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Kang H, Choi Y, Kim H, Kim H, Jeong H. Sambou Bamboo salt™ down-regulates the expression levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 in activated human mast cells. Food Sci Biotechnol 2024; 33:1697-1705. [PMID: 38623440 PMCID: PMC11016022 DOI: 10.1007/s10068-023-01438-3] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Mast cells have a detrimental impact on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Sambou Bamboo salt™ (BS) suppresses mast cell-mediated inflammatory response and enhances immunity. In this study, we investigated the regulatory effects of BS on expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane protease/serine subfamily member 2 (TMPRSS2) in human mast cell line (HMC)-1 cells. BS resulted in significant reductions in expression levels of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in activated HMC-1 cells. Levels of tryptase were reduced by BS. In addition, BS blocked activation of activator protein 1 (AP-1), c-Jun NH2-terminal kinases (JNK), p38, and phosphatidylinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) in activated HMC-1 cells. Therefore, these results show that BS reduces levels of ACE2, TMPRSS2, and tryptase by inhibiting AP-1/JNK/p38/PI3K signaling pathways in mast cells. These findings can serve as valuable foundational data for the development of therapeutic agents aimed at preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho‑Geun Kang
- Department of Bio-Convergence System, Graduate School, Hoseo University, 20 Hoseo-Ro, 79 Beon-Gil, Baebang-Eup, Asan, 31499 Republic of Korea
| | - Yu‑Jin Choi
- Department of Food Science & Technology, Hoseo University, 20 Hoseo-Ro, 79 Beon-Gil, Baebang-Eup, Asan, 31499 Republic of Korea
| | - Hee‑Yun Kim
- BioChip Research Center, Hoseo University, 20 Hoseo-Ro, 79 Beon-Gil, Baebang-Eup, Asan, 31499 Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung‑Min Kim
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447 Korea
| | - Hyun‑Ja Jeong
- Department of Bio-Convergence System, Graduate School, Hoseo University, 20 Hoseo-Ro, 79 Beon-Gil, Baebang-Eup, Asan, 31499 Republic of Korea
- Department of Food Science & Technology, Hoseo University, 20 Hoseo-Ro, 79 Beon-Gil, Baebang-Eup, Asan, 31499 Republic of Korea
- BioChip Research Center, Hoseo University, 20 Hoseo-Ro, 79 Beon-Gil, Baebang-Eup, Asan, 31499 Republic of Korea
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2
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Theoharides TC, Twahir A, Kempuraj D. Mast cells in the autonomic nervous system and potential role in disorders with dysautonomia and neuroinflammation. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2024; 132:440-454. [PMID: 37951572 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2023.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Mast cells (MC) are ubiquitous in the body, and they are critical for not only in allergic diseases but also in immunity and inflammation, including having potential involvement in the pathophysiology of dysautonomias and neuroinflammatory disorders. MC are located perivascularly close to nerve endings and sites such as the carotid bodies, heart, hypothalamus, the pineal gland, and the adrenal gland that would allow them not only to regulate but also to be affected by the autonomic nervous system (ANS). MC are stimulated not only by allergens but also many other triggers including some from the ANS that can affect MC release of neurosensitizing, proinflammatory, and vasoactive mediators. Hence, MC may be able to regulate homeostatic functions that seem to be dysfunctional in many conditions, such as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, and Long-COVID syndrome. The evidence indicates that there is a possible association between these conditions and diseases associated with MC activation. There is no effective treatment for any form of these conditions other than minimizing symptoms. Given the many ways MC could be activated and the numerous mediators released, it would be important to develop ways to inhibit stimulation of MC and the release of ANS-relevant mediators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theoharis C Theoharides
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; Laboratory of Molecular Immunopharmacology and Drug Discovery, Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.
| | - Assma Twahir
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
| | - Duraisamy Kempuraj
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
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3
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Liu S. Lentiviral Production Platform. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2766:163-168. [PMID: 38270876 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3682-4_17] [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] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Lentiviral-mediated transfection technique is a powerful tool for gene modification in preclinical studies. By using this technique, the desired gene modification can be achieved easily in immune cells, nondividing, and terminally differentiated cells, including hematopoietic stem cells, neurons, and even tumor cells, which other viral vectors cannot do. The main considerations of therapeutic gene delivery using a lentiviral system are the risk of insertional mutagenesis and the immune reaction elicited by infected cells. Although some biosafety concerns need to be addressed before clinical trials in rheumatoid arthritis, the lentiviral system targeting therapeutic targets has been widely used for in vivo gene transfer in animal models. In this chapter, the protocols for production of viral particles and viral concentration are provided. As an alternative utilization, this lentiviral production platform could also be employed to produce a pseudotype severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 in which the spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 was incorporated into pseudovirions for viral study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan.
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4
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Tan JY, Anderson DE, Rathore AP, O’Neill A, Mantri CK, Saron WA, Lee CQ, Cui CW, Kang AE, Foo R, Kalimuddin S, Low JG, Ho L, Tambyah P, Burke TW, Woods CW, Chan KR, Karhausen J, St. John AL. Mast cell activation in lungs during SARS-CoV-2 infection associated with lung pathology and severe COVID-19. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e149834. [PMID: 37561585 PMCID: PMC10541193 DOI: 10.1172/jci149834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung inflammation is a hallmark of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in patients who are severely ill, and the pathophysiology of disease is thought to be immune mediated. Mast cells (MCs) are polyfunctional immune cells present in the airways, where they respond to certain viruses and allergens and often promote inflammation. We observed widespread degranulation of MCs during acute and unresolved airway inflammation in SARS-CoV-2-infected mice and nonhuman primates. Using a mouse model of MC deficiency, MC-dependent interstitial pneumonitis, hemorrhaging, and edema in the lung were observed during SARS-CoV-2 infection. In humans, transcriptional changes in patients requiring oxygen supplementation also implicated cells with a MC phenotype in severe disease. MC activation in humans was confirmed through detection of MC-specific proteases, including chymase, the levels of which were significantly correlated with disease severity and with biomarkers of vascular dysregulation. These results support the involvement of MCs in lung tissue damage during SARS-CoV-2 infection in animal models and the association of MC activation with severe COVID-19 in humans, suggesting potential strategies for intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janessa Y.J. Tan
- Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Danielle E. Anderson
- The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Abhay P.S. Rathore
- Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Aled O’Neill
- Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | | | | | - Cheryl Q.E. Lee
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Program in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders, Singapore
| | - Chu Wern Cui
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Program in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders, Singapore
| | - Adrian E.Z. Kang
- Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Randy Foo
- Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Shirin Kalimuddin
- Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Jenny G. Low
- Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Lena Ho
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Program in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders, Singapore
| | - Paul Tambyah
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme, Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Infectious Disease, University Medicine Cluster, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Thomas W. Burke
- Center for Applied Genomics and Precision Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Christopher W. Woods
- Center for Applied Genomics and Precision Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University Medical Center, Durham VA Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kuan Rong Chan
- Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Jörn Karhausen
- Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ashley L. St. John
- Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
- Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- SingHealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute, Singapore
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5
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Kempuraj D, Aenlle KK, Cohen J, Mathew A, Isler D, Pangeni RP, Nathanson L, Theoharides TC, Klimas NG. COVID-19 and Long COVID: Disruption of the Neurovascular Unit, Blood-Brain Barrier, and Tight Junctions. Neuroscientist 2023:10738584231194927. [PMID: 37694571 DOI: 10.1177/10738584231194927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), could affect brain structure and function. SARS-CoV-2 can enter the brain through different routes, including the olfactory, trigeminal, and vagus nerves, and through blood and immunocytes. SARS-CoV-2 may also enter the brain from the peripheral blood through a disrupted blood-brain barrier (BBB). The neurovascular unit in the brain, composed of neurons, astrocytes, endothelial cells, and pericytes, protects brain parenchyma by regulating the entry of substances from the blood. The endothelial cells, pericytes, and astrocytes highly express angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), indicating that the BBB can be disturbed by SARS-CoV-2 and lead to derangements of tight junction and adherens junction proteins. This leads to increased BBB permeability, leakage of blood components, and movement of immune cells into the brain parenchyma. SARS-CoV-2 may also cross microvascular endothelial cells through an ACE2 receptor-associated pathway. The exact mechanism of BBB dysregulation in COVID-19/neuro-COVID is not clearly known, nor is the development of long COVID. Various blood biomarkers could indicate disease severity and neurologic complications in COVID-19 and help objectively diagnose those developing long COVID. This review highlights the importance of neurovascular and BBB disruption, as well as some potentially useful biomarkers in COVID-19, and long COVID/neuro-COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duraisamy Kempuraj
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Kristina K Aenlle
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA
- Miami Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jessica Cohen
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Annette Mathew
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Dylan Isler
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Rajendra P Pangeni
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Lubov Nathanson
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Theoharis C Theoharides
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunopharmacology and Drug Discovery, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nancy G Klimas
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA
- Miami Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Miami, FL, USA
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6
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Mihele DM, Nistor PA, Bruma G, Mitran CI, Mitran MI, Condrat CE, Tovaru M, Tampa M, Georgescu SR. Mast Cell Activation Syndrome Update-A Dermatological Perspective. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1116. [PMID: 37511729 PMCID: PMC10381535 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13071116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Mast cells (MCs) are infamous for their role in potentially fatal anaphylaxis reactions. In the last two decades, a more complex picture has emerged, as it has become obvious that MCs are much more than just IgE effectors of anaphylaxis. MCs are defenders against a host of infectious and toxic aggressions (their interactions with other components of the immune system are not yet fully understood) and after the insult has ended, MCs continue to play a role in inflammation regulation and tissue repair. Unfortunately, MC involvement in pathology is also significant. Apart from their role in allergies, MCs can proliferate clonally to produce systemic mastocytosis. They have also been implicated in excessive fibrosis, keloid scaring, graft rejection and chronic inflammation, especially at the level of the skin and gut. In recent years, the term MC activation syndrome (MCAS) was proposed to account for symptoms caused by MC activation, and clear diagnostic criteria have been defined. However, not all authors agree with these criteria, as some find them too restrictive, potentially leaving much of the MC-related pathology unaccounted for. Here, we review the current knowledge on the physiological and pathological roles of MCs, with a dermatological emphasis, and discuss the MCAS classification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Mihaela Mihele
- Dermatology Department, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari Blvd, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Dermatology Department, Victor Babes Clinical Hospital of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, 030303 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Paul Andrei Nistor
- Internal Medicine Department, Emergency University Hospital Bucharest, 169 Independence Blvd, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Gabriela Bruma
- Dermatology Department, Victor Babes Clinical Hospital of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, 030303 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristina Iulia Mitran
- Microbiology Department, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari Blvd, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Madalina Irina Mitran
- Microbiology Department, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari Blvd, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Carmen Elena Condrat
- Fetal Medicine Excellence Research Center, Alessandrescu-Rusescu National Institute for Mother and Child Health, 020395 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari Blvd, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihaela Tovaru
- Dermatology Department, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari Blvd, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Dermatology Department, Victor Babes Clinical Hospital of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, 030303 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mircea Tampa
- Dermatology Department, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari Blvd, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Dermatology Department, Victor Babes Clinical Hospital of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, 030303 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Simona Roxana Georgescu
- Dermatology Department, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari Blvd, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Dermatology Department, Victor Babes Clinical Hospital of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, 030303 Bucharest, Romania
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7
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Tsilioni I, Theoharides TC. Recombinant SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Stimulates Secretion of Chymase, Tryptase, and IL-1β from Human Mast Cells, Augmented by IL-33. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119487. [PMID: 37298438 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infects cells via its spike (S) protein binding to its surface receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and results in the production of multiple proinflammatory cytokines, especially in the lungs, leading to what is known as COVID-19. However, the cell source and the mechanism of secretion of such cytokines have not been adequately characterized. In this study, we used human cultured mast cells that are plentiful in the lungs and showed that recombinant SARS-CoV-2 full-length S protein (1-10 ng/mL), but not its receptor-binding domain (RBD), stimulates the secretion of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β) as well as the proteolytic enzymes chymase and tryptase. The secretion of IL-1β, chymase, and tryptase is augmented by the co-administration of interleukin-33 (IL-33) (30 ng/mL). This effect is mediated via toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) for IL-1β and via ACE2 for chymase and tryptase. These results provide evidence that the SARS-CoV-2 S protein contributes to inflammation by stimulating mast cells through different receptors and could lead to new targeted treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Tsilioni
- Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Theoharis C Theoharides
- Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA
- Institute of Neuro-Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Clearwater, FL 33759, USA
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8
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MacCann R, Leon AAG, Gonzalez G, Carr MJ, Feeney ER, Yousif O, Cotter AG, de Barra E, Sadlier C, Doran P, Mallon PW. Dysregulated early transcriptional signatures linked to mast cell and interferon responses are implicated in COVID-19 severity. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1166574. [PMID: 37261339 PMCID: PMC10229044 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1166574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Dysregulated immune responses to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection are thought to underlie the progression of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to severe disease. We sought to determine whether early host immune-related gene expression could predict clinical progression to severe disease. Methods We analysed the expression of 579 immunological genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells taken early after symptom onset using the NanoString nCounter and compared SARS-CoV-2 negative controls with SARS-CoV-2 positive subjects with mild (SARS+ Mild) and Moderate/Severe disease to evaluate disease outcomes. Biobanked plasma samples were also assessed for type I (IFN-α2a and IFN-β), type II (IFN-γ) and type III (IFN-λ1) interferons (IFNs) as well as 10 additional cytokines using multiplex immunoassays. Results We identified 19 significantly deregulated genes in 62 SARS-CoV-2 positive subject samples within 5 days of symptom onset and 58 SARS-CoV-2 negative controls and found that type I interferon (IFN) signalling (MX1, IRF7, IFITM1, IFI35, STAT2, IRF4, PML, BST2, STAT1) and genes encoding proinflammatory cytokines (TNF, TNFSF4, PTGS2 and IL1B) were upregulated in both SARS+ groups. Moreover, we found that FCER1, involved in mast cell activation, was upregulated in the SARS+ Mild group but significantly downregulated in the SARS+ Moderate/Severe group. In both SARS+ groups we discovered elevated interferon type I IFN-α2a, type II IFN and type III IFN λ1 plasma levels together with higher IL-10 and IL-6. These results indicate that those with moderate or severe disease are characterised by deficiencies in a mast cell response together with IFN hyper-responsiveness, suggesting that early host antiviral immune responses could be a cause and not a consequence of severe COVID-19. Conclusions This study suggests that early host immune responses linking defects in mast cell activation with host interferon responses correlates with more severe outcomes in COVID-19. Further characterisation of this pathway could help inform better treatment for vulnerable individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel MacCann
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Centre for Experimental Pathogen Host Research (CEPHR), University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Gabriel Gonzalez
- Centre for Experimental Pathogen Host Research (CEPHR), University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- National Virus Reference Laboratory, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Japan Initiative for World-leading Vaccine Research and Development Centers, Hokkaido University, Institute for Vaccine Research and Development, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Michael J. Carr
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- National Virus Reference Laboratory, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- International Collaboration Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Eoin R. Feeney
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Obada Yousif
- Endocrinology Department, Wexford General Hospital, Wexford, Ireland
| | - Aoife G. Cotter
- Centre for Experimental Pathogen Host Research (CEPHR), University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eoghan de Barra
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Beaumont Hospital, Beaumont, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of International Health and Tropical Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Corinna Sadlier
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | - Peter Doran
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Patrick W. Mallon
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Centre for Experimental Pathogen Host Research (CEPHR), University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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9
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Wang Y, Gao Q, Yao P, Yao Q, Zhang J. Multidimensional virtual screening approaches combined with drug repurposing to identify potential covalent inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:15262-15285. [PMID: 36961210 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2193994] [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: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused an unprecedented global pandemic, and new cases are still on the rise due to the absence of effective medicines. However, developing new drugs within a short time is extremely difficult. Repurposing the existing drugs provides a fast and effective strategy to identify promising inhibitors. Here we focus on the screening of drugs database for discovering potential covalent inhibitors that target 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro), an essential enzyme mediating viral replication and transcription. Firstly, we constructed a receptor-ligand pharmacophore model and verified it through decoy set. The importance of pharmacophore features was evaluated by combining molecular dynamics simulation with interaction analyses. Then, covalent docking was used to perform further screening. According to docking score and Prime/Molecular Mechanics Generalized Born Surface Area (MM-GBSA) score, total ten compounds obtained good scores and successfully established covalent bonds with the catalytic Cys145 residue. They also formed favorable interactions with key residues in active sites and closely integrated with 3CLpro with binding modes similar to known 3CLpro inhibitor. Finally, the top four hits DB08732, DB04653, DB01871 and DB07299 were further subjected to 100 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and MM-GBSA binding free energy calculations. The results suggest that the four candidates show good binding affinities for 3CLpro, which warrants further evaluation for their in-vitro/in-vivo activities. Overall, our research methods provide a valuable reference for discovering promising inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 and help to fight against the epidemic.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Department of Physical Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiushuang Gao
- Department of Physical Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Yao
- Department of Physical Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qizheng Yao
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ji Zhang
- Department of Physical Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
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10
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Niculae CM, Hristea A, Moroti R. Mechanisms of COVID-19 Associated Pulmonary Thrombosis: A Narrative Review. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11030929. [PMID: 36979908 PMCID: PMC10045826 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19, the infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), is frequently associated with pulmonary thrombotic events, especially in hospitalized patients. Severe SARS-CoV-2 infection is characterized by a proinflammatory state and an associated disbalance in hemostasis. Immune pathology analysis supports the inflammatory nature of pulmonary arterial thrombi composed of white blood cells, especially neutrophils, CD3+ and CD20+ lymphocytes, fibrin, red blood cells, and platelets. Immune cells, cytokines, chemokines, and the complement system are key drivers of immunothrombosis, as they induce the damage of endothelial cells and initiate proinflammatory and procoagulant positive feedback loops. Neutrophil extracellular traps induced by COVID-19-associated “cytokine storm”, platelets, red blood cells, and coagulation pathways close the inflammation–endotheliopathy–thrombosis axis, contributing to SARS-CoV-2-associated pulmonary thrombotic events. The hypothesis of immunothrombosis is also supported by the minor role of venous thromboembolism with chest CT imaging data showing peripheral blood clots associated with inflammatory lesions and the high incidence of thrombotic events despite routine thromboprophylaxis. Understanding the complex mechanisms behind COVID-19-induced pulmonary thrombosis will lead to future combination therapies for hospitalized patients with severe disease that would target the crossroads of inflammatory and coagulation pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian-Mihail Niculae
- Infectious Diseases Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 37 Dionisie Lupu Street, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (A.H.); (R.M.)
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Prof. Dr. Matei Bals”, 1 Calistrat Grozovici Street, 021105 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Adriana Hristea
- Infectious Diseases Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 37 Dionisie Lupu Street, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (A.H.); (R.M.)
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Prof. Dr. Matei Bals”, 1 Calistrat Grozovici Street, 021105 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ruxandra Moroti
- Infectious Diseases Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 37 Dionisie Lupu Street, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (A.H.); (R.M.)
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Prof. Dr. Matei Bals”, 1 Calistrat Grozovici Street, 021105 Bucharest, Romania
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Theoharides TC, Kempuraj D. Role of SARS-CoV-2 Spike-Protein-Induced Activation of Microglia and Mast Cells in the Pathogenesis of Neuro-COVID. Cells 2023; 12:688. [PMID: 36899824 PMCID: PMC10001285 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). About 45% of COVID-19 patients experience several symptoms a few months after the initial infection and develop post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC), referred to as "Long-COVID," characterized by persistent physical and mental fatigue. However, the exact pathogenetic mechanisms affecting the brain are still not well-understood. There is increasing evidence of neurovascular inflammation in the brain. However, the precise role of the neuroinflammatory response that contributes to the disease severity of COVID-19 and long COVID pathogenesis is not clearly understood. Here, we review the reports that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein can cause blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction and damage neurons either directly, or via activation of brain mast cells and microglia and the release of various neuroinflammatory molecules. Moreover, we provide recent evidence that the novel flavanol eriodictyol is particularly suited for development as an effective treatment alone or together with oleuropein and sulforaphane (ViralProtek®), all of which have potent anti-viral and anti-inflammatory actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theoharis C. Theoharides
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunopharmacology and Drug Discovery, Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Duraisamy Kempuraj
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
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