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Shawky AM, Almalki FA, Alzahrani HA, Abdalla AN, Youssif BGM, Ibrahim NA, Gamal M, El-Sherief HAM, Abdel-Fattah MM, Hefny AA, Abdelazeem AH, Gouda AM. Covalent small-molecule inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro: Insights into their design, classification, biological activity, and binding interactions. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 277:116704. [PMID: 39121741 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Since 2020, many compounds have been investigated for their potential use in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Among these agents, a huge number of natural products and FDA-approved drugs have been evaluated as potential therapeutics for SARS-CoV-2 using virtual screening and docking studies. However, the identification of the molecular targets involved in viral replication led to the development of rationally designed anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents. Among these targets, the main protease (Mpro) is one of the key enzymes needed in the replication of the virus. The data gleaned from the crystal structures of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro complexes with small-molecule covalent inhibitors has been used in the design and discovery of many highly potent and broad-spectrum Mpro inhibitors. The current review focuses mainly on the covalent type of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors. The design, chemistry, and classification of these inhibitors were also in focus. The biological activity of these inhibitors, including their inhibitory activities against Mpro, their antiviral activities, and the SAR studies, were discussed. The review also describes the potential mechanism of the interaction between these inhibitors and the catalytic Cys145 residue in Mpro. Moreover, the binding modes and key binding interactions of these covalent inhibitors were also illustrated. The covalent inhibitors discussed in this review were of diverse chemical nature and origin. Their antiviral activity was mediated mainly by the inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, with IC50 values in the micromolar to the nanomolar range. Many of these inhibitors exhibited broad-spectrum inhibitory activity against the Mpro enzymes of other coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-1 and MERS-CoV). The dual inhibition of the Mpro and PLpro enzymes of SARS-CoV-2 could also provide higher therapeutic benefits than Mpro inhibition. Despite the approval of nirmatrelvir by the FDA, many mutations in the Mpro enzyme of SARS-CoV-2 have been reported. Although some of these mutations did not affect the potency of nirmatrelvir, there is an urgent need to develop a second generation of Mpro inhibitors. We hope that the data summarized in this review could help researchers in the design of a new potent generation of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Shawky
- Science and Technology Unit (STU), Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faisal A Almalki
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hayat Ali Alzahrani
- Applied Medical Science College, Medical Laboratory Technology Department, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ashraf N Abdalla
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, 21955, Saudi Arabia; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medicinal And Aromatic Plants Research Institute, National Center for Research, Khartoum, 2404, Sudan
| | - Bahaa G M Youssif
- Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526, Egypt.
| | - Nashwa A Ibrahim
- Medicinal Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62514, Egypt
| | - Mohammed Gamal
- Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62514, Egypt
| | - Hany A M El-Sherief
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Deraya University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Maha M Abdel-Fattah
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62514, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A Hefny
- Medicinal Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62514, Egypt; School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Kitchener, Ontario, N2G 1C5, Canada
| | - Ahmed H Abdelazeem
- Medicinal Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62514, Egypt; Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy, Nursing and Medical Sciences, Riyadh Elm University, Riyadh, 11681, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed M Gouda
- Medicinal Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62514, Egypt.
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2
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Wang WW, Zeng P, Liu T, Zhou XL, Lin C, Guo L, Wang QS, Li J. Structural basis of main proteases of coronavirus bound to Bofutrelvir. J Mol Biol 2024:168784. [PMID: 39245318 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2024.168784] [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: 08/09/2024] [Revised: 09/01/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
Globally, the continuous spread and evolution of SARS-CoV-2, along with its variants, profoundly impact human well-being, health, security, and the growth of socio-economic. In the field of development of drugs against COVID-19, the main protease (Mpro) is a critical target as it plays a core role in the lifecycle of SARS-CoV-2. Bofutrelvir acts as a potent inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, demonstrating high efficacy and broad-spectrum antiviral activity. Compared to therapies that require pharmacokinetic boosters, such as ritonavir, the monotherapy approach of Bofutrelvir reduces the risk of potential drug interactions, making it suitable for a wider patient population. However, further studies on the potency and mechanism of inhibition of Bofutrelvir against the Mpro of COVID-19 and its variants, together with other coronaviruses, are needed to prepare for the possibility of a possible re-emerging threat from an analogous virus in the future. Here, we reveal the effective inhibition of Bofutrelvir against the Mpro of SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, and HCoV-229E through FRET and crystallographic analysis. Furthermore, the inhibitory mechanisms of Bofutrelvir against two SARS-CoV-2 Mpro mutants (G15S and K90R) were also elucidated through FRET and crystallographic studies. Through detailed analysis and comparison of these crystal structures, we identified crucial structural determinants of inhibition and elucidated the binding mode of Bofutrelvir to Mpros from different coronaviruses. These findings are hopeful to accelerate the development of safer and more potent inhibitors against the Mpro of coronavirus, and to provide important references for the prevention and treatment of similar viruses that may emerge in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Wei Wang
- Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201204, China
| | - Pei Zeng
- College of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Tongchao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xue-Lan Zhou
- Shenzhen Crystalo Biopharmaceutical Co, Ltd, Shenzhen, 518118, China
| | - Cheng Lin
- Jiangxi Jmerry Biopharmaceutical Co, Ltd, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Li Guo
- Jiangxi Jmerry Biopharmaceutical Co, Ltd, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Qi-Sheng Wang
- Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201204, China.
| | - Jian Li
- College of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China.
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3
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Jiang Z, Feng B, Chen L, Nie T, Chen S, Wang L, Liu H, Yu T, Zhang Y, Zheng M, Xu Y, Liu H, Zang Y, Su H, Zhang L, Li J, Zhou Y. Discovery of Novel Nonpeptidic and Noncovalent Small Molecule 3CL pro Inhibitors as anti-SARS-CoV-2 Drug Candidate. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 39072488 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 has still been threatening global public health with its emerging variants. Our previous work reported lead compound JZD-07 that displayed good 3CLpro inhibitory activity. Here, an in-depth structural optimization for JZD-07 was launched to obtain more desirable drug candidates for the therapy of SARS-CoV-2 infection, in which 54 novel derivatives were designed and synthesized by a structure-based drug design strategy. Among them, 24 compounds show significantly enhanced 3CLpro inhibitory potencies with IC50 values less than 100 nM, and 11 compounds dose-dependently inhibit the replication of the SARS-CoV-2 delta variant. In particular, compound 49 has the most desirable antiviral activity with EC50 of 0.272 ± 0.013 μM against the delta variant, which was more than 20 times stronger than JZD-07. Oral administration of 49 could significantly reduce the lung viral copies of mice, exhibiting a more favorable therapeutic potential. Overall, this investigation presents a promising drug candidate for further development to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhidong Jiang
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Bo Feng
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Lu Chen
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei 443002, China
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Tianqing Nie
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai 200031, China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Shizhao Chen
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Li Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Pharmaceutical College of Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Ting Yu
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yumin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Miao Zheng
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Yechun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yi Zang
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Haixia Su
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Leike Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
- Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Wuhan 430200, China
| | - Jia Li
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai, Shandong 264117, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
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Wang X, Du Z, Guo Y, Zhong J, Song K, Wang J, Yu J, Yang X, Liu CY, Shi T, Zhang J. Computer-aided molecular design and optimization of potent inhibitors disrupting APC‒Asef interaction. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:2631-2645. [PMID: 38828145 PMCID: PMC11143523 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2024.03.020] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. At initial diagnosis, approximately 20% of patients are diagnosed with metastatic CRC (mCRC). Although the APC‒Asef interaction is a well-established target for mCRC therapy, the discovery and development of effective and safe drugs for mCRC patients remains an urgent and challenging endeavor. In this study, we identified a novel structural scaffold based on MAI inhibitors, the first-in-class APC‒Asef inhibitors we reported previously. ONIOM model-driven optimizations of the N-terminal cap and experimental evaluations of inhibitory activity were performed, and 24-fold greater potency was obtained with the best inhibitor compared to the parental compound. In addition, the cocrystal structure validated that the two-layer π‒π stacking interactions were essential for inhibitor stabilization in the bound state. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that novel inhibitors suppressed lung metastasis in CRC by disrupting the APC‒Asef interaction. These results provide an intrinsic structural basis to further explore drug-like molecules for APC‒Asef-mediated CRC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuefei Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- Key Laboratory of Protection, Development and Utilization of Medicinal Resources in Liupanshan Area, Ministry of Education, Peptide & Protein Drug Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Zeqian Du
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yuegui Guo
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Jie Zhong
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Kun Song
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Junyuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Protection, Development and Utilization of Medicinal Resources in Liupanshan Area, Ministry of Education, Peptide & Protein Drug Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Jianqiang Yu
- Key Laboratory of Protection, Development and Utilization of Medicinal Resources in Liupanshan Area, Ministry of Education, Peptide & Protein Drug Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Xiuyan Yang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- Basic Science Research Center Base (Pharmaceutical Science), Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Chen-Ying Liu
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Ting Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- Key Laboratory of Protection, Development and Utilization of Medicinal Resources in Liupanshan Area, Ministry of Education, Peptide & Protein Drug Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
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5
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Amorim VMDF, Soares EP, Ferrari ASDA, Merighi DGS, de Souza RF, Guzzo CR, de Souza AS. 3-Chymotrypsin-like Protease (3CLpro) of SARS-CoV-2: Validation as a Molecular Target, Proposal of a Novel Catalytic Mechanism, and Inhibitors in Preclinical and Clinical Trials. Viruses 2024; 16:844. [PMID: 38932137 PMCID: PMC11209289 DOI: 10.3390/v16060844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Proteases represent common targets in combating infectious diseases, including COVID-19. The 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro) is a validated molecular target for COVID-19, and it is key for developing potent and selective inhibitors for inhibiting viral replication of SARS-CoV-2. In this review, we discuss structural relationships and diverse subsites of 3CLpro, shedding light on the pivotal role of dimerization and active site architecture in substrate recognition and catalysis. Our analysis of bioinformatics and other published studies motivated us to investigate a novel catalytic mechanism for the SARS-CoV-2 polyprotein cleavage by 3CLpro, centering on the triad mechanism involving His41-Cys145-Asp187 and its indispensable role in viral replication. Our hypothesis is that Asp187 may participate in modulating the pKa of the His41, in which catalytic histidine may act as an acid and/or a base in the catalytic mechanism. Recognizing Asp187 as a crucial component in the catalytic process underscores its significance as a fundamental pharmacophoric element in drug design. Next, we provide an overview of both covalent and non-covalent inhibitors, elucidating advancements in drug development observed in preclinical and clinical trials. By highlighting various chemical classes and their pharmacokinetic profiles, our review aims to guide future research directions toward the development of highly selective inhibitors, underscore the significance of 3CLpro as a validated therapeutic target, and propel the progression of drug candidates through preclinical and clinical phases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Cristiane Rodrigues Guzzo
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 5508-900, Brazil; (V.M.d.F.A.); (E.P.S.); (A.S.d.A.F.); (D.G.S.M.); (R.F.d.S.)
| | - Anacleto Silva de Souza
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 5508-900, Brazil; (V.M.d.F.A.); (E.P.S.); (A.S.d.A.F.); (D.G.S.M.); (R.F.d.S.)
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6
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Khatua K, Alugubelli YR, Yang KS, Vulupala VR, Blankenship LR, Coleman D, Atla S, Chaki SP, Geng ZZ, Ma XR, Xiao J, Chen PH, Cho CCD, Sharma S, Vatansever EC, Ma Y, Yu G, Neuman BW, Xu S, Liu WR. Azapeptides with unique covalent warheads as SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitors. Antiviral Res 2024; 225:105874. [PMID: 38555023 PMCID: PMC11070182 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
The main protease (MPro) of SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, is a pivotal nonstructural protein critical for viral replication and pathogenesis. Its protease function relies on three active site pockets for substrate recognition and a catalytic cysteine for enzymatic activity. To develop potential SARS-CoV-2 antivirals, we successfully synthesized a diverse range of azapeptide inhibitors with various covalent warheads to target MPro's catalytic cysteine. Our characterization identified potent MPro inhibitors, including MPI89 that features an aza-2,2-dichloroacetyl warhead with a remarkable EC50 value of 10 nM against SARS-CoV-2 infection in ACE2+ A549 cells and a selective index of 875. MPI89 is also remarkably selective and shows no potency against SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease and several human proteases. Crystallography analyses demonstrated that these inhibitors covalently engaged the catalytic cysteine and used the aza-amide carbonyl oxygen to bind to the oxyanion hole. MPI89 stands as one of the most potent MPro inhibitors, suggesting the potential for further exploration of azapeptides and the aza-2,2-dichloroacetyl warhead for developing effective therapeutics against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaustav Khatua
- Texas A&M Drug Discovery Center and Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77854, USA
| | - Yugendar R Alugubelli
- Texas A&M Drug Discovery Center and Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77854, USA
| | - Kai S Yang
- Texas A&M Drug Discovery Center and Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77854, USA
| | - Veerabhadra R Vulupala
- Texas A&M Drug Discovery Center and Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77854, USA
| | - Lauren R Blankenship
- Texas A&M Drug Discovery Center and Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77854, USA
| | - Demonta Coleman
- Texas A&M Drug Discovery Center and Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77854, USA
| | - Sandeep Atla
- Texas A&M Drug Discovery Center and Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77854, USA
| | - Sankar P Chaki
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Zhi Zachary Geng
- Texas A&M Drug Discovery Center and Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77854, USA
| | - Xinyu R Ma
- Texas A&M Drug Discovery Center and Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77854, USA
| | - Jing Xiao
- Texas A&M Drug Discovery Center and Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77854, USA
| | - Peng-Hsun Chen
- Texas A&M Drug Discovery Center and Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77854, USA
| | - Chia-Chuan D Cho
- Texas A&M Drug Discovery Center and Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77854, USA
| | - Shivangi Sharma
- Texas A&M Drug Discovery Center and Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77854, USA
| | - Erol C Vatansever
- Texas A&M Drug Discovery Center and Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77854, USA
| | - Yuying Ma
- Texas A&M Drug Discovery Center and Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77854, USA
| | - Ge Yu
- Texas A&M Drug Discovery Center and Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77854, USA
| | - Benjamin W Neuman
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; Texas A&M Global Health Research Complex, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; Health Science Centre, Department of Molecular Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Shiqing Xu
- Texas A&M Drug Discovery Center and Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77854, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
| | - Wenshe Ray Liu
- Texas A&M Drug Discovery Center and Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77854, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; Institute of Biosciences and Technology and Department of Translational Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
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7
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Gadali KE, Rafya M, El Mansouri AE, Maatallah M, Vanderlee A, Mehdi A, Neyts J, Jochmans D, De Jonghe S, Benkhalti F, Sanghvi YS, Taourirte M, Lazrek HB. Design, synthesis, and molecular modeling studies of novel 2-quinolone-1,2,3-triazole-α-aminophosphonates hybrids as dual antiviral and antibacterial agents. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 268:116235. [PMID: 38377828 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
With the aim to identify new antiviral agents with antibacterial properties, a series of 2-quinolone-1,2,3-triazole derivatives bearing α-aminophosphonates was synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 31P NMR, single crystal XRD and HRMS analyses. These compounds were examined against five RNA viruses (YFV, ZIKV, CHIKV, EV71 and HRV) from three distinct families (Picornaviridae, Togaviridae and Flaviviridae) and four bacterial strains (S. aureus, E. feacalis, E. coli and P. aeruginosa). The α-aminophosphonates 4f, 4i, 4j, 4k, 4p and 4q recorded low IC50 values of 6.8-10.91 μM, along with elevated selectivity indices ranging from 2 to more than 3, particularly against YFV, CHIKV and HRV-B14. Besides, the synthesized compounds were generally more sensitive toward Gram-positive bacteria, with the majority of them displaying significant potency against E. feacalis. Specifically, an excellent anti-enterococcus activity was obtained by compound 4q with MIC and MBC values of 0.03 μmol/mL, which were 8.7 and 10 times greater than those of the reference drugs ampicillin and rifampicin, respectively. Also, compounds 4f, 4p and 4q showed potent anti-staphylococcal activity with MIC values varying between 0.11 and 0.13 μmol/mL, compared to 0.27 μmol/mL for ampicillin. The results from DFT and molecular docking simulations were in agreement with the biological assays, proving the binding capability of hybrids 4f, 4i, 4j, 4k, 4p and 4q with viral and bacterial target enzymes through hydrogen bonds and other non-covalent interactions. The in silico ADME/Tox prediction revealed that these molecules possess moderate to good drug-likeness and pharmacokinetic properties, with a minimal chance of causing liver toxicity or carcinogenic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khadija El Gadali
- Laboratoire de Recherche en Développement Durable et Santé, Faculty of Sciences and Technology Gueliz (FSTG), BP549, Marrakech 40000, Morocco; Laboratory of Molecular Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
| | - Meriem Rafya
- Laboratoire de Recherche en Développement Durable et Santé, Faculty of Sciences and Technology Gueliz (FSTG), BP549, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
| | - Az-Eddine El Mansouri
- University of the Free State Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences Chemistry Department 205 Nelson Mandela, Bloemfontein, 9301, South Africa
| | - Mohamed Maatallah
- Laboratory of Molecular Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
| | - Arie Vanderlee
- Institut Européen des Membranes, IEM, UMR 5635, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Ahmad Mehdi
- ICGM, UMR5253 1919, Route de Mende 34293 Montpellier cedex 5, France
| | - Johan Neyts
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, Box 1043, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dirk Jochmans
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, Box 1043, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Steven De Jonghe
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, Box 1043, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Fatiha Benkhalti
- Laboratoire de Recherche en Développement Durable et Santé, Faculty of Sciences and Technology Gueliz (FSTG), BP549, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
| | - Yogesh S Sanghvi
- Rasayan Inc, 2802 Crystal Ridge Road, Encinitas, CA 92024-6615, USA
| | - Moha Taourirte
- Laboratoire de Recherche en Développement Durable et Santé, Faculty of Sciences and Technology Gueliz (FSTG), BP549, Marrakech 40000, Morocco.
| | - Hassan B Lazrek
- Laboratory of Molecular Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Marrakech 40000, Morocco.
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8
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Wei Y, Liu H, Hu D, He Q, Yao C, Li H, Hu K, Wang J. Recent Advances in Enterovirus A71 Infection and Antiviral Agents. J Transl Med 2024; 104:100298. [PMID: 38008182 DOI: 10.1016/j.labinv.2023.100298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) is one of the major causative agents of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) that majorly affects children. Most of the time, HFMD is a mild disease but can progress to severe complications, such as meningitis, brain stem encephalitis, acute flaccid paralysis, and even death. HFMD caused by EV-A71 has emerged as an acutely infectious disease of highly pathogenic potential in the Asia-Pacific region. In this review, we introduced the properties and life cycle of EV-A71, and the pathogenesis and the pathophysiology of EV-A71 infection, including tissue tropism and host range of virus infection, the diseases caused by the virus, as well as the genes and host cell immune mechanisms of major diseases caused by enterovirus 71 (EV-A71) infection, such as encephalitis and neurologic pulmonary edema. At the same time, clinicopathologic characteristics of EV-A71 infection were introduced. There is currently no specific medication for EV-A71 infection, highlighting the urgency and significance of developing suitable anti-EV-A71 agents. This overview also summarizes the targets of existing anti-EV-A71 agents, including virus entry, translation, polyprotein processing, replication, assembly and release; interferons; interleukins; the mitogen-activated protein kinase, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and protein kinase B signaling pathways; the oxidative stress pathway; the ubiquitin-proteasome system; and so on. Furthermore, it overviews the effects of natural products, monoclonal antibodies, and RNA interference against EV-A71. It also discusses issues limiting the research of antiviral drugs. This review is a systematic and comprehensive summary of the mechanism and pathological characteristics of EV-A71 infection, the latest progress of existing anti-EV-A71 agents. It would provide better understanding and guidance for the research and application of EV-A71 infection and antiviral inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhong Wei
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Hubei Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Sino-German Biomedical Center, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huihui Liu
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Hubei Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Sino-German Biomedical Center, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Da Hu
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Hubei Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Sino-German Biomedical Center, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qun He
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Hubei Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Sino-German Biomedical Center, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chenguang Yao
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Hubei Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Sino-German Biomedical Center, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hanluo Li
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Hubei Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Sino-German Biomedical Center, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kanghong Hu
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Hubei Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Sino-German Biomedical Center, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Pathology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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9
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Janin YL. On the origins of SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitors. RSC Med Chem 2024; 15:81-118. [PMID: 38283212 PMCID: PMC10809347 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00493g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
In order to address the world-wide health challenge caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the 3CL protease/SARS-CoV-2 main protease (SARS-CoV-2-Mpro) coded by its nsp5 gene became one of the biochemical targets for the design of antiviral drugs. In less than 3 years of research, 4 inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2-Mpro have actually been authorized for COVID-19 treatment (nirmatrelvir, ensitrelvir, leritrelvir and simnotrelvir) and more such as EDP-235, FB-2001 and STI-1558/Olgotrelvir or five undisclosed compounds (CDI-988, ASC11, ALG-097558, QLS1128 and H-10517) are undergoing clinical trials. This review is an attempt to picture this quite unprecedented medicinal chemistry feat and provide insights on how these cysteine protease inhibitors were discovered. Since many series of covalent SARS-CoV-2-Mpro inhibitors owe some of their origins to previous work on other proteases, we first provided a description of various inhibitors of cysteine-bearing human caspase-1 or cathepsin K, as well as inhibitors of serine proteases such as human dipeptidyl peptidase-4 or the hepatitis C protein complex NS3/4A. This is then followed by a description of the results of the approaches adopted (repurposing, structure-based and high throughput screening) to discover coronavirus main protease inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yves L Janin
- Structure et Instabilité des Génomes (StrInG), Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, INSERM, CNRS, Alliance Sorbonne Université 75005 Paris France
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10
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Li X, Song Y. Structure and function of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 main proteases and their inhibition: A comprehensive review. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 260:115772. [PMID: 37659195 PMCID: PMC10529944 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) identified in 2003 infected ∼8000 people in 26 countries with 800 deaths, which was soon contained and eradicated by syndromic surveillance and enhanced quarantine. A closely related coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19 identified in 2019, has been dramatically more contagious and catastrophic. It has infected and caused various flu-like symptoms of billions of people in >200 countries, including >6 million people died of or with the virus. Despite the availability of several vaccines and antiviral drugs against SARS-CoV-2, finding new therapeutics is needed because of viral evolution and a possible emerging coronavirus in the future. The main protease (Mpro) of these coronaviruses plays important roles in their life cycle and is essential for the viral replication. This article represents a comprehensive review of the function, structure and inhibition of SARS-CoV and -CoV-2 Mpro, including structure-activity relationships, protein-inhibitor interactions and clinical trial status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Yongcheng Song
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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11
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Duan Y, Wang H, Yuan Z, Yang H. Structural biology of SARS-CoV-2 M pro and drug discovery. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2023; 82:102667. [PMID: 37544112 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2023.102667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Since its outbreak in late 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic has drawn enormous attention worldwide as a consequence of being the most disastrous infectious disease in the past century. As one of the most immediately druggable targets of SARS-CoV-2, the main protease (Mpro) has been studied thoroughly. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of recent advances in structural studies of Mpro, which provide new knowledge about Mpro in terms of its biological function, structural characteristics, substrate specificity, and autocleavage process. We examine the remarkable strides made in targeting Mpro for drug discovery during the pandemic. We summarize insights into the current understanding of the structural features of Mpro and the discovery of existing Mpro-targeting drugs, illuminating pathways for the future development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinkai Duan
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Haofeng Wang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenghong Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences and Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Haitao Yang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai, China.
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12
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Yang L, Wang Z. Bench-to-bedside: Innovation of small molecule anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs in China. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 257:115503. [PMID: 37229831 PMCID: PMC10193775 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in millions of deaths globally, highlighting the need to develop potent prophylactic and therapeutic strategies against SARS-CoV-2. Small molecule inhibitors (remdesivir, Paxlovid, and molnupiravir) are essential complements to vaccines and play important roles in clinical treatment of SARS-CoV-2. Many advances have been made in development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors in China, but progress in discovery and characterization of pharmacological activity, antiviral mechanisms, and clinical efficacy are limited. We review development of small molecule anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs (azvudine [approved by the NMPA of China on July 25, 2022], VV116 [approved by the NMPA of China on January 29, 2023], FB2001, WPV01, pentarlandir, and cepharanthine) in China and summarize their pharmacological activity, potential mechanisms of action, clinical trials and use, and important milestones in their discovery. The role of structural biology in drug development is also reviewed. Future studies should focus on development of diverse second-generation inhibitors with excellent oral bioavailability, superior plasma half-life, increased antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants, high target specificity, minimal side effects, reduced drug-drug interactions, and improved lung histopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyan Yang
- School of Physics and Physical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, PR China; Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China.
| | - Zhonglei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Green Natural Products and Pharmaceutical Intermediates in Colleges and Universities of Shandong Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, PR China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus, Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, PR China.
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13
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Citarella A, Dimasi A, Moi D, Passarella D, Scala A, Piperno A, Micale N. Recent Advances in SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Inhibitors: From Nirmatrelvir to Future Perspectives. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1339. [PMID: 37759739 PMCID: PMC10647625 DOI: 10.3390/biom13091339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The main protease (Mpro) plays a pivotal role in the replication of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and is considered a highly conserved viral target. Disruption of the catalytic activity of Mpro produces a detrimental effect on the course of the infection, making this target one of the most attractive for the treatment of COVID-19. The current success of the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitor Nirmatrelvir, the first oral drug for the treatment of severe forms of COVID-19, has further focused the attention of researchers on this important viral target, making the search for new Mpro inhibitors a thriving and exciting field for the development of antiviral drugs active against SARS-CoV-2 and related coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Citarella
- Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, Via Golgi 19, 20133 Milano, Italy; (A.D.); (D.P.)
| | - Alessandro Dimasi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, Via Golgi 19, 20133 Milano, Italy; (A.D.); (D.P.)
| | - Davide Moi
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, S.P. 8 CA, 09042 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Daniele Passarella
- Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, Via Golgi 19, 20133 Milano, Italy; (A.D.); (D.P.)
| | - Angela Scala
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.S.); (A.P.)
| | - Anna Piperno
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.S.); (A.P.)
| | - Nicola Micale
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.S.); (A.P.)
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14
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Geng ZZ, Atla S, Shaabani N, Vulupala V, Yang KS, Alugubelli YR, Khatua K, Chen PH, Xiao J, Blankenship LR, Ma XR, Vatansever EC, Cho CCD, Ma Y, Allen R, Ji H, Xu S, Liu WR. A Systematic Survey of Reversibly Covalent Dipeptidyl Inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease. J Med Chem 2023; 66:11040-11055. [PMID: 37561993 PMCID: PMC10861299 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the COVID-19 pathogen, relies on its main protease (MPro) for replication and pathogenesis. MPro is a demonstrated target for the development of antivirals for SARS-CoV-2. Past studies have systematically explored tripeptidyl inhibitors such as nirmatrelvir as MPro inhibitors. However, dipeptidyl inhibitors especially those with a spiro residue at their P2 position have not been systematically investigated. In this work, we synthesized about 30 dipeptidyl MPro inhibitors and characterized them on enzymatic inhibition potency, structures of their complexes with MPro, cellular MPro inhibition potency, antiviral potency, cytotoxicity, and in vitro metabolic stability. Our results indicated that MPro has a flexible S2 pocket to accommodate inhibitors with a large P2 residue and revealed that dipeptidyl inhibitors with a large P2 spiro residue such as (S)-2-azaspiro [4,4]nonane-3-carboxylate and (S)-2-azaspiro[4,5]decane-3-carboxylate have favorable characteristics. One compound, MPI60, containing a P2 (S)-2-azaspiro[4,4]nonane-3-carboxylate displayed high antiviral potency, low cellular cytotoxicity, and high in vitro metabolic stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Zachary Geng
- Department
of Chemistry, Texas A&M Drug Discovery Laboratory, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Sandeep Atla
- Department
of Chemistry, Texas A&M Drug Discovery Laboratory, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Namir Shaabani
- Sorrento
Therapeutics, Inc. San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Veerabhadra Vulupala
- Department
of Chemistry, Texas A&M Drug Discovery Laboratory, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Kai S. Yang
- Department
of Chemistry, Texas A&M Drug Discovery Laboratory, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Yugendar R. Alugubelli
- Department
of Chemistry, Texas A&M Drug Discovery Laboratory, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Kaustav Khatua
- Department
of Chemistry, Texas A&M Drug Discovery Laboratory, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Peng-Hsun Chen
- Department
of Chemistry, Texas A&M Drug Discovery Laboratory, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Jing Xiao
- Department
of Chemistry, Texas A&M Drug Discovery Laboratory, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Lauren R. Blankenship
- Department
of Chemistry, Texas A&M Drug Discovery Laboratory, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Xinyu R. Ma
- Department
of Chemistry, Texas A&M Drug Discovery Laboratory, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Erol C. Vatansever
- Department
of Chemistry, Texas A&M Drug Discovery Laboratory, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Chia-Chuan D. Cho
- Department
of Chemistry, Texas A&M Drug Discovery Laboratory, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Yuying Ma
- Department
of Chemistry, Texas A&M Drug Discovery Laboratory, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Robert Allen
- Sorrento
Therapeutics, Inc. San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Henry Ji
- Sorrento
Therapeutics, Inc. San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Shiqing Xu
- Department
of Chemistry, Texas A&M Drug Discovery Laboratory, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Wenshe Ray Liu
- Department
of Chemistry, Texas A&M Drug Discovery Laboratory, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
- Department
of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M
University, College
Station, Texas 77843, United States
- Institute
of Biosciences and Technology and Department of Translational Medical
Sciences, College of Medicine, Texas A&M
University, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
- Department
of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
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15
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Jochmans D, Laporte M, Neyts J. Antiviral strategies for epidemic and pandemic preparedness. Cell Host Microbe 2023; 31:856-860. [PMID: 37321170 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2023.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Broad(er)-acting antiviral drugs, active against entire genera or families of viruses, should be developed and stockpiled in epidemic/pandemic peacetime. They can be used to counter outbreaks as soon as the new virus has been identified and will also remain important pharmacological tools after the introduction of vaccines and monoclonal antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Jochmans
- KU Leuven Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Manon Laporte
- KU Leuven Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Johan Neyts
- KU Leuven Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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16
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Pang X, Xu W, Liu Y, Li H, Chen L. The research progress of SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitors from 2020 to 2022. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 257:115491. [PMID: 37244162 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread worldwide. The main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 plays a central role in viral replication and transcription and represents an attractive drug target for fighting COVID-19. Many SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors have been reported, including covalent and noncovalent inhibitors. The SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitor PF-07321332 (Nirmatrelvir) designed by Pfizer has been put on the market. This paper briefly introduces the structural characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro and summarizes the research progress of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors from the aspects of drug repurposing and drug design. These information will provide a basis for the drug development of treating the infection of SARS-CoV-2 and even other coronaviruses in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojing Pang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Institute of Structural Pharmacology & TCM Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Hua Li
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China; Institute of Structural Pharmacology & TCM Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
| | - Lixia Chen
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.
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17
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Zhu M, Fu T, You M, Cao J, Yang H, Chen X, Zhang Q, Xu Y, Jiang X, Zhang L, Su H, Zhang Y, Shen J. Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of covalent peptidomimetic 3CL protease inhibitors containing nitrile moiety. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 87:117316. [PMID: 37187077 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, a series of peptidomimetic SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease inhibitors with new P2 and P4 positions were synthesized and evaluated. Among these compounds, 1a and 2b exhibited obvious 3CLpro inhibitory activities with IC50 of 18.06 nM and 22.42 nM, respectively. 1a and 2b also showed excellent antiviral activities against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro with EC50 of 313.0 nM and 170.2 nM, respectively, the antiviral activities of 1a and 2b were 2- and 4-fold better than that of nirmatrelvir, respectively. In vitro studies revealed that these two compounds had no significant cytotoxicity. Further metabolic stability tests and pharmacokinetic studies showed that the metabolic stability of 1a and 2b in liver microsomes was significantly improved, and 2b had similar pharmacokinetic parameters to that of nirmatrelvir in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengwei Zhu
- College of Pharmacy, An Hui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China; Yangtze Delta Drug Advanced Research Institute and Yangtze Delta Pharmaceutical College, Nantong 226133, China
| | - Tiantian Fu
- College of Pharmacy, An Hui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China; Yangtze Delta Drug Advanced Research Institute and Yangtze Delta Pharmaceutical College, Nantong 226133, China
| | - Mengyuan You
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Junyuan Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China; Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Wuhan 430200, China
| | - Hanxi Yang
- College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xinyao Chen
- Yangtze Delta Drug Advanced Research Institute and Yangtze Delta Pharmaceutical College, Nantong 226133, China; Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Qiumeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yechun Xu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiangrui Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Leike Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China; Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Wuhan 430200, China.
| | - Haixia Su
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Jingshan Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
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18
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Dampalla CS, Miller MJ, Kim Y, Zabiegala A, Nguyen HN, Madden TK, Thurman HA, Machen AJ, Cooper A, Liu L, Battaile KP, Lovell S, Chang KO, Groutas WC. Structure-guided design of direct-acting antivirals that exploit the gem-dimethyl effect and potently inhibit 3CL proteases of severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and middle east respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Eur J Med Chem 2023; 254:115376. [PMID: 37080108 PMCID: PMC10105399 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
The high morbidity and mortality associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, the etiological agent of COVID-19, has had a major impact on global public health. Significant progress has been made in the development of an array of vaccines and biologics, however, the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants and breakthrough infections are an ongoing major concern. Furthermore, there is an existing paucity of small-molecule host and virus-directed therapeutics and prophylactics that can be used to counter the spread of SARS-CoV-2, and any emerging and re-emerging coronaviruses. We describe herein our efforts to address this urgent need by focusing on the structure-guided design of potent broad-spectrum inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 3C-like protease (3CLpro or Main protease), an enzyme essential for viral replication. The inhibitors exploit the directional effects associated with the presence of a gem-dimethyl group that allow the inhibitors to optimally interact with the S4 subsite of the enzyme. Several compounds were found to potently inhibit SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV 3CL proteases in biochemical and cell-based assays. Specifically, the EC50 values of aldehyde 1c and its corresponding bisulfite adduct 1d against SARS-CoV-2 were found to be 12 and 10 nM, respectively, and their CC50 values were >50 μM. Furthermore, deuteration of these compounds yielded compounds 2c/2d with EC50 values 11 and 12 nM, respectively. Replacement of the aldehyde warhead with a nitrile (CN) or an α-ketoamide warhead or its corresponding bisulfite adduct yielded compounds 1g, 1eand1f with EC50 values 60, 50 and 70 nM, respectively. High-resolution cocrystal structures have identified the structural determinants associated with the binding of the inhibitors to the active site of the enzyme and, furthermore, have illuminated the mechanism of action of the inhibitors. Overall, the high Safety Index (SI) (SI=CC50/EC50) displayed by these compounds suggests that they are well-suited to conducting further preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chamandi S Dampalla
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS, 67260, USA
| | - Matthew J Miller
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS, 67260, USA
| | - Yunjeong Kim
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine & Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
| | - Alexandria Zabiegala
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine & Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
| | - Harry Nhat Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS, 67260, USA
| | - Trent K Madden
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS, 67260, USA
| | - Hayden A Thurman
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS, 67260, USA
| | - Alexandra J Machen
- Protein Structure and X-ray Crystallography Laboratory, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, 66047, USA
| | - Anne Cooper
- Protein Structure and X-ray Crystallography Laboratory, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, 66047, USA
| | - Lijun Liu
- Protein Structure and X-ray Crystallography Laboratory, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, 66047, USA
| | | | - Scott Lovell
- Protein Structure and X-ray Crystallography Laboratory, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, 66047, USA
| | - Kyeong-Ok Chang
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine & Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA.
| | - William C Groutas
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS, 67260, USA.
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19
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Khatua K, Alugubelli YR, Yang KS, Vulupala VR, Blankenship LR, Coleman DD, Atla S, Chaki SP, Geng ZZ, Ma XR, Xiao J, Chen PHC, Cho CCD, Vatansever EC, Ma Y, Yu G, Neuman BW, Xu S, Liu WR. An Azapeptide Platform in Conjunction with Covalent Warheads to Uncover High-Potency Inhibitors for SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.11.536467. [PMID: 37090597 PMCID: PMC10120698 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.11.536467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Main protease (M Pro ) of SARS-CoV-2, the viral pathogen of COVID-19, is a crucial nonstructural protein that plays a vital role in the replication and pathogenesis of the virus. Its protease function relies on three active site pockets to recognize P1, P2, and P4 amino acid residues in a substrate and a catalytic cysteine residue for catalysis. By converting the P1 Cα atom in an M Pro substrate to nitrogen, we showed that a large variety of azapeptide inhibitors with covalent warheads targeting the M Pro catalytic cysteine could be easily synthesized. Through the characterization of these inhibitors, we identified several highly potent M Pro inhibitors. Specifically, one inhibitor, MPI89 that contained an aza-2,2-dichloroacetyl warhead, displayed a 10 nM EC 50 value in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 from infecting ACE2 + A549 cells and a selectivity index of 875. The crystallography analyses of M Pro bound with 6 inhibitors, including MPI89, revealed that inhibitors used their covalent warheads to covalently engage the catalytic cysteine and the aza-amide carbonyl oxygen to bind to the oxyanion hole. MPI89 represents one of the most potent M Pro inhibitors developed so far, suggesting that further exploration of the azapeptide platform and the aza-2,2-dichloroacetyl warhead is needed for the development of potent inhibitors for the SARS-CoV-2 M Pro as therapeutics for COVID-19.
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20
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Pozzi C, Vanet A, Francesconi V, Tagliazucchi L, Tassone G, Venturelli A, Spyrakis F, Mazzorana M, Costi MP, Tonelli M. Antitarget, Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Leads, Drugs, and the Drug Discovery-Genetics Alliance Perspective. J Med Chem 2023; 66:3664-3702. [PMID: 36857133 PMCID: PMC10005815 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
The most advanced antiviral molecules addressing major SARS-CoV-2 targets (Main protease, Spike protein, and RNA polymerase), compared with proteins of other human pathogenic coronaviruses, may have a short-lasting clinical efficacy. Accumulating knowledge on the mechanisms underlying the target structural basis, its mutational progression, and the related biological significance to virus replication allows envisaging the development of better-targeted therapies in the context of COVID-19 epidemic and future coronavirus outbreaks. The identification of evolutionary patterns based solely on sequence information analysis for those targets can provide meaningful insights into the molecular basis of host-pathogen interactions and adaptation, leading to drug resistance phenomena. Herein, we will explore how the study of observed and predicted mutations may offer valuable suggestions for the application of the so-called "synthetic lethal" strategy to SARS-CoV-2 Main protease and Spike protein. The synergy between genetics evidence and drug discovery may prioritize the development of novel long-lasting antiviral agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Pozzi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy,
University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena,
Italy
| | - Anne Vanet
- Université Paris Cité,
CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, F-75013 Paris,
France
| | - Valeria Francesconi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of
Genoa, viale Benedetto XV n.3, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Tagliazucchi
- Department of Life Science, University of
Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Campi 103, 41125 Modena,
Italy
- Doctorate School in Clinical and Experimental Medicine
(CEM), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 287,
41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Giusy Tassone
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy,
University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena,
Italy
| | - Alberto Venturelli
- Department of Life Science, University of
Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Campi 103, 41125 Modena,
Italy
| | - Francesca Spyrakis
- Department of Drug Science and Technology,
University of Turin, Via Giuria 9, 10125 Turin,
Italy
| | - Marco Mazzorana
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and
Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE,
U.K.
| | - Maria P. Costi
- Department of Life Science, University of
Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Campi 103, 41125 Modena,
Italy
| | - Michele Tonelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of
Genoa, viale Benedetto XV n.3, 16132 Genoa, Italy
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21
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Yang KS, Blankenship LR, Kuo STA, Sheng YJ, Li P, Fierke CA, Russell DH, Yan X, Xu S, Liu WR. A Novel Y-Shaped, S-O-N-O-S-Bridged Cross-Link between Three Residues C22, C44, and K61 Is Frequently Observed in the SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease. ACS Chem Biol 2023; 18:449-455. [PMID: 36629751 PMCID: PMC10023456 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
As the COVID-19 pathogen, SARS-CoV-2 relies on its main protease (MPro) for pathogenesis and replication. During crystallographic analyses of MPro crystals that were exposed to the air, a uniquely Y-shaped, S-O-N-O-S-bridged post-translational cross-link that connects three residues C22, C44, and K61 at their side chains was frequently observed. As a novel covalent modification, this cross-link serves potentially as a redox switch to regulate the catalytic activity of MPro, a demonstrated drug target of COVID-19. The formation of this linkage leads to a much more open active site that can potentially be targeted for the development of novel SARS-CoV-2 antivirals. The structural rearrangement of MPro by this cross-link indicates that small molecules that lock MPro in the cross-linked form can potentially be used with other active-site-targeting molecules such as paxlovid for synergistic effects in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 viral replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai S. Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | | | - Syuan-Ting Alex Kuo
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Yan J. Sheng
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Pingwei Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Carol A. Fierke
- Department of Biochemistry, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02453, USA
| | - David H. Russell
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Xin Yan
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Shiqing Xu
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Wenshe Ray Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- Institute of Biosciences and Technology and Department of Translational Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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22
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Brewitz L, Dumjahn L, Zhao Y, Owen CD, Laidlaw SM, Malla TR, Nguyen D, Lukacik P, Salah E, Crawshaw AD, Warren AJ, Trincao J, Strain-Damerell C, Carroll MW, Walsh MA, Schofield CJ. Alkyne Derivatives of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Inhibitors Including Nirmatrelvir Inhibit by Reacting Covalently with the Nucleophilic Cysteine. J Med Chem 2023; 66:2663-2680. [PMID: 36757959 PMCID: PMC9924091 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Nirmatrelvir (PF-07321332) is a nitrile-bearing small-molecule inhibitor that, in combination with ritonavir, is used to treat infections by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Nirmatrelvir interrupts the viral life cycle by inhibiting the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro), which is essential for processing viral polyproteins into functional nonstructural proteins. We report studies which reveal that derivatives of nirmatrelvir and other Mpro inhibitors with a nonactivated terminal alkyne group positioned similarly to the electrophilic nitrile of nirmatrelvir can efficiently inhibit isolated Mpro and SARS-CoV-2 replication in cells. Mass spectrometric and crystallographic evidence shows that the alkyne derivatives inhibit Mpro by apparent irreversible covalent reactions with the active site cysteine (Cys145), while the analogous nitriles react reversibly. The results highlight the potential for irreversible covalent inhibition of Mpro and other nucleophilic cysteine proteases by alkynes, which, in contrast to nitriles, can be functionalized at their terminal position to optimize inhibition and selectivity, as well as pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennart Brewitz
- Chemistry
Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford
Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University
of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, United Kingdom
| | - Leo Dumjahn
- Chemistry
Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford
Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University
of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, United Kingdom
| | - Yilin Zhao
- Chemistry
Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford
Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University
of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, United Kingdom
| | - C. David Owen
- Diamond
Light Source Ltd., Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot OX11 0DE, United Kingdom
- Research
Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science and
Innovation Campus, Didcot OX11 0FA, United
Kingdom
| | - Stephen M. Laidlaw
- Wellcome
Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, United Kingdom
| | - Tika R. Malla
- Chemistry
Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford
Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University
of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, United Kingdom
| | - Dung Nguyen
- Wellcome
Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, United Kingdom
| | - Petra Lukacik
- Diamond
Light Source Ltd., Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot OX11 0DE, United Kingdom
- Research
Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science and
Innovation Campus, Didcot OX11 0FA, United
Kingdom
| | - Eidarus Salah
- Chemistry
Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford
Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University
of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, United Kingdom
| | - Adam D. Crawshaw
- Diamond
Light Source Ltd., Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot OX11 0DE, United Kingdom
| | - Anna J. Warren
- Diamond
Light Source Ltd., Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot OX11 0DE, United Kingdom
| | - Jose Trincao
- Diamond
Light Source Ltd., Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot OX11 0DE, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Strain-Damerell
- Diamond
Light Source Ltd., Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot OX11 0DE, United Kingdom
- Research
Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science and
Innovation Campus, Didcot OX11 0FA, United
Kingdom
| | - Miles W. Carroll
- Wellcome
Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, United Kingdom
| | - Martin A. Walsh
- Diamond
Light Source Ltd., Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot OX11 0DE, United Kingdom
- Research
Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science and
Innovation Campus, Didcot OX11 0FA, United
Kingdom
| | - Christopher J. Schofield
- Chemistry
Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford
Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University
of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, United Kingdom
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23
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Allais C, Bernhardson D, Brown AR, Chinigo GM, Desrosiers JN, DiRico KJ, Hotham I, Jones BP, Kulkarni SA, Lewis CA, Lira R, Loach RP, Morse PD, Mousseau JJ, Perry MA, Peng Z, Place DW, Rane AM, Samp L, Singer RA, Wang Z, Weisenburger GA, Yayla HG, Zanghi JM. Early Clinical Development of Lufotrelvir as a Potential Therapy for COVID-19. Org Process Res Dev 2023:acs.oprd.2c00375. [PMID: 37552749 PMCID: PMC9924092 DOI: 10.1021/acs.oprd.2c00375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Lufotrelvir was designed as a first in class 3CL protease inhibitor to treat COVID-19. Development of lufotrelvir was challenged by its relatively poor stability due to its propensity to epimerize and degrade. Key elements of process development included improvement of the supply routes to the indole and lactam fragments, a Claisen addition to homologate the lactam, and a subsequent phosphorylation reaction to prepare the prodrug as well as identification of a DMSO solvated form of lufotrelvir to enable long-term storage. As a new approach to preparing the indole fragment, a Cu-catalyzed C-O coupling using oxalamide ligands was demonstrated. The control of process-related impurities was essential to accommodate the parenteral formulation. Isolation of an MEK solvate followed by the DMSO solvate ensured that all impurities were controlled appropriately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Allais
- Chemical Research and Development, Pfizer
Inc., Groton, Connecticut06340, United States
| | - David Bernhardson
- Chemical Research and Development, Pfizer
Inc., Groton, Connecticut06340, United States
| | - Adam R. Brown
- Chemical Research and Development, Pfizer
Inc., Groton, Connecticut06340, United States
| | - Gary M. Chinigo
- Medicine Design, Pfizer
Inc., Groton, Connecticut06340, United States
| | | | - Kenneth J. DiRico
- Medicine Design, Pfizer
Inc., Groton, Connecticut06340, United States
| | - Ian Hotham
- Chemical Research and Development, Pfizer
Inc., Groton, Connecticut06340, United States
| | - Brian P. Jones
- Chemical Research and Development, Pfizer
Inc., Groton, Connecticut06340, United States
| | - Samir A. Kulkarni
- Chemical Research and Development, Pfizer
Inc., Groton, Connecticut06340, United States
| | - Chad A. Lewis
- Chemical Research and Development, Pfizer
Inc., Groton, Connecticut06340, United States
| | - Ricardo Lira
- Medicine Design, Pfizer
Inc., Groton, Connecticut06340, United States
| | - Richard P. Loach
- Medicine Design, Pfizer
Inc., Groton, Connecticut06340, United States
| | - Peter D. Morse
- Medicine Design, Pfizer
Inc., Groton, Connecticut06340, United States
| | - James J. Mousseau
- Medicine Design, Pfizer
Inc., Groton, Connecticut06340, United States
| | - Matthew A. Perry
- Medicine Design, Pfizer
Inc., Groton, Connecticut06340, United States
| | - Zhihui Peng
- Chemical Research and Development, Pfizer
Inc., Groton, Connecticut06340, United States
| | - David W. Place
- Chemical Research and Development, Pfizer
Inc., Groton, Connecticut06340, United States
| | - Anil M. Rane
- Chemical Research and Development, Pfizer
Inc., Groton, Connecticut06340, United States
| | - Lacey Samp
- Chemical Research and Development, Pfizer
Inc., Groton, Connecticut06340, United States
| | - Robert A. Singer
- Chemical Research and Development, Pfizer
Inc., Groton, Connecticut06340, United States
| | - Zheng Wang
- Chemical Research and Development, Pfizer
Inc., Groton, Connecticut06340, United States
| | | | - Hatice G. Yayla
- Medicine Design, Pfizer
Inc., Groton, Connecticut06340, United States
| | - Joseph M. Zanghi
- Chemical Research and Development, Pfizer
Inc., Groton, Connecticut06340, United States
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24
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Khan SA, Lee TKW. Identifying potential pharmacological targets and molecular pathways of Meliae cortex for COVID-19 therapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1128164. [PMID: 36817449 PMCID: PMC9932519 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1128164] [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: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, has contributed to a significant increase in mortality. Proinflammatory cytokine-mediated cytokine release syndrome (CRS) contributes significantly to COVID-19. Meliae cortex has been reported for its several ethnomedical applications in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. In combination with other traditional Chinese medicines (TCM), the Meliae cortex suppresses coronavirus. Due to its phytoconstituents and anti-inflammatory capabilities, we postulated that the Meliae cortex could be a potential therapeutic for treating COVID-19. The active phytonutrients, molecular targets, and pathways of the Meliae cortex have not been explored yet for COVID-19 therapy. We performed network pharmacology analysis to determine the active phytoconstituents, molecular targets, and pathways of the Meliae cortex for COVID-19 treatment. 15 active phytonutrients of the Meliae cortex and 451 their potential gene targets were retrieved from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) and SwissTargetPrediction website tool, respectively. 1745 COVID-19-related gene targets were recovered from the GeneCards. 104 intersection gene targets were determined by performing VENNY analysis. Using the DAVID tool, gene ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed on the intersection gene targets. Using the Cytoscape software, the PPI and MCODE analyses were carried out on the intersection gene targets, which resulted in 41 potential anti-COVID-19 core targets. Molecular docking was performed with AutoDock Vina. The 10 anti-COVID-19 core targets (AKT1, TNF, HSP90AA1, IL-6, mTOR, EGFR, CASP3, HIF1A, MAPK3, and MAPK1), three molecular pathways (the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, the HIF-1 signaling pathway, and the pathways in cancer) and three active phytonutrients (4,8-dimethoxy-1-vinyl-beta-carboline, Trichilinin D, and Nimbolin B) were identified as molecular targets, molecular pathways, and key active phytonutrients of the Meliae cortex, respectively that significantly contribute to alleviating COVID-19. Molecular docking analysis further corroborated that three Meliae cortex's key active phytonutrients may ameliorate COVID-19 disease by modulating identified targets. Hence, this research offers a solid theoretic foundation for the future development of anti-COVID-19 therapeutics based on the phytonutrients of the Meliae cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shakeel Ahmad Khan
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China,*Correspondence: Shakeel Ahmad Khan, ; Terence Kin Wah Lee,
| | - Terence Kin Wah Lee
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China,Research Center for Chinese Medicine Innovation, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China,State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China,*Correspondence: Shakeel Ahmad Khan, ; Terence Kin Wah Lee,
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25
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Direct-Acting Antivirals and Host-Targeting Approaches against Enterovirus B Infections: Recent Advances. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/ph16020203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Enterovirus B (EV-B)-related diseases, which can be life threatening in high-risk populations, have been recognized as a serious health problem, but their clinical treatment is largely supportive, and no selective antivirals are available on the market. As their clinical relevance has become more serious, efforts in the field of anti-EV-B inhibitors have greatly increased and many potential antivirals with very high selectivity indexes and promising in vitro activities have been discovered. The scope of this review encompasses recent advances in the discovery of new compounds with anti-viral activity against EV-B, as well as further progress in repurposing drugs to treat these infections. Current progress and future perspectives in drug discovery against EV-Bs are briefly discussed and existing gaps are spotlighted.
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26
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Chen R, Gao Y, Liu H, Li H, Chen W, Ma J. Advances in research on 3C-like protease (3CL pro) inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 since 2020. RSC Med Chem 2023; 14:9-21. [PMID: 36760740 PMCID: PMC9890616 DOI: 10.1039/d2md00344a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 in late 2019 is still threatening global human health. Although some vaccines and drugs are available in the market, controlling the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus remains a huge challenge. 3C-like protease (3CLpro) is a highly conserved key protease for SARS-CoV-2 replication, and no relevant homologous protein with a similar cleavage site to 3CLpro has been identified in humans, highlighting that development of 3CLpro inhibitors exhibits great promise for treatment of COVID-19. In this review, the authors describe the structure and function of 3CLpro. To better understand the characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro inhibitors, the SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro inhibitors reported since 2020 are classified into peptidomimetic covalent inhibitors, non-peptidomimetic covalent inhibitors and non-covalent small molecule inhibitors, and the representative inhibitors, their biological activities and binding models are highlighted. Collectively, we hope that all the information presented here will provide new insights into the design and development of more effective 3CLpro inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 as novel anti-coronavirus drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roufen Chen
- School of Medicine, Huaqiao University Quanzhou 362000 China
| | - Yali Gao
- Pharmacy Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University Quanzhou 362000 China
| | - Han Liu
- School of Medicine, Huaqiao University Quanzhou 362000 China
| | - He Li
- School of Medicine, Huaqiao University Quanzhou 362000 China
| | - Wenfa Chen
- Pharmacy Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University Quanzhou 362000 China
| | - Junjie Ma
- School of Medicine, Huaqiao University Quanzhou 362000 China
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27
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Dampalla C, Nguyen HN, Rathnayake AD, Kim Y, Perera KD, Madden TK, Thurman HA, Machen AJ, Kashipathy MM, Liu L, Battaile KP, Lovell S, Chang KO, Groutas WC. Broad-Spectrum Cyclopropane-Based Inhibitors of Coronavirus 3C-like Proteases: Biochemical, Structural, and Virological Studies. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:181-194. [PMID: 36654747 PMCID: PMC9841783 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.2c00206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The advent of SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, and its worldwide impact on global health, have provided the impetus for the development of effective countermeasures that can be deployed against the virus, including vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). Despite these efforts, the current paucity of DAAs has created an urgent need for the creation of an enhanced and diversified portfolio of broadly acting agents with different mechanisms of action that can effectively abrogate viral infection. SARS-CoV-2 3C-like protease (3CLpro), an enzyme essential for viral replication, is a validated target for the discovery of SARS-CoV-2 therapeutics. In this report, we describe the structure-guided utilization of the cyclopropane moiety in the design of highly potent inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro, SARS-CoV-1 3CLpro, and MERS-CoV 3CLpro. High-resolution cocrystal structures were used to identify the structural determinants associated with the binding of the inhibitors to the active site of the enzyme and unravel the mechanism of action. Aldehydes 5c and 11c inhibited SARS-CoV-2 replication with EC50 values of 12 and 11 nM, respectively. Furthermore, the corresponding aldehyde bisulfite adducts 5d and 11d were equipotent with EC50 values of 13 and 12 nM, respectively. The safety index (SI) values for compounds 5c / 11c and 5d / 11d ranged between 7692 and 9090. Importantly, aldehydes 5c / 11c and bisulfite adducts 5d / 11d potently inhibited MERS-CoV 3CLpro with IC50 values of 80 and 120 nM, and 70 and 70 nM, respectively. Likewise, compounds 5c / 11c and 5d / 11d inhibited SARS-CoV-1 with IC50 values of 960 and 350 nM and 790 and 240 nM, respectively. Taken together, these studies suggest that the inhibitors described herein have low cytotoxicity and high potency and are promising candidates for further development as broad-spectrum direct-acting antivirals against highly pathogenic coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chamandi
S. Dampalla
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Wichita State
University, Wichita, Kansas 67260, United States
| | - Harry Nhat Nguyen
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Wichita State
University, Wichita, Kansas 67260, United States
| | - Athri D. Rathnayake
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Wichita State
University, Wichita, Kansas 67260, United States
| | - Yunjeong Kim
- Department
of Diagnostic Medicine & Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, United States
| | - Krishani Dinali Perera
- Department
of Diagnostic Medicine & Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, United States
| | - Trent K. Madden
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Wichita State
University, Wichita, Kansas 67260, United States
| | - Hayden A. Thurman
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Wichita State
University, Wichita, Kansas 67260, United States
| | - Alexandra J. Machen
- Protein
Structure and X-ray Crystallography Laboratory, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66047, United States
| | - Maithri M. Kashipathy
- Protein
Structure and X-ray Crystallography Laboratory, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66047, United States
| | - Lijun Liu
- Protein
Structure and X-ray Crystallography Laboratory, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66047, United States
| | - Kevin P. Battaile
- NYX,
New York Structural Biology Center, Upton, New York 11973, United States
| | - Scott Lovell
- Protein
Structure and X-ray Crystallography Laboratory, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66047, United States
| | - Kyeong-Ok Chang
- Department
of Diagnostic Medicine & Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, United States
| | - William C. Groutas
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Wichita State
University, Wichita, Kansas 67260, United States
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28
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Jayabal K, Elumalai D, Leelakrishnan S, Bhattacharya S, Rengarajan V, Kannan T, Chuang SC. Green and Regioselective Approach for the Synthesis of 3-Substituted Indole Based 1,2-Dihydropyridine and Azaxanthone Derivatives as a Potential Lead for SARS-CoV-2 and Delta Plus Mutant Virus: DFT and Docking Studies. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:43856-43876. [PMID: 36506171 PMCID: PMC9730777 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c04990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Great attempts have been done for the development of novel antiviral compounds against SAR-CoV-2 to end this pandemic situation and save human society. Herewith, we have synthesized 3-substituted indole/2-substituted pyrrole 1,2-dihydropyridine and azaxanthone scaffolds using simple, commercially available starting materials in a one-pot, green, and regioselective manner. Further, the regioselectivity of product formation was confirmed by various studies such as controlled experiments, density functional theory (DFT), Mulliken atomic charge, and electrostatic potential (ESP) surface. In addition, 3-substituted indole 1,2-dihydropyridine was successfully converted into a biologically enriched pharmacophore scaffold, viz., indolylimidazopyridinylbenzofuran scaffold, in excellent yield. Moreover, the synthesized 3-substituted indole 1,2-dihydropyridine/2-substituted pyrroles were analyzed in docking studies for anti-SARS-CoV-2 properties against their main protease (Mpro) and anti-Delta plus properties against their protein of the Delta plus K417N mutant. Further, the drug-likeness prediction was analyzed by the Lipinski rule and other pharmacokinetic properties like absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity using preADMET prediction. Interestingly, the docking results show that out of 20 synthesized compounds, 5 of them for Mpro of SAR-CoV-2 and 9 of them for 7NX7 spike glycoprotein's A chain of Delta plus K417N show greater binding affinity when compared with remdesivir that is the first to receive FDA approval and is currently used as a potent drug for the treatment of COVID-19. These results suggest that indole/pyrrole substituted 1,2-dihydropyridine derivatives are capable of combating SARS-CoV-2 and its Delta plus mutant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamalraja Jayabal
- Department
of Chemistry, Pondicherry University, Puducherry 605014, India
- Department
of Applied Chemistry, National Yang Ming
Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan R.O.C
| | | | - Saraswathi Leelakrishnan
- Department
of Chemistry, Pondicherry University, Puducherry 605014, India
- Department
of Chemistry, Nirmala College for Women, Coimbatore 641018, India
| | - Suman Bhattacharya
- Department
of Physics, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick V94
T9PX , Republic of Ireland
| | | | | | - Shih-Ching Chuang
- Department
of Applied Chemistry, National Yang Ming
Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan R.O.C
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29
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Chauhan S, Saini D, Madan K. Screening of Phytoconstituents from Traditional Plants against SARSCoV-
2 using Molecular Docking Approach. LETT DRUG DES DISCOV 2022. [DOI: 10.2174/1570180819666220307163058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background:
The emergence of COVID-19 as a fatal viral disease encourages researchers to
develop effective and efficient therapeutic agents. The intervention of in silico studies has led to revolutionary
changes in the conventional method of testing the bioactivity of plant constituents.
Objective:
The current study deals with the investigation of some traditional immunomodulators of plant
origin to combat this ailment.
Materials and Methods:
A total of 151 phytomolecules of 12 immunomodulatory plants were evaluated
for their inhibitory action against the main protease (PDB ID: 7D1M) and NSP15 endoribonuclease (PDB
ID: 6WLC) by structure-based virtual screening. In addition, the promising molecules with ligand efficiency
of more than -0.3(kcal/mol)/heavy atoms were further predicted for pharmacokinetic properties
and druggability using the SwissADME web server, and their toxicity was also evaluated using Protox-II.
Result:
Myricetin-3-O-arabinofuranoside of cranberry plant was found to be the most potential candidate
against both enzymes: main protease (–14.2 kcal/mol) and NSP15 endoribonuclease (–12.2 kcal/mol).
Conclusion:
The promising outcomes of the current study may be implemented in future drug development
against coronavirus. The findings also help in the development of lead candidates of plant origin
with a better ADMET profile in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilpi Chauhan
- Department of Pharmacy, Lloyd Institute of Management and Technology, Plot No.-11, Knowledge Park-I1, Greater
Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201306, India
| | - Deepika Saini
- Department of Pharmacy, Lloyd Institute of Management and Technology, Plot No.-11, Knowledge Park-I1, Greater
Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201306, India
| | - Kumud Madan
- Department of Pharmacy, Lloyd Institute of Management and Technology, Plot No.-11, Knowledge Park-I1, Greater
Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201306, India
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30
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Hirose Y, Shindo N, Mori M, Onitsuka S, Isogai H, Hamada R, Hiramoto T, Ochi J, Takahashi D, Ueda T, Caaveiro JMM, Yoshida Y, Ohdo S, Matsunaga N, Toba S, Sasaki M, Orba Y, Sawa H, Sato A, Kawanishi E, Ojida A. Discovery of Chlorofluoroacetamide-Based Covalent Inhibitors for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 3CL Protease. J Med Chem 2022; 65:13852-13865. [PMID: 36229406 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has necessitated the development of antiviral agents against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). 3C-like protease (3CLpro) is a promising target for COVID-19 treatment. Here, we report a new class of covalent inhibitors of 3CLpro that possess chlorofluoroacetamide (CFA) as a cysteine-reactive warhead. Based on an aza-peptide scaffold, we synthesized a series of CFA derivatives in enantiopure form and evaluated their biochemical efficiency. The data revealed that 8a (YH-6) with the R configuration at the CFA unit strongly blocks SARS-CoV-2 replication in infected cells, and its potency is comparable to that of nirmatrelvir. X-ray structural analysis showed that YH-6 formed a covalent bond with Cys145 at the catalytic center of 3CLpro. The strong antiviral activity and favorable pharmacokinetic properties of YH-6 suggest its potential as a lead compound for the treatment of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuya Hirose
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka812-8582, Japan
| | - Naoya Shindo
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka812-8582, Japan
| | - Makiko Mori
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka812-8582, Japan
| | - Satsuki Onitsuka
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka812-8582, Japan
| | - Hikaru Isogai
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka812-8582, Japan
| | - Rui Hamada
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka812-8582, Japan
| | - Tadanari Hiramoto
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka812-8582, Japan
| | - Jinta Ochi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka812-8582, Japan
| | - Daisuke Takahashi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka812-8582, Japan
| | - Tadashi Ueda
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka812-8582, Japan
| | - Jose M M Caaveiro
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka812-8582, Japan
| | - Yuya Yoshida
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka812-8582, Japan
| | - Shigehiro Ohdo
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka812-8582, Japan
| | - Naoya Matsunaga
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka812-8582, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Toba
- International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, North 20, West 10 Kita-ku, Sapporo001-0020, Japan.,Drug Discovery and Disease Research Laboratory, Shionogi & Co. Ltd., 3-1-1 Futaba-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka561-0825, Japan
| | - Michihito Sasaki
- International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, North 20, West 10 Kita-ku, Sapporo001-0020, Japan
| | - Yasuko Orba
- International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, North 20, West 10 Kita-ku, Sapporo001-0020, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Sawa
- International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, North 20, West 10 Kita-ku, Sapporo001-0020, Japan.,One Health Research Center, Hokkaido University, North 18, West 9 Kita-ku, Sapporo060-0818, Japan.,Global Virus Network, 725 West Lombard St. Room S413, Baltimore, Maryland21201, United States
| | - Akihiko Sato
- International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, North 20, West 10 Kita-ku, Sapporo001-0020, Japan.,Drug Discovery and Disease Research Laboratory, Shionogi & Co. Ltd., 3-1-1 Futaba-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka561-0825, Japan
| | - Eiji Kawanishi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka812-8582, Japan
| | - Akio Ojida
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka812-8582, Japan
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31
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La Monica G, Bono A, Lauria A, Martorana A. Targeting SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease for Treatment of COVID-19: Covalent Inhibitors Structure-Activity Relationship Insights and Evolution Perspectives. J Med Chem 2022; 65:12500-12534. [PMID: 36169610 PMCID: PMC9528073 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The viral main protease is one of the most attractive targets among all key enzymes involved in the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle. Covalent inhibition of the cysteine145 of SARS-CoV-2 MPRO with selective antiviral drugs will arrest the replication process of the virus without affecting human catalytic pathways. In this Perspective, we analyzed the in silico, in vitro, and in vivo data of the most representative examples of covalent SARS-CoV-2 MPRO inhibitors reported in the literature to date. In particular, the studied molecules were classified into eight different categories according to their reactive electrophilic warheads, highlighting the differences between their reversible/irreversible mechanism of inhibition. Furthermore, the analyses of the most recurrent pharmacophoric moieties and stereochemistry of chiral carbons were reported. The analyses of noncovalent and covalent in silico protocols, provided in this Perspective, would be useful for the scientific community to discover new and more efficient covalent SARS-CoV-2 MPRO inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Antonino Lauria
- Dipartimento di Scienze e
Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 17, I-90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Annamaria Martorana
- Dipartimento di Scienze e
Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 17, I-90128 Palermo, Italy
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32
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Bafna K, Cioffi CL, Krug RM, Montelione GT. Structural similarities between SARS-CoV2 3CL pro and other viral proteases suggest potential lead molecules for developing broad spectrum antivirals. Front Chem 2022; 10:948553. [PMID: 36353143 PMCID: PMC9638714 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.948553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Considering the significant impact of the recent COVID-19 outbreak, development of broad-spectrum antivirals is a high priority goal to prevent future global pandemics. Antiviral development processes generally emphasize targeting a specific protein from a particular virus. However, some antiviral agents developed for specific viral protein targets may exhibit broad spectrum antiviral activity, or at least provide useful lead molecules for broad spectrum drug development. There is significant potential for repurposing a wide range of existing viral protease inhibitors to inhibit the SARS-CoV2 3C-like protease (3CLpro). If effective even as relatively weak inhibitors of 3CLpro, these molecules can provide a diverse and novel set of scaffolds for new drug discovery campaigns. In this study, we compared the sequence- and structure-based similarity of SARS-CoV2 3CLpro with proteases from other viruses, and identified 22 proteases with similar active-site structures. This structural similarity, characterized by secondary-structure topology diagrams, is evolutionarily divergent within taxonomically related viruses, but appears to result from evolutionary convergence of protease enzymes between virus families. Inhibitors of these proteases that are structurally similar to the SARS-CoV2 3CLpro protease were identified and assessed as potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV2 3CLpro protease by virtual docking. Several of these molecules have docking scores that are significantly better than known SARS-CoV2 3CLpro inhibitors, suggesting that these molecules are also potential inhibitors of the SARS-CoV2 3CLpro protease. Some have been previously reported to inhibit SARS-CoV2 3CLpro. The results also suggest that established inhibitors of SARS-CoV2 3CLpro may be considered as potential inhibitors of other viral 3C-like proteases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khushboo Bafna
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, United States
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, United States
| | - Christopher L. Cioffi
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, United States
| | - Robert M. Krug
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, John Ring LaMontagne Center for Infectious Disease, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Gaetano T. Montelione
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, United States
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, United States
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33
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Alugubelli YR, Geng ZZ, Yang KS, Shaabani N, Khatua K, Ma XR, Vatansever EC, Cho CC, Ma Y, Xiao J, Blankenship LR, Yu G, Sankaran B, Li P, Allen R, Ji H, Xu S, Liu WR. A systematic exploration of boceprevir-based main protease inhibitors as SARS-CoV-2 antivirals. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 240:114596. [PMID: 35839690 PMCID: PMC9264725 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Boceprevir is an HCV NSP3 inhibitor that was explored as a repurposed drug for COVID-19. It inhibits the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (MPro) and contains an α-ketoamide warhead, a P1 β-cyclobutylalanyl moiety, a P2 dimethylcyclopropylproline, a P3 tert-butylglycine, and a P4 N-terminal tert-butylcarbamide. By introducing modifications at all four positions, we synthesized 20 boceprevir-based MPro inhibitors including PF-07321332 and characterized their MPro inhibition potency in test tubes (in vitro) and 293T cells (in cellulo). Crystal structures of MPro bound with 10 inhibitors and cytotoxicity and antiviral potency of 4 inhibitors were characterized as well. Replacing the P1 site with a β-(S-2-oxopyrrolidin-3-yl)-alanyl (Opal) residue and the warhead with an aldehyde leads to high in vitro potency. The original moieties at P2, P3 and the P4 N-terminal cap positions in boceprevir are better than other tested chemical moieties for high in vitro potency. In crystal structures, all inhibitors form a covalent adduct with the MPro active site cysteine. The P1 Opal residue, P2 dimethylcyclopropylproline and P4 N-terminal tert-butylcarbamide make strong hydrophobic interactions with MPro, explaining high in vitro potency of inhibitors that contain these moieties. A unique observation was made with an inhibitor that contains a P4 N-terminal isovaleramide. In its MPro complex structure, the P4 N-terminal isovaleramide is tucked deep in a small pocket of MPro that originally recognizes a P4 alanine side chain in a substrate. Although all inhibitors show high in vitro potency, they have drastically different in cellulo potency to inhibit ectopically expressed MPro in human 293T cells. In general, inhibitors with a P4 N-terminal carbamide or amide have low in cellulo potency. This trend is reversed when the P4 N-terminal cap is changed to a carbamate. The installation of a P3 O-tert-butyl-threonine improves in cellulo potency. Three molecules that contain a P4 N-terminal carbamate were advanced to cytotoxicity tests on 293T cells and antiviral potency tests on three SARS-CoV-2 variants. They all have relatively low cytotoxicity and high antiviral potency with EC50 values around 1 μM. A control compound with a nitrile warhead and a P4 N-terminal amide has undetectable antiviral potency. Based on all observations, we conclude that a P4 N-terminal carbamate in a boceprevir derivative is key for high antiviral potency against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yugendar R Alugubelli
- Texas A&M Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Zhi Zachary Geng
- Texas A&M Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Kai S Yang
- Texas A&M Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | | | - Kaustav Khatua
- Texas A&M Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Xinyu R Ma
- Texas A&M Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Erol C Vatansever
- Texas A&M Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Chia-Chuan Cho
- Texas A&M Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Yuying Ma
- Texas A&M Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Jing Xiao
- Texas A&M Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Lauren R Blankenship
- Texas A&M Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Ge Yu
- Texas A&M Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Banumathi Sankaran
- Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging, Berkeley Center for Structural Biology, Laurence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Pingwei Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Robert Allen
- Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc. San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Henry Ji
- Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc. San Diego, CA, 92121, USA.
| | - Shiqing Xu
- Texas A&M Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
| | - Wenshe Ray Liu
- Texas A&M Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA; Institute of Biosciences and Technology and Department of Translational Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
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34
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Le TTV, Do PC. Molecular docking study of various Enterovirus—A71 3C protease proteins and their potential inhibitors. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:987801. [PMID: 36246267 PMCID: PMC9563145 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.987801] [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: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common infection that primarily affects children in preschool and kindergarten; however, there is yet no vaccination or therapy available. Despite the fact that current research is only focused on numerous strains of Enterovirus—A71 (EV-A71) 3C protease (3Cpro), these investigations are entirely separate and unrelated. Antiviral agents must therefore be tested on several EV strains or mutations. In total, 21 previously reported inhibitors were evaluated for inhibitory effects on eight EV-A71 3Cpro, including wild-type and mutant proteins in this study, and another 29 powerful candidates with inhibitory effects on EV-A71 were investigated using the molecular docking approach. This method is to determine the broad-spectrum of the antiviral agents on a range of strains or mutants because the virus frequently has mutations. Even though Rupintrivir is reported to pass phase I clinical trial, 4-iminooxazolidin-2-one moiety (FIOMC) was shown to have a broader anti-3Cpro spectrum than Rupintrivir. Meanwhile, Hesperidin possessed a better 3Cpro inhibitory capability than FIOMC. Thus, it could be considered the most promising candidate for inhibiting various strains of EV-A71 3Cpro proteins in the newly anti-EV compounds group. Furthermore, the mutation at E71A has the most significant impact on the docking results of all ligands evaluated. Future in vitro experiments on Hesperidin’s ability to inhibit 3Cpro activity should be conducted to compare with FIOMC’s in vitro results and validate the current in silico work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tran Thao Vy Le
- School of Biotechnology, International University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Phuc-Chau Do
- School of Biotechnology, International University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- *Correspondence: Phuc-Chau Do,
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35
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Nepali K, Sharma R, Sharma S, Thakur A, Liou JP. Beyond the vaccines: a glance at the small molecule and peptide-based anti-COVID19 arsenal. J Biomed Sci 2022; 29:65. [PMID: 36064696 PMCID: PMC9444709 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-022-00847-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Unprecedented efforts of the researchers have been witnessed in the recent past towards the development of vaccine platforms for the control of the COVID-19 pandemic. Albeit, vaccination stands as a practical strategy to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection, supplementing the anti-COVID19 arsenal with therapeutic options such as small molecules/peptides and antibodies is being conceived as a prudent strategy to tackle the emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. Noteworthy to mention that collective efforts from numerous teams have led to the generation of a voluminous library composed of chemically and mechanistically diverse small molecules as anti-COVID19 scaffolds. This review article presents an overview of medicinal chemistry campaigns and drug repurposing programs that culminated in the identification of a plethora of small molecule-based anti-COVID19 drugs mediating their antiviral effects through inhibition of proteases, S protein, RdRp, ACE2, TMPRSS2, cathepsin and other targets. In light of the evidence ascertaining the potential of small molecule drugs to approach conserved proteins required for the viral replication of all coronaviruses, accelerated FDA approvals are anticipated for small molecules for the treatment of COVID19 shortly. Though the recent attempts invested in this direction in pursuit of enrichment of the anti-COVID-19 armoury (chemical tools) are praiseworthy, some strategies need to be implemented to extract conclusive benefits of the recently reported small molecule viz. (i) detailed preclinical investigation of the generated anti-COVID19 scaffolds (ii) in-vitro profiling of the inhibitors against the emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants (iii) development of assays enabling rapid screening of the libraries of anti-COVID19 scaffold (iv) leveraging the applications of machine learning based predictive models to expedite the anti-COVID19 drug discovery campaign (v) design of antibody-drug conjugates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunal Nepali
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing Street, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
- TMU Research Center for Drug Discovery, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Ram Sharma
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing Street, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Sachin Sharma
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing Street, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Amandeep Thakur
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing Street, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Ping Liou
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing Street, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan.
- TMU Research Center for Drug Discovery, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan.
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36
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Hu Q, Xiong Y, Zhu G, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Huang P, Ge G. The SARS-CoV-2 main protease (M pro): Structure, function, and emerging therapies for COVID-19. MedComm (Beijing) 2022; 3:e151. [PMID: 35845352 PMCID: PMC9283855 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The main proteases (Mpro), also termed 3-chymotrypsin-like proteases (3CLpro), are a class of highly conserved cysteine hydrolases in β-coronaviruses. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that 3CLpros play an indispensable role in viral replication and have been recognized as key targets for preventing and treating coronavirus-caused infectious diseases, including COVID-19. This review is focused on the structural features and biological function of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) main protease Mpro (also known as 3CLpro), as well as recent advances in discovering and developing SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro inhibitors. To better understand the characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro inhibitors, the inhibition activities, inhibitory mechanisms, and key structural features of various 3CLpro inhibitors (including marketed drugs, peptidomimetic, and non-peptidomimetic synthetic compounds, as well as natural compounds and their derivatives) are summarized comprehensively. Meanwhile, the challenges in this field are highlighted, while future directions for designing and developing efficacious 3CLpro inhibitors as novel anti-coronavirus therapies are also proposed. Collectively, all information and knowledge presented here are very helpful for understanding the structural features and inhibitory mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro inhibitors, which offers new insights or inspiration to medicinal chemists for designing and developing more efficacious 3CLpro inhibitors as novel anti-coronavirus agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Hu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical BiologyInstitute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine ResearchShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
- Clinical Pharmacy CenterCancer CenterDepartment of PharmacyZhejiang Provincial People's HospitalAffiliated People's HospitalHangzhou Medical College, HangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Yuan Xiong
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical BiologyInstitute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine ResearchShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Guang‐Hao Zhu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical BiologyInstitute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine ResearchShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Ya‐Ni Zhang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical BiologyInstitute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine ResearchShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Yi‐Wen Zhang
- Clinical Pharmacy CenterCancer CenterDepartment of PharmacyZhejiang Provincial People's HospitalAffiliated People's HospitalHangzhou Medical College, HangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Ping Huang
- Clinical Pharmacy CenterCancer CenterDepartment of PharmacyZhejiang Provincial People's HospitalAffiliated People's HospitalHangzhou Medical College, HangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Guang‐Bo Ge
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical BiologyInstitute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine ResearchShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
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37
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Ma C, Meng H, Li J, Yang X, Jiang Y, Yu B. Photocatalytic
Transition‐Metal‐Free
Direct
3‐Acetalation
of Quinoxaline‐2(
1
H
)‐ones. CHINESE J CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/cjoc.202200386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chunhua Ma
- Collaborative Innovation Centre of Henan Province for Green Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals, Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Media and Reactions, Ministry of Education, Henan Engineering Research Centre of Chiral Hydroxyl Pharmaceutical, Henan Engineering Laboratory of Chemical Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Henan Normal University Xinxiang 453007 China
| | - Hui Meng
- Collaborative Innovation Centre of Henan Province for Green Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals, Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Media and Reactions, Ministry of Education, Henan Engineering Research Centre of Chiral Hydroxyl Pharmaceutical, Henan Engineering Laboratory of Chemical Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Henan Normal University Xinxiang 453007 China
| | - Jing Li
- Collaborative Innovation Centre of Henan Province for Green Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals, Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Media and Reactions, Ministry of Education, Henan Engineering Research Centre of Chiral Hydroxyl Pharmaceutical, Henan Engineering Laboratory of Chemical Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Henan Normal University Xinxiang 453007 China
| | - Xianguang Yang
- Collaborative Innovation Centre of Henan Province for Green Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals, Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Media and Reactions, Ministry of Education, Henan Engineering Research Centre of Chiral Hydroxyl Pharmaceutical, Henan Engineering Laboratory of Chemical Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Henan Normal University Xinxiang 453007 China
| | - Yuqin Jiang
- Collaborative Innovation Centre of Henan Province for Green Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals, Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Media and Reactions, Ministry of Education, Henan Engineering Research Centre of Chiral Hydroxyl Pharmaceutical, Henan Engineering Laboratory of Chemical Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Henan Normal University Xinxiang 453007 China
| | - Bing Yu
- Green Catalysis Centre, College of Chemistry Zhengzhou University. Zhengzhou 450001 China
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Yang KS, Leeuwon SZ, Xu S, Liu WR. Evolutionary and Structural Insights about Potential SARS-CoV-2 Evasion of Nirmatrelvir. J Med Chem 2022; 65:8686-8698. [PMID: 35731933 PMCID: PMC9236210 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The U.S. FDA approval of PAXLOVID, a combination therapy of nirmatrelvir and ritonavir has significantly boosted our morale in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. Nirmatrelvir is an inhibitor of the main protease (MPro) of SARS-CoV-2. Since many SARS-CoV-2 variants that resist vaccines and antibodies have emerged, a concern of acquired viral resistance to nirmatrelvir naturally arises. Here, possible mutations in MPro to confer viral evasion of nirmatrelvir are analyzed and discussed from both evolutionary and structural standpoints. The analysis indicates that those mutations will likely reside in the whole aa45-51 helical region and residues including M165, L167, P168, R188, and Q189. Relevant mutations have also been observed in existing SARS-CoV-2 samples. Implications of this analysis to the fight against future drug-resistant viral variants and the development of broad-spectrum antivirals are discussed as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai S. Yang
- Texas A&M Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 7743, USA
| | - Sunshine Z. Leeuwon
- Texas A&M Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 7743, USA
| | - Shiqing Xu
- Texas A&M Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 7743, USA
| | - Wenshe Ray Liu
- Texas A&M Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 7743, USA
- Institute of Biosciences and Technology and Department of Translational Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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39
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Malla TR, Brewitz L, Muntean DG, Aslam H, Owen CD, Salah E, Tumber A, Lukacik P, Strain-Damerell C, Mikolajek H, Walsh MA, Schofield CJ. Penicillin Derivatives Inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease by Reaction with Its Nucleophilic Cysteine. J Med Chem 2022; 65:7682-7696. [PMID: 35549342 PMCID: PMC9115881 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c02214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) is a medicinal chemistry target for COVID-19 treatment. Given the clinical efficacy of β-lactams as inhibitors of bacterial nucleophilic enzymes, they are of interest as inhibitors of viral nucleophilic serine and cysteine proteases. We describe the synthesis of penicillin derivatives which are potent Mpro inhibitors and investigate their mechanism of inhibition using mass spectrometric and crystallographic analyses. The results suggest that β-lactams have considerable potential as Mpro inhibitors via a mechanism involving reaction with the nucleophilic cysteine to form a stable acyl-enzyme complex as shown by crystallographic analysis. The results highlight the potential for inhibition of viral proteases employing nucleophilic catalysis by β-lactams and related acylating agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tika R. Malla
- Chemistry
Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford
Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University
of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, OX1 3TA Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Lennart Brewitz
- Chemistry
Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford
Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University
of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, OX1 3TA Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Dorian-Gabriel Muntean
- Chemistry
Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford
Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University
of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, OX1 3TA Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Hiba Aslam
- Chemistry
Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford
Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University
of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, OX1 3TA Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - C. David Owen
- Diamond
Light Source Ltd., Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, OX11 0DE Didcot, United Kingdom
- Research
Complex at Harwell, Harwell
Science and Innovation Campus, OX11
0FA Didcot, United Kingdom
| | - Eidarus Salah
- Chemistry
Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford
Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University
of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, OX1 3TA Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony Tumber
- Chemistry
Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford
Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University
of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, OX1 3TA Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Petra Lukacik
- Diamond
Light Source Ltd., Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, OX11 0DE Didcot, United Kingdom
- Research
Complex at Harwell, Harwell
Science and Innovation Campus, OX11
0FA Didcot, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Strain-Damerell
- Diamond
Light Source Ltd., Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, OX11 0DE Didcot, United Kingdom
- Research
Complex at Harwell, Harwell
Science and Innovation Campus, OX11
0FA Didcot, United Kingdom
| | - Halina Mikolajek
- Diamond
Light Source Ltd., Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, OX11 0DE Didcot, United Kingdom
- Research
Complex at Harwell, Harwell
Science and Innovation Campus, OX11
0FA Didcot, United Kingdom
| | - Martin A. Walsh
- Diamond
Light Source Ltd., Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, OX11 0DE Didcot, United Kingdom
- Research
Complex at Harwell, Harwell
Science and Innovation Campus, OX11
0FA Didcot, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher J. Schofield
- Chemistry
Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford
Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University
of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, OX1 3TA Oxford, United Kingdom
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40
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Li Petri G, Di Martino S, De Rosa M. Peptidomimetics: An Overview of Recent Medicinal Chemistry Efforts toward the Discovery of Novel Small Molecule Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2022; 65:7438-7475. [PMID: 35604326 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The use of peptides as therapeutics has often been associated with several drawbacks such as poor absorption, low stability to proteolytic digestion, and fast clearance. Peptidomimetics are developed by modifications of native peptides with the aim of obtaining molecules that are more suitable for clinical development and, for this reason, are widely used as tools in medicinal chemistry programs. The effort to disclose innovative peptidomimetic therapies is recurrent and constantly evolving as demonstrated by the new lead compounds in clinical trials. Synthetic strategies for the development of peptidomimetics have also been implemented with time. This perspective highlights some of the most recent efforts for the design and synthesis of peptidomimetic agents together with their biological evaluation toward a panel of targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maria De Rosa
- Drug Discovery Unit, Ri.MED Foundation, Palermo 90133, Italy
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41
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High predictive QSAR models for predicting the SARS coronavirus main protease inhibition activity of ketone-based covalent inhibitors. JOURNAL OF THE IRANIAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY 2022. [PMCID: PMC8547569 DOI: 10.1007/s13738-021-02426-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In this research, a dataset including 29 ketone-based covalent inhibitors with SARS-CoV-1 3CLpro inhibition activity was used to develop high predictive QSAR models. Twenty-two molecules were put in train set and seven molecules in test set. By using stepwise MLR method for molecules in train set, four molecular descriptors including Mor26p, Hy, GATS7p and Mor04v were selected to build QSAR models. MLR and ANN methods were used to create QSAR models for predicting the activity of molecules in both train and test sets. Both QSAR models were validated by calculating several statistical parameters. R2 values for the test set of MLR and ANN models were 0.93 and 0.95, respectively, and RMSE values for their test sets were 0.24 and 0.17, respectively. Other calculated statistical parameters (especially \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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\begin{document}$$Q_{F3}^{2}$$\end{document}QF32 parameter) show that created ANN model has more predictive power with respect to developed MLR model (with four descriptor). Calculated leverages for all molecules show that predicted pIC50 (by both QSAR models) for all molecules is acceptable, and drawn residuals plots show that there is no systematic error in building both QSAR modes. Also, based on developed MLR model, used molecular descriptors were interpreted.
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42
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Yamane D, Onitsuka S, Re S, Isogai H, Hamada R, Hiramoto T, Kawanishi E, Mizuguchi K, Shindo N, Ojida A. Selective covalent targeting of SARS-CoV-2 main protease by enantiopure chlorofluoroacetamide. Chem Sci 2022; 13:3027-3034. [PMID: 35432850 PMCID: PMC8905997 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc06596c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has necessitated the development of antiviral agents against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The main protease (Mpro) is a promising target for COVID-19 treatment. Here, we report an irreversible SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitor possessing chlorofluoroacetamide (CFA) as a warhead for the covalent modification of Mpro. Ugi multicomponent reaction using chlorofluoroacetic acid enabled the rapid synthesis of dipeptidic CFA derivatives that identified 18 as a potent inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. Among the four stereoisomers, (R,R)-18 exhibited a markedly higher inhibitory activity against Mpro than the other isomers. Reaction kinetics and computational docking studies suggest that the R configuration of the CFA warhead is crucial for the rapid covalent inhibition of Mpro. Our findings highlight the prominent influence of the CFA chirality on the covalent modification of proteinous cysteines and provide the basis for improving the potency and selectivity of CFA-based covalent inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiki Yamane
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku Fukuoka 812-8582 Japan
| | - Satsuki Onitsuka
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku Fukuoka 812-8582 Japan
| | - Suyong Re
- Artificial Intelligence Center for Health and Biomedical Research, National Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition 7-6-8 Saito-Asagi, Ibaraki Osaka 567-0085 Japan
| | - Hikaru Isogai
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku Fukuoka 812-8582 Japan
| | - Rui Hamada
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku Fukuoka 812-8582 Japan
| | - Tadanari Hiramoto
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku Fukuoka 812-8582 Japan
| | - Eiji Kawanishi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku Fukuoka 812-8582 Japan
| | - Kenji Mizuguchi
- Artificial Intelligence Center for Health and Biomedical Research, National Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition 7-6-8 Saito-Asagi, Ibaraki Osaka 567-0085 Japan
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University 3-2 Yamadaoka, Suita Osaka 565-0871 Japan
| | - Naoya Shindo
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku Fukuoka 812-8582 Japan
| | - Akio Ojida
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku Fukuoka 812-8582 Japan
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44
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Macip G, Garcia-Segura P, Mestres-Truyol J, Saldivar-Espinoza B, Pujadas G, Garcia-Vallvé S. A Review of the Current Landscape of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Inhibitors: Have We Hit the Bullseye Yet? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:259. [PMID: 35008685 PMCID: PMC8745775 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In this review, we collected 1765 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) M-pro inhibitors from the bibliography and other sources, such as the COVID Moonshot project and the ChEMBL database. This set of inhibitors includes only those compounds whose inhibitory capacity, mainly expressed as the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value, against M-pro from SARS-CoV-2 has been determined. Several covalent warheads are used to treat covalent and non-covalent inhibitors separately. Chemical space, the variation of the IC50 inhibitory activity when measured by different methods or laboratories, and the influence of 1,4-dithiothreitol (DTT) are discussed. When available, we have collected the values of inhibition of viral replication measured with a cellular antiviral assay and expressed as half maximal effective concentration (EC50) values, and their possible relationship to inhibitory potency against M-pro is analyzed. Finally, the most potent covalent and non-covalent inhibitors that simultaneously inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 M-pro and the virus replication in vitro are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Gerard Pujadas
- Research Group in Cheminformatics & Nutrition, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Campus Sescelades, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain; (G.M.); (P.G.-S.); (J.M.-T.); (B.S.-E.)
| | - Santiago Garcia-Vallvé
- Research Group in Cheminformatics & Nutrition, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Campus Sescelades, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain; (G.M.); (P.G.-S.); (J.M.-T.); (B.S.-E.)
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45
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Ma Y, Yang KS, Geng ZZ, Alugubelli YR, Shaabani N, Vatansever EC, Ma XR, Cho CC, Khatua K, Blankenship L, Yu G, Sankaran B, Li P, Allen R, Ji H, Xu S, Liu WR. The P3 O - Tert -Butyl-Threonine is Key to High Cellular and Antiviral Potency for Aldehyde-Based SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Inhibitors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2021. [PMID: 34981047 DOI: 10.1101/2021.12.18.473326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
As an essential enzyme to SARS-CoV-2, main protease (M Pro ) is a viable target to develop antivirals for the treatment of COVID-19. By varying chemical compositions at both P2 and P3 sites and the N -terminal protection group, we synthesized a series of M Pro inhibitors that contain β -(S-2-oxopyrrolidin-3-yl)-alaninal at the P1 site. These inhibitors have a large variation of determined IC 50 values that range from 4.8 to 650 nM. The determined IC 50 values reveal that relatively small side chains at both P2 and P3 sites are favorable for achieving high in vitro M Pro inhibition potency, the P3 site is tolerable toward unnatural amino acids with two alkyl substituents on the α -carbon, and the inhibition potency is sensitive toward the N -terminal protection group. X-ray crystal structures of M Pro bound with 16 inhibitors were determined. All structures show similar binding patterns of inhibitors at the M Pro active site. A covalent interaction between the active site cysteine and a bound inhibitor was observed in all structures. In M Pro , large structural variations were observed on residues N142 and Q189. All inhibitors were also characterized on their inhibition of M Pro in 293T cells, which revealed their in cellulo potency that is drastically different from their in vitro enzyme inhibition potency. Inhibitors that showed high in cellulo potency all contain O - tert -butyl-threonine at the P3 site. Based on the current and a previous study, we conclude that O - tert -butyl-threonine at the P3 site is a key component to achieve high cellular and antiviral potency for peptidyl aldehyde inhibitors of M Pro . This finding will be critical to the development of novel antivirals to address the current global emergency of concerning the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Alugubelli YR, Geng ZZ, Yang KS, Shaabani N, Khatua K, Ma XR, Vatansever EC, Cho CC, Ma Y, Blankenship L, Yu G, Sankaran B, Li P, Allen R, Ji H, Xu S, Liu WR. The N -Terminal Carbamate is Key to High Cellular and Antiviral Potency for Boceprevir-Based SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Inhibitors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2021. [PMID: 34981058 DOI: 10.1101/2021.12.18.473330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Boceprevir is an HCV NSP3 inhibitor that has been explored as a repurposed drug for COVID-19. It inhibits the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (M Pro ) and contains an α-ketoamide warhead, a P1 β-cyclobutylalanyl moiety, a P2 dimethylcyclopropylproline, a P3 tert -butyl-glycine, and a P4 N -terminal tert -butylcarbamide. By introducing modifications at all four positions, we synthesized 20 boceprevir-based M Pro inhibitors including PF-07321332 and characterized their M Pro inhibition potency in test tubes ( in vitro ) and human host cells ( in cellulo ). Crystal structures of M Pro bound with 10 inhibitors and antiviral potency of 4 inhibitors were characterized as well. Replacing the P1 site with a β-(S-2-oxopyrrolidin-3-yl)-alanyl (opal) residue and the warhead with an aldehyde leads to high in vitro potency. The original moieties at P2, P3 and the P4 N -terminal cap positions in boceprevir are better than other tested chemical moieties for high in vitro potency. In crystal structures, all inhibitors form a covalent adduct with the M Pro active site cysteine. The P1 opal residue, P2 dimethylcyclopropylproline and P4 N -terminal tert -butylcarbamide make strong hydrophobic interactions with M Pro , explaining high in vitro potency of inhibitors that contain these moieties. A unique observation was made with an inhibitor that contains an P4 N -terminal isovaleramide. In its M Pro complex structure, the P4 N -terminal isovaleramide is tucked deep in a small pocket of M Pro that originally recognizes a P4 alanine side chain in a substrate. Although all inhibitors show high in vitro potency, they have drastically different in cellulo potency in inhibiting ectopically expressed M Pro in human 293T cells. All inhibitors including PF-07321332 with a P4 N -terminal carbamide or amide have low in cellulo potency. This trend is reversed when the P4 N -terminal cap is changed to a carbamate. The installation of a P3 O-tert -butyl-threonine improves in cellulo potency. Three molecules that contain a P4 N -terminal carbamate were advanced to antiviral tests on three SARS-CoV-2 variants. They all have high potency with EC 50 values around 1 μM. A control compound with a nitrile warhead and a P4 N -terminal amide has undetectable antiviral potency. Based on all observations, we conclude that a P4 N -terminal carbamate in a boceprevir derivative is key for high antiviral potency against SARS-CoV-2.
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Abstract
Viral proteases are diverse in structure, oligomeric state, catalytic mechanism, and substrate specificity. This chapter focuses on proteases from viruses that are relevant to human health: human immunodeficiency virus subtype 1 (HIV-1), hepatitis C (HCV), human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1), flaviviruses, enteroviruses, and coronaviruses. The proteases of HIV-1 and HCV have been successfully targeted for therapeutics, with picomolar FDA-approved drugs currently used in the clinic. The proteases of HTLV-1 and the other virus families remain emerging therapeutic targets at different stages of the drug development process. This chapter provides an overview of the current knowledge on viral protease structure, mechanism, substrate recognition, and inhibition. Particular focus is placed on recent advances in understanding the molecular basis of diverse substrate recognition and resistance, which is essential toward designing novel protease inhibitors as antivirals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueto Zephyr
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Nese Kurt Yilmaz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Celia A Schiffer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States.
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48
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Shindo N, Ojida A. Recent progress in covalent warheads for in vivo targeting of endogenous proteins. Bioorg Med Chem 2021; 47:116386. [PMID: 34509863 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2021.116386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Covalent drugs exert potent and durable activity by chemical modification of the endogenous target protein in vivo. To maximize the pharmacological efficacy while alleviating the risk of toxicity due to nonspecific off-target reactions, current covalent drug discovery focuses on the development of targeted covalent inhibitors (TCIs), wherein a reactive group (warhead) is strategically incorporated onto a reversible ligand of the target protein to facilitate specific covalent engagement. Various aspects of warheads, such as intrinsic reactivity, chemoselectivity, mode of reaction, and reversibility of the covalent engagement, would affect the target selectivity of TCIs. Although TCIs clinically approved to date largely rely on Michael acceptor-type electrophiles for cysteine targeting, a wide array of novel warheads have been devised and tested in TCI development in recent years. In this short review, we provide an overview of recent progress in chemistry for selective covalent targeting of proteins and their applications in TCI designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoya Shindo
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Maidashi, Higashi-ku Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Akio Ojida
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Maidashi, Higashi-ku Fukuoka, Japan.
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