1
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Kenward C, Vuckovic M, Paetzel M, Strynadka NCJ. Kinetic comparison of all eleven viral polyprotein cleavage site processing events by SARS-CoV-2 main protease using a linked protein FRET platform. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107367. [PMID: 38750796 PMCID: PMC11209022 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107367] [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: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The main protease (Mpro) remains an essential therapeutic target for COVID-19 post infection intervention given its critical role in processing the majority of viral proteins encoded by the genome of severe acute respiratory syndrome related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Upon viral entry, the +ssRNA genome is translated into two long polyproteins (pp1a or the frameshift-dependent pp1ab) containing all the nonstructural proteins (nsps) required by the virus for immune modulation, replication, and ultimately, virion assembly. Included among these nsps is the cysteine protease Mpro (nsp5) which self-excises from the polyprotein, dimerizes, then sequentially cleaves 11 of the 15 cut-site junctions found between each nsp within the polyprotein. Many structures of Mpro (often bound to various small molecule inhibitors or peptides) have been detailed recently, including structures of Mpro bound to each of the polyprotein cleavage sequences, showing that Mpro can accommodate a wide range of targets within its active site. However, to date, kinetic characterization of the interaction of Mpro with each of its native cleavage sequences remains incomplete. Here, we present a robust and cost-effective FRET based system that benefits from a more consistent presentation of the substrate that is also closer in organization to the native polyprotein environment compared to previously reported FRET systems that use chemically modified peptides. Using this system, we were able to show that while each site maintains a similar Michaelis constant, the catalytic efficiency of Mpro varies greatly between cut-site sequences, suggesting a clear preference for the order of nsp processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calem Kenward
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Centre for Blood Research, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Marija Vuckovic
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Centre for Blood Research, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mark Paetzel
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Natalie C J Strynadka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Centre for Blood Research, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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2
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Padmanabha Das KM. Editorial: Antiviral drug discovery against pathogens of pandemic concern: Advancements in target site identification and structure-based drug development. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1165208. [PMID: 36968270 PMCID: PMC10034765 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1165208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Krishna M. Padmanabha Das
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology (BCMP), Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: Krishna M. Padmanabha Das,
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3
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Qiu C, Whittaker GR, Gellman SH, Daniel S, Abbott NL. Interactions of SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV fusion peptides measured using single-molecule force methods. Biophys J 2023; 122:646-660. [PMID: 36650897 PMCID: PMC9841730 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
We address the challenge of understanding how hydrophobic interactions are encoded by fusion peptide (FP) sequences within coronavirus (CoV) spike proteins. Within the FPs of severe acute respiratory syndrome CoV 2 and Middle East respiratory syndrome CoV (MERS-CoV), a largely conserved peptide sequence called FP1 (SFIEDLLFNK and SAIEDLLFDK in SARS-2 and MERS, respectively) has been proposed to play a key role in encoding hydrophobic interactions that drive viral-host cell membrane fusion. Although a non-polar triad (Leu-Leu-Phe (LLF)) is common to both FP1 sequences, and thought to dominate the encoding of hydrophobic interactions, FP1 from SARS-2 and MERS differ in two residues (Phe 2 versus Ala 2 and Asn 9 versus Asp 9, respectively). Here we explore whether single-molecule force measurements can quantify hydrophobic interactions encoded by FP1 sequences, and then ask whether sequence variations between FP1 from SARS-2 and MERS lead to significant differences in hydrophobic interactions. We find that both SARS-2 and MERS wild-type FP1 generate measurable hydrophobic interactions at the single-molecule level, but that SARS-2 FP1 encodes a substantially stronger hydrophobic interaction than its MERS counterpart (1.91 ± 0.03 nN versus 0.68 ± 0.03 nN, respectively). By performing force measurements with FP1 sequences with single amino acid substitutions, we determine that a single-residue mutation (Phe 2 versus Ala 2) causes the almost threefold difference in the hydrophobic interaction strength generated by the FP1 of SARS-2 versus MERS, despite the presence of LLF in both sequences. Infrared spectroscopy and circular dichroism measurements support the proposal that the outsized influence of Phe 2 versus Ala 2 on the hydrophobic interaction arises from variation in the secondary structure adopted by FP1. Overall, these insights reveal how single-residue diversity in viral FPs, including FP1 of SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV, can lead to substantial changes in intermolecular interactions proposed to play a key role in viral fusion, and hint at strategies for regulating hydrophobic interactions of peptides in a range of contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Qiu
- Robert F. Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Gary R Whittaker
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Samuel H Gellman
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Susan Daniel
- Robert F. Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Nicholas L Abbott
- Robert F. Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.
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4
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Yoo S, Kim L, Lu M, Nagoshi K, Namchuk M. A review of clinical efficacy data supporting emergency use authorization for COVID-19 therapeutics and lessons for future pandemics. Clin Transl Sci 2022; 15:2279-2292. [PMID: 35929015 PMCID: PMC9538903 DOI: 10.1111/cts.13384] [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: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) allows the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to expedite the availability of therapeutics in the context of a public health emergency. To date, an evidentiary standard for clinical efficacy to support an EUA has not yet been established. This review examines the clinical data submitted in support of EUA for antiviral and anti-inflammatory therapeutics for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) through December of 2021 and the resilience of the authorization as new clinical data arose subsequent to the authorization. In the vast majority of cases, EUA was supported by at least one well-powered randomized controlled trial (RCT) where statistically significant efficacy was demonstrated. This included branded medications already approved for use outside of the context of COVID-19. When used, the standard of a single RCT seemed to provide adequate evidence of clinical efficacy, such that subsequent clinical studies generally supported or expanded the EUA of the therapeutic in question. The lone generic agent that was granted EUA (chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine) was not supported by a well-controlled RCT, and the EUA was withdrawn within 3 months time. This highlighted not only the ambiguity of the EUA standard, but also the need to provide avenues through which high quality clinical evidence for the efficacy of a generic medication could be obtained. Therefore, maintaining the clinical trial networks assembled during the COVID-19 pandemic could be a critical component of our preparation for future pandemics. Consideration could also be given to establishing a single successful RCT as regulatory guidance for obtaining an EUA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lauren Kim
- Harvard CollegeCambridgeMassachusettsUSA
| | | | | | - Mark N. Namchuk
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular PharmacologyBlavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
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5
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Yu HX, Zheng N, Yeh CT, Lee CM, Zhang Q, Zheng WL, Chang Q, Li YH, Li YJ, Wu GZ, Quan JM, Zhang LQ, Tzeng YM, Yang Z. Identification and semisynthesis of (-)-anisomelic acid as oral agent against SARS-CoV-2 in mice. Natl Sci Rev 2022; 9:nwac176. [PMID: 36601138 PMCID: PMC9798891 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwac176] [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: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
(-)-Anisomelic acid, isolated from Anisomeles indica (L.) Kuntze (Labiatae) leaves, is a macrocyclic cembranolide with a trans-fused α-methylene-γ-lactone motif. Anisomelic acid effectively inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication and viral-induced cytopathic effects with an EC50 of 1.1 and 4.3 μM, respectively. Challenge studies of SARS-CoV-2-infected K18-hACE2 mice showed that oral administration of anisomelic acid and subcutaneous dosing of remdesivir can both reduce the viral titers in the lung tissue at the same level. To facilitate drug discovery, we used a semisynthetic approach to shorten the project timelines. The enantioselective semisynthesis of anisomelic acid from the naturally enriched and commercially available starting material (+)-costunolide was achieved in five steps with a 27% overall yield. The developed chemistry provides opportunities for developing anisomelic-acid-based novel ligands for selectively targeting proteins involved in viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Xin Yu
- Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Nan Zheng
- Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Chi-Tai Yeh
- Department of Medicinal Research and Education, Taipei Medical University-Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ming Lee
- Department of Applied Science, Taitung University, Taitung 95092, Taiwan
| | - Qi Zhang
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, Comprehensive AIDS Research Center, and Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Wen-Lv Zheng
- Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Qing Chang
- Lanzhou Institute of Separation Science, Lanzhou 730013, China
| | - Yuan-He Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education and Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Science (BNLMS), College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yu-Jun Li
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518055, China
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6
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Mohan S, Dharani J, Natarajan R, Nagarajan A. Molecular docking and identification of G-protein-coupled receptor 120 (GPR120) agonists as SARS COVID-19 MPro inhibitors. J Genet Eng Biotechnol 2022; 20:108. [PMID: 35849279 PMCID: PMC9289937 DOI: 10.1186/s43141-022-00375-8] [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: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 has become a pandemic, and any new drug for treating the disease could save millions of lives. Several drugs already in use for other diseases and medical conditions are repurposed for treating COVID-19 in an attempt to find treatment for the disease without spending research time on ADME TOX and other studies on side effects. In this exercise, the drugs repurposed are from antiviral, antibiotics, antiviral for HIV and HCV, anti-cancer, natural medicines, etc. Possible repurposing anti-diabetic GPR-120 agonists used as for SAR-CoV-2 is attempted in the study by carrying out docking of 68 GPR-120 agonists. Ten of these compounds were found to have docking scores −8.3 to −8.0, and the best docking score was observed for an arylsulfonamide and a biarylpropanoic acid belonging to GPR120 agonists previously evaluated for the treatment of type II diabetes. These GPR120 agonists could serve as start point for novel inhibitors for the discovery of drugs to treat COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sellappan Mohan
- Karpagam College of Pharmacy, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, 641032, India.
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7
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Shaqra AM, Zvornicanin SN, Huang QYJ, Lockbaum GJ, Knapp M, Tandeske L, Bakan DT, Flynn J, Bolon DNA, Moquin S, Dovala D, Kurt Yilmaz N, Schiffer CA. Defining the substrate envelope of SARS-CoV-2 main protease to predict and avoid drug resistance. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3556. [PMID: 35729165 PMCID: PMC9211792 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31210-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses can evolve and spread rapidly to cause severe disease morbidity and mortality, as exemplified by SARS-CoV-2 variants of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although currently available vaccines remain mostly effective against SARS-CoV-2 variants, additional treatment strategies are needed. Inhibitors that target essential viral enzymes, such as proteases and polymerases, represent key classes of antivirals. However, clinical use of antiviral therapies inevitably leads to emergence of drug resistance. In this study we implemented a strategy to pre-emptively address drug resistance to protease inhibitors targeting the main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2, an essential enzyme that promotes viral maturation. We solved nine high-resolution cocrystal structures of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro bound to substrate peptides and six structures with cleavage products. These structures enabled us to define the substrate envelope of Mpro, map the critical recognition elements, and identify evolutionarily vulnerable sites that may be susceptible to resistance mutations that would compromise binding of the newly developed Mpro inhibitors. Our results suggest strategies for developing robust inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 that will retain longer-lasting efficacy against this evolving viral pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ala M Shaqra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, US
| | - Sarah N Zvornicanin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, US
| | - Qiu Yu J Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, US
| | - Gordon J Lockbaum
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, US
| | - Mark Knapp
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Emeryville, CA, 94608, USA
| | - Laura Tandeske
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Emeryville, CA, 94608, USA
| | - David T Bakan
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Emeryville, CA, 94608, USA
| | - Julia Flynn
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, US
| | - Daniel N A Bolon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, US
| | - Stephanie Moquin
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Emeryville, CA, 94608, USA
| | - Dustin Dovala
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Emeryville, CA, 94608, USA
| | - Nese Kurt Yilmaz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, US.
| | - Celia A Schiffer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, US.
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8
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Hussein M, Andrade dos Ramos Z, Berkhout B, Herrera-Carrillo E. In Silico Prediction and Selection of Target Sequences in the SARS-CoV-2 RNA Genome for an Antiviral Attack. Viruses 2022; 14:v14020385. [PMID: 35215977 PMCID: PMC8880226 DOI: 10.3390/v14020385] [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: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has urged the development of protective vaccines and the search for specific antiviral drugs. The modern molecular biology tools provides alternative methods, such as CRISPR-Cas and RNA interference, that can be adapted as antiviral approaches, and contribute to this search. The unique CRISPR-Cas13d system, with the small crRNA guide molecule, mediates a sequence-specific attack on RNA, and can be developed as an anti-coronavirus strategy. We analyzed the SARS-CoV-2 genome to localize the hypothetically best crRNA-annealing sites of 23 nucleotides based on our extensive expertise with sequence-specific antiviral strategies. We considered target sites of which the sequence is well-conserved among SARS-CoV-2 isolates. As we should prepare for a potential future outbreak of related viruses, we screened for targets that are conserved between SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV. To further broaden the search, we screened for targets that are conserved between SARS-CoV-2 and the more distantly related MERS-CoV, as well as the four other human coronaviruses (OC43, 229E, NL63, HKU1). Finally, we performed a search for pan-corona target sequences that are conserved among all these coronaviruses, including the new Omicron variant, that are able to replicate in humans. This survey may contribute to the design of effective, safe, and escape-proof antiviral strategies to prepare for future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ben Berkhout
- Correspondence: (B.B.); (E.H.-C.); Tel.: +31-20-566-4822 (B.B.); +31-20-566-4865 (E.H.-C.)
| | - Elena Herrera-Carrillo
- Correspondence: (B.B.); (E.H.-C.); Tel.: +31-20-566-4822 (B.B.); +31-20-566-4865 (E.H.-C.)
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9
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Mahato S. Recent Development of Small Molecules for SARS-CoV-2 and the Opportunity for Fragment-Based Drug Discovery. Med Chem 2022; 18:847-858. [DOI: 10.2174/1573406418666220214091107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Abstract:
The ongoing pandemic of Covid-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 is a major threat to global public health, drawing attention to develop new therapeutics for treatment. Much research work is focused on identifying or repurposing new small molecules to serve as potential inhibitors by interacting with viral or host-cell molecular targets and understanding the nature of the virus in the host cells. Identifying small molecules as potent inhibitors at an early stage is advantageous to make a molecule with higher potency and then find a lead compound for the development of drug discovery. Small molecules can show their inhibition property by targeting either SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) enzyme, papain-like protease (PLpro) enzyme, or helicase (Hel), or blocking the spike (S) protein angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. A very recent outbreak of a new variant (B.1.617.2—termed as Delta variant) of SARS-CoV-2 worldwide posed a greater challenge as it is resistant to clinically undergoing vaccine trials. Thus, the development of new drug molecules is of potential interest to combat SARS-CoV-2 disease, and for that, fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) approach could be one of the ways to bring out an effective solution. Two cysteine protease enzymes would be an attractive choice of target for fragment-based drug discovery to tune the molecular structure at an early stage with suitable functionality. In this short review, the recent development of small-molecule as inhibitors against Covid-19 are discussed and the opportunity for FBDD is envisioned optimistically to provide an outlook regarding Covid-19 that may pave the way in the direction of the Covid-19 drug development paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujit Mahato
- Department of Chemistry, Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology, Surat, Gujarat-395007, INDIA
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10
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Hong M, Cheng L, Liu Y, Wu Z, Zhang P, Zhang X. A Natural Plant Source-Tea Polyphenols, a Potential Drug for Improving Immunity and Combating Virus. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14030550. [PMID: 35276917 PMCID: PMC8839699 DOI: 10.3390/nu14030550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is still in a global epidemic, which has profoundly affected people’s lives. Tea polyphenols (TP) has been reported to enhance the immunity of the body to COVID-19 and other viral infectious diseases. The inhibitory effect of TP on COVID-19 may be achieved through a series of mechanisms, including the inhibition of multiple viral targets, the blocking of cellular receptors, and the activation of transcription factors. Emerging evidence shows gastrointestinal tract is closely related to respiratory tract, therefore, the relationship between the state of the gut–lung axis microflora and immune homeostasis of the host needs further research. This article summarized that TP can improve the disorder of flora, reduce the occurrence of cytokine storm, improve immunity, and prevent COVID-19 infection. TP may be regarded as a potential and valuable source for the design of new antiviral drugs with high efficiency and low toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyu Hong
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (M.H.); (Y.L.); (Z.W.)
| | - Lu Cheng
- Department of Food Science, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA;
| | - Yanan Liu
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (M.H.); (Y.L.); (Z.W.)
| | - Zufang Wu
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (M.H.); (Y.L.); (Z.W.)
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Student Affairs, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang 464000, China
- Correspondence: (P.Z.); (X.Z.)
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (M.H.); (Y.L.); (Z.W.)
- Correspondence: (P.Z.); (X.Z.)
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11
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Kumar Palli K, Ghosh P, Krishna Avula S, Sridhara Shanmukha Rao B, Patil AD, Ghosh S, Sudhakar G, Raji Reddy C, Mainkar PS, Chandrasekhar S. Total synthesis of remdesivir. Tetrahedron Lett 2022; 88:153590. [PMID: 34908617 PMCID: PMC8656175 DOI: 10.1016/j.tetlet.2021.153590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Remdesivir, the first drug approved by the FDA to treat COVID-19, is in high demand for patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Herein, we report a facile approach minimizing the protecting group manipulations to afford remdesivir in good overall yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kishore Kumar Palli
- Department of Organic Synthesis & Process Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad 500007, India,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Palash Ghosh
- Department of Organic Synthesis & Process Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad 500007, India,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Shiva Krishna Avula
- Department of Organic Synthesis & Process Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad 500007, India,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - B. Sridhara Shanmukha Rao
- Department of Organic Synthesis & Process Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad 500007, India,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Amol D. Patil
- Department of Organic Synthesis & Process Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad 500007, India,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Subhash Ghosh
- Department of Organic Synthesis & Process Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad 500007, India,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Gangarajula Sudhakar
- Department of Organic Synthesis & Process Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad 500007, India,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Chada Raji Reddy
- Department of Organic Synthesis & Process Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad 500007, India,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Prathama S. Mainkar
- Department of Organic Synthesis & Process Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad 500007, India,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Srivari Chandrasekhar
- Department of Organic Synthesis & Process Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad 500007, India,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India,Corresponding author at: Department of Organic Synthesis & Process Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad 500007, India
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12
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Synthesis and evaluation of enantiomers of hydroxychloroquine against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. Bioorg Med Chem 2022; 53:116523. [PMID: 34875467 PMCID: PMC8606320 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2021.116523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Since the end of 2019, the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has evolved into a global pandemic. There is an urgent need for effective and low-toxic antiviral drugs to remedy Remdesivir's limitation. Hydroxychloroquine, a broad spectrum anti-viral drug, showed inhibitory activity against SARS-CoV-2 in some studies. Thus, we adopted a drug repurposing strategy, and further investigated hydroxychloroquine. We obtained different configurations of hydroxychloroquine side chains by using chiral resolution technique, and successfully furnished R-/S-hydroxychloroquine sulfate through chemical synthesis. The R configuration of hydroxychloroquine was found to exhibit higher antiviral activity (EC50 = 3.05 μM) and lower toxicity in vivo. Therefore, R-HCQ is a promising lead compound against SARS-CoV-2. Our research provides new strategy for the subsequent research on small molecule inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2.
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13
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Svetlov D, Artsimovitch I. Reductionism Ad Absurdum: The Misadventures of Structural Biology in the Time of Coronavirus. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:2948-2952. [PMID: 34613689 PMCID: PMC8507565 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.1c00492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The tragic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic have led to admirable responses by the global scientific community, including a profound acceleration in the pace of research and exchange of findings. However, this has had considerable costs of its own, as erroneous conclusions have propagated faster than researchers have been able to detect and correct them. We illustrate the specific misunderstandings that have resulted from reductionist approaches to the study of SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), which are but one instance of a regrettably growing trend in structural biology. Far from merely being cautionary tales about the conduct of scientific research, these errors have had significant practical impact, by hampering a correct understanding of RdRp structure and mechanism, its inhibition by nucleoside analogues such as remdesivir, and the discovery and characterization of such analogues. After correcting these misunderstandings, we close with several recommendations for a broader correction of the course of scientific research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitri Svetlov
- Svetlov Scientific
Software, Pasadena, California 91106, United States
| | - Irina Artsimovitch
- Department of Microbiology and The Center for RNA
Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210,
United States
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14
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Li J, McKay KT, Remington JM, Schneebeli ST. A computational study of cooperative binding to multiple SARS-CoV-2 proteins. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16307. [PMID: 34381116 PMCID: PMC8358031 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95826-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Structure-based drug design targeting the SARS-CoV-2 virus has been greatly facilitated by available virus-related protein structures. However, there is an urgent need for effective, safe small-molecule drugs to control the spread of the virus and variants. While many efforts are devoted to searching for compounds that selectively target individual proteins, we investigated the potential interactions between eight proteins related to SARS-CoV-2 and more than 600 compounds from a traditional Chinese medicine which has proven effective at treating the viral infection. Our original ensemble docking and cooperative docking approaches, followed by a total of over 16-micorsecond molecular simulations, have identified at least 9 compounds that may generally bind to key SARS-CoV-2 proteins. Further, we found evidence that some of these compounds can simultaneously bind to the same target, potentially leading to cooperative inhibition to SARS-CoV-2 proteins like the Spike protein and the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. These results not only present a useful computational methodology to systematically assess the anti-viral potential of small molecules, but also point out a new avenue to seek cooperative compounds toward cocktail therapeutics to target more SARS-CoV-2-related proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianing Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA.
| | - Kyle T McKay
- Department of Chemistry, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Jacob M Remington
- Department of Chemistry, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
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15
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Patten JJ, Keiser PT, Gysi D, Menichetti G, Mori H, Donahue CJ, Gan X, Do Valle I, Geoghegan-Barek K, Anantpadma M, Berrigan JL, Jalloh S, Ayazika T, Wagner F, Zitnik M, Ayehunie S, Anderson D, Loscalzo J, Gummuluru S, Namchuk MN, Barabasi AL, Davey RA. Multidose evaluation of 6,710 drug repurposing library identifies potent SARS-CoV-2 infection inhibitors In Vitro and In Vivo. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2021. [PMID: 33907750 DOI: 10.1101/2021.04.20.440626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has caused widespread illness, loss of life, and socioeconomic disruption that is unlikely to resolve until vaccines are widely adopted, and effective therapeutic treatments become established. Here, a well curated and annotated library of 6710 clinical and preclinical molecules, covering diverse chemical scaffolds and known host targets was evaluated for inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 infection in multiple infection models. Multi-concentration, high-content immunocytofluorescence-based screening identified 172 strongly active small molecules, including 52 with submicromolar potencies. The active molecules were extensively triaged by in vitro mechanistic assays, including human primary cell models of infection and the most promising, obatoclax, was tested for in vivo efficacy. Structural and mechanistic classification of compounds revealed known and novel chemotypes and potential host targets involved in each step of the virus replication cycle including BET proteins, microtubule function, mTOR, ER kinases, protein synthesis and ion channel function. In the mouse disease model obatoclax effectively reduced lung virus load by 10-fold. Overall, this work provides an important, publicly accessible, foundation for development of novel treatments for COVID-19, establishes human primary cell-based pharmacological models for evaluation of therapeutics and identifies new insights into SARS-CoV-2 infection mechanisms. Significance A bioinformatically rich library of pharmacologically active small molecules with diverse chemical scaffolds and including known host targets were used to identify hundreds of SARS-CoV-2 replication inhibitors using in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models. Extending our previous work, unbiased screening demonstrated a propensity for compounds targeting host proteins that interact with virus proteins. Representatives from multiple chemical classes revealed differences in cell susceptibility, suggesting distinct dependencies on host factors and one, Obatoclax, showed 90% reduction of lung virus loads in the mouse disease model. Our findings and integrated analytical approaches will have important implications for future drug screening and how therapies are developed against SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses.
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Groaz E, De Clercq E, Herdewijn P. Anno 2021: Which antivirals for the coming decade? ANNUAL REPORTS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2021; 57:49-107. [PMID: 34744210 PMCID: PMC8563371 DOI: 10.1016/bs.armc.2021.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Despite considerable progress in the development of antiviral drugs, among which anti-immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) medications can be considered real success stories, many viral infections remain without an effective treatment. This not only applies to infectious outbreaks caused by zoonotic viruses that have recently spilled over into humans such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), but also ancient viral diseases that have been brought under control by vaccination such as variola (smallpox), poliomyelitis, measles, and rabies. A largely unsolved problem are endemic respiratory infections due to influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and rhinoviruses, whose associated morbidity will likely worsen with increasing air pollution. Furthermore, climate changes will expose industrialized countries to a dangerous resurgence of viral hemorrhagic fevers, which might also become global infections. Herein, we summarize the recent progress that has been made in the search for new antivirals against these different threats that the world population will need to confront with increasing frequency in the next decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Groaz
- Medicinal Chemistry, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium,Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy,Corresponding author:
| | - Erik De Clercq
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Piet Herdewijn
- Medicinal Chemistry, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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