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Wang C, Wang S, Ma X, Yao X, Zhan K, Wang Z, He D, Zuo W, Han S, Zhao G, Cao B, Zhao J, Bian X, Wang J. P-selectin Facilitates SARS-CoV-2 Spike 1 Subunit Attachment to Vesicular Endothelium and Platelets. ACS Infect Dis 2024. [PMID: 38912949 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection starts from the association of its spike 1 (S1) subunit with sensitive cells. Vesicular endothelial cells and platelets are among the cell types that bind SARS-CoV-2, but the effectors that mediate viral attachment on the cell membrane have not been fully elucidated. Herein, we show that P-selectin (SELP), a biomarker for endothelial dysfunction and platelet activation, can facilitate the attachment of SARS-CoV-2 S1. Since we observe colocalization of SELP with S1 in the lung tissues of COVID-19 patients, we perform molecular biology experiments on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to confirm the intermolecular interaction between SELP and S1. SELP overexpression increases S1 recruitment to HUVECs and enhances SARS-CoV-2 spike pseudovirion infection. The opposite results are determined after SELP downregulation. As S1 causes endothelial inflammatory responses in a dose-dependent manner, by activating the interleukin (IL)-17 signaling pathway, SELP-induced S1 recruitment may contribute to the development of a "cytokine storm" after viral infection. Furthermore, SELP also promotes the attachment of S1 to the platelet membrane. Employment of PSI-697, a small inhibitor of SELP, markedly decreases S1 adhesion to both HUVECs and platelets. In addition to the role of membrane SELP in facilitating S1 attachment, we also discover that soluble SELP is a prognostic factor for severe COVID-19 through a meta-analysis. In this study, we identify SELP as an adhesive site for the SARS-CoV-2 S1, thus providing a potential drug target for COVID-19 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Shaobo Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400037, China
| | - Xiangyu Ma
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Xiaohong Yao
- Institute of Pathology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Kegang Zhan
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Zai Wang
- Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Di He
- National Center for Respiratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Wenting Zuo
- National Center for Respiratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China
- China-Japan Friendship Hospital (Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Songling Han
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Gaomei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Bin Cao
- National Center for Respiratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
- China-Japan Friendship Hospital (Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
- Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
- Changping Laboratory, Beijing 102206, China
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Jinghong Zhao
- Department of Nephrology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400037, China
| | - Xiuwu Bian
- Institute of Pathology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Junping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
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Theotonio dos Santos LF, Barbeiro HV, Barbeiro DF, de Souza HP, Pinheiro da Silva F. Antimicrobial peptides and other potential biomarkers of critical illness in SARS-CoV-2 patients with acute kidney injury. AMPAKI-CoV study. Physiol Rep 2024; 12:e15945. [PMID: 38328863 PMCID: PMC10851028 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15945] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) constitute a complex network of 10-100 amino acid sequence molecules widely distributed in nature. While over 300 AMPs have been described in mammals, cathelicidins and defensins remain the most extensively studied. Some publications have explored the role of AMPs in COVID-19, but these findings are preliminary, and in vivo studies are still lacking. In this study, we report the plasma levels of five AMPs (LL-37, α-defensin 1, α-defensin 3, β-defensin 1, and β-defensin 3), using the ELISA technique (MyBioSource, San Diego, CA, United States, kits MBS2601339 (beta-defensin 1), MBS2602513 (beta-defensin 3), MBS703879 (alpha-defensin 1), MBS706289 (alpha-defensin 3), MBS7234921 (LL37)), and the measurement of six cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, interleukin-10, interferon-γ, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1), through the magnetic bead immunoassay Milliplex® and the MAGPIX® System (MilliporeSigma, Darmstadt, Germany, kit HCYTOMAG-60 K (cytokines)), in 15 healthy volunteers, 36 COVID-19 patients without Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) and 17 COVID-19 patients with AKI. We found increased levels of α-defensin 1, α-defensin 3 and β-defensin 3, in our COVID-19 population, when compared to healthy controls, along with higher levels of interleukin-6, interleukin-10, interferon-γ, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. These findings suggest that these AMPs and cytokines may play a crucial role in the systemic inflammatory response and tissue damage characterizing severe COVID-19. The levels of α-defensin 1 and α-defensin 3 were significantly higher in COVID-19 AKI group in comparison to the non-AKI group. Furthermore, IL-10 and the product IL-10 × IL-1B showed excellent performance in discriminating AKI, with AUCs of 0.86 and 0.88, respectively. Among patients with COVID-19, AMPs may play a key role in the inflammation process and disease progression. Additionally, α-defensin 1 and α-defensin 3 may mediate the AKI process in these patients, representing an opportunity for further research and potential therapeutic alternatives in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hermes Vieira Barbeiro
- Laboratório de Emergências Clínicas, Faculdade de MedicinaUniversidade de São PauloSão PauloBrasil
| | - Denise Frediani Barbeiro
- Laboratório de Emergências Clínicas, Faculdade de MedicinaUniversidade de São PauloSão PauloBrasil
| | - Heraldo Possolo de Souza
- Laboratório de Emergências Clínicas, Faculdade de MedicinaUniversidade de São PauloSão PauloBrasil
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Nittayananta W, Lerdsamran H, Chutiwitoonchai N, Promsong A, Srichana T, Netsomboon K, Prasertsopon J, Kerdto J. A novel film spray containing curcumin inhibits SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus infection and enhances mucosal immunity. Virol J 2024; 21:26. [PMID: 38263162 PMCID: PMC10807123 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-023-02282-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: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and influenza virus is still a major worldwide health concern. Plants are a good source of bioactive compounds to be used as preventive measures for both inhibiting the virus binding and enhancing mucosal innate immunity. Curcumin has been shown to possess antiviral activity and modulate innate immunity. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop an oro-nasal film spray containing curcumin and determine its antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus infection, as well as its effects on mucosal innate immunity and inflammatory cytokines in vitro. METHODS The antiviral activity of the film spray against SARS-CoV-2, influenza A/H1N1, A/H3N2, and influenza B was assessed in vitro by plaque reduction assay. Cytotoxicity of the film spray to oral keratinocytes and nasal epithelial cells was assessed by MTT assay, and cytotoxicity to Vero and MDCK cells was assessed by an MTS-based cytotoxicity assay. Oral and nasal innate immune markers in response to the film spray were determined by ELISA and by a commercial Milliplex Map Kit, respectively. RESULTS Our data show that the film spray containing curcumin can inhibit both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus infections while maintaining cell viability. Results obtained among 4 viruses revealed that curcumin film spray demonstrated the highest inhibitory activity against SARS-CoV-2 with the lowest EC50 of 3.15 µg/ml and the highest SI value of 4.62, followed by influenza B (EC50 = 6.32 µg/ml, SI = 2.04), influenza A/H1N1 (EC50 = 7.24 µg/ml, SI = 1.78), and influenza A/H3N2 (EC50 > 12.5 µg/ml, SI < 1.03), respectively. Antimicrobial peptides LL-37 and HD-5, IL-6 and TNF-α produced by oral keratinocytes were significantly induced by the film spray, while hBD2 was significantly reduced. CONCLUSION Film spray containing curcumin possesses multiple actions against SARS-CoV-2 infection by inhibiting ACE-2 binding in target cells and enhancing mucosal innate immunity. The film spray can also inhibit influenza virus infection. Therefore, the curcumin film spray may be effective in preventing the viral infection of both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hatairat Lerdsamran
- Center for Research Innovation and Biomedical Informatics, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Nopporn Chutiwitoonchai
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Aornrutai Promsong
- Faculty of Medicine, Princess of Naradhiwas University, Narathiwat, Thailand
| | - Teerapol Srichana
- Drug Delivery System Excellence Center, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, Thailand
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, Thailand
| | | | - Jarunee Prasertsopon
- Center for Research Innovation and Biomedical Informatics, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Jaruta Kerdto
- Thammasat Hospital, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand
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Loffredo MR, Nencioni L, Mangoni ML, Casciaro B. Antimicrobial peptides for novel antiviral strategies in the current post-COVID-19 pandemic. J Pept Sci 2024; 30:e3534. [PMID: 37501572 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
The recent pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has highlighted how urgent and necessary the discovery of new antiviral compounds is for novel therapeutic approaches. Among the various classes of molecules with antiviral activity, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) of innate immunity are among the most promising ones, mainly due to their different mechanisms of action against viruses and additional biological properties. In this review, the main physicochemical characteristics of AMPs are described, with particular interest toward peptides derived from amphibian skin. Living in aquatic and terrestrial environments, amphibians are one of the richest sources of AMPs with different primary and secondary structures. Besides describing the various antiviral activities of these peptides and the underlying mechanism, this review aims at emphasizing the high potential of these small molecules for the development of new antiviral agents that likely reduce the selection of resistant strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rosa Loffredo
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Nencioni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Mangoni
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Bruno Casciaro
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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5
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Campolina-Silva G, Andrade ACDSP, Couto M, Bittencourt-Silva PG, Queiroz-Junior CM, Lacerda LDSB, Chaves IDM, de Oliveira LC, Marim FM, Oliveira CA, da Silva GSF, Teixeira MM, Costa VV. Dietary Vitamin D Mitigates Coronavirus-Induced Lung Inflammation and Damage in Mice. Viruses 2023; 15:2434. [PMID: 38140675 PMCID: PMC10748145 DOI: 10.3390/v15122434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 (β-CoV) betacoronavirus has posed a significant threat to global health. Despite the availability of vaccines, the virus continues to spread, and there is a need for alternative strategies to alleviate its impact. Vitamin D, a secosteroid hormone best known for its role in bone health, exhibits immunomodulatory effects in certain viral infections. Here, we have shown that bioactive vitamin D (calcitriol) limits in vitro replication of SARS-CoV-2 and murine coronaviruses MHV-3 and MHV-A59. Comparative studies involving wild-type mice intranasally infected with MHV-3, a model for studying β-CoV respiratory infections, confirmed the protective effect of vitamin D in vivo. Accordingly, mice fed a standard diet rapidly succumbed to MHV-3 infection, whereas those on a vitamin D-rich diet (10,000 IU of Vitamin D3/kg) displayed increased resistance to acute respiratory damage and systemic complications. Consistent with these findings, the vitamin D-supplemented group exhibited lower viral titers in their lungs and reduced levels of TNF, IL-6, IL-1β, and IFN-γ, alongside an enhanced type I interferon response. Altogether, our findings suggest vitamin D supplementation ameliorates β-CoV-triggered respiratory illness and systemic complications in mice, likely via modulation of the host's immune response to the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Campolina-Silva
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30270-901, MG, Brazil; (A.C.d.S.P.A.); (L.d.S.B.L.); (I.d.M.C.); (C.A.O.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30270-901, MG, Brazil; (L.C.d.O.); (M.M.T.)
- CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Ana Cláudia dos Santos Pereira Andrade
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30270-901, MG, Brazil; (A.C.d.S.P.A.); (L.d.S.B.L.); (I.d.M.C.); (C.A.O.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30270-901, MG, Brazil; (L.C.d.O.); (M.M.T.)
- CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Manoela Couto
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30270-901, MG, Brazil; (A.C.d.S.P.A.); (L.d.S.B.L.); (I.d.M.C.); (C.A.O.)
| | - Paloma G. Bittencourt-Silva
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30270-901, MG, Brazil (G.S.F.d.S.)
| | - Celso M. Queiroz-Junior
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30270-901, MG, Brazil; (A.C.d.S.P.A.); (L.d.S.B.L.); (I.d.M.C.); (C.A.O.)
| | - Larisse de Souza B. Lacerda
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30270-901, MG, Brazil; (A.C.d.S.P.A.); (L.d.S.B.L.); (I.d.M.C.); (C.A.O.)
| | - Ian de Meira Chaves
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30270-901, MG, Brazil; (A.C.d.S.P.A.); (L.d.S.B.L.); (I.d.M.C.); (C.A.O.)
| | - Leonardo C. de Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30270-901, MG, Brazil; (L.C.d.O.); (M.M.T.)
| | - Fernanda Martins Marim
- Department of Genetics, Ecology and Evolution, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30270-901, MG, Brazil
| | - Cleida A. Oliveira
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30270-901, MG, Brazil; (A.C.d.S.P.A.); (L.d.S.B.L.); (I.d.M.C.); (C.A.O.)
| | - Glauber S. F. da Silva
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30270-901, MG, Brazil (G.S.F.d.S.)
| | - Mauro Martins Teixeira
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30270-901, MG, Brazil; (L.C.d.O.); (M.M.T.)
| | - Vivian Vasconcelos Costa
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30270-901, MG, Brazil; (A.C.d.S.P.A.); (L.d.S.B.L.); (I.d.M.C.); (C.A.O.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30270-901, MG, Brazil; (L.C.d.O.); (M.M.T.)
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Bhatt T, Dam B, Khedkar SU, Lall S, Pandey S, Kataria S, Ajnabi J, Gulzar SEJ, Dias PM, Waskar M, Raut J, Sundaramurthy V, Vemula PK, Ghatlia N, Majumdar A, Jamora C. Niacinamide enhances cathelicidin mediated SARS-CoV-2 membrane disruption. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1255478. [PMID: 38022563 PMCID: PMC10663372 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1255478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The continual emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants threatens to compromise the effectiveness of worldwide vaccination programs, and highlights the need for complementary strategies for a sustainable containment plan. An effective approach is to mobilize the body's own antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), to combat SARS-CoV-2 infection and propagation. We have found that human cathelicidin (LL37), an AMP found at epithelial barriers as well as in various bodily fluids, has the capacity to neutralise multiple strains of SARS-CoV-2. Biophysical and computational studies indicate that LL37's mechanism of action is through the disruption of the viral membrane. This antiviral activity of LL37 is enhanced by the hydrotropic action of niacinamide, which may increase the bioavailability of the AMP. Interestingly, we observed an inverse correlation between LL37 levels and disease severity of COVID-19 positive patients, suggesting enhancement of AMP response as a potential therapeutic avenue to mitigate disease severity. The combination of niacinamide and LL37 is a potent antiviral formulation that targets viral membranes of various variants and can be an effective strategy to overcome vaccine escape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanay Bhatt
- IFOM-inStem Joint Research Laboratory, Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Binita Dam
- IFOM-inStem Joint Research Laboratory, Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
- Department of Biological Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Sneha Uday Khedkar
- IFOM-inStem Joint Research Laboratory, Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Sahil Lall
- National Centre for Biological Sciences (TIFR), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Subhashini Pandey
- Integrative Chemical Biology, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Sunny Kataria
- IFOM-inStem Joint Research Laboratory, Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Johan Ajnabi
- IFOM-inStem Joint Research Laboratory, Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
- Department of Biological Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Praveen Kumar Vemula
- Integrative Chemical Biology, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | | | | | - Colin Jamora
- IFOM-inStem Joint Research Laboratory, Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
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7
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Zhang W, Yang Z, Zheng J, Fu K, Wong JH, Ni Y, Ng TB, Cho CH, Chan MK, Lee MM. A Bioresponsive Genetically Encoded Antimicrobial Crystal for the Oral Treatment of Helicobacter Pylori Infection. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2301724. [PMID: 37675807 PMCID: PMC10602570 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202301724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) causes infection in the stomach and is a major factor for gastric carcinogenesis. The application of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as an alternative treatment to traditional antibiotics is limited by their facile degradation in the stomach, their poor penetration of the gastric mucosa, and the cost of peptide production. Here, the design and characterization of a genetically encoded H. pylori-responsive microbicidal protein crystal Cry3Aa-MIIA-AMP-P17 is described. This designed crystal exhibits preferential binding to H. pylori, and when activated, promotes the targeted release of the AMP at the H. pylori infection site. Significantly, when the activated Cry3Aa-MIIA-AMP-P17 crystals are orally delivered to infected mice, the Cry3Aa crystal framework protects its cargo AMP against degradation, resulting in enhanced in vivo efficacy against H. pylori infection. Notably, in contrast to antibiotics, treatment with the activated crystals results in minimal perturbation of the mouse gut microbiota. These results demonstrate that engineered Cry3Aa crystals can serve as an effective platform for the oral delivery of therapeutic peptides to treat gastrointestinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxiu Zhang
- School of Life Sciences and Center of Novel BiomaterialsThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong999077China
| | - Zaofeng Yang
- School of Life Sciences and Center of Novel BiomaterialsThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong999077China
| | - Jiale Zheng
- School of Life Sciences and Center of Novel BiomaterialsThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong999077China
| | - Kaili Fu
- Department of Medicine and TherapeuticsFaculty of MedicineThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong999077China
| | - Jack Ho Wong
- School of Biomedical SciencesFaculty of MedicineThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong999077China
- Present address:
School of Health SciencesCaritas Institute of Higher EducationHong Kong999077China
| | - Yunbi Ni
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular PathologyPrince of Wales HospitalThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong999077China
| | - Tzi Bun Ng
- School of Biomedical SciencesFaculty of MedicineThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong999077China
| | - Chi Hin Cho
- School of Biomedical SciencesFaculty of MedicineThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong999077China
- Present address:
School of PharmacyUniversity of Southwest Medical UniversityLuzhou646000China
| | - Michael K. Chan
- School of Life Sciences and Center of Novel BiomaterialsThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong999077China
| | - Marianne M. Lee
- School of Life Sciences and Center of Novel BiomaterialsThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong999077China
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8
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Zhao Y, Zhang H, Zhao Z, Liu F, Dong M, Chen L, Shen M, Luan Z, Zhang H, Wu J, Li C, Chen J, Li C, Liu Z, Chen Y, Zheng A, Li H, Wang S, Jin W, Sun G. Efficacy and safety of Oral LL-37 against the Omicron BA.5.1.3 variant of SARS-COV-2: A randomized trial. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29035. [PMID: 37605995 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29035] [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: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant LL-37 Lactococcus lactis (Oral LL-37) was designed to prevent progression of COVID-19 by targeting virus envelope, however, effectiveness and safety of Oral LL-37 in clinical application was unclear. A total of 238 adult inpatients, open-labelled, randomized, placebo-controlled, single-center study was conducted to investigate the primary end points, including negative conversion time (NCT) of SARS-CoV-2 RNA and adverse events (AEs). As early as intervened on 6th day of case confirmed, Oral LL-37 could significantly shorten NCT (LL-37 9.80 ± 2.67 vs. placebo 14.04 ± 5.89, p < 0.01). For Oral LL-37, as early as treated in 6 days, the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for a primary event of nucleic acid negative outcome was 6.27-fold higher than 7-day-later (HR: 6.276, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.631-10.848, p < 0.0001), and the adjusted HR of Oral LL-37 within 6 days is higher than placebo (HR: 2.427 95% CI: 1.239-4.751, p = 0.0097). No severe AEs were observed during hospitalization and follow-up investigation. This study shows that early intervention of Oral LL-37 incredibly reduces NCT implying a potential for clearance of Omicron BA.5.1.3 without evident safety concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hainan Hospital, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Sanya, Hainan, China
| | - Hanlin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhizhuang Zhao
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Hainan Hospital, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Sanya, Hainan, China
| | - Fangfang Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Meng Dong
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Li Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mingzhi Shen
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Hainan Hospital, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Sanya, Hainan, China
| | - Zhe Luan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hanwen Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Junling Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Congyong Li
- Department of Geriatric Gastroenterology, Sixth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hainan Hospital, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Sanya, Hainan, China
| | - Zhiwei Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Hainan Hospital, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Sanya, Hainan, China
| | - Yi Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Aihua Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Huiling Li
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Hospital, PLA General Hospital, Sanya, Hainan, China
| | - Shufang Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wanzhu Jin
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Gang Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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9
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Mingiano C, Picchioni T, Cavati G, Pirrotta F, Calabrese M, Nuti R, Gonnelli S, Fortini A, Frediani B, Gennari L, Merlotti D. Vitamin D Deficiency in COVID-19 Patients and Role of Calcifediol Supplementation. Nutrients 2023; 15:3392. [PMID: 37571329 PMCID: PMC10421093 DOI: 10.3390/nu15153392] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypovitaminosis D has been associated with worse outcome in respiratory tract infections, with conflicting opinions regarding its role in Coronavirus-19 disease (COVID-19). Our study aimed to evaluate the possible relationship between 25-OH vitamin D (25OHD) values and the following conditions in patients hospitalized for COVID-19: prognosis, mortality, invasive (IV) and non-invasive (NIV) mechanical ventilation, and orotracheal intubation (OTI). A further objective was the analysis of a possible positive effect of supplementation with calcifediol on COVID-19 severity and prognosis. We analyzed 288 patients hospitalized at the San Giovanni di Dio Hospital in Florence and the Santa Maria alle Scotte Hospital in Siena, from November 2020 to February 2021. The 25OHD levels correlated positively with the partial pressure of oxygen and FiO2 (PaO2/FiO2) ratio (r = 0.17; p < 0.05). Furthermore, when we analyzed the patients according to the type of respiratory support, we found that 25OHD levels were markedly reduced in patients who underwent non-invasive ventilation and orotracheal intubation (OTI). The evaluation of the length of hospitalization in our population evidenced a longer duration of hospitalization in patients with severe 25OHD deficiency (<10 ng/mL). Moreover, we found a statistically significant difference in the mortality rate between patients who had 25OHD levels below 10 ng/mL and those with levels above this threshold in the total population (50.8% vs. 25.5%, p = 0.005), as well as between patients with 25OHD levels below 20 ng/mL and those with levels above that threshold (38.4% vs. 24.6%, p = 0.04). Moreover, COVID-19 patients supplemented with calcifediol presented a significantly reduced length of hospitalization (p < 0.05). Interestingly, when we analyzed the possible effects of calcifediol on mortality rate in patients with COVID-19, we found that the percentage of deaths was significantly higher in patients who did not receive any supplementation than in those who were treated with calcifediol (p < 0.05) In conclusion, we have demonstrated with our study the best prognosis of COVID-19 patients with adequate vitamin D levels and patients treated with calcifediol supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Mingiano
- Department of Medicine Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (C.M.); (G.C.); (F.P.); (M.C.); (R.N.); (S.G.); (B.F.); (L.G.)
| | - Tommaso Picchioni
- Internal Medicine Unit, Ospedale San Giovanni di Dio, 50143 Florence, Italy; (T.P.); (A.F.)
| | - Guido Cavati
- Department of Medicine Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (C.M.); (G.C.); (F.P.); (M.C.); (R.N.); (S.G.); (B.F.); (L.G.)
| | - Filippo Pirrotta
- Department of Medicine Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (C.M.); (G.C.); (F.P.); (M.C.); (R.N.); (S.G.); (B.F.); (L.G.)
| | - Marco Calabrese
- Department of Medicine Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (C.M.); (G.C.); (F.P.); (M.C.); (R.N.); (S.G.); (B.F.); (L.G.)
| | - Ranuccio Nuti
- Department of Medicine Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (C.M.); (G.C.); (F.P.); (M.C.); (R.N.); (S.G.); (B.F.); (L.G.)
| | - Stefano Gonnelli
- Department of Medicine Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (C.M.); (G.C.); (F.P.); (M.C.); (R.N.); (S.G.); (B.F.); (L.G.)
| | - Alberto Fortini
- Internal Medicine Unit, Ospedale San Giovanni di Dio, 50143 Florence, Italy; (T.P.); (A.F.)
| | - Bruno Frediani
- Department of Medicine Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (C.M.); (G.C.); (F.P.); (M.C.); (R.N.); (S.G.); (B.F.); (L.G.)
| | - Luigi Gennari
- Department of Medicine Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (C.M.); (G.C.); (F.P.); (M.C.); (R.N.); (S.G.); (B.F.); (L.G.)
| | - Daniela Merlotti
- Department of Medical Sciences, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, 53100 Siena, Italy
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10
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Karim M, Lo CW, Einav S. Preparing for the next viral threat with broad-spectrum antivirals. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e170236. [PMID: 37259914 PMCID: PMC10232003 DOI: 10.1172/jci170236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a large global unmet need for the development of countermeasures to combat hundreds of viruses known to cause human disease and for the establishment of a therapeutic portfolio for future pandemic preparedness. Most approved antiviral therapeutics target proteins encoded by a single virus, providing a narrow spectrum of coverage. This, combined with the slow pace and high cost of drug development, limits the scalability of this direct-acting antiviral (DAA) approach. Here, we summarize progress and challenges in the development of broad-spectrum antivirals that target either viral elements (proteins, genome structures, and lipid envelopes) or cellular proviral factors co-opted by multiple viruses via newly discovered compounds or repurposing of approved drugs. These strategies offer new means for developing therapeutics against both existing and emerging viral threats that complement DAAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwah Karim
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Chieh-Wen Lo
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Shirit Einav
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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11
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Madruga D, Garcia MM, Martino L, Hassan H, Elayat G, Ghali L, Ceballos L. Positive correlational shift between crevicular antimicrobial peptide LL-37, pain and periodontal status following non-surgical periodontal therapy. A pilot study. BMC Oral Health 2023; 23:335. [PMID: 37246231 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-023-03023-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Periodontitis has a high prevalence and uncertain recurrence. Unlike the pro-inflammatory cytokine profile, little is known about the anti-inflammatory cytokine and antimicrobial peptide overview following treatment. The present study aimed to evaluate if any of the antimicrobial peptide LL-37, interleukin (IL) 4, 10 and 6 together with the volume of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and total protein concentration in GCF could be used as correlative biomarkers for the severity in periodontitis as well as prognostic factors in the management of the disease. METHODS Forty-five participants were recruited and allocated to the healthy (15), Stage I-II (15) or Stage III-IV periodontitis (15) group. Along with periodontal examination, GCF samples were obtained at baseline and 4-6 weeks following scaling and root planing (SRP) for the periodontitis groups. GCF samples were analyzed by ELISA kits to quantify LL-37 and IL-4, -6 and - 10. One-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett's test was used to determine differences among the three groups at baseline. Two-way ANOVA followed by Sidak's post-hoc test was used to compare between pre- and post-SRP in the two periodontitis groups. RESULTS The amount of GCF volume was significantly correlated to the severity of periodontitis and decreased following SRP, particularly in the Stage III-IV group (p < 0.01). The levels of LL-37, IL-6, and pain and periodontal clinical parameters were significantly correlated to the severity of periodontitis. IL-4 and IL-10 in the periodontitis groups were significantly lower than the healthy group (p < 0.0001) and barely improved following SRP up to the level of the healthy group. CONCLUSIONS With the limitations of this study, crevicular LL-37 may be a candidate for a biomarker of periodontitis and the associated pain upon probing. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study was registered in clinical trials.gov, with number NCT04404335, dated 27/05/2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Madruga
- Area of Stomatology, Department of Nursing and Stomatology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), Avda. de Atenas s/n, Alcorcón, E-28922, Spain
| | - Miguel M Garcia
- Area of Pharmacology, Nutrition and Bromatology, Department of Basic Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), Unidad Asociada I+D+i Instituto de Química Médica (IQM) CSIC-URJC, Avda. de Atenas s/n, Alcorcón, E-28922, Spain.
- High Performance Experimental Pharmacology Research Group, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (PHARMAKOM), Alcorcón, Spain.
- Grupo Multidisciplinar de Investigación y Tratamiento del Dolor (i+DOL), Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), Alcorcón, Spain.
| | - Luca Martino
- Area of Signal Theory and Communications, Department of Signal Theory and Communications and Telematics Systems and Computing, Higher Technical School of Telecommunications Engineering, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), Cam. del Molino, 5, Fuenlabrada, E-28942, Spain
- High Performance Data Science and Signal Processing for Networks and Society research group, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (DSSP), Fuenlabrada, Spain
| | - Haidar Hassan
- Academic Plastic Surgery, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 2AD, UK
- Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Middlesex University, London, NW4 4BT, UK
| | - Ghada Elayat
- Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Middlesex University, London, NW4 4BT, UK
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, El Bahr St, Tanta, 31111, Egypt
| | - Lucy Ghali
- Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Middlesex University, London, NW4 4BT, UK
| | - Laura Ceballos
- Area of Stomatology, Department of Nursing and Stomatology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), Avda. de Atenas s/n, Alcorcón, E-28922, Spain
- High Performance Development and Innovation in Dental Biomaterials Research Group, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (IDIBO), Alcorcón, Spain
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12
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Urmi UL, Vijay AK, Kuppusamy R, Islam S, Willcox MDP. A Review of the Antiviral Activity of Cationic Antimicrobial Peptides. Peptides 2023; 166:171024. [PMID: 37172781 PMCID: PMC10170872 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2023.171024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Viral epidemics are occurring frequently, and the COVID-19 viral pandemic has resulted in at least 6.5 million deaths worldwide. Although antiviral therapeutics are available, these may not have sufficient effect. The emergence of resistant or novel viruses requires new therapies. Cationic antimicrobial peptides are agents of the innate immune system that may offer a promising solution to viral infections. These peptides are gaining attention as possible therapies for viral infections or for use as prophylactic agents to prevent viral spread. This narrative review examines antiviral peptides, their structural features, and mechanism of activity. A total of 156 cationic antiviral peptides were examined for information of their mechanism of action against both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. Antiviral peptides can be isolated from various natural sources or can be generated synthetically. The latter tend to be more specific and effective and can be made to have a broad spectrum of activity with minimal side effects. Their unique properties of being positively charges and amphipathic enable their main mode of action which is to target and disrupt viral lipid envelopes, thereby inhibiting viral entry and replication. This review offers a comprehensive summary of the current understanding of antiviral peptides, which could potentially aid in the design and creation of novel antiviral medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umme Laila Urmi
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Ajay Kumar Vijay
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Rajesh Kuppusamy
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Salequl Islam
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; Department of Microbiology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka-1342, Bangladesh.
| | - Mark D P Willcox
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
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13
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Zhang Q, Ul Ain Q, Schulz C, Pircher J. Role of antimicrobial peptide cathelicidin in thrombosis and thromboinflammation. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1151926. [PMID: 37090695 PMCID: PMC10114025 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1151926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Thrombosis is a frequent cause of cardiovascular mortality and hospitalization. Current antithrombotic strategies, however, target both thrombosis and physiological hemostasis and thereby increase bleeding risk. In recent years the pathophysiological understanding of thrombus formation has significantly advanced and inflammation has become a crucial element. Neutrophils as most frequent immune cells in the blood and their released mediators play a key role herein. Neutrophil-derived cathelicidin next to its strong antimicrobial properties has also shown to modulates thrombosis and thus presents a potential therapeutic target. In this article we review direct and indirect (immune- and endothelial cell-mediated) effects of cathelicidin on platelets and the coagulation system. Further we discuss its implications for large vessel thrombosis and consecutive thromboinflammation as well as immunothrombosis in sepsis and COVID-19 and give an outlook for potential therapeutic prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Zhang
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig-Maximilians- Universität, Munich, Germany
- Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Munich, Germany
| | - Qurrat Ul Ain
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig-Maximilians- Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Schulz
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig-Maximilians- Universität, Munich, Germany
- Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Munich, Germany
| | - Joachim Pircher
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig-Maximilians- Universität, Munich, Germany
- Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Munich, Germany
- *Correspondence: Joachim Pircher,
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14
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Hamza FN, Daher S, Fakhoury HMA, Grant WB, Kvietys PR, Al-Kattan K. Immunomodulatory Properties of Vitamin D in the Intestinal and Respiratory Systems. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15071696. [PMID: 37049536 PMCID: PMC10097244 DOI: 10.3390/nu15071696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in modulating the innate immune response by interacting with its intracellular receptor, VDR. In this review, we address vitamin D/VDR signaling and how it contributes to the regulation of intestinal and respiratory microbiota. We additionally review some components of the innate immune system, such as the barrier function of the pulmonary and intestinal epithelial membranes and secretion of mucus, with their respective modulation by vitamin D. We also explore the mechanisms by which this vitamin D/VDR signaling mounts an antimicrobial response through the transduction of microbial signals and the production of antimicrobial peptides that constitute one of the body’s first lines of defense against pathogens. Additionally, we highlight the role of vitamin D in clinical diseases, namely inflammatory bowel disease and acute respiratory distress syndrome, where excessive inflammatory responses and dysbiosis are hallmarks. Increasing evidence suggests that vitamin D supplementation may have potentially beneficial effects on those diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatheia N. Hamza
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, P.O. Box 50927, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah Daher
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, P.O. Box 50927, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hana M. A. Fakhoury
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, P.O. Box 50927, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence:
| | - William B. Grant
- Sunlight, Nutrition, and Health Research Center, P.O. Box 641603, San Francisco, CA 94164-1603, USA
| | - Peter R. Kvietys
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, P.O. Box 50927, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khaled Al-Kattan
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, P.O. Box 50927, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
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15
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Gottlieb C, Henrich M, Liu PT, Yacoubian V, Wang J, Chun R, Adams JS. High- Throughput CAMP Assay (HiTCA): A Novel Tool for Evaluating the Vitamin D-Dependent Antimicrobial Response. Nutrients 2023; 15:1380. [PMID: 36986109 PMCID: PMC10051182 DOI: 10.3390/nu15061380] [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: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D is known to modulate human immune responses, and vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased susceptibility to infection. However, what constitutes sufficient levels or whether vitamin D is useful as an adjuvant therapeutic is debated, much in part because of inadequate elucidation of mechanisms underlying vitamin D's immune modulatory function. Cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (CAMP) has potent broad-spectrum activity, and the CAMP gene is regulated in human innate immune cells by active 1,25(OH)2D3, a product of hydroxylation of inactive 25(OH)D3 by CYP27B1-hydroxylase. We developed a CRISPR/Cas9-edited human monocyte-macrophage cell line containing the mCherry fluorescent reporter gene at the 3' end of the endogenous CAMP gene. The High Throughput CAMP Assay (HiTCA) developed here is a novel tool for evaluating CAMP expression in a stable cell line that is scalable for a high-throughput workflow. Application of HiTCA to serum samples from a small number of human donors (n = 10) showed individual differences in CAMP induction that were not fully accounted for by the serum vitamin D metabolite status of the host. As such, HiTCA may be a useful tool that can advance our understanding of the human vitamin D-dependent antimicrobial response, which is being increasingly appreciated for its complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carter Gottlieb
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Mason Henrich
- Department of Molecular, Cell & Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Philip T. Liu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Vahe Yacoubian
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jeffery Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Rene Chun
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - John S. Adams
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cell & Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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16
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Mok CK, Ng YL, Ahidjo BA, Aw ZQ, Chen H, Wong YH, Lee RCH, Loe MWC, Liu J, Tan KS, Kaur P, Wang DY, Hao E, Hou X, Tan YW, Deng J, Chu JJH. Evaluation of In Vitro and In Vivo Antiviral Activities of Vitamin D for SARS-CoV-2 and Variants. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15030925. [PMID: 36986786 PMCID: PMC10058714 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15030925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about unprecedented medical and healthcare challenges worldwide. With the continual emergence and spread of new COVID-19 variants, four drug compound libraries were interrogated for their antiviral activities against SARS-CoV-2. Here, we show that the drug screen has resulted in 121 promising anti-SARS-CoV-2 compounds, of which seven were further shortlisted for hit validation: citicoline, pravastatin sodium, tenofovir alafenamide, imatinib mesylate, calcitriol, dexlansoprazole, and prochlorperazine dimaleate. In particular, the active form of vitamin D, calcitriol, exhibits strong potency against SARS-CoV-2 on cell-based assays and is shown to work by modulating the vitamin D receptor pathway to increase antimicrobial peptide cathelicidin expression. However, the weight, survival rate, physiological conditions, histological scoring, and virus titre between SARS-CoV-2 infected K18-hACE2 mice pre-treated or post-treated with calcitriol were negligible, indicating that the differential effects of calcitriol may be due to differences in vitamin D metabolism in mice and warrants future investigation using other animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chee-Keng Mok
- Biosafety Level 3 Core Facility, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117545, Singapore
| | - Yan Ling Ng
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117545, Singapore
- Infectious Disease Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Bintou Ahmadou Ahidjo
- Biosafety Level 3 Core Facility, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117545, Singapore
- Infectious Disease Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Zhen Qin Aw
- Biosafety Level 3 Core Facility, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117545, Singapore
- Infectious Disease Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Huixin Chen
- Biosafety Level 3 Core Facility, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117545, Singapore
- Infectious Disease Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Yi Hao Wong
- Biosafety Level 3 Core Facility, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117545, Singapore
- Infectious Disease Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Regina Ching Hua Lee
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117545, Singapore
- Infectious Disease Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Marcus Wing Choy Loe
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117545, Singapore
- Infectious Disease Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore
| | - Kai Sen Tan
- Biosafety Level 3 Core Facility, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- Infectious Disease Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
- Department of Otolaryngology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore
| | - Parveen Kaur
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117545, Singapore
- Infectious Disease Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - De Yun Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore
| | - Erwei Hao
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Efficacy Study on Chinese Materia Medica, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530200, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Research on Functional Ingredients of Agricultural Residues, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530200, China
- China-ASEAN Joint Laboratory for International Cooperation in Traditional Medicine Research, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530200, China
| | - Xiaotao Hou
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Efficacy Study on Chinese Materia Medica, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530200, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Research on Functional Ingredients of Agricultural Residues, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530200, China
- China-ASEAN Joint Laboratory for International Cooperation in Traditional Medicine Research, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530200, China
| | - Yong Wah Tan
- Collaborative and Translation Unit for HFMD, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Jiagang Deng
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Efficacy Study on Chinese Materia Medica, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530200, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Research on Functional Ingredients of Agricultural Residues, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530200, China
- China-ASEAN Joint Laboratory for International Cooperation in Traditional Medicine Research, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530200, China
| | - Justin Jang Hann Chu
- Biosafety Level 3 Core Facility, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117545, Singapore
- Infectious Disease Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
- Collaborative and Translation Unit for HFMD, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore 138673, Singapore
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +65-65163278
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17
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Fernandes de Souza WD, da Fonseca DM, Sartori A. COVID-19 and Multiple Sclerosis: A Complex Relationship Possibly Aggravated by Low Vitamin D Levels. Cells 2023; 12:cells12050684. [PMID: 36899820 PMCID: PMC10000583 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an exceptionally transmissible and pathogenic coronavirus that appeared at the end of 2019 and triggered a pandemic of acute respiratory disease, known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). COVID-19 can evolve into a severe disease associated with immediate and delayed sequelae in different organs, including the central nervous system (CNS). A topic that deserves attention in this context is the complex relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection and multiple sclerosis (MS). Here, we initially described the clinical and immunopathogenic characteristics of these two illnesses, accentuating the fact that COVID-19 can, in defined patients, reach the CNS, the target tissue of the MS autoimmune process. The well-known contribution of viral agents such as the Epstein-Barr virus and the postulated participation of SARS-CoV-2 as a risk factor for the triggering or worsening of MS are then described. We emphasize the contribution of vitamin D in this scenario, considering its relevance in the susceptibility, severity and control of both pathologies. Finally, we discuss the experimental animal models that could be explored to better understand the complex interplay of these two diseases, including the possible use of vitamin D as an adjunct immunomodulator to treat them.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Danilo Fernandes de Souza
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil
- Correspondence:
| | - Denise Morais da Fonseca
- Laboratory of Mucosal Immunology, Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Alexandrina Sartori
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil
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18
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Tang M, Zhang X, Huang Y, Cheng W, Qu J, Gui S, Li L, Li S. Peptide-based inhibitors hold great promise as the broad-spectrum agents against coronavirus. Front Microbiol 2023; 13:1093646. [PMID: 36741878 PMCID: PMC9893414 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1093646] [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: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), and the recent SARS-CoV-2 are lethal coronaviruses (CoVs) that have caused dreadful epidemic or pandemic in a large region or globally. Infections of human respiratory systems and other important organs by these pathogenic viruses often results in high rates of morbidity and mortality. Efficient anti-viral drugs are needed. Herein, we firstly take SARS-CoV-2 as an example to present the molecular mechanism of CoV infection cycle, including the receptor binding, viral entry, intracellular replication, virion assembly, and release. Then according to their mode of action, we provide a summary of anti-viral peptides that have been reported in peer-reviewed publications. Even though CoVs can rapidly evolve to gain resistance to the conventional small molecule drugs, peptide-based inhibitors targeting various steps of CoV lifecycle remain a promising approach. Peptides can be continuously modified to improve their antiviral efficacy and spectrum along with the emergence of new viral variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxing Tang
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China,Department of Otolaryngology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China,School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yanhong Huang
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China,School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wenxiang Cheng
- Center for Translational Medicine Research and Development, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jing Qu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shuiqing Gui
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China,*Correspondence: Shuiqing Gui, ✉
| | - Liang Li
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China,Liang Li, ✉
| | - Shuo Li
- Department of Otolaryngology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China,Shuo Li, ✉
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19
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Blood leukocyte transcriptional modules and differentially expressed genes associated with disease severity and age in COVID-19 patients. Sci Rep 2023; 13:898. [PMID: 36650374 PMCID: PMC9844197 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28227-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the molecular mechanisms determining COVID-19 severity are not yet well understood, there is a demand for biomarkers derived from comparative transcriptome analyses of mild and severe cases, combined with patients' clinico-demographic and laboratory data. Here the transcriptomic response of human leukocytes to SARS-CoV-2 infection was investigated by focusing on the differences between mild and severe cases and between age subgroups (younger and older adults). Three transcriptional modules correlated with these traits were functionally characterized, as well as 23 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated to disease severity. One module, correlated with severe cases and older patients, had an overrepresentation of genes involved in innate immune response and in neutrophil activation, whereas two other modules, correlated with disease severity and younger patients, harbored genes involved in the innate immune response to viral infections, and in the regulation of this response. This transcriptomic mechanism could be related to the better outcome observed in younger COVID-19 patients. The DEGs, all hyper-expressed in the group of severe cases, were mostly involved in neutrophil activation and in the p53 pathway, therefore related to inflammation and lymphopenia. These biomarkers may be useful for getting a better stratification of risk factors in COVID-19.
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20
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Wei Z, Jiang Y, Zhao G, Li C, Han S, Chen Y, Wang T, Cheng T, Wang J, Wang C. Irradiation accelerates SARS-CoV-2 infection by enhancing sphingolipid metabolism. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28266. [PMID: 36319186 PMCID: PMC9877973 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Cancer patients who receive radiotherapy have a high risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, but the concrete reason remains unclear. Herein, we investigated the influence of irradiation on the vulnerability of cancer cells to SARS-CoV-2 using S pseudovirions and probed the underlying mechanism via RNA-seq and other molecular biology techniques. Owing to the enhancement of sphingolipid metabolism, irradiation accelerated pseudovirion infection. Mechanistically, irradiation induced the expression of acid sphingomyelinase (ASM), which catalyses the hydrolysis of sphingomyelin to ceramide, contributing to lipid raft formation and promoting SARS-CoV-2 invasion. Inhibition of lipid raft formation with methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD) or the tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein and ASM suppression through small interfering RNA or amitriptyline (AMT) treatment abolished the enhancing effect of irradiation on viral infection. Animal experiments supported the finding that irradiation promoted SARS-CoV-2 S pseudovirion infection in A549 cell tumour-bearing BALB/c nude mice, whereas AMT treatment dramatically decreased viral infection. This study discloses the role of sphingolipid metabolism in irradiation-induced SARS-CoV-2 infection, thus providing a potential target for clinical intervention to protect patients receiving radiotherapy from COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuanzhuan Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, College of Preventive MedicineThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Yiyi Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, College of Preventive MedicineThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Gaomei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, College of Preventive MedicineThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Chenwenya Li
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, College of Preventive MedicineThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Songling Han
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, College of Preventive MedicineThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Yin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, College of Preventive MedicineThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Tao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, College of Preventive MedicineThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Tianmin Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, College of Preventive MedicineThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Junping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, College of Preventive MedicineThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Cheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, College of Preventive MedicineThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
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21
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De Nicolò A, Cusato J, Bezzio C, Saibeni S, Vernero M, Disabato M, Caviglia GP, Ianniello A, Manca A, D’Avolio A, Ribaldone DG. Possible Impact of Vitamin D Status and Supplementation on SARS-CoV-2 Infection Risk and COVID-19 Symptoms in a Cohort of Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Nutrients 2022; 15:nu15010169. [PMID: 36615826 PMCID: PMC9824626 DOI: 10.3390/nu15010169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic represents a global health challenge, particularly considering concomitant diseases. Patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) can be considered a population at risk. On the other hand, the risk of developing IBD and COVID-19 have both been described as modulated by vitamin D (VD) levels. In this work, a cohort of 106 adult patients affected by IBD was prospectively enrolled, during the second wave of the pandemic in Italy. In these patients, VD plasma levels, demographic, and clinical characteristics were tested for a correlation/an association with the risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2 in the study period (anti-spike IgG positivity) and the severity of COVID-19 symptoms. By multivariate logistic regression analysis, VD supplementation (Odds Ratio; OR 0.116, p = 0.002), therapy with monoclonal antibodies (OR 0.227, p = 0.007), and the use of mesalazine (OR 2.968, p = 0.046) were found to be independent predictors of SARS-CoV-2 positivity. Moreover, hypertension was associated with severe disease (p = 0.019), while a VD level higher than 30 ng/mL (p = 0.031, OR 0.078) was associated with asymptomatic infection. No interplay between IBD activity and COVID-19 risk of infection or symptoms was observed. These results confirm the importance of VD levels in defining the risk of COVID-19 and give encouraging data about the safety of maintaining immunomodulatory treatments for IBD during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amedeo De Nicolò
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10149 Turin, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0114393867
| | - Jessica Cusato
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10149 Turin, Italy
| | - Cristina Bezzio
- Gastroenterology Unit, Rho Hospital, ASST Rhodense, 20017 Milan, Italy
| | - Simone Saibeni
- Gastroenterology Unit, Rho Hospital, ASST Rhodense, 20017 Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Vernero
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Michela Disabato
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Gian Paolo Caviglia
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Alice Ianniello
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10149 Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandra Manca
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10149 Turin, Italy
| | - Antonio D’Avolio
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10149 Turin, Italy
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22
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Behairy MY, Soltan MA, Eldeen MA, Abdulhakim JA, Alnoman MM, Abdel-Daim MM, Otifi H, Al-Qahtani SM, Zaki MSA, Alsharif G, Albogami S, Jafri I, Fayad E, Darwish KM, Elhady SS, Eid RA. HBD-2 variants and SARS-CoV-2: New insights into inter-individual susceptibility. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1008463. [PMID: 36569842 PMCID: PMC9780532 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1008463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A deep understanding of the causes of liability to SARS-CoV-2 is essential to develop new diagnostic tests and therapeutics against this serious virus in order to overcome this pandemic completely. In the light of the discovered role of antimicrobial peptides [such as human b-defensin-2 (hBD-2) and cathelicidin LL-37] in the defense against SARS-CoV-2, it became important to identify the damaging missense mutations in the genes of these molecules and study their role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. Methods We conducted a comprehensive analysis with multiple in silico approaches to identify the damaging missense SNPs for hBD-2 and LL-37; moreover, we applied docking methods and molecular dynamics analysis to study the impact of the filtered mutations. Results The comprehensive analysis reveals the presence of three damaging SNPs in hBD-2; these SNPs were predicted to decrease the stability of hBD-2 with a damaging impact on hBD-2 structure as well. G51D and C53G mutations were located in highly conserved positions and were associated with differences in the secondary structures of hBD-2. Docking-coupled molecular dynamics simulation analysis revealed compromised binding affinity for hBD-2 SNPs towards the SARS-CoV-2 spike domain. Different protein-protein binding profiles for hBD-2 SNPs, in relation to their native form, were guided through residue-wise levels and differential adopted conformation/orientation. Conclusions The presented model paves the way for identifying patients prone to COVID-19 in a way that would guide the personalization of both the diagnostic and management protocols for this serious disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Y. Behairy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sadat City, Sadat City, Egypt,*Correspondence: Mohamed A Soltan, ; Mohammed Y. Behairy,
| | - Mohamed A. Soltan
- Department of Microbiology and immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sinai University – Kantara Branch, Ismailia, Egypt,*Correspondence: Mohamed A Soltan, ; Mohammed Y. Behairy,
| | - Muhammad Alaa Eldeen
- Cell Biology, Histology & Genetics Division, Biology Department, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Jawaher A. Abdulhakim
- Medical Laboratory Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Yanbu, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maryam M. Alnoman
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, Taibah University, Yanbu, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed M. Abdel-Daim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacy Program, Batterjee Medical College, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia,Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Hassan Otifi
- Pathology Department, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh M. Al-Qahtani
- Department of Child Health, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Samir A. Zaki
- Anatomy Department, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia,Department of Histology and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Ghadi Alsharif
- College of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah Albogami
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Sciences, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim Jafri
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Sciences, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eman Fayad
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Sciences, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khaled M. Darwish
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Sameh S. Elhady
- Department of Natural Products, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Refaat A. Eid
- Pathology Department, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
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23
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Decker AP, Mechesso AF, Zhou Y, Xu C, Wang G. Hydrophobic diversification is the key to simultaneously increased antifungal activity and decreased cytotoxicity of two ab initio designed peptides. Peptides 2022; 158:170880. [PMID: 36167253 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2022.170880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The fact that some antimicrobial peptides have been utilized clinically and as food preservatives stimulated the efforts in search of new candidates. In our previous studies, we succeeded in designing potent peptides against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2), and Ebola viruses based on the database filtering technology. The designed peptides were proved highly potent. However, this ab initio method has not been utilized to design antifungal peptides. This study report two novel antifungal peptides with 21 and 15 amino acids designed by more effectively extracting the most probable parameters from ∼1200 antifungal peptides in the antimicrobial peptide database (APD). Subsequent hydrophobic diversification led to two peptide variants with enhanced activity against four fungal strains but reduced cytotoxicity to four mammalian cell lines. DFTAFP-1A (KWSGAAAKKLKSLLSGLGKLL) and DFTAFP-2A (KWSGLLLKLGAASKL) retained activity against Zygosaccharomyces bailii at pH 5.6 and 6.3 or after autoclave. The peptides could permeabilize fungal membranes and adopted helical conformations in membrane mimetic micelles. Collectively, this study demonstrated not only the successful design of two novel antifungal peptides based on the APD database but also optimization of desired peptide properties. This improved database approach may be utilized to design useful peptides to combat other drug-resistant pathogens as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron P Decker
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985900 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5900, USA
| | - Abraham Fikru Mechesso
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985900 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5900, USA
| | - Yuzhen Zhou
- Department of Statistics, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583-0963, USA
| | - Changmu Xu
- The Food Processing Center, Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
| | - Guangshun Wang
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985900 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5900, USA.
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24
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Gotelli E, Soldano S, Hysa E, Paolino S, Campitiello R, Pizzorni C, Sulli A, Smith V, Cutolo M. Vitamin D and COVID-19: Narrative Review after 3 Years of Pandemic. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14224907. [PMID: 36432593 PMCID: PMC9699333 DOI: 10.3390/nu14224907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Active vitamin D [1,25(OH)2D3-calcitriol] is a secosteroid hormone whose receptor is expressed on all cells of the immune system. Vitamin D has a global anti-inflammatory effect and its role in the management of a SARS-CoV-2 infection has been investigated since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this narrative review, the laboratory and clinical results of a vitamin D supplementation have been collected from both open-label and blinded randomized clinical trials. The results are generally in favor of the utility of maintaining the serum concentrations of calcifediol [25(OH)D3] at around 40 ng/mL and of the absolute usefulness of its supplementation in subjects with deficient serum levels. However, two very recent large-scale studies (one open-label, one placebo-controlled) have called into question the contribution of vitamin D to clinical practice in the era of COVID-19 vaccinations. The precise role of a vitamin D supplementation in the anti-COVID-19 armamentarium requires further investigations in light of the breakthrough which has been achieved with mass vaccinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Gotelli
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Stefano Soldano
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Elvis Hysa
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Sabrina Paolino
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Rosanna Campitiello
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Carmen Pizzorni
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Alberto Sulli
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Vanessa Smith
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Unit for Molecular Immunology and Inflammation, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB), Inflammation Research Center (IRC), 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Maurizio Cutolo
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, 16132 Genova, Italy
- Correspondence:
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25
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Shah K, Varna VP, Sharma U, Mavalankar D. Does vitamin D supplementation reduce COVID-19 severity?: a systematic review. QJM 2022; 115:665-672. [PMID: 35166850 PMCID: PMC9383458 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hcac040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The evidence regarding the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in reducing severity of COVID-19 is still insufficient. This is partially due to the lack of primary robust trial-based data and heterogeneous study designs. AIM This evidence summary, aims to study the effect of vitamin D supplementation on morbidity and mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.Design: Evidence summary of systematic reviews. METHODS For this study, systematic reviews and meta-analysis published from December 2019 to January 2022 presenting the impact of vitamin D supplementation on COVID-19 severity were screened and selected from PubMed and Google scholar. After initial screening, 10 eligible reviews were identified and quality of included reviews were assessed using AMSTAR and GRADE tools and overlapping among the primary studies used were also assessed. RESULTS The number of primary studies included in the systematic reviews ranged from 3 to 13. Meta-analysis of seven systematic reviews showed strong evidence that vitamin D supplementation reduces the risk of mortality (Odds ratio: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.346-0.664; P < 0.001) in COVID patients. It was also observed that supplementation reduces the need for intensive care (Odds ratio: 0.35; 95%CI: 0.28-0.44; P < 0.001) and mechanical ventilation (Odds ratio: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.411-0.708; P < 0.001) requirement. The findings were robust and reliable as level of heterogeneity was considerably low. However the included studies were of varied quality. Qualitative analysis showed that supplements (oral and IV) are well tolerated, safe and effective in COVID patients. CONCLUSION The findings of this study show that vitamin D supplementation is effective in reducing the COVID-19 severity. Hence, vitamin D should be recommended as an adjuvant therapy for COVID-19.However, more robust and larger trials are required to substantiate it further.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Shah
- From the Indian Institute of Public Health, Gujarat 382042, India
| | - V P Varna
- From the Indian Institute of Public Health, Gujarat 382042, India
| | - U Sharma
- From the Indian Institute of Public Health, Gujarat 382042, India
| | - D Mavalankar
- From the Indian Institute of Public Health, Gujarat 382042, India
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Saini J, Kaur P, Malik N, Lakhawat SS, Sharma PK. Antimicrobial peptides: A promising tool to combat multidrug resistance in SARS CoV2 era. Microbiol Res 2022; 265:127206. [PMID: 36162150 PMCID: PMC9491010 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2022.127206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019), a life-threatening viral infection, is caused by a highly pathogenic virus named SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2). Currently, no treatment is available for COVID-19; hence there is an urgent need to find effective therapeutic drugs to combat COVID-19 pandemic. Considering the fact that the world is facing a major issue of antimicrobial drug resistance, naturally occurring compounds have the potential to achieve this goal. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are naturally occurring antimicrobial agents which are effective against a wide variety of microbial infections. Therefore, the use of AMPs is an attractive therapeutic strategy for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This review sheds light on the potential of antimicrobial peptides as antiviral agents followed by a comprehensive description of effective antiviral peptides derived from various natural sources found to be effective against SARS-CoV and other respiratory viruses. It also highlights the mechanisms of action of antiviral peptides with special emphasis on their effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasleen Saini
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab, India
| | - Pritpal Kaur
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab, India
| | - Naveen Malik
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
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In vitro Screening of Herbal Medicinal Products for Their Supportive Curing Potential in the Context of SARS-CoV-2. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:8038195. [PMID: 36110194 PMCID: PMC9470301 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8038195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 herbal medicinal products may have the potential for symptom relief in nonsevere or moderate disease cases. In this in vitro study we screened the five herbal medicinal products Sinupret extract (SINx), Bronchipret thyme-ivy (BRO-TE), Bronchipret thyme-primula (BRO TP), Imupret (IMU), and Tonsipret (TOP) with regard to their potential to (i) interfere with the binding of the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor with the SARS-CoV-2 spike S1 protein, (ii) modulate the release of the human defensin HBD1 and cathelicidin LL-37 from human A549 lung cells upon spike S1 protein stimulation, and (iii) modulate the release of IFN-γ from activated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). The effect of the extracts on the interaction of spike S1 protein and the human ACE2 receptor was measured by ELISA. The effects on the intracellular IFN-γ expression in stimulated human PBMC were measured by flow cytometry. Regulation of HBD1 and LL-37 expression and secretion was assessed in 25 d long-term cultured human lung A549 epithelial cells by RT-PCR and ELISA. IMU and BRO-TE concentration-dependently inhibited the interaction between spike S1 protein and the ACE2 receptor. SINx, TOP, and BRO-TE significantly upregulated the intracellular expression of anti-viral IFN-γ from stimulated PBMC. Cotreatment of A549 cells with IMU or BRO TP together with SARS-CoV-2 spike protein significantly upregulated mRNA expression (IMU) and release of HBD1 (IMU and BRO TP) and LL-37 (BRO TP). The in vitro screening results provide first evidence for an immune-activating potential of some of the tested herbal medicinal extracts in the context of SARS-CoV-2. Whether these could be supportive in symptom relief or curing from SARS-CoV-2 infection needs deeper understanding of the observations.
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Pramanik A, Mayer J, Sinha SS, Sharma PC, Patibandla S, Gao Y, Corby LR, Bates JT, Bierdeman MA, Tandon R, Seshadri R, Ray PC. Human ACE2 Peptide-Attached Plasmonic-Magnetic Heterostructure for Magnetic Separation, Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Identification, and Inhibition of Different Variants of SARS-CoV-2 Infections. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2022; 5:4454-4464. [PMID: 36053723 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.2c00573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for several million deaths up to now. Because of the huge amount of vaccine escape mutations in the spike (S) protein for different variants, the design of material for combating SARS-CoV-2 is very important for our society. Herein, we report on the design of a human angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) peptide-conjugated plasmonic-magnetic heterostructure, which has the capability for magnetic separation, identification via surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), and inhibition of different variant SARS-CoV-2 infections. In this work, plasmonic-magnetic heterostructures were developed using the initial synthesis of polyethylenimine (PEI)-coated Fe3O4-based magnetic nanoparticles, and then gold nanoparticles (GNPs) were grown onto the surface of the magnetic nanoparticles. Experimental binding data between ACE2-conjugated plasmonic-magnetic heterostructures and spike-receptor-binding domain (RBD) show that the Omicron variant has maximum binding ability, and it follows Alpha < Beta < Gamma < Delta < Omicron. Our finding shows that, due to the high magnetic moment (specific magnetization 40 emu/g), bioconjugated heterostructures are capable of effective magnetic separation of pseudotyped SARS-CoV-2 bearing the Delta variant spike from an infected artificial nasal mucus fluid sample using a simple bar magnet. Experimental data show that due to the formation of huge "hot spots" in the presence of SARS-CoV-2, Raman intensity for the 4-aminothiolphenol (4-ATP) Raman reporter was enhanced sharply, which has been used for the identification of separated virus. Theoretical calculations using finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation indicate that, due to the "hot spots" formation, a six orders of magnitude Raman enhancement can be observed. A concentration-dependent inhibition efficiency investigation using a HEK293T-human cell line indicates that ACE2 peptide-conjugated plasmonic-magnetic heterostructures have the capability of complete inhibition of entry of different variants and original SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirions into host cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avijit Pramanik
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi 39217, United States
| | - Justin Mayer
- Materials Department, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106-5121, United States
| | - Sudarson Sekhar Sinha
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi 39217, United States
| | - Poonam C Sharma
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi 39216, United States
| | - Shamily Patibandla
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi 39217, United States
| | - Ye Gao
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi 39217, United States
| | - Lauren R Corby
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi 39217, United States
| | - John T Bates
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi 39216, United States
| | - Michael A Bierdeman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi 39216, United States
| | - Ritesh Tandon
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi 39216, United States
| | - Ram Seshadri
- Materials Department, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106-5121, United States
| | - Paresh Chandra Ray
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi 39217, United States
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LL-37, a Multi-Faceted Amphipathic Peptide Involved in NETosis. Cells 2022; 11:cells11152463. [PMID: 35954305 PMCID: PMC9368159 DOI: 10.3390/cells11152463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate immunity responds to infections and inflammatory stimuli through a carefully choreographed set of interactions between cells, stimuli and their specific receptors. Of particular importance are endogenous peptides, which assume roles as defensins or alarmins, growth factors or wound repair inducers. LL-37, a proteolytic fragment of cathelicidin, fulfills the roles of a defensin by inserting into the membranes of bacterial pathogens, functions as alarmin in stimulating chemotaxis of innate immune cells, and alters the structure and efficacy of various cytokines. Here, we draw attention to the direct effect of LL-37 on neutrophils and the release of extracellular traps (NETs), as NETs have been established as mediators of immune defense against pathogens but also as important contributors to chronic disease and tissue pathogenesis. We propose a specific structural basis for LL-37 function, in part by highlighting the structural flexibility of LL-37 and its ability to adapt to distinct microenvironments and interacting counterparts.
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30
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Richard VR, Gaither C, Popp R, Chaplygina D, Brzhozovskiy A, Kononikhin A, Mohammed Y, Zahedi RP, Nikolaev EN, Borchers CH. Early Prediction of COVID-19 Patient Survival by Targeted Plasma Multi-Omics and Machine Learning. Mol Cell Proteomics 2022; 21:100277. [PMID: 35931319 PMCID: PMC9345792 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2022.100277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent surge of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) hospitalizations severely challenges healthcare systems around the globe and has increased the demand for reliable tests predictive of disease severity and mortality. Using multiplexed targeted mass spectrometry assays on a robust triple quadrupole MS setup which is available in many clinical laboratories, we determined the precise concentrations of hundreds of proteins and metabolites in plasma from hospitalized COVID-19 patients. We observed a clear distinction between COVID-19 patients and controls and, strikingly, a significant difference between survivors and nonsurvivors. With increasing length of hospitalization, the survivors' samples showed a trend toward normal concentrations, indicating a potential sensitive readout of treatment success. Building a machine learning multi-omic model that considers the concentrations of 10 proteins and five metabolites, we could predict patient survival with 92% accuracy (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve: 0.97) on the day of hospitalization. Hence, our standardized assays represent a unique opportunity for the early stratification of hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
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Key Words
- acd, acid citrate dextrose
- acn, acetonitrile
- auc, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve
- bqc19, biobanque quebecoise de la covid-19
- bsa, bovine serum albumin covid-19
- cptac, clinical proteomic tumor analysis consortium
- dtt, dithiothreitol
- fa, formic acid
- fdr, false discovery rate
- icu, intensive care unit
- lc/mrm-ms, liquid chromatography/multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry
- lc-ms, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry
- lloq, lower limit of quantitation
- lysopc, lysophosphatidylcholine
- maldi, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization
- meoh, methanol
- ms, mass spectrometry
- pbs, phosphatase buffered saline
- pcr, polymerase chain reaction
- pitc, phenylisothiocyanate
- qc, quality control
- rp-uhplc, reversed phase ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography
- sis, stable-isotope-labeled internal standard
- spe, solid-phase extraction
- svm, support vector machine
- trishcl, tris (hydroxymethyl) aminomethane hydrochloride
- uniprot, the universal protein resource
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent R. Richard
- Segal Cancer Proteomics Centre, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | | | - Daria Chaplygina
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Biology, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander Brzhozovskiy
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Biology, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey Kononikhin
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Biology, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Yassene Mohammed
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands,Genome BC Proteomics Centre, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - René P. Zahedi
- Segal Cancer Proteomics Centre, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada,Manitoba Centre for Proteomics & Systems Biology, John Buhler Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Evgeny N. Nikolaev
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Biology, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Christoph H. Borchers
- Segal Cancer Proteomics Centre, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada,Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, Division of Experimental Medicine, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, McGill University, Montreal, Canada,Department of Pathology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada,For correspondence: Christoph H. Borchers
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Arora J, Patel DR, Nicol MJ, Field CJ, Restori KH, Wang J, Froelich NE, Katkere B, Terwilliger JA, Weaver V, Luley E, Kelly K, Kirimanjeswara GS, Sutton TC, Cantorna MT. Vitamin D and the Ability to Produce 1,25(OH) 2D Are Critical for Protection from Viral Infection of the Lungs. Nutrients 2022; 14:3061. [PMID: 35893921 PMCID: PMC9332570 DOI: 10.3390/nu14153061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D supplementation is linked to improved outcomes from respiratory virus infection, and the COVID-19 pandemic renewed interest in understanding the potential role of vitamin D in protecting the lung from viral infections. Therefore, we evaluated the role of vitamin D using animal models of pandemic H1N1 influenza and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. In mice, dietary-induced vitamin D deficiency resulted in lung inflammation that was present prior to infection. Vitamin D sufficient (D+) and deficient (D-) wildtype (WT) and D+ and D- Cyp27B1 (Cyp) knockout (KO, cannot produce 1,25(OH)2D) mice were infected with pandemic H1N1. D- WT, D+ Cyp KO, and D- Cyp KO mice all exhibited significantly reduced survival compared to D+ WT mice. Importantly, survival was not the result of reduced viral replication, as influenza M gene expression in the lungs was similar for all animals. Based on these findings, additional experiments were performed using the mouse and hamster models of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In these studies, high dose vitamin D supplementation reduced lung inflammation in mice but not hamsters. A trend to faster weight recovery was observed in 1,25(OH)2D treated mice that survived SARS-CoV-2 infection. There was no effect of vitamin D on SARS-CoV-2 N gene expression in the lung of either mice or hamsters. Therefore, vitamin D deficiency enhanced disease severity, while vitamin D sufficiency/supplementation reduced inflammation following infections with H1N1 influenza and SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juhi Arora
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; (J.A.); (D.R.P.); (M.J.N.); (C.J.F.); (K.H.R.); (J.W.); (N.E.F.); (B.K.); (J.A.T.); (V.W.); (G.S.K.)
| | - Devanshi R. Patel
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; (J.A.); (D.R.P.); (M.J.N.); (C.J.F.); (K.H.R.); (J.W.); (N.E.F.); (B.K.); (J.A.T.); (V.W.); (G.S.K.)
| | - McKayla J. Nicol
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; (J.A.); (D.R.P.); (M.J.N.); (C.J.F.); (K.H.R.); (J.W.); (N.E.F.); (B.K.); (J.A.T.); (V.W.); (G.S.K.)
| | - Cassandra J. Field
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; (J.A.); (D.R.P.); (M.J.N.); (C.J.F.); (K.H.R.); (J.W.); (N.E.F.); (B.K.); (J.A.T.); (V.W.); (G.S.K.)
| | - Katherine H. Restori
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; (J.A.); (D.R.P.); (M.J.N.); (C.J.F.); (K.H.R.); (J.W.); (N.E.F.); (B.K.); (J.A.T.); (V.W.); (G.S.K.)
| | - Jinpeng Wang
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; (J.A.); (D.R.P.); (M.J.N.); (C.J.F.); (K.H.R.); (J.W.); (N.E.F.); (B.K.); (J.A.T.); (V.W.); (G.S.K.)
| | - Nicole E. Froelich
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; (J.A.); (D.R.P.); (M.J.N.); (C.J.F.); (K.H.R.); (J.W.); (N.E.F.); (B.K.); (J.A.T.); (V.W.); (G.S.K.)
| | - Bhuvana Katkere
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; (J.A.); (D.R.P.); (M.J.N.); (C.J.F.); (K.H.R.); (J.W.); (N.E.F.); (B.K.); (J.A.T.); (V.W.); (G.S.K.)
| | - Josey A. Terwilliger
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; (J.A.); (D.R.P.); (M.J.N.); (C.J.F.); (K.H.R.); (J.W.); (N.E.F.); (B.K.); (J.A.T.); (V.W.); (G.S.K.)
| | - Veronika Weaver
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; (J.A.); (D.R.P.); (M.J.N.); (C.J.F.); (K.H.R.); (J.W.); (N.E.F.); (B.K.); (J.A.T.); (V.W.); (G.S.K.)
| | - Erin Luley
- Animal Diagnostic Laboratory, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; (E.L.); (K.K.)
| | - Kathleen Kelly
- Animal Diagnostic Laboratory, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; (E.L.); (K.K.)
| | - Girish S. Kirimanjeswara
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; (J.A.); (D.R.P.); (M.J.N.); (C.J.F.); (K.H.R.); (J.W.); (N.E.F.); (B.K.); (J.A.T.); (V.W.); (G.S.K.)
| | - Troy C. Sutton
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; (J.A.); (D.R.P.); (M.J.N.); (C.J.F.); (K.H.R.); (J.W.); (N.E.F.); (B.K.); (J.A.T.); (V.W.); (G.S.K.)
| | - Margherita T. Cantorna
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; (J.A.); (D.R.P.); (M.J.N.); (C.J.F.); (K.H.R.); (J.W.); (N.E.F.); (B.K.); (J.A.T.); (V.W.); (G.S.K.)
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Fernandez GJ, Ramírez-Mejia JM, Urcuqui-Inchima S. Vitamin D boosts immune response of macrophages through a regulatory network of microRNAs and mRNAs. J Nutr Biochem 2022; 109:109105. [PMID: 35858666 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2022.109105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin D is associated with the stimulation of innate immunity, inflammation, and host defense against pathogens. Macrophages express receptors of Vitamin D, regulating transcription of genes related to immune processes. However, the transcriptional and post-transcriptional strategies controlling gene expression in differentiated macrophages, and how they are influenced by Vitamin D are not well understood. We studied whether Vitamin D enhances immune response by regulating the expression of microRNAs and mRNAs. Analysis of the transcriptome showed differences in expression of 199 genes, of which 68% were up-regulated, revealing the cell state of monocyte-derived macrophages differentiated with Vitamin D (D3-MDMs) as compared to monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs). The differentially expressed genes appear to be associated with pathophysiological processes, including inflammatory responses, and cellular stress. Transcriptional motifs in promoter regions of up- or down-regulated genes showed enrichment of VDR motifs, suggesting possible roles of transcriptional activator or repressor in gene expression. Further, microRNA-Seq analysis indicated that there were 17 differentially expressed miRNAs, of which, 7 were up-regulated and 10 down-regulated, suggesting that Vitamin D plays a critical role in the regulation of miRNA expression during macrophages differentiation. The miR-6501-3p, miR-1273h-5p, miR-665, miR-1972, miR-1183, miR-619-5p were down-regulated in D3-MDMs compared to MDMs. The integrative analysis of miRNA and mRNA expression profiles predict that miR-1972, miR-1273h-5p, and miR-665 regulate genes PDCD1LG2, IL-1B, and CD274, which are related to the inflammatory response. Results suggest an essential role of Vitamin D in macrophage differentiation that modulates host response against pathogens, inflammation, and cellular stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geysson Javier Fernandez
- Grupo Inmunovirología, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Calle 70 No 52-21, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Julieta M Ramírez-Mejia
- Research group CIBIOP, Department of Biological Sciences, Universidad EAFIT, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Silvio Urcuqui-Inchima
- Grupo Inmunovirología, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Calle 70 No 52-21, Medellín, Colombia.
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The ratio of serum LL-37 levels to blood leucocyte count correlates with COVID-19 severity. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9447. [PMID: 35676519 PMCID: PMC9175165 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13260-8] [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: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractBeneficial effects of vitamin D on COVID-19 progression have been discussed in several studies. Vitamin D stimulates the expression of the antimicrobial peptide LL-37, and evidence shows that LL-37 can antagonize SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, we investigated the association between LL-37 and vitamin D serum levels and the severity of COVID-19. To this end, 78 COVID-19 patients were divided into 5 groups according to disease severity. We determined serum levels of LL-37, vitamin D, and routine laboratory parameters. We demonstrated a correlation of CRP, IL-6, PCT, leukocyte count, and LDH with the severity of COVID-19. Our study did not demonstrate a direct relationship between serum levels of LL-37 and vitamin D and the severity of COVID-19. LL-37 is produced by granulocytes and released at the site of inflammation. Therefore, the analysis of LL-37 in broncho-alvelolar lavage rather than in patient serum seems critical. However, since LL-37 is produced by granulocytes, we determined serum LL-37 levels as a function of leukocyte count. The LL-37/leukocyte count ratio correlates highly significantly inversely proportional with COVID-19 severity. Our results indicate that the LL-37/leukocyte count ratio could be used to assess the risk of COVID-19 progression as early as hospital admission.
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Sabbatinelli J, Matacchione G, Giuliani A, Ramini D, Rippo MR, Procopio AD, Bonafè M, Olivieri F. Circulating biomarkers of inflammaging as potential predictors of COVID-19 severe outcomes. Mech Ageing Dev 2022; 204:111667. [PMID: 35341896 PMCID: PMC8949647 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2022.111667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection has been of unprecedented clinical and socio-economic worldwide relevance. The case fatality rate for COVID-19 grows exponentially with age and the presence of comorbidities. In the older patients, COVID-19 manifests predominantly as a systemic disease associated with immunological, inflammatory, and procoagulant responses. Timely diagnosis and risk stratification are crucial steps to define appropriate therapies and reduce mortality, especially in the older patients. Chronically and systemically activated innate immune responses and impaired antiviral responses have been recognized as the results of a progressive remodeling of the immune system during aging, which can be described by the words 'immunosenescence' and 'inflammaging'. These age-related features of the immune system were highlighted in patients affected by COVID-19 with the poorest clinical outcomes, suggesting that the mechanisms underpinning immunosenescence and inflammaging could be relevant for COVID-19 pathogenesis and progression. Increasing evidence suggests that senescent myeloid and endothelial cells are characterized by the acquisition of a senescence-associated pro-inflammatory phenotype (SASP), which is considered as the main culprit of both immunosenescence and inflammaging. Here, we reviewed this evidence and highlighted several circulating biomarkers of inflammaging that could provide additional prognostic information to stratify COVID-19 patients based on the risk of severe outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Sabbatinelli
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Laboratory Medicine, AOU Ospedali Riuniti, Ancona, Italy
| | - Giulia Matacchione
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Angelica Giuliani
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Deborah Ramini
- Center of Clinical Pathology and Innovative Therapy, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
| | - Maria Rita Rippo
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Antonio Domenico Procopio
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Center of Clinical Pathology and Innovative Therapy, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Bonafè
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabiola Olivieri
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Center of Clinical Pathology and Innovative Therapy, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy.
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Duan Z, Zhang J, Chen X, Liu M, Zhao H, Jin L, Zhang Z, Luan N, Meng P, Wang J, Tan Z, Li Y, Deng G, Lai R. Role of LL-37 in thrombotic complications in patients with COVID-19. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:309. [PMID: 35596804 PMCID: PMC9123294 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04309-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Blood clot formation induced by dysfunctional coagulation is a frequent complication of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and a high-risk factor for severe illness and death. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are implicated in COVID-19-induced immunothrombosis. Furthermore, human cathelicidin, a NET component, can perturb the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and its ACE2 receptor, which mediates viral entry into cells. At present, however, the levels of cathelicidin antimicrobial peptides after SARS-CoV-2 infection and their role in COVID-19 thrombosis formation remain unclear. In the current study, we analyzed coagulation function and found a decrease in thrombin time but an increase in fibrinogen level, prothrombin time, and activated partial thromboplastin time in COVID-19 patients. In addition, the cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide LL-37 was upregulated by the spike protein and significantly elevated in the plasma of patients. Furthermore, LL-37 levels were negatively correlated with thrombin time but positively correlated with fibrinogen level. In addition to platelet activation, cathelicidin peptides enhanced the activity of coagulation factors, such as factor Xa (FXa) and thrombin, which may induce hypercoagulation in diseases with high cathelicidin peptide levels. Injection of cathelicidin peptides promoted the formation of thrombosis, whereas deletion of cathelicidin inhibited thrombosis in vivo. These results suggest that cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide LL-37 is elevated during SARS-CoV-2 infection, which may induce hypercoagulation in COVID-19 patients by activating coagulation factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zilei Duan
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511458, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Sino-African Joint Research Center, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, 650223, Yunnan, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University, 29 Gaotanyan Street, Shapingba, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xue Chen
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511458, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Sino-African Joint Research Center, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, 650223, Yunnan, China
| | - Ming Liu
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511458, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Sino-African Joint Research Center, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, 650223, Yunnan, China
| | - Hongwen Zhao
- Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University, 29 Gaotanyan Street, Shapingba, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Lin Jin
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511458, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Sino-African Joint Research Center, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, 650223, Yunnan, China
| | - Zhiye Zhang
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511458, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Sino-African Joint Research Center, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, 650223, Yunnan, China
| | - Ning Luan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Sino-African Joint Research Center, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, 650223, Yunnan, China
| | - Ping Meng
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Yan'an Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650041, Yunnan, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Laboratory Diagnosis, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Public Health Hospital of Southwest University, 109 Baoyu Rd. Shapingba, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Zhaoxia Tan
- Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University, 29 Gaotanyan Street, Shapingba, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yaxiong Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Yan'an Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650041, Yunnan, China.
| | - Guohong Deng
- Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University, 29 Gaotanyan Street, Shapingba, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Ren Lai
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511458, China.
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Sino-African Joint Research Center, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, 650223, Yunnan, China.
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Aloul KM, Nielsen JE, Defensor EB, Lin JS, Fortkort JA, Shamloo M, Cirillo JD, Gombart AF, Barron AE. Upregulating Human Cathelicidin Antimicrobial Peptide LL-37 Expression May Prevent Severe COVID-19 Inflammatory Responses and Reduce Microthrombosis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:880961. [PMID: 35634307 PMCID: PMC9134243 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.880961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is characterized by hyperactivation by inflammatory cytokines and recruitment of macrophages, neutrophils, and other immune cells, all hallmarks of a strong inflammatory response that can lead to severe complications and multi-organ damage. Mortality in COVID-19 patients is associated with a high prevalence of neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation and microthrombosis that are exacerbated by hyperglycemia, diabetes, and old age. SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans and non-human primates have revealed long-term neurological consequences of COVID-19, possibly concomitant with the formation of Lewy bodies in the brain and invasion of the nervous system via the olfactory bulb. In this paper, we review the relevance of the human cathelicidin LL-37 in SARS-CoV-2 infections. LL-37 is an immunomodulatory, host defense peptide with direct anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity, and pleiotropic effects on the inflammatory response, neovascularization, Lewy body formation, and pancreatic islet cell function. The bioactive form of vitamin D and a number of other compounds induce LL-37 expression and one might predict its upregulation, could reduce the prevalence of severe COVID-19. We hypothesize upregulation of LL-37 will act therapeutically, facilitating efficient NET clearance by macrophages, speeding endothelial repair after inflammatory tissue damage, preventing α-synuclein aggregation, and supporting blood-glucose level stabilization by facilitating insulin release and islet β-cell neogenesis. In addition, it has been postulated that LL-37 can directly bind the S1 domain of SARS-CoV-2, mask angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors, and limit SARS-CoV-2 infection. Purposeful upregulation of LL-37 could also serve as a preventative and therapeutic strategy for SARS-CoV-2 infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim M. Aloul
- Department of Bioengineering, Schools of Medicine and of Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Josefine Eilsø Nielsen
- Department of Bioengineering, Schools of Medicine and of Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Erwin B. Defensor
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Jennifer S. Lin
- Department of Bioengineering, Schools of Medicine and of Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - John A. Fortkort
- Department of Bioengineering, Schools of Medicine and of Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Mehrdad Shamloo
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Jeffrey D. Cirillo
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M College of Medicine, Bryan, TX, United States
| | - Adrian F. Gombart
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
- The Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Annelise E. Barron
- Department of Bioengineering, Schools of Medicine and of Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
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37
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Trozzi F, Karki N, Song Z, Verma N, Kraka E, Zoltowski BD, Tao P. Allosteric control of ACE2 peptidase domain dynamics. Org Biomol Chem 2022; 20:3605-3618. [PMID: 35420112 PMCID: PMC9205182 DOI: 10.1039/d2ob00606e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) assists the regulation of blood pressure and is the main target of the coronaviruses responsible for SARS and COVID19. The catalytic function of ACE2 relies on the opening and closing motion of its peptidase domain (PD). In this study, we investigated the possibility of allosterically controlling the ACE2 PD functional dynamics. After confirming that ACE2 PD binding site opening-closing motion is dominant in characterizing its conformational landscape, we observed that few mutations in the viral receptor binding domain fragments were able to impart different effects on the binding site opening of ACE2 PD. This showed that binding to the solvent exposed area of ACE2 PD can effectively alter the conformational profile of the protein, and thus likely its catalytic function. Using a targeted machine learning model and relative entropy-based statistical analysis, we proposed the mechanism for the allosteric perturbation that regulates the ACE2 PD binding site dynamics at atomistic level. The key residues and the source of the allosteric regulation of ACE PD dynamics are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Trozzi
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Research Computing, Center for Drug Discovery, Design, and Delivery (CD4), Southern Methodist University, Dallas, USA.
| | - Nischal Karki
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Research Computing, Center for Drug Discovery, Design, and Delivery (CD4), Southern Methodist University, Dallas, USA.
| | - Zilin Song
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Research Computing, Center for Drug Discovery, Design, and Delivery (CD4), Southern Methodist University, Dallas, USA.
| | - Niraj Verma
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Research Computing, Center for Drug Discovery, Design, and Delivery (CD4), Southern Methodist University, Dallas, USA.
| | - Elfi Kraka
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Research Computing, Center for Drug Discovery, Design, and Delivery (CD4), Southern Methodist University, Dallas, USA.
| | - Brian D Zoltowski
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Research Computing, Center for Drug Discovery, Design, and Delivery (CD4), Southern Methodist University, Dallas, USA.
| | - Peng Tao
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Research Computing, Center for Drug Discovery, Design, and Delivery (CD4), Southern Methodist University, Dallas, USA.
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Ripperda T, Yu Y, Verma A, Klug E, Thurman M, Reid SP, Wang G. Improved Database Filtering Technology Enables More Efficient Ab Initio Design of Potent Peptides against Ebola Viruses. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15050521. [PMID: 35631348 PMCID: PMC9143221 DOI: 10.3390/ph15050521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid mutations of viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 require vaccine updates and the development of novel antiviral drugs. This article presents an improved database filtering technology for a more effective design of novel antiviral agents. Different from the previous approach, where the most probable parameters were obtained stepwise from the antimicrobial peptide database, we found it possible to accelerate the design process by deriving multiple parameters in a single step during the peptide amino acid analysis. The resulting peptide DFTavP1 displays the ability to inhibit Ebola virus. A deviation from the most probable peptide parameters reduces antiviral activity. The designed peptides appear to block viral entry. In addition, the amino acid signature provides a clue to peptide engineering to gain cell selectivity. Like human cathelicidin LL-37, our engineered peptide DDIP1 inhibits both Ebola and SARS-CoV-2 viruses. These peptides, with broad antiviral activity, may selectively disrupt viral envelopes and offer the lasting efficacy required to treat various RNA viruses, including their emerging mutants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - St Patrick Reid
- Correspondence: (S.P.R.); (G.W.); Tel.: +1-(402)-559-3644 (S.P.R.); +1-(402)-559-4176 (G.W.)
| | - Guangshun Wang
- Correspondence: (S.P.R.); (G.W.); Tel.: +1-(402)-559-3644 (S.P.R.); +1-(402)-559-4176 (G.W.)
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39
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Li X, Zuo S, Wang B, Zhang K, Wang Y. Antimicrobial Mechanisms and Clinical Application Prospects of Antimicrobial Peptides. Molecules 2022; 27:2675. [PMID: 35566025 PMCID: PMC9104849 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27092675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides are a type of small-molecule peptide that widely exist in nature and are components of the innate immunity of almost all living things. They play an important role in resisting foreign invading microorganisms. Antimicrobial peptides have a wide range of antibacterial activities against bacteria, fungi, viruses and other microorganisms. They are active against traditional antibiotic-resistant strains and do not easily induce the development of drug resistance. Therefore, they have become a hot spot of medical research and are expected to become a new substitute for fighting microbial infection and represent a new method for treating drug-resistant bacteria. This review briefly introduces the source and structural characteristics of antimicrobial peptides and describes those that have been used against common clinical microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses, and especially coronaviruses), focusing on their antimicrobial mechanism of action and clinical application prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; (X.L.); (B.W.)
| | - Siyao Zuo
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China;
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; (X.L.); (B.W.)
| | - Kaiyu Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; (X.L.); (B.W.)
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; (X.L.); (B.W.)
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40
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Host Defence Peptides: A Potent Alternative to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance in the Era of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11040475. [PMID: 35453226 PMCID: PMC9032040 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11040475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the greatest challenges facing the medical community today is the ever-increasing trajectory of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which is being compounded by the decrease in our antimicrobial armamentarium. From their initial discovery to the current day, antibiotics have seen an exponential increase in their usage, from medical to agricultural use. Benefits aside, this has led to an exponential increase in AMR, with the fear that over 10 million lives are predicted to be lost by 2050, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). As such, medical researchers are turning their focus to discovering novel alternatives to antimicrobials, one being Host Defence Peptides (HDPs). These small cationic peptides have shown great efficacy in being used as an antimicrobial therapy for currently resistant microbial variants. With the sudden emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 variant and the subsequent global pandemic, the great versatility and potential use of HDPs as an alternative to conventional antibiotics in treating as well as preventing the spread of COVID-19 has been reviewed. Thus, to allow the reader to have a full understanding of the multifaceted therapeutic use of HDPs, this literature review shall cover the association between COVID-19 and AMR whilst discussing and evaluating the use of HDPs as an answer to antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
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Zhang L, Ghosh SK, Basavarajappa SC, Chen Y, Shrestha P, Penfield J, Brewer A, Ramakrishnan P, Buck M, Weinberg A. HBD-2 binds SARS-CoV-2 RBD and blocks viral entry: Strategy to combat COVID-19. iScience 2022; 25:103856. [PMID: 35128350 PMCID: PMC8808565 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.103856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
New approaches to complement vaccination are needed to combat the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and stop COVID-19-related deaths and medical complications. Human beta defensin 2 (hBD-2) is a naturally occurring epithelial cell-derived host defense peptide that has anti-viral properties. Our comprehensive in-silico studies demonstrate that hBD-2 binds the site on the CoV-2-RBD that docks with the ACE2 receptor. Biophysical measurements confirm that hBD-2 indeed binds to the CoV-2-receptor-binding domain (RBD) (KD ∼ 2μM by surface plasmon resonance), preventing it from binding to ACE2-expressing cells. Importantly, hBD-2 shows specificity by blocking CoV-2/spike pseudoviral infection, but not VSVG-mediated infection, of ACE2-expressing human cells with an IC50 of 2.8 ± 0.4 μM. These promising findings offer opportunities to develop hBD-2 and/or its derivatives and mimetics to safely and effectively use as agents to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection. HBD-2 binds spike-RBD at the ACE2 interaction site in silico Biophysical and biological assays confirm hBD-2 binding to spike-RBD HBD-2 blocks spike-RBD:ACE2 binding HBD-2 prevents CoV-2/spike pseudovirions from infecting ACE2-expressing human cells
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqun Zhang
- Chemical Engineering, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, TN 38505, USA
| | - Santosh K. Ghosh
- Biological Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | | | - Yinghua Chen
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Pravesh Shrestha
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Jackson Penfield
- Chemical Engineering, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, TN 38505, USA
| | - Ann Brewer
- Chemical Engineering, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, TN 38505, USA
| | - Parameswaran Ramakrishnan
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Corresponding author
| | - Matthias Buck
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Corresponding author
| | - Aaron Weinberg
- Biological Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Corresponding author
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Nielsen JE, Alford MA, Yung DBY, Molchanova N, Fortkort JA, Lin JS, Diamond G, Hancock REW, Jenssen H, Pletzer D, Lund R, Barron AE. Self-Assembly of Antimicrobial Peptoids Impacts Their Biological Effects on ESKAPE Bacterial Pathogens. ACS Infect Dis 2022; 8:533-545. [PMID: 35175731 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.1c00536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising pharmaceutical candidates for the prevention and treatment of infections caused by multidrug-resistant ESKAPE pathogens, which are responsible for the majority of hospital-acquired infections. Clinical translation of AMPs has been limited, in part by apparent toxicity on systemic dosing and by instability arising from susceptibility to proteolysis. Peptoids (sequence-specific oligo-N-substituted glycines) resist proteolytic digestion and thus are of value as AMP mimics. Only a few natural AMPs such as LL-37 and polymyxin self-assemble in solution; whether antimicrobial peptoids mimic these properties has been unknown. Here, we examine the antibacterial efficacy and dynamic self-assembly in aqueous media of eight peptoid mimics of cationic AMPs designed to self-assemble and two nonassembling controls. These amphipathic peptoids self-assembled in different ways, as determined by small-angle X-ray scattering; some adopt helical bundles, while others form core-shell ellipsoidal or worm-like micelles. Interestingly, many of these peptoid assemblies show promising antibacterial, antibiofilm activity in vitro in media, under host-mimicking conditions and antiabscess activity in vivo. While self-assembly correlated overall with antibacterial efficacy, this correlation was imperfect. Certain self-assembled morphologies seem better-suited for antibacterial activity. In particular, a peptoid exhibiting a high fraction of long, worm-like micelles showed reduced antibacterial, antibiofilm, and antiabscess activity against ESKAPE pathogens compared with peptoids that form ellipsoidal or bundled assemblies. This is the first report of self-assembling peptoid antibacterials with activity against in vivo biofilm-like infections relevant to clinical medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josefine Eilsø Nielsen
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo 0315, Norway
| | - Morgan Ashley Alford
- Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Deborah Bow Yue Yung
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Natalia Molchanova
- The Molecular Foundry, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - John A. Fortkort
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Jennifer S. Lin
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Gill Diamond
- Department of Oral Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville, School of Dentistry, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, United States
| | - Robert E. W. Hancock
- Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Håvard Jenssen
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Roskilde 4000, Denmark
| | - Daniel Pletzer
- Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Reidar Lund
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo 0315, Norway
| | - Annelise E. Barron
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
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Pramanik A, Sharma PC, Patibandla S, Gao Y, Ruppa-Kasani V, Goli J, Kumar A, Chatterjee A, Sinha SS, Bates JT, Bierdeman MA, Tandon R, Ray PC. Blocking SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant (B.1.617.2) Spike Protein Receptor-Binding Domain Binding with the ACE2 Receptor of the Host Cell and Inhibiting Virus Infections Using Human Host Defense Peptide-Conjugated Graphene Quantum Dots. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:8150-8157. [PMID: 35252734 PMCID: PMC8886715 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c00113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of double mutation delta (B.1.617.2) variants has dropped vaccine effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Although COVID-19 is responsible for more than 5.4 M deaths till now, more than 40% of infected individuals are asymptomatic carriers as the immune system of the human body can control the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Herein, we report for the first time that human host defense neutrophil α-defensin HNP1 and human cathelicidin LL-37 peptide-conjugated graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have the capability to prevent the delta variant virus entry into the host cells via blocking SARS-CoV-2 delta variant (B.1.617.2) spike protein receptor-binding domain (RBD) binding with host cells' angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Experimental data shows that due to the binding between the delta variant spike protein RBD and bioconjugate GQDs, in the presence of the delta variant spike protein, the fluorescence signal from GQDs quenched abruptly. Experimental quenching data shows a nonlinear Stern-Volmer quenching profile, which indicates multiple binding sites. Using the modified Hill equation, we have determined n = 2.6 and the effective binding affinity 9 nM, which is comparable with the ACE2-spike protein binding affinity (8 nM). Using the alpha, beta, and gamma variant spike-RBD, experimental data shows that the binding affinity for the delta B.1.617.2 variant is higher than those for the other variants. Further investigation using the HEK293T-human ACE2 cell line indicates that peptide-conjugated GQDs have the capability for completely inhibiting the entry of delta variant SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirions into host cells via blocking the ACE2-spike protein binding. Experimental data shows that the inhibition efficiency for LL-37 peptide- and HNP1 peptide-attached GQDs are much higher than that of only one type of peptide-attached GQDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avijit Pramanik
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Jackson State
University, Jackson, Mississippi 39217, United States
| | - Poonam C. Sharma
- Department
of Microbiology and Immunology, University
of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi 39216, United States
| | - Shamily Patibandla
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Jackson State
University, Jackson, Mississippi 39217, United States
| | - Ye Gao
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Jackson State
University, Jackson, Mississippi 39217, United States
| | - Vinod Ruppa-Kasani
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Jackson State
University, Jackson, Mississippi 39217, United States
| | - Jagruti Goli
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Jackson State
University, Jackson, Mississippi 39217, United States
| | - Animesh Kumar
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Jackson State
University, Jackson, Mississippi 39217, United States
| | - Abhirup Chatterjee
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Jackson State
University, Jackson, Mississippi 39217, United States
| | - Sudarson Sekhar Sinha
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Jackson State
University, Jackson, Mississippi 39217, United States
| | - John T. Bates
- Department
of Microbiology and Immunology, University
of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi 39216, United States
| | - Michael A. Bierdeman
- Department
of Microbiology and Immunology, University
of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi 39216, United States
| | - Ritesh Tandon
- Department
of Microbiology and Immunology, University
of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi 39216, United States
| | - Paresh Chandra Ray
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Jackson State
University, Jackson, Mississippi 39217, United States
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Tian X, Shen L, Gao P, Huang L, Liu G, Zhou L, Peng L. Discovery of Potential Therapeutic Drugs for COVID-19 Through Logistic Matrix Factorization With Kernel Diffusion. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:740382. [PMID: 35295301 PMCID: PMC8919055 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.740382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is rapidly spreading. Researchers around the world are dedicated to finding the treatment clues for COVID-19. Drug repositioning, as a rapid and cost-effective way for finding therapeutic options from available FDA-approved drugs, has been applied to drug discovery for COVID-19. In this study, we develop a novel drug repositioning method (VDA-KLMF) to prioritize possible anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs integrating virus sequences, drug chemical structures, known Virus-Drug Associations, and Logistic Matrix Factorization with Kernel diffusion. First, Gaussian kernels of viruses and drugs are built based on known VDAs and nearest neighbors. Second, sequence similarity kernel of viruses and chemical structure similarity kernel of drugs are constructed based on biological features and an identity matrix. Third, Gaussian kernel and similarity kernel are diffused. Forth, a logistic matrix factorization model with kernel diffusion is proposed to identify potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs. Finally, molecular dockings between the inferred antiviral drugs and the junction of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-ACE2 interface are implemented to investigate the binding abilities between them. VDA-KLMF is compared with two state-of-the-art VDA prediction models (VDA-KATZ and VDA-RWR) and three classical association prediction methods (NGRHMDA, LRLSHMDA, and NRLMF) based on 5-fold cross validations on viruses, drugs, and VDAs on three datasets. It obtains the best recalls, AUCs, and AUPRs, significantly outperforming other five methods under the three different cross validations. We observe that four chemical agents coming together on any two datasets, that is, remdesivir, ribavirin, nitazoxanide, and emetine, may be the clues of treatment for COVID-19. The docking results suggest that the key residues K353 and G496 may affect the binding energies and dynamics between the inferred anti-SARS-CoV-2 chemical agents and the junction of the spike protein-ACE2 interface. Integrating various biological data, Gaussian kernel, similarity kernel, and logistic matrix factorization with kernel diffusion, this work demonstrates that a few chemical agents may assist in drug discovery for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiongfei Tian
- School of Computer Science, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou, China
| | - Ling Shen
- School of Computer Science, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou, China
| | - Pengfei Gao
- College of Life Sciences and Chemistry, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou, China
| | - Li Huang
- Academy of Arts and Design, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- The Future Laboratory, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Guangyi Liu
- School of Computer Science, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou, China
| | - Liqian Zhou
- School of Computer Science, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Liqian Zhou,
| | - Lihong Peng
- School of Computer Science, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou, China
- College of Life Sciences and Chemistry, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou, China
- Lihong Peng,
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Grant WB, Al Anouti F, Boucher BJ, Dursun E, Gezen-Ak D, Jude EB, Karonova T, Pludowski P. A Narrative Review of the Evidence for Variations in Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentration Thresholds for Optimal Health. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14030639. [PMID: 35276999 PMCID: PMC8838864 DOI: 10.3390/nu14030639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D3 has many important health benefits. Unfortunately, these benefits are not widely known among health care personnel and the general public. As a result, most of the world’s population has serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations far below optimal values. This narrative review examines the evidence for the major causes of death including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, cancer, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and COVID-19 with regard to sub-optimal 25(OH)D concentrations. Evidence for the beneficial effects comes from a variety of approaches including ecological and observational studies, studies of mechanisms, and Mendelian randomization studies. Although randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are generally considered the strongest form of evidence for pharmaceutical drugs, the study designs and the conduct of RCTs performed for vitamin D have mostly been flawed for the following reasons: they have been based on vitamin D dose rather than on baseline and achieved 25(OH)D concentrations; they have involved participants with 25(OH)D concentrations above the population mean; they have given low vitamin D doses; and they have permitted other sources of vitamin D. Thus, the strongest evidence generally comes from the other types of studies. The general finding is that optimal 25(OH)D concentrations to support health and wellbeing are above 30 ng/mL (75 nmol/L) for cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality rate, whereas the thresholds for several other outcomes appear to range up to 40 or 50 ng/mL. The most efficient way to achieve these concentrations is through vitamin D supplementation. Although additional studies are warranted, raising serum 25(OH)D concentrations to optimal concentrations will result in a significant reduction in preventable illness and death.
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Affiliation(s)
- William B. Grant
- Sunlight, Nutrition, and Health Research Center, P.O. Box 641603, San Francisco, CA 94164-1603, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-415-409-1980
| | - Fatme Al Anouti
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi 144534, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Barbara J. Boucher
- The Blizard Institute, Barts & The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E12AT, UK;
| | - Erdinç Dursun
- Department of Neuroscience, Institute of Neurological Sciences, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul 34098, Turkey; (E.D.); (D.G.-A.)
| | - Duygu Gezen-Ak
- Department of Neuroscience, Institute of Neurological Sciences, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul 34098, Turkey; (E.D.); (D.G.-A.)
| | - Edward B. Jude
- Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, Fountain Street, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 9RW, UK;
- The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
- Manchester Metropolitan University, All Saints Building, Manchester M15 6BH, UK
| | - Tatiana Karonova
- Clinical Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Endocrinology, Almazov National Medical Research Centre, 194021 Saint-Petersburg, Russia;
| | - Pawel Pludowski
- Department of Biochemistry, Radioimmunology and Experimental Medicine, The Children’s Memorial Health Institute, 04730 Warsaw, Poland;
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46
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White JH. Emerging Roles of Vitamin D-Induced Antimicrobial Peptides in Antiviral Innate Immunity. Nutrients 2022; 14:284. [PMID: 35057465 PMCID: PMC8779757 DOI: 10.3390/nu14020284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D deficiency, characterized by low circulating levels of calcifediol (25-hydroxyvitamin D, 25D) has been linked to increased risk of infections of bacterial and viral origin. Innate immune cells produce hormonal calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, 1,25D) locally from circulating calcifediol in response to pathogen threat and an immune-specific cytokine network. Calcitriol regulates gene expression through its binding to the vitamin D receptor (VDR), a ligand-regulated transcription factor. The hormone-bound VDR induces the transcription of genes integral to innate immunity including pattern recognition receptors, cytokines, and most importantly antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Transcription of the human AMP genes β-defensin 2/defensin-β4 (HBD2/DEFB4) and cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (CAMP) is stimulated by the VDR bound to promoter-proximal vitamin D response elements. HDB2/DEFB4 and the active form of CAMP, the peptide LL-37, which form amphipathic secondary structures, were initially characterized for their antibacterial actively. Notably, calcitriol signaling induces secretion of antibacterial activity in vitro and in vivo, and low circulating levels of calcifediol are associated with diverse indications characterized by impaired antibacterial immunity such as dental caries and urinary tract infections. However, recent work has also provided evidence that the same AMPs are components of 1,25D-induced antiviral responses, including those against the etiological agent of the COVID-19 pandemic, the SARS-CoV2 coronavirus. This review surveys the evidence for 1,25D-induced antimicrobial activity in vitro and in vivo in humans and presents our current understanding of the potential mechanisms by which CAMP and HBD2/DEFB4 contribute to antiviral immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- John H White
- Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
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48
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Caplan AI. Mesenchymal stem cells and COVID-19: the process of discovery and of translation. BIOMATERIALS TRANSLATIONAL 2021; 2:307-311. [PMID: 35837414 PMCID: PMC9255802 DOI: 10.12336/biomatertransl.2021.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells were developed as a cell-based therapeutic in the 1990's. The translation of culture expanded mesenchymal stem cells from a basic science focus into a modern therapeutic has taken 30 years. The current state of the basic science information argues that mesenchymal stem cells may be curative for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Indeed, early small-scale clinical trials have shown positive results. The issue raised is how to assemble the resources to get this cell-based therapy approved for clinical use. The technology is complex, the COVID-19 viral infections are life threatening, the cost is high, but human life is precious. What will it take to perfect this potentially curative technology?
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49
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Efaz FM, Islam S, Talukder SA, Akter S, Tashrif MZ, Ali MA, Sufian MA, Parves MR, Islam MJ, Halim MA. Repurposing fusion inhibitor peptide against SARS-CoV-2. J Comput Chem 2021; 42:2283-2293. [PMID: 34591335 DOI: 10.1002/jcc.26758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is continuously evolving. Although several vaccines were approved, this pandemic is still a major threat to public life. Till date, no established therapies are available against SARS-CoV-2. Peptide inhibitors hold great promise for this viral pathogen due to their efficacy, safety, and specificity. In this study, seventeen antiviral peptides which were known to inhibit SARS-CoV-1 are collected and computationally screened against heptad repeat 1 (HR1) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S2). Out of 17 peptides, Fp13 and Fp14 showed better binding affinity toward HR1 compared to a control peptide EK1 (a modified pan-coronavirus fusion inhibitor) in molecular docking. To explore the time-dependent interactions of the fusion peptide with HR1, molecular dynamics simulation was performed incorporating lipid membrane. During 100 ns MD simulation, structural and energy parameters of Fp13-HR1 and Fp14-HR1 complexes demonstrated lower fluctuations compared to the control EK1-HR1 complex. Furthermore, principal component analysis and free energy landscape study revealed that these two peptides (Fp13 and Fp14) strongly bind to the HR1 with higher affinity than that of control EK1. Tyr917, Asn919, Gln926, lys933, and Gln949 residues in HR1 protein were found to be crucial residues for peptide interaction. Notably, Fp13, Fp14 showed reasonably better binding free energy and hydrogen bond contribution than that of EK1. Taken together, Fp13 and Fp14 peptides may be highly specific for HR1 which can potentially prevent the formation of the fusion core and could be further developed as therapeutics for treatment or prophylaxis of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faiyaz Md Efaz
- Division of Infectious disease and Division of Computer Aided Drug Design, The Red-Green Research Centre, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shafiqul Islam
- Division of Infectious disease and Division of Computer Aided Drug Design, The Red-Green Research Centre, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shafi Ahmad Talukder
- Division of Infectious disease and Division of Computer Aided Drug Design, The Red-Green Research Centre, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shaila Akter
- Division of Infectious disease and Division of Computer Aided Drug Design, The Red-Green Research Centre, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Zakaria Tashrif
- Division of Infectious disease and Division of Computer Aided Drug Design, The Red-Green Research Centre, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Ackas Ali
- Division of Infectious disease and Division of Computer Aided Drug Design, The Red-Green Research Centre, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Abu Sufian
- School of Pharmacy, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Md Rimon Parves
- Division of Infectious disease and Division of Computer Aided Drug Design, The Red-Green Research Centre, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Jahirul Islam
- Division of Infectious disease and Division of Computer Aided Drug Design, The Red-Green Research Centre, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad A Halim
- Department of Physical Sciences, University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, Fort Smith, Arkansas, USA.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, Georgia, USA
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50
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Han S, Zhao G, Wei Z, Chen Y, Zhao J, He Y, He YJ, Gao J, Chen S, Du C, Wang T, Sun W, Huang Y, Wang C, Wang J. An angiotensin-converting enzyme-2-derived heptapeptide GK-7 for SARS-CoV-2 spike blockade. Peptides 2021; 145:170638. [PMID: 34419496 PMCID: PMC8375220 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2021.170638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is a global concern and necessitates efficient drug antagonists. Angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) is the main receptor of SARS-CoV-2 spike 1 (S1), which mediates viral invasion into host cells. Herein, we designed and prepared short peptide inhibitors containing 4-6 critical residues of ACE2 that contribute to the interaction with SARS-CoV-2 S1. Among the candidates, a peptide termed GK-7 (GKGDFRI), which was designed by extracting residues ranging from Gly353 to Ile359 in the ligand-binding domain of ACE2, exhibited the highest binding affinity (25.1 nM) with the SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor-binding domain (RBD). GK-7 bound to the RBD and decreased SARS-CoV-2 S1 attachment to A549 human alveolar epithelial cells. Owing to spike blockade, GK-7 inhibited SARS-CoV-2 spike pseudovirion infection in a dose-dependent manner, with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 2.96 μg/mL. Inspiringly, pulmonary delivery of GK-7 by intranasal administration did not result in toxicity in mice. This study revealed an easy-to-produce peptide inhibitor for SARS-CoV-2 spike blockade, thus providing a promising candidate for COVID-19 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songling Han
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Gaomei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Zhuanzhuan Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Jianqi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yongwu He
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Ying-Juan He
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Jining Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Shilei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Changhong Du
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Tao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Biomedical Analysis Center, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yi Huang
- Biomedical Analysis Center, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Junping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
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