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Gordhan BG, Liebenberg D, Scarlatti G, Herrera C, Chiodi F, Martinson N, Fox J, Kana BD. Ex vivo challenge models for infectious diseases. Crit Rev Microbiol 2024; 50:785-804. [PMID: 37909097 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2023.2274855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Traditionally, molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis for infectious agents were studied in cell culture or animal models but have limitations on the extent to which the resulting data reflect natural infection in humans. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the urgent need to rapidly develop laboratory models that enable the study of host-pathogen interactions, particularly the relative efficacy of preventive measures. Recently, human and animal ex vivo tissue challenge models have emerged as a promising avenue to study immune responses, screen potential therapies and triage vaccine candidates. This approach offers the opportunity to closely approximate human disease from the perspective of pathology and immune response. It has advantages compared to animal models which are expensive, lengthy and often require containment facilities. Herein, we summarize some recent advances in the development of ex vivo tissue challenge models for COVID-19, HIV-1 and other pathogens. We focus on the contribution of these models to enhancing knowledge of host-pathogen interactions, immune modulation, and their value in testing therapeutic agents. We further highlight the advantages and limitations of using ex vivo challenge models and briefly summarize how the use of organoids provides a useful advancement over current approaches. Collectively, these developments have enormous potential for the study of infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhavna Gowan Gordhan
- Department of Science and Innovation/National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Dale Liebenberg
- Department of Science and Innovation/National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Gabriella Scarlatti
- Viral Evolution and Transmission Unit, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Carolina Herrera
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Francesca Chiodi
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Neil Martinson
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Julie Fox
- Guys and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, London, UK
| | - Bavesh Davandra Kana
- Department of Science and Innovation/National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
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2
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Petkidis A, Andriasyan V, Murer L, Volle R, Greber UF. A versatile automated pipeline for quantifying virus infectivity by label-free light microscopy and artificial intelligence. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5112. [PMID: 38879641 PMCID: PMC11180103 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49444-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Virus infectivity is traditionally determined by endpoint titration in cell cultures, and requires complex processing steps and human annotation. Here we developed an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered automated framework for ready detection of virus-induced cytopathic effect (DVICE). DVICE uses the convolutional neural network EfficientNet-B0 and transmitted light microscopy images of infected cell cultures, including coronavirus, influenza virus, rhinovirus, herpes simplex virus, vaccinia virus, and adenovirus. DVICE robustly measures virus-induced cytopathic effects (CPE), as shown by class activation mapping. Leave-one-out cross-validation in different cell types demonstrates high accuracy for different viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 in human saliva. Strikingly, DVICE exhibits virus class specificity, as shown with adenovirus, herpesvirus, rhinovirus, vaccinia virus, and SARS-CoV-2. In sum, DVICE provides unbiased infectivity scores of infectious agents causing CPE, and can be adapted to laboratory diagnostics, drug screening, serum neutralization or clinical samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Petkidis
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland
- Life Science Zurich Graduate School, ETH and University of Zürich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Vardan Andriasyan
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Luca Murer
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland
- Roche Diagnostics, Forrenstrasse 2, 6343, Rotkreuz, Switzerland
| | - Romain Volle
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Urs F Greber
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland.
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3
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Yakimovich A. Toward the novel AI tasks in infection biology. mSphere 2024; 9:e0059123. [PMID: 38334404 PMCID: PMC10900907 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00591-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) are becoming more common in infection biology laboratories around the world. Yet, as they gain traction in research, novel frontiers arise. Novel artificial intelligence algorithms are capable of addressing advanced tasks like image generation and question answering. However, similar algorithms can prove useful in addressing advanced questions in infection biology like prediction of host-pathogen interactions or inferring virus protein conformations. Addressing such tasks requires large annotated data sets, which are often scarce in biomedical research. In this review, I bring together several successful examples where such tasks were addressed. I underline the importance of formulating novel AI tasks in infection biology accompanied by freely available benchmark data sets to address these tasks. Furthermore, I discuss the current state of the field and potential future trends. I argue that one such trend involves AI tools becoming more versatile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Yakimovich
- Center for Advanced Systems Understanding (CASUS), Görlitz, Germany
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf e. V. (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
- Department of Renal Medicine, Division of Medicine, Bladder Infection and Immunity Group (BIIG), University College London, Royal Free Hospital Campus, London, United Kingdom
- Artificial Intelligence for Life Sciences CIC, Dorset, United Kingdom
- Institute of Computer Science, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
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4
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Xiao Y, Wang L, Fang SS, Luo F, Chen SL, Ye L, Hou W. Direct blue 53, a biological dye, inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection by blocking ACE2 and spike interaction in vitro and in vivo. Virology 2023; 586:105-114. [PMID: 37531695 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2023.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 is a global health problem caused by SARS-CoV-2, which has led to over 600 million infections and 6 million deaths. Developing novel antiviral drugs is of pivotal importance to slow down the epidemic swiftly. In this study, we identified five azo compounds as effective antiviral drugs to SARS-CoV-2, and mechanism study revealed their targets for impeding viral particles' ability to bind to host receptors. Direct Blue 53, which displayed the strongest inhibitory impact, inhibited five mutant strains at micromole. In vitro, mechanism study demonstrated Direct Blue 53 inhibited viral infection through interaction with the spike of SARS-CoV-2. And 25 mg/kg/d compound treatment showed 50% or 60% survival protection against lethal Delta or Omicron BA.2 infection in vivo. Taken together, our results demonstrate that azo compounds with dimethyl-biphenyl-diyl-bis(azo)bis structure may be promising anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug candidates, which provide practicable therapies with the aid of structural optimizations and further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Xiao
- Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Shenzhen, 518057, Guangdong Province, China; State Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Shenzhen, 518057, Guangdong Province, China; Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Shenzhen, 518040, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Shi-Song Fang
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Fan Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei Province, China
| | - Shu-Liang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei Province, China
| | - Lin Ye
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Shenzhen, 518040, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Wei Hou
- Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Shenzhen, 518057, Guangdong Province, China; State Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei Province, China; School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei Province, China.
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5
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Huynh TTX, Pham TX, Lee GH, Lee JB, Lee SG, Tark D, Lim YS, Hwang SB. Amuvatinib Blocks SARS-CoV-2 Infection at the Entry Step of the Viral Life Cycle. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0510522. [PMID: 36995225 PMCID: PMC10269473 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.05105-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). SARS-CoV-2 propagation is mediated by the protein interaction between viral proteins and host cells. Tyrosine kinase has been implicated in viral replication, and hence, it has become a target for developing antiviral drugs. We have previously reported that receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor blocks the replication of hepatitis C virus (HCV). In the present study, we investigated two receptor tyrosine kinase-specific inhibitors, amuvatinib and imatinib, for their potential antiviral efficacies against SARS-CoV-2. Treatment with either amuvatinib or imatinib displays an effective inhibitory activity against SARS-CoV-2 propagation without an obvious cytopathic effect in Vero E6 cells. Notably, amuvatinib exerts a stronger antiviral activity than imatinib against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Amuvatinib blocks SARS-CoV-2 infection with a 50% effective concentration (EC50) value ranging from ~0.36 to 0.45 μM in Vero E6 cells. We further demonstrate that amuvatinib inhibits SARS-CoV-2 propagation in human lung Calu-3 cells. Using pseudoparticle infection assay, we verify that amuvatinib blocks SARS-CoV-2 at the entry step of the viral life cycle. More specifically, amuvatinib inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection at the binding-attachment step. Moreover, amuvatinib exhibits highly efficient antiviral activity against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. Importantly, we demonstrate that amuvatinib inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection by blocking ACE2 cleavage. Taken together, our data suggest that amuvatinib may provide a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of COVID-19. IMPORTANCE Tyrosine kinase has been implicated in viral replication and has become an antiviral drug target. Here, we chose two well-known receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors, amuvatinib and imatinib, and evaluated their drug potencies against SARS-CoV-2. Surprisingly, amuvatinib displays a stronger antiviral activity than imatinib against SARS-CoV-2. Amuvatinib blocks SARS-CoV-2 infection by inhibiting ACE2 cleavage and the subsequent soluble ACE2 receptor. All these data suggest that amuvatinib may be a potential therapeutic agent in SARS-CoV-2 prevention for those experiencing vaccine breakthroughs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trang T. X. Huynh
- Laboratory of RNA Viral Diseases, Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, South Korea
| | - Thuy X. Pham
- Laboratory of RNA Viral Diseases, Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, South Korea
| | - Gun-Hee Lee
- Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention, Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, South Korea
| | - Jae-Bong Lee
- Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, South Korea
| | - Sung-Geun Lee
- Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, South Korea
| | - Dongseob Tark
- Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention, Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, South Korea
| | - Yun-Sook Lim
- Laboratory of RNA Viral Diseases, Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, South Korea
| | - Soon B. Hwang
- Laboratory of RNA Viral Diseases, Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, South Korea
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Seoul, South Korea
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6
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Petkidis A, Andriasyan V, Greber UF. Label-free microscopy for virus infections. Microscopy (Oxf) 2023; 72:204-212. [PMID: 37079744 PMCID: PMC10250014 DOI: 10.1093/jmicro/dfad024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Microscopy has been essential to elucidate micro- and nano-scale processes in space and time and has provided insights into cell and organismic functions. It is widely employed in cell biology, microbiology, physiology, clinical sciences and virology. While label-dependent microscopy, such as fluorescence microscopy, provides molecular specificity, it has remained difficult to multiplex in live samples. In contrast, label-free microscopy reports on overall features of the specimen at minimal perturbation. Here, we discuss modalities of label-free imaging at the molecular, cellular and tissue levels, including transmitted light microscopy, quantitative phase imaging, cryogenic electron microscopy or tomography and atomic force microscopy. We highlight how label-free microscopy is used to probe the structural organization and mechanical properties of viruses, including virus particles and infected cells across a wide range of spatial scales. We discuss the working principles of imaging procedures and analyses and showcase how they open new avenues in virology. Finally, we discuss orthogonal approaches that enhance and complement label-free microscopy techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Petkidis
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zürich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Vardan Andriasyan
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zürich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Urs F Greber
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zürich 8057, Switzerland
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7
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Wang Y, Li P, Lavrijsen M, Rottier RJ, den Hoed CM, Bruno MJ, Kamar N, Peppelenbosch MP, de Vries AC, Pan Q. Immunosuppressants exert differential effects on pan-coronavirus infection and distinct combinatory antiviral activity with molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir. United European Gastroenterol J 2023; 11:431-447. [PMID: 37226653 PMCID: PMC10256998 DOI: 10.1002/ueg2.12417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunocompromised populations, such as organ transplant recipients and patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) receiving immunosuppressive/immunomodulatory medications, may be more susceptible to coronavirus infections. However, little is known about how immunosuppressants affect coronavirus replication and their combinational effects with antiviral drugs. OBJECTIVE This study aims to profile the effects of immunosuppressants and the combination of immunosuppressants with oral antiviral drugs molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir on pan-coronavirus infection in cell and human airway organoids (hAOs) culture models. METHODS Different coronaviruses (including wild type, delta and omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2, and NL63, 229E and OC43 seasonal coronaviruses) were used in lung cell lines and hAOs models. The effects of immunosuppressants were tested. RESULTS Dexamethasone and 5-aminosalicylic acid moderately stimulated the replication of different coronaviruses. Mycophenolic acid (MPA), 6-thioguanine (6-TG), tofacitinib and filgotinib treatment dose-dependently inhibited viral replication of all tested coronaviruses in both cell lines and hAOs. The half maximum effective concentration (EC50) of tofacitinib against SARS-CoV-2 was 0.62 μM and the half maximum cytotoxic concentration (CC50) was above 30 μM, which resulted in a selective index (SI) of about 50. The anti-coronavirus effect of the JAK inhibitors tofacitinib and filgotinib is dependent on the inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation. Combinations of MPA, 6-TG, tofacitinib, and filgotinib with the oral antiviral drugs molnupiravir or nirmatrelvir exerted an additive or synergistic antiviral activity. CONCLUSIONS Different immunosuppressants have distinct effects on coronavirus replication, with 6-TG, MPA, tofacitinib and filgotinib possessing pan-coronavirus antiviral activity. The combinations of MPA, 6-TG, tofacitinib and filgotinib with antiviral drugs exerted an additive or synergistic antiviral activity. Thus, these findings provide an important reference for optimal management of immunocompromised patients infected with coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yining Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyErasmus MC‐University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Pengfei Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyErasmus MC‐University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Marla Lavrijsen
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyErasmus MC‐University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Robbert J. Rottier
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryErasmus MC‐Sophia Children's HospitalRotterdamThe Netherlands
- Department of Cell BiologyErasmus MC‐University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Caroline M. den Hoed
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyErasmus MC‐University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
- Erasmus MC Transplant InstituteErasmus MC‐University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Marco J. Bruno
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyErasmus MC‐University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Nassim Kamar
- Department of NephrologyDialysis and Organ TransplantationCHU RangueilINSERM UMR 1291Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Disease (Infinity)University Paul SabatierToulouseFrance
| | - Maikel P. Peppelenbosch
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyErasmus MC‐University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Annemarie C. de Vries
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyErasmus MC‐University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Qiuwei Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyErasmus MC‐University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
- Erasmus MC Transplant InstituteErasmus MC‐University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
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8
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El-Tanani M, Ahmed KAA, Shakya AK, Ammari WG, Al-Shudifat AE. Phase II, Double-Blinded, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial Investigating the Efficacy of Mebendazole in the Management of Symptomatic COVID-19 Patients. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:799. [PMID: 37375747 PMCID: PMC10300804 DOI: 10.3390/ph16060799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has spread throughout the world, affecting almost all nations and territories. The current double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, phase II clinical trial sought to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of mebendazole as an adjuvant therapy for outpatients with COVID-19. The patients were recruited and divided into two groups: a Mebendazole-treated group and placebo group. The mebendazole and placebo groups were matched for age, sex, and complete blood count (CBC) with differential and liver and kidney function tests at baseline. On the third day, the C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were lower (2.03 ± 1.45 vs. 5.45 ± 3.95, p < 0.001) and the cycle threshold (CT) levels were higher (27.21 ± 3.81 vs. 24.40 ± 3.09, p = 0.046) significantly in the mebendazole group than in the placebo group on the third day. Furthermore, CRP decreased and CT dramatically increased on day three compared to the baseline day in the mebendazole group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.008, respectively). There was a significant inverse correlation between lymphocytes and CT levels in the mebendazole group (r = -0.491, p = 0.039) but not in the placebo group (r = 0.051, p = 0.888). Mebendazole therapy increased innate immunity and returned inflammation to normal levels in COVID-19 outpatients faster than it did in the placebo group in this clinical trial. Our findings add to the growing body of research on the clinical and microbiological benefits of repurposing antiparasitic therapy, specifically mebendazole, for SARS-CoV-2 infection and other viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed El-Tanani
- Pharmacological and Diagnostic Research Centre (PDRC), Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman 19328, Jordan
- Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP, UK
| | - Khaled Abdul-Aziz Ahmed
- Pharmacological and Diagnostic Research Centre (PDRC), Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman 19328, Jordan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman 19328, Jordan
| | - Ashok K. Shakya
- Pharmacological and Diagnostic Research Centre (PDRC), Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman 19328, Jordan
| | - Wesam G. Ammari
- Pharmacological and Diagnostic Research Centre (PDRC), Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman 19328, Jordan
| | - Abdel-Elah Al-Shudifat
- Department of Internal and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa 13133, Jordan
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9
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Quek RT, Hardy KS, Walker SG, Nguyen DT, de Almeida
Magalhães T, Salic A, Gopalakrishnan SM, Silver PA, Mitchison TJ. Screen for Modulation of Nucleocapsid Protein Condensation Identifies Small Molecules with Anti-Coronavirus Activity. ACS Chem Biol 2023; 18:583-594. [PMID: 36795767 PMCID: PMC9942534 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Biomolecular condensates formed by liquid-liquid phase separation have been implicated in multiple diseases. Modulation of condensate dynamics by small molecules has therapeutic potential, but so far, few condensate modulators have been disclosed. The SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein forms phase-separated condensates that are hypothesized to play critical roles in viral replication, transcription, and packaging, suggesting that N condensation modulators might have anti-coronavirus activity across multiple strains and species. Here, we show that N proteins from all seven human coronaviruses (HCoVs) vary in their tendency to undergo phase separation when expressed in human lung epithelial cells. We developed a cell-based high-content screening platform and identified small molecules that both promote and inhibit condensation of SARS-CoV-2 N. Interestingly, these host-targeted small molecules exhibited condensate-modulatory effects across all HCoV Ns. Some have also been reported to exhibit antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2, HCoV-OC43, and HCoV-229E viral infections in cell culture. Our work reveals that the assembly dynamics of N condensates can be regulated by small molecules with therapeutic potential. Our approach allows for screening based on viral genome sequences alone and might enable rapid paths to drug discovery with value for confronting future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Tong Quek
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard
Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United
States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering,
Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115,
United States
| | - Kierra S. Hardy
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard
Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United
States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering,
Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115,
United States
| | - Stephen G. Walker
- Drug Discovery Science and Technology,
AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United
States
| | - Dan T. Nguyen
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard
Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United
States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering,
Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115,
United States
| | | | - Adrian Salic
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard
Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United
States
| | | | - Pamela A. Silver
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard
Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United
States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering,
Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115,
United States
| | - Timothy J. Mitchison
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard
Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United
States
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10
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Ravindran V, Wagoner J, Athanasiadis P, Den Hartigh AB, Sidorova JM, Ianevski A, Fink SL, Frigessi A, White J, Polyak SJ, Aittokallio T. Discovery of host-directed modulators of virus infection by probing the SARS-CoV-2-host protein-protein interaction network. Brief Bioinform 2022; 23:bbac456. [PMID: 36305426 PMCID: PMC9677461 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbac456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has highlighted the need to better understand virus-host interactions. We developed a network-based method that expands the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2)-host protein interaction network and identifies host targets that modulate viral infection. To disrupt the SARS-CoV-2 interactome, we systematically probed for potent compounds that selectively target the identified host proteins with high expression in cells relevant to COVID-19. We experimentally tested seven chemical inhibitors of the identified host proteins for modulation of SARS-CoV-2 infection in human cells that express ACE2 and TMPRSS2. Inhibition of the epigenetic regulators bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) and histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2), along with ubiquitin-specific peptidase (USP10), enhanced SARS-CoV-2 infection. Such proviral effect was observed upon treatment with compounds JQ1, vorinostat, romidepsin and spautin-1, when measured by cytopathic effect and validated by viral RNA assays, suggesting that the host proteins HDAC2, BRD4 and USP10 have antiviral functions. We observed marked differences in antiviral effects across cell lines, which may have consequences for identification of selective modulators of viral infection or potential antiviral therapeutics. While network-based approaches enable systematic identification of host targets and selective compounds that may modulate the SARS-CoV-2 interactome, further developments are warranted to increase their accuracy and cell-context specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vandana Ravindran
- Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology (OCBE), Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Institute for Cancer Research, Department of Cancer Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jessica Wagoner
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Paschalis Athanasiadis
- Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology (OCBE), Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Institute for Cancer Research, Department of Cancer Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Andreas B Den Hartigh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Julia M Sidorova
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Aleksandr Ianevski
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Susan L Fink
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Arnoldo Frigessi
- Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology (OCBE), Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Judith White
- Department of Cell Biology and Department of Microbiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Stephen J Polyak
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Tero Aittokallio
- Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology (OCBE), Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Institute for Cancer Research, Department of Cancer Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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11
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Pelisek J, Reutersberg B, Greber UF, Zimmermann A. Vascular dysfunction in COVID-19 patients: update on SARS-CoV-2 infection of endothelial cells and the role of long non-coding RNAs. Clin Sci (Lond) 2022; 136:1571-1590. [PMID: 36367091 PMCID: PMC9652506 DOI: 10.1042/cs20220235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Although COVID-19 is primarily a respiratory disease, it may affect also the cardiovascular system. COVID-19 patients with cardiovascular disorder (CVD) develop a more severe disease course with a significantly higher mortality rate than non-CVD patients. A common denominator of CVD is the dysfunction of endothelial cells (ECs), increased vascular permeability, endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition, coagulation, and inflammation. It has been assumed that clinical complications in COVID-19 patients suffering from CVD are caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection of ECs through the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor and the cellular transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) and the consequent dysfunction of the infected vascular cells. Meanwhile, other factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 entry into the host cells have been described, including disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 17 (ADAM17), the C-type lectin CD209L or heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG). Here, we discuss the current data about the putative entry of SARS-CoV-2 into endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Furthermore, we highlight the potential role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) affecting vascular permeability in CVD, a process that might exacerbate disease in COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslav Pelisek
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Urs F Greber
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zürich, Switzerland
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12
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Zhao L, Qin X, Lin T, Xie F, Yao L, Li Y, Xiong B, Xu Z, Ye Y, Chen H, Qiu SX. Multi-target mechanisms against coronaviruses of constituents from Chinese Dagang Tea revealed by experimental and docking studies. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 297:115528. [PMID: 35835344 PMCID: PMC9273292 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The leaves of Eurya chinensis(Chinese Dagang Tea)have been consumed as herbal tea for centuries in Guangdong, China, and have also been used to prevent influenza and treat colds and fevers in traditional Chinese medicine. However, there are no reports on the chemical profile and efficacy of its leaves for the treatment of fever and viral infections. MATERIALS AND METHODS The chemical constituents of Eurya chinensis leaves were isolated and identified by phytochemical study and spectroscopic data, E. chinensis extracts and compounds were evaluated for their antiviral activities by cytopathic effect (CPE) reduction and antibody-based EC50 assay. The antiviral effect of the main component was confirmed by immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy. Virtual screening and docking enzyme inhibition experiments were performed to analyze the anti-coronavirus mechanisms of the compounds from E. chinensis leaves. RESULTS In this study, we found for the first time that E. chinensis leaf extract exhibited inhibitory effects against coronaviruses HCoV-OC43 in vitro. Among 23 monomer compounds isolated from E. chinensis leaf extract, the triterpenoids (betulinic acid, α-amyrin) and the flavonoids (naringenin, eriodictyol and quercetin) showed marked antiviral activity. Microscopic optical analyses further demonstrated that betulinic acid can remove virus particles from HCoV-OC43 infected cells. Virtual screening and docking analysis towards the coronavirus in vogue revealed that betulinic acid was able to bind well to PLpro and Nsp14N7-MTase, and that the flavonoids prefer to bind with PLpro, Nsp3MES, NspP14N7-MTase, Nsp16GTA, and Nsp16SAM. The enzyme inhibition experiments demonstrated that betulinic acid (1) exhibited significant inhibition of PLpro and N7-MTase activity of SARS-CoV-2. CONCLUSION This study proposes E. chinensis and its triterpenoids and flavonoids as promising potential treatments for coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyun Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Sustainable Utilization, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510650, PR China
| | - Xubing Qin
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Sustainable Utilization, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510650, PR China
| | - Tingting Lin
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Sustainable Utilization, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510650, PR China
| | - Fuda Xie
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Sustainable Utilization, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510650, PR China
| | - Liyuan Yao
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Sustainable Utilization, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510650, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Yulin Li
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Sustainable Utilization, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510650, PR China
| | - Binhong Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Sustainable Utilization, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510650, PR China
| | - Zhifang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Sustainable Utilization, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510650, PR China
| | - Yongchang Ye
- Dongguan Natural Reserve Service Center of Guangdong Province, Dongguan, 523000, PR China
| | - Hongfeng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Sustainable Utilization, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510650, PR China
| | - Sheng-Xiang Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Sustainable Utilization, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510650, PR China.
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13
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Broad-Spectrum Small-Molecule Inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike-ACE2 Protein-Protein Interaction from a Chemical Space of Privileged Protein Binders. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15091084. [PMID: 36145305 PMCID: PMC9504289 DOI: 10.3390/ph15091084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutically useful small-molecule inhibitors (SMIs) of protein−protein interactions (PPIs) initiating the cell attachment and entry of viruses could provide novel alternative antivirals that act via mechanisms similar to that of neutralizing antibodies but retain the advantages of small-molecule drugs such as oral bioavailability and low likelihood of immunogenicity. From screening our library, which is focused around the chemical space of organic dyes to provide good protein binders, we have identified several promising SMIs of the SARS-CoV-2 spike—ACE2 interaction, which is needed for the attachment and cell entry of this coronavirus behind the COVID-19 pandemic. They included organic dyes, such as Congo red, direct violet 1, and Evans blue, which seem to be promiscuous PPI inhibitors, as well as novel drug-like compounds (e.g., DRI-C23041). Here, we show that in addition to the original SARS-CoV-2 strain, these SMIs also inhibit this PPI for variants of concern including delta (B.1.617.2) and omicron (B.1.1.529) as well as HCoV-NL63 with low- or even sub-micromolar activity. They also concentration-dependently inhibited SARS-CoV-2-S expressing pseudovirus entry into hACE2-expressing cells with low micromolar activity (IC50 < 10 μM) both for the original strain and the delta variant. DRI-C23041 showed good therapeutic (selectivity) index, i.e., separation between activity and cytotoxicity (TI > 100). Specificities and activities require further optimization; nevertheless, these results provide a promising starting point toward novel broad-spectrum small-molecule antivirals that act via blocking the interaction between the spike proteins of coronaviruses and their ACE2 receptor initiating cellular entry.
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14
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Kannan A, Suomalainen M, Volle R, Bauer M, Amsler M, Trinh HV, Vavassori S, Schmid JP, Vilhena G, Marín-González A, Perez R, Franceschini A, von Mering C, Hemmi S, Greber UF. Sequence-Specific Features of Short Double-Strand, Blunt-End RNAs Have RIG-I- and Type 1 Interferon-Dependent or -Independent Anti-Viral Effects. Viruses 2022; 14:v14071407. [PMID: 35891387 PMCID: PMC9322957 DOI: 10.3390/v14071407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathogen-associated molecular patterns, including cytoplasmic DNA and double-strand (ds)RNA trigger the induction of interferon (IFN) and antiviral states protecting cells and organisms from pathogens. Here we discovered that the transfection of human airway cell lines or non-transformed fibroblasts with 24mer dsRNA mimicking the cellular micro-RNA (miR)29b-1* gives strong anti-viral effects against human adenovirus type 5 (AdV-C5), influenza A virus X31 (H3N2), and SARS-CoV-2. These anti-viral effects required blunt-end complementary RNA strands and were not elicited by corresponding single-strand RNAs. dsRNA miR-29b-1* but not randomized miR-29b-1* mimics induced IFN-stimulated gene expression, and downregulated cell adhesion and cell cycle genes, as indicated by transcriptomics and IFN-I responsive Mx1-promoter activity assays. The inhibition of AdV-C5 infection with miR-29b-1* mimic depended on the IFN-alpha receptor 2 (IFNAR2) and the RNA-helicase retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) but not cytoplasmic RNA sensors MDA5 and ZNFX1 or MyD88/TRIF adaptors. The antiviral effects of miR29b-1* were independent of a central AUAU-motif inducing dsRNA bending, as mimics with disrupted AUAU-motif were anti-viral in normal but not RIG-I knock-out (KO) or IFNAR2-KO cells. The screening of a library of scrambled short dsRNA sequences identified also anti-viral mimics functioning independently of RIG-I and IFNAR2, thus exemplifying the diverse anti-viral mechanisms of short blunt-end dsRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhilash Kannan
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zürich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland; (A.K.); (M.S.); (R.V.); (M.B.); (M.A.); (H.V.T.); (A.F.); (C.v.M.); (S.H.)
- Neurimmune AG, Wagistrasse 18, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Maarit Suomalainen
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zürich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland; (A.K.); (M.S.); (R.V.); (M.B.); (M.A.); (H.V.T.); (A.F.); (C.v.M.); (S.H.)
| | - Romain Volle
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zürich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland; (A.K.); (M.S.); (R.V.); (M.B.); (M.A.); (H.V.T.); (A.F.); (C.v.M.); (S.H.)
| | - Michael Bauer
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zürich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland; (A.K.); (M.S.); (R.V.); (M.B.); (M.A.); (H.V.T.); (A.F.); (C.v.M.); (S.H.)
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Marco Amsler
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zürich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland; (A.K.); (M.S.); (R.V.); (M.B.); (M.A.); (H.V.T.); (A.F.); (C.v.M.); (S.H.)
| | - Hung V. Trinh
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zürich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland; (A.K.); (M.S.); (R.V.); (M.B.); (M.A.); (H.V.T.); (A.F.); (C.v.M.); (S.H.)
- Genezen, 9900 Westpoint Dr, Suite 128, Indianapolis, IN 46256, USA
| | - Stefano Vavassori
- Division of Immunology, University Children’s Hospital Zürich, 8032 Zürich, Switzerland; (S.V.); (J.P.S.)
| | - Jana Pachlopnik Schmid
- Division of Immunology, University Children’s Hospital Zürich, 8032 Zürich, Switzerland; (S.V.); (J.P.S.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Zürich, 8006 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Guilherme Vilhena
- Departamento de Física Teórica de la Materia Condensada, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, E-28049 Madrid, Spain; (G.V.); (R.P.)
- Condensed Matter Physics Center (IFIMAC), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, E-28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Marín-González
- Department of Macromolecular Structures, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Cantoblanco, E-28049 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Ruben Perez
- Departamento de Física Teórica de la Materia Condensada, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, E-28049 Madrid, Spain; (G.V.); (R.P.)
- Condensed Matter Physics Center (IFIMAC), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, E-28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrea Franceschini
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zürich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland; (A.K.); (M.S.); (R.V.); (M.B.); (M.A.); (H.V.T.); (A.F.); (C.v.M.); (S.H.)
- Center for Genomic Science of IIT@SEMM, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 20139 Milano, Italy
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Christian von Mering
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zürich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland; (A.K.); (M.S.); (R.V.); (M.B.); (M.A.); (H.V.T.); (A.F.); (C.v.M.); (S.H.)
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Silvio Hemmi
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zürich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland; (A.K.); (M.S.); (R.V.); (M.B.); (M.A.); (H.V.T.); (A.F.); (C.v.M.); (S.H.)
| | - Urs F. Greber
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zürich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland; (A.K.); (M.S.); (R.V.); (M.B.); (M.A.); (H.V.T.); (A.F.); (C.v.M.); (S.H.)
- Correspondence:
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15
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Chuang ST, Papp H, Kuczmog A, Eells R, Condor Capcha JM, Shehadeh LA, Jakab F, Buchwald P. Methylene Blue Is a Nonspecific Protein-Protein Interaction Inhibitor with Potential for Repurposing as an Antiviral for COVID-19. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:621. [PMID: 35631447 PMCID: PMC9144480 DOI: 10.3390/ph15050621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We have previously identified methylene blue, a tricyclic phenothiazine dye approved for clinical use for the treatment of methemoglobinemia and for other medical applications as a small-molecule inhibitor of the protein-protein interaction (PPI) between the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus and ACE2, the first critical step of the attachment and entry of this coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we show that methylene blue concentration dependently inhibits this PPI for the spike protein of the original strain as well as for those of variants of concern such as the D614G mutant and delta (B.1.617.2) with IC50 in the low micromolar range (1-5 μM). Methylene blue also showed promiscuous activity and inhibited several other PPIs of viral proteins (e.g., HCoV-NL63-ACE2, hepatitis C virus E-CD81) as well as others (e.g., IL-2-IL-2Rα) with similar potency. This nonspecificity notwithstanding, methylene blue inhibited the entry of pseudoviruses bearing the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 in hACE2-expressing host cells, both for the original strain and the delta variant. It also blocked SARS-CoV-2 (B.1.5) virus replication in Vero E6 cells with an IC50 in the low micromolar range (1.7 μM) when assayed using quantitative PCR of the viral RNA. Thus, while it seems to be a promiscuous PPI inhibitor with low micromolar activity and has a relatively narrow therapeutic index, methylene blue inhibits entry and replication of SARS-CoV-2, including several of its mutant variants, and has potential as a possible inexpensive, broad-spectrum, orally bioactive small-molecule antiviral for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Ting Chuang
- Diabetes Research Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Henrietta Papp
- National Laboratory of Virology, University of Pécs, 7622 Pécs, Hungary; (H.P.); (A.K.); (F.J.)
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, 7622 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Anett Kuczmog
- National Laboratory of Virology, University of Pécs, 7622 Pécs, Hungary; (H.P.); (A.K.); (F.J.)
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, 7622 Pécs, Hungary
| | | | - Jose M. Condor Capcha
- Division of Cardiology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (J.M.C.C.); (L.A.S.)
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Lina A. Shehadeh
- Division of Cardiology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (J.M.C.C.); (L.A.S.)
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Ferenc Jakab
- National Laboratory of Virology, University of Pécs, 7622 Pécs, Hungary; (H.P.); (A.K.); (F.J.)
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, 7622 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Peter Buchwald
- Diabetes Research Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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