1
|
Waters CD, Carlyle E, Smart V, Rege A, Bieberich CJ, Seley-Radtke KL. Proximal fleximer analogues of 2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro-2'-methyl purine nucleos(t)ides: Synthesis and preliminary pharmacokinetic and antiviral evaluation. Bioorg Med Chem 2024; 112:117898. [PMID: 39216384 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2024.117898] [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: 07/19/2024] [Revised: 08/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
In this study, proximal fleximer nucleos(t)ide analogues of Bemnifosbuvir were synthesized and evaluated for their potential to serve as antiviral therapeutics. The final parent flex-nucleoside and ProTide modified flex-nucleoside analogues were tested against several viral families including flaviviruses, filoviruses, and coronaviruses. Modest activity against Zaire Ebola virus was observed at 30 μM for compound ProTide modified analogue. Neither compound exhibited activity for any of the other viruses tested. The parent flex-nucleoside analogue was screened for toxicity in CD-1 mice and showed no adverse effects up to 300 mg/kg, the maximum concentration tested.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles D Waters
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Evan Carlyle
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Viviana Smart
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Apurv Rege
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Charles J Bieberich
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Katherine L Seley-Radtke
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gordon CJ, Walker SM, Tchesnokov EP, Kocincova D, Pitts J, Siegel DS, Perry JK, Feng JY, Bilello JP, Götte M. Mechanism and spectrum of inhibition of a 4'-cyano modified nucleotide analog against diverse RNA polymerases of prototypic respiratory RNA viruses. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107514. [PMID: 38945449 PMCID: PMC11345399 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of safe and effective broad-spectrum antivirals that target the replication machinery of respiratory viruses is of high priority in pandemic preparedness programs. Here, we studied the mechanism of action of a newly discovered nucleotide analog against diverse RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RdRps) of prototypic respiratory viruses. GS-646939 is the active 5'-triphosphate metabolite of a 4'-cyano modified C-adenosine analog phosphoramidate prodrug GS-7682. Enzyme kinetics show that the RdRps of human rhinovirus type 16 (HRV-16) and enterovirus 71 incorporate GS-646939 with unprecedented selectivity; GS-646939 is incorporated 20-50-fold more efficiently than its natural ATP counterpart. The RdRp complex of respiratory syncytial virus and human metapneumovirus incorporate GS-646939 and ATP with similar efficiency. In contrast, influenza B RdRp shows a clear preference for ATP and human mitochondrial RNA polymerase does not show significant incorporation of GS-646939. Once incorporated into the nascent RNA strand, GS-646939 acts as a chain terminator although higher NTP concentrations can partially overcome inhibition for some polymerases. Modeling and biochemical data suggest that the 4'-modification inhibits RdRp translocation. Comparative studies with GS-443902, the active triphosphate form of the 1'-cyano modified prodrugs remdesivir and obeldesivir, reveal not only different mechanisms of inhibition, but also differences in the spectrum of inhibition of viral polymerases. In conclusion, 1'-cyano and 4'-cyano modifications of nucleotide analogs provide complementary strategies to target the polymerase of several families of respiratory RNA viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Calvin J Gordon
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Simon M Walker
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Egor P Tchesnokov
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Dana Kocincova
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jared Pitts
- Gilead Sciences, Inc, Foster City, California, USA
| | | | | | - Joy Y Feng
- Gilead Sciences, Inc, Foster City, California, USA
| | | | - Matthias Götte
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chazot A, Zimberger C, Feracci M, Moussa A, Good S, Sommadossi JP, Alvarez K, Ferron F, Canard B. The activation cascade of the broad-spectrum antiviral bemnifosbuvir characterized at atomic resolution. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002743. [PMID: 39190717 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Bemnifosbuvir (AT-527) and AT-752 are guanosine analogues currently in clinical trials against several RNA viruses. Here, we show that these drugs require a minimal set of 5 cellular enzymes for activation to their common 5'-triphosphate AT-9010, with an obligate order of reactions. AT-9010 selectively inhibits essential viral enzymes, accounting for antiviral potency. Functional and structural data at atomic resolution decipher N6-purine deamination compatible with its metabolic activation. Crystal structures of human histidine triad nucleotide binding protein 1, adenosine deaminase-like protein 1, guanylate kinase 1, and nucleoside diphosphate kinase at 2.09, 2.44, 1.76, and 1.9 Å resolution, respectively, with cognate precursors of AT-9010 illuminate the activation pathway from the orally available bemnifosbuvir to AT-9010, pointing to key drug-protein contacts along the activation pathway. Our work provides a framework to integrate the design of antiviral nucleotide analogues, confronting requirements and constraints associated with activation enzymes along the 5'-triphosphate assembly line.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Chazot
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, AFMB, UMR 7257, Marseille, France
| | - Claire Zimberger
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, AFMB, UMR 7257, Marseille, France
| | - Mikael Feracci
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, AFMB, UMR 7257, Marseille, France
| | - Adel Moussa
- ATEA Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Steven Good
- ATEA Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | | | - Karine Alvarez
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, AFMB, UMR 7257, Marseille, France
| | - François Ferron
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, AFMB, UMR 7257, Marseille, France
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, Jena, Germany
| | - Bruno Canard
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, AFMB, UMR 7257, Marseille, France
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, Jena, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hoferle PJ, Anderson TK, Kirchdoerfer RN. A genus-specific nsp12 region impacts polymerase assembly in Alpha- and Gammacoronaviruses. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.23.604833. [PMID: 39091740 PMCID: PMC11291119 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.23.604833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Coronavirus relevancy for human health has surged over the past 20 years as they have a propensity for spillover into humans from animal reservoirs resulting in pandemics such as COVID-19. The diversity within the Coronavirinae subfamily and high infection frequency in animal species worldwide creates a looming threat that calls for research across all genera within the Coronavirinae subfamily. We sought to contribute to the limited structural knowledge within the Gammacoronavirus genera and determined the structure of the viral core replication-transcription complex (RTC) from Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) using single-particle cryo-EM. Comparison between our IBV structure with published RTC structures from other Coronavirinae genera reveals structural differences across genera. Using in vitro biochemical assays, we characterized these differences and revealed their differing involvement in core RTC formation across different genera. Our findings highlight the value of cross-genera Coronavirinae studies, as they show genera specific features in coronavirus genome replication. A broader knowledge of coronavirus replication will better prepare us for future coronavirus spillovers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter J. Hoferle
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Molecular Virology, Center for Quantitative Cell Imaging, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706
| | - Thomas K. Anderson
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Molecular Virology, Center for Quantitative Cell Imaging, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706
| | - Robert N. Kirchdoerfer
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Molecular Virology, Center for Quantitative Cell Imaging, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Nazir F, John Kombe Kombe A, Khalid Z, Bibi S, Zhang H, Wu S, Jin T. SARS-CoV-2 replication and drug discovery. Mol Cell Probes 2024; 77:101973. [PMID: 39025272 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2024.101973] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has killed millions of people and continues to wreak havoc across the globe. This sudden and deadly pandemic emphasizes the necessity for anti-viral drug development that can be rapidly administered to reduce morbidity, mortality, and virus propagation. Thus, lacking efficient anti-COVID-19 treatment, and especially given the lengthy drug development process as well as the critical death tool that has been associated with SARS-CoV-2 since its outbreak, drug repurposing (or repositioning) constitutes so far, the ideal and ready-to-go best approach in mitigating viral spread, containing the infection, and reducing the COVID-19-associated death rate. Indeed, based on the molecular similarity approach of SARS-CoV-2 with previous coronaviruses (CoVs), repurposed drugs have been reported to hamper SARS-CoV-2 replication. Therefore, understanding the inhibition mechanisms of viral replication by repurposed anti-viral drugs and chemicals known to block CoV and SARS-CoV-2 multiplication is crucial, and it opens the way for particular treatment options and COVID-19 therapeutics. In this review, we highlighted molecular basics underlying drug-repurposing strategies against SARS-CoV-2. Notably, we discussed inhibition mechanisms of viral replication, involving and including inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 proteases (3C-like protease, 3CLpro or Papain-like protease, PLpro) by protease inhibitors such as Carmofur, Ebselen, and GRL017, polymerases (RNA-dependent RNA-polymerase, RdRp) by drugs like Suramin, Remdesivir, or Favipiravir, and proteins/peptides inhibiting virus-cell fusion and host cell replication pathways, such as Disulfiram, GC376, and Molnupiravir. When applicable, comparisons with SARS-CoV inhibitors approved for clinical use were made to provide further insights to understand molecular basics in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 replication and draw conclusions for future drug discovery research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Farah Nazir
- Center of Disease Immunity and Investigation, College of Medicine, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Arnaud John Kombe Kombe
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Zunera Khalid
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Shaheen Bibi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
| | - Hongliang Zhang
- Center of Disease Immunity and Investigation, College of Medicine, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Songquan Wu
- Center of Disease Immunity and Investigation, College of Medicine, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China.
| | - Tengchuan Jin
- Center of Disease Immunity and Investigation, College of Medicine, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China; Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China; Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, Anhui, China; Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China; Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Anderson TK, Hoferle PJ, Chojnacki KJ, Lee K, Coon J, Kirchdoerfer R. An alphacoronavirus polymerase structure reveals conserved replication factor functions. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:5975-5986. [PMID: 38442273 PMCID: PMC11162792 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae153] [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] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses are a diverse subfamily of viruses containing pathogens of humans and animals. This subfamily of viruses replicates their RNA genomes using a core polymerase complex composed of viral non-structural proteins: nsp7, nsp8 and nsp12. Most of our understanding of coronavirus molecular biology comes from betacoronaviruses like SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, the latter of which is the causative agent of COVID-19. In contrast, members of the alphacoronavirus genus are relatively understudied despite their importance in human and animal health. Here we have used cryo-electron microscopy to determine structures of the alphacoronavirus porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) core polymerase complex bound to RNA. One structure shows an unexpected nsp8 stoichiometry despite remaining bound to RNA. Biochemical analysis shows that the N-terminal extension of one nsp8 is not required for in vitro RNA synthesis for alpha- and betacoronaviruses. Our work demonstrates the importance of studying diverse coronaviruses in revealing aspects of coronavirus replication and identifying areas of conservation to be targeted by antiviral drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas K Anderson
- Biochemistry Department, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Center for Quantitative Cell Imaging, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Peter J Hoferle
- Biochemistry Department, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Center for Quantitative Cell Imaging, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Kennan J Chojnacki
- Biochemistry Department, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Center for Quantitative Cell Imaging, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Kenneth W Lee
- Biomolecular Chemistry Department, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Joshua J Coon
- Biomolecular Chemistry Department, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Robert N Kirchdoerfer
- Biochemistry Department, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Center for Quantitative Cell Imaging, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhou XJ, Horga A, Puri A, Winchester L, Montrond M, Pietropaolo K, Belanger B, Fletcher CV, Hammond J. Human bronchopulmonary disposition and plasma pharmacokinetics of oral bemnifosbuvir (AT-527), an experimental guanosine nucleotide prodrug for COVID-19. J Antimicrob Chemother 2024; 79:1423-1431. [PMID: 38708557 PMCID: PMC11144486 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkae122] [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] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bemnifosbuvir (AT-527) is a novel oral guanosine nucleotide antiviral drug for the treatment of persons with COVID-19. Direct assessment of drug disposition in the lungs, via bronchoalveolar lavage, is necessary to ensure antiviral drug levels at the primary site of SARS-CoV-2 infection are achieved. OBJECTIVES This Phase 1 study in healthy subjects aimed to assess the bronchopulmonary pharmacokinetics, safety and tolerability of repeated doses of bemnifosbuvir. METHODS A total of 24 subjects were assigned to receive bemnifosbuvir twice daily at doses of 275, 550 or 825 mg for up to 3.5 days. RESULTS AT-511, the free base of bemnifosbuvir, was largely eliminated from the plasma within 6 h post dose in all dosing groups. Antiviral drug levels of bemnifosbuvir were consistently achieved in the lungs with bemnifosbuvir 550 mg twice daily. The mean level of the guanosine nucleoside metabolite AT-273, the surrogate of the active triphosphate metabolite of the drug, measured in the epithelial lining fluid of the lungs was 0.62 µM at 4-5 h post dose. This exceeded the target in vitro 90% effective concentration (EC90) of 0.5 µM for antiviral drug exposure against SARS-CoV-2 replication in human airway epithelial cells. Bemnifosbuvir was well tolerated across all doses tested, and most treatment-emergent adverse events reported were mild in severity and resolved. CONCLUSIONS The favourable pharmacokinetics and safety profile of bemnifosbuvir demonstrates its potential as an oral antiviral treatment for COVID-19, with 550 mg bemnifosbuvir twice daily currently under further clinical evaluation in persons with COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Adeep Puri
- Hammersmith Medicines Research Ltd, London, UK
| | - Lee Winchester
- Antiviral Pharmacology Laboratory, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | | | | | | | - Courtney V Fletcher
- Antiviral Pharmacology Laboratory, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mesaros EF, Dugan BJ, Gao M, Sheraz M, McGovern-Gooch K, Xu F, Fan KY, Nguyen D, Kultgen SG, Lindstrom A, Stever K, Tercero B, Binder RJ, Liu F, Micolochick Steuer HM, Mani N, Harasym TO, Thi EP, Cuconati A, Dorsey BD, Cole AG, Lam AM, Sofia MJ. Discovery of C-Linked Nucleoside Analogues with Antiviral Activity against SARS-CoV-2. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:1780-1792. [PMID: 38651692 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00122] [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] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
The recent COVID-19 pandemic underscored the limitations of currently available direct-acting antiviral treatments against acute respiratory RNA-viral infections and stimulated major research initiatives targeting anticoronavirus agents. Two novel nsp5 protease (MPro) inhibitors have been approved, nirmatrelvir and ensitrelvir, along with two existing nucleos(t)ide analogues repurposed as nsp12 polymerase inhibitors, remdesivir and molnupiravir, but a need still exists for therapies with improved potency and systemic exposure with oral dosing, better metabolic stability, and reduced resistance and toxicity risks. Herein, we summarize our research toward identifying nsp12 inhibitors that led to nucleoside analogues 10e and 10n, which showed favorable pan-coronavirus activity in cell-infection screens, were metabolized to active triphosphate nucleotides in cell-incubation studies, and demonstrated target (nsp12) engagement in biochemical assays.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eugen F Mesaros
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Benjamin J Dugan
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Min Gao
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Muhammad Sheraz
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | | | - Fran Xu
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Kristi Yi Fan
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Duyan Nguyen
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Steven G Kultgen
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Aaron Lindstrom
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Kim Stever
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Breanna Tercero
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Randall J Binder
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Fei Liu
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | | | - Nagraj Mani
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Troy O Harasym
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Emily P Thi
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Andrea Cuconati
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Bruce D Dorsey
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Andrew G Cole
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Angela M Lam
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Michael J Sofia
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Quercia R, Di Perri G, Pein C, Bodie J, Singh RSP, Hendrick V, Boffito M. Ritonavir: 25 Years' Experience of Concomitant Medication Management. A Narrative Review. Infect Dis Ther 2024; 13:1005-1017. [PMID: 38609668 PMCID: PMC11098990 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-024-00959-6] [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: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Ritonavir is a potent inhibitor of the cytochrome P450 3A4 enzyme and is commonly used as a pharmacokinetic (PK) enhancer in antiviral therapies because it increases bioavailability of concomitantly administered antivirals. Decades of experience with ritonavir-enhanced HIV therapies and, more recently, COVID-19 therapies demonstrate that boosting doses of ritonavir are well tolerated, with an established safety profile. The mechanisms of PK enhancement by ritonavir result in the potential for drug-drug interactions (DDIs) with several classes of drugs, thus making co-medication management an important consideration with enhanced antiviral therapies. However, rates of DDIs with contraindicated medications are low, suggesting these risks are manageable by infectious disease specialists who have experience with the use of PK enhancers. In this review, we provide an overview of ritonavir's mechanisms of action and describe approaches and resources available to mitigate adverse events and manage concomitant medication in both chronic and short-term settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Romina Quercia
- Chief Medical Affairs Office, Pfizer Inc, New York City, NY, USA
| | | | - Carolina Pein
- Chief Medical Affairs Office, Pfizer Inc, New York City, NY, USA.
| | - Jennifer Bodie
- Chief Medical Affairs Office, Pfizer Inc, New York City, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Marta Boffito
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chen BJ, Lin CH, Wu HY, Cai JJ, Chao DY. Experimental and analytical pipeline for sub-genomic RNA landscape of coronavirus by Nanopore sequencer. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0395423. [PMID: 38483513 PMCID: PMC10986531 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03954-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses (CoVs), including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, can infect a variety of mammalian and avian hosts with significant medical and economic consequences. During the life cycle of CoV, a coordinated series of subgenomic RNAs, including canonical subgenomic messenger RNA and non-canonical defective viral genomes (DVGs), are generated with different biological implications. Studies that adopted the Nanopore sequencer (ONT) to investigate the landscape and dynamics of viral RNA subgenomic transcriptomes applied arbitrary bioinformatics parameters without justification or experimental validation. The current study used bovine coronavirus (BCoV), which can be performed under biosafety level 2 for library construction and experimental validation using traditional colony polymerase chain reaction and Sanger sequencing. Four different ONT protocols, including RNA direct and cDNA direct sequencing with or without exonuclease treatment, were used to generate RNA transcriptomic libraries from BCoV-infected cell lysates. Through rigorously examining the k-mer, gap size, segment size, and bin size, the optimal cutoffs for the bioinformatic pipeline were determined to remove the sequence noise while keeping the informative DVG reads. The sensitivity and specificity of identifying DVG reads using the proposed pipeline can reach 82.6% and 99.6% under the k-mer size cutoff of 15. Exonuclease treatment reduced the abundance of RNA transcripts; however, it was not necessary for future library preparation. Additional recovery of clipped BCoV nucleotide sequences with experimental validation expands the landscape of the CoV discontinuous RNA transcriptome, whose biological function requires future investigation. The results of this study provide the benchmarks for library construction and bioinformatic parameters for studying the discontinuous CoV RNA transcriptome.IMPORTANCEFunctional defective viral genomic RNA, containing all the cis-acting elements required for translation or replication, may play different roles in triggering cell innate immune signaling, interfering with the canonical subgenomic messenger RNA transcription/translation or assisting in establishing persistence infection. This study does not only provide benchmarks for library construction and bioinformatic parameters for studying the discontinuous coronavirus RNA transcriptome but also reveals the complexity of the bovine coronavirus transcriptome, whose functional assays will be critical in future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo-Jia Chen
- Doctoral Program in Microbial Genomics, National Chung Hsing University and Academia Sinica, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Hung Lin
- Graduate Institute of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Yi Wu
- Graduate Institute of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - James J. Cai
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Day-Yu Chao
- Doctoral Program in Microbial Genomics, National Chung Hsing University and Academia Sinica, Taichung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Microbiology and Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wong XK, Ng CS, Yeong KY. Shaping the future of antiviral Treatment: Spotlight on Nucleobase-Containing drugs and their revolutionary impact. Bioorg Chem 2024; 144:107150. [PMID: 38309002 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Nucleobases serve as essential molecular frameworks present in both natural and synthetic compounds that exhibit notable antiviral activity. Through molecular modifications, novel nucleobase-containing drugs (NCDs) have been developed, exhibiting enhanced antiviral activity against a wide range of viruses, including the recently emerged SARS‑CoV‑2. This article provides a detailed examination of the significant advancements in NCDs from 2015 till current, encompassing various aspects concerning their mechanisms of action, pharmacology and antiviral properties. Additionally, the article discusses antiviral prodrugs relevant to the scope of this review. It fills in the knowledge gap by examining the structure-activity relationship and trend of NCDs as therapeutics against a diverse range of viral diseases, either as approved drugs, clinical candidates or as early-stage development prospects. Moreover, the article highlights on the status of this field of study and addresses the prevailing limitations encountered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xi Khai Wong
- School of Science, Monash University (Malaysia Campus), Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chen Seng Ng
- School of Science, Monash University (Malaysia Campus), Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Keng Yoon Yeong
- School of Science, Monash University (Malaysia Campus), Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Altincekic N, Jores N, Löhr F, Richter C, Ehrhardt C, Blommers MJJ, Berg H, Öztürk S, Gande SL, Linhard V, Orts J, Abi Saad MJ, Bütikofer M, Kaderli J, Karlsson BG, Brath U, Hedenström M, Gröbner G, Sauer UH, Perrakis A, Langer J, Banci L, Cantini F, Fragai M, Grifagni D, Barthel T, Wollenhaupt J, Weiss MS, Robertson A, Bax A, Sreeramulu S, Schwalbe H. Targeting the Main Protease (M pro, nsp5) by Growth of Fragment Scaffolds Exploiting Structure-Based Methodologies. ACS Chem Biol 2024; 19:563-574. [PMID: 38232960 PMCID: PMC10877576 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.3c00720] [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] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
The main protease Mpro, nsp5, of SARS-CoV-2 (SCoV2) is one of its most attractive drug targets. Here, we report primary screening data using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) of four different libraries and detailed follow-up synthesis on the promising uracil-containing fragment Z604 derived from these libraries. Z604 shows time-dependent binding. Its inhibitory effect is sensitive to reducing conditions. Starting with Z604, we synthesized and characterized 13 compounds designed by fragment growth strategies. Each compound was characterized by NMR and/or activity assays to investigate their interaction with Mpro. These investigations resulted in the four-armed compound 35b that binds directly to Mpro. 35b could be cocrystallized with Mpro revealing its noncovalent binding mode, which fills all four active site subpockets. Herein, we describe the NMR-derived fragment-to-hit pipeline and its application for the development of promising starting points for inhibitors of the main protease of SCoV2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadide Altincekic
- Institute
for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
- Center
of Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Nathalie Jores
- Institute
for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
- Center
of Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Frank Löhr
- Center
of Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
- Institute
of Biophysical Chemistry, Goethe University
Frankfurt am Main, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Christian Richter
- Institute
for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
- Center
of Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Claus Ehrhardt
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Hannes Berg
- Institute
for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
- Center
of Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Sare Öztürk
- Institute
for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Santosh L. Gande
- Institute
for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
- Center
of Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Verena Linhard
- Institute
for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
- Center
of Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Julien Orts
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Marie Jose Abi Saad
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Bütikofer
- Swiss
Federal Institute of Technology, Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Janina Kaderli
- Swiss
Federal Institute of Technology, Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - B. Göran Karlsson
- Swedish
NMR Centre, Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, SE40530 Göteborg, Sweden
- SciLifeLab, University of Gothenburg, SE40530 Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Ulrika Brath
- Swedish
NMR Centre, Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, SE40530 Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Mattias Hedenström
- Swedish
NMR Centre, Department of Chemistry, University
of Umeå, SE-90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Gerhard Gröbner
- Swedish
NMR Centre, Department of Chemistry, University
of Umeå, SE-90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Uwe H. Sauer
- Protein
Production Sweden, Department of Chemistry, University of Umeå, SE-90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Anastassis Perrakis
- Oncode
Institute and Division of Biochemistry, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Julian Langer
- Max Planck Institute of
Biophysics, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Lucia Banci
- Magnetic
Resonance Center and Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, Via L. Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- Consorzio
Interuniversitario Risonanze Magnetiche Metalloproteine, Via L. Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Francesca Cantini
- Magnetic
Resonance Center and Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, Via L. Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- Consorzio
Interuniversitario Risonanze Magnetiche Metalloproteine, Via L. Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Marco Fragai
- Magnetic
Resonance Center and Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, Via L. Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- Consorzio
Interuniversitario Risonanze Magnetiche Metalloproteine, Via L. Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Deborah Grifagni
- Magnetic
Resonance Center and Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, Via L. Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Tatjana Barthel
- Macromolecular
Crystallography, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, Albert-Einstein-Str. 15, D-12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jan Wollenhaupt
- Macromolecular
Crystallography, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, Albert-Einstein-Str. 15, D-12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - Manfred S. Weiss
- Macromolecular
Crystallography, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, Albert-Einstein-Str. 15, D-12489 Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Adriaan Bax
- NIH, LCP NIDDK, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Sridhar Sreeramulu
- Institute
for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
- Center
of Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Harald Schwalbe
- Institute
for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
- Center
of Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Shannon A, Chazot A, Feracci M, Falcou C, Fattorini V, Selisko B, Good S, Moussa A, Sommadossi JP, Ferron F, Alvarez K, Canard B. An exonuclease-resistant chain-terminating nucleotide analogue targeting the SARS-CoV-2 replicase complex. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:1325-1340. [PMID: 38096103 PMCID: PMC10853775 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad1194] [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] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Nucleotide analogues (NA) are currently employed for treatment of several viral diseases, including COVID-19. NA prodrugs are intracellularly activated to the 5'-triphosphate form. They are incorporated into the viral RNA by the viral polymerase (SARS-CoV-2 nsp12), terminating or corrupting RNA synthesis. For Coronaviruses, natural resistance to NAs is provided by a viral 3'-to-5' exonuclease heterodimer nsp14/nsp10, which can remove terminal analogues. Here, we show that the replacement of the α-phosphate of Bemnifosbuvir 5'-triphosphate form (AT-9010) by an α-thiophosphate renders it resistant to excision. The resulting α-thiotriphosphate, AT-9052, exists as two epimers (RP/SP). Through co-crystallization and activity assays, we show that the Sp isomer is preferentially used as a substrate by nucleotide diphosphate kinase (NDPK), and by SARS-CoV-2 nsp12, where its incorporation causes immediate chain-termination. The same -Sp isomer, once incorporated by nsp12, is also totally resistant to the excision by nsp10/nsp14 complex. However, unlike AT-9010, AT-9052-RP/SP no longer inhibits the N-terminal nucleotidylation domain of nsp12. We conclude that AT-9052-Sp exhibits a unique mechanism of action against SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, the thio modification provides a general approach to rescue existing NAs whose activity is hampered by coronavirus proofreading capacity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh Shannon
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Aurélie Chazot
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Mikael Feracci
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Camille Falcou
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Véronique Fattorini
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Barbara Selisko
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Steven Good
- ATEA Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 225 Franklin St., Suite 2100, Boston, MA 02110, USA
| | - Adel Moussa
- ATEA Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 225 Franklin St., Suite 2100, Boston, MA 02110, USA
| | | | - François Ferron
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, Leutragraben 1, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Karine Alvarez
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Bruno Canard
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, Leutragraben 1, 07743 Jena, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Shehzadi K, Yu M, Liang J. De Novo Potent Peptide Nucleic Acid Antisense Oligomer Inhibitors Targeting SARS-CoV-2 RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase via Structure-Guided Drug Design. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17473. [PMID: 38139312 PMCID: PMC10744289 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Global reports of novel SARS-CoV-2 variants and recurrence cases continue despite substantial vaccination campaigns, raising severe concerns about COVID-19. While repurposed drugs offer some treatment options for COVID-19, notably, nucleoside inhibitors like Remdesivir stand out as curative therapies for COVID-19 that are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The emergence of highly contagious SARS-CoV-2 variants underscores the imperative for antiviral drugs adaptable to evolving viral mutations. RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) plays a key role in viral genome replication. Currently, inhibiting viral RdRp function remains a pivotal strategy to tackle the notorious virus. Peptide nucleic acid (PNA) therapy shows promise by effectively targeting specific genome regions, reducing viral replication, and inhibiting infection. In our study, we designed PNA antisense oligomers conjugated with cell-penetrating peptides (CPP) aiming to evaluate their antiviral effects against RdRp target using structure-guided drug design, which involves molecular docking simulations, drug likeliness and pharmacokinetic evaluations, molecular dynamics simulations, and computing binding free energy. The in silico analysis predicts that chemically modified PNAs might act as antisense molecules in order to disrupt ribosome assembly at RdRp's translation start site, and their chemically stable and neutral backbone might enhance sequence-specific RNA binding interaction. Notably, our findings demonstrate that PNA-peptide conjugates might be the most promising inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 RdRp, with superior binding free energy compared to Remdesivir in the current COVID-19 medication. Specifically, PNA-CPP-1 could bind simultaneously to the active site residues of RdRp protein and sequence-specific RdRp-RNA target in order to control viral replication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mingjia Yu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100811, China;
| | - Jianhua Liang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100811, China;
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Small GI, Fedorova O, Olinares PDB, Chandanani J, Banerjee A, Choi YJ, Molina H, Chait BT, Darst SA, Campbell EA. Structural and functional insights into the enzymatic plasticity of the SARS-CoV-2 NiRAN domain. Mol Cell 2023; 83:3921-3930.e7. [PMID: 37890482 PMCID: PMC10843261 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.10.001] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
The enzymatic activity of the SARS-CoV-2 nidovirus RdRp-associated nucleotidyltransferase (NiRAN) domain is essential for viral propagation, with three distinct activities associated with modification of the nsp9 N terminus, NMPylation, RNAylation, and deRNAylation/capping via a GDP-polyribonucleotidyltransferase reaction. The latter two activities comprise an unconventional mechanism for initiating viral RNA 5' cap formation, while the role of NMPylation is unclear. The structural mechanisms for these diverse enzymatic activities have not been properly delineated. Here, we determine high-resolution cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of catalytic intermediates for the NMPylation and deRNAylation/capping reactions, revealing diverse nucleotide binding poses and divalent metal ion coordination sites to promote its repertoire of activities. The deRNAylation/capping structure explains why GDP is a preferred substrate for the capping reaction over GTP. Altogether, these findings enhance our understanding of the promiscuous coronaviral NiRAN domain, a therapeutic target, and provide an accurate structural platform for drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel I Small
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Olga Fedorova
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Paul Dominic B Olinares
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry and Gaseous Ion Chemistry, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joshua Chandanani
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Anoosha Banerjee
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; Tri-Institutional Program in Chemical Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Young Joo Choi
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Henrik Molina
- Proteomics Resource Center, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Brian T Chait
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry and Gaseous Ion Chemistry, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Seth A Darst
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Campbell
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Horga A, Saenz R, Yilmaz G, Simón-Campos A, Pietropaolo K, Stubbings WJ, Collinson N, Ishak L, Zrinscak B, Belanger B, Granier C, Lin K, C Hurt A, Zhou XJ, Wildum S, Hammond J. Oral bemnifosbuvir (AT-527) vs placebo in patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in an outpatient setting (MORNINGSKY). Future Virol 2023:10.2217/fvl-2023-0115. [PMID: 37928891 PMCID: PMC10621114 DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2023-0115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Aim: This phase III study assessed the efficacy/safety/antiviral activity/pharmacokinetics of bemnifosbuvir, a novel, oral nucleotide analog to treat COVID-19. Patients & methods: Outpatient adults/adolescents with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 were randomized 2:1 to bemnifosbuvir/placebo. Time to symptom alleviation/improvement (primary outcome), risk of hospitalization/death, viral load and safety were evaluated. Results: Although the study was discontinued prematurely and did not meet its primary end point, bemnifosbuvir treatment resulted in fewer hospitalizations (71% relative risk reduction), COVID-19-related medically attended hospital visits, and COVID-19-related complications compared with placebo. No reduction in viral load was observed. The proportion of patients with adverse events was similar; no deaths occurred. Conclusion: Bemnifosbuvir showed hospitalization reduction in patients with variable disease progression risk and was well tolerated. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT04889040 (ClinicalTrials.gov).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gürdal Yilmaz
- Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, 61080, Turkey
| | | | | | | | - Neil Collinson
- Roche Products Limited, Welwyn Garden City, AL7 1TW, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Laura Ishak
- Atea Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Boston, MA 02110, USA
| | | | | | - Catherine Granier
- Roche Products Limited, Welwyn Garden City, AL7 1TW, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Kai Lin
- Atea Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Boston, MA 02110, USA
| | - Aeron C Hurt
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, 4070, Switzerland
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abduljalil JM, Elfiky AA, Sayed ESTA, AlKhazindar MM. In silico structural elucidation of Nipah virus L protein and targeting RNA-dependent RNA polymerase domain by nucleoside analogs. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:8215-8229. [PMID: 36205638 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2130987] [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: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/10/2022]
Abstract
The large (L) protein of Mononegavirales is a multi-domain protein that performs transcription and genome replication. One of the important domains in L is the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), a promising target for antiviral drugs. In this work, we employed rigorous computational comparative modeling to predict the structure of L protein of Nipah virus (NiV). The RdRp domain was targeted by a panel of nucleotide analogs, previously reported to inhibit different viral RNA polymerases, using molecular docking. Best binder compounds were subjected to molecular dynamics simulation to validate their binding. Molecular mechanics/generalized-born surface area (MM/GBSA) calculations estimated the binding free energy. The predicted model of NiV L has an excellent quality as judged by physics- and knowledge-based validation tests. Galidesivir, AT-9010 and Norov-29 scored the top nucleotide analogs to bind to the RdRp. Their binding free energies obtained by MM/GBSA (-31.01 ± 3.9 to -38.37 ± 4.8 kcal/mol) ranked Norov-29 as the best potential inhibitor. Purine nucleotide analogs are expected to harbor the scaffold for an effective drug against NiV. Finally, this study is expected to provide a start point for medicinal chemistry and drug discovery campaigns toward identification of effective chemotherapeutic agent(s) against NiV.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jameel M Abduljalil
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Thamar University, Dhamar, Yemen
| | - Abdo A Elfiky
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - El-Sayed T A Sayed
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Maha M AlKhazindar
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Justo Arevalo S, Castillo-Chávez A, Uribe Calampa CS, Zapata Sifuentes D, Huallpa CJ, Landa Bianchi G, Garavito-Salini Casas R, Quiñones Aguilar M, Pineda Chavarría R. What do we know about the function of SARS-CoV-2 proteins? Front Immunol 2023; 14:1249607. [PMID: 37790934 PMCID: PMC10544941 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1249607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance in the understanding of the biology of SARS-CoV-2. After more than two years since the first report of COVID-19, it remains crucial to continue studying how SARS-CoV-2 proteins interact with the host metabolism to cause COVID-19. In this review, we summarize the findings regarding the functions of the 16 non-structural, 6 accessory and 4 structural SARS-CoV-2 proteins. We place less emphasis on the spike protein, which has been the subject of several recent reviews. Furthermore, comprehensive reviews about COVID-19 therapeutic have been also published. Therefore, we do not delve into details on these topics; instead we direct the readers to those other reviews. To avoid confusions with what we know about proteins from other coronaviruses, we exclusively report findings that have been experimentally confirmed in SARS-CoV-2. We have identified host mechanisms that appear to be the primary targets of SARS-CoV-2 proteins, including gene expression and immune response pathways such as ribosome translation, JAK/STAT, RIG-1/MDA5 and NF-kβ pathways. Additionally, we emphasize the multiple functions exhibited by SARS-CoV-2 proteins, along with the limited information available for some of these proteins. Our aim with this review is to assist researchers and contribute to the ongoing comprehension of SARS-CoV-2's pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Justo Arevalo
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Ricardo Palma, Lima, Peru
- Departmento de Bioquimica, Instituto de Quimica, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Daniela Zapata Sifuentes
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Ricardo Palma, Lima, Peru
- Departmento de Bioquimica, Instituto de Quimica, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - César J. Huallpa
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Lima, Peru
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Xu T, Zhang L. Current understanding of nucleoside analogs inhibiting the SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:4385-4394. [PMID: 37711189 PMCID: PMC10498173 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.09.001] [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: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) has become a main target for antiviral therapeutics due to its essential role in viral replication and transcription. Thus, nucleoside analogs structurally resemble the natural RdRp substrate and hold great potential as inhibitors. Until now, extensive experimental investigations have been performed to explore nucleoside analogs to inhibit the RdRp, and concerted efforts have been made to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms further. This review begins by discussing the nucleoside analogs that have demonstrated inhibition in the experiments. Second, we examine the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the action of nucleoside analogs on the SARS-CoV-2 RdRp. Recent findings in structural biology and computational research are presented through the classification of inhibitory mechanisms. This review summarizes previous experimental findings and mechanistic investigations of nucleoside analogs inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 RdRp. It would guide the rational design of antiviral medications and research into viral transcriptional mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou 350002, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou 350002, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Fujian 361005, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Manna S, Das K, Santra S, Nosova EV, Zyryanov GV, Halder S. Structural and Synthetic Aspects of Small Ring Oxa- and Aza-Heterocyclic Ring Systems as Antiviral Activities. Viruses 2023; 15:1826. [PMID: 37766233 PMCID: PMC10536032 DOI: 10.3390/v15091826] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Antiviral properties of different oxa- and aza-heterocycles are identified and properly correlated with their structural features and discussed in this review article. The primary objective is to explore the activity of such ring systems as antiviral agents, as well as their synthetic routes and biological significance. Eventually, the structure-activity relationship (SAR) of the heterocyclic compounds, along with their salient characteristics are exhibited to build a suitable platform for medicinal chemists and biotechnologists. The synergistic conclusions are extremely important for the introduction of a newer tool for the future drug discovery program.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sibasish Manna
- Department of Chemistry, Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur 440010, India
| | - Koushik Das
- Department of Chemistry, Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur 440010, India
| | - Sougata Santra
- Department of Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, Chemical Engineering Institute, Ural Federal University, 19 Mira Street, 620002 Yekaterinburg, Russia; (S.S.); (E.V.N.); (G.V.Z.)
| | - Emily V. Nosova
- Department of Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, Chemical Engineering Institute, Ural Federal University, 19 Mira Street, 620002 Yekaterinburg, Russia; (S.S.); (E.V.N.); (G.V.Z.)
- I. Ya. Postovskiy Institute of Organic Synthesis, Ural Division of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 22 S. Kovalevskoy Street, 620219 Yekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Grigory V. Zyryanov
- Department of Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, Chemical Engineering Institute, Ural Federal University, 19 Mira Street, 620002 Yekaterinburg, Russia; (S.S.); (E.V.N.); (G.V.Z.)
- I. Ya. Postovskiy Institute of Organic Synthesis, Ural Division of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 22 S. Kovalevskoy Street, 620219 Yekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Sandipan Halder
- Department of Chemistry, Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur 440010, India
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Kamzeeva PN, Aralov AV, Alferova VA, Korshun VA. Recent Advances in Molecular Mechanisms of Nucleoside Antivirals. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:6851-6879. [PMID: 37623252 PMCID: PMC10453654 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45080433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The search for new drugs has been greatly accelerated by the emergence of new viruses and drug-resistant strains of known pathogens. Nucleoside analogues (NAs) are a prospective class of antivirals due to known safety profiles, which are important for rapid repurposing in the fight against emerging pathogens. Recent improvements in research methods have revealed new unexpected details in the mechanisms of action of NAs that can pave the way for new approaches for the further development of effective drugs. This review accounts advanced techniques in viral polymerase targeting, new viral and host enzyme targeting approaches, and prodrug-based strategies for the development of antiviral NAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Vladimir A. Korshun
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (P.N.K.); (A.V.A.); (V.A.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Gratteri C, Ambrosio FA, Lupia A, Moraca F, Catalanotti B, Costa G, Bellocchi M, Carioti L, Salpini R, Ceccherini-Silberstein F, Frazia SL, Malagnino V, Sarmati L, Svicher V, Bryant S, Artese A, Alcaro S. Molecular and Structural Aspects of Clinically Relevant Mutations of SARS-CoV-2 RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase in Remdesivir-Treated Patients. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1143. [PMID: 37631058 PMCID: PMC10459223 DOI: 10.3390/ph16081143] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is a promising therapeutic target to fight COVID-19, and many RdRp inhibitors nucleotide/nucleoside analogs, such as remdesivir, have been identified or are in clinical studies. However, the appearance of resistant mutations could reduce their efficacy. In the present work, we structurally evaluated the impact of RdRp mutations found at baseline in 39 patients treated with remdesivir and associated with a different degree of antiviral response in vivo. (2) Methods: A refined bioinformatics approach was applied to assign SARS-CoV-2 clade and lineage, and to define RdRp mutational profiles. In line with such a method, the same mutations were built and analyzed by combining docking and thermodynamics evaluations with both molecular dynamics and representative pharmacophore models. (3) Results: Clinical studies revealed that patients bearing the most prevalent triple mutant P323L+671S+M899I, which was present in 41% of patients, or the more complex mutational profile P323L+G671S+L838I+D738Y+K91E, which was found with a prevalence of 2.6%, showed a delayed reduced response to remdesivir, as confirmed by the increase in SARS-CoV-2 viral load and by a reduced theoretical binding affinity versus RdRp (ΔGbindWT = -122.70 kcal/mol; ΔGbindP323L+671S+M899I = -84.78 kcal/mol; ΔGbindP323L+G671S+L838I+D738Y+K91E = -96.74 kcal/mol). Combined computational approaches helped to rationalize such clinical observations, offering a mechanistic understanding of the allosteric effects of mutants on the global motions of the viral RNA synthesis machine and in the changes of the interactions patterns of remdesivir during its binding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Gratteri
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Campus “S. Venuta”, Università degli Studi “Magna Græcia” di Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (C.G.); (G.C.); (S.A.)
| | - Francesca Alessandra Ambrosio
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, Campus “S. Venuta”, Università degli Studi “Magna Græcia” di Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Antonio Lupia
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e dell’ambiente, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09124 Cagliari, Italy;
- Net4Science S.r.l., Università degli Studi “Magna Græcia” di Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Federica Moraca
- Net4Science S.r.l., Università degli Studi “Magna Græcia” di Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Bruno Catalanotti
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Giosuè Costa
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Campus “S. Venuta”, Università degli Studi “Magna Græcia” di Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (C.G.); (G.C.); (S.A.)
- Net4Science S.r.l., Università degli Studi “Magna Græcia” di Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Bellocchi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università Tor Vergata di Roma, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133 Roma, Italy; (M.B.); (L.C.); (R.S.); (F.C.-S.)
| | - Luca Carioti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università Tor Vergata di Roma, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133 Roma, Italy; (M.B.); (L.C.); (R.S.); (F.C.-S.)
| | - Romina Salpini
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università Tor Vergata di Roma, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133 Roma, Italy; (M.B.); (L.C.); (R.S.); (F.C.-S.)
| | - Francesca Ceccherini-Silberstein
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università Tor Vergata di Roma, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133 Roma, Italy; (M.B.); (L.C.); (R.S.); (F.C.-S.)
| | - Simone La Frazia
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università Tor Vergata di Roma, Via della Ricerca Scientifica, 1, 00133 Roma, Italy; (S.L.F.); (V.S.)
| | - Vincenzo Malagnino
- Dipartimento di Medicina dei Sistemi, Università Tor Vergata di Roma, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133 Roma, Italy; (V.M.); (L.S.)
| | - Loredana Sarmati
- Dipartimento di Medicina dei Sistemi, Università Tor Vergata di Roma, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133 Roma, Italy; (V.M.); (L.S.)
| | - Valentina Svicher
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università Tor Vergata di Roma, Via della Ricerca Scientifica, 1, 00133 Roma, Italy; (S.L.F.); (V.S.)
| | - Sharon Bryant
- Inte:Ligand GmbH, Mariahilferstrasse 74B/11, 1070 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Anna Artese
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Campus “S. Venuta”, Università degli Studi “Magna Græcia” di Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (C.G.); (G.C.); (S.A.)
- Net4Science S.r.l., Università degli Studi “Magna Græcia” di Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Stefano Alcaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Campus “S. Venuta”, Università degli Studi “Magna Græcia” di Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (C.G.); (G.C.); (S.A.)
- Net4Science S.r.l., Università degli Studi “Magna Græcia” di Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Slanina H, Madhugiri R, Wenk K, Reinke T, Schultheiß K, Schultheis J, Karl N, Linne U, Ziebuhr J. Conserved Characteristics of NMPylation Activities of Alpha- and Betacoronavirus NiRAN Domains. J Virol 2023; 97:e0046523. [PMID: 37199624 PMCID: PMC10308930 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00465-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus genome replication and expression are mediated by the viral replication-transcription complex (RTC) which is assembled from multiple nonstructural proteins (nsp). Among these, nsp12 represents the central functional subunit. It harbors the RNA-directed RNA polymerase (RdRp) domain and contains, at its N terminus, an additional domain called NiRAN which is widely conserved in coronaviruses and other nidoviruses. In this study, we produced bacterially expressed coronavirus nsp12s to investigate and compare NiRAN-mediated NMPylation activities from representative alpha- and betacoronaviruses. We found that the four coronavirus NiRAN domains characterized to date have a number of conserved properties, including (i) robust nsp9-specific NMPylation activities that appear to operate largely independently of the C-terminal RdRp domain, (ii) nucleotide substrate preference for UTP followed by ATP and other nucleotides, (iii) dependence on divalent metal ions, with Mn2+ being preferred over Mg2+, and (iv) a key role of N-terminal residues (particularly Asn2) of nsp9 for efficient formation of a covalent phosphoramidate bond between NMP and the N-terminal amino group of nsp9. In this context, a mutational analysis confirmed the conservation and critical role of Asn2 across different subfamilies of the family Coronaviridae, as shown by studies using chimeric coronavirus nsp9 variants in which six N-terminal residues were replaced with those from other corona-, pito- and letovirus nsp9 homologs. The combined data of this and previous studies reveal a remarkable degree of conservation among coronavirus NiRAN-mediated NMPylation activities, supporting a key role of this enzymatic activity in viral RNA synthesis and processing. IMPORTANCE There is strong evidence that coronaviruses and other large nidoviruses evolved a number of unique enzymatic activities, including an additional RdRp-associated NiRAN domain, that are conserved in nidoviruses but not in most other RNA viruses. Previous studies of the NiRAN domain mainly focused on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and suggested different functions for this domain, such as NMPylation/RNAylation of nsp9, RNA guanylyltransferase activities involved in canonical and/or unconventional RNA capping pathways, and other functions. To help resolve partly conflicting information on substrate specificities and metal ion requirements reported previously for the SARS-CoV-2 NiRAN NMPylation activity, we extended these earlier studies by characterizing representative alpha- and betacoronavirus NiRAN domains. The study revealed that key features of NiRAN-mediated NMPylation activities, such as protein and nucleotide specificity and metal ion requirements, are very well conserved among genetically divergent coronaviruses, suggesting potential avenues for future antiviral drug development targeting this essential viral enzyme.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heiko Slanina
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Kai Wenk
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Tess Reinke
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Karin Schultheiß
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Julia Schultheis
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Nadja Karl
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Uwe Linne
- Mass Spectrometry Facility, Department of Chemistry, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
| | - John Ziebuhr
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Shehzadi K, Saba A, Yu M, Liang J. Structure-Based Drug Design of RdRp Inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2. Top Curr Chem (Cham) 2023; 381:22. [PMID: 37318607 DOI: 10.1007/s41061-023-00432-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a worldwide pandemic since 2019, spreading rapidly and posing a significant threat to human health and life. With over 6 billion confirmed cases of the virus, the need for effective therapeutic drugs has become more urgent than ever before. RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is crucial in viral replication and transcription, catalysing viral RNA synthesis and serving as a promising therapeutic target for developing antiviral drugs. In this article, we explore the inhibition of RdRp as a potential treatment for viral diseases, analysing the structural information of RdRp in virus proliferation and summarizing the reported inhibitors' pharmacophore features and structure-activity relationship profiles. We hope that the information provided by this review will aid in structure-based drug design and aid in the global fight against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Shehzadi
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 10081, China
| | - Afsheen Saba
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 10081, China
| | - Mingjia Yu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 10081, China.
| | - Jianhua Liang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 10081, China.
- Yangtze Delta Region Academy of Beijing Institute of Technology, Jiaxing, 314019, China.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Horga A, Kuritzkes DR, Kowalczyk JJ, Pietropaolo K, Belanger B, Lin K, Perkins K, Hammond J. Phase II study of bemnifosbuvir in high-risk participants in a hospital setting with moderate COVID-19. Future Virol 2023; 18:489-500. [PMID: 38051993 PMCID: PMC10308776 DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2023-0064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Bemnifosbuvir, a novel, oral, nonmutagenic, nonteratogenic nucleotide analogue inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication in vitro. Materials & methods Adults in hospital settings with moderate COVID-19 were randomized 1:1 bemnifosbuvir/placebo. Study amended to two parts after interim analysis; part B enrollment limited owing to evolving standard of care. Results Although the study ended early and did not meet the primary efficacy end point, bemnifosbuvir was well tolerated and did not contribute to all-cause mortality. Compared with placebo, bemnifosbuvir treatment resulted in 0.61 log10 greater viral load mean change on day 2; trend sustained through day 8. Treatment-emergent adverse events were similar in both groups; most were mild/moderate, unrelated to study drug. Conclusion Our results suggest a potential role for bemnifosbuvir in blunting COVID-19 progression. Clinical Trial Registration NCT04396106 (ClinicalTrials.gov).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel R. Kuritzkes
- Brigham & Women's Hospital, Division of Infectious Disease, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | | | | | - Kai Lin
- Atea Pharmaceuticals, Boston, MA 02110, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Li G, Hilgenfeld R, Whitley R, De Clercq E. Therapeutic strategies for COVID-19: progress and lessons learned. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:449-475. [PMID: 37076602 PMCID: PMC10113999 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00672-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 162.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has stimulated tremendous efforts to develop therapeutic strategies that target severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and/or human proteins to control viral infection, encompassing hundreds of potential drugs and thousands of patients in clinical trials. So far, a few small-molecule antiviral drugs (nirmatrelvir-ritonavir, remdesivir and molnupiravir) and 11 monoclonal antibodies have been marketed for the treatment of COVID-19, mostly requiring administration within 10 days of symptom onset. In addition, hospitalized patients with severe or critical COVID-19 may benefit from treatment with previously approved immunomodulatory drugs, including glucocorticoids such as dexamethasone, cytokine antagonists such as tocilizumab and Janus kinase inhibitors such as baricitinib. Here, we summarize progress with COVID-19 drug discovery, based on accumulated findings since the pandemic began and a comprehensive list of clinical and preclinical inhibitors with anti-coronavirus activities. We also discuss the lessons learned from COVID-19 and other infectious diseases with regard to drug repurposing strategies, pan-coronavirus drug targets, in vitro assays and animal models, and platform trial design for the development of therapeutics to tackle COVID-19, long COVID and pathogenic coronaviruses in future outbreaks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guangdi Li
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University; Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China.
| | - Rolf Hilgenfeld
- Institute of Molecular Medicine & German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
| | - Richard Whitley
- Department of Paediatrics, Microbiology, Medicine and Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
| | - Erik De Clercq
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Gupta Y, Savytskyi OV, Coban M, Venugopal A, Pleqi V, Weber CA, Chitale R, Durvasula R, Hopkins C, Kempaiah P, Caulfield TR. Protein structure-based in-silico approaches to drug discovery: Guide to COVID-19 therapeutics. Mol Aspects Med 2023; 91:101151. [PMID: 36371228 PMCID: PMC9613808 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2022.101151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
With more than 5 million fatalities and close to 300 million reported cases, COVID-19 is the first documented pandemic due to a coronavirus that continues to be a major health challenge. Despite being rapid, uncontrollable, and highly infectious in its spread, it also created incentives for technology development and redefined public health needs and research agendas to fast-track innovations to be translated. Breakthroughs in computational biology peaked during the pandemic with renewed attention to making all cutting-edge technology deliver agents to combat the disease. The demand to develop effective treatments yielded surprising collaborations from previously segregated fields of science and technology. The long-standing pharmaceutical industry's aversion to repurposing existing drugs due to a lack of exponential financial gain was overrun by the health crisis and pressures created by front-line researchers and providers. Effective vaccine development even at an unprecedented pace took more than a year to develop and commence trials. Now the emergence of variants and waning protections during the booster shots is resulting in breakthrough infections that continue to strain health care systems. As of now, every protein of SARS-CoV-2 has been structurally characterized and related host pathways have been extensively mapped out. The research community has addressed the druggability of a multitude of possible targets. This has been made possible due to existing technology for virtual computer-assisted drug development as well as new tools and technologies such as artificial intelligence to deliver new leads. Here in this article, we are discussing advances in the drug discovery field related to target-based drug discovery and exploring the implications of known target-specific agents on COVID-19 therapeutic management. The current scenario calls for more personalized medicine efforts and stratifying patient populations early on for their need for different combinations of prognosis-specific therapeutics. We intend to highlight target hotspots and their potential agents, with the ultimate goal of using rational design of new therapeutics to not only end this pandemic but also uncover a generalizable platform for use in future pandemics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yash Gupta
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Oleksandr V Savytskyi
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA; In Vivo Biosystems, Eugene, OR, USA
| | - Matt Coban
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA; Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | | | - Vasili Pleqi
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Caleb A Weber
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Rohit Chitale
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA; The Council on Strategic Risks, 1025 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ravi Durvasula
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | | | - Prakasha Kempaiah
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Thomas R Caulfield
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA; Department of QHS Computational Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Department of Clinical Genomics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Pon A, Osinski A, Sreelatha A. Redefining pseudokinases: A look at the untapped enzymatic potential of pseudokinases. IUBMB Life 2023; 75:370-376. [PMID: 36602414 PMCID: PMC10050101 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2698] [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: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Catalytically inactive kinases, known as pseudokinases, are conserved in all three domains of life. Due to the lack of catalytic residues, pseudokinases are considered to act as allosteric regulators and scaffolding proteins with no enzymatic function. However, since these "dead" kinases are conserved along with their active counterparts, a role for pseudokinases may have been overlooked. In this review, we will discuss the recently characterized pseudokinases Selenoprotein O, Legionella effector SidJ, and the SARS-CoV2 protein nsp12 which catalyze AMPylation, glutamylation, and RNAylation, respectively. These studies provide structural and mechanistic insight into the versatility and diversity of the kinase fold.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alex Pon
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Adam Osinski
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Anju Sreelatha
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Center for Mineral Metabolism and Clinical Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Feracci M, Eydoux C, Fattorini V, Lo Bello L, Gauffre P, Selisko B, Sutto-Ortiz P, Shannon A, Xia H, Shi PY, Noel M, Debart F, Vasseur JJ, Good S, Lin K, Moussa A, Sommadossi JP, Chazot A, Alvarez K, Guillemot JC, Decroly E, Ferron F, Canard B. AT-752 targets multiple sites and activities on the Dengue virus replication enzyme NS5. Antiviral Res 2023; 212:105574. [PMID: 36905944 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2023.105574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
AT-752 is a guanosine analogue prodrug active against dengue virus (DENV). In infected cells, it is metabolized into 2'-methyl-2'-fluoro guanosine 5'-triphosphate (AT-9010) which inhibits RNA synthesis in acting as a RNA chain terminator. Here we show that AT-9010 has several modes of action on DENV full-length NS5. AT-9010 does not inhibit the primer pppApG synthesis step significantly. However, AT-9010 targets two NS5-associated enzyme activities, the RNA 2'-O-MTase and the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) at its RNA elongation step. Crystal structure and RNA methyltransferase (MTase) activities of the DENV 2 MTase domain in complex with AT-9010 at 1.97 Å resolution shows the latter bound to the GTP/RNA-cap binding site, accounting for the observed inhibition of 2'-O but not N7-methylation activity. AT-9010 is discriminated ∼10 to 14-fold against GTP at the NS5 active site of all four DENV1-4 NS5 RdRps, arguing for significant inhibition through viral RNA synthesis termination. In Huh-7 cells, DENV1-4 are equally sensitive to AT-281, the free base of AT-752 (EC50 ≈ 0.50 μM), suggesting broad spectrum antiviral properties of AT-752 against flaviviruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mikael Feracci
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Cécilia Eydoux
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Véronique Fattorini
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Lea Lo Bello
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Pierre Gauffre
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Barbara Selisko
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Priscila Sutto-Ortiz
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Ashleigh Shannon
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Hongjie Xia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sealy Institute for Drug Discovery, Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Pei-Yong Shi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sealy Institute for Drug Discovery, Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
| | - Mathieu Noel
- IBMM, UMR 5247 CNRS-UM1-UM2, Department of Nucleic Acids, Montpellier University, Place E. Bataillon, 34095, Montpellier Cedex 05, France
| | - Françoise Debart
- IBMM, UMR 5247 CNRS-UM1-UM2, Department of Nucleic Acids, Montpellier University, Place E. Bataillon, 34095, Montpellier Cedex 05, France
| | - Jean-Jacques Vasseur
- IBMM, UMR 5247 CNRS-UM1-UM2, Department of Nucleic Acids, Montpellier University, Place E. Bataillon, 34095, Montpellier Cedex 05, France
| | - Steve Good
- Atea Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 225 Franklin St., Suite 2100, Boston, MA, 02110, USA
| | - Kai Lin
- Atea Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 225 Franklin St., Suite 2100, Boston, MA, 02110, USA
| | - Adel Moussa
- Atea Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 225 Franklin St., Suite 2100, Boston, MA, 02110, USA
| | | | - Aurélie Chazot
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Karine Alvarez
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Jean-Claude Guillemot
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Etienne Decroly
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - François Ferron
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Bruno Canard
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Gul I, Hassan A, Haq E, Ahmad SM, Shah RA, Ganai NA, Chikan NA, Abdul-Careem MF, Shabir N. An Investigation of the Antiviral Potential of Phytocompounds against Avian Infectious Bronchitis Virus through Template-Based Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulation Analysis. Viruses 2023; 15:v15040847. [PMID: 37112828 PMCID: PMC10144825 DOI: 10.3390/v15040847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccination is widely used to control Infectious Bronchitis in poultry; however, the limited cross-protection and safety issues associated with these vaccines can lead to vaccination failures. Keeping these limitations in mind, the current study explored the antiviral potential of phytocompounds against the Infectious Bronchitis virus using in silico approaches. A total of 1300 phytocompounds derived from fourteen botanicals were screened for their potential ability to inhibit the main protease, papain-like protease or RNA-dependent RNA–polymerase of the virus. The study identified Methyl Rosmarinate, Cianidanol, Royleanone, and 6,7-Dehydroroyleanone as dual-target inhibitors against any two of the key proteins. At the same time, 7-alpha-Acetoxyroyleanone from Rosmarinus officinalis was found to be a multi-target protein inhibitor against all three proteins. The potential multi-target inhibitor was subjected to molecular dynamics simulations to assess the stability of the protein–ligand complexes along with the corresponding reference ligands. The findings specified stable interactions of 7-alpha-Acetoxyroyleanone with the protein targets. The results based on the in silico study indicate that the phytocompounds can potentially inhibit the essential proteins of the Infectious Bronchitis virus; however, in vitro and in vivo studies are required for validation. Nevertheless, this study is a significant step in exploring the use of botanicals in feed to control Infectious Bronchitis infections in poultry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irfan Gul
- Division of Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Shuhama, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar 190006, India; (I.G.)
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar 190006, India
| | - Amreena Hassan
- Division of Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Shuhama, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar 190006, India; (I.G.)
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar 190006, India
| | - Ehtishamul Haq
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar 190006, India
| | - Syed Mudasir Ahmad
- Division of Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Shuhama, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar 190006, India; (I.G.)
| | - Riaz Ahmad Shah
- Division of Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Shuhama, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar 190006, India; (I.G.)
| | - Nazir Ahmad Ganai
- Division of Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Shuhama, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar 190006, India; (I.G.)
| | - Naveed Anjum Chikan
- Division of Computational Biology, Daskdan Innovations, Pvt. Ltd., Kashmir 190006, India
| | - Mohamed Faizal Abdul-Careem
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Correspondence: (M.F.A.-C.); (N.S.)
| | - Nadeem Shabir
- Division of Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Shuhama, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar 190006, India; (I.G.)
- Correspondence: (M.F.A.-C.); (N.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Bekheit MS, Panda SS, Girgis AS. Potential RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) inhibitors as prospective drug candidates for SARS-CoV-2. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 252:115292. [PMID: 36965227 PMCID: PMC10023213 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is considered as one of the most disastrous pandemics for human health and the world economy. RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is one of the key enzymes that control viral replication. RdRp is an attractive and promising therapeutic target for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 disease. It has attracted much interest of medicinal chemists, especially after the approval of Remdesivir. This study highlights the most promising SARS-CoV-2 RdRp repurposed drugs in addition to natural and synthetic agents. Although many in silico predicted agents have been developed, the lack of in vitro and in vivo experimental data has hindered their application in drug discovery programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed S Bekheit
- Department of Pesticide Chemistry, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, 12622, Egypt
| | - Siva S Panda
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
| | - Adel S Girgis
- Department of Pesticide Chemistry, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, 12622, Egypt.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Anderson TK, Hoferle PJ, Lee KW, Coon JJ, Kirchdoerfer RN. An alphacoronavirus polymerase structure reveals conserved co-factor functions. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.15.532841. [PMID: 36993498 PMCID: PMC10055115 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.15.532841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Coronaviruses are a diverse subfamily of viruses containing pathogens of humans and animals. This subfamily of viruses replicates their RNA genomes using a core polymerase complex composed of viral non-structural proteins: nsp7, nsp8 and nsp12. Most of our understanding of coronavirus molecular biology comes from the betacoronaviruses like SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, the latter of which is the causative agent of COVID-19. In contrast, members of the alphacoronavirus genus are relatively understudied despite their importance in human and animal health. Here we have used cryo-electron microscopy to determine the structure of the alphacoronavirus porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) core polymerase complex bound to RNA. Our structure shows an unexpected nsp8 stoichiometry in comparison to other published coronavirus polymerase structures. Biochemical analysis shows that the N-terminal extension of one nsp8 is not required for in vitro RNA synthesis for alpha and betacoronaviruses as previously hypothesized. Our work shows the importance of studying diverse coronaviruses to reveal aspects of coronavirus replication while also identifying areas of conservation to be targeted by antiviral drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas K. Anderson
- Biochemistry Department, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
- Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
- Center for Quantitative Cell Imaging, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Peter J. Hoferle
- Biochemistry Department, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
- Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
- Center for Quantitative Cell Imaging, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Kenneth W. Lee
- Biomolecular Chemistry Department, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Joshua J. Coon
- Biomolecular Chemistry Department, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53715, United States
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, Wisconsin 53715, United States
| | - Robert N. Kirchdoerfer
- Biochemistry Department, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
- Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
- Center for Quantitative Cell Imaging, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Potential Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Prodrugs Activated by Phosphorylation and Their Role in the Aged Population. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28052332. [PMID: 36903575 PMCID: PMC10004871 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28052332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has flared across every part of the globe and affected populations from different age groups differently. People aged from 40 to 80 years or older are at an increased risk of morbidity and mortality due to COVID-19. Therefore, there is an urgent requirement to develop therapeutics to decrease the risk of the disease in the aged population. Over the last few years, several prodrugs have demonstrated significant anti-SARS-CoV-2 effects in in vitro assays, animal models, and medical practice. Prodrugs are used to enhance drug delivery by improving pharmacokinetic parameters, decreasing toxicity, and attaining site specificity. This article discusses recently explored prodrugs such as remdesivir, molnupiravir, favipiravir, and 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) and their implications in the aged population, as well as investigating recent clinical trials.
Collapse
|
34
|
Cable J, Denison MR, Kielian M, Jackson WT, Bartenschlager R, Ahola T, Mukhopadhyay S, Fremont DH, Kuhn RJ, Shannon A, Frazier MN, Yuen KY, Coyne CB, Wolthers KC, Ming GL, Guenther CS, Moshiri J, Best SM, Schoggins JW, Jurado KA, Ebel GD, Schäfer A, Ng LFP, Kikkert M, Sette A, Harris E, Wing PAC, Eggenberger J, Krishnamurthy SR, Mah MG, Meganck RM, Chung D, Maurer-Stroh S, Andino R, Korber B, Perlman S, Shi PY, Bárcena M, Aicher SM, Vu MN, Kenney DJ, Lindenbach BD, Nishida Y, Rénia L, Williams EP. Positive-strand RNA viruses-a Keystone Symposia report. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2023; 1521:46-66. [PMID: 36697369 PMCID: PMC10347887 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14957] [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] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Positive-strand RNA viruses have been the cause of several recent outbreaks and epidemics, including the Zika virus epidemic in 2015, the SARS outbreak in 2003, and the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. On June 18-22, 2022, researchers focusing on positive-strand RNA viruses met for the Keystone Symposium "Positive-Strand RNA Viruses" to share the latest research in molecular and cell biology, virology, immunology, vaccinology, and antiviral drug development. This report presents concise summaries of the scientific discussions at the symposium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark R Denison
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center; and Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology, and Inflammation, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Margaret Kielian
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - William T Jackson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Center for Pathogen Research, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ralf Bartenschlager
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Research Division Virus-associated Carcinogenesis, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tero Ahola
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Daved H Fremont
- Department of Pathology & Immunology; Department of Molecular Microbiology; and Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Richard J Kuhn
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Ashleigh Shannon
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, CNRS and Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Meredith N Frazier
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kwok-Yung Yuen
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
- Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Carolyn B Coyne
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Katja C Wolthers
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam and Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, OrganoVIR Labs, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Guo-Li Ming
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Jasmine Moshiri
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Sonja M Best
- Laboratory of Virology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | - John W Schoggins
- Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Kellie Ann Jurado
- Department of Microbiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Gregory D Ebel
- Center for Vector-borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Alexandra Schäfer
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lisa F P Ng
- ASTAR Infectious Diseases Labs (A*STAR ID Labs), Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore City, Singapore
- National Institute of Health Research, Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections; Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Marjolein Kikkert
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Alessandro Sette
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Eva Harris
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Peter A C Wing
- Nuffield Department of Medicine and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Oxford Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Julie Eggenberger
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Siddharth R Krishnamurthy
- Metaorganism Immunity Section, Laboratory of Immune System Biology and NIAID Microbiome Program, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Marcus G Mah
- Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore City, Singapore
| | - Rita M Meganck
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Donghoon Chung
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Sebastian Maurer-Stroh
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore City, Singapore
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore City, Singapore
| | - Raul Andino
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Bette Korber
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA
| | - Stanley Perlman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Pei-Yong Shi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Montserrat Bárcena
- Section Electron Microscopy, Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sophie-Marie Aicher
- Institut Pasteurgrid, Université de Paris Cité, Virus Sensing and Signaling Unit, Paris, France
| | - Michelle N Vu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Devin J Kenney
- Department of Microbiology and National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Brett D Lindenbach
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Yukiko Nishida
- Chugai Pharmaceutical, Co., Tokyo, Japan
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine and School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore City, Singapore
| | - Laurent Rénia
- ASTAR Infectious Diseases Labs (A*STAR ID Labs), Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore City, Singapore
| | - Evan P Williams
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Shannon A, Canard B. Kill or corrupt: Mechanisms of action and drug-resistance of nucleotide analogues against SARS-CoV-2. Antiviral Res 2023; 210:105501. [PMID: 36567022 PMCID: PMC9773703 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2022.105501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Nucleoside/tide analogues (NAs) have long been used in the fight against viral diseases, and now present a promising option for the treatment of COVID-19. Once activated to the 5'-triphosphate state, NAs act by targeting the viral RNA-dependent RNA-polymerase for incorporation into the viral RNA genome. Incorporated analogues can either 'kill' (terminate) synthesis, or 'corrupt' (genetically or chemically) the RNA. Against coronaviruses, the use of NAs has been further complicated by the presence of a virally encoded exonuclease domain (nsp14) with proofreading and repair capacities. Here, we describe the mechanism of action of four promising anti-COVID-19 NAs; remdesivir, molnupiravir, favipiravir and bemnifosbuvir. Their distinct mechanisms of action best exemplify the concept of 'killers' and 'corruptors'. We review available data regarding their ability to be incorporated and excised, and discuss the specific structural features that dictate their overall potency, toxicity, and mutagenic potential. This should guide the synthesis of novel analogues, lend insight into the potential for resistance mutations, and provide a rational basis for upcoming combinations therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh Shannon
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille, Cedex 09, France
| | - Bruno Canard
- AFMB, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7257, Case 925, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille, Cedex 09, France.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Malone BF, Perry JK, Olinares PDB, Lee HW, Chen J, Appleby TC, Feng JY, Bilello JP, Ng H, Sotiris J, Ebrahim M, Chua EYD, Mendez JH, Eng ET, Landick R, Götte M, Chait BT, Campbell EA, Darst SA. Structural basis for substrate selection by the SARS-CoV-2 replicase. Nature 2023; 614:781-787. [PMID: 36725929 PMCID: PMC9891196 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-05664-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase coordinates viral RNA synthesis as part of an assembly known as the replication-transcription complex (RTC)1. Accordingly, the RTC is a target for clinically approved antiviral nucleoside analogues, including remdesivir2. Faithful synthesis of viral RNAs by the RTC requires recognition of the correct nucleotide triphosphate (NTP) for incorporation into the nascent RNA. To be effective inhibitors, antiviral nucleoside analogues must compete with the natural NTPs for incorporation. How the SARS-CoV-2 RTC discriminates between the natural NTPs, and how antiviral nucleoside analogues compete, has not been discerned in detail. Here, we use cryogenic-electron microscopy to visualize the RTC bound to each of the natural NTPs in states poised for incorporation. Furthermore, we investigate the RTC with the active metabolite of remdesivir, remdesivir triphosphate (RDV-TP), highlighting the structural basis for the selective incorporation of RDV-TP over its natural counterpart adenosine triphosphate3,4. Our results explain the suite of interactions required for NTP recognition, informing the rational design of antivirals. Our analysis also yields insights into nucleotide recognition by the nsp12 NiRAN (nidovirus RdRp-associated nucleotidyltransferase), an enigmatic catalytic domain essential for viral propagation5. The NiRAN selectively binds guanosine triphosphate, strengthening proposals for the role of this domain in the formation of the 5' RNA cap6.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brandon F Malone
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Paul Dominic B Olinares
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry and Gaseous Ion Chemistry, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hery W Lee
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - James Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Joy Y Feng
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, CA, USA
| | | | - Honkit Ng
- The Evelyn Gruss Lipper Cryo-Electron Microscopy Resource Center, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Johanna Sotiris
- The Evelyn Gruss Lipper Cryo-Electron Microscopy Resource Center, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mark Ebrahim
- The Evelyn Gruss Lipper Cryo-Electron Microscopy Resource Center, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eugene Y D Chua
- National Center for Cryo-EM Access and Training, Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joshua H Mendez
- National Center for Cryo-EM Access and Training, Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ed T Eng
- National Center for Cryo-EM Access and Training, Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Robert Landick
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Matthias Götte
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Brian T Chait
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry and Gaseous Ion Chemistry, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Campbell
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Seth A Darst
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Pauly I, Kumar Singh A, Kumar A, Singh Y, Thareja S, Kamal MA, Verma A, Kumar P. Current Insights and Molecular Docking Studies of the Drugs under Clinical Trial as RdRp Inhibitors in COVID-19 Treatment. Curr Pharm Des 2023; 28:3677-3705. [PMID: 36345244 DOI: 10.2174/1381612829666221107123841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Study Background & Objective: After the influenza pandemic (1918), COVID-19 was declared a Vth pandemic by the WHO in 2020. SARS-CoV-2 is an RNA-enveloped single-stranded virus. Based on the structure and life cycle, Protease (3CLpro), RdRp, ACE2, IL-6, and TMPRSS2 are the major targets for drug development against COVID-19. Pre-existing several drugs (FDA-approved) are used to inhibit the above targets in different diseases. In coronavirus treatment, these drugs are also in different clinical trial stages. Remdesivir (RdRp inhibitor) is the only FDA-approved medicine for coronavirus treatment. In the present study, by using the drug repurposing strategy, 70 preexisting clinical or under clinical trial molecules were used in scrutiny for RdRp inhibitor potent molecules in coronavirus treatment being surveyed via docking studies. Molecular simulation studies further confirmed the binding mechanism and stability of the most potent compounds. MATERIAL AND METHODS Docking studies were performed using the Maestro 12.9 module of Schrodinger software over 70 molecules with RdRp as the target and remdesivir as the standard drug and further confirmed by simulation studies. RESULTS The docking studies showed that many HIV protease inhibitors demonstrated remarkable binding interactions with the target RdRp. Protease inhibitors such as lopinavir and ritonavir are effective. Along with these, AT-527, ledipasvir, bicalutamide, and cobicistat showed improved docking scores. RMSD and RMSF were further analyzed for potent ledipasvir and ritonavir by simulation studies and were identified as potential candidates for corona disease. CONCLUSION The drug repurposing approach provides a new avenue in COVID-19 treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irine Pauly
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, 151401, India
| | - Ankit Kumar Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, 151401, India
| | - Adarsh Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, 151401, India
| | - Yogesh Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, 151401, India
| | - Suresh Thareja
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, 151401, India
| | - Mohammad A Kamal
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jaddah, Saudi Arabia.,Enzymoics, 7 Peterlee Place, Hebersham, NSW 2770, Australia.,Novel Global Community Educational Foundation, Australia Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Australia
| | - Amita Verma
- Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, 211007, India
| | - Pradeep Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, 151401, India
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Meng W, Guo S, Cao S, Shuda M, Robinson‐McCarthy LR, McCarthy KR, Shuda Y, Paniz Mondolfi AE, Bryce C, Grimes Z, Sordillo EM, Cordon‐Cardo C, Li P, Zhang H, Perlman S, Guo H, Gao S, Chang Y, Moore PS. Development and characterization of a new monoclonal antibody against SARS-CoV-2 NSP12 (RdRp). J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28246. [PMID: 36271490 PMCID: PMC9874566 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 NSP12, the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), is required for viral replication and is a therapeutic target to treat COVID-19. To facilitate research on SARS-CoV-2 NSP12 protein, we developed a rat monoclonal antibody (CM12.1) against the NSP12 N-terminus that can facilitate functional studies. Immunoblotting and immunofluorescence assay (IFA) confirmed the specific detection of NSP12 protein by this antibody for cells overexpressing the protein. Although NSP12 is generated from the ORF1ab polyprotein, IFA of human autopsy COVID-19 lung samples revealed NSP12 expression in only a small fraction of lung cells including goblet, club-like, vascular endothelial cells, and a range of immune cells, despite wide-spread tissue expression of spike protein antigen. Similar studies using in vitro infection also generated scant protein detection in cells with established virus replication. These results suggest that NSP12 may have diminished steady-state expression or extensive posttranslation modifications that limit antibody reactivity during SARS-CoV-2 replication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen Meng
- Cancer Virology ProgramUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer CenterPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Siying Guo
- Cancer Virology ProgramUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer CenterPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
- School of MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Simon Cao
- Cancer Virology ProgramUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer CenterPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Masahiro Shuda
- Cancer Virology ProgramUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer CenterPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Lindsey R. Robinson‐McCarthy
- Cancer Virology ProgramUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer CenterPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of PathologyUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Kevin R. McCarthy
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
- Center for Vaccine ResearchUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Yoko Shuda
- Cancer Virology ProgramUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer CenterPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Alberto E. Paniz Mondolfi
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell‐Based MedicineIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Clare Bryce
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell‐Based MedicineIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Zachary Grimes
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell‐Based MedicineIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Emilia M. Sordillo
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell‐Based MedicineIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Carlos Cordon‐Cardo
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell‐Based MedicineIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Pengfei Li
- Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyUniversity of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Hu Zhang
- Cancer Virology ProgramUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer CenterPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Stanley Perlman
- Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyUniversity of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Haitao Guo
- Cancer Virology ProgramUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer CenterPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Shou‐Jiang Gao
- Cancer Virology ProgramUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer CenterPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Yuan Chang
- Cancer Virology ProgramUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer CenterPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of PathologyUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Patrick S. Moore
- Cancer Virology ProgramUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer CenterPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Wang Z, Yang L, Song XQ. Oral GS-441524 derivatives: Next-generation inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1015355. [PMID: 36561747 PMCID: PMC9763260 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1015355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
GS-441524, an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) inhibitor, is a 1'-CN-substituted adenine C-nucleoside analog with broad-spectrum antiviral activity. However, the low oral bioavailability of GS-441524 poses a challenge to its anti-SARS-CoV-2 efficacy. Remdesivir, the intravenously administered version (version 1.0) of GS-441524, is the first FDA-approved agent for SARS-CoV-2 treatment. However, clinical trials have presented conflicting evidence on the value of remdesivir in COVID-19. Therefore, oral GS-441524 derivatives (VV116, ATV006, and GS-621763; version 2.0, targeting highly conserved viral RdRp) could be considered as game-changers in treating COVID-19 because oral administration has the potential to maximize clinical benefits, including decreased duration of COVID-19 and reduced post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as limited side effects such as hepatic accumulation. This review summarizes the current research related to the oral derivatives of GS-441524, and provides important insights into the potential factors underlying the controversial observations regarding the clinical efficacy of remdesivir; overall, it offers an effective launching pad for developing an oral version of GS-441524.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhonglei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Green Natural Products and Pharmaceutical Intermediates in Colleges and Universities of Shandong Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, China,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Zhonglei Wang, ; Liyan Yang, ; Xian-qing Song,
| | - Liyan Yang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laser Polarization and Information Technology, School of Physics and Physical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, China,*Correspondence: Zhonglei Wang, ; Liyan Yang, ; Xian-qing Song,
| | - Xian-qing Song
- General Surgery Department, Ningbo Fourth Hospital, Xiangshan, China,*Correspondence: Zhonglei Wang, ; Liyan Yang, ; Xian-qing Song,
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Lei S, Chen X, Wu J, Duan X, Men K. Small molecules in the treatment of COVID-19. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:387. [PMID: 36464706 PMCID: PMC9719906 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01249-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of COVID-19 has become a global crisis, and brought severe disruptions to societies and economies. Until now, effective therapeutics against COVID-19 are in high demand. Along with our improved understanding of the structure, function, and pathogenic process of SARS-CoV-2, many small molecules with potential anti-COVID-19 effects have been developed. So far, several antiviral strategies were explored. Besides directly inhibition of viral proteins such as RdRp and Mpro, interference of host enzymes including ACE2 and proteases, and blocking relevant immunoregulatory pathways represented by JAK/STAT, BTK, NF-κB, and NLRP3 pathways, are regarded feasible in drug development. The development of small molecules to treat COVID-19 has been achieved by several strategies, including computer-aided lead compound design and screening, natural product discovery, drug repurposing, and combination therapy. Several small molecules representative by remdesivir and paxlovid have been proved or authorized emergency use in many countries. And many candidates have entered clinical-trial stage. Nevertheless, due to the epidemiological features and variability issues of SARS-CoV-2, it is necessary to continue exploring novel strategies against COVID-19. This review discusses the current findings in the development of small molecules for COVID-19 treatment. Moreover, their detailed mechanism of action, chemical structures, and preclinical and clinical efficacies are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sibei Lei
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaohua Chen
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072 China
| | - Jieping Wu
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xingmei Duan
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072 China
| | - Ke Men
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Stevaert A, Groaz E, Naesens L. Nucleoside analogs for management of respiratory virus infections: mechanism of action and clinical efficacy. Curr Opin Virol 2022; 57:101279. [PMID: 36403338 PMCID: PMC9671222 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2022.101279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the development of nucleoside analogs to treat respiratory virus infections, with remdesivir being the first compound to receive worldwide authorization and three other nucleoside analogs (i.e. favipiravir, molnupiravir, and bemnifosbuvir) in the pipeline. Here, we summarize the current knowledge concerning their clinical efficacy in suppressing the virus and reducing the need for hospitalization or respiratory support. We also mention trials of favipiravir and lumicitabine, for influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, respectively. Besides, we outline how nucleoside analogs interact with the polymerases of respiratory viruses, to cause lethal virus mutagenesis or disturbance of viral RNA synthesis. In this way, we aim to convey the key findings on this rapidly evolving class of respiratory virus medication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annelies Stevaert
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 box 1043, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Elisabetta Groaz
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, Medicinal Chemistry, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 box 1041, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium; Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Lieve Naesens
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 box 1043, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Portilla-Martínez A, Ortiz-Flores M, Hidalgo I, Gonzalez-Ruiz C, Meaney E, Ceballos G, Nájera N. In silico evaluation of flavonoids as potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 main nonstructural proteins (Nsps)—amentoflavone as a multitarget candidate. J Mol Model 2022; 28:404. [PMCID: PMC9707096 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-022-05391-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Portilla-Martínez
- Sección de Posgrado, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis Y Diaz Mirón S/N, Col Santo Tomás, 11340 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Miguel Ortiz-Flores
- Sección de Posgrado, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis Y Diaz Mirón S/N, Col Santo Tomás, 11340 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Isabel Hidalgo
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Inmunología Y Salud Pública, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Unidad de Investigación Multidisciplinaria Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Estado de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Cristian Gonzalez-Ruiz
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Eduardo Meaney
- Sección de Posgrado, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis Y Diaz Mirón S/N, Col Santo Tomás, 11340 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Guillermo Ceballos
- Sección de Posgrado, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis Y Diaz Mirón S/N, Col Santo Tomás, 11340 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Nayelli Nájera
- Sección de Posgrado, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis Y Diaz Mirón S/N, Col Santo Tomás, 11340 Mexico City, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Progress on COVID-19 Chemotherapeutics Discovery and Novel Technology. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27238257. [PMID: 36500347 PMCID: PMC9736643 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27238257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a novel highly contagious and pathogenic coronavirus that emerged in late 2019. SARS-CoV-2 spreads primarily through virus-containing droplets and small particles of air pollution, which greatly increases the risk of inhaling these virus particles when people are in close proximity. COVID-19 is spreading across the world, and the COVID-19 pandemic poses a threat to human health and public safety. To date, there are no specific vaccines or effective drugs against SARS-CoV-2. In this review, we focus on the enzyme targets of the virus and host that may be critical for the discovery of chemical compounds and natural products as antiviral drugs, and describe the development of potential antiviral drugs in the preclinical and clinical stages. At the same time, we summarize novel emerging technologies applied to the research on new drug development and the pathological mechanisms of COVID-19.
Collapse
|
44
|
A mechanism for SARS-CoV-2 RNA capping and its inhibition by nucleotide analog inhibitors. Cell 2022; 185:4347-4360.e17. [PMID: 36335936 PMCID: PMC9531661 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2022.09.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Decoration of cap on viral RNA plays essential roles in SARS-CoV-2 proliferation. Here, we report a mechanism for SARS-CoV-2 RNA capping and document structural details at atomic resolution. The NiRAN domain in polymerase catalyzes the covalent link of RNA 5' end to the first residue of nsp9 (termed as RNAylation), thus being an intermediate to form cap core (GpppA) with GTP catalyzed again by NiRAN. We also reveal that triphosphorylated nucleotide analog inhibitors can be bonded to nsp9 and fit into a previously unknown "Nuc-pocket" in NiRAN, thus inhibiting nsp9 RNAylation and formation of GpppA. S-loop (residues 50-KTN-52) in NiRAN presents a remarkable conformational shift observed in RTC bound with sofosbuvir monophosphate, reasoning an "induce-and-lock" mechanism to design inhibitors. These findings not only improve the understanding of SARS-CoV-2 RNA capping and the mode of action of NAIs but also provide a strategy to design antiviral drugs.
Collapse
|
45
|
Russo CJ, Dickerson JL, Naydenova K. Cryomicroscopy in situ: what is the smallest molecule that can be directly identified without labels in a cell? Faraday Discuss 2022; 240:277-302. [PMID: 35913392 PMCID: PMC9642008 DOI: 10.1039/d2fd00076h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Electron cryomicroscopy (cryoEM) has made great strides in the last decade, such that the atomic structure of most biological macromolecules can, at least in principle, be determined. Major technological advances - in electron imaging hardware, data analysis software, and cryogenic specimen preparation technology - continue at pace and contribute to the exponential growth in the number of atomic structures determined by cryoEM. It is now conceivable that within the next decade we will have structures for hundreds of thousands of unique protein and nucleic acid molecular complexes. But the answers to many important questions in biology would become obvious if we could identify these structures precisely inside cells with quantifiable error. In the context of an abundance of known structures, it is appropriate to consider the current state of electron cryomicroscopy for frozen specimens prepared directly from cells, and try to answer to the question of the title, both now and in the foreseeable future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Russo
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK.
| | - Joshua L Dickerson
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK.
| | - Katerina Naydenova
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Overview of Antiviral Drug Therapy for COVID-19: Where Do We Stand? Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10112815. [DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The vaccine weapon has resulted in being essential in fighting the COVID-19 outbreak, but it is not fully preventing infection due to an alarming spreading of several identified variants of concern. In fact, the recent emergence of variants has pointed out how the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic still represents a global health threat. Moreover, oral antivirals also develop resistance, supporting the need to find new targets as therapeutic tools. However, cocktail therapy is useful to reduce drug resistance and maximize vaccination efficacy. Natural products and metal-drug-based treatments have also shown interesting antiviral activity, representing a valid contribution to counter COVID-19 outbreak. This report summarizes the available evidence which supports the use of approved drugs and further focuses on significant clinical trials that have investigated the safety and efficacy of repurposing drugs and new molecules in different COVID-19 phenotypes. To date, there are many individuals vulnerable to COVID-19 exhibiting severe symptoms, thus characterizing valid therapeutic strategies for better management of the disease is still a challenge.
Collapse
|
47
|
Xu X, Chen Y, Lu X, Zhang W, Fang W, Yuan L, Wang X. An update on inhibitors targeting RNA-dependent RNA polymerase for COVID-19 treatment: Promises and challenges. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 205:115279. [PMID: 36209840 PMCID: PMC9535928 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [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: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The highly transmissible variants of SARS-CoV-2, the causative pathogen of the COVID-19 pandemic, bring new waves of infection worldwide. Identification of effective therapeutic drugs to combat the COVID-19 pandemic is an urgent global need. RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), an essential enzyme for viral RNA replication, is the most promising target for antiviral drug research since it has no counterpart in human cells and shows the highest conservation across coronaviruses. This review summarizes recent progress in studies of RdRp inhibitors, focusing on interactions between these inhibitors and the enzyme complex, based on structural analysis, and their effectiveness. In addition, we propose new possible strategies to address the shortcomings of current inhibitors, which may guide the development of novel efficient inhibitors to combat COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Xu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
| | - Yuheng Chen
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Xinyu Lu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 311402, China
| | - Wanlin Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 311402, China
| | - Wenxiu Fang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 311402, China
| | - Luping Yuan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 311402, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 311402, China.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Mohamed Y, El-Maradny YA, Saleh AK, Nayl AA, El-Gendi H, El-Fakharany EM. A comprehensive insight into current control of COVID-19: Immunogenicity, vaccination, and treatment. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 153:113499. [PMID: 36076589 PMCID: PMC9343749 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
|
49
|
Campagnola G, Govindarajan V, Pelletier A, Canard B, Peersen OB. The SARS-CoV nsp12 Polymerase Active Site Is Tuned for Large-Genome Replication. J Virol 2022; 96:e0067122. [PMID: 35924919 PMCID: PMC9400494 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00671-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Positive-strand RNA viruses replicate their genomes using virally encoded RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RdRP) with a common active-site structure and closure mechanism upon which replication speed and fidelity can evolve to optimize virus fitness. Coronaviruses (CoV) form large multicomponent RNA replication-transcription complexes containing a core RNA synthesis machine made of the nsp12 RdRP protein with one nsp7 and two nsp8 proteins as essential subunits required for activity. We show that assembly of this complex can be accelerated 5-fold by preincubation of nsp12 with nsp8 and further optimized with the use of a novel nsp8L7 heterodimer fusion protein construct. Using rapid kinetics methods, we measure elongation rates of up to 260 nucleotides (nt)/s for the core replicase, a rate that is unusually fast for a viral polymerase. To address the origin of this fast rate, we examined the roles of two CoV-specific residues in the RdRP active site: Ala547, which replaces a conserved glutamate above the bound NTP, and Ser759, which mutates the palm domain GDD sequence to SDD. Our data show that Ala547 allows for a doubling of replication rate, but this comes at a fidelity cost that is mitigated by using a SDD sequence in the palm domain. Our biochemical data suggest that fixation of mutations in polymerase motifs F and C played a key role in nidovirus evolution by tuning replication rate and fidelity to accommodate their large genomes. IMPORTANCE Replicating large genomes represents a challenge for RNA viruses because fast RNA synthesis is needed to escape innate immunity defenses, but faster polymerases are inherently low-fidelity enzymes. Nonetheless, the coronaviruses replicate their ≈30-kb genomes using the core polymerase structure and mechanism common to all positive-strand RNA viruses. The classic explanation for their success is that the large-genome nidoviruses have acquired an exonuclease-based repair system that compensates for the high polymerase mutation rate. In this work, we establish that the nidoviral polymerases themselves also play a key role in maintaining genome integrity via mutations at two key active-site residues that enable very fast replication rates while maintaining typical mutation rates. Our findings further demonstrate the evolutionary plasticity of the core polymerase platform by showing how it has adapted during the expansion from short-genome picornaviruses to long-genome nidoviruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grace Campagnola
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Vishnu Govindarajan
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Annelise Pelletier
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Bruno Canard
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Aix-Marseille Université CNRS UMR 7257, AFMB, Marseille, France
| | - Olve B. Peersen
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
De Castro S, Stevaert A, Maldonado M, Delpal A, Vandeput J, Van Loy B, Eydoux C, Guillemot JC, Decroly E, Gago F, Canard B, Camarasa MJ, Velázquez S, Naesens L. A Versatile Class of 1,4,4-Trisubstituted Piperidines Block Coronavirus Replication In Vitro. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:1021. [PMID: 36015168 PMCID: PMC9416004 DOI: 10.3390/ph15081021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a clear need for novel antiviral concepts to control SARS-CoV-2 infection. Based on the promising anti-coronavirus activity observed for a class of 1,4,4-trisubstituted piperidines, we here conducted a detailed analysis of the structure-activity relationship of these structurally unique inhibitors. Despite the presence of five points of diversity, the synthesis of an extensive series of analogues was readily achieved by Ugi four-component reaction from commercially available reagents. After evaluating 63 analogues against human coronavirus 229E, four of the best molecules were selected and shown to have micromolar activity against SARS-CoV-2. Since the action point was situated post virus entry and lying at the stage of viral polyprotein processing and the start of RNA synthesis, enzymatic assays were performed with CoV proteins involved in these processes. While no inhibition was observed for SARS-CoV-2 nsp12-nsp7-nsp8 polymerase, nsp14 N7-methyltransferase and nsp16/nsp10 2'-O-methyltransferase, nor the nsp3 papain-like protease, the compounds clearly inhibited the nsp5 main protease (Mpro). Although the inhibitory activity was quite modest, the plausibility of binding to the catalytic site of Mpro was established by in silico studies. Therefore, the 1,4,4-trisubstituted piperidines appear to represent a novel class of non-covalent CoV Mpro inhibitors that warrants further optimization and development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sonia De Castro
- Instituto de Química Médica (IQM, CSIC), E-28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Annelies Stevaert
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Adrien Delpal
- AFMB, UMR 7257, CNRS, Aix Marseille Université, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Julie Vandeput
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Benjamin Van Loy
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Cecilia Eydoux
- AFMB, UMR 7257, CNRS, Aix Marseille Université, 13288 Marseille, France
| | | | - Etienne Decroly
- AFMB, UMR 7257, CNRS, Aix Marseille Université, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Federico Gago
- Unidad Asociada al IQM-CSIC, Área de Farmacología, Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad de Alcalá, E-28805 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Bruno Canard
- AFMB, UMR 7257, CNRS, Aix Marseille Université, 13288 Marseille, France
| | | | | | - Lieve Naesens
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|