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Corman HN, McNamara CW, Bakowski MA. Drug Discovery for Cutaneous Leishmaniasis: A Review of Developments in the Past 15 Years. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2845. [PMID: 38137989 PMCID: PMC10745741 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11122845] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a group of vector-borne, parasitic diseases caused by over 20 species of the protozoan Leishmania spp. The three major disease classifications, cutaneous, visceral, and mucocutaneous, have a range of clinical manifestations from self-healing skin lesions to hepatosplenomegaly and mucosal membrane damage to fatality. As a neglected tropical disease, leishmaniasis represents a major international health challenge, with nearly 350 million people living at risk of infection a year. The current chemotherapeutics used to treat leishmaniasis have harsh side effects, prolonged and costly treatment regimens, as well as emerging drug resistance, and are predominantly used for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis. There is an undeniable need for the identification and development of novel chemotherapeutics targeting cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), largely ignored by concerted drug development efforts. CL is mostly non-lethal and the most common presentation of this disease, with nearly 1 million new cases reported annually. Recognizing this unaddressed need, substantial yet fragmented progress in early drug discovery efforts for CL has occurred in the past 15 years and was outlined in this review. However, further work needs to be carried out to advance early discovery candidates towards the clinic. Importantly, there is a paucity of investment in the translation and development of therapies for CL, limiting the emergence of viable solutions to deal with this serious and complex international health problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah N. Corman
- Calibr at Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; (C.W.M.); (M.A.B.)
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Asaithambi K, Biswas I, Suguna K. Structural and functional insights into the DNA damage-inducible protein 1 (Ddi1) from protozoa. Curr Res Struct Biol 2022; 4:175-191. [PMID: 35677776 PMCID: PMC9168383 DOI: 10.1016/j.crstbi.2022.05.003] [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: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ddi1 is a multidomain protein that belongs to the ubiquitin receptor family of proteins. The Ddi1 proteins contain a highly conserved retroviral protease (RVP)-like domain along with other domains. The severity of opportunistic infections, caused by parasitic protozoa in AIDS patients, was found to decline when HIV protease inhibitors were used in antiretroviral therapy. Parasite growth was shown to be suppressed by a few of the inhibitors targeting Ddi1 present in these parasites. In this study, the binding of HIV protease inhibitors to the RVP domain of Ddi1 from Toxoplasma gondii and Cryptosporidium hominis; and the binding of ubiquitin to the ubiquitin-associated domain of Ddi1 from these two parasites were established using Biolayer Interferometry. The crystal structures of the RVP domains of Ddi1 from T. gondii and C. hominis were determined; they form homodimers similar to those observed in HIV protease and the reported structures of the same domain from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Leishmania major and humans. The native form of the domain showed an open dimeric structure and a normal mode analysis revealed that it can take up a closed conformation resulting from relative movements of the subunits. Based on the crystal structure of the RVP domain of Ddi1 from L. major, a seven residue peptide inhibitor was designed and it was shown to bind to the RVP domain of Ddi1 from L. major by Biolayer Interferometry. This peptide was modified using computational methods and was shown to have a better affinity than the initial peptide. Crystal structures of the retroviral protease (RVP)-like domains of DNA damage inducible protein 1 (Ddi1) from Toxoplasma gondii and Cryptosporidium hominis have been determined. ToxoDdi1-RVP and CrypDdi1-RVP crystal structures illustrate the conserved structural features with HIV protease. HIV protease inhibitors were found to bind to ToxoDdi1-RVP and CrypDdi1-RVP in solution showing the potential to be developed as drugs for protozoal diseases.
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Schwake C, Hyon M, Chishti AH. Signal peptide peptidase: A potential therapeutic target for parasitic and viral infections. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2022; 26:261-273. [PMID: 35235480 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2022.2047932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Signal peptide peptidase (SPP) is a GxGD-type intramembrane-cleaving aspartyl protease responsible for clearing accumulating signal peptides in the endoplasmic reticulum. SPP is conserved among all kingdoms and is essential for maintaining cell homeostasis. Inhibition of SPP with selective inhibitors and the structurally similar HIV protease inhibitors results in signal peptide accumulation and subsequent cell death. Identification of SPP homologues in major human parasitic infections has opened a new therapeutic opportunity. Moreover, the essentiality of mammalian SPP-mediated viral protein processing during infection is emerging. AREAS COVERED This review introduces the discovery and biological function of human SPP enzymes and identify parasitic homologues as pharmacological targets of both SPP and HIV protease inhibitors. Later, the role of mammalian SPP during viral infection and how disruption of host SPP can be employed as a novel antiviral therapy are examined and discussed. EXPERT OPINION Parasitic and viral infections cause severe health and economic burden, exacerbated by the lack of new therapeutics in the pipeline. SPP has been shown to be essential for malaria parasite growth and encouraging evidence in other parasites demonstrates broad essentiality of these proteases as therapeutic targets. As drug resistant parasite and viruses emerge, SPP inhibition will provide a new generation of compounds to counter the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Schwake
- Department of Developmental, Molecular, and Chemical Biology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael Hyon
- Department of Developmental, Molecular, and Chemical Biology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Athar H Chishti
- Department of Developmental, Molecular, and Chemical Biology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Imran M, Khan SA, Abida, Alshrari AS, Eltahir Mudawi MM, Alshammari MK, Harshan AA, Alshammari NA. Small molecules as kinetoplastid specific proteasome inhibitors for Leishmaniasis: a patent review from 1998 to 2021. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2022; 32:591-604. [PMID: 35220857 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2022.2045948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION : Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical infectious disease. The available limited therapeutic options for leishmaniasis are inadequate due to their poor pharmacokinetic profile, resistance, toxicity, high cost, and compliance problems. This warrants identification of new targets for the development of safer and effective anti-Leishmania therapy. The kinetoplastid specific proteasome (KSP) is a novel validated target to develop drugs against leishmaniasis. AREA COVERED : This review focuses on all the published patent applications and granted patents related to the studied small molecules as KSP inhibitors (KSPIs) against Leishmania from 1998 to December 31, 2021. EXPERT OPINION : A little amount of work has been done on KSPIs, but the study results are quite encouraging. LXE408 and GSK3494245 are two KSPIs in different phases of clinical trials. Some other small molecules have also shown KSP inhibitory potential, but they are not in clinical trials. The KSPIs are promising next-generation orally active patient compliant drugs against kinetoplastid diseases, including leishmaniasis. However, the main challenge to discover the KSPIs will be the resistance development and their selectivity against the proteasome of eukaryotic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Imran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Northern Border University, Rafha 91911, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shah Alam Khan
- College of Pharmacy, National University of Science and Technology, Muscat 130, Oman
| | - Abida
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Northern Border University, Rafha 91911, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Subeh Alshrari
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Science, Northern Border University, Arar 91431, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Mohammed Kanan Alshammari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Care, Rafha Central Hospital, North Zone, Rafha 91911, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Aishah Ali Harshan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Care, Northern Area Armed Forces Hospital, King Khalid Military City Hospital, Hafr Al-Batin, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Noufah Aqeel Alshammari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Care, Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Domínguez-Asenjo B, Gutiérrez-Corbo C, Álvarez-Bardón M, Pérez-Pertejo Y, Balaña-Fouce R, Reguera RM. Ex Vivo Phenotypic Screening of Two Small Repurposing Drug Collections Identifies Nifuratel as a Potential New Treatment against Visceral and Cutaneous Leishmaniasis. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:2390-2401. [PMID: 34114790 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.1c00139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniases are vector-borne neglected diseases caused by single-celled parasites. The search for new antileishmanial drugs has experienced a strong boost thanks to the application of bioimaging to phenotypic screenings based on intracellular amastigotes. Mouse splenic explants infected with fluorescent strains of Leishmania are proven tools of drug discovery, where hits can be easily transferred to preclinical in vivo models. We have developed a two-staged platform for antileishmanial drugs. First, we screened two commercial collections of repurposing drugs with a total of 1769 compounds in ex vivo mouse splenocytes infected with an infrared emitting Leishmania infantum strain. The most active and safest compounds were scaled-up to in vivo models of chronic Leishmania donovani visceral leishmaniasis and Leishmania major cutaneous leishmaniasis. From the total of 1769 compounds, 12 hits with selective indices >35 were identified, and 4 of them were tested in vivo in a model of L. donovani visceral leishmaniasis. Nifuratel, a repurposed synthetic nitrofuran, when administered orally at 50 mg/kg bw once or twice a day for 10 days, caused >80% reduction in the parasitic load. Furthermore, the intralesional administration of nifuratel in a model of cutaneous leishmaniasis by L. major produced the parasitological cure. From the previous results we have deduced the great capacity of mouse splenic explants to identify new hits, a model which could be easily transferred to in vivo models, as well as the potential use of nifuratel as an alternative to the current treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Domínguez-Asenjo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Camino Gutiérrez-Corbo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - María Álvarez-Bardón
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Yolanda Pérez-Pertejo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Rafael Balaña-Fouce
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Rosa M. Reguera
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
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In vitro effectivity of three approved drugs and their synergistic interaction against Leishmania infantum. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 40:89-101. [PMID: 32463611 PMCID: PMC7449103 DOI: 10.7705/biomedica.4891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Leishmaniasis remains one of the neglected tropical diseases. Repurposing existing drugs has proven to be successful for treating neglected tropical diseases while combination therapy is a strategic alternative for the treatment of infectious diseases. Auranofin, lopinavir/ritonavir, and sorafenib are FDA approved drugs used in the treatment of diverse diseases by acting on different essential biological enzymes. Objective: To evaluate the effects of monotherapy and combined therapies with the three drugs against Leishmania infantum. Materials and methods: We compared the leishmanicidal effects of the three drugs on promastigotes in vitro as regards the parasite count, the drug concentration providing a half-maximal response, and the ultrastructural changes of the parasite. We determined the fractional inhibitory concentration index of combined drugs in two ways, as well as the activity of the three drugs together to establish their synergetic effect. Results: The monotherapy with the three drugs was effective with auranofin showing the best leishmanicidal effect (EC50=1.5 µM), whereas sorafinib reduced parasite growth at EC50=2.5 µM. The scanning electron microscopy of promastigotes from all treated media showed distortion in the shape with loss of flagella and bleb formation. Acidocalcinosis was evident by transmission electron microscopy with all treatments suggesting apoptosis. Treatment with lopinavir/ritonavir showed signs of autophagy. The two-way combination of the drugs led to additive interactions while the combination of the three drugs showed synergistic action. Conclusion: Each drug when used as monotherapy against Leishmania spp. was effective, but the combination therapy was more effective than the individual drugs due to the additive or synergistic effects.
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Synthesis and Application of 1,2-Aminoalcohols with Neoisopulegol-Based Octahydrobenzofuran Core. Molecules 2019; 25:molecules25010021. [PMID: 31861609 PMCID: PMC6982906 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25010021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A library of 1,2-aminoalcohol derivatives with a neoisopulegol-based octahydrobenzofuran core was developed and applied as chiral catalysts in the addition of diethylzinc to benzaldehyde. The allylic chlorination of (+)-neoisopulegol, derived from natural (–)-isopulegol followed by cyclization, gave the key methyleneoctahydrobenzofuran intermediate. The stereoselective epoxidation of the key intermediate and subsequent oxirane ring opening with primary amines afforded the required 1,2-aminoalcohols. The ring closure of the secondary amine analogues with formaldehyde provided spiro-oxazolidine ring systems. The dihydroxylation of the methylenetetrahydrofuran moiety with OsO4/NMO (4-methylmorpholine N-oxide) resulted in the formation of a neoisopulegol-based diol in a highly stereoselective reaction. The antimicrobial activity of both the aminoalcohol derivatives and the diol was also explored.
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Leishmanicidal therapy targeted to parasite proteases. Life Sci 2019; 219:163-181. [PMID: 30641084 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is considered a serious public health problem and the current available therapy has several disadvantages, which makes the search for new therapeutic targets and alternative treatments extremely necessary. In this context, this review focuses on the importance of parasite proteases as target drugs against Leishmania parasites, as a chemotherapy approach. Initially, we discuss about the current scenario for the treatment of leishmaniasis, highlighting the main drugs used and the problems related to their use. Subsequently, we describe the inhibitors of major proteases of Leishmania already discovered, such as Compound s9 (aziridine-2,3-dicarboxylate), Compound 1c (benzophenone derivative), Au2Phen (gold complex), AubipyC (gold complex), MDL 28170 (dipeptidyl aldehyde), K11777, Hirudin, diazo-acetyl norleucine methyl ester, Nelfinavir, Saquinavir, Nelfinavir, Saquinavir, Indinavir, Saquinavir, GNF5343 (azabenzoxazole), GNF6702 (azabenzoxazole), Benzamidine and TPCK. Next, we discuss the importance of the protease gene to parasite survival and the aspects of the validation of proteases as target drugs, with emphasis on gene disruption. Then, we describe novel important strategies that can be used to support the research of new antiparasitic drugs, such as molecular modeling and nanotechnology, whose main targets are parasitic proteases. And finally, we discuss possible perspectives to improve drug development. Based on all findings, proteases could be considered potential targets against leishmaniasis.
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Rebello KM, Andrade-Neto VV, Zuma AA, Motta MCM, Gomes CRB, de Souza MVN, Atella GC, Branquinha MH, Santos ALS, Torres-Santos EC, d'Avila-Levy CM. Lopinavir, an HIV-1 peptidase inhibitor, induces alteration on the lipid metabolism of Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes. Parasitology 2018; 145:1304-1310. [PMID: 29806577 PMCID: PMC6137378 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182018000823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The anti-leishmania effects of HIV peptidase inhibitors (PIs) have been widely reported; however, the biochemical target and mode of action are still a matter of controversy in Leishmania parasites. Considering the possibility that HIV-PIs induce lipid accumulation in Leishmania amazonensis, we analysed the effects of lopinavir on the lipid metabolism of L. amazonensis promastigotes. To this end, parasites were treated with lopinavir at different concentrations and analysed by fluorescence microscopy and spectrofluorimetry, using a fluorescent lipophilic marker. Then, the cellular ultrastructure of treated and control parasites was analysed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and the lipid composition was investigated by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Finally, the sterol content was assayed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). TEM analysis revealed an increased number of lipid inclusions in lopinavir-treated cells, which was accompanied by an increase in the lipophilic content, in a dose-dependent manner. TLC and GC-MS analysis revealed a marked increase of cholesterol-esters and cholesterol. In conclusion, lopinavir-induced lipid accumulation and affected lipid composition in L. amazonensis in a concentration-response manner. These data contribute to a better understanding of the possible mechanisms of action of this HIV-PI in L. amazonensis promastigotes. The concerted action of lopinavir on this and other cellular processes, such as the direct inhibition of an aspartyl peptidase, may be responsible for the arrested development of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina M Rebello
- Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Protozoologia,Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ),Rio de Janeiro,Brazil
| | - Valter V Andrade-Neto
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Tripanosomatídeos,Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ,Rio de Janeiro,Brazil
| | - Aline A Zuma
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer,Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ),Rio de Janeiro,Brazil
| | - Maria Cristina M Motta
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer,Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ),Rio de Janeiro,Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Marta H Branquinha
- Laboratório de Investigação de Peptidases,Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, UFRJ,Rio de Janeiro,Brazil
| | - André L S Santos
- Laboratório de Investigação de Peptidases,Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, UFRJ,Rio de Janeiro,Brazil
| | | | - Claudia M d'Avila-Levy
- Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Protozoologia,Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ),Rio de Janeiro,Brazil
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Kumar S, Suguna K. Crystal structure of the retroviral protease-like domain of a protozoal DNA damage-inducible 1 protein. FEBS Open Bio 2018; 8:1379-1394. [PMID: 30186740 PMCID: PMC6120238 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.12491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2018] [Revised: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA damage‐inducible 1 (Ddi1) is a multidomain protein with one of the domains being retropepsin‐like. HIV‐1 protease inhibitors were found to reduce opportunistic infections caused by pathogens like Leishmania and Plasmodium, and some of them were shown to inhibit the growth of these parasites. In Leishmania, Ddi1 was identified as a likely target of the inhibitors. We report the crystal structure of the retropepsin‐like domain of Ddi1 from Leishmania major as a dimer with clear density for the critical ‘flap’ region. We have characterized binding with one of the HIV‐1 protease inhibitors in solution using bio‐layer interferometry and by docking. Further, we have performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies that show that the protein undergoes a conformational change from open to semi‐open and closed forms with the closing of the flexible flap over the active site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushant Kumar
- Molecular Biophysics Unit Indian Institute of Science Bangalore India
| | - Kaza Suguna
- Molecular Biophysics Unit Indian Institute of Science Bangalore India
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Alvarenga DLR, Silva AHDS, Fiuza JA, Gaze ST, de Oliveira JG, Oliveira RC, Calzavara-Silva CE, Pascoal-Xavier MA, Alves ÉAR. HIV aspartyl protease inhibitors modify the percentage of activated leukocytes, as well as serum levels of IL-17A and NO during experimental leishmaniasis. Int Immunopharmacol 2018; 60:179-188. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2018.04.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Enciso E, Sarmiento-Sánchez JI, López-Moreno HS, Ochoa-Terán A, Osuna-Martínez U, Beltrán-López E. Synthesis of new quinazolin-2,4-diones as anti-Leishmania mexicana agents. Mol Divers 2016; 20:821-828. [DOI: 10.1007/s11030-016-9693-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Sudhamani H, Thaslim Basha SK, Adam S, Madhusudhana S, Usha Rani A, Naga Raju C. Synthesis and evaluation of urea and thiourea derivatives of lopinavir intermediate as potent antimicrobial, antioxidant agents and molecular docking studies against Staphopain. RESEARCH ON CHEMICAL INTERMEDIATES 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s11164-016-2609-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Costa S, Machado M, Cavadas C, do Céu Sousa M. Antileishmanial activity of antiretroviral drugs combined with miltefosine. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:3881-7. [PMID: 27249967 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5153-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Co-infection of Leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease, with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has hindered treatment efficacy. In this study, we aim to evaluate the antileishmanial activity of two protease inhibitors (darunavir and atazanavir) and four reverse transcriptase inhibitors (tenofovir, efavirenz, neviraprine, and delavirdine mesylate) on Leishmania infantum. The activity of different antiretrovirals combinations and of antiretroviral with miltefosine, a drug used on leishmaniasis treatment, was also evaluated. Only two non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) were active on L. infantum. Efavirenz showed the best antileishmanial activity on promastigotes cells with IC50 value of 26.1 μM followed by delavirdine mesylate with an IC50 value of 136.2 μM. Neviraprine, tenofovir, atazanavir, and darunavir were not active at the concentrations tested (IC50 > 200 μM). The efavirenz also showed high antileishmanial activity on intramacrophage amastigotes with IC50 of 12.59 μM. The interaction of efavirenz with miltefosine improved antileishmanial activity on promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes (IC50 values of 11. 8 μM and 8.89 μM, respectively). These results suggest that combined-therapy including efavirenz and miltefosine could be alternative options for treating Leishmaniasis and Leishmania/HIV co-infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonya Costa
- Programme in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine, Centre for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, and Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CNC -Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Marisa Machado
- CESPU, Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada em Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Gandra, PRD, Portugal.,CIBIO-UP, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Universidade do Porto, InBIO, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Cavadas
- CNC -Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde - Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria do Céu Sousa
- CNC -Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal. .,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde - Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal.
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Role of the Ubiquitin-Proteasome Systems in the Biology and Virulence of Protozoan Parasites. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:141526. [PMID: 26090380 PMCID: PMC4452248 DOI: 10.1155/2015/141526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In eukaryotic cells, proteasomes perform crucial roles in many cellular pathways by degrading proteins to enforce quality control and regulate many cellular processes such as cell cycle progression, signal transduction, cell death, immune responses, metabolism, protein-quality control, and development. The catalytic heart of these complexes, the 20S proteasome, is highly conserved in bacteria, yeast, and humans. However, until a few years ago, the role of proteasomes in parasite biology was completely unknown. Here, we summarize findings about the role of proteasomes in protozoan parasites biology and virulence. Several reports have confirmed the role of proteasomes in parasite biological processes such as cell differentiation, cell cycle, proliferation, and encystation. Proliferation and cell differentiation are key steps in host colonization. Considering the importance of proteasomes in both processes in many different parasites such as Trypanosoma, Leishmania, Toxoplasma, and Entamoeba, parasite proteasomes might serve as virulence factors. Several pieces of evidence strongly suggest that the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway is also a viable parasitic therapeutic target. Research in recent years has shown that the proteasome is a valid drug target for sleeping sickness and malaria. Then, proteasomes are a key organelle in parasite biology and virulence and appear to be an attractive new chemotherapeutic target.
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de Morais CGV, Castro Lima AK, Terra R, dos Santos RF, Da-Silva SAG, Dutra PML. The Dialogue of the Host-Parasite Relationship: Leishmania spp. and Trypanosoma cruzi Infection. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:324915. [PMID: 26090399 PMCID: PMC4450238 DOI: 10.1155/2015/324915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2014] [Revised: 09/01/2014] [Accepted: 09/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The intracellular protozoa Leishmania spp. and Trypanosoma cruzi and the causative agents of Leishmaniasis and Chagas disease, respectively, belong to the Trypanosomatidae family. Together, these two neglected tropical diseases affect approximately 25 million people worldwide. Whether the host can control the infection or develops disease depends on the complex interaction between parasite and host. Parasite surface and secreted molecules are involved in triggering specific signaling pathways essential for parasite entry and intracellular survival. The recognition of the parasite antigens by host immune cells generates a specific immune response. Leishmania spp. and T. cruzi have a multifaceted repertoire of strategies to evade or subvert the immune system by interfering with a range of signal transduction pathways in host cells, which causes the inhibition of the protective response and contributes to their persistence in the host. The current therapeutic strategies in leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis are very limited. Efficacy is variable, toxicity is high, and the emergence of resistance is increasingly common. In this review, we discuss the molecular basis of the host-parasite interaction of Leishmania and Trypanosoma cruzi infection and their mechanisms of subverting the immune response and how this knowledge can be used as a tool for the development of new drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Gustavo Vieira de Morais
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Protozoários e Imunofisiologia do Exercício, Disciplina de Parasitologia, DMIP, FCM, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Professor Manuel de Abreu 444, Pavilhão Américo Piquet Carneiro, 5° andar, Vila Isabel, 20550-170 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Microbiologia/FCM/UERJ, Avenida Professor Manuel de Abreu 444, Pavilhão Américo Piquet Carneiro, 3° andar, Vila Isabel, 20550-170 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ana Karina Castro Lima
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Protozoários e Imunofisiologia do Exercício, Disciplina de Parasitologia, DMIP, FCM, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Professor Manuel de Abreu 444, Pavilhão Américo Piquet Carneiro, 5° andar, Vila Isabel, 20550-170 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Terra
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Protozoários e Imunofisiologia do Exercício, Disciplina de Parasitologia, DMIP, FCM, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Professor Manuel de Abreu 444, Pavilhão Américo Piquet Carneiro, 5° andar, Vila Isabel, 20550-170 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Fisiopatologia Clínica e Experimental/FCM/UERJ, Avenida Professor Manuel de Abreu 444, Pavilhão Américo Piquet Carneiro, 5° andar, Vila Isabel, 20550-170 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rosiane Freire dos Santos
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Microbiologia/FCM/UERJ, Avenida Professor Manuel de Abreu 444, Pavilhão Américo Piquet Carneiro, 3° andar, Vila Isabel, 20550-170 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Laboratório de Imunofarmacologia Parasitária, Disciplina de Parasitologia, DMIP, FCM, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Professor Manuel de Abreu 444, Pavilhão Américo Piquet Carneiro, 5° andar, Vila Isabel, 20550-170 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Silvia Amaral Gonçalves Da-Silva
- Laboratório de Imunofarmacologia Parasitária, Disciplina de Parasitologia, DMIP, FCM, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Professor Manuel de Abreu 444, Pavilhão Américo Piquet Carneiro, 5° andar, Vila Isabel, 20550-170 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Maria Lourenço Dutra
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Protozoários e Imunofisiologia do Exercício, Disciplina de Parasitologia, DMIP, FCM, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Professor Manuel de Abreu 444, Pavilhão Américo Piquet Carneiro, 5° andar, Vila Isabel, 20550-170 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Ectopic expression of a Neospora caninum Kazal type inhibitor triggers developmental defects in Toxoplasma and Plasmodium. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0121379. [PMID: 25803874 PMCID: PMC4372514 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0121379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2014] [Accepted: 01/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulated proteolysis is known to control a variety of vital processes in apicomplexan parasites including invasion and egress of host cells. Serine proteases have been proposed as targets for drug development based upon inhibitor studies that show parasite attenuation and transmission blockage. Genetic studies suggest that serine proteases, such as subtilisin and rhomboid proteases, are essential but functional studies have proved challenging as active proteases are difficult to express. Proteinaceous Protease Inhibitors (PPIs) provide an alternative way to address the role of serine proteases in apicomplexan biology. To validate such an approach, a Neospora caninum Kazal inhibitor (NcPI-S) was expressed ectopically in two apicomplexan species, Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites and Plasmodium berghei ookinetes, with the aim to disrupt proteolytic processes taking place within the secretory pathway. NcPI-S negatively affected proliferation of Toxoplasma tachyzoites, while it had no effect on invasion and egress. Expression of the inhibitor in P. berghei zygotes blocked their development into mature and invasive ookinetes. Moreover, ultra-structural studies indicated that expression of NcPI-S interfered with normal formation of micronemes, which was also confirmed by the lack of expression of the micronemal protein SOAP in these parasites. Our results suggest that NcPI-S could be a useful tool to investigate the function of proteases in processes fundamental for parasite survival, contributing to the effort to identify targets for parasite attenuation and transmission blockage.
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Alves ÉAR, de Miranda MG, Borges TK, Magalhães KG, Muniz-Junqueira MI. Anti-HIV drugs, lopinavir/ritonavir and atazanavir, modulate innate immune response triggered by Leishmania in macrophages: the role of NF-κB and PPAR-γ. Int Immunopharmacol 2014; 24:314-324. [PMID: 25545854 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2014.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2014] [Revised: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated the influence of HIV protease inhibitors lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/RTV) and atazanavir (ATV) on macrophage functions during their first interaction with Leishmania. Macrophages from BALB/c mice treated for 10days with LPV/RTV and ATV, infected or not in vitro with L. (L.) amazonensis, were used to investigate the effects of these drugs on infection index, leishmanicidal capacity, cytokine production and PPAR-γ and RelB expression. LPV/RTV and ATV treatments significantly increased the infection index and the percentage of Leishmania-infected macrophages compared to untreated infected macrophages. There was no correlated increase in the production of NO and H2O2 leishmanicidal molecules. Promastigotes derived from Leishmania-infected macrophages from LPV/RTV and ATV-treated BALB/c mice had an in vitro growth 45.1% and 56.4% higher in groups treated with LPV/RTV and ATV than with PBS in culture. ATV treatment reduced IL-12p70 and IL-10 secretion in Leishmania-infected macrophages, but had no effect on IL-23 and TNF production. LPV reduced IL-10 and had no effect on IL-12p70, TNF and IL-23 secretion. ATV treatment decreased PPAR-γ expression in Leishmania-infected macrophages compared to untreated infected macrophages. In addition, LPV/RTV, but not ATV, reduced RelB cytoplasm-to-nucleus translocation in Leishmania-infected macrophages. Results showed that LPV/RTV and ATV HIV protease inhibitors were able to modulate innate defense mechanisms against Leishmania via different intracellular pathways. Although HIV protease inhibitors are highly efficient to control the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, these drugs might also influence the course of leishmaniasis in HIV-Leishmania-co-infected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Érica Alessandra Rocha Alves
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Area of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Distrito Federal, Brazil; Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, René Rachou Research Center, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Marthina Gomes de Miranda
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Area of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Distrito Federal, Brazil.
| | - Tatiana Karla Borges
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Area of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Distrito Federal, Brazil.
| | - Kelly Grace Magalhães
- Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Distrito Federal, Brazil.
| | - Maria Imaculada Muniz-Junqueira
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Area of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Distrito Federal, Brazil.
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Vasconcelos MFD, Cunha-Júnior EFD, Andrade-Neto VVD, Siqueira LM, d'Avila-Levy CM, Moreth M, Cunico W, Souza MVND, Gomes CRB, Torres-Santos EC. Oral effectiveness of PMIC4, a novel hydroxyethylpiperazine analogue, in Leishmania amazonensis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2014; 4:210-3. [PMID: 25516829 PMCID: PMC4266774 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2014.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2014] [Revised: 10/10/2014] [Accepted: 10/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Pentavalent antimonials have saved the lives of thousands of Leishmania-infected patients more than seventy years but, unfortunately, they are highly toxic and require parenteral delivery. Therefore, the search for safer and orally delivered alternative is a need. This paper describes the antileishmanial properties of PMIC4, a novel hydroxyethylpiperazine analogue. PMIC4 showed potent activity against intracellular amastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis, with IC50 of 1.8 μM and selectivity index higher than 100-fold, calculated in relation to the toxicity on the host cell. Following laboratory animal welfare policies, we analyzed the absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMET) properties and calculated the Lipinski's rule of five of PMIC4 before proceeding to in vivo tests. PMIC4 satisfied Lipinski's rule of five and presented high probability of human intestinal absorption, suggesting a good chance of druglikeness and oral bioavailability. For in vivo studies, PMIC4 was administered via intralesional injection (3.4 mg/kg/day, three times a week) or orally (34.0 mg/kg/day, five times a week) to L. amazonensis-infected BALB/c mice throughout the 98 day experiments. At the end of the treatment period, serum markers of toxicity were measured. When administered orally, PMIC4 controlled the lesions in L. amazonensis-infected BALB/c mice without altering serological markers of toxicity. These results demonstrate that PMIC4 is a promising molecular scaffold, orally effective against experimental leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Larissa Moreira Siqueira
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Tripanosomatídeos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cláudia Masini d'Avila-Levy
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcele Moreth
- Departamento de Síntese de Fármacos, Farmanguinhos, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Wilson Cunico
- Laboratório de Química Aplicada à Bioativos, Centro de Ciências Químicas, Farmacêuticas e de Alimentos, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
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Evaluation of (2S,3R)-2-(amino)-[4-(N-benzylarenesulfonamido)-3-hydroxy-1-phenylbutane derivatives: a promising class of anticancer agents. Med Chem Res 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s00044-014-1143-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Santos LO, Garcia-Gomes AS, Catanho M, Sodre CL, Santos ALS, Branquinha MH, d'Avila-Levy CM. Aspartic peptidases of human pathogenic trypanosomatids: perspectives and trends for chemotherapy. Curr Med Chem 2014; 20:3116-33. [PMID: 23298141 PMCID: PMC3837538 DOI: 10.2174/0929867311320250007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2012] [Accepted: 12/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Aspartic peptidases are proteolytic enzymes present in many organisms like vertebrates, plants, fungi, protozoa and in some retroviruses such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). These enzymes are involved in important metabolic processes in microorganisms/virus and play major roles in infectious diseases. Although few studies have been performed in order to identify and characterize aspartic peptidase in trypanosomatids, which include the etiologic agents of leishmaniasis, Chagas’ disease and sleeping sickness, some beneficial properties of aspartic peptidase inhibitors have been described on fundamental biological events of these pathogenic agents. In this context, aspartic peptidase inhibitors (PIs) used in the current chemotherapy against HIV (e.g., amprenavir, indinavir, lopinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir and saquinavir) were able to inhibit the aspartic peptidase activity produced by different species of Leishmania. Moreover, the treatment of Leishmania promastigotes with HIV PIs induced several perturbations on the parasite homeostasis, including loss of the motility and arrest of proliferation/growth. The HIV PIs also induced an increase in the level of reactive oxygen species and the appearance of irreversible morphological alterations, triggering parasite death pathways such as programed cell death (apoptosis) and uncontrolled autophagy. The blockage of physiological parasite events as well as the induction of death pathways culminated in its incapacity to adhere, survive and escape of phagocytic cells. Collectively, these results support the data showing that parasites treated with HIV PIs have a significant reduction in the ability to cause in vivo infection. Similarly, the treatment of Trypanosoma cruzi cells with pepstatin A showed a significant inhibition on both aspartic peptidase activity and growth as well as promoted several and irreversible morphological changes. These studies indicate that aspartic peptidases can be promising targets in trypanosomatid cells and aspartic proteolytic inhibitors can be benefic chemotherapeutic agents against these human pathogenic microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- L O Santos
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz-IOC, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Kumar P, Lodge R, Raymond F, Ritt JF, Jalaguier P, Corbeil J, Ouellette M, Tremblay MJ. Gene expression modulation and the molecular mechanisms involved in Nelfinavir resistance inLeishmania donovaniaxenic amastigotes. Mol Microbiol 2013; 89:565-82. [DOI: 10.1111/mmi.12298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pranav Kumar
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec - CHUL; Québec; Canada; G1V 4G2
| | - Robert Lodge
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec - CHUL; Québec; Canada; G1V 4G2
| | - Frédéric Raymond
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec - CHUL; Québec; Canada; G1V 4G2
| | - Jean-François Ritt
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec - CHUL; Québec; Canada; G1V 4G2
| | - Pascal Jalaguier
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec - CHUL; Québec; Canada; G1V 4G2
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Monzote L, Rodríguez M, Alfonso Y, Cox R. Antiretroviral activity of protease inhibitors against Toxoplasma gondii. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2013; 55:65-7. [PMID: 23328729 DOI: 10.1590/s0036-46652013000100012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2012] [Accepted: 07/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has caused a marked reduction in the occurrence and severity of parasitic infections, including the toxoplasmic encephalitis (TE). These changes have been attributed to the restoration of cell-mediated immunity. This study was developed to examine the activity of six antiretroviral protease inhibitors (API) on Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites. The six API showed anti-Toxoplasma activity, with IC50 value between 1.4 and 6.6 µg/mL. Further studies at the molecular level should be performed to clarify if the use of API could be beneficial or not for AIDS patients with TE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianet Monzote
- Parasitology Department, Institute of Tropical Medicine Pedro Kouri, Havana, Cuba
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HIV-1 protease inhibitors for treatment of visceral leishmaniasis in HIV-co-infected individuals. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2013; 13:251-9. [DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(12)70348-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Nisha, Mehra V, Hopper M, Patel N, Hall D, Wrischnik LA, Land KM, Kumar V. Design and synthesis of β-amino alcohol based β-lactam–isatin chimeras and preliminary analysis of in vitro activity against the protozoal pathogen Trichomonas vaginalis. MEDCHEMCOMM 2013. [DOI: 10.1039/c3md00057e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Demarchi IG, Silveira TG, Ferreira IC, Lonardoni MV. Effect of HIV protease inhibitors on New World Leishmania. Parasitol Int 2012; 61:538-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2012.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2011] [Revised: 04/23/2012] [Accepted: 04/25/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Santos LO, Vitório BS, Branquinha MH, Pedroso e Silva CM, Santos ALS, d'Avila-Levy CM. Nelfinavir is effective in inhibiting the multiplication and aspartic peptidase activity of Leishmania species, including strains obtained from HIV-positive patients. J Antimicrob Chemother 2012; 68:348-53. [PMID: 23109184 PMCID: PMC3543121 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dks410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives There is a general lack of effective and non-toxic chemotherapeutic agents for leishmaniasis and there is as yet no study about the effect of HIV peptidase inhibitors (HIV PIs) on Leishmania/HIV-coinfected patients. In the present work, we performed a comparative analysis of the spectrum of action of HIV PIs on different Leishmania spp., including strains obtained from HIV-positive patients receiving or not receiving antiretroviral treatment. Methods The effects of nelfinavir and saquinavir on Leishmania proliferation were assessed by means of a colorimetric assay (MTT). Subsequently, the effect of nelfinavir on aspartic peptidase activity from Leishmania spp. was assessed by following the degradation of the fluorogenic substrate MCA-G-K-P-I-L-F-F-R-L-K-DNP-Arg-NH2. Results Nelfinavir was capable of significantly reducing the multiplication of many Leishmania reference strains and isolates obtained from HIV-positive patients receiving or not receiving antiretroviral treatment. Leishmania major growth was inhibited by ∼50%, while all other flagellates were strongly inhibited (at least 94%), except for a Leishmania chagasi strain obtained from an HIV-positive patient under treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Culture of this isolate in the presence of nelfinavir induced a considerable reduction in the aspartic peptidase activity. In addition, nelfinavir was also capable of inhibiting the aspartic peptidase activity of all Leishmania strains tested. Conclusions The present data contribute to the study of the effect of HIV PIs on Leishmania infection and add new insights into the possibility of exploiting aspartic peptidases as promising targets in order to generate novel medications to treat leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lívia O Santos
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Dihydrofolate reductase as a therapeutic target for infectious diseases: opportunities and challenges. Future Med Chem 2012; 4:1335-65. [DOI: 10.4155/fmc.12.68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases caused by parasites continue to take a massive toll on human health in the poor regions of the world. Filling the anti-infective drug-discovery pipeline has never been as challenging as it is now. The organisms responsible for these diseases have interesting biology with many potential biochemical targets. Inhibition of metabolic enzymes has been established as an attractive strategy for anti-infectious drug development. In this field, dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) is an important enzyme in nucleic and amino acid synthesis and an extensively studied drug target over the past 50 years. The challenges for novel DHFR inhibition-based chemotherapeutics for the treatment of infectious diseases are now focused on overcoming the resistance problem as well as cost–effectiveness. Each year, the large number of literature citations attest the continued popularity of DHFR. It becomes truly the ‘enzyme of choice for all seasons and almost all reasons’. Herein, we summarize the opportunities and challenges in developing novel lead based on this target.
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Demarchi IG, Cardozo DM, Aristides SMA, Moliterno RA, Silveira TGV, Cardoso RF, Bertolini DA, Svidzinski TIE, Teixeira JJV, Lonardoni MVC. Activity of antiretroviral drugs in human infections by opportunistic agents. BRAZ J PHARM SCI 2012. [DOI: 10.1590/s1984-82502012000100019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is used in patients infected with HIV. This treatment has been shown to significantly decrease opportunist infections such as those caused by viruses, fungi and particularly, protozoa. The use of HAART in HIV-positive persons is associated with immune reconstitution as well as decreased prevalence of oral candidiasis and candidal carriage. Antiretroviral therapy benefits patients who are co-infected by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8), Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis B virus (HBV), parvovirus B19 and cytomegalovirus (CMV). HAART has also led to a significant reduction in the incidence, and the modification of characteristics, of bacteremia by etiological agents such as Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase negative staphylococcus, non-typhoid species of Salmonella, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. HAART can modify the natural history of cryptosporidiosis and microsporidiosis, and restore mucosal immunity, leading to the eradication of Cryptosporidium parvum. A similar restoration of immune response occurs in infections by Toxoplasma gondii. The decline in the incidence of visceral leishmaniasis/HIV co-infection can be observed after the introduction of protease inhibitor therapy. Current findings are highly relevant for clinical medicine and may serve to reduce the number of prescribed drugs thereby improving the quality of life of patients with opportunistic diseases.
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Sangenito LS, Gonçalves KC, Abi-chacra ÉA, Sodré CL, d’Avila-Levy CM, Branquinha MH, Santos ALS. Multiple effects of pepstatin A on Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigote forms. Parasitol Res 2011; 110:2533-40. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-011-2796-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2011] [Accepted: 12/15/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Gomes CRB, Moreth M, Cardinot D, Kopke V, Cunico W, da Silva Lourenço MC, de Souza MVN. Synthesis and Antimycobacterial Activity of Novel Amino Alcohols Containing Central Core of the Anti-HIV Drugs Lopinavir and Ritonavir. Chem Biol Drug Des 2011; 78:1031-4. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1747-0285.2011.01244.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Dos Santos ALS. Protease expression by microorganisms and its relevance to crucial physiological/pathological events. World J Biol Chem 2011; 2:48-58. [PMID: 21537490 PMCID: PMC3083995 DOI: 10.4331/wjbc.v2.i3.48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2011] [Revised: 02/21/2011] [Accepted: 02/28/2011] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The treatment of infections caused by fungi and trypanosomatids is difficult due to the eukaryotic nature of these microbial cells, which are similar in several biochemical and genetic aspects to host cells. Aggravating this scenario, very few antifungal and anti-trypanosomatidal agents are in clinical use and, therefore, therapy is limited by drug safety considerations and their narrow spectrum of activity, efficacy and resistance. The search for new bioactive agents against fungi and trypanosomatids has been expanded because progress in biochemistry and molecular biology has led to a better understanding of important and essential pathways in these microorganisms including nutrition, growth, proliferation, signaling, differentiation and death. In this context, proteolytic enzymes produced by these eukaryotic microorganisms are appointed and, in some cases, proven to be excellent targets for searching novel natural and/or synthetic pharmacological compounds, in order to cure or prevent invasive fungal/trypanosomatid diseases. With this task in mind, our research group and others have focused on aspartic-type proteases, since the activity of this class of hydrolytic enzymes is directly implicated in several facets of basic biological processes of both fungal and trypanosomatid cells as well as due to the participation in numerous events of interaction between these microorganisms and host structures. In the present paper, a concise revision of the beneficial effects of aspartic protease inhibitors, with emphasis on the aspartic protease inhibitors used in the anti-human immunodeficiency virus therapy, will be presented and discussed using our experience with the following microbial models: the yeast Candida albicans, the filamentous fungus Fonsecaea pedrosoi and the protozoan trypanosomatid Leishmania amazonensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Luis Souza Dos Santos
- André Luis Souza dos Santos, Laboratory of Multidisciplinary Studies on Microbial Biochemistry, Department of General Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology Prof. Paulo de Góes, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil
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Alexandrino-de-Oliveira P, Santos-Oliveira JR, Dorval MEC, Da-Costa FDCB, Pereira GROL, da Cunha RV, Paniago AMM, Da-Cruz AM. HIV/AIDS-associated visceral leishmaniasis in patients from an endemic area in Central-west Brazil. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2011; 105:692-7. [PMID: 20835619 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762010000500016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2010] [Accepted: 05/13/2010] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
An increase in morbidity associated with visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS patients has been described in Africa and the Mediterranean. Despite the high endemicity of VL and HIV-1/AIDS in Brazil, this association has not been thoroughly investigated. Our aim was to evaluate the epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of VL-HIV-1/AIDS cases from Central-west [Mato Grosso do Sul (MS)] Brazil. Medical records of 23 VL-HIV-1/AIDS patients were reviewed. Patients were predominantly adult males (87%) and 34.8% of the patients were intravenous drug users (IVDU). Leishmaniasis was the first opportunistic infection in 60% of the HIV-1 patients. Fever occurred in all patients, although splenomegaly and hepatomegaly were absent in 21.7% of the cases. CD4+ T-cell counts were below 200 cells/mm(3) in 80% of the cases and the counts did not increase after clinical remission despite antiretroviral therapy. The first drug chosen to treat the cases was antimonial, but the therapeutic regimen was altered to amphotericin B in 12 of 17 cases due to side effects. Relapses were reported in 56.5% of the patients. IVDU may constitute an important risk factor for the transmission of both diseases in MS. VL-HIV-1/AIDS patients in MS share similar clinical characteristics as those from other endemic regions worldwide. Thus, these findings are critical for improving the surveillance of VL-HIV/AIDS patients.
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Alfonso Y, Monzote L. HIV Protease Inhibitors: Effect on the Opportunistic Protozoan Parasites. THE OPEN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY JOURNAL 2011; 5:40-50. [PMID: 21629510 PMCID: PMC3103880 DOI: 10.2174/1874104501105010040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2010] [Revised: 05/22/2010] [Accepted: 06/28/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The impact of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in the natural history of AIDS disease has been allowed to prolong the survival of people with HIV infection, particularly whose with increased HIV viral load. Additionally, the antiretroviral therapy could exert a certain degree of protection against parasitic diseases. A number of studies have been evidenced a decrease in the incidence of opportunistic parasitic infections in the era of HAART. Although these changes have been attributed to the restoration of cell-mediated immunity, induced by either non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors or HIV protease inhibitors, in combination with at least two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors included in HAART, there are evidence that the control of these parasitic infections in HIV-positive persons under HAART, is also induced by the inhibition of the proteases of the parasites. This review focuses on the principal available data related with therapeutic HIV-protease inhibitors and their in vitro and in vivo effects on the opportunistic protozoan parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yenisey Alfonso
- Parasitology Department, Institute of Tropical Medicine “Pedro Kourí”, Cuba
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Cunico W, Gomes CR, Ferreira ML, Ferreira TG, Cardinot D, de Souza MV, Lourenço MC. Synthesis and anti-mycobacterial activity of novel amino alcohol derivatives. Eur J Med Chem 2011; 46:974-8. [PMID: 21295888 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2011.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2010] [Revised: 12/28/2010] [Accepted: 01/05/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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White RE, Powell DJ, Berry C. HIV proteinase inhibitors target the Ddi1-like protein of Leishmania parasites. FASEB J 2011; 25:1729-36. [PMID: 21266539 PMCID: PMC3739880 DOI: 10.1096/fj.10-178947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
HIV proteinase inhibitors reduce the levels of Leishmania parasites in vivo and in vitro, but their biochemical target is unknown. We have identified an ortholog of the yeast Ddi1 protein as the only member of the aspartic proteinase family in Leishmania parasites, and in this study we investigate this protein as a potential target for the drugs. To date, no enzyme assay has been developed for the Ddi1 proteins, but Saccharomyces cerevisiae lacking the DDI1 gene secrete high levels of protein into the medium. We developed an assay in which these knockout yeast were functionally complemented to low secretion by introduction of genes encoding Ddi1 orthologs from Leishmania major or humans. Plasmid alone controls gave no complementation. Treatment of the Ddi1 transformants with HIV proteinase inhibitors showed differential effects dependent on the origin of the Ddi1. Dose responses allowed calculation of IC50 values; e.g., for nelfinavir, of 3.4 μM (human Ddi1) and 0.44 μM (Leishmania Ddi1). IC50 values with Leishmania constructs mirror the potency of inhibitors against parasites. Our results show that Ddi1 proteins are targets of HIV proteinase inhibitors and indicates the Leishmania Ddi1 as the likely target for these drugs and a potential target for antiparasitic therapy.—White, R. E., Powell, D. J., Berry, C. HIV proteinase inhibitors target the Ddi1-Like protein of Leishmania parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhian E White
- Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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Effects of HIV aspartyl-proteinase inhibitors on Leishmania sp. Exp Parasitol 2010; 126:557-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2010.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2009] [Revised: 05/06/2010] [Accepted: 06/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Safety and effectiveness of meglumine antimoniate in the treatment of Ethiopian visceral leishmaniasis patients with and without HIV co-infection. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2010; 104:706-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trstmh.2010.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2009] [Revised: 07/22/2010] [Accepted: 07/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Barratt JLN, Harkness J, Marriott D, Ellis JT, Stark D. Importance of nonenteric protozoan infections in immunocompromised people. Clin Microbiol Rev 2010; 23:795-836. [PMID: 20930074 PMCID: PMC2952979 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00001-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
There are many neglected nonenteric protozoa able to cause serious morbidity and mortality in humans, particularly in the developing world. Diseases caused by certain protozoa are often more severe in the presence of HIV. While information regarding neglected tropical diseases caused by trypanosomatids and Plasmodium is abundant, these protozoa are often not a first consideration in Western countries where they are not endemic. As such, diagnostics may not be available in these regions. Due to global travel and immigration, this has become an increasing problem. Inversely, in certain parts of the world (particularly sub-Saharan Africa), the HIV problem is so severe that diseases like microsporidiosis and toxoplasmosis are common. In Western countries, due to the availability of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), these diseases are infrequently encountered. While free-living amoebae are rarely encountered in a clinical setting, when infections do occur, they are often fatal. Rapid diagnosis and treatment are essential to the survival of patients infected with these organisms. This paper reviews information on the diagnosis and treatment of nonenteric protozoal diseases in immunocompromised people, with a focus on patients infected with HIV. The nonenteric microsporidia, some trypanosomatids, Toxoplasma spp., Neospora spp., some free-living amoebae, Plasmodium spp., and Babesia spp. are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L N Barratt
- Department of Microbiology, St. Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst 2010, NSW, Australia.
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40
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Protease inhibitors as prophylaxis against leishmaniasis: new hope from the major surface protease gp63. Future Med Chem 2010; 2:539-42. [DOI: 10.4155/fmc.10.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Kumar P, Lodge R, Trudel N, Ouellet M, Ouellette M, Tremblay MJ. Nelfinavir, an HIV-1 protease inhibitor, induces oxidative stress-mediated, caspase-independent apoptosis in Leishmania amastigotes. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2010; 4:e642. [PMID: 20361030 PMCID: PMC2846936 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0000642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2009] [Accepted: 02/09/2010] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Visceral leishmaniasis has now emerged as an important opportunistic disease in patients coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1). Although the effectiveness of HIV-1 protease inhibitors, such as nelfinavir, in antiretroviral therapies is well documented, little is known of the impact of these drugs on Leishmania in coinfected individuals. Methodology and Principal Findings Here, we show that nelfinavir generates oxidative stress in the parasite, leading to altered physiological parameters such as an increase in the sub-G1 DNA content, nuclear DNA fragmentation and loss of mitochondrial potential, which are all characteristics of apoptosis. Pretreatment of axenic amastigotes with the caspase inhibitor z-VAD-fmk did not inhibit the increase in sub-G1 DNA content in nelfinavir-treated parasites, suggesting therefore that this antiviral agent does not kill Leishmania amastigotes in a caspase-dependent manner. Furthermore, we observed that the mitochondrial resident protein endonuclease G is involved. We also demonstrate that parasites overexpressing GSH1 (the rate limiting enzyme of glutathione biosynthesis) were more resistant to nelfinavir when compared to untransfected controls. Conclusions and Significance These data suggest that nelfinavir induces oxidative stress in Leishmania amastigotes, culminating in caspase-independent apoptosis, in which DNA is degraded by endonuclease G. This study provides a rationale for future, long-term design of new therapeutic strategies to test nelfinavir as a potential antileishmanial agent as well as for possible future use in Leishmania/HIV-1 coinfections. Visceral leishmaniasis is the most severe form of disease caused by the parasite Leishmania. It is a major concern in South America, Africa, India and the Middle East. Additionally, it has now emerged as an important opportunistic disease in patients coinfected with HIV-1. This is due, in part, to the increasing overlap between urban centers and rural areas endemic for Leishmania. Although more efficient combinatorial antiviral drug regimens for treating HIV-1 infection have been developed, the impact of such therapies on HIV-1/Leishmania coinfection is yet to be explored. In this study, we investigated the effect of nelfinavir, a well-characterized anti-HIV-1 drug, on Leishmania. Treating the parasite with nelfinavir activates events that are hallmarks of programmed cell death (also called apoptosis). Among these are oxidative stress, changes in DNA replication and fragmentation, and release of mitochondrial enzymes. Furthermore, these events occur without the participation of caspases, which are classically linked to apoptosis; however, this atypical apoptosis requires the translocation of endonuclease G from mitochondria to the cytoplasm. These findings provide insights for the design of new anti-parasitic therapies, particularly in the case of Leishmania/HIV-1 coinfections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranav Kumar
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université Laval, and Département de Microbiologie et Immunologie, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Robert Lodge
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université Laval, and Département de Microbiologie et Immunologie, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Nathalie Trudel
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université Laval, and Département de Microbiologie et Immunologie, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Michel Ouellet
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université Laval, and Département de Microbiologie et Immunologie, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Marc Ouellette
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université Laval, and Département de Microbiologie et Immunologie, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Michel J. Tremblay
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université Laval, and Département de Microbiologie et Immunologie, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Cavalli A, Bolognesi ML. Neglected Tropical Diseases: Multi-Target-Directed Ligands in the Search for Novel Lead Candidates against Trypanosoma and Leishmania. J Med Chem 2009; 52:7339-59. [DOI: 10.1021/jm9004835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Cavalli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Italian Institute of Technology, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Bolognesi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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Stürmer M, Doerr HW, Gürtler L. Human immunodeficiency virus: 25 years of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies and their impact on hepatitis B and C virus. Med Microbiol Immunol 2009; 198:147-55. [PMID: 19495792 PMCID: PMC2714449 DOI: 10.1007/s00430-009-0117-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2009] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) had spread unrecognized in the human population as sexually transmitted disease and was finally identified by its disease AIDS in 1981. Even after the isolation of the causative agent in 1983, the burden and death rate of AIDS accelerated worldwide especially in young people despite the confection of new drugs capable to inhibit virus replication since 1997. However, at least in industrialised countries, this trend could be reversed by the introduction of combination therapy strategies. The design of new drugs is on going; besides the inhibition of the three enzymes of HIV for replication and maturation (reverse transcriptase, integrase and protease), further drugs inhibits fusion of viral and cellular membranes and virus maturation. On the other hand, viral diagnostics had been considerably improved since the emergence of HIV. There was a need to identify infected people correctly, to follow up the course of immune reconstitution of patients by measuring viral load and CD4 cells, and to analyse drug escape mutations leading to drug resistance. Both the development of drugs and the refined diagnostics have been transferred to the treatment of patients infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). This progress is not completed; there are beneficial aspects in the response of the scientific community to the HIV burden for the management of other viral diseases. These aspects are described in this contribution. Further aspects as handling a stigmatising disease, education of self-responsiveness within sexual relationships, and ways for confection of a protective vaccine are not covered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Stürmer
- Institute for Medical Virology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Hospital, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Santos LO, Marinho FA, Altoé EF, Vitório BS, Alves CR, Britto C, Motta MCM, Branquinha MH, Santos ALS, d'Avila-Levy CM. HIV aspartyl peptidase inhibitors interfere with cellular proliferation, ultrastructure and macrophage infection of Leishmania amazonensis. PLoS One 2009; 4:e4918. [PMID: 19325703 PMCID: PMC2656615 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0004918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2008] [Accepted: 01/31/2009] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leishmania is the etiologic agent of leishmanisais, a protozoan disease whose pathogenic events are not well understood. Current therapy is suboptimal due to toxicity of the available therapeutic agents and the emergence of drug resistance. Compounding these problems is the increase in the number of cases of Leishmania-HIV coinfection, due to the overlap between the AIDS epidemic and leishmaniasis. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS In the present report, we have investigated the effect of HIV aspartyl peptidase inhibitors (PIs) on the Leishmania amazonensis proliferation, ultrastructure, interaction with macrophage cells and expression of classical peptidases which are directly involved in the Leishmania pathogenesis. All the HIV PIs impaired parasite growth in a dose-dependent fashion, especially nelfinavir and lopinavir. HIV PIs treatment caused profound changes in the leishmania ultrastructure as shown by transmission electron microscopy, including cytoplasm shrinking, increase in the number of lipid inclusions and some cells presenting the nucleus closely wrapped by endoplasmic reticulum resembling an autophagic process, as well as chromatin condensation which is suggestive of apoptotic death. The hydrolysis of HIV peptidase substrate by L. amazonensis extract was inhibited by pepstatin and HIV PIs, suggesting that an aspartyl peptidase may be the intracellular target of the inhibitors. The treatment with HIV PIs of either the promastigote forms preceding the interaction with macrophage cells or the amastigote forms inside macrophages drastically reduced the association indexes. Despite all these beneficial effects, the HIV PIs induced an increase in the expression of cysteine peptidase b (cpb) and the metallopeptidase gp63, two well-known virulence factors expressed by Leishmania spp. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE In the face of leishmaniasis/HIV overlap, it is critical to further comprehend the sophisticated interplays among Leishmania, HIV and macrophages. In addition, there are many unresolved questions related to the management of Leishmania-HIV-coinfected patients. For instance, the efficacy of therapy aimed at controlling each pathogen in coinfected individuals remains largely undefined. The results presented herein add new in vitro insight into the wide spectrum efficacy of HIV PIs and suggest that additional studies about the synergistic effects of classical antileishmanial compounds and HIV PIs in macrophages coinfected with Leishmania and HIV-1 should be performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lívia O. Santos
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fernanda A. Marinho
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Prof. Paulo de Góes, Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Bloco I, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ellen F. Altoé
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Bianca S. Vitório
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carlos R. Alves
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Constança Britto
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Maria Cristina M. Motta
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, CCS, (UFRJ), Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Bloco K, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marta H. Branquinha
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Prof. Paulo de Góes, Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Bloco I, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - André L. S. Santos
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Prof. Paulo de Góes, Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Bloco I, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Claudia M. d'Avila-Levy
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Trudel N, Garg R, Messier N, Sundar S, Ouellette M, Tremblay MJ. Intracellular survival of Leishmania species that cause visceral leishmaniasis is significantly reduced by HIV-1 protease inhibitors. J Infect Dis 2008; 198:1292-9. [PMID: 18816190 DOI: 10.1086/592280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis is now recognized as an opportunistic disease in individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Although the usefulness of HIV-1 protease inhibitors (PIs) in antiretroviral regimens is well documented, little is known about their potential impact in the setting of Leishmania/HIV-1 coinfections. We now report that, although selected PIs do not inhibit the growth of Leishmania infantum promastigotes alone in culture, these drugs significantly inhibit the intracellular survival of parasites in phorbol myristate acetate-differentiated THP-1 macrophages and human primary monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs). Furthermore, a field isolate of Leishmania donovani resistant to sodium stibogluconate (SbV), one of the drugs most commonly used to treat leishmaniasis, is equally susceptible to the tested PIs compared with a sensitive strain, thus suggesting that resistance to SbV does not result in cross-resistance to PIs. Importantly, the efficacy of PIs to reduce the intracellular growth of Leishmania parasites is also observed in MDMs coinfected with HIV-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Trudel
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université Laval, and Département de Biologie Médicale, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
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Sinha S, Fernández G, Kapila R, Lambert WC, Schwartz RA. Diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis associated with the immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome. Int J Dermatol 2008; 47:1263-70. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2008.03804.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Palmeira VF, Kneipp LF, Rozental S, Alviano CS, Santos ALS. Beneficial effects of HIV peptidase inhibitors on Fonsecaea pedrosoi: promising compounds to arrest key fungal biological processes and virulence. PLoS One 2008; 3:e3382. [PMID: 18852883 PMCID: PMC2557140 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0003382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2008] [Accepted: 09/16/2008] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fonsecaea pedrosoi is the principal etiologic agent of chromoblastomycosis, a fungal disease whose pathogenic events are poorly understood. Current therapy for chromoblastomycosis is suboptimal due to toxicity of the available therapeutic agents and the emergence of drug resistance. Compounding these problems is the fact that endemic countries and regions are economically poor. PURPOSE AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS In the present work, we have investigated the effect of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) peptidase inhibitors (PIs) on the F. pedrosoi conidial secreted peptidase, growth, ultrastructure and interaction with different mammalian cells. All the PIs impaired the acidic conidial-derived peptidase activity in a dose-dependent fashion, in which nelfinavir produced the best inhibitory effect. F. pedrosoi growth was also significantly reduced upon exposure to PIs, especially nelfinavir and saquinavir. PIs treatment caused profound changes in the conidial ultrastructure as shown by transmission electron microscopy, including invaginations in the cytoplasmic membrane, disorder and detachment of the cell wall, enlargement of fungi cytoplasmic vacuoles, and abnormal cell division. The synergistic action on growth ability between nelfinavir and amphotericin B, when both were used at sub-inhibitory concentrations, was also observed. PIs reduced the adhesion and endocytic indexes during the interaction between conidia and epithelial cells (CHO), fibroblasts or macrophages, in a cell type-dependent manner. Moreover, PIs interfered with the conidia into mycelia transformation when in contact with CHO and with the susceptibility killing by macrophage cells. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Overall, by providing the first evidence that HIV PIs directly affects F. pedrosoi development and virulence, these data add new insights on the wide-spectrum efficacy of HIV PIs, further arguing for the potential chemotherapeutic targets for aspartyl-type peptidase produced by this human pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanila F. Palmeira
- Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Bioquímica Microbiana, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Prof. Paulo de Góes (IMPPG), Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratório de Estrutura de Microrganismos, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, tuto de Microbiologia Prof. Paulo de Góes (IMPPG), Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lucimar F. Kneipp
- Laboratório de Taxonomia, Bioquímica e Bioprospecção de Fungos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sonia Rozental
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho (IBCCF), Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Celuta S. Alviano
- Laboratório de Estrutura de Microrganismos, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, tuto de Microbiologia Prof. Paulo de Góes (IMPPG), Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - André L. S. Santos
- Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Bioquímica Microbiana, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Prof. Paulo de Góes (IMPPG), Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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The relationship between leishmaniasis and AIDS: the second 10 years. Clin Microbiol Rev 2008; 21:334-59, table of contents. [PMID: 18400800 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00061-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 574] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, most Leishmania and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection cases reported to WHO come from Southern Europe. Up to the year 2001, nearly 2,000 cases of coinfection were identified, of which 90% were from Spain, Italy, France, and Portugal. However, these figures are misleading because they do not account for the large proportion of cases in many African and Asian countries that are missed due to a lack of diagnostic facilities and poor reporting systems. Most cases of coinfection in the Americas are reported in Brazil, where the incidence of leishmaniasis has spread in recent years due to overlap with major areas of HIV transmission. In some areas of Africa, the number of coinfection cases has increased dramatically due to social phenomena such as mass migration and wars. In northwest Ethiopia, up to 30% of all visceral leishmaniasis patients are also infected with HIV. In Asia, coinfections are increasingly being reported in India, which also has the highest global burden of leishmaniasis and a high rate of resistance to antimonial drugs. Based on the previous experience of 20 years of coinfection in Europe, this review focuses on the management of Leishmania-HIV-coinfected patients in low-income countries where leishmaniasis is endemic.
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Abstract
Fevers of unknown origin have been classified as classic, nosocomial, immune-deficient, and HIV-related. More than half of the 1407 human pathogens are zoonotic, making zoonotic infections an important subcategory in each of the classifications. This article describes both common and unusual zoonoses causing fevers of unknown origin. Simian immune virus is considered as a possible emerging infection. For special populations (the homeless, zoophiliacs, those whose occupation or leisure brings them in close contact with oceans or lakes, and veterinarians), zoonotic infection potentials are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis J Cleri
- Department of Medicine, St. Francis Medical Center, Room B-158, 601 Hamilton Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08629-1986, USA.
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Vispé S, Vandenberghe I, Robin M, Annereau JP, Créancier L, Pique V, Galy JP, Kruczynski A, Barret JM, Bailly C. Novel tetra-acridine derivatives as dual inhibitors of topoisomerase II and the human proteasome. Biochem Pharmacol 2007; 73:1863-72. [PMID: 17391647 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2007.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2006] [Revised: 02/23/2007] [Accepted: 02/27/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Acridine derivatives, such as amsacrine, represent a well known class of multi-targeted anti-cancer agents that generally interfere with DNA synthesis and inhibit topoisomerase II. But in addition, these tricyclic molecules often display secondary effects on other biochemical pathways including protein metabolism. In order to identify novel anti-cancer drugs, we evaluated the mechanism of action of a novel series of bis- and tetra-acridines. As expected, these molecules were found to interact with DNA and inhibit the topoisomerase II-mediated DNA decatenation. Interestingly when tested on human tumour cells either sensitive (HL-60) or resistant (HL-60/MX2) to topoisomerase II inhibitors, these molecules proved equicytotoxic against the two cell lines, suggesting that they do not only rely on topoisomerase II inhibition to exert their cytotoxic effects. In order to identify alternative targets, we tested the capacity of acridines 1-9 to inhibit the proteasome machinery. Four tetra-acridines inhibited the proteasome in vitro, with IC(50) values up to 40 times lower than that of the reference proteasome inhibitor lactacystin. Moreover, unlike peptide aldehydes used as reference inhibitors for the proteasome, these new acridine compounds demonstrated a good selectivity towards the proteasome, when tested against four unrelated proteases. A cellular assay based on the degradation of a proteasome protein substrate indicated that at least two of the tetra-acridines maintained this proteasome inhibition activity in a cellular context. This is the first report of tetra-acridines that demonstrate dual topoisomerase II and proteasome inhibition properties. This new dual activity could represent a novel anti-cancer approach to circumvent certain forms of tumour resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Vispé
- Centre de Recherche en Oncologie Expérimentale, Institut de Recherche Pierre Fabre, Parc Technologique du Canal, 3 rue des satellites, B.P. 94244, 31432 Toulouse Cedex 4, France.
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