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Aktaş E, Özdemir Özgentürk N. A comprehensive examination of ACE2 receptor and prediction of spike glycoprotein and ACE2 interaction based on in silico analysis of ACE2 receptor. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:4412-4428. [PMID: 37349943 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2220814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
The ACE2 receptor plays a vital role not only in the SARS-CoV-induced epidemic but also in various other diseases, including cardiovascular diseases and ARDS. While studies have explored the interactions between ACE2 and SARS-CoV proteins, comprehensive research utilizing bioinformatic tools on the ACE2 protein has been lacking. The one aim of present study was to extensively analyze the regions of the ACE2 protein. After utilizing all bioinformatics tools especially G104 and L108 regions on ACE2 were come forward. The results of our analysis revealed that possible mutations or deletions in the G104 and L108 regions play a critical role in both the biological functioning and the determination of the chemical-physical properties of ACE2. Additionally, these regions were found to be more susceptible to mutations or deletions compared to other regions of the ACE2 protein. Notably, the randomly selected peptide, LQQNGSSVLS (100-109), which includes G104 and L108, exhibited a crucial role in binding the RBD of the spike protein, as supported by docking scores. Furthermore, both MDs and iMODs results provided evidence that G104 and L108 influence the dynamics of ACE2-spike complexes. This study is expected to offer a new perspective on the ACE2-SARS-CoV interaction and other research areas where ACE2 plays a significant role, such as biotechnology (protein engineering, enzyme optimization), medicine (RAS, pulmonary and cardiac diseases), and basic research (structural motifs, stabilizing protein folds, or facilitating important inter molecular contacts, protein's proper structure and function).Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emre Aktaş
- Faculty of Art and Science, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Yıldız Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nehir Özdemir Özgentürk
- Faculty of Art and Science, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Yıldız Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
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2
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Hwang J, Kim BK, Moon S, Park W, Kim KW, Yoon JH, Oh H, Jung S, Park Y, Kim S, Kim M, Kim S, Jung Y, Park M, Kim JH, Jung ST, Kim SJ, Kim YS, Chung WJ, Song MS, Kweon DH. Conversion of Host Cell Receptor into Virus Destructor by Immunodisc to Neutralize Diverse SARS-CoV-2 Variants. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2302803. [PMID: 38329411 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
The decreasing efficacy of antiviral drugs due to viral mutations highlights the challenge of developing a single agent targeting multiple strains. Using host cell viral receptors as competitive inhibitors is promising, but their low potency and membrane-bound nature have limited this strategy. In this study, the authors show that angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in a planar membrane patch can effectively neutralize all tested severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ACE2-incorporated membrane patch implemented using nanodiscs replicated the spike-mediated membrane fusion process outside the host cell, resulting in virus lysis, extracellular RNA release, and potent antiviral activity. While neutralizing antibodies became ineffective as the SARS-CoV-2 evolved to better penetrate host cells the ACE2-incorporated nanodiscs became more potent, highlighting the advantages of using receptor-incorporated nanodiscs for antiviral purposes. ACE2-incorporated immunodisc, an Fc fusion nanodisc developed in this study, completely protected humanized mice infected with SARS-CoV-2 after prolonged retention in the airways. This study demonstrates that the incorporation of viral receptors into immunodisc transforms the entry gate into a potent virucide for all current and future variants, a concept that can be extended to different viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaehyeon Hwang
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Beom Kyu Kim
- College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Seokoh Moon
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonbeom Park
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeong Won Kim
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Hyeon Yoon
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunseok Oh
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
- Research Center, Mvrix Inc., Anyang, 14058, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangwon Jung
- Research Center, Mvrix Inc., Anyang, 14058, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngseo Park
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Suhyun Kim
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Misoo Kim
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Soomin Kim
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Younghun Jung
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Myungseo Park
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Ho Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Taek Jung
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Jick Kim
- Synthetic Biology and Bioengineering Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Sung Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Jae Chung
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Suk Song
- College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Hyuk Kweon
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
- Research Center, Mvrix Inc., Anyang, 14058, Republic of Korea
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3
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Baldelli A, Jerry Wong CY, Oguzlu H, Gholizadeh H, Guo Y, Ong HX, Singh A, Traini D, Pratap-Singh A. Nasal delivery of encapsulated recombinant ACE2 as a prophylactic drug for SARS-CoV-2. Int J Pharm 2024; 655:124009. [PMID: 38493838 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124009] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is responsible for cell fusion with SARS-CoV viruses. ACE2 is contained in different areas of the human body, including the nasal cavity, which is considered the main entrance for different types of airborne viruses. We took advantage of the roles of ACE2 and the nasal cavity in SARS-CoV-2 replication and transmission to develop a nasal dry powder. Recombinant ACE2 (rhACE2), after a proper encapsulation achieved via spray freeze drying, shows a binding efficiency with spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2 higher than 77 % at quantities lower than 5 µg/ml. Once delivered to the nose, encapsulated rhACE2 led to viability and permeability of RPMI 2650 cells of at least 90.20 ± 0.67 % and 47.96 ± 4.46 %, respectively, for concentrations lower than 1 mg/ml. These results were validated using nasal dry powder containing rhACE2 to prevent or treat infections derived from SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Baldelli
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, Canada; School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability, The University of Queensland, Australia.
| | - Chun Yuen Jerry Wong
- Respiratory Technology, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
| | - Hale Oguzlu
- Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Oral Biological and Medical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Hanieh Gholizadeh
- Respiratory Technology, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
| | - Yigong Guo
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Hui Xin Ong
- Respiratory Technology, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia; Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University Australia Sydney, Australia
| | - Anika Singh
- Natural Health and Food Products Research Group, Centre for Applied Research, and Innovation (CARI), British Columbia Institute of Technology, Canada
| | - Daniela Traini
- Respiratory Technology, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia; Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University Australia Sydney, Australia
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4
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Zahedipour F, Zahedipour F, Zamani P, Jaafari MR, Sahebkar A. Harnessing CRISPR technology for viral therapeutics and vaccines: from preclinical studies to clinical applications. Virus Res 2024; 341:199314. [PMID: 38211734 PMCID: PMC10825633 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2024.199314] [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: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
The CRISPR/Cas system, identified as a type of bacterial adaptive immune system, have attracted significant attention due to its remarkable ability to precisely detect and eliminate foreign genetic material and nucleic acids. Expanding upon these inherent capabilities, recent investigations have unveiled the potential of reprogrammed CRISPR/Cas 9, 12, and 13 systems for treating viral infections associated with human diseases, specifically targeting DNA and RNA viruses, respectively. Of particular interest is the RNA virus responsible for the recent global outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which presents a substantial public health risk, coupled with limited efficacy of current prophylactic and therapeutic techniques. In this regard, the utilization of CRISPR/Cas technology offers a promising gene editing approach to overcome the limitations of conventional methods in managing viral infections. This comprehensive review provides an overview of the latest CRISPR/Cas-based therapeutic and vaccine strategies employed to combat human viral infections. Additionally, we discuss significant challenges and offer insights into the future prospects of this cutting-edge gene editing technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Zahedipour
- Microbiology Department, Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University (IAU), Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Zahedipour
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Parvin Zamani
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Reza Jaafari
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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5
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Yu B, Drelich A, Hsu J, Tat V, Peng BH, Wei Q, Wang J, Wang H, Wages J, Mendelsohn AR, Larrick JW, Tseng CT. Protective Efficacy of Novel Engineered Human ACE2-Fc Fusion Protein Against Pan-SARS-CoV-2 Infection In Vitro and in Vivo. J Med Chem 2023; 66:16646-16657. [PMID: 38100534 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Enduring occurrence of severe COVID-19 for unvaccinated, aged, or immunocompromised individuals remains an urgent need. Soluble human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has been used as a decoy receptor to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection, which is limited by moderate affinity. We describe an engineered, high-affinity ACE2 that is consistently effective in tissue cultures in neutralizing all strains tested, including Delta and Omicron. We also found that treatment of AC70 hACE2 transgenic mice with hACE2-Fc receptor decoys effectively reduced viral infection, attenuated tissue histopathology, and delayed the onset of morbidity and mortality caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. We believe that using this ACE2-Fc protein would be less likely to promote the escape mutants of SARS-CoV-2 as frequently as did those neutralizing antibody therapies. Together, our results emphasize the suitability of our newly engineered hACE2-Fc fusion protein for further development as a potent antiviral agent against Pan-SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Yu
- Larix Bioscience LLC, Sunnyvale, California 94089, United States
| | - Aleksandra Drelich
- Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Jason Hsu
- Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Vivian Tat
- Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Bi-Hung Peng
- Neuroscience, Cell Biology & Anatomy, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Qisheng Wei
- Larix Bioscience LLC, Sunnyvale, California 94089, United States
| | - Jianming Wang
- Larix Bioscience LLC, Sunnyvale, California 94089, United States
| | - Hong Wang
- Larix Bioscience LLC, Sunnyvale, California 94089, United States
| | - John Wages
- Larix Bioscience LLC, Sunnyvale, California 94089, United States
| | | | - James W Larrick
- Larix Bioscience LLC, Sunnyvale, California 94089, United States
| | - Chien-Te Tseng
- Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
- Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
- Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
- Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Disease, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
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6
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Loi LK, Yang CC, Lin YC, Su YF, Juan YC, Chen YH, Chang HC. Decoy peptides effectively inhibit the binding of SARS-CoV-2 to ACE2 on oral epithelial cells. Heliyon 2023; 9:e22614. [PMID: 38107325 PMCID: PMC10724569 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22614] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The entry of SARS-CoV-2 into host cells involves the interaction between the viral spike protein and the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. Given that the spike protein evolves rapidly to evade host immunity, therapeutics that block ACE2 accessibility, such as spike decoys, could serve as an alternative strategy for attenuating viral infection. Here, we constructed a drug screening platform based on oral epithelial cells to rapidly identify peptides or compounds capable of blocking the spike-ACE2 interaction. We engineered short decoy peptides, 8 to 14 amino acids in length, using the spike protein's receptor-binding motif (RBM) and demonstrated that these peptides can effectively inhibit virus attachment to host cells. Additionally, we discovered that diminazene aceturate (DIZE), an ACE2 activator, similarly inhibited virus binding. Our research thus validates the potential of decoy peptides as a new therapeutic strategy against SARS-CoV-2 infections, opening avenues for further development and study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lai-Keng Loi
- Department of Dentistry, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Chieh Yang
- Department of Dentistry, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Stomatology, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Cheng Lin
- Department of Dentistry, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yee-Fun Su
- iStat Biomedical Co., Ltd, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chen Juan
- iStat Biomedical Co., Ltd, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsin Chen
- Institute of Oral Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Chuan Chang
- Institute of Oral Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
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7
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Yari P, Liang S, Chugh VK, Rezaei B, Mostufa S, Krishna VD, Saha R, Cheeran MCJ, Wang JP, Gómez-Pastora J, Wu K. Nanomaterial-Based Biosensors for SARS-CoV-2 and Future Epidemics. Anal Chem 2023; 95:15419-15449. [PMID: 37826859 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c01522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Parsa Yari
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States
| | - Shuang Liang
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Vinit Kumar Chugh
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Bahareh Rezaei
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States
| | - Shahriar Mostufa
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States
| | - Venkatramana Divana Krishna
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108, United States
| | - Renata Saha
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Maxim C-J Cheeran
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108, United States
| | - Jian-Ping Wang
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Jenifer Gómez-Pastora
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States
| | - Kai Wu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States
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Swiderski J, Gadanec LK, Apostolopoulos V, Moore GJ, Kelaidonis K, Matsoukas JM, Zulli A. Role of Angiotensin II in Cardiovascular Diseases: Introducing Bisartans as a Novel Therapy for Coronavirus 2019. Biomolecules 2023; 13:787. [PMID: 37238657 PMCID: PMC10216788 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050787] [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: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the main contributors to global morbidity and mortality. Major pathogenic phenotypes of CVDs include the development of endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and hyper-inflammatory responses. These phenotypes have been found to overlap with the pathophysiological complications of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). CVDs have been identified as major risk factors for severe and fatal COVID-19 states. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is an important regulatory system in cardiovascular homeostasis. However, its dysregulation is observed in CVDs, where upregulation of angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) signaling via angiotensin II (AngII) leads to the AngII-dependent pathogenic development of CVDs. Additionally, the interaction between the spike protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 leads to the downregulation of the latter, resulting in the dysregulation of the RAS. This dysregulation favors AngII/AT1R toxic signaling pathways, providing a mechanical link between cardiovascular pathology and COVID-19. Therefore, inhibiting AngII/AT1R signaling through angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) has been indicated as a promising therapeutic approach to the treatment of COVID-19. Herein, we review the role of AngII in CVDs and its upregulation in COVID-19. We also provide a future direction for the potential implication of a novel class of ARBs called bisartans, which are speculated to contain multifunctional targeting towards COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Swiderski
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (J.S.); (L.K.G.); (V.A.)
| | - Laura Kate Gadanec
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (J.S.); (L.K.G.); (V.A.)
| | - Vasso Apostolopoulos
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (J.S.); (L.K.G.); (V.A.)
- Immunology Program, Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science, Melbourne, VIC 3021, Australia
| | - Graham J. Moore
- Pepmetics Incorporated, 772 Murphy Place, Victoria, BC V8Y 3H4, Canada;
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | | | - John M. Matsoukas
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (J.S.); (L.K.G.); (V.A.)
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- NewDrug PC, Patras Science Park, 26500 Patras, Greece;
- Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Anthony Zulli
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (J.S.); (L.K.G.); (V.A.)
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Kim CM, Kim DM, Bang MS, Seo JW, Kim DY, Yun NR, Lim SC, Lee JH, Sohn EJ, Kang H, Min K, Choi BH, Lee S. Efficacy of Plant-Made Human Recombinant ACE2 against COVID-19 in a Golden Syrian Hamster Model. Viruses 2023; 15:v15040964. [PMID: 37112944 PMCID: PMC10146983 DOI: 10.3390/v15040964] [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: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a novel infectious respiratory disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. We evaluated the efficacy of a plant-based human recombinant angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hrACE2) and hrACE2-foldon (hrACE2-Fd) protein against COVID-19. In addition, we analyzed the antiviral activity of hrACE2 and hrACE2-Fd against SARS-CoV-2 using real-time reverse-transcription PCR and plaque assays. The therapeutic efficacy was detected using the Golden Syrian hamster model infected with SARS-CoV-2. Both hrACE2 and hrACE2-Fd inhibited SARS-CoV-2 by 50% at concentrations below the maximum plasma concentration, with EC50 of 5.8 μg/mL and 6.2 μg/mL, respectively. The hrACE2 and hrACE2-Fd injection groups showed a tendency for decreased viral titers in nasal turbinate tissues on day 3 after virus inoculation; however, this decrease was not detectable in lung tissues. Histopathological examination on day 9 after virus inoculation showed continued inflammation in the SARS-CoV-2 infection group, whereas decreased inflammation was observed in both the hrACE2 and hrACE2-Fd injection groups. No significant changes were observed at other time points. In conclusion, the potential therapeutic efficacy of plant-based proteins, hrACE2 and hrACE2-Fd, against COVID-19 was confirmed in a SARS-CoV-2-inoculated Golden Syrian hamster model. Further preclinical studies on primates and humans are necessary to obtain additional evidence and determine the effectiveness of these therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Choon-Mee Kim
- Premedical Science, Chosun University College of Medicine, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Min Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chosun University College of Medicine, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Seon Bang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chosun University College of Medicine, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Won Seo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chosun University College of Medicine, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea
| | - Da-Young Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chosun University College of Medicine, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea
| | - Na-Ra Yun
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chosun University College of Medicine, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Chul Lim
- Department of Pathology, Chosun University College of Medicine, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Hyung Lee
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Ju Sohn
- BioApplications Inc., Pohang Techno Park Complex, 394 Jigok-ro Nam-gu, Pohang 37668, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyangju Kang
- BioApplications Inc., Pohang Techno Park Complex, 394 Jigok-ro Nam-gu, Pohang 37668, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungmin Min
- BioApplications Inc., Pohang Techno Park Complex, 394 Jigok-ro Nam-gu, Pohang 37668, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo-Hwa Choi
- BioApplications Inc., Pohang Techno Park Complex, 394 Jigok-ro Nam-gu, Pohang 37668, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangmin Lee
- BioApplications Inc., Pohang Techno Park Complex, 394 Jigok-ro Nam-gu, Pohang 37668, Republic of Korea
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10
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Zhang Z, King MR. Neutralization of the new coronavirus by extracting their spikes using engineered liposomes. NANOMEDICINE : NANOTECHNOLOGY, BIOLOGY, AND MEDICINE 2023; 50:102674. [PMID: 37054806 PMCID: PMC10085972 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2023.102674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
The devastating COVID-19 pandemic motivates the development of safe and effective antivirals to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with infection. We developed nanoscale liposomes that are coated with the cell receptor of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes COVID-19. Lentiviral particles pseudotyped with the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 were constructed and used to test the virus neutralization potential of the engineered liposomes. Under TEM, we observed for the first time a dissociation of spike proteins from the pseudovirus surface when the pseudovirus was purified. The liposomes potently inhibit viral entry into host cells by extracting the spike proteins from the pseudovirus surface. As the receptor on the liposome surface can be readily changed to target other viruses, the receptor-coated liposome represents a promising strategy for broad spectrum antiviral development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenjiang Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Michael R King
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212, USA.
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11
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Balasubramanian N, James TD, Selvakumar GP, Reinhardt J, Marcinkiewcz CA. Repeated ethanol exposure and withdrawal alters angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 expression in discrete brain regions: Implications for SARS-CoV-2 neuroinvasion. ALCOHOL, CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 47:219-239. [PMID: 36529893 PMCID: PMC9878009 DOI: 10.1111/acer.15000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with alcohol use disorder (AUD) may be at higher risk for COVID-19. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) are required for cellular entry by SARS-CoV-2, but information on their expression in specific brain regions after alcohol exposure is limited. We sought to clarify how chronic alcohol exposure affects ACE2 expression in monoaminergic brainstem circuits and other putative SARS-CoV-2 entry points. METHODS Brains were examined for ACE2 using immunofluorescence after 4 weeks of chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) vapor inhalation. We also examined TMPRSS2, Cathepsin L, and ADAM17 by Western blot and RAS pathway mediators and pro-inflammatory markers via RT-qPCR. RESULTS ACE2 was increased in most brain regions following CIE including the olfactory bulb (OB), hypothalamus (HT), raphe magnus (RMG), raphe obscurus (ROB), locus coeruleus (LC), and periaqueductal gray (PAG). We also observed increased colocalization of ACE2 with monoaminergic neurons in brainstem nuclei. Moreover, soluble ACE2 (sACE2) was elevated in OB, HT, and LC. The increase in sACE2 in OB and HT was accompanied by upregulation of ADAM17, an ACE2 sheddase, while TMPRSS2 increased in HT and LC. Cathepsin L, an endosomal receptor involved in viral entry, was also increased in OB. Alcohol can increase Angiotensin II, which triggers a pro-inflammatory response that may upregulate ACE2 via activation of RAS pathway receptors AT1R/AT2R. ACE2 then metabolizes Angiotensin II to Angiotensin (1-7) and provokes an anti-inflammatory response via MAS1. Accordingly, we report that AT1R/AT2R mRNA decreased in OB and increased in the LC, while MAS1 mRNA increased in both OB and LC. Other mRNAs for pro-inflammatory markers were also dysregulated in OB, HT, raphe, and LC. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that alcohol triggers a compensatory upregulation of ACE2 in the brain due to disturbed RAS and may increase the risk or severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas D James
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | | | - Jessica Reinhardt
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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12
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Dehghani J, Movafeghi A, Mathieu-Rivet E, Mati-Baouche N, Calbo S, Lerouge P, Bardor M. Microalgae as an Efficient Vehicle for the Production and Targeted Delivery of Therapeutic Glycoproteins against SARS-CoV-2 Variants. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20110657. [PMID: 36354980 PMCID: PMC9698596 DOI: 10.3390/md20110657] [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: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome–Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can infect various human organs, including the respiratory, circulatory, nervous, and gastrointestinal ones. The virus is internalized into human cells by binding to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor through its spike protein (S-glycoprotein). As S-glycoprotein is required for the attachment and entry into the human target cells, it is the primary mediator of SARS-CoV-2 infectivity. Currently, this glycoprotein has received considerable attention as a key component for the development of antiviral vaccines or biologics against SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, since the ACE2 receptor constitutes the main entry route for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, its soluble form could be considered as a promising approach for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 infection (COVID-19). Both S-glycoprotein and ACE2 are highly glycosylated molecules containing 22 and 7 consensus N-glycosylation sites, respectively. The N-glycan structures attached to these specific sites are required for the folding, conformation, recycling, and biological activity of both glycoproteins. Thus far, recombinant S-glycoprotein and ACE2 have been produced primarily in mammalian cells, which is an expensive process. Therefore, benefiting from a cheaper cell-based biofactory would be a good value added to the development of cost-effective recombinant vaccines and biopharmaceuticals directed against COVID-19. To this end, efficient protein synthesis machinery and the ability to properly impose post-translational modifications make microalgae an eco-friendly platform for the production of pharmaceutical glycoproteins. Notably, several microalgae (e.g., Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, Dunaliella bardawil, and Chlorella species) are already approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as safe human food. Because microalgal cells contain a rigid cell wall that could act as a natural encapsulation to protect the recombinant proteins from the aggressive environment of the stomach, this feature could be used for the rapid production and edible targeted delivery of S-glycoprotein and soluble ACE2 for the treatment/inhibition of SARS-CoV-2. Herein, we have reviewed the pathogenesis mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 and then highlighted the potential of microalgae for the treatment/inhibition of COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaber Dehghani
- Université de Rouen Normandie, Laboratoire GlycoMEV UR 4358, SFR Normandie Végétal FED 4277, Innovation Chimie Carnot, F-76000 Rouen, France
| | - Ali Movafeghi
- Department of Plant, Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz 5166616471, Iran
| | - Elodie Mathieu-Rivet
- Université de Rouen Normandie, Laboratoire GlycoMEV UR 4358, SFR Normandie Végétal FED 4277, Innovation Chimie Carnot, F-76000 Rouen, France
| | - Narimane Mati-Baouche
- Université de Rouen Normandie, Laboratoire GlycoMEV UR 4358, SFR Normandie Végétal FED 4277, Innovation Chimie Carnot, F-76000 Rouen, France
| | - Sébastien Calbo
- Université de Rouen Normandie, Inserm U1234, F-76000 Rouen, France
| | - Patrice Lerouge
- Université de Rouen Normandie, Laboratoire GlycoMEV UR 4358, SFR Normandie Végétal FED 4277, Innovation Chimie Carnot, F-76000 Rouen, France
| | - Muriel Bardor
- Université de Rouen Normandie, Laboratoire GlycoMEV UR 4358, SFR Normandie Végétal FED 4277, Innovation Chimie Carnot, F-76000 Rouen, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-2-35-14-67-51
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13
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Obeng EM, Fianu I, Danquah MK. Multivalent ACE2 engineering-A promising pathway for advanced coronavirus nanomedicine development. NANO TODAY 2022; 46:101580. [PMID: 35942040 PMCID: PMC9350675 DOI: 10.1016/j.nantod.2022.101580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The spread of coronavirus diseases has resulted in a clarion call to develop potent drugs and vaccines even as different strains appear beyond human prediction. An initial step that is integral to the viral entry into host cells results from an active-targeted interaction of the viral spike (S) proteins and the cell surface receptor, called angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Thus, engineered ACE2 has been an interesting decoy inhibitor against emerging coronavirus infestation. This article discusses promising innovative ACE2 engineering pathways for current and emerging coronavirus therapeutic development. First, we provide a brief discussion of some ACE2-associated human coronaviruses and their cell invasion mechanism. Then, we describe and contrast the individual spike proteins and ACE2 receptor interactions, highlighting crucial hotspots across the ACE2-associated coronaviruses. Lastly, we address the importance of multivalency in ACE2 nanomedicine engineering and discuss novel approaches to develop and achieve multivalent therapeutic outcomes. Beyond coronaviruses, these approaches will serve as a paradigm to develop new and improved treatment technologies against pathogens that use ACE2 receptor for invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene M Obeng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Isaac Fianu
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Michael K Danquah
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Tennessee, 615 McCallie Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37403, United States
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14
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Santos ES, Silva PC, Sousa PSA, Aquino CC, Pacheco G, Teixeira LFLS, Araujo AR, Sousa FBM, Barros RO, Ramos RM, Rocha JA, Nicolau LAD, Medeiros JVR. Antiviral potential of diminazene aceturate against SARS-CoV-2 proteases using computational and in vitro approaches. Chem Biol Interact 2022; 367:110161. [PMID: 36116513 PMCID: PMC9476334 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2022.110161] [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: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Diminazene aceturate (DIZE), an antiparasitic, is an ACE2 activator, and studies show that activators of this enzyme may be beneficial for COVID-19, disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the in silico and in vitro affinity of diminazene aceturate against molecular targets of SARS-CoV-2. 3D structures from DIZE and the proteases from SARS-CoV-2, obtained through the Protein Data Bank and Drug Database (Drubank), and processed in computer programs like AutodockTools, LigPlot, Pymol for molecular docking and visualization and GROMACS was used to perform molecular dynamics. The results demonstrate that DIZE could interact with all tested targets, and the best binding energies were obtained from the interaction of Protein S (closed conformation −7.87 kcal/mol) and Mpro (−6.23 kcal/mol), indicating that it can act both by preventing entry and viral replication. The results of molecular dynamics demonstrate that DIZE was able to promote a change in stability at the cleavage sites between S1 and S2, which could prevent binding to ACE2 and fusion with the membrane. In addition, in vitro tests confirm the in silico results showing that DIZE could inhibit the binding between the spike receptor-binding domain protein and ACE2, which could promote a reduction in the virus infection. However, tests in other experimental models with in vivo approaches are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esley S Santos
- Laboratory of Pharmacology of Inflammation and Gastrointestinal Disorders (LAFIDG), Post-graduation Program in Biotechnology, Parnaíba Delta Federal University, Parnaíba, PI, Brazil; Medicinal Plants Research Center (NPPM), Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, Brazil
| | - Priscila C Silva
- Laboratory of Pharmacology of Inflammation and Gastrointestinal Disorders (LAFIDG), Post-graduation Program in Biotechnology, Parnaíba Delta Federal University, Parnaíba, PI, Brazil
| | - Paulo S A Sousa
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Biotechnology, QUIMEBIO, Federal University of Maranhão, São Bernardo, MA, Brazil; Biodiversity and Biotechnology Research Center, BIOTEC, Post-graduation Program in Biotechnology, Parnaíba Delta Federal University, Parnaíba, PI, Brazil
| | - Cristhyane C Aquino
- Postgraduate Program in Medical Sciences, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Gabriella Pacheco
- Laboratory of Pharmacology of Inflammation and Gastrointestinal Disorders (LAFIDG), Post-graduation Program in Biotechnology, Parnaíba Delta Federal University, Parnaíba, PI, Brazil; Medicinal Plants Research Center (NPPM), Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, Brazil
| | - Luiz F L S Teixeira
- Laboratory of Pharmacology of Inflammation and Gastrointestinal Disorders (LAFIDG), Post-graduation Program in Biotechnology, Parnaíba Delta Federal University, Parnaíba, PI, Brazil; Biodiversity and Biotechnology Research Center, BIOTEC, Post-graduation Program in Biotechnology, Parnaíba Delta Federal University, Parnaíba, PI, Brazil
| | - Alyne R Araujo
- Biodiversity and Biotechnology Research Center, BIOTEC, Post-graduation Program in Biotechnology, Parnaíba Delta Federal University, Parnaíba, PI, Brazil
| | - Francisca B M Sousa
- Laboratory of Pharmacology of Inflammation and Gastrointestinal Disorders (LAFIDG), Post-graduation Program in Biotechnology, Parnaíba Delta Federal University, Parnaíba, PI, Brazil
| | - Romulo O Barros
- Research Laboratory in Information Systems, Department of Information, Environment, Health and Food Production, Federal Institute of Piauí, LaPeSI/IFPI, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil
| | - Ricardo M Ramos
- Research Laboratory in Information Systems, Department of Information, Environment, Health and Food Production, Federal Institute of Piauí, LaPeSI/IFPI, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil
| | - Jefferson A Rocha
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Biotechnology, QUIMEBIO, Federal University of Maranhão, São Bernardo, MA, Brazil; Biodiversity and Biotechnology Research Center, BIOTEC, Post-graduation Program in Biotechnology, Parnaíba Delta Federal University, Parnaíba, PI, Brazil
| | - Lucas A D Nicolau
- Laboratory of Pharmacology of Inflammation and Gastrointestinal Disorders (LAFIDG), Post-graduation Program in Biotechnology, Parnaíba Delta Federal University, Parnaíba, PI, Brazil; Biodiversity and Biotechnology Research Center, BIOTEC, Post-graduation Program in Biotechnology, Parnaíba Delta Federal University, Parnaíba, PI, Brazil
| | - Jand V R Medeiros
- Laboratory of Pharmacology of Inflammation and Gastrointestinal Disorders (LAFIDG), Post-graduation Program in Biotechnology, Parnaíba Delta Federal University, Parnaíba, PI, Brazil; Medicinal Plants Research Center (NPPM), Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, Brazil; Biodiversity and Biotechnology Research Center, BIOTEC, Post-graduation Program in Biotechnology, Parnaíba Delta Federal University, Parnaíba, PI, Brazil.
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15
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Matsoukas JM, Gadanec LK, Zulli A, Apostolopoulos V, Kelaidonis K, Ligielli I, Moschovou K, Georgiou N, Plotas P, Chasapis CT, Moore G, Ridgway H, Mavromoustakos T. Diminazene Aceturate Reduces Angiotensin II Constriction and Interacts with the Spike Protein of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10071731. [PMID: 35885036 PMCID: PMC9312513 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Diminazene aceturate (DIZE) is a putative angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) activator and angiotensin type 1 receptor antagonist (AT1R). Its simple chemical structure possesses a negatively charged triazene segment that is homologous to the tetrazole of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB), which explains its AT1R antagonistic activity. Additionally, the activation of ACE2 by DIZE converts the toxic octapeptide angiotensin II (AngII) to the heptapeptides angiotensin 1–7 and alamandine, which promote vasodilation and maintains homeostatic balance. Due to DIZE’s protective cardiovascular and pulmonary effects and its ability to target ACE2 (the predominant receptor utilized by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 to enter host cells), it is a promising treatment for coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). To determine DIZE’s ability to inhibit AngII constriction, in vitro isometric tension analysis was conducted on rabbit iliac arteries incubated with DIZE or candesartan and constricted with cumulative doses of AngII. In silico docking and ligand interaction studies were performed to investigate potential interactions between DIZE and other ARBs with AT1R and the spike protein/ACE2 complex. DIZE, similar to the other ARBs investigated, was able to abolish vasoconstriction in response to AngII and exhibited a binding affinity for the spike protein/ACE2 complex (PDB 6LZ6). These results support the potential of DIZE as a treatment for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M. Matsoukas
- NewDrug PC, Patras Science Park, 26500 Patras, Greece;
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (L.K.G.); (A.Z.); (V.A.)
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Correspondence: (J.M.M.); (T.M.)
| | - Laura Kate Gadanec
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (L.K.G.); (A.Z.); (V.A.)
| | - Anthony Zulli
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (L.K.G.); (A.Z.); (V.A.)
| | - Vasso Apostolopoulos
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (L.K.G.); (A.Z.); (V.A.)
- Immunology Program, Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science, Melbourne, VIC 3021, Australia
| | | | - Irene Ligielli
- Department of Chemistry National and Kapodistrian, University of Athens, Zographou, 15784 Athens, Greece; (I.L.); (K.M.); (N.G.)
| | - Kalliopi Moschovou
- Department of Chemistry National and Kapodistrian, University of Athens, Zographou, 15784 Athens, Greece; (I.L.); (K.M.); (N.G.)
| | - Nikitas Georgiou
- Department of Chemistry National and Kapodistrian, University of Athens, Zographou, 15784 Athens, Greece; (I.L.); (K.M.); (N.G.)
| | - Panagiotis Plotas
- Laboratory of Primary Health Care, School of Health Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece;
| | - Christos T. Chasapis
- NMR Facility, Instrumental Analysis Laboratory, School of Natural Sciences, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece;
- Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences, Foundation for Research and Technology, Hellas (FORTH/ICE-HT), 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Graham Moore
- Pepmetics Incorporated, 772 Murphy Pace, Victoria, BC V8Y 3H4, Canada;
| | - Harry Ridgway
- Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 8001, Australia;
- AquaMem Consultants, Rodeo, NM 88056, USA
| | - Thomas Mavromoustakos
- Department of Chemistry National and Kapodistrian, University of Athens, Zographou, 15784 Athens, Greece; (I.L.); (K.M.); (N.G.)
- Correspondence: (J.M.M.); (T.M.)
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16
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Labandeira-Garcia JL, Labandeira CM, Valenzuela R, Pedrosa MA, Quijano A, Rodriguez-Perez AI. Drugs Modulating Renin-Angiotensin System in COVID-19 Treatment. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020502. [PMID: 35203711 PMCID: PMC8962306 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020502] [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: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A massive worldwide vaccination campaign constitutes the main tool against the COVID-19 pandemic. However, drug treatments are also necessary. Antivirals are the most frequently considered treatments. However, strategies targeting mechanisms involved in disease aggravation may also be effective. A major role of the tissue renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the pathophysiology and severity of COVID-19 has been suggested. The main link between RAS and COVID-19 is angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a central RAS component and the primary binding site for SARS-CoV-2 that facilitates the virus entry into host cells. An initial suggestion that the susceptibility to infection and disease severity may be enhanced by angiotensin type-1 receptor blockers (ARBs) and ACE inhibitors (ACEIs) because they increase ACE2 levels, led to the consideration of discontinuing treatments in thousands of patients. More recent experimental and clinical data indicate that ACEIs and, particularly, ARBs can be beneficial for COVID-19 outcome, both by reducing inflammatory responses and by triggering mechanisms (such as ADAM17 inhibition) counteracting viral entry. Strategies directly activating RAS anti-inflammatory components such as soluble ACE2, Angiotensin 1-7 analogues, and Mas or AT2 receptor agonists may also be beneficial. However, while ACEIs and ARBs are cheap and widely used, the second type of strategies are currently under study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose L. Labandeira-Garcia
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), IDIS, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (C.M.L.); (R.V.); (M.A.P.); (A.Q.)
- Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.L.L.-G.); (A.I.R.-P.)
| | - Carmen M. Labandeira
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), IDIS, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (C.M.L.); (R.V.); (M.A.P.); (A.Q.)
- Neurology Service, Hospital Alvaro Cunqueiro, University Hospital Complex, 36213 Vigo, Spain
| | - Rita Valenzuela
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), IDIS, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (C.M.L.); (R.V.); (M.A.P.); (A.Q.)
- Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria A. Pedrosa
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), IDIS, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (C.M.L.); (R.V.); (M.A.P.); (A.Q.)
- Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Aloia Quijano
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), IDIS, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (C.M.L.); (R.V.); (M.A.P.); (A.Q.)
| | - Ana I. Rodriguez-Perez
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), IDIS, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (C.M.L.); (R.V.); (M.A.P.); (A.Q.)
- Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.L.L.-G.); (A.I.R.-P.)
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Kushkestani M, Parvani M, Moghadassi M, Kazemzadeh Y, Moradi K. Impact of Hypertension and Physical Fitness on SARS-COV-2 and Related Consequences. (Possible Mechanisms with Focusing on ACE2). CASPIAN JOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE 2022; 13:148-154. [PMID: 35872687 PMCID: PMC9272964 DOI: 10.22088/cjim.13.0.148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Hypertension disease as an absolute risk factor of Covid-19 disease has been well-proven in recent evidence. The factors such as the use of antihypertensive drugs, protein expression, and compensatory axes resulted in hypertension disease playing very important roles in the occurrence of this problem. In this review study, we first attempted to investigate the higher chance reason for Covid-19 disease in people with high blood pressure; then we examined the related mechanisms, and finally, we reported the differences and similarities between people with high blood pressure and athletes. All in all, we concluded that people who exercise regularly, the same as hypertensive patients (Compensatory mechanism) are more susceptible to COVID-19 infection due to the high concentration of ACE2 (Physiological mechanism) caused by exercise adaptation, but for the low level of ANG2 (Systematic and gene expression) these individuals (Active subjects) indicate fewer complications and severity symptoms of COVID-19 such as dyspnea, hospitalization and, heart disease compared with hypertensive patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Kushkestani
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran,Correspondence: Mehdi Kushkestani, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran. E-mail: , Tel: 0098 2177863362 , Fax: 0098 2177863362
| | - Mohsen Parvani
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Moghadassi
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Islamic Azad University, Tehran North Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yaser Kazemzadeh
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Islamshahr branch, Islamic Azad University, Islamshahr, Iran
| | - Kiandokht Moradi
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran
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Babajani F, Kakavand A, Mohammadi H, Sharifi A, Zakeri S, Asadi S, Afshar ZM, Rahimi Z, Sayad B. COVID-19 and renin angiotensin aldosterone system: Pathogenesis and therapy. Health Sci Rep 2021; 4:e440. [PMID: 34869917 PMCID: PMC8596942 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) binds to the ACE2 component of the renin-angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) and infects the human cells. The aims of the present review were to look at the role and alteration of the RAAS components in SARS-CoV-2 infection, therapeutic approaches, and clinical trials in this field. METHODS We surveyed the literature (PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus) till August 18, 2021, and 59 published papers regarding the components of the RAAS and their role and alterations in SARS-CoV-2 infection along with various COVID-19 therapies based on the RASS components were included in the study. RESULTS ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, and mineralocorticoid receptor inhibitors are agents that significantly enhance the ACE2 and Ang-(1-7) levels, which can be suggestive for their role as therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Beta-adrenergic blockers, which negatively regulate renin release from juxtaglomerular cells, and vitamin D, as a regulator of the RAAS and renin expression, are proposed therapeutics in the treatment of COVID-19. Some antihyperglycemic agents could be potentially protective against COVID-19-induced lung injury. Also, the inhibition of the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of the transcription pathway as a potential treatment for COVID-19 has been suggested. Finally, resveratrol, an antioxidant that can suppress Ang II, has been suggested as an adjunct to other therapies. CONCLUSION Regarding the suggested potential therapies for COVID-19, there are many clinical trials whose results might change the treatment strategies of SARS-CoV-2 infection. So, the results of well-organized clinical trials on the efficacy and safety of the mentioned agents in the treatment of COVID-19 will be useful in the management and therapy of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Babajani
- Students Research CommitteeKermanshah University of Medical SciencesKermanshahIran
| | - Atefeh Kakavand
- Students Research CommitteeKermanshah University of Medical SciencesKermanshahIran
| | - Hossien Mohammadi
- Students Research CommitteeKermanshah University of Medical SciencesKermanshahIran
| | - Armin Sharifi
- Students Research CommitteeKermanshah University of Medical SciencesKermanshahIran
| | - Saba Zakeri
- Students Research CommitteeKermanshah University of Medical SciencesKermanshahIran
| | - Soheila Asadi
- Department of Clinical BiochemistryKermanshah University of Medical SciencesKermanshahIran
| | - Zeinab Mohseni Afshar
- Infectious Diseases Research CenterKermanshah University of Medical SciencesKermanshahIran
| | - Zohreh Rahimi
- Department of Clinical BiochemistryKermanshah University of Medical SciencesKermanshahIran
- Behavioral Research CenterKermanshah University of Medical SciencesKermanshahIran
| | - Babak Sayad
- Infectious Diseases Research CenterKermanshah University of Medical SciencesKermanshahIran
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19
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Ma Z, Yang KY, Huang Y, Lui KO. Endothelial contribution to COVID-19: an update on mechanisms and therapeutic implications. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2021; 164:69-82. [PMID: 34838588 PMCID: PMC8610843 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2021.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The global propagation of SARS-CoV-2 leads to an unprecedented public health emergency. Despite that the lungs are the primary organ targeted by COVID-19, systemic endothelial inflammation and dysfunction is observed particularly in patients with severe COVID-19, manifested by elevated endothelial injury markers, endotheliitis, and coagulopathy. Here, we review the clinical characteristics of COVID-19 associated endothelial dysfunction; and the likely pathological mechanisms underlying the disease including direct cell entry or indirect immune overreactions after SARS-CoV-2 infection. In addition, we discuss potential biomarkers that might indicate the disease severity, particularly related to the abnormal development of thrombosis that is a fatal vascular complication of severe COVID-19. Furthermore, we summarize clinical trials targeting the direct and indirect pathological pathways after SARS-CoV-2 infection to prevent or inhibit the virus induced endothelial disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangjing Ma
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kevin Y Yang
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yu Huang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kathy O Lui
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China.
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20
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Pagano MT, Peruzzu D, Busani L, Pierdominici M, Ruggieri A, Antinori A, D'Offizi G, Petrosillo N, Palmieri F, Piselli P, Cicalini S, Notari S, Nicastri E, Agrati C, Ippolito G, Vaia F, Gagliardi MC, Capobianchi MR, Ortona E. Predicting respiratory failure in patients infected by SARS-CoV-2 by admission sex-specific biomarkers. Biol Sex Differ 2021; 12:63. [PMID: 34809704 PMCID: PMC8607227 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-021-00407-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several biomarkers have been identified to predict the outcome of COVID-19 severity, but few data are available regarding sex differences in their predictive role. Aim of this study was to identify sex-specific biomarkers of severity and progression of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in COVID-19. METHODS Plasma levels of sex hormones (testosterone and 17β-estradiol), sex-hormone dependent circulating molecules (ACE2 and Angiotensin1-7) and other known biomarkers for COVID-19 severity were measured in male and female COVID-19 patients at admission to hospital. The association of plasma biomarker levels with ARDS severity at admission and with the occurrence of respiratory deterioration during hospitalization was analysed in aggregated and sex disaggregated form. RESULTS Our data show that some biomarkers could be predictive both for males and female patients and others only for one sex. Angiotensin1-7 plasma levels and neutrophil count predicted the outcome of ARDS only in females, whereas testosterone plasma levels and lymphocytes counts only in males. CONCLUSIONS Sex is a biological variable affecting the choice of the correct biomarker that might predict worsening of COVID-19 to severe respiratory failure. The definition of sex specific biomarkers can be useful to alert patients to be safely discharged versus those who need respiratory monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Teresa Pagano
- Centro di Riferimento per la Medicina di Genere, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Peruzzu
- Centro di Riferimento per la Medicina di Genere, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Busani
- Centro di Riferimento per la Medicina di Genere, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Pierdominici
- Centro di Riferimento per la Medicina di Genere, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Ruggieri
- Centro di Riferimento per la Medicina di Genere, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Antinori
- Istituto Nazionale per le Malattie Infettive Lazzaro Spallanzani (IRCCS), Via Portuense 292, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianpiero D'Offizi
- Istituto Nazionale per le Malattie Infettive Lazzaro Spallanzani (IRCCS), Via Portuense 292, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Petrosillo
- Istituto Nazionale per le Malattie Infettive Lazzaro Spallanzani (IRCCS), Via Portuense 292, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Palmieri
- Istituto Nazionale per le Malattie Infettive Lazzaro Spallanzani (IRCCS), Via Portuense 292, Rome, Italy
| | - Pierluca Piselli
- Istituto Nazionale per le Malattie Infettive Lazzaro Spallanzani (IRCCS), Via Portuense 292, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Cicalini
- Istituto Nazionale per le Malattie Infettive Lazzaro Spallanzani (IRCCS), Via Portuense 292, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Notari
- Istituto Nazionale per le Malattie Infettive Lazzaro Spallanzani (IRCCS), Via Portuense 292, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Nicastri
- Istituto Nazionale per le Malattie Infettive Lazzaro Spallanzani (IRCCS), Via Portuense 292, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Agrati
- Istituto Nazionale per le Malattie Infettive Lazzaro Spallanzani (IRCCS), Via Portuense 292, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ippolito
- Istituto Nazionale per le Malattie Infettive Lazzaro Spallanzani (IRCCS), Via Portuense 292, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Vaia
- Istituto Nazionale per le Malattie Infettive Lazzaro Spallanzani (IRCCS), Via Portuense 292, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Gagliardi
- Centro di Riferimento per la Medicina di Genere, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Maria Rosaria Capobianchi
- Istituto Nazionale per le Malattie Infettive Lazzaro Spallanzani (IRCCS), Via Portuense 292, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Ortona
- Centro di Riferimento per la Medicina di Genere, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
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21
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Pucci F, Annoni F, dos Santos RAS, Taccone FS, Rooman M. Quantifying Renin-Angiotensin-System Alterations in COVID-19. Cells 2021; 10:2755. [PMID: 34685735 PMCID: PMC8535134 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays a pivotal role in a wide series of physiological processes, among which inflammation and blood pressure regulation. One of its key components, the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, has been identified as the entry point of the SARS-CoV-2 virus into the host cells, and therefore a lot of research has been devoted to study RAS dysregulation in COVID-19. Here we discuss the alterations of the regulatory RAS axes due to SARS-CoV-2 infection on the basis of a series of recent clinical investigations and experimental analyzes quantifying, e.g., the levels and activity of RAS components. We performed a comprehensive meta-analysis of these data in view of disentangling the links between the impaired RAS functioning and the pathophysiological characteristics of COVID-19. We also review the effects of several RAS-targeting drugs and how they could potentially help restore the normal RAS functionality and minimize the COVID-19 severity. Finally, we discuss the conflicting evidence found in the literature and the open questions on RAS dysregulation in SARS-CoV-2 infection whose resolution would improve our understanding of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Pucci
- 3BIO—Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1050 Brussels, Belgium;
- (IB)—Interuniversity Institute of Bioinformatics in Brussels, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Filippo Annoni
- Department of Intensive Care, Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1070 Brussels, Belgium; (F.A.); (F.S.T.)
| | | | - Fabio Silvio Taccone
- Department of Intensive Care, Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1070 Brussels, Belgium; (F.A.); (F.S.T.)
| | - Marianne Rooman
- 3BIO—Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1050 Brussels, Belgium;
- (IB)—Interuniversity Institute of Bioinformatics in Brussels, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
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22
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Kumar S, Çalışkan DM, Janowski J, Faist A, Conrad BCG, Lange J, Ludwig S, Brunotte L. Beyond Vaccines: Clinical Status of Prospective COVID-19 Therapeutics. Front Immunol 2021; 12:752227. [PMID: 34659259 PMCID: PMC8519339 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.752227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Since November 2019 the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has caused nearly 200 million infection and more than 4 million deaths globally (Updated information from the World Health Organization, as on 2nd Aug 2021). Within only one year into the pandemic, several vaccines were designed and reached approval for the immunization of the world population. The remarkable protective effects of the manufactured vaccines are demonstrated in countries with high vaccination rates, such as Israel and UK. However, limited production capacities, poor distribution infrastructures and political hesitations still hamper the availability of vaccines in many countries. In addition, due to the emergency of SARS-CoV-2 variants with immune escape properties towards the vaccines the global numbers of new infections as well as patients developing severe COVID-19, remains high. New studies reported that about 8% of infected individuals develop long term symptoms with strong personal restrictions on private as well as professional level, which contributes to the long socioeconomic problems caused by this pandemic. Until today, emergency use-approved treatment options for COVID-19 are limited to the antiviral Remdesivir, a nucleoside analogue targeting the viral polymerase, the glucocorticosteroide Dexamethasone as well as neutralizing antibodies. The therapeutic benefits of these treatments are under ongoing debate and clinical studies assessing the efficiency of these treatments are still underway. To identify new therapeutic treatments for COVID-19, now and by the post-pandemic era, diverse experimental approaches are under scientific evaluation in companies and scientific research teams all over the world. To accelerate clinical translation of promising candidates, repurposing approaches of known approved drugs are specifically fostered but also novel technologies are being developed and are under investigation. This review summarizes the recent developments from the lab bench as well as the clinical status of emerging therapeutic candidates and discusses possible therapeutic entry points for the treatment strategies with regard to the biology of SARS-CoV-2 and the clinical course of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sriram Kumar
- Institute of Virology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- EvoPAD Research Training Group 2220, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Duygu Merve Çalışkan
- Institute of Virology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- EvoPAD Research Training Group 2220, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Josua Janowski
- Institute of Virology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- SP BioSciences Graduate Program, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Aileen Faist
- Institute of Virology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- CiM-IMPRS Graduate Program, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Julius Lange
- Institute of Virology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Stephan Ludwig
- Institute of Virology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- EvoPAD Research Training Group 2220, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- CiM-IMPRS Graduate Program, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Medical Research, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Linda Brunotte
- Institute of Virology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Medical Research, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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23
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Gierhardt M, Pak O, Walmrath D, Seeger W, Grimminger F, Ghofrani HA, Weissmann N, Hecker M, Sommer N. Impairment of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction in acute respiratory distress syndrome. Eur Respir Rev 2021; 30:30/161/210059. [PMID: 34526314 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0059-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a serious complication of severe systemic or local pulmonary inflammation, such as caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. ARDS is characterised by diffuse alveolar damage that leads to protein-rich pulmonary oedema, local alveolar hypoventilation and atelectasis. Inadequate perfusion of these areas is the main cause of hypoxaemia in ARDS. High perfusion in relation to ventilation (V/Q<1) and shunting (V/Q=0) is not only caused by impaired hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction but also redistribution of perfusion from obstructed lung vessels. Rebalancing the pulmonary vascular tone is a therapeutic challenge. Previous clinical trials on inhaled vasodilators (nitric oxide and prostacyclin) to enhance perfusion to high V/Q areas showed beneficial effects on hypoxaemia but not on mortality. However, specific patient populations with pulmonary hypertension may profit from treatment with inhaled vasodilators. Novel treatment targets to decrease perfusion in low V/Q areas include epoxyeicosatrienoic acids and specific leukotriene receptors. Still, lung protective ventilation and prone positioning are the best available standard of care. This review focuses on disturbed perfusion in ARDS and aims to provide basic scientists and clinicians with an overview of the vascular alterations and mechanisms of V/Q mismatch, current therapeutic strategies, and experimental approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mareike Gierhardt
- Dept of Internal Medicine, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.,Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Giessen, Germany.,Instituto de Investigación en Biomedicina de Buenos Aires (IBioBA) - CONICET - Partner Institute of the Max Planck Society, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Department of Lung Development and Remodeling, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI) Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Oleg Pak
- Dept of Internal Medicine, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.,Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Giessen, Germany
| | - Dieter Walmrath
- Dept of Internal Medicine, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Werner Seeger
- Dept of Internal Medicine, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.,Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Giessen, Germany.,Instituto de Investigación en Biomedicina de Buenos Aires (IBioBA) - CONICET - Partner Institute of the Max Planck Society, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Institute for Lung Health (ILH), Giessen, Germany
| | - Friedrich Grimminger
- Dept of Internal Medicine, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.,Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Giessen, Germany
| | - Hossein A Ghofrani
- Dept of Internal Medicine, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.,Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Giessen, Germany.,Dept of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Norbert Weissmann
- Dept of Internal Medicine, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.,Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Giessen, Germany
| | - Matthias Hecker
- Dept of Internal Medicine, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.,Both authors contributed equally
| | - Natascha Sommer
- Dept of Internal Medicine, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.,Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Giessen, Germany.,Both authors contributed equally
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24
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Tammam SN, El Safy S, Ramadan S, Arjune S, Krakor E, Mathur S. Repurpose but also (nano)-reformulate! The potential role of nanomedicine in the battle against SARS-CoV2. J Control Release 2021; 337:258-284. [PMID: 34293319 PMCID: PMC8289726 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) has taken the world by surprise. To date, a worldwide approved treatment remains lacking and hence in the context of rapid viral spread and the growing need for rapid action, drug repurposing has emerged as one of the frontline strategies in the battle against SARS-CoV2. Repurposed drugs currently being evaluated against COVID-19 either tackle the replication and spread of SARS-CoV2 or they aim at controlling hyper-inflammation and the rampaged immune response in severe disease. In both cases, the target for such drugs resides in the lungs, at least during the period where treatment could still provide substantial clinical benefit to the patient. Yet, most of these drugs are administered systemically, questioning the percentage of administered drug that actually reaches the lung and as a consequence, the distribution of the remainder of the dose to off target sites. Inhalation therapy should allow higher concentrations of the drug in the lungs and lower concentrations systemically, hence providing a stronger, more localized action, with reduced adverse effects. Therefore, the nano-reformulation of the repurposed drugs for inhalation is a promising approach for targeted drug delivery to lungs. In this review, we critically analyze, what nanomedicine could and ought to do in the battle against SARS-CoV2. We start by a brief description of SARS-CoV2 structure and pathogenicity and move on to discuss the current limitations of repurposed antiviral and immune-modulating drugs that are being clinically investigated against COVID-19. This account focuses on how nanomedicine could address limitations of current therapeutics, enhancing the efficacy, specificity and safety of such drugs. With the appearance of new variants of SARS-CoV2 and the potential implication on the efficacy of vaccines and diagnostics, the presence of an effective therapeutic solution is inevitable and could be potentially achieved via nano-reformulation. The presence of an inhaled nano-platform capable of delivering antiviral or immunomodulatory drugs should be available as part of the repertoire in the fight against current and future outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salma N. Tammam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy & Biotechnology, The German University in Cairo (GUC), 11835 Cairo, Egypt,Corresponding author
| | - Sara El Safy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy & Biotechnology, The German University in Cairo (GUC), 11835 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Shahenda Ramadan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy & Biotechnology, The German University in Cairo (GUC), 11835 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sita Arjune
- Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Eva Krakor
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, , University of Cologne, Greinstraße 6, 50939 Cologne, Germany
| | - Sanjay Mathur
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, , University of Cologne, Greinstraße 6, 50939 Cologne, Germany
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25
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Which ones, when and why should renin-angiotensin system inhibitors work against COVID-19? Adv Biol Regul 2021; 81:100820. [PMID: 34419773 PMCID: PMC8359569 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2021.100820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The article describes the possible pathophysiological origin of COVID-19 and the crucial role of renin-angiotensin system (RAS), providing several “converging” evidence in support of this hypothesis. SARS-CoV-2 has been shown to initially upregulate ACE2 systemic activity (early phase), which can subsequently induce compensatory responses leading to upregulation of both arms of the RAS (late phase) and consequently to critical, advanced and untreatable stages of COVID-19 disease. The main and initial actors of the process are ACE2 and ADAM17 zinc-metalloproteases, which, initially triggered by SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins, work together in increasing circulating Ang 1–7 and Ang 1–9 peptides and downstream (Mas and Angiotensin type 2 receptors) pathways with anti-inflammatory, hypotensive and antithrombotic activities. During the late phase of severe COVID-19, compensatory secretion of renin and ACE enzymes are subsequently upregulated, leading to inflammation, hypertension and thrombosis, which further sustain ACE2 and ADAM17 upregulation. Based on this hypothesis, COVID-19-phase-specific inhibition of different RAS enzymes is proposed as a pharmacological strategy against COVID-19 and vaccine-induced adverse effects. The aim is to prevent the establishment of positive feedback-loops, which can sustain hyperactivity of both arms of the RAS independently of viral trigger and, in some cases, may lead to Long-COVID syndrome.
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26
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Liu S, Luo H, Lei Z, Xu H, Hao T, Chen C, Wang Y, Xie J, Liu L, Ju S, Qiu H, Wang D, Yang Y. A nomogram predicting severe COVID-19 based on a large study cohort from China. Am J Emerg Med 2021; 50:218-223. [PMID: 34392141 PMCID: PMC8351305 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2021.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of accurate prediction tools and early intervention are important for addressing severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the prediction models for severe COVID-19 available to date are subject to various biases. This study aimed to construct a nomogram to provide accurate, personalized predictions of the risk of severe COVID-19. METHODS This study was based on a large, multicenter retrospective derivation cohort and a validation cohort. The derivation cohort consisted of 496 patients from Jiangsu Province, China, between January 10, 2020, and March 15, 2020, and the validation cohort contained 105 patients from Huangshi, Hunan Province, China, between January 21, 2020, and February 29, 2020. A nomogram was developed with the selected predictors of severe COVID-19, which were identified by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. We evaluated the discrimination of the nomogram with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and the calibration of the nomogram with calibration plots and Hosmer-Lemeshow tests. RESULTS Three predictors, namely, age, lymphocyte count, and pulmonary opacity score, were selected to develop the nomogram. The nomogram exhibited good discrimination (AUC 0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.90-0.96 in the derivation cohort; AUC 0.85, 95% CI 0.76-0.93 in the validation cohort) and satisfactory agreement. CONCLUSIONS The nomogram was a reliable tool for assessing the probability of severe COVID-19 and may facilitate clinicians stratifying patients and providing early and optimal therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songqiao Liu
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Huanyuan Luo
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom
| | - Zhengqing Lei
- Hepato-pancreato-biliary Center, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Hao Xu
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Tong Hao
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Chuang Chen
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yuancheng Wang
- Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jianfeng Xie
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ling Liu
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Shenghong Ju
- Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Haibo Qiu
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Duolao Wang
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom.
| | - Yi Yang
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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27
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Sajdel-Sulkowska EM. A Dual-Route Perspective of SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Lung- vs. Gut-specific Effects of ACE-2 Deficiency. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:684610. [PMID: 34177593 PMCID: PMC8226136 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.684610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, primarily considered a respiratory virus, is increasingly recognized as having gastrointestinal aspects based on its presence in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and feces. SARS-CoV-2 uses as a receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2), a critical member of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) involved in the regulation of blood pressure and fluid system. In addition to the systemic endocrine functions, RAAS components are also involved in intracrine and organ-specific local functions. The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) is a key component of RAAS and a receptor for SARS-CoV-2. It is expressed in many tissues with gastrointestinal (GI) tract ACE-2 levels far exceeding those in the respiratory tract. SARS-CoV-2 binding to its receptor results in a deficiency of ACE-2 activity in endocrine, intracrine, and local lung and GI tract ACE-2. The local ACE-2 has different organ-specific functions, including hypertension-independent activities; dysregulations of these functions may contribute to multiorgan COVID-19 pathology, its severity, long-term effects, and mortality. We review supporting evidence from this standpoint. Notably, COVID-19 comorbidities involving hypertension, obesity, heart disease, kidney disease, and diabetes are associated with gastrointestinal problems and display ACE-2 deficits. While RAAS inhibitors target both endocrine and intracrine ACE-2 activity, the deficit of the local ACE-2 activity in the lungs and more so in the gut have not been targeted. Consequently, the therapeutic approach to COVID-19 should be carefully reconsidered. Ongoing clinical trials testing oral probiotic bound ACE-2 delivery are promising.
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Khodajou-Masouleh H, Shahangian SS, Rasti B. Reinforcing our defense or weakening the enemy? A comparative overview of defensive and offensive strategies developed to confront COVID-19. Drug Metab Rev 2021; 53:508-541. [PMID: 33980089 DOI: 10.1080/03602532.2021.1928686] [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: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Developing effective strategies to confront coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become one of the greatest concerns of the scientific community. In addition to the vast number of global mortalities due to COVID-19, since its outbreak, almost every aspect of human lives has changed one way or another. In the present review, various defensive and offensive strategies developed to confront COVID-19 are illustrated. The Administration of immune-boosting micronutrients/agents, as well as the inhibition of the activity of incompetent gatekeepers, including some host cell receptors (e.g. ACE2) and proteases (e.g. TMPRSS2), are some efficient defensive strategies. Antibody/phage therapies and specifically vaccines also play a prominent role in the enhancement of host defense against COVID-19. Nanotechnology, however, can considerably weaken the virulence of SARS-CoV-2, utilizing fake cellular locks (compounds mimicking cell receptors) to block the viral keys (spike proteins). Generally, two strategies are developed to interfere with the binding of spike proteins to the host cell receptors, either utilizing fake cellular locks to block the viral keys or utilizing fake viral keys to block the cellular locks. Due to their evolutionary conserved nature, viral enzymes, including 3CLpro, PLpro, RdRp, and helicase are highly potential targets for drug repurposing strategy. Thus, various steps of viral replication/transcription can effectively be blocked by their inhibition, leading to the elimination of SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, RNA decoy and CRISPR technologies likely offer the best offensive strategies after viral entry into the host cells, inhibiting the viral replication/assembly in the infected cells and substantially reducing the quantity of viral progeny.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - S Shirin Shahangian
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
| | - Behnam Rasti
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Lahijan Branch, Islamic Azad University (IAU), Lahijan, Guilan, Iran
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Hua S, Yang Y, Zou D, Li J, Yan K, Xu Y, Jiang X, Rong X, Ye D. COVID-19 and metabolic comorbidities: An update on emerging evidences for optimal therapies. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 140:111685. [PMID: 34015585 PMCID: PMC8101987 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, hypertension, and other associated metabolic complications have been demonstrated as a crucial contributor to the enhanced morbidity and mortality of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Data on the interplay between metabolic comorbidities and the outcomes in patients with COVID-19 have been emerging and rapidly increasing. This implies a mechanistic link between metabolic diseases and COVID-19 resulting in the exacerbation of the condition. Nonetheless, new evidences are emerging to support insulin-mediated aggressive glucose-lowering treatment as a possible trigger of high mortality rate in diabetic COVID-19 patients, putting the clinician in a confounding and difficult dilemma for the treatment of COVID-19 patients with metabolic comorbidities. Thus, this review discusses the pathophysiological link among severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), metabolic complications, and severe inflammation in COVID-19 development, especially in those with multi-organ injuries. We discuss the influence of several routinely used drugs in COVID-19 patients, including anti-inflammatory and anti-coagulant drugs, antidiabetic drugs, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors. Especially, we provide a balanced overview on the clinical application of glucose-lowering drugs (insulin and metformin), angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors, and angiotensin receptor blockers. Although there is insufficient evidence from clinical or basic research to comprehensively reveal the mechanistic link between adverse outcomes in COVID-19 and metabolic comorbidities, it is hoped that the update in the current review may help to better outline the optimal strategies for clinical management of COVID-19 patients with metabolic comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Hua
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Diseases of The Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Diseases of The Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Danqi Zou
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Diseases of The Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jufei Li
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Diseases of The Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kaixuan Yan
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Diseases of The Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Xu
- The First Affiliated Hospital/School of Clinical Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xue Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Diseases of The Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xianglu Rong
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Diseases of The Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dewei Ye
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Diseases of The Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China.
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Ali F, Hussain S, Zhu YZ. A therapeutic journey of potential drugs against COVID-19. Mini Rev Med Chem 2021; 22:1876-1894. [PMID: 33845740 DOI: 10.2174/1389557521666210412161157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease (CoVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) scrambles the world by infecting millions of peoples all over the globe. It has caused tremendous morbidity, mortality and greatly impacted the lives and economy worldwide as an outcome of mandatory quarantines or isolations. Despite the worsening trends of COVID-19, no drugs are validated to have significant efficacy in clinical treatment of COVID-19 patients in large-scale studies. Physicians and researchers throughout the world are working to understand the pathophysiology to expose the conceivable handling regimens and to determine the effective vaccines and/or therapeutic agents. Some of them re-purposed drugs for clinical trials which were primarily known to be effective against the RNA viruses including MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-1. In the absence of a proven efficacy therapy, the current management use therapies based on antivirals, anti-inflammatory drugs, convalescent plasma, anti-parasitic agents in both oral and parenteral formulation, oxygen therapy and heparin support. What is needed at this hour, however, is a definitive drug therapy or vaccine. Different countries are rushing to find this, and various trials are already underway. We aimed to summarized the potential therapeutic strategies as a treatment options for COVID-19 that could be helpful to stop further spread of SARS-CoV-2 by effecting its structural components or modulation of immune response and also discusses the leading drugs/vaccines, which were considered as potential agents for controlling this pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fayaz Ali
- School of Pharmacy and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa 999078, Macau SAR. China
| | - Shahid Hussain
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biosciences, Capital University of Science and Technology Islamabad. Pakistan
| | - Yi Zhun Zhu
- School of Pharmacy and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa 999078, Macau SAR. China
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The Tissue Renin-Angiotensin System and Its Role in the Pathogenesis of Major Human Diseases: Quo Vadis? Cells 2021; 10:cells10030650. [PMID: 33804069 PMCID: PMC7999456 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence has arisen in recent years suggesting that a tissue renin-angiotensin system (tRAS) is involved in the progression of various human diseases. This system contains two regulatory pathways: a pathological pro-inflammatory pathway containing the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE)/Angiotensin II (AngII)/Angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AGTR1) axis and a protective anti-inflammatory pathway involving the Angiotensin II receptor type 2 (AGTR2)/ACE2/Ang1–7/MasReceptor axis. Numerous studies reported the positive effects of pathologic tRAS pathway inhibition and protective tRAS pathway stimulation on the treatment of cardiovascular, inflammatory, and autoimmune disease and the progression of neuropathic pain. Cell senescence and aging are known to be related to RAS pathways. Further, this system directly interacts with SARS-CoV 2 and seems to be an important target of interest in the COVID-19 pandemic. This review focuses on the involvement of tRAS in the progression of the mentioned diseases from an interdisciplinary clinical perspective and highlights therapeutic strategies that might be of major clinical importance in the future.
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Safari F, Afarid M, Rastegari B, Borhani-Haghighi A, Barekati-Mowahed M, Behzad-Behbahani A. CRISPR systems: Novel approaches for detection and combating COVID-19. Virus Res 2021; 294:198282. [PMID: 33428981 PMCID: PMC7832022 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2020.198282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Type V and VI CRISPR enzymes are RNA-guided, DNA and RNA-targeting effectors that allow specific gene knockdown. Cas12 and Cas13 are CRISPR proteins that are efficient agents for diagnosis and combating single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) viruses. The programmability of these proteins paves the way for the detection and degradation of RNA viruses by targeting RNAs complementary to its CRISPR RNA (crRNA). Approximately two-thirds of viruses causing diseases contain ssRNA genomes. The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which has infected more than 88 million people worldwide with near 2 million deaths since December 2019. Thus, accurate and rapid diagnostic and therapeutic tools are essential for early detection and treatment of this widespread infectious disease. For us, the CRISPR based platforms seem to be a plausible new approach for an accurate detection and treatment of SARS-CoV-2. In this review, we talk about Cas12 and Cas13 CRISPR systems and their applications in diagnosis and treatment of RNA virus mediated diseases. In continue, the SARS-CoV-2 pathogenicity, and its conventional diagnostics and antivirals will be discussed. Moreover, we highlight novel CRISPR based diagnostic platforms and therapies for COVID-19. We also discuss the challenges of diagnostic CRISPR based platforms as well as clarifying the proposed solution for high efficient selective in vivo delivery of CRISPR components into SARS-CoV-2-infected cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Safari
- Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences and Technology Research Center, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Afarid
- Shooshtari Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Banafsheh Rastegari
- Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences and Technology Research Center, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Mazyar Barekati-Mowahed
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, OH, USA
| | - Abbas Behzad-Behbahani
- Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences and Technology Research Center, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Zamai L. Upregulation of the Renin-Angiotensin System Pathways and SARS-CoV-2 Infection: The Rationale for the Administration of Zinc-Chelating Agents in COVID-19 Patients. Cells 2021; 10:506. [PMID: 33673459 PMCID: PMC7997276 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The article describes the rationale for the administration of zinc-chelating agents in COVID-19 patients. In a previous work I have highlighted that the binding of the SARS-CoV spike proteins to the zinc-metalloprotease ACE2 has been shown to induce ACE2 shedding by activating the zinc-metalloprotease ADAM17, which ultimately leads to systemic upregulation of ACE2 activity. Moreover, based on experimental models, it was also shown the detrimental effect of the excessive systemic activity of ACE2 through its downstream pathways, which leads to "clinical" manifestations resembling COVID-19. In this regard, strong upregulation of circulating ACE2 activity was recently reported in COVID-19 patients, thus supporting the previous hypothesis that COVID-19 may derive from upregulation of ACE2 activity. Based on this, a reasonable hypothesis of using inhibitors that curb the upregulation of both ACE2 and ADAM17 zinc-metalloprotease activities and consequent positive feedback-loops (initially triggered by SARS-CoV-2 and subsequently sustained independently on viral trigger) is proposed as therapy for COVID-19. In particular, zinc-chelating agents such as citrate and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) alone or in combination are expected to act in protecting from COVID-19 at different levels thanks to their both anticoagulant properties and inhibitory activity on zinc-metalloproteases. Several arguments are presented in support of this hypothesis and based on the current knowledge of both beneficial/harmful effects and cost/effectiveness, the use of chelating agents in the prevention and therapy of COVID-19 is proposed. In this regard, clinical trials (currently absent) employing citrate/EDTA in COVID-19 are urgently needed in order to shed more light on the efficacy of zinc chelators against SARS-CoV-2 infection in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loris Zamai
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy;
- National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN)-Gran Sasso National Laboratory (LNGS), Assergi, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
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34
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Allen JD, Watanabe Y, Chawla H, Newby ML, Crispin M. Subtle Influence of ACE2 Glycan Processing on SARS-CoV-2 Recognition. J Mol Biol 2021; 433:166762. [PMID: 33340519 PMCID: PMC7744274 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2020.166762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection is highly variable and yet the molecular basis for this effect remains elusive. One potential contribution are differences in the glycosylation of target human cells, particularly as SARS-CoV-2 has the capacity to bind sialic acid which is a common, and highly variable, terminal modification of glycans. The viral spike glycoprotein (S) of SARS-CoV-2 and the human cellular receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) are both densely glycosylated. We therefore sought to investigate whether the glycosylation state of ACE2 impacts the interaction with SARS-CoV-2 viral spike. We generated a panel of engineered ACE2 glycoforms which were analyzed by mass spectrometry to reveal the site-specific glycan modifications. We then probed the impact of ACE2 glycosylation on S binding and revealed a subtle sensitivity with hypersialylated or oligomannose-type glycans slightly impeding the interaction. In contrast, deglycosylation of ACE2 did not influence SARS-CoV-2 binding. Overall, ACE2 glycosylation does not significantly influence viral spike binding. We suggest that any role of glycosylation in the pathobiology of SARS-CoV-2 will lie beyond its immediate impact of receptor glycosylation on virus binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel D Allen
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Yasunori Watanabe
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK; Oxford Glycobiology Institute, Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK; Division of Structural Biology, University of Oxford, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Himanshi Chawla
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Maddy L Newby
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Max Crispin
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK.
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Hendricks CL, Herd C, Nel M, Tintinger G, Pepper MS. The COVID-19 Treatment Landscape: A South African Perspective on a Race Against Time. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:604087. [PMID: 33681243 PMCID: PMC7933453 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.604087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has infected more than 94 million people worldwide (as of 17 January 2020). Severe disease is believed to be secondary to the cytokine release syndrome (CRS or "cytokine storm") which causes local tissue damage as well as multi-organ dysfunction and thrombotic complications. Due to the high mortality rates in patients receiving invasive ventilation, practice has changed from "early-intubation" for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) to a trial of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) or high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen. Reports indicating the benefit of NIV and HFNC have been encouraging and have led to more than 20,000 such devices being manufactured and ready for roll-out in South Africa (SA) as of July 2020. The need to identify drugs with clear clinical benefits has led to an array of clinical trials, most of which are repurposing drugs for COVID-19. The treatment landscape reflects the need to target both the virus and its effects such as the CRS and thrombotic complications. Conflicting results have the potential to confuse the implementation of coordinated treatment strategies and guidelines. The purpose of this review is to address pertinent areas in the current literature on the available medical treatment options for COVID-19. Remdesivir, tocilizumab, and dexamethasone are some of the treatment options that have shown the most promise, but further randomized trials are required to particularly address timing and dosages to confidently create standardized protocols. For the SA population, two healthcare sectors exist. In the private sector, patients with medical insurance may have greater access to a wider range of treatment options than those in the public sector. The latter serves >80% of the population, and resource constraints require the identification of drugs with the most cost-effective use for the greatest number of affected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candice Laverne Hendricks
- Department of Medical Immunology, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Candice Herd
- Department of Medical Immunology, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Marcel Nel
- Department of Medical Immunology, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Gregory Tintinger
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Michael Sean Pepper
- Department of Medical Immunology, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Lugnier C, Al-Kuraishy HM, Rousseau E. PDE4 inhibition as a therapeutic strategy for improvement of pulmonary dysfunctions in Covid-19 and cigarette smoking. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 185:114431. [PMID: 33515531 PMCID: PMC7842152 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the binding-site and entry-point for SARS-CoV-2 in human and highly expressed in the lung. Cigarette smoking (CS) is the leading cause of pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases. Chronic CS leads to upregulation of bronchial ACE2 inducing a high vulnerability in COVID-19 smoker patients. Interestingly, CS-induced dysregulation of pulmonary renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in part contributing into the potential pathogenesis COVID-19 pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Since, CS-mediated ACE2 activations is not the main pathway for increasing the risk of COVID-19, it appeared that AngII/AT1R might induce an inflammatory-burst in COVID-19 response by up-regulating cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4), which hydrolyses specifically the second intracellular messenger 3′, 5′-cyclic AMP (cAMP). It must be pointed out that CS might induce PDE4 up-regulation similarly to the COVID-19 inflammation, and therefore could potentiate COVID-19 inflammation opening the potential therapeutic effects of PDE4 inhibitor in both COVID-19-inflammation and CS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Lugnier
- Directeur de Recherche 1 CNRS/université de Strasbourg, Institut de Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine, CRBS, UR3072: "Mitochondrie, stress oxydant et protection musculaire", 1 rue Eugène Boeckel, 67000 Strasbourg, France.
| | - Hayder M Al-Kuraishy
- Medical Faculty College of Medicine, Al-Mustansiriya University, P.O. Box 14132, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Eric Rousseau
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, and Centre de Recherche du CHUS, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
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Interaction of small molecules with the SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease: In silico studies and in vitro validation of protease activity inhibition using an enzymatic inhibition assay. J Mol Graph Model 2021; 104:107851. [PMID: 33556646 PMCID: PMC7837617 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2021.107851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 virus is causing COVID-19, an ongoing pandemic, with extraordinary global health, social, and political implications. Currently, extensive research and development efforts are aimed at producing a safe and effective vaccine. In the interim, small molecules are being widely investigated for antiviral effects. With respect to viral replication, the papain-like (PLpro) and main proteases (Mpro), are critical for processing viral replicase polypeptides. Further, the PLpro possesses deubiquitinating activity affecting key signalling pathways, including inhibition of interferon and innate immune antagonism. Therefore, inhibition of PLpro activity with small molecules is an important research direction. Our aim was to focus on identification of potential inhibitors of the protease activity of SARS-CoV-2 PLpro. We investigated 300 small compounds derived predominantly from our OliveNet™ library (222 phenolics) and supplemented with synthetic and dietary compounds with reported antiviral activities. An initial docking screen, using the potent and selective noncovalent PLpro inhibitor, GRL-0617 as a control, enabled a selection of 30 compounds for further analyses. From further in silico analyses, including docking to scenes derived from a publicly available molecular dynamics simulation trajectory (100 μs PDB 6WX4; DESRES-ANTON-11441075), we identified lead compounds for further in vitro evaluation using an enzymatic inhibition assay measuring SARS-CoV-2 PLpro protease activity. Our findings indicate that hypericin possessed inhibition activity, and both rutin and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside resulted in a concentration-dependent inhibition of the PLpro, with activity in the micromolar range. Overall, hypericin, rutin, and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside can be considered lead compounds requiring further characterisation for potential antiviral effects in appropriate model systems.
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38
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Rahman MM, Hasan M, Ahmed A. Potential detrimental role of soluble ACE2 in severe COVID-19 comorbid patients. Rev Med Virol 2021; 31:1-12. [PMID: 33426683 PMCID: PMC8014495 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) enters the host cell by binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. Other important proteins involved in this process include disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 17 (ADAM17) also known as tumour necrosis factor-α-converting enzyme and transmembrane serine protease 2. ACE2 converts angiotensin II (Ang II) to angiotensin (1-7), to balance the renin angiotensin system. Membrane-bound ACE2 ectodomain shedding is mediated by ADAM17 upon viral spike binding, Ang II overproduction and in several diseases. The shed soluble ACE2 (sACE2) retains its catalytic activity, but its precise role in viral entry is still unclear. Therapeutic sACE2 is claimed to exert dual effects; reduction of excess Ang II and blocking viral entry by masking the spike protein. Nevertheless, the paradox is why SARS-CoV-2 comorbid patients struggle to attain such benefit in viral infection despite having a high amount of sACE2. In this review, we discuss the possible detrimental role of sACE2 and speculate on a series of events where protease primed or non-primed virus-sACE2 complex might enter the host cell. As extracellular virus can bind many sACE2 molecules, sACE2 level could be reduced drastically upon endocytosis by the host cell. A consequential rapid rise in Ang II level could potentially aggravate disease severity through Ang II-angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1R) axis in comorbid patients. Hence, monitoring sACE2 and Ang II level in coronavirus disease 2019 comorbid patients are crucial to ensure safe and efficient intervention using therapeutic sACE2 and vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Mahmudur Rahman
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Bangladesh University of Health Sciences, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Maruf Hasan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Military Institute of Science and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Asif Ahmed
- Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh
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39
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Gul R, Kim UH, Alfadda AA. Renin-angiotensin system at the interface of COVID-19 infection. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 890:173656. [PMID: 33086029 PMCID: PMC7568848 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has been recognized as a potential entry receptor for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Binding of SARS-CoV-2 to ACE2 allows engagement with pulmonary epithelial cells and pulmonary infection with the virus. ACE2 is an essential component of renin-angiotensin system (RAS), and involved in promoting protective effects to counter-regulate angiotensin (Ang) II-induced pathogenesis. The use of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and ACE inhibitors (ACEIs) was implicitly negated during the early phase of COVID-19 pandemic, considering the role of these antihypertensive agents in enhancing ACE2 expression thereby promoting the susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2. However, no clinical data has supported this assumption, but indeed evidence demonstrates that ACEIs and ARBs, besides their cardioprotective effects in COVID-19 patients with cardiovascular diseases, might also be beneficial in acute lung injuries by preserving the ACE2 function and switching the balance from deleterious ACE/Ang II/AT1 receptor axis towards a protective ACE2/Ang (1-7)/Mas receptor axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rukhsana Gul
- Obesity Research Center, College of Medicine, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2925, Riyadh, 11461, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Uh-Hyun Kim
- Department of Biochemistry & National Creative Research Laboratory for Ca(2+) Signaling, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, 54907, Republic of Korea
| | - Assim A Alfadda
- Obesity Research Center, College of Medicine, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2925, Riyadh, 11461, Saudi Arabia; Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, PO Box 2925, Riyadh, 11461, Saudi Arabia; Strategic Center for Diabetes Research, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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40
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Khan N, Kumar N, Geiger JD. Possible therapeutic targets for SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19. JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2021; 2:75-83. [PMID: 37564275 PMCID: PMC10414779 DOI: 10.46439/allergy.2.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection causes COVID-19, which has emerged as a health emergency worldwide. SARS-CoV-2 infects cells by binding to ACE2 receptors and enters into the cytoplasm following its escape from endolysosomes. Once in the cytoplasm, the virus replicates and eventually causes various pathological conditions including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) that is caused by pro-inflammatory cytokine storms. Thus, endolysosomes and cytokine storms are important therapeutic targets to suppress SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19. Here, we discuss therapeutic targets of SARS-CoV-2 infection and available drugs that could be helpful in the suppression of the SARS-CoV-2 infection and pathological condition COVID-19. The urgency of the COVID-19 pandemic precludes the development of new drugs and increased focus on drug repurposing might provide the quickest way to finding effective medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabab Khan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58203, USA
| | - Nirmal Kumar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58203, USA
| | - Jonathan D. Geiger
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58203, USA
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Mamedov T, Gurbuzaslan I, Yuksel D, Ilgin M, Mammadova G, Ozkul A, Hasanova G. Soluble Human Angiotensin- Converting Enzyme 2 as a Potential Therapeutic Tool for COVID-19 is Produced at High Levels In Nicotiana benthamiana Plant With Potent Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Activity. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:742875. [PMID: 34938305 PMCID: PMC8685454 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.742875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has rapidly spread to more than 222 countries and has put global public health at high risk. The world urgently needs a safe, cost-effective SARS-CoV-2 vaccine as well as therapeutic and antiviral drugs to combat COVID-19. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), as a key receptor for SARS-CoV-2 infections, has been proposed as a potential therapeutic tool in patients with COVID-19. In this study, we report a high-level production (about ∼0.75 g/kg leaf biomass) of human soluble (truncated) ACE2 in the Nicotiana benthamiana plant. After the Ni-NTA single-step, the purification yields of recombinant plant produced ACE2 protein in glycosylated and deglycosylated forms calculated as ∼0.4 and 0.5 g/kg leaf biomass, respectively. The plant produced recombinant human soluble ACE2s successfully bind to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Importantly, both deglycosylated and glycosylated forms of ACE2 are stable at increased temperatures for extended periods of time and demonstrated strong anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities in vitro. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of glycosylated ACE2 (gACE2) and deglycosylated ACE2 (dACE2) were ∼1.0 and 8.48 μg/ml, respectively, for the pre-entry infection, when incubated with 100TCID50 of SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, plant produced soluble ACE2s are promising cost-effective and safe candidates as a potential therapeutic tool in the treatment of patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarlan Mamedov
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Baku, Azerbaijan
- *Correspondence: Tarlan Mamedov,
| | - Irem Gurbuzaslan
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Damla Yuksel
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Merve Ilgin
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Gunay Mammadova
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Aykut Ozkul
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
- Biotechnology Institute, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Gulnara Hasanova
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
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The Two-Way Switch Role of ACE2 in the Treatment of Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia and Underlying Comorbidities. Molecules 2020; 26:molecules26010142. [PMID: 33396184 PMCID: PMC7794970 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26010142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
December 2019 saw the emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), which has spread across the globe. The high infectivity and ongoing mortality of SARS-CoV-2 emphasize the demand of drug discovery. Angiotensin-converting enzyme II (ACE2) is the functional receptor for SARS-CoV-2 entry into host cells. ACE2 exists as a membrane-bound protein on major viral target pulmonary epithelial cells, and its peptidase domain (PD) interacts SARS-CoV-2 spike protein with higher affinity. Therefore, targeting ACE2 is an important pharmacological intervention for a SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this review, we described the two-way switch role of ACE2 in the treatment of novel coronavirus pneumonia and underlying comorbidities, and discussed the potential effect of the ACE inhibitor and angiotensin receptor blocker on a hypertension patient with the SARS-CoV-2 infection. In addition, we analyzed the S-protein-binding site on ACE2 and suggested that blocking hot spot-31 and hot spot-353 on ACE2 could be a therapeutic strategy for preventing the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Besides, the recombinant ACE2 protein could be another potential treatment option for SARS-CoV-2 induced acute severe lung failure. This review could provide beneficial information for the development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents via targeting ACE2 and the clinical usage of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) drugs for novel coronavirus pneumonia treatment.
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Karmakar D, Lahiri B, Ranjan P, Chatterjee J, Lahiri P, Sengupta S. Road Map to Understanding SARS-CoV-2 Clinico-Immunopathology and COVID-19 Disease Severity. Pathogens 2020; 10:5. [PMID: 33374748 PMCID: PMC7823523 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, a novel coronavirus, was first identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019. The rapid spread of the virus worldwide prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare COVID-19 a pandemic in March 2020. COVID-19 discontinuing's a global health crisis. Approximately 80% of the patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 display undetectable to mild inflammation confined in the upper respiratory tract. In remaining patients, the disease turns into a severe form affecting almost all major organs predominantly due to an imbalance of innate and adaptive arms of host immunity. The purpose of the present review is to narrate the virus's invasion through the system and the host's reaction. A thorough discussion on disease severity is also presented regarding the behavior of the host's immune system, which gives rise to the cytokine storm particularly in elderly patients and those with comorbidities. A multifaceted yet concise description of molecular aspects of disease progression and its repercussion on biochemical and immunological features in infected patients is tabulated. The summary of pathological, clinical, immunological, and molecular accounts discussed in this review is of theranostic importance to clinicians for early diagnosis of COVID-19 and its management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepmala Karmakar
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Calcutta, 35, Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata 700019, India;
| | - Basudev Lahiri
- Department of Electronics and Electrical Communication Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India;
| | - Piyush Ranjan
- Department of Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India;
| | - Jyotirmoy Chatterjee
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India;
| | - Pooja Lahiri
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India;
| | - Sanghamitra Sengupta
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Calcutta, 35, Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata 700019, India;
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Correcting the imbalanced protective RAS in COVID-19 with angiotensin AT2-receptor agonists. Clin Sci (Lond) 2020; 134:2987-3006. [PMID: 33210709 DOI: 10.1042/cs20200922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that is responsible for the global corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic enters host cells via a mechanism that includes binding to angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) 2 (ACE2). Membrane-bound ACE2 is depleted as a result of this entry mechanism. The consequence is that the protective renin-angiotensin system (RAS), of which ACE2 is an essential component, is compromised through lack of production of the protective peptides angiotensin-(1-7) and angiotensin-(1-9), and therefore decreased stimulation of Mas (receptor Mas) and angiotensin AT2-receptors (AT2Rs), while angiotensin AT1-receptors (AT1Rs) are overstimulated due to less degradation of angiotensin II (Ang II) by ACE2. The protective RAS has numerous beneficial actions, including anti-inflammatory, anti-coagulative, anti-fibrotic effects along with endothelial and neural protection; opposite to the deleterious effects caused by heightened stimulation of angiotensin AT1R. Given that patients with severe COVID-19 exhibit an excessive immune response, endothelial dysfunction, increased clotting, thromboses and stroke, enhancing the activity of the protective RAS is likely beneficial. In this article, we discuss the evidence for a dysfunctional protective RAS in COVID and develop a rationale that the protective RAS imbalance in COVID-19 may be corrected by using AT2R agonists. We further review preclinical studies with AT2R agonists which suggest that AT2R stimulation may be therapeutically effective to treat COVID-19-induced disorders of various organ systems such as lung, vasculature, or the brain. Finally, we provide information on the design of a clinical trial in which patients with COVID-19 were treated with the AT2R agonist Compound 21 (C21). This trial has been completed, but results have not yet been reported.
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Cure E, Ilcol TB, Cumhur Cure M. Angiotensin II, III, and IV may be important in the progression of COVID-19. JOURNAL OF THE RENIN-ANGIOTENSIN-ALDOSTERONE SYSTEM : JRAAS 2020. [PMID: 33169633 DOI: 10.1177/1470320320972019.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Erkan Cure
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ota & Jinemed Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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Cure E, Ilcol TB, Cumhur Cure M. Angiotensin II, III, and IV may be important in the progression of COVID-19. J Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone Syst 2020; 21:1470320320972019. [PMID: 33169633 PMCID: PMC7658520 DOI: 10.1177/1470320320972019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Erkan Cure
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ota & Jinemed Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
- Erkan Cure, Department of Internal Medicine, Ota & Jinemed Hospital, Muradiye Mahallesi Nuzhetiye Cad, Deryadil Sokagi No: 1, 34357 Besiktas, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Nalawansha DA, Samarasinghe KTG. Double-Barreled CRISPR Technology as a Novel Treatment Strategy For COVID-19. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2020; 3:790-800. [PMID: 33062949 PMCID: PMC7469881 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.0c00071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
![]()
Coronavirus
is one of the causative agents for multiple human respiratory
illnesses. A novel coronavirus, similar to the one that caused severe
acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003, was identified as the cause
of the current pandemic of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which was
first reported in late December 2019 in Wuhan, China. Since then,
this novel coronavirus has spread across the globe, with most identified
COVID-19 cases and fatalities occurring in the United States. In this
Perspective, we discuss coronavirus pathogenicity, conventional antiviral
therapies, prophylactic strategies, and novel treatment strategies
for COVID-19. We highlight the application of CRISPR technology as
an emerging pan-antiviral therapy. We also discuss the challenges
of in vivo delivery of CRISPR components and propose
novel approaches to achieve selective delivery exclusively into SARS-CoV-2-infected
cells with high efficiency by hijacking the surface proteins of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhanusha A Nalawansha
- Department of Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Kusal T G Samarasinghe
- Department of Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
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