1
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Klima M, Dejmek M, Duchoslav V, Eisenreichova A, Sala M, Chalupsky K, Chalupska D, Novotná B, Birkuš G, Nencka R, Boura E. Fluorinated cGAMP analogs, which act as STING agonists and are not cleavable by poxins: Structural basis of their function. Structure 2024; 32:433-439.e4. [PMID: 38325369 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2024.01.008] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
The cGAS-STING pathway is a crucial part of innate immunity; it serves to detect DNA in the cytoplasm and to defend against certain cancers, viruses, and bacteria. We designed and synthesized fluorinated carbocyclic cGAMP analogs, MD1203 and MD1202D (MDs), to enhance their stability and their affinity for STING. These compounds demonstrated exceptional activity against STING. Despite their distinct chemical modifications relative to the canonical cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs), crystallographic analysis revealed a binding mode with STING that was consistent with the canonical CDNs. Importantly, MDs were resistant to cleavage by viral poxin nucleases and MDs-bound poxin adopted an unliganded-like conformation. Moreover, MDs complexed with poxin showed a conformation distinct from cGAMP bound to poxin, closely resembling their conformation when bound to STING. In conclusion, the development of MD1203 and MD1202D showcases their potential as potent STING activators with remarkable stability against poxin-mediated degradation-a crucial characteristic for future development of antivirals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Klima
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry AS CR, v.v.i., Flemingovo nam. 2., 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Milan Dejmek
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry AS CR, v.v.i., Flemingovo nam. 2., 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Vojtech Duchoslav
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry AS CR, v.v.i., Flemingovo nam. 2., 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Andrea Eisenreichova
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry AS CR, v.v.i., Flemingovo nam. 2., 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Sala
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry AS CR, v.v.i., Flemingovo nam. 2., 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Chalupsky
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry AS CR, v.v.i., Flemingovo nam. 2., 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Dominika Chalupska
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry AS CR, v.v.i., Flemingovo nam. 2., 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Novotná
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry AS CR, v.v.i., Flemingovo nam. 2., 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Gabriel Birkuš
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry AS CR, v.v.i., Flemingovo nam. 2., 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Radim Nencka
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry AS CR, v.v.i., Flemingovo nam. 2., 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic.
| | - Evzen Boura
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry AS CR, v.v.i., Flemingovo nam. 2., 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic.
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2
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Štěpánová S, Andris E, Gutten O, Buděšínský M, Dejmek M, Břehová P, Rulíšek L, Kašička V. Acidity constants and protonation sites of cyclic dinucleotides determined by capillary electrophoresis, quantum chemical calculations, and NMR spectroscopy. Electrophoresis 2024; 45:687-705. [PMID: 38059733 DOI: 10.1002/elps.202300232] [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: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs) are important second messengers in bacteria and eukaryotes. Detailed characterization of their physicochemical properties is a prerequisite for understanding their biological functions. Herein, we examine acid-base and electromigration properties of selected CDNs employing capillary electrophoresis (CE), density functional theory (DFT), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to provide benchmark pKa values, as well as to unambiguously determine the protonation sites. Acidity constants (pKa) of the NH+ moieties of adenine and guanine bases and actual and limiting ionic mobilities of CDNs were determined by nonlinear regression analysis of the pH dependence of their effective electrophoretic mobilities measured by CE in aqueous background electrolytes in a wide pH range (0.98-11.48), at constant temperature (25°C), and constant ionic strength (25 mM). The thermodynamic pKa values were found to be in the range 3.31-4.56 for adenine and 2.28-3.61 for guanine bases, whereas the pKa of enol group of guanine base was in the range 10.21-10.40. Except for systematic shifts of ∼2 pKa, the pKa values calculated by the DFT-D3//COSMO-RS composite protocol that included large-scale conformational sampling and "cross-morphing" were in a relatively good agreement with the pKas determined by CE and predict N1 atom of adenine and N7 atom of guanine as the protonation sites. The protonation of the N1 atom of adenine and N7 atom of guanine in acidic background electrolytes (BGEs) and the dissociation of the enol group of guanine in alkaline BGEs was confirmed also by NMR spectroscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sille Štěpánová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Erik Andris
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Gutten
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Miloš Buděšínský
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Milan Dejmek
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Břehová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lubomír Rulíšek
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Václav Kašička
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
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3
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Xie R, Li W, Ge Y, Zhou Y, Xiao G, Zhao Q, Han Y, Li Y, Chen G. Late-stage guanine C8-H alkylation of nucleosides, nucleotides, and oligonucleotides via photo-mediated Minisci reaction. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2549. [PMID: 38514662 PMCID: PMC10957873 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46671-4] [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: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemically modified nucleosi(ti)des and functional oligonucleotides (ONs, including therapeutic oligonucleotides, aptamer, nuclease, etc.) have been identified playing an essential role in the areas of medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, biotechnology, and nanotechnology. Introduction of functional groups into the nucleobases of ONs mostly relies on the laborious de novo chemical synthesis. Due to the importance of nucleosides modification and aforementioned limitations of functionalizing ONs, herein, we describe a highly efficient site-selective alkylation at the C8-position of guanines in guanosine (together with its analogues), GMP, GDP, and GTP, as well as late-stage functionalization of dinucleotides and single-strand ONs (including ssDNA and RNA) through photo-mediated Minisci reaction. Addition of catechol to assist the formation of alkyl radicals via in situ generated boronic acid catechol ester derivatives (BACED) markedly enhances the yields especially for the reaction of less stable primary alkyl radicals, and is the key to success for the post-synthetic alkylation of ONs. This method features excellent chemoselectivity, no necessity for pre-protection, wide range of substrate scope, various free radical precursors, and little strand lesion. Downstream applications in disease treatment and diagnosis, or as biochemical probes to study biological processes after linking with suitable fluorescent compounds are expected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoqian Xie
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Engineering of Chiral Drugs, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Wanlu Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuhua Ge
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yutong Zhou
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Engineering of Chiral Drugs, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Green and High-End Utilization of Salt Lake Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qinghai Institute of Salt Lakes, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810008, Qinghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Guolan Xiao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Engineering of Chiral Drugs, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Qin Zhao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Engineering of Chiral Drugs, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunxi Han
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Engineering of Chiral Drugs, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Yangyan Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Engineering of Chiral Drugs, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Gang Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Engineering of Chiral Drugs, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Green and High-End Utilization of Salt Lake Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qinghai Institute of Salt Lakes, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810008, Qinghai, People's Republic of China.
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4
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Amador R, Vasseur JJ, Birkuš G, Bignon E, Monari A, Clavé G, Smietana M. Synthesis of Original Cyclic Dinucleotide Analogues Using the Sulfo-click Reaction. Org Lett 2024; 26:819-823. [PMID: 38236576 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.3c03908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
The stimulator of interferon genes (STING) protein plays a crucial role in the activation of the innate immune response. Activation of STING is initiated by cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs) which prompted the community to synthesize structural analogues to enhance their biological properties. We present here the synthesis and biological evaluation of four novel CDN analogues composed of an N-acylsulfonamide linkage. These CDNs were obtained in high overall yields via the sulfo-click reaction as a key step.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romain Amador
- IBMM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 1919 route de Mende, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Jean-Jacques Vasseur
- IBMM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 1919 route de Mende, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Gabriel Birkuš
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Emmanuelle Bignon
- Université de Lorraine and CNRS, UMR 7019 LPCT, F-54000 Nancy, France
| | - Antonio Monari
- Université Paris Cité and CNRS, ITODYS, F-75006 Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Clavé
- IBMM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 1919 route de Mende, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Michael Smietana
- IBMM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 1919 route de Mende, 34095 Montpellier, France
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5
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He W, Mu X, Wu X, Liu Y, Deng J, Liu Y, Han F, Nie X. The cGAS-STING pathway: a therapeutic target in diabetes and its complications. BURNS & TRAUMA 2024; 12:tkad050. [PMID: 38312740 PMCID: PMC10838060 DOI: 10.1093/burnst/tkad050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Diabetic wound healing (DWH) represents a major complication of diabetes where inflammation is a key impediment to proper healing. The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway has emerged as a central mediator of inflammatory responses to cell stress and damage. However, the contribution of cGAS-STING activation to impaired healing in DWH remains understudied. In this review, we examine the evidence that cGAS-STING-driven inflammation is a critical factor underlying defective DWH. We summarize studies revealing upregulation of the cGAS-STING pathway in diabetic wounds and discuss how this exacerbates inflammation and senescence and disrupts cellular metabolism to block healing. Partial pharmaceutical inhibition of cGAS-STING has shown promise in damping inflammation and improving DWH in preclinical models. We highlight key knowledge gaps regarding cGAS-STING in DWH, including its relationships with endoplasmic reticulum stress and metal-ion signaling. Elucidating these mechanisms may unveil new therapeutic targets within the cGAS-STING pathway to improve healing outcomes in DWH. This review synthesizes current understanding of how cGAS-STING activation contributes to DWH pathology and proposes future research directions to exploit modulation of this pathway for therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie He
- Key Lab of the Basic Pharmacology of the Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, No. 6 Xuefu West Road, Xinpu New District, Zunyi 563006, China
- College of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, No. 6 Xuefu West Road, Xinpu New District, Zunyi 563006, China
| | - Xingrui Mu
- Key Lab of the Basic Pharmacology of the Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, No. 6 Xuefu West Road, Xinpu New District, Zunyi 563006, China
- College of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, No. 6 Xuefu West Road, Xinpu New District, Zunyi 563006, China
| | - Xingqian Wu
- Key Lab of the Basic Pharmacology of the Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, No. 6 Xuefu West Road, Xinpu New District, Zunyi 563006, China
- College of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, No. 6 Xuefu West Road, Xinpu New District, Zunyi 563006, China
| | - Ye Liu
- Key Lab of the Basic Pharmacology of the Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, No. 6 Xuefu West Road, Xinpu New District, Zunyi 563006, China
- College of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, No. 6 Xuefu West Road, Xinpu New District, Zunyi 563006, China
| | - Junyu Deng
- Key Lab of the Basic Pharmacology of the Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, No. 6 Xuefu West Road, Xinpu New District, Zunyi 563006, China
- College of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, No. 6 Xuefu West Road, Xinpu New District, Zunyi 563006, China
| | - Yiqiu Liu
- Key Lab of the Basic Pharmacology of the Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, No. 6 Xuefu West Road, Xinpu New District, Zunyi 563006, China
- College of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, No. 6 Xuefu West Road, Xinpu New District, Zunyi 563006, China
| | - Felicity Han
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Xuqiang Nie
- Key Lab of the Basic Pharmacology of the Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, No. 6 Xuefu West Road, Xinpu New District, Zunyi 563006, China
- College of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, No. 6 Xuefu West Road, Xinpu New District, Zunyi 563006, China
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, No. 6 Xuefu West Road, Xinpu New District, Zunyi 563006, China
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6
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Wang R, Hussain A, Guo Q, Ma M. cGAS-STING at the crossroads in cancer therapy. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 193:104194. [PMID: 37931770 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104194] [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: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA is highly immunogenic, both exogenous and endogenous DNA can activate the pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) and danger-associated molecular pattern (DAMP), respectively, and hence activate the evolutionarily conserved cGAS-STING pathway for inflammatory responses. The cGAS-STING signaling pathway plays a very important role in the pathogenesis and progression of neoplastic diseases. For cancer therapy, there are some discrepancies on whether cGAS-STING should be inhibited or activated. Deregulated cGAS-STING signaling pathway might be the origin and pathogenesis of tumor, understanding and modulating cGAS-STING signaling holds great promise for cancer therapy. In this review article, we discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying cGAS-STING deregulation, highlighting the tumor inhibiting and promoting roles and challenges with cGAS-STING agonists in the context of cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Wang
- Department of Hematology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 215004 Suzhou, China; Department of Oncology, Suqian Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, 223800 Suqian, China.
| | - Aashiq Hussain
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 119077 CSI, Singapore
| | - Quanquan Guo
- Department of Hematology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 215004 Suzhou, China; Department of Oncology, Suqian Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, 223800 Suqian, China
| | - Meimei Ma
- Department of Pathology, Suqian Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, 223800 Suqian, China
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7
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Liu Z, Wang D, Zhang J, Xiang P, Zeng Z, Xiong W, Shi L. cGAS-STING signaling in the tumor microenvironment. Cancer Lett 2023; 577:216409. [PMID: 37748723 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
The cGAS-STING signaling is an important pathway involved in the regulation of tumor microenvironment, which affects many cellular functions including immune activation. Its role in combating tumor progression is widely recognized, especially with its function in inducing innate and adaptive immune responses, on which many immunotherapies have been developed. However, a growing number of findings also suggest a diversity of its roles in shaping tumor microenvironment, including functions that promote tumor progression. Here, we summarize the functions of the cGAS-STING signaling in tumor microenvironment to maintain tumor survival and proliferation through facilitating the forming of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and discuss the current advances of STING-related immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqi Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jiarong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Pingjuan Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhaoyang Zeng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Lei Shi
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Department of Pathology, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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8
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Dejmek M, Brazdova A, Otava T, Polidarova MP, Klíma M, Smola M, Vavrina Z, Buděšínský M, Dračínský M, Liboska R, Boura E, Birkuš G, Nencka R. Vinylphosphonate-based cyclic dinucleotides enhance STING-mediated cancer immunotherapy. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 259:115685. [PMID: 37567057 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs) trigger the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING) pathway, which plays a key role in cytosolic DNA sensing and thus in immunomodulation against infections, cell damage and cancer. However, cancer immunotherapy trials with CDNs have shown immune activation, but not complete tumor regression. Nevertheless, we designed a novel class of CDNs containing vinylphosphonate based on a STING-affinity screening assay. In vitro, acyloxymethyl phosphate/phosphonate prodrugs of these vinylphosphonate CDNs were up to 1000-fold more potent than the clinical candidate ADU-S100. In vivo, the lead prodrug induced tumor-specific T cell priming and facilitated tumor regression in the 4T1 syngeneic mouse model of breast cancer. Moreover, we solved the crystal structure of this ligand bound to the STING protein. Therefore, our findings not only validate the therapeutic potential of vinylphosphonate CDNs but also open up opportunities for drug development in cancer immunotherapy bridging innate and adaptive immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milan Dejmek
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo náměstí 2, Prague 6, 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Andrea Brazdova
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo náměstí 2, Prague 6, 166 10, Czech Republic; Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Průmyslová 595, Vestec, 128 44, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Otava
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo náměstí 2, Prague 6, 166 10, Czech Republic; Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology, 166 28, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Marketa Pimkova Polidarova
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo náměstí 2, Prague 6, 166 10, Czech Republic; Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Průmyslová 595, Vestec, 128 44, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Klíma
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo náměstí 2, Prague 6, 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Smola
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo náměstí 2, Prague 6, 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Zdenek Vavrina
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo náměstí 2, Prague 6, 166 10, Czech Republic; Faculty of Science, Charles University, Albertov 6, Prague 2, 128 00, Czech Republic
| | - Miloš Buděšínský
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo náměstí 2, Prague 6, 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Dračínský
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo náměstí 2, Prague 6, 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Radek Liboska
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo náměstí 2, Prague 6, 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Evzen Boura
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo náměstí 2, Prague 6, 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Gabriel Birkuš
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo náměstí 2, Prague 6, 166 10, Czech Republic.
| | - Radim Nencka
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo náměstí 2, Prague 6, 166 10, Czech Republic.
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9
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Zou Y, Zhang M, Zhou J. Recent trends in STING modulators: Structures, mechanisms, and therapeutic potential. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103694. [PMID: 37393985 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase stimulator (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon gene (STING) signaling pathway has an integral role in the host immune response through DNA sensing followed by inducing a robust innate immune defense program. STING has become a promising therapeutic target associated with multiple diseases, including various inflammatory diseases, cancer, and infectious diseases, among others. Thus, modulators of STING are regarded as emerging therapeutic agents. Recent progress has been made in STING research, including recently identified STING-mediated regulatory pathways, the development of a new STING modulator, and the new association of STING with disease. In this review, we focus on recent trends in the development of STING modulators, including structures, mechanisms, and clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zou
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang Normal University, 688 Yingbin Road, Jinhua 321004, China; Drug Development and Innovation Center, College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, 688 Yingbin Road, Jinhua 321004, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang Normal University, 688 Yingbin Road, Jinhua 321004, China; Drug Development and Innovation Center, College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, 688 Yingbin Road, Jinhua 321004, China
| | - Jinming Zhou
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang Normal University, 688 Yingbin Road, Jinhua 321004, China; Drug Development and Innovation Center, College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, 688 Yingbin Road, Jinhua 321004, China.
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10
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Jin X, Wang W, Zhao X, Jiang W, Shao Q, Chen Z, Huang C. The battle between the innate immune cGAS-STING signaling pathway and human herpesvirus infection. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1235590. [PMID: 37600809 PMCID: PMC10433641 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1235590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of human herpesvirus (HHVs) is gradually increasing and has affected a wide range of population. HHVs can result in serious consequences such as tumors, neonatal malformations, sexually transmitted diseases, as well as pose an immense threat to the human health. The cGAS-STING pathway is one of the innate immune pattern-recognition receptors discovered recently. This article discusses the role of the cGAS-STING pathway in human diseases, especially in human herpesvirus infections, as well as highlights how these viruses act on this pathway to evade the host immunity. Moreover, the author provides a comprehensive overview of modulators of the cGAS-STING pathway. By focusing on the small molecule compounds based on the cGAS-STING pathway, novel targets and concepts have been proposed for the development of antiviral drugs and vaccines, while also providing a reference for the investigation of disease models related to the cGAS-STING pathway. HHV is a double-stranded DNA virus that can trigger the activation of intracellular DNA sensor cGAS, after which the host cells initiate a cascade of reactions that culminate in the secretion of type I interferon to restrict the viral replication. Meanwhile, the viral protein can interact with various molecules in the cGAS-STING pathway. Viruses can evade immune surveillance and maintain their replication by inhibiting the enzyme activity of cGAS and reducing the phosphorylation levels of STING, TBK1 and IRF3 and suppressing the interferon gene activation. Activators and inhibitors of the cGAS-STING pathway have yielded numerous promising research findings in vitro and in vivo pertaining to cGAS/STING-related disease models. However, there remains a dearth of small molecule modulators that have been successfully translated into clinical applications, which serves as a hurdle to be overcome in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ximing Jin
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenjia Wang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinwei Zhao
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenhua Jiang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qingqing Shao
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhuo Chen
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Cong Huang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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11
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Hao Y, Ji Z, Zhou H, Wu D, Gu Z, Wang D, ten Dijke P. Lipid-based nanoparticles as drug delivery systems for cancer immunotherapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e339. [PMID: 37560754 PMCID: PMC10407046 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown remarkable success in cancer treatment. However, in cancer patients without sufficient antitumor immunity, numerous data indicate that blocking the negative signals elicited by immune checkpoints is ineffective. Drugs that stimulate immune activation-related pathways are emerging as another route for improving immunotherapy. In addition, the development of nanotechnology presents a promising platform for tissue and cell type-specific delivery and improved uptake of immunomodulatory agents, ultimately leading to enhanced cancer immunotherapy and reduced side effects. In this review, we summarize and discuss the latest developments in nanoparticles (NPs) for cancer immuno-oncology therapy with a focus on lipid-based NPs (lipid-NPs), including the characteristics and advantages of various types. Using the agonists targeting stimulation of the interferon genes (STING) transmembrane protein as an exemplar, we review the potential of various lipid-NPs to augment STING agonist therapy. Furthermore, we present recent findings and underlying mechanisms on how STING pathway activation fosters antitumor immunity and regulates the tumor microenvironment and provide a summary of the distinct STING agonists in preclinical studies and clinical trials. Ultimately, we conduct a critical assessment of the obstacles and future directions in the utilization of lipid-NPs to enhance cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Hao
- Department of Laboratory AnimalsCollege of Animal SciencesJilin UniversityChangchunChina
- Department of Basic MedicineChangzhi Medical CollegeChangzhiChina
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology and Oncode InstituteLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Zhonghao Ji
- Department of Laboratory AnimalsCollege of Animal SciencesJilin UniversityChangchunChina
- Department of Basic MedicineChangzhi Medical CollegeChangzhiChina
| | - Hengzong Zhou
- Department of Laboratory AnimalsCollege of Animal SciencesJilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Dongrun Wu
- Departure of Philosophy, Faculty of HumanitiesLeiden UniversityLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Zili Gu
- Department of RadiologyLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Dongxu Wang
- Department of Laboratory AnimalsCollege of Animal SciencesJilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Peter ten Dijke
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology and Oncode InstituteLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
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12
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Wojtczak BA, Bednarczyk M, Sikorski PJ, Wojtczak A, Surynt P, Kowalska J, Jemielity J. Synthesis and Evaluation of Diguanosine Cap Analogs Modified at the C8-Position by Suzuki-Miyaura Cross-Coupling: Discovery of 7-Methylguanosine-Based Molecular Rotors. J Org Chem 2023. [PMID: 37209102 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.3c00126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Chemical modifications of the mRNA cap structure can enhance the stability, translational properties, and half-life of mRNAs, thereby altering the therapeutic properties of synthetic mRNA. However, cap structure modification is challenging because of the instability of the 5'-5'-triphosphate bridge and N7-methylguanosine. The Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction between boronic acid and halogen compound is a mild, convenient, and potentially applicable approach for modifying biomolecules. Herein, we describe two methods to synthesize C8-modified cap structures using the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction. Both methods employed phosphorimidazolide chemistry to form the 5',5'-triphosphate bridge. However, in the first method, the introduction of the modification via the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction at the C8 position occurs postsynthetically, at the dinucleotide level, whereas in the second method, the modification was introduced at the level of the nucleoside 5'-monophosphate, and later, the triphosphate bridge was formed. Both methods were successfully applied to incorporate six different groups (methyl, cyclopropyl, phenyl, 4-dimethylaminophenyl, 4-cyanophenyl, and 1-pyrene) into either the m7G or G moieties of the cap structure. Aromatic substituents at the C8-position of guanosine form a push-pull system that exhibits environment-sensitive fluorescence. We demonstrated that this phenomenon can be harnessed to study the interaction with cap-binding proteins, e.g., eIF4E, DcpS, Nudt16, and snurportin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blazej A Wojtczak
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw; S. Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marcelina Bednarczyk
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw; S. Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
- Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw; L. Pasteura 5, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Pawel J Sikorski
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw; S. Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Wojtczak
- Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw; L. Pasteura 5, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Surynt
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw; S. Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
- Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw; L. Pasteura 5, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Kowalska
- Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw; L. Pasteura 5, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Jemielity
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw; S. Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
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Chen NN, Zhang H, Zhu QS, Zeng T, Dai W, Zhou YL, Xin GF, Wu BD, Gong SJ, Jiang ZY, You QD, Xu XL. Development of Orally Bioavailable Amidobenzimidazole Analogues Targeting Stimulator of Interferon Gene (STING) Receptor. J Med Chem 2023; 66:5584-5610. [PMID: 37027512 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c02046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Stimulator of interferon gene (STING) is a critical adaptor protein that has a pivotal role in triggering inherent immune responses to infection. STING-linked interferon production has been involved in anti-inflammation, anti-infection, and antitumor immunity. Herein, a series of amidobenzimidazole analogues as STING agonists were profiled for potency and drug-like properties. By structure-based modification and optimization based on mono-aminobenzimidazole (ABZI), analogues with nanomolar STING agonistic activities were obtained. Among them, compounds D59 and D61 significantly increased the transcription of IFN-β and proinflammatory cytokine CXCL10, as well as dramatically induced the phosphorylation of STING downstream proteins in THP1 cells. Furthermore, compound D61 exhibited favorable pharmacokinetic properties and metabolic stabilities. In a CT-26 syngeneic mice-bearing tumor model, D61 effectively inhibited tumor growth with good tolerance when administered via intratumoral, intravenous, intraperitoneal, and oral routes. This research on orally bioavailable amidobenzimidazole analogues expands the diversity of chemical structures of agonists for STING-mediated immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan-Nan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Han Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Qiang-Sheng Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ting Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Wei Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ye-Ling Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Guo-Feng Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Bei-Duo Wu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Si-Jia Gong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zheng-Yu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Qi-Dong You
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiao-Li Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
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