Neutralizing endogenous chemokines with small molecules. Principles and potential therapeutic applications

Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled cosmetic trial of a topical first-in-class Neutraligand targeting the chemokine TARC/CCL17 in mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis

BACKGROUND

Atopic dermatitis has a marked economic impact and affects the quality of life. A cosmetic compound with an innovative strategy is proposed here as a small chemical neutraligand, GPN279 (previously identified as a theophylline derivative), that binds and potently neutralizes the TARC/CCL17 chemokine, activating the Th2 cell-expressed CCR4 receptor.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to evaluate the safety and activity of topically applied GPN279 in mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis patients in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group trial. Such cosmetic active ingredient targeting dry skin with an atopic tendency would open a parallel strategy to the pharmaceutical approach, in particular for mild to moderate subjects, as an alternative to reduce the evolution towards severe forms of atopy.

METHODS

This 4-week trial included adults with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis, according to the SCORAD index. Patients were randomized into two groups treated by topical applications of either an emulsion containing 0.44% GPN279 in placebo on skin lesions or the placebo (4.56% glycerin). Clinical activity was evaluated with the SCORAD as the primary objective. As secondary objectives, POEM, erythema, skin moisturization, its barrier function (TEWL) and safety were evaluated.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients in each group completed the study. SCORAD was significantly improved in the GPN279 group vs. placebo. GPN279 also significantly improved POEM, induced a rapid and significant decrease of erythema, and improved skin moisture. GPN279 and placebo were well tolerated throughout the study.

CONCLUSION

A cosmetic cream comprising the CCL17 neutraligand GPN279 improved the skin barrier and physiology criteria in patients with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis.

Targeting the Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor in Cerebrovascular Diseases: Biased Signaling Raises New Hopes

The physiological and pathophysiological relevance of the angiotensin II type 1 (AT₁) G protein-coupled receptor no longer needs to be proven in the cardiovascular system. The renin–angiotensin system and the AT₁ receptor are the targets of several classes of therapeutics (such as angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, ARBs) used as first-line treatments in cardiovascular diseases. The importance of AT₁ in the regulation of the cerebrovascular system is also acknowledged. However, despite numerous beneficial effects in preclinical experiments, ARBs do not induce satisfactory curative results in clinical stroke studies. A better understanding of AT₁ signaling and the development of biased AT₁ agonists, able to selectively activate the β-arrestin transduction pathway rather than the G_q pathway, have led to new therapeutic strategies to target detrimental effects of AT₁ activation. In this paper, we review the involvement of AT₁ in cerebrovascular diseases as well as recent advances in the understanding of its molecular dynamics and biased or non-biased signaling. We also describe why these alternative signaling pathways induced by β-arrestin biased AT₁ agonists could be considered as new therapeutic avenues for cerebrovascular diseases.

Molecular Characteristics and Treatment of Endothelial Dysfunction in Patients with COPD: A Review Article

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) show systemic consequences, such as chronic systemic inflammation leading to changes in the airway, airway penetrability, and endothelial function. Endothelial dysfunction is characterized by a list of alterations of endothelium towards reduced vasodilation, proinflammatory state, detachment and apoptosis of endothelial cells, and development of atherosclerosis. COPD-induced endothelial dysfunction is associated with elevated cardiovascular risk. The increment of physical activities such as pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) training have a significant effect on COPD, thus, PR can be an integrative part of COPD treatment. In this narrative review the focus is on the function of endothelial inflammatory mediators [cytokines, chemokines, and cellular proteases] and pulmonary endothelial cells and endothelial dysfunction in COPD as well as the effects of dysfunction of the endothelium may play in COPD-related pulmonary hypertension. The relationship between smoking and endothelial dysfunction is also discussed. The connection between different pulmonary rehabilitation programs, arterial stiffness and pulse wave velocity (PWV) is presented. Endothelial dysfunction is a significant prognostic factor of COPD, which can be characterized by PWV. We discuss future considerations, like training programs, as an important part of the treatment that has a favorable impact on the endothelial function.

Chemokines in COPD: From Implication to Therapeutic Use

: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) represents the 3rd leading cause of death in the world. The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms have been the focus of extensive research in the past. The lung has a complex architecture, where structural cells interact continuously with immune cells that infiltrate into the pulmonary tissue. Both types of cells express chemokines and chemokine receptors, making them sensitive to modifications of concentration gradients. Cigarette smoke exposure and recurrent exacerbations, directly and indirectly, impact the expression of chemokines and chemokine receptors. Here, we provide an overview of the evidence regarding chemokines involvement in COPD, and we hypothesize that a dysregulation of this tightly regulated system is critical in COPD evolution, both at a stable state and during exacerbations. Targeting chemokines and chemokine receptors could be highly attractive as a mean to control both chronic inflammation and bronchial remodeling. We present a special focus on the CXCL8-CXCR1/2, CXCL9/10/11-CXCR3, CCL2-CCR2, and CXCL12-CXCR4 axes that seem particularly involved in the disease pathophysiology.

Breast cancer lung metastasis: Molecular biology and therapeutic implications

Distant metastasis accounts for the vast majority of deaths in patients with cancer. Breast cancer exhibits a distinct metastatic pattern commonly involving bone, liver, lung, and brain. Breast cancer can be divided into different subtypes based on gene expression profiles, and different breast cancer subtypes show preference to distinct organ sites of metastasis. Luminal breast tumors tend to metastasize to bone while basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) displays a lung tropism of metastasis. However, the mechanisms underlying this organ-specific pattern of metastasis still remain to be elucidated. In this review, we will summarize the recent advances regarding the molecular signaling pathways as well as the therapeutic strategies for treating breast cancer lung metastasis.

CXCL9-Derived Peptides Differentially Inhibit Neutrophil Migration In Vivo through Interference with Glycosaminoglycan Interactions

Several acute and chronic inflammatory diseases are driven by accumulation of activated leukocytes due to enhanced chemokine expression. In addition to specific G protein-coupled receptor-dependent signaling, chemokine-glycosaminoglycan (GAG) interactions are important for chemokine activity in vivo. Therefore, the GAG-chemokine interaction has been explored as target for inhibition of chemokine activity. It was demonstrated that CXCL9(74-103) binds with high affinity to GAGs, competed with active chemokines for GAG binding and thereby inhibited CXCL8- and monosodium urate (MSU) crystal-induced neutrophil migration to joints. To evaluate the affinity and specificity of the COOH-terminal part of CXCL9 toward different GAGs in detail, we chemically synthesized several COOH-terminal CXCL9 peptides including the shorter CXCL9(74-93). Compared to CXCL9(74-103), CXCL9(74-93) showed equally high affinity for heparin and heparan sulfate (HS), but lower affinity for binding to chondroitin sulfate (CS) and cellular GAGs. Correspondingly, both peptides competed with equal efficiency for CXCL8 binding to heparin and HS but not to cellular GAGs. In addition, differences in anti-inflammatory activity between both peptides were detected in vivo. CXCL8-induced neutrophil migration to the peritoneal cavity and to the knee joint were inhibited with similar potency by intravenous or intraperitoneal injection of CXCL9(74-103) or CXCL9(74-93), but not by CXCL9(86-103). In contrast, neutrophil extravasation in the MSU crystal-induced gout model, in which multiple chemoattractants are induced, was not affected by CXCL9(74-93). This could be explained by (1) the lower affinity of CXCL9(74-93) for CS, the most abundant GAG in joints, and (2) by reduced competition with GAG binding of CXCL1, the most abundant ELR+ CXC chemokine in this gout model. Mechanistically we showed by intravital microscopy that fluorescent CXCL9(74-103) coats the vessel wall in vivo and that CXCL9(74-103) inhibits CXCL8-induced adhesion of neutrophils to the vessel wall in the murine cremaster muscle model. Thus, both affinity and specificity of chemokines and the peptides for different GAGs and the presence of specific GAGs in different tissues will determine whether competition can occur. In summary, both CXCL9 peptides inhibited neutrophil migration in vivo through interference with GAG interactions in several animal models. Shortening CXCL9(74-103) from the COOH-terminus limited its GAG-binding spectrum.

Plasmodium falciparum proteins involved in cytoadherence of infected erythrocytes to chemokine CX3CL1

Malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum is associated with cytoadherence of infected red blood cells (iRBC) to endothelial cells. Numerous host molecules have been involved in cytoadherence, including the adhesive chemokine CX3CL1. Most of the identified parasite ligands are from the multigenic and hypervariable Plasmodium falciparum Erythrocyte Membrane Protein 1 (PfEMP1) family which makes them poor targets for the development of a broadly protective vaccine. Using proteomics, we have identified two 25-kDa parasite proteins with adhesive properties for CX3CL1, called CBP for CX3CL1 Binding Proteins. CBPs are coded by single-copy genes with little polymorphic variation and no homology with other P. falciparum gene products. Specific antibodies raised against epitopes from the predicted extracellular domains of each CBP efficiently stain the surface of RBC infected with trophozoites or schizonts, which is a strong indication of CBP expression at the surface of iRBC. These anti-CBP antibodies partially neutralize iRBC adherence to CX3CL1. This adherence is similarly inhibited in the presence of peptides from the CBP extracellular domains, while irrelevant peptides had no such effect. CBP1 and CBP2 are new P. falciparum ligands for the human chemokine CX3CL1. The identification of this non-polymorphic P. falciparum factors provides a new avenue for innovative vaccination approaches.

C-Geranylated flavonoids from Paulownia tomentosa fruits with antimicrobial potential and synergistic activity with antibiotics

Context C-6-Geranylated flavonoids possess promising biological activities. These substances could be a source of lead compounds for the development of therapeutics. Objective The study was designed to evaluate their antibacterial and antileishmanial activity. Materials and methods C-6-Geranylated flavanones were tested in micromolar concentrations against promastigote forms of Leishmania brazilensis, L. donovani, L. infantum, and L. panamensis against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA); and synergistic potential with antibiotics was analyzed. IC50 values (after 72 h) were calculated and compared with that of miltefosine. Flow cytometry and DNA fragmentation analysis were used the mechanism of the effect. Geranylated flavanones or epigallocatechin gallate were combined with oxacillin, tetracycline, and ciprofloxacin, and the effects of these two-component combinations were evaluated. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) were established (after 24 h), the synergy was measured by the checkerboard titration technique, and the sums of the fractional inhibitory concentrations (∑FICs) were computed. Results 3'-O-Methyl-5'-O-methyldiplacone and 3'-O-methyldiplacone showed good antileishmanial activities (IC50 8-42 μM). 3'-O-Methyl-5'-hydroxydiplacone activates the apoptotic death at leishmanias, the effect of 3'-O-methyl-5'-O-methyldiplacone has another mechanism. The test of the antibacterial activity showed good effects of 3'-O-methyldiplacol and mimulone against MRSA (MIC 2-16 μg/mL), and in six cases, the results showed synergistic effects when combined with oxacillin. Synergistic effects were also found for the combination of epigallocatechin gallate with tetracycline or oxacillin. Conclusion This work demonstrates anti-MRSA and antileishmanial potential of geranylated flavanones and uncovers their promising synergistic activities with antibiotics. In addition, the mechanism of antileishmanial effect is proposed.

Peptides derived from CXCL8 based on in silico analysis inhibit CXCL8 interactions with its receptor CXCR1

Chemokine CXCL8 is crucial for regulation of inflammatory and immune responses via activating its cognate receptor CXCR1. In this study, molecular docking and binding free energy calculations were combined to predict the initial binding event of CXCL8 to CXCR1 for peptide drug design. The simulations reveal that in the initial binding, the N-loop of CXCL8 interacts with the N-terminus of CXCR1, which is dominated by electrostatic interactions. The derived peptides from the binding region of CXCL8 are synthesized for further confirmation. Surface plasmon resonance analyses indicate that the CXCL8 derived peptide with 14 residues is able to bind to the receptor CXCR1 derived peptide with equilibrium KD of 252 μM while the peptide encompassing a CXCL8 K15A mutation hardly binds to CXCR1 derived peptide (KD = 1553 μM). The cell experiments show that the designed peptide inhibits CXCL8-induced and LPS-activated monocytes adhesion and transmigration. However, when the peptides were mutated on two lysine residues (K15 and K20), the inhibition effects were greatly reduced indicating these two amino acids are key residues for the initial binding of CXCL8 to CXCR1. This study demonstrates that in silico prediction based functional peptide design can be effective for developing anti-inflammation drugs.

Symptomatic Improvement in Human Papillomavirus-Induced Epithelial Neoplasia by Specific Targeting of the CXCR4 Chemokine Receptor

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is estimated to be the causal agent in 5% of all human cancers and is the leading cause of genital warts, which is the most common sexually transmitted viral disease. Currently, there are no medications to treat HPV infection, and therapeutic strategies primarily target HPV-related cancer rather than viral infection. HPV infection has severe effects on patients who display selective susceptibility to the virus in the context of primary immunodeficiencies, such as the warts, hypogammaglobulinemia, infections, and myelokathexis syndrome, which is caused by dysfunctions of CXCR4, the receptor for the CXCL12 chemokine. In this study we showed in a transgenic mouse model of HPV-induced epidermal neoplasia the beneficial effects of Cxcl12/Cxcr4 pathway blockade with the selective CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100. Daily treatment with AMD3100 for 28 days potently reduced the abnormal ear epidermal thickening in all mice. This effect was associated with reductions in keratinocyte hyperproliferation and immune cell infiltration, both of which are linked to neoplastic progression. Moreover, we observed the abnormal coordinate expression of Cxcl12 and p16INK4a (a surrogate marker of HPV-induced cancers) in dysplastic epidermal keratinocytes, which was inhibited by AMD3100 treatment. These results provide strong evidence for the therapeutic potential of CXCL12/CXCR4 pathway blockade in HPV-induced pathogenesis.

Rational design of a peptide capture agent for CXCL8 based on a model of the CXCL8:CXCR1 complex

A CXCL8-binding peptide designed from the interaction sites of CXCR1 with CXCL8 serves as a capture agent and inhibits neutrophil migration.

Structural analysis of a novel small molecule ligand bound to the CXCL12 chemokine

CXCL12 binds to CXCR4, promoting both chemotaxis of lymphocytes and metastasis of cancer cells. We previously identified small molecule ligands that bind CXCL12 and block CXCR4-mediated chemotaxis. We now report a 1.9 Å resolution X-ray structure of CXCL12 bound by such a molecule at a site normally bound by sY21 of CXCR4. The complex structure reveals binding hot spots for future inhibitor design and suggests a new approach to targeting CXCL12-CXCR4 signaling in drug discovery.

Neutralising properties of peptides derived from CXCR4 extracellular loops towards CXCL12 binding and HIV-1 infection

The chemokine receptor CXCR4 interacts with a single endogenous chemokine, CXCL12, and regulates a wide variety of physiological and pathological processes including inflammation and metastasis development. CXCR4 also binds the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein, gp120, resulting in viral entry into host cells. Therefore, CXCR4 and its ligands represent valuable drug targets. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory properties of synthetic peptides derived from CXCR4 extracellular loops (ECL1-X4, ECL2-X4 and ECL3-X4) towards HIV-1 infection and CXCL12-mediated receptor activation. Among these peptides, ECL1-X4 displayed anti-HIV-1 activity against X4, R5/X4 and R5 viruses (IC50=24 to 76μM) in cell viability assay without impairing physiological CXCR4-CXCL12 signalling. In contrast, ECL2-X4 only inhibited X4 and R5/X4 strains, interfering with HIV-entry into cells. At the same time, ECL2-X4 strongly and specifically interacted with CXCL12, blocking its binding to CXCR4 and its second receptor, CXCR7 (IC50=20 and 100μM). Further analysis using mutated and truncated peptides showed that ECL2 of CXCR4 forms multiple contacts with the gp120 protein and the N-terminus of CXCL12. Chemokine neutralisation was mainly driven by four aspartates and the C-terminal residues of ECL2-X4. These results demonstrate that ECL2 represents an important structural determinant in CXCR4 activation. We identified the putative site for the binding of CXCL12 N-terminus and provided new structural elements to explain the recognition of gp120 and dimeric CXCR4 ligands.

Fragment-based optimization of small molecule CXCL12 inhibitors for antagonizing the CXCL12/CXCR4 interaction

The chemokine CXCL12 and its G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) CXCR4 are high-priority clinical targets because of their involvement in metastatic cancers (also implicated in autoimmune disease and cardiovascular disease). Because chemokines interact with two distinct sites to bind and activate their receptors, both the GPCRs and chemokines are potential targets for small molecule inhibition. A number of chemokines have been validated as targets for drug development, but virtually all drug discovery efforts focus on the GPCRs. However, all CXCR4 receptor antagonists with the exception of MSX-122 have failed in clinical trials due to unmanageable toxicities, emphasizing the need for alternative strategies to interfere with CXCL12/CXCR4-guided metastatic homing. Although targeting the relatively featureless surface of CXCL12 was presumed to be challenging, focusing efforts at the sulfotyrosine (sY) binding pockets proved successful for procuring initial hits. Using a hybrid structure-based in silico/NMR screening strategy, we recently identified a ligand that occludes the receptor recognition site. From this initial hit, we designed a small fragment library containing only nine tetrazole derivatives using a fragment-based and bioisostere approach to target the sY binding sites of CXCL12. Compound binding modes and affinities were studied by 2D NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, molecular docking and cell-based functional assays. Our results demonstrate that the sY binding sites are conducive to the development of high affinity inhibitors with better ligand efficiency (LE) than typical protein-protein interaction inhibitors (LE ≤ 0.24). Our novel tetrazole-based fragment 18 was identified to bind the sY21 site with a K(d) of 24 μM (LE = 0.30). Optimization of 18 yielded compound 25 which specifically inhibits CXCL12-induced migration with an improvement in potency over the initial hit 9. The fragment from this library that exhibited the highest affinity and ligand efficiency (11: K(d) = 13 μM, LE = 0.33) may serve as a starting point for development of inhibitors targeting the sY12 site.

An antedrug of the CXCL12 neutraligand blocks experimental allergic asthma without systemic effect in mice

The chemokine receptor CXCR4 and its chemokine CXCL12 are involved in normal tissue patterning but also in tumor cell growth and survival as well as in the recruitment of immune and inflammatory cells, as successfully demonstrated using agents that block either CXCL12 or CXCR4. In order to achieve selectivity in drug action on the CXCR4/CXCL12 pair, in particular in the airways, drugs should be delivered as selectively as possible in the treated tissue and should not diffuse in the systemic circulation, where it may reach undesired organs. To this end, we used a previously unexploited Knoevenagel reaction to create a short lived drug, or soft drug, based on the CXCL12-neutralizing small molecule, chalcone 4, which blocks binding of CXCL12 to CXCR4. We show that the compound, carbonitrile-chalcone 4, blocks the recruitment of eosinophils to the airways in ovalbumin-sensitized and challenged mice in vivo when administered directly to the airways by the intranasal route, but not when administered systemically by the intraperitoneal route. We show that the lack of effect at a distant site is due to the rapid degradation of the molecule to inactive fragments. This approach allows selective action of the CXCL12 neutraligands although the target protein is widely distributed in the organism.

Potential combinatorial effects of recombinant atypical chemokine receptors in breast cancer cell invasion: A research perspective

Apart from their major function in the coordination of leukocyte recruitment, chemokines, in cooperation with their receptors, have been implicated in the progression of various diseases including different types of cancer, affecting survival, proliferation and metastasis. A complex network of chemokines and receptors exists in the tumor microenvironment and affects tumor development in various ways where chemokines activate typical signalling pathways by binding to the respective receptors. The identification and characterization of a group of atypical chemokine receptors [D6, Duffy antigen receptor for chemokines (DARC), ChemoCentryx chemokine receptor (CCX-CKR) and CXCR7] which appear to use unique biochemical properties to regulate the biological activities of these chemokines, is useful in the effort to therapeutically manipulate chemokines in a broad spectrum of diseases in which these chemokines play a critical role. The aim of this review was to investigate the combinatorial effect of two reported atypical chemokine receptors, D6 and DARC, on breast cancer cell invasion to understand their role and therapeutic potential in cancer treatment. In this regard, findings of the present review should be confirmed via the construction of recombinant D6 and DARC clones as well as the expression of the respective recombinant proteins using the Pichia pastoris (P. pastoris) expression system is to be performed in a future study in order to support findings of the current review.

Glycosaminoglycan analogs as a novel anti-inflammatory strategy

Heparin, a glycosaminoglycan (GAG), has both anti-inflammatory and anti-coagulant properties. The clinical use of heparin against inflammation, however, has been limited by concerns about increased bleeding. While the anti-coagulant activity of heparin is well understood, its anti-inflammatory properties are less so. Heparin is known to bind to certain cytokines, including chemokines, small proteins which mediate inflammation through their control of leukocyte migration and activation. Molecules which can interrupt the chemokine-GAG interaction without inhibiting coagulation could therefore, represent a new class of anti-inflammatory agents. In the present study, two approaches were undertaken, both focusing on the heparin-chemokine relationship. In the first, a structure based strategy was used: after an initial screening of potential small molecule binders using protein NMR on a target chemokine, binding molecules were optimized through structure-based design. In the second approach, commercially available short oligosaccharides were polysulfated. In vitro, these molecules prevented chemokine-GAG binding and chemokine receptor activation without disrupting coagulation. However, in vivo, these compounds caused variable results in a murine peritoneal recruitment assay, with a general increase of cell recruitment. In more disease specific models, such as antigen-induced arthritis and delayed-type hypersensitivity, an overall decrease in inflammation was noted, suggesting that the primary anti-inflammatory effect may also involve factors beyond the chemokine system.

Function, diversity and therapeutic potential of the N-terminal domain of human chemokine receptors

Chemokines and their receptors play fundamental roles in many physiological and pathological processes such as leukocyte trafficking, inflammation, cancer and HIV-1 infection. Chemokine-receptor interactions are particularly intricate and therefore require precise orchestration. The flexible N-terminal domain of human chemokine receptors has regularly been demonstrated to hold a crucial role in the initial recognition and selective binding of the receptor ligands. The length and the amino acid sequences of the N-termini vary considerably among different receptors but they all show a high content of negatively charged residues and are subject to post-translational modifications such as O-sulfation and N- or O-glycosylation. In addition, a conserved cysteine that is most likely engaged in a receptor-stabilizing disulfide bond delimits two functionally distinct parts in the N-terminus, characterized by specific molecular signatures. Structural analyses have shown that the N-terminus of chemokine receptors recognizes a groove on the chemokine surface and that this interaction is stabilized by high-affinity binding to a conserved sulfotyrosine-binding pocket. Altogether, these data provide new insights on the chemokine-receptor molecular interplay and identify the receptor N-terminus-binding site as a new target for the development of therapeutic molecules. This review presents and discusses the diversity and function of human chemokine receptor N-terminal domains and provides a comprehensive annotated inventory of their sequences, laying special emphasis on the presence of post-translational modifications and functional features. Finally, it identifies new molecular signatures and proposes a computational model for the positioning and the conformation of the CXCR4 N-terminus grafted on the first chemokine receptor X-ray structure.

Prodrugs of a CXC Chemokine-12 (CXCL12) Neutraligand Prevent Inflammatory Reactions in an Asthma Model in Vivo

Chalcone 4 (compound 1) is a small molecule that neutralizes the CXC chemokine CXCL12 and prevents it from acting on the CXCR4 and CXCR7 receptors. To overcome its poor solubility in aqueous buffers, we designed highly soluble analogues of compound 1, phosphate, l-seryl, and sulfate, all inactive by themselves on CXCL12 but when cleaved in vivo into 1, highly active locally at a low dose in a mouse airway hypereosinophilia model.

Preventing asthma exacerbations: what are the targets?

Exacerbations of asthma are the main cause of asthma morbidity. They induce acute respiratory failure, and sometimes death. Two immunological signals acting in synergy are necessary for inducing asthma exacerbations. The first, triggered by allergens and/or unknown agents leads to the chronic Th2 inflammation characteristic of asthma. The second, caused by either viral infection, allergens, pollutants or a combination of these, results in an acute Th1 and Th2 inflammation precipitating symptoms. In both, innate and adaptive immunities are involved, providing a series of potential targets for therapy. Molecules associated to the first, chronic inflammation constitute targets for preventing therapies, when these related to the second, acute signal provide the rationale for curative treatments. Toll like receptors and bronchial epithelial cell-derived cytokines, engaged upstream of inflammation constitute interesting candidates for future treatments. The great heterogeneity of asthma has to be taken into account when considering targets for therapy to identify clusters of responders and nonresponders, and an integrative system biology approach will be necessary to go further.

Chemokines in health and disease

Chemokines and their receptors play a key role in development and homeostasis as well as in the pathogenesis of tumors and autoimmune diseases. Chemokines are involved in the implantation of the early conceptus, the migration of subsets of cells during embryonic development, and the overall growth of the embryo. Chemokines also have an important role in the development and maintenance of innate and adaptive immunity. In addition, they play a significant role in wound healing and angiogenesis. When the physiological role of chemokines is subverted or chronically amplified, disease often follows. Chemokines are involved in the pathobiology of chronic inflammation, tumorigenesis and metastasis, as well as autoimmune diseases. This article reviews the role of chemokines and their receptors in normal and disease processes and the potential for using chemokine antagonists for appropriate targeted therapy.

Targeting SDF-1/CXCL12 with a ligand that prevents activation of CXCR4 through structure-based drug design

CXCL12 is an attractive target for clinical therapy because of its involvement in autoimmune diseases, cancer growth, metastasis, and neovascularization. Tyrosine sulfation at three positions in the CXCR4 N-terminus is crucial for specific, high-affinity CXCL12 binding. An NMR structure of the complex between the CXCL12 dimer and a sulfotyrosine-containing CXCR4 fragment enabled high-throughput in silico screening for inhibitors of the chemokine-receptor interface. A total of 1.4 million compounds from the ZINC database were docked into a cleft on the CXCL12 surface normally occupied by sulfotyrosine 21 (sY21), and five were selected for experimental screening. NMR titrations with CXCL12 revealed that four of the compounds occupy the sY21 site, one of which binds with a K(d) of 64 microM. This compound selectively inhibits SDF1-induced CXCR4 signaling in THP1 cells. Our results suggest that sulfotyrosine recognition sites can be targeted for the development of novel chemokine inhibitors.