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Bonomini A, Felicetti T, Pacetti M, Bertagnin C, Coletti A, Giammarino F, De Angelis M, Poggialini F, Macchiarulo A, Sabatini S, Mercorelli B, Nencioni L, Vicenti I, Dreassi E, Cecchetti V, Tabarrini O, Loregian A, Massari S. Optimization of potent, broad-spectrum, and specific anti-influenza compounds targeting RNA polymerase PA-PB1 heterodimerization. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 277:116737. [PMID: 39153334 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
Influenza viruses (IV) are single-stranded RNA viruses with a negative-sense genome and have the potential to cause pandemics. While vaccines exist for influenza, their protection is only partial. Additionally, there is only a limited number of approved anti-IV drugs, which are associated to emergence of drug resistance. To address these issues, for years we have focused on the development of small-molecules that can interfere with the heterodimerization of PA and PB1 subunits of the IV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP). In this study, starting from a cycloheptathiophene-3-carboxamide compound that we recently identified, we performed iterative cycles of medicinal chemistry optimization that led to the identification of compounds 43 and 45 with activity in the nanomolar range against circulating A and B strains of IV. Mechanistic studies demonstrated the ability of 43 and 45 to interfere with viral RdRP activity by disrupting PA-PB1 subunits heterodimerization and to bind to the PA C-terminal domain through biophysical assays. Most important, ADME studies of 45 also showed an improvement in the pharmacokinetic profile with respect to the starting hit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Bonomini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121, Padua, Italy
| | - Tommaso Felicetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Martina Pacetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Chiara Bertagnin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121, Padua, Italy
| | - Alice Coletti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Federica Giammarino
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Marta De Angelis
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Poggialini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Antonio Macchiarulo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Stefano Sabatini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Lucia Nencioni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Vicenti
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Elena Dreassi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Violetta Cecchetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Oriana Tabarrini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Arianna Loregian
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121, Padua, Italy.
| | - Serena Massari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy.
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2
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Giacchello I, Cianciusi A, Bertagnin C, Bonomini A, Francesconi V, Mori M, Carbone A, Musumeci F, Loregian A, Schenone S. Exploring a New Generation of Pyrimidine and Pyridine Derivatives as Anti-Influenza Agents Targeting the Polymerase PA-PB1 Subunits Interaction. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:954. [PMID: 39065650 PMCID: PMC11279468 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16070954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The limited range of available flu treatments due to virus mutations and drug resistance have prompted the search for new therapies. RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is a heterotrimeric complex of three subunits, i.e., polymerase acidic protein (PA) and polymerase basic proteins 1 and 2 (PB1 and PB2). It is widely recognized as one of the most promising anti-flu targets because of its critical role in influenza infection and high amino acid conservation. In particular, the disruption of RdRp complex assembly through protein-protein interaction (PPI) inhibition has emerged as a valuable strategy for discovering a new therapy. Our group previously identified the 3-cyano-4,6-diphenyl-pyridine core as a privileged scaffold for developing PA-PB1 PPI inhibitors. Encouraged by these findings, we synthesized a small library of pyridine and pyrimidine derivatives decorated with a thio-N-(m-tolyl)acetamide side chain (compounds 2a-n) or several amino acid groups (compounds 3a-n) at the C2 position. Interestingly, derivative 2d, characterized by a pyrimidine core and a phenyl and 4-chloro phenyl ring at the C4 and C6 positions, respectively, showed an IC50 value of 90.1 μM in PA-PB1 ELISA, an EC50 value of 2.8 μM in PRA, and a favorable cytotoxic profile, emerging as a significant breakthrough in the pursuit of new PPI inhibitors. A molecular modeling study was also completed as part of this project, allowing us to clarify the biological profile of these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Giacchello
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (I.G.); (A.C.); (V.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Annarita Cianciusi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (I.G.); (A.C.); (V.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Chiara Bertagnin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Via A. Gabelli 63, 35121 Padua, Italy; (C.B.); (A.B.); (A.L.)
| | - Anna Bonomini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Via A. Gabelli 63, 35121 Padua, Italy; (C.B.); (A.B.); (A.L.)
| | - Valeria Francesconi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (I.G.); (A.C.); (V.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Mattia Mori
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Anna Carbone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (I.G.); (A.C.); (V.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Francesca Musumeci
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (I.G.); (A.C.); (V.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Arianna Loregian
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Via A. Gabelli 63, 35121 Padua, Italy; (C.B.); (A.B.); (A.L.)
| | - Silvia Schenone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (I.G.); (A.C.); (V.F.); (S.S.)
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3
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Ma X, Wang X, Chen F, Zou W, Ren J, Xin L, He P, Liang J, Xu Z, Dong C, Lan K, Wu S, Zhou HB. Novel Acyl Thiourea-Based Hydrophobic Tagging Degraders Exert Potent Anti-Influenza Activity through Two Distinct Endonuclease Polymerase Acidic-Targeted Degradation Pathways. J Med Chem 2024; 67:8791-8816. [PMID: 38775356 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00131] [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: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
The spread of the influenza virus has caused devastating pandemics and huge economic losses worldwide. Antiviral drugs with diverse action modes are urgently required to overcome the challenges of viral mutation and drug resistance, and targeted protein degradation strategies constitute excellent candidates for this purpose. Herein, the first degradation of the influenza virus polymerase acidic (PA) protein using small-molecule degraders developed by hydrophobic tagging (HyT) technology to effectively combat the influenza virus was reported. The SAR results revealed that compound 19b with Boc2-(L)-Lys demonstrated excellent inhibitory activity against A/WSN/33/H1N1 (EC50 = 0.015 μM) and amantadine-resistant strain (A/PR/8/H1N1), low cytotoxicity, high selectivity, substantial degradation ability, and good drug-like properties. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that the proteasome system and autophagic lysosome pathway were the potential drivers of these HyT degraders. Thus, this study provides a powerful tool for investigating the targeted degradation of influenza virus proteins and for antiviral drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Ma
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xueyun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Feifei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Wenting Zou
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Junrui Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Lilan Xin
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Pei He
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Jinsen Liang
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Zhichao Xu
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Chune Dong
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Ke Lan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Shuwen Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Hai-Bing Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, State Key Laboratory of Virology, Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery (MOE) and Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
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4
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Yang ML, Chen YC, Wang CT, Chong HE, Chung NH, Leu CH, Liu FT, Lai MMC, Ling P, Wu CL, Shiau AL. Upregulation of galectin-3 in influenza A virus infection promotes viral RNA synthesis through its association with viral PA protein. J Biomed Sci 2023; 30:14. [PMID: 36823664 PMCID: PMC9948428 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-023-00901-x] [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: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Influenza is one of the most important viral infections globally. Viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) consists of the PA, PB1, and PB2 subunits, and the amino acid residues of each subunit are highly conserved among influenza A virus (IAV) strains. Due to the high mutation rate and emergence of drug resistance, new antiviral strategies are needed. Host cell factors are involved in the transcription and replication of influenza virus. Here, we investigated the role of galectin-3, a member of the β-galactoside-binding animal lectin family, in the life cycle of IAV infection in vitro and in mice. METHODS We used galectin-3 knockout and wild-type mice and cells to study the intracellular role of galectin-3 in influenza pathogenesis. Body weight and survival time of IAV-infected mice were analyzed, and viral production in mouse macrophages and lung fibroblasts was examined. Overexpression and knockdown of galectin-3 in A549 human lung epithelial cells were exploited to assess viral entry, viral ribonucleoprotein (vRNP) import/export, transcription, replication, virion production, as well as interactions between galectin-3 and viral proteins by immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, co-immunoprecipitation, RT-qPCR, minireplicon, and plaque assays. We also employed recombinant galectin-3 proteins to identify specific step(s) of the viral life cycle that was affected by exogenously added galectin-3 in A549 cells. RESULTS Galectin-3 levels were increased in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lungs of IAV-infected mice. There was a positive correlation between galectin-3 levels and viral loads. Notably, galectin-3 knockout mice were resistant to IAV infection. Knockdown of galectin-3 significantly reduced the production of viral proteins and virions in A549 cells. While intracellular galectin-3 did not affect viral entry, it increased vRNP nuclear import, RdRp activity, and viral transcription and replication, which were associated with the interaction of galectin-3 with viral PA subunit. Galectin-3 enhanced the interaction between viral PA and PB1 proteins. Moreover, exogenously added recombinant galectin-3 proteins also enhanced viral adsorption and promoted IAV infection in A549 cells. CONCLUSION We demonstrate that galectin-3 enhances viral infection through increases in vRNP nuclear import and RdRp activity, thereby facilitating viral transcription and replication. Our findings also identify galectin-3 as a potential therapeutic target for influenza.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Lin Yang
- grid.64523.360000 0004 0532 3255Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1, University Road, Tainan, 701401 Taiwan ,grid.413878.10000 0004 0572 9327Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Cheng Chen
- grid.64523.360000 0004 0532 3255Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1, University Road, Tainan, 701401 Taiwan
| | - Chung-Teng Wang
- grid.64523.360000 0004 0532 3255Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1, University Road, Tainan, 701401 Taiwan
| | - Hao-Earn Chong
- grid.64523.360000 0004 0532 3255Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1, University Road, Tainan, 701401 Taiwan
| | - Nai-Hui Chung
- grid.64523.360000 0004 0532 3255Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1, University Road, Tainan, 701401 Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hsing Leu
- grid.64523.360000 0004 0532 3255Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1, University Road, Tainan, 701401 Taiwan
| | - Fu-Tong Liu
- grid.28665.3f0000 0001 2287 1366Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Michael M. C. Lai
- grid.254145.30000 0001 0083 6092Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan ,grid.28665.3f0000 0001 2287 1366Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pin Ling
- grid.64523.360000 0004 0532 3255Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1, University Road, Tainan, 701401 Taiwan
| | - Chao-Liang Wu
- Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1, University Road, Tainan, 701401, Taiwan.
| | - Ai-Li Shiau
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1, University Road, Tainan, 701401, Taiwan. .,Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan.
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5
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Radilová K, Zima V, Kráľ M, Machara A, Majer P, Hodek J, Weber J, Brynda J, Strmeň T, Konvalinka J, Kožíšek M. Thermodynamic and structural characterization of an optimized peptide-based inhibitor of the influenza polymerase PA-PB1 subunit interaction. Antiviral Res 2022; 208:105449. [DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2022.105449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Ghosh A, Panda P, Halder AK, Cordeiro MNDS. In silico characterization of aryl benzoyl hydrazide derivatives as potential inhibitors of RdRp enzyme of H5N1 influenza virus. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1004255. [PMID: 36225563 PMCID: PMC9548590 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1004255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is a potential therapeutic target for the discovery of novel antiviral agents for the treatment of life-threatening infections caused by newly emerged strains of the influenza virus. Being one of the most conserved enzymes among RNA viruses, RdRp and its inhibitors require further investigations to design novel antiviral agents. In this work, we systematically investigated the structural requirements for antiviral properties of some recently reported aryl benzoyl hydrazide derivatives through a range of in silico tools such as 2D-quantitative structure-activity relationship (2D-QSAR), 3D-QSAR, structure-based pharmacophore modeling, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. The 2D-QSAR models developed in the current work achieved high statistical reliability and simultaneously afforded in-depth mechanistic interpretability towards structural requirements. The structure-based pharmacophore model developed with the docked conformation of one of the most potent compounds with the RdRp protein of H5N1 influenza strain was utilized for developing a 3D-QSAR model with satisfactory statistical quality validating both the docking and the pharmacophore modeling methodologies performed in this work. However, it is the atom-based alignment of the compounds that afforded the most statistically reliable 3D-QSAR model, the results of which provided mechanistic interpretations consistent with the 2D-QSAR results. Additionally, molecular dynamics simulations performed with the apoprotein as well as the docked complex of RdRp revealed the dynamic stability of the ligand at the proposed binding site of the receptor. At the same time, it also supported the mechanistic interpretations drawn from 2D-, 3D-QSAR and pharmacophore modeling. The present study, performed mostly with open-source tools and webservers, returns important guidelines for research aimed at the future design and development of novel anti-viral agents against various RNA viruses like influenza virus, human immunodeficiency virus-1, hepatitis C virus, corona virus, and so forth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Ghosh
- Dr. B. C. Roy College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences, Durgapur, West Bengal, India
| | - Parthasarathi Panda
- Dr. B. C. Roy College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences, Durgapur, West Bengal, India
- *Correspondence: Parthasarathi Panda, ; Maria Natalia D. S. Cordeiro,
| | - Amit Kumar Halder
- Dr. B. C. Roy College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences, Durgapur, West Bengal, India
- LAQV@REQUIMTE/Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Natalia D. S. Cordeiro
- LAQV@REQUIMTE/Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Parthasarathi Panda, ; Maria Natalia D. S. Cordeiro,
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Zhang C, Tang YS, Meng CR, Xu J, Zhang DL, Wang J, Huang EF, Shaw PC, Hu C. Design, Synthesis, Molecular Docking Analysis and Biological Evaluations of 4-[(Quinolin-4-yl)amino]benzamide Derivatives as Novel Anti-Influenza Virus Agents. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116307. [PMID: 35682986 PMCID: PMC9181126 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, a series of 4-[(quinolin-4-yl)amino]benzamide derivatives as the novel anti-influenza agents were designed and synthesized. Cytotoxicity assay, cytopathic effect assay and plaque inhibition assay were performed to evaluate the anti-influenza virus A/WSN/33 (H1N1) activity of the target compounds. The target compound G07 demonstrated significant anti-influenza virus A/WSN/33 (H1N1) activity both in cytopathic effect assay (EC50 = 11.38 ± 1.89 µM) and plaque inhibition assay (IC50 = 0.23 ± 0.15 µM). G07 also exhibited significant anti-influenza virus activities against other three different influenza virus strains A/PR/8 (H1N1), A/HK/68 (H3N2) and influenza B virus. According to the result of ribonucleoprotein reconstitution assay, G07 could interact well with ribonucleoprotein with an inhibition rate of 80.65% at 100 µM. Furthermore, G07 exhibited significant activity target PA−PB1 subunit of RNA polymerase according to the PA−PB1 inhibitory activity prediction by the best pharmacophore Hypo1. In addition, G07 was well drug-likeness based on the results of Lipinski’s rule and ADMET prediction. All the results proved that 4-[(quinolin-4-yl)amino]benzamide derivatives could generate potential candidates in discovery of anti-influenza virus agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; (C.Z.); (C.-R.M.); (J.X.); (D.-L.Z.); (J.W.); (E.-F.H.)
| | - Yun-Sang Tang
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong 999077, China;
| | - Chu-Ren Meng
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; (C.Z.); (C.-R.M.); (J.X.); (D.-L.Z.); (J.W.); (E.-F.H.)
| | - Jing Xu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; (C.Z.); (C.-R.M.); (J.X.); (D.-L.Z.); (J.W.); (E.-F.H.)
| | - De-Liang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; (C.Z.); (C.-R.M.); (J.X.); (D.-L.Z.); (J.W.); (E.-F.H.)
| | - Jian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; (C.Z.); (C.-R.M.); (J.X.); (D.-L.Z.); (J.W.); (E.-F.H.)
| | - Er-Fang Huang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; (C.Z.); (C.-R.M.); (J.X.); (D.-L.Z.); (J.W.); (E.-F.H.)
| | - Pang-Chui Shaw
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong 999077, China;
- Correspondence: (P.-C.S.); (C.H.); Tel.: +86-24-43520246 (C.H.)
| | - Chun Hu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; (C.Z.); (C.-R.M.); (J.X.); (D.-L.Z.); (J.W.); (E.-F.H.)
- Correspondence: (P.-C.S.); (C.H.); Tel.: +86-24-43520246 (C.H.)
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8
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Nizi MG, Persoons L, Corona A, Felicetti T, Cernicchi G, Massari S, Manfroni G, Vangeel L, Barreca ML, Esposito F, Jochmans D, Milia J, Cecchetti V, Schols D, Neyts J, Tramontano E, Sabatini S, De Jonghe S, Tabarrini O. Discovery of 2-Phenylquinolines with Broad-Spectrum Anti-coronavirus Activity. ACS Med Chem Lett 2022; 13:855-864. [PMID: 35571875 PMCID: PMC9088073 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.2c00123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
![]()
A selection of compounds
from a proprietary library, based on chemical
diversity and various biological activities, was evaluated as potential
inhibitors of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2
(SARS-CoV-2) in a phenotypic-based screening assay. A compound based
on a 2-phenylquinoline scaffold emerged as the most promising
hit, with EC50 and CC50 values of 6 and 18 μM,
respectively. The subsequent selection of additional analogues, along
with the synthesis of ad hoc derivatives, led to compounds that maintained
low μM activity as inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 replication and
lacked cytotoxicity at 100 μM. In addition, the most promising
congeners also show pronounced antiviral activity against the human
coronaviruses HCoV-229E and HCoV-OC43, with EC50 values
ranging from 0.2 to 9.4 μM. The presence of a 6,7-dimethoxytetrahydroisoquinoline
group at the C-4 position of the 2-phenylquinoline core gave
compound 6g that showed potent activity against SARS-CoV-2
helicase (nsp13), a highly conserved enzyme, highlighting a potentiality
against emerging HCoVs outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Giulia Nizi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Leentje Persoons
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Angela Corona
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Tommaso Felicetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Giada Cernicchi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Serena Massari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Manfroni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Laura Vangeel
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Francesca Esposito
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Dirk Jochmans
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jessica Milia
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Violetta Cecchetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Dominique Schols
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Johan Neyts
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Enzo Tramontano
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Stefano Sabatini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Steven De Jonghe
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Oriana Tabarrini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
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9
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Chua SCJH, Cui J, Engelberg D, Lim LHK. A Review and Meta-Analysis of Influenza Interactome Studies. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:869406. [PMID: 35531276 PMCID: PMC9069142 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.869406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Annually, the influenza virus causes 500,000 deaths worldwide. Influenza-associated mortality and morbidity is especially high among the elderly, children, and patients with chronic diseases. While there are antivirals available against influenza, such as neuraminidase inhibitors and adamantanes, there is growing resistance against these drugs. Thus, there is a need for novel antivirals for resistant influenza strains. Host-directed therapies are a potential strategy for influenza as host processes are conserved and are less prone mutations as compared to virus-directed therapies. A literature search was performed for papers that performed viral–host interaction screens and the Reactome pathway database was used for the bioinformatics analysis. A total of 15 studies were curated and 1717 common interactors were uncovered among all these studies. KEGG analysis, Enrichr analysis, STRING interaction analysis was performed on these interactors. Therefore, we have identified novel host pathways that can be targeted for host-directed therapy against influenza in our review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Courtney Jun Hui Chua
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Immunology Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Immunology Program, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- CREATE-NUS-HUJ Cellular & Molecular Mechanisms of Inflammation Programme, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jianzhou Cui
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Immunology Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Immunology Program, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - David Engelberg
- CREATE-NUS-HUJ Cellular & Molecular Mechanisms of Inflammation Programme, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Microbiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Institute of Life Science, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Lina Hsiu Kim Lim
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Immunology Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Immunology Program, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- *Correspondence: Lina Hsiu Kim Lim,
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10
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Hou L, Zhang Y, Ju H, Cherukupalli S, Jia R, Zhang J, Huang B, Loregian A, Liu X, Zhan P. Contemporary medicinal chemistry strategies for the discovery and optimization of influenza inhibitors targeting vRNP constituent proteins. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:1805-1824. [PMID: 35847499 PMCID: PMC9279641 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by the influenza virus, affecting people globally and causing significant social and economic losses. Due to the inevitable limitations of vaccines and approved drugs, there is an urgent need to discover new anti-influenza drugs with different mechanisms. The viral ribonucleoprotein complex (vRNP) plays an essential role in the life cycle of influenza viruses, representing an attractive target for drug design. In recent years, the functional area of constituent proteins in vRNP are widely used as targets for drug discovery, especially the PA endonuclease active site, the RNA-binding site of PB1, the cap-binding site of PB2 and the nuclear export signal of NP protein. Encouragingly, the PA inhibitor baloxavir has been marketed in Japan and the United States, and several drug candidates have also entered clinical trials, such as favipiravir. This article reviews the compositions and functions of the influenza virus vRNP and the research progress on vRNP inhibitors, and discusses the representative drug discovery and optimization strategies pursued.
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11
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Chen W, Shao J, Ying Z, Du Y, Yu Y. Approaches for discovery of small-molecular antivirals targeting to influenza A virus PB2 subunit. Drug Discov Today 2022; 27:1545-1553. [PMID: 35247593 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Influenza is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by influenza virus, leading to huge morbidity and mortality in humans worldwide. Despite the availability of antivirals in the clinic, the emergence of resistant strains calls for antivirals with novel mechanisms of action. The PB2 subunit of the influenza A virus polymerase is a promising target because of its vital role in the 'cap-snatching' mechanism. In this review, we summarize the technologies and medicinal chemistry strategies for hit identification, hit-to-lead and lead-to-candidate optimization, and current challenges in PB2 inhibitor development, as well as offering insights for the fight against drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenteng Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Jiaan Shao
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, 310015, China
| | - Zhimin Ying
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yushen Du
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Province, China(1)
| | - Yongping Yu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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12
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Liu X, Liang J, Yu Y, Han X, Yu L, Chen F, Xu Z, Chen Q, Jin M, Dong C, Zhou HB, Lan K, Wu S. Discovery of Aryl Benzoyl Hydrazide Derivatives as Novel Potent Broad-Spectrum Inhibitors of Influenza A Virus RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase (RdRp). J Med Chem 2022; 65:3814-3832. [PMID: 35212527 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Influenza A viruses possess a high antigenic shift, and the approved anti-influenza drugs are extremely limited, which makes the development of novel anti-influenza drugs for the clinical treatment and prevention of influenza outbreaks imperative. Herein, we report a series of novel aryl benzoyl hydrazide analogs as potent anti-influenza agents. Particularly, analogs 10b, 10c, 10g, 11p, and 11q exhibited potent inhibitory activity against the avian H5N1 flu strain with EC50 values ranging from 0.009 to 0.034 μM. Moreover, compound 11q exhibited nanomolar antiviral effects against both the H1N1 virus and Flu B virus and possessed good oral bioavailability and inhibitory activity against influenza A virus in a mouse model. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggested that these compounds exert anti-influenza virus effects mainly by interacting with the PB1 subunit of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). These results revealed that 11q has the potential to become a potent clinical candidate to combat seasonal influenza and influenza pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinjin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Modern Virology Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Jinsen Liang
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yongshi Yu
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xin Han
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Lei Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Modern Virology Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Feifei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Modern Virology Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Zhichao Xu
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Qi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Modern Virology Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Mengyu Jin
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Chune Dong
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Hai-Bing Zhou
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China.,Key Laboratory of Organofluorine Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ke Lan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Modern Virology Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Shuwen Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Modern Virology Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
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13
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Zhang C, Xiang JJ, Zhao J, Meng YL, Zhang FR, Jin Z, Shaw PC, Liu XP, Hu C. Design, synthesis, and biological activity of a novel series of 2-ureidonicotinamide derivatives against influenza A virus. Curr Med Chem 2022; 29:4610-4627. [PMID: 35209813 DOI: 10.2174/0929867329666220224114627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Viral resistance to existing inhibitors and the time-dependent effectiveness of neuraminidase inhibitors have limited the number of antivirals that can be used for prophylaxis and therapeutic treatment of severe influenza infection. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop new drugs to prevent and treat influenza infection. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to design and synthesize a novel series of 2-ureidonicotinamide derivatives, and evaluate their anti-IAV activities. Furthermore, we predicted the abilities of these compounds inhibiting PA-PB1 subunit and forecasted the docking poses of these compounds with RNA polymerase protein (PDB ID 3CM8). METHOD The novel designed compounds were synthesized using classical methods of organic chemistry and tested in vitro for their abilities inhibiting RNP and against influenza A virus. In addition, the 23 synthesized molecules were subjected to the generated pharmacophore Hypo1 to forecast the activity target PA-PB1 subunit of RNA polymerase. The ADMET pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by the ADMET modules in Discovery Studio 2016. The docking results helped us to demonstrate the possible interactions between these compounds with 3CM8. RESULTS The synthesized 2-ureidonicotinamide derivatives were characterized as potent anti-influenza inhibitors. The target compounds 7b and 7c demonstrated significant antiviral activities, and could be considered as novel lead compounds of antiviral inhibitors. In addition, compound 7b revealed suitable ADME properties expressed, and might be a significant RNA polymerase inhibitor targeting PA-PB1 subunit based on the predictable results and the docking results. CONCLUSION This study revealed a novel series of compounds that might be useful in the search for an effective drug against influenza virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Jun-Jie Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Structure-based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Yan-Li Meng
- Key Laboratory of Structure-based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Fu-Rong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Zhe Jin
- Key Laboratory of Structure-based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Pang-Chui Shaw
- Key Laboratory of Structure-based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Liu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Chun Hu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
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14
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Zong K, Xu L, Hou Y, Zhang Q, Che J, Zhao L, Li X. Virtual Screening and Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study of Influenza Polymerase PB2 Inhibitors. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26226944. [PMID: 34834044 PMCID: PMC8623395 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26226944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza A virus is the main cause of worldwide epidemics and annual influenza outbreaks in humans. In this study, a virtual screen was performed to identify compounds that interact with the PB2 cap-binding domain (CBD) of influenza A polymerase. A virtual screening workflow based on Glide docking was used to screen an internal database containing 8417 molecules, and then the output compounds were selected based on solubility, absorbance, and structural fingerprints. Of the 16 compounds selected for biological evaluation, six compounds were identified that rescued cells from H1N1 virus-mediated death at non-cytotoxic concentrations, with EC50 values ranging from 2.5–55.43 μM, and that could bind to the PB2 CBD of H1N1, with Kd values ranging from 0.081–1.53 μM. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the docking complexes of our active compounds revealed that each compound had its own binding characteristics that differed from those of VX-787. Our active compounds have novel structures and unique binding modes with PB2 proteins, and are suitable to serve as lead compounds for the development of PB2 inhibitors. An analysis of the MD simulation also helped us to identify the dominant amino acid residues that play a key role in binding the ligand to PB2, suggesting that we should focus on increasing and enhancing the interaction between inhibitors and these major amino acids during lead compound optimization to obtain more active PB2 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keli Zong
- Chemical Engineering and Environmental Engineering, College of Chemistry, Liaoning Shihua University, Fushun 113001, China;
| | - Lei Xu
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China;
| | - Yuxin Hou
- Tianjin Children Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjing 300074, China;
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
- Correspondence: (Q.Z.); (J.C.); (L.Z.); (X.L.); Tel.: +86-21-51980119 (Q.Z.); +86-10-66930633 (J.C.); +86-10-66930673-717 (L.Z.); +86-10-66930634 (X.L.)
| | - Jinjing Che
- Chemical Engineering and Environmental Engineering, College of Chemistry, Liaoning Shihua University, Fushun 113001, China;
- Correspondence: (Q.Z.); (J.C.); (L.Z.); (X.L.); Tel.: +86-21-51980119 (Q.Z.); +86-10-66930633 (J.C.); +86-10-66930673-717 (L.Z.); +86-10-66930634 (X.L.)
| | - Lei Zhao
- Chemical Engineering and Environmental Engineering, College of Chemistry, Liaoning Shihua University, Fushun 113001, China;
- Correspondence: (Q.Z.); (J.C.); (L.Z.); (X.L.); Tel.: +86-21-51980119 (Q.Z.); +86-10-66930633 (J.C.); +86-10-66930673-717 (L.Z.); +86-10-66930634 (X.L.)
| | - Xingzhou Li
- Chemical Engineering and Environmental Engineering, College of Chemistry, Liaoning Shihua University, Fushun 113001, China;
- Correspondence: (Q.Z.); (J.C.); (L.Z.); (X.L.); Tel.: +86-21-51980119 (Q.Z.); +86-10-66930633 (J.C.); +86-10-66930673-717 (L.Z.); +86-10-66930634 (X.L.)
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15
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Molecular Docking and Virtual Screening of an Influenza Virus Inhibitor That Disrupts Protein-Protein Interactions. Viruses 2021; 13:v13112229. [PMID: 34835035 PMCID: PMC8620322 DOI: 10.3390/v13112229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus, but few drugs are available for its treatment. Consequently, researchers have been engaged in efforts to discover new antiviral mechanisms that can lay the foundation for novel anti-influenza drugs. The viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is an enzyme that plays an indispensable role in the viral infection process, which is directly linked to the survival of the virus. Methods of inhibiting PB1-PB2 (basic polymerase 1-basic polymerase 2) interactions, which are a key part of RdRp enzyme activity, are integral in the design of novel antiviral drugs, a specific PB1-PB2 interactions inhibitor has not been reported. We have screened Enamine's database and conducted a parallel screening of multiple docking schemes, followed by simulations of molecular dynamics to determine the structure of a stable ligand-PB1 complex. We also calculated the free energy of binding between the screened compounds and PB1 protein. Ultimately, we screened and identified a potential PB1-PB2 inhibitor using the ADMET prediction model.
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16
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Protein-protein interactions by influenza polymerase subunits as drug targets. Future Med Chem 2021; 14:53-56. [PMID: 34730024 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2021-0259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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17
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Tandi M, Sundriyal S. Recent trends in the design of antimicrobial agents using Ugi-multicomponent reaction. J INDIAN CHEM SOC 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jics.2021.100106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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18
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Massari S, Desantis J, Nizi MG, Cecchetti V, Tabarrini O. Inhibition of Influenza Virus Polymerase by Interfering with Its Protein-Protein Interactions. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:1332-1350. [PMID: 33044059 PMCID: PMC8204303 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.0c00552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Influenza (flu) virus is a serious threat to global health with the potential to generate devastating pandemics. The availability of broad spectrum antiviral drugs is an unequaled weapon during pandemic events, especially when a vaccine is still not available. One of the most promising targets for the development of new antiflu therapeutics is the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP). The assembly of the flu RdRP heterotrimeric complex from the individual polymerase acidic protein (PA), polymerase basic protein 1 (PB1), and polymerase basic protein 2 (PB2) subunits is a prerequisite for RdRP functions, such as mRNA synthesis and genome replication. In this Review, we report the known protein-protein interactions (PPIs) occurring by RdRP that could be disrupted by small molecules and analyze their benefits and drawbacks as drug targets. An overview of small molecules able to interfere with flu RdRP functions exploiting the PPI inhibition approach is described. In particular, an update on the most recent inhibitors targeting the well-consolidated RdRP PA-PB1 subunit heterodimerization is mainly reported, together with pioneer inhibitors targeting other virus-virus or virus-host interactions involving RdRP subunits. As demonstrated by the PA-PB1 interaction inhibitors discussed herein, the inhibition of flu RdRP functions by PPI disrupters clearly represents a valid means to identify compounds endowed with a broad spectrum of action and a reduced propensity to develop drug resistance, which are the main issues of antiviral drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Massari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Jenny Desantis
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Maria Giulia Nizi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Violetta Cecchetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Oriana Tabarrini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
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19
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Felicetti T, Pismataro MC, Cecchetti V, Tabarrini O, Massari S. Triazolopyrimidine Nuclei: Privileged Scaffolds for Developing Antiviral Agents with a Proper Pharmacokinetic Profile. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:1379-1407. [PMID: 34042030 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210526120534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Viruses are a continuing threat to global health. The lack or limited therapeutic armamentarium against some viral infections and increasing drug resistance issues make the search for new antiviral agents urgent. In recent years, a growing literature highlighted the use of triazolopyrimidine (TZP) heterocycles in the development of antiviral agents, with numerous compounds that showed potent antiviral activities against different RNA and DNA viruses. TZP core represents a privileged scaffold for achieving biologically active molecules, thanks to: i) the synthetic feasibility that allows to variously functionalize TZPs in the different positions of the nucleus, ii) the ability of TZP core to establish multiple interactions with the molecular target, and iii) its favorable pharmacokinetic properties. In the present review, after mentioning selected examples of TZP-based compounds with varied biological activities, we will focus on those antivirals that appeared in the literature in the last 10 years. Approaches used for their identification, the hit-to-lead studies, and the emerged structure-activity relationship will be described. A mention of the synthetic methodologies to prepare TZP nuclei will also be given. In addition, their mechanism of action, the binding mode within the biological target, and pharmacokinetic properties will be analyzed, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of compounds based on the TZP scaffold, which is increasingly used in medicinal chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Felicetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Violetta Cecchetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Oriana Tabarrini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Serena Massari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
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20
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Pismataro MC, Felicetti T, Bertagnin C, Nizi MG, Bonomini A, Barreca ML, Cecchetti V, Jochmans D, De Jonghe S, Neyts J, Loregian A, Tabarrini O, Massari S. 1,2,4-Triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines: Efficient one-step synthesis and functionalization as influenza polymerase PA-PB1 interaction disruptors. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 221:113494. [PMID: 33962311 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In the search for new anti-influenza virus (IV) compounds, we have identified the 1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine (TZP) as a very suitable scaffold to obtain compounds able to disrupt IV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) PA-PB1 subunits heterodimerization. In this work, in order to acquire further SAR insights for this class of compounds and identify more potent derivatives, we designed and synthesized additional series of analogues to investigate the role of the substituents around the TZP core. To this aim, we developed four facile and efficient one-step procedures for the synthesis of 5-phenyl-, 6-phenyl- and 7-phenyl-2-amino-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines, and 2-amino-5-phenyl-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-7-ol. Two analogues having the ethyl carboxylate moiety at the C-2 position of the TZP were also prepared in good yields. Then, the scaffolds herein synthesized and two previous scaffolds were functionalized and evaluated for their anti-IAV activity, leading to the identification of compound 22 that showed both anti-PA-PB1 (IC50 = 19.5 μM) and anti-IAV activity (EC50 = 16 μM) at non-toxic concentrations, thus resulting among the most active TZP derivatives reported to date by us. A selection of the synthesized compounds, along with a set of in-house available analogues, was also tested against SARS-CoV-2. The most promising compound 49 from this series displayed an EC50 value of 34.47 μM, highlighting the potential of the TPZ scaffold in the search for anti-CoV agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Chiara Pismataro
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via Del Liceo 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Tommaso Felicetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via Del Liceo 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Chiara Bertagnin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Via Gabelli 63, 35121, Padua, Italy
| | - Maria Giulia Nizi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via Del Liceo 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Anna Bonomini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Via Gabelli 63, 35121, Padua, Italy
| | - Maria Letizia Barreca
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via Del Liceo 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Violetta Cecchetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via Del Liceo 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Dirk Jochmans
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, Box 1043, 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, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Johan Neyts
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, Box 1043, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Arianna Loregian
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Via Gabelli 63, 35121, Padua, Italy
| | - Oriana Tabarrini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via Del Liceo 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Serena Massari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via Del Liceo 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy.
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21
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Giacchello I, Musumeci F, D'Agostino I, Greco C, Grossi G, Schenone S. Insights into RNA-dependent RNA Polymerase Inhibitors as Antiinfluenza Virus Agents. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:1068-1090. [PMID: 31942843 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327666200114115632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Influenza is a seasonal disease that affects millions of people every year and has a significant economic impact. Vaccines are the best strategy to fight this viral pathology, but they are not always available or administrable, prompting the search for antiviral drugs. RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) recently emerged as a promising target because of its key role in viral replication and its high conservation among viral strains. DISCUSSION This review presents an overview of the most interesting RdRp inhibitors that have been discussed in the literature since 2000. Compounds already approved or in clinical trials and a selection of inhibitors endowed with different scaffolds are described, along with the main features responsible for their activity. RESULTS RdRp inhibitors are emerging as a new strategy to fight viral infections and the importance of this class of drugs has been confirmed by the FDA approval of baloxavir marboxil in 2018. Despite the complexity of the RdRp machine makes the identification of new compounds a challenging research topic, it is likely that in the coming years, this field will attract the interest of a number of academic and industrial scientists because of the potential strength of this therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Giacchello
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesca Musumeci
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Ilaria D'Agostino
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Chiara Greco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Grossi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvia Schenone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy
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22
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Gao Q, Sun Z, Xia Q, Li R, Wang W, Ma S, Chai Y, Wu M, Hu W, Ábrányi-Balogh P, Keserű GM, Han X. Vinylation of α-Aminoazoles with Triethylamine: A General Strategy to Construct Azolo[1,5- a]pyrimidines with a Nonsubstituted Ethylidene Fragment. Org Lett 2021; 23:2664-2669. [PMID: 33733786 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.1c00571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
A new general synthesis of pharmaceutically important azolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines starting from widely available 3(5)-aminoazoles, aldehydes, and triethylamine is developed. The key is to enable the vinylation reaction that allows the in situ generation of elusive acyclic enamines and the subsequent annulation reaction to occur. This direct and practical strategy is capable of constructing a range of 5,6-unsubstituted pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines and [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines. More importantly, this protocol provides a concise synthetic route to prepare the clinically used zaleplon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghe Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P. R. China
| | - Zhenhua Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P. R. China
| | - Qinfei Xia
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, P. R. China
| | - Ruonan Li
- School of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P. R. China
| | - Wenlong Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P. R. China
| | - Siwei Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P. R. China
| | - Yixin Chai
- School of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P. R. China
| | - Manman Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P. R. China
| | - Wei Hu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, P. R. China
| | - Péter Ábrányi-Balogh
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok krt. 2, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - György M Keserű
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok krt. 2, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - Xinya Han
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, P. R. China
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23
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Terrier O, Slama-Schwok A. Anti-Influenza Drug Discovery and Development: Targeting the Virus and Its Host by All Possible Means. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1322:195-218. [PMID: 34258742 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-16-0267-2_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Infections by influenza virus constitute a major and recurrent threat for human health. Together with vaccines, antiviral drugs play a key role in the prevention and treatment of influenza virus infection and disease. Today, the number of antiviral molecules approved for the treatment of influenza is relatively limited, and their use is threatened by the emergence of viral strains with resistance mutations. There is therefore a real need to expand the prophylactic and therapeutic arsenal. This chapter summarizes the state of the art in drug discovery and development for the treatment of influenza virus infections, with a focus on both virus-targeting and host cell-targeting strategies. Novel antiviral strategies targeting other viral proteins or targeting the host cell, some of which are based on drug repurposing, may be used in combination to strengthen our therapeutic arsenal against this major pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Terrier
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, (Team VirPath), Univ Lyon, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Anny Slama-Schwok
- Sorbonne Université, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, INSERM U938, Biologie et Thérapeutique du Cancer, Paris, France.
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24
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structural characterization of the interaction between the C-terminal domain of the influenza polymerase PA subunit and an optimized small peptide inhibitor. Antiviral Res 2020; 185:104971. [PMID: 33166574 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2020.104971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Influenza viruses can cause severe respiratory infections in humans, leading to nearly half a million deaths worldwide each year. Improved antiviral drugs are needed to address the threat of development of novel pandemic strains. Current therapeutic interventions target three key proteins in the viral life cycle: neuraminidase, the M2 channel and RNA-dependent-RNA polymerase. Protein-protein interactions between influenza polymerase subunits are potential new targets for drug development. Using a newly developed assay based on AlphaScreen technology, we screened a peptide panel for protein-protein interaction inhibitors to identify a minimal PB1 subunit-derived peptide that retains high inhibition potential and can be further modified. Here, we present an X-ray structure of the resulting decapeptide bound to the C-terminal domain of PA polymerase subunit from pandemic isolate A/California/07/2009 H1N1 at 1.6 Å resolution and discuss its implications for the design of specific, potent influenza polymerase inhibitors.
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25
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Ginex T, Luque FJ. Searching for effective antiviral small molecules against influenza A virus: A patent review. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2020; 31:53-66. [PMID: 33012213 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2020.1831471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Despite the current interest caused by SARS-Cov-2, influenza continues to be one of the most serious health concerns, with an estimated 1 billion cases across the globe, including 3-5 million severe cases and 290,000-650,000 deaths worldwide. Areas covered: This manuscript reviews the efforts made in the development of small molecules for the treatment of influenza virus, primarily focused on patent applications in the last 5 years. Attention is paid to compounds targeting key functional viral proteins, such as the M2 channel, neuraminidase, and hemagglutinin, highlighting the evolution toward new ligands and scaffolds motivated by the emergence of resistant strains. Finally, the discovery of compounds against novel viral targets, such as the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, is discussed. Expert opinion: The therapeutic potential of antiviral agents is limited by the increasing presence of resistant strains. This should encourage research on novel strategies for therapeutic intervention. In this context, the discovery of arbidol and JNJ7918 against hemagglutinin, and current efforts on RNA-dependent RNA polymerase have disclosed novel opportunities for therapeutic treatment. Studies should attempt to expand the therapeutic arsenal of anti-flu agents, often in combined therapies, to prevent future health challenges caused by influenza virus. Abbreviations: AlphaLISA: amplified luminescent proximity homogeneous assay; HA: hemagglutinin; NA: neuraminidase; RBD: receptor binding domain; RdRp: RNA-dependent RNA polymerase; SA: sialic Acid; TBHQ: tert-butyl hydroquinone; TEVC: two-electrode voltage clamp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Ginex
- Translational Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Group, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB-CSIC) , Madrid, Spain
| | - F Javier Luque
- Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Gastronomy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), and Institute of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry (IQTCUB), University of Barcelona , Santa Coloma de Gramanet, Spain
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26
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Massari S, Bertagnin C, Pismataro MC, Donnadio A, Nannetti G, Felicetti T, Di Bona S, Nizi MG, Tensi L, Manfroni G, Loza MI, Sabatini S, Cecchetti V, Brea J, Goracci L, Loregian A, Tabarrini O. Synthesis and characterization of 1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine-2-carboxamide-based compounds targeting the PA-PB1 interface of influenza A virus polymerase. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 209:112944. [PMID: 33328103 PMCID: PMC7561591 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Influenza viruses (Flu) are responsible for seasonal epidemics causing high rates of morbidity, which can dramatically increase during severe pandemic outbreaks. Antiviral drugs are an indispensable weapon to treat infected people and reduce the impact on human health, nevertheless anti-Flu armamentarium still remains inadequate. In search for new anti-Flu drugs, our group has focused on viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) developing disruptors of PA-PB1 subunits interface with the best compounds characterized by cycloheptathiophene-3-carboxamide and 1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine-2-carboxamide scaffolds. By merging these moieties, two very interesting hybrid compounds were recently identified, starting from which, in this paper, a series of analogues were designed and synthesized. In particular, a thorough exploration of the cycloheptathiophene-3-carboxamide moiety led to acquire important SAR insight and identify new active compounds showing both the ability to inhibit PA-PB1 interaction and viral replication in the micromolar range and at non-toxic concentrations. For few compounds, the ability to efficiently inhibit PA-PB1 subunits interaction did not translate into anti-Flu activity. Chemical/physical properties were investigated for a couple of compounds suggesting that the low solubility of compound 14, due to a strong crystal lattice, may have impaired its antiviral activity. Finally, computational studies performed on compound 23, in which the phenyl ring suitably replaced the cycloheptathiophene, suggested that, in addition to hydrophobic interactions, H-bonds enhanced its binding within the PAC cavity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Massari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy.
| | - Chiara Bertagnin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Anna Donnadio
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giulio Nannetti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121, Padua, Italy
| | - Tommaso Felicetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Stefano Di Bona
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Maria Giulia Nizi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Leonardo Tensi
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Manfroni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Maria Isabel Loza
- CIMUS Research Center, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Stefano Sabatini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Violetta Cecchetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Jose Brea
- CIMUS Research Center, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Laura Goracci
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Arianna Loregian
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121, Padua, Italy
| | - Oriana Tabarrini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
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27
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Chen KK, Minakuchi M, Wuputra K, Ku CC, Pan JB, Kuo KK, Lin YC, Saito S, Lin CS, Yokoyama KK. Redox control in the pathophysiology of influenza virus infection. BMC Microbiol 2020; 20:214. [PMID: 32689931 PMCID: PMC7370268 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-020-01890-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Triggered in response to external and internal ligands in cells and animals, redox homeostasis is transmitted via signal molecules involved in defense redox mechanisms through networks of cell proliferation, differentiation, intracellular detoxification, bacterial infection, and immune reactions. Cellular oxidation is not necessarily harmful per se, but its effects depend on the balance between the peroxidation and antioxidation cascades, which can vary according to the stimulus and serve to maintain oxygen homeostasis. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are generated during influenza virus (IV) infection have critical effects on both the virus and host cells. In this review, we outline the link between viral infection and redox control using IV infection as an example. We discuss the current state of knowledge on the molecular relationship between cellular oxidation mediated by ROS accumulation and the diversity of IV infection. We also summarize the potential anti-IV agents available currently that act by targeting redox biology/pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ker-Kong Chen
- School of Dentistry, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan
- Department of Densitory, Kaohisung University Hospital, Kaohisung, 807, Taiwan
| | - Moeko Minakuchi
- Waseda Research Institute for Science and Engineering, Waseca University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-8480, Japan
| | - Kenly Wuputra
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, 100 Shih-Chuan 1st Rd., San-Ming District, Kaohsiung, 80807, Taiwan
- Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chen Ku
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, 100 Shih-Chuan 1st Rd., San-Ming District, Kaohsiung, 80807, Taiwan
- Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Bin Pan
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, 100 Shih-Chuan 1st Rd., San-Ming District, Kaohsiung, 80807, Taiwan
- Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan
| | - Kung-Kai Kuo
- Department Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Chu Lin
- School of Dentistry, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan
| | - Shigeo Saito
- Waseda Research Institute for Science and Engineering, Waseca University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-8480, Japan
- Saito Laboratory of Cell Technology Institute, Yalta, Tochigi, 329-1471, Japan
| | - Chang-Shen Lin
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, 100 Shih-Chuan 1st Rd., San-Ming District, Kaohsiung, 80807, Taiwan.
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, 80424, Taiwan.
| | - Kazunari K Yokoyama
- Waseda Research Institute for Science and Engineering, Waseca University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-8480, Japan.
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, 100 Shih-Chuan 1st Rd., San-Ming District, Kaohsiung, 80807, Taiwan.
- Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan.
- Cell Therapy and Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan.
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28
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Host-Virus Interaction: How Host Cells Defend against Influenza A Virus Infection. Viruses 2020; 12:v12040376. [PMID: 32235330 PMCID: PMC7232439 DOI: 10.3390/v12040376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Influenza A viruses (IAVs) are highly contagious pathogens infecting human and numerous animals. The viruses cause millions of infection cases and thousands of deaths every year, thus making IAVs a continual threat to global health. Upon IAV infection, host innate immune system is triggered and activated to restrict virus replication and clear pathogens. Subsequently, host adaptive immunity is involved in specific virus clearance. On the other hand, to achieve a successful infection, IAVs also apply multiple strategies to avoid be detected and eliminated by the host immunity. In the current review, we present a general description on recent work regarding different host cells and molecules facilitating antiviral defenses against IAV infection and how IAVs antagonize host immune responses.
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29
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Massari S, Corona A, Distinto S, Desantis J, Caredda A, Sabatini S, Manfroni G, Felicetti T, Cecchetti V, Pannecouque C, Maccioni E, Tramontano E, Tabarrini O. From cycloheptathiophene-3-carboxamide to oxazinone-based derivatives as allosteric HIV-1 ribonuclease H inhibitors. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2019; 34:55-74. [PMID: 30362381 PMCID: PMC6211256 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2018.1523901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The paper focussed on a step-by-step structural modification of a cycloheptathiophene-3-carboxamide derivative recently identified by us as reverse transcriptase (RT)-associated ribonuclease H (RNase H) inhibitor. In particular, its conversion to a 2-aryl-cycloheptathienoozaxinone derivative and the successive thorough exploration of both 2-aromatic and cycloheptathieno moieties led to identify oxazinone-based compounds as new anti-RNase H chemotypes. The presence of the catechol moiety at the C-2 position of the scaffold emerged as critical to achieve potent anti-RNase H activity, which also encompassed anti-RNA dependent DNA polymerase (RDDP) activity for the tricyclic derivatives. Benzothienooxazinone derivative 22 resulted the most potent dual inhibitor exhibiting IC50s of 0.53 and 2.90 μM against the RNase H and RDDP functions. Mutagenesis and docking studies suggested that compound 22 binds two allosteric pockets within the RT, one located between the RNase H active site and the primer grip region and the other close to the DNA polymerase catalytic centre.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Massari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Angela Corona
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Simona Distinto
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Jenny Desantis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Alessia Caredda
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Stefano Sabatini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Manfroni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Tommaso Felicetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Violetta Cecchetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Christophe Pannecouque
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, K.U. Leuven, K.U. Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Elias Maccioni
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Enzo Tramontano
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
- Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Monserrato, Italy
| | - Oriana Tabarrini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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30
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A Parallel Phenotypic Versus Target-Based Screening Strategy for RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase Inhibitors of the Influenza A Virus. Viruses 2019; 11:v11090826. [PMID: 31491939 PMCID: PMC6783926 DOI: 10.3390/v11090826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza A virus infections cause significant morbidity and mortality, and novel antivirals are urgently needed. Influenza RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) activity has been acknowledged as a promising target for novel antivirals. In this study, a phenotypic versus target-based screening strategy was established to identify the influenza A virus inhibitors targeting the virus RNA transcription/replication steps by sequentially using an RdRp-targeted screen and a replication-competent reporter virus-based approach using the same compounds. To demonstrate the utility of this approach, a pilot screen of a library of 891 compounds derived from natural products was carried out. Quality control analysis indicates that the primary screen was robust for identification of influenza A virus inhibitors targeting RdRp activity. Finally, two hit candidates were identified, and one was validated as a putative RdRp inhibitor. This strategy can greatly reduce the number of false positives and improve the accuracy and efficacy of primary screening, thereby providing a powerful tool for antiviral discovery.
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31
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Zhang J, Hu Y, Musharrafieh R, Yin H, Wang J. Focusing on the Influenza Virus Polymerase Complex: Recent Progress in Drug Discovery and Assay Development. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:2243-2263. [PMID: 29984646 DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666180706112940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Revised: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Influenza viruses are severe human pathogens that pose persistent threat to public health. Each year more people die of influenza virus infection than that of breast cancer. Due to the limited efficacy associated with current influenza vaccines, as well as emerging drug resistance from small molecule antiviral drugs, there is a clear need to develop new antivirals with novel mechanisms of action. The influenza virus polymerase complex has become a promising target for the development of the next-generation of antivirals for several reasons. Firstly, the influenza virus polymerase, which forms a heterotrimeric complex that consists of PA, PB1, and PB2 subunits, is highly conserved. Secondly, both individual polymerase subunit (PA, PB1, and PB2) and inter-subunit interactions (PA-PB1, PB1- PB2) represent promising drug targets. Lastly, growing insight into the structure and function of the polymerase complex has spearheaded the structure-guided design of new polymerase inhibitors. In this review, we highlight recent progress in drug discovery and assay development targeting the influenza virus polymerase complex and discuss their therapeutic potentials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiantao Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Yanmei Hu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Rami Musharrafieh
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Hang Yin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States.,BIO5 Institute, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
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32
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Yang J, Huang Y, Liu S. Investigational antiviral therapies for the treatment of influenza. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2019; 28:481-488. [PMID: 31018720 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2019.1606210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Influenza viral ribonucleoprotein complexes (vRNPs) play a key role in viral transcription and replication; hence, the recent development of novel anti-influenza drugs targeting vRNPs has garnered widespread interest. AREAS COVERED We discuss the function of the constituents of vRNPs and summarize those vRNPs-targeted synthetic drugs that are in preclinical and early clinical development. EXPERT OPINION vRNPs contain high-value drug targets; such targets include the subunits PA, PB1, PB2, and NP. Developing a new generation of antiviral therapies with strategies that utilize existing drugs, natural compounds originated from new resources and novel drug combinations may open up new therapeutic approaches to influenza.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yang
- a Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Southern Medical University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Yingna Huang
- a Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Southern Medical University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Shuwen Liu
- a Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Southern Medical University , Guangzhou , China.,b State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology , Southern Medical University , Guangzhou , China
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33
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Nannetti G, Massari S, Mercorelli B, Bertagnin C, Desantis J, Palù G, Tabarrini O, Loregian A. Potent and broad-spectrum cycloheptathiophene-3-carboxamide compounds that target the PA-PB1 interaction of influenza virus RNA polymerase and possess a high barrier to drug resistance. Antiviral Res 2019; 165:55-64. [PMID: 30885750 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2019.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Influenza viruses are major respiratory pathogens responsible for both seasonal epidemics and occasional pandemics worldwide. The current available treatment options have limited efficacy and thus the development of new antivirals is highly needed. We previously reported the identification of a series of cycloheptathiophene-3-carboxamide compounds as influenza A virus inhibitors that act by targeting the protein-protein interactions between the PA-PB1 subunits of the viral polymerase. In this study, we characterized the antiviral properties of the most promising compounds as well as investigated their propensity to induce drug resistance. Our results show that some of the selected compounds possess potent, broad-spectrum anti-influenza activity as they efficiently inhibited the replication of several strains of influenza A and B viruses, including an oseltamivir-resistant clinical isolate, with nanomolar or low-micromolar potency. The most promising compounds specifically inhibited the PA-PB1 binding in vitro and interfered with the influenza A virus polymerase activity in a cellular context, without showing cytotoxicity. The most active PA-PB1 inhibitors showed to possess a drug resistance barrier higher than that of oseltamivir. Indeed, no viral variants with reduced susceptibility to the selected compounds emerged after serial passages of influenza A virus under drug selective pressure. Overall, our studies identified potent PA-PB1 inhibitors as promising candidates for the development of new anti-influenza drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Nannetti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Serena Massari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Bertagnin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Jenny Desantis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giorgio Palù
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Oriana Tabarrini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Arianna Loregian
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
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Discovery of novel anti-influenza agents via contemporary medicinal chemistry strategies (2014–2018 update). Future Med Chem 2019; 11:375-378. [PMID: 30887815 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2018-0397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
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35
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Sethy B, Hsieh CF, Lin TJ, Hu PY, Chen YL, Lin CY, Tseng SN, Horng JT, Hsieh PW. Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Itaconic Acid Derivatives as Potential Anti-Influenza Agents. J Med Chem 2019; 62:2390-2403. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b01683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jim-Tong Horng
- Molecular Infectious Disease Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Linkou 333, Taiwan
- Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan 33303, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Wen Hsieh
- Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan 33303, Taiwan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou 333, Taiwan
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36
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Mohl G, Liddle N, Nygaard J, Dorius A, Lyons N, Hodek J, Weber J, Michaelis DJ, Busath DD. Novel influenza inhibitors designed to target PB1 interactions with host importin RanBP5. Antiviral Res 2019; 164:81-90. [PMID: 30742842 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2019.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In search of novel targets for influenza inhibitors, a site on PB1 was selected for its high conservation and probable interaction with a host protein, RanBP5, that is key to nuclear import of PB1, where it complexes with PB2, PA, and NP to transcribe viral RNA. Docking with libraries of drug-like compounds led to a selection of five candidates that bound tightly and with a pose likely to inhibit protein binding. These were purchased and tested in vitro, found to be active, and then one was synthetically expanded to explore the structure-activity relationship. The top candidates had a carboxylic acid converted to an ester and electron-withdrawing substituents added to a phenyl group in the original structure. Resistance was slow to develop, but cytotoxicity was moderately high. Nuclear localization of PB1 and in vitro polymerase activity were both strongly inhibited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Mohl
- Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA.
| | - Nathan Liddle
- Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Joseph Nygaard
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, USA
| | - Alexander Dorius
- Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Nathan Lyons
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, USA
| | - Jan Hodek
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Weber
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - David J Michaelis
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, USA.
| | - David D Busath
- Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA.
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37
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Synthesis and biological evaluation of a library of hybrid derivatives as inhibitors of influenza virus PA-PB1 interaction. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 157:743-758. [PMID: 30142611 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.08.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The limited treatment options against influenza virus along with the growing public health concerns regarding the continuous emergence of drug-resistant viruses make essential the development of new anti-flu agents with novel mechanisms of action. One of the most attractive targets is the interaction between two subunits of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, PA and PB1. Herein we report the rational design of hybrid compounds starting from a 3-cyano-4,6-diphenylpyridine scaffold recently identified as disruptor of PA-PB1 interactions. Guided by the previously reported SAR data, a library of amino acid derivatives was synthesized. The biological evaluation led to the identification of new PA-PB1 inhibitors, that do not show appreciable toxicity. Molecular modeling shed further lights on the inhibition mechanism of these compounds.
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38
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Zhang J, Hu Y, Foley C, Wang Y, Musharrafieh R, Xu S, Zhang Y, Ma C, Hulme C, Wang J. Exploring Ugi-Azide Four-Component Reaction Products for Broad-Spectrum Influenza Antivirals with a High Genetic Barrier to Drug Resistance. Sci Rep 2018; 8:4653. [PMID: 29545578 PMCID: PMC5854701 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-22875-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Influenza viruses are respiratory pathogens that are responsible for seasonal influenza and sporadic influenza pandemic. The therapeutic efficacy of current influenza vaccines and small molecule antiviral drugs is limited due to the emergence of multidrug-resistant influenza viruses. In response to the urgent need for the next generation of influenza antivirals, we utilized a fast-track drug discovery platform by exploring multi-component reaction products for antiviral drug candidates. Specifically, molecular docking was applied to screen a small molecule library derived from the Ugi-azide four-component reaction methodology for inhibitors that target the influenza polymerase PAC-PB1N interactions. One hit compound 5 was confirmed to inhibit PAC-PB1N interactions in an ELISA assay and had potent antiviral activity in an antiviral plaque assay. Subsequent structure-activity relationship studies led to the discovery of compound 12a, which had broad-spectrum antiviral activity and a higher in vitro genetic barrier to drug resistance than oseltamivir. Overall, the discovery of compound 12a as a broad-spectrum influenza antiviral with a high in vitro genetic barrier to drug resistance is significant, as it offers a second line of defense to combat the next influenza epidemics and pandemics if vaccines and oseltamivir fail to confine the disease outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiantao Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, United States
| | - Yanmei Hu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, United States
| | - Christopher Foley
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, United States
| | - Yuanxiang Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, United States
| | - Rami Musharrafieh
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, United States
| | - Shuting Xu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, United States
| | - Yongtao Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, United States
| | - Chunlong Ma
- BIO5 Institute, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, United States
| | - Christopher Hulme
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, United States
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, United States.
- BIO5 Institute, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, United States.
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Abstract
The propensity of influenza virus to develop resistance to commonly prescribed drugs highlights the need for continuing development of new therapeutics. Biological and structural investigations of the enzymatic and interaction domains among influenza A virus polymerase subunits have broadened the target reservoir for drug screening. With the wealth of knowledge from these studies, identification of small-molecule and peptidic inhibitors that specifically abrogate polymerase activity or disrupt the polymerase assembly has emerged as an innovative and promising approach. Importantly, those domains are highly conserved among influenza subtypes and thus minimize the emergence of drug resistant mutants. An overview of the reported enzymatic inhibitors and protein-protein disruptors has been provided, in our effort to facilitate the development of next-generation anti-influenza therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuofeng Yuan
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lei Wen
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jie Zhou
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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40
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Zhou Z, Liu T, Zhang J, Zhan P, Liu X. Influenza A virus polymerase: an attractive target for next-generation anti-influenza therapeutics. Drug Discov Today 2018; 23:503-518. [PMID: 29339107 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2018.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The influenza RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) is conserved among different types of influenza virus, playing an important part in transcription and replication. In this regard, influenza RdRP is an attractive target for novel anti-influenza drug discovery. Herein, we will introduce the structural and functional information of influenza polymerase; and an overview of inhibitors targeting the PA endonuclease and PB2 cap-binding site is provided, along with the approaches utilized for identification of these inhibitors. The protein-protein interactions (PPIs) of the three polymerase subunits: PA, PB1 and PB2, are described based on the published crystal structures, and inhibitors targeting the PA-PB1 interaction are introduced briefly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongxia Zhou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Peng Zhan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Xinyong Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, China.
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41
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Desantis J, Nannetti G, Massari S, Barreca ML, Manfroni G, Cecchetti V, Palù G, Goracci L, Loregian A, Tabarrini O. Exploring the cycloheptathiophene-3-carboxamide scaffold to disrupt the interactions of the influenza polymerase subunits and obtain potent anti-influenza activity. Eur J Med Chem 2017; 138:128-139. [PMID: 28666191 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2017.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Revised: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
With the aim to identify small molecules able to disrupt PA-PB1 subunits interaction of influenza virus (flu) RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, and based on previous structural and computational information, in this paper we have designed and synthesized a new series of cycloheptathiophene-3-carboxamide (cHTC) derivatives. Their biological evaluation led to highlight important structural insights along with new interesting compounds, such as the 2-hydroxybenzamido derivatives 29, 31, and 32, and the 4-aminophenyl derivative 54, which inhibited viral growth in the low micromolar range (EC50 = 0.18-1.2 μM) at no toxic concentrations (CC50 > 250 μM). This study permitted to obtain among the most potent anti-flu compounds within the PA-PB1 interaction inhibitors, confirming the cHTC scaffold as particularly suitable to achieve innovative anti-flu agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Desantis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Giulio Nannetti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Serena Massari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Manfroni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Violetta Cecchetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Giorgio Palù
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Laura Goracci
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Arianna Loregian
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy.
| | - Oriana Tabarrini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
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42
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Lin J, Xia J, Tu CZ, Zhang KY, Zeng Y, Yang Q. H9N2 Avian Influenza Virus Protein PB1 Enhances the Immune Responses of Bone Marrow-Derived Dendritic Cells by Down-Regulating miR375. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:287. [PMID: 28382020 PMCID: PMC5360757 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 02/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Polymerase basic protein 1 (PB1), the catalytic core of the influenza A virus RNA polymerase complex, is essential for viral transcription and replication. Dendritic cells (DCs) possess important antigen presenting ability and a crucial role in recognizing and clearing virus. MicroRNA (miRNA) influence the development of DCs and their ability to present antigens as well as the ability of avian influenza virus (AIV) to infect host cells and replicate. Here, we studied the molecular mechanism underlying the miRNA-mediated regulation of immune function in mouse DCs. We first screened for and verified the induction of miRNAs in DCs after PB1 transfection. Results showed that the viral protein PB1 down-regulated the expression of miR375, miR146, miR339, and miR679 in DCs, consistent with the results of H9N2 virus treatment; however, the expression of miR222 and miR499, also reduced in the presence of PB1, was in contrast to the results of H9N2 virus treatment. Our results suggest that PB1 enhanced the ability of DCs to present antigens, activate lymphocytes, and secrete cytokines, while miR375 over-expression repressed activation of DC maturation. Nevertheless, PB1 could not promote DC maturation once miR375 was inhibited. Finally, we revealed that PB1 inhibited the P-Jnk/Jnk signaling pathway, but activated the p-Erk/Erk signaling pathway. While inhibition of miR375 -activated the p-Erk/Erk and p-p38/p38 signaling pathway, but repressed the P-Jnk/Jnk signaling pathway. Taken together, results of our studies shed new light on the roles and mechanisms of PB1 and miR375 in regulating DC function and suggest new strategies for combating AIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Lin
- Department of Zoology, College of Life Science, Nanjing Agricultural University Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing Xia
- Department of Zoology, College of Life Science, Nanjing Agricultural University Jiangsu, China
| | - Chong Z Tu
- Department of Histoembryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University Jiangsu, China
| | - Ke Y Zhang
- Department of Zoology, College of Life Science, Nanjing Agricultural University Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Zeng
- Department of Zoology, College of Life Science, Nanjing Agricultural University Jiangsu, China
| | - Qian Yang
- Department of Zoology, College of Life Science, Nanjing Agricultural University Jiangsu, China
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43
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Pflug A, Lukarska M, Resa-Infante P, Reich S, Cusack S. Structural insights into RNA synthesis by the influenza virus transcription-replication machine. Virus Res 2017; 234:103-117. [PMID: 28115197 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2017.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Revised: 12/31/2016] [Accepted: 01/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Influenza virus is a segmented, negative strand RNA virus with each genome segment being packaged in a distinct ribonucleoprotein particle (RNP). The RNP consists of the heterotrimeric viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase bound to the conserved 5' and 3' ends of the genome segment (the viral promoter) with the rest of the viral RNA (vRNA) being covered by multiple copies of nucleoprotein. This review focusses on the new insights that recent crystal structures have given into the detailed molecular mechanisms by which the polymerase performs both transcription and replication of the vRNA genome. Promoter binding, in particular that of 5' end, is essential to allosterically activate all polymerase functions. Transcription is initiated by the hijacking of nascent, capped host transcripts by the process of 'cap-snatching', for which the viral polymerase makes an essential interaction with the C-terminal domain (CTD) of cellular RNA polymerase II. The structures allow a coherent mechanistic model of the subsequent cap-snatching, cap-dependent priming, elongation and self-polyadenylation steps of viral mRNA synthesis. During replication, the vRNA is copied without modification into complementary RNA (cRNA) which is packaged into cRNPs. A priming loop located in the polymerase active site is required for the unprimed synthesis of cRNA from vRNA, but is not required for cRNA to vRNA replication due to differences in the mode of initiation of RNA synthesis. Overall a picture emerges of influenza polymerase being a highly complex, flexible and dynamic machine. The challenge remains to understand in more detail how it functions within the RNP and how interacting host factors modulate its activity in the cellular context. Finally, these detailed insights have opened up new opportunities for structure-based antiviral drug design targeting multiple aspects of polymerase function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Pflug
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Grenoble Outstation, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, CS 90181, 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
| | - Maria Lukarska
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Grenoble Outstation, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, CS 90181, 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
| | - Patricia Resa-Infante
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Grenoble Outstation, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, CS 90181, 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
| | - Stefan Reich
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Grenoble Outstation, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, CS 90181, 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
| | - Stephen Cusack
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Grenoble Outstation, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, CS 90181, 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9, France.
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44
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Massari S, Desantis J, Nannetti G, Sabatini S, Tortorella S, Goracci L, Cecchetti V, Loregian A, Tabarrini O. Efficient and regioselective one-step synthesis of 7-aryl-5-methyl- and 5-aryl-7-methyl-2-amino-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine derivatives. Org Biomol Chem 2017; 15:7944-7955. [DOI: 10.1039/c7ob02085f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Two facile and efficient one-step procedures for the regioselective synthesis of 7-aryl-5-methyl- and 5-aryl-7-methyl-2-amino-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Massari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- University of Perugia
- 06123 Perugia
- Italy
| | - Jenny Desantis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- University of Perugia
- 06123 Perugia
- Italy
| | - Giulio Nannetti
- Department of Molecular Medicine
- University of Padua
- 35121 Padua
- Italy
| | - Stefano Sabatini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- University of Perugia
- 06123 Perugia
- Italy
| | - Sara Tortorella
- Department of Chemistry
- Biology and Biotechnology
- University of Perugia
- 06123 Perugia
- Italy
| | - Laura Goracci
- Department of Chemistry
- Biology and Biotechnology
- University of Perugia
- 06123 Perugia
- Italy
| | - Violetta Cecchetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- University of Perugia
- 06123 Perugia
- Italy
| | - Arianna Loregian
- Department of Molecular Medicine
- University of Padua
- 35121 Padua
- Italy
| | - Oriana Tabarrini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- University of Perugia
- 06123 Perugia
- Italy
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45
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Yuan S, Chu H, Ye J, Singh K, Ye Z, Zhao H, Kao RYT, Chow BKC, Zhou J, Zheng BJ. Identification of a novel small-molecule compound targeting the influenza A virus polymerase PB1-PB2 interface. Antiviral Res 2016; 137:58-66. [PMID: 27840201 PMCID: PMC7113721 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2016.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Revised: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The PB1 C-terminal domain and PB2 N-terminal domain interaction of the influenza A polymerase, which modulates the assembly of PB1 and PB2 subunits, may serve as a valuable target for the development of novel anti-influenza therapeutics. In this study, we performed a systematic screening of a chemical library, followed by the antiviral evaluation of primary hits and their analogues. Eventually, a novel small-molecule compound PP7 that abrogated the PB1-PB2 association and impaired viral polymerase activity was identified. PP7 exhibited antiviral activities against influenza virus subtypes A (H1N1)pdm09, A(H7N9) and A(H9N2) in cell cultures and partially protected mice against lethal challenge of mouse-adapted influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 virus. Surprisingly, a panel of other subtypes of influenza virus, including A(H5N1) and A(H7N7), showed various degrees of resistance to the compound. Biochemical studies revealed a similar pattern of resistance on the impairment of polymerase activity. Molecular docking analyses suggested a PP7-binding site that appeared to be completely conserved among the subtypes of the virus mentioned above. Thus, we propose that alternative/additional binding site (s) may exist for the regulation of PB1-PB2 subunits assembly of influenza A virus. A novel small-molecule compound was identified to provide anti-influenza effect in vitro and in vivo. An RT-qPCR based assay was modified to evaluate the polymerase activity of various subtypes of influenza viruses. The PB1-PB2 assembly strategies of the trimeric polymerase complex might be stain/subtype specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuofeng Yuan
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hin Chu
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jiahui Ye
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kailash Singh
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ziwei Ye
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hanjun Zhao
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Richard Y T Kao
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Billy K C Chow
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jie Zhou
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Bo-Jian Zheng
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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46
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Stevaert A, Naesens L. The Influenza Virus Polymerase Complex: An Update on Its Structure, Functions, and Significance for Antiviral Drug Design. Med Res Rev 2016; 36:1127-1173. [PMID: 27569399 PMCID: PMC5108440 DOI: 10.1002/med.21401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2016] [Revised: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 06/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Influenza viruses cause seasonal epidemics and pandemic outbreaks associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and a huge cost. Since resistance to the existing anti‐influenza drugs is rising, innovative inhibitors with a different mode of action are urgently needed. The influenza polymerase complex is widely recognized as a key drug target, given its critical role in virus replication and high degree of conservation among influenza A (of human or zoonotic origin) and B viruses. We here review the major progress that has been made in recent years in unravelling the structure and functions of this protein complex, enabling structure‐aided drug design toward the core regions of the PA endonuclease, PB1 polymerase, or cap‐binding PB2 subunit. Alternatively, inhibitors may target a protein–protein interaction site, a cellular factor involved in viral RNA synthesis, the viral RNA itself, or the nucleoprotein component of the viral ribonucleoprotein. The latest advances made for these diverse pharmacological targets have yielded agents in advanced (i.e., favipiravir and VX‐787) or early clinical testing, besides several experimental inhibitors in various stages of development, which are all covered here.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lieve Naesens
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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