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Fryer AL, Abdullah A, Mobilio F, Jobling A, Moore Z, de Veer M, Zheng G, Wong BX, Taylor JM, Crack PJ. Pharmacological inhibition of STING reduces neuroinflammation-mediated damage post-traumatic brain injury. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:3118-3135. [PMID: 38710660 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains a major public health concern worldwide with unmet effective treatment. Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) and its downstream type-I interferon (IFN) signalling are now appreciated to be involved in TBI pathogenesis. Compelling evidence have shown that STING and type-I IFNs are key in mediating the detrimental neuroinflammatory response after TBI. Therefore, pharmacological inhibition of STING presents a viable therapeutic opportunity in combating the detrimental neuroinflammatory response after TBI. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH This study investigated the neuroprotective effects of the small-molecule STING inhibitor n-(4-iodophenyl)-5-nitrofuran-2-carboxamide (C-176) in the controlled cortical impact mouse model of TBI in 10- to 12-week-old male mice. Thirty minutes post-controlled cortical impact surgery, a single 750-nmol dose of C-176 or saline (vehicle) was administered intravenously. Analysis was conducted 2 h and 24 h post-TBI. KEY RESULTS Mice administered C-176 had significantly smaller cortical lesion area when compared to vehicle-treated mice 24 h post-TBI. Quantitative temporal gait analysis conducted using DigiGait™ showed C-176 administration attenuated TBI-induced impairments in gait symmetry, stride frequency and forelimb stance width. C-176-treated mice displayed a significant reduction in striatal gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines Tnf-α, Il-1β and Cxcl10 compared to their vehicle-treated counterparts 2 h post-TBI. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS This study demonstrates the neuroprotective activity of C-176 in ameliorating acute neuroinflammation and preventing white matter neurodegeneration post-TBI. This study highlights the therapeutic potential of small-molecule inhibitors targeting STING for the treatment of trauma-induced inflammation and neuroprotective potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia L Fryer
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Amar Abdullah
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Frank Mobilio
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Andrew Jobling
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Zachery Moore
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Personalised Oncology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Michael de Veer
- Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Gang Zheng
- Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Bruce X Wong
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Juliet M Taylor
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Peter J Crack
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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Wang L, Yu Z, Zhang J, Guo J. Nanoformulations of chemotherapeutic activators of the cGAS-STING pathway in tumor chemoimmunotherapy. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:103892. [PMID: 38272174 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.103892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Chemotherapeutic drugs to activate the cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway have been exploited for tumor chemoimmunotherapy. The clinical translation of chemotherapeutic cGAS-STING activators is hindered by the lack of safe, efficient, and specific delivery strategies. Nanodrug delivery systems (NDDS) designed for reducing toxic effects and improving transport effectiveness potentiate in vivo delivery of chemotherapeutic cGAS-STING activators. cGAS-STING monotherapy often encounters tumor resistance without providing satisfactory therapeutic benefit; therefore combination therapy is desirable. This review describes NDDS strategies for surmounting delivery obstacles of chemotherapeutic cGAS-STING activators and highlights combinatorial regimens, which utilize therapeutics that work by different mechanisms, for optimal therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingzhi Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Zhuo Yu
- Department of Hepatopathy, Shuguang Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jihong Zhang
- Hematology Laboratory, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110022, China.
| | - Jianfeng Guo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
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3
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Xie Z, Yang Y, Ma D, Xi Z. Design, synthesis, and cell-based in vitro assay of deoxyinosine-mixed SATE-dCDN prodrugs that activate all common STING variants. Org Biomol Chem 2024; 22:606-620. [PMID: 38131469 DOI: 10.1039/d3ob01838e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Developing therapeutic strategies to modulate the activity of all prevalent variants (wild-type, HAQ, R232H, AQ, and R293Q) of the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is still of great interest to treating immune-related diseases. Herein, we synthesized six novel deoxyinosine-mixed deoxyribose cyclic dinucleotide prodrugs (SATE-dCDN) including a combination of hypoxanthine and other bases (A, U, C, T, and G) for a cell-based in vitro assay. The HPLC assay indicated that deoxyinosine-mixed SATE (S-acylthioalkyl ester)-dCDN prodrugs retained high serum stability. The IRF3-responsive luciferase assay in THP1-Lucia cells showed that the activity of the prodrugs with purine bases (SATE-3',3'-c-di-dIMP, SATE-3',3'-c-di-dIdAMP, and SATE-3',3'-c-di-dIdGMP) was higher than that of the prodrugs with pyrimidine bases (SATE-3',3'-c-di-dIdUMP, SATE-3',3'-c-di-dIdTMP, and SATE-3',3'-c-di-dIdCMP), among which prodrug 14a (SATE-3',3'-c-di-dIdAMP) with hypoxanthine and adenine bases exhibited the highest activity with an EC50 value of 0.046 μM. The IRF3 responsive dual-luciferase reporter assay in HEK293T cells transfected with plasmids expressing different STING variants further showed that prodrug 14a could activate all five most common hSTING variants, including the refractory hSTINGR232H and hSTINGQ variants. Furthermore, prodrug 14a also induced the production of the highest levels of mRNA of IFN-β, CXCL10, IL-6 and TNF-α through STING-dependent IRF and NF-κB signaling pathways in THP-1 cells. These results suggested that the combination of deoxyinosine with a SATE-dCDN prodrug could modulate the broad-spectrum activity of all common STING variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
| | - Yuchen Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
| | - Dejun Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
| | - Zhen Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
- National Pesticide Engineering Research Centre, Tianjin 300071, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin 300192, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin 300071, China
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4
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Zhao M, Fan W, Wang Y, Qiang P, Zheng Z, Shan H, Zhang M, Liu P, Wang Y, Li G, Li M, Hong L. M335, a novel small-molecule STING agonist activates the immune response and exerts antitumor effects. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 264:116018. [PMID: 38091891 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116018] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
In the context of antitumor immune responses, the activation of the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) assumes a critical role and imparts enhanced immunogenicity. An effective strategy for exogenously activating the immune system involves the utilization of STING agonists, and prior investigations primarily concentrated on modifying endogenous cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs) to achieve this. Nevertheless, the practical utility of CDNs was restricted due to limitations associated with their physicochemical attributes and administration protocols. In this article, we present the discovery of a novel small-molecule agonist denoted as M335, identified through high-throughput screening using surface plasmon resonance (SPR). M335 demonstrates the ability to activate the TBK1-IRF3-IFN axis in a STING-dependent manner in vitro. Through experimentation on mouse models bearing tumors, we observed that the administration of M335 resulted in the activation of immune cells. Notably, significant antitumor effects were achieved with both intratumoral and intraperitoneal administration of M335. These findings suggest the potential of M335 as a promising agent for cancer immunotherapy, which will promote the development of STING agonists in anti-tumor applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Zhao
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China; School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Weizhen Fan
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Ying Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Pengfei Qiang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Zhihua Zheng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Hao Shan
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Pengyutian Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Guofeng Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Min Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Liang Hong
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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Jeon MJ, Lee H, Jo S, Kang M, Jeong JH, Jeong SH, Lee JY, Song GY, Choo H, Lee S, Kim H. Discovery of novel amidobenzimidazole derivatives as orally available small molecule modulators of stimulator of interferon genes for cancer immunotherapy. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 261:115834. [PMID: 37862818 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonists show promise as immunomodulatory agents for cancer therapy. In this study, we report the discovery of a novel orally available STING agonist, SAP-04, that exhibits potent immunomodulatory effects for cancer therapy. By optimizing the amidobenzimidazole core with various pyridine-based heterocyclic substituents, we identified a monomeric variant that displayed more efficient STING agonistic activity than the corresponding dimer. SAP-04 efficiently induced cytokine secretion related to innate immunity by directly binding of the compound to the STING protein, followed by sequential signal transduction for the STING signaling pathway and type I interferon (IFN) responses. Further pharmacological validation in vitro and in vivo demonstrated the potential utility of SAP-04 as an immunomodulatory agent for cancer therapy in vivo. The in vivo anticancer effect was observed in a 4T1 breast tumor syngeneic mouse model through oral administration of the compound. Our findings suggest a possible strategy for developing synthetically accessible monomeric variants as orally available STING agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Jae Jeon
- Therapeutics & Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyelim Lee
- Center for Brain Disorders, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongman Jo
- Therapeutics & Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea; Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Miso Kang
- Center for Brain Disorders, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea; Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Hyun Jeong
- Center for Brain Disorders, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - So Hyeon Jeong
- Therapeutics & Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea; Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Joo-Youn Lee
- Therapeutics & Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyu Yong Song
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunah Choo
- Center for Brain Disorders, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Sanghee Lee
- Center for Brain Disorders, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea; Department for HY-KIST Bio-convergence, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyejin Kim
- Therapeutics & Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea.
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6
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Dubowsky M, Theunissen F, Carr JM, Rogers ML. The Molecular Link Between TDP-43, Endogenous Retroviruses and Inflammatory Neurodegeneration in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: a Potential Target for Triumeq, an Antiretroviral Therapy. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:6330-6345. [PMID: 37450244 PMCID: PMC10533598 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03472-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neuron disease (MND), is a progressive neurological disorder, characterised by the death of upper and lower motor neurons. The aetiology of ALS remains unknown, and treatment options are limited. Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), specifically human endogenous retrovirus type K (HERV-K), have been proposed to be involved in the propagation of neurodegeneration in ALS. ERVs are genomic remnants of ancient viral infection events, with most being inactive and not retaining the capacity to encode a fully infectious virus. However, some ERVs retain the ability to be activated and transcribed, and ERV transcripts have been found to be elevated within the brain tissue of MND patients. A hallmark of ALS pathology is altered localisation of the transactive response (TAR) DNA binding protein 43 kDa (TDP-43), which is normally found within the nucleus of neuronal and glial cells and is involved in RNA regulation. In ALS, TDP-43 aggregates within the cytoplasm and facilitates neurodegeneration. The involvement of ERVs in ALS pathology is thought to occur through TDP-43 and neuroinflammatory mediators. In this review, the proposed involvement of TDP-43, HERV-K and immune regulators on the onset and progression of ALS will be discussed. Furthermore, the evidence supporting a therapy based on targeting ERVs in ALS will be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Dubowsky
- College of Medicine and Public Health and Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia.
| | - Frances Theunissen
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Jillian M Carr
- College of Medicine and Public Health and Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Mary-Louise Rogers
- College of Medicine and Public Health and Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
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7
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García-Giménez J, Córdoba-David G, Rayego-Mateos S, Cannata-Ortiz P, Carrasco S, Ruiz-Ortega M, Fernandez-Fernandez B, Ortiz A, Ramos AM. STING1 deficiency ameliorates immune-mediated crescentic glomerulonephritis in mice. J Pathol 2023; 261:309-322. [PMID: 37650295 DOI: 10.1002/path.6177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Rapidly progressive/crescentic glomerulonephritis (RPGN/CGN) involves the formation of glomerular crescents by maladaptive differentiation of parietal epithelial cells that leads to rapid loss of renal function. The molecular mechanisms of crescent formation are poorly understood. Therefore, new insights into molecular mechanisms could identify alternative therapeutic targets for RPGN/CGN. Analysis of kidney biopsies from patients with RPGN revealed increased interstitial, glomerular, and tubular expression of STING1, an accessory protein of the c-GAS-dependent DNA-sensing pathway, which was also observed in murine nephrotoxic nephritis induced by an anti-GBM antibody. STING1 was expressed by key cell types involved in RPGN and crescent formation such as glomerular parietal epithelial cells, and tubular cells as well as by inflammation accessory cells. In functional in vivo studies, Sting1-/- mice with nephrotoxic nephritis had lower kidney cytokine expression, milder kidney infiltration by innate and adaptive immune cells, and decreased disease severity. Pharmacological STING1 inhibition mirrored these findings. Direct STING1 agonism in parietal and tubular cells activated the NF-κB-dependent cytokine response and the interferon-induced genes (ISGs) program. These responses were also triggered in a STING1-dependent manner by the pro-inflammatory cytokine TWEAK. These results identify STING1 activation as a pathological mechanism in RPGN/CGN and TWEAK as an activator of STING1. Pharmacological strategies targeting STING1, or upstream regulators may therefore be potential alternatives to treat RPGN. © 2023 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge García-Giménez
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gina Córdoba-David
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sandra Rayego-Mateos
- Cellular Biology in Renal Diseases Laboratory, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Cannata-Ortiz
- Department of Pathology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Susana Carrasco
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Ruiz-Ortega
- Cellular Biology in Renal Diseases Laboratory, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- RICORS2040, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Fernandez-Fernandez
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- RICORS2040, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Ortiz
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- RICORS2040, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Pharmacology, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Adrián M Ramos
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- RICORS2040, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
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Zhou R, Wang X, Zhang D, Zhan Z, Duan W. Design, synthesis, and STING-agonistic activity of benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxamide derivatives. Mol Divers 2023:10.1007/s11030-023-10736-1. [PMID: 37796389 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-023-10736-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
STING is an important immune-associated protein that localizes in the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. Upon being activated by its agonists, STING triggers the IRF and NF-κB pathways, which generates type I interferons and proinflammatory cytokines, and ultimately primes the innate immune responses to achieve valid antitumor efficacy. We designed and synthesized a series of benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxamide derivatives. Through STING-agonistic activity evaluation, compounds 12d and 12e exhibited marginal human STING-activating activities. Western blot analysis demonstrated that both 12d and 12e treatment increased the phosphorylation of the downstream signaling molecules (TBK1 and IRF3) of STING. The proposed binding mode of 12d/12e and STING protein displayed that two canonical hydrogen bonds, a π-π stacking interaction, as well as a π-cation interaction formed between the agonist and the CDN-binding domain of STING protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongyao Zhou
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, People's Republic of China
- Small-Molecule Drug Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiyuan Wang
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, People's Republic of China
| | - Deqiang Zhang
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengsheng Zhan
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, People's Republic of China.
- Small-Molecule Drug Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, People's Republic of China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wenhu Duan
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, People's Republic of China.
- Small-Molecule Drug Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, People's Republic of China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China.
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9
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Zou Y, Zhang M, Zhou J. Recent trends in STING modulators: Structures, mechanisms, and therapeutic potential. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103694. [PMID: 37393985 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase stimulator (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon gene (STING) signaling pathway has an integral role in the host immune response through DNA sensing followed by inducing a robust innate immune defense program. STING has become a promising therapeutic target associated with multiple diseases, including various inflammatory diseases, cancer, and infectious diseases, among others. Thus, modulators of STING are regarded as emerging therapeutic agents. Recent progress has been made in STING research, including recently identified STING-mediated regulatory pathways, the development of a new STING modulator, and the new association of STING with disease. In this review, we focus on recent trends in the development of STING modulators, including structures, mechanisms, and clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zou
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang Normal University, 688 Yingbin Road, Jinhua 321004, China; Drug Development and Innovation Center, College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, 688 Yingbin Road, Jinhua 321004, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang Normal University, 688 Yingbin Road, Jinhua 321004, China; Drug Development and Innovation Center, College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, 688 Yingbin Road, Jinhua 321004, China
| | - Jinming Zhou
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang Normal University, 688 Yingbin Road, Jinhua 321004, China; Drug Development and Innovation Center, College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, 688 Yingbin Road, Jinhua 321004, China.
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10
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Coderch C, Arranz-Herrero J, Nistal-Villan E, de Pascual-Teresa B, Rius-Rocabert S. The Many Ways to Deal with STING. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24109032. [PMID: 37240378 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24109032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is an adaptor protein involved in the activation of IFN-β and many other genes associated with the immune response activation in vertebrates. STING induction has gained attention from different angles such as the potential to trigger an early immune response against different signs of infection and cell damage, or to be used as an adjuvant in cancer immune treatments. Pharmacological control of aberrant STING activation can be used to mitigate the pathology of some autoimmune diseases. The STING structure has a well-defined ligand binding site that can harbor natural ligands such as specific purine cyclic di-nucleotides (CDN). In addition to a canonical stimulation by CDNs, other non-canonical stimuli have also been described, whose exact mechanism has not been well defined. Understanding the molecular insights underlying the activation of STING is important to realize the different angles that need to be considered when designing new STING-binding molecules as therapeutic drugs since STING acts as a versatile platform for immune modulators. This review analyzes the different determinants of STING regulation from the structural, molecular, and cell biology points of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Coderch
- Departamento de Química y Bioquímica, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28668 Boadilla del Monte, Spain
| | - Javier Arranz-Herrero
- Transplant Immunology Unit, National Center of Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Majadahonda, Spain
- Departamento CC, Farmacéuticas y de la Salud, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28668 Boadilla del Monte, Spain
- Institute of Applied Molecular Medicine (IMMA), Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28668 Boadilla del Monte, Spain
| | - Estanislao Nistal-Villan
- Departamento CC, Farmacéuticas y de la Salud, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28668 Boadilla del Monte, Spain
- Institute of Applied Molecular Medicine (IMMA), Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28668 Boadilla del Monte, Spain
| | - Beatriz de Pascual-Teresa
- Departamento de Química y Bioquímica, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28668 Boadilla del Monte, Spain
| | - Sergio Rius-Rocabert
- Departamento CC, Farmacéuticas y de la Salud, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28668 Boadilla del Monte, Spain
- Institute of Applied Molecular Medicine (IMMA), Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28668 Boadilla del Monte, Spain
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11
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Su W, Gao W, Zhang R, Wang Q, Li L, Bu Q, Xu Z, Liu Z, Wang M, Zhu Y, Wu G, Zhou H, Wang X, Lu L. TAK1 deficiency promotes liver injury and tumorigenesis via ferroptosis and macrophage cGAS-STING signalling. JHEP Rep 2023; 5:100695. [PMID: 36968217 PMCID: PMC10033999 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Oxidative stress-mediated ferroptosis and macrophage-related inflammation play an important role in various liver diseases. Here, we explored if and how hepatocyte ferroptosis regulates macrophage stimulator of interferon genes (STING) activation in the development of spontaneous liver damage, fibrosis, and tumorigenesis. Methods We used a transforming growth factor-beta-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) deficiency-induced model of spontaneous liver damage, fibrosis, and tumorigenesis to investigate hepatocyte ferroptosis and its impact on macrophage STING signalling. Primary hepatocytes and macrophages were used for in vitro experiments. Results Significant liver injury and increased numbers of intrahepatic M1 macrophages were found in hepatocyte-specific TAK1-deficient (TAK1ΔHEP) mice, peaking at 4 weeks and gradually decreasing at 8 and 12 weeks. Meanwhile, activation of STING signalling was observed in livers from TAK1ΔHEP mice at 4 weeks and had decreased at 8 and 12 weeks. Treatment with a STING inhibitor promoted macrophage M2 polarisation and alleviated liver injury, fibrosis, and tumour burden. TAK1 deficiency exacerbated liver iron metabolism in mice with a high-iron diet. Moreover, consistent with the results from single-cell RNA-Seq dataset, TAK1ΔHEP mice demonstrated an increased oxidative response and hepatocellular ferroptosis, which could be inhibited by reactive oxygen species scavenging. Suppression of ferroptosis by ferrostatin-1 inhibited the activation of macrophage STING signalling, leading to attenuated liver injury and fibrosis and a reduced tumour burden. Mechanistically, increased intrahepatic and serum levels of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine were detected in TAK1ΔHEP mice, which was suppressed by ferroptosis inhibition. Treatment with 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine antibody inhibited macrophage STING activation in TAK1ΔHEP mice. Conclusions Hepatocellular ferroptosis-derived oxidative DNA damage promotes macrophage STING activation to facilitate the development of liver injury, fibrosis, and tumorigenesis. Inhibition of macrophage STING may represent a novel therapeutic approach for the prevention of chronic liver disease. Impact and implications The precise mechanism by which hepatocyte ferroptosis regulates macrophage STING activation in the progression of liver damage, fibrosis, and tumorigenesis remains unclear. Herein, we show that deletion of TAK1 in hepatocytes caused oxidative stress-mediated ferroptosis and macrophage-related inflammation in the development of spontaneous liver injury, fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wantong Su
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery of the Affiliated Friendship Plastic Surgery Hospital & Hepatobiliary Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Weicheng Gao
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery of the Affiliated Friendship Plastic Surgery Hospital & Hepatobiliary Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery of the Affiliated Friendship Plastic Surgery Hospital & Hepatobiliary Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery of the Affiliated Friendship Plastic Surgery Hospital & Hepatobiliary Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery of the Affiliated Friendship Plastic Surgery Hospital & Hepatobiliary Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Qingfa Bu
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery of the Affiliated Friendship Plastic Surgery Hospital & Hepatobiliary Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Zibo Xu
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery of the Affiliated Friendship Plastic Surgery Hospital & Hepatobiliary Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery of the Affiliated Friendship Plastic Surgery Hospital & Hepatobiliary Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingming Wang
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery of the Affiliated Friendship Plastic Surgery Hospital & Hepatobiliary Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Yaqing Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Guoping Wu
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery of the Affiliated Friendship Plastic Surgery Hospital & Hepatobiliary Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery of the Affiliated Friendship Plastic Surgery Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Haoming Zhou
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery of the Affiliated Friendship Plastic Surgery Hospital & Hepatobiliary Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China
- Corresponding authors. Addresses: Hepatobiliary Center of The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China. Tel.: +86-25-68303947.
| | - Xun Wang
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery of the Affiliated Friendship Plastic Surgery Hospital & Hepatobiliary Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China
- Corresponding authors. Addresses: Hepatobiliary Center of The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China. Tel.: +86-25-68303947.
| | - Ling Lu
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery of the Affiliated Friendship Plastic Surgery Hospital & Hepatobiliary Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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12
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Shan B, Hou H, Zhang K, Li R, Shen C, Chen Z, Xu P, Cui R, Su Z, Zhang C, Yang R, Zhou G, Liu Y, Guo H, Chen K, Fu W, Jiang H, Zhang S, Zheng M. Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Bipyridazine Derivatives as Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) Receptor Agonists. J Med Chem 2023; 66:3327-3347. [PMID: 36808996 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
The development of stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonists has been of potential applications for the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Based on the crystal structure of SR-717 bound to hSTING, we designed and synthesized a novel series of bipyridazine derivatives as highly potent STING agonists. Among them, compound 12L led to significant thermal stability shifts of the common alleles of hSTING, as well as that of mSTING. 12L also displayed potent activities in various hSTING alleles and mSTING competition binding assay. Specifically, 12L displayed higher cell-based activities than SR-717 in both human THP1 (EC50 = 0.38 ± 0.03 μM) and mouse RAW 264.7 cells (EC50 = 12.94 ± 1.78 μM), and was validated to activate the downstream signaling pathway of STING via a STING-dependent manner. Furthermore, compound 12L showed favorable pharmacokinetic (PK) properties and antitumor efficacy. These findings suggested that compound 12L has development potential as an antitumor agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Shan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China.,Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hui Hou
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Keke Zhang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Rui Li
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Chang Shen
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Zhengyang Chen
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Peijia Xu
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Rongrong Cui
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhaoming Su
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Changfa Zhang
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Ruirui Yang
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Guizhen Zhou
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yadan Liu
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Hao Guo
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Kaixian Chen
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.,School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Wei Fu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hualiang Jiang
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.,School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.,School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Sulin Zhang
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Mingyue Zheng
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.,School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
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13
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Liu X, Wang M, Yang M, Sun H, Wang B, Pan X, Chen X, Jin J, Wang X. Structure-activity relationship study of amidobenzimidazole derivatives as stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonists. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 246:114943. [PMID: 36462438 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114943] [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: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is a crucial adaptor protein that can regulate the innate immune response by inducing the secretion of type Ι interferons and other cytokines after recognizing endogenous or exogenous DNA. Due to the key role of STING in the innate immune system, the activation of STING pathway is expected to be an efficacious immunotherapeutic tactic to treat cancer. In this study, we performed a structure-activity relationship study of amidobenzimidazole monomer, led to a series of ABZI STING agonist derivatives with potent STING-activating effects. Among them, compound 72, as a representative compound, markedly activated the STING-TBK1-IRF3 signaling pathway and significantly increased the mRNA and protein levels of IFN-β, CXCL10 and IL-6 in both WT THP-1 cells and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMCs). In addition, it was confirmed that compound 72 was highly selective for human STING, specifically targeting human STING signaling and showing no activation of m-STING.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Mingjin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Minjian Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Hanyu Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Baolian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Xiandao Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Xiaoguang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Jing Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Xiaojian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100050, China.
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14
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Chen R, Liu M, Jiang Q, Meng X, Wei J. The cyclic guanosine monophosphate synthase-stimulator of interferon genes pathway as a potential target for tumor immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1121603. [PMID: 37153627 PMCID: PMC10160662 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1121603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate (cGAMP) synthase (cGAS) detects infections or tissue damage by binding to microbial or self-DNA in the cytoplasm. Upon binding DNA, cGAS produces cGAMP that binds to and activates the adaptor protein stimulator of interferon genes (STING), which then activates the kinases IKK and TBK1 to induce the secretion of interferons and other cytokines. Recently, a series of studies demonstrated that the cGAS-STING pathway, a vital component of host innate immunity, might play an important role in anticancer immunity, though its mechanism remains to be elucidated. In this review, we highlight the latest understanding of the cGAS-STING pathway in tumor development and the advances in combination therapy of STING agonists and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Mingxia Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Quanhong Jiang
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Meili Lake Translational Research Park, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiangbo Meng
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Meili Lake Translational Research Park, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- *Correspondence: Junmin Wei, ; Xiangbo Meng,
| | - Junmin Wei
- Department of Medical Oncology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- *Correspondence: Junmin Wei, ; Xiangbo Meng,
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15
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Aliakbar Tehrani Z, Rulíšek L, Černý J. Molecular dynamics simulations provide structural insight into binding of cyclic dinucleotides to human STING protein. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022; 40:10250-10264. [PMID: 34187319 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1942213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Human stimulator of interferon genes (hSTING) is a signaling adaptor protein that triggers innate immune system by response to cytosolic DNA and second messenger cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs). Natural CDNs contain purine nucleobase with different phosphodiester linkage types (3'-3', 2'-2' or mixed 2'-3'-linkages) and exhibit different binding affinity towards hSTING, ranging from micromolar to nanomolar. High-affinity CDNs are considered as suitable candidates for treatment of chronic hepatitis B and cancer. We have used molecular dynamics simulations to investigate dynamical aspects of binding of natural CDNs (specifically, 2'-2'-cGAMP, 2'-3'-cGAMP, 3'-3'-cGAMP, 3'-3'-c-di-AMP, and 3'-3'-c-di-GMP) with hSTINGwt protein. Our results revealed that CDN/hSTINGwt interactions are controlled by the balance between fluctuations (conformational changes) in the CDN ligand and the protein dynamics. Binding of different CDNs induces different degrees of conformational/dynamics changes in hSTINGwt ligand binding cavity, especially in α1-helices, the so-called lid region and α2-tails. The ligand residence time in hSTINGwt protein pocket depends on different contribution of R232 and R238 residues interacting with oxygen atoms of phosphodiester groups in ligand, water distribution around interacting charged centers (in protein residues and ligand) and structural stability of closed conformation state of hSTINGwt protein. These findings may perhaps guide design of new compounds modulating hSTING activity.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Aliakbar Tehrani
- Laboratory of Structural Bioinformatics of Proteins, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Lubomír Rulíšek
- Theoretical Bioinorganic Chemistry, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Černý
- Laboratory of Structural Bioinformatics of Proteins, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
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16
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Feng X, Pan L, Qian Z, Liu D, Guan X, Feng L, Song B, Xu X, Tan N, Ma Y, Li Z, Wang Z, Bian J. Discovery of Selenium-Containing STING Agonists as Orally Available Antitumor Agents. J Med Chem 2022; 65:15048-15065. [PMID: 36069713 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Activation of the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway to achieve antitumor response is an attractive approach for cancer immunotherapy. In this study, we report the identification of BSP16 (LF250) as a potent, orally available STING agonist. BSP16 strongly activates STING signaling in human and mouse cells and binds STING as a homodimer. A 2.4 Å cocrystal structure revealed that BSP16 could induce the "closed" conformation of STING. In vivo studies revealed that BSP16 is well tolerated, has an excellent pharmacokinetic profile as an oral drug, and induces tumor regression and durable antitumor immunity. The promising bioactivities of BSP16 make it valuable for further development as an antitumor agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of TCMs Pharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211100, P. R. China
| | - Lixia Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Non-Food Biomass and Enzyme Technology, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning 530007, P. R. China
| | - Zhiyu Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of TCMs Pharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211100, P. R. China
| | - Dongyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of TCMs Pharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211100, P. R. China
| | - Xin Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Non-Food Biomass and Enzyme Technology, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning 530007, P. R. China
| | | | - Bin Song
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of TCMs Pharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211100, P. R. China
| | - Xi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of TCMs Pharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211100, P. R. China
| | - Ninghua Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of TCMs Pharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211100, P. R. China
| | - Yi Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of TCMs Pharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211100, P. R. China
| | - Zhiyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of TCMs Pharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211100, P. R. China
| | - Zhe Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of TCMs Pharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211100, P. R. China
| | - Jinlei Bian
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of TCMs Pharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211100, P. R. China
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17
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Xu Y, Li W, Zhou X, Gao Y, Ding L, Xu L, Mao X, Zhou A, Wang X, Ning X. Integrative Strategy for Investigating the Interactions between STING and Small-Molecule Ligands. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2022; 38:14185-14191. [PMID: 36354159 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c02199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Although small-molecule agonists of stimulator of interferon genes (STING) show significance in activating the immune system, the dynamic process involved in ligands activating STING remains unclear. Herein, we developed a biochemical strategy, integrating computer simulation and a biochemical engineering approach, to reveal the interaction mechanism between STING and 5,6-dimethylxanthenone-4-acetic acid (DMXAA), an agonist that activates the TANK binding kinase 1-interferon regulatory factor 3 signaling pathway. Specifically, inspired by an analysis of the STING-DMXAA crystal structure, we designed and synthesized DMXAA derivatives to investigate the STING-DMXAA binding model. We identified that the carboxyl moiety of DMXAA was a major pharmacophore responsive to STING activation. In particular, the loss of hydrogen bond interaction between the carboxylic acid of DMXAA and the side chain Thr262 of STING led to STING inhibition. DMXAA N-methyl amide derivative (DNHM) exhibited good inhibitor activity, inhibited STING-mediated interferon production in vitro and in vivo, and effectively attenuated STING-associated inflammatory diseases. Therefore, we provide a new insight into STING-ligand interactions, which may improve the understanding of STING biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yurui Xu
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Wei Li
- Institute of Advanced Synthesis, Institute of Chemical Biology and Functional Molecules, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Xinyuan Zhou
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Ya Gao
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Likang Ding
- Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005 United States
| | - Le Xu
- Institute of Advanced Synthesis, Institute of Chemical Biology and Functional Molecules, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Xianxian Mao
- Institute of Advanced Synthesis, Institute of Chemical Biology and Functional Molecules, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Anwei Zhou
- Department of Physics, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Xiaojian Wang
- Institute of Advanced Synthesis, Institute of Chemical Biology and Functional Molecules, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Xinghai Ning
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
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18
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Nanodelivery of cGAS-STING activators for tumor immunotherapy. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2022; 43:957-972. [PMID: 36089410 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2022.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Activation of the cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway has great potential to promote antitumor immunity. Development of activators for the cGAS-STING pathway (cGAS-STING activators) has profoundly revolutionized tumor immunotherapy. However, successful clinical application of cGAS-STING activators is contingent on having appropriate systems to achieve safe, effective, and specific delivery. There is an increasing emphasis on the design and application of nano drug delivery systems (NDDS) that can facilitate the delivery potential of cGAS-STING activators. In this review, we discuss barriers for translational development of cGAS-STING activators (DNA damaging drugs and STING agonists) and recent advances of NDDS for these agents in tumor immunotherapy.
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19
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Tian X, Xu F, Zhu Q, Feng Z, Dai W, Zhou Y, You QD, Xu X. Medicinal chemistry perspective on cGAS-STING signaling pathway with small molecule inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 244:114791. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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20
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Duan N, Zhang Y, Tan S, Sun J, Ye M, Gao H, Pu K, Wu M, Wang Q, Zhai Q. Therapeutic targeting of STING-TBK1-IRF3 signalling ameliorates chronic stress induced depression-like behaviours by modulating neuroinflammation and microglia phagocytosis. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 169:105739. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
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21
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Industrially Relevant Enzyme Cascades for Drug Synthesis and Their Ecological Assessment. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073605. [PMID: 35408960 PMCID: PMC8998672 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmentally friendly and sustainable processes for the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) gain increasing attention. Biocatalytic synthesis routes with enzyme cascades support many stated green production principles, for example, the reduced need for solvents or the biodegradability of enzymes. Multi-enzyme reactions have even more advantages such as the shift of the equilibrium towards the product side, no intermediate isolation, and the synthesis of complex molecules in one reaction pot. Despite the intriguing benefits, only a few enzyme cascades have been applied in the pharmaceutical industry so far. However, several new enzyme cascades are currently being developed in research that could be of great importance to the pharmaceutical industry. Here, we present multi-enzymatic reactions for API synthesis that are close to an industrial application. Their performances are comparable or exceed their chemical counterparts. A few enzyme cascades that are still in development are also introduced in this review. Economic and ecological considerations are made for some example cascades to assess their environmental friendliness and applicability.
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22
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Zhou J, Cui X, Xie Y, Zhang M, Gao J, Zhou X, Ding J, Cen S. Identification of Ziyuglycoside II from natural products library as a novel STING agonist. ChemMedChem 2022; 17:e202100719. [PMID: 35293138 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202100719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Given the emerging pivotal roles of STING (stimulator of interferon genes) in host pathogen defense and immune-oncology, STING is regarded as a promising target for drug development. CDNs (cyclic dinucleotides) are the first-generation STING agonists. However, their poor metabolic stability and membrane permeability utterly limits therapeutic applications. By contrast, small molecule STING agonists show superiority of properties such as molecular weight, polar character, and delivery diversity. The quest for the potent small molecular agonist of human STING remains ongoing. In our study, through an IRF/IFN pathway-targeted cell-based screen of natural products library, we identified a small-molecular STING agonist Ziyuglycoside II, termed as ST12, with potent stimulation of IRF/IFN pathway and NF-κB pathway. Furthermore, its binding to the C-terminal domain of human STING detected by bio-layer interferometry technique, indicating that ST12 is a human STING agonist. Further tanimoto similarity analyze with existing small-molecule STING agonists indicates that ST12 represents a lead compound with a novel core-structure for the further optimization. Insert abstract text here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinming Zhou
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Immunology, Nanwei Road, 100050, Beijing, CHINA
| | - Xiangling Cui
- Institute of Medicinal biotechnology, Medicinal chemistry, CHINA
| | - Yongli Xie
- Institute of Medicinal biotechnology, Medicinal chemistry, CHINA
| | - Min Zhang
- Zhejiang Normal University, College of Chemistry and Life Science, CHINA
| | - Jieke Gao
- Zhejiang Normal University, College of Chemistry and Life Science, CHINA
| | - Xujun Zhou
- Zhejiang Normal University, College of Chemistry and Life Science, CHINA
| | - Jiwei Ding
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Medicinal chemistry, CHINA
| | - Shan Cen
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Immune, CHINA
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23
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Gou S, Liu W, Wang S, Chen G, Chen Z, Qiu L, Zhou X, Wu Y, Qi Y, Gao Y. Engineered Nanovaccine Targeting Clec9a + Dendritic Cells Remarkably Enhances the Cancer Immunotherapy Effects of STING Agonist. NANO LETTERS 2021; 21:9939-9950. [PMID: 34779631 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.1c03243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Agonists of the stimulator of interferon gene (STING) are considered as promising therapeutics for cancer immunotherapy. However, drug-delivery barriers and adverse effects limit the clinical application of STING agonists. Therefore, it is an urgent need to develop an ideal delivery system to deliver STING agonists and avoid side effects. Here, we discovered that STING agonists significantly stimulated type I interferon (IFN) secretion in Clec9a+ dendritic cells (DCs). Then, we designed an engineered peptide-expressed biomimetic cancer cell membrane (EPBM)-coated nanovaccine drug-delivery system (PLGA/STING@EPBM) to deliver STING agonists and tumor antigens to Clec9a+ DCs. The PLGA/STING@EPBM nanovaccine significantly enhanced IFN-stimulated expression of genes and antigen cross-presentation of Clec9a+ DCs, thus eliciting strong antitumor effects in both anti-PD-1-responsive and -resistant tumor models without obvious cytotoxicity. Moreover, the PLGA/STING@EPBM nanovaccine combined with radiotherapy exhibited remarkable synergistic antitumor effects. Our work highlights the great potential of a EPBM-coated nanovaccine for systemic STING agonist delivery as an attractive tool for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Gou
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Wenwen Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Guanyu Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Zhenzhen Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Bioactive Macromolecules, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- International Joint Laboratory for Protein and Peptide Drugs of Henan Province, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Lu Qiu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Bioactive Macromolecules, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- International Joint Laboratory for Protein and Peptide Drugs of Henan Province, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xiuman Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Yahong Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Bioactive Macromolecules, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- International Joint Laboratory for Protein and Peptide Drugs of Henan Province, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yuanming Qi
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Bioactive Macromolecules, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- International Joint Laboratory for Protein and Peptide Drugs of Henan Province, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yanfeng Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
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24
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Li Q, Tian S, Liang J, Fan J, Lai J, Chen Q. Therapeutic Development by Targeting the cGAS-STING Pathway in Autoimmune Disease and Cancer. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:779425. [PMID: 34867409 PMCID: PMC8634458 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.779425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA immune recognition regulation mediated by the cGAS-STING pathway plays an important role in immune functions. Under normal physiological conditions, cGAS can recognize and bind to invading pathogen DNA and activate the innate immune response. On the other hand, abnormal activation of cGAS or STING is closely related to autoimmune diseases. In addition, activation of STING proteins as a bridge connecting innate immunity and adaptive immunity can effectively restrain tumor growth. Therefore, targeting the cGAS-STING pathway can alleviate autoimmune symptoms and be a potential drug target for treating cancer. This article summarizes the current progress on cGAS-STING pathway modulators and lays the foundation for further investigating therapeutic development in autoimmune diseases and tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiumei Li
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shuoran Tian
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jiadi Liang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jiqiang Fan
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Junzhong Lai
- The Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qi Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
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25
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STING Signaling and Skin Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225603. [PMID: 34830754 PMCID: PMC8615888 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent developments in immunotherapy against malignancies overcome the disadvantages of traditional systemic treatments; however, this immune checkpoint treatment is not perfect and cannot obtain a satisfactory clinical outcome in all cases. Therefore, an additional therapeutic option for malignancy is needed in oncology. Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) has recently been highlighted as a strong type I interferon driver and shows anti-tumor immunity against various malignancies. STING-targeted anti-tumor immunotherapy is expected to enhance the anti-tumor effects and clinical outcomes of immunotherapy against malignancies. In this review, we focus on recent advancements in the knowledge gained from research on STING signaling in skin cancers. In addition to the limitations of STING-targeted immunotherapy, we also discuss the clinical application of STING agonists in the treatment of skin cancer.
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26
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Xiong R, Li N, Chen L, Wang W, Wang B, Jiang W, Geng Q. STING protects against cardiac dysfunction and remodelling by blocking autophagy. Cell Commun Signal 2021; 19:109. [PMID: 34749750 PMCID: PMC8576910 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-021-00793-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Heart failure, which is characterized by cardiac remodelling, is one of the most common chronic diseases in the aged. Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) acts as an indispensable molecule modulating immune response and inflammation in many diseases. However, the effects of STING on cardiomyopathy, especially cardiac remodelling are still largely unknown. This study was designed to investigate whether STING could affect cardiac remodelling and to explore the potential mechanisms. Methods In vivo, aortic binding (AB) surgery was performed to construct the mice model of cardiac remodelling. A DNA microinjection system was used to trigger STING overexpression in mice. The STING mRNA and protein expression levels in mice heart were measured, and the cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, inflammation and cardiac function were also evaluated. In vitro, cardiomyocytes stimulated by Ang II and cardiac fibroblasts stimulated by TGF-β to performed to further study effects of STING on cardiac hypertrophy and fibroblast. In terms of mechanisms, the level of autophagy was detected in mice challenged with AB. Rapamycin, a canonical autophagy inducer, intraperitoneal injected into mice to study possible potential pathway. Results In vivo, the STING mRNA and protein expression levels in mice heart challenged with AB for 6 weeks were significantly increased. STING overexpression significantly mitigated cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis and inflammation, apart from improving cardiac function. In vitro, experiments further disclosed that STING overexpression in cardiomyocytes induced by Ang II significantly inhibited the level of cardiomyocyte cross-section area and the ANP mRNA. Meanwhile, TGF-β-induced the increase of α-SMA content and collagen synthesis in cardiac fibroblasts could be also blocked by STING overexpression. In terms of mechanisms, mice challenged with AB showed higher level of autophagy compared with the normal mice. However, STING overexpression could reverse the activation of autophagy triggered by AB. Rapamycin, a canonical autophagy inducer, offset the cardioprotective effects of STING in mice challenged with AB. Finally, further experiments unveiled that STING may inhibit autophagy by phosphorylating ULK1 on serine757. Conclusions STING may prevent cardiac remodelling induced by pressure overload by inhibiting autophagy, which could be a promising therapeutic target in heart failure. Video Abstract
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12964-021-00793-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Xiong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenyang Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Qing Geng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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27
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Brooks T, Wayne J, Massey AJ. Checkpoint Kinase 1 (Chk1) inhibition fails to activate the Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) innate immune signalling in a human coculture cancer system. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2021; 2:19. [PMID: 35006469 PMCID: PMC8607375 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-021-00044-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Utilising Checkpoint Kinase 1 (Chk1) inhibitors to increase cytoplasmic DNA may be a potential strategy to increase the sensitivity of tumours to immune checkpoint modulators. The appearance of DNA in the cytoplasm can drive Cyclic GMP-AMP Synthase-2',3'-Cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate-Adenosine Monophosphate-Stimulator of Interferon Genes (cGAS-cGAMP-STING) inflammatory, anti-tumour T-cell activity via a type I interferon (IFN) and nuclear factor-κB response. In the THP1-Dual reporter cell line, the STING agonist cGAMP activated both reporters, and increased phosphorylation of the innate immune pathway signallers Tank Binding Kinase 1 (TBK1) and Interferon Regulatory Factor (IRF) 3. Inhibition of Chk1 increased TBK1 but not IRF3 phosphorylation and did not induce IRF or NF-κB reporter activation. cGAMP induced a Type I IFN response in THP1 cells whereas inhibition of Chk1 did not. HT29 or HCC1937 cell treatment with a Chk1 inhibitor increased cytoplasmic dsDNA in treated HCC1937 but not HT29 cells and increased IRF reporter activation in cocultured THP1-Dual cells. HT29 cells pre-treated with gemcitabine or camptothecin had elevated cytoplasmic dsDNA and IRF reporter activation in cocultured THP1-Dual cells. Camptothecin or gemcitabine plus a Chk1 inhibitor increased cytoplasmic dsDNA but Chk1 inhibition suppressed IRF reporter activation in cocultured THP1 cells. In THP1-Dual cells treated with cGAMP, Chk1 inhibition suppressed the activation of the IRF reporter compared to cGAMP alone. These results suggest that, in some cellular models, there is little evidence to support the combination of Chk1 inhibitors with immune checkpoint modulators and, in some combination regimes, may even prove deleterious.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Brooks
- Vernalis (R&D) Ltd, Granta Park, Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6GB, UK
| | - Joanne Wayne
- Vernalis (R&D) Ltd, Granta Park, Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6GB, UK
| | - Andrew J Massey
- Vernalis (R&D) Ltd, Granta Park, Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6GB, UK.
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28
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Li L, Kumar AK, Hu Z, Guo Z. Small Molecule Inhibitors Targeting Key Proteins in the DNA Damage Response for Cancer Therapy. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:963-985. [PMID: 32091326 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327666200224102309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
DNA damage response (DDR) is a complicated interactional pathway. Defects that occur in subordinate pathways of the DDR pathway can lead to genomic instability and cancer susceptibility. Abnormal expression of some proteins in DDR, especially in the DNA repair pathway, are associated with the subsistence and resistance of cancer cells. Therefore, the development of small molecule inhibitors targeting the chief proteins in the DDR pathway is an effective strategy for cancer therapy. In this review, we summarize the development of small molecule inhibitors targeting chief proteins in the DDR pathway, particularly focusing on their implications for cancer therapy. We present the action mode of DDR molecule inhibitors in preclinical studies and clinical cancer therapy, including monotherapy and combination therapy with chemotherapeutic drugs or checkpoint suppression therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, 1 WenYuan Road, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Alagamuthu Karthick Kumar
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, 1 WenYuan Road, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zhigang Hu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, 1 WenYuan Road, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zhigang Guo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, 1 WenYuan Road, Nanjing 210023, China
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29
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Kargbo RB. Targeting Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) for the Potential Treatment of Cancer and Infectious Diseases. ACS Med Chem Lett 2021; 12:328-330. [PMID: 33738056 PMCID: PMC7957936 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.1c00085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Robert B. Kargbo
- Usona Institute, 277 Granada Drive, San Luis
Obispo, California 93401-7337, United States
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30
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Chen NN, Zhang H, You QD, Xu XL. Agonist of stimulator of interferon genes as antitumor agents: a patent review (2008-2020). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2021; 31:563-584. [PMID: 33459063 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2021.1877660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is a transmembrane protein that localizes in the endoplasmic reticulum. As a crucial adaptor protein in the pathway of sensing cytosolic DNA, STING can regulate innate immune response by inducing the secretion of type Ι interferons and other cytokines after recognizing endogenous or exogenous DNA. Due to the key role of STING in the innate immune system, activation of the STING signaling pathway is expected to be an efficacious immunotherapeutic tactic for cancer and infectious diseases caused by pathogens. AREAS COVERED This review summarizes the structures and biological activities of STING agonists published from 2008 to present, the progress in its structural modification of STING agonists, and the development of their clinical study. EXPERT OPINION STING is an important adaptor protein in the process of triggering the innate immune response to viral infection. So far, substantial STING agonists and inhibitors have been published, and their viable curative effects for diverse diseases prove that STING is a promising therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan-Nan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Han Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Qi-Dong You
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiao-Li Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
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31
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Wayne J, Brooks T, Landras A, Massey AJ. Targeting DNA damage response pathways to activate the STING innate immune signaling pathway in human cancer cells. FEBS J 2021; 288:4507-4540. [DOI: 10.1111/febs.15747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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32
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Fryer AL, Abdullah A, Taylor JM, Crack PJ. The Complexity of the cGAS-STING Pathway in CNS Pathologies. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:621501. [PMID: 33633536 PMCID: PMC7900568 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.621501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation driven by type-I interferons in the CNS is well established to exacerbate the progression of many CNS pathologies both acute and chronic. The role of adaptor protein Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) is increasingly appreciated to instigate type-I IFN-mediated neuroinflammation. As an upstream regulator of type-I IFNs, STING modulation presents a novel therapeutic opportunity to mediate inflammation in the CNS. This review will detail the current knowledge of protective and detrimental STING activity in acute and chronic CNS pathologies and the current therapeutic avenues being explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia L Fryer
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Amar Abdullah
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Juliet M Taylor
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Peter J Crack
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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33
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Sabnis RW. Novel Compounds as STING Modulators for Treating Hepatitis B Virus Infections. ACS Med Chem Lett 2020; 11:2372-2373. [PMID: 33335658 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.0c00594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ram W. Sabnis
- Smith, Gambrell & Russell LLP, 1230 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 3100, Atlanta, Georgia 30309, United States
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34
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The Central Role and Possible Mechanisms of Bacterial DNAs in Sepsis Development. Mediators Inflamm 2020; 2020:7418342. [PMID: 32934605 PMCID: PMC7479481 DOI: 10.1155/2020/7418342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathological roles of bacterial DNA have been documented many decades ago. Bacterial DNAs are different from mammalian DNAs; the latter are heavily methylated. Mammalian cells have sensors such as TLR-9 to sense the DNAs with nonmethylated CpGs and distinguish them from host DNAs with methylated CpGs. Further investigation has identified many other types of DNA sensors distributed in a variety of cellular compartments. These sensors not only sense foreign DNAs, including bacterial and viral DNAs, but also sense damaged DNAs from the host cells. The major downstream signalling pathways includeTLR-9-MyD88-IKKa-IRF-7/NF-κB pathways to increase IFN/proinflammatory cytokine production, STING-TBK1-IRF3 pathway to increase IFN-beta, and AIM2-ASC-caspas-1 pathway to release IL-1beta. The major outcome is to activate host immune response by inducing cytokine production. In this review, we focus on the roles and potential mechanisms of DNA sensors and downstream pathways in sepsis. Although bacterial DNAs play important roles in sepsis development, bacterial DNAs alone are unable to cause severe disease nor lead to death. Priming animals with bacterial DNAs facilitate other pathological factors, such as LPS and other virulent factors, to induce severe disease and lethality. We also discuss compartmental distribution of DNA sensors and pathological significance as well as the transport of extracellular DNAs into cells. Understanding the roles of DNA sensors and signal pathways will pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies in many diseases, particularly in sepsis.
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Van Herck S, De Geest BG. Nanomedicine-mediated alteration of the pharmacokinetic profile of small molecule cancer immunotherapeutics. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2020; 41:881-894. [PMID: 32451411 PMCID: PMC7471422 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-020-0425-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The advent of immunotherapy is a game changer in cancer therapy with monoclonal antibody- and T cell-based therapeutics being the current flagships. Small molecule immunotherapeutics might offer advantages over the biological drugs in terms of complexity, tissue penetration, manufacturing cost, stability, and shelf life. However, small molecule drugs are prone to rapid systemic distribution, which might induce severe off-target side effects. Nanotechnology could aid in the formulation of the drug molecules to improve their delivery to specific immune cell subsets. In this review we summarize the current efforts in changing the pharmacokinetic profile of small molecule immunotherapeutics with a strong focus on Toll-like receptor agonists. In addition, we give our vision on limitations and future pathways in the route of nanomedicine to the clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Van Herck
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bruno G De Geest
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
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