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Urmi UL, Vijay AK, Willcox MDP, Attard S, Enninful G, Kumar N, Islam S, Kuppusamy R. Exploring the Efficacy of Peptides and Mimics against Influenza A Virus, Adenovirus, and Murine Norovirus. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7030. [PMID: 39000138 PMCID: PMC11240954 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137030] [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: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The ongoing battle against viral pandemics continues, with the possibility of future outbreaks. The search for effective antiviral compounds that can combat a diverse range of viruses continues to be a focal point of research. This study investigated the efficacy of two natural antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) (lactoferricin and LL-37), two synthetic AMPs (melimine and Mel4), and nine AMP mimics (758, 1091, 1096, 1083, 610, NAPL, 3-BIPL, 4-BIPL, and Sau-22) against influenza A virus strains H1N1 and H3N2, human adenovirus 5 (HAdV-5), and murine norovirus 1 (MNV-1). These compounds were tested using virus pre-treatment, cell pre-treatment, or post-cell entry treatment assays, electron microscopy, and circular dichroism (CD), alongside evaluations of cytotoxicity against the host cells. After virus pre-treatment, the AMP mimics 610 and Sau-22 had relatively low IC50 values for influenza strains H1N1 (2.35 and 6.93 µM, respectively) and H3N2 (3.7 and 5.34 µM, respectively). Conversely, natural and synthetic AMPs were not active against these strains. For the non-enveloped viruses, the AMP Mel4 and mimic 1083 had moderate activity against HAdV-5 (Mel4 IC50 = 47.4 µM; 1083 IC50 = 47.2 µM), whereas all AMPs, but none of the mimics, were active against norovirus (LL-37 IC50 = 4.2 µM; lactoferricin IC50 = 23.18 µM; melimine IC50 = 4.8 µM; Mel4 IC50 = 8.6 µM). Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated that the mimics targeted the outer envelope of influenza viruses, while the AMPs targeted the capsid of non-enveloped viruses. CD showed that Mel4 adopted an α-helical structure in a membrane mimetic environment, but mimic 758 remained unstructured. The diverse activity against different virus groups is probably influenced by charge, hydrophobicity, size, and, in the case of natural and synthetic AMPs, their secondary structure. These findings underscore the potential of peptides and mimics as promising candidates for antiviral therapeutics against both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umme Laila Urmi
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Ajay Kumar Vijay
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Mark D P Willcox
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Samuel Attard
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - George Enninful
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Naresh Kumar
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Salequl Islam
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Department of Microbiology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar 1342, Bangladesh
| | - Rajesh Kuppusamy
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- The Drug Discovery Initiative, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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2
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Lopdell TJ, Trevarton AJ, Moody J, Prowse-Wilkins C, Knowles S, Tiplady K, Chamberlain AJ, Goddard ME, Spelman RJ, Lehnert K, Snell RG, Davis SR, Littlejohn MD. A common regulatory haplotype doubles lactoferrin concentration in milk. Genet Sel Evol 2024; 56:22. [PMID: 38549172 PMCID: PMC11234695 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-024-00890-x] [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: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bovine lactoferrin (Lf) is an iron absorbing whey protein with antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activity. Lactoferrin is economically valuable and has an extremely variable concentration in milk, partly driven by environmental influences such as milking frequency, involution, or mastitis. A significant genetic influence has also been previously observed to regulate lactoferrin content in milk. Here, we conducted genetic mapping of lactoferrin protein concentration in conjunction with RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, and ATAC-seq data to pinpoint candidate causative variants that regulate lactoferrin concentrations in milk. RESULTS We identified a highly-significant lactoferrin protein quantitative trait locus (pQTL), as well as a cis lactotransferrin (LTF) expression QTL (cis-eQTL) mapping to the LTF locus. Using ChIP-seq and ATAC-seq datasets representing lactating mammary tissue samples, we also report a number of regions where the openness of chromatin is under genetic influence. Several of these also show highly significant QTL with genetic signatures similar to those highlighted through pQTL and eQTL analysis. By performing correlation analysis between these QTL, we revealed an ATAC-seq peak in the putative promotor region of LTF, that highlights a set of 115 high-frequency variants that are potentially responsible for these effects. One of the 115 variants (rs110000337), which maps within the ATAC-seq peak, was predicted to alter binding sites of transcription factors known to be involved in lactation-related pathways. CONCLUSIONS Here, we report a regulatory haplotype of 115 variants with conspicuously large impacts on milk lactoferrin concentration. These findings could enable the selection of animals for high-producing specialist herds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Lopdell
- Research & Development, Livestock Improvement Corporation, Ruakura Road, Hamilton, New Zealand.
| | - Alexander J Trevarton
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Janelle Moody
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Claire Prowse-Wilkins
- Agriculture Victoria, AgriBio, Centre for AgriBiosciences, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
- Faculty of Veterinarian and Agricultural Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Sarah Knowles
- Auckland War Memorial Museum, Victoria Street West, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Kathryn Tiplady
- Research & Development, Livestock Improvement Corporation, Ruakura Road, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Amanda J Chamberlain
- Agriculture Victoria, AgriBio, Centre for AgriBiosciences, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Michael E Goddard
- Agriculture Victoria, AgriBio, Centre for AgriBiosciences, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
- Faculty of Veterinarian and Agricultural Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Richard J Spelman
- Research & Development, Livestock Improvement Corporation, Ruakura Road, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Klaus Lehnert
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Russell G Snell
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Stephen R Davis
- Research & Development, Livestock Improvement Corporation, Ruakura Road, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Mathew D Littlejohn
- Research & Development, Livestock Improvement Corporation, Ruakura Road, Hamilton, New Zealand
- AL Rae Centre for Genetics and Breeding, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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3
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Santos I, Silva M, Grácio M, Pedroso L, Lima A. Milk Antiviral Proteins and Derived Peptides against Zoonoses. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1842. [PMID: 38339120 PMCID: PMC10855762 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031842] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Milk is renowned for its nutritional richness but also serves as a remarkable reservoir of bioactive compounds, particularly milk proteins and their derived peptides. Recent studies have showcased several robust antiviral activities of these proteins, evidencing promising potential within zoonotic viral diseases. While several publications focus on milk's bioactivities, antiviral peptides remain largely neglected in reviews. This knowledge is critical for identifying novel research directions and analyzing potential nutraceuticals within the One Health context. Our review aims to gather the existing scientific information on milk-derived antiviral proteins and peptides against several zoonotic viral diseases, and their possible mechanisms. Overall, in-depth research has increasingly revealed them as a promising and novel strategy against viruses, principally for those constituting a plausible pandemic threat. The underlying mechanisms of the bioactivity of milk's proteins include inhibiting viral entry and attachment to the host cells, blocking replication, or even viral inactivation via peptide-membrane interactions. Their marked versatility and effectiveness stand out compared to other antiviral peptides and can support future research and development in the post-COVID-19 era. Overall, our review helps to emphasize the importance of potentially effective milk-derived peptides, and their significance for veterinary and human medicines, along with the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and dairy industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Santos
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University, 376 Campo Grande, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal; (M.S.); (L.P.)
- CECAV—Centro de Ciência Animal e Veterinária, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mariana Silva
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University, 376 Campo Grande, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal; (M.S.); (L.P.)
| | - Madalena Grácio
- Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Laurentina Pedroso
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University, 376 Campo Grande, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal; (M.S.); (L.P.)
- CECAV—Centro de Ciência Animal e Veterinária, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Lima
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University, 376 Campo Grande, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal; (M.S.); (L.P.)
- CECAV—Centro de Ciência Animal e Veterinária, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal
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Scala MC, Marchetti M, Superti F, Agamennone M, Campiglia P, Sala M. Rational Design of Novel Peptidomimetics against Influenza A Virus: Biological and Computational Studies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14268. [PMID: 37762571 PMCID: PMC10531517 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Effective therapy against the influenza virus is still an unmet goal. Drugs with antiviral effects exist, but the appearance of resistant viruses pushes towards the discovery of drugs with different mechanisms of action. New anti-influenza molecules should target a good candidate, as a new anti-influenza molecule could be an inhibitor of the influenza A virus hemagglutinin (HA), which plays a key role during the early phases of infection. In previous work, we identified two tetrapeptide sequences, SLDC (1) and SKHS (2), derived from bovine lactoferrin (bLf) C-lobe fragment 418-429, which were able to bind HA and inhibit cell infection at picomolar concentration. Considering the above, the aim of this study was to synthesize a new library of peptidomimetics active against the influenza virus. In order to test their ability to bind HA, we carried out a preliminary screening using biophysical assays such as surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and orthogonal immobilization-free microscale thermophoresis (MST). Biological and computational studies on the most interesting compounds were carried out. The methods applied allowed for the identification of a N-methyl peptide, S(N-Me)LDC, which, through high affinity binding of influenza virus hemagglutinin, was able to inhibit virus-induced hemagglutination and cell infection at picomolar concentration. This small sequence, with high activity, represents a good starting point for the design of new peptidomimetics and small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Carmina Scala
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (M.C.S.); (P.C.)
| | - Magda Marchetti
- National Centre for Innovative Technologies in Public Health, National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); or (F.S.)
| | - Fabiana Superti
- National Centre for Innovative Technologies in Public Health, National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); or (F.S.)
- Association for Research on Integrative Oncology Therapies (ARTOI) Foundation, Via Ludovico Micara, 73, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Mariangela Agamennone
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Pietro Campiglia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (M.C.S.); (P.C.)
| | - Marina Sala
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (M.C.S.); (P.C.)
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5
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Monti A, Vitagliano L, Caporale A, Ruvo M, Doti N. Targeting Protein-Protein Interfaces with Peptides: The Contribution of Chemical Combinatorial Peptide Library Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097842. [PMID: 37175549 PMCID: PMC10178479 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097842] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein-protein interfaces play fundamental roles in the molecular mechanisms underlying pathophysiological pathways and are important targets for the design of compounds of therapeutic interest. However, the identification of binding sites on protein surfaces and the development of modulators of protein-protein interactions still represent a major challenge due to their highly dynamic and extensive interfacial areas. Over the years, multiple strategies including structural, computational, and combinatorial approaches have been developed to characterize PPI and to date, several successful examples of small molecules, antibodies, peptides, and aptamers able to modulate these interfaces have been determined. Notably, peptides are a particularly useful tool for inhibiting PPIs due to their exquisite potency, specificity, and selectivity. Here, after an overview of PPIs and of the commonly used approaches to identify and characterize them, we describe and evaluate the impact of chemical peptide libraries in medicinal chemistry with a special focus on the results achieved through recent applications of this methodology. Finally, we also discuss the role that this methodology can have in the framework of the opportunities, and challenges that the application of new predictive approaches based on artificial intelligence is generating in structural biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Monti
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), National Research Council (CNR), 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Luigi Vitagliano
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), National Research Council (CNR), 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Andrea Caporale
- Institute of Crystallography (IC), National Research Council (CNR), Strada Statale 14 km 163.5, Basovizza, 34149 Triese, Italy
| | - Menotti Ruvo
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), National Research Council (CNR), 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Nunzianna Doti
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), National Research Council (CNR), 80131 Napoli, Italy
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6
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Agamennone M, Fantacuzzi M, Vivenzio G, Scala MC, Campiglia P, Superti F, Sala M. Antiviral Peptides as Anti-Influenza Agents. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:11433. [PMID: 36232735 PMCID: PMC9569631 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza viruses represent a leading cause of high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Approaches for fighting flu are seasonal vaccines and some antiviral drugs. The development of the seasonal flu vaccine requires a great deal of effort, as careful studies are needed to select the strains to be included in each year's vaccine. Antiviral drugs available against Influenza virus infections have certain limitations due to the increased resistance rate and negative side effects. The highly mutative nature of these viruses leads to the emergence of new antigenic variants, against which the urgent development of new approaches for antiviral therapy is needed. Among these approaches, one of the emerging new fields of "peptide-based therapies" against Influenza viruses is being explored and looks promising. This review describes the recent findings on the antiviral activity, mechanism of action and therapeutic capability of antiviral peptides that bind HA, NA, PB1, and M2 as a means of countering Influenza virus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariangela Agamennone
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Marialuigia Fantacuzzi
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Giovanni Vivenzio
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Maria Carmina Scala
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Pietro Campiglia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Fabiana Superti
- National Centre for Innovative Technologies in Public Health, National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Sala
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
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7
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Ramos-Martínez IE, Ramos-Martínez E, Segura-Velázquez RÁ, Saavedra-Montañez M, Cervantes-Torres JB, Cerbón M, Papy-Garcia D, Zenteno E, Sánchez-Betancourt JI. Heparan Sulfate and Sialic Acid in Viral Attachment: Two Sides of the Same Coin? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179842. [PMID: 36077240 PMCID: PMC9456526 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Sialic acids and heparan sulfates make up the outermost part of the cell membrane and the extracellular matrix. Both structures are characterized by being negatively charged, serving as receptors for various pathogens, and are highly expressed in the respiratory and digestive tracts. Numerous viruses use heparan sulfates as receptors to infect cells; in this group are HSV, HPV, and SARS-CoV-2. Other viruses require the cell to express sialic acids, as is the case in influenza A viruses and adenoviruses. This review aims to present, in a general way, the participation of glycoconjugates in viral entry, and therapeutic strategies focused on inhibiting the interaction between the virus and the glycoconjugates. Interestingly, there are few studies that suggest the participation of both glycoconjugates in the viruses addressed here. Considering the biological redundancy that exists between heparan sulfates and sialic acids, we propose that it is important to jointly evaluate and design strategies that contemplate inhibiting the interactions of both glycoconjugates. This approach will allow identifying new receptors and lead to a deeper understanding of interspecies transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Emmanuel Ramos-Martínez
- Departamento de Medicina y Zootecnia de Cerdos, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Edgar Ramos-Martínez
- Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - René Álvaro Segura-Velázquez
- Unidad de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Manuel Saavedra-Montañez
- Departamento de Microbiología e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Jacquelynne Brenda Cervantes-Torres
- Departamento de Microbiología e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Marco Cerbón
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Dulce Papy-Garcia
- Glycobiology, Cell Growth ant Tissue Repair Research Unit (Gly-CRRET), Université Paris Est Créteil (UPEC), F-94010 Créteil, France
| | - Edgar Zenteno
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - José Ivan Sánchez-Betancourt
- Departamento de Medicina y Zootecnia de Cerdos, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
- Correspondence:
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Monroe MK, Wang H, Anderson CF, Jia H, Flexner C, Cui H. Leveraging the therapeutic, biological, and self-assembling potential of peptides for the treatment of viral infections. J Control Release 2022; 348:1028-1049. [PMID: 35752254 PMCID: PMC11022941 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.06.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Peptides and peptide-based materials have an increasing role in the treatment of viral infections through their use as active pharmaceutical ingredients, targeting moieties, excipients, carriers, or structural components in drug delivery systems. The discovery of peptide-based therapeutic compounds, coupled with the development of new stabilization and formulation strategies, has led to a resurgence of antiviral peptide therapeutics over the past two decades. The ability of peptides to bind cell receptors and to facilitate membrane penetration and subsequent intracellular trafficking enables their use in various antiviral systems for improved targeting efficiency and treatment efficacy. Importantly, the self-assembly of peptides into well-defined nanostructures provides a vast library of discrete constructs and supramolecular biomaterials for systemic and local delivery of antiviral agents. We review here the recent progress in exploiting the therapeutic, biological, and self-assembling potential of peptides, peptide conjugates, and their supramolecular assemblies in treating human viral infections, with an emphasis on the treatment strategies for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya K Monroe
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States of America; Institute for NanoBioTechnology, The Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States of America
| | - Han Wang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States of America; Institute for NanoBioTechnology, The Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States of America
| | - Caleb F Anderson
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States of America; Institute for NanoBioTechnology, The Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States of America
| | - Hongpeng Jia
- Department of Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, United States of America
| | - Charles Flexner
- Divisions of Clinical Pharmacology and Infectious Diseases, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States of America.
| | - Honggang Cui
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States of America; Institute for NanoBioTechnology, The Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States of America; Deptartment of Oncology and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States of America; Center for Nanomedicine, The Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 400 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21231, United States of America.
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9
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Olvera-Rosales LB, Cruz-Guerrero AE, García-Garibay JM, Gómez-Ruíz LC, Contreras-López E, Guzmán-Rodríguez F, González-Olivares LG. Bioactive peptides of whey: obtaining, activity, mechanism of action, and further applications. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2022; 63:10351-10381. [PMID: 35612490 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2079113] [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] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Bioactive peptides derived from diverse food proteins have been part of diverse investigations. Whey is a rich source of proteins and components related to biological activity. It is known that proteins have effects that promote health benefits. Peptides derived from whey proteins are currently widely studied. These bioactive peptides are amino acid sequences that are encrypted within the first structure of proteins, which required hydrolysis for their release. The hydrolysis could be through in vitro or in vivo enzymatic digestion and using microorganisms in fermented systems. The biological activities associated with bio-peptides include immunomodulatory properties, antibacterial, antihypertensive, antioxidant and opioid, etc. These functions are related to general conditions of health or reduced risk of certain chronic illnesses. To determine the suitability of these peptides/ingredients for applications in food technology, clinical studies are required to evaluate their bioavailability, health claims, and safety of them. This review aimed to describe the biological importance of whey proteins according to the incidence in human health, their role as bioactive peptides source, describing methods, and obtaining technics. In addition, the paper exposes biochemical mechanisms during the activity exerted by biopeptides of whey, and their application trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- L B Olvera-Rosales
- Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Área Académica de Química, Ciudad del Conocimiento, Mineral de la Reforma, Hidalgo, México
| | - A E Cruz-Guerrero
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Iztapalapa. División de Ciencias Biológicas y de la Salud, Colonia Vicentina, Ciudad de México, México
| | - J M García-Garibay
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Iztapalapa. División de Ciencias Biológicas y de la Salud, Colonia Vicentina, Ciudad de México, México
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Alimentación Lerma de Villada, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Lerma, Edo. de México, México
| | - L C Gómez-Ruíz
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Iztapalapa. División de Ciencias Biológicas y de la Salud, Colonia Vicentina, Ciudad de México, México
| | - E Contreras-López
- Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Área Académica de Química, Ciudad del Conocimiento, Mineral de la Reforma, Hidalgo, México
| | - F Guzmán-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Iztapalapa. División de Ciencias Biológicas y de la Salud, Colonia Vicentina, Ciudad de México, México
| | - L G González-Olivares
- Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Área Académica de Química, Ciudad del Conocimiento, Mineral de la Reforma, Hidalgo, México
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10
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Darmawan KK, Karagiannis TC, Hughes JG, Small DM, Hung A. Molecular modeling of lactoferrin for food and nutraceutical applications: insights from in silico techniques. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2022; 63:9074-9097. [PMID: 35503258 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2067824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Lactoferrin is a protein, primarily found in milk that has attracted the interest of the food industries due to its health properties. Nevertheless, the instability of lactoferrin has limited its commercial application. Recent studies have focused on encapsulation to enhance the stability of lactoferrin. However, the molecular insights underlying the changes of structural properties of lactoferrin and the interaction with protectants remain poorly understood. Computational approaches have proven useful in understanding the structural properties of molecules and the key binding with other constituents. In this review, comprehensive information on the structure and function of lactoferrin and the binding with various molecules for food purposes are reviewed, with a special emphasis on the use of molecular dynamics simulations. The results demonstrate the application of modeling and simulations to determine key residues of lactoferrin responsible for its stability and interactions with other biomolecular components under various conditions, which are also associated with its functional benefits. These have also been extended into the potential creation of enhanced lactoferrin for commercial purposes. This review provides valuable strategies in designing novel nutraceuticals for food science practitioners and those who have interests in acquiring familiarity with the application of computational modeling for food and health purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevion K Darmawan
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Tom C Karagiannis
- Epigenomic Medicine, Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Clinical Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jeff G Hughes
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Darryl M Small
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Andrew Hung
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
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11
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Broad-Spectrum Activity of Small Molecules Acting against Influenza a Virus: Biological and Computational Studies. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15030301. [PMID: 35337099 PMCID: PMC8952214 DOI: 10.3390/ph15030301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Influenza still represents a problematic disease, involving millions of people every year and causing hundreds of thousands of deaths. Only a few drugs are clinically available. The search for an effective weapon is still ongoing. In this scenario, we recently identified new drug-like compounds with antiviral activity toward two A/H1N1 Influenza virus strains, which were demonstrated to interfere with the processes mediated by hemagglutinin (HA). In the present work, the compound’s ability to act against the A/H3N2 viral strain has been evaluated in hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assays. Two of the five tested compounds were also active toward the A/H3N2 Influenza virus. To validate the scaffold activity, analogue compounds of two broad-spectrum molecules were selected and purchased for HI testing on both A/H1N1 and A/H3N2 Influenza viruses. Forty-three compounds were tested, and four proved to be active toward all three viral strains. A computational study has been carried out to depict the HA binding process of the most interesting compounds.
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12
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Tosta E. The seven constitutive respiratory defense barriers against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2021; 54:e04612021. [PMID: 34932765 PMCID: PMC8687496 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0461-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Before eliciting an adaptive immune response, SARS-CoV-2 must overcome seven constitutive respiratory defense barriers. The first is the mucus covering the respiratory tract's luminal surface, which entraps inhaled particles, including infectious agents, and eliminates them by mucociliary clearance. The second barrier comprises various components present in the airway lining fluid, the surfactants. Besides providing low surface tension that allows efficient gas exchange at the alveoli, surfactants inhibit the invasion of epithelial cells by respiratory viruses, enhance pathogen uptake by phagocytes, and regulate immune cells' functions. The respiratory tract microbiota constitutes the third defense barrier against SARS-CoV-2. It activates the innate and adaptive immune cells and elicits anti-infectious molecules such as secretory IgA antibodies, defensins, and interferons. The fourth defense barrier comprises the antimicrobial peptides defensins, and lactoferrin. They show direct antiviral activity, inhibit viral fusion, and modulate the innate and adaptive immune responses. Secretory IgA antibodies, the fifth defense barrier, besides protecting the local microbiota against noxious agents, also inhibit SARS-CoV-2 cell invasion. If the virus overcomes this barrier, it reaches its target, the respiratory epithelial cells. However, these cells also act as a defense barrier, the sixth one, since they hinder the virus' access to receptors and produce antiviral and immunomodulatory molecules such as interferons, lactoferrin, and defensins. Finally, the sensing of the virus by the cells of innate immunity, the last constitutive defense barrier, elicits a cascade of signals that activate adaptive immune cells and may inhibit the development of productive infection. The subject of the present essay is discussing these mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Tosta
- Professor Emeritus, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF , Brasil
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13
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Scala MC, Di Micco S, Lanzillotta D, Musella S, Di Sarno V, Parrino B, Casciofierro SM, Bifulco G, Trapasso F, Campiglia P, Sala M. Overcome Chemoresistance: Biophysical and Structural Analysis of Synthetic FHIT-Derived Peptides. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:715263. [PMID: 34901149 PMCID: PMC8655160 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.715263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The fragile histidine triad (FHIT) protein is a member of the large and ubiquitous histidine triad (HIT) family of proteins. On the basis of genetic evidence, it has been postulated that the FHIT protein may function as tumor suppressor, implying a role for the FHIT protein in carcinogenesis. Recently, Gaudio et al. reported that FHIT binds and delocalizes annexin A4 (ANXA4) from plasma membrane to cytosol in paclitaxel-resistant lung cancer cells, thus restoring their chemosensitivity to the drug. They also identified the smallest protein sequence of the FHIT still interacting with ANXA4, ranging from position 7 to 13: QHLIKPS. This short sequence of FHIT protein was not only able to bind ANXA4 but also to hold its target in the cytosol during paclitaxel treatment, thus avoiding ANXA4 translocation to the inner side of the cell membrane. Starting from these results, to obtain much information about structure requirements involved in the interaction of the peptide mentioned above, we synthetized a panel of seven peptides through an Ala-scan approach. In detail, to study the binding of FHIT derived peptides with ANXA4, we applied a combination of different biophysical techniques such as differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF), surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and microscale thermophoresis (MST). Circular dichroism (CD) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) were used to determine the conformational structure of the lead peptide (7–13) and peptides generated from ala-scan technique. The application of different biophysical and structural techniques, integrated by a preliminary biological evaluation, allowed us to build a solid structure activity relationship on the synthesized peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simone Di Micco
- European Biomedical Research Institute of Salerno (EBRIS), Salerno, Italy
| | - Delia Lanzillotta
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, Campus S. Venuta, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Simona Musella
- European Biomedical Research Institute of Salerno (EBRIS), Salerno, Italy
| | | | - Barbara Parrino
- Department of Biological Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Stella Maria Casciofierro
- Department of Biological Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Trapasso
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, Campus S. Venuta, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Marina Sala
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
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14
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Gruden Š, Poklar Ulrih N. Diverse Mechanisms of Antimicrobial Activities of Lactoferrins, Lactoferricins, and Other Lactoferrin-Derived Peptides. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222011264. [PMID: 34681923 PMCID: PMC8541349 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Lactoferrins are an iron-binding glycoprotein that have important protective roles in the mammalian body through their numerous functions, which include antimicrobial, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant activities. Among these, their antimicrobial activity has been the most studied, although the mechanism behind antimicrobial activities remains to be elucidated. Thirty years ago, the first lactoferrin-derived peptide was isolated and showed higher antimicrobial activity than the native lactoferrin lactoferricin. Since then, numerous studies have investigated the antimicrobial potencies of lactoferrins, lactoferricins, and other lactoferrin-derived peptides to better understand their antimicrobial activities at the molecular level. This review defines the current antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiparasitic activities of lactoferrins, lactoferricins, and lactoferrin-derived peptides. The primary focus is on their different mechanisms of activity against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. The role of their structure, amino-acid composition, conformation, charge, hydrophobicity, and other factors that affect their mechanisms of antimicrobial activity are also reviewed.
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15
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Scala MC, Agamennone M, Pietrantoni A, Di Sarno V, Bertamino A, Superti F, Campiglia P, Sala M. Discovery of a Novel Tetrapeptide against Influenza A Virus: Rational Design, Synthesis, Bioactivity Evaluation and Computational Studies. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14100959. [PMID: 34681184 PMCID: PMC8537277 DOI: 10.3390/ph14100959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Influenza is a highly contagious, acute respiratory illness, which represents one of the main health issues worldwide. Even though some antivirals are available, the alarming increase in virus strains resistant to them highlights the need to find new drugs. Previously, Superti et al. deeply investigated the mechanism of the anti-influenza virus effect of bovine lactoferrin (bLf) and the role of its tryptic fragments (the N- and C-lobes) in antiviral activity. Recently, through a truncation library, we identified the tetrapeptides, Ac-SKHS-NH2 (1) and Ac-SLDC-NH2 (2), derived from bLf C-lobe fragment 418–429, which were able to bind hemagglutinin (HA) and inhibit cell infection in a concentration range of femto- to picomolar. Starting from these results, in this work, we initiated a systematic SAR study on the peptides mentioned above, through an alanine scanning approach. We carried out binding affinity measurements by microscale thermophoresis (MST) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR), as well as hemagglutination inhibition (HI) and virus neutralization (NT) assays on synthesized peptides. Computational studies were performed to identify possible ligand–HA interactions. Results obtained led to the identification of an interesting peptide endowed with broad anti-influenza activity and able to inhibit viral infection to a greater extent of reference peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Carmina Scala
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (M.C.S.); (V.D.S.); (A.B.); (P.C.)
| | - Mariangela Agamennone
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Agostina Pietrantoni
- National Centre for Innovative Technologies in Public Health, National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.P.); (F.S.)
- Core Facilities, National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Veronica Di Sarno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (M.C.S.); (V.D.S.); (A.B.); (P.C.)
| | - Alessia Bertamino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (M.C.S.); (V.D.S.); (A.B.); (P.C.)
| | - Fabiana Superti
- National Centre for Innovative Technologies in Public Health, National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.P.); (F.S.)
| | - Pietro Campiglia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (M.C.S.); (V.D.S.); (A.B.); (P.C.)
| | - Marina Sala
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (M.C.S.); (V.D.S.); (A.B.); (P.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-(0)-89968148
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16
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Nucera F, Lo Bello F, Shen SS, Ruggeri P, Coppolino I, Di Stefano A, Stellato C, Casolaro V, Hansbro PM, Adcock IM, Caramori G. Role of Atypical Chemokines and Chemokine Receptors Pathways in the Pathogenesis of COPD. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:2577-2653. [PMID: 32819230 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327999200819145327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) represents a heightened inflammatory response in the lung generally resulting from tobacco smoking-induced recruitment and activation of inflammatory cells and/or activation of lower airway structural cells. Several mediators can modulate activation and recruitment of these cells, particularly those belonging to the chemokines (conventional and atypical) family. There is emerging evidence for complex roles of atypical chemokines and their receptors (such as high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), antimicrobial peptides, receptor for advanced glycosylation end products (RAGE) or toll-like receptors (TLRs)) in the pathogenesis of COPD, both in the stable disease and during exacerbations. Modulators of these pathways represent potential novel therapies for COPD and many are now in preclinical development. Inhibition of only a single atypical chemokine or receptor may not block inflammatory processes because there is redundancy in this network. However, there are many animal studies that encourage studies for modulating the atypical chemokine network in COPD. Thus, few pharmaceutical companies maintain a significant interest in developing agents that target these molecules as potential antiinflammatory drugs. Antibody-based (biological) and small molecule drug (SMD)-based therapies targeting atypical chemokines and/or their receptors are mostly at the preclinical stage and their progression to clinical trials is eagerly awaited. These agents will most likely enhance our knowledge about the role of atypical chemokines in COPD pathophysiology and thereby improve COPD management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Nucera
- Department of Biomedical, Dental, Morphological and Functional Imaging Sciences (BIOMORF), University of Messina, Pugliatti Square 1, 98122 Messina, Italy
| | - Federica Lo Bello
- Department of Biomedical, Dental, Morphological and Functional Imaging Sciences (BIOMORF), University of Messina, Pugliatti Square 1, 98122 Messina, Italy
| | - Sj S Shen
- Faculty of Science, Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute, University of Technology, Ultimo, Sydney, Australia
| | - Paolo Ruggeri
- Department of Biomedical, Dental, Morphological and Functional Imaging Sciences (BIOMORF), University of Messina, Pugliatti Square 1, 98122 Messina, Italy
| | - Irene Coppolino
- Department of Biomedical, Dental, Morphological and Functional Imaging Sciences (BIOMORF), University of Messina, Pugliatti Square 1, 98122 Messina, Italy
| | - Antonino Di Stefano
- Division of Pneumology, Cyto- Immunopathology Laboratory of the Cardio-Respiratory System, Clinical Scientific Institutes Maugeri IRCCS, Veruno, Italy
| | - Cristiana Stellato
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, Salerno Medical School, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Casolaro
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, Salerno Medical School, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Phil M Hansbro
- Faculty of Science, Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute, University of Technology, Ultimo, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ian M Adcock
- Airway Disease Section, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gaetano Caramori
- Department of Biomedical, Dental, Morphological and Functional Imaging Sciences (BIOMORF), University of Messina, Pugliatti Square 1, 98122 Messina, Italy
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17
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Bukowska-Ośko I, Popiel M, Kowalczyk P. The Immunological Role of the Placenta in SARS-CoV-2 Infection-Viral Transmission, Immune Regulation, and Lactoferrin Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5799. [PMID: 34071527 PMCID: PMC8198160 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A pandemic of acute respiratory infections, due to a new type of coronavirus, can cause Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and has created the need for a better understanding of the clinical, epidemiological, and pathological features of COVID-19, especially in high-risk groups, such as pregnant women. Viral infections in pregnant women may have a much more severe course, and result in an increase in the rate of complications, including spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, and premature birth-which may cause long-term consequences in the offspring. In this review, we focus on the mother-fetal-placenta interface and its role in the potential transmission of SARS-CoV-2, including expression of viral receptors and proteases, placental pathology, and the presence of the virus in neonatal tissues and fluids. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the anti-viral activity of lactoferrin during viral infection in pregnant women, analyzes its role in the pathogenicity of pandemic virus particles, and describes the potential evidence for placental blocking/limiting of the transmission of the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iwona Bukowska-Ośko
- Department of Immunopathology of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Marta Popiel
- Department of Animal Nutrition, The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, Instytucka 3, 05-110 Jabłonna, Poland;
| | - Paweł Kowalczyk
- Department of Animal Nutrition, The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, Instytucka 3, 05-110 Jabłonna, Poland;
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18
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Brink LR, Chichlowski M, Pastor N, Thimmasandra Narayanappa A, Shah N. In the Age of Viral Pandemic, Can Ingredients Inspired by Human Milk and Infant Nutrition Be Repurposed to Support the Immune System? Nutrients 2021; 13:870. [PMID: 33800961 PMCID: PMC7999376 DOI: 10.3390/nu13030870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2020, with the advent of a pandemic touching all aspects of global life, there is a renewed interest in nutrition solutions to support the immune system. Infants are vulnerable to infection and breastfeeding has been demonstrated to provide protection. As such, human milk is a great model for sources of functional nutrition ingredients, which may play direct roles in protection against viral diseases. This review aims to summarize the literature around human milk (lactoferrin, milk fat globule membrane, osteopontin, glycerol monolaurate and human milk oligosaccharides) and infant nutrition (polyunsaturated fatty acids, probiotics and postbiotics) inspired ingredients for support against viral infections and the immune system more broadly. We believe that the application of these ingredients can span across all life stages and thus apply to both pediatric and adult nutrition. We highlight the opportunities for further research in this field to help provide tangible nutrition solutions to support one's immune system and fight against infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren R. Brink
- Medical and Scientific Affairs, Nutrition, Reckitt Benckiser, Evansville, IN 47721, USA; (M.C.); (N.P.)
| | - Maciej Chichlowski
- Medical and Scientific Affairs, Nutrition, Reckitt Benckiser, Evansville, IN 47721, USA; (M.C.); (N.P.)
| | - Nitida Pastor
- Medical and Scientific Affairs, Nutrition, Reckitt Benckiser, Evansville, IN 47721, USA; (M.C.); (N.P.)
| | | | - Neil Shah
- Medical and Scientific Affairs, Nutrition, Reckitt Benckiser, Slough SL1 3UH, UK;
- University College London, Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JH, UK
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19
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Di Micco S, Musella S, Scala MC, Sala M, Campiglia P, Bifulco G, Fasano A. In silico Analysis Revealed Potential Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Activity by the Zonulin Inhibitor Larazotide Acetate. Front Chem 2021; 8:628609. [PMID: 33520943 PMCID: PMC7843458 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2020.628609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The most severe outcome of COVID-19 infection is the development of interstitial pneumonia causing acute lung injury (ALI) and/or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), both responsible for the infected patients' mortality. ALI and ARDS are characterized by a leakage of plasma components into the lungs, compromising their ability to expand and optimally engage in gas exchange with blood, resulting in respiratory failure. We have previously reported that zonulin, a protein dictating epithelial and endothelial permeability in several districts, including the airways, is involved in ALI pathogenesis in mouse models, and that its peptide inhibitor Larazotide acetate (also called AT1001) ameliorated ALI and subsequent mortality by decreasing mucosal permeability to fluid and extravasation of neutrophils into the lungs. With the recent crystallographic resolution of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro), an enzyme fundamental in the viral lifecycle, bound to peptidomimetic inhibitors N3 and 13b, we were able to perform molecular modeling investigation showing that AT1001 presents structural motifs similar to co-crystallized ligands. Specifically, molecular docking, MM-GBSA-based predictions and molecular dynamics showed that AT1001 docks extremely well in the Mpro catalytic domain through a global turn conformational arrangement without any unfavorable steric hindrance. Finally, we have observed that AT1001 can be superimposed onto the crystallized structures of N3 and 13b, establishing a higher number of interactions and accordingly a tighter binding. In vitro studies confirmed AT1001 anti-Mpro and preliminary investigation indicted an anti-viral activity. Combined, these studies suggest that AT1001, besides its well-demonstrated effect in ameliorating mucosal permeability in ALI/ARDS, may also exert a direct anti-SARS-CoV-2 effect by blocking the Mpro. AT1001 has been used extensively in a variety of animal models of ALI demonstrating robust safety and efficacy; it is currently in phase 3 trials in celiac subjects showing strong safety and efficacy profiles. We therefore propose its use as a specific anti-SARS-CoV-2 multitargeting treatment for the current pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Di Micco
- European Biomedical Research Institute of Salerno (EBRIS), Salerno, Italy
| | - Simona Musella
- European Biomedical Research Institute of Salerno (EBRIS), Salerno, Italy
| | - Maria C Scala
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Marina Sala
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Pietro Campiglia
- European Biomedical Research Institute of Salerno (EBRIS), Salerno, Italy.,Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | | | - Alessio Fasano
- European Biomedical Research Institute of Salerno (EBRIS), Salerno, Italy.,Mucosal Immunology and Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital-Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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20
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Rascón-Cruz Q, Espinoza-Sánchez EA, Siqueiros-Cendón TS, Nakamura-Bencomo SI, Arévalo-Gallegos S, Iglesias-Figueroa BF. Lactoferrin: A Glycoprotein Involved in Immunomodulation, Anticancer, and Antimicrobial Processes. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26010205. [PMID: 33401580 PMCID: PMC7795860 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26010205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Lactoferrin is an iron binding glycoprotein with multiple roles in the body. Its participation in apoptotic processes in cancer cells, its ability to modulate various reactions of the immune system, and its activity against a broad spectrum of pathogenic microorganisms, including respiratory viruses, have made it a protein of broad interest in pharmaceutical and food research and industry. In this review, we have focused on describing the most important functions of lactoferrin and the possible mechanisms of action that lead to its function.
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21
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Al-Azzam S, Ding Y, Liu J, Pandya P, Ting JP, Afshar S. Peptides to combat viral infectious diseases. Peptides 2020; 134:170402. [PMID: 32889022 PMCID: PMC7462603 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2020.170402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Viral infectious diseases have resulted in millions of deaths throughout history and have created a significant public healthcare burden. Tremendous efforts have been placed by the scientific communities, health officials and government organizations to detect, treat, and prevent viral infection. However, the complicated life cycle and rapid genetic mutations of viruses demand continuous development of novel medicines with high efficacy and safety profiles. Peptides provide a promising outlook as a tool to combat the spread and re-emergence of viral infection. This article provides an overview of five viral infectious diseases with high global prevalence: influenza, chronic hepatitis B, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, severe acute respiratory syndrome, and coronavirus disease 2019. The current and potential peptide-based therapies, vaccines, and diagnostics for each disease are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shams Al-Azzam
- Professional Scientific Services, Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories, Lancaster, PA, 17605, USA
| | - Yun Ding
- Protein Engineering, Lilly Biotechnology Center, Eli Lilly and Company, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Jinsha Liu
- Protein Engineering, Lilly Biotechnology Center, Eli Lilly and Company, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Priyanka Pandya
- Protein Engineering, Lilly Biotechnology Center, Eli Lilly and Company, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Joey Paolo Ting
- Protein Engineering, Lilly Biotechnology Center, Eli Lilly and Company, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Sepideh Afshar
- Protein Engineering, Lilly Biotechnology Center, Eli Lilly and Company, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA.
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22
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Maciel KS, Santos LS, Bonomo RCF, Verissimo LAA, Minim VPR, Minim LA. Purification of lactoferrin from sweet whey using ultrafiltration followed by expanded bed chromatography. Sep Purif Technol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2020.117324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Schaduangrat N, Nantasenamat C, Prachayasittikul V, Shoombuatong W. Meta-iAVP: A Sequence-Based Meta-Predictor for Improving the Prediction of Antiviral Peptides Using Effective Feature Representation. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20225743. [PMID: 31731751 PMCID: PMC6888698 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20225743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In spite of the large-scale production and widespread distribution of vaccines and antiviral drugs, viruses remain a prominent human disease. Recently, the discovery of antiviral peptides (AVPs) has become an influential antiviral agent due to their extraordinary advantages. With the avalanche of newly-found peptide sequences in the post-genomic era, there is a great demand to develop a sequence-based predictor for timely identifying AVPs as this information is very useful for both basic research and drug development. In this study, we propose a novel sequence-based meta-predictor with an effective feature representation, called Meta-iAVP, for the accurate prediction of AVPs from given peptide sequences. Herein, the effective feature representation was extracted from a set of prediction scores derived from various machine learning algorithms and types of features. To the best of our knowledge, the model proposed herein represents the first meta-based approach for the prediction of AVPs. An overall accuracy and Matthews correlation coefficient of 95.20% and 0.90, respectively, was achieved from the independent test set on an objective benchmark dataset. Comparative analysis suggested that Meta-iAVP was superior to that of existing methods and therefore represents a useful tool for AVP prediction. Finally, in an effort to facilitate high-throughput prediction of AVPs, the model was deployed as the Meta-iAVP web server and is made freely available online at http://codes.bio/meta-iavp/ where users can submit query peptide sequences for determining the likelihood of whether or not these peptides are AVPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nalini Schaduangrat
- Center of Data Mining and Biomedical Informatics, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand; (N.S.); (C.N.)
| | - Chanin Nantasenamat
- Center of Data Mining and Biomedical Informatics, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand; (N.S.); (C.N.)
| | - Virapong Prachayasittikul
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Applied Technology, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand;
| | - Watshara Shoombuatong
- Center of Data Mining and Biomedical Informatics, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand; (N.S.); (C.N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +66-2441-4371 (ext. 2715)
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24
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Thermodynamic and kinetic study of epigallocatechin-3-gallate-bovine lactoferrin complex formation determined by surface plasmon resonance (SPR): A comparative study with fluorescence spectroscopy. Food Hydrocoll 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodhyd.2019.04.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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25
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Ahmed A, Siman-Tov G, Hall G, Bhalla N, Narayanan A. Human Antimicrobial Peptides as Therapeutics for Viral Infections. Viruses 2019; 11:v11080704. [PMID: 31374901 PMCID: PMC6722670 DOI: 10.3390/v11080704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful in vivo infection following pathogen entry requires the evasion and subversion of multiple immunological barriers. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are one of the first immune pathways upregulated during infection by multiple pathogens, in multiple organs in vivo. In humans, there are many classes of AMPs exhibiting broad antimicrobial activities, with defensins and the human cathelicidin LL-37 being the best studied examples. Whereas historically the efficacy and therapeutic potential of AMPs against bacterial infection has been the primary focus of research, recent studies have begun to elucidate the antiviral properties of AMPs as well as their role in regulation of inflammation and chemoattraction. AMPs as therapeutic tools seem especially promising against emerging infectious viral pathogens for which no approved vaccines or treatments are currently available, such as dengue virus (DENV) and Zika virus (ZIKV). In this review, we summarize recent studies elucidating the efficacy and diverse mechanisms of action of various classes of AMPs against multiple viral pathogens, as well as the potential use of human AMPs in novel antiviral therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aslaa Ahmed
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Disease, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Gavriella Siman-Tov
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Disease, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Grant Hall
- United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA
| | - Nishank Bhalla
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Disease, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Aarthi Narayanan
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Disease, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA.
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26
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Sreenivasan CC, Thomas M, Kaushik RS, Wang D, Li F. Influenza A in Bovine Species: A Narrative Literature Review. Viruses 2019; 11:v11060561. [PMID: 31213032 PMCID: PMC6631717 DOI: 10.3390/v11060561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
It is quite intriguing that bovines were largely unaffected by influenza A, even though most of the domesticated and wild animals/birds at the human-animal interface succumbed to infection over the past few decades. Influenza A occurs on a very infrequent basis in bovine species and hence bovines were not considered to be susceptible hosts for influenza until the emergence of influenza D. This review describes a multifaceted chronological review of literature on influenza in cattle which comprises mainly of the natural infections/outbreaks, experimental studies, and pathological and seroepidemiological aspects of influenza A that have occurred in the past. The review also sheds light on the bovine models used in vitro and in vivo for influenza-related studies over recent years. Despite a few natural cases in the mid-twentieth century and seroprevalence of human, swine, and avian influenza viruses in bovines, the evolution and host adaptation of influenza A virus (IAV) in this species suffered a serious hindrance until the novel influenza D virus (IDV) emerged recently in cattle across the world. Supposedly, certain bovine host factors, particularly some serum components and secretory proteins, were reported to have anti-influenza properties, which could be an attributing factor for the resilient nature of bovines to IAV. Further studies are needed to identify the host-specific factors contributing to the differential pathogenetic mechanisms and disease progression of IAV in bovines compared to other susceptible mammalian hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chithra C Sreenivasan
- Department of Biology and Microbiology, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA.
| | - Milton Thomas
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA.
| | - Radhey S Kaushik
- Department of Biology and Microbiology, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA.
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Biology and Microbiology, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA.
- BioSystems Networks and Translational Research Center (BioSNTR), Brookings, SD 57007, USA.
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Biology and Microbiology, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA.
- BioSystems Networks and Translational Research Center (BioSNTR), Brookings, SD 57007, USA.
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27
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Anticytomegalovirus Peptides Point to New Insights for CMV Entry Mechanisms and the Limitations of In Vitro Screenings. mSphere 2019; 4:4/1/e00586-18. [PMID: 30760613 PMCID: PMC6374593 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00586-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In the absence of an effective vaccine to prevent HCMV infections, alternative interventions must be developed. Prevention of viral entry into susceptible cells is an attractive alternative strategy. Here we report that heparan sulfate-binding peptides effectively inhibit entry into fibroblasts of in vitro-derived CMVs and partially inhibit in vivo-derived CMVs. This includes the inhibition of urine-derived HCMV (uCMV), which is highly resistant to antibody neutralization. While these antiviral peptides are highly effective at inhibiting cell-free virus, they do not inhibit MCMV cell-to-cell spread. This underscores the need to understand the mechanism of cell-to-cell spread and differences between in vivo-derived versus in vitro-derived CMV entry to effectively prevent CMV’s spread. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a ubiquitous betaherpesvirus that can cause severe disease following in utero exposure, during primary infection, or latent virus reactivation in immunocompromised populations. These complications lead to a 1- to 2-billion-dollar economic burden, making vaccine development and/or alternative treatments a high priority. Current treatments for HCMV include nucleoside analogues such as ganciclovir (GCV), foscarnet, and cidofovir. Recently, letermovir, a terminase complex inhibitor, was approved for prophylaxis after stem cell transplantation. These treatments have unwanted side effects, and HCMV is becoming resistant to them. Therefore, we sought to develop an alternative treatment that targets a different stage in viral infection. Currently, small antiviral peptides are being investigated as anti-influenza and anti-HIV treatments. We have developed heparan sulfate-binding peptides as tools for preventing CMV infections. These peptides are highly effective at stopping infection of fibroblasts with in vitro-derived HCMV and murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV). However, they do not prevent MCMV infection in vivo. Interestingly, these peptides inhibit infectivity of in vivo-derived CMVs, albeit not as well as tissue culture-grown CMVs. We further demonstrate that this class of heparan sulfate-binding peptides is incapable of inhibiting MCMV cell-to-cell spread, which is independent of heparan sulfate usage. These data indicate that inhibition of CMV infection can be achieved using synthetic polybasic peptides, but cell-to-cell spread and in vivo-grown CMVs require further investigation to design appropriate anti-CMV peptides. IMPORTANCE In the absence of an effective vaccine to prevent HCMV infections, alternative interventions must be developed. Prevention of viral entry into susceptible cells is an attractive alternative strategy. Here we report that heparan sulfate-binding peptides effectively inhibit entry into fibroblasts of in vitro-derived CMVs and partially inhibit in vivo-derived CMVs. This includes the inhibition of urine-derived HCMV (uCMV), which is highly resistant to antibody neutralization. While these antiviral peptides are highly effective at inhibiting cell-free virus, they do not inhibit MCMV cell-to-cell spread. This underscores the need to understand the mechanism of cell-to-cell spread and differences between in vivo-derived versus in vitro-derived CMV entry to effectively prevent CMV’s spread.
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28
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Scala MC, Spensiero A, Pepe G, Bertamino A, Carotenuto A, Grieco P, Novellino E, Gomez-Monterrey IM, Campiglia P, Sala M. Investigation on side-product formation during the synthesis of a lactoferrin-derived lactam-bridged cyclic peptide. Amino Acids 2018; 50:1367-1375. [PMID: 29974257 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-018-2612-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Bovine lactoferrin C-lobe is able to prevent both influenza virus hemagglutination and cell infection. In particular, it was demonstrated that the fragment 418SKHSSLDCVLRP429 is a potent antiviral peptide. Therefore, we tried to increase the stability of this fragment through side-chain lactam cyclization of the peptide, S[KHSSLD]CVLRP (1). However, classic strategy involving solid-supported cyclization of the linear precursor, containing orthogonal allyl/alloc-based protection for the key amino and carboxyl residues, did not provide the desired cyclic peptide. Here, we report the identification of problematic stretches during the sequence assembly process and the optimization of the different parameters involved in the construction of 1. Results indicated a significant influence of β-protecting group of both aspartic acid and adjacent cysteine residues on the formation of side products. Therefore, the identification of suitable β-protecting groups of these residues allowed us to optimize the synthesis of designed lactam-bridged cyclic peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Carmina Scala
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Salerno, 84084, Fisciano, SA, Italy
| | - Antonia Spensiero
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Salerno, 84084, Fisciano, SA, Italy
| | - Giacomo Pepe
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Salerno, 84084, Fisciano, SA, Italy
| | - Alessia Bertamino
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Salerno, 84084, Fisciano, SA, Italy
| | - Alfonso Carotenuto
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Grieco
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Pietro Campiglia
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Salerno, 84084, Fisciano, SA, Italy
| | - Marina Sala
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Salerno, 84084, Fisciano, SA, Italy.
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