1
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Lang S, Fletcher DA, Petit AP, Luise N, Fyfe P, Zuccotto F, Porter D, Hope A, Bellany F, Kerr C, Mackenzie CJ, Wyatt PG, Gray DW. Application of an NMR/Crystallography Fragment Screening Platform for the Assessment and Rapid Discovery of New HIV-CA Binding Fragments. ChemMedChem 2024; 19:e202400025. [PMID: 38581280 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202400025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Identification and assessment of novel targets is essential to combat drug resistance in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. HIV Capsid (HIV-CA), the protein playing a major role in both the early and late stages of the viral life cycle, has emerged as an important target. We have applied an NMR fragment screening platform and identified molecules that bind to the N-terminal domain (NTD) of HIV-CA at a site close to the interface with the C-terminal domain (CTD). Using X-ray crystallography, we have been able to obtain crystal structures to identify the binding mode of these compounds. This allowed for rapid progression of the initial, weak binding, fragment starting points to compounds 37 and 38, which have 19F-pKi values of 5.3 and 5.4 respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart Lang
- Cresset Discovery, New Cambridge House, Bassingbourn Road, Litlington, Cambridgeshire, SG80SSS
| | - Daniel A Fletcher
- BioAscent Discovery Ltd, Bo'Ness Road, Newhouse, Lanarkshire, ML1 5UH
| | | | - Nicola Luise
- Alira Health, Av. De Josep Tarradellas, 123, 7th Floor, 08029, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paul Fyfe
- Drug Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee, DD1 5EH
| | - Fabio Zuccotto
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals (Europe) Ltd, 86-88, Jubilee Avenue, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 4RW
| | - David Porter
- Evotec (UK) Ltd, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Campus, 114 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 4RZ
| | - Anthony Hope
- Drug Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee, DD1 5EH
| | - Fiona Bellany
- Drug Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee, DD1 5EH
| | - Catrina Kerr
- Drug Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee, DD1 5EH
| | | | - Paul G Wyatt
- Sitala Bio Ltd, Unit D6, Grain House Mill Court, Great Shelford, Cambridge, CB22 5LD
| | - David W Gray
- Drug Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee, DD1 5EH
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2
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Sever B, Otsuka M, Fujita M, Ciftci H. A Review of FDA-Approved Anti-HIV-1 Drugs, Anti-Gag Compounds, and Potential Strategies for HIV-1 Eradication. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3659. [PMID: 38612471 PMCID: PMC11012182 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is an enormous global health threat stemming from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection. Up to now, the tremendous advances in combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) have shifted HIV-1 infection from a fatal illness into a manageable chronic disorder. However, the presence of latent reservoirs, the multifaceted nature of HIV-1, drug resistance, severe off-target effects, poor adherence, and high cost restrict the efficacy of current cART targeting the distinct stages of the virus life cycle. Therefore, there is an unmet need for the discovery of new therapeutics that not only bypass the limitations of the current therapy but also protect the body's health at the same time. The main goal for complete HIV-1 eradication is purging latently infected cells from patients' bodies. A potential strategy called "lock-in and apoptosis" targets the budding phase of the life cycle of the virus and leads to susceptibility to apoptosis of HIV-1 infected cells for the elimination of HIV-1 reservoirs and, ultimately, for complete eradication. The current work intends to present the main advantages and disadvantages of United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved anti-HIV-1 drugs as well as plausible strategies for the design and development of more anti-HIV-1 compounds with better potency, favorable pharmacokinetic profiles, and improved safety issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belgin Sever
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Anadolu University, Eskisehir 26470, Türkiye;
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Science Farm Joint Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan;
| | - Masami Otsuka
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Science Farm Joint Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan;
- Department of Drug Discovery, Science Farm Ltd., Kumamoto 862-0976, Japan
| | - Mikako Fujita
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Science Farm Joint Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan;
| | - Halilibrahim Ciftci
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Science Farm Joint Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan;
- Department of Drug Discovery, Science Farm Ltd., Kumamoto 862-0976, Japan
- Department of Bioengineering Sciences, Izmir Katip Celebi University, Izmir 35620, Türkiye
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3
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McFadden WM, Casey-Moore MC, Bare GAL, Kirby KA, Wen X, Li G, Wang H, Slack RL, Snyder AA, Lorson ZC, Kaufman IL, Cilento ME, Tedbury PR, Gembicky M, Olson AJ, Torbett BE, Sharpless KB, Sarafianos SG. Identification of clickable HIV-1 capsid-targeting probes for viral replication inhibition. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:477-486.e7. [PMID: 38518746 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Of the targets for HIV-1 therapeutics, the capsid core is a relatively unexploited but alluring drug target due to its indispensable roles throughout virus replication. Because of this, we aimed to identify "clickable" covalent modifiers of the HIV-1 capsid protein (CA) for future functionalization. We screened a library of fluorosulfate compounds that can undergo sulfur(VI) fluoride exchange (SuFEx) reactions, and five compounds were identified as hits. These molecules were further characterized for antiviral effects. Several compounds impacted in vitro capsid assembly. One compound, BBS-103, covalently bound CA via a SuFEx reaction to Tyr145 and had antiviral activity in cell-based assays by perturbing virus production, but not uncoating. The covalent binding of compounds that target the HIV-1 capsid could aid in the future design of antiretroviral drugs or chemical probes that will help study aspects of HIV-1 replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- William M McFadden
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, 1760 Haygood Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Mary C Casey-Moore
- Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Grant A L Bare
- Department of Chemistry and The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Karen A Kirby
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, 1760 Haygood Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Xin Wen
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, 1760 Haygood Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Gencheng Li
- Department of Chemistry and The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Chemistry and The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Ryan L Slack
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, 1760 Haygood Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Alexa A Snyder
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, 1760 Haygood Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Zachary C Lorson
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, 1760 Haygood Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Isabella L Kaufman
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, 1760 Haygood Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Maria E Cilento
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, 1760 Haygood Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Philip R Tedbury
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, 1760 Haygood Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Milan Gembicky
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92521, United States
| | - Arthur J Olson
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Bruce E Torbett
- Center for Immunity and Immunotherapies, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - K Barry Sharpless
- Department of Chemistry and The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Stefan G Sarafianos
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, 1760 Haygood Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA.
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4
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Zhang DW, Xu XS, Zhou R, Fu Z. Modulation of HIV-1 capsid multimerization by sennoside A and sennoside B via interaction with the NTD/CTD interface in capsid hexamer. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1270258. [PMID: 37817748 PMCID: PMC10561090 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1270258] [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: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Small molecules that bind to the pocket targeted by a peptide, termed capsid assembly inhibitor (CAI), have shown antiviral effects with unique mechanisms of action. We report the discovery of two natural compounds, sennoside A (SA) and sennoside B (SB), derived from medicinal plants that bind to this pocket in the C-terminal domain of capsid (CA CTD). Both SA and SB were identified via a drug-screening campaign that utilized a time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay. They inhibited the HIV-1 CA CTD/CAI interaction at sub-micromolar concentrations of 0.18 μM and 0.08 μM, respectively. Mutation of key residues (including Tyr 169, Leu 211, Asn 183, and Glu 187) in the CA CTD decreased their binding affinity to the CA monomer, from 1.35-fold to 4.17-fold. Furthermore, both compounds induced CA assembly in vitro and bound directly to the CA hexamer, suggesting that they interact with CA beyond the CA CTD. Molecular docking showed that both compounds were bound to the N-terminal domain (NTD)/CTD interface between adjacent protomers within the CA hexamer. SA established a hydrogen-bonding network with residues N57, V59, Q63, K70, and N74 of CA1-NTD and Q179 of CA2-CTD. SB formed hydrogen bonds with the N53, N70, and N74 residues of CA1-NTD, and the A177and Q179 residues of CA2-CTD. Both compounds, acting as glue, can bring αH4 in the NTD and αH9 in the CTD of the NTD/CTD interface close to each other. Collectively, our research indicates that SA and SB, which enhance CA assembly, could serve as novel chemical tools to identify agents that modulate HIV-1 CA assembly. These natural compounds may potentially lead to the development of new antiviral therapies with unique mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da-Wei Zhang
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Jiangsu University of Technology, Changzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Shuang Xu
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Jiangsu University of Technology, Changzhou, China
| | - Rui Zhou
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhiguo Fu
- Department of Orthopedics, Changzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changzhou, China
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5
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Zhao S, Zhang X, da Silva-Júnior EF, Zhan P, Liu X. Computer-aided drug design in seeking viral capsid modulators. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103581. [PMID: 37030533 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Approved or licensed antiviral drugs have limited applications because of their drug resistance and severe adverse effects. By contrast, by stabilizing or destroying the viral capsid, compounds known as capsid modulators prevent viral replication by acting on new targets and, therefore, overcoming the problem of clinical drug resistance. For example. computer-aided drug design (CADD) methods, using strategies based on structures of biological targets (structure-based drug design; SBDD), such as docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and virtual screening (VS), have provided opportunities for fast and effective development of viral capsid modulators. In this review, we summarize the application of CADD in the discovery, optimization, and mechanism prediction of capsid-targeting small molecules, providing new insights into antiviral drug discovery modalities. Teaser: Computer-aided drug design will accelerate the development of viral capsid regulators, which brings new hope for the treatment of refractory viral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujie Zhao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Xujie Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Edeildo Ferreira da Silva-Júnior
- Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Federal University of Alagoas, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, 57072-970 Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil.
| | - Peng Zhan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, PR China.
| | - Xinyong Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, PR China.
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6
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Zhang DW, Xie L, Xu XS, Li Y, Xu X. A Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Molecule, Protoporphyrin IX, Acts as a Moderator of HIV-1 Capsid Assembly by Targeting the Capsid Hexamer. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0266322. [PMID: 36475726 PMCID: PMC9927277 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02663-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The capsid protein (CA), an essential component of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), represents an appealing target for antivirals. Small molecules targeting the CAI-binding cavity in the C-terminal domain of HIV-1 CA (CA CTD) confer potent antiviral activities. In this study, we report that a small molecule, protoporphyrin IX (PPIX), targets the HIV-1 CA by binding to this pocket. PPIX was identified via in vitro drug screening, using a homogeneous and time-resolved fluorescence-based assay. CA multimerization and a biolayer interferometry (BLI) assay showed that PPIX promoted CA multimerization and bound directly to CA. The binding model of PPIX to CA CTD revealed that PPIX forms hydrogen bonds with the L211and E212 residues in the CA CTD. Moreover, the BLI assay demonstrated that this compound preferentially binds to the CA hexamer versus the monomer. The superposition of the CAI CTD-PPIX complex and the hexameric CA structure suggests that PPIX binds to the interface formed by the NTD and the CTD between adjacent protomers in the CA hexamer via the T72 and E212 residues, serving as a glue to enhance the multimerization of CA. Taken together, our studies demonstrate that PPIX, a hexamer-targeted CA assembly enhancer, should be a new chemical probe for the discovery of modulators of the HIV-1 capsid assembly. IMPORTANCE CA and its assembled viral core play essential roles in distinct steps during HIV-1 replication, including reverse transcription, integration, nuclear entry, virus assembly, and maturation through CA-CA or CA-host factor interactions. These functions of CA are fundamental for HIV-1 pathogenesis, making it an appealing target for antiviral therapy. In the present study, we identified protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) as a candidate CA modulator that can promote CA assembly and prefers binding the CA hexamer versus the monomer. PPIX, like a glue, bound at the interfaces between CA subunits to accelerate CA multimerization. Therefore, PPIX could be used as a new lead for a CA modulator, and it holds potential research applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da-Wei Zhang
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Jiangsu University of Technology, Changzhou, China
| | - Liangxu Xie
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Jiangsu University of Technology, Changzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Shuang Xu
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Jiangsu University of Technology, Changzhou, China
| | - Yimin Li
- College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory for Research and Development of “Qin Medicine” of Shaanxi Administration of Chinese Medicine, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xixian New District, China
| | - Xiaojun Xu
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Jiangsu University of Technology, Changzhou, China
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7
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Ndashimye E, Reyes PS, Arts EJ. New antiretroviral inhibitors and HIV-1 drug resistance: more focus on 90% HIV-1 isolates? FEMS Microbiol Rev 2023; 47:fuac040. [PMID: 36130204 PMCID: PMC9841967 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuac040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Combined HIV antiretroviral therapy (cART) has been effective except if drug resistance emerges. As cART has been rolled out in low-income countries, drug resistance has emerged at higher rates than observed in high income countries due to factors including initial use of these less tolerated cART regimens, intermittent disruptions in drug supply, and insufficient treatment monitoring. These socioeconomic factors impacting drug resistance are compounded by viral mechanistic differences by divergent HIV-1 non-B subtypes compared to HIV-1 subtype B that largely infects the high-income countries (just 10% of 37 million infected). This review compares the inhibition and resistance of diverse HIV-1 subtypes and strains to the various approved drugs as well as novel inhibitors in clinical trials. Initial sequence variations and differences in replicative fitness between HIV-1 subtypes pushes strains through different fitness landscapes to escape from drug selective pressure. The discussions here provide insight to patient care givers and policy makers on how best to use currently approved ART options and reduce the emergence of drug resistance in ∼33 million individuals infected with HIV-1 subtype A, C, D, G, and recombinants forms. Unfortunately, over 98% of the literature on cART resistance relates to HIV-1 subtype B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Ndashimye
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, N6A 3K7, London, Ontario, Canada
- Joint Clinical Research Centre, -Center for AIDS Research Laboratories, 256, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Paul S Reyes
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, N6A 3K7, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eric J Arts
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, N6A 3K7, London, Ontario, Canada
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8
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Kobayakawa T, Yokoyama M, Tsuji K, Fujino M, Kurakami M, Onishi T, Boku S, Ishii T, Miura Y, Shinohara K, Kishihara Y, Ohashi N, Kotani O, Murakami T, Sato H, Tamamura H. Low-molecular-weight anti-HIV-1 agents targeting HIV-1 capsid proteins. RSC Adv 2023; 13:2156-2167. [PMID: 36712613 PMCID: PMC9834766 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra06837k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The HIV-1 capsid is a shell that encapsulates viral RNA, and forms a conical structure by assembling oligomers of capsid (CA) proteins. Since the CA proteins are highly conserved among many strains of HIV-1, the inhibition of the CA function could be an appropriate goal for suppression of HIV-1 replication, but to date, no drug targeting CA has been developed. Hydrophobic interactions between two CA molecules through Trp184 and Met185 in the protein are known to be indispensable for conformational stabilization of the CA multimer. In our previous study, a small molecule designed by in silico screening as a dipeptide mimic of Trp184 and Met185 in the interaction site was synthesized and found to have significant anti-HIV-1 activity. In the present study, molecules with different scaffolds based on a dipeptide mimic of Trp184 and Met185 have been designed and synthesized. Their significant anti-HIV activity and their advantages compared to the previous compounds were examined. The present results should be useful in the design of novel CA-targeting anti-HIV agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Kobayakawa
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU)2-3-10 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-kuTokyo 101-0062Japan
| | - Masaru Yokoyama
- Pathogen Genomics Center, National Institute of Infectious DiseasesMusashimurayama 208-0011TokyoJapan
| | - Kohei Tsuji
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU)2-3-10 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-kuTokyo 101-0062Japan
| | - Masayuki Fujino
- AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious DiseasesShinjuku-kuTokyo 162-8640Japan
| | - Masaki Kurakami
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU)2-3-10 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-kuTokyo 101-0062Japan
| | - Takato Onishi
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU)2-3-10 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-kuTokyo 101-0062Japan
| | - Sayaka Boku
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU)2-3-10 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-kuTokyo 101-0062Japan
| | - Takahiro Ishii
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU)2-3-10 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-kuTokyo 101-0062Japan
| | - Yutaro Miura
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU)2-3-10 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-kuTokyo 101-0062Japan
| | - Kouki Shinohara
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU)2-3-10 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-kuTokyo 101-0062Japan
| | - Yuki Kishihara
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU)2-3-10 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-kuTokyo 101-0062Japan
| | - Nami Ohashi
- Showa Pharmaceutical UniversityMachida 194-8543TokyoJapan
| | - Osamu Kotani
- Pathogen Genomics Center, National Institute of Infectious DiseasesMusashimurayama 208-0011TokyoJapan
| | - Tsutomu Murakami
- AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious DiseasesShinjuku-kuTokyo 162-8640Japan
| | - Hironori Sato
- Pathogen Genomics Center, National Institute of Infectious DiseasesMusashimurayama 208-0011TokyoJapan
| | - Hirokazu Tamamura
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU)2-3-10 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-kuTokyo 101-0062Japan
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9
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Ji X, Li J, Sharma PP, Jiang X, Rathi B, Gao Z, Hu L, Kang D, De Clercq E, Cocklin S, Liu C, Pannecouque C, Dick A, Liu X, Zhan P. Design, Synthesis and Structure-Activity Relationships of Phenylalanine-Containing Peptidomimetics as Novel HIV-1 Capsid Binders Based on Ugi Four-Component Reaction. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27185995. [PMID: 36144727 PMCID: PMC9502897 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27185995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
As a key structural protein, HIV capsid (CA) protein plays multiple roles in the HIV life cycle, and is considered a promising target for anti-HIV treatment. Based on the structural information of CA modulator PF-74 bound to HIV-1 CA hexamer, 18 novel phenylalanine derivatives were synthesized via the Ugi four-component reaction. In vitro anti-HIV activity assays showed that most compounds exhibited low-micromolar-inhibitory potency against HIV. Among them, compound I-19 exhibited the best anti-HIV-1 activity (EC50 = 2.53 ± 0.84 μM, CC50 = 107.61 ± 27.43 μM). In addition, I-14 displayed excellent HIV-2 inhibitory activity (EC50 = 2.30 ± 0.11 μM, CC50 > 189.32 μM) with relatively low cytotoxicity, being more potent than that of the approved drug nevirapine (EC50 > 15.02 μM, CC50 > 15.2 μM). Additionally, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) binding assays demonstrated direct binding to the HIV CA protein. Moreover, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations provided additional information on the binding mode of I-19 to HIV-1 CA. In summary, we further explored the structure—activity relationships (SARs) and selectivity of anti-HIV-1/HIV-2 of PF-74 derivatives, which is conducive to discovering efficient anti-HIV drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangkai Ji
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Prem Prakash Sharma
- Laboratory for Translational Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Department of Chemistry, Hansraj College, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Xiangyi Jiang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Brijesh Rathi
- Laboratory for Translational Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Department of Chemistry, Hansraj College, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Zhen Gao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Lide Hu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Dongwei Kang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, Jinan 250012, China
- China-Belgium Collaborative Research Center for Innovative Antiviral Drugs of Shandong Province, 44 West Culture Road, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Erik De Clercq
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapym, Rega Institute for Medical Research, K.U. Leuven, Herestraat 49 Postbus 1043 (09.A097), B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Simon Cocklin
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Chuanfeng Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Christophe Pannecouque
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapym, Rega Institute for Medical Research, K.U. Leuven, Herestraat 49 Postbus 1043 (09.A097), B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Correspondence: (C.P.); (A.D.); (X.L.); (P.Z.)
| | - Alexej Dick
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Correspondence: (C.P.); (A.D.); (X.L.); (P.Z.)
| | - Xinyong Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, Jinan 250012, China
- China-Belgium Collaborative Research Center for Innovative Antiviral Drugs of Shandong Province, 44 West Culture Road, Jinan 250012, China
- Correspondence: (C.P.); (A.D.); (X.L.); (P.Z.)
| | - Peng Zhan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, Jinan 250012, China
- China-Belgium Collaborative Research Center for Innovative Antiviral Drugs of Shandong Province, 44 West Culture Road, Jinan 250012, China
- Correspondence: (C.P.); (A.D.); (X.L.); (P.Z.)
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10
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Obubeid FO, Eltigani MM, Mukhtar RM, Ibrahim RA, Alzain MA, Elbadawi FA, Ghaboosh H, Alzain AA. Dual targeting inhibitors for HIV-1 capsid and cyclophilin A: molecular docking, molecular dynamics, and quantum mechanics. MOLECULAR SIMULATION 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/08927022.2022.2097673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fauad O. Obubeid
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Gezira, Gezira, Sudan
| | - Maha M. Eltigani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Gezira, Gezira, Sudan
| | - Rua M. Mukhtar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Gezira, Gezira, Sudan
| | - Reham A. Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Gezira, Gezira, Sudan
| | - Muna A. Alzain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Gezira, Gezira, Sudan
| | - Fatima A. Elbadawi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Gezira, Gezira, Sudan
| | - Hiba Ghaboosh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Gezira, Wad Madani, Sudan
| | - Abdulrahim A. Alzain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Gezira, Gezira, Sudan
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11
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Dick A, Meuser ME, Cocklin S. Clade-Specific Alterations within the HIV-1 Capsid Protein with Implications for Nuclear Translocation. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12050695. [PMID: 35625621 PMCID: PMC9138599 DOI: 10.3390/biom12050695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The HIV-1 capsid (CA) protein has emerged as an attractive therapeutic target. However, all inhibitor designs and structural analyses for this essential HIV-1 protein have focused on the clade B HIV-1 (NL4-3) variant. This study creates, overproduces, purifies, and characterizes the CA proteins from clade A1, A2, B, C, and D isolates. These new CA constructs represent novel reagents that can be used in future CA-targeted inhibitor design and to investigate CA proteins’ structural and biochemical properties from genetically diverse HIV-1 subtypes. Moreover, we used surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectrometry and computational modeling to examine inter-clade differences in CA assembly and binding of PF-74, CPSF-6, and NUP-153. Interestingly, we found that HIV-1 CA from clade A1 does not bind to NUP-153, suggesting that the import of CA core structures through the nuclear pore complex may be altered for viruses from this clade. Overall, we have demonstrated that in silico generated models of the HIV-1 CA protein from clades other than the prototypically used clade B have utility in understanding and predicting biology and antiviral drug design and mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexej Dick
- Correspondence: (A.D.); (S.C.); Tel.: +1-215-762-7234 (A.D. & S.C.); Fax: +1-215-762-4452 (A.D. & S.C.)
| | | | - Simon Cocklin
- Correspondence: (A.D.); (S.C.); Tel.: +1-215-762-7234 (A.D. & S.C.); Fax: +1-215-762-4452 (A.D. & S.C.)
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12
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Moonmuang S, Maniratanachote R, Chetprayoon P, Sornsuwan K, Thongkum W, Chupradit K, Tayapiwatana C. Specific Interaction of DARPin with HIV-1 CA NTD Disturbs the Distribution of Gag, RNA Packaging, and Tetraspanin Remodelling in the Membrane. Viruses 2022; 14:v14040824. [PMID: 35458554 PMCID: PMC9025900 DOI: 10.3390/v14040824] [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: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A designed repeat scaffold protein (AnkGAG1D4) recognizing the human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) capsid (CA) was formerly established with antiviral assembly. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanism of AnkGAG1D4 function during the late stages of the HIV-1 replication cycle. By applying stimulated emission-depletion (STED) microscopy, Gag polymerisation was interrupted at the plasma membrane. Disturbance of Gag polymerisation triggered Gag accumulation inside producer cells and trapping of the CD81 tetraspanin on the plasma membrane. Moreover, reverse transcriptase-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) experiments were performed to validate the packaging efficiency of RNAs. Our results advocated that AnkGAG1D4 interfered with the Gag precursor protein from selecting HIV-1 and cellular RNAs for encapsidation into viral particles. These findings convey additional information on the antiviral activity of AnkGAG1D4 at late stages of the HIV-1 life cycle, which is potential for an alternative anti-HIV molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sutpirat Moonmuang
- Center of Biomolecular Therapy and Diagnostic, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (S.M.); (K.S.); (W.T.); (K.C.)
- Department of Medical Technology, Division of Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Rawiwan Maniratanachote
- Toxicology and Bio Evaluation Service Center (TBES), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand; (R.M.); (P.C.)
| | - Paninee Chetprayoon
- Toxicology and Bio Evaluation Service Center (TBES), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand; (R.M.); (P.C.)
| | - Kanokporn Sornsuwan
- Center of Biomolecular Therapy and Diagnostic, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (S.M.); (K.S.); (W.T.); (K.C.)
| | - Weeraya Thongkum
- Center of Biomolecular Therapy and Diagnostic, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (S.M.); (K.S.); (W.T.); (K.C.)
- Center of Innovative Immunodiagnostic Development, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Koollawat Chupradit
- Center of Biomolecular Therapy and Diagnostic, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (S.M.); (K.S.); (W.T.); (K.C.)
- Siriraj Center for Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Chatchai Tayapiwatana
- Center of Biomolecular Therapy and Diagnostic, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (S.M.); (K.S.); (W.T.); (K.C.)
- Department of Medical Technology, Division of Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- Center of Innovative Immunodiagnostic Development, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- Correspondence:
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13
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Domínguez-Zotes S, Valbuena A, Mateu MG. Antiviral compounds modulate elasticity, strength and material fatigue of a virus capsid framework. Biophys J 2022; 121:919-931. [PMID: 35151634 PMCID: PMC8943814 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigates whether the biochemical and antiviral effects of organic compounds that bind different sites in the mature human immunodeficiency virus capsid may be related to the modulation of different mechanical properties of the protein lattice from which the capsid is built. Mechanical force was used as a probe to quantify, in atomic force microscopy experiments at physiological pH and ionic strength, ligand-mediated changes in capsid lattice elasticity, breathing, strength against local dislocation by mechanical stress, and resistance to material fatigue. The results indicate that the effects of the tested compounds on assembly or biochemical stability can be linked, from a physics-based perspective, to their interference with the mechanical behavior of the viral capsid framework. The antivirals CAP-1 and CAI-55 increased the intrinsic elasticity and breathing of the capsid protein lattice and may entropically decrease the probability of the capsid protein to assemble into a functionally competent conformation. Antiviral PF74 increased the resistance of the capsid protein lattice to disruption by mechanical stress and material fatigue and may enthalpically strengthen the basal capsid lattice against breakage and disintegration. This study provides proof of concept that the interrogation of the mechanical properties of the nanostructured protein material that makes a virus capsid may provide fundamental insights into the biophysical action of capsid-binding antiviral agents. The implications for drug design by specifically targeting the biomechanics of viruses are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santos Domínguez-Zotes
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Valbuena
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Mauricio G Mateu
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain.
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14
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Selyutina A, Hu P, Miller S, Simons LM, Yu HJ, Hultquist JF, Lee K, KewalRamani VN, Diaz-Griffero F. GS-CA1 and lenacapavir stabilize the HIV-1 core and modulate the core interaction with cellular factors. iScience 2022; 25:103593. [PMID: 35005542 PMCID: PMC8718827 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The HIV-1 capsid is the target for the antiviral drugs GS-CA1 and Lenacapavir (GS-6207). We investigated the mechanism by which GS-CA1 and GS-6207 inhibit HIV-1 infection. HIV-1 inhibition by GS-CA1 did not require CPSF6 in CD4+ T cells. Contrary to PF74 that accelerates uncoating of HIV-1, GS-CA1 and GS-6207 stabilized the core. GS-CA1, unlike PF74, allowed the core to enter the nucleus, which agrees with the fact that GS-CA1 inhibits infection after reverse transcription. Unlike PF74, GS-CA1 did not disaggregate preformed CPSF6 complexes in nuclear speckles, suggesting that PF74 and GS-CA1 have different mechanisms of action. GS-CA1 stabilized the HIV-1 core, possibly by inducing a conformational shift in the core; in agreement, HIV-1 cores bearing N74D regained their ability to bind CPSF6 in the presence of GS-CA1. We showed that GS-CA1 binds to the HIV-1 core, changes its conformation, stabilizes the core, and thereby prevents viral uncoating and infection. GS-CA1 and Lenacapavir (GS-6207) stabilizes the HIV-1 core during infection GS-CA1/GS-6207 inhibit the interaction of the HIV-1 core with host factors GS-CA1/GS-6207 do not disaggregate preformed CPSF6 complexes in nuclear speckles GS-CA1/GS-6207 affects the dynamic surface of the HIV-1 core
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Selyutina
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1301 Morris Park - Price Center 501, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Pan Hu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1301 Morris Park - Price Center 501, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Sorin Miller
- Basic Research Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Lacy M Simons
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Hyun Jae Yu
- Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick National Laboratory, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Judd F Hultquist
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - KyeongEun Lee
- Basic Research Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Vineet N KewalRamani
- Basic Research Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Felipe Diaz-Griffero
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1301 Morris Park - Price Center 501, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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15
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Targeting the Virus Capsid as a Tool to Fight RNA Viruses. Viruses 2022; 14:v14020174. [PMID: 35215767 PMCID: PMC8879806 DOI: 10.3390/v14020174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Several strategies have been developed to fight viral infections, not only in humans but also in animals and plants. Some of them are based on the development of efficient vaccines, to target the virus by developed antibodies, others focus on finding antiviral compounds with activities that inhibit selected virus replication steps. Currently, there is an increasing number of antiviral drugs on the market; however, some have unpleasant side effects, are toxic to cells, or the viruses quickly develop resistance to them. As the current situation shows, the combination of multiple antiviral strategies or the combination of the use of various compounds within one strategy is very important. The most desirable are combinations of drugs that inhibit different steps in the virus life cycle. This is an important issue especially for RNA viruses, which replicate their genomes using error-prone RNA polymerases and rapidly develop mutants resistant to applied antiviral compounds. Here, we focus on compounds targeting viral structural capsid proteins, thereby inhibiting virus assembly or disassembly, virus binding to cellular receptors, or acting by inhibiting other virus replication mechanisms. This review is an update of existing papers on a similar topic, by focusing on the most recent advances in the rapidly evolving research of compounds targeting capsid proteins of RNA viruses.
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16
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McFadden WM, Snyder AA, Kirby KA, Tedbury PR, Raj M, Wang Z, Sarafianos SG. Rotten to the core: antivirals targeting the HIV-1 capsid core. Retrovirology 2021; 18:41. [PMID: 34937567 PMCID: PMC8693499 DOI: 10.1186/s12977-021-00583-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The capsid core of HIV-1 is a large macromolecular assembly that surrounds the viral genome and is an essential component of the infectious virus. In addition to its multiple roles throughout the viral life cycle, the capsid interacts with multiple host factors. Owing to its indispensable nature, the HIV-1 capsid has been the target of numerous antiretrovirals, though most capsid-targeting molecules have not had clinical success until recently. Lenacapavir, a long-acting drug that targets the HIV-1 capsid, is currently undergoing phase 2/3 clinical trials, making it the most successful capsid inhibitor to-date. In this review, we detail the role of the HIV-1 capsid protein in the virus life cycle, categorize antiviral compounds based on their targeting of five sites within the HIV-1 capsid, and discuss their molecular interactions and mechanisms of action. The diverse range of inhibition mechanisms provides insight into possible new strategies for designing novel HIV-1 drugs and furthers our understanding of HIV-1 biology. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- William M McFadden
- Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Alexa A Snyder
- Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Karen A Kirby
- Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.,Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Philip R Tedbury
- Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.,Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Monika Raj
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Zhengqiang Wang
- Center for Drug Design, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Stefan G Sarafianos
- Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA. .,Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
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17
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Zhang X, Sun L, Meuser ME, Zalloum WA, Xu S, Huang T, Cherukupalli S, Jiang X, Ding X, Tao Y, Kang D, De Clercq E, Pannecouque C, Dick A, Cocklin S, Liu X, Zhan P. Design, synthesis, and mechanism study of dimerized phenylalanine derivatives as novel HIV-1 capsid inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 226:113848. [PMID: 34592608 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
HIV-1 capsid (CA) plays indispensable and multiple roles in the life cycle of HIV-1, become an attractive target in antiviral therapy. Herein, we report the design, synthesis, and mechanism study of a novel series of dimerized phenylalanine derivatives as HIV-1 capsid inhibitors using 2-piperazineone or 2,5-piperazinedione as a linker. The structure-activity relationship (SAR) indicated that dimerized phenylalanines were more potent than monomers of the same chemotype. Further, the inclusion of fluorine substituted phenylalanine and methoxyl substituted aniline was found to be beneficial for antiviral activity. From the synthesized series, Q-c4 was found to be the most potent compound with an EC50 value of 0.57 μM, comparable to PF74. Interestingly, Q-c4 demonstrated a slightly higher affinity to the CA monomer than the CA hexamer, commensurate with its more significant effect in the late-stage of the HIV-1 lifecycle. Competitive SPR experiments with peptides from CPSF6 and NUP153 revealed that Q-c4 binds to the interprotomer pocket of hexameric CA as designed. Single-round infection assays showed that Q-c4 interferes with the HIV-1 life cycle in a dual-stage manner, affecting both pre-and post-integration. Stability assays in human plasma and human liver microsomes indicated that although Q-c4 has improved stability over PF74, this kind of inhibitor still requires further optimization. And the results of the online molinspiration software predicted that Q-c4 has desirable physicochemical properties but some properties still have some violation from the Lipinski rule of five. Overall, the dimerized phenylalanines are promising novel platforms for developing future HIV-1 CA inhibitors with considerable potential for optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xujie Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Lin Sun
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Megan E Meuser
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA
| | - Waleed A Zalloum
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Science, American University of Madaba, P.O Box 2882, Amman, 11821, Jordan
| | - Shujing Xu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Tianguang Huang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Srinivasulu Cherukupalli
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Xiangyi Jiang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Xiao Ding
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Yucen Tao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Dongwei Kang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Erik De Clercq
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, K.U. Leuven, Herestraat 49 Postbus 1043 (09.A097), B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Christophe Pannecouque
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, K.U. Leuven, Herestraat 49 Postbus 1043 (09.A097), B-3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Alexej Dick
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA.
| | - Simon Cocklin
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA.
| | - Xinyong Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, PR China.
| | - Peng Zhan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, PR China.
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18
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Design, synthesis, and antiviral activity of phenylalanine derivatives as HIV-1 capsid inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem 2021; 48:116414. [PMID: 34562701 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2021.116414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The HIV-1 Capsid (CA) is considered as a promising target for the development of potent antiviral drugs, due to its multiple roles during the viral life cycle. Herein, we report the design, synthesis, and antiviral activity evaluation of series of novel phenylalanine derivatives as HIV-1 CA protein inhibitors. Among them, 4-methoxy-N-methylaniline substituted phenylalanine (II-13c) and indolin-5-amine substituted phenylalanine (V-25i) displayed exceptional anti-HIV-1 activity with the EC50 value of 5.14 and 2.57 μM respectively, which is slightly weaker than that of lead compound PF-74 (EC50 = 0.42 μM). Besides, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) binding assay demonstrated II-13c and V-25i prefer to combine with CA hexamer rather than monomer, which is similar to PF-74. Subsequently, molecular dynamics simulation (MD) revealed potential interactions between representative compounds with HIV-1 CA hexamer. Overall, this work laid a solid foundation for further structural optimization to discover novel promising HIV-1 CA inhibitors.
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19
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Chia T, Nakamura T, Amano M, Takamune N, Matsuoka M, Nakata H. A Small Molecule, ACAi-028, with Anti-HIV-1 Activity Targets a Novel Hydrophobic Pocket on HIV-1 Capsid. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 65:e0103921. [PMID: 34228546 PMCID: PMC8448090 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01039-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) capsid (CA) is an essential viral component of HIV-1 infection and an attractive therapeutic target for antivirals. Here, we report that a small molecule, ACAi-028, inhibits HIV-1 replication by targeting a hydrophobic pocket in the N-terminal domain of CA (CA-NTD). ACAi-028 is 1 of more than 40 candidate anti-HIV-1 compounds identified by in silico screening and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays. Our binding model showed that ACAi-028 interacts with the Q13, S16, and T19 amino acid residues, via hydrogen bonds, in the targeting pocket of CA-NTD. Using recombinant fusion methods, TZM-bl, time-of-addition, and colorimetric reverse transcriptase (RT) assays, the compound was found to exert anti-HIV-1 activity in the early stage between reverse transcription and proviral DNA integration, without any effect on RT activity in vitro, suggesting that this compound may affect HIV-1 core disassembly (uncoating) as well as a CA inhibitor, PF74. Moreover, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) also showed that the compound binds directly and noncovalently to the CA monomer. CA multimerization and thermal stability assays showed that ACAi-028 decreased CA multimerization and thermal stability via S16 or T19 residues. These results indicate that ACAi-028 is a new CA inhibitor by binding to the novel hydrophobic pocket in CA-NTD. This study demonstrates that a compound, ACAi-028, targeting the hydrophobic pocket should be a promising anti-HIV-1 inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis Chia
- Department of Hematology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Tomofumi Nakamura
- Department of Hematology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Masayuki Amano
- Department of Hematology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Nobutoki Takamune
- Kumamoto Innovative Development Organization, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Masao Matsuoka
- Department of Hematology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hirotomo Nakata
- Department of Hematology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
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Alfadhli A, Romanaggi C, Barklis RL, Merutka I, Bates TA, Tafesse FG, Barklis E. Capsid-specific nanobody effects on HIV-1 assembly and infectivity. Virology 2021; 562:19-28. [PMID: 34246112 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2021.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The capsid (CA) domain of the HIV-1 precursor Gag (PrGag) protein plays multiple roles in HIV-1 replication, and is central to the assembly of immature virions, and mature virus cores. CA proteins themselves are composed of N-terminal domains (NTDs) and C-terminal domains (CTDs). We have investigated the interactions of CA with anti-CA nanobodies, which derive from the antigen recognition regions of camelid heavy chain-only antibodies. The one CA NTD-specific and two CTD-specific nanobodies we analyzed proved sensitive and specific HIV-1 CA detection reagents in immunoassays. When co-expressed with HIV-1 Gag proteins in cells, the NTD-specific nanobody was efficiently assembled into virions and did not perturb virus assembly. In contrast, the two CTD-specific nanobodies reduced PrGag processing, virus release and HIV-1 infectivity. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of Gag-targeted nanobody inhibition of HIV-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayna Alfadhli
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health and Sciences University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239-3098, USA
| | - CeAnn Romanaggi
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health and Sciences University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239-3098, USA
| | - Robin Lid Barklis
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health and Sciences University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239-3098, USA
| | - Ilaria Merutka
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health and Sciences University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239-3098, USA
| | - Timothy A Bates
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health and Sciences University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239-3098, USA
| | - Fikadu G Tafesse
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health and Sciences University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239-3098, USA.
| | - Eric Barklis
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health and Sciences University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239-3098, USA.
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21
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AlBurtamani N, Paul A, Fassati A. The Role of Capsid in the Early Steps of HIV-1 Infection: New Insights into the Core of the Matter. Viruses 2021; 13:v13061161. [PMID: 34204384 PMCID: PMC8234406 DOI: 10.3390/v13061161] [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: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, major advances in research and experimental approaches have significantly increased our knowledge on the role of the HIV-1 capsid in the virus life cycle, from reverse transcription to integration and gene expression. This makes the capsid protein a good pharmacological target to inhibit HIV-1 replication. This review covers our current understanding of the role of the viral capsid in the HIV-1 life cycle and its interaction with different host factors that enable reverse transcription, trafficking towards the nucleus, nuclear import and integration into host chromosomes. It also describes different promising small molecules, some of them in clinical trials, as potential targets for HIV-1 therapy.
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22
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Long M, Cantrelle FX, Robert X, Boll E, Sierra N, Gouet P, Hanoulle X, Alvarez GI, Guillon C. Identification of a Potential Inhibitor of the FIV p24 Capsid Protein and Characterization of Its Binding Site. Biochemistry 2021; 60:1896-1908. [PMID: 34096272 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.1c00228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a veterinary infective agent for which there is currently no efficient drug available. Drugs targeting the lentivirus capsid are currently under development for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1). Here we describe a lead compound that interacts with the FIV capsid. This compound, 696, modulates the in vitro assembly of and stabilizes the assembled capsid protein. To decipher the mechanism of binding of this compound to the protein, we performed the first nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) assignment of the FIV p24 capsid protein. Experimental NMR chemical shift perturbations (CSPs) observed after the addition of 696 enabled the characterization of a specific binding site for 696 on p24. This site was further analyzed by molecular modeling of the protein:compound interaction, demonstrating a strong similarity with the binding sites of existing drugs targeting the HIV-1 capsid protein. Taken together, we characterized a promising capsid-interacting compound with a low cost of synthesis, for which derivatives could lead to the development of efficient treatments for FIV infection. More generally, our strategy combining the NMR assignment of FIV p24 with NMR CSPs and molecular modeling will be useful for the analysis of future compounds targeting p24 in the quest to identify an efficient treatment for FIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Long
- UMR 5086, Molecular Microbiology and Structural Biochemistry, CNRS/Université Lyon 1, 69367 Lyon, France
| | - François-Xavier Cantrelle
- CNRS, ERL9002, Integrative Structural Biology, F-59000 Lille, France.,Univ. Lille, INSERM, CHU Lille University Hospital, Institut Pasteur de Lille, UMR1167-RID-AGE-Risk factors and molecular determinants of aging-related, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Xavier Robert
- UMR 5086, Molecular Microbiology and Structural Biochemistry, CNRS/Université Lyon 1, 69367 Lyon, France
| | - Emmanuelle Boll
- CNRS, ERL9002, Integrative Structural Biology, F-59000 Lille, France.,Univ. Lille, INSERM, CHU Lille University Hospital, Institut Pasteur de Lille, UMR1167-RID-AGE-Risk factors and molecular determinants of aging-related, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Natalia Sierra
- Laboratorio de Moléculas Bioactivas, CENUR Litoral Norte, Universidad de la República, 60000 Paysandú, Uruguay
| | - Patrice Gouet
- UMR 5086, Molecular Microbiology and Structural Biochemistry, CNRS/Université Lyon 1, 69367 Lyon, France
| | - Xavier Hanoulle
- CNRS, ERL9002, Integrative Structural Biology, F-59000 Lille, France.,Univ. Lille, INSERM, CHU Lille University Hospital, Institut Pasteur de Lille, UMR1167-RID-AGE-Risk factors and molecular determinants of aging-related, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Guzmán I Alvarez
- Laboratorio de Moléculas Bioactivas, CENUR Litoral Norte, Universidad de la República, 60000 Paysandú, Uruguay
| | - Christophe Guillon
- UMR 5086, Molecular Microbiology and Structural Biochemistry, CNRS/Université Lyon 1, 69367 Lyon, France
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23
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Sun L, Zhang X, Xu S, Huang T, Song S, Cherukupalli S, Zhan P, Liu X. An insight on medicinal aspects of novel HIV-1 capsid protein inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 217:113380. [PMID: 33751981 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
A capsid is the protein shell of a virus, encircling its genetic material. The HIV capsid is erected from a single protein, known as capsid protein. The capsid of HIV-1 significantly involved in many processes of the virus life cycle, which makes it as a novel target for the new inhibitors. Recently many novel HIV-1 inhibitors binding to capsid proteins have been reported successfully. Most of these inhibitors can inhibit or accelerate the disassembly or assembly of the capsid, and some of them can inhibit reverse transcription. Unfortunately, none of them are currently approved by U.S. FDA. However, GS-6207, an inhibitor binds to the NTD-CTD interface with potent antiviral activity and the long metabolic cycle, is expected to be the first approved drug targeting HIV-1 capsid. Herein, we provide a concise report focusing on the recent prospective of HIV-1 capsid inhibitors in medicinal chemistry in order to enlighten drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Sun
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Xujie Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Shujing Xu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Tianguang Huang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Shu Song
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Srinivasulu Cherukupalli
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Peng Zhan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, PR China; China-Belgium Collaborative Research Center for Innovative Antiviral Drugs of Shandong, Province, 44 West Culture Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, PR China.
| | - Xinyong Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, PR China; China-Belgium Collaborative Research Center for Innovative Antiviral Drugs of Shandong, Province, 44 West Culture Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, PR China.
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24
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Addressing Antiretroviral Drug Resistance with Host-Targeting Drugs-First Steps towards Developing a Host-Targeting HIV-1 Assembly Inhibitor. Viruses 2021; 13:v13030451. [PMID: 33802145 PMCID: PMC8001593 DOI: 10.3390/v13030451] [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: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The concerning increase in HIV-1 resistance argues for prioritizing the development of host-targeting antiviral drugs because such drugs can offer high genetic barriers to the selection of drug-resistant viral variants. Targeting host proteins could also yield drugs that act on viral life cycle events that have proven elusive to inhibition, such as intracellular events of HIV-1 immature capsid assembly. Here, we review small molecule inhibitors identified primarily through HIV-1 self-assembly screens and describe how all act either narrowly post-entry or broadly on early and late events of the HIV-1 life cycle. We propose that a different screening approach could identify compounds that specifically inhibit HIV-1 Gag assembly, as was observed when a potent rabies virus inhibitor was identified using a host-catalyzed rabies assembly screen. As an example of this possibility, we discuss an antiretroviral small molecule recently identified using a screen that recapitulates the host-catalyzed HIV-1 capsid assembly pathway. This chemotype potently blocks HIV-1 replication in T cells by specifically inhibiting immature HIV-1 capsid assembly but fails to select for resistant viral variants over 37 passages, suggesting a host protein target. Development of such small molecules could yield novel host-targeting antiretroviral drugs and provide insight into chronic diseases resulting from dysregulation of host machinery targeted by these drugs.
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25
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Kobayakawa T, Yokoyama M, Tsuji K, Fujino M, Kurakami M, Boku S, Nakayama M, Kaneko M, Ohashi N, Kotani O, Murakami T, Sato H, Tamamura H. Small-Molecule Anti-HIV-1 Agents Based on HIV-1 Capsid Proteins. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11020208. [PMID: 33546092 PMCID: PMC7913237 DOI: 10.3390/biom11020208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The capsid of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is a shell that encloses viral RNA and is highly conserved among many strains of the virus. It forms a conical structure by assembling oligomers of capsid (CA) proteins. CA dysfunction is expected to be an important target of suppression of HIV-1 replication, and it is important to understand a new mechanism that could lead to the CA dysfunction. A drug targeting CA however, has not been developed to date. Hydrophobic interactions between two CA molecules via Trp184/Met185 in CA were recently reported to be important for stabilization of the multimeric structure of CA. In the present study, a small molecule designed by in silico screening as a dipeptide mimic of Trp184 and Met185 in the interaction site, was synthesized and its significant anti-HIV-1 activity was confirmed. Structure activity relationship (SAR) studies of its derivatives were performed and provided results that are expected to be useful in the future design and development of novel anti-HIV agents targeting CA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Kobayakawa
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan; (T.K.); (K.T.); (M.K.); (S.B.); (M.N.); (M.K.); (N.O.)
| | - Masaru Yokoyama
- Pathogen Genomics Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Musashimurayama, Tokyo 208-0011, Japan; (M.Y.); (O.K.)
| | - Kohei Tsuji
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan; (T.K.); (K.T.); (M.K.); (S.B.); (M.N.); (M.K.); (N.O.)
| | - Masayuki Fujino
- AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan;
| | - Masaki Kurakami
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan; (T.K.); (K.T.); (M.K.); (S.B.); (M.N.); (M.K.); (N.O.)
| | - Sayaka Boku
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan; (T.K.); (K.T.); (M.K.); (S.B.); (M.N.); (M.K.); (N.O.)
| | - Miyuki Nakayama
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan; (T.K.); (K.T.); (M.K.); (S.B.); (M.N.); (M.K.); (N.O.)
| | - Moemi Kaneko
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan; (T.K.); (K.T.); (M.K.); (S.B.); (M.N.); (M.K.); (N.O.)
| | - Nami Ohashi
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan; (T.K.); (K.T.); (M.K.); (S.B.); (M.N.); (M.K.); (N.O.)
| | - Osamu Kotani
- Pathogen Genomics Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Musashimurayama, Tokyo 208-0011, Japan; (M.Y.); (O.K.)
| | - Tsutomu Murakami
- AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan;
- Correspondence: (T.M.); (H.S.); (H.T.); Tel.: +81-3-4582-2816 (T.M.); +81-42-561-0771 (H.S.); +81-3-5280-8036 (H.T.)
| | - Hironori Sato
- Pathogen Genomics Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Musashimurayama, Tokyo 208-0011, Japan; (M.Y.); (O.K.)
- Correspondence: (T.M.); (H.S.); (H.T.); Tel.: +81-3-4582-2816 (T.M.); +81-42-561-0771 (H.S.); +81-3-5280-8036 (H.T.)
| | - Hirokazu Tamamura
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan; (T.K.); (K.T.); (M.K.); (S.B.); (M.N.); (M.K.); (N.O.)
- Correspondence: (T.M.); (H.S.); (H.T.); Tel.: +81-3-4582-2816 (T.M.); +81-42-561-0771 (H.S.); +81-3-5280-8036 (H.T.)
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26
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Structure, Function, and Interactions of the HIV-1 Capsid Protein. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11020100. [PMID: 33572761 PMCID: PMC7910843 DOI: 10.3390/life11020100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The capsid (CA) protein of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is an essential structural component of a virion and facilitates many crucial life cycle steps through interactions with host cell factors. Capsid shields the reverse transcription complex from restriction factors while it enables trafficking to the nucleus by hijacking various adaptor proteins, such as FEZ1 and BICD2. In addition, the capsid facilitates the import and localization of the viral complex in the nucleus through interaction with NUP153, NUP358, TNPO3, and CPSF-6. In the later stages of the HIV-1 life cycle, CA plays an essential role in the maturation step as a constituent of the Gag polyprotein. In the final phase of maturation, Gag is cleaved, and CA is released, allowing for the assembly of CA into a fullerene cone, known as the capsid core. The fullerene cone consists of ~250 CA hexamers and 12 CA pentamers and encloses the viral genome and other essential viral proteins for the next round of infection. As research continues to elucidate the role of CA in the HIV-1 life cycle and the importance of the capsid protein becomes more apparent, CA displays potential as a therapeutic target for the development of HIV-1 inhibitors.
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27
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Capsid Lattice Destabilization Leads to Premature Loss of the Viral Genome and Integrase Enzyme during HIV-1 Infection. J Virol 2020; 95:JVI.00984-20. [PMID: 33115869 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00984-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) capsid (CA) protein forms a conical lattice around the viral ribonucleoprotein complex (vRNP) consisting of a dimeric viral genome and associated proteins, together constituting the viral core. Upon entry into target cells, the viral core undergoes a process termed uncoating, during which CA molecules are shed from the lattice. Although the timing and degree of uncoating are important for reverse transcription and integration, the molecular basis of this phenomenon remains unclear. Using complementary approaches, we assessed the impact of core destabilization on the intrinsic stability of the CA lattice in vitro and fates of viral core components in infected cells. We found that substitutions in CA can impact the intrinsic stability of the CA lattice in vitro in the absence of vRNPs, which mirrored findings from an assessment of CA stability in virions. Altering CA stability tended to increase the propensity to form morphologically aberrant particles, in which the vRNPs were mislocalized between the CA lattice and the viral lipid envelope. Importantly, destabilization of the CA lattice led to premature dissociation of CA from vRNPs in target cells, which was accompanied by proteasomal-independent losses of the viral genome and integrase enzyme. Overall, our studies show that the CA lattice protects the vRNP from untimely degradation in target cells and provide the mechanistic basis of how CA stability influences reverse transcription.IMPORTANCE The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) capsid (CA) protein forms a conical lattice around the viral RNA genome and the associated viral enzymes and proteins, together constituting the viral core. Upon infection of a new cell, viral cores are released into the cytoplasm where they undergo a process termed "uncoating," i.e., shedding of CA molecules from the conical lattice. Although proper and timely uncoating has been shown to be important for reverse transcription, the molecular mechanisms that link these two events remain poorly understood. In this study, we show that destabilization of the CA lattice leads to premature dissociation of CA from viral cores, which exposes the viral genome and the integrase enzyme for degradation in target cells. Thus, our studies demonstrate that the CA lattice protects the viral ribonucleoprotein complexes from untimely degradation in target cells and provide the first causal link between how CA stability affects reverse transcription.
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28
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Tsuji K, Wang R, Kobayakawa T, Owusu KBA, Fujino M, Kaneko M, Yamamoto N, Murakami T, Tamamura H. Potent leads based on CA-19L, an anti-HIV active HIV-1 capsid fragment. Bioorg Med Chem 2020; 30:115923. [PMID: 33316719 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2020.115923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Several anti-HIV-1 peptides have previously been found among overlapping fragment peptide libraries that contain an octa-arginyl moiety and cover the whole sequence of an HIV-1 capsid (CA) protein. Several derivatives based on a potent CA fragment peptide CA-19L have been synthesized. CA-19L overlaps with the Helix 9 region of the CA protein, which could be important for oligomerization of the CA proteins. Derivatives of CA-19L in which several amino acid residues were added to the N- and C-termini according to the natural CA sequence, were synthesized and their anti-HIV activity was evaluated. Some potent compounds were found, and these potential new anti-HIV agents are expected to be useful as new tools for elucidation of CA functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Tsuji
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 2-3-10 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan
| | - Rongyi Wang
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 2-3-10 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan
| | - Takuya Kobayakawa
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 2-3-10 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan
| | - Kofi Baffour-Awuah Owusu
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 2-3-10 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan; Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8150, Japan
| | - Masayuki Fujino
- AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Moemi Kaneko
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 2-3-10 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan
| | - Naoki Yamamoto
- Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8150, Japan; Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Tsutomu Murakami
- AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan.
| | - Hirokazu Tamamura
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 2-3-10 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan; Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8150, Japan.
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29
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Should Virus Capsids Assemble Perfectly? Theory and Observation of Defects. Biophys J 2020; 119:1781-1790. [PMID: 33113349 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2020.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Although published structural models of viral capsids generally exhibit a high degree of regularity or symmetry, structural defects might be expected because of the fluctuating environment in which capsids assemble and the requirement of some capsids for disassembly before genome delivery. Defective structures are observed in computer simulations, and are evident in single-particle cryoelectron microscopy studies. Here, we quantify the conditions under which defects might be expected, using a statistical mechanics model allowing for ideal, defective, and vacant sites. The model displays a threshold in affinity parameters below which there is an appreciable population of defective capsids. Even when defective sites are not allowed, there is generally some population of vacancies. Analysis of single particles in cryoelectron microscopy micrographs yields a confirmatory ≳15% of defective particles. Our findings suggest structural heterogeneity in virus capsids may be under-appreciated, and also points to a nontraditional strategy for assembly inhibition.
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Silva NM, Santos NC, Martins IC. Dengue and Zika Viruses: Epidemiological History, Potential Therapies, and Promising Vaccines. Trop Med Infect Dis 2020; 5:E150. [PMID: 32977703 PMCID: PMC7709709 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed5040150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Dengue virus (DENV), which can lead to fatal hemorrhagic fever, affects 390 million people worldwide. The closely related Zika virus (ZIKV) causes microcephaly in newborns and Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults. Both viruses are mostly transmitted by Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which, due to globalization of trade and travel alongside climate change, are spreading worldwide, paving the way to DENV and ZIKV transmission and the occurrence of new epidemics. Local outbreaks have already occurred in temperate climates, even in Europe. As there are no specific treatments, these viruses are an international public health concern. Here, we analyze and discuss DENV and ZIKV outbreaks history, clinical and pathogenesis features, and modes of transmission, supplementing with information on advances on potential therapies and restraining measures. Taking advantage of the knowledge of the structure and biological function of the capsid (C) protein, a relatively conserved protein among flaviviruses, within a genus that includes DENV and ZIKV, we designed and patented a new drug lead, pep14-23 (WO2008/028939A1). It was demonstrated that it inhibits the interaction of DENV C protein with the host lipid system, a process essential for viral replication. Such an approach can be used to develop new therapies for related viruses, such as ZIKV.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nuno C. Santos
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Ivo C. Martins
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal;
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31
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Kleinpeter AB, Freed EO. HIV-1 Maturation: Lessons Learned from Inhibitors. Viruses 2020; 12:E940. [PMID: 32858867 PMCID: PMC7552077 DOI: 10.3390/v12090940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the emergence of HIV and AIDS in the early 1980s, the development of safe and effective therapies has accompanied a massive increase in our understanding of the fundamental processes that drive HIV biology. As basic HIV research has informed the development of novel therapies, HIV inhibitors have been used as probes for investigating basic mechanisms of HIV-1 replication, transmission, and pathogenesis. This positive feedback cycle has led to the development of highly effective combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), which has helped stall the progression to AIDS, prolong lives, and reduce transmission of the virus. However, to combat the growing rates of virologic failure and toxicity associated with long-term therapy, it is important to diversify our repertoire of HIV-1 treatments by identifying compounds that block additional steps not targeted by current drugs. Most of the available therapeutics disrupt early events in the replication cycle, with the exception of the protease (PR) inhibitors, which act at the virus maturation step. HIV-1 maturation consists of a series of biochemical changes that facilitate the conversion of an immature, noninfectious particle to a mature infectious virion. These changes include proteolytic processing of the Gag polyprotein by the viral protease (PR), structural rearrangement of the capsid (CA) protein, and assembly of individual CA monomers into hexamers and pentamers that ultimately form the capsid. Here, we review the development and therapeutic potential of maturation inhibitors (MIs), an experimental class of anti-HIV-1 compounds with mechanisms of action distinct from those of the PR inhibitors. We emphasize the key insights into HIV-1 biology and structure that the study of MIs has provided. We will focus on three distinct groups of inhibitors that block HIV-1 maturation: (1) compounds that block the processing of the CA-spacer peptide 1 (SP1) cleavage intermediate, the original class of compounds to which the term MI was applied; (2) CA-binding inhibitors that disrupt capsid condensation; and (3) allosteric integrase inhibitors (ALLINIs) that block the packaging of the viral RNA genome into the condensing capsid during maturation. Although these three classes of compounds have distinct structures and mechanisms of action, they share the ability to block the formation of the condensed conical capsid, thereby blocking particle infectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eric O. Freed
- HIV Dynamics and Replication Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA;
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32
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Medicinal chemistry strategies of targeting HIV-1 capsid protein for antiviral treatment. Future Med Chem 2020; 12:1281-1284. [PMID: 32483985 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2020-0084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
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33
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Sun L, Dick A, Meuser ME, Huang T, Zalloum WA, Chen CH, Cherukupalli S, Xu S, Ding X, Gao P, Kang D, De Clercq E, Pannecouque C, Cocklin S, Lee KH, Liu X, Zhan P. Design, Synthesis, and Mechanism Study of Benzenesulfonamide-Containing Phenylalanine Derivatives as Novel HIV-1 Capsid Inhibitors with Improved Antiviral Activities. J Med Chem 2020; 63:4790-4810. [PMID: 32298111 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The HIV-1 CA protein has gained remarkable attention as a promising therapeutic target for the development of new antivirals, due to its pivotal roles in HIV-1 replication (structural and regulatory). Herein, we report the design and synthesis of three series of benzenesulfonamide-containing phenylalanine derivatives obtained by further structural modifications of PF-74 to aid in the discovery of more potent and drug-like HIV-1 CA inhibitors. Structure-activity relationship studies of these compounds led to the identification of new phenylalanine derivatives with a piperazinone moiety, represented by compound 11l, which exhibited anti-HIV-1NL4-3 activity 5.78-fold better than PF-74. Interestingly, 11l also showed anti-HIV-2ROD activity (EC50 = 31 nM), with almost 120 times increased potency over PF-74. However, due to the higher significance of HIV-1 as compared to HIV-2 for the human population, this manuscript focuses on the mechanism of action of our compounds in the context of HIV-1. SPR studies on representative compounds confirmed CA as the binding target. The action stage determination assay demonstrated that these inhibitors exhibited antiviral activities with a dual-stage inhibition profile. The early-stage inhibitory activity of compound 11l was 6.25 times more potent as compared to PF-74 but appeared to work via the accelerating capsid core assembly rather than stabilization. However, the mechanism by which they exert their antiviral activity in the late stage appears to be the same as PF-74 with less infectious HIV-1 virions produced in their presence, as judged p24 content studies. MD simulations provided the key rationale for the promising antiviral potency of 11l. Additionally, 11l exhibited a modest increase in HLM and human plasma metabolic stabilities as compared to PF-74, as well as a moderately improved pharmacokinetic profile, favorable oral bioavailability, and no acute toxicity. These studies provide insights and serve as a starting point for subsequent medicinal chemistry efforts in optimizing these promising HIV inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Sun
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, Ji'nan, Shandong 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Alexej Dick
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, United States
| | - Megan E Meuser
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, United States
| | - Tianguang Huang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, Ji'nan, Shandong 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Waleed A Zalloum
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Science, American University of Madaba, P.O Box 2882, Amman 11821, Jordan
| | - Chin-Ho Chen
- Duke University Medical Center, Surgical Oncology Research Facility, Box 2926, Durham, North Carolina 27710, United States
| | - Srinivasulu Cherukupalli
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, Ji'nan, Shandong 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Shujing Xu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, Ji'nan, Shandong 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao Ding
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, Ji'nan, Shandong 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Gao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, Ji'nan, Shandong 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongwei Kang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, Ji'nan, Shandong 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Erik De Clercq
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, K.U. Leuven, Herestraat 49 Postbus 1043 (09.A097), B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Christophe Pannecouque
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, K.U. Leuven, Herestraat 49 Postbus 1043 (09.A097), B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Simon Cocklin
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, United States
| | - Kuo-Hsiung Lee
- Natural Products Research Laboratories, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Xinyong Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, Ji'nan, Shandong 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Zhan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, Ji'nan, Shandong 250012, People's Republic of China
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Dick A, Cocklin S. Recent Advances in HIV-1 Gag Inhibitor Design and Development. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25071687. [PMID: 32272714 PMCID: PMC7181048 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25071687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) treatment with combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has improved the life quality of many patients since its implementation. However, resistance mutations and the accumulation of severe side effects associated with cART remain enormous challenges that need to be addressed with the continual design and redesign of anti-HIV drugs. In this review, we focus on the importance of the HIV-1 Gag polyprotein as the master coordinator of HIV-1 assembly and maturation and as an emerging drug target. Due to its multiple roles in the HIV-1 life cycle, the individual Gag domains are attractive but also challenging targets for inhibitor design. However, recent encouraging developments in targeting the Gag domains such as the capsid protein with highly potent and potentially long-acting inhibitors, as well as the exploration and successful targeting of challenging HIV-1 proteins such as the matrix protein, have demonstrated the therapeutic viability of this important protein. Such Gag-directed inhibitors have great potential for combating the AIDS pandemic and to be useful tools to dissect HIV-1 biology.
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Sun L, Huang T, Dick A, Meuser ME, Zalloum WA, Chen CH, Ding X, Gao P, Cocklin S, Lee KH, Zhan P, Liu X. Design, synthesis and structure-activity relationships of 4-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazole phenylalanine derivatives as novel HIV-1 capsid inhibitors with promising antiviral activities. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 190:112085. [PMID: 32066010 PMCID: PMC7053825 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
HIV-1 CA is involved in different stages of the viral replication cycle, performing essential roles in both early (uncoating, reverse transcription, nuclear import, integration) and late events (assembly). Recent efforts have demonstrated HIV-1 CA protein as a prospective therapeutic target for the development of new antivirals. The most extensively studied CA inhibitor, PF-3450074 (PF-74, discovered by Pfizer), that targets an inter-protomer pocket within the CA hexamer. Herein we reported the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of a series of 4-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazole phenylalanine derivatives as HIV-1 CA inhibitors based on PF-74 scaffold. Most of the analogues demonstrated potent antiviral activities, among them, the anti-HIV-1 activity of 6a-9 (EC50 = 3.13 μM) is particularly prominent. The SPR binding assay of selected compounds (6a-9, 6a-10, 5b) suggested direct and effective interaction with recombinant CA proteins. The mechanism of action studies also demonstrated that 6a-9 displays the effects in both the early and late stages of HIV-1 replication. To explore the potential binding mode of the here presented analogues, 6a-9 was analyzed by MD simulation to predict its binding to the active site of HIV-1 CA monomer. In conclusion, this novel series of antivirals can serve as a starting point for the development of a new generation of HIV-1 treatment regimen and highlights the potentiality of CA as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Sun
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012, Ji'nan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Tianguang Huang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012, Ji'nan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Alexej Dick
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Megan E Meuser
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Waleed A Zalloum
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Science, American University of Madaba, P.O Box 2882, Amman, 11821, Jordan
| | - Chin-Ho Chen
- Duke University Medical Center, Box 2926, Surgical Oncology Research Facility, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Xiao Ding
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012, Ji'nan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Ping Gao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012, Ji'nan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Simon Cocklin
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Kuo-Hsiung Lee
- Natural Products Research Laboratories, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
| | - Peng Zhan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012, Ji'nan, Shandong, PR China.
| | - Xinyong Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012, Ji'nan, Shandong, PR China.
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36
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Understanding Flavivirus Capsid Protein Functions: The Tip of the Iceberg. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9010042. [PMID: 31948047 PMCID: PMC7168633 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9010042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 01/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Flaviviruses are enveloped positive-sense single-stranded RNA arboviruses, infectious to humans and many other animals and are transmitted primarily via tick or mosquito vectors. Capsid is the primary structural protein to interact with viral genome within virus particles and is therefore necessary for efficient packaging. However, in cells, capsid interacts with many proteins and nucleic acids and we are only beginning to understand the broad range of functions of flaviviral capsids. It is known that capsid dimers interact with the membrane of lipid droplets, aiding in both viral packaging and storage of capsid prior to packaging. However, capsid dimers can bind a range of nucleic acid templates in vitro, and likely interact with a range of targets during the flavivirus lifecycle. Capsid may interact with host RNAs, resulting in altered RNA splicing and RNA transcription. Capsid may also bind short interfering-RNAs and has been proposed to sequester these species to protect flaviviruses from the invertebrate siRNA pathways. Capsid can also be found in the nucleolus, where it wreaks havoc on ribosome biogenesis. Here we review flavivirus capsid structure, nucleic acid interactions and how these give rise to multiple functions. We also discuss how these features might be exploited either in the design of effective antivirals or novel vaccine strategies.
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Cevik M, Orkin C. Insights into HIV-1 capsid inhibitors in preclinical and early clinical development as antiretroviral agents. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2019; 28:1021-1024. [PMID: 31738620 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2019.1692811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Muge Cevik
- Infection and Global Health Research, School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Chloe Orkin
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.,Royal London Hospital,Ambrose King Centre, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
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38
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Maeda K, Das D, Kobayakawa T, Tamamura H, Takeuchi H. Discovery and Development of Anti-HIV Therapeutic Agents: Progress Towards Improved HIV Medication. Curr Top Med Chem 2019; 19:1621-1649. [PMID: 31424371 PMCID: PMC7132033 DOI: 10.2174/1568026619666190712204603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The history of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS therapy, which spans over 30 years, is one of the most dramatic stories of science and medicine leading to the treatment of a disease. Since the advent of the first AIDS drug, AZT or zidovudine, a number of agents acting on different drug targets, such as HIV enzymes (e.g. reverse transcriptase, protease, and integrase) and host cell factors critical for HIV infection (e.g. CD4 and CCR5), have been added to our armamentarium to combat HIV/AIDS. In this review article, we first discuss the history of the development of anti-HIV drugs, during which several problems such as drug-induced side effects and the emergence of drug-resistant viruses became apparent and had to be overcome. Nowadays, the success of Combination Antiretroviral Therapy (cART), combined with recently-developed powerful but nonetheless less toxic drugs has transformed HIV/AIDS from an inevitably fatal disease into a manageable chronic infection. However, even with such potent cART, it is impossible to eradicate HIV because none of the currently available HIV drugs are effective in eliminating occult “dormant” HIV cell reservoirs. A number of novel unique treatment approaches that should drastically improve the quality of life (QOL) of patients or might actually be able to eliminate HIV altogether have also been discussed later in the review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Maeda
- National Center for Global Health and Medicine (NCGM) Research Institute, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan
| | - Debananda Das
- Experimental Retrovirology Section, HIV and AIDS Malignancy Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health (NCI/NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Takuya Kobayakawa
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo 101-0062, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Tamamura
- Department of Molecular Virology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo 113-8519, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Takeuchi
- Department of Molecular Virology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo 113-8519, Japan
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McArthur C, Gallazzi F, Quinn TP, Singh K. HIV Capsid Inhibitors Beyond PF74. Diseases 2019; 7:diseases7040056. [PMID: 31671622 PMCID: PMC6956309 DOI: 10.3390/diseases7040056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) capsid plays important roles at multiple stages of viral replication. At the initial stages, controlled uncoating (disassembly) of the capsid ensures efficient reverse transcription of the single-stranded RNA genome, into the double-stranded DNA. Whereas at later stages, a proper assembly of capsid ensures the formation of a mature infectious virus particle. Hence, the inhibition of capsid assembly and/or disassembly has been recognized as a potential therapeutic strategy, and several capsid inhibitors have been reported. Of these, PF-3450074 (PF74) has been extensively studied. Recently reported GS-CA inhibitors (GS-CA1 and GS-6207), have shown a strong potential and appear to contain a PF74 scaffold. The location of resistance mutations and the results of structural studies further suggest that GS-CA compounds and PF74 share the same binding pocket, which is located between capsid monomers. Additionally, phenylalanine derivatives containing the PF74 scaffold show slightly enhanced capsid inhibiting activity. A comparison of capsid structures in complex with host factors and PF74, reveals the presence of common chemical entities at topologically equivalent positions. Here we present the status of capsid inhibitors that contain PF74 scaffolds and propose that the PF74 scaffold may be used to develop strong and safe capsid inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole McArthur
- Department of Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Missouri, Kansas, MO 64108, USA.
- Kansas City School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Kansas, MO 64108, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Truman Medical Center, Kansas, MO, 64108, USA.
| | - Fabio Gallazzi
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
| | - Thomas P Quinn
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
| | - Kamal Singh
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, 14186 Stockholm, Sweden.
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Poonsiri T, Wright GSA, Solomon T, Antonyuk SV. Crystal Structure of the Japanese Encephalitis Virus Capsid Protein. Viruses 2019; 11:E623. [PMID: 31284608 PMCID: PMC6669762 DOI: 10.3390/v11070623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Japanese encephalitis (JE) is inflammation and swelling of the brain caused by the JE virus (JEV), a mosquito-borne member of the Flavivirus family. There are around 68,000 JE cases worldwide each year, many of which result in permanent brain damage and death. There is no specific treatment for JE. Here we present the crystal structure of the JEV capsid protein, a potential drug target, at 1.98 Å, and compare it to other flavivirus capsid proteins. The JEV capsid has a helical secondary structure (α helixes 1-4) and a similar protein fold to the dengue virus (DENV), the West Nile virus (WNV), and the Zika virus (ZIKV) capsid proteins. It forms a homodimer by antiparallel pairing with another subunit (') through α-helix 1-1', 2-2', and 4-4' interactions. This dimeric form is believed to be the building block of the nucleocapsid. The flexibility of the N-terminal α helix-1 allows the formation of closed and open conformations with possible functional importance. The basic C-terminal pairing of α4-4' forms a coiled-coil-like structure, indicating possible nucleic acid binding functionality. However, a comparison with other nucleic acid interacting domains indicates that homodimerization would preclude binding. This is the first JEV capsid protein to be described and is an addition to the structural biology of the Flavivirus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanalai Poonsiri
- Molecular Biophysics Group, Institute of Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, L69 7ZB Liverpool, UK
- Health Protection Research Unit on Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, L69 7BE Liverpool, UK
| | - Gareth S A Wright
- Molecular Biophysics Group, Institute of Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, L69 7ZB Liverpool, UK
| | - Tom Solomon
- Health Protection Research Unit on Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, L69 7BE Liverpool, UK
- Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, L9 7LJ Liverpool, UK
| | - Svetlana V Antonyuk
- Molecular Biophysics Group, Institute of Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, L69 7ZB Liverpool, UK.
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Zhang DW, Luo RH, Xu L, Yang LM, Xu XS, Bedwell GJ, Engelman AN, Zheng YT, Chang S. A HTRF based competitive binding assay for screening specific inhibitors of HIV-1 capsid assembly targeting the C-Terminal domain of capsid. Antiviral Res 2019; 169:104544. [PMID: 31254557 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2019.104544] [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: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Due to its multifaceted essential roles in virus replication and extreme genetic fragility, the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) capsid (CA) protein is a valued therapeutic target. However, CA is as yet unexploited clinically, as there are no antiviral agents that target it currently on the market. To facilitate the identification of potential HIV-1 CA inhibitors, we established a homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence (HTRF) assay to screen for small molecules that target a biologically active and specific binding pocket in the C-terminal domain of HIV-1 CA (CA CTD). The assay, which is based on competition of small molecules for the binding of a known CA inhibitor (CAI) to the CA CTD, exhibited a signal-to-background ratio (S/B) > 10 and a Z' value > 0.9. In a pilot screen of three kinase inhibitor libraries containing 464 compounds, we identified one compound, TX-1918, as a low micromolecular inhibitor of the HIV-1 CA CTD-CAI interaction (IC50 = 3.81 μM) that also inhibited viral replication at moderate micromolar concentration (EC50 = 15.16 μM) and inhibited CA assembly in vitro. Based on the structure of TX-1918, an additional compound with an antiviral EC50 of 6.57 μM and cellular cytotoxicity CC50 of 102.55 μM was obtained from a compound similarity search. Thus, the HTRF-based assay has properties that are suitable for screening large compound libraries to identify novel anti-HIV-1 inhibitors targeting the CA CTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da-Wei Zhang
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Jiangsu University of Technology, Changzhou, 213001, China; Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Rong-Hua Luo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, The National Kunming High Level Biosafety Research Center for Nonhuman Primate, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650223, China
| | - Lei Xu
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Jiangsu University of Technology, Changzhou, 213001, China
| | - Liu-Meng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, The National Kunming High Level Biosafety Research Center for Nonhuman Primate, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650223, China
| | - Xiao-Shuang Xu
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Jiangsu University of Technology, Changzhou, 213001, China
| | - Gregory J Bedwell
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Alan N Engelman
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Yong-Tang Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, The National Kunming High Level Biosafety Research Center for Nonhuman Primate, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650223, China.
| | - Shan Chang
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Jiangsu University of Technology, Changzhou, 213001, China.
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Singh K, Gallazzi F, Hill KJ, Burke DH, Lange MJ, Quinn TP, Neogi U, Sönnerborg A. GS-CA Compounds: First-In-Class HIV-1 Capsid Inhibitors Covering Multiple Grounds. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1227. [PMID: 31312185 PMCID: PMC6613529 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently reported HIV-1 capsid (CA) inhibitors GS-CA1 and GS-6207 (an analog of GS-CA1) are first-in-class compounds with long-acting potential. Reportedly, both compounds have greater potency than currently approved anti-HIV drugs. Due to the limited access to experimental data and the compounds themselves, a detailed mechanism of their inhibition is yet to be delineated. Using crystal structures of capsid-hexamers bound to well-studied capsid inhibitor PF74 and molecular modeling, we predict that GS-CA compounds bind in the pocket that is shared by previously reported CA inhibitors and host factors. Additionally, comparative modeling suggests that GS-CA compounds have unique structural features contributing to interactions with capsid. To test their proposed binding mode, we also report the design of a cyclic peptide combining structural units from GS-CA compounds, host factors, and previously reported capsid inhibitors. This peptide (Pep-1) binds CA-hexamer with a docking score comparable to GS-CA compounds. Affinity determination by MicroScale thermophoresis (MST) assays showed that CA binds Pep-1 with a ~7-fold better affinity than well-studied capsid inhibitor PF74, suggesting that it can be developed as a possible CA inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamal Singh
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fabio Gallazzi
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Department of Chemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Kyle J Hill
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Donald H Burke
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Margaret J Lange
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Thomas P Quinn
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Ujjwal Neogi
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anders Sönnerborg
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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43
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Novikova M, Zhang Y, Freed EO, Peng K. Multiple Roles of HIV-1 Capsid during the Virus Replication Cycle. Virol Sin 2019; 34:119-134. [PMID: 31028522 PMCID: PMC6513821 DOI: 10.1007/s12250-019-00095-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus-1 capsid (HIV-1 CA) is involved in different stages of the viral replication cycle. During virion assembly, CA drives the formation of the hexameric lattice in immature viral particles, while in mature virions CA monomers assemble in cone-shaped cores surrounding the viral RNA genome and associated proteins. In addition to its functions in late stages of the viral replication cycle, CA plays key roles in a number of processes during early phases of HIV-1 infection including trafficking, uncoating, recognition by host cellular proteins and nuclear import of the viral pre-integration complex. As a result of efficient cooperation of CA with other viral and cellular proteins, integration of the viral genetic material into the host genome, which is an essential step for productive viral infection, successfully occurs. In this review, we will summarize available data on CA functions in HIV-1 replication, describing in detail its roles in late and early phases of the viral replication cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariia Novikova
- Virus-Cell Interaction Section, HIV Dynamics and Replication Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Yulan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Eric O Freed
- Virus-Cell Interaction Section, HIV Dynamics and Replication Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA.
| | - Ke Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To summarize recent advances in the discovery of chemical inhibitors targeting the HIV capsid and research on their mechanisms of action. RECENT FINDINGS HIV infection is critically dependent on functions of the viral capsid. Numerous studies have reported the identification of a variety of compounds that bind to the capsid protein; some of these inhibit reverse transcription and nuclear entry, steps required for infection. Other capsid-targeting compounds appear to act by perturbing capsid assembly, resulting in noninfectious progeny virions. Inhibitors may bind to several different positions on the capsid protein, including sites in both protein domains. However, the antiviral activity of many reported capsid-targeting inhibitors has not been definitively linked to capsid binding. Until recently, the low-to-moderate potency of reported capsid-targeting inhibitors has precluded their further clinical development. In 2017, GS-CA1, a highly potent capsid inhibitor, was described that holds promise for clinical development. SUMMARY Small molecules that bind to the viral capsid protein can be potent inhibitors of HIV infection. Capsid-targeting drugs are predicted to exhibit high barriers to viral resistance, and ongoing work in this area is contributing to an understanding of the molecular biology of HIV uncoating and maturation.
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Novel Intersubunit Interaction Critical for HIV-1 Core Assembly Defines a Potentially Targetable Inhibitor Binding Pocket. mBio 2019; 10:mBio.02858-18. [PMID: 30862755 PMCID: PMC6414707 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02858-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Precise assembly and disassembly of the HIV-1 capsid core are key to the success of viral replication. The forces that govern capsid core formation and dissociation involve intricate interactions between pentamers and hexamers formed by HIV-1 CA. We identified one particular interaction between E28 of one CA and K30′ of the adjacent CA that appears more frequently in pentamers than in hexamers and that is important for capsid assembly. Targeting the corresponding site could lead to the development of antivirals which disrupt this interaction and affect capsid assembly. HIV-1 capsid protein (CA) plays critical roles in both early and late stages of the viral replication cycle. Mutagenesis and structural experiments have revealed that capsid core stability significantly affects uncoating and initiation of reverse transcription in host cells. This has led to efforts in developing antivirals targeting CA and its assembly, although none of the currently identified compounds are used in the clinic for treatment of HIV infection. A specific interaction that is primarily present in pentameric interfaces in the HIV-1 capsid core was identified and is reported to be important for CA assembly. This is shown by multidisciplinary characterization of CA site-directed mutants using biochemical analysis of virus-like particle formation, transmission electron microscopy of in vitro assembly, crystallographic studies, and molecular dynamic simulations. The data are consistent with a model where a hydrogen bond between CA residues E28 and K30′ from neighboring N-terminal domains (CANTDs) is important for CA pentamer interactions during core assembly. This pentamer-preferred interaction forms part of an N-terminal domain interface (NDI) pocket that is amenable to antiviral targeting.
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Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Activity of an Ankyrin Repeat Protein on Viral Assembly against Chimeric NL4-3 Viruses Carrying Gag/PR Derived from Circulating Strains among Northern Thai Patients. Viruses 2018; 10:v10110625. [PMID: 30428529 PMCID: PMC6265948 DOI: 10.3390/v10110625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Certain proteins have demonstrated proficient human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) life cycle disturbance. Recently, the ankyrin repeat protein targeting the HIV-1 capsid, AnkGAG1D4, showed a negative effect on the viral assembly of the HIV-1NL4-3 laboratory strain. To extend its potential for future clinical application, the activity of AnkGAG1D4 in the inhibition of other HIV-1 circulating strains was evaluated. Chimeric NL4-3 viruses carrying patient-derived Gag/PR-coding regions were generated from 131 antiretroviral drug-naïve HIV-1 infected individuals in northern Thailand during 2001–2012. SupT1, a stable T-cell line expressing AnkGAG1D4 and ankyrin non-binding control (AnkA32D3), were challenged with these chimeric viruses. The p24CA sequences were analysed and classified using the K-means clustering method. Among all the classes of virus classified using the p24CA sequences, SupT1/AnkGAG1D4 demonstrated significantly lower levels of p24CA than SupT1/AnkA32D3, which was found to correlate with the syncytia formation. This result suggests that AnkGAG1D4 can significantly interfere with the chimeric viruses derived from patients with different sequences of the p24CA domain. It supports the possibility of ankyrin-based therapy as a broad alternative therapeutic molecule for HIV-1 gene therapy in the future.
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Identification of a Structural Element in HIV-1 Gag Required for Virus Particle Assembly and Maturation. mBio 2018; 9:mBio.01567-18. [PMID: 30327442 PMCID: PMC6191540 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01567-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Late in the HIV-1 replication cycle, the viral structural protein Gag is targeted to virus assembly sites at the plasma membrane of infected cells. The capsid (CA) domain of Gag plays a critical role in the formation of the hexameric Gag lattice in the immature virion, and, during particle release, CA is cleaved from the Gag precursor by the viral protease and forms the conical core of the mature virion. A highly conserved Pro-Pro-Ile-Pro (PPIP) motif (CA residues 122 to 125) [PPIP(122-125)] in a loop connecting CA helices 6 and 7 resides at a 3-fold axis formed by neighboring hexamers in the immature Gag lattice. In this study, we characterized the role of this PPIP(122-125) loop in HIV-1 assembly and maturation. While mutations P123A and P125A were relatively well tolerated, mutation of P122 and I124 significantly impaired virus release, caused Gag processing defects, and abolished infectivity. X-ray crystallography indicated that the P122A and I124A mutations induce subtle changes in the structure of the mature CA lattice which were permissive for in vitro assembly of CA tubes. Transmission electron microscopy and cryo-electron tomography demonstrated that the P122A and I124A mutations induce severe structural defects in the immature Gag lattice and abrogate conical core formation. Propagation of the P122A and I124A mutants in T-cell lines led to the selection of compensatory mutations within CA. Our findings demonstrate that the CA PPIP(122-125) loop comprises a structural element critical for the formation of the immature Gag lattice.IMPORTANCE Capsid (CA) plays multiple roles in the HIV-1 replication cycle. CA-CA domain interactions are responsible for multimerization of the Gag polyprotein at virus assembly sites, and in the mature virion, CA monomers assemble into a conical core that encapsidates the viral RNA genome. Multiple CA regions that contribute to the assembly and release of HIV-1 particles have been mapped and investigated. Here, we identified and characterized a Pro-rich loop in CA that is important for the formation of the immature Gag lattice. Changes in this region disrupt viral production and abrogate the formation of infectious, mature virions. Propagation of the mutants in culture led to the selection of second-site compensatory mutations within CA. These results expand our knowledge of the assembly and maturation steps in the viral replication cycle and may be relevant for development of antiviral drugs targeting CA.
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Discovery of phenylalanine derivatives as potent HIV-1 capsid inhibitors from click chemistry-based compound library. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 158:478-492. [PMID: 30243152 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2018] [Revised: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The HIV-1 capsid (CA) protein plays essential roles in both early and late stages of HIV-1 replication and is considered an important, clinically unexploited therapeutic target. As such, small drug-like molecules that inhibit this critical HIV-1 protein have become a priority for several groups. Therefore, in this study we explore small molecule targeting of the CA protein, and in particular a very attractive inter-protomer pocket. We report the design, parallel synthesis, and anti-HIV-1 activity evaluation of a series of novel phenylalanine derivatives as HIV-1 CA protein inhibitors synthesized via Cu(I)-catalyzed alkyne-azide 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction. We demonstrate robust inhibitory activity over a range of potencies against the HIV-1 NL4-3 reference strain. In particular, compound 13m exhibited the greatest potency and lowest toxicity within this new series with an EC50 value of 4.33 μM and CC50 value of >57.74 μM (SI > 13.33). These values are very similar to the lead compound PF-74 (EC50 = 5.95 μM, CC50 > 70.50 μM, SI > 11.85) in our assay, despite significant structural difference. Furthermore, we demonstrate via surface plasmon resonance (SPR) binding assays that 13m interacts robustly with recombinant HIV-1 CA and exhibits antiviral activity in both the early and late stages of HIV-1 replication. Overall, the novel parallel synthesis and structure-activity relationships (SARs) identified within this study set the foundation for further rational optimization and discovery of CA-targeting compounds with improved potency.
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49
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Looking for Novel Capsid Protein Multimerization Inhibitors of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2018; 11:ph11030067. [PMID: 29996481 PMCID: PMC6161179 DOI: 10.3390/ph11030067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a member of the retroviridae family of viruses. It causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in worldwide domestic and non-domestic cats and is a cause of an important veterinary issue. The genome organization of FIV and the clinical characteristics of the disease caused by FIV are similar to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Both viruses infect T lymphocytes, monocytes, and macrophages, with a similar replication cycle in infected cells. Thus, the infection of cats with FIV is also a useful tool for the study and development of novel drugs and vaccines against HIV. Anti-retroviral drugs studied extensively with regards to HIV infection have targeted different steps of the virus replication cycle: (1) disruption of the interaction with host cell surface receptors and co-receptors; (2) inhibition of fusion of the virus and cell membranes; (3) blocking of the reverse transcription of viral genomic RNA; (4) interruption of nuclear translocation and integration of viral DNA into host genomes; (5) prevention of viral transcript processing and nuclear export; and (6) inhibition of virion assembly and maturation. Despite the great success of anti-retroviral therapy in slowing HIV progression in humans, a similar therapy has not been thoroughly investigated for FIV infection in cats, mostly because of the little structural information available for FIV proteins. The FIV capsid protein (CA) drives the assembly of the viral particle, which is a critical step in the viral replication cycle. During this step, the CA protein oligomerizes to form a protective coat that surrounds the viral genome. In this work, we perform a large-scale screening of four hundred molecules from our in-house library using an in vitro assembly assay of p24, combined with microscale thermophoresis, to estimate binding affinity. This screening led to the discovery of around four novel hits that inhibited capsid assembly in vitro. These may provide new antiviral drugs against FIV.
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50
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Ingemarsdotter CK, Zeng J, Long Z, Lever AML, Kenyon JC. An RNA-binding compound that stabilizes the HIV-1 gRNA packaging signal structure and specifically blocks HIV-1 RNA encapsidation. Retrovirology 2018. [PMID: 29540207 PMCID: PMC5853050 DOI: 10.1186/s12977-018-0407-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background NSC260594, a quinolinium derivative from the NCI diversity set II compound library, was previously identified in a target-based assay as an inhibitor of the interaction between the HIV-1 (ψ) stem-loop 3 (SL3) RNA and Gag. This compound was shown to exhibit potent antiviral activity. Here, the effects of this compound on individual stages of the viral lifecycle were examined by qRT-PCR, ELISA and Western blot, to see if its actions were specific to the viral packaging stage. The structural effects of NSC260594 binding to the HIV-1 gRNA were also examined by SHAPE and dimerization assays. Results Treatment of cells with NSC260594 did not reduce the number of integration events of incoming virus, and treatment of virus producing cells did not affect the level of intracellular Gag protein or viral particle release as determined by immunoblot. However, NSC260594 reduced the incorporation of gRNA into virions by up to 82%, without affecting levels of gRNA inside the cell. This reduction in packaging correlated closely with the reduction in infectivity of the released viral particles. To establish the structural effects of NSC260594 on the HIV-1 gRNA, we performed SHAPE analyses to pinpoint RNA structural changes. NSC260594 had a stabilizing effect on the wild type RNA that was not confined to SL3, but that was propagated across the structure. A packaging mutant lacking SL3 did not show this effect. Conclusions NSC260594 acts as a specific inhibitor of HIV-1 RNA packaging. No other viral functions are affected. Its action involves preventing the interaction of Gag with SL3 by stabilizing this small RNA stem-loop which then leads to stabilization of the global packaging signal region (psi or ψ). This confirms data, previously only shown in analyses of isolated SL3 oligonucleotides, that SL3 is structurally labile in the presence of Gag and that this is critical for the complete psi region to be able to adopt different conformations. Since replication is otherwise unaffected by NSC260594 the flexibility of SL3 appears to be a unique requirement for genome encapsidation and identifies this process as a highly specific drug target. This study is proof of principle that development of a new class of antiretroviral drugs that specifically target viral packaging by binding to the viral genomic RNA is achievable. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12977-018-0407-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carin K Ingemarsdotter
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrookes Hospital, Box 157, Level 5, Hills Rd, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Jingwei Zeng
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrookes Hospital, Box 157, Level 5, Hills Rd, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Ziqi Long
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrookes Hospital, Box 157, Level 5, Hills Rd, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Andrew M L Lever
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrookes Hospital, Box 157, Level 5, Hills Rd, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK.,Department of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Julia C Kenyon
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrookes Hospital, Box 157, Level 5, Hills Rd, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK. .,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore. .,Homerton College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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