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Mariangeli M, Moreno A, Delcanale P, Abbruzzetti S, Diaspro A, Viappiani C, Bianchini P. Insights on the Mechanical Properties of SARS-CoV-2 Particles and the Effects of the Photosensitizer Hypericin. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8724. [PMID: 39201411 PMCID: PMC11354238 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is a highly pathogenic virus responsible for the COVID-19 disease. It belongs to the Coronaviridae family, characterized by a phospholipid envelope, which is crucial for viral entry and replication in host cells. Hypericin, a lipophilic, naturally occurring photosensitizer, was reported to effectively inactivate enveloped viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, upon light irradiation. In addition to its photodynamic activity, Hyp was found to exert an antiviral action also in the dark. This study explores the mechanical properties of heat-inactivated SARS-CoV-2 viral particles using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Results reveal a flexible structure under external stress, potentially contributing to the virus pathogenicity. Although the fixation protocol causes damage to some particles, correlation with fluorescence demonstrates colocalization of partially degraded virions with their genome. The impact of hypericin on the mechanical properties of the virus was assessed and found particularly relevant in dark conditions. These preliminary results suggest that hypericin can affect the mechanical properties of the viral envelope, an effect that warrants further investigation in the context of antiviral therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Mariangeli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Matematiche, Fisiche e Informatiche, Università di Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy; (M.M.); (P.D.); (S.A.)
- Nanoscopy and NIC@IIT, Center for Human Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16152 Genova, Italy;
| | - Ana Moreno
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna, 25124 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Pietro Delcanale
- Dipartimento di Scienze Matematiche, Fisiche e Informatiche, Università di Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy; (M.M.); (P.D.); (S.A.)
| | - Stefania Abbruzzetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Matematiche, Fisiche e Informatiche, Università di Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy; (M.M.); (P.D.); (S.A.)
| | - Alberto Diaspro
- Nanoscopy and NIC@IIT, Center for Human Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16152 Genova, Italy;
- DIFILAB, Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Genova, 16146 Genova, Italy
| | - Cristiano Viappiani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Matematiche, Fisiche e Informatiche, Università di Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy; (M.M.); (P.D.); (S.A.)
| | - Paolo Bianchini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Matematiche, Fisiche e Informatiche, Università di Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy; (M.M.); (P.D.); (S.A.)
- Nanoscopy and NIC@IIT, Center for Human Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16152 Genova, Italy;
- DIFILAB, Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Genova, 16146 Genova, Italy
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Farasati Far B, Gouranmohit G, Naimi-Jamal MR, Neysani E, El-Nashar HAS, El-Shazly M, Khoshnevisan K. The potential role of Hypericum perforatum in wound healing: A literature review on the phytochemicals, pharmacological approaches, and mechanistic perspectives. Phytother Res 2024; 38:3271-3295. [PMID: 38600756 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
St. John's Wort, commonly known as Hypericum perforatum L., is a flowering plant in the Clusiaceae family that traditionally been employed for treating anxiety, depression, wounds, burns, sunburn, irritation, and stomach ailments. This review provides a synopsis of H. perforatum L. phytoconstituents and their biological effects, highlighting its beneficial therapeutic properties for dermatological indications, as well as its antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-angiogenic activity in various applications including wound healing and skin conditions such as eczema, sun burn and minor burns also spastic paralysis, stiff neck and mood disorders as anti-depressant and nerve pains such as neuralgia. The data were collected from several databases as Web of Science PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus and Google Scholar using the terms: "H. perforatum L.", "H. perforatum L. /phytochemistry," and "H. perforatum extracts/wound healing" collected from 1994 to 2023. The findings suggest H. perforatum L. acts through various mechanisms and plays a role in each phase of the wound healing process, including re-epithelialization, angiogenesis, wound contraction, and connective tissue regeneration. H. perforatum L. enhances collagen deposition, decreases inflammation, inhibits fibroblast migration, and promotes epithelialization by increasing the number of fibroblasts with polygonal shape and the number of collagen fibers within fibroblasts. H. Perforatum L. extracts modulate the immune response and reduce inflammation were found to accelerate the wound healing process via inhibition of inflammatory mediators' production like interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, cyclooxygenase-2 gene expression, and inducible nitric oxide synthase. Thus, H. perforatum L. represents a potential remedy for a wide range of dermatological problems, owing to its constituents with beneficial therapeutic properties. H. perforatum L. could be utilized in the development of novel wound healing therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahareh Farasati Far
- Research Laboratory of Green Organic Synthesis and Polymers, Department of Chemistry, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ghazaleh Gouranmohit
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Naimi-Jamal
- Research Laboratory of Green Organic Synthesis and Polymers, Department of Chemistry, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Erfan Neysani
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Heba A S El-Nashar
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed El-Shazly
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Kamyar Khoshnevisan
- Medical Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Romeo A, Cappelli G, Iacovelli F, Colizzi V, Falconi M. Computational and experimental validation of phthalocyanine and hypericin as effective SARS-CoV-2 fusion inhibitors. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:3920-3934. [PMID: 37235773 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2216276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Phthalocyanine and hypericin have been previously identified as possible SARS-CoV-2 Spike glycoprotein fusion inhibitors through a virtual screening procedure. In this paper, atomistic simulations of metal-free phthalocyanines and atomistic and coarse-grained simulations of hypericins, placed around a complete model of the Spike embedded in a viral membrane, allowed to further explore their multi-target inhibitory potential, uncovering their binding to key protein functional regions and their propensity to insert in the membrane. Following computational results, pre-treatment of a pseudovirus expressing the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein with low compounds concentrations resulted in a strong inhibition of its entry into cells, suggesting the activity of these molecules should involve the direct targeting of the viral envelope surface. The combination of computational and in vitro results hence supports the role of hypericin and phthalocyanine as promising SARS-CoV-2 entry inhibitors, further endorsed by literature reporting the efficacy of these compounds in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 activity and in treating hospitalized COVID-19 patients.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Romeo
- Department of Biology, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Cappelli
- Istituto per i Sistemi Biologici, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Montelibretti, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Mattia Falconi
- Department of Biology, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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Li X, Liu Y, Wu L, Zhao J. Molecular Nanoarchitectonics of Natural Photosensitizers and Their Derivatives Nanostructures for Improved Photodynamic Therapy. ChemMedChem 2024; 19:e202300599. [PMID: 38069595 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202300599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Natural photosensitizers (PSs) and their derivatives have drawn ever-increasing attention in photodynamic therapy (PDT) for their wild range of sources, desirable biocompatibility, and good photosensitivity. Nevertheless, many factors such as poor solubility, high body clearance rate, limited tumor targeting ability, and short excitation wavelengths severely hinder their applications in efficient PDT. In recent years, fabricating nanostructures by utilizing molecular assembly technique is proposed to solve these problems. This technique is easy to put into effect, and the assembled nanostructures could improve the physical properties of the PSs so as to meet the requirement of PDT. In this concept, we focus on the construction of natural PSs and their derivatives nanostructures through molecular assembly technique to enhance PDT efficacy (Figure 1). Furthermore, current challenges and future perspectives of natural PSs and their derivatives for efficient PDT are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochen Li
- Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, 712046, Xianyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Health Cultivation of the Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 100029, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Health Cultivation of Beijing, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 100029, Beijing, China
| | - Yilin Liu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), CAS, Key Lab of Colloid, Interface and Chemical Thermodynamics, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100190, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Lili Wu
- Key Laboratory of Health Cultivation of the Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 100029, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Health Cultivation of Beijing, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 100029, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Zhao
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), CAS, Key Lab of Colloid, Interface and Chemical Thermodynamics, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100190, Beijing, China
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Peng Z, Lu J, Liu K, Xie L, Wang Y, Cai C, Yang D, Xi J, Yan C, Li X, Shi M. Hypericin as a promising natural bioactive naphthodianthrone: A review of its pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and safety. Phytother Res 2023; 37:5639-5656. [PMID: 37690821 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Hypericin can be derived from St. John's wort, which is widely spread around the world. As a natural product, it has been put into clinical practice such as wound healing and depression for a long time. In this article, we review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and safety of hypericin, aiming to introduce the research advances and provide a full evaluation of it. Turns out hypericin, as a natural photosensitizer, exhibits an excellent capacity for anticancer, neuroprotection, and elimination of microorganisms, especially when activated by light, potent anticancer and antimicrobial effects are obtained after photodynamic therapy. The mechanisms of its therapeutic effects involve the induction of cell death, inhibition of cell cycle progression, inhibition of the reuptake of amines, and inhibition of virus replication. The pharmacokinetics properties indicate that hypericin has poor water solubility and bioavailability. The distribution and excretion are fast, and it is metabolized in bile. The toxicity of hypericin is rarely reported and the conventional use of it rarely causes adverse effects except for photosensitization. Therefore, we may conclude that hypericin can be used safely and effectively against a variety of diseases. We hope to provide researchers with detailed guidance and enlighten the development of it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaolei Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Kai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Long Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yulin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Chunyan Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Dejun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jingjing Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Chunmei Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaofang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Mingyi Shi
- School of Intelligent Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Qiu C, Zhang JZ, Wu B, Xu CC, Pang HH, Tu QC, Lu YQ, Guo QY, Xia F, Wang JG. Advanced application of nanotechnology in active constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicines. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:456. [PMID: 38017573 PMCID: PMC10685519 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-02165-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs) have been used for centuries for the treatment and management of various diseases. However, their effective delivery to targeted sites may be a major challenge due to their poor water solubility, low bioavailability, and potential toxicity. Nanocarriers, such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles and organic/inorganic nanohybrids based on active constituents from TCMs have been extensively studied as a promising strategy to improve the delivery of active constituents from TCMs to achieve a higher therapeutic effect with fewer side effects compared to conventional formulations. This review summarizes the recent advances in nanocarrier-based delivery systems for various types of active constituents of TCMs, including terpenoids, polyphenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, and quinones, from different natural sources. This review covers the design and preparation of nanocarriers, their characterization, and in vitro/vivo evaluations. Additionally, this review highlights the challenges and opportunities in the field and suggests future directions for research. Nanocarrier-based delivery systems have shown great potential in improving the therapeutic efficacy of TCMs, and this review may serve as a comprehensive resource to researchers in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Qiu
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-Di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Jun Zhe Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-Di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Bo Wu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medical Science, Sixth Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Cheng Chao Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-Di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Huan Huan Pang
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-Di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Qing Chao Tu
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-Di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Yu Qian Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-Di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Qiu Yan Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-Di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Fei Xia
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-Di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Ji Gang Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-Di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117600, Singapore.
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Wang H, Yang X, Lai H, Sun Y, Yan X, Ai Q, Lin M, Yang S, Yang Y, Chu S, Wang Z, Chen N. Novel antidepressant mechanism of hypericin: Role of connexin 43-based gap junctions. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115545. [PMID: 37734259 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypericin is widely utilized for its precise antidepressant properties, but its exact antidepressant mechanism remains unclear. Gap junctions, which were predominantly expressed in astrocytes in the central nervous system, are concerned with the pathogenesis of depression. However, the role of hypericin in gap junctional dysfunction in depression has rarely been investigated. Here, we found that gap junctions were ultra-structurally broadened in the chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) rat model of depression, while hypericin repaired the dysfunction of gap junctions. Suppression of gap junctions by bilateral injection of carbenoxolone (CBX) in the prefrontal cortex of rats significantly inhibited the restoration of gap junctional dysfunction in depression by hypericin. Meanwhile, hypericin failed to show antidepressant benefits. Furthermore, in corticosterone (CORT)-stimulated primary astrocytes derived from neonatal rats, hypericin dramatically reversed the phosphorylation of connexin 43 (Cx43), normalizing the expression of Cx43 and thereby ameliorating gap junctional dysfunction. Comparatively, CBX inhibited the remission of hypericin on gap junctional intercellular communication function. Gap junctional function might be a novel therapeutic target for hypericin in the treatment of depression and provide potential novel insights into the antidepressant mechanism of other herbal ingredients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiqin Wang
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine & Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, Changsha 410208, Hunan, China; State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Xueying Yang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Huaqing Lai
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, Guangdong, China
| | - Yang Sun
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine & Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, Changsha 410208, Hunan, China
| | - Xu Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Qidi Ai
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine & Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, Changsha 410208, Hunan, China
| | - Meiyu Lin
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine & Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, Changsha 410208, Hunan, China
| | - Songwei Yang
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine & Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, Changsha 410208, Hunan, China
| | - Yantao Yang
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine & Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, Changsha 410208, Hunan, China
| | - Shifeng Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Zhenzhen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.
| | - Naihong Chen
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine & Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, Changsha 410208, Hunan, China; State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.
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Pevná V, Zauška Ľ, Benziane A, Vámosi G, Girman V, Miklóšová M, Zeleňák V, Huntošová V, Almáši M. Effective transport of aggregated hypericin encapsulated in SBA-15 nanoporous silica particles for photodynamic therapy of cancer cells. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY. B, BIOLOGY 2023; 247:112785. [PMID: 37714000 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2023.112785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) represents an interesting modality for the elimination of damaged biomaterials and cells. This treatment takes advantage of the photosensitizing properties of molecules that are active only when irradiated with light. In the present work, a dual property of hypericin, a hydrophobic molecule with high performance in photodiagnostics and photodynamic therapy, was exploited. The non-fluorescent and photodynamically inactive form of hypericin aggregates was loaded into the nanopores of SBA-15 silica particles. The synthesized particles were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, differential thermal analysis, small-angle X-ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy. Hypericin aggregates were confirmed by absorption spectra typical of aggregated hypericin and by its short fluorescence lifetime. Release of hypericin from the particles was observed toward serum proteins, mimicking physiological conditions. Temperature- and time-dependent uptake of hypericin by cancer cells showed gradual release of hypericin from the particles and active cellular transport by endocytosis. A closer examination of SBA-15-hypericin uptake by fluorescence lifetime imaging showed that aggregated hypericin molecules, characterized by a short fluorescence lifetime (∼4 ns), were still present in the SBA-15 particles upon uptake by cells. However, monomerization of hypericin in cancer cells was observed by extending the hypericin fluorescence lifetime by ∼8 ns, preferentially in lipid compartments and the plasma membrane. This suggests a promising prognosis for delayed biological activity of the entire cargo, which was confirmed by effective PDT in vitro. In summary, this work presents an approach for safe, inactive delivery of hypericin that is activated at the target site in cells and tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktória Pevná
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Physics, Faculty of Science, P.J. Šafárik University in Košice, Jesenná 5, SK-041 54 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Ľuboš Zauška
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, P. J. Šafárik University in Košice, Moyzesova 11, SK-041 54, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Anass Benziane
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - György Vámosi
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Vladimír Girman
- Department of Solid State Physics, Faculty of Science, P.J. Šafárik University in Košice, Park Angelinum, SK-041 54, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Monika Miklóšová
- 2(nd) Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, P.J. Šafárik University in Košice, Rastislavova 43, SK-040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Vladimír Zeleňák
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, P. J. Šafárik University in Košice, Moyzesova 11, SK-041 54, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Veronika Huntošová
- Center for Interdisciplinary Biosciences, Technology and Innovation Park, P.J. Šafárik University in Košice, Jesenná 5, SK-041 54 Košice, Slovakia.
| | - Miroslav Almáši
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, P. J. Šafárik University in Košice, Moyzesova 11, SK-041 54, Košice, Slovakia
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Da A, Wu-Lu M, Dragelj J, Mroginski MA, Ebrahimi KH. Multi-structural molecular docking (MOD) combined with molecular dynamics reveal the structural requirements of designing broad-spectrum inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 entry to host cells. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16387. [PMID: 37773489 PMCID: PMC10541870 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42015-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
New variants of SARS-CoV-2 that can escape immune response continue to emerge. Consequently, there is an urgent demand to design small molecule therapeutics inhibiting viral entry to host cells to reduce infectivity rate. Despite numerous in silico and in situ studies, the structural requirement of designing viral-entry inhibitors effective against multiple variants of SARS-CoV-2 has yet to be described. Here we systematically screened the binding of various natural products (NPs) to six different SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) structures. We demonstrate that Multi-structural Molecular Docking (MOD) combined with molecular dynamics calculations allowed us to predict a vulnerable site of RBD and the structural requirement of ligands binding to this vulnerable site. We expect that our findings lay the foundation for in silico screening and identification of lead molecules to guide drug discovery into designing new broad-spectrum lead molecules to counter the threat of future variants of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anqi Da
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Meritxell Wu-Lu
- Institute of Chemistry, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jovan Dragelj
- Institute of Chemistry, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Wang Z, Song XQ, Xu W, Lei S, Zhang H, Yang L. Stand Up to Stand Out: Natural Dietary Polyphenols Curcumin, Resveratrol, and Gossypol as Potential Therapeutic Candidates against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection. Nutrients 2023; 15:3885. [PMID: 37764669 PMCID: PMC10535599 DOI: 10.3390/nu15183885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has stimulated collaborative drug discovery efforts in academia and the industry with the aim of developing therapies and vaccines that target SARS-CoV-2. Several novel therapies have been approved and deployed in the last three years. However, their clinical application has revealed limitations due to the rapid emergence of viral variants. Therefore, the development of next-generation SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic agents with a high potency and safety profile remains a high priority for global health. Increasing awareness of the "back to nature" approach for improving human health has prompted renewed interest in natural products, especially dietary polyphenols, as an additional therapeutic strategy to treat SARS-CoV-2 patients, owing to its good safety profile, exceptional nutritional value, health-promoting benefits (including potential antiviral properties), affordability, and availability. Herein, we describe the biological properties and pleiotropic molecular mechanisms of dietary polyphenols curcumin, resveratrol, and gossypol as inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants as observed in in vitro and in vivo studies. Based on the advantages and disadvantages of dietary polyphenols and to obtain maximal benefits, several strategies such as nanotechnology (e.g., curcumin-incorporated nanofibrous membranes with antibacterial-antiviral ability), lead optimization (e.g., a methylated analog of curcumin), combination therapies (e.g., a specific combination of plant extracts and micronutrients), and broad-spectrum activities (e.g., gossypol broadly inhibits coronaviruses) have also been emphasized as positive factors in the facilitation of anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug development to support effective long-term pandemic management and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonglei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Green Natural Products and Pharmaceutical Intermediates in Colleges and Universities of Shandong Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, China; (W.X.); (S.L.); (H.Z.)
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus, Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xian-qing Song
- General Surgery Department, Baoan Central Hospital, Affiliated Baoan Central Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Wenjing Xu
- Key Laboratory of Green Natural Products and Pharmaceutical Intermediates in Colleges and Universities of Shandong Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, China; (W.X.); (S.L.); (H.Z.)
| | - Shizeng Lei
- Key Laboratory of Green Natural Products and Pharmaceutical Intermediates in Colleges and Universities of Shandong Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, China; (W.X.); (S.L.); (H.Z.)
| | - Hao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Green Natural Products and Pharmaceutical Intermediates in Colleges and Universities of Shandong Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, China; (W.X.); (S.L.); (H.Z.)
| | - Liyan Yang
- School of Physics and Physical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, China
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11
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Mariewskaya KA, Gvozdev DA, Chistov AA, Straková P, Huvarová I, Svoboda P, Kotouček J, Ivanov NM, Krasilnikov MS, Zhitlov MY, Pak AM, Mikhnovets IE, Nikitin TD, Korshun VA, Alferova VA, Mašek J, Růžek D, Eyer L, Ustinov AV. Membrane-Targeting Perylenylethynylphenols Inactivate Medically Important Coronaviruses via the Singlet Oxygen Photogeneration Mechanism. Molecules 2023; 28:6278. [PMID: 37687107 PMCID: PMC10488391 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28176278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Perylenylethynyl derivatives have been recognized as broad-spectrum antivirals that target the lipid envelope of enveloped viruses. In this study, we present novel perylenylethynylphenols that exhibit nanomolar or submicromolar antiviral activity against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV) in vitro. Perylenylethynylphenols incorporate into viral and cellular membranes and block the entry of the virus into the host cell. Furthermore, these compounds demonstrate an ability to generate singlet oxygen when exposed to visible light. The rate of singlet oxygen production is positively correlated with antiviral activity, confirming that the inhibition of fusion is primarily due to singlet-oxygen-induced damage to the viral envelope. The unique combination of a shape that affords affinity to the lipid bilayer and the capacity to generate singlet oxygen makes perylenylethynylphenols highly effective scaffolds against enveloped viruses. The anticoronaviral activity of perylenylethynylphenols is strictly light-dependent and disappears in the absence of daylight (under red light). Moreover, these compounds exhibit negligible cytotoxicity, highlighting their significant potential for further exploration of the precise antiviral mechanism and the broader scope and limitations of this compound class.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kseniya A. Mariewskaya
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (K.A.M.); (A.A.C.); (N.M.I.); (M.S.K.); (M.Y.Z.); (A.M.P.); (I.E.M.); (T.D.N.); (V.A.A.); (A.V.U.)
| | - Daniil A. Gvozdev
- Department of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1-12, 119234 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Alexey A. Chistov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (K.A.M.); (A.A.C.); (N.M.I.); (M.S.K.); (M.Y.Z.); (A.M.P.); (I.E.M.); (T.D.N.); (V.A.A.); (A.V.U.)
| | - Petra Straková
- Laboratory of Emerging Viral Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, CZ-621 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.S.); (I.H.); (P.S.); (D.R.)
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 1160/31, CZ-370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ivana Huvarová
- Laboratory of Emerging Viral Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, CZ-621 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.S.); (I.H.); (P.S.); (D.R.)
| | - Pavel Svoboda
- Laboratory of Emerging Viral Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, CZ-621 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.S.); (I.H.); (P.S.); (D.R.)
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 1160/31, CZ-370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, CZ-612 42 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Kotouček
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, CZ-621 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (J.K.); (J.M.)
| | - Nikita M. Ivanov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (K.A.M.); (A.A.C.); (N.M.I.); (M.S.K.); (M.Y.Z.); (A.M.P.); (I.E.M.); (T.D.N.); (V.A.A.); (A.V.U.)
| | - Maxim S. Krasilnikov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (K.A.M.); (A.A.C.); (N.M.I.); (M.S.K.); (M.Y.Z.); (A.M.P.); (I.E.M.); (T.D.N.); (V.A.A.); (A.V.U.)
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1-3, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail Y. Zhitlov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (K.A.M.); (A.A.C.); (N.M.I.); (M.S.K.); (M.Y.Z.); (A.M.P.); (I.E.M.); (T.D.N.); (V.A.A.); (A.V.U.)
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1-3, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexandra M. Pak
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (K.A.M.); (A.A.C.); (N.M.I.); (M.S.K.); (M.Y.Z.); (A.M.P.); (I.E.M.); (T.D.N.); (V.A.A.); (A.V.U.)
| | - Igor E. Mikhnovets
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (K.A.M.); (A.A.C.); (N.M.I.); (M.S.K.); (M.Y.Z.); (A.M.P.); (I.E.M.); (T.D.N.); (V.A.A.); (A.V.U.)
| | - Timofei D. Nikitin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (K.A.M.); (A.A.C.); (N.M.I.); (M.S.K.); (M.Y.Z.); (A.M.P.); (I.E.M.); (T.D.N.); (V.A.A.); (A.V.U.)
| | - Vladimir A. Korshun
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (K.A.M.); (A.A.C.); (N.M.I.); (M.S.K.); (M.Y.Z.); (A.M.P.); (I.E.M.); (T.D.N.); (V.A.A.); (A.V.U.)
| | - Vera A. Alferova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (K.A.M.); (A.A.C.); (N.M.I.); (M.S.K.); (M.Y.Z.); (A.M.P.); (I.E.M.); (T.D.N.); (V.A.A.); (A.V.U.)
| | - Josef Mašek
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, CZ-621 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (J.K.); (J.M.)
| | - Daniel Růžek
- Laboratory of Emerging Viral Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, CZ-621 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.S.); (I.H.); (P.S.); (D.R.)
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 1160/31, CZ-370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Luděk Eyer
- Laboratory of Emerging Viral Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, CZ-621 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.S.); (I.H.); (P.S.); (D.R.)
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 1160/31, CZ-370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Alexey V. Ustinov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (K.A.M.); (A.A.C.); (N.M.I.); (M.S.K.); (M.Y.Z.); (A.M.P.); (I.E.M.); (T.D.N.); (V.A.A.); (A.V.U.)
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12
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England C, TrejoMartinez J, PerezSanchez P, Karki U, Xu J. Plants as Biofactories for Therapeutic Proteins and Antiviral Compounds to Combat COVID-19. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:617. [PMID: 36983772 PMCID: PMC10054913 DOI: 10.3390/life13030617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) had a profound impact on the world's health and economy. Although the end of the pandemic may come in 2023, it is generally believed that the virus will not be completely eradicated. Most likely, the disease will become an endemicity. The rapid development of vaccines of different types (mRNA, subunit protein, inactivated virus, etc.) and some other antiviral drugs (Remdesivir, Olumiant, Paxlovid, etc.) has provided effectiveness in reducing COVID-19's impact worldwide. However, the circulating SARS-CoV-2 virus has been constantly mutating with the emergence of multiple variants, which makes control of COVID-19 difficult. There is still a pressing need for developing more effective antiviral drugs to fight against the disease. Plants have provided a promising production platform for both bioactive chemical compounds (small molecules) and recombinant therapeutics (big molecules). Plants naturally produce a diverse range of bioactive compounds as secondary metabolites, such as alkaloids, terpenoids/terpenes and polyphenols, which are a rich source of countless antiviral compounds. Plants can also be genetically engineered to produce valuable recombinant therapeutics. This molecular farming in plants has an unprecedented opportunity for developing vaccines, antibodies, and other biologics for pandemic diseases because of its potential advantages, such as low cost, safety, and high production volume. This review summarizes the latest advancements in plant-derived drugs used to combat COVID-19 and discusses the prospects and challenges of the plant-based production platform for antiviral agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corbin England
- Arkansas Biosciences Institute, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
- Molecular Biosciences Program, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
| | | | - Paula PerezSanchez
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
| | - Uddhab Karki
- Arkansas Biosciences Institute, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
- Molecular Biosciences Program, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
| | - Jianfeng Xu
- Arkansas Biosciences Institute, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
- College of Agriculture, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
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13
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Praena B, Mascaraque M, Andreu S, Bello-Morales R, Abarca-Lachen E, Rapozzi V, Gilaberte Y, González S, López-Guerrero JA, Juarranz Á. Potent Virucidal Activity In Vitro of Photodynamic Therapy with Hypericum Extract as Photosensitizer and White Light against Human Coronavirus HCoV-229E. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14112364. [PMID: 36365182 PMCID: PMC9693429 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14112364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergent human coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and its high infectivity rate has highlighted the strong need for new virucidal treatments. In this sense, the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with white light, to take advantage of the sunlight, is a potent strategy for decreasing the virulence and pathogenicity of the virus. Here, we report the virucidal effect of PDT based on Hypericum extract (HE) in combination with white light, which exhibits an inhibitory activity of the human coronavirus HCoV-229E on hepatocarcinoma Huh-7 cells. Moreover, despite continuous exposure to white light, HE has long durability, being able to maintain the prevention of viral infection. Given its potent in vitro virucidal capacity, we propose HE in combination with white light as a promising candidate to fight against SARS-CoV-2 as a virucidal compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Praena
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Edificio de Biología, Darwin 2, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Mascaraque
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Edificio de Biología, Darwin 2, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigaciones Sanitarias, IRYCIS, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sabina Andreu
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Edificio de Biología, Darwin 2, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-UAM, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Bello-Morales
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Edificio de Biología, Darwin 2, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-UAM, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Edgar Abarca-Lachen
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad San Jorge, 50830 Villanueva de Gállego, Spain
| | | | - Yolanda Gilaberte
- Hospital Miguel Servet, Servicio de Dermatología, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Salvador González
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigaciones Sanitarias, IRYCIS, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina y Especialidades Médicas, Universidad de Alcalá, 28805 Madrid, Spain
| | - José Antonio López-Guerrero
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Edificio de Biología, Darwin 2, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-UAM, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.A.L.-G.); (Á.J.)
| | - Ángeles Juarranz
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Edificio de Biología, Darwin 2, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigaciones Sanitarias, IRYCIS, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.A.L.-G.); (Á.J.)
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Lam HYI, Guan JS, Mu Y. In Silico Repurposed Drugs against Monkeypox Virus. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27165277. [PMID: 36014515 PMCID: PMC9415168 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27165277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Monkeypox is an emerging epidemic of concern. The disease is caused by the monkeypox virus and an increasing global incidence with a 2022 outbreak that has spread to Europe amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The new outbreak is associated with novel, previously undiscovered mutations and variants. Currently, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved poxvirus treatment involves the use of tecovirimat. However, there is otherwise limited pharmacopoeia and research interest in monkeypox. In this study, virtual screening and molecular dynamics were employed to explore the potential repurposing of multiple drugs previously approved by the FDA or other jurisdictions for other applications. Several drugs are predicted to tightly bind to viral proteins, which are crucial in viral replication, including molecules which show high potential for binding the monkeypox D13L capsid protein, whose inhibition has previously been demonstrated to suppress viral replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilbert Yuen In Lam
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Dr, Singapore 637551, Singapore
- A*STAR Skin Research Labs, Agency of Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, 11 Mandalay Rd, #17-01, Singapore 308232, Singapore
| | - Jia Sheng Guan
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Dr, Singapore 637551, Singapore
| | - Yuguang Mu
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Dr, Singapore 637551, Singapore
- Correspondence:
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Photodynamic Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 Infectivity and Antiviral Treatment Effects In Vitro. Viruses 2022; 14:v14061301. [PMID: 35746772 PMCID: PMC9229166 DOI: 10.3390/v14061301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite available vaccines, antibodies and antiviral agents, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic still continues to cause severe disease and death. Current treatment options are limited, and emerging new mutations are a challenge. Thus, novel treatments and measures for prevention of viral infections are urgently required. Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) is a potential treatment for infections by a broad variety of critical pathogens, including viruses. We explored the infectiousness of clinical SARS-CoV-2 isolates in Vero cell cultures after PDI-treatment, using the photosensitizer Tetrahydroporphyrin-tetratosylate (THPTS) and near-infrared light. Replication of viral RNA (qPCR), viral cytopathic effects (microscopy) and mitochondrial activity were assessed. PDI of virus suspension with 1 µM THPTS before infection resulted in a reduction of detectable viral RNA by 3 log levels at day 3 and 6 after infection to similar levels as in previously heat-inactivated virions (<99.9%; p < 0.05). Mitochondrial activity, which was significantly reduced by viral infection, was markedly increased by PDI to levels similar to uninfected cell cultures. When applying THPTS-based PDI after infection, a single treatment had a virus load-reducing effect only at a higher concentration (3 µM) and reduced cell viability in terms of PDI-induced toxicity. Repeated PDI with 0.3 µM THPTS every 4 h for 3 d after infection reduced the viral load by more than 99.9% (p < 0.05), while cell viability was maintained. Our data demonstrate that THPTS-based antiviral PDI might constitute a promising approach for inactivation of SARS-CoV-2. Further testing will demonstrate if THPTS is also suitable to reduce the viral load in vivo.
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Perylene as a controversial antiviral scaffold. ANNUAL REPORTS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.armc.2022.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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