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Behura A, Naik L, Patel S, Das M, Kumar A, Mishra A, Nayak DK, Manna D, Mishra A, Dhiman R. Involvement of epigenetics in affecting host immunity during SARS-CoV-2 infection. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2023; 1869:166634. [PMID: 36577469 PMCID: PMC9790847 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2022.166634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is caused by a highly contagious RNA virus Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), originated in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. Since then, it has become a global public health concern and leads the disease table with the highest mortality rate, highlighting the necessity for a thorough understanding of its biological properties. The intricate interaction between the virus and the host immune system gives rise to diverse implications of COVID-19. RNA viruses are known to hijack the host epigenetic mechanisms of immune cells to regulate antiviral defence. Epigenetics involves processes that alter gene expression without changing the DNA sequence, leading to heritable phenotypic changes. The epigenetic landscape consists of reversible modifications like chromatin remodelling, DNA/RNA methylation, and histone methylation/acetylation that regulates gene expression. The epigenetic machinery contributes to many aspects of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis, like global DNA methylation and receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) methylation determines the viral entry inside the host, viral replication, and infection efficiency. Further, it is also reported to epigenetically regulate the expression of different host cytokines affecting antiviral response. The viral proteins of SARS-CoV-2 interact with various host epigenetic enzymes like histone deacetylases (HDACs) and bromodomain-containing proteins to antagonize cellular signalling. The central role of epigenetic factors in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis is now exploited as promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets against COVID-19. This review article highlights the ability of SARS-CoV-2 in regulating the host epigenetic landscape during infection leading to immune evasion. It also discusses the ongoing therapeutic approaches to curtail and control the viral outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assirbad Behura
- Laboratory of Mycobacterial Immunology, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela 769008, Odisha, India
| | - Lincoln Naik
- Laboratory of Mycobacterial Immunology, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela 769008, Odisha, India
| | - Salina Patel
- Laboratory of Mycobacterial Immunology, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela 769008, Odisha, India
| | - Mousumi Das
- Laboratory of Mycobacterial Immunology, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela 769008, Odisha, India
| | - Ashish Kumar
- Laboratory of Mycobacterial Immunology, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela 769008, Odisha, India
| | - Abtar Mishra
- Laboratory of Mycobacterial Immunology, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela 769008, Odisha, India
| | - Dev Kiran Nayak
- Laboratory of Mycobacterial Immunology, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela 769008, Odisha, India
| | - Debraj Manna
- Laboratory of Mycobacterial Immunology, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela 769008, Odisha, India
| | - Amit Mishra
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342011, India
| | - Rohan Dhiman
- Laboratory of Mycobacterial Immunology, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela 769008, Odisha, India.
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Ning L, Liu M, Gou Y, Yang Y, He B, Huang J. Development and application of ribonucleic acid therapy strategies against COVID-19. Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18:5070-5085. [PMID: 35982905 PMCID: PMC9379410 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.72706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), remaining a global health crisis since its outbreak until now. Advanced biotechnology and research findings have revealed many suitable viral and host targets for a wide range of therapeutic strategies. The emerging ribonucleic acid therapy can modulate gene expression by post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) based on Watson-Crick base pairing. RNA therapies, including antisense oligonucleotides (ASO), ribozymes, RNA interference (RNAi), aptamers, etc., were used to treat SARS-CoV whose genome is similar to SARV-CoV-2, and the past experience also applies for the treatment of COVID-19. Several studies against SARS-CoV-2 based on RNA therapeutic strategy have been reported, and a dozen of relevant preclinical or clinical trials are in process globally. RNA therapy has been a very active and important part of COVID-19 treatment. In this review, we focus on the progress of ribonucleic acid therapeutic strategies development and application, discuss corresponding problems and challenges, and suggest new strategies and solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Ning
- School of Healthcare Technology, Chengdu Neusoft University, Sichuan, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Sichuan, China
| | - Mujiexin Liu
- Ineye Hospital of Chengdu University of TCM, Sichuan, China
| | - Yushu Gou
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Sichuan, China
| | - Yue Yang
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Sichuan, China
| | - Bifang He
- Medical College, Guizhou University, Guizhou, China
| | - Jian Huang
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Sichuan, China
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Patra SK, Szyf M. Epigenetic perspectives of COVID-19: Virus infection to disease progression and therapeutic control. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2022; 1868:166527. [PMID: 36002132 PMCID: PMC9393109 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2022.166527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 has caused numerous deaths as well as imposed social isolation and upheaval world-wide. Although, the genome and the composition of the virus, the entry process and replication mechanisms are well investigated from by several laboratories across the world, there are many unknown remaining questions. For example, what are the functions of membrane lipids during entry, packaging and exit of virus particles? Also, the metabolic aspects of the infected tissue cells are poorly understood. In the course of virus replication and formation of virus particles within the host cell, the enhanced metabolic activities of the host is directly proportional to viral loads. The epigenetic landscape of the host cells is also altered, particularly the expression/repression of genes associated with cellular metabolism as well as cellular processes that are antagonistic to the virus. Metabolic pathways are enzyme driven processes and the expression profile and mechanism of regulations of the respective genes encoding those enzymes during the course of pathogen invasion might be highly informative on the course of the disease. Recently, the metabolic profile of the patients' sera have been analysed from few patients. In view of this, and to gain further insights into the roles that epigenetic mechanisms might play in this scenario in regulation of metabolic pathways during the progression of COVID-19 are discussed and summarised in this contribution for ensuring best therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samir Kumar Patra
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela 769008, Odisha, India.
| | - Moshe Szyf
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McIntyre Medical Sciences Building, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
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Klimenko OV. Perspectives on the Use of Small Noncoding RNAs as a Therapy for Severe Virus-Induced Disease Manifestations and Late Complications. BIONANOSCIENCE 2022; 12:994-1001. [PMID: 35529531 PMCID: PMC9066397 DOI: 10.1007/s12668-022-00977-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Many viruses appear each year. Some of these viruses result in severe disease and even death. The frequency of epidemics and pandemics is growing at an alarming rate. The lack of virus-specific etiopathogenic drugs necessitates the search for new tools for the complex treatment of severe viral diseases and their late complications. Small noncoding RNAs and their antagonists may be effective therapeutic tools for preventing virus-induced damage to targeted epithelial cells and surrounding tissues in the manifestation stage. Moreover, sncRNAs could interfere with the virus-interacting host genes that trigger the malignant transformation of target cells as a late complication of severe viral diseases.
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Figueiredo DLA, Ximenez JPB, Seiva FRF, Panis C, Bezerra RDS, Ferrasa A, Cecchini AL, de Medeiros AI, Almeida AMF, Ramão A, Boldt ABW, Moya CF, Chin CM, de Paula D, Rech D, Gradia DF, Malheiros D, Venturini D, Tavares ER, Carraro E, Ribeiro EMDSF, Pereira EM, Tuon FF, Follador FAC, Fernandes GSA, Volpato H, Cólus IMDS, de Oliveira JC, Rodrigues JHDS, dos Santos JL, Visentainer JEL, Brandi JC, Serpeloni JM, Bonini JS, de Oliveira KB, Fiorentin K, Lucio LC, Faccin-Galhardi LC, Ferreto LED, Lioni LMY, Consolaro MEL, Vicari MR, Arbex MA, Pileggi M, Watanabe MAE, Costa MAR, Giannini MJSM, Amarante MK, Khalil NM, de Lima QA, Herai RH, Guembarovski RL, Shinsato RN, Mainardes RM, Giuliatti S, Yamada-Ogatta SF, Gerber VKDQ, Pavanelli WR, da Silva WC, Petzl-Erler ML, Valente V, Soares CP, Cavalli LR, Silva WA. COVID-19: The question of genetic diversity and therapeutic intervention approaches. Genet Mol Biol 2022; 44:e20200452. [PMID: 35421211 PMCID: PMC9075701 DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2020-0452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is the largest pandemic in modern history with very high infection rates and considerable mortality. The disease, which emerged in China's Wuhan province, had its first reported case on December 29, 2019, and spread rapidly worldwide. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic and global health emergency. Since the outbreak, efforts to develop COVID-19 vaccines, engineer new drugs, and evaluate existing ones for drug repurposing have been intensively undertaken to find ways to control this pandemic. COVID-19 therapeutic strategies aim to impair molecular pathways involved in the virus entrance and replication or interfere in the patients' overreaction and immunopathology. Moreover, nanotechnology could be an approach to boost the activity of new drugs. Several COVID-19 vaccine candidates have received emergency-use or full authorization in one or more countries, and others are being developed and tested. This review assesses the different strategies currently proposed to control COVID-19 and the issues or limitations imposed on some approaches by the human and viral genetic variability.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Livingstone Alves Figueiredo
- Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste do Paraná (UNICENTRO), Departamento de Medicina, Guarapuava, PR, Brazil
- Instituto para Pesquisa do Câncer (IPEC), Guarapuava, PR, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - João Paulo Bianchi Ximenez
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicologia e Ciência de Alimentos, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Fábio Rodrigues Ferreira Seiva
- Universidade Estadual do Norte do Paraná (UENP), Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Bandeirantes, PR, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Carolina Panis
- Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná, Francisco Beltrão, PR, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Rafael dos Santos Bezerra
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Hemocentro Regional de Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Adriano Ferrasa
- Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa, Programa de Pós Graduação em Computação Aplicada, Ponta Grossa, PR, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Lourenço Cecchini
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Departamento de Patologia Geral, Londrina, PR, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Alexandra Ivo de Medeiros
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética, Departamento de Genética, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Ana Marisa Fusco Almeida
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética, Departamento de Genética, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Anelisa Ramão
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
- Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste do Paraná (UNICENTRO), Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Guarapuava, PR, Brazil
| | - Angelica Beate Winter Boldt
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética, Departamento de Genética, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Carla Fredrichsen Moya
- Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste do Paraná (UNICENTRO), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Guarapuava, PR, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Chung Man Chin
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Departamento de Fármacos e Medicamentos, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
- União das Faculdades dos Grandes Lagos (UNILAGO), Centro de Pesquisa Avançada em Medicina, São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Daniel de Paula
- Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste do Paraná (UNICENTRO), Departamento de Farmácia, Guarapuava, PR, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Daniel Rech
- Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná (UNIOESTE), Hospital do Câncer Francisco Beltrão, Laboratório de Biologia de Tumores, Francisco Beltrão, PR, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Daniela Fiori Gradia
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética, Departamento de Genética, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Danielle Malheiros
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética, Departamento de Genética, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Danielle Venturini
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Departamento de patologia, clínica e toxicologia, Laboratório de bioquímica clínica, Londrina, PR, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Eliandro Reis Tavares
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Departamento de Microbiologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Londrina, PR, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Emerson Carraro
- Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste do Paraná (UNICENTRO), Laboratório de Virologia Clínica, Guarapuava, PR, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Enilze Maria de Souza Fonseca Ribeiro
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética, Departamento de Genética, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Evani Marques Pereira
- Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste do Paraná (UNICENTRO), Departamento de Enfermagem, Guarapuava, PR, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Felipe Francisco Tuon
- Universidade Católica do Paraná, Laboratório de Doenças Infecciosas Emergentes, Pontifícia Curitiba, PR, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Franciele Aní Caovilla Follador
- Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná, Departamento de Ciências da Vida, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Aplicadas à Saúde, Francisco Beltrão, PR, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Glaura Scantamburlo Alves Fernandes
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Londrina, PR, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Hélito Volpato
- Universidade Estadual do Paraná (UNESPAR), Faculdade de Ciências Biológicas, Centro de Ciências Humanas e Educação, Paranavaí, PR, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Ilce Mara de Syllos Cólus
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Londrina, PR, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Jaqueline Carvalho de Oliveira
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética, Departamento de Genética, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Jean Henrique da Silva Rodrigues
- Universidade do Estado de São Paulo (UNESP), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Departamento de Fármacos e Medicamentos, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Jean Leandro dos Santos
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Departamento de Fármacos e Medicamentos, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Jeane Eliete Laguila Visentainer
- Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Laboratório de Imunogenética, Maringá, PR, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Juliana Cristina Brandi
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Juliana Mara Serpeloni
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Londrina, PR, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Juliana Sartori Bonini
- Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste do Paraná (UNICENTRO), Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Guarapuava, PR, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Karen Brajão de Oliveira
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Departamento de Ciências Patológicas, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Genética Molecular e Imunologia, Londrina, PR, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Karine Fiorentin
- Faculdades Pequeno Príncipe, Instituto de Pesquisa Pelé Pequeno Príncipe, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Léia Carolina Lucio
- Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Aplicadas à Saúde, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Francisco Beltrão, PR, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Ligia Carla Faccin-Galhardi
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Departamento de Microbiologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Londrina, PR, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Lirane Elize Defante Ferreto
- Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Aplicadas à Saúde, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Francisco Beltrão, PR, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Lucy Megumi Yamauchi Lioni
- Universidade Estadual do Norte do Paraná (UENP), Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Bandeirantes, PR, Brazil
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Departamento de Microbiologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Marcia Edilaine Lopes Consolaro
- Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Biomedicina, Maringá, PR, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Ricardo Vicari
- Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa, Departamento de Biologia e Genética Estrutural e Molecular, Ponta Grossa, PR, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Marcos Abdo Arbex
- Universidade de Araraquara, Faculdade de Medicina, Área temática de Pneumologia, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Marcos Pileggi
- Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa, Departamento de Biologia e Genética Estrutural e Molecular, Ponta Grossa, PR, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Maria Angelica Ehara Watanabe
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Departamento de Ciências Patológicas, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Imunologia, Londrina, PR, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Maria Antônia Ramos Costa
- Universidade do Estado do Paraná, Colegiada de Enfermagem, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Maria José S. Mendes Giannini
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Marla Karine Amarante
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Departamento de Ciências Patológicas, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Imunologia, Londrina, PR, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Najeh Maissar Khalil
- Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste do Paraná (UNICENTRO), Departamento de Farmácia, Guarapuava, PR, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Quirino Alves de Lima
- Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Laboratório de Imunogenética, Maringá, PR, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Roberto H. Herai
- Universidade Católica do Paraná (PUCPR), Faculdade de Medicina, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Laboratório Experimental Multiusuário, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
- Universitário Católico Salesiano Auxilium (UNISALESIANO), Faculdade de Medicina, Centro Araçatuba, SP, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Roberta Losi Guembarovski
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Londrina, PR, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Rogério N. Shinsato
- Universidade Católica do Paraná (PUCPR), Faculdade de Medicina, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Laboratório Experimental Multiusuário, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
- Universitário Católico Salesiano Auxilium (UNISALESIANO), Faculdade de Medicina, Centro Araçatuba, SP, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Rubiana Mara Mainardes
- Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste do Paraná (UNICENTRO), Departamento de Farmácia, Guarapuava, PR, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Silvana Giuliatti
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Hemocentro Regional de Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Sueli Fumie Yamada-Ogatta
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Departamento de Microbiologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Londrina, PR, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Viviane Knuppel de Quadros Gerber
- Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste do Paraná (UNICENTRO), Departamento de Enfermagem, Guarapuava, PR, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Wander Rogério Pavanelli
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia de Doenças Negligenciadas e Câncer, Londrina, PR, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Weber Claudio da Silva
- Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste do Paraná (UNICENTRO), Departamento de Farmácia, Guarapuava, PR, Brazil
- Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste do Paraná (UNICENTRO), Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Guarapuava, PR, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Maria Luiza Petzl-Erler
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética, Departamento de Genética, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Valeria Valente
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
- Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Centro de Terapia Celular (CEPID/FAPESP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Christiane Pienna Soares
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Luciane Regina Cavalli
- Faculdades Pequeno Príncipe, Instituto de Pesquisa Pelé Pequeno Príncipe, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
| | - Wilson Araujo Silva
- Instituto para Pesquisa do Câncer (IPEC), Guarapuava, PR, Brazil
- Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Centro de Terapia Celular (CEPID/FAPESP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Células-Tronco e Terapia Celular (INCT/CNPq), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Genética, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
- Novos Arranjos de Pesquisa e Inovação - Genômica (NAPI-Genômica), Fundação Araucária, PR, Brazil
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6
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Saba AA, Adiba M, Chakraborty S, Nabi AN. Prediction of putative potential siRNAs for inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 strains, including variants of concern and interest. Future Microbiol 2022; 17:449-463. [PMID: 35285248 PMCID: PMC8958991 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2021-0130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To predict siRNAs as a therapeutic intervention for highly infectious new variants of SARS-CoV-2. Methods: Conserved coding sequence regions of 11 SARS-CoV-2 proteins were used to construct siRNAs through sampling of metadata comprising 214,256 sequences. Results: Predicted siRNAs S1: 5′-UCAUUGAGAAAUGUUUACGCA-3′ and S2: 5′-AAAGACAUCAGCAUACUCCUG-3′ against RdRp of SARS-CoV-2 satisfied all the stringent filtering processes and showed good binding characteristics. The designed siRNAs are expected to inhibit viral replication and transcription of various coronavirus strains encompassing variants of concern and interest. Conclusion: The predicted siRNAs are expected to be potent against SARS-CoV-2, and following in vitro and in vivo validations may be considered as potential therapeutic measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Al Saba
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Laboratory of Population Genetics, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Maisha Adiba
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Laboratory of Population Genetics, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Sajib Chakraborty
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Systems Cell-Signalling Laboratory, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Ahm Nurun Nabi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Laboratory of Population Genetics, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
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7
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Hussein M, Andrade dos Ramos Z, Berkhout B, Herrera-Carrillo E. In Silico Prediction and Selection of Target Sequences in the SARS-CoV-2 RNA Genome for an Antiviral Attack. Viruses 2022; 14:v14020385. [PMID: 35215977 PMCID: PMC8880226 DOI: 10.3390/v14020385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has urged the development of protective vaccines and the search for specific antiviral drugs. The modern molecular biology tools provides alternative methods, such as CRISPR-Cas and RNA interference, that can be adapted as antiviral approaches, and contribute to this search. The unique CRISPR-Cas13d system, with the small crRNA guide molecule, mediates a sequence-specific attack on RNA, and can be developed as an anti-coronavirus strategy. We analyzed the SARS-CoV-2 genome to localize the hypothetically best crRNA-annealing sites of 23 nucleotides based on our extensive expertise with sequence-specific antiviral strategies. We considered target sites of which the sequence is well-conserved among SARS-CoV-2 isolates. As we should prepare for a potential future outbreak of related viruses, we screened for targets that are conserved between SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV. To further broaden the search, we screened for targets that are conserved between SARS-CoV-2 and the more distantly related MERS-CoV, as well as the four other human coronaviruses (OC43, 229E, NL63, HKU1). Finally, we performed a search for pan-corona target sequences that are conserved among all these coronaviruses, including the new Omicron variant, that are able to replicate in humans. This survey may contribute to the design of effective, safe, and escape-proof antiviral strategies to prepare for future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ben Berkhout
- Correspondence: (B.B.); (E.H.-C.); Tel.: +31-20-566-4822 (B.B.); +31-20-566-4865 (E.H.-C.)
| | - Elena Herrera-Carrillo
- Correspondence: (B.B.); (E.H.-C.); Tel.: +31-20-566-4822 (B.B.); +31-20-566-4865 (E.H.-C.)
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8
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Khanali J, Azangou-Khyavy M, Asaadi Y, Jamalkhah M, Kiani J. Nucleic Acid-Based Treatments Against COVID-19: Potential Efficacy of Aptamers and siRNAs. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:758948. [PMID: 34858370 PMCID: PMC8630580 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.758948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite significant efforts, there are currently no approved treatments for COVID-19. However, biotechnological approaches appear to be promising in the treatment of the disease. Accordingly, nucleic acid-based treatments including aptamers and siRNAs are candidates that might be effective in COVID-19 treatment. Aptamers can hamper entry and replication stages of the SARS-CoV-2 infection, while siRNAs can cleave the viral genomic and subgenomic RNAs to inhibit the viral life cycle and reduce viral loads. As a conjugated molecule, aptamer–siRNA chimeras have proven to be dual-functioning antiviral therapy, acting both as virus-neutralizing and replication-interfering agents as well as being a siRNA targeted delivery approach. Previous successful applications of these compounds against various stages of the pathogenesis of diseases and viral infections, besides their advantages over other alternatives, might provide sufficient rationale for the application of these nucleic acid-based drugs against the SARS-CoV-2. However, none of them are devoid of limitations. Here, the literature was reviewed to assess the plausibility of using aptamers, siRNAs, and aptamer–siRNA chimeras against the SARS-CoV-2 based on their previously established effectiveness, and discussing challenges lie in applying these molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javad Khanali
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Yasaman Asaadi
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Monire Jamalkhah
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jafar Kiani
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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9
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Natarelli L, Virgili F, Weber C. SARS-CoV-2, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Noncoding RNAs: A Connected Triad. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12243. [PMID: 34830125 PMCID: PMC8620514 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is characterized by important respiratory impairments frequently associated with severe cardiovascular damages. Moreover, patients with pre-existing comorbidity for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) often present a dramatic increase in inflammatory cytokines release, which increases the severity and adverse outcomes of the infection and, finally, mortality risk. Despite this evident association at the clinical level, the mechanisms linking CVD and COVID-19 are still blurry and unresolved. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are functional RNA molecules transcribed from DNA but usually not translated into proteins. They play an important role in the regulation of gene expression, either in relatively stable conditions or as a response to different stimuli, including viral infection, and are therefore considered a possible important target in the design of specific drugs. In this review, we introduce known associations and interactions between COVID-19 and CVD, discussing the role of ncRNAs within SARS-CoV-2 infection from the perspective of the development of efficient pharmacological tools to treat COVID-19 patients and taking into account the equally dramatic associated consequences, such as those affecting the cardiovascular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Natarelli
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), 800336 Munich, Germany;
| | - Fabio Virgili
- Research Center for Food and Nutrition, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, 00178 Rome, Italy;
| | - Christian Weber
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), 800336 Munich, Germany;
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, 80336 Munich, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, 81377 Munich, Germany
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10
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Tolksdorf B, Nie C, Niemeyer D, Röhrs V, Berg J, Lauster D, Adler JM, Haag R, Trimpert J, Kaufer B, Drosten C, Kurreck J. Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Replication by a Small Interfering RNA Targeting the Leader Sequence. Viruses 2021; 13:v13102030. [PMID: 34696460 PMCID: PMC8539227 DOI: 10.3390/v13102030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has infected almost 200 million people worldwide and led to approximately 4 million deaths as of August 2021. Despite successful vaccine development, treatment options are limited. A promising strategy to specifically target viral infections is to suppress viral replication through RNA interference (RNAi). Hence, we designed eight small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeting the highly conserved 5′-untranslated region (5′-UTR) of SARS-CoV-2. The most promising candidate identified in initial reporter assays, termed siCoV6, targets the leader sequence of the virus, which is present in the genomic as well as in all subgenomic RNAs. In assays with infectious SARS-CoV-2, it reduced replication by two orders of magnitude and prevented the development of a cytopathic effect. Moreover, it retained its activity against the SARS-CoV-2 alpha variant and has perfect homology against all sequences of the delta variant that were analyzed by bioinformatic means. Interestingly, the siRNA was even highly active in virus replication assays with the SARS-CoV-1 family member. This work thus identified a very potent siRNA with a broad activity against various SARS-CoV viruses that represents a promising candidate for the development of new treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Tolksdorf
- Applied Biochemistry, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, 10623 Berlin, Germany; (B.T.); (V.R.); (J.B.)
| | - Chuanxiong Nie
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany; (C.N.); (D.L.); (R.H.)
| | - Daniela Niemeyer
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (D.N.); (C.D.)
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Viola Röhrs
- Applied Biochemistry, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, 10623 Berlin, Germany; (B.T.); (V.R.); (J.B.)
| | - Johanna Berg
- Applied Biochemistry, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, 10623 Berlin, Germany; (B.T.); (V.R.); (J.B.)
| | - Daniel Lauster
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany; (C.N.); (D.L.); (R.H.)
| | - Julia M. Adler
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Virology, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (J.M.A.); (J.T.); (B.K.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Rainer Haag
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany; (C.N.); (D.L.); (R.H.)
| | - Jakob Trimpert
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Virology, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (J.M.A.); (J.T.); (B.K.)
| | - Benedikt Kaufer
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Virology, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (J.M.A.); (J.T.); (B.K.)
| | - Christian Drosten
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (D.N.); (C.D.)
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jens Kurreck
- Applied Biochemistry, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, 10623 Berlin, Germany; (B.T.); (V.R.); (J.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.:+ 49-30-314-27581
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11
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Thangamani L, Balasubramanian B, Easwaran M, Natarajan J, Pushparaj K, Meyyazhagan A, Piramanayagam S. GalNAc-siRNA conjugates: Prospective tools on the frontier of anti-viral therapeutics. Pharmacol Res 2021; 173:105864. [PMID: 34474100 PMCID: PMC8405237 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The growing use of short-interfering RNA (siRNA)-based therapeutics for viral diseases reflects the most recent innovations in anti-viral vaccines and drugs. These drugs play crucial roles in the fight against many hitherto incurable diseases, the causes, pathophysiologies, and molecular processes of which remain unknown. Targeted liver drug delivery systems are in clinical trials. The receptor-mediated endocytosis approach involving the abundant asialoglycoprotein receptors (ASGPRs) on the surfaces of liver cells show great promise. We here review N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc)-siRNA conjugates that treat viral diseases such as hepatitis B infection, but we also mention that novel, native conjugate-based, targeted siRNA anti-viral drugs may also cure several life-threatening diseases such as hemorrhagic cystitis, multifocal leukoencephalopathy, and severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by coronaviruses and human herpes virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lokesh Thangamani
- Computational Biology Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641046, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Murugesh Easwaran
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Jeyakumar Natarajan
- Data Mining and Text Mining Laboratory, Department of Bioinformatics, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641046, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Karthika Pushparaj
- Department of Zoology, School of Biosciences, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore 641043, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Arun Meyyazhagan
- Department of Life Sciences, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru 560029, Karnataka, India.
| | - Shanmughavel Piramanayagam
- Computational Biology Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641046, Tamil Nadu, India.
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12
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Khaitov M, Nikonova A, Shilovskiy I, Kozhikhova K, Kofiadi I, Vishnyakova L, Nikolskii A, Gattinger P, Kovchina V, Barvinskaia E, Yumashev K, Smirnov V, Maerle A, Kozlov I, Shatilov A, Timofeeva A, Andreev S, Koloskova O, Kuznetsova N, Vasina D, Nikiforova M, Rybalkin S, Sergeev I, Trofimov D, Martynov A, Berzin I, Gushchin V, Kovalchuk A, Borisevich S, Valenta R, Khaitov R, Skvortsova V. Silencing of SARS-CoV-2 with modified siRNA-peptide dendrimer formulation. Allergy 2021; 76:2840-2854. [PMID: 33837568 PMCID: PMC8251148 DOI: 10.1111/all.14850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background First vaccines for prevention of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) are becoming available but there is a huge and unmet need for specific forms of treatment. In this study we aimed to evaluate the anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 effect of siRNA both in vitro and in vivo. Methods To identify the most effective molecule out of a panel of 15 in silico designed siRNAs, an in vitro screening system based on vectors expressing SARS‐CoV‐2 genes fused with the firefly luciferase reporter gene and SARS‐CoV‐2‐infected cells was used. The most potent siRNA, siR‐7, was modified by Locked nucleic acids (LNAs) to obtain siR‐7‐EM with increased stability and was formulated with the peptide dendrimer KK‐46 for enhancing cellular uptake to allow topical application by inhalation of the final formulation – siR‐7‐EM/KK‐46. Using the Syrian Hamster model for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection the antiviral capacity of siR‐7‐EM/KK‐46 complex was evaluated. Results We identified the siRNA, siR‐7, targeting SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) as the most efficient siRNA inhibiting viral replication in vitro. Moreover, we showed that LNA‐modification and complexation with the designed peptide dendrimer enhanced the antiviral capacity of siR‐7 in vitro. We demonstrated significant reduction of virus titer and lung inflammation in animals exposed to inhalation of siR‐7‐EM/KK‐46 in vivo. Conclusions Thus, we developed a therapeutic strategy for COVID‐19 based on inhalation of a modified siRNA‐peptide dendrimer formulation. The developed medication is intended for inhalation treatment of COVID‐19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexandra Nikonova
- NRC Institute of Immunology FMBA Moscow Russia
- Mechnikov Research Institute for Vaccines and Sera Moscow Russia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ivan Kozlov
- NRC Institute of Immunology FMBA Moscow Russia
| | | | | | | | | | - Nadezhda Kuznetsova
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology named after Honorary Academician N. F.Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation Moscow Russia
| | - Daria Vasina
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology named after Honorary Academician N. F.Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation Moscow Russia
| | - Maria Nikiforova
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology named after Honorary Academician N. F.Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation Moscow Russia
| | | | | | | | | | - Igor Berzin
- Federal Medico‐biological Agency of Russia (FMBA Russia) Moscow Russia
| | - Vladimir Gushchin
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology named after Honorary Academician N. F.Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation Moscow Russia
| | - Aleksey Kovalchuk
- 48 Central Research Institute of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation Moscow Russia
| | - Sergei Borisevich
- 48 Central Research Institute of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation Moscow Russia
| | - Rudolf Valenta
- NRC Institute of Immunology FMBA Moscow Russia
- Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
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13
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Pluskota-Karwatka D, Hoffmann M, Barciszewski J. Reducing SARS-CoV-2 pathological protein activity with small molecules. J Pharm Anal 2021; 11:383-397. [PMID: 33842018 PMCID: PMC8020608 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2021.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses are dangerous human and animal pathogens. The newly identified coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of COVID-19 outbreak, which is a real threat to human health and life. The world has been struggling with this epidemic for about a year, yet there are still no targeted drugs and effective treatments are very limited. Due to the long process of developing new drugs, reposition of existing ones is one of the best ways to deal with an epidemic of emergency infectious diseases. Among the existing drugs, there are candidates potentially able to inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 replication, and thus inhibit the infection of the virus. Some therapeutics target several proteins, and many diseases share molecular paths. In such cases, the use of existing pharmaceuticals for more than one purpose can reduce the time needed to design new drugs. The aim of this review was to analyze the key targets of viral infection and potential drugs acting on them, as well as to discuss various strategies and therapeutic approaches, including the possible use of natural products. We highlighted the approach based on increasing the involvement of human deaminases, particularly APOBEC deaminases in editing of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. This can reduce the cytosine content in the viral genome, leading to the loss of its integrity. We also indicated the nucleic acid technologies as potential approaches for COVID-19 treatment. Among numerous promising natural products, we pointed out curcumin and cannabidiol as good candidates for being anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcin Hoffmann
- Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
| | - Jan Barciszewski
- NanoBiomedical Center of the Adam Mickiewicz University, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences 61-704, Poznań, Poland
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14
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Bidram E, Esmaeili Y, Amini A, Sartorius R, Tay FR, Shariati L, Makvandi P. Nanobased Platforms for Diagnosis and Treatment of COVID-19: From Benchtop to Bedside. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2021; 7:2150-2176. [PMID: 33979143 PMCID: PMC8130531 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c00318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Human respiratory viral infections are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality around the world. Among the various respiratory viruses, coronaviruses (e.g., SARS-CoV-2) have created the greatest challenge and most frightening health threat worldwide. Human coronaviruses typically infect the upper respiratory tract, causing illnesses that range from common cold-like symptoms to severe acute respiratory infections. Several promising vaccine formulations have become available since the beginning of 2021. Nevertheless, achievement of herd immunity is still far from being realized. Social distancing remains the only effective measure against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Nanobiotechnology enables the design of nanobiosensors. These nanomedical diagnostic devices have opened new vistas for early detection of viral infections. The present review outlines recent research on the effectiveness of nanoplatforms as diagnostic and antiviral tools against coronaviruses. The biological properties of coronavirus and infected host organs are discussed. The challenges and limitations encountered in combating SARS-CoV-2 are highlighted. Potential nanodevices such as nanosensors, nanobased vaccines, and smart nanomedicines are subsequently presented for combating current and future mutated versions of coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Bidram
- Biosensor
Research Center, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Hezarjerib Avenue, Isfahan 8174673461, Iran
| | - Yasaman Esmaeili
- Biosensor
Research Center, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Hezarjerib Avenue, Isfahan 8174673461, Iran
| | - Abbas Amini
- Centre
for Infrastructure Engineering, Western
Sydney University, Locked
Bag 1797, Penrith 2751, New South Wales, Australia
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, Australian College
of Kuwait, Al Aqsa Mosque
Street, Mishref, Safat 13015, Kuwait
| | - Rossella Sartorius
- Institute
of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Via Pietro Castellino 111, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Franklin R. Tay
- The
Graduate
School, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, Georgia 30912, United States
| | - Laleh Shariati
- Applied
Physiology Research Center, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Hezarjerib Avenue, Isfahan 8174673461, Iran
- Department
of Biomaterials, Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering, School of
Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Isfahan
University of Medical Sciences, Hezarjerib Avenue, Isfahan 8174673461, Iran
| | - Pooyan Makvandi
- Centre
for Materials Interfaces, Istituto Italiano
di Tecnologia, viale
Rinaldo Piaggio 34, Pontedera 56025, Pisa, Italy
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15
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Sajid M, Moazzam M, Cho Y, Kato S, Xu A, Way JJ, Lohan S, Tiwari RK. siRNA Therapeutics for the Therapy of COVID-19 and Other Coronaviruses. Mol Pharm 2021; 18:2105-2121. [PMID: 33945284 PMCID: PMC9896947 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.0c01239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The ongoing pandemic of global concern has killed about three million humans and affected around 151 million people worldwide, as of April 30, 2021. Although recently approved vaccines for COVID-19 are engendering hope, finding new ways to cure the viral pandemic is still a quest for researchers worldwide. Major pandemics in history have been of viral origin, such as SARS, MERS, H1NI, Spanish flu, and so on. A larger emphasis has been on discovering potential vaccines, novel antiviral drugs, and agents that can mitigate the viral infection symptoms; however, a relatively new area, RNA interference (RNAi), has proven effective as an antiviral agent. The RNAi phenomenon has been largely exploited to cure cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and some rare diseases. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recently approved three siRNA products for human use that garner significant hope in siRNA therapeutics for coronaviruses. There have been some commentaries and communications addressing this area. We have summarized and illustrated the significance and the potential of the siRNA therapeutics available as of April 30, 2021 to combat the ongoing viral pandemic and the emerging new variants such as B.1.1.7 and B.1.351. Numerous successful in vitro studies and several investigations to address the clinical application of siRNA therapeutics provide great hope in this field. This seminal Review describes the significance of siRNA-based therapy to treat diverse viral infections in addition to the current coronavirus challenge. In addition, we have thoroughly reviewed the patents approved for coronaviruses, the major challenges in siRNA therapy, and the potential approaches to address them, followed by innovation and prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad
Imran Sajid
- Center
for Targeted Drug Delivery, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Irvine, California 92618, United States
- Faculty
of Pharmacy, University of Central Punjab, Lahore 54700, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Moazzam
- Faculty
of Pharmacy, University of Central Punjab, Lahore 54700, Pakistan
| | - Yeseom Cho
- Center
for Targeted Drug Delivery, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Irvine, California 92618, United States
- Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Schmid College of Science and
Technology, Chapman University, Orange, California 92866, United States
| | - Shun Kato
- Center
for Targeted Drug Delivery, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Irvine, California 92618, United States
- Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Schmid College of Science and
Technology, Chapman University, Orange, California 92866, United States
| | - Ava Xu
- Center
for Targeted Drug Delivery, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Irvine, California 92618, United States
| | - J. J. Way
- Center
for Targeted Drug Delivery, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Irvine, California 92618, United States
| | - Sandeep Lohan
- Center
for Targeted Drug Delivery, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Irvine, California 92618, United States
| | - Rakesh K. Tiwari
- Center
for Targeted Drug Delivery, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Irvine, California 92618, United States
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16
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Rizkita LD, Astuti I. The potential of miRNA-based therapeutics in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection: A review. J Pharm Anal 2021; 11:265-271. [PMID: 33782640 PMCID: PMC7989072 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2021.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19, the disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), as a pandemic in March 2020, and more than 117 million people worldwide have been confirmed to have been infected. Scientists, medical professionals, and other stakeholders are racing against time to find and develop effective medicines for COVID-19. However, no drug with high efficacy to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection has been approved. With the increasing popularity of gene therapy, scientists have explored the utilization of small RNAs such as microRNAs (miRNAs) as therapeutics. miRNAs are non-coding RNAs with high affinity for the 3'-UTRs of targeted messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Interactions between host cells and viral genomes may induce the upregulation or downregulation of various miRNAs. Therefore, understanding the expression patterns of these miRNAs and their functions will provide insights into potential miRNA-based therapies. This review systematically summarizes the potential targets of miRNA-based therapies for SARS-CoV-2 infection and examines the viability of possible transfection methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonny Dwi Rizkita
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
| | - Indwiani Astuti
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
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17
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Jiang X, Li Z, Young DJ, Liu M, Wu C, Wu YL, Loh XJ. Toward the prevention of coronavirus infection: what role can polymers play? MATERIALS TODAY. ADVANCES 2021; 10:100140. [PMID: 33778467 PMCID: PMC7980145 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtadv.2021.100140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus 2 has caused a global public health crisis with high rates of infection and mortality. Treatment and prevention approaches include vaccine development, the design of small-molecule antiviral drugs, and macromolecular neutralizing antibodies. Polymers have been designed for effective virus inhibition and as antiviral drug delivery carriers. This review summarizes recent progress and provides a perspective on polymer-based approaches for the treatment and prevention of coronavirus infection. These polymer-based partners include polyanion/polycations, dendritic polymers, macromolecular prodrugs, and polymeric drug delivery systems that have the potential to significantly improve the efficacy of antiviral therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Jiang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Z Li
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, A∗STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore 138634, Singapore
| | - D J Young
- College of Engineering, Information Technology and Environment, Charles Darwin University, Northern Territory 0909, Australia
| | - M Liu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - C Wu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Y-L Wu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - X J Loh
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, A∗STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore 138634, Singapore
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18
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Montazeri Aliabadi H, Totonchy J, Mahdipoor P, Parang K, Uludağ H. Suppression of Human Coronavirus 229E Infection in Lung Fibroblast Cells via RNA Interference. FRONTIERS IN NANOTECHNOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fnano.2021.670543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite extensive efforts to repurpose approved drugs, discover new small molecules, and develop vaccines, COVID-19 pandemic is still claiming victims around the world. The current arsenal of antiviral compounds did not perform well in the past viral infections (e.g., SARS), which casts a shadow of doubt for use against the new SARS-CoV-2. Vaccines should offer the ultimate protection; however, there is limited information about the longevity of the generated immunity and the protection against possible mutations. This study uses Human Coronavirus 229E as a model coronavirus to test the hypothesis that effective delivery of virus-specific siRNAs to infected cells will result in lower viral load and reduced cell death. Two different categories of nucleic acid delivery systems, Peptide/Lipid-Associated Nucleic Acids (PLANAs) and lipophilic polymers, were investigated for their toxicity in human lung fibroblast cells and their ability to deliver specific siRNAs targeting Spike and Envelope proteins in order to prevent cell death in infected cells. Selected siRNAs were effectively delivered to human lung fibroblast cells with negligible toxicity. Cell death due to viral infection was significantly reduced with individual and combinatorial silencing of selected viral proteins. The combinatorial silencing of Spike and Envelope proteins restored the cell viability completely and eliminated plaques in the investigated system. Our cell culture data indicate promising results for the RNAi based approach as an alternative antiviral treatment.
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19
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Mehta A, Michler T, Merkel OM. siRNA Therapeutics against Respiratory Viral Infections-What Have We Learned for Potential COVID-19 Therapies? Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2001650. [PMID: 33506607 PMCID: PMC7995229 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202001650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Acute viral respiratory tract infections (AVRIs) are a major burden on human health and global economy and amongst the top five causes of death worldwide resulting in an estimated 3.9 million lives lost every year. In addition, new emerging respiratory viruses regularly cause outbreaks such as SARS-CoV-1 in 2003, the "Swine flu" in 2009, or most importantly the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, which intensely impact global health, social life, and economy. Despite the prevalence of AVRIs and an urgent need, no vaccines-except for influenza-or effective treatments were available at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the innate RNAi pathway offers the ability to develop nucleic acid-based antiviral drugs. siRNA sequences against conserved, essential regions of the viral genome can prevent viral replication. In addition, viral infection can be averted prophylactically by silencing host genes essential for host-viral interactions. Unfortunately, delivering siRNAs to their target cells and intracellular site of action remains the principle hurdle toward their therapeutic use. Currently, siRNA formulations and chemical modifications are evaluated for their delivery. This progress report discusses the selection of antiviral siRNA sequences, delivery techniques to the infection sites, and provides an overview of antiviral siRNAs against respiratory viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Mehta
- Department of PharmacyPharmaceutical Technology and BiopharmaceuticsLudwig‐Maximilians‐Universität MünchenButenandtstraße 5Munich81377Germany
| | - Thomas Michler
- Institute of VirologyTechnische Universität MünchenTrogerstr. 30Munich81675Germany
| | - Olivia M. Merkel
- Department of PharmacyPharmaceutical Technology and BiopharmaceuticsLudwig‐Maximilians‐Universität MünchenButenandtstraße 5Munich81377Germany
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20
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Song LG, Xie QX, Lao HL, Lv ZY. Human coronaviruses and therapeutic drug discovery. Infect Dis Poverty 2021; 10:28. [PMID: 33726861 PMCID: PMC7962087 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-021-00812-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Coronaviruses (CoVs) are distributed worldwide and have various susceptible hosts; CoVs infecting humans are called human coronaviruses (HCoVs). Although HCoV-specific drugs are still lacking, many potent targets for drug discovery are being explored, and many vigorously designed clinical trials are being carried out in an orderly manner. The aim of this review was to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current status of drug development against HCoVs, particularly severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Main text A scoping review was conducted by electronically searching research studies, reviews, and clinical trials in PubMed and the CNKI. Studies on HCoVs and therapeutic drug discovery published between January 2000 and October 2020 and in English or Chinese were included, and the information was summarized. Of the 3248 studies identified, 159 publication were finally included. Advances in drug development against HCoV, especially SARS-CoV-2, are summarized under three categories: antiviral drugs aimed at inhibiting the HCoV proliferation process, drugs acting on the host's immune system, and drugs derived from plants with potent activity. Furthermore, clinical trials of drugs targeting SARS-CoV-2 are summarized. Conclusions During the spread of COVID-19 outbreak, great efforts have been made in therapeutic drug discovery against the virus, although the pharmacological effects and adverse reactions of some drugs under study are still unclear. However, well-designed high-quality studies are needed to further study the effectiveness and safety of these potential drugs so as to provide valid recommendations for better control of the COVID-19 pandemic. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan-Gui Song
- The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
| | - Qing-Xing Xie
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hui-Lin Lao
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhi-Yue Lv
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. .,NHC Key Laboratory of Control of Tropical Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China. .,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-Sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China.
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21
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Rohani N, Ahmadi Moughari F, Eslahchi C. DisCoVering potential candidates of RNAi-based therapy for COVID-19 using computational methods. PeerJ 2021; 9:e10505. [PMID: 33680575 PMCID: PMC7919535 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The ongoing pandemic of a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) leads to international concern; thus, emergency interventions need to be taken. Due to the time-consuming experimental methods for proposing useful treatments, computational approaches facilitate investigating thousands of alternatives simultaneously and narrow down the cases for experimental validation. Herein, we conducted four independent analyses for RNA interference (RNAi)-based therapy with computational and bioinformatic methods. The aim is to target the evolutionarily conserved regions in the SARS-CoV-2 genome in order to down-regulate or silence its RNA. miRNAs are denoted to play an important role in the resistance of some species to viral infections. A comprehensive analysis of the miRNAs available in the body of humans, as well as the miRNAs in bats and many other species, were done to find efficient candidates with low side effects in the human body. Moreover, the evolutionarily conserved regions in the SARS-CoV-2 genome were considered for designing novel significant siRNA that are target-specific. A small set of miRNAs and five siRNAs were suggested as the possible efficient candidates with a high affinity to the SARS-CoV-2 genome and low side effects. The suggested candidates are promising therapeutics for the experimental evaluations and may speed up the procedure of treatment design. Materials and implementations are available at: https://github.com/nrohani/SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narjes Rohani
- Department of Computer and Data Sciences, Faculty of Mathematical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.,School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ahmadi Moughari
- Department of Computer and Data Sciences, Faculty of Mathematical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Changiz Eslahchi
- Department of Computer and Data Sciences, Faculty of Mathematical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.,School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), Tehran, Iran
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22
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Kalhori MR, Saadatpour F, Arefian E, Soleimani M, Farzaei MH, Aneva IY, Echeverría J. The Potential Therapeutic Effect of RNA Interference and Natural Products on COVID-19: A Review of the Coronaviruses Infection. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:616993. [PMID: 33716745 PMCID: PMC7953353 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.616993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 virus was reported for the first time in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, and causes respiratory infection. This pandemic pneumonia killed about 1,437,835 people out of 61,308,161cases up to November 27, 2020. The disease's main clinical complications include fever, recurrent coughing, shortness of breath, acute respiratory syndrome, and failure of vital organs that could lead to death. It has been shown that natural compounds with antioxidant, anticancer, and antiviral activities and RNA interference agents could play an essential role in preventing or treating coronavirus infection by inhibiting the expression of crucial virus genes. This study aims to introduce a summary of coronavirus's genetic and morphological structure and determine the role of miRNAs, siRNAs, chemical drugs, and natural compounds in stimulating the immune system or inhibiting the virus's structural and non-structural genes that are essential for replication and infection of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Reza Kalhori
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Saadatpour
- Molecular Virology Lab, Department of Microbiology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Arefian
- Molecular Virology Lab, Department of Microbiology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Soleimani
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hosien Farzaei
- Medical Technology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Ina Yosifova Aneva
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Javier Echeverría
- Departamento de Ciencias del Ambiente, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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23
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Yang D. Application of Nanotechnology in the COVID-19 Pandemic. Int J Nanomedicine 2021; 16:623-649. [PMID: 33531805 PMCID: PMC7847377 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s296383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection, has been prevalent worldwide for almost a year. In early 2000, there was an outbreak of SARS-CoV, and in early 2010, a similar dissemination of infection by MERS-CoV occurred. However, no clear explanation for the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and a massive increase in the number of infections has yet been proposed. The best solution to overcome this pandemic is the development of suitable and effective vaccines and therapeutics. Fortunately, for SARS-CoV-2, the genome sequence and protein structure have been published in a short period, making research and development for prevention and treatment relatively easy. In addition, intranasal drug delivery has proven to be an effective method of administration for treating viral lung diseases. In recent years, nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems have been applied to intranasal drug delivery to overcome various limitations that occur during mucosal administration, and advances have been made to the stage where effective drug delivery is possible. This review describes the accumulated knowledge of the previous SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV infections and aims to help understand the newly emerged SARS-CoV-2 infection. Furthermore, it elucidates the achievements in developing COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics to date through existing approaches. Finally, the applicable nanotechnology approach is described in detail, and vaccines and therapeutic drugs developed based on nanomedicine, which are currently undergoing clinical trials, have presented the potential to become innovative alternatives for overcoming COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongki Yang
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon, 21999, South Korea
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24
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Emerging Technologies for the Treatment of COVID-19. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1321:81-96. [PMID: 33656715 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-59261-5_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The new coronavirus, named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), turned into a pandemic affecting more than 200 countries. Due to the high rate of transmission and mortality, finding specific and effective treatment options for this infection is currently of urgent importance. Emerging technologies have created a promising platform for developing novel treatment options for various viral diseases such as the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Here, we have described potential novel therapeutic options based on the structure and pathophysiological mechanism of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as well as the results of previous studies on similar viruses such as SARS and MERS. Many of these approaches can be used for controlling viral infection by reducing the viral damage or by increasing the potency of the host response. Owing to their high sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility, siRNAs, aptamers, nanobodies, neutralizing antibodies, and different types of peptides can be used for interference with viral replication or for blocking internalization. Receptor agonists and interferon-inducing agents are also potential options to balance and enhance the innate immune response against SARS-CoV-2. Solid evidence on the efficacy and safety of such novel technologies is yet to be established although many well-designed clinical trials are underway to address these issues.
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25
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Rahimi A, Mirzazadeh A, Tavakolpour S. Genetics and genomics of SARS-CoV-2: A review of the literature with the special focus on genetic diversity and SARS-CoV-2 genome detection. Genomics 2021; 113:1221-1232. [PMID: 33007398 PMCID: PMC7525243 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2020.09.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The outbreak of 2019-novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, started in late 2019; in a short time, it has spread rapidly all over the world. Although some possible antiviral and anti-inflammatory medications are available, thousands of people are dying daily. Well-understanding of the SARS-CoV-2 genome is not only essential for the development of new treatments/vaccines, but it also can be used for improving the sensitivity and specificity of current approaches for virus detection. Accordingly, we reviewed the most critical findings related to the genetics of the SARS-CoV-2, with a specific focus on genetic diversity and reported mutations, molecular-based diagnosis assays, using interfering RNA technology for the treatment of patients, and genetic-related vaccination strategies. Additionally, considering the unanswered questions or uncertainties in these regards, different topics were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azadeh Rahimi
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Azin Mirzazadeh
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran,Joint Bioinformatics Graduate Program, University of Arkansas Little Rock and University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Soheil Tavakolpour
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States.
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26
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Henzinger H, Barth DA, Klec C, Pichler M. Non-Coding RNAs and SARS-Related Coronaviruses. Viruses 2020; 12:v12121374. [PMID: 33271762 PMCID: PMC7761185 DOI: 10.3390/v12121374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in 2019 has caused a major health and economic crisis around the globe. Gaining knowledge about its attributes and interactions with human host cells is crucial. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are involved in the host cells’ innate antiviral immune response. In RNA interference, microRNAs (miRNAs) may bind to complementary sequences of the viral RNA strand, forming an miRNA-induced silencing complex, which destroys the viral RNA, thereby inhibiting viral protein expression. There are several targets for human miRNAs on SARS-CoV-2’s RNA, most of which are in the 5’ and 3’ untranslated regions. Mutations of the viral genome causing the creation or loss of miRNA binding sites may have crucial effects on SARS-CoV-2 pathogenicity. In addition to mediating immunity, the ncRNA landscape of host cells further influences their susceptibility to virus infection, as certain miRNAs are essential in the regulation of cellular receptors that are necessary for virus invasion. Conversely, virus infection also changes the host ncRNA expression patterns, possibly augmenting conditions for viral replication and dissemination. Hence, ncRNAs typically upregulated in SARS-CoV-2 infection could be useful biomarkers for disease progression and severity. Understanding these mechanisms could provide further insight into the pathogenesis and possible treatment options against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Henzinger
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Graz, Research Unit of Non-Coding RNAs and Genome Editing, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Clinical Oncology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (H.H.); (D.A.B.); (C.K.)
| | - Dominik A. Barth
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Graz, Research Unit of Non-Coding RNAs and Genome Editing, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Clinical Oncology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (H.H.); (D.A.B.); (C.K.)
| | - Christiane Klec
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Graz, Research Unit of Non-Coding RNAs and Genome Editing, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Clinical Oncology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (H.H.); (D.A.B.); (C.K.)
| | - Martin Pichler
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Graz, Research Unit of Non-Coding RNAs and Genome Editing, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Clinical Oncology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (H.H.); (D.A.B.); (C.K.)
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence:
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Mann R, Perisetti A, Gajendran M, Gandhi Z, Umapathy C, Goyal H. Clinical Characteristics, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Major Coronavirus Outbreaks. Front Med (Lausanne) 2020; 7:581521. [PMID: 33282890 PMCID: PMC7691433 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.581521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Human coronavirus infections have been known to cause mild respiratory illness. It changed in the last two decades as three global outbreaks by coronaviruses led to significant mortality and morbidity. SARS CoV-1 led to the first epidemic of the twenty first century due to coronavirus. SARS COV-1 infection had a broad array of symptoms with respiratory and gastrointestinal as most frequent. The last known case was reported in 2004. Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) led to the second outbreak in 2012, and case fatality was much higher than SARS. MERS-CoV has a wide array of clinical presentations from mild, moderate to severe, and some patients end up with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The third and recent outbreak by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) started in December 2019, which lead to a global pandemic. Patients with SARS-CoV2 infection can be asymptomatic or have a range of symptoms with fever, cough, and shortness of breath being most common. Reverse transcriptase-Polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is a diagnostic test of choice for SARS CoV-1, MERS-CoV, and SARS CoV-2 infections. This review aims to discuss epidemiological, clinical features, diagnosis, and management of human coronaviruses with a focus on SARS CoV-1, MERS-CoV, and SARS CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupinder Mann
- Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Agnes Medical Center, Fresno, CA, United States
| | - Abhilash Perisetti
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Mahesh Gajendran
- Department of Internal Medicine, Paul L Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University, El Paso, TX, United States
| | - Zainab Gandhi
- Department of Medicine, Geisinger Community Medicine Center, Scranton, PA, United States
| | - Chandraprakash Umapathy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Hemant Goyal
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Wright Center of Graduate Medical Education, Scranton, PA, United States
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Therapeutic modalities and novel approaches in regenerative medicine for COVID-19. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2020; 56:106208. [PMID: 33213829 PMCID: PMC7582055 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2020.106208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The recent coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak around the world has had an enormous impact on the global health burden, threatening the lives of many individuals, and has had severe socio-economic consequences. Many pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies have commenced intensive research on different therapeutic strategies, from repurposed antiviral drugs to vaccines and monoclonal antibodies to prevent the spread of the disease and treat infected patients. Among the various strategies, advanced therapeutic approaches including cell- and gene-editing-based therapeutics are also being investigated, and initial results in in-vitro and early phase I studies have been promising. However, further assessments are required. This article reviews the underlying mechanisms for the pathogenesis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2, and discusses available therapeutic candidates and advanced modalities that are being evaluated in in-vitro/in-vivo models and are of note in clinical trials.
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29
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Atlante S, Mongelli A, Barbi V, Martelli F, Farsetti A, Gaetano C. The epigenetic implication in coronavirus infection and therapy. Clin Epigenetics 2020; 12:156. [PMID: 33087172 PMCID: PMC7576975 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-020-00946-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics is a relatively new field of science that studies the genetic and non-genetic aspects related to heritable phenotypic changes, frequently caused by environmental and metabolic factors. In the host, the epigenetic machinery can regulate gene expression through a series of reversible epigenetic modifications, such as histone methylation and acetylation, DNA/RNA methylation, chromatin remodeling, and non-coding RNAs. The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is a highly transmittable and pathogenic viral infection. The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which emerged in Wuhan, China, and spread worldwide, causes it. COVID-19 severity and consequences largely depend on patient age and health status. In this review, we will summarize and comparatively analyze how viruses regulate the host epigenome. Mainly, we will be focusing on highly pathogenic respiratory RNA virus infections such as coronaviruses. In this context, epigenetic alterations might play an essential role in the onset of coronavirus disease complications. Although many therapeutic approaches are under study, more research is urgently needed to identify effective vaccine or safer chemotherapeutic drugs, including epigenetic drugs, to cope with this viral outbreak and to develop pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Atlante
- Laboratorio di Epigenetica, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Via Maugeri 4, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessia Mongelli
- Laboratorio di Epigenetica, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Via Maugeri 4, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Veronica Barbi
- Laboratorio di Epigenetica, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Via Maugeri 4, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Fabio Martelli
- Laboratorio di Cardiologia Molecolare, Policlinico San Donato IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonella Farsetti
- Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science “A. Ruberti” (IASI), National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Gaetano
- Laboratorio di Epigenetica, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Via Maugeri 4, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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Sabarimurugan S, Dharmarajan A, Warrier S, Subramanian M, Swaminathan R. Comprehensive review on the prevailing COVID-19 therapeutics and the potential of repurposing SARS-CoV-1 candidate drugs to target SARS-CoV-2 as a fast-track treatment and prevention option. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:1247. [PMID: 33178779 PMCID: PMC7607133 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-4071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The recent seemingly uncontrollable pandemic caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been able to spread quickly due to the non-availability of effective antivirals or vaccines. The virus has structural and non-structural proteins that are considered as possible targets. Receptor recognition is the critical determinant and preliminary phase of viral infection to enter the host cell and causes tissue tropism. We have conducted a comprehensive review of relevant publication on in vitro, in silico, in vivo and clinical evaluation of drug candidates ranging from broad-spectrum antivirals to natural molecules targeted towards viral spike protein in addition to evaluate their suitability as therapies based on an analysis of the similarities between SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2. In general, antiviral targets are based on two strategies, either targeting the host or the host’s immune cell. We have reviewed the available details on the SARS-CoV-2 strain’s host-viral binding sites entry mechanism, alongside recently tested effective antivirals. The hypothesis of this review may provide clear insight for researchers and physicians who are struggling to narrow down scientific options to control the current pandemic. Overall, we found that the promising efficacious drug candidates reported against SARS-CoV-1 could be considered for drug repurposing; this might help to identify a potential drug for therapeutic measures and development of vaccine for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanthi Sabarimurugan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Arun Dharmarajan
- CHIRI, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Technology and Research, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India.,Department of Human Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Sudha Warrier
- CHIRI, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia.,School of Regenerative Medicine, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Bangalore, India
| | - Maheswari Subramanian
- Department of Microbiology, Centre for Research and PG Studies, Indian Academy of Degree College (Aut), Bangalore, India
| | - Rajarajan Swaminathan
- Centre for Drug Design, Discovery and Development, SRM University, Sonipat, Haryana, New Delhi, India
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Lundstrom K. Coronavirus pandemic: treatment and future prevention. Future Microbiol 2020; 15:1507-1521. [PMID: 33140657 PMCID: PMC7675013 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2020-0174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 leading to the COVID-19 pandemic with more than 400,000 deaths worldwide and the global economy shut down has substantially accelerated the research and development of novel and efficient COVID-19 antiviral drugs and vaccines. In the short term, antiviral and other drugs have been subjected to repurposing against COVID-19 demonstrating some success, but some excessively hasty conclusions drawn from significantly suboptimal clinical evaluations have provided false hope. On the other hand, more than 300 potential therapies and at least 150 vaccine studies are in progress at various stages of preclinical or clinical research. The aim here is to provide a timely update of the development, which, due to the intense activities, moves forward with unprecedented speed.
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Lin P, Wang M, Wei Y, Kim T, Wei X. Coronavirus in human diseases: Mechanisms and advances in clinical treatment. MedComm (Beijing) 2020; 1:270-301. [PMID: 33173860 PMCID: PMC7646666 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses (CoVs), a subfamily of coronavirinae, are a panel of single-stranded RNA virus. Human coronavirus (HCoV) strains (HCoV-229E, HCoV-OC43, HCoV-HKU1, HCoV-NL63) usually cause mild upper respiratory diseases and are believed to be harmless. However, other HCoVs, associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome, Middle East respiratory syndrome, and COVID-19, have been identified as important pathogens due to their potent infectivity and lethality worldwide. Moreover, currently, no effective antiviral drugs treatments are available so far. In this review, we summarize the biological characters of HCoVs, their association with human diseases, and current therapeutic options for the three severe HCoVs. We also highlight the discussion about novel treatment strategies for HCoVs infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panpan Lin
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Manni Wang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Yuquan Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Taewan Kim
- Wexner Medical Center The Ohio State University Columbus Ohio 43210 USA
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu China
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Mukhopadhyay D, Mussa BM. Identification of Novel Hypothalamic MicroRNAs as Promising Therapeutics for SARS-CoV-2 by Regulating ACE2 and TMPRSS2 Expression: An In Silico Analysis. Brain Sci 2020; 10:E666. [PMID: 32992681 PMCID: PMC7601472 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10100666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroinvasion of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) is well documented and, given the similarities between this virus and SARS-CoV-2, it seems that the neurological impairment that is associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is due to SARS-CoV-2 neuroinvasion. Hypothalamic circuits are exposed to the entry of the virus via the olfactory bulb and interact centrally with crucial respiratory nuclei. Hypothalamic microRNAs are considered as potential biomarkers and modulators for various diseases and future therapeutic targets. The present study aims to investigate the microRNAs that regulate the expression of hypothalamic angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), essential elements for SARS-CoV-2 cell entry. METHODS To determine potential hypothalamic miRNAs that can directly bind to ACE2 and TMPRSS2, multiple target bioinformatics prediction algorithms were used, including miRBase, Target scan, and miRWalk2.029. RESULTS Our in silico analysis has revealed that, although there are over 5000 hypothalamic miRNAs, around 31 miRNAs and 29 miRNAs have shown binding sites and strong binding capacity against ACE2 and TMPRSS2, respectively. CONCLUSION These novel potential hypothalamic miRNAs can be used to identify new therapeutic targets to treat neurological symptoms in COVID-19 patients via regulation of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debasmita Mukhopadhyay
- Biomedical & Chemical Engineering Department, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah 26666, UAE;
| | - Bashair M. Mussa
- Basic Medical Science Department, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, UAE
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Baldassarre A, Paolini A, Bruno SP, Felli C, Tozzi AE, Masotti A. Potential use of noncoding RNAs and innovative therapeutic strategies to target the 5'UTR of SARS-CoV-2. Epigenomics 2020; 12:1349-1361. [PMID: 32875809 PMCID: PMC7466951 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2020-0162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
After the increasing number of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections all over the world, researchers and clinicians are struggling to find a vaccine or innovative therapeutic strategies to treat this viral infection. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection that occurred in 2002, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and other more common infectious diseases such as hepatitis C virus, led to the discovery of many RNA-based drugs. Among them, siRNAs and antisense locked nucleic acids have been demonstrated to have effective antiviral effects both in animal models and humans. Owing to the high genomic homology of SARS-CoV-2 and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (80–82%) the use of these molecules could be employed successfully also to target this emerging coronavirus. Trying to translate this approach to treat COVID-19, we analyzed the common structural features of viral 5’UTR regions that can be targeted by noncoding RNAs and we also identified miRNAs binding sites suitable for designing RNA-based drugs to be employed successfully against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Baldassarre
- Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù-IRCCS, Research Laboratories; Multifactorial & Complex Phenotype Research Area, V.le di San Paolo 15, Rome 00146, Italy
| | - Alessandro Paolini
- Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù-IRCCS, Research Laboratories; Multifactorial & Complex Phenotype Research Area, V.le di San Paolo 15, Rome 00146, Italy
| | - Stefania Paola Bruno
- Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù-IRCCS, Research Laboratories; Multifactorial & Complex Phenotype Research Area, V.le di San Paolo 15, Rome 00146, Italy
| | - Cristina Felli
- Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù-IRCCS, Research Laboratories; Multifactorial & Complex Phenotype Research Area, V.le di San Paolo 15, Rome 00146, Italy
| | - Alberto Eugenio Tozzi
- Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù-IRCCS, Research Laboratories; Multifactorial & Complex Phenotype Research Area, V.le di San Paolo 15, Rome 00146, Italy
| | - Andrea Masotti
- Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù-IRCCS, Research Laboratories; Multifactorial & Complex Phenotype Research Area, V.le di San Paolo 15, Rome 00146, Italy
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Piyush R, Rajarshi K, Chatterjee A, Khan R, Ray S. Nucleic acid-based therapy for coronavirus disease 2019. Heliyon 2020; 6:e05007. [PMID: 32984620 PMCID: PMC7501848 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the pandemic that originated in China has already spread into more than 190 countries, resulting in huge loss of human life and many more are at the stake of losing it; if not intervened with the best therapeutics to contain the disease. For that aspect, various scientific groups are continuously involved in the development of an effective line of treatment to control the novel coronavirus from spreading rapidly. Worldwide scientists are evaluating various biomolecules and synthetic inhibitors against COVID-19; where the nucleic acid-based molecules may be considered as potential drug candidates. These molecules have been proved potentially effective against SARS-CoV, which shares high sequence similarity with SARS-CoV-2. Recent advancements in nucleic acid-based therapeutics are helpful in targeted drug delivery, safely and effectively. The use of nucleic acid-based molecules also known to regulate the level of gene expression inside the target cells. This review mainly focuses on various nucleic acid-based biologically active molecules and their therapeutic potentials in developing vaccines for SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravikant Piyush
- School of Biotechnology, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625021, India
| | - Keshav Rajarshi
- School of Community Science and Technology (SOCSAT) Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST), Shibpur, Howrah, West Bengal 711103, India
| | - Aroni Chatterjee
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-Virus Research Laboratory, NICED, Kolkata, India
| | - Rajni Khan
- Motihari College of Engineering, Bariyarpur, Motihari, NH 28A, Furshatpur, Motihari, Bihar 845401, India
| | - Shashikant Ray
- Department of Biotechnology, Mahatma Gandhi Central University Motihari, 845401, India
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Lundstrom K. Viral Vectors Applied for RNAi-Based Antiviral Therapy. Viruses 2020; 12:v12090924. [PMID: 32842491 PMCID: PMC7552024 DOI: 10.3390/v12090924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) provides the means for alternative antiviral therapy. Delivery of RNAi in the form of short interfering RNA (siRNA), short hairpin RNA (shRNA) and micro-RNA (miRNA) have demonstrated efficacy in gene silencing for therapeutic applications against viral diseases. Bioinformatics has played an important role in the design of efficient RNAi sequences targeting various pathogenic viruses. However, stability and delivery of RNAi molecules have presented serious obstacles for reaching therapeutic efficacy. For this reason, RNA modifications and formulation of nanoparticles have proven useful for non-viral delivery of RNAi molecules. On the other hand, utilization of viral vectors and particularly self-replicating RNA virus vectors can be considered as an attractive alternative. In this review, examples of antiviral therapy applying RNAi-based approaches in various animal models will be described. Due to the current coronavirus pandemic, a special emphasis will be dedicated to targeting Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19).
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Uludağ H, Parent K, Aliabadi HM, Haddadi A. Prospects for RNAi Therapy of COVID-19. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:916. [PMID: 32850752 PMCID: PMC7409875 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus is a fast emerging disease with deadly consequences. The pulmonary system and lungs in particular are most prone to damage caused by the SARS-CoV-2 infection, which leaves a destructive footprint in the lung tissue, making it incapable of conducting its respiratory functions and resulting in severe acute respiratory disease and loss of life. There were no drug treatments or vaccines approved for SARS-CoV-2 at the onset of pandemic, necessitating an urgent need to develop effective therapeutics. To this end, the innate RNA interference (RNAi) mechanism can be employed to develop front line therapies against the virus. This approach allows specific binding and silencing of therapeutic targets by using short interfering RNA (siRNA) and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) molecules. In this review, we lay out the prospect of the RNAi technology for combatting the COVID-19. We first summarize current understanding of SARS-CoV-2 virology and the host response to viral entry and duplication, with the purpose of revealing effective RNAi targets. We then summarize the past experience with nucleic acid silencers for SARS-CoV, the predecessor for current SARS-CoV-2. Efforts targeting specific protein-coding regions within the viral genome and intragenomic targets are summarized. Emphasizing non-viral delivery approaches, molecular underpinnings of design of RNAi agents are summarized with comparative analysis of various systems used in the past. Promising viral targets as well as host factors are summarized, and the possibility of modulating the immune system are presented for more effective therapies. We place special emphasis on the limitations of past studies to propel the field faster by focusing on most relevant models to translate the promising agents to a clinical setting. Given the urgency to address lung failure in COVID-19, we summarize the feasibility of delivering promising therapies by the inhalational route, with the expectation that this route will provide the most effective intervention to halt viral spread. We conclude with the authors' perspectives on the future of RNAi therapeutics for combatting SARS-CoV-2. Since time is of the essence, a strong perspective for the path to most effective therapeutic approaches are clearly articulated by the authors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Uludağ
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Kylie Parent
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Azita Haddadi
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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Garrido PF, Calvelo M, Blanco-González A, Veleiro U, Suárez F, Conde D, Cabezón A, Piñeiro Á, Garcia-Fandino R. The Lord of the NanoRings: Cyclodextrins and the battle against SARS-CoV-2. Int J Pharm 2020; 588:119689. [PMID: 32717282 PMCID: PMC7381410 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2020.119689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
A handful of singular structures and laws can be observed in nature. They are not always evident but, once discovered, it seems obvious how to take advantage of them. In chemistry, the discovery of reproducible patterns stimulates the imagination to develop new functional materials and technological or medical applications. Two clear examples are helical structures at different levels in biological polymers as well as ring and spherical structures of different size and composition. Rings are intuitively observed as holes able to thread elongated structures. A large number of real and fictional stories have rings as inanimate protagonists. The design, development or just discovering of a special ring has often been taken as a symbol of power or success. Several examples are the Piscatory Ring wore by the Pope of the Catholic Church, the NBA Championship ring and the One Ring created by the Dark Lord Sauron in the epic story The Lord of the Rings. In this work, we reveal the power of another extremely powerful kind of rings to fight against the pandemic which is currently affecting the whole world. These rings are as small as ~1 nm of diameter and so versatile that they are able to participate in the attack of viruses, and specifically SARS-CoV-2, in a large range of different ways. This includes the encapsulation and transport of specific drugs, as adjuvants to stabilize proteins, vaccines or other molecules involved in the infection, as cholesterol trappers to destabilize the virus envelope, as carriers for RNA therapies, as direct antiviral drugs and even to rescue blood coagulation upon heparin treatment. “One ring to rule them all. One ring to find them. One ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them.” J. R. R. Tolkien.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo F Garrido
- Departamento de Física Aplicada, Facultade de Física, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, E-15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Martín Calvelo
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Center for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus Vida s/n, E-15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Alexandre Blanco-González
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Center for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus Vida s/n, E-15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Uxía Veleiro
- Departamento de Física Aplicada, Facultade de Física, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, E-15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Fabián Suárez
- Departamento de Física Aplicada, Facultade de Física, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, E-15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Daniel Conde
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Center for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus Vida s/n, E-15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Alfonso Cabezón
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Center for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus Vida s/n, E-15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Ángel Piñeiro
- Departamento de Física Aplicada, Facultade de Física, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, E-15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Rebeca Garcia-Fandino
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Center for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus Vida s/n, E-15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
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Habtemariam S, Berindan-Neagoe I, Cismaru CA, Schaafsma D, Nabavi SF, Ghavami S, Banach M, Nabavi SM. Lessons from SARS and MERS remind us of the possible therapeutic effects of implementing a siRNA strategy to target COVID-19: Shoot the messenger! J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:10267-10269. [PMID: 32677763 PMCID: PMC7405483 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Solomon Habtemariam
- Pharmacognosy Research Laboratories and Herbal Analysis Services, University of Greenwich, Kent, UK
| | - Ioana Berindan-Neagoe
- Research Center for functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cosmin Andrei Cismaru
- Research Center for functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,Department of Functional Sciences, Immunology and Allergology, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | | | - Seyed Fazel Nabavi
- Applied Biotechnology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Division of Translational Medicine, Baqiyatallah Hospital, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeid Ghavami
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Maciej Banach
- Department of Hypertension, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.,Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital Research Institute (PMMHRI), Lodz, Poland
| | - Seyed Mohammad Nabavi
- Applied Biotechnology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Division of Translational Medicine, Baqiyatallah Hospital, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Ahidjo BA, Loe MWC, Ng YL, Mok CK, Chu JJH. Current Perspective of Antiviral Strategies against COVID-19. ACS Infect Dis 2020; 6:1624-1634. [PMID: 32485102 PMCID: PMC7299369 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.0c00236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020. This novel coronavirus disease, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has resulted in severe and unprecedented social and economic disruptions globally. Since the discovery of COVID-19 in December 2019, numerous antivirals have been tested for efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro and also clinically to treat this disease. This review article discusses the main antiviral strategies currently employed and summarizes reported in vitro and in vivo efficacies of key antiviral compounds in use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bintou A. Ahidjo
- NUSMed Biosafety Level 3 Core Facility, Yong Loo Lin
School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 14
Medical Drive, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral
Strategies, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine,
National University of Singapore, 5 Science Drive 2,
Singapore 117545, Singapore
- Infectious Disease Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of
Medicine, National University of Singapore, 10 Medical Drive,
Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Marcus Wing Choy Loe
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral
Strategies, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine,
National University of Singapore, 5 Science Drive 2,
Singapore 117545, Singapore
- Infectious Disease Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of
Medicine, National University of Singapore, 10 Medical Drive,
Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Yan Ling Ng
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral
Strategies, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine,
National University of Singapore, 5 Science Drive 2,
Singapore 117545, Singapore
- Infectious Disease Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of
Medicine, National University of Singapore, 10 Medical Drive,
Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Chee Keng Mok
- NUSMed Biosafety Level 3 Core Facility, Yong Loo Lin
School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 14
Medical Drive, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral
Strategies, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine,
National University of Singapore, 5 Science Drive 2,
Singapore 117545, Singapore
- Infectious Disease Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of
Medicine, National University of Singapore, 10 Medical Drive,
Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Justin Jang Hann Chu
- NUSMed Biosafety Level 3 Core Facility, Yong Loo Lin
School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 14
Medical Drive, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral
Strategies, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine,
National University of Singapore, 5 Science Drive 2,
Singapore 117545, Singapore
- Infectious Disease Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of
Medicine, National University of Singapore, 10 Medical Drive,
Singapore 117597, Singapore
- Collaborative and Translation Unit for HFMD,
Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and
Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138673, Singapore
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The Role of MicroRNA in the Airway Surface Liquid Homeostasis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21113848. [PMID: 32481719 PMCID: PMC7312818 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21113848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mucociliary clearance, mediated by a coordinated function of cilia bathing in the airway surface liquid (ASL) on the surface of airway epithelium, protects the host from inhaled pathogens and is an essential component of the innate immunity. ASL is composed of the superficial mucus layer and the deeper periciliary liquid. Ion channels, transporters, and pumps coordinate the transcellular and paracellular movement of ions and water to maintain the ASL volume and mucus hydration. microRNA (miRNA) is a class of non-coding, short single-stranded RNA regulating gene expression by post-transcriptional mechanisms. miRNAs have been increasingly recognized as essential regulators of ion channels and transporters responsible for ASL homeostasis. miRNAs also influence the airway host defense. We summarize the most up-to-date information on the role of miRNAs in ASL homeostasis and host-pathogen interactions in the airway and discuss concepts for miRNA-directed therapy.
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Lundstrom K. Coronavirus Pandemic-Therapy and Vaccines. Biomedicines 2020; 8:E109. [PMID: 32375268 PMCID: PMC7277397 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8050109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The current coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, which originated in Wuhan, China, has raised significant social, psychological and economic concerns in addition to direct medical issues. The rapid spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-2 to almost every country on the globe and the failure to contain the infections have contributed to fear and panic worldwide. The lack of available and efficient antiviral drugs or vaccines has further worsened the situation. For these reasons, it cannot be overstated that an accelerated effort for the development of novel drugs and vaccines is needed. In this context, novel approaches in both gene therapy and vaccine development are essential. Previous experience from SARS- and MERS-coronavirus vaccine and drug development projects have targeted glycoprotein epitopes, monoclonal antibodies, angiotensin receptor blockers and gene silencing technologies, which may be useful for COVID-19 too. Moreover, existing antivirals used for other types of viral infections have been considered as urgent action is necessary. This review aims at providing a background of coronavirus genetics and biology, examples of therapeutic and vaccine strategies taken and potential innovative novel approaches in progress.
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Efficient Inhibition of Avian and Seasonal Influenza A Viruses by a Virus-Specific Dicer-Substrate Small Interfering RNA Swarm in Human Monocyte-Derived Macrophages and Dendritic Cells. J Virol 2019; 93:JVI.01916-18. [PMID: 30463970 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01916-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza A viruses (IAVs) are viral pathogens that cause epidemics and occasional pandemics of significant mortality. The generation of efficacious vaccines and antiviral drugs remains a challenge due to the rapid appearance of new influenza virus types and antigenic variants. Consequently, novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of IAV infections are needed, given the limitations of the presently available antivirals. Here, we used enzymatically produced IAV-specific double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules and Giardia intestinalis Dicer for the generation of a swarm of small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules. The siRNAs target multiple conserved genomic regions of the IAVs. In mammalian cells, the produced 25- to 27-nucleotide-long siRNA molecules are processed by endogenous Dicer into 21-nucleotide siRNAs and are thus designated Dicer-substrate siRNAs (DsiRNAs). We evaluated the efficacy of the above DsiRNA swarm at preventing IAV infections in human primary monocyte-derived macrophages and dendritic cells. The replication of different IAV strains, including avian influenza H5N1 and H7N9 viruses, was significantly inhibited by pretransfection of the cells with the IAV-specific DsiRNA swarm. Up to 7 orders of magnitude inhibition of viral RNA expression was observed, which led to a dramatic inhibition of IAV protein synthesis and virus production. The IAV-specific DsiRNA swarm inhibited virus replication directly through the RNA interference pathway although a weak induction of innate interferon responses was detected. Our results provide direct evidence for the feasibility of the siRNA strategy and the potency of DsiRNA swarms in the prevention and treatment of influenza, including the highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses.IMPORTANCE In spite of the enormous amount of research, influenza virus is still one of the major challenges for medical virology due to its capacity to generate new variants, which potentially lead to severe epidemics and pandemics. We demonstrated here that a swarm of small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules, including more than 100 different antiviral RNA molecules targeting the most conserved regions of the influenza A virus genome, could efficiently inhibit the replication of all tested avian and seasonal influenza A variants in human primary monocyte-derived macrophages and dendritic cells. The wide antiviral spectrum makes the virus-specific siRNA swarm a potentially efficient treatment modality against both avian and seasonal influenza viruses.
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Asha K, Kumar P, Sanicas M, Meseko CA, Khanna M, Kumar B. Advancements in Nucleic Acid Based Therapeutics against Respiratory Viral Infections. J Clin Med 2018; 8:jcm8010006. [PMID: 30577479 PMCID: PMC6351902 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Several viruses cause pulmonary infections due to their shared tropism with cells of the respiratory tract. These respiratory problems due to viral infection become a public health concern due to rapid transmission through air/aerosols or via direct-indirect contact with infected persons. In addition, the cross-species transmission causes alterations to viral genetic makeup thereby increasing the risk of emergence of pathogens with new and more potent infectivity. With the introduction of effective nucleic acid-based technologies, post translational gene silencing (PTGS) is being increasingly used to silence viral gene targets and has shown promising approach towards management of many viral infections. Since several host factors are also utilized by these viruses during various stages of infection, silencing these host factors can also serve as promising therapeutic tool. Several nucleic acid-based technologies such as short interfering RNAs (siRNA), antisense oligonucleotides, aptamers, deoxyribozymes (DNAzymes), and ribozymes have been studied and used against management of respiratory viruses. These therapeutic nucleic acids can be efficiently delivered through the airways. Studies have also shown efficacy of gene therapy in clinical trials against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as well as models of respiratory diseases including severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), measles and influenza. In this review, we have summarized some of the recent advancements made in the area of nucleic acid based therapeutics and highlighted the emerging roles of nucleic acids in the management of some of the severe respiratory viral infections. We have also focused on the methods of their delivery and associated challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumari Asha
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA.
| | - Prashant Kumar
- Amity Institute of Virology and Immunology, Amity University, Noida 201303, India.
| | - Melvin Sanicas
- Sanofi Pasteur, Asia and JPAC Region, Singapore 257856, Singapore.
| | - Clement A Meseko
- Regional Centre for Animal Influenza, National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom 930010, Nigeria.
| | - Madhu Khanna
- Department of Respiratory Virology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India.
| | - Binod Kumar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA.
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Qureshi A, Tantray VG, Kirmani AR, Ahangar AG. A review on current status of antiviral siRNA. Rev Med Virol 2018; 28:e1976. [PMID: 29656441 PMCID: PMC7169094 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.1976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Revised: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Viral diseases like influenza, AIDS, hepatitis, and Ebola cause severe epidemics worldwide. Along with their resistant strains, new pathogenic viruses continue to be discovered so creating an ongoing need for new antiviral treatments. RNA interference is a cellular gene‐silencing phenomenon in which sequence‐specific degradation of target mRNA is achieved by means of complementary short interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules. Short interfering RNA technology affords a potential tractable strategy to combat viral pathogenesis because siRNAs are specific, easy to design, and can be directed against multiple strains of a virus by targeting their conserved gene regions. In this review, we briefly summarize the current status of siRNA therapy for representative examples from different virus families. In addition, other aspects like their design, delivery, medical significance, bioinformatics resources, and limitations are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abid Qureshi
- Biomedical Informatics Center, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar, India
| | - Vaqar Gani Tantray
- Biomedical Informatics Center, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar, India
| | - Altaf Rehman Kirmani
- Biomedical Informatics Center, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar, India
| | - Abdul Ghani Ahangar
- Biomedical Informatics Center, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar, India
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Dyall J, Gross R, Kindrachuk J, Johnson RF, Olinger GG, Hensley LE, Frieman MB, Jahrling PB. Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome: Current Therapeutic Options and Potential Targets for Novel Therapies. Drugs 2017; 77:1935-1966. [PMID: 29143192 PMCID: PMC5733787 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-017-0830-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
No specific antivirals are currently available for two emerging infectious diseases, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). A literature search was performed covering pathogenesis, clinical features and therapeutics, clinically developed drugs for repurposing and novel drug targets. This review presents current knowledge on the epidemiology, pathogenesis and clinical features of the SARS and MERS coronaviruses. The rationale for and outcomes with treatments used for SARS and MERS is discussed. The main focus of the review is on drug development and the potential that drugs approved for other indications provide for repurposing. The drugs we discuss belong to a wide range of different drug classes, such as cancer therapeutics, antipsychotics, and antimalarials. In addition to their activity against MERS and SARS coronaviruses, many of these approved drugs have broad-spectrum potential and have already been in clinical use for treating other viral infections. A wealth of knowledge is available for these drugs. However, the information in this review is not meant to guide clinical decisions, and any therapeutic described here should only be used in context of a clinical trial. Potential targets for novel antivirals and antibodies are discussed as well as lessons learned from treatment development for other RNA viruses. The article concludes with a discussion of the gaps in our knowledge and areas for future research on emerging coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Dyall
- Integrated Research Facility, Division of Clinical Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, USA.
| | - Robin Gross
- Integrated Research Facility, Division of Clinical Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Jason Kindrachuk
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MN, Canada
| | - Reed F Johnson
- Emerging Viral Pathogens Section, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, USA
| | | | - Lisa E Hensley
- Integrated Research Facility, Division of Clinical Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Matthew B Frieman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Peter B Jahrling
- Integrated Research Facility, Division of Clinical Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, USA
- Emerging Viral Pathogens Section, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, USA
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47
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Zumla A, Chan JFW, Azhar EI, Hui DSC, Yuen KY. Coronaviruses - drug discovery and therapeutic options. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2016. [PMID: 26868298 DOI: 10.1038/nrd201537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
In humans, infections with the human coronavirus (HCoV) strains HCoV-229E, HCoV-OC43, HCoV-NL63 and HCoV-HKU1 usually result in mild, self-limiting upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold. By contrast, the CoVs responsible for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), which were discovered in Hong Kong, China, in 2003, and in Saudi Arabia in 2012, respectively, have received global attention over the past 12 years owing to their ability to cause community and health-care-associated outbreaks of severe infections in human populations. These two viruses pose major challenges to clinical management because there are no specific antiviral drugs available. In this Review, we summarize the epidemiology, virology, clinical features and current treatment strategies of SARS and MERS, and discuss the discovery and development of new virus-based and host-based therapeutic options for CoV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alimuddin Zumla
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, 307 Euston Road, London NW1 3AD, UK
| | - Jasper F W Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Research Centre of Infection and Immunology, Department of Microbiology, University Pathology Building, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, 102 Pokfulam Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China
| | - Esam I Azhar
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Centre, and Medical Laboratory Technology Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 128442, Jeddah - 21362, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - David S C Hui
- Division of Respiratory Medicine and Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, 30-32 Ngan Shing Street, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China
| | - Kwok-Yung Yuen
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Research Centre of Infection and Immunology, Department of Microbiology, University Pathology Building, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, 102 Pokfulam Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China
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Dhanda SK, Chaudhary K, Gupta S, Brahmachari SK, Raghava GPS. A web-based resource for designing therapeutics against Ebola Virus. Sci Rep 2016; 6:24782. [PMID: 27113850 PMCID: PMC4845023 DOI: 10.1038/srep24782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we describe a web-based resource, developed for assisting the scientific community in designing an effective therapeutics against the Ebola virus. Firstly, we predicted and identified experimentally validated epitopes in each of the antigens/proteins of the five known ebolaviruses. Secondly, we generated all the possible overlapping 9mer peptides from the proteins of ebolaviruses. Thirdly, conserved peptides across all the five ebolaviruses (four human pathogenic species) with no identical sequence in the human proteome, based on 1000 Genomes project, were identified. Finally, we identified peptide or epitope-based vaccine candidates that could activate both the B- and T-cell arms of the immune system. In addition, we also identified efficacious siRNAs against the mRNA transcriptome (absent in human transcriptome) of all the five ebolaviruses. It was observed that three species can potentially be targeted by a single siRNA (19mer) and 75 siRNAs can potentially target at least two species. A web server, EbolaVCR, has been developed that incorporates all the above information and useful computational tools (http://crdd.osdd.net/oscadd/ebola/).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Kumar Dhanda
- Bioinformatics Centre, CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology, Sector 39A, Chandigarh, India
| | - Kumardeep Chaudhary
- Bioinformatics Centre, CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology, Sector 39A, Chandigarh, India
| | - Sudheer Gupta
- Bioinformatics Centre, CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology, Sector 39A, Chandigarh, India
| | | | - Gajendra P S Raghava
- Bioinformatics Centre, CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology, Sector 39A, Chandigarh, India
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49
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Zumla A, Chan JFW, Azhar EI, Hui DSC, Yuen KY. Coronaviruses - drug discovery and therapeutic options. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2016; 15:327-47. [PMID: 26868298 PMCID: PMC7097181 DOI: 10.1038/nrd.2015.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1125] [Impact Index Per Article: 140.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) are examples of emerging zoonotic coronavirus infections capable of person-to-person transmission that result in large-scale epidemics with substantial effects on patient health and socioeconomic factors. Unlike patients with mild illnesses that are caused by other human-pathogenic coronaviruses, patients with SARS or MERS coronavirus infections may develop severe acute respiratory disease with multi-organ failure. The case–fatality rates of SARS and MERS are approximately 10% and 35%, respectively. Both SARS and MERS pose major clinical management challenges because there is no specific antiviral treatment that has been proven to be effective in randomized clinical trials for either infection. Substantial efforts are underway to discover new therapeutic agents for coronavirus infections. Virus-based therapies include monoclonal antibodies and antiviral peptides that target the viral spike glycoprotein, viral enzyme inhibitors, viral nucleic acid synthesis inhibitors and inhibitors of other viral structural and accessory proteins. Host-based therapies include agents that potentiate the interferon response or affect either host signalling pathways involved in viral replication or host factors utilized by coronaviruses for viral replication. The major challenges in the clinical development of novel anti-coronavirus drugs include the limited number of suitable animal models for the evaluation of potential treatments for SARS and MERS, the current absence of new SARS cases, the limited number of MERS cases — which are also predominantly geographically confined to the Middle East — as well as the lack of industrial incentives to develop antivirals for mild infections caused by other, less pathogenic coronaviruses. The continuing threat of MERS-CoV to global health 3 years after its discovery presents a golden opportunity to tackle current obstacles in the development of new anti-coronavirus drugs. A well-organized, multidisciplinary, international collaborative network consisting of clinicians, virologists and drug developers, coupled to political commitment, should be formed to carry out clinical trials using anti-coronavirus drugs that have already been shown to be safe and effective in vitro and/or in animal models, particularly lopinavir–ritonavir, interferon beta-1b and monoclonal antibodies and antiviral peptides targeting the viral spike glycoprotein.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), which are caused by coronaviruses, have attracted substantial attention owing to their high mortality rates and potential to cause epidemics. Yuen and colleagues discuss progress with treatment options for these syndromes, including virus- and host-targeted drugs, and the challenges that need to be overcome in their further development. In humans, infections with the human coronavirus (HCoV) strains HCoV-229E, HCoV-OC43, HCoV-NL63 and HCoV-HKU1 usually result in mild, self-limiting upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold. By contrast, the CoVs responsible for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), which were discovered in Hong Kong, China, in 2003, and in Saudi Arabia in 2012, respectively, have received global attention over the past 12 years owing to their ability to cause community and health-care-associated outbreaks of severe infections in human populations. These two viruses pose major challenges to clinical management because there are no specific antiviral drugs available. In this Review, we summarize the epidemiology, virology, clinical features and current treatment strategies of SARS and MERS, and discuss the discovery and development of new virus-based and host-based therapeutic options for CoV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alimuddin Zumla
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, 307 Euston Road, London NW1 3AD, UK
| | - Jasper F W Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Research Centre of Infection and Immunology, Department of Microbiology, University Pathology Building, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, 102 Pokfulam Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China
| | - Esam I Azhar
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Centre, and Medical Laboratory Technology Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 128442, Jeddah - 21362, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - David S C Hui
- Division of Respiratory Medicine and Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, 30-32 Ngan Shing Street, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China
| | - Kwok-Yung Yuen
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Research Centre of Infection and Immunology, Department of Microbiology, University Pathology Building, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, 102 Pokfulam Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China
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50
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Abstract
Pulmonary infections by viruses may result in serious diseases of public health importance. The problems of the infections are exacerbated by rapid transmission of the pathogenic agents, which occur through inhalation and direct contact with contaminated surfaces. Moreover, cross-species transmission resulting from changes to viral genetic makeup poses a risk for emergence of pathogens with new characteristics, which in some cases may be responsible for causing different diseases. With the advent of efficient sequencing and nucleic acid-based virus-disabling technologies, gene therapy is well placed to advance new treatments to counter respiratory infections. Most studies aimed at using nucleic acids to treat respiratory viral infections have used RNA interference (RNAi) to silence viral gene targets. A few studies have used silencing of host factors required by the viruses as a means of inhibiting viral replication and preventing emergence of escape mutants. By administering antivirals to the airways, studies performed in vivo have taken advantage of the anatomy of the respiratory system to deliver therapeutic nucleic acids. Reported data have shown proof of principle of efficacy of gene therapy in models of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, influenza virus A, and measles virus, among others. RNAi-based gene therapy has been advanced to clinical trial for treatment of RSV infection. Although the primary endpoint was not met in an intent-to-treat analysis, the investigation has provided useful information for the advancement of gene therapy for current and emergent respiratory infections.
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