-1, HIV-2, and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). Consistent with this, 2P23 exhibited potent activity in inhibiting diverse subtypes of HIV-1 isolates, T20-resistant HIV-1 mutants, and a panel of primary HIV-2 isolates, HIV-2 mutants, and SIV isolates. Therefore, we conclude that 2P23 has high potential to be further developed for clinical use, and it is also an ideal tool for exploring the mechanisms of HIV-1/2- and SIV-mediated membrane fusion. IMPORTANCE The peptide drug T20 is the only approved HIV-1 fusion inhibitor, but it is not active on HIV-2 isolates, which have currently infected 1 to 2 million people and continue to spread worldwide. Recent studies have demonstrated that the M-T hook structure can greatly enhance the binding and antiviral activities of gp41 CHR-derived inhibitors, especially for short peptides that are otherwise inactive. By combining the hook structure, HIV-2 sequence, and salt bridge-based strategies, the short peptide 2P23 has been successfully designed. 2P23 exhibits prominent advantages over many other peptide fusion inhibitors, including its potent and broad activity on HIV-1, HIV-2, and even SIV isolates, its stability as a helical, oligomeric peptide, and its high binding to diverse targets. The small size of 2P23 would benefit its synthesis and significantly reduce production cost. Therefore, 2P23 is an ideal candidate for further development, and it also provides a novel tool for studying HIV-1/2- and SIV-mediated cell fusion.
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29
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Huang KW, Hsu KC, Chu LY, Yang JM, Yuan HS, Hsiao YY. Identification of Inhibitors for the DEDDh Family of Exonucleases and a Unique Inhibition Mechanism by Crystal Structure Analysis of CRN-4 Bound with 2-Morpholin-4-ylethanesulfonate (MES). J Med Chem 2016; 59:8019-29. [PMID: 27529560 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b00794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The DEDDh family of exonucleases plays essential roles in DNA and RNA metabolism in all kingdoms of life. Several viral and human DEDDh exonucleases can serve as antiviral drug targets due to their critical roles in virus replication. Here using RNase T and CRN-4 as the model systems, we identify potential inhibitors for DEDDh exonucleases. We further show that two of the inhibitors, ATA and PV6R, indeed inhibit the exonuclease activity of the viral protein NP exonuclease of Lassa fever virus in vitro. Moreover, we determine the crystal structure of CRN-4 in complex with MES that reveals a unique inhibition mechanism by inducing the general base His179 to shift out of the active site. Our results not only provide the structural basis for the inhibition mechanism but also suggest potential lead inhibitors for the DEDDh exonucleases that may pave the way for designing nuclease inhibitors for biochemical and biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuan-Wei Huang
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Chiao Tung University , Hsinchu 30068, Taiwan, ROC.,Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica , Taipei 11529, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Kai-Cheng Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University , Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Lee-Ya Chu
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica , Taipei 11529, Taiwan, ROC.,Chemical Biology and Molecular Biophysics Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica , Nankang, Taipei 11529, Taiwan.,Institute of Bioinformatics and Structural Biology, National Tsing Hua University , 101 Kuang-Fu Road Section 2, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
| | - Jinn-Moon Yang
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Chiao Tung University , Hsinchu 30068, Taiwan, ROC.,Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, National Chiao Tung University , Hsinchu, 30050, Taiwan.,Center for Bioinformatics Research, National Chiao Tung University , Hsinchu 30068, Taiwan
| | - Hanna S Yuan
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica , Taipei 11529, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yu-Yuan Hsiao
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Chiao Tung University , Hsinchu 30068, Taiwan, ROC.,Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, National Chiao Tung University , Hsinchu, 30050, Taiwan.,Institute of Molecular Medicine and Bioengineering, National Chiao Tung University , Hsinchu 30068, Taiwan
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30
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Site-specific Isopeptide Bridge Tethering of Chimeric gp41 N-terminal Heptad Repeat Helical Trimers for the Treatment of HIV-1 Infection. Sci Rep 2016; 6:32161. [PMID: 27562370 PMCID: PMC4999862 DOI: 10.1038/srep32161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptides derived from the N-terminal heptad repeat (NHR) of HIV-1 gp41 can be potent inhibitors against viral entry when presented in a nonaggregating trimeric coiled-coil conformation via the introduction of exogenous trimerization motifs and intermolecular disulfide bonds. We recently discovered that crosslinking isopeptide bridges within the de novo helical trimers added exceptional resistance to unfolding. Herein, we attempted to optimize (CCIZN17)3, a representative disulfide bond-stabilized chimeric NHR-trimer, by incorporating site-specific interhelical isopeptide bonds as the redox-sensitive disulfide surrogate. In this process, we systematically examined the effect of isopeptide bond position and molecular sizes of auxiliary trimeric coiled-coil motif and NHR fragments on the antiviral potency of these NHR-trimers. Pleasingly, (IZ14N24N)3 possessed promising inhibitory activity against HIV-1 infection and markedly increased proteolytic stability relative to its disulfide-tethered counterpart, suggesting good potential for further development as an effective antiviral agent for treatment of HIV-1 infection.
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31
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Gao P, Sun L, Zhou J, Li X, Zhan P, Liu X. Discovery of novel anti-HIV agents via Cu(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) click chemistry-based approach. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2016; 11:857-71. [PMID: 27400283 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2016.1210125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In recent years, a variety of new synthetic methodologies and concepts have been proposed in the search for new pharmaceutical lead structures and optimization. Notably, the Cu(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) click chemistry approach has drawn great attention and has become a powerful tool for the generation of privileged medicinal skeletons in the discovery of anti-HIV agents. This is due to the high degree of reliability, complete specificity (chemoselectivity and regioselectivity), mild conditions, and the biocompatibility of the reactants. AREAS COVERED Herein, the authors describe the progress thus far on the discovery of novel anti-HIV agents via the CuAAC click chemistry-based approach. EXPERT OPINION CuAAC click chemistry is a proven protocol for synthesizing triazole products which could serve as basic pharmacophores, act as replacements of traditional scaffold or substituent modification, be a linker of dual-target or dual-site inhibitors and more for the discovery of novel anti-HIV agents. What's more, it also provides convenience and feasibility for dynamic combinatorial chemistry and in situ screening. It is envisioned that click chemistry will draw more attention and make more contributions in anti-HIV drug discovery in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Gao
- a Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Shandong University , Jinan , P. R. China
| | - Lin Sun
- a Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Shandong University , Jinan , P. R. China
| | - Junsu Zhou
- a Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Shandong University , Jinan , P. R. China
| | - Xiao Li
- a Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Shandong University , Jinan , P. R. China
| | - Peng Zhan
- a Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Shandong University , Jinan , P. R. China
| | - Xinyong Liu
- a Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Shandong University , Jinan , P. R. China
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32
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Abstract
Since the first antiviral drug, idoxuridine, was approved in 1963, 90 antiviral drugs categorized into 13 functional groups have been formally approved for the treatment of the following 9 human infectious diseases: (i) HIV infections (protease inhibitors, integrase inhibitors, entry inhibitors, nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, and acyclic nucleoside phosphonate analogues), (ii) hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections (lamivudine, interferons, nucleoside analogues, and acyclic nucleoside phosphonate analogues), (iii) hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections (ribavirin, interferons, NS3/4A protease inhibitors, NS5A inhibitors, and NS5B polymerase inhibitors), (iv) herpesvirus infections (5-substituted 2'-deoxyuridine analogues, entry inhibitors, nucleoside analogues, pyrophosphate analogues, and acyclic guanosine analogues), (v) influenza virus infections (ribavirin, matrix 2 protein inhibitors, RNA polymerase inhibitors, and neuraminidase inhibitors), (vi) human cytomegalovirus infections (acyclic guanosine analogues, acyclic nucleoside phosphonate analogues, pyrophosphate analogues, and oligonucleotides), (vii) varicella-zoster virus infections (acyclic guanosine analogues, nucleoside analogues, 5-substituted 2'-deoxyuridine analogues, and antibodies), (viii) respiratory syncytial virus infections (ribavirin and antibodies), and (ix) external anogenital warts caused by human papillomavirus infections (imiquimod, sinecatechins, and podofilox). Here, we present for the first time a comprehensive overview of antiviral drugs approved over the past 50 years, shedding light on the development of effective antiviral treatments against current and emerging infectious diseases worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik De Clercq
- KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Guangdi Li
- KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Leuven, Belgium Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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33
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Abstract
BACKGROUND T20 (enfuvirtide) is the first approved HIV entry inhibitor and currently the only viral fusion inhibitor, but its low efficacy and genetic barrier to resistance significantly limit its application, calling for a next-generation drug. DESIGN On the basis of the M-T hook structure, we recently developed a short-peptide named HP23, which mainly targets the deep pocket site of gp41 and possesses highly potent antiviral activity. To improve the pharmaceutical properties of a peptide-based inhibitor, we modified HP23 by different classes of lipids including fatty acid, cholesterol, and sphingolipids. To avoid the potential problem of oxidation, the methionine residue in the M-T hook sequence of HP23 was replaced with leucine. METHODS Peptides were synthesized and their anti-HIV activity and biophysical properties were determined. RESULTS A group of lipopeptides were generated with greatly improved anti-HIV activity. Promisingly, a fatty acid-conjugated lipopeptide named LP-11 showed potent and broad inhibitory activity against diverse primary HIV-1 isolates and clinically drug-resistant mutants, and it had dramatically increased ex-vivo antiviral activity and extended half-life. Also, LP-11 displayed highly enhanced α-helicity and thermal stability, and it was physically stable under high temperature and humidity. CONCLUSION LP-11 has high potentials for clinical development and it can serve as an ideal tool for exploring the mechanisms of HIV-1 fusion and inhibition.
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34
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A generic screening platform for inhibitors of virus induced cell fusion using cellular electrical impedance. Sci Rep 2016; 6:22791. [PMID: 26976324 PMCID: PMC4792136 DOI: 10.1038/srep22791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fusion of the viral envelope with host cell membranes is an essential step in the life cycle of all enveloped viruses. Despite such a clear target for antiviral drug development, few anti-fusion drugs have progressed to market. One significant hurdle is the absence of a generic, high-throughput, reproducible fusion assay. Here we report that real time, label-free measurement of cellular electrical impedance can quantify cell-cell fusion mediated by either individually expressed recombinant viral fusion proteins, or native virus infection. We validated this approach for all three classes of viral fusion and demonstrated utility in quantifying fusion inhibition using antibodies and small molecule inhibitors specific for dengue virus and respiratory syncytial virus.
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35
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Rowse M, Qiu S, Tsao J, Yamauchi Y, Wang G, Luo M. Reduction of Influenza Virus Envelope's Fusogenicity by Viral Fusion Inhibitors. ACS Infect Dis 2016; 2:47-53. [PMID: 27622947 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.5b00109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
During cell entry of an enveloped virus, the viral membrane must be fused with the cellular membrane. The virus envelope has a unique structure consisting of viral proteins and a virus-specific lipid composition, whereas the host membrane has its own structure with host membrane proteins. Compound 136 was previously found to bind in close proximity to the viral envelope and inhibit influenza virus entry. We showed here that the 136-treated influenza virus still caused hemolysis. When liposomes were used as the target membrane for 136-treated viruses, aberrant fusion occurred; few liposomes fused per virion, and glycoproteins were not distributed evenly across fusion complexes. Additionally, large fusion aggregates did not form, and in some instances, neck-like structures were found. Based on previous results and hemolysis, fusion inhibition by 136 occurs post-scission but prior to lipid mixing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Rowse
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1025 18th Street South, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, United States
| | - Shihong Qiu
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1025 18th Street South, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, United States
| | - Jun Tsao
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1025 18th Street South, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, United States
| | - Yohei Yamauchi
- Institute of Biochemistry, ETH Zurich, HPM E8.2, Otto-Stern-Weg 3, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Guoxin Wang
- Laboratory
of Structural Biology, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Ming Luo
- Laboratory
of Structural Biology, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Department of Chemistry College of Arts
and Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30302, United States
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36
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Clark DP, Pazdernik NJ. Viral and Prion Infections. BIOTECHNOLOGY 2016. [PMCID: PMC7173489 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-385015-7.00021-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Many human diseases are due to viruses. These agents consist of genomes of either DNA or RNA inside a protein shell. Despite this deceptive simplicity, virus infections are less well understood than bacterial diseases, largely because viruses cannot be grown alone in culture but depend on a host cell. Until recently, protection against virus diseases relied on public health measures and vaccination. Only since the late 1980s have a significant number of specific antiviral agents become available.
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37
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Chong H, Qiu Z, Su Y, He Y. The N-Terminal T-T Motif of a Third-Generation HIV-1 Fusion Inhibitor Is Not Required for Binding Affinity and Antiviral Activity. J Med Chem 2015; 58:6378-88. [PMID: 26256053 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b00109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The highlighted next-generation HIV-1 fusion inhibitor peptide 1 is capped by two threonines. Here, we generated peptide 2 by deleting the T-T motif and compared their structural and antiviral properties. Significantly, two peptides showed similar helical and oligomeric states in solution, comparable binding affinities to the target, and no significant difference to inhibit HIV-1 fusion and infection. Also, the T-T motif was not associated with peptide 1 resistant mutations and its deletion did not affect peptide 1 against enfuvirtide-resistant HIV-1 mutants. The redundancy of the T-T motif was further verified by the model peptide C34 and short peptide inhibitors that mainly target the gp41 pocket, suggesting that the N-terminal T-T motif of peptide 1 could be removed or modified toward the development of new anti-HIV-1 drugs. Consistently, our data have verified that the M-T hook structure rather than the T-T motif is an efficient strategy for short peptide fusion inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huihui Chong
- MOH Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens and AIDS Research Center, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College , No. 9, Dong Dan San Tiao, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Zonglin Qiu
- MOH Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens and AIDS Research Center, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College , No. 9, Dong Dan San Tiao, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Yang Su
- MOH Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens and AIDS Research Center, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College , No. 9, Dong Dan San Tiao, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Yuxian He
- MOH Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens and AIDS Research Center, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College , No. 9, Dong Dan San Tiao, Beijing 100730, China
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Abstract
Effective antivirals have been developed against specific viruses, such as HIV, Hepatitis C virus and influenza virus. This 'one bug-one drug' approach to antiviral drug development can be successful, but it may be inadequate for responding to an increasing diversity of viruses that cause significant diseases in humans. The majority of viral pathogens that cause emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases are membrane-enveloped viruses, which require the fusion of viral and cell membranes for virus entry. Therefore, antivirals that target the membrane fusion process represent new paradigms for broad-spectrum antiviral discovery. In this Review, we discuss the mechanisms responsible for the fusion between virus and cell membranes and explore how broad-spectrum antivirals target this process to prevent virus entry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederic Vigant
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, #1124, New York, New York 10029, USA
| | - Nuno C Santos
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Benhur Lee
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, #1124, New York, New York 10029, USA
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Identification and characterization of a subpocket on the N-trimer of HIV-1 Gp41: implication for viral entry and drug target. AIDS 2015; 29:1015-24. [PMID: 26125136 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000000683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Crystallographic studies of HIV-1 gp41 demonstrate a stable six-helix bundle (6-HB) folded by trimeric N and C-terminal heptad repeats (NHR and CHR), and a deep hydrophobic pocket (pocket-1) on the NHR helices (N-trimer); however, previous crystal structures of 6-HB core were determined by peptide fragments missing the downstream sequence of pocket-1; thus, the structural features of this site could not be observed. DESIGN We recently determined several 6-HB structures containing the pocket-1 and its downstream site. Here, we focused to investigate the structural features of N-trimer previously uncharacterized. METHODS Biophysical, biochemical and functional approaches were combined to characterize the downstream residues of pocket-1. RESULTS A subpocket (designated pocket-2) was visualized on the C-terminal portion of N-trimer, which is formed by a cluster of seven residues, including Leu587, Lys588 and Glu584 on one NHR helix and Tyr586, Val583, Ala582 and Arg579 of another NHR helix. Mutagenesis studies demonstrated that the pocket-2 residues play essential roles for HIV-1 Env-mediated cell entry and critically determine the antiviral activity of NHR-derived peptide fusion inhibitor T21. Further, the pocket-2 mutations dramatically impaired the thermostability and conformation of 6-HB structure and reduced the binding affinity of CHR-derived inhibitor HP23 that specifically targets the deep pocket-1. CONCLUSION These data have provided important information for the structure-function relationship of HIV-1 gp41 and for the development of antiviral entry inhibitors.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE T20 (Enfuvirtide), which is a 36-residue peptide derived from the C-terminal heptad repeat (CHR) of gp41, is the only clinically available HIV-1 fusion inhibitor, but it easily induces drug resistance, which calls for next-generation drugs. DESIGN We recently demonstrated that the M-T hook structure can be used to design a short CHR peptide that specifically targets the conserved gp41 pocket rather than the T20-resistant sites. We attempted to develop more potent HIV-1 fusion inhibitors based on the structure-activity relationship of MT-SC22EK. METHODS Multiple biophysical and functional approaches were performed to determine the structural features, binding affinities and anti-HIV activities of the inhibitors. RESULTS The 23-residue peptide HP23, which mainly contains the M-T hook structure and pocket-binding sequence, showed a helical and trimeric state in solution. HP23 had dramatically improved binding stability and antiviral activity, and it was the most potent inhibitor of the M-T hook-modified and unmodified control peptides. More promisingly, HP23 was highly active in the inhibition of diverse HIV-1 subtypes, including T20 and MT-SC22EK resistant HIV-1 mutants, and it exhibited a high genetic barrier to the development of resistance. CONCLUSION Our studies delivered an ideal HIV-1 fusion inhibitor that specifically targeted the highly conserved gp41 pocket and possessed potent binding and antiviral activity. Furthermore, HP23 can serve as a critical tool to explore the mechanisms of HIV-1 fusion and inhibition.
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Yatawara A, Gaidos G, Rupasinghe CN, O'Hara BA, Pellegrini M, Atwood WJ, Mierke DF. Small-molecule inhibitors of JC polyomavirus infection. J Pept Sci 2014; 21:236-42. [PMID: 25522925 DOI: 10.1002/psc.2731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2014] [Revised: 11/28/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) infects approximately 50% of the human population. In healthy individuals, the infection remains dormant and asymptomatic, but in immuno-suppressed patients, it can cause progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a potentially fatal demyelinating disease. Currently, there are no drugs against JCPyV infection nor for the treatment of PML. Here, we report the development of small-molecule inhibitors of JCPyV that target the initial interaction between the virus and host cell and thereby block viral entry. Utilizing a combination of computational and NMR-based screening techniques, we target the LSTc tetrasaccharide binding site within the VP1 pentameric coat protein of JCPyV. Four of the compounds from the screen effectively block viral infection in our in vitro assays using SVG-A cells. For the most potent compound, we used saturation transfer difference NMR to determine the mode of binding to purified pentamers of JCPyV VP1. Collectively, these results demonstrate the viability of this class of compounds for eventual development of JCPyV-antiviral therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achani Yatawara
- Department of Chemistry, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
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Prevention of measles virus infection by intranasal delivery of fusion inhibitor peptides. J Virol 2014; 89:1143-55. [PMID: 25378493 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02417-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Measles virus (MV) infection is undergoing resurgence and remains one of the leading causes of death among young children worldwide despite the availability of an effective measles vaccine. MV infects its target cells by coordinated action of the MV H and the fusion (F) envelope glycoprotein; upon receptor engagement by H, the prefusion F undergoes a structural transition, extending and inserting into the target cell membrane and then refolding into a postfusion structure that fuses the viral and cell membranes. By interfering with this structural transition of F, peptides derived from the heptad-repeat (HR) regions of F can potently inhibit MV infection at the entry stage. We show here that specific features of H's interaction with its receptors modulate the susceptibility of MV F to peptide fusion inhibitors. A higher concentration of inhibitory peptides is required to inhibit F-mediated fusion when H is engaged to its nectin-4 receptor than when H is engaged to its CD150 receptor. Peptide inhibition of F may be subverted by continued engagement of receptor by H, a finding that highlights the ongoing role of H-receptor interaction after F has been activated and that helps guide the design of more potent inhibitory peptides. Intranasal administration of these peptides results in peptide accumulation in the airway epithelium with minimal systemic levels of peptide and efficiently prevents MV infection in vivo in animal models. The results suggest an antiviral strategy for prophylaxis in vulnerable and/or immunocompromised hosts. IMPORTANCE Measles virus (MV) infection causes an acute illness that may be associated with infection of the central nervous system (CNS) and severe neurological disease. No specific treatment is available. We have shown that parenterally delivered fusion-inhibitory peptides protect mice from lethal CNS MV disease. Here we show, using established small-animal models of MV infection, that fusion-inhibitory peptides delivered intranasally provide effective prophylaxis against MV infection. Since the fusion inhibitors are stable at room temperature, this intranasal strategy is feasible even outside health care settings, could be used to protect individuals and communities in case of MV outbreaks, and could complement global efforts to control measles.
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De Feo CJ, Wang W, Hsieh ML, Zhuang M, Vassell R, Weiss CD. Resistance to N-peptide fusion inhibitors correlates with thermodynamic stability of the gp41 six-helix bundle but not HIV entry kinetics. Retrovirology 2014; 11:86. [PMID: 25274545 PMCID: PMC4190581 DOI: 10.1186/s12977-014-0086-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2014] [Accepted: 09/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) undergoes conformational changes that mediate fusion between virus and host cell membranes. These changes involve transient exposure of two heptad-repeat domains (HR1 and HR2) in the gp41 subunit and their subsequent self-assembly into a six-helix bundle (6HB) that drives fusion. Env residues and features that influence conformational changes and the rate of virus entry, however, are poorly understood. Peptides corresponding to HR1 and HR2 (N and C peptides, respectively) interrupt formation of the 6HB by binding to the heptad repeats of a fusion-intermediate conformation of Env, making the peptides valuable probes for studying Env conformational changes. RESULTS Using a panel of Envs that are resistant to N-peptide fusion inhibitors, we investigated relationships between virus entry kinetics, 6HB stability, and resistance to peptide fusion inhibitors to elucidate how HR1 and HR2 mutations affect Env conformational changes and virus entry. We found that gp41 resistance mutations increased 6HB stability without increasing entry kinetics. Similarly, we show that increased 6HB thermodynamic stability does not correlate with increased entry kinetics. Thus, N-peptide fusion inhibitors do not necessarily select for Envs with faster entry kinetics, nor does faster entry kinetics predict decreased potency of peptide fusion inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide new insights into the relationship between 6HB stability and viral entry kinetics and mechanisms of resistance to inhibitors targeting fusion-intermediate conformations of Env. These studies further highlight how residues in HR1 and HR2 can influence virus entry by altering stability of the 6HB and possibly other conformations of Env that affect rate-limiting steps in HIV entry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J De Feo
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA.
| | - Wei Wang
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA.
| | - Meng-Lun Hsieh
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA. .,Present address: Michigan State University, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
| | - Min Zhuang
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA. .,Present address: Department of Microbiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China.
| | - Russell Vassell
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA.
| | - Carol D Weiss
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA.
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Chong H, Yao X, Qiu Z, Sun J, Qiao Y, Zhang M, Wang M, Cui S, He Y. The M-T hook structure increases the potency of HIV-1 fusion inhibitor sifuvirtide and overcomes drug resistance. J Antimicrob Chemother 2014; 69:2759-2769. [DOI: 10.1093/jac/dku183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023] Open
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45
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Liu T, Huang B, Zhan P, De Clercq E, Liu X. Discovery of small molecular inhibitors targeting HIV-1 gp120-CD4 interaction drived from BMS-378806. Eur J Med Chem 2014; 86:481-90. [PMID: 25203778 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2014.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Revised: 09/02/2014] [Accepted: 09/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The HIV-1 entry into host cells is a complex, multi-factors involved, and multi-step process. Especially, the attachment of HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120 to the host cell receptor CD4 is the first key step during entry process, representing a promising antiviral therapeutic target. Among the HIV-1 attachment inhibitors blocking the interaction between gp120 and CD4 cells, BMS-378806 and NBD-556 are two representative small molecular chemical entities. Particularly, BMS-378806 and its derivatives are newly identified class of orally bioavailable HIV-1 inhibitors that interfere gp120-CD4 interaction. In this review, we focused on describing the structure-activity relationships (SARs), structural modifications, in vitro or even in vivo pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of BMS-378806 and its analogues as HIV-1 gp120 attachment inhibitors. In addition, the brief SARs, structural modifications of NBD-556 and its derivatives targeting the "Phe-43 cavity" as CD4 mimics were also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44, West Culture Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Boshi Huang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44, West Culture Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Peng Zhan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44, West Culture Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, PR China.
| | - Erik De Clercq
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, K.U. Leuven, Minderbroedersstraat 10, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Xinyong Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44, West Culture Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, PR China.
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Wang C, Lu L, Na H, Li X, Wang Q, Jiang X, Xu X, Yu F, Zhang T, Li J, Zhang Z, Zheng B, Liang G, Cai L, Jiang S, Liu K. Conjugation of a Nonspecific Antiviral Sapogenin with a Specific HIV Fusion Inhibitor: A Promising Strategy for Discovering New Antiviral Therapeutics. J Med Chem 2014; 57:7342-54. [PMID: 25156906 DOI: 10.1021/jm500763m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wang
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, 27 Tai-Ping Road, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Lu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministries
of Education and Health, Shanghai Medical College and Institute of
Medical Microbiology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Heya Na
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, 27 Tai-Ping Road, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Xiangpeng Li
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, 27 Tai-Ping Road, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministries
of Education and Health, Shanghai Medical College and Institute of
Medical Microbiology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xifeng Jiang
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, 27 Tai-Ping Road, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Xiaoyu Xu
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, 27 Tai-Ping Road, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Fei Yu
- Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Tianhong Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, 27 Tai-Ping Road, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Jinglai Li
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, 27 Tai-Ping Road, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Zhenqing Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, 27 Tai-Ping Road, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Baohua Zheng
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, 27 Tai-Ping Road, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Guodong Liang
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, 27 Tai-Ping Road, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Lifeng Cai
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, 27 Tai-Ping Road, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Shibo Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministries
of Education and Health, Shanghai Medical College and Institute of
Medical Microbiology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Keliang Liu
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, 27 Tai-Ping Road, Beijing 100850, China
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Cross-resistance mechanism of respiratory syncytial virus against structurally diverse entry inhibitors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:E3441-9. [PMID: 25092342 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1405198111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading pediatric pathogen that is responsible for a majority of infant hospitalizations due to viral disease. Despite its clinical importance, no vaccine prophylaxis against RSV disease or effective antiviral therapeutic is available. In this study, we established a robust high-throughput drug screening protocol by using a recombinant RSV reporter virus to expand the pool of RSV inhibitor candidates. Mechanistic characterization revealed that a potent newly identified inhibitor class blocks viral entry through specific targeting of the RSV fusion (F) protein. Resistance against this class was induced and revealed overlapping hotspots with diverse, previously identified RSV entry blockers at different stages of preclinical and clinical development. A structural and biochemical assessment of the mechanism of unique, broad RSV cross-resistance against structurally distinct entry inhibitors demonstrated that individual escape hotspots are located in immediate physical proximity in the metastable conformation of RSV F and that the resistance mutations lower the barrier for prefusion F triggering, resulting in an accelerated RSV entry kinetics. One resistant RSV recombinant remained fully pathogenic in a mouse model of RSV infection. By identifying molecular determinants governing the RSV entry machinery, this study spotlights a molecular mechanism of broad RSV resistance against entry inhibition that may affect the impact of diverse viral entry inhibitors presently considered for clinical use and outlines a proactive design for future RSV drug discovery campaigns.
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Adedeji AO, Sarafianos SG. Antiviral drugs specific for coronaviruses in preclinical development. Curr Opin Virol 2014; 8:45-53. [PMID: 24997250 PMCID: PMC4195804 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2014.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2014] [Revised: 05/26/2014] [Accepted: 06/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Coronaviruses are RNA viruses that cause systemic diseases in humans and animals. There are no approved drugs for the treatment of coronavirus infections. Several SARS-CoV inhibitors, with known mechanisms of action, have been identified. These inhibitors stand as promising leads for coronavirus therapeutics.
Coronaviruses are positive stranded RNA viruses that cause respiratory, enteric and central nervous system diseases in many species, including humans. Until recently, the relatively low burden of disease in humans caused by few of these viruses impeded the development of coronavirus specific therapeutics. However, the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), and more recently, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), has impelled the development of such drugs. This review focuses on some newly identified SARS-CoV inhibitors, with known mechanisms of action and their potential to inhibit the novel MERS-CoV. The clinical development of optimized versions of such compounds could be beneficial for the treatment and control of SARS-CoV, the current MERS-CoV and other future SARS-like epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeyemi O Adedeji
- Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States.
| | - Stefan G Sarafianos
- Christopher Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States; Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65211, United States; Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States.
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Chong H, Qiu Z, Sun J, Qiao Y, Li X, He Y. Two M-T hook residues greatly improve the antiviral activity and resistance profile of the HIV-1 fusion inhibitor SC29EK. Retrovirology 2014; 11:40. [PMID: 24884671 PMCID: PMC4046051 DOI: 10.1186/1742-4690-11-40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Peptides derived from the C-terminal heptad repeat (CHR) of HIV-1 gp41 such as T20 (Enfuvirtide) and C34 are potent viral fusion inhibitors. We have recently found that two N-terminal residues (Met115 and Thr116) of CHR peptides form a unique M-T hook structure that can greatly enhance the binding and anti-HIV activity of inhibitors. Here, we applied two M-T hook residues to optimize SC29EK, an electrostatically constrained peptide inhibitor with a potent anti-HIV activity. Results The resulting peptide MT-SC29EK showed a dramatically increased binding affinity and could block the six-helical bundle (6-HB) formation more efficiently. As expected, MT-SC29EK potently inhibited HIV-1 entry and infection, especially against those T20- and SC29EK-resistant HIV-1 variants. More importantly, MT-SC29EK and its short form (MT-SC22EK) suffered from the difficulty to induce HIV-1 resistance during the in vitro selection, suggesting their high genetic barriers to the development of resistance. Conclusions Our studies have verified the M-T hook structure as a vital strategy to design novel HIV-1 fusion inhibitors and offered an ideal candidate for clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Yuxian He
- MOH key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens and AIDS Research Center, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, P, R, China.
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50
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Abstract
Virus-cell fusion is the primary means by which the human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV) delivers its genetic material into the human T-cell host. Fusion is mediated in large part by the viral glycoprotein 41 (gp41) which advances through four distinct conformational states: (i) native, (ii) pre-hairpin intermediate, (iii) fusion active (fusogenic), and (iv) post-fusion. The pre-hairpin intermediate is a particularly attractive step for therapeutic intervention given that gp41 N-terminal heptad repeat (NHR) and C-terminal heptad repeat (CHR) domains are transiently exposed prior to the formation of a six-helix bundle required for fusion. Most peptide-based inhibitors, including the FDA-approved drug T20, target the intermediate and there are significant efforts to develop small molecule alternatives. Here, we review current approaches to studying interactions of inhibitors with gp41 with an emphasis on atomic-level computer modeling methods including molecular dynamics, free energy analysis, and docking. Atomistic modeling yields a unique level of structural and energetic detail, complementary to experimental approaches, which will be important for the design of improved next generation anti-HIV drugs.
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