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Zhao Z, Bashiri S, Ziora ZM, Toth I, Skwarczynski M. COVID-19 Variants and Vaccine Development. Viruses 2024; 16:757. [PMID: 38793638 PMCID: PMC11125726 DOI: 10.3390/v16050757] [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: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the global pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 virus (SARS-CoV-2) infection, has caused millions of infections and fatalities worldwide. Extensive SARS-CoV-2 research has been conducted to develop therapeutic drugs and prophylactic vaccines, and even though some drugs have been approved to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection, treatment efficacy remains limited. Therefore, preventive vaccination has been implemented on a global scale and represents the primary approach to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Approved vaccines vary in composition, although vaccine design has been based on either the key viral structural (spike) protein or viral components carrying this protein. Therefore, mutations of the virus, particularly mutations in the S protein, severely compromise the effectiveness of current vaccines and the ability to control COVID-19 infection. This review begins by describing the SARS-CoV-2 viral composition, the mechanism of infection, the role of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, the host defence responses against infection and the most common vaccine designs. Next, this review summarizes the common mutations of SARS-CoV-2 and how these mutations change viral properties, confer immune escape and influence vaccine efficacy. Finally, this review discusses global strategies that have been employed to mitigate the decreases in vaccine efficacy encountered against new variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyao Zhao
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (Z.Z.); (S.B.); (I.T.)
| | - Sahra Bashiri
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (Z.Z.); (S.B.); (I.T.)
| | - Zyta M. Ziora
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - Istvan Toth
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (Z.Z.); (S.B.); (I.T.)
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia;
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Mariusz Skwarczynski
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (Z.Z.); (S.B.); (I.T.)
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2
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Conway MJ, Yang H, Revord LA, Novay MP, Lee RJ, Ward AS, Abel JD, Williams MR, Uzarski RL, Alm EW. Chronic shedding of a SARS-CoV-2 Alpha variant in wastewater. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:59. [PMID: 38218804 PMCID: PMC10787452 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-09977-7] [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: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Central Michigan University (CMU) participated in a state-wide SARS-CoV-2 wastewater monitoring program since 2021. Wastewater samples were collected from on-campus sites and nine off-campus wastewater treatment plants servicing small metropolitan and rural communities. SARS-CoV-2 genome copies were quantified using droplet digital PCR and results were reported to the health department. RESULTS One rural, off-campus site consistently produced higher concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 genome copies. Samples from this site were sequenced and contained predominately a derivative of Alpha variant lineage B.1.1.7, detected from fall 2021 through summer 2023. Mutational analysis of reconstructed genes revealed divergence from the Alpha variant lineage sequence over time, including numerous mutations in the Spike RBD and NTD. CONCLUSIONS We discuss the possibility that a chronic SARS-CoV-2 infection accumulated adaptive mutations that promoted long-term infection. This study reveals that small wastewater treatment plants can enhance resolution of rare events and facilitate reconstruction of viral genomes due to the relative lack of contaminating sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Conway
- Foundational Sciences, Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA.
- Institute for Great Lakes Research, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA.
| | - Hannah Yang
- Foundational Sciences, Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA
| | - Lauren A Revord
- Foundational Sciences, Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA
| | - Michael P Novay
- Foundational Sciences, Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA
| | - Rachel J Lee
- Foundational Sciences, Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA
| | - Avery S Ward
- Foundational Sciences, Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA
| | - Jackson D Abel
- Foundational Sciences, Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA
| | - Maggie R Williams
- School of Engineering & Technology, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA
- Institute for Great Lakes Research, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA
| | - Rebecca L Uzarski
- Department of Biology and Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health, Professions, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA
| | - Elizabeth W Alm
- Department of Biology, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA
- Institute for Great Lakes Research, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA
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3
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Ho C, Nazarie WFWM, Lee PC. An In Silico Design of Peptides Targeting the S1/S2 Cleavage Site of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein. Viruses 2023; 15:1930. [PMID: 37766336 PMCID: PMC10536081 DOI: 10.3390/v15091930] [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: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, invades host cells via its spike protein, which includes critical binding regions, such as the receptor-binding domain (RBD), the S1/S2 cleavage site, the S2 cleavage site, and heptad-repeat (HR) sections. Peptides targeting the RBD and HR1 inhibit binding to host ACE2 receptors and the formation of the fusion core. Other peptides target proteases, such as TMPRSS2 and cathepsin L, to prevent the cleavage of the S protein. However, research has largely ignored peptides targeting the S1/S2 cleavage site. In this study, bioinformatics was used to investigate the binding of the S1/S2 cleavage site to host proteases, including furin, trypsin, TMPRSS2, matriptase, cathepsin B, and cathepsin L. Peptides targeting the S1/S2 site were designed by identifying binding residues. Peptides were docked to the S1/S2 site using HADDOCK (High-Ambiguity-Driven protein-protein DOCKing). Nine peptides with the lowest HADDOCK scores and strong binding affinities were selected, which was followed by molecular dynamics simulations (MDSs) for further investigation. Among these peptides, BR582 and BR599 stand out. They exhibited relatively high interaction energies with the S protein at -1004.769 ± 21.2 kJ/mol and -1040.334 ± 24.1 kJ/mol, respectively. It is noteworthy that the binding of these peptides to the S protein remained stable during the MDSs. In conclusion, this research highlights the potential of peptides targeting the S1/S2 cleavage site as a means to prevent SARS-CoV-2 from entering cells, and contributes to the development of therapeutic interventions against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chian Ho
- Faculty of Science and Natural Resources, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu 88400, Sabah, Malaysia; (C.H.); (W.F.W.M.N.)
| | - Wan Fahmi Wan Mohamad Nazarie
- Faculty of Science and Natural Resources, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu 88400, Sabah, Malaysia; (C.H.); (W.F.W.M.N.)
| | - Ping-Chin Lee
- Faculty of Science and Natural Resources, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu 88400, Sabah, Malaysia; (C.H.); (W.F.W.M.N.)
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu 88400, Sabah, Malaysia
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4
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Rajamanickam K, Rathinavel T, Periyannan V, Ammashi S, Marimuthu S, Nasir Iqbal M. Molecular insight of phytocompounds from Indian spices and its hyaluronic acid conjugates to block SARS-CoV-2 viral entry. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:7386-7405. [PMID: 36093954 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2121757] [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: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Human corona viral infection leads to acute breathing disease and death if not diagnosed and treated properly in time. The disease can be treated with the help of simple natural compounds, which we use in day-to-day life. These natural compounds act against several diseases but their drug targeting mechanism needs to be improved for more efficient and promising applications. In the present study five compounds (gingerol, thymol, thymohydroquinone, cyclocurcumin, hydrazinocurcumin) from three Indian medicinal plants (ginger, black cumin, turmeric) and its hyaluronic acid (HA) conjugates were docked against initially deposited spike structural proteins (PDB ID 6WPT) and its mutant variant D-614G (PDB ID 6XS6). Docking study result reveals that all the HA conjugates showed the most effective inhibitor of S-protein of initially deposited and D-614G variant forms of SARS-CoV-2. The compounds like Gingerol, Thymol, Thymohydroquinone, Cyclocurcumin, Hydrazinocurcumin, Hydroxychloroquinone, and hyaluronic acid conjugates inhibit the viral protein of both wild-type and mutated S-protein of SARS-CoV-2. The molecular docking studies of phytocompounds with initial deposited and variant spike protein targets show superior binding affinity than with the commercial repurposed viral entry inhibitor hydroxychloroquine. Further, the docking result was modeled using MD simulation study shows excellent simulation trajectories between spike proteins and HA conjugates spices constituents than its free form. DFT analysis was carried out to affirm the reason behind the highest binding affinity of HA conjugates over its free form towards SARS-CoV-2 spike protein targets. Further HA conjugates synthesis and its evaluation against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro studies are needed to prove our novel idea for an anti-viral drug.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthika Rajamanickam
- Department of Biotechnology, Mahendra Arts and Science College, Namakkal, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Velu Periyannan
- Department of Biotechnology and Biochemistry, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Subramanian Ammashi
- PG and Research Department of Biochemistry, Rajah Serfoji Government College (Autonomous), Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Muhammad Nasir Iqbal
- Department of Bioinformatics, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
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Liu K, Hong B, Wang S, Lou F, You Y, Hu R, Shafqat A, Fan H, Tong Y. Pharmacological Activity of Cepharanthine. Molecules 2023; 28:5019. [PMID: 37446681 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28135019] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cepharanthine, a natural bisbenzylisoquinoline (BBIQ) alkaloid isolated from the plant Stephania Cephalantha Hayata, is the only bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid approved for human use and has been used in the clinic for more than 70 years. Cepharanthine has a variety of medicinal properties, including signaling pathway inhibitory activities, immunomodulatory activities, and antiviral activities. Recently, cepharanthine has been confirmed to greatly inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection. Therefore, we aimed to describe the pharmacological properties and mechanisms of cepharanthine, mainly including antitumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-pathogen activities, inhibition of bone resorption, treatment of alopecia, treatment of snake bite, and other activities. At the same time, we analyzed and summarized the potential antiviral mechanism of cepharanthine and concluded that one of the most important anti-viral mechanisms of cepharanthine may be the stability of plasma membrane fluidity. Additionally, we explained its safety and bioavailability, which provides evidence for cepharanthine as a potential drug for the treatment of a variety of diseases. Finally, we further discuss the potential new clinical applications of cepharanthine and provide direction for its future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Liu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Bixia Hong
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Shuqi Wang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Fuxing Lou
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Yecheng You
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Ruolan Hu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Amna Shafqat
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Huahao Fan
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Yigang Tong
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
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Hasan TN, Naqvi SS, Rehman MU, Ullah R, Ammad M, Arshad N, Ain QU, Perween S, Hussain A. Ginger ring compounds as an inhibitor of spike binding protein of alpha, beta, gamma and delta variants of SARS-CoV-2: An in-silico study. NARRA J 2023; 3:e98. [PMID: 38455706 PMCID: PMC10919719 DOI: 10.52225/narra.v3i1.98] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
The available drugs against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVOD-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), are limited. This study aimed to identify ginger-derived compounds that might neutralize SARS-CoV-2 and prevent its entry into host cells. Ring compounds of ginger were screened against spike (S) protein of alpha, beta, gamma, and delta variants of SARS-CoV-2. The S protein FASTA sequence was retrieved from Global Initiative on Sharing Avian Influenza Data (GISAID) and converted into ".pdb" format using Open Babel tool. A total of 306 compounds were identified from ginger through food and phyto-databases. Out of those, 38 ring compounds were subjected to docking analysis using CB Dock online program which implies AutoDock Vina for docking. The Vina score was recorded, which reflects the affinity between ligands and receptors. Further, the Protein Ligand Interaction Profiler (PLIP) program for detecting the type of interaction between ligand-receptor was used. SwissADME was used to compute druglikeness parameters and pharmacokinetics characteristics. Furthermore, energy minimization was performed by using Swiss PDB Viewer (SPDBV) and energy after minimization was recorded. Molecular dynamic simulation was performed to find the stability of protein-ligand complex and root-mean- square deviation (RMSD) as well as root-mean-square fluctuation (RMSF) were calculated and recorded by using myPresto v5.0. Our study suggested that 17 out of 38 ring compounds of ginger were very likely to bind the S protein of SARS-CoV-2. Seventeen out of 38 ring compounds showed high affinity of binding with S protein of alpha, beta, gamma, and delta variants of SARS-CoV-2. The RMSD showed the stability of the complex was parallel to the S protein monomer. These computer-aided predictions give an insight into the possibility of ginger ring compounds as potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 worthy of in vitro investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarique N. Hasan
- Pure Health Laboratory, Mafraq Hospital, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Syed S. Naqvi
- Pure Health Laboratory, Mafraq Hospital, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mati Ur Rehman
- Pure Health Laboratory, Mafraq Hospital, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- College de Paris, France
| | - Rooh Ullah
- Pure Health Laboratory, Mafraq Hospital, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Muhammad Ammad
- Pure Health Laboratory, Mafraq Hospital, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Narmeen Arshad
- Pure Health Laboratory, Mafraq Hospital, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Qurat Ul Ain
- Pure Health Laboratory, Mafraq Hospital, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shabana Perween
- Pure Health Laboratory, Mafraq Hospital, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Arif Hussain
- School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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Macedo-da-Silva J, Rosa-Fernandes L, Gomes VDM, Santiago VF, Santos DM, Molnar CMS, Barboza BR, de Souza EE, Marques RF, Boscardin SB, Durigon EL, Marinho CRF, Wrenger C, Marie SKN, Palmisano G. Protein Arginylation Is Regulated during SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020290. [PMID: 36851505 PMCID: PMC9964439 DOI: 10.3390/v15020290] [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: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2019, the world witnessed the onset of an unprecedented pandemic. By February 2022, the infection by SARS-CoV-2 has already been responsible for the death of more than 5 million people worldwide. Recently, we and other groups discovered that SARS-CoV-2 infection induces ER stress and activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway. Degradation of misfolded/unfolded proteins is an essential element of proteostasis and occurs mainly in lysosomes or proteasomes. The N-terminal arginylation of proteins is characterized as an inducer of ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation by the N-degron pathway. RESULTS The role of protein arginylation during SARS-CoV-2 infection was elucidated. Protein arginylation was studied in Vero CCL-81, macrophage-like THP1, and Calu-3 cells infected at different times. A reanalysis of in vivo and in vitro public omics data combined with immunoblotting was performed to measure levels of arginyl-tRNA-protein transferase (ATE1) and its substrates. Dysregulation of the N-degron pathway was specifically identified during coronavirus infections compared to other respiratory viruses. We demonstrated that during SARS-CoV-2 infection, there is an increase in ATE1 expression in Calu-3 and Vero CCL-81 cells. On the other hand, infected macrophages showed no enzyme regulation. ATE1 and protein arginylation was variant-dependent, as shown using P1 and P2 viral variants and HEK 293T cells transfection with the spike protein and receptor-binding domains (RBD). In addition, we report that ATE1 inhibitors, tannic acid and merbromine (MER) reduce viral load. This finding was confirmed in ATE1-silenced cells. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate that ATE1 is increased during SARS-CoV-2 infection and its inhibition has potential therapeutic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janaina Macedo-da-Silva
- GlycoProteomics Laboratory, Department of Parasitology, ICB, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Livia Rosa-Fernandes
- GlycoProteomics Laboratory, Department of Parasitology, ICB, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunoparasitology, Department of Parasitology, ICB, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Vinicius de Morais Gomes
- GlycoProteomics Laboratory, Department of Parasitology, ICB, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Veronica Feijoli Santiago
- GlycoProteomics Laboratory, Department of Parasitology, ICB, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Deivid Martins Santos
- GlycoProteomics Laboratory, Department of Parasitology, ICB, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | | | - Bruno Rafael Barboza
- GlycoProteomics Laboratory, Department of Parasitology, ICB, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Edmarcia Elisa de Souza
- Unit for Drug Discovery, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences at the University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Rodolfo Ferreira Marques
- Laboratory of Antigen Targeting for Dendritic Cells, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences at the University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Silvia Beatriz Boscardin
- Laboratory of Antigen Targeting for Dendritic Cells, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences at the University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Edison Luiz Durigon
- Laboratory of Clinical and Molecular Virology, Department of Microbiology, ICB, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Claudio Romero Farias Marinho
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunoparasitology, Department of Parasitology, ICB, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Carsten Wrenger
- Unit for Drug Discovery, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences at the University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Suely Kazue Nagahashi Marie
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology (LIM 15), Department of Neurology, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-903, Brazil
| | - Giuseppe Palmisano
- GlycoProteomics Laboratory, Department of Parasitology, ICB, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney 2109, Australia
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +55-11-99920-8662
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Hanifa M, Salman M, Fatima M, Mukhtar N, Almajhdi FN, Zaman N, Suleman M, Ali SS, Waheed Y, Khan A. Mutational analysis of the spike protein of SARS-COV-2 isolates revealed atomistic features responsible for higher binding and infectivity. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 10:940863. [PMID: 36733340 PMCID: PMC9888553 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.940863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The perpetual appearance of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2), and its new variants devastated the public health and social fabric around the world. Understanding the genomic patterns and connecting them to phenotypic attributes is of great interest to devise a treatment strategy to control this pandemic. Materials and Methods: In this regard, computational methods to understand the evolution, dynamics and mutational spectrum of SARS-CoV-2 and its new variants are significantly important. Thus, herein, we used computational methods to screen the genomes of SARS-CoV-2 isolated from Pakistan and connect them to the phenotypic attributes of spike protein; we used stability-function correlation methods, protein-protein docking, and molecular dynamics simulation. Results: Using the Global initiative on sharing all influenza data (GISAID) a total of 21 unique mutations were identified, among which five were reported as stabilizing while 16 were destabilizing revealed through mCSM, DynaMut 2.0, and I-Mutant servers. Protein-protein docking with Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and monoclonal antibody (4A8) revealed that mutation G446V in the receptor-binding domain; R102S and G181V in the N-terminal domain (NTD) significantly affected the binding and thus increased the infectivity. The interaction pattern also revealed significant variations in the hydrogen bonding, salt bridges and non-bonded contact networks. The structural-dynamic features of these mutations revealed the global dynamic trend and the finding energy calculation further established that the G446V mutation increases the binding affinity towards ACE2 while R102S and G181V help in evading the host immune response. The other mutations reported supplement these processes indirectly. The binding free energy results revealed that wild type-RBD has a TBE of -60.55 kcal/mol while G446V-RBD reported a TBE of -73.49 kcal/mol. On the other hand, wild type-NTD reported -67.77 kcal/mol of TBE, R102S-NTD reported -51.25 kcal/mol of TBE while G181V-NTD reported a TBE of -63.68 kcal/mol. Conclusions: In conclusion, the current findings revealed basis for higher infectivity and immune evasion associated with the aforementioned mutations and structure-based drug discovery against such variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Hanifa
- Centre for Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Swat, Charbagh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | | | | | - Naila Mukhtar
- Department of Botany, University of Okara, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Fahad N. Almajhdi
- COVID-19 Virus Research Chair, Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nasib Zaman
- Centre for Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Swat, Charbagh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Suleman
- Centre for Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Swat, Charbagh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Syed Shujait Ali
- Centre for Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Swat, Charbagh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Yasir Waheed
- Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SZABMU), Islamabad, Pakistan,Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon,*Correspondence: Yasir Waheed, ; Abbas Khan,
| | - Abbas Khan
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biological Statistics, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Yasir Waheed, ; Abbas Khan,
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Nelfinavir: An Old Ally in the COVID-19 Fight? Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10122471. [PMID: 36557724 PMCID: PMC9783559 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10122471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
After almost three years of the pandemic, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is still spreading around the world, causing notable sanitary and social issues. New antiviral therapies are constantly under investigation. However, few options have been approved for the treatment of COVID-19. Clinical trials are currently ongoing to evaluate the efficacy of nelfinavir on mild−moderate COVID-19. This study aims to investigate the activity of this compound on SARS-CoV-2 “Variants of Concern” (VOCs), comparing its effectiveness with the approved drugs remdesivir and molnupiravir. The experiments were conducted in a biosafety level 3 facility. In this study, we used a Vero-E6-cell-based infection assay to investigate the in vitro activity of nelfinavir, molnupiravir, and remdesivir. Four strains of SARS-CoV-2 were tested: 20A.EU1, B.1.1.7, P.1, and B.1.617.2. All compounds reached micromolar/submicromolar EC50, EC90, and EC99. Furthermore, the Cmax/EC50 and Cmax/EC90 ratios were >1 for all compounds and all variants tested. Our study demonstrated that nelfinavir, as molnupiravir, and remdesivir are effective in vitro on SARS-CoV-2 variants.
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10
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Lü X, Feng C, Lü R, Wei X, Fan S, Yan M, Zhu X, Zhang Z, Yang Z. Identification of potential inhibitors of omicron variant of SARS-Cov-2 RBD based virtual screening, MD simulation, and DFT. Front Chem 2022; 10:1063374. [PMID: 36569957 PMCID: PMC9772825 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.1063374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant of concern (VOC; B.1.1.529) resulted in a new peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, which called for development of effective therapeutics against the Omicron VOC. The receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein, which is responsible for recognition and binding of the human ACE2 receptor protein, is a potential drug target. Mutations in receptor binding domain of the S-protein have been postulated to enhance the binding strength of the Omicron VOC to host proteins. In this study, bioinformatic analyses were performed to screen for potential therapeutic compounds targeting the omicron VOC. A total of 92,699 compounds were screened from different libraries based on receptor binding domain of the S-protein via docking and binding free energy analysis, yielding the top 5 best hits. Dynamic simulation trajectory analysis and binding free energy decomposition were used to determine the inhibitory mechanism of candidate molecules by focusing on their interactions with recognized residues on receptor binding domain. The ADMET prediction and DFT calculations were conducted to determine the pharmacokinetic parameters and precise chemical properties of the identified molecules. The molecular properties of the identified molecules and their ability to interfere with recognition of the human ACE2 receptors by receptor binding domain suggest that they are potential therapeutic agents for SARS-CoV-2 Omicron VOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Lü
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Cuiyue Feng
- School of Pharmacy, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Ruijie Lü
- School of Pharmacy, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Xiyu Wei
- School of Pharmacy, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Shuai Fan
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Maocai Yan
- School of Pharmacy, Jining Medical University, Rizhao, China
| | - Xiandui Zhu
- North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Zhifei Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China,*Correspondence: Zhaoyong Yang, ; Zhifei Zhang,
| | - Zhaoyong Yang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Zhaoyong Yang, ; Zhifei Zhang,
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11
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Chakraborty C, Bhattacharya M, Sharma AR, Dhama K, Agoramoorthy G. A comprehensive analysis of the mutational landscape of the newly emerging Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant and comparison of mutations with VOCs and VOIs. GeroScience 2022; 44:2393-2425. [PMID: 35989365 PMCID: PMC9393103 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-022-00631-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The Omicron variant is spreading rapidly throughout several countries. Thus, we comprehensively analyzed Omicron's mutational landscape and compared mutations with VOC/VOI. We analyzed SNVs throughout the genome, and AA variants (NSP and SP) in VOC/VOI, including Omicron. We generated heat maps to illustrate the AA variants with high mutation prevalence (> 75% frequency) of Omicron, which demonstrated eight mutations with > 90% prevalence in ORF1a and 29 mutations with > 75% prevalence in S-glycoprotein. A scatter plot for Omicron and VOC/VOI's cluster evaluation was computed. We performed a risk analysis of the antibody-binding risk among four mutations (L452, F490, P681, D614) and observed three mutations (L452R, F490S, D614G) destabilized antibody interactions. Our comparative study evaluated the properties of 28 emerging mutations of the S-glycoprotein of Omicron, and the ΔΔG values. Our results showed K417N with minimum and Q954H with maximum ΔΔG value. Furthermore, six important RBD mutations (G339D, S371L, N440K, G446S, T478K, Q498R) were chosen for comprehensive analysis for stabilizing/destabilizing properties and molecular flexibility. The G339D, S371L, N440K, and T478K were noted as stable mutations with 0.019 kcal/mol, 0.127 kcal/mol, 0.064 kcal/mol, and 1.009 kcal/mol. While, G446S and Q498R mutations showed destabilizing results. Simultaneously, among six RBD mutations, G339D, G446S, and Q498R mutations increased the molecular flexibility of S-glycoprotein. This study depicts the comparative mutational pattern of Omicron and other VOC/VOI, which will help researchers to design and deploy novel vaccines and therapeutic antibodies to fight against VOC/VOI, including Omicron.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiranjib Chakraborty
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Adamas University, Barasat-Barrackpore Rd, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700126, India.
| | - Manojit Bhattacharya
- Department of Zoology, Fakir Mohan University, Vyasa Vihar, Balasore, 756020, Odisha, India
| | - Ashish Ranjan Sharma
- Institute for Skeletal Aging & Orthopedic Surgery, Hallym University-Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Chuncheon-si, 24252, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Kuldeep Dhama
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, 243122, Uttar Pradesh, India
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12
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SARS-CoV-2 Infections in Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Populations in Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, from April 2020 to January 2022. Viruses 2022; 14:v14091918. [PMID: 36146724 PMCID: PMC9505681 DOI: 10.3390/v14091918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The global pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has highlighted the disparity between developed and developing countries for infectious disease surveillance and the sequencing of pathogen genomes. The majority of SARS-CoV-2 sequences published are from Europe, North America, and Asia. Between April 2020 and January 2022, 795 SARS-CoV-2-positive nares swabs from individuals in the U.S. Navy installation Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, were collected, sequenced, and analyzed. In this study, we described the results of genomic sequencing and analysis for 589 samples, the first published viral sequences for Djibouti, including 196 cases of vaccine breakthrough infections. This study contributes to the knowledge base of circulating SARS-CoV-2 lineages in the under-sampled country of Djibouti, where only 716 total genome sequences are available at time of publication. Our analysis resulted in the detection of circulating variants of concern, mutations of interest in lineages in which those mutations are not common, and emerging spike mutations.
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Gao K, Wang R, Chen J, Cheng L, Frishcosy J, Huzumi Y, Qiu Y, Schluckbier T, Wei X, Wei GW. Methodology-Centered Review of Molecular Modeling, Simulation, and Prediction of SARS-CoV-2. Chem Rev 2022; 122:11287-11368. [PMID: 35594413 PMCID: PMC9159519 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite tremendous efforts in the past two years, our understanding of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), virus-host interactions, immune response, virulence, transmission, and evolution is still very limited. This limitation calls for further in-depth investigation. Computational studies have become an indispensable component in combating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) due to their low cost, their efficiency, and the fact that they are free from safety and ethical constraints. Additionally, the mechanism that governs the global evolution and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 cannot be revealed from individual experiments and was discovered by integrating genotyping of massive viral sequences, biophysical modeling of protein-protein interactions, deep mutational data, deep learning, and advanced mathematics. There exists a tsunami of literature on the molecular modeling, simulations, and predictions of SARS-CoV-2 and related developments of drugs, vaccines, antibodies, and diagnostics. To provide readers with a quick update about this literature, we present a comprehensive and systematic methodology-centered review. Aspects such as molecular biophysics, bioinformatics, cheminformatics, machine learning, and mathematics are discussed. This review will be beneficial to researchers who are looking for ways to contribute to SARS-CoV-2 studies and those who are interested in the status of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaifu Gao
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Rui Wang
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Jiahui Chen
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Limei Cheng
- Clinical
Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics, Bristol
Myers Squibb, Princeton, New Jersey 08536, United States
| | - Jaclyn Frishcosy
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Yuta Huzumi
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Yuchi Qiu
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Tom Schluckbier
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Xiaoqi Wei
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Guo-Wei Wei
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
- Department
of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
- Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan
State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
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14
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Venkatesh G, Sixto-López Y, Vennila P, Mary YS, Correa-Basurto J, Mary YS, Manikandan A. An investigation on the molecular structure, interaction with metal clusters, anti-Covid-19 ability of 2-deoxy-D-glucose: DFT calculations, MD and docking simulations. J Mol Struct 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2022.132678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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15
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Li J, Chen G, Meng Z, Wu Z, Gan H, Zhu X, Han P, Liu T, Wang F, Gu R, Dou G. Bioavailability Enhancement of Cepharanthine via Pulmonary Administration in Rats and Its Therapeutic Potential for Pulmonary Fibrosis Associated with COVID-19 Infection. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27092745. [PMID: 35566097 PMCID: PMC9104485 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27092745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Cepharanthine (CEP) has excellent anti-SARS-CoV-2 properties, indicating its favorable potential for COVID-19 treatment. However, its application is challenged by its poor dissolubility and oral bioavailability. The present study aimed to improve the bioavailability of CEP by optimizing its solubility and through a pulmonary delivery method, which improved its bioavailability by five times when compared to that through the oral delivery method (68.07% vs. 13.15%). An ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method for quantification of CEP in rat plasma was developed and validated to support the bioavailability and pharmacokinetic studies. In addition, pulmonary fibrosis was recognized as a sequela of COVID-19 infection, warranting further evaluation of the therapeutic potential of CEP on a rat lung fibrosis model. The antifibrotic effect was assessed by analysis of lung index and histopathological examination, detection of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, interleukin-6 (IL-6), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and hydroxyproline level in serum or lung tissues. Our data demonstrated that CEP could significantly alleviate bleomycin (BLM)-induced collagen accumulation and inflammation, thereby exerting protective effects against pulmonary fibrosis. Our results provide evidence supporting the hypothesis that pulmonary delivery CEP may be a promising therapy for pulmonary fibrosis associated with COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China; (G.C.); (Z.M.); (Z.W.); (H.G.); (X.Z.); (P.H.); (T.L.); (F.W.); (G.D.)
- Correspondence: (J.L.); (R.G.)
| | - Guangrui Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China; (G.C.); (Z.M.); (Z.W.); (H.G.); (X.Z.); (P.H.); (T.L.); (F.W.); (G.D.)
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Zhiyun Meng
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China; (G.C.); (Z.M.); (Z.W.); (H.G.); (X.Z.); (P.H.); (T.L.); (F.W.); (G.D.)
| | - Zhuona Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China; (G.C.); (Z.M.); (Z.W.); (H.G.); (X.Z.); (P.H.); (T.L.); (F.W.); (G.D.)
| | - Hui Gan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China; (G.C.); (Z.M.); (Z.W.); (H.G.); (X.Z.); (P.H.); (T.L.); (F.W.); (G.D.)
| | - Xiaoxia Zhu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China; (G.C.); (Z.M.); (Z.W.); (H.G.); (X.Z.); (P.H.); (T.L.); (F.W.); (G.D.)
| | - Peng Han
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China; (G.C.); (Z.M.); (Z.W.); (H.G.); (X.Z.); (P.H.); (T.L.); (F.W.); (G.D.)
| | - Taoyun Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China; (G.C.); (Z.M.); (Z.W.); (H.G.); (X.Z.); (P.H.); (T.L.); (F.W.); (G.D.)
| | - Fanjun Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China; (G.C.); (Z.M.); (Z.W.); (H.G.); (X.Z.); (P.H.); (T.L.); (F.W.); (G.D.)
| | - Ruolan Gu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China; (G.C.); (Z.M.); (Z.W.); (H.G.); (X.Z.); (P.H.); (T.L.); (F.W.); (G.D.)
- Correspondence: (J.L.); (R.G.)
| | - Guifang Dou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China; (G.C.); (Z.M.); (Z.W.); (H.G.); (X.Z.); (P.H.); (T.L.); (F.W.); (G.D.)
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16
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Mechanistic Origin of Different Binding Affinities of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 Spike RBDs to Human ACE2. Cells 2022; 11:cells11081274. [PMID: 35455955 PMCID: PMC9032924 DOI: 10.3390/cells11081274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (RBDCoV2) has a higher binding affinity to the human receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) than the SARS-CoV RBD (RBDCoV). Here, we performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, binding free energy (BFE) calculations, and interface residue contact network (IRCN) analysis to explore the mechanistic origin of different ACE2-binding affinities of the two RBDs. The results demonstrate that, when compared to the RBDCoV2-ACE2 complex, RBDCoV-ACE2 features enhanced dynamicsand inter-protein positional movements and increased conformational entropy and conformational diversity. Although the inter-protein electrostatic attractive interactions are the primary determinant for the high ACE2-binding affinities of both RBDs, the significantly enhanced electrostatic attractive interactions between ACE2 and RBDCoV2 determine the higher ACE2-binding affinity of RBDCoV2 than of RBDCoV. Comprehensive comparative analyses of the residue BFE components and IRCNs between the two complexes reveal that it is the residue changes at the RBD interface that lead to the overall stronger inter-protein electrostatic attractive force in RBDCoV2-ACE2, which not only tightens the interface packing and suppresses the dynamics of RBDCoV2-ACE2, but also enhances the ACE2-binding affinity of RBDCoV2. Since the RBD residue changes involving gain/loss of the positively/negatively charged residues can greatly enhance the binding affinity, special attention should be paid to the SARS-CoV-2 variants carrying such mutations, particularly those near or at the binding interfaces with the potential to form hydrogen bonds and/or salt bridges with ACE2.
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17
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Insights into the structure and dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein double mutant L452R-E484Q. 3 Biotech 2022; 12:87. [PMID: 35265451 PMCID: PMC8893057 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-022-03151-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2, located on the S1 subunit, plays a vital role in the virus binding and its entry into the host cell through angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. Therefore, understanding the dynamic effects of mutants on the SARS-CoV-2 RBD is essential for discovering drugs to inhibit the virus binding and disrupt its entry into the host cells. A recent study reported a double mutant of SARS-CoV-2, L452R-E484Q, located in the RBD region. Thus, this study employed various computational algorithms and methods to understand the structural impact of both individual variants L452R, E484Q, and the double mutant L452R-E484Q on the native RBD of spike glycoprotein. The effects of the mutations on native RBD structure were predicted by in silico algorithms, which predicted changes in the protein structure and function upon the mutations. Subsequently, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were employed to understand the conformational stability and functional changes on the RBD upon the mutations. The comparative results of MD simulation parameters displayed that the double mutant induces significant conformational changes in the spike glycoprotein RBD, which may alter its biological functions. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-022-03151-0.
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18
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Molina-Mora JA. Insights into the mutation T1117I in the spike and the lineage B.1.1.389 of SARS-CoV-2 circulating in Costa Rica. GENE REPORTS 2022; 27:101554. [PMID: 35155843 PMCID: PMC8824091 DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2022.101554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Emerging mutations and genotypes of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, have been reported globally. In Costa Rica during the year 2020, a predominant genotype carrying the mutation T1117I in the spike (S:T1117I) was previously identified. To investigate the possible effects of this mutation on the function of the spike, i.e. the biology of the virus, different bioinformatic pipelines based on phylogeny, natural selection, and co-evolutionary models, molecular docking, and epitopes prediction were implemented. Results of the phylogeny of sequences carrying the S:T1117I worldwide showed a polyphyletic group, with the emergence of local lineages. In Costa Rica, the mutation is found in the lineage B.1.1.389 and it is suggested to be a product of positive/adaptive selection. Different changes in the function of the spike protein and more stable interaction with a ligand (nelfinavir drug) were found. Only one epitope out 742 in the spike was affected by the mutation, with some different properties, but suggesting scarce changes in the immune response and no influence on the vaccine effectiveness. Jointly, these results suggest a partial benefit of the mutation for the spread of the virus with this genotype during the year 2020 in Costa Rica, although possibly not strong enough with the introduction of new lineages during early 2021 which became predominant later. In addition, the bioinformatic analyses used here can be applied as an in silico strategy to eventually study other mutations of interest for the SARS-CoV-2 virus and other pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Arturo Molina-Mora
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales (CIET) & Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
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19
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Cosar B, Karagulleoglu ZY, Unal S, Ince AT, Uncuoglu DB, Tuncer G, Kilinc BR, Ozkan YE, Ozkoc HC, Demir IN, Eker A, Karagoz F, Simsek SY, Yasar B, Pala M, Demir A, Atak IN, Mendi AH, Bengi VU, Cengiz Seval G, Gunes Altuntas E, Kilic P, Demir-Dora D. SARS-CoV-2 Mutations and their Viral Variants. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2022; 63:10-22. [PMID: 34580015 PMCID: PMC8252702 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2021.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) occur spontaneously during replication. Thousands of mutations have accumulated and continue to since the emergence of the virus. As novel mutations continue appearing at the scene, naturally, new variants are increasingly observed. Since the first occurrence of the SARS-CoV-2 infection, a wide variety of drug compounds affecting the binding sites of the virus have begun to be studied. As the drug and vaccine trials are continuing, it is of utmost importance to take into consideration the SARS-CoV-2 mutations and their respective frequencies since these data could lead the way to multi-drug combinations. The lack of effective therapeutic and preventive strategies against human coronaviruses (hCoVs) necessitates research that is of interest to the clinical applications. The reason why the mutations in glycoprotein S lead to vaccine escape is related to the location of the mutation and the affinity of the protein. At the same time, it can be said that variations should occur in areas such as the receptor-binding domain (RBD), and vaccines and antiviral drugs should be formulated by targeting more than one viral protein. In this review, a literature survey in the scope of the increasing SARS-CoV-2 mutations and the viral variations is conducted. In the light of current knowledge, the various disguises of the mutant SARS-CoV-2 forms and their apparent differences from the original strain are examined as they could possibly aid in finding the most appropriate therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Begum Cosar
- Başkent University, Faculty of Science and Letters, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Zeynep Yagmur Karagulleoglu
- Yıldız Technical University, Faculty of Arts and Science, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Sinan Unal
- Yıldız Technical University, Faculty of Arts and Science, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, İstanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Dilruba Beyza Uncuoglu
- Ankara University, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Department of Biology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Gizem Tuncer
- Hacettepe University, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, General Biology Program, Ankara, Turkey; HücreCELL Biotechnology Development and Commerce, Inc., Ankara, Turkey
| | - Bugrahan Regaip Kilinc
- Kastamonu University, School of Engineering and Architecture, Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Kastamonu, Turkey; Kastamonu University, School of Engineering and Architecture, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Kastamonu, Turkey
| | - Yunus Emre Ozkan
- Gebze Technical University, Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Hikmet Ceyda Ozkoc
- Akdeniz University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Pharmacology, Antalya, Turkey
| | | | - Ali Eker
- Akdeniz University, Faculty of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey
| | | | | | - Bunyamin Yasar
- Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, Department of Molecular Medicine, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Mehmetcan Pala
- Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Aysegul Demir
- Üsküdar University, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Irem Naz Atak
- Ankara University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Aysegul Hanife Mendi
- Gazi University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Medical Microbiology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Vahdi Umut Bengi
- Gülhane Training and Research Hospital, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Periodontology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Guldane Cengiz Seval
- Ankara University, School of Medicine Department of Hematology, Cebeci, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Pelin Kilic
- HücreCELL Biotechnology Development and Commerce, Inc., Ankara, Turkey; Ankara University, Stem Cell Institute, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Devrim Demir-Dora
- Akdeniz University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Pharmacology, Antalya, Turkey; Akdeniz University, Health Sciences Institute, Department of Gene and Cell Therapy, Antalya, Turkey; Akdeniz University, Health Sciences Institute, Department of Medical Biotechnology, Antalya, Turkey.
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20
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Swift CL, Isanovic M, Correa Velez KE, Norman RS. Community-level SARS-CoV-2 sequence diversity revealed by wastewater sampling. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 801:149691. [PMID: 34438144 PMCID: PMC8372435 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for causing the COVID-19 pandemic, can be detected in untreated wastewater. Wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 complements clinical data by offering earlier community-level detection, removing underlying factors such as access to healthcare, sampling asymptomatic patients, and reaching a greater population. Here, we compare 24-hour composite samples from the influents of two different wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in South Carolina, USA: Columbia and Rock Hill. The sampling intervals span the months of July 2020 and January 2021, which cover the first and second waves of elevated SARS-CoV-2 transmission and COVID-19 clinical cases in these regions. We identify four signature mutations in the surface glycoprotein (spike) gene that are associated with the following variants of interest or concern, VOI or VOC (listed in parenthesis): S477N (B.1.526, Iota), T478K (B.1.617.2, Delta), D614G (present in all VOC as of May 2021), and H655Y (P.1, Gamma). The N501Y mutation, which is associated with three variants of concern, was identified in samples from July 2020, but not detected in January 2021 samples. Comparison of mutations identified in viral sequence databases such as NCBI Virus and GISAID indicated that wastewater sampling detected mutations that were present in South Carolina, but not reflected in the clinical data deposited into databases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candice L Swift
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of South Carolina, USA
| | - Mirza Isanovic
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of South Carolina, USA
| | | | - R Sean Norman
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of South Carolina, USA.
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21
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Su SC, Yang TJ, Yu PY, Liang KH, Chen WY, Yang CW, Lin HT, Wang MJ, Lu RM, Tso HC, Chung MJ, Hsieh TY, Chang YL, Lin SC, Hsu FY, Ke FY, Wu YH, Hwang YC, Liu IJ, Liang JJ, Liao CC, Ko HY, Sun CP, Wu PY, Jan JT, Chang YC, Lin YL, Tao MH, Hsu STD, Wu HC. Structure-guided antibody cocktail for prevention and treatment of COVID-19. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009704. [PMID: 34673836 PMCID: PMC8530329 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of effective therapeutics for mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic is a pressing global need. Neutralizing antibodies are known to be effective antivirals, as they can be rapidly deployed to prevent disease progression and can accelerate patient recovery without the need for fully developed host immunity. Here, we report the generation and characterization of a series of chimeric antibodies against the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein. Some of these antibodies exhibit exceptionally potent neutralization activities in vitro and in vivo, and the most potent of our antibodies target three distinct non-overlapping epitopes within the RBD. Cryo-electron microscopy analyses of two highly potent antibodies in complex with the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein suggested they may be particularly useful when combined in a cocktail therapy. The efficacy of this antibody cocktail was confirmed in SARS-CoV-2-infected mouse and hamster models as prophylactic and post-infection treatments. With the emergence of more contagious variants of SARS-CoV-2, cocktail antibody therapies hold great promise to control disease and prevent drug resistance. Effective approaches to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic are a pressing global need. One promising strategy is to combine neutralizing antibodies that can reduce viral load to prevent disease progression and accelerate patient recovery. However, the current supply of therapeutic antibodies for COVID-19 is insufficient to fill the enormous demand, and escape mutants may compromise the utility of existing drugs. Thus, there is an urgent worldwide need to develop highly potent neutralizing antibody cocktails. We generated a series of chimeric antibodies against the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which potently neutralize authentic SARS-CoV-2 infection according to the plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) and pseudovirus-based inhibition assay. These antibodies can be classified into three distinct groups based on their targets within the receptor-binding motif. Cryo-electron microscopy structural analyses of two representative receptor-binding domain-chimeric antibodies in complex with the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein further revealed two sets of non-overlapping epitopes, suggesting the potential for their combination in a therapeutic antibody cocktail. The prophylactic and therapeutic effects of these antibodies and their combination were demonstrated in SARS-CoV-2-infected mouse and hamster models. Thus, our potent neutralizing antibody cocktail has strong potential for development as an effective therapeutic drug to prevent and treat SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Chieh Su
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Jing Yang
- Institute of Biologic Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Yu Yu
- Institute of Biologic Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kang-Hao Liang
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Biomedical Translation Research Center (BioTReC), Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Yu Chen
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Wei Yang
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Ting Lin
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Jung Wang
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ruei-Min Lu
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Biomedical Translation Research Center (BioTReC), Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsien-Cheng Tso
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Biomedical Translation Research Center (BioTReC), Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Jhe Chung
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tzung-Yang Hsieh
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ling Chang
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Biomedical Translation Research Center (BioTReC), Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shin-Chang Lin
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Biomedical Translation Research Center (BioTReC), Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Fang-Yu Hsu
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Biomedical Translation Research Center (BioTReC), Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Feng-Yi Ke
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Biomedical Translation Research Center (BioTReC), Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsuan Wu
- Institute of Biologic Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Biomedical Translation Research Center (BioTReC), Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chyi Hwang
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - I-Ju Liu
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jian-Jong Liang
- Biomedical Translation Research Center (BioTReC), Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Che Liao
- Biomedical Translation Research Center (BioTReC), Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Ying Ko
- Biomedical Translation Research Center (BioTReC), Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Pu Sun
- Biomedical Translation Research Center (BioTReC), Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ping-Yi Wu
- Biomedical Translation Research Center (BioTReC), Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Tsrong Jan
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Chih Chang
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Biologic Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ling Lin
- Biomedical Translation Research Center (BioTReC), Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (Y-LL); (M-HT); (S-TDH); (H-CW)
| | - Mi-Hua Tao
- Biomedical Translation Research Center (BioTReC), Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (Y-LL); (M-HT); (S-TDH); (H-CW)
| | - Shang-Te Danny Hsu
- Institute of Biologic Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (Y-LL); (M-HT); (S-TDH); (H-CW)
| | - Han-Chung Wu
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Biomedical Translation Research Center (BioTReC), Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (Y-LL); (M-HT); (S-TDH); (H-CW)
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22
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Ahammad I, Hossain MU, Rahman A, Chowdhury ZM, Bhattacharjee A, Das KC, Keya CA, Salimullah M. Wave-wise comparative genomic study for revealing the complete scenario and dynamic nature of COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0258019. [PMID: 34587212 PMCID: PMC8480844 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage across the globe and take millions of lives and like many parts of the world, the second wave of the pandemic hit Bangladesh, this study aimed at understanding its causative agent, SARS-CoV-2 at the genomic and proteomic level and provide precious insights about the pathogenesis, evolution, strengths and weaknesses of the virus. As of Mid-June 2021, over 1500 SARS-CoV-2 genomesequences have been deposited in the GISAID database from Bangladesh which were extracted and categorized into two waves. By analyzing these genome sequences, it was discovered that the wave-2 samples had a significantly greater average rate of mutation/sample (30.79%) than the wave-1 samples (12.32%). Wave-2 samples also had a higher frequency of deletion, and transversion events. During the first wave, the GR clade was the most predominant but it was replaced by the GH clade in the latter wave. The B.1.1.25 variant showed the highest frequency in wave-1 while in case of wave-2, the B.1.351.3 variant, was the most common one. A notable presence of the delta variant, which is currently at the center of concern, was also observed. Comparison of the Spike protein found in the reference and the 3 most common lineages found in Bangladesh namely, B.1.1.7, B.1.351, B.1.617 in terms of their ability to form stable complexes with ACE2 receptor revealed that B.1.617 had the potential to be more transmissible than others. Importantly, no indigenous variants have been detected so far which implies that the successful prevention of import of foreign variants can diminish the outbreak in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishtiaque Ahammad
- Bioinformatics Division, National Institute of Biotechnology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Anisur Rahman
- Bioinformatics Division, National Institute of Biotechnology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | | | - Keshob Chandra Das
- Molecular Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Biotechnology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Chaman Ara Keya
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, North South University, Bashundhara, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Salimullah
- Molecular Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Biotechnology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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23
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Interactive Mechanism of Potential Inhibitors with Glycosyl for SARS-CoV-2 by Molecular Dynamics Simulation. Processes (Basel) 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/pr9101749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a type of Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) coronavirus and it has infected and killed many people around the world. It is reported that the receptor binding domain of the spike protein (S_RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is responsible for attachment to human angiotensin converting enzyme II (ACE2). Many researchers are attempting to search potential inhibitors for fighting SARS-CoV-2 infection using theoretical or experimental methods. In terms of experimental and theoretical research, Cefuroxime, Erythromycin, Lincomycin and Ofloxacin are the potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2. However, the interactive mechanism of the protein SARS-CoV-2 and the inhibitors are still elusive. Here, we investigated the interactions between S_RBD and the inhibitors using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Interestingly, we found that there are two binding sites of S_RBD for the four small molecules. In addition, our analysis also illustrated that hydrophobic and π-π stacking interactions play crucial roles in the interactions between S_RBD and the small molecules. In our work, we also found that small molecules with glycosyl group have more effect on the conformation of S_RBD than other inhibitors, and they are also potential inhibitors for the genetic variants of SARS-CoV-2. This study provides in silico-derived mechanistic insights into the interactions of S_RBD and inhibitors, which may provide new clues for fighting SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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