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Liu X, Chen W, Li K, Sheng J. RNA N6-methyladenosine methylation in influenza A virus infection. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1401997. [PMID: 38957616 PMCID: PMC11217485 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1401997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Influenza A virus (IAV) is a negative-sense single-stranded RNA virus that causes acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome, posing a serious threat to both animal and human health. N6-methyladenosine (m6A), a prevalent and abundant post-transcriptional methylation of RNA in eukaryotes, plays a crucial regulatory role in IAV infection by altering viral RNA and cellular transcripts to affect viral infection and the host immune response. This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying m6A modification and its regulatory function in the context of IAV infection and the host immune response. This will provide a better understanding of virus-host interactions and offer insights into potential anti-IAV strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueer Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Weiqiang Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Kangsheng Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiangtao Sheng
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
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2
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Leseva MN, Buttari B, Saso L, Dimitrova PA. Infection Meets Inflammation: N6-Methyladenosine, an Internal Messenger RNA Modification as a Tool for Pharmacological Regulation of Host-Pathogen Interactions. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1060. [PMID: 37509095 PMCID: PMC10377384 DOI: 10.3390/biom13071060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The significance of internal mRNA modifications for the modulation of transcript stability, for regulation of nuclear export and translation efficiency, and their role in suppressing innate immunity is well documented. Over the years, the molecular complexes involved in the dynamic regulation of the most prevalent modifications have been characterized-we have a growing understanding of how each modification is set and erased, where it is placed, and in response to what cues. Remarkably, internal mRNA modifications, such as methylation, are emerging as an additional layer of regulation of immune cell homeostasis, differentiation, and function. A fascinating recent development is the investigation into the internal modifications of host/pathogen RNA, specifically N6-methyladenosine (m6A), its abundance and distribution during infection, and its role in disease pathogenesis and in shaping host immune responses. Low molecular weight compounds that target RNA-modifying enzymes have shown promising results in vitro and in animal models of different cancers and are expanding the tool-box in immuno-oncology. Excitingly, such modulators of host mRNA methyltransferase or demethylase activity hold profound implications for the development of new broad-spectrum therapeutic agents for infectious diseases as well. This review describes the newly uncovered role of internal mRNA modification in infection and in shaping the function of the immune system in response to invading pathogens. We will also discuss its potential as a therapeutic target and identify pitfalls that need to be overcome if it is to be effectively leveraged against infectious agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena N Leseva
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunotherapy, Department of Immunology, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Brigitta Buttari
- Department of Cardiovascular and Endocrine-Metabolic Diseases and Aging, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Luciano Saso
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", La Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Petya A Dimitrova
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunotherapy, Department of Immunology, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
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3
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Yu PL, Wu R, Cao SJ, Wen YP, Huang XB, Zhao S, Lang YF, Zhao Q, Lin JC, Du SY, Yu SM, Yan QG. Pseudorabies virus exploits N 6-methyladenosine modification to promote viral replication. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1087484. [PMID: 36819040 PMCID: PMC9936159 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1087484] [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: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pseudorabies virus (PRV) is the pathogenic virus of porcine pseudorabies (PR), belonging to the Herpesviridae family. PRV has a wide range of hosts and in recent years has also been reported to infect humans. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is the major pathway of RNA post-transcriptional modification. Whether m6A modification participates in the regulation of PRV replication is unknown. Methods Here, we investigated that the m6A modification was abundant in the PRV transcripts and PRV infection affected the epitranscriptome of host cells. Knockdown of cellular m6A methyltransferases METTL3 and METTL14 and the specific binding proteins YTHDF2 and YTHDF3 inhibited PRV replication, while silencing of demethylase ALKBH5 promoted PRV output. The overexpression of METTL14 induced more efficient virus proliferation in PRV-infected PK15 cells. Inhibition of m6A modification by 3-deazaadenosine (3-DAA), a m6A modification inhibitor, could significantly reduce viral replication. Results and Discussion Taken together, m6A modification played a positive role in the regulation of PRV replication and gene expression. Our research revealed m6A modification sites in PRV transcripts and determined that m6A modification dynamically mediated the interaction between PRV and host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Lun Yu
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Swine Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rui Wu
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Swine Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - San-Jie Cao
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Swine Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi-Ping Wen
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Swine Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiao-Bo Huang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Swine Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shan Zhao
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Swine Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi-Fei Lang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Swine Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qin Zhao
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Swine Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ju-Chun Lin
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Sen-Yan Du
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Swine Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shu-Min Yu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qi-Gui Yan
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Swine Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China,*Correspondence: Qi-Gui Yan, ✉
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4
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History and impact of the mouse-adapted Ebola virus model. Antiviral Res 2023; 210:105493. [PMID: 36567023 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2022.105493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Ebola virus (EBOV) is a member of the filoviridae family, which are comprised of negative sense, enveloped RNA hemorrhagic fever viruses that can cause severe disease and high lethality rates. These viruses require BSL-4 containment laboratories for study. Early studies of EBOV pathogenesis relied heavily on the use of nonhuman primates, which are expensive and cumbersome to handle in large numbers. Guinea pig models were also developed, but even to this day limited reagents are available in this model. In 1998, Mike Bray and colleagues developed a mouse-adapted EBOV (maEBOV) that caused lethality in adult immunocompetent mice. This model had significant advantages, including being inexpensive, allowing for higher animal numbers for statistical analysis, availability of reagents for studying pathogenesis, and availability of a vast array of genetically modified strains. The model has been used to test vaccines, therapeutic drugs, EBOV mutants, and pathogenesis, and its importance is demonstrated by the hundreds of citations referencing the original publication. This review will cover the history of the maEBOV model and its use in filovirus research.
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5
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Li H, Guo Y, Qi W, Liao M. N 6-methyladenosine modification of viral RNA and its role during the recognition process of RIG-I-like receptors. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1031200. [PMID: 36582239 PMCID: PMC9792670 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1031200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant RNA chemical modification in eukaryotes and is also found in the RNAs of many viruses. In recent years, m6A RNA modification has been reported to have a role not only in the replication of numerous viruses but also in the innate immune escape process. In this review, we describe the viruses that contain m6A in their genomes or messenger RNAs (mRNAs), and summarize the effects of m6A on the replication of different viruses. We also discuss how m6A modification helps viral RNAs escape recognition by exogenous RNA sensors, such as retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I)-like receptors (RLRs), during viral invasion. Overall, the goal of our review is to summarize how m6A regulates viral replication and facilitates innate immune escape. Furthermore, we elaborate on the potential of m6A as a novel antiviral target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanan Li
- National Avian Influenza Para-Reference Laboratory (Guangzhou), South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China,Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou, China,National and Regional Joint Engineering Laboratory for Medicament of Zoonoses Prevention and Control, Guangzhou, China,Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Guo
- National Avian Influenza Para-Reference Laboratory (Guangzhou), South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China,Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou, China,National and Regional Joint Engineering Laboratory for Medicament of Zoonoses Prevention and Control, Guangzhou, China,Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenbao Qi
- National Avian Influenza Para-Reference Laboratory (Guangzhou), South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China,Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou, China,National and Regional Joint Engineering Laboratory for Medicament of Zoonoses Prevention and Control, Guangzhou, China,Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Wenbao Qi, ; Ming Liao,
| | - Ming Liao
- National Avian Influenza Para-Reference Laboratory (Guangzhou), South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China,Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou, China,National and Regional Joint Engineering Laboratory for Medicament of Zoonoses Prevention and Control, Guangzhou, China,Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China,Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Wenbao Qi, ; Ming Liao,
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6
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Bergant V, Yamada S, Grass V, Tsukamoto Y, Lavacca T, Krey K, Mühlhofer MT, Wittmann S, Ensser A, Herrmann A, Vom Hemdt A, Tomita Y, Matsuyama S, Hirokawa T, Huang Y, Piras A, Jakwerth CA, Oelsner M, Thieme S, Graf A, Krebs S, Blum H, Kümmerer BM, Stukalov A, Schmidt-Weber CB, Igarashi M, Gramberg T, Pichlmair A, Kato H. Attenuation of SARS-CoV-2 replication and associated inflammation by concomitant targeting of viral and host cap 2'-O-ribose methyltransferases. EMBO J 2022; 41:e111608. [PMID: 35833542 PMCID: PMC9350232 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022111608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The SARS‐CoV‐2 infection cycle is a multistage process that relies on functional interactions between the host and the pathogen. Here, we repurposed antiviral drugs against both viral and host enzymes to pharmaceutically block methylation of the viral RNA 2'‐O‐ribose cap needed for viral immune escape. We find that the host cap 2'‐O‐ribose methyltransferase MTr1 can compensate for loss of viral NSP16 methyltransferase in facilitating virus replication. Concomitant inhibition of MTr1 and NSP16 efficiently suppresses SARS‐CoV‐2 replication. Using in silico target‐based drug screening, we identify a bispecific MTr1/NSP16 inhibitor with anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 activity in vitro and in vivo but with unfavorable side effects. We further show antiviral activity of inhibitors that target independent stages of the host SAM cycle providing the methyltransferase co‐substrate. In particular, the adenosylhomocysteinase (AHCY) inhibitor DZNep is antiviral in in vitro, in ex vivo, and in a mouse infection model and synergizes with existing COVID‐19 treatments. Moreover, DZNep exhibits a strong immunomodulatory effect curbing infection‐induced hyperinflammation and reduces lung fibrosis markers ex vivo. Thus, multispecific and metabolic MTase inhibitors constitute yet unexplored treatment options against COVID‐19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valter Bergant
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Shintaro Yamada
- Institute of Cardiovascular Immunology, University Hospital Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Vincent Grass
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Yuta Tsukamoto
- Institute of Cardiovascular Immunology, University Hospital Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Teresa Lavacca
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Karsten Krey
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Maria-Teresa Mühlhofer
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Sabine Wittmann
- Institute of Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Armin Ensser
- Institute of Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Alexandra Herrmann
- Institute of Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anja Vom Hemdt
- Institute of Virology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Yuriko Tomita
- Department of Virology III, National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shutoku Matsuyama
- Department of Virology III, National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takatsugu Hirokawa
- Transborder Medical Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan.,Division of Biomedical Science, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan.,Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yiqi Huang
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Antonio Piras
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Constanze A Jakwerth
- Center for Allergy & Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich (TUM) and Helmholtz Center Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), CPC-M, Munich, Germany
| | - Madlen Oelsner
- Center for Allergy & Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich (TUM) and Helmholtz Center Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), CPC-M, Munich, Germany
| | - Susanne Thieme
- Laboratory for functional genome analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Centre, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Alexander Graf
- Laboratory for functional genome analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Centre, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Krebs
- Laboratory for functional genome analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Centre, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Helmut Blum
- Laboratory for functional genome analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Centre, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Beate M Kümmerer
- Institute of Virology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Bonn-Cologne, Bonn, Germany
| | - Alexey Stukalov
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Carsten B Schmidt-Weber
- Center for Allergy & Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich (TUM) and Helmholtz Center Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), CPC-M, Munich, Germany
| | - Manabu Igarashi
- International Collaboration Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.,Division of Global Epidemiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Thomas Gramberg
- Institute of Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas Pichlmair
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich partner site, Germany
| | - Hiroki Kato
- Institute of Cardiovascular Immunology, University Hospital Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
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7
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Fanelli G, Gevi F, Zarletti G, Tiberi M, De Molfetta V, Scapigliati G, Timperio AM. An Altered Metabolism in Leukocytes Showing in vitro igG Memory From SARS-CoV-2-Infected Patients. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:894207. [PMID: 35847976 PMCID: PMC9280710 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.894207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19) is a systemic infection that exerts a significant impact on cell metabolism. In this study we performed metabolomic profiling of 41 in vitro cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), 17 of which displayed IgG memory for spike-S1 antigen 60–90 days after infection. By using mass spectrometry analysis, a significant up-regulation of S-adenosyl-Homocysteine, Sarcosine and Arginine was found in leukocytes showing IgG memory. These metabolites are known to be involved in physiological recovery from viral infections and immune activities, and our findings might represent a novel and easy measure that could be of help in understanding SARS-Cov-2 effects on leukocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- G. Fanelli
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - F. Gevi
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - G. Zarletti
- Department of Innovativative Biology, Agro-food, and Forestry, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - M. Tiberi
- Department of Innovativative Biology, Agro-food, and Forestry, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - V. De Molfetta
- Department of Innovativative Biology, Agro-food, and Forestry, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - G. Scapigliati
- Department of Innovativative Biology, Agro-food, and Forestry, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
- *Correspondence: G. Scapigliati, ; A. M. Timperio,
| | - A. M. Timperio
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
- *Correspondence: G. Scapigliati, ; A. M. Timperio,
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8
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Liu CH, Hu YT, Wong SH, Lin LT. Therapeutic Strategies against Ebola Virus Infection. Viruses 2022; 14:v14030579. [PMID: 35336986 PMCID: PMC8954160 DOI: 10.3390/v14030579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the 2014–2016 epidemic, Ebola virus (EBOV) has spread to several countries and has become a major threat to global health. EBOV is a risk group 4 pathogen, which imposes significant obstacles for the development of countermeasures against the virus. Efforts have been made to develop anti-EBOV immunization and therapeutics, with three vaccines and two antibody-based therapeutics approved in recent years. Nonetheless, the high fatality of Ebola virus disease highlights the need to continuously develop antiviral strategies for the future management of EBOV outbreaks in conjunction with vaccination programs. This review aims to highlight potential EBOV therapeutics and their target(s) of inhibition, serving as a summary of the literature to inform readers of the novel candidates available in the continued search for EBOV antivirals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Hsuan Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
| | - Yee-Tung Hu
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
| | - Shu Hui Wong
- International Ph.D. Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
| | - Liang-Tzung Lin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
- Correspondence:
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9
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Lhuissier E, Aury-Landas J, Lenté M, Boumediene K, Baugé C. Co-Treatment with the Epigenetic Drug, 3-Deazaneplanocin A (DZNep) and Cisplatin after DZNep Priming Enhances the Response to Platinum-Based Therapy in Chondrosarcomas. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13184648. [PMID: 34572877 PMCID: PMC8472299 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Chondrosarcoma is a rare bone tumor characterized by the secretion of a cartilage-like extracellular matrix. Its treatment poses major challenges, since chondrosarcoma is resistant to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Consequently, chondrosarcoma treatment has been limited over the past 30 years, and consists in the surgical resection of the tumor. Increasing evidence suggests that future cancer therapies will be enhanced by the combination of epigenetic and conventional antitumor agents, leading to further investigations to combine 3-Deazaneplanocin A (DZNep), an epigenetic drug, with existing antitumoral agents. We show by in vitro and in vivo experiments that an optimised DZNep/cisplatin combination reduces chondrosarcoma viability and induces apoptosis more effectively than each of the drugs alone. These results demonstrate the potential use of this epigenetic-chemotherapeutic combination approach for further studies and management of chondrosarcoma treatment. Abstract Background: We have previously shown that 3-Deazaneplanocin A (DZNep) induces apoptosis in chondrosarcomas. Herein, we tested whether the combination of this epigenetic drug to a standard anticancer therapy may enhance the response to each drug in these bone tumors. Methods: Two chondrosarcoma cell lines (SW1353 and JJ012) were cultured in the presence of DZNep and/or cisplatin. Cell growth was evaluated by counting viable cells, and apoptosis was determined by Apo2.7 expression by flow cytometry. In vivo, the antitumoral effect of the DZNep/cisplatin combination was assessed through measurements of tumor volume of JJ012 xenografts in nude mice. Results: In vitro, the DZNep/cisplatin combination reduced cell survival and increased apoptosis compared to each drug alone in chondrosarcomas, but not in normal cells (chondrocytes). This enhancement of the antitumoral effect of the DZNep/cisplatin combination required a priming incubation with DZNep before the co-treatment with DZNep/cisplatin. Furthermore, in the chondrosarcoma xenograft mice model, the combination of both drugs more strongly reduced tumor growth and induced more apoptosis in tumoral cells than each of the drugs alone. Conclusion: Our results show that DZNep exposure can presensitize chondrosarcoma cells to a standard anticancer drug, emphasizing the promising clinical utilities of epigenetic-chemotherapeutic drug combinations in the future treatment of chondrosarcomas.
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10
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Salgado-Albarrán M, Navarro-Delgado EI, Del Moral-Morales A, Alcaraz N, Baumbach J, González-Barrios R, Soto-Reyes E. Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals key epigenetic targets in SARS-CoV-2 infection. NPJ Syst Biol Appl 2021; 7:21. [PMID: 34031419 PMCID: PMC8144203 DOI: 10.1038/s41540-021-00181-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is an infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2), which has caused a global outbreak. Current research efforts are focused on the understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in SARS-CoV-2 infection in order to propose drug-based therapeutic options. Transcriptional changes due to epigenetic regulation are key host cell responses to viral infection and have been studied in SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV; however, such changes are not fully described for SARS-CoV-2. In this study, we analyzed multiple transcriptomes obtained from cell lines infected with MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2, and from COVID-19 patient-derived samples. Using integrative analyses of gene co-expression networks and de-novo pathway enrichment, we characterize different gene modules and protein pathways enriched with Transcription Factors or Epifactors relevant for SARS-CoV-2 infection. We identified EP300, MOV10, RELA, and TRIM25 as top candidates, and more than 60 additional proteins involved in the epigenetic response during viral infection that has therapeutic potential. Our results show that targeting the epigenetic machinery could be a feasible alternative to treat COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisol Salgado-Albarrán
- grid.7220.70000 0001 2157 0393Departamento de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Cuajimalpa (UAM-C), Mexico City, Mexico ,grid.6936.a0000000123222966Chair of Experimental Bioinformatics, TUM School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Erick I. Navarro-Delgado
- grid.419167.c0000 0004 1777 1207Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Aylin Del Moral-Morales
- grid.7220.70000 0001 2157 0393Departamento de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Cuajimalpa (UAM-C), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Nicolas Alcaraz
- grid.5254.60000 0001 0674 042XThe Bioinformatics Centre, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jan Baumbach
- grid.9026.d0000 0001 2287 2617Chair of Computational Systems Biology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany ,grid.10825.3e0000 0001 0728 0170Computational BioMedicine Lab, Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Rodrigo González-Barrios
- grid.419167.c0000 0004 1777 1207Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ernesto Soto-Reyes
- grid.7220.70000 0001 2157 0393Departamento de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Cuajimalpa (UAM-C), Mexico City, Mexico
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11
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Vizán P, Di Croce L, Aranda S. Functional and Pathological Roles of AHCY. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:654344. [PMID: 33869213 PMCID: PMC8044520 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.654344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenosylhomocysteinase (AHCY) is a unique enzyme and one of the most conserved proteins in living organisms. AHCY catalyzes the reversible break of S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), the by-product and a potent inhibitor of methyltransferases activity. In mammals, AHCY is the only enzyme capable of performing this reaction. Controlled subcellular localization of AHCY is believed to facilitate local transmethylation reactions, by removing excess of SAH. Accordingly, AHCY is recruited to chromatin during replication and active transcription, correlating with increasing demands for DNA, RNA, and histone methylation. AHCY deletion is embryonic lethal in many organisms (from plants to mammals). In humans, AHCY deficiency is associated with an incurable rare recessive disorder in methionine metabolism. In this review, we focus on the AHCY protein from an evolutionary, biochemical, and functional point of view, and we discuss the most recent, relevant, and controversial contributions to the study of this enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Vizán
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luciano Di Croce
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sergi Aranda
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
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12
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Groaz E, De Clercq E, Herdewijn P. Anno 2021: Which antivirals for the coming decade? ANNUAL REPORTS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2021; 57:49-107. [PMID: 34744210 PMCID: PMC8563371 DOI: 10.1016/bs.armc.2021.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Despite considerable progress in the development of antiviral drugs, among which anti-immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) medications can be considered real success stories, many viral infections remain without an effective treatment. This not only applies to infectious outbreaks caused by zoonotic viruses that have recently spilled over into humans such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), but also ancient viral diseases that have been brought under control by vaccination such as variola (smallpox), poliomyelitis, measles, and rabies. A largely unsolved problem are endemic respiratory infections due to influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and rhinoviruses, whose associated morbidity will likely worsen with increasing air pollution. Furthermore, climate changes will expose industrialized countries to a dangerous resurgence of viral hemorrhagic fevers, which might also become global infections. Herein, we summarize the recent progress that has been made in the search for new antivirals against these different threats that the world population will need to confront with increasing frequency in the next decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Groaz
- Medicinal Chemistry, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium,Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy,Corresponding author:
| | - Erik De Clercq
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Piet Herdewijn
- Medicinal Chemistry, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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13
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Imam H, Kim GW, Siddiqui A. Epitranscriptomic(N6-methyladenosine) Modification of Viral RNA and Virus-Host Interactions. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:584283. [PMID: 33330128 PMCID: PMC7732492 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.584283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent and internal modification of eukaryotic mRNA. Multiple m6A methylation sites have been identified in the viral RNA genome and transcripts of DNA viruses in recent years. m6A modification is involved in all the phases of RNA metabolism, including RNA stability, splicing, nuclear exporting, RNA folding, translational modulation, and RNA degradation. Three protein groups, methyltransferases (m6A-writers), demethylases (m6A-erasers), and m6A-binding proteins (m6A-readers) regulate this dynamic reversible process. Here, we have reviewed the role of m6A modification dictating viral replication, morphogenesis, life cycle, and its contribution to disease progression. A better understanding of the m6A methylation process during viral pathogenesis is required to reveal novel approaches to combat the virus-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Imam
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Geon-Woo Kim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Aleem Siddiqui
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
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14
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Jain S, Khaiboullina SF, Baranwal M. Immunological Perspective for Ebola Virus Infection and Various Treatment Measures Taken to Fight the Disease. Pathogens 2020; 9:E850. [PMID: 33080902 PMCID: PMC7603231 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9100850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ebolaviruses, discovered in 1976, belongs to the Filoviridae family, which also includes Marburg and Lloviu viruses. They are negative-stranded RNA viruses with six known species identified to date. Ebola virus (EBOV) is a member of Zaire ebolavirus species and can cause the Ebola virus disease (EVD), an emerging zoonotic disease that results in homeostatic imbalance and multi-organ failure. There are three EBOV outbreaks documented in the last six years resulting in significant morbidity (> 32,000 cases) and mortality (> 13,500 deaths). The potential factors contributing to the high infectivity of this virus include multiple entry mechanisms, susceptibility of the host cells, employment of multiple immune evasion mechanisms and rapid person-to-person transmission. EBOV infection leads to cytokine storm, disseminated intravascular coagulation, host T cell apoptosis as well as cell mediated and humoral immune response. In this review, a concise recap of cell types targeted by EBOV and EVD symptoms followed by detailed run-through of host innate and adaptive immune responses, virus-driven regulation and their combined effects contributing to the disease pathogenesis has been presented. At last, the vaccine and drug development initiatives as well as challenges related to the management of infection have been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahil Jain
- Department of Biotechnology, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala 147004, Punjab, India;
| | - Svetlana F. Khaiboullina
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia
| | - Manoj Baranwal
- Department of Biotechnology, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala 147004, Punjab, India;
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15
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Kang N, Eccleston M, Clermont PL, Latarani M, Male DK, Wang Y, Crea F. EZH2 inhibition: a promising strategy to prevent cancer immune editing. Epigenomics 2020; 12:1457-1476. [PMID: 32938196 PMCID: PMC7607396 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2020-0186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies are revolutionizing the clinical management of a wide range of cancers. However, intrinsic or acquired unresponsiveness to immunotherapies does occur due to the dynamic cancer immunoediting which ultimately leads to immune escape. The evolutionarily conserved histone modifier enhancer of zeste 2 (EZH2) is aberrantly overexpressed in a number of human cancers. Accumulating studies indicate that EZH2 is a main driver of cancer cells' immunoediting and mediate immune escape through downregulating immune recognition and activation, upregulating immune checkpoints and creating an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In this review, we overviewed the roles of EZH2 in cancer immunoediting, the preclinical and clinical studies of current pharmacologic EZH2 inhibitors and the prospects for EZH2 inhibitor and immunotherapy combination for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Kang
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Research Centre, 675 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Mark Eccleston
- Belgian Volition SPRL, Parc Scientifique Créalys, Rue Phocas Lejeune 22, BE-5032 Isnes, Belgium
| | - Pier-Luc Clermont
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, 1050, avenue de la Médecine, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Maryam Latarani
- Cancer Research Group, School of Life Health & Chemical Sciences, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA, UK
| | - David Kingsley Male
- Cancer Research Group, School of Life Health & Chemical Sciences, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA, UK
| | - Yuzhuo Wang
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Research Centre, 675 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1L3, Canada
- Department of Urologic Sciences, The Vancouver Prostate Centre, The University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak St, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Francesco Crea
- Cancer Research Group, School of Life Health & Chemical Sciences, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA, UK
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16
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Lu J, Qian J, Yin S, Zhou L, Zheng S, Zhang W. Mechanisms of RNA N 6-Methyladenosine in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: From the Perspectives of Etiology. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1105. [PMID: 32733807 PMCID: PMC7358598 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common RNA internal modification in eukaryotic cells. Its regulatory effects at the post-transcriptional level on both messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and noncoding RNAs have been widely studied; these include alternative splicing, stability, translation efficiency, nucleus export, and degradation. m6A modification is implicated in a series of physiological and pathological activities, such as embryonic stem cell differentiation, immunoregulation, adipogenesis, and cancer development. Recently, the significance of m6A methylation has been identified in both viral hepatitis and non-alcohol fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which are major risk factors in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Given the high incidence and mortality rate of HCC worldwide, it is of great importance to elucidate the mechanisms underlying HCC initiation and progression. m6A as an emerging research focus has great potential to facilitate the understanding of HCC, particularly from an etiological perspective. Thus, in this review, we summarize recent progress in understanding m6A modification related to viral hepatitis, NAFLD, and HCC, including their mechanisms and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahua Lu
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Organ Transplantation, CAMS, Hangzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junjie Qian
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Organ Transplantation, CAMS, Hangzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shengyong Yin
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Organ Transplantation, CAMS, Hangzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lin Zhou
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Organ Transplantation, CAMS, Hangzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shusen Zheng
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Organ Transplantation, CAMS, Hangzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wu Zhang
- Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Shuren University Shulan International Medical College, Hangzhou, China.,Institution of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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17
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Abstract
Eukaryotic gene expression is regulated not only by genomic enhancers and promoters, but also by covalent modifications added to both chromatin and RNAs. Whereas cellular gene expression may be either enhanced or inhibited by specific epigenetic modifications deposited on histones (in particular, histone H3), these epigenetic modifications can also repress viral gene expression, potentially functioning as a potent antiviral innate immune response in DNA virus-infected cells. However, viruses have evolved countermeasures that prevent the epigenetic silencing of their genes during lytic replication, and they can also take advantage of epigenetic silencing to establish latent infections. By contrast, the various covalent modifications added to RNAs, termed epitranscriptomic modifications, can positively regulate mRNA translation and/or stability, and both DNA and RNA viruses have evolved to utilize epitranscriptomic modifications as a means to maximize viral gene expression. As a consequence, both chromatin and RNA modifications could serve as novel targets for the development of antivirals. In this Review, we discuss how host epigenetic and epitranscriptomic processes regulate viral gene expression at the levels of chromatin and RNA function, respectively, and explore how viruses modify, avoid or utilize these processes in order to regulate viral gene expression.
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18
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Shin YS, Jarhad DB, Jang MH, Kovacikova K, Kim G, Yoon JS, Kim HR, Hyun YE, Tipnis AS, Chang TS, van Hemert MJ, Jeong LS. Identification of 6'-β-fluoro-homoaristeromycin as a potent inhibitor of chikungunya virus replication. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 187:111956. [PMID: 31841728 PMCID: PMC7115507 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.111956] [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] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
We have reported on aristeromycin (1) and 6′-fluorinated-aristeromycin analogues (2), which are active against RNA viruses such as Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Zika virus (ZIKV), and Chikungunya virus (CHIKV). However, these exhibit substantial cytotoxicity. As this cytotoxicity may be attributed to 5′-phosphorylation, we designed and synthesized one-carbon homologated 6′-fluorinated-aristeromycin analogues. This modification prevents 5′-phosphorlyation by cellular kinases, whereas the inhibitory activity towards S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine (SAH) hydrolase will be retained. The enantiomerically pure 6′-fluorinated-5′-homoaristeromycin analogues 3a-e were synthesized via the electrophilic fluorination of the silyl enol ether with Selectfluor, using a base-build up approach as the key steps. All synthesized compounds exhibited potent inhibitory activity towards SAH hydrolase, among which 6′-β-fluoroadenosine analogue 3a was the most potent (IC50 = 0.36 μM). Among the compounds tested, 6′-β-fluoro-homoaristeromycin 3a showed potent antiviral activity (EC50 = 0.12 μM) against the CHIKV, without noticeable cytotoxicity up to 250 μM. Only 3a displayed anti-CHIKV activity, whereas both3a and 3b inhibited SAH hydrolase with similar IC50 values (0.36 and 0.37 μM, respectively), which suggested that 3a’s antiviral activity did not merely depend on the inhibition of SAH hydrolase. This is further supported by the fact that the antiviral effect was specific for CHIKV and some other alphaviruses and none of the homologated analogues inhibited other RNA viruses, such as SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and ZIKV. The potent inhibition and high selectivity index make 6′-β-fluoro-homoaristeromycin (3a) a promising new template for the development of antivirals against CHIKV, a serious re-emerging pathogen that has infected millions of people over the past 15 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Sup Shin
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Dnyandev B Jarhad
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Min Hwan Jang
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Kristina Kovacikova
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333ZA, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Gyudong Kim
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Ji-Seong Yoon
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Hong-Rae Kim
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Young Eum Hyun
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Amol S Tipnis
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Tong-Shin Chang
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Martijn J van Hemert
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333ZA, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Lak Shin Jeong
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea.
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19
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De Clercq E. New Nucleoside Analogues for the Treatment of Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Infections. Chem Asian J 2019; 14:3962-3968. [PMID: 31389664 PMCID: PMC7159701 DOI: 10.1002/asia.201900841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Eight different compounds, all nucleoside analogues, could presently be considered as potential drug candidates for the treatment of Ebola virus (EBOV) and/or other hemorrhagic fever virus (HFV) infections. They can be considered as either (i) adenine analogues (3-deazaneplanocin A, galidesivir, GS-6620 and remdesivir) or (ii) guanine analogues containing the carboxamide entity (ribavirin, EICAR, pyrazofurin and favipiravir). All eight owe their mechanism of action to hydrogen bonded base pairing with either (i) uracil or (ii) cytosine. Four out of the eight compounds (galidesivir, GS-6620, remdesivir and pyrazofurin) are C-nucleosides, and two of them (GS-6620, remdesivir) also contain a phosphoramidate part. The C-nucleoside and phosphoramidate (and for the adenine analogues the 1'-cyano group as well) may be considered as essential attributes for their antiviral activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik De Clercq
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and TransplantationRega Institute for Medical Research, KU LeuvenHerestraat 493000LeuvenBelgium
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20
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Abstract
Over the past few years, nucleosides have maintained a prominent role as one of the cornerstones of antiviral and anticancer therapeutics, and many approaches to nucleoside drug design have been pursued. One such approach involves flexibility in the sugar moiety of nucleosides, for example, in the highly successful anti-HIV and HBV drug tenofovir. In contrast, introduction of flexibility to the nucleobase scaffold has only more recently gained significance with the invention of our fleximers. The history, development, and some biological relevance for this innovative class of nucleosides are detailed herein.
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21
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Edwards MR, Basler CF. Current status of small molecule drug development for Ebola virus and other filoviruses. Curr Opin Virol 2019; 35:42-56. [PMID: 31003196 PMCID: PMC6556423 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2019.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The filovirus family includes some of the deadliest viruses known, including Ebola virus and Marburg virus. These viruses cause periodic outbreaks of severe disease that can be spread from person to person, making the filoviruses important public health threats. There remains a need for approved drugs that target all or most members of this virus family. Small molecule inhibitors that target conserved functions hold promise as pan-filovirus therapeutics. To date, compounds that effectively target virus entry, genome replication, gene expression, and virus egress have been described. The most advanced inhibitors are nucleoside analogs that target viral RNA synthesis reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan R Edwards
- Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, United States
| | - Christopher F Basler
- Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, United States.
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22
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Dang W, Xie Y, Cao P, Xin S, Wang J, Li S, Li Y, Lu J. N 6-Methyladenosine and Viral Infection. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:417. [PMID: 30891023 PMCID: PMC6413633 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A), as a dynamic posttranscriptional RNA modification, recently gave rise to the field of viral epitranscriptomics. The interaction between virus and host is affected by m6A. Multiple m6A-modified viral RNAs have been observed. The epitranscriptome of m6A in host cells are altered after viral infection. The expression of viral genes, the replication of virus and the generation of progeny virions are influenced by m6A modifications in viral RNAs during virus infection. Meanwhile, the decorations of m6A in host mRNAs can make viral infections more likely to happen or can enhance the resistance of host to virus infection. However, the mechanism of m6A regulation in viral infection and host immune response has not been thoroughly elucidated to date. With the development of sequencing-based biotechnologies, transcriptome-wide mapping of m6A in viruses has been achieved, laying the foundation for expanding its functions and corresponding mechanisms. In this report, we summarize the positive and negative effects of m6A in distinct viral infection. Given the increasingly important roles of m6A in diverse viruses, m6A represents a novel potential target for antiviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Dang
- Department of Hematology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Microbiology, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yan Xie
- Department of Hematology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Microbiology, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Pengfei Cao
- Department of Hematology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shuyu Xin
- Department of Microbiology, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jia Wang
- Department of Hematology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Microbiology, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shen Li
- Department of Microbiology, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yanling Li
- Department of Microbiology, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jianhong Lu
- Department of Hematology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Microbiology, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
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23
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Basler CF, Krogan NJ, Leung DW, Amarasinghe GK. Virus and host interactions critical for filoviral RNA synthesis as therapeutic targets. Antiviral Res 2018; 162:90-100. [PMID: 30550800 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2018.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Filoviruses, which include Ebola virus (EBOV) and Marburg virus, are negative-sense RNA viruses associated with sporadic outbreaks of severe viral hemorrhagic fever characterized by uncontrolled virus replication. The extreme virulence and emerging nature of these zoonotic pathogens make them a significant threat to human health. Replication of the filovirus genome and production of viral RNAs require the function of a complex of four viral proteins, the nucleoprotein (NP), viral protein 35 (VP35), viral protein 30 (VP30) and large protein (L). The latter performs the enzymatic activities required for production of viral RNAs and capping of viral mRNAs. Although it has been recognized that interactions between the virus-encoded components of the EBOV RNA polymerase complex are required for viral RNA synthesis reactions, specific molecular details have, until recently, been lacking. New efforts have combined structural biology and molecular virology to reveal in great detail the molecular basis for critical protein-protein interactions (PPIs) necessary for viral RNA synthesis. These efforts include recent studies that have identified a range of interacting host factors and in some instances demonstrated unique mechanisms by which they act. For a select number of these interactions, combined use of mutagenesis, over-expressing of peptides corresponding to PPI interfaces and identification of small molecules that disrupt PPIs have demonstrated the functional significance of virus-virus and virus-host PPIs and suggest several as potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher F Basler
- Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA.
| | - Nevan J Krogan
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA; Gladstone Institute of Data Science and Biotechnology, J. David Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Daisy W Leung
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Gaya K Amarasinghe
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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Fanunza E, Frau A, Corona A, Tramontano E. Antiviral Agents Against Ebola Virus Infection: Repositioning Old Drugs and Finding Novel Small Molecules. ANNUAL REPORTS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2018; 51:135-173. [PMID: 32287476 PMCID: PMC7112331 DOI: 10.1016/bs.armc.2018.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Ebola virus (EBOV) causes a deadly hemorrhagic syndrome in humans with mortality rate up to 90%. First reported in Zaire in 1976, EBOV outbreaks showed a fluctuating trend during time and fora long period it was considered a tragic disease confined to the isolated regions of the African continent where the EBOV fear was perpetuated among the poor communities. The extreme severity of the recent 2014-16 EBOV outbreak in terms of fatality rate and rapid spread out of Africa led to the understanding that EBOV is a global health risk and highlights the necessity to find countermeasures against it. In the recent years, several small molecules have been shown to display in vitro and in vivo efficacy against EBOV and some of them have advanced into clinical trials. In addition, also existing drugs have been tested for their anti-EBOV activity and were shown to be promising candidates. However, despite the constant effort addressed to identify anti-EBOV therapeutics, no approved drugs are available against EBOV yet. In this chapter, we describe the main EBOV life cycle steps, providing a detailed picture of the druggable viral and host targets that have been explored so far by different technologies. We then summarize the small molecules, nucleic acid oligomers, and antibody-based therapies reported to have an effect either in in silico, or in biochemical and cell-based assays or in animal models and clinical trials, listing them according to their demonstrated or putative mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Fanunza
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Aldo Frau
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Angela Corona
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Enzo Tramontano
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Genetics and Biomedical Research Institute, National Research Council, Monserrato, Italy
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Lhuissier E, Aury-Landas J, Bouet V, Bazille C, Repesse Y, Freret T, Boumédiene K, Baugé C. Evaluation of the impact of S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methyltransferase inhibitor, 3-deazaneplanocin A, on tissue injury and cognitive function in mice. Oncotarget 2018; 9:20698-20708. [PMID: 29755682 PMCID: PMC5945538 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.25062] [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: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer patients display cognitive impairment due, at least partly, to the treatments. Additionally, chemotherapeutic treatments can lead to organ injury, limiting their use, and are likely to have negative impacts on patients’ quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate the toxicity of 3-Deazaneplanocin A (DZNep) on several tissues and organs, as well as on cognitive functions. DZNep is an inhibitor of S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methyltransferase (in particular of the histone methyltransferase EZH2) which showed antitumoral functions in preclinical trials but whose effects on behavior and on organs (side effects) are not known. Chronic injections of DZNep were performed intraperitoneally in male NMRI mice (2 mg/kg; i.p.; three times per week) during 8 weeks. A follow-up of body weight was assessed during all experiments. Histological analysis were performed on several organs. EZH2 expression and H3K27me3 were assayed by western-blot. Several behavioral tests were performed during treatment and 2 weeks after. A particular focus was made on spontaneous locomotor activity, cognitive functions (spontaneous alternation and recognition memory), and anxiety- and depression-related behavior. Hematological modifications were also assessed. Chronic DZNep treatment transiently reduced animal growth. It had no effect on most organs but provoked a reversible splenomegaly, and persistent testis reduction and erythropoiesis. DZNep administration did not alter animal behavior. In conclusion, this study is encouraging for the use of DZNep for cancer treatment. Indeed, it has no effect on animal behavior, conferring an advantageous safety, and induces irreversible side effects limited on testis which are unfortunately found in most chemotherapy treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Céline Bazille
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, BioConnecT, Caen, France.,CHU de Caen, Service d'Anatomie Pathologie, Caen, France
| | - Yohann Repesse
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, INSERM, EFS, PhIND, Caen, France.,CHU de Caen, Hématologie biologique, Caen, France
| | - Thomas Freret
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, INSERM, COMETE, Caen, France.,Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, CURB-BRP, Caen, France
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Tsai K, Courtney DG, Cullen BR. Addition of m6A to SV40 late mRNAs enhances viral structural gene expression and replication. PLoS Pathog 2018; 14:e1006919. [PMID: 29447282 PMCID: PMC5831754 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Revised: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyomaviruses are a family of small DNA tumor viruses that includes several pathogenic human members, including Merkel cell polyomavirus, BK virus and JC virus. As is characteristic of DNA tumor viruses, gene expression in polyomaviruses is temporally regulated into an early phase, consisting of the viral regulatory proteins, and a late phase, consisting of the viral structural proteins. Previously, the late transcripts expressed by the prototypic polyomavirus simian virus 40 (SV40) were reported to contain several adenosines bearing methyl groups at the N6 position (m6A), although the precise location of these m6A residues, and their phenotypic effects, have not been investigated. Here, we first demonstrate that overexpression of the key m6A reader protein YTHDF2 induces more rapid viral replication, and larger viral plaques, in SV40 infected BSC40 cells, while mutational inactivation of the endogenous YTHDF2 gene, or the m6A methyltransferase METTL3, has the opposite effect, thus suggesting a positive role for m6A in the regulation of SV40 gene expression. To directly test this hypothesis, we mapped sites of m6A addition on SV40 transcripts and identified two m6A sites on the viral early transcripts and eleven m6A sites on the late mRNAs. Using synonymous mutations, we inactivated the majority of the m6A sites on the SV40 late mRNAs and observed that the resultant viral mutant replicated more slowly than wild type SV40. Alternative splicing of SV40 late mRNAs was unaffected by the reduction in m6A residues and our data instead suggest that m6A enhances the translation of viral late transcripts. Together, these data argue that the addition of m6A residues to the late transcripts encoded by SV40 plays an important role in enhancing viral gene expression and, hence, replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Tsai
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - David G. Courtney
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Bryan R. Cullen
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
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Courtney DG, Kennedy EM, Dumm RE, Bogerd HP, Tsai K, Heaton NS, Cullen BR. Epitranscriptomic Enhancement of Influenza A Virus Gene Expression and Replication. Cell Host Microbe 2017; 22:377-386.e5. [PMID: 28910636 PMCID: PMC5615858 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2017.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Revised: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Many viral RNAs are modified by methylation of the N6 position of adenosine (m6A). m6A is thought to regulate RNA splicing, stability, translation, and secondary structure. Influenza A virus (IAV) expresses m6A-modified RNAs, but the effects of m6A on this segmented RNA virus remain unclear. We demonstrate that global inhibition of m6A addition inhibits IAV gene expression and replication. In contrast, overexpression of the cellular m6A "reader" protein YTHDF2 increases IAV gene expression and replication. To address whether m6A residues modulate IAV RNA function in cis, we mapped m6A residues on the IAV plus (mRNA) and minus (vRNA) strands and used synonymous mutations to ablate m6A on both strands of the hemagglutinin (HA) segment. These mutations inhibited HA mRNA and protein expression while leaving other IAV mRNAs and proteins unaffected, and they also resulted in reduced IAV pathogenicity in mice. Thus, m6A residues in IAV transcripts enhance viral gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- David G Courtney
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology and Center for Virology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Edward M Kennedy
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology and Center for Virology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Rebekah E Dumm
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology and Center for Virology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Hal P Bogerd
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology and Center for Virology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Kevin Tsai
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology and Center for Virology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Nicholas S Heaton
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology and Center for Virology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Bryan R Cullen
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology and Center for Virology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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Li H, Lu H, Tang W, Zuo J. Targeting methionine cycle as a potential therapeutic strategy for immune disorders. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2017; 21:1-17. [PMID: 28829212 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2017.1370454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Methionine cycle plays an essential role in regulating many cellular events, especially transmethylation reactions, incorporating the methyl donor S-adenosylmethionine (SAM). The transmethylations and substances involved in the cycle have shown complicated effects and mechanisms on immunocytes developments and activations, and exert crucial impacts on the pathological processes in immune disorders. Areas covered: Methionine cycle has been considered as an effective means of drug developments. This review discussed the role of methionine cycle in immune responses and summarized the potential therapeutic strategies based on the cycle, including SAM analogs, methyltransferase inhibitors, S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (SAHH) inhibitors, adenosine receptors specific agonists or antagonists and homocysteine (Hcy)-lowering reagents, in treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis (MS), systemic sclerosis (SSc) and other immune disorders. Expert opinion: New targets and biomarkers grown out of methionine cycle have developed rapidly in the past decades. However, impacts of epigenetic regulations on immune disorders are unclear and whether the substances in methionine cycle can be clarified as biomarkers remains controversial. Therefore, further elucidation on the role of epigenetic regulations and substances in methionine cycle may contribute to exploring the cycle-derived biomarkers and drugs in immune disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Li
- a Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research , Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Shanghai , China
- b College of Pharmacy , University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China
| | - Huimin Lu
- a Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research , Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Shanghai , China
- b College of Pharmacy , University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China
| | - Wei Tang
- a Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research , Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Shanghai , China
- b College of Pharmacy , University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China
| | - Jianping Zuo
- a Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research , Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Shanghai , China
- b College of Pharmacy , University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China
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Abstract
Although it has been known for over 40 years that eukaryotic mRNAs bear internal base modifications, it is only in the last 5 years that the importance of these modifications has begun to come into focus. The most common mRNA modification, the addition of a methyl group to the N6 position of adenosine (m6A), has been shown to affect splicing, translation, and stability, and m6A is also essential for embryonic development in organisms ranging from plants to mice. While all viral transcripts examined so far have been found to be extensively m6A modified, the role, if any, of m6A in regulating viral gene expression and replication was previously unknown. However, recent data generated using HIV-1 as a model system strongly suggest that sites of m6A addition not only are evolutionarily conserved but also enhance virus replication. It is therefore likely that the field of viral epitranscriptomics, which can be defined as the study of functionally relevant posttranscriptional modifications of viral RNA transcripts that do not change the nucleotide sequence of that RNA, is poised for a major expansion in scientific interest and may well fundamentally change our understanding of how viral replication is regulated.
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Filovirus proteins for antiviral drug discovery: Structure/function bases of the replication cycle. Antiviral Res 2017; 141:48-61. [PMID: 28192094 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2017.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2016] [Revised: 01/12/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Filoviruses are important pathogens that cause severe and often fatal hemorrhagic fever in humans, for which no approved vaccines and antiviral treatments are yet available. In an earlier article (Martin et al., Antiviral Research, 2016), we reviewed the role of the filovirus surface glycoprotein in replication and as a target for drugs and vaccines. In this review, we focus on recent findings on the filovirus replication machinery and how they could be used for the identification of new therapeutic targets and the development of new antiviral compounds. First, we summarize the recent structural and functional advances on the molecules involved in filovirus replication/transcription cycle, particularly the NP, VP30, VP35 proteins, and the "large" protein L, which harbors the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and mRNA capping activities. These proteins are essential for viral mRNA synthesis and genome replication, and consequently they constitute attractive targets for drug design. We then describe how these insights into filovirus replication mechanisms and the structure/function characterization of the involved proteins have led to the development of new and innovative antiviral strategies that may help reduce the filovirus disease case fatality rate through post-exposure or prophylactic treatments.
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Karanth AV, Maniswami RR, Prashanth S, Govindaraj H, Padmavathy R, Jegatheesan SK, Mullangi R, Rajagopal S. Emerging role of SETDB1 as a therapeutic target. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2017; 21:319-331. [PMID: 28076698 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2017.1279604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epigenetic changes lead to aberrant gene expression in cancer. SETDB1, a histone lysine methyltransferase plays an important role in methylation and gene silencing. Aberrant histone methylation at H3K9 by SETDB1 promotes silencing of tumor suppressor genes and thus contributes to carcinogenesis. Recent studies indicate that SETDB1 is abnormally expressed in various human cancer conditions which contributed to enhanced tumor growth and metastasis. Hence, SETDB1 appears to be a promising epigenetic target for therapeutic intervention. Areas covered: In this article, the structural features, localization and functions of SETDB1 are reviewed. Also, an overview of the role of SETDB1 in cancer and other disease mechanisms, the currently studied inhibitors for SETDB1 are mentioned. Expert opinion: Silencing of tumor suppressor genes due to excessive trimethylation at H3K9 by amplified SETDB1 levels is found in various cancerous conditions. Since epigenetic changes are reversible, SETDB1 holds promise as an important therapeutic target for cancer. Therefore, a better understanding of the role of SETDB1 and its interaction with various proteins in cancer-related mechanisms along with therapeutic interventions specific for SETDB1 may improve targeted cancer therapy.
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32
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Anthony SM, Bradfute SB. Filoviruses: One of These Things is (not) Like the Other. Viruses 2015; 7:5172-90. [PMID: 26426036 PMCID: PMC4632375 DOI: 10.3390/v7102867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Revised: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The family Filoviridae contains several of the most deadly pathogens known to date and the current Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in Western Africa, due to Ebola virus (EBOV) infection, highlights the need for active and broad research into filovirus pathogenesis. However, in comparison, the seven other known filovirus family members are significantly understudied. Many of these, including Marburgviruses and Ebolaviruses other than EBOV, are also highly virulent and fully capable of causing widespread epidemics. This review places the focus on these non-EBOV filoviruses, including known immunological and pathological data. The available animal models, research tools and currently available therapeutics will also be discussed along with an emphasis in the large number of current gaps in knowledge of these less highlighted filoviruses. It is evident that much research is yet to be done in order to bring the non-EBOV filovirus field to the forefront of current research and, importantly, to the development of more effective vaccines and therapeutics to combat potential future outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott M Anthony
- Immunology Graduate Program, The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston, Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Steven B Bradfute
- University of New Mexico, Center for Global Health, Department of Internal Medicine.
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33
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Abstract
Post-translational modifications of histones (so-called epigenetic modifications) play a major role in transcriptional control and normal development, and are tightly regulated. Disruption of their control is a frequent event in disease. In particular, the methylation of lysine 27 on histone H3 (H3K27), induced by the methylase EZH2, emerges as a key control of gene expression and a major regulator of cell physiology. The identification of driver mutations in EZH2 has already led to new prognostic and therapeutic advances, and new classes of potent and specific inhibitors for EZH2 show promising results in preclinical trials. This review examines the roles of histone lysine methylases and demethylases in cells and focuses on the recent knowledge and developments about EZH2.
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Janeba Z. Development of Small-Molecule Antivirals for Ebola. Med Res Rev 2015; 35:1175-94. [PMID: 26172225 PMCID: PMC7168439 DOI: 10.1002/med.21355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2014] [Revised: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Ebola hemorrhagic fever is a deadly disease caused by infection with one of the Ebola virus species. Although a significant progress has recently been made in understanding of Ebola virus biology and pathogenesis, development of effective anti-Ebola treatments has not been very productive, compared to other areas of antiviral research (e.g., HIV and HCV infections). No approved vaccine or medicine is available for Ebola but several are currently under development. This review summarises attempts in identification, evaluation, and development of small-molecule candidates for treatment of Ebola viral disease, including the most promising experimental drugs brincidofovir (CMX001), BCX4430, and favipiravir (T-705).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zlatko Janeba
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i. Flemingovo nám. 2, CZ-16610 Prague 6, Czech Republic
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35
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Sun F, Lee L, Zhang Z, Wang X, Yu Q, Duan X, Chan E. Preclinical pharmacokinetic studies of 3-deazaneplanocin A, a potent epigenetic anticancer agent, and its human pharmacokinetic prediction using GastroPlus™. Eur J Pharm Sci 2015; 77:290-302. [PMID: 26116990 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2015.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Revised: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
DZNep is a potential epigenetic drug, and exerts potent anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects on broad-spectrum carcinomas via disruption of the EZH2 pathway. Antitumor studies on DZNep have been stuck in the preclinical phase because of the lack of information about its integral pharmacokinetic (PK) properties. To circumvent this problem, we extensively investigated the disposition characteristics of the DZNep in rats. By incorporating the disposition data across species into a whole-body physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models using the GastroPlus(TM) software, we simulated human PK properties of DZNep and determined whether DZNep could be developed for human cancer therapy. Firstly, DZNep was found to cause nephrotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner in rats and its safe dose was determined to be 10mg/kg. DZNep showed a short plasma elimination half-life (1.1h) in rats, a low protein binding in plasma (18.5%), a low partitioning to erythrocyte (0.78), and a low intrinsic hepatic clearance in rats and humans. There was extensive tissue distribution and predominant renal excretion (80.3%). The simulated rat PBPK model of DZNep was well-verified with satisfactory coefficients of determination for all the tested tissues (R(2)>0.781). The simulated human PBPK model successfully identified that intravenous administration of DZNep at appropriate dosing regimen could be further developed for human non-small cell lung carcinoma treatments. The present findings provide valuable information regarding experimental or in silico PK characteristics of DZNep in rats and humans, which is helpful to guide future studies of DZNep in both preclinical and clinical phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, 18 Science Drive, Singapore 117543, Singapore; Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, National University of Singapore, 10 Medical Drive, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Lawrence Lee
- Department of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 10 Medical Drive, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Zhiwei Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, National University of Singapore, 10 Medical Drive, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Xiaochong Wang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, National University of Singapore, 10 Medical Drive, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Qiang Yu
- Cancer Biology and Pharmacology, Genome Institute of Singapore, A(*)STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), Biopolis, Singapore
| | - XiaoQun Duan
- Department of Pharmacology, Guilin Medical University, 109 Huancheng Road, Guilin 541004, PR China; Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, National University of Singapore, 10 Medical Drive, Singapore 117597, Singapore.
| | - Eli Chan
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, 18 Science Drive, Singapore 117543, Singapore.
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Wang M, Han X, Zhou Z. New substituted benzimidazole derivatives: a patent review (2013 – 2014). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2015; 25:595-612. [DOI: 10.1517/13543776.2015.1015987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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37
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Zheng Y, Chen CC, Ko TP, Xiao X, Yang Y, Huang CH, Qian G, Shao W, Guo RT. Crystal structures of S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase from the thermophilic bacterium Thermotoga maritima. J Struct Biol 2015; 190:135-42. [PMID: 25791616 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2015.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2014] [Revised: 02/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) hydrolase catalyzes the reversible hydrolysis of SAH into adenosine and homocysteine by using NAD(+) as a cofactor. The enzyme from Thermotoga maritima (tmSAHH) has great potentials in industrial applications because of its hyperthermophilic properties. Here, two crystal structures of tmSAHH in complex with NAD(+) show both open and closed conformations despite the absence of bound substrate. Each subunit of the tetrameric enzyme is composed of three domains, namely the catalytic domain, the NAD(+)-binding domain and the C-terminal domain. The NAD(+) binding mode is clearly observed and a substrate analogue can also be modeled into the active site, where two cysteine residues in mesophilic enzymes are replaced by serine and threonine in tmSAHH. Notably, the C-terminal domain of tmSAHH lacks the second loop region of mesophilic SAHH, which is important in NAD(+) binding, and thus exposes the bound cofactor to the solvent. The difference explains the higher NAD(+) requirement of tmSAHH because of the reduced affinity. Furthermore, the feature of missing loop is consistently observed in thermophilic bacterial and archaeal SAHHs, and may be related to their thermostability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Zheng
- Industrial Enzymes National Engineering Laboratory, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Chun-Chi Chen
- Industrial Enzymes National Engineering Laboratory, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Tzu-Ping Ko
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Xiansha Xiao
- Industrial Enzymes National Engineering Laboratory, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Yunyun Yang
- Industrial Enzymes National Engineering Laboratory, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Chun-Hsiang Huang
- Industrial Enzymes National Engineering Laboratory, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Guojun Qian
- Biofuels Institute, School of Environment, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Weilan Shao
- Biofuels Institute, School of Environment, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China.
| | - Rey-Ting Guo
- Industrial Enzymes National Engineering Laboratory, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China.
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38
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De Clercq E. Curious discoveries in antiviral drug development: the role of serendipity. Med Res Rev 2015; 35:698-719. [PMID: 25726922 DOI: 10.1002/med.21340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Antiviral drug development has often followed a curious meandrous route, guided by serendipity rather than rationality. This will be illustrated by ten examples. The polyanionic compounds (i) polyethylene alanine (PEA) and (ii) suramin were designed as an antiviral agent (PEA) or known as an antitrypanosomal agent (suramin), before they emerged as, respectively, a depilatory agent, or reverse transcriptase inhibitor. The 2',3'-dideoxynucleosides (ddNs analogues) (iii) have been (and are still) used in the "Sanger" DNA sequencing technique, although they are now commercialized as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) in the treatment of HIV infections. (E)-5-(2-Bromovinyl)-2'-deoxyuridine (iv) was discovered as a selective anti-herpes simplex virus compound and is now primarily used for the treatment of varicella-zoster virus infections. The prototype of the acyclic nucleoside phosphonates (ANPs), (S)-9-(3-hydroxy-2-phosphonylmethoxypropyl)adenine [(S)-HPMPA], (v) was never commercialized, although it gave rise to several marketed products (cidofovir, adefovir, and tenofovir). 1-[2-(Hydroxyethoxy)methyl]-6-(phenylthio)thymine (vi) and TIBO (tetrahydroimidazo[4,5,1-jk][1,4-benzodiazepin-2(1H)]-one and -thione) (vii) paved the way to a number of compounds (i.e., nevirapine, delavirdine, etravirine, and rilpivirine), which are now collectively called non-NRTIs. The bicyclam AMD3100 (viii) was originally described as an anti-HIV agent before it became later marketed as a stem cell mobilizer. The S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase inhibitors (ix), while active against a broad range of (-)RNA viruses and poxviruses may be particularly effective against Ebola virus, and for (x) the O-ANP derivatives, the potential application range encompasses virtually all DNA viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik De Clercq
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Small molecule inhibitors of ebola virus infection. Drug Discov Today 2015; 20:277-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2014.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Revised: 12/01/2014] [Accepted: 12/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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De Clercq E. Ebola virus (EBOV) infection: Therapeutic strategies. Biochem Pharmacol 2015; 93:1-10. [PMID: 25481298 PMCID: PMC7110990 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2014.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2014] [Revised: 11/20/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Within less than a year after its epidemic started (in December 2013) in Guinea, Ebola virus (EBOV), a member of the filoviridae, has spread over a number of West-African countries (Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia) and gained allures that have been unprecedented except by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Although EBOV is highly contagious and transmitted by direct contact with body fluids, it could be counteracted by the adequate chemoprophylactic and -therapeutic interventions: vaccines, antibodies, siRNAs (small interfering RNAs), interferons and chemical substances, i.e. neplanocin A derivatives (i.e. 3-deazaneplanocin A), BCX4430, favipiravir (T-705), endoplasmic reticulum (ER) α-glucosidase inhibitors and a variety of compounds that have been found to inhibit EBOV infection blocking viral entry or by a mode of action that still has to be resolved. Much has to be learned from the mechanism of action of the compounds active against VSV (vesicular stomatitis virus), a virus belonging to the rhabdoviridae, that in its mode of replication could be exemplary for the replication of filoviridae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik De Clercq
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Minderbroedersstraat 10, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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Inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum-resident glucosidases impairs severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus and human coronavirus NL63 spike protein-mediated entry by altering the glycan processing of angiotensin I-converting enzyme 2. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2014; 59:206-16. [PMID: 25348530 DOI: 10.1128/aac.03999-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident glucosidases I and II sequentially trim the three terminal glucose moieties on the N-linked glycans attached to nascent glycoproteins. These reactions are the first steps of N-linked glycan processing and are essential for proper folding and function of many glycoproteins. Because most of the viral envelope glycoproteins contain N-linked glycans, inhibition of ER glucosidases with derivatives of 1-deoxynojirimycin, i.e., iminosugars, efficiently disrupts the morphogenesis of a broad spectrum of enveloped viruses. However, like viral envelope proteins, the cellular receptors of many viruses are also glycoproteins. It is therefore possible that inhibition of ER glucosidases not only compromises virion production but also disrupts expression and function of viral receptors and thus inhibits virus entry into host cells. Indeed, we demonstrate here that iminosugar treatment altered the N-linked glycan structure of angiotensin I-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which did not affect its expression on the cell surface or its binding of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) spike glycoprotein. However, alteration of N-linked glycans of ACE2 impaired its ability to support the transduction of SARS-CoV and human coronavirus NL63 (HCoV-NL63) spike glycoprotein-pseudotyped lentiviral particles by disruption of the viral envelope protein-triggered membrane fusion. Hence, in addition to reducing the production of infectious virions, inhibition of ER glucosidases also impairs the entry of selected viruses via a post-receptor-binding mechanism.
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Tam EKW, Nguyen TM, Lim CZH, Lee PL, Li Z, Jiang X, Santhanakrishnan S, Tan TW, Goh YL, Wong SY, Yang H, Ong EHQ, Hill J, Yu Q, Chai CLL. 3-Deazaneplanocin A and neplanocin A analogues and their effects on apoptotic cell death. ChemMedChem 2014; 10:173-82. [PMID: 25319940 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201402315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
3-Deazaneplanocin A (DzNep) is a potential epigenetic drug for the treatment of various cancers. DzNep has been reported to deplete histone methylations, including oncogenic EZH2 complex, giving rise to epigenetic modifications that reactivate many silenced tumor suppressors in cancer cells. Despite its promise as an anticancer drug, little is known about the structure-activity relationships of DzNep in the context of epigenetic modifications and apoptosis induction. In this study, a number of analogues of DzNep were examined for DzNep-like ability to induce synergistic apoptosis in cancer cells in combination with trichostatin A, a known histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor. The structure-activity relationship data thus obtained provide valuable information on the structural requirements for biological activity. The studies identified three compounds that show similar activities to DzNep. Two of these compounds show good pharmacokinetics and safety profiles. Attempts to correlate the observed synergistic apoptotic activities with measured S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (SAHH) inhibitory activities suggest that the apoptotic activity of DzNep might not be directly due to its inhibition of SAHH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric K W Tam
- Institute of Chemical & Engineering Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology & Research (A*STAR), 8 Biomedical Grove, Neuros #07-01, Singapore 138665 (Singapore)
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Ciarapica R, De Salvo M, Carcarino E, Bracaglia G, Adesso L, Leoncini PP, Dall'Agnese A, Walters ZS, Verginelli F, De Sio L, Boldrini R, Inserra A, Bisogno G, Rosolen A, Alaggio R, Ferrari A, Collini P, Locatelli M, Stifani S, Screpanti I, Rutella S, Yu Q, Marquez VE, Shipley J, Valente S, Mai A, Miele L, Puri PL, Locatelli F, Palacios D, Rota R. The Polycomb group (PcG) protein EZH2 supports the survival of PAX3-FOXO1 alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma by repressing FBXO32 (Atrogin1/MAFbx). Oncogene 2014; 33:4173-84. [PMID: 24213577 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2013.471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2013] [Revised: 09/11/2013] [Accepted: 09/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The Polycomb group (PcG) proteins regulate stem cell differentiation via the repression of gene transcription, and their deregulation has been widely implicated in cancer development. The PcG protein Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2) works as a catalytic subunit of the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) by methylating lysine 27 on histone H3 (H3K27me3), a hallmark of PRC2-mediated gene repression. In skeletal muscle progenitors, EZH2 prevents an unscheduled differentiation by repressing muscle-specific gene expression and is downregulated during the course of differentiation. In rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), a pediatric soft-tissue sarcoma thought to arise from myogenic precursors, EZH2 is abnormally expressed and its downregulation in vitro leads to muscle-like differentiation of RMS cells of the embryonal variant. However, the role of EZH2 in the clinically aggressive subgroup of alveolar RMS, characterized by the expression of PAX3-FOXO1 oncoprotein, remains unknown. We show here that EZH2 depletion in these cells leads to programmed cell death. Transcriptional derepression of F-box protein 32 (FBXO32) (Atrogin1/MAFbx), a gene associated with muscle homeostasis, was evidenced in PAX3-FOXO1 RMS cells silenced for EZH2. This phenomenon was associated with reduced EZH2 occupancy and H3K27me3 levels at the FBXO32 promoter. Simultaneous knockdown of FBXO32 and EZH2 in PAX3-FOXO1 RMS cells impaired the pro-apoptotic response, whereas the overexpression of FBXO32 facilitated programmed cell death in EZH2-depleted cells. Pharmacological inhibition of EZH2 by either 3-Deazaneplanocin A or a catalytic EZH2 inhibitor mirrored the phenotypic and molecular effects of EZH2 knockdown in vitro and prevented tumor growth in vivo. Collectively, these results indicate that EZH2 is a key factor in the proliferation and survival of PAX3-FOXO1 alveolar RMS cells working, at least in part, by repressing FBXO32. They also suggest that the reducing activity of EZH2 could represent a novel adjuvant strategy to eradicate high-risk PAX3-FOXO1 alveolar RMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Ciarapica
- Department of Oncohematology, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - M De Salvo
- Department of Oncohematology, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | | | - G Bracaglia
- Department of Oncohematology, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - L Adesso
- Department of Oncohematology, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - P P Leoncini
- Department of Oncohematology, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Z S Walters
- Sarcoma Molecular Pathology, Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, UK
| | - F Verginelli
- Department of Oncohematology, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - L De Sio
- Department of Oncohematology, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - R Boldrini
- Department of Pathology, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - A Inserra
- Department of Surgery, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - G Bisogno
- Department of Pediatrics, Oncohematology Unit, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - A Rosolen
- Department of Pediatrics, Oncohematology Unit, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - R Alaggio
- Medicine DIMED, Pathology Unit, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - A Ferrari
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - P Collini
- Anatomic Pathology Unit 2, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - M Locatelli
- Scientific Directorate, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - S Stifani
- Centre for Neuronal Survival, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - I Screpanti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Roma, Italy
| | - S Rutella
- Department of Oncohematology, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Q Yu
- Cancer Therapeutics and Stratified Oncology, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - V E Marquez
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, CCR, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - J Shipley
- Sarcoma Molecular Pathology, Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, UK
| | - S Valente
- Istituto Pasteur, Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza University, Roma, Italy
| | - A Mai
- Istituto Pasteur, Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza University, Roma, Italy
| | - L Miele
- Cancer Institute, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - P L Puri
- 1] IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy [2] Muscle Development and Regeneration Program, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - F Locatelli
- 1] Department of Oncohematology, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Roma, Italy [2] Dipartimento di Scienze Pediatriche, Università di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - D Palacios
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy
| | - R Rota
- Department of Oncohematology, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
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Johnson JC, Martinez O, Honko AN, Hensley LE, Olinger GG, Basler CF. Pyridinyl imidazole inhibitors of p38 MAP kinase impair viral entry and reduce cytokine induction by Zaire ebolavirus in human dendritic cells. Antiviral Res 2014; 107:102-9. [PMID: 24815087 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2014.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2013] [Revised: 04/23/2014] [Accepted: 04/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Antigen presenting cells (APCs), including macrophages and dendritic cells, are early and sustained targets of Ebola virus (EBOV) infection in vivo. Because EBOV activates mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling upon infection of APCs, we evaluated the effect of pyridinyl imidazole inhibitors of p38 MAPK on EBOV infection of human APCs and EBOV mediated cytokine production from human DCs. The p38 MAPK inhibitors reduced viral replication in PMA-differentiated macrophage-like human THP-1 cells with an IC50 of 4.73μM (SB202190), 8.26μM (p38kinhIII) and 8.21μM (SB203580) and primary human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDCs) with an IC50 of 2.67μM (SB202190). Furthermore, cytokine production from EBOV-treated MDDCs was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner. A control pyridinyl imidazole compound failed to inhibit either EBOV infection or cytokine induction. Using an established EBOV virus-like particle (VLP) entry assay, we demonstrate that inhibitor pretreatment blocked VLP entry suggesting that the inhibitors blocked infection and replication at least in part by blocking EBOV entry. Taken together, our results indicate that pyridinyl imidazole p38 MAPK inhibitors may serve as leads for the development of therapeutics to treat EBOV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua C Johnson
- Virology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Ft. Detrick, MD 21702, United States
| | - Osvaldo Martinez
- Dept. of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Anna N Honko
- Virology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Ft. Detrick, MD 21702, United States
| | - Lisa E Hensley
- Virology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Ft. Detrick, MD 21702, United States
| | - Gene G Olinger
- Virology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Ft. Detrick, MD 21702, United States
| | - Christopher F Basler
- Dept. of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States.
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Warren TK, Wells J, Panchal RG, Stuthman KS, Garza NL, Van Tongeren SA, Dong L, Retterer CJ, Eaton BP, Pegoraro G, Honnold S, Bantia S, Kotian P, Chen X, Taubenheim BR, Welch LS, Minning DM, Babu YS, Sheridan WP, Bavari S. Protection against filovirus diseases by a novel broad-spectrum nucleoside analogue BCX4430. Nature 2014; 508:402-5. [PMID: 24590073 PMCID: PMC7095208 DOI: 10.1038/nature13027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 427] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2012] [Accepted: 01/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
A broad-spectrum antiviral small molecule is reported to act as an inhibitor of viral polymerase activity and is shown to be effective in protecting non-human primates from lethal filovirus infection when administered after exposure. Viruses of the Filoviridae family can cause severe haemorrhagic fever in humans and non-human primates. Mortality rates are extremely high and no vaccines or drugs are currently licensed for the treatment of filovirus diseases. Here Sina Bavari and colleagues report the discovery of a small-molecule viral polymerase inhibitor with in vitro and in vivo antiviral activity against highly pathogenic viruses, including filoviruses such as Ebola virus and Sudan virus. The compound, BCX4430, is an adenosine analogue that acts as a non-obligate chain terminator. Administered either orally or intramuscularly, it can completely protect cynomolgus macaques from Marburg virus, even when administered as late as 48 hours after infection. Filoviruses are emerging pathogens and causative agents of viral haemorrhagic fever. Case fatality rates of filovirus disease outbreaks are among the highest reported for any human pathogen, exceeding 90% (ref. 1). Licensed therapeutic or vaccine products are not available to treat filovirus diseases. Candidate therapeutics previously shown to be efficacious in non-human primate disease models are based on virus-specific designs and have limited broad-spectrum antiviral potential. Here we show that BCX4430, a novel synthetic adenosine analogue, inhibits infection of distinct filoviruses in human cells. Biochemical, reporter-based and primer-extension assays indicate that BCX4430 inhibits viral RNA polymerase function, acting as a non-obligate RNA chain terminator. Post-exposure intramuscular administration of BCX4430 protects against Ebola virus and Marburg virus disease in rodent models. Most importantly, BCX4430 completely protects cynomolgus macaques from Marburg virus infection when administered as late as 48 hours after infection. In addition, BCX4430 exhibits broad-spectrum antiviral activity against numerous viruses, including bunyaviruses, arenaviruses, paramyxoviruses, coronaviruses and flaviviruses. This is the first report, to our knowledge, of non-human primate protection from filovirus disease by a synthetic drug-like small molecule. We provide additional pharmacological characterizations supporting the potential development of BCX4430 as a countermeasure against human filovirus diseases and other viral diseases representing major public health threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis K Warren
- Division of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Therapeutic Discovery Center, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Fort Detrick, Maryland 21702, USA
| | - Jay Wells
- Division of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Therapeutic Discovery Center, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Fort Detrick, Maryland 21702, USA
| | - Rekha G Panchal
- Division of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Therapeutic Discovery Center, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Fort Detrick, Maryland 21702, USA
| | - Kelly S Stuthman
- Division of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Therapeutic Discovery Center, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Fort Detrick, Maryland 21702, USA
| | - Nicole L Garza
- Division of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Therapeutic Discovery Center, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Fort Detrick, Maryland 21702, USA
| | - Sean A Van Tongeren
- Division of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Therapeutic Discovery Center, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Fort Detrick, Maryland 21702, USA
| | - Lian Dong
- Division of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Therapeutic Discovery Center, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Fort Detrick, Maryland 21702, USA
| | - Cary J Retterer
- Division of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Therapeutic Discovery Center, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Fort Detrick, Maryland 21702, USA
| | - Brett P Eaton
- Division of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Therapeutic Discovery Center, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Fort Detrick, Maryland 21702, USA
| | - Gianluca Pegoraro
- Division of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Therapeutic Discovery Center, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Fort Detrick, Maryland 21702, USA
| | - Shelley Honnold
- Division of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Therapeutic Discovery Center, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Fort Detrick, Maryland 21702, USA
| | - Shanta Bantia
- BioCryst Pharmaceuticals Inc., Durham, North Carolina 27703, USA
| | - Pravin Kotian
- BioCryst Pharmaceuticals Inc., Durham, North Carolina 27703, USA
| | - Xilin Chen
- BioCryst Pharmaceuticals Inc., Durham, North Carolina 27703, USA
| | - Brian R Taubenheim
- 1] BioCryst Pharmaceuticals Inc., Durham, North Carolina 27703, USA [2] Wilco Consulting, LLC, Durham, North Carolina 27712, USA
| | - Lisa S Welch
- Division of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Therapeutic Discovery Center, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Fort Detrick, Maryland 21702, USA
| | - Dena M Minning
- MedExpert Consulting, Inc., Indialantic, Florida 32903, USA
| | | | | | - Sina Bavari
- Division of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Therapeutic Discovery Center, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Fort Detrick, Maryland 21702, USA
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Ciarapica R, Carcarino E, Adesso L, De Salvo M, Bracaglia G, Leoncini PP, Dall'agnese A, Verginelli F, Milano GM, Boldrini R, Inserra A, Stifani S, Screpanti I, Marquez VE, Valente S, Mai A, Puri PL, Locatelli F, Palacios D, Rota R. Pharmacological inhibition of EZH2 as a promising differentiation therapy in embryonal RMS. BMC Cancer 2014; 14:139. [PMID: 24575771 PMCID: PMC4016511 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-14-139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2013] [Accepted: 02/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a pediatric soft-tissue sarcoma derived from myogenic precursors that is characterized by a good prognosis in patients with localized disease. Conversely, metastatic tumors often relapse, leading to a dismal outcome. The histone methyltransferase EZH2 epigenetically suppresses skeletal muscle differentiation by repressing the transcription of myogenic genes. Moreover, de-regulated EZH2 expression has been extensively implied in human cancers. We have previously shown that EZH2 is aberrantly over-expressed in RMS primary tumors and cell lines. Moreover, it has been recently reported that EZH2 silencing in RD cells, a recurrence-derived embryonal RMS cell line, favors myofiber-like structures formation in a pro-differentiation context. Here we evaluate whether similar effects can be obtained also in the presence of growth factor-supplemented medium (GM), that mimics a pro-proliferative microenvironment, and by pharmacological targeting of EZH2 in RD cells and in RD tumor xenografts. Methods Embryonal RMS RD cells were cultured in GM and silenced for EZH2 or treated with either the S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase inhibitor 3-deazaneplanocin A (DZNep) that induces EZH2 degradation, or with a new class of catalytic EZH2 inhibitors, MC1948 and MC1945, which block the catalytic activity of EZH2. RD cell proliferation and myogenic differentiation were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. Results Here we show that EZH2 protein was abnormally expressed in 19 out of 19 (100%) embryonal RMS primary tumors and cell lines compared to their normal counterparts. Genetic down-regulation of EZH2 by silencing in GM condition reduced RD cell proliferation up-regulating p21Cip1. It also resulted in myogenic-like differentiation testified by the up-regulation of myogenic markers Myogenin, MCK and MHC. These effects were reverted by enforced over-expression of a murine Ezh2, highlighting an EZH2-specific effect. Pharmacological inhibition of EZH2 using either DZNep or MC inhibitors phenocopied the genetic knockdown of EZH2 preventing cell proliferation and restoring myogenic differentiation both in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions These results provide evidence that EZH2 function can be counteracted by pharmacological inhibition in embryonal RMS blocking proliferation even in a pro-proliferative context. They also suggest that this approach could be exploited as a differentiation therapy in adjuvant therapeutic intervention for embryonal RMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Ciarapica
- Department of Oncohematology, Laboratory of Angiogenesis, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Piazza S, Onofrio 4, 00165 Rome, Italy.
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EZH2: biology, disease, and structure-based drug discovery. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2014; 35:161-74. [PMID: 24362326 PMCID: PMC3914023 DOI: 10.1038/aps.2013.161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2013] [Accepted: 09/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
EZH2 is the catalytic subunit of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), which is a highly conserved histone methyltransferase that methylates lysine 27 of histone 3. Overexpression of EZH2 has been found in a wide range of cancers, including those of the prostate and breast. In this review, we address the current understanding of the oncogenic role of EZH2, including its PRC2-dependent transcriptional repression and PRC2-independent gene activation. We also discuss the connections between EZH2 and other silencing enzymes, such as DNA methyltransferase and histone deacetylase. We comprehensively address the architecture of the PRC2 complex and the crucial roles of each subunit. Finally, we summarize new progress in developing EZH2 inhibitors, which could be a new epigenetic therapy for cancers.
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Abstract
Ebola is a highly virulent pathogen causing severe hemorrhagic fever with a high case fatality rate in humans and non-human primates (NHPs). Although safe and effective vaccines or other medicinal agents to block Ebola infection are currently unavailable, a significant effort has been put forth to identify several promising candidates for the treatment and prevention of Ebola hemorrhagic fever. Among these, recombinant adenovirus-based vectors have been identified as potent vaccine candidates, with some affording both pre- and post-exposure protection from the virus. Recently, Investigational New Drug (IND) applications have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and phase I clinical trials have been initiated for two small-molecule therapeutics: anti-sense phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMOs: AVI-6002, AVI-6003) and lipid nanoparticle/small interfering RNA (LNP/siRNA: TKM-Ebola). These potential alternatives to vector-based vaccines require multiple doses to achieve therapeutic efficacy, which is not ideal with regard to patient compliance and outbreak scenarios. These concerns have fueled a quest for even better vaccination and treatment strategies. Here, we summarize recent advances in vaccines or post-exposure therapeutics for prevention of Ebola hemorrhagic fever. The utility of novel pharmaceutical approaches to refine and overcome barriers associated with the most promising therapeutic platforms are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Huk Choi
- Division of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, U.S.A
| | - Maria A. Croyle
- Division of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, U.S.A
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, U.S.A
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49
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Chang J, Guo JT, Du Y, Block T. Imino sugar glucosidase inhibitors as broadly active anti-filovirus agents. Emerg Microbes Infect 2013; 2:e77. [PMID: 26038444 PMCID: PMC3924557 DOI: 10.1038/emi.2013.77] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2013] [Revised: 09/16/2013] [Accepted: 09/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Ebola virus and Marburg virus are members of the family of Filoviridae and are etiological agents of a deadly hemorrhagic fever disease. The clinical symptoms of Ebola and Marburg hemorrhagic fevers are difficult to distinguish and there are currently no specific antiviral therapies against either of the viruses. Therefore, a drug that is safe and effective against both would be an enormous breakthrough. We and others have shown that the folding of the glycoproteins of many enveloped viruses, including the filoviruses, is far more dependent upon the calnexin pathway of protein folding than are most host glycoproteins. Drugs that inhibit this pathway would be expected to be selectively antiviral. Indeed, as we summarize in this review, imino sugars that are competitive inhibitors of the host endoplasmic reticular α-glucosidases I and II, which are enzymes that process N-glycan on nascent glycoproteins and thereby inhibit calnexin binding to the nascent glycoproteins, have been shown to have antiviral activity against a number of enveloped viruses including filoviruses. In this review, we describe the state of development of imino sugars for use against the filoviruses, and provide an explanation for the basis of their antiviral activity as well as limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhong Chang
- The Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine , Doylestown, PA 18902, USA ; The Institute of Hepatitis and Virus Research , Doylestown, PA 18902, USA
| | - Ju-Tao Guo
- The Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine , Doylestown, PA 18902, USA ; The Institute of Hepatitis and Virus Research , Doylestown, PA 18902, USA
| | - Yanming Du
- The Institute of Hepatitis and Virus Research , Doylestown, PA 18902, USA
| | - Timothy Block
- The Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine , Doylestown, PA 18902, USA ; The Institute of Hepatitis and Virus Research , Doylestown, PA 18902, USA
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Chen S, Sheng C, Liu D, Yao C, Gao S, Song L, Jiang W, Li J, Huang W. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 is a negative regulator of mitochondria-mediated innate immune responses. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 191:2614-23. [PMID: 23918984 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1203143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The intracellular RIG-I-like receptors recognize 5'-triphosphate viral genomic RNA and initiate the production of cytokines through mitochondria adaptor VISA. The regulation of this signal pathway is largely unknown. In this study, we report that the histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) inhibits RIG-I signal pathway in an methyltransferase-independent manner. Knockdown EZH2 expression enhances VISA-induced activation of IFN-β promoter and NF-κB signaling. Cytosolic distributed EZH2 colocalizes with VISA and binds to its caspase recruitment domain (CARD), thus blocking its association with RIG-I. During the infection of influenza A virus (IAV) strain A/WSN/33 (WSN), EZH2 translocates to RIG-I and continuously interferes the interaction between RIG-I and VISA. Both N and C termini of EZH2 interact with VISA and attenuate its downstream signaling. WSN virus infection-induced expression of TNF-α, IFN-β, and IL-8 is inhibited by EZH2 and its catalytic dead form ΔSET. EZH2 overexpression facilitates the replications of IAV strains WSN and A/Puerto Rico/8/34 influenza virus. Knockdown EZH2 expression activates infection-induced IFN-β transcription and inhibits virus replication. We further provided evidence to show that pharmacological disruption of EZH2 expression by its inhibitor 3-deazaneplanocin A activates innate immune responses and attenuates the replication of WSN virus in HeLa, MDCK, and mouse primary bone marrow-derived macrophages, but not in IFN-deficient Vero cells. Collectively, these results revealed that EZH2 binds to VISA and interferes with the interaction between VISA and RIG-I. Targeting EZH2 activates mitochondria-mediated antiviral innate immune responses, and thus represses the replication of IAV in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Chen
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, People's Republic of China
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