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Payen SH, Adhikari K, Petereit J, Uppal T, Rossetto CC, Verma SC. SARS-CoV-2 superinfection in CD14 + monocytes with latent human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) promotes inflammatory cascade. Virus Res 2024; 345:199375. [PMID: 38642618 PMCID: PMC11061749 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2024.199375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the etiologic agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has posed significant challenges to global health. While much attention has been directed towards understanding the primary mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection, emerging evidence suggests co-infections or superinfections with other viruses may contribute to increased morbidity and mortality, particularly in severe cases of COVID-19. Among viruses that have been reported in patients with SARS-CoV-2, seropositivity for Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is associated with increased COVID-19 risk and hospitalization. HCMV is a ubiquitous beta-herpesvirus with a seroprevalence of 60-90 % worldwide and one of the leading causes of mortality in immunocompromised individuals. The primary sites of latency for HCMV include CD14+ monocytes and CD34+ hematopoietic cells. In this study, we sought to investigate SARS-CoV-2 infection of CD14+ monocytes latently infected with HCMV. We demonstrate that CD14+ cells are susceptible and permissive to SARS-CoV-2 infection and detect subgenomic transcripts indicative of replication. To further investigate the molecular changes triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection in HCMV-latent CD14+ monocytes, we conducted RNA sequencing coupled with bioinformatic differential gene analysis. The results revealed significant differences in cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions and inflammatory pathways in cells superinfected with replication-competent SARS-CoV-2 compared to the heat-inactivated and mock controls. Notably, there was a significant upregulation in transcripts associated with pro-inflammatory response factors and a decrease in anti-inflammatory factors. Taken together, these findings provide a basis for the heightened inflammatory response, offering potential avenues for targeted therapeutic interventions among HCMV-infected severe cases of COVID-19. SUMMARY: COVID-19 patients infected with secondary viruses have been associated with a higher prevalence of severe symptoms. Individuals seropositive for human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection are at an increased risk for severe COVID-19 disease and hospitalization. HCMV reactivation has been reported in severe COVID-19 cases with respiratory failure and could be the result of co-infection with SARS-CoV-2 and HCMV. In a cell culture model of superinfection, HCMV has previously been shown to increase infection of SARS-CoV-2 of epithelial cells by upregulating the human angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) receptor. In this study, we utilize CD14+ monocytes, a major cell type that harbors latent HCMV, to investigate co-infection of SARS-CoV-2 and HCMV. This study is a first step toward understanding the mechanism that may facilitate increased COVID-19 disease severity in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and HCMV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Harger Payen
- Reno School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology & Immunology/MS 320, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, United States
| | - Kabita Adhikari
- Reno School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology & Immunology/MS 320, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, United States
| | - Juli Petereit
- Nevada Bioinformatics Center (RRID:SCR_017802), University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, United States
| | - Timsy Uppal
- Reno School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology & Immunology/MS 320, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, United States
| | - Cyprian C Rossetto
- Reno School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology & Immunology/MS 320, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, United States
| | - Subhash C Verma
- Reno School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology & Immunology/MS 320, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, United States.
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2
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Karpuj MV, Shaytov DR, Shemer-Avni Y, Gideon M, Frenkel ZM, Sivan S. Comparative Bioinformatic Analysis Reveals Conserved Regions in SARS-CoV-2 Genome for RAPID Pandemic Response. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5764. [PMID: 38891951 PMCID: PMC11172030 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
In the face of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, characterized by the virus's rapid mutation rates, developing timely and targeted therapeutic and diagnostic interventions presents a significant challenge. This study utilizes bioinformatic analyses to pinpoint conserved genomic regions within SARS-CoV-2, offering a strategic advantage in the fight against this and future pathogens. Our approach has enabled the creation of a diagnostic assay that is not only rapid, reliable, and cost-effective but also possesses a remarkable capacity to detect a wide array of current and prospective variants with unmatched precision. The significance of our findings lies in the demonstration that focusing on these conserved genomic sequences can significantly enhance our preparedness for and response to emerging infectious diseases. By providing a blueprint for the development of versatile diagnostic tools and therapeutics, this research paves the way for a more effective global pandemic response strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Viviana Karpuj
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Braude College of Engineering, Karmiel 2161002, Israel
| | - D. R. Shaytov
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Braude College of Engineering, Karmiel 2161002, Israel
| | - Yonat Shemer-Avni
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva 84101, Israel
| | - Michael Gideon
- Department of Neurosurgery, Soroka Medical Center, Beer-Sheva 84101, Israel
| | - Zakharia M. Frenkel
- Department of Software Engineering, Braude College of Engineering, Karmiel 2161002, Israel
| | - Sarit Sivan
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Braude College of Engineering, Karmiel 2161002, Israel
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Puarattana-aroonkorn S, Tharakaraman K, Suriyawipada D, Ruchirawat M, Fuangthong M, Sasisekharan R, Artpradit C. Rapid and Scalable Production of Functional SARS-CoV-2 Virus-like Particles (VLPs) by a Stable HEK293 Cell Pool. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:561. [PMID: 38932290 PMCID: PMC11209123 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12060561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
At times of pandemics, such as the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, the situation demands rapid development and production timelines of safe and effective vaccines for delivering life-saving medications quickly to patients. Typical biologics production relies on using the lengthy and arduous approach of stable single-cell clones. Here, we used an alternative approach, a stable cell pool that takes only weeks to generate compared to a stable single-cell clone that needs several months to complete. We employed the membrane, envelope, and highly immunogenic spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2 to produce virus-like particles (VLPs) using the HEK293-F cell line as a host system with an economical transfection reagent. The cell pool showed the stability of protein expression for more than one month. We demonstrated that the production of SARS-CoV-2 VLPs using this cell pool was scalable up to a stirred-tank 2 L bioreactor in fed-batch mode. The purified VLPs were properly assembled, and their size was consistent with the authentic virus. Our particles were functional as they specifically entered the cell that naturally expresses ACE-2. Notably, this work reports a practical and cost-effective manufacturing platform for scalable SARS-CoV-2 VLPs production and chromatographic purification.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kannan Tharakaraman
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Disapan Suriyawipada
- Translational Research Unit, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok 10210, Thailand (M.F.)
| | - Mathuros Ruchirawat
- Translational Research Unit, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok 10210, Thailand (M.F.)
- Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology (EHT), OPS, MHESI, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Mayuree Fuangthong
- Translational Research Unit, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok 10210, Thailand (M.F.)
- Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology (EHT), OPS, MHESI, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Program in Applied Biological Sciences, Chulabhorn Graduate Institute, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
| | - Ram Sasisekharan
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Charlermchai Artpradit
- Translational Research Unit, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok 10210, Thailand (M.F.)
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4
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Bissett SL, Roy P. Multi-Gene Recombinant Baculovirus Expression Systems: From Inception to Contemporary Applications. Viruses 2024; 16:492. [PMID: 38675835 PMCID: PMC11054102 DOI: 10.3390/v16040492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Many protein expression systems are primarily utilised to produce a single, specific recombinant protein. In contrast, most biological processes such as virus assembly rely upon a complex of several interacting proteins rather than the activity of a sole protein. The high complexity of the baculovirus genome, coupled with a multiphase replication cycle incorporating distinct transcriptional steps, made it the ideal system to manipulate for high-level expression of a single, or co-expression of multiple, foreign proteins within a single cell. We have developed and utilised a series of recombinant baculovirus systems to unravel the sequential assembly process of a complex non-enveloped model virus, bluetongue virus (BTV). The high protein yields expressed by the baculovirus system not only facilitated structure-function analysis of each viral protein but were also advantageous to crystallography studies and supported the first atomic-level resolution of a recombinant viral protein, the major BTV capsid protein. Further, the formation of recombinant double-shelled virus-like particles (VLPs) provided insights into the structure-function relationships among the four major structural proteins of the BTV whilst also representing a potential candidate for a viral vaccine. The baculovirus multi-gene expression system facilitated the study of structurally complex viruses (both non-enveloped and enveloped viruses) and heralded a new generation of viral vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Polly Roy
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
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Chen K, Zhang L, Fang Z, Li J, Li C, Song W, Huang Z, Chen R, Zhang Y, Li J. Analysis of the protective efficacy of approved COVID-19 vaccines against Omicron variants and the prospects for universal vaccines. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1294288. [PMID: 38090587 PMCID: PMC10711607 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1294288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
By the end of 2022, different variants of Omicron had rapidly spread worldwide, causing a significant impact on the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic situation. Compared with previous variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), these new variants of Omicron exhibited a noticeable degree of mutation. The currently developed platforms to design COVID-19 vaccines include inactivated vaccines, mRNA vaccines, DNA vaccines, recombinant protein vaccines, virus-like particle vaccines, and viral vector vaccines. Many of these platforms have obtained approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the WHO. However, the Omicron variants have spread in countries where vaccination has taken place; therefore, the number of cases has rapidly increased, causing concerns about the effectiveness of these vaccines. This article first discusses the epidemiological trends of the Omicron variant and reviews the latest research progress on available vaccines. Additionally, we discuss progress in the development progress and practical significance of universal vaccines. Next, we analyze the neutralizing antibody effectiveness of approved vaccines against different variants of Omicron, heterologous vaccination, and the effectiveness of multivalent vaccines in preclinical trials. We hope that this review will provide a theoretical basis for the design, development, production, and vaccination strategies of novel coronavirus vaccines, thus helping to end the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keda Chen
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhongbiao Fang
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiaxuan Li
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chaonan Li
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wancheng Song
- School of Medical Technology and Information Engineering, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhiwei Huang
- School of Medical Technology and Information Engineering, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ruyi Chen
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanjun Zhang
- Department of Virus Inspection, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianhua Li
- Department of Virus Inspection, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
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Desmarets L, Danneels A, Burlaud-Gaillard J, Blanchard E, Dubuisson J, Belouzard S. The KxGxYR and DxE motifs in the C-tail of the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus membrane protein are crucial for infectious virus assembly. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:353. [PMID: 37940699 PMCID: PMC10632273 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-05008-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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus' (CoV) membrane (M) protein is the driving force during assembly, but this process remains poorly characterized. Previously, we described two motifs in the C-tail of the Middle East respiratory syndrome CoV (MERS-CoV) M protein involved in its endoplasmic reticulum (ER) exit (211DxE213) and trans-Golgi network (TGN) retention (199KxGxYR204). Here, their function in virus assembly was investigated by two different virus-like particle (VLP) assays and by mutating both motifs in an infectious MERS-CoV cDNA clone. It was shown that the 199KxGxYR204 motif was essential for VLP and infectious virus assembly. Moreover, the mislocalization of the M protein induced by mutation of this motif prevented M-E interaction. Hampering the ER export of M by mutating its 211DxE213 motif still allowed the formation of nucleocapsid-empty VLPs, but prevented the formation of fully assembled VLPs and infectious particles. Taken together, these data show that the MERS-CoV assembly process highly depends on the correct intracellular trafficking of its M protein, and hence that not only specific protein-protein interacting motifs but also correct subcellular localization of the M protein in infected cells is essential for virus formation and should be taken into consideration when studying the assembly process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lowiese Desmarets
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, 59000, Lille, France
| | - Adeline Danneels
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, 59000, Lille, France
| | - Julien Burlaud-Gaillard
- INSERM U1259 MAVIVH, Université de Tours and CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
- Plate-Forme IBiSA de Microscopie Electronique, Université de Tours and CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Emmanuelle Blanchard
- INSERM U1259 MAVIVH, Université de Tours and CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
- Plate-Forme IBiSA de Microscopie Electronique, Université de Tours and CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Jean Dubuisson
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, 59000, Lille, France
| | - Sandrine Belouzard
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, 59000, Lille, France.
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7
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Zak AJ, Hoang T, Yee CM, Rizvi SM, Prabhu P, Wen F. Pseudotyping Improves the Yield of Functional SARS-CoV-2 Virus-like Particles (VLPs) as Tools for Vaccine and Therapeutic Development. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14622. [PMID: 37834067 PMCID: PMC10572262 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914622] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) have been proposed as an attractive tool in SARS-CoV-2 vaccine development, both as (1) a vaccine candidate with high immunogenicity and low reactogenicity and (2) a substitute for live virus in functional and neutralization assays. Though multiple SARS-CoV-2 VLP designs have already been explored in Sf9 insect cells, a key parameter ensuring VLPs are a viable platform is the VLP spike yield (i.e., spike protein content in VLP), which has largely been unreported. In this study, we show that the common strategy of producing SARS-CoV-2 VLPs by expressing spike protein in combination with the native coronavirus membrane and/or envelope protein forms VLPs, but at a critically low spike yield (~0.04-0.08 mg/L). In contrast, fusing the spike ectodomain to the influenza HA transmembrane domain and cytoplasmic tail and co-expressing M1 increased VLP spike yield to ~0.4 mg/L. More importantly, this increased yield translated to a greater VLP spike antigen density (~96 spike monomers/VLP) that more closely resembles that of native SARS-CoV-2 virus (~72-144 Spike monomers/virion). Pseudotyping further allowed for production of functional alpha (B.1.1.7), beta (B.1.351), delta (B.1.617.2), and omicron (B.1.1.529) SARS-CoV-2 VLPs that bound to the target ACE2 receptor. Finally, we demonstrated the utility of pseudotyped VLPs to test neutralizing antibody activity using a simple, acellular ELISA-based assay performed at biosafety level 1 (BSL-1). Taken together, this study highlights the advantage of pseudotyping over native SARS-CoV-2 VLP designs in achieving higher VLP spike yield and demonstrates the usefulness of pseudotyped VLPs as a surrogate for live virus in vaccine and therapeutic development against SARS-CoV-2 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Fei Wen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA (P.P.)
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Kaushik N, Patel P, Bhartiya P, Shin Y, Kim JH, Choi EH, Kaushik NK. Glycolytic stress deteriorates 229E virulence to improve host defense response. Microbes Infect 2023; 25:105150. [PMID: 37178787 PMCID: PMC10174727 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2023.105150] [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: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Viral infection treatment is a difficult task due to its complex structure and metabolism. Additionally, viruses can alter the metabolism of host cells, mutate, and readily adjust to harsh environments. Coronavirus stimulates glycolysis, weakens mitochondrial activity, and impairs infected cells. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of 2-DG in inhibiting coronavirus-induced metabolic processes and antiviral host defense systems, which have not been explored so far. 2-Deoxy-d-glucose (2-DG), a molecule restricting substrate availability, has recently gained attention as a potential antiviral drug. The results revealed that 229E human coronavirus promoted glycolysis, producing a significant increase in the concentration of fluorescent 2-NBDG, a glucose analog, particularly in the infected host cells. The addition of 2-DG decreased its viral replication and suppressed infection-induced cell death and cytopathic effects, thereby improving the antiviral host defense response. It was also observed that administration of low doses of 2-DG inhibited glucose uptake, indicating that 2-DG consumption in virus-infected host cells was mediated by high-affinity glucose transporters, whose levels were amplified upon coronavirus infection. Our findings indicated that 2-DG could be a potential drug to improve the host defense system in coronavirus-infected cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Kaushik
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Engineering, The University of Suwon, Hwaseong, 18323, Republic of Korea
| | - Paritosh Patel
- Department of Electrical and Biological Physics, Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Kwangwoon University, Seoul, 01897, Republic of Korea
| | - Pradeep Bhartiya
- Department of Electrical and Biological Physics, Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Kwangwoon University, Seoul, 01897, Republic of Korea
| | - Yungoh Shin
- Department of Electrical and Biological Physics, Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Kwangwoon University, Seoul, 01897, Republic of Korea
| | - June Hyun Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Engineering, The University of Suwon, Hwaseong, 18323, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Ha Choi
- Department of Electrical and Biological Physics, Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Kwangwoon University, Seoul, 01897, Republic of Korea.
| | - Nagendra Kumar Kaushik
- Department of Electrical and Biological Physics, Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Kwangwoon University, Seoul, 01897, Republic of Korea.
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Khan SS, Ullah A. Comparative genomics of spike, envelope, and nucleocapsid protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Afr Health Sci 2023; 23:384-399. [PMID: 38357143 PMCID: PMC10862604 DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v23i3.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) upsurge sprang up in Wuhan, China, in late December 2019. Objectives Due to the exceptionally high mutation frequency, comparative genomics of viruses isolated throughout time and in various geographical locations are crucial. To better understand how SARS-CoV-2 heterogeneity has changed around the globe, this research was conducted. Methods Nucleotide and protein sequences of SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, and bat SARS-like CoV were extracted from the NCBI Virus database. The Wuhan SARS-CoV-2 variant was used as a reference. Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Study performed the phylogenetic analysis, while the Genome Detective Coronavirus Typing Tool performed the mutational analysis. Results The evolutionary research has revealed that bats are the primary host for coronavirus evolution and the origin of the formation of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. Numerous mutations have been discovered in the spike, envelope, and nucleocapsid protein. Conclusions The current research findings may have an implication that facilitates the development of prospective immunization candidates/small pharmacological compounds targeting COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sufyan Sohail Khan
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Anwar Ullah
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
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10
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Chen P, Wu M, He Y, Jiang B, He ML. Metabolic alterations upon SARS-CoV-2 infection and potential therapeutic targets against coronavirus infection. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:237. [PMID: 37286535 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01510-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 infection has become a global pandemic due to the high viral transmissibility and pathogenesis, bringing enormous burden to our society. Most patients infected by SARS-CoV-2 are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms. Although only a small proportion of patients progressed to severe COVID-19 with symptoms including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), disseminated coagulopathy, and cardiovascular disorders, severe COVID-19 is accompanied by high mortality rates with near 7 million deaths. Nowadays, effective therapeutic patterns for severe COVID-19 are still lacking. It has been extensively reported that host metabolism plays essential roles in various physiological processes during virus infection. Many viruses manipulate host metabolism to avoid immunity, facilitate their own replication, or to initiate pathological response. Targeting the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and host metabolism holds promise for developing therapeutic strategies. In this review, we summarize and discuss recent studies dedicated to uncovering the role of host metabolism during the life cycle of SARS-CoV-2 in aspects of entry, replication, assembly, and pathogenesis with an emphasis on glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism. Microbiota and long COVID-19 are also discussed. Ultimately, we recapitulate metabolism-modulating drugs repurposed for COVID-19 including statins, ASM inhibitors, NSAIDs, Montelukast, omega-3 fatty acids, 2-DG, and metformin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiran Chen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mandi Wu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yaqing He
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Binghua Jiang
- Cell Signaling and Proteomic Center, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ming-Liang He
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, Hong Kong, China.
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11
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Gullberg RC, Frydman J. Novel Mode of nanoLuciferase Packaging in SARS-CoV-2 Virions and VLPs Provides Versatile Reporters for Virus Production. Viruses 2023; 15:1335. [PMID: 37376634 DOI: 10.3390/v15061335] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is a positive-strand RNA virus in the Coronaviridae family that is responsible for morbidity and mortality worldwide. To better understand the molecular pathways leading to SARS-CoV-2 virus assembly, we examined a virus-like particle (VLP) system co-expressing all structural proteins together with an mRNA reporter encoding nanoLuciferase (herein nLuc). Surprisingly, the 19 kDa nLuc protein itself was encapsidated into VLPs, providing a better reporter than nLuc mRNA itself. Strikingly, infecting nLuc-expressing cells with the SARS-CoV-2, NL63 or OC43 coronaviruses yielded virions containing packaged nLuc that served to report viral production. In contrast, infection with the flaviviruses, dengue or Zika, did not lead to nLuc packaging and secretion. A panel of reporter protein variants revealed that the packaging is size-limited and requires cytoplasmic expression, indicating that the large virion of coronaviruses can encaspidate a small cytoplasmic reporter protein. Our findings open the way for powerful new approaches to measure coronavirus particle production, egress and viral entry mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Judith Frydman
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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12
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Poggio E, Vallese F, Hartel AJW, Morgenstern TJ, Kanner SA, Rauh O, Giamogante F, Barazzuol L, Shepard KL, Colecraft HM, Clarke OB, Brini M, Calì T. Perturbation of the host cell Ca 2+ homeostasis and ER-mitochondria contact sites by the SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins E and M. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:297. [PMID: 37120609 PMCID: PMC10148623 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05817-w] [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: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a contagious respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The clinical phenotypes are variable, ranging from spontaneous recovery to serious illness and death. On March 2020, a global COVID-19 pandemic was declared by the World Health Organization (WHO). As of February 2023, almost 670 million cases and 6,8 million deaths have been confirmed worldwide. Coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, contain a single-stranded RNA genome enclosed in a viral capsid consisting of four structural proteins: the nucleocapsid (N) protein, in the ribonucleoprotein core, the spike (S) protein, the envelope (E) protein, and the membrane (M) protein, embedded in the surface envelope. In particular, the E protein is a poorly characterized viroporin with high identity amongst all the β-coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, HCoV-OC43) and a low mutation rate. Here, we focused our attention on the study of SARS-CoV-2 E and M proteins, and we found a general perturbation of the host cell calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis and a selective rearrangement of the interorganelle contact sites. In vitro and in vivo biochemical analyses revealed that the binding of specific nanobodies to soluble regions of SARS-CoV-2 E protein reversed the observed phenotypes, suggesting that the E protein might be an important therapeutic candidate not only for vaccine development, but also for the clinical management of COVID designing drug regimens that, so far, are very limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Poggio
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Francesca Vallese
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andreas J W Hartel
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Travis J Morgenstern
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Scott A Kanner
- Doctoral Program in Neurobiology and Behavior, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Oliver Rauh
- Membrane Biophysics, Department of Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Flavia Giamogante
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Lucia Barazzuol
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Kenneth L Shepard
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Henry M Colecraft
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Doctoral Program in Neurobiology and Behavior, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Oliver Biggs Clarke
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marisa Brini
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Study Center for Neurodegeneration (CESNE), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Tito Calì
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
- Study Center for Neurodegeneration (CESNE), University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
- Padova Neuroscience Center (PNC), University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
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13
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Khalid T, Hasan A, Fatima JE, Faridi SA, Khan AF, Mir SS. Therapeutic role of mTOR inhibitors in control of SARS-CoV-2 viral replication. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:2701-2711. [PMID: 36538171 PMCID: PMC9764303 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-08188-1] [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: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
By the end of 2019, COVID-19 was reported in Wuhan city of China, and through human-human transmission, this virus spread worldwide and became a pandemic. Initial symptoms of the disease include fever, cough, loss of smell, taste, and shortness of breath, but a decrease in the oxygen levels in the body leads, and pneumonia may ultimately lead to the patient's death. However, the symptoms vary from patient to patient. To understand COVID-19 disease pathogenesis, researchers have tried to understand the cellular pathways that could be targeted to suppress viral replication. Thus, this article reviews the markers that could be targeted to inhibit viral replication by inhibiting the translational initiation complex/regulatory kinases and upregulating host autophagic flux that may lead to a reduction in the viral load. The article also highlights that mTOR inhibitors may act as potential inhibitors of viral replication. mTOR inhibitors such as metformin may inhibit the interaction of SARS-CoV-2 Nsp's and ORFs with mTORC1, LARP1, and 4E-BP. They may also increase autophagic flux by decreasing protein degradation via inhibition of Skp2, further promoting viral cell death. These events result in cell cycle arrest at G1 by p27, ultimately causing cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuba Khalid
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Integral University, Kursi Road, 226026, Lucknow, India
| | - Adria Hasan
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Integral University, Kursi Road, 226026, Lucknow, India
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Integral Information and Research Centre-4 (IIRC-4), Integral University, Kursi Road, 226026, Lucknow, India
| | - Jamal E Fatima
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Integral University, Kursi Road, 226026, Lucknow, India
| | - Soban Ahmad Faridi
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Integral University, Kursi Road, 226026, Lucknow, India
| | - Ahamad Faiz Khan
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Integral University, Kursi Road, 226026, Lucknow, India
| | - Snober S Mir
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Integral Information and Research Centre-4 (IIRC-4), Integral University, Kursi Road, 226026, Lucknow, India.
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Integral University, Kursi Road, 226026, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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14
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Dregni AJ, McKay MJ, Surya W, Queralt-Martin M, Medeiros-Silva J, Wang HK, Aguilella V, Torres J, Hong M. The Cytoplasmic Domain of the SARS-CoV-2 Envelope Protein Assembles into a β-Sheet Bundle in Lipid Bilayers. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:167966. [PMID: 36682677 PMCID: PMC9851921 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.167966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) envelope (E) protein forms a pentameric ion channel in the lipid membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC) of the infected cell. The cytoplasmic domain of E interacts with host proteins to cause virus pathogenicity and may also mediate virus assembly and budding. To understand the structural basis of these functions, here we investigate the conformation and dynamics of an E protein construct (residues 8-65) that encompasses the transmembrane domain and the majority of the cytoplasmic domain using solid-state NMR. 13C and 15N chemical shifts indicate that the cytoplasmic domain adopts a β-sheet-rich conformation that contains three β-strands separated by turns. The five subunits associate into an umbrella-shaped bundle that is attached to the transmembrane helices by a disordered loop. Water-edited NMR spectra indicate that the third β-strand at the C terminus of the protein is well hydrated, indicating that it is at the surface of the β-bundle. The structure of the cytoplasmic domain cannot be uniquely determined from the inter-residue correlations obtained here due to ambiguities in distinguishing intermolecular and intramolecular contacts for a compact pentameric assembly of this small domain. Instead, we present four structural topologies that are consistent with the measured inter-residue contacts. These data indicate that the cytoplasmic domain of the SARS-CoV-2 E protein has a strong propensity to adopt β-sheet conformations when the protein is present at high concentrations in lipid bilayers. The equilibrium between the β-strand conformation and the previously reported α-helical conformation may underlie the multiple functions of E in the host cell and in the virion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurelio J Dregni
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
| | - Matthew J McKay
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
| | - Wahyu Surya
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore
| | - Maria Queralt-Martin
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics. Department of Physics. Universitat Jaume I. 12080 Castellón, Spain
| | - João Medeiros-Silva
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
| | - Harrison K Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
| | - Vicente Aguilella
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics. Department of Physics. Universitat Jaume I. 12080 Castellón, Spain
| | - Jaume Torres
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore
| | - Mei Hong
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States.
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15
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Ouattara CA, Poda AG, Méda ZC, Sawadogo Y, Kabore O, Birba E, Sourabié A, Zoungrana J, Traore IT, Sangaré I, Ymba A, Godreuil S, Ouedraogo AS. Evaluation of the impact of COVID-19 in people coinfected with HIV and/or tuberculosis in low-income countries: study protocol for mixed methods research in Burkina Faso. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:108. [PMID: 36814211 PMCID: PMC9944836 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08076-4] [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: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An issue of particular concern is the impact of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019 nCOV) on the people coinfected with the Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) and/or tuberculosis (TB). Unfortunately, this interaction has not been well explored in African despite the large proportion of these risk populations living with HIV and/or patients and/or tuberculosis (TB) in the African region. This study aims to design a research protocol for assessment of the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on these risk populations in response to COVID-19 strategic plans in Burkina Faso by generating serological, epidemiological, virological, clinical and socio-anthropological evidence-based data. METHODS A multidisciplinary research will be conducted in the city of Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso using mixed methods. Data will be collected from a cohort of people living with HIV and/or TB patients in the city (i) to determine the proportion of people with specific antibodies against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) using retrospective data ; (ii) to determine the proportion of people infected with Covid-19 and the dynamics of viral loads and antibodies in these people based on prospective data; (iii) to identify circulating SARS-COV-2 variants and novel biomarkers using prospective data ; (iv) to analyze perceptions, community experiences and response strategies during the public health emergencies imposed by COVID-19 through a qualitative study. DISCUSSION This study will generate factual and comprehensive data that will contribute in improving response strategies to COVID-19 and the other possible emerging diseases with keen interest on the risk populations living with HIV and/or TB infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheick Ahmed Ouattara
- Laboratoire des Pathogènes Émergents et Re émergents, Université Nazi BONI, Bobo- Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. .,Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Souro SANOU, Bobo-dioulasso, Burkina Faso.
| | - Armel G Poda
- grid.442667.50000 0004 0474 2212Laboratoire des Pathogènes Émergents et Re émergents, Université Nazi BONI, Bobo- Dioulasso, Burkina Faso ,Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Souro SANOU, Bobo-dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Ziemlé Clément Méda
- grid.442667.50000 0004 0474 2212Laboratoire des Pathogènes Émergents et Re émergents, Université Nazi BONI, Bobo- Dioulasso, Burkina Faso ,Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Souro SANOU, Bobo-dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Yacouba Sawadogo
- grid.442667.50000 0004 0474 2212Laboratoire des Pathogènes Émergents et Re émergents, Université Nazi BONI, Bobo- Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Odilon Kabore
- grid.442667.50000 0004 0474 2212Laboratoire des Pathogènes Émergents et Re émergents, Université Nazi BONI, Bobo- Dioulasso, Burkina Faso ,Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Souro SANOU, Bobo-dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Emile Birba
- grid.442667.50000 0004 0474 2212Laboratoire des Pathogènes Émergents et Re émergents, Université Nazi BONI, Bobo- Dioulasso, Burkina Faso ,Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Souro SANOU, Bobo-dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Adama Sourabié
- grid.442667.50000 0004 0474 2212Laboratoire des Pathogènes Émergents et Re émergents, Université Nazi BONI, Bobo- Dioulasso, Burkina Faso ,Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Souro SANOU, Bobo-dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Jacques Zoungrana
- grid.442667.50000 0004 0474 2212Laboratoire des Pathogènes Émergents et Re émergents, Université Nazi BONI, Bobo- Dioulasso, Burkina Faso ,Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Souro SANOU, Bobo-dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Isidore Tiandiogo Traore
- grid.442667.50000 0004 0474 2212Laboratoire des Pathogènes Émergents et Re émergents, Université Nazi BONI, Bobo- Dioulasso, Burkina Faso ,grid.418128.60000 0004 0564 1122Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso ,grid.442667.50000 0004 0474 2212Institut Supérieur des Sciences de la Santé, Université Nazi Boni, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Ibrahim Sangaré
- grid.442667.50000 0004 0474 2212Laboratoire des Pathogènes Émergents et Re émergents, Université Nazi BONI, Bobo- Dioulasso, Burkina Faso ,Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Souro SANOU, Bobo-dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Awa Ymba
- grid.442667.50000 0004 0474 2212Laboratoire des Pathogènes Émergents et Re émergents, Université Nazi BONI, Bobo- Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Sylvain Godreuil
- grid.121334.60000 0001 2097 0141Université Montpellier 1, Montpellier, France ,grid.157868.50000 0000 9961 060XCentre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Abdoul-Salam Ouedraogo
- grid.442667.50000 0004 0474 2212Laboratoire des Pathogènes Émergents et Re émergents, Université Nazi BONI, Bobo- Dioulasso, Burkina Faso ,Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Souro SANOU, Bobo-dioulasso, Burkina Faso ,grid.418128.60000 0004 0564 1122Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
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16
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Srivastava V, Nand KN, Ahmad A, Kumar R. Yeast-Based Virus-like Particles as an Emerging Platform for Vaccine Development and Delivery. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11020479. [PMID: 36851356 PMCID: PMC9965603 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11020479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are empty, nanoscale structures morphologically resembling viruses. Internal cavity, noninfectious, and particulate nature with a high density of repeating epitopes, make them an ideal platform for vaccine development and drug delivery. Commercial use of Gardasil-9 and Cervarix showed the usefulness of VLPs in vaccine formulation. Further, chimeric VLPs allow the raising of an immune response against different immunogens and thereby can help reduce the generation of medical or clinical waste. The economically viable production of VLPs significantly impacts their usage, application, and availability. To this end, several hosts have been used and tested. The present review will discuss VLPs produced using different yeasts as fermentation hosts. We also compile a list of studies highlighting the expression and purification of VLPs using a yeast-based platform. We also discuss the advantages of using yeast to generate VLPs over other available systems. Further, the issues or limitations of yeasts for producing VLPs are also summarized. The review also compiles a list of yeast-derived VLP-based vaccines that are presently in public use or in different phases of clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vartika Srivastava
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
| | - Kripa N. Nand
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA
| | - Aijaz Ahmad
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
- Infection Control, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
| | - Ravinder Kumar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA
- Correspondence:
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17
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Harrison CM, Doster JM, Landwehr EH, Kumar NP, White EJ, Beachboard DC, Stobart CC. Evaluating the Virology and Evolution of Seasonal Human Coronaviruses Associated with the Common Cold in the COVID-19 Era. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11020445. [PMID: 36838410 PMCID: PMC9961755 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11020445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Approximately 15-30% of all cases of the common cold are due to human coronavirus infections. More recently, the emergence of the more severe respiratory coronaviruses, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, have highlighted the increased pathogenic potential of emergent coronaviruses. Lastly, the current emergence of SARS-CoV-2 has demonstrated not only the potential for significant disease caused by emerging coronaviruses, but also the capacity of novel coronaviruses to promote pandemic spread. Largely driven by the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic, significant research in coronavirus biology has led to advances in our understanding of these viruses. In this review, we evaluate the virology, emergence, and evolution of the four endemic coronaviruses associated with the common cold, their relationship to pandemic SARS-CoV-2, and discuss the potential for future emergent human coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron M. Harrison
- Department of Biological Sciences, Butler University, Indianapolis, IN 46208, USA
| | - Jayden M. Doster
- Department of Biological Sciences, Butler University, Indianapolis, IN 46208, USA
| | - Emily H. Landwehr
- Department of Biological Sciences, Butler University, Indianapolis, IN 46208, USA
| | - Nidhi P. Kumar
- Department of Biology, DeSales University, Central Valley, PA 18034, USA
| | - Ethan J. White
- Department of Biological Sciences, Butler University, Indianapolis, IN 46208, USA
| | - Dia C. Beachboard
- Department of Biology, DeSales University, Central Valley, PA 18034, USA
| | - Christopher C. Stobart
- Department of Biological Sciences, Butler University, Indianapolis, IN 46208, USA
- Correspondence:
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18
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Gurjar V, Iqra Kamil S, Chandra A, Qamar I, Singh N. Drugs swapping in coronavirus strains: a structural biology view. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:13488-13495. [PMID: 36744537 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2175037] [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: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus belongs to the coronaviridae family, having a single-stranded RNA as genetic material of 26-42 kb in size. The first coronavirus infection emerged in 2002, caused by SARS-CoV1. Since then, genome sequences and three-dimensional structures of crucial proteins and enzymes of the virus have been studied in detail. The novel coronavirus (nCoV) outbreak has caused the COVID19 pandemic, which is responsible for the deaths of millions of people worldwide. The nCoV was later renamed as SARS-CoV2. The details of most of the COV proteins are available at the atomic and molecular levels. The entire genome is made up of 12 open reading frames that code for 27 different proteins. The spike surface glycoprotein, the envelope protein, the nucleocapsid protein, and the membrane protein are the four structural proteins which are required for virus attachment, entrance, assembly, and pathogenicity. The remaining proteins encoded are called non-structural (NSPs) and support the survival of the virus. Several non-structural proteins are also validated targets for drug development against coronavirus and are being used for drug design purposes. To perform a comparative study, sequences and three-dimensional structures of four crucial viral enzymes, Mpro, PLpro, RdRp, and EndoU from SARS-CoV1 and SARS-CoV2 variants were analyzed. The key structural elements and ligands recognizing amino acid residues were found to be similar in enzymes from both strains. The significant sequences and structural resemblance also suggest that a drug developed either for SARS-CoV1 or SARS-CoV2 using these enzymes may also have the potential to cross-react.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaishali Gurjar
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Gautam Budh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Saiyada Iqra Kamil
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Gautam Budh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Anshuman Chandra
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Gautam Budh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Imteyaz Qamar
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Gautam Budh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Nagendra Singh
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Gautam Budh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
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19
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Braga DPAF, Setti AS, Iaconelli A, Borges E. Previous infection with SARS-CoV-2 impacts embryo morphokinetics but not clinical outcomes in a time-lapse imaging system. Mol Reprod Dev 2023; 90:53-58. [PMID: 36576971 PMCID: PMC9880701 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23658] [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] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The goal for the present study was to investigate whether previous infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may compromise embryo morphokinetics and implantation. For that, a historical cohort study was performed in a private university-affiliated in vitro fertilization center. The study included 1628 embryos from 88 patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. Patients were age-matched in a 1:3 ratio to either a coronavirus disease (COVID) group, including patients with a positive SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin test (n = 22 patients, 386 embryos), or a control group, including patients with a negative SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin test (n = 66, 1242 embryos). The effect of previous infection with SARS-CoV-2 on morphokinetic events and ICSI outcomes was evaluated. Embryos derived from patients in the COVID group presented longer time to pronuclei appearance and fading, time to form two, three, four and five cells, and time to blastulation. The durations of the third cell cycle and to time to complete synchronous divisions were also significantly increased in the COVID group compared with the control group, whereas known implantation diagnosis score Day 5 ranked significantly lower in the COVID group. No differences were observed between the COVID and control groups on clinical outcomes. In conclusion, patients planning parenthood, who have recovered from COVID-19 infection, must be aware of a possible effect of the infection on embryo development potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela P. A. F. Braga
- Fertility Medical GroupSão PauloBrazil,Instituto Sapientiae – Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em Reprodução Humana AssistidaSão PauloBrazil
| | - Amanda S. Setti
- Fertility Medical GroupSão PauloBrazil,Instituto Sapientiae – Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em Reprodução Humana AssistidaSão PauloBrazil
| | - Assumpto Iaconelli
- Fertility Medical GroupSão PauloBrazil,Instituto Sapientiae – Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em Reprodução Humana AssistidaSão PauloBrazil
| | - Edson Borges
- Fertility Medical GroupSão PauloBrazil,Instituto Sapientiae – Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em Reprodução Humana AssistidaSão PauloBrazil
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20
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Kaushik NK, Bhartiya P, Kaushik N, Shin Y, Nguyen LN, Park JS, Kim D, Choi EH. Nitric-oxide enriched plasma-activated water inactivates 229E coronavirus and alters antiviral response genes in human lung host cells. Bioact Mater 2023; 19:569-580. [PMID: 35574062 PMCID: PMC9080223 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2022.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The ongoing pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, is influencing global health. Moreover, there is a major threat of future coronaviruses affecting the entire world in a similar, or even more dreadful, manner. Therefore, effective and biocompatible therapeutic options against coronaviruses are urgently needed. To address this challenge, medical specialists require a well-informed and safe approach to treating human coronaviruses (HCoVs). Herein, an environmental friendly approach for viral inactivation, based on plasma technology, was considered. A microwave plasma system was employed for the generation of the high amount of gaseous nitric oxide to prepare nitric oxide enriched plasma-activated water (NO-PAW), the effects of which on coronaviruses, have not been reported to date. To determine these effects, alpha-HCoV-229E was used in an experimental model. We found that NO-PAW treatment effectively inhibited coronavirus infection in host lung cells, visualized by evaluating the cytopathic effect and expression level of spike proteins. Interestingly, NO-PAW showed minimal toxicity towards lung host cells, suggesting its potential for therapeutic application. Moreover, this new approach resulted in viral inactivation and greatly improved the gene levels involved in host antiviral responses. Together, our findings provide evidence of an initiation point for further progress toward the clinical development of antiviral treatments, including such coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagendra Kumar Kaushik
- Department of Electrical and Biological Physics, Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Kwangwoon University, Seoul, 01897, Republic of Korea
| | - Pradeep Bhartiya
- Department of Electrical and Biological Physics, Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Kwangwoon University, Seoul, 01897, Republic of Korea
| | - Neha Kaushik
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Engineering, The University of Suwon, Hwaseong-si, 18323, Republic of Korea
| | - Yungoh Shin
- Department of Electrical and Biological Physics, Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Kwangwoon University, Seoul, 01897, Republic of Korea
| | - Linh Nhat Nguyen
- Department of Electrical and Biological Physics, Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Kwangwoon University, Seoul, 01897, Republic of Korea
| | - Jang Sick Park
- Department of Electrical and Biological Physics, Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Kwangwoon University, Seoul, 01897, Republic of Korea
| | - Doyoung Kim
- Department of Electrical and Biological Physics, Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Kwangwoon University, Seoul, 01897, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Ha Choi
- Department of Electrical and Biological Physics, Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Kwangwoon University, Seoul, 01897, Republic of Korea
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Graña C, Ghosn L, Evrenoglou T, Jarde A, Minozzi S, Bergman H, Buckley BS, Probyn K, Villanueva G, Henschke N, Bonnet H, Assi R, Menon S, Marti M, Devane D, Mallon P, Lelievre JD, Askie LM, Kredo T, Ferrand G, Davidson M, Riveros C, Tovey D, Meerpohl JJ, Grasselli G, Rada G, Hróbjartsson A, Ravaud P, Chaimani A, Boutron I. Efficacy and safety of COVID-19 vaccines. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2022; 12:CD015477. [PMID: 36473651 PMCID: PMC9726273 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd015477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Different forms of vaccines have been developed to prevent the SARS-CoV-2 virus and subsequent COVID-19 disease. Several are in widespread use globally. OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy and safety of COVID-19 vaccines (as a full primary vaccination series or a booster dose) against SARS-CoV-2. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane COVID-19 Study Register and the COVID-19 L·OVE platform (last search date 5 November 2021). We also searched the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, regulatory agency websites, and Retraction Watch. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing COVID-19 vaccines to placebo, no vaccine, other active vaccines, or other vaccine schedules. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard Cochrane methods. We used GRADE to assess the certainty of evidence for all except immunogenicity outcomes. We synthesized data for each vaccine separately and presented summary effect estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). MAIN RESULTS: We included and analyzed 41 RCTs assessing 12 different vaccines, including homologous and heterologous vaccine schedules and the effect of booster doses. Thirty-two RCTs were multicentre and five were multinational. The sample sizes of RCTs were 60 to 44,325 participants. Participants were aged: 18 years or older in 36 RCTs; 12 years or older in one RCT; 12 to 17 years in two RCTs; and three to 17 years in two RCTs. Twenty-nine RCTs provided results for individuals aged over 60 years, and three RCTs included immunocompromized patients. No trials included pregnant women. Sixteen RCTs had two-month follow-up or less, 20 RCTs had two to six months, and five RCTs had greater than six to 12 months or less. Eighteen reports were based on preplanned interim analyses. Overall risk of bias was low for all outcomes in eight RCTs, while 33 had concerns for at least one outcome. We identified 343 registered RCTs with results not yet available. This abstract reports results for the critical outcomes of confirmed symptomatic COVID-19, severe and critical COVID-19, and serious adverse events only for the 10 WHO-approved vaccines. For remaining outcomes and vaccines, see main text. The evidence for mortality was generally sparse and of low or very low certainty for all WHO-approved vaccines, except AD26.COV2.S (Janssen), which probably reduces the risk of all-cause mortality (risk ratio (RR) 0.25, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.67; 1 RCT, 43,783 participants; high-certainty evidence). Confirmed symptomatic COVID-19 High-certainty evidence found that BNT162b2 (BioNtech/Fosun Pharma/Pfizer), mRNA-1273 (ModernaTx), ChAdOx1 (Oxford/AstraZeneca), Ad26.COV2.S, BBIBP-CorV (Sinopharm-Beijing), and BBV152 (Bharat Biotect) reduce the incidence of symptomatic COVID-19 compared to placebo (vaccine efficacy (VE): BNT162b2: 97.84%, 95% CI 44.25% to 99.92%; 2 RCTs, 44,077 participants; mRNA-1273: 93.20%, 95% CI 91.06% to 94.83%; 2 RCTs, 31,632 participants; ChAdOx1: 70.23%, 95% CI 62.10% to 76.62%; 2 RCTs, 43,390 participants; Ad26.COV2.S: 66.90%, 95% CI 59.10% to 73.40%; 1 RCT, 39,058 participants; BBIBP-CorV: 78.10%, 95% CI 64.80% to 86.30%; 1 RCT, 25,463 participants; BBV152: 77.80%, 95% CI 65.20% to 86.40%; 1 RCT, 16,973 participants). Moderate-certainty evidence found that NVX-CoV2373 (Novavax) probably reduces the incidence of symptomatic COVID-19 compared to placebo (VE 82.91%, 95% CI 50.49% to 94.10%; 3 RCTs, 42,175 participants). There is low-certainty evidence for CoronaVac (Sinovac) for this outcome (VE 69.81%, 95% CI 12.27% to 89.61%; 2 RCTs, 19,852 participants). Severe or critical COVID-19 High-certainty evidence found that BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, Ad26.COV2.S, and BBV152 result in a large reduction in incidence of severe or critical disease due to COVID-19 compared to placebo (VE: BNT162b2: 95.70%, 95% CI 73.90% to 99.90%; 1 RCT, 46,077 participants; mRNA-1273: 98.20%, 95% CI 92.80% to 99.60%; 1 RCT, 28,451 participants; AD26.COV2.S: 76.30%, 95% CI 57.90% to 87.50%; 1 RCT, 39,058 participants; BBV152: 93.40%, 95% CI 57.10% to 99.80%; 1 RCT, 16,976 participants). Moderate-certainty evidence found that NVX-CoV2373 probably reduces the incidence of severe or critical COVID-19 (VE 100.00%, 95% CI 86.99% to 100.00%; 1 RCT, 25,452 participants). Two trials reported high efficacy of CoronaVac for severe or critical disease with wide CIs, but these results could not be pooled. Serious adverse events (SAEs) mRNA-1273, ChAdOx1 (Oxford-AstraZeneca)/SII-ChAdOx1 (Serum Institute of India), Ad26.COV2.S, and BBV152 probably result in little or no difference in SAEs compared to placebo (RR: mRNA-1273: 0.92, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.08; 2 RCTs, 34,072 participants; ChAdOx1/SII-ChAdOx1: 0.88, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.07; 7 RCTs, 58,182 participants; Ad26.COV2.S: 0.92, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.22; 1 RCT, 43,783 participants); BBV152: 0.65, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.97; 1 RCT, 25,928 participants). In each of these, the likely absolute difference in effects was fewer than 5/1000 participants. Evidence for SAEs is uncertain for BNT162b2, CoronaVac, BBIBP-CorV, and NVX-CoV2373 compared to placebo (RR: BNT162b2: 1.30, 95% CI 0.55 to 3.07; 2 RCTs, 46,107 participants; CoronaVac: 0.97, 95% CI 0.62 to 1.51; 4 RCTs, 23,139 participants; BBIBP-CorV: 0.76, 95% CI 0.54 to 1.06; 1 RCT, 26,924 participants; NVX-CoV2373: 0.92, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.14; 4 RCTs, 38,802 participants). For the evaluation of heterologous schedules, booster doses, and efficacy against variants of concern, see main text of review. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Compared to placebo, most vaccines reduce, or likely reduce, the proportion of participants with confirmed symptomatic COVID-19, and for some, there is high-certainty evidence that they reduce severe or critical disease. There is probably little or no difference between most vaccines and placebo for serious adverse events. Over 300 registered RCTs are evaluating the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines, and this review is updated regularly on the COVID-NMA platform (covid-nma.com). Implications for practice Due to the trial exclusions, these results cannot be generalized to pregnant women, individuals with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection, or immunocompromized people. Most trials had a short follow-up and were conducted before the emergence of variants of concern. Implications for research Future research should evaluate the long-term effect of vaccines, compare different vaccines and vaccine schedules, assess vaccine efficacy and safety in specific populations, and include outcomes such as preventing long COVID-19. Ongoing evaluation of vaccine efficacy and effectiveness against emerging variants of concern is also vital.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Graña
- Cochrane France, Paris, France
- Centre of Research in Epidemiology and Statistics (CRESS), INSERM, INRAE, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Lina Ghosn
- Cochrane France, Paris, France
- Centre of Research in Epidemiology and Statistics (CRESS), INSERM, INRAE, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Theodoros Evrenoglou
- Centre of Research in Epidemiology and Statistics (CRESS), INSERM, INRAE, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Alexander Jarde
- Cochrane France, Paris, France
- Centre of Research in Epidemiology and Statistics (CRESS), INSERM, INRAE, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hillary Bonnet
- Cochrane France, Paris, France
- Centre of Research in Epidemiology and Statistics (CRESS), INSERM, INRAE, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Rouba Assi
- Cochrane France, Paris, France
- Centre of Research in Epidemiology and Statistics (CRESS), INSERM, INRAE, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | | | - Melanie Marti
- Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Declan Devane
- Evidence Synthesis Ireland, Cochrane Ireland and HRB-Trials Methodology Research Network, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Patrick Mallon
- UCD Centre for Experimental Pathogen Host Research and UCD School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jean-Daniel Lelievre
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Henri Mondor Hospital, Vaccine Research Institute, Université Paris Est Créteil, Paris, France
| | - Lisa M Askie
- Quality Assurance Norms and Standards Department, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Tamara Kredo
- Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Mauricia Davidson
- Cochrane France, Paris, France
- Centre of Research in Epidemiology and Statistics (CRESS), INSERM, INRAE, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Carolina Riveros
- Cochrane France, Paris, France
- Centre of Research in Epidemiology and Statistics (CRESS), INSERM, INRAE, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | | | - Joerg J Meerpohl
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine, Medical Center & Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Cochrane Germany, Cochrane Germany Foundation, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Giacomo Grasselli
- Department of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Emergency, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriel Rada
- Epistemonikos Foundation, Santiago, Chile
- UC Evidence Center, Cochrane Chile Associated Center, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Asbjørn Hróbjartsson
- Centre for Evidence Based Medicine Odense (CEBMO) and Cochrane Denmark, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Open Patient data Explorative Network (OPEN), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Philippe Ravaud
- Cochrane France, Paris, France
- Centre of Research in Epidemiology and Statistics (CRESS), INSERM, INRAE, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Anna Chaimani
- Cochrane France, Paris, France
- Centre of Research in Epidemiology and Statistics (CRESS), INSERM, INRAE, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Boutron
- Cochrane France, Paris, France
- Centre of Research in Epidemiology and Statistics (CRESS), INSERM, INRAE, Université de Paris, Paris, France
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Mi Y, Liang L, Xu K, Li Q, Wang W, Dang W, Deng J, Zhi Y, Li X, Tan J. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus-like particles induce dendritic cell maturation and modulate T cell immunity. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:986350. [DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.986350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen-presenting cells that play an important role in both innate and acquired immune responses against pathogens. However, the role of DCs in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is unclear. Virus-like particles (VLPs) that structurally mimic the original virus are one of the candidates COVID-19 vaccines. In the present study, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) VLPs were used as an alternative to live virus to evaluate the interaction of the virus with DCs. The results revealed that SARS-CoV-2 VLPs induced DC maturation by augmenting cell surface molecule expression (CD80, CD86, and major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II)) and inflammatory cytokine production (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-12p70) in DCs via the mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor-κB signaling pathways. In addition, mature DCs induced by SARS-CoV-2 VLPs promoted T cell proliferation, which was dependent on VLPs concentration. Our results suggest that SARS-CoV-2 VLPs regulate the immune response by interacting with DCs. These findings will improve the understanding of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and SARS-CoV-2 vaccine development.
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Kumar CS, Singh B, Rizvi ZA, Parray HA, Verma JK, Ghosh S, Mukhopadhyay A, Awasthi A, Shrivastava T, Banerjee M. Virus-Like Particles of SARS-CoV-2 as Virus Surrogates: Morphology, Immunogenicity, and Internalization in Neuronal Cells. ACS Infect Dis 2022; 8:2119-2132. [PMID: 36129193 PMCID: PMC9514328 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.2c00217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The engineering of virus-like particles (VLPs) is a viable strategy for the development of vaccines and for the identification of therapeutic targets without using live viruses. Here, we report the generation and characterization of quadruple-antigen SARS-CoV-2 VLPs. VLPs were generated by transient transfection of two expression cassettes in adherent HEK293T cells─one cassette containing Mpro for processing of three structural proteins (M, E, and N), and the second cassette expressing the Spike protein. Further characterization revealed that the VLPs retain close morphological and antigenic similarity with the native virus and also bind strongly to the SARS-CoV-2 receptor hACE-2 in an in vitro binding assay. Interestingly, the VLPs were found to internalize into U87-MG cells through cholesterol-rich domains in a dynamin-dependent process. Finally, our results showed that mice immunized with VLPs induce robust humoral and cellular immune responses mediated by enhanced levels of IL-4, IL-17, and IFNγ. Taken together, our results demonstrate that VLPs mimic the native virus and induce a strong immune response, indicating the possible use of these particles as an alternative vaccine candidate against SARS-CoV-2. VLPs can also be effective in mapping the initial stages of virus entry and screening inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandra Shekhar Kumar
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences,
Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New
Delhi110016, India
| | - Balwant Singh
- Translational Health Science and
Technology Institute (THSTI), NCR Biotech Science Cluster 3rd Milestone,
Faridabad - Gurgaon Rd, Expressway, Faridabad, Haryana121001,
India
| | - Zaigham Abbas Rizvi
- Translational Health Science and
Technology Institute (THSTI), NCR Biotech Science Cluster 3rd Milestone,
Faridabad - Gurgaon Rd, Expressway, Faridabad, Haryana121001,
India
- Immunobiology/Immunology Core Laboratory,
Translational Health Science and Technology Institute
(THSTI), NCR Biotech Science Cluster 3rd Milestone, Faridabad - Gurgaon Rd,
Expressway, Faridabad, Haryana121001, India
| | - Hilal Ahmad Parray
- Translational Health Science and
Technology Institute (THSTI), NCR Biotech Science Cluster 3rd Milestone,
Faridabad - Gurgaon Rd, Expressway, Faridabad, Haryana121001,
India
| | - Jitender Kumar Verma
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences,
Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New
Delhi110016, India
| | - Sukanya Ghosh
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences,
Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New
Delhi110016, India
| | - Amitabha Mukhopadhyay
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences,
Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New
Delhi110016, India
| | - Amit Awasthi
- Translational Health Science and
Technology Institute (THSTI), NCR Biotech Science Cluster 3rd Milestone,
Faridabad - Gurgaon Rd, Expressway, Faridabad, Haryana121001,
India
- Immunobiology/Immunology Core Laboratory,
Translational Health Science and Technology Institute
(THSTI), NCR Biotech Science Cluster 3rd Milestone, Faridabad - Gurgaon Rd,
Expressway, Faridabad, Haryana121001, India
| | - Tripti Shrivastava
- Translational Health Science and
Technology Institute (THSTI), NCR Biotech Science Cluster 3rd Milestone,
Faridabad - Gurgaon Rd, Expressway, Faridabad, Haryana121001,
India
| | - Manidipa Banerjee
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences,
Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New
Delhi110016, India
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Li S, Zandi R. Biophysical Modeling of SARS-CoV-2 Assembly: Genome Condensation and Budding. Viruses 2022; 14:2089. [PMID: 36298645 PMCID: PMC9611094 DOI: 10.3390/v14102089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spurred unprecedented and concerted worldwide research to curtail and eradicate this pathogen. SARS-CoV-2 has four structural proteins: Envelope (E), Membrane (M), Nucleocapsid (N), and Spike (S), which self-assemble along with its RNA into the infectious virus by budding from intracellular lipid membranes. In this paper, we develop a model to explore the mechanisms of RNA condensation by structural proteins, protein oligomerization and cellular membrane-protein interactions that control the budding process and the ultimate virus structure. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we have deciphered how the positively charged N proteins interact and condense the very long genomic RNA resulting in its packaging by a lipid envelope decorated with structural proteins inside a host cell. Furthermore, considering the length of RNA and the size of the virus, we find that the intrinsic curvature of M proteins is essential for virus budding. While most current research has focused on the S protein, which is responsible for viral entry, and it has been motivated by the need to develop efficacious vaccines, the development of resistance through mutations in this crucial protein makes it essential to elucidate the details of the viral life cycle to identify other drug targets for future therapy. Our simulations will provide insight into the viral life cycle through the assembly of viral particles de novo and potentially identify therapeutic targets for future drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Li
- Songshan Lake Materials Laboratory, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Roya Zandi
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
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Manan A, Pirzada RH, Haseeb M, Choi S. Toll-like Receptor Mediation in SARS-CoV-2: A Therapeutic Approach. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:10716. [PMID: 36142620 PMCID: PMC9502216 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The innate immune system facilitates defense mechanisms against pathogen invasion and cell damage. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) assist in the activation of the innate immune system by binding to pathogenic ligands. This leads to the generation of intracellular signaling cascades including the biosynthesis of molecular mediators. TLRs on cell membranes are adept at recognizing viral components. Viruses can modulate the innate immune response with the help of proteins and RNAs that downregulate or upregulate the expression of various TLRs. In the case of COVID-19, molecular modulators such as type 1 interferons interfere with signaling pathways in the host cells, leading to an inflammatory response. Coronaviruses are responsible for an enhanced immune signature of inflammatory chemokines and cytokines. TLRs have been employed as therapeutic agents in viral infections as numerous antiviral Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs are TLR agonists. This review highlights the therapeutic approaches associated with SARS-CoV-2 and the TLRs involved in COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Manan
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Korea
| | | | - Muhammad Haseeb
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Korea
- S&K Therapeutics, Ajou University Campus Plaza 418, 199 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16502, Korea
| | - Sangdun Choi
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Korea
- S&K Therapeutics, Ajou University Campus Plaza 418, 199 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16502, Korea
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Feng X, Zhang X, Jiang S, Tang Y, Cheng C, Krishna PA, Wang X, Dai J, Zhao D, Xia T, Zeng J. A DNA-based non-infectious replicon system to study SARS-CoV-2 RNA synthesis. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:5193-5202. [PMID: 36059866 PMCID: PMC9424123 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.08.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has seriously affected public health around the world. In-depth studies on the pathogenic mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 is urgently necessary for pandemic prevention. However, most laboratory studies on SARS-CoV-2 have to be carried out in bio-safety level 3 (BSL-3) laboratories, greatly restricting the progress of relevant experiments. In this study, we used a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) method to assemble a SARS-CoV-2 replication and transcription system in Vero E6 cells without virion envelope formation, thus avoiding the risk of coronavirus exposure. Furthermore, an improved real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) approach was used to distinguish the replication of full-length replicon RNAs and transcription of subgenomic RNAs (sgRNAs). Using the SARS-CoV-2 replicon, we demonstrated that the nucleocapsid (N) protein of SARS-CoV-2 facilitates the transcription of sgRNAs in the discontinuous synthesis process. Moreover, two high-frequency mutants of N protein, R203K and S194L, can obviously enhance the transcription level of the replicon, hinting that these mutations likely allow SARS-CoV-2 to spread and reproduce more quickly. In addition, remdesivir and chloroquine, two well-known drugs demonstrated to be effective against coronavirus in previous studies, also inhibited the transcription of our replicon, indicating the potential applications of this system in antiviral drug discovery. Overall, we developed a bio-safe and valuable replicon system of SARS-CoV-2 that is useful to study the mechanisms of viral RNA synthesis and has potential in novel antiviral drug screening.
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Fernandes B, Correia R, Alves PM, Roldão A. Intensifying Continuous Production of Gag-HA VLPs at High Cell Density Using Stable Insect Cells Adapted to Low Culture Temperature. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:917746. [PMID: 35845394 PMCID: PMC9277389 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.917746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein production processes based on stable insect cell lines require intensification to be competitive with the insect cell-baculovirus expression vector system (IC-BEVS). High cell density (HCD) cultures operate continuously, capable of maintaining specific production rates for extended periods of time which may lead to significant improvements in production yields. However, setting up such processes is challenging (e.g., selection of cell retention device and optimization of dilution rate), often demanding the manipulation of large volumes of culture medium with associated high cost. In this study, we developed a process for continuous production of Gag virus–like particles (VLP) pseudotyped with a model membrane protein (influenza hemagglutinin, HA) at HCD using stable insect cells adapted to low culture temperature. The impact of the cell retention device (ATF vs. TFF) and cell-specific perfusion rate (CSPR) on cell growth and protein expression kinetics was evaluated. Continuous production of Gag-HA VLPs was possible using both retention devices and CSPR of 0.04 nL/cell.d; TFF induces higher cell lysis when compared to ATF at later stages of the process (kD = 0.009 vs. 0.005 h−1, for TFF and ATF, respectively). Reducing CSPR to 0.01–0.02 nL/cell.d using ATF had a negligible impact on specific production rates (rHA = 72–68 titer/109 cell.h and rp24 = 12–11 pg/106 cell.h in all CSPR) and on particle morphology (round-shaped structures displaying HA spikes on their surface) and size distribution profile (peaks at approximately 100 nm). Notably, at these CSPRs, the amount of p24 or HA formed per volume of culture medium consumed per unit of process time increases by up to 3-fold when compared to batch and perfusion operation modes. Overall, this work demonstrates the potential of manipulating CSPRs to intensify the continuous production of Gag-HA VLPs at HCD using stable insect cells to make them an attractive alternative platform to IC-BEVS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Fernandes
- IBET-Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Correia
- IBET-Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Paula M. Alves
- IBET-Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - António Roldão
- IBET-Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
- *Correspondence: António Roldão,
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28
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Park JE, Kim JH, Park JY, Jun SH, Shin HJ. A chimeric MERS-CoV virus-like particle vaccine protects mice against MERS-CoV challenge. Virol J 2022; 19:112. [PMID: 35761402 PMCID: PMC9235161 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-022-01844-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) causes severe respiratory disease in humans, with a case fatality rate of approximately 35%, thus posing a considerable threat to public health. The lack of approved vaccines or antivirals currently constitutes a barrier in controlling disease outbreaks and spread. Methods In this study, using a mammalian expression system, which is advantageous for maintaining correct protein glycosylation patterns, we constructed chimeric MERS-CoV virus-like particles (VLPs) and determined their immunogenicity and protective efficacy in mice. Results Western blot and cryo-electron microscopy analyses demonstrated that MERS-CoV VLPs were efficiently produced in cells co-transfected with MERS-CoV spike (S), envelope, membrane and murine hepatitis virus nucleocapsid genes. We examined their ability as a vaccine in a human dipeptidyl peptidase 4 knock-in C57BL/6 congenic mouse model. Mice immunized with MERS VLPs produced S-specific antibodies with virus neutralization activity. Furthermore, MERS-CoV VLP immunization provided complete protection against a lethal challenge with mouse-adapted MERS-CoV and improved virus clearance in the lung. Conclusions Overall, these data demonstrate that MERS-CoV VLPs have excellent immunogenicity and represent a promising vaccine candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Eun Park
- Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea. .,Research Institute of Veterinary Research, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ji-Hee Kim
- Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Yeon Park
- Laboratory of Veterinary Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Hoon Jun
- Electron Microscopy & Spectroscopy Team, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju, Chungcheongbukdo, 28119, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Jin Shin
- Laboratory of Veterinary Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea. .,Research Institute of Veterinary Research, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea.
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Rath SL, Tripathy M, Mandal N. How Does Temperature Affect the Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 M Proteins? Insights from Molecular Dynamics Simulations. J Membr Biol 2022; 255:341-356. [PMID: 35552785 PMCID: PMC9101995 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-022-00244-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Enveloped viruses, in general, have several transmembrane proteins and glycoproteins, which assist the virus in entry and attachment onto the host cells. These proteins also play a significant role in determining the shape and size of the newly formed virus particles. The lipid membrane and the embedded proteins affect each other in non-trivial ways during the course of the viral life cycle. Unraveling the nature of the protein-protein and protein-lipid interactions, under various environmental and physiological conditions, could therefore prove to be crucial in development of therapeutics. Here, we study the M protein of SARS-CoV-2 to understand the effect of temperature on the properties of the protein-membrane system. The membrane-embedded dimeric M proteins were studied using atomistic and coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations at temperatures ranging between 10 and 50 °C. While temperature-induced fluctuations are expected to be monotonic, we observe a steady rise in the protein dynamics up to 40 °C, beyond which it surprisingly reverts back to the low-temperature behavior. Detailed investigation reveals disordering of the membrane lipids in the presence of the protein, which induces additional curvature around the transmembrane region. Coarse-grained simulations indicate temperature-dependent aggregation of M protein dimers. Our study clearly indicates that the dynamics of membrane lipids and integral M protein of SARS-CoV-2 enables it to better associate and aggregate only at a certain temperature range (i.e., ~ 30-40 °C). This can have important implications in the protein aggregation and subsequent viral budding/fission processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumya Lipsa Rath
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Warangal (NITW), Telangana, 506004, India.
| | - Madhusmita Tripathy
- Eduard-Zintl-Institut für Anorganische und Physikalische Chemie, Technische Universität Darmstadt, 64287, Darmstadt, Germany.
| | - Nabanita Mandal
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Warangal (NITW), Telangana, 506004, India
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30
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SARS-CoV-2 Envelope (E) Protein Binds and Activates TLR2 Pathway: A Novel Molecular Target for COVID-19 Interventions. Viruses 2022; 14:v14050999. [PMID: 35632741 PMCID: PMC9146335 DOI: 10.3390/v14050999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper presents a molecular characterization of the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 envelope (E) protein and TLR2. We demonstrated that the E protein, both as a recombinant soluble protein and as a native membrane protein associated with SARS-CoV-2 viral particles, interacts physically with the TLR2 receptor in a specific and dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, we showed that the specific interaction with the TLR2 pathway activates the NF-κB transcription factor and stimulates the production of the CXCL8 inflammatory chemokine. In agreement with the importance of NF-κB in the TLR signaling pathway, we showed that the chemical inhibition of this transcription factor leads to significant inhibition of CXCL8 production, while the blockade of the P38 and ERK1/2 MAP kinases only results in partial CXCL8 inhibition. Overall, our findings propose the envelope (E) protein as a novel molecular target for COVID-19 interventions: either (i) by exploring the therapeutic effect of anti-E blocking/neutralizing antibodies in symptomatic COVID-19 patients, or (ii) as a promising non-spike SARS-CoV-2 antigen candidate for inclusion in the development of next-generation prophylactic vaccines against COVID-19 infection and disease.
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31
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Sullivan E, Sung PY, Wu W, Berry N, Kempster S, Ferguson D, Almond N, Jones IM, Roy P. SARS-CoV-2 Virus-like Particles Produced by a Single Recombinant Baculovirus Generate Anti-S Antibody and Protect against Variant Challenge. Viruses 2022; 14:914. [PMID: 35632656 PMCID: PMC9143203 DOI: 10.3390/v14050914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by infection with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has highlighted the need for the rapid generation of efficient vaccines for emerging disease. Virus-like particles, VLPs, are an established vaccine technology that produces virus-like mimics, based on expression of the structural proteins of a target virus. SARS-CoV-2 is a coronavirus where the basis of VLP formation has been shown to be the co-expression of the spike, membrane and envelope structural proteins. Here we describe the generation of SARS-CoV-2 VLPs by the co-expression of the salient structural proteins in insect cells using the established baculovirus expression system. VLPs were heterologous ~100 nm diameter enveloped particles with a distinct fringe that reacted strongly with SARS-CoV-2 convalescent sera. In a Syrian hamster challenge model, non-adjuvanted VLPs induced neutralizing antibodies to the VLP-associated Wuhan S protein and reduced virus shedding and protected against disease associated weight loss following a virulent challenge with SARS-CoV-2 (B.1.1.7 variant). Immunized animals showed reduced lung pathology and lower challenge virus replication than the non-immunized controls. Our data suggest SARS-CoV-2 VLPs offer an efficient vaccine that mitigates against virus load and prevents severe disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Sullivan
- Department of Pathogen Molecular Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK; (E.S.); (P.-Y.S.); (W.W.)
| | - Po-Yu Sung
- Department of Pathogen Molecular Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK; (E.S.); (P.-Y.S.); (W.W.)
| | - Weining Wu
- Department of Pathogen Molecular Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK; (E.S.); (P.-Y.S.); (W.W.)
| | - Neil Berry
- Division of Infectious Disease Diagnostics, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Potters Bar EN6 3QG, UK; (N.B.); (S.K.); (D.F.); (N.A.)
| | - Sarah Kempster
- Division of Infectious Disease Diagnostics, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Potters Bar EN6 3QG, UK; (N.B.); (S.K.); (D.F.); (N.A.)
| | - Deborah Ferguson
- Division of Infectious Disease Diagnostics, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Potters Bar EN6 3QG, UK; (N.B.); (S.K.); (D.F.); (N.A.)
| | - Neil Almond
- Division of Infectious Disease Diagnostics, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Potters Bar EN6 3QG, UK; (N.B.); (S.K.); (D.F.); (N.A.)
| | - Ian M. Jones
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6AH, UK;
| | - Polly Roy
- Department of Pathogen Molecular Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK; (E.S.); (P.-Y.S.); (W.W.)
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32
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Goh GKM, Dunker AK, Foster JA, Uversky VN. Computational, Experimental, and Clinical Evidence of a Specific but Peculiar Evolutionary Nature of (COVID-19) SARS-CoV-2. J Proteome Res 2022; 21:874-890. [PMID: 35142523 PMCID: PMC8864774 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.2c00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The shell disorder models have predicted that SARS-CoV-2 is of a specific but peculiar evolutionary nature. All coronaviruses (CoVs) closely related to SARS-CoV-2 have been found to have the hardest outer shells (M protein) among CoVs. This hard shell (low M percentage of intrinsic disorder (PID)) is associated with burrowing animals, for example, pangolins, and is believed to be responsible for the high contagiousness of SARS-CoV-2 because it will be more resistant to antimicrobial enzymes found in saliva/mucus. Incoming clinical and experimental data do support this along with a prediction based on another aspect of the shell (N, inner shell) disorder models that SARS-CoV-1 is more virulent than SARS-CoV-2 because SARS-CoV-2 produces fewer virus copies in vital organs even if large amounts of infections particles are shed orally and nasally. A phylogenetic study using M reveals a closer relationship of SARS-CoV to pangolin-CoVs than the bat-RaTG13 found in Yunnan, China. Previous studies may have been confused by recombinations that were poorly handled. The shell disorder models suggest that a pangolin-CoV strain may have entered the human population in 2017 or before as an attenuated virus, which could explain why SARS-CoV is found to be highly adapted to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - A. Keith Dunker
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics,
Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
46202, United States
| | - James A. Foster
- Department of Biological Sciences,
University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho 83844, United
States
- Institute for Bioinformatics and Evolutionary Studies,
University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho 83844, United
States
| | - Vladimir N. Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine, USF Health Byrd
Alzheimer’s Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine,
University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620,
United States
- Laboratory of New Methods in Biology, Institute for
Biological Instrumentation of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Federal
Research Center “Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the
Russian Academy of Sciences”, Pushchino, Moscow Region 142290,
Russia
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33
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Mir I, Aamir S, Shah SRH, Shahid M, Amin I, Afzal S, Nawaz A, Khan MU, Idrees M. Immune-related therapeutics: an update on antiviral drugs and vaccines to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic. Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2022; 13:84-100. [PMID: 35538681 PMCID: PMC9091641 DOI: 10.24171/j.phrp.2022.0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic rapidly spread globally. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes COVID-19, is a positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus with a reported fatality rate ranging from 1% to 7%, and people with immune-compromised conditions, children, and older adults are particularly vulnerable. Respiratory failure and cytokine storm-induced multiple organ failure are the major causes of death. This article highlights the innate and adaptive immune mechanisms of host cells activated in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection and possible therapeutic approaches against COVID-19. Some potential drugs proven to be effective for other viral diseases are under clinical trials now for use against COVID-19. Examples include inhibitors of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (remdesivir, favipiravir, ribavirin), viral protein synthesis (ivermectin, lopinavir/ ritonavir), and fusion of the viral membrane with host cells (chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, nitazoxanide, and umifenovir). This article also presents the intellectual groundwork for the ongoing development of vaccines in preclinical and clinical trials, explaining potential candidates (live attenuated-whole virus vaccines, inactivated vaccines, subunit vaccines, DNAbased vaccines, protein-based vaccines, nanoparticle-based vaccines, virus-like particles and mRNA-based vaccines). Designing and developing an effective vaccine (both prophylactic and therapeutic) would be a long-term solution and the most effective way to eliminate the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iqra Mir
- Division of Molecular Virology and Infectious Diseases, National Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Sania Aamir
- Division of Molecular Virology and Infectious Diseases, National Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Syed Rizwan Hussain Shah
- Division of Molecular Virology and Infectious Diseases, National Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Shahid
- Division of Molecular Virology and Infectious Diseases, National Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Iram Amin
- Division of Molecular Virology and Infectious Diseases, National Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Samia Afzal
- Division of Molecular Virology and Infectious Diseases, National Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Amjad Nawaz
- Division of Molecular Virology and Infectious Diseases, National Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Umer Khan
- University Institute of Medical lab Technology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Idrees
- Division of Molecular Virology and Infectious Diseases, National Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
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34
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Boix-Besora A, Lorenzo E, Lavado-García J, Gòdia F, Cervera L. Optimization, Production, Purification and Characterization of HIV-1 GAG-Based Virus-like Particles Functionalized with SARS-CoV-2. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10020250. [PMID: 35214708 PMCID: PMC8874421 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10020250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) constitute a promising approach to recombinant vaccine development. They are robust, safe, versatile and highly immunogenic supra-molecular structures that closely mimic the native conformation of viruses without carrying their genetic material. HIV-1 Gag VLPs share similar characteristics with wild-type severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, making them a suitable platform for the expression of its spike membrane protein to generate a potential vaccine candidate for COVID-19. This work proposes a methodology for the generation of SARS-CoV-2 VLPs by their co-expression with HIV-1 Gag protein. We achieved VLP functionalization with coronavirus spike protein, optimized its expression using a design of experiments (DoE). We also performed the bioprocess at a bioreactor scale followed by a scalable downstream purification process consisting of two clarifications, an ion exchange and size-exclusion chromatography. The whole production process is conceived to enhance its transferability at current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) industrial scale manufacturing. Moreover, the approach proposed could be expanded to produce additional Gag-based VLPs against different diseases or COVID-19 variants.
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35
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Saini S, Agarwal M, Pradhan A, Pareek S, Singh AK, Dhawan G, Dhawan U, Kumar Y. Exploring the role of framework mutations in enabling breadth of a cross-reactive antibody (CR3022) against the SARS-CoV-2 RBD and its variants of concern. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022; 41:2341-2354. [PMID: 35098888 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2030800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cross-reactive and broadly neutralizing antibodies against surface proteins of diverse strains of rapidly evolving viral pathogens like SARS-CoV-2 can prevent infection and therefore are crucial for the development of effective universal vaccines. While antibodies typically incorporate mutations in their complementarity determining regions during affinity maturation, mutations in the framework regions have been reported as players in determining properties of broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV and the Influenza virus. We propose an increase in the cross-reactive potential of CR3022 against the emerging SARS- CoV-2 variants of concern through enhanced conformational flexibility. In this study, we use molecular dynamics simulations, in silico mutagenesis, structural modeling, and docking to explore the role of light chain FWR mutations in CR3022, a SARS-CoV anti-spike (S)-protein antibody cross-reactive to the S-protein receptor binding domain of SARS-CoV-2. Our study shows that single substitutions in the light chain framework region of CR3022 with conserved epitopes across SARS-CoV strains allow targeting of diverse antibody epitope footprints that align with the epitopes of recently-categorized neutralizing antibody classes while enabling binding to more than one strain of SARS-CoV-2. Our study has implications for rapid and evolution-based engineering of broadly neutralizing antibodies and reaffirms the role of framework mutations in effective change of antibody orientation and conformation via improved flexibility.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samvedna Saini
- Department of Biological Sciences and Engineering, Netaji Subhas University of Technology, New Delhi, India
| | - Manusmriti Agarwal
- Department of Biological Sciences and Engineering, Netaji Subhas University of Technology, New Delhi, India.,Faculty of Technology, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Amartya Pradhan
- Department of Biological Sciences and Engineering, Netaji Subhas University of Technology, New Delhi, India.,Faculty of Technology, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India.,Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, India
| | - Savitha Pareek
- High Performance Computing (HPC) & AI Innovation Lab, Dell EMC, Bengaluru, India
| | - Ashish K Singh
- High Performance Computing (HPC) & AI Innovation Lab, Dell EMC, Bengaluru, India
| | - Gagan Dhawan
- Department of Biomedical Science, Acharya Narendra Dev College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Uma Dhawan
- Department of Biomedical Science, Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Sciences, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Yatender Kumar
- Department of Biological Sciences and Engineering, Netaji Subhas University of Technology, New Delhi, India
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36
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Abstract
The coronaviruses belong to the family Coronaviridae in the order Nidovirales. CoVs are found globally and infect a variety of animals, causing illnesses that range from gastrointestinal tract infections, encephalitis and demyelination; and can be fatal. Humans coronaviruses (hCoVs) have traditionally been associated with self-limiting upper respiratory tract infections and gastrointestinal tract infections. In recent years, however, it has become increasingly evident that the hCoVs can cause more severe lower respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia and even acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and can lead to death. Seven CoVs are known to infect humans, with the four “common cold” CoVs circulating globally on a yearly basis. The remaining three are more pathogenic and have resulted in outbreaks with high mortality rates. This review focussed on the three pathogenic CoVs.
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37
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Cao Y, Yang R, Wang W, Jiang S, Yang C, Liu N, Dai H, Lee I, Meng X, Yuan Z. Probing the Formation, Structure and Free Energy Relationships of M Protein Dimers of SARS-CoV-2. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:573-582. [PMID: 35047128 PMCID: PMC8756865 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The M protein of the novel coronavirus 2019 (SARS-CoV-2) is the major structural component of the viral envelope and is also the minimum requirement for virus particle budding. M proteins generally exist as dimers. In virus assembly, they are the main driving force for envelope formation through lateral interactions and interactions with other viral structural proteins that play a central role. We built 100 candidate models and finally analyzed the six most convincing structural features of the SARS-CoV-2 M protein dimer based on long-timescale molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, multiple free energy analyses (potential mean force (PMF) and molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MMPBSA)) and principal component analysis (PCA) to obtain the most reasonable structure. The dimer stability was found to depend on the Leu-Ile zipper motif and aromatic amino acids in the transmembrane domain (TMD). Furthermore, the C-terminal domain (CTD) effects were relatively small. These results highlight a model in which there is sufficient binding affinity between the TMDs of M proteins to form dimers through the residues at the interface of the three transmembrane helices (TMHs). This study aims to help find more effective inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 M dimers and to develop vaccines based on structural information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yipeng Cao
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060 PR China
- National Supercomputer Center in Tianjin, 300457 PR China
| | - Rui Yang
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University Affiliated Hospital. 300031, PR China
| | - Wei Wang
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060 PR China
| | - Shengpeng Jiang
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060 PR China
| | - Chengwen Yang
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060 PR China
| | - Ningbo Liu
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060 PR China
| | - Hongji Dai
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060 PR China
- College of Physics, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, PR China
| | - Imshik Lee
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology of Tianjin, PR China
| | - Xiangfei Meng
- National Supercomputer Center in Tianjin, 300457 PR China
- Corresponding authors.
| | - Zhiyong Yuan
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060 PR China
- Corresponding authors.
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38
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Collins LT, Elkholy T, Mubin S, Hill D, Williams R, Ezike K, Singhal A. Elucidation of SARS-Cov-2 Budding Mechanisms through Molecular Dynamics Simulations of M and E Protein Complexes. J Phys Chem Lett 2021; 12:12249-12255. [PMID: 34928612 PMCID: PMC8713250 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.1c02955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses pose major threats to global health, yet computational efforts to understand them have largely overlooked the process of budding, a key part of the coronavirus life cycle. When expressed together, coronavirus M and E proteins are sufficient to facilitate budding into the ER-Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC). To help elucidate budding, we ran atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations using the Feig laboratory's refined structural models of the SARS-CoV-2 M protein dimer and E protein pentamer. Our MD simulations consisted of M protein dimers and E protein pentamers in patches of membrane. By examining where these proteins induced membrane curvature in silico, we obtained insights around how the budding process may occur. Multiple M protein dimers acted together to induce global membrane curvature through protein-lipid interactions while E protein pentamers kept the membrane planar. These results could eventually help guide development of antiviral therapeutics that inhibit coronavirus budding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan Thrasher Collins
- Conduit
Computing, 2 Ocean Avenue, Revere, Massachusetts 02151, United States
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University
in Saint Louis, 1 Brookings
Drive, Saint Louis, Missouri 63130, United States
| | - Tamer Elkholy
- Conduit
Computing, 2 Ocean Avenue, Revere, Massachusetts 02151, United States
- Zapata
Computing, 100 Federal
Street, 20th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, United States
| | - Shafat Mubin
- Conduit
Computing, 2 Ocean Avenue, Revere, Massachusetts 02151, United States
- Department
of Physics, Valdosta State University, 1500 North Patterson Street, Valdosta, Georgia 31698, United States
| | - David Hill
- Conduit
Computing, 2 Ocean Avenue, Revere, Massachusetts 02151, United States
- Xeviosoft, 12007 Sunrise Valley Drive, STE
350, Reston, Virginia 20191, United States
| | - Ricky Williams
- Conduit
Computing, 2 Ocean Avenue, Revere, Massachusetts 02151, United States
- Department
of Electrical Engineering, Harvard University, 29 Oxford Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Kayode Ezike
- Conduit
Computing, 2 Ocean Avenue, Revere, Massachusetts 02151, United States
- Attune, 40 Exchange Place, #410, New York, New York 10005, United States
| | - Ankush Singhal
- Conduit
Computing, 2 Ocean Avenue, Revere, Massachusetts 02151, United States
- Department
of Chemistry, Leiden University, Gorlaeus Building, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
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39
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Razali R, Asis H, Budiman C. Structure-Function Characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 Proteases and Their Potential Inhibitors from Microbial Sources. Microorganisms 2021; 9:2481. [PMID: 34946083 PMCID: PMC8706127 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9122481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is considered the greatest challenge to the global health community of the century as it continues to expand. This has prompted immediate urgency to discover promising drug targets for the treatment of COVID-19. The SARS-CoV-2 viral proteases, 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro) and papain-like cysteine protease (PLpro), have become the promising target to study due to their essential functions in spreading the virus by RNA transcription, translation, protein synthesis, processing and modification, virus replication, and infection of the host. As such, understanding of the structure and function of these two proteases is unavoidable as platforms for the development of inhibitors targeting this protein which further arrest the infection and spread of the virus. While the abundance of reports on the screening of natural compounds such as SARS-CoV-2 proteases inhibitors are available, the microorganisms-based compounds (peptides and non-peptides) remain less studied. Indeed, microorganisms-based compounds are also one of the potent antiviral candidates against COVID-19. Microbes, especially bacteria and fungi, are other resources to produce new drugs as well as nucleosides, nucleotides, and nucleic acids. Thus, we have compiled various reported literature in detail on the structures, functions of the SARS-CoV-2 proteases, and potential inhibitors from microbial sources as assistance to other researchers working with COVID-19. The compounds are also compared to HIV protease inhibitors which suggested the microorganisms-based compounds are advantageous as SARS-CoV2 proteases inhibitors. The information should serve as a platform for further development of COVID-19 drug design strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cahyo Budiman
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu 88400, Sabah, Malaysia; (R.R.); (H.A.)
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40
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Naskalska A, Dabrowska A, Szczepanski A, Jasik KP, Gromadzka B, Pyrc K. Functional Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Virus-Like Particles From Insect Cells. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:732998. [PMID: 34745036 PMCID: PMC8565087 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.732998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) remains a major epidemic threat since the beginning of 2020. Efforts to combat the virus and the associated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease are being undertaken worldwide. To facilitate the research on the virus itself, a number of surrogate systems have been developed. Here, we report the efficient production of SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particles (VLPs) in insect cells. Contrary to widely used pseudovirus particles, where only one coronaviral protein is displayed within a heterologous scaffold, developed VLPs are structurally similar to the native virus and allow for more throughput studies on the biology of the infection. On the other hand, being devoid of the viral genome, VLPs are unable to replicate and thus safe to work with. Importantly, this is the first report showing that SARS-CoV-2 VLPs can be efficiently produced in insect cells and purified using scalable affinity chromatography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonina Naskalska
- Virogenetics Laboratory of Virology, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Dabrowska
- Virogenetics Laboratory of Virology, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland.,Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Artur Szczepanski
- Virogenetics Laboratory of Virology, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland.,Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Krzysztof P Jasik
- Department of Pathology, School of Pharmacy, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Beata Gromadzka
- Department of "in vitro" Studies, Institute of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, Gdańsk, Poland.,NanoExpo®, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Pyrc
- Virogenetics Laboratory of Virology, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
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Bracquemond D, Muriaux D. Betacoronavirus Assembly: Clues and Perspectives for Elucidating SARS-CoV-2 Particle Formation and Egress. mBio 2021; 12:e0237121. [PMID: 34579570 PMCID: PMC8546641 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02371-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2019, a new pandemic virus belonging to the betacoronavirus family emerged, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This new coronavirus appeared in Wuhan, China, and is responsible for severe respiratory pneumonia in humans, namely, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Having infected almost 200 million people worldwide and caused more than 4.1 million deaths as of today, this new disease has raised a significant number of questions about its molecular mechanism of replication and, in particular, how infectious viral particles are produced. Although viral entry is well characterized, the full assembly steps of SARS-CoV-2 have still not been fully described. Coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, have four main structural proteins, namely, the spike glycoprotein (S), the membrane glycoprotein (M), the envelope protein (E), and the nucleocapsid protein (N). All these proteins have key roles in the process of coronavirus assembly and budding. In this review, we gathered the current knowledge about betacoronavirus structural proteins involved in viral particle assembly, membrane curvature and scission, and then egress in order to suggest and question a coherent model for SARS-CoV-2 particle production and release.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Bracquemond
- Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, CNRS UMR9004, Montpellier, France
| | - Delphine Muriaux
- Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, CNRS UMR9004, Montpellier, France
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Sa-nguanmoo N, Namdee K, Khongkow M, Ruktanonchai U, Zhao Y, Liang XJ. Review: Development of SARS-CoV-2 immuno-enhanced COVID-19 vaccines with nano-platform. NANO RESEARCH 2021; 15:2196-2225. [PMID: 34659650 PMCID: PMC8501370 DOI: 10.1007/s12274-021-3832-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Vaccine development approaches consist of viral vector vaccines, DNA vaccine, RNA vaccine, live attenuated virus, and recombinant proteins, which elicit a specific immune response. The use of nanoparticles displaying antigen is one of the alternative approaches to conventional vaccines. This is due to the fact that nano-based vaccines are stable, able to target, form images, and offer an opportunity to enhance the immune responses. The diameters of ultrafine nanoparticles are in the range of 1-100 nm. The application of nanotechnology on vaccine design provides precise fabrication of nanomaterials with desirable properties and ability to eliminate undesirable features. To be successful, nanomaterials must be uptaken into the cell, especially into the target and able to modulate cellular functions at the subcellular levels. The advantages of nano-based vaccines are the ability to protect a cargo such as RNA, DNA, protein, or synthesis substance and have enhanced stability in a broad range of pH, ambient temperatures, and humidity for long-term storage. Moreover, nano-based vaccines can be engineered to overcome biological barriers such as nonspecific distribution in order to elicit functions in antigen presenting cells. In this review, we will summarize on the developing COVID-19 vaccine strategies and how the nanotechnology can enhance antigen presentation and strong immunogenicity using advanced technology in nanocarrier to deliver antigens. The discussion about their safe, effective, and affordable vaccines to immunize against COVID-19 will be highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nawamin Sa-nguanmoo
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing, 100190 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Katawut Namdee
- National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani, 12120 Thailand
| | - Mattaka Khongkow
- National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani, 12120 Thailand
| | - Uracha Ruktanonchai
- National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani, 12120 Thailand
| | - YongXiang Zhao
- National Center for International Research of Biotargeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Biotargeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumour Theranostics and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021 China
| | - Xing-Jie Liang
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing, 100190 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
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Targovnik AM, Simonin JA, Mc Callum GJ, Smith I, Cuccovia Warlet FU, Nugnes MV, Miranda MV, Belaich MN. Solutions against emerging infectious and noninfectious human diseases through the application of baculovirus technologies. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:8195-8226. [PMID: 34618205 PMCID: PMC8495437 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11615-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Baculoviruses are insect pathogens widely used as biotechnological tools in different fields of life sciences and technologies. The particular biology of these entities (biosafety viruses 1; large circular double-stranded DNA genomes, infective per se; generally of narrow host range on insect larvae; many of the latter being pests in agriculture) and the availability of molecular-biology procedures (e.g., genetic engineering to edit their genomes) and cellular resources (availability of cell lines that grow under in vitro culture conditions) have enabled the application of baculoviruses as active ingredients in pest control, as systems for the expression of recombinant proteins (Baculovirus Expression Vector Systems—BEVS) and as viral vectors for gene delivery in mammals or to display antigenic proteins (Baculoviruses applied on mammals—BacMam). Accordingly, BEVS and BacMam technologies have been introduced in academia because of their availability as commercial systems and ease of use and have also reached the human pharmaceutical industry, as incomparable tools in the development of biological products such as diagnostic kits, vaccines, protein therapies, and—though still in the conceptual stage involving animal models—gene therapies. Among all the baculovirus species, the Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus has been the most highly exploited in the above utilities for the human-biotechnology field. This review highlights the main achievements (in their different stages of development) of the use of BEVS and BacMam technologies for the generation of products for infectious and noninfectious human diseases. Key points • Baculoviruses can assist as biotechnological tools in human health problems. • Vaccines and diagnosis reagents produced in the baculovirus platform are described. • The use of recombinant baculovirus for gene therapy–based treatment is reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Marisa Targovnik
- Cátedra de Biotecnología, Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología, Biotecnología y Genética, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, Buenos Aires, 1113, Argentina.
- Instituto de Nanobiotecnología (NANOBIOTEC), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, CONICET -Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, Sexto Piso, C1113AAD, 1113, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Jorge Alejandro Simonin
- Laboratorio de Ingeniería Genética y Biología Celular y Molecular, Área Virosis de Insectos, Instituto de Microbiología Básica y Aplicada, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gregorio Juan Mc Callum
- Cátedra de Biotecnología, Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología, Biotecnología y Genética, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, Buenos Aires, 1113, Argentina
- Instituto de Nanobiotecnología (NANOBIOTEC), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, CONICET -Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, Sexto Piso, C1113AAD, 1113, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ignacio Smith
- Cátedra de Biotecnología, Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología, Biotecnología y Genética, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, Buenos Aires, 1113, Argentina
- Instituto de Nanobiotecnología (NANOBIOTEC), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, CONICET -Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, Sexto Piso, C1113AAD, 1113, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Franco Uriel Cuccovia Warlet
- Laboratorio de Ingeniería Genética y Biología Celular y Molecular, Área Virosis de Insectos, Instituto de Microbiología Básica y Aplicada, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Victoria Nugnes
- Laboratorio de Ingeniería Genética y Biología Celular y Molecular, Área Virosis de Insectos, Instituto de Microbiología Básica y Aplicada, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Victoria Miranda
- Cátedra de Biotecnología, Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología, Biotecnología y Genética, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, Buenos Aires, 1113, Argentina
- Instituto de Nanobiotecnología (NANOBIOTEC), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, CONICET -Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, Sexto Piso, C1113AAD, 1113, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariano Nicolás Belaich
- Laboratorio de Ingeniería Genética y Biología Celular y Molecular, Área Virosis de Insectos, Instituto de Microbiología Básica y Aplicada, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Pereira-Silva M, Chauhan G, Shin MD, Hoskins C, Madou MJ, Martinez-Chapa SO, Steinmetz NF, Veiga F, Paiva-Santos AC. Unleashing the potential of cell membrane-based nanoparticles for COVID-19 treatment and vaccination. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2021; 18:1395-1414. [PMID: 33944644 PMCID: PMC8182831 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2021.1922387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a particular coronavirus strain responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), accounting for more than 3.1 million deaths worldwide. Several health-related strategies have been successfully developed to contain the rapidly-spreading virus across the globe, toward reduction of both disease burden and infection rates. Particularly, attention has been focused on either the development of novel drugs and vaccines, or by adapting already-existing drugs for COVID-19 treatment, mobilizing huge efforts to block disease progression and to overcome the shortage of effective measures available at this point.Areas covered: This perspective covers the breakthrough of multifunctional biomimetic cell membrane-based nanoparticles as next-generation nanosystems for cutting-edge COVID-19 therapeutics and vaccination, specifically cell membrane-derived nanovesicles and cell membrane-coated nanoparticles, both tailorable cell membrane-based nanosystems enriched with the surface repertoire of native cell membranes, toward maximized biointerfacing, immune evasion, cell targeting and cell-mimicking properties.Expert opinion: Nano-based approaches have received widespread interest regarding enhanced antigen delivery, prolonged blood circulation half-life and controlled release of drugs. Cell membrane-based nanoparticles comprise interesting antiviral multifunctional nanoplatforms for blocking SARS-CoV-2 binding to host cells, reducing inflammation through cytokine neutralization and improving drug delivery toward COVID-19 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Pereira-Silva
- Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Group of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Gaurav Chauhan
- School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Matthew D. Shin
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, United States
| | - Clare Hoskins
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Marc J. Madou
- School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California Irvine, Engineering Gateway 4200, Irvine, United States
| | | | - Nicole F. Steinmetz
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, United States
- Department of Radiology, UC San Diego Health, University of California, San Diego, United States
- Center for Nano-ImmunoEngineering (Nanoie), University of California, San Diego, United States
- Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego Health, University of California, San Diego, United States
| | - Francisco Veiga
- Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Group of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Cláudia Paiva-Santos
- Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Group of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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Hasanzadeh A, Alamdaran M, Ahmadi S, Nourizadeh H, Bagherzadeh MA, Mofazzal Jahromi MA, Simon P, Karimi M, Hamblin MR. Nanotechnology against COVID-19: Immunization, diagnostic and therapeutic studies. J Control Release 2021; 336:354-374. [PMID: 34175366 PMCID: PMC8226031 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.06.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in early 2020 soon led to the global pandemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Since then, the clinical and scientific communities have been closely collaborating to develop effective strategies for controlling the ongoing pandemic. The game-changing fields of recent years, nanotechnology and nanomedicine have the potential to not only design new approaches, but also to improve existing methods for the fight against COVID-19. Nanomaterials can be used in the development of highly efficient, reusable personal protective equipment, and antiviral nano-coatings in public settings could prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Smart nanocarriers have accelerated the design of several therapeutic, prophylactic, or immune-mediated approaches against COVID-19. Some nanovaccines have even entered Phase IΙ/IIΙ clinical trials. Several rapid and cost-effective COVID-19 diagnostic techniques have also been devised based on nanobiosensors, lab-on-a-chip systems, or nanopore technology. Here, we provide an overview of the emerging role of nanotechnology in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akbar Hasanzadeh
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoomeh Alamdaran
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sepideh Ahmadi
- Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Helena Nourizadeh
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Aref Bagherzadeh
- Student Research Committee, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran; Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Mirza Ali Mofazzal Jahromi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran; Department of Advanced Medical Sciences & Technologies, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran; Research Center for Noncommunicable Diseases, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Perikles Simon
- Department of Sport Medicine, Disease Prevention and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Social Science, Media and Sport, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Mahdi Karimi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Michael R Hamblin
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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A COVID-19 Overview and Potential Applications of Cell Therapy. Biologics 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/biologics1020011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has already reaped thousands of lives, although many scientific studies already showed the possibility of this scenario. Currently, further attention is provided to patients depicting comorbidities such as respiratory or immunocompromised diseases, hypertension, and diabetes, as these individuals show a worse prognosis. Cell therapies using stem cells and/or defense cells, combined or not with traditional treatment, could be an outstanding strategy for COVID-19 management since these treatments can act by modulating the immune system, reducing proliferation, and favoring the complete elimination of the virus. In this review, we highlight the main molecular characteristics of this novel coronavirus, as well as the main pathognomonic signs of COVID-19. Furthermore, possible cell therapies are pointed out to show alternative treatments against COVID-19 and its sequels.
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Borges E, Setti AS, Iaconelli A, Braga DPDAF. Current status of the COVID-19 and male reproduction: A review of the literature. Andrology 2021; 9:1066-1075. [PMID: 33998143 PMCID: PMC8222884 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which causes serious respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia and lung failure, was first reported in mid-December 2019 in China and has spread around the world. In addition to causing serious respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia and lung failure, there have been conflicting reports about the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the semen of patients who were previously diagnosed with COVID-19 and possible implications for the male reproductive tract. OBJECTIVE The goal for the present study was to review the current status of the literature concerning COVID-19 and male reproduction. MATERIAL AND METHODS An electronic literature search was done by using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Relevant papers, concerning SARS-COV-2 and COVID-19 and male reproduction, published between January 2020 and December 2020 were selected, analyzed and eventually included in the present literature review. RESULTS SARS-CoV-2 may infect any cell type expressing angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), including reproductive cells. Besides the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 receptor, the expression of host proteases, such as transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), is needed to cleave the viral S protein, allowing permanent fusion of the viral and host cell membranes. Here, we aimed to review the current status of the literature concerning COVID-19 and male reproduction. The lack of co-expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in the testis suggests that sperm cells may not be at increased risk of viral entry and spread. However, the presence of orchitis in COVID-19-confirmed patients and compromised sex-related hormonal balance among these patients intrigues reproductive medicine. DISCUSSION SARS-CoV-2 may use alternate receptors to enter certain cell types, or the expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 may not be detected in healthy individuals. CONCLUSION COVID-19 challenges all medical areas, including reproductive medicine. It is not yet clear what effects, if any, the COVID-19 pandemic will have on male reproduction. Further research is needed to understand the long-term impact of SARS-CoV-2 on male reproductive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edson Borges
- Fertility Medical GroupSão PauloBrazil
- Instituto Sapientiae – Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em Reprodução Humana AssistidaSão PauloBrazil
| | - Amanda Souza Setti
- Fertility Medical GroupSão PauloBrazil
- Instituto Sapientiae – Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em Reprodução Humana AssistidaSão PauloBrazil
| | - Assumpto Iaconelli
- Fertility Medical GroupSão PauloBrazil
- Instituto Sapientiae – Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em Reprodução Humana AssistidaSão PauloBrazil
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Gorkhali R, Koirala P, Rijal S, Mainali A, Baral A, Bhattarai HK. Structure and Function of Major SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV Proteins. Bioinform Biol Insights 2021; 15:11779322211025876. [PMID: 34220199 PMCID: PMC8221690 DOI: 10.1177/11779322211025876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 virus, the causative agent of COVID-19 pandemic, has a genomic organization consisting of 16 nonstructural proteins (nsps), 4 structural proteins, and 9 accessory proteins. Relative of SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, has genomic organization, which is very similar. In this article, the function and structure of the proteins of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV are described in great detail. The nsps are expressed as a single or two polyproteins, which are then cleaved into individual proteins using two proteases of the virus, a chymotrypsin-like protease and a papain-like protease. The released proteins serve as centers of virus replication and transcription. Some of these nsps modulate the host’s translation and immune systems, while others help the virus evade the host immune system. Some of the nsps help form replication-transcription complex at double-membrane vesicles. Others, including one RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and one exonuclease, help in the polymerization of newly synthesized RNA of the virus and help minimize the mutation rate by proofreading. After synthesis of the viral RNA, it gets capped. The capping consists of adding GMP and a methylation mark, called cap 0 and additionally adding a methyl group to the terminal ribose called cap1. Capping is accomplished with the help of a helicase, which also helps remove a phosphate, two methyltransferases, and a scaffolding factor. Among the structural proteins, S protein forms the receptor of the virus, which latches on the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor of the host and N protein binds and protects the genomic RNA of the virus. The accessory proteins found in these viruses are small proteins with immune modulatory roles. Besides functions of these proteins, solved X-ray and cryogenic electron microscopy structures related to the function of the proteins along with comparisons to other coronavirus homologs have been described in the article. Finally, the rate of mutation of SARS-CoV-2 residues of the proteome during the 2020 pandemic has been described. Some proteins are mutated more often than other proteins, but the significance of these mutation rates is not fully understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritesh Gorkhali
- Department of Biotechnology, Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Nepal
| | | | - Sadikshya Rijal
- Department of Biotechnology, Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Nepal
| | - Ashmita Mainali
- Department of Biotechnology, Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Nepal
| | - Adesh Baral
- Department of Biotechnology, Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Nepal
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Mi Y, Xie T, Zhu B, Tan J, Li X, Luo Y, Li F, Niu H, Han J, Lv W, Wang J. Production of SARS-CoV-2 Virus-Like Particles in Insect Cells. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9060554. [PMID: 34073159 PMCID: PMC8227081 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9060554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) causes a serious threat to human health. Virus-like particles (VLPs) constitute a promising platform in SARS-CoV-2 vaccine development. In this study, the E, M, and S genes were cloned into multiple cloning sites of a new triple expression plasmid with one p10 promoter, two pPH promoters, and three multiple cloning sites. The plasmid was transformed into DH10 BacTMEscherichia coli competent cells to obtain recombinant bacmid. Then the recombinant bacmid was transfected in ExpiSf9TM insect cells to generate recombinant baculovirus. After ExpiSf9TM cells infection with the recombinant baculovirus, the E, M, and S proteins were expressed in insect cells. Finally, SARS-CoV-2 VLPs were self-assembled in insect cells after infection. The morphology and the size of SARS-CoV-2 VLPs are similar to the native virions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youjun Mi
- Lanzhou Center for Tuberculosis Research and Gansu Provincial Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Clinical Translation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Y.M.); (T.X.); (F.L.); (H.N.); (J.H.); (W.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Tao Xie
- Lanzhou Center for Tuberculosis Research and Gansu Provincial Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Clinical Translation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Y.M.); (T.X.); (F.L.); (H.N.); (J.H.); (W.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Bingdong Zhu
- Lanzhou Center for Tuberculosis Research and Gansu Provincial Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Clinical Translation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Y.M.); (T.X.); (F.L.); (H.N.); (J.H.); (W.L.); (J.W.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Jiying Tan
- Institute of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (J.T.); (Y.L.)
| | - Xuefeng Li
- Institute of Combined Western and Chinese Traditional Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730070, China;
| | - Yanping Luo
- Institute of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (J.T.); (Y.L.)
| | - Fei Li
- Lanzhou Center for Tuberculosis Research and Gansu Provincial Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Clinical Translation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Y.M.); (T.X.); (F.L.); (H.N.); (J.H.); (W.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Hongxia Niu
- Lanzhou Center for Tuberculosis Research and Gansu Provincial Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Clinical Translation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Y.M.); (T.X.); (F.L.); (H.N.); (J.H.); (W.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Jiangyuan Han
- Lanzhou Center for Tuberculosis Research and Gansu Provincial Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Clinical Translation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Y.M.); (T.X.); (F.L.); (H.N.); (J.H.); (W.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Wei Lv
- Lanzhou Center for Tuberculosis Research and Gansu Provincial Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Clinical Translation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Y.M.); (T.X.); (F.L.); (H.N.); (J.H.); (W.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Juan Wang
- Lanzhou Center for Tuberculosis Research and Gansu Provincial Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Clinical Translation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Y.M.); (T.X.); (F.L.); (H.N.); (J.H.); (W.L.); (J.W.)
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Rajput A, Thakur A, Mukhopadhyay A, Kamboj S, Rastogi A, Gautam S, Jassal H, Kumar M. Prediction of repurposed drugs for Coronaviruses using artificial intelligence and machine learning. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:3133-3148. [PMID: 34055238 PMCID: PMC8141697 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.05.037] [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: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The world is facing the COVID-19 pandemic caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Likewise, other viruses of the Coronaviridae family were responsible for causing epidemics earlier. To tackle these viruses, there is a lack of approved antiviral drugs. Therefore, we have developed robust computational methods to predict the repurposed drugs using machine learning techniques namely Support Vector Machine, Random Forest, k-Nearest Neighbour, Artificial Neural Network, and Deep Learning. We used the experimentally validated drugs/chemicals with anticorona activity (IC50/EC50) from 'DrugRepV' repository. The unique entries of SARS-CoV-2 (142), SARS (221), MERS (123), and overall Coronaviruses (414) were subdivided into the training/testing and independent validation datasets, followed by the extraction of chemical/structural descriptors and fingerprints (17968). The highly relevant features were filtered using the recursive feature selection algorithm. The selected chemical descriptors were used to develop prediction models with Pearson's correlation coefficients ranging from 0.60 to 0.90 on training/testing. The robustness of the predictive models was further ensured using external independent validation datasets, decoy datasets, applicability domain, and chemical analyses. The developed models were used to predict promising repurposed drug candidates against coronaviruses after scanning the DrugBank. Top predicted molecules for SARS-CoV-2 were further validated by molecular docking against the spike protein complex with ACE receptor. We found potential repurposed drugs namely Verteporfin, Alatrofloxacin, Metergoline, Rescinnamine, Leuprolide, and Telotristat ethyl with high binding affinity. These 'anticorona' computational models would assist in antiviral drug discovery against SARS-CoV-2 and other Coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha Rajput
- Virology Unit and Bioinformatics Centre, Institute of Microbial Technology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Sector 39-A, Chandigarh 160036, India
| | - Anamika Thakur
- Virology Unit and Bioinformatics Centre, Institute of Microbial Technology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Sector 39-A, Chandigarh 160036, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Adhip Mukhopadhyay
- Virology Unit and Bioinformatics Centre, Institute of Microbial Technology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Sector 39-A, Chandigarh 160036, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Sakshi Kamboj
- Virology Unit and Bioinformatics Centre, Institute of Microbial Technology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Sector 39-A, Chandigarh 160036, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Amber Rastogi
- Virology Unit and Bioinformatics Centre, Institute of Microbial Technology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Sector 39-A, Chandigarh 160036, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Sakshi Gautam
- Virology Unit and Bioinformatics Centre, Institute of Microbial Technology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Sector 39-A, Chandigarh 160036, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Harvinder Jassal
- Virology Unit and Bioinformatics Centre, Institute of Microbial Technology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Sector 39-A, Chandigarh 160036, India
| | - Manoj Kumar
- Virology Unit and Bioinformatics Centre, Institute of Microbial Technology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Sector 39-A, Chandigarh 160036, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
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