1
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Brown E, Swinscoe G, Lefteri DA, Singh R, Moran A, Thompson RF, Maskell D, Beaumont H, Bentham MJ, Donald C, Kohl A, Macdonald A, Ranson N, Foster R, McKimmie CS, Kalli AC, Griffin S. Inhibitors of the small membrane (M) protein viroporin prevent Zika virus infection. eLife 2024; 13:e68404. [PMID: 39177307 PMCID: PMC11449487 DOI: 10.7554/elife.68404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Flaviviruses, including Zika virus (ZIKV), are a significant global health concern, yet no licensed antivirals exist to treat disease. The small membrane (M) protein plays well-defined roles during viral egress and remains within virion membranes following release and maturation. However, it is unclear whether M plays a functional role in this setting. Here, we show that M forms oligomeric membrane-permeabilising channels in vitro, with increased activity at acidic pH and sensitivity to the prototypic channel-blocker, rimantadine. Accordingly, rimantadine blocked an early stage of ZIKV cell culture infection. Structure-based channel models, comprising hexameric arrangements of two trans-membrane domain protomers were shown to comprise more stable assemblages than other oligomers using molecular dynamics simulations. Models contained a predicted lumenal rimantadine-binding site, as well as a second druggable target region on the membrane-exposed periphery. In silico screening enriched for repurposed drugs/compounds predicted to bind to either one site or the other. Hits displayed superior potency in vitro and in cell culture compared with rimantadine, with efficacy demonstrably linked to virion-resident channels. Finally, rimantadine effectively blocked ZIKV viraemia in preclinical models, supporting that M constitutes a physiologically relevant target. This could be explored by repurposing rimantadine, or development of new M-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Brown
- Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, St James' University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Gemma Swinscoe
- Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, St James' University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Daniella A Lefteri
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, St James' University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Ravi Singh
- Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Maths and Physical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Amy Moran
- Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, St James' University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca F Thompson
- Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Maskell
- Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah Beaumont
- Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, St James' University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew J Bentham
- Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, St James' University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Donald
- MRC and University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Sir Michael Stoker Building, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Alain Kohl
- MRC and University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Sir Michael Stoker Building, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Macdonald
- Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Neil Ranson
- Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Foster
- Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Maths and Physical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Clive S McKimmie
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, St James' University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Antreas C Kalli
- Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Leeds Institute for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Griffin
- Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, St James' University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom
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2
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Elmasri Z, Negi V, Kuhn RJ, Jose J. Requirement of a functional ion channel for Sindbis virus glycoprotein transport, CPV-II formation, and efficient virus budding. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010892. [PMID: 36191050 PMCID: PMC9560593 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Many viruses encode ion channel proteins that oligomerize to form hydrophilic pores in membranes of virus-infected cells and the viral membrane in some enveloped viruses. Alphavirus 6K, human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Vpu (HIV-Vpu), influenza A virus M2 (IAV-M2), and hepatitis C virus P7 (HCV-P7) are transmembrane ion channel proteins that play essential roles in virus assembly, budding, and entry. While the oligomeric structures and mechanisms of ion channel activity are well-established for M2 and P7, these remain unknown for 6K. Here we investigated the functional role of the ion channel activity of 6K in alphavirus assembly by utilizing a series of Sindbis virus (SINV) ion channel chimeras expressing the ion channel helix from Vpu or M2 or substituting the entire 6K protein with full-length P7, in cis. We demonstrate that the Vpu helix efficiently complements 6K, whereas M2 and P7 are less efficient. Our results indicate that while SINV is primarily insensitive to the M2 ion channel inhibitor amantadine, the Vpu inhibitor 5-N, N-Hexamethylene amiloride (HMA), significantly reduces SINV release, suggesting that the ion channel activity of 6K similar to Vpu, promotes virus budding. Using live-cell imaging of SINV with a miniSOG-tagged 6K and mCherry-tagged E2, we further demonstrate that 6K and E2 colocalize with the Golgi apparatus in the secretory pathway. To contextualize the localization of 6K in the Golgi, we analyzed cells infected with SINV and SINV-ion channel chimeras using transmission electron microscopy. Our results provide evidence for the first time for the functional role of 6K in type II cytopathic vacuoles (CPV-II) formation. We demonstrate that in the absence of 6K, CPV-II, which originates from the Golgi apparatus, is not detected in infected cells, with a concomitant reduction in the glycoprotein transport to the plasma membrane. Substituting a functional ion channel, M2 or Vpu localizing to Golgi, restores CPV-II production, whereas P7, retained in the ER, is inadequate to induce CPV-II formation. Altogether our results indicate that ion channel activity of 6K is required for the formation of CPV-II from the Golgi apparatus, promoting glycoprotein spike transport to the plasma membrane and efficient virus budding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Elmasri
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Vashi Negi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Richard J. Kuhn
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
- Markey Center for Structural Biology and Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Disease, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Joyce Jose
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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3
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Shaw J, Gosain R, Kalita MM, Foster TL, Kankanala J, Mahato DR, Abas S, King BJ, Scott C, Brown E, Bentham MJ, Wetherill L, Bloy A, Samson A, Harris M, Mankouri J, Rowlands DJ, Macdonald A, Tarr AW, Fischer WB, Foster R, Griffin S. Rationally derived inhibitors of hepatitis C virus (HCV) p7 channel activity reveal prospect for bimodal antiviral therapy. eLife 2020; 9:e52555. [PMID: 33169665 PMCID: PMC7714397 DOI: 10.7554/elife.52555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the 1960s, a single class of agent has been licensed targeting virus-encoded ion channels, or 'viroporins', contrasting the success of channel blocking drugs in other areas of medicine. Although resistance arose to these prototypic adamantane inhibitors of the influenza A virus (IAV) M2 proton channel, a growing number of clinically and economically important viruses are now recognised to encode essential viroporins providing potential targets for modern drug discovery. We describe the first rationally designed viroporin inhibitor with a comprehensive structure-activity relationship (SAR). This step-change in understanding not only revealed a second biological function for the p7 viroporin from hepatitis C virus (HCV) during virus entry, but also enabled the synthesis of a labelled tool compound that retained biological activity. Hence, p7 inhibitors (p7i) represent a unique class of HCV antiviral targeting both the spread and establishment of infection, as well as a precedent for future viroporin-targeted drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Shaw
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, St James’ University HospitalLeedsUnited Kingdom
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Woodhouse LaneLeedsUnited Kingdom
| | - Rajendra Gosain
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Woodhouse LaneLeedsUnited Kingdom
- School of Chemistry, University of Leeds, Woodhouse LaneLeedsUnited Kingdom
| | - Monoj Mon Kalita
- Institute of Biophotonics, National Yang-Ming UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Toshana L Foster
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, St James’ University HospitalLeedsUnited Kingdom
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Woodhouse LaneLeedsUnited Kingdom
| | - Jayakanth Kankanala
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Woodhouse LaneLeedsUnited Kingdom
- School of Chemistry, University of Leeds, Woodhouse LaneLeedsUnited Kingdom
| | - D Ram Mahato
- Institute of Biophotonics, National Yang-Ming UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Sonia Abas
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Woodhouse LaneLeedsUnited Kingdom
- School of Chemistry, University of Leeds, Woodhouse LaneLeedsUnited Kingdom
| | - Barnabas J King
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical CentreNottinghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Claire Scott
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, St James’ University HospitalLeedsUnited Kingdom
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Woodhouse LaneLeedsUnited Kingdom
| | - Emma Brown
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, St James’ University HospitalLeedsUnited Kingdom
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Woodhouse LaneLeedsUnited Kingdom
| | - Matthew J Bentham
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, St James’ University HospitalLeedsUnited Kingdom
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Woodhouse LaneLeedsUnited Kingdom
| | - Laura Wetherill
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, St James’ University HospitalLeedsUnited Kingdom
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Woodhouse LaneLeedsUnited Kingdom
| | - Abigail Bloy
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, St James’ University HospitalLeedsUnited Kingdom
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Woodhouse LaneLeedsUnited Kingdom
| | - Adel Samson
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, St James’ University HospitalLeedsUnited Kingdom
| | - Mark Harris
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Woodhouse LaneLeedsUnited Kingdom
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Woodhouse LaneLeedsUnited Kingdom
| | - Jamel Mankouri
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Woodhouse LaneLeedsUnited Kingdom
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Woodhouse LaneLeedsUnited Kingdom
| | - David J Rowlands
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Woodhouse LaneLeedsUnited Kingdom
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Woodhouse LaneLeedsUnited Kingdom
| | - Andrew Macdonald
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Woodhouse LaneLeedsUnited Kingdom
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Woodhouse LaneLeedsUnited Kingdom
| | - Alexander W Tarr
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical CentreNottinghamUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Richard Foster
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Woodhouse LaneLeedsUnited Kingdom
- School of Chemistry, University of Leeds, Woodhouse LaneLeedsUnited Kingdom
| | - Stephen Griffin
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, St James’ University HospitalLeedsUnited Kingdom
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Woodhouse LaneLeedsUnited Kingdom
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4
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Site-directed M2 proton channel inhibitors enable synergistic combination therapy for rimantadine-resistant pandemic influenza. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008716. [PMID: 32780760 PMCID: PMC7418971 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Pandemic influenza A virus (IAV) remains a significant threat to global health. Preparedness relies primarily upon a single class of neuraminidase (NA) targeted antivirals, against which resistance is steadily growing. The M2 proton channel is an alternative clinically proven antiviral target, yet a near-ubiquitous S31N polymorphism in M2 evokes resistance to licensed adamantane drugs. Hence, inhibitors capable of targeting N31 containing M2 (M2-N31) are highly desirable. Rational in silico design and in vitro screens delineated compounds favouring either lumenal or peripheral M2 binding, yielding effective M2-N31 inhibitors in both cases. Hits included adamantanes as well as novel compounds, with some showing low micromolar potency versus pandemic “swine” H1N1 influenza (Eng195) in culture. Interestingly, a published adamantane-based M2-N31 inhibitor rapidly selected a resistant V27A polymorphism (M2-A27/N31), whereas this was not the case for non-adamantane compounds. Nevertheless, combinations of adamantanes and novel compounds achieved synergistic antiviral effects, and the latter synergised with the neuraminidase inhibitor (NAi), Zanamivir. Thus, site-directed drug combinations show potential to rejuvenate M2 as an antiviral target whilst reducing the risk of drug resistance. "Swine flu" illustrated that the spread of influenza pandemics in the modern era is rapid, making antiviral drugs the best way of limiting disease. One proven influenza drug target is the M2 proton channel, which plays an essential role during virus entry. However, resistance against licensed drugs targeting this protein is now ubiquitous, largely due to an S31N change in the M2 sequence. Understandably, considerable effort has focused on developing M2-N31 inhibitors, yet this has been hampered by controversy surrounding two potential drug binding sites. Here, we show that both sites can in fact be targeted by new M2-N31 inhibitors, generating synergistic antiviral effects. Developing such drug combinations should improve patient outcomes and minimise the emergence of future drug resistance.
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Emerging Roles of Viroporins Encoded by DNA Viruses: Novel Targets for Antivirals? Viruses 2015; 7:5375-87. [PMID: 26501313 PMCID: PMC4632388 DOI: 10.3390/v7102880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Revised: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies have highlighted the essential nature of a group of small, highly hydrophobic, membrane embedded, channel-forming proteins in the life cycles of a growing number of RNA viruses. These viroporins mediate the flow of ions and a range of solutes across cellular membranes and are necessary for manipulating a myriad of host processes. As such they contribute to all stages of the virus life cycle. Recent discoveries have identified proteins encoded by the small DNA tumor viruses that display a number of viroporin like properties. This review article summarizes the recent developments in our understanding of these novel viroporins; describes their roles in the virus life cycles and in pathogenesis and speculates on their potential as targets for anti-viral therapeutic intervention.
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6
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"Too little, too late?" Will inhibitors of the hepatitis C virus p7 ion channel ever be used in the clinic? Future Med Chem 2015; 6:1893-907. [PMID: 25495983 DOI: 10.4155/fmc.14.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) p7 is a virus-coded ion channel, or 'viroporin'. p7 is an essential HCV protein, promoting infectious virion production, and this process can be blocked by prototypic p7 inhibitors. However, prototype potency is weak and effects in clinical trials are unsatisfactory. Nevertheless, recent structural studies render p7 amenable to modern drug discovery, with studies supporting that effective drug-like molecules should be achievable. However, burgeoning HCV therapies clear infection in the majority of treated patients. This perspective summarizes current understanding of p7 channel function and structure, pertaining to the development of improved p7 inhibitors. We ask, 'is this too little, too late', or could p7 inhibitors play a role in the long-term management of HCV disease?
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7
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Structural and Functional Properties of the Hepatitis C Virus p7 Viroporin. Viruses 2015; 7:4461-81. [PMID: 26258788 PMCID: PMC4576187 DOI: 10.3390/v7082826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2015] [Revised: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the human population has triggered intensive research efforts that have led to the development of curative antiviral therapy. Moreover, HCV has become a role model to study fundamental principles that govern the replication cycle of a positive strand RNA virus. In fact, for most HCV proteins high-resolution X-ray and NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance)-based structures have been established and profound insights into their biochemical and biological properties have been gained. One example is p7, a small hydrophobic protein that is dispensable for RNA replication, but crucial for the production and release of infectious HCV particles from infected cells. Owing to its ability to insert into membranes and assemble into homo-oligomeric complexes that function as minimalistic ion channels, HCV p7 is a member of the viroporin family. This review compiles the most recent findings related to the structure and dual pore/ion channel activity of p7 of different HCV genotypes. The alternative conformations and topologies proposed for HCV p7 in its monomeric and oligomeric state are described and discussed in detail. We also summarize the different roles p7 might play in the HCV replication cycle and highlight both the ion channel/pore-like function and the additional roles of p7 unrelated to its channel activity. Finally, we discuss possibilities to utilize viroporin inhibitors for antagonizing p7 ion channel/pore-like activity.
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8
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Scott C, Griffin S. Viroporins: structure, function and potential as antiviral targets. J Gen Virol 2015; 96:2000-2027. [PMID: 26023149 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.000201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The channel-forming activity of a family of small, hydrophobic integral membrane proteins termed 'viroporins' is essential to the life cycles of an increasingly diverse range of RNA and DNA viruses, generating significant interest in targeting these proteins for antiviral development. Viroporins vary greatly in terms of their atomic structure and can perform multiple functions during the virus life cycle, including those distinct from their role as oligomeric membrane channels. Recent progress has seen an explosion in both the identification and understanding of many such proteins encoded by highly significant pathogens, yet the prototypic M2 proton channel of influenza A virus remains the only example of a viroporin with provenance as an antiviral drug target. This review attempts to summarize our current understanding of the channel-forming functions for key members of this growing family, including recent progress in structural studies and drug discovery research, as well as novel insights into the life cycles of many viruses revealed by a requirement for viroporin activity. Ultimately, given the successes of drugs targeting ion channels in other areas of medicine, unlocking the therapeutic potential of viroporins represents a valuable goal for many of the most significant viral challenges to human and animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Scott
- Leeds Institute of Cancer & Pathology and Leeds CRUK Clinical Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, St James's University Hospital, University of Leeds, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Stephen Griffin
- Leeds Institute of Cancer & Pathology and Leeds CRUK Clinical Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, St James's University Hospital, University of Leeds, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
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9
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Ion-dynamics in hepatitis C virus p7 helical transmembrane domains — a molecular dynamics simulation study. Biophys Chem 2014; 192:33-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2014.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2014] [Revised: 06/04/2014] [Accepted: 06/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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10
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Atoom AM, Taylor NGA, Russell RS. The elusive function of the hepatitis C virus p7 protein. Virology 2014; 462-463:377-87. [PMID: 25001174 PMCID: PMC7112009 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2014.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2013] [Revised: 04/07/2014] [Accepted: 04/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major global health burden with 2–3% of the world׳s population being chronically infected. Persistent infection can lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Recently available treatment options show enhanced efficacy of virus clearance, but are associated with resistance and significant side effects. This warrants further research into the basic understanding of viral proteins and their pathophysiology. The p7 protein of HCV is an integral membrane protein that forms an ion-channel. The role of p7 in the HCV life cycle is presently uncertain, but most of the research performed to date highlights its role in the virus assembly process. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the literature investigating p7, its structural and functional details, and to summarize the developments to date regarding potential anti-p7 compounds. A better understanding of this protein may lead to development of a new and effective therapy. This review paper provides an overview of the literature investigating HCV. The content focuses on p7 structural and functional details. We summarize the developments to date regarding potential anti-p7 compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali M Atoom
- Division of BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, Newfoundland, St. John׳s, Canada
| | - Nathan G A Taylor
- Division of BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, Newfoundland, St. John׳s, Canada
| | - Rodney S Russell
- Division of BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, Newfoundland, St. John׳s, Canada.
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