1
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Adams F, Zimmermann CM, Baldassi D, Pehl TM, Weingarten P, Kachel I, Kränzlein M, Jürgens DC, Braubach P, Alexopoulos I, Wygrecka M, Merkel OM. Pulmonary siRNA Delivery with Sophisticated Amphiphilic Poly(Spermine Acrylamides) for the Treatment of Lung Fibrosis. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2308775. [PMID: 38126895 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202308775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is an efficient strategy to post-transcriptionally silence gene expression. While all siRNA drugs on the market target the liver, the lung offers a variety of currently undruggable targets, which can potentially be treated with RNA therapeutics. To achieve this goal, the synthesis of poly(spermine acrylamides) (P(SpAA) is reported herein. Polymers are prepared via polymerization of N-acryloxysuccinimide (NAS) and afterward this active ester is converted into spermine-based pendant groups. Copolymerizations with decylacrylamide are employed to increase the hydrophobicity of the polymers. After deprotection, polymers show excellent siRNA encapsulation to obtain perfectly sized polyplexes at very low polymer/RNA ratios. In vitro 2D and 3D cell culture, ex vivo and in vivo experiments reveal superior properties of amphiphilic spermine-copolymers with respect to delivery of siRNA to lung cells in comparison to commonly used lipid-based transfection agents. In line with the in vitro results, siRNA delivery to human lung explants confirm more efficient gene silencing of protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2), a G protein-coupled receptor involved in fibrosis. This study reveals the importance of the balance between efficient polyplex formation, cellular uptake, gene knockdown, and toxicity for efficient siRNA delivery in vitro, in vivo, and in fibrotic human lung tissue ex vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friederike Adams
- Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Department Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Polymer Chemistry, Chair of Macromolecular Materials and Fiber Chemistry, University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 55, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
- Center for Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital Tübingen, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Straße 7, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christoph M Zimmermann
- Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Department Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Domizia Baldassi
- Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Department Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas M Pehl
- WACKER-Chair of Macromolecular Chemistry, Catalysis Research Center, Department of Chemistry, Technical University Munich, Lichtenbergstr. 4, 85748, Garching bei München, Germany
| | - Philipp Weingarten
- Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Department Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Iris Kachel
- Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Department Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Moritz Kränzlein
- WACKER-Chair of Macromolecular Chemistry, Catalysis Research Center, Department of Chemistry, Technical University Munich, Lichtenbergstr. 4, 85748, Garching bei München, Germany
| | - David C Jürgens
- Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Department Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Braubach
- Institute for Pathology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625, Hanover, Germany
- Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH) Research Network, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hanover, Germany
| | - Ioannis Alexopoulos
- Center for Infections and Genomics of the Lung (CIGL), Justus Liebig University Giessen, German Center for Lung Research, Aulweg 132, 35392, Gießen, Germany
- Multiscale Imaging Platform, Institute for Lung Health, German Center for Lung Research, Aulweg 132, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Malgorzata Wygrecka
- Center for Infections and Genomics of the Lung (CIGL), Justus Liebig University Giessen, German Center for Lung Research, Aulweg 132, 35392, Gießen, Germany
| | - Olivia M Merkel
- Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Department Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377, Munich, Germany
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Priyanka, Mohan B, Poonia E, Kumar S, Virender, Singh C, Xiong J, Liu X, Pombeiro AJL, Singh G. COVID-19 Virus Structural Details: Optical and Electrochemical Detection. J Fluoresc 2024; 34:479-500. [PMID: 37382834 DOI: 10.1007/s10895-023-03307-y] [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: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
The increasing viral species have ruined people's health and the world's economy. Therefore, it is urgent to design bio-responsive materials to provide a vast platform for detecting a different family's passive or active virus. One can design a reactive functional unit for that moiety based on the particular bio-active moieties in viruses. Nanomaterials as optical and electrochemical biosensors have enabled better tools and devices to develop rapid virus detection. Various material science platforms are available for real-time monitoring and detecting COVID-19 and other viral loads. In this review, we discuss the recent advances of nanomaterials in developing the tools for optical and electrochemical sensing COVID-19. In addition, nanomaterials used to detect other human viruses have been studied, providing insights for developing COVID-19 sensing materials. The basic strategies for nanomaterials develop as virus sensors, fabrications, and detection performances are studied. Moreover, the new methods to enhance the virus sensing properties are discussed to provide a gateway for virus detection in variant forms. The study will provide systematic information and working of virus sensors. In addition, the deep discussion of structural properties and signal changes will offer a new gate for researchers to develop new virus sensors for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka
- Department of Chemistry and Centre of Advanced Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Brij Mohan
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Institute of Molecular Sciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. RoviscoPais, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Ekta Poonia
- Department of Chemistry, Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science & Technology, Murthal, Sonepat, 131039, Haryana, India
| | - Sandeep Kumar
- School of Science, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Virender
- Department of Chemistry, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, 136119, Haryana, India
| | - Charan Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Sciences, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (A Central University), Srinagar, Uttarakhand, 246174, India
| | - Jichuan Xiong
- Electronic and Optical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210094, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuefeng Liu
- Electronic and Optical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210094, People's Republic of China
| | - Armando J L Pombeiro
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Institute of Molecular Sciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. RoviscoPais, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Gurjaspreet Singh
- Department of Chemistry and Centre of Advanced Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India.
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González RD, Simões S, Ferreira L, Carvalho ATP. Designing Cell Delivery Peptides and SARS-CoV-2-Targeting Small Interfering RNAs: A Comprehensive Bioinformatics Study with Generative Adversarial Network-Based Peptide Design and In Vitro Assays. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:6079-6089. [PMID: 37941379 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00444] [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: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid technologies with designed intracellular delivery systems are some of the most promising therapies of the future. Small interfering (si)RNAs inhibit gene expression and protein synthesis and may complement current vaccines with faster design and production. Although successful delivery remains an issue, delivery peptides may help to fill this gap. Here, we address this issue by applying bioinformatic approaches to design new putative cell delivery peptides and siRNAs for COVID-19 variants and other related viral diseases. Of the 29,880 RNA sequences analyzed, 62 were identified in silico as able to target the virus mRNA sequence, and from the 9,984 peptide sequences analyzed, 10 were selected as delivery peptides. From the latter, we further performed in vitro studies of the two best-ranked peptides and compared them with the broadly used TAT delivery peptide. One of them, seq5, displayed better internalization results with about double intensity signal compared to TAT after a 1 h incubation time in GFP-HeLa cells. This peptide has, thus, the features of a delivery peptide and could be used for cargo intracellular delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo D González
- CNC-UC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, Doctoral Programme in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine (PDBEB), University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Susana Simões
- CNC-UC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Lino Ferreira
- CNC-UC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-370 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Alexandra T P Carvalho
- CNC-UC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Almac Sciences, Department of Biocatalysis and Isotope Chemistry, Almac House, 20 Seagoe Industrial Estate, Craigavon, Northern Ireland BT63 5QD, United Kingdom
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Roe K. Pathogen regulatory RNA usage enables chronic infections, T-cell exhaustion and accelerated T-cell exhaustion. Mol Cell Biochem 2023; 478:2505-2516. [PMID: 36941498 PMCID: PMC10027582 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-023-04680-9] [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: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Pathogens evade or disable cellular immune defenses using regulatory ribonucleic acids (RNAs), including microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs. Pathogenic usage of regulatory RNA enables chronic infections. Chronic infections, using host regulatory RNAs and/or creating pathogenic regulatory RNAs against cellular defenses, can cause T-cell exhaustion and latent pathogen reactivations. Concurrent pathogen infections of cells enable several possibilities. A first pathogen can cause an accelerated T-cell exhaustion for a second pathogen cellular infection. Accelerated T-cell exhaustion for the second pathogen weakens T-cell targeting of the second pathogen and enables a first-time infection by the second pathogen to replicate quickly and extensively. This can induce a large antibody population, which may be inadequately targeted against the second pathogen. Accelerated T-cell exhaustion can explain the relatively short median and average times from diagnosis to mortality in some viral epidemics, e.g., COVID-19, where the second pathogen can lethally overwhelm individuals' immune defenses. Alternatively, if an individual survives, the second pathogen could induce a very high titer of antigen-antibody immune complexes. If the antigen-antibody immune complex titer quickly becomes very high, it can exceed the immune system's phagocytic capability in immuno-deficient individuals, resulting in a Type III hypersensitivity immune reaction. Accelerated T-cell exhaustion in immuno-deficient individuals can be a fundamental cause of several hyperinflammatory diseases and autoimmune diseases. This would be possible when impaired follicular helper CD4+ T-cell assistance to germinal center B-cell somatic hypermutation, affinity maturation and isotype switching of antibodies results in high titers of inadequate antibodies, and this initiates a Type III hypersensitivity immune reaction with proteinase releases which express or expose autoantigens.
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5
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Zhu B, Ouda R, de Figueiredo P, Kobayashi KS. ORF6, a repressor of the MHC class I pathway: new molecular target for SARS-CoV-2 drug discovery? Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023; 27:639-644. [PMID: 37602463 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2248377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Baohui Zhu
- Department of Immunology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Ryota Ouda
- Department of Immunology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Paul de Figueiredo
- Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, and Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Koichi S Kobayashi
- Department of Immunology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
- Hokkaido University, Institute for Vaccine Research and Development (HU-IVReD), Sapporo, Japan
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, USA
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6
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Fopase R, Panda C, Rajendran AP, Uludag H, Pandey LM. Potential of siRNA in COVID-19 therapy: Emphasis on in silico design and nanoparticles based delivery. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1112755. [PMID: 36814718 PMCID: PMC9939533 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1112755] [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: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated mRNA degradation approach have imparted its eminence against several difficult-to-treat genetic disorders and other allied diseases. Viral outbreaks and resulting pandemics have repeatedly threatened public health and questioned human preparedness at the forefront of drug design and biomedical readiness. During the recent pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2, mRNA-based vaccination strategies have paved the way for a new era of RNA therapeutics. RNA Interference (RNAi) based approach using small interfering RNA may complement clinical management of the COVID-19. RNA Interference approach will primarily work by restricting the synthesis of the proteins required for viral replication, thereby hampering viral cellular entry and trafficking by targeting host as well as protein factors. Despite promising benefits, the stability of small interfering RNA in the physiological environment is of grave concern as well as site-directed targeted delivery and evasion of the immune system require immediate attention. In this regard, nanotechnology offers viable solutions for these challenges. The review highlights the potential of small interfering RNAs targeted toward specific regions of the viral genome and the features of nanoformulations necessary for the entrapment and delivery of small interfering RNAs. In silico design of small interfering RNA for different variants of SARS-CoV-2 has been discussed. Various nanoparticles as promising carriers of small interfering RNAs along with their salient properties, including surface functionalization, are summarized. This review will help tackle the real-world challenges encountered by the in vivo delivery of small interfering RNAs, ensuring a safe, stable, and readily available drug candidate for efficient management of SARS-CoV-2 in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rushikesh Fopase
- Bio-Interface & Environmental Engineering Lab, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Chinmaya Panda
- Bio-Interface & Environmental Engineering Lab, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Amarnath P. Rajendran
- Department of Chemical & Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Hasan Uludag
- Department of Chemical & Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada,Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada,*Correspondence: Lalit M. Pandey, ; Hasan Uludag,
| | - Lalit M. Pandey
- Bio-Interface & Environmental Engineering Lab, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, India,*Correspondence: Lalit M. Pandey, ; Hasan Uludag,
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7
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Anticipating the Next Chess Move: Blocking SARS-CoV-2 Replication and Simultaneously Disarming Viral Escape Mechanisms. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13112147. [DOI: 10.3390/genes13112147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic initiated a race to determine the best measures to control the disease and to save as many people as possible. Efforts to implement social distancing, the use of masks, and massive vaccination programs turned out to be essential in reducing the devastating effects of the pandemic. Nevertheless, the high mutation rates of SARS-CoV-2 challenge the vaccination strategy and maintain the threat of new outbreaks due to the risk of infection surges and even lethal variations able to resist the effects of vaccines and upset the balance. Most of the new therapies tested against SARS-CoV-2 came from already available formulations developed to treat other diseases, so they were not specifically developed for SARS-CoV-2. In parallel, the knowledge produced regarding the molecular mechanisms involved in this disease was vast due to massive efforts worldwide. Taking advantage of such a vast molecular understanding of virus genomes and disease mechanisms, a targeted molecular therapy based on siRNA specifically developed to reach exclusive SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequences was tested in a non-transformed human cell model. Since coronavirus can escape from siRNA by producing siRNA inhibitors, a complex strategy to simultaneously strike both the viral infectious mechanism and the capability of evading siRNA therapy was developed. The combined administration of the chosen produced siRNA proved to be highly effective in successfully reducing viral load and keeping virus replication under control, even after many days of treatment, unlike the combinations of siRNAs lacking this anti-anti-siRNA capability. Additionally, the developed therapy did not harm the normal cells, which was demonstrated because, instead of testing the siRNA in nonhuman cells or in transformed human cells, a non-transformed human thyroid cell was specifically chosen for the experiment. The proposed siRNA combination could reduce the viral load and allow the cellular recovery, presenting a potential innovation for consideration as an additional strategy to counter or cope COVID-19.
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Gerber PP, Donde MJ, Matheson NJ, Taylor AI. XNAzymes targeting the SARS-CoV-2 genome inhibit viral infection. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6716. [PMID: 36385143 PMCID: PMC9668987 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34339-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The unprecedented emergence and spread of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, underscores the need for diagnostic and therapeutic technologies that can be rapidly tailored to novel threats. Here, we show that site-specific RNA endonuclease XNAzymes - artificial catalysts composed of single-stranded synthetic xeno-nucleic acid oligonucleotides (in this case 2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro-β-D-arabino nucleic acid) - may be designed, synthesised and screened within days, enabling the discovery of a range of enzymes targeting SARS-CoV-2 ORF1ab, ORF7b, spike- and nucleocapsid-encoding RNA. Three of these are further engineered to self-assemble into a catalytic nanostructure with enhanced biostability. This XNA nanostructure is capable of cleaving genomic SARS-CoV-2 RNA under physiological conditions, and when transfected into cells inhibits infection with authentic SARS-CoV-2 virus by RNA knockdown. These results demonstrate the potential of XNAzymes to provide a platform for the rapid generation of antiviral reagents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pehuén Pereyra Gerber
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology & Infectious Disease (CITIID), Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Maria J Donde
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology & Infectious Disease (CITIID), Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Nicholas J Matheson
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology & Infectious Disease (CITIID), Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- NHS Blood and Transplant, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alexander I Taylor
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology & Infectious Disease (CITIID), Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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Forgham H, Kakinen A, Qiao R, Davis TP. Keeping up with the COVID's-Could siRNA-based antivirals be a part of the answer? EXPLORATION (BEIJING, CHINA) 2022; 2:20220012. [PMID: 35941991 PMCID: PMC9349879 DOI: 10.1002/exp.20220012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious viral disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This deadly infection has resulted in more than 5.2 million deaths worldwide. The global rollout of COVID-19 vaccines has without doubt saved countless lives by reducing the severity of symptoms for patients. However, as the virus continues to evolve, there is a risk that the vaccines and antiviral designed to target the infection will no longer be therapeutically viable. Furthermore, there remain fears over both the short and long-term side effects of repeat exposure to currently available vaccines. In this review, we discuss the pros and cons of the vaccine rollout and promote the idea of a COVID medicinal toolbox made up of different antiviral treatment modalities, and present some of the latest therapeutic strategies that are being explored in this respect to try to combat the COVID-19 virus and other COVID viruses that are predicted to follow. Lastly, we review current literature on the use of siRNA therapeutics as a way to remain adaptable and in tune with the ever-evolving mutation rate of the COVID-19 virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Forgham
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and NanotechnologyThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Aleksandr Kakinen
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and NanotechnologyThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFEUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Ruirui Qiao
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and NanotechnologyThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Thomas P. Davis
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and NanotechnologyThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
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Becker J, Stanifer ML, Leist SR, Stolp B, Maiakovska O, West A, Wiedtke E, Börner K, Ghanem A, Ambiel I, Tse LV, Fackler OT, Baric RS, Boulant S, Grimm D. Ex vivo and in vivo suppression of SARS-CoV-2 with combinatorial AAV/RNAi expression vectors. Mol Ther 2022; 30:2005-2023. [PMID: 35038579 PMCID: PMC8758558 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite rapid development and deployment of vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), clinically relevant modalities to curb the pandemic by directly attacking the virus on a genetic level remain highly desirable and are urgently needed. Here we comprehensively illustrate the capacity of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors co-expressing a cocktail of three short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs; RNAi triggers) directed against the SARS-CoV-2 RdRp and N genes as versatile and effective antiviral agents. In cultured monkey cells and human gut organoids, our most potent vector, SAVIOR (SARS virus repressor), suppressed SARS-CoV-2 infection to background levels. Strikingly, in control experiments using single shRNAs, multiple SARS-CoV-2 escape mutants quickly emerged from infected cells within 24-48 h. Importantly, such adverse viral adaptation was fully prevented with the triple-shRNA AAV vector even during long-term cultivation. In addition, AAV-SAVIOR efficiently purged SARS-CoV-2 in a new model of chronically infected human intestinal cells. Finally, intranasal AAV-SAVIOR delivery using an AAV9 capsid moderately diminished viral loads and/or alleviated disease symptoms in hACE2-transgenic or wild-type mice infected with human or mouse SARS-CoV-2 strains, respectively. Our combinatorial and customizable AAV/RNAi vector complements ongoing global efforts to control the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and holds great potential for clinical translation as an original and flexible preventive or therapeutic antiviral measure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Becker
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, BioQuant BQ0030, Im Neuenheimer Feld 267, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Biosciences, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Megan Lynn Stanifer
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Molecular Virology, Medical Faculty, Center for Integrative Infectious Diseases Research (CIID), University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Sarah Rebecca Leist
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, 3304 Michael Hooker Research Building, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Bettina Stolp
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Integrative Virology, Medical Faculty, Center for Integrative Infectious Diseases Research (CIID), University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Olena Maiakovska
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, BioQuant BQ0030, Im Neuenheimer Feld 267, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ande West
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, 3304 Michael Hooker Research Building, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Ellen Wiedtke
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, BioQuant BQ0030, Im Neuenheimer Feld 267, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kathleen Börner
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, BioQuant BQ0030, Im Neuenheimer Feld 267, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Medical Faculty, Center for Integrative Infectious Diseases Research (CIID), University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ali Ghanem
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, BioQuant BQ0030, Im Neuenheimer Feld 267, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ina Ambiel
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, 3304 Michael Hooker Research Building, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Longping Victor Tse
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, 3304 Michael Hooker Research Building, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Oliver Till Fackler
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Integrative Virology, Medical Faculty, Center for Integrative Infectious Diseases Research (CIID), University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ralph Steven Baric
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, 3304 Michael Hooker Research Building, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Steeve Boulant
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dirk Grimm
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, BioQuant BQ0030, Im Neuenheimer Feld 267, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Medical Faculty, Center for Integrative Infectious Diseases Research (CIID), University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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11
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Alavizadeh SH, Doagooyan M, Zahedipour F, Torghabe SY, Baharieh B, Soleymani F, Gheybi F. Antisense technology as a potential strategy for the treatment of coronaviruses infection: With focus on COVID-19. IET Nanobiotechnol 2022; 16:67-77. [PMID: 35274474 PMCID: PMC9007150 DOI: 10.1049/nbt2.12079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
After the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in December 2019 and the increasing number of SARS-CoV-2 infections all over the world, researchers are struggling to investigate effective therapeutic strategies for the treatment of this infection. Targeting viral small molecules that are involved in the process of infection is a promising strategy. Since many host factors are also used by SARS-CoV-2 during various stages of infection, down-regulating or silencing these factors can serve as an effective therapeutic tool. Several nucleic acid-based technologies including short interfering RNAs, antisense oligonucleotides, aptamers, DNAzymes, and ribozymes have been suggested for the control of SARS-CoV-2 as well as other respiratory viruses. The antisense technology also plays an indispensable role in the treatment of many other diseases including cancer, influenza, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. In this review, we summarised the potential applications of antisense technology for the treatment of coronaviruses and specifically COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyedeh Hoda Alavizadeh
- Nanotechnology Research CenterPharmaceutical Technology InstituteMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
- Department of Pharmaceutical NanotechnologySchool of PharmacyMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
| | - Maham Doagooyan
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and NanotechnologyFaculty of MedicineMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
- Department of Molecular MedicineBiotechnology Research CenterPasteur Institute of IranTehranIran
| | - Fatemeh Zahedipour
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and NanotechnologyFaculty of MedicineMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
- Student Research CommitteeFaculty of MedicineMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
| | - Shima Yahoo Torghabe
- Department of Basic SciencesSari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources UniversitySariIran
| | - Bahare Baharieh
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and NanotechnologyFaculty of MedicineMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
| | - Firooze Soleymani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and NanotechnologyFaculty of MedicineMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
| | - Fatemeh Gheybi
- Nanotechnology Research CenterPharmaceutical Technology InstituteMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and NanotechnologyFaculty of MedicineMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
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12
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Abusalah MAH, Khalifa M, Al-Hatamleh MAI, Jarrar M, Mohamud R, Chan YY. Nucleic Acid-Based COVID-19 Therapy Targeting Cytokine Storms: Strategies to Quell the Storm. J Pers Med 2022; 12:386. [PMID: 35330388 PMCID: PMC8948998 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12030386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has shaken the world and triggered drastic changes in our lifestyle to control it. Despite the non-typical efforts, COVID-19 still thrives and plagues humanity worldwide. The unparalleled degree of infection has been met with an exceptional degree of research to counteract it. Many drugs and therapeutic technologies have been repurposed and discovered, but no groundbreaking antiviral agent has been introduced yet to eradicate COVID-19 and restore normalcy. As lethality is directly correlated with the severity of disease, hospitalized severe cases are of the greatest importance to reduce, especially the cytokine storm phenomenon. This severe inflammatory phenomenon characterized by elevated levels of inflammatory mediators can be targeted to relieve symptoms and save the infected patients. One of the promising therapeutic strategies to combat COVID-19 is nucleic acid-based therapeutic approaches, including microRNAs (miRNAs). This work is an up-to-date review aimed to comprehensively discuss the current nucleic acid-based therapeutics against COVID-19 and their mechanisms of action, taking into consideration the emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, as well as providing potential future directions. miRNAs can be used to run interference with the expression of viral proteins, while endogenous miRNAs can be targeted as well, offering a versatile platform to control SARS-CoV-2 infection. By targeting these miRNAs, the COVID-19-induced cytokine storm can be suppressed. Therefore, nucleic acid-based therapeutics (miRNAs included) have a latent ability to break the COVID-19 infection in general and quell the cytokine storm in particular.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Abdel Haleem Abusalah
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia;
| | - Moad Khalifa
- School of Health Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kota Bharu 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia;
| | - Mohammad A. I. Al-Hatamleh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia; (M.A.I.A.-H.); (R.M.)
| | - Mu’taman Jarrar
- College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 34212, Saudi Arabia;
- Medical Education Department, King Fahd Hospital of the University, Al-Khobar 34445, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rohimah Mohamud
- Department of Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia; (M.A.I.A.-H.); (R.M.)
| | - Yean Yean Chan
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia;
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13
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Friedrich M, Pfeifer G, Binder S, Aigner A, Vollmer Barbosa P, Makert GR, Fertey J, Ulbert S, Bodem J, König EM, Geiger N, Schambach A, Schilling E, Buschmann T, Hauschildt S, Koehl U, Sewald K. Selection and Validation of siRNAs Preventing Uptake and Replication of SARS-CoV-2. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:801870. [PMID: 35309990 PMCID: PMC8925020 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.801870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2019, the novel highly infectious severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak rapidly led to a global pandemic with more than 346 million confirmed cases worldwide, resulting in 5.5 million associated deaths (January 2022). Entry of all SARS-CoV-2 variants is mediated by the cellular angisin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). The virus abundantly replicates in the epithelia of the upper respiratory tract. Beyond vaccines for immunization, there is an imminent need for novel treatment options in COVID-19 patients. So far, only a few drugs have found their way into the clinics, often with modest success. Specific gene silencing based on small interfering RNA (siRNA) has emerged as a promising strategy for therapeutic intervention, preventing/limiting SARS-CoV-2 entry into host cells or interfering with viral replication. Here, we pursued both strategies. We designed and screened nine siRNAs (siA1-9) targeting the viral entry receptor ACE2. SiA1, (siRNA against exon1 of ACE2 mRNA) was most efficient, with up to 90% knockdown of the ACE2 mRNA and protein for at least six days. In vitro, siA1 application was found to protect Vero E6 and Huh-7 cells from infection with SARS-CoV-2 with an up to ∼92% reduction of the viral burden indicating that the treatment targets both the endosomal and the viral entry at the cytoplasmic membrane. Since the RNA-encoded genome makes SARS-CoV-2 vulnerable to RNA interference (RNAi), we designed and analysed eight siRNAs (siV1-8) directly targeting the Orf1a/b region of the SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome, encoding for non-structural proteins (nsp). As a significant hallmark of this study, we identified siV1 (siRNA against leader protein of SARS-CoV-2), which targets the nsp1-encoding sequence (a.k.a. ‘host shutoff factor’) as particularly efficient. SiV1 inhibited SARS-CoV-2 replication in Vero E6 or Huh-7 cells by more than 99% or 97%, respectively. It neither led to toxic effects nor induced type I or III interferon production. Of note, sequence analyses revealed the target sequence of siV1 to be highly conserved in SARS-CoV-2 variants. Thus, our results identify the direct targeting of the viral RNA genome (ORF1a/b) by siRNAs as highly efficient and introduce siV1 as a particularly promising drug candidate for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maik Friedrich
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Leipzig University of Leipzig, Max-Bürger-Forschungszentrum (MBFZ), Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Vaccines and Infection Models, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, Leipzig, Germany
- *Correspondence: Maik Friedrich,
| | - Gabriele Pfeifer
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Leipzig University of Leipzig, Max-Bürger-Forschungszentrum (MBFZ), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stefanie Binder
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Leipzig University of Leipzig, Max-Bürger-Forschungszentrum (MBFZ), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Achim Aigner
- Rudolf Boehm Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacology, Leipzig University, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Gustavo R. Makert
- Department of Vaccines and Infection Models, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jasmin Fertey
- Department of Vaccines and Infection Models, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sebastian Ulbert
- Department of Vaccines and Infection Models, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jochen Bodem
- Institute of Virology, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Eva-Maria König
- Institute of Virology, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nina Geiger
- Institute of Virology, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- REBIRTH Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Erik Schilling
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Leipzig University of Leipzig, Max-Bürger-Forschungszentrum (MBFZ), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tilo Buschmann
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Leipzig University of Leipzig, Max-Bürger-Forschungszentrum (MBFZ), Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Ulrike Koehl
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Leipzig University of Leipzig, Max-Bürger-Forschungszentrum (MBFZ), Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Vaccines and Infection Models, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, Leipzig, Germany
- REBIRTH Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Institute for Cellular Therapeutics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Katherina Sewald
- Fraunhofer Institute of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH) of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover, Germany
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14
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Ambike S, Cheng CC, Feuerherd M, Velkov S, Baldassi D, Afridi SQ, Porras-Gonzalez D, Wei X, Hagen P, Kneidinger N, Stoleriu MG, Grass V, Burgstaller G, Pichlmair A, Merkel OM, Ko C, Michler T. Targeting genomic SARS-CoV-2 RNA with siRNAs allows efficient inhibition of viral replication and spread. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 50:333-349. [PMID: 34928377 PMCID: PMC8754636 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab1248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A promising approach to tackle the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) could be small interfering (si)RNAs. So far it is unclear, which viral replication steps can be efficiently inhibited with siRNAs. Here, we report that siRNAs can target genomic RNA (gRNA) of SARS-CoV-2 after cell entry, and thereby terminate replication before start of transcription and prevent virus-induced cell death. Coronaviruses replicate via negative sense RNA intermediates using a unique discontinuous transcription process. As a result, each viral RNA contains identical sequences at the 5′ and 3′ end. Surprisingly, siRNAs were not active against intermediate negative sense transcripts. Targeting common sequences shared by all viral transcripts allowed simultaneous suppression of gRNA and subgenomic (sg)RNAs by a single siRNA. The most effective suppression of viral replication and spread, however, was achieved by siRNAs that targeted open reading frame 1 (ORF1) which only exists in gRNA. In contrast, siRNAs that targeted the common regions of transcripts were outcompeted by the highly abundant sgRNAs leading to an impaired antiviral efficacy. Verifying the translational relevance of these findings, we show that a chemically modified siRNA that targets a highly conserved region of ORF1, inhibited SARS-CoV-2 replication ex vivo in explants of the human lung. Our work encourages the development of siRNA-based therapies for COVID-19 and suggests that early therapy start, or prophylactic application, together with specifically targeting gRNA, might be key for high antiviral efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubhankar Ambike
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München / Helmholtz Zentrum München, Trogerstr. 30, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Cho-Chin Cheng
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München / Helmholtz Zentrum München, Trogerstr. 30, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Feuerherd
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München / Helmholtz Zentrum München, Trogerstr. 30, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Stoyan Velkov
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München / Helmholtz Zentrum München, Trogerstr. 30, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Domizia Baldassi
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstraße 5, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Suliman Qadir Afridi
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München / Helmholtz Zentrum München, Trogerstr. 30, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Diana Porras-Gonzalez
- Institute of Lung Biology and Disease (ILBD) and Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC) with the CPC-M bioArchive, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Xin Wei
- Institute of Lung Biology and Disease (ILBD) and Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC) with the CPC-M bioArchive, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Philipp Hagen
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München / Helmholtz Zentrum München, Trogerstr. 30, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Nikolaus Kneidinger
- Department of Medicine V, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Mircea Gabriel Stoleriu
- Center for Thoracic Surgery Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich (LMU) and Asklepios Pulmonary Hospital; Marchioninistraße 15, 81377 Munich and Robert-Koch-Allee 2, 82131 Gauting, Germany
| | - Vincent Grass
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München / Helmholtz Zentrum München, Trogerstr. 30, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Gerald Burgstaller
- Institute of Lung Biology and Disease (ILBD) and Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC) with the CPC-M bioArchive, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Pichlmair
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München / Helmholtz Zentrum München, Trogerstr. 30, 81675 Munich, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich partner site, Germany
| | - Olivia M Merkel
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstraße 5, 81377 Munich, Germany.,Institute of Lung Biology and Disease (ILBD) and Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC) with the CPC-M bioArchive, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Chunkyu Ko
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München / Helmholtz Zentrum München, Trogerstr. 30, 81675 Munich, Germany.,Infectious Diseases Therapeutic Research Center, Therapeutics & Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), 34114 Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Thomas Michler
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München / Helmholtz Zentrum München, Trogerstr. 30, 81675 Munich, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich partner site, Germany
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15
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Zhang C, Forsdyke DR. Potential Achilles heels of SARS-CoV-2 are best displayed by the base order-dependent component of RNA folding energy. Comput Biol Chem 2021; 94:107570. [PMID: 34500325 PMCID: PMC8410225 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2021.107570] [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: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The base order-dependent component of folding energy has revealed a highly conserved region in HIV-1 genomes that associates with RNA structure. This corresponds to a packaging signal that is recognized by the nucleocapsid domain of the Gag polyprotein. Long viewed as a potential HIV-1 "Achilles heel," the signal can be targeted by a new antiviral compound. Although SARS-CoV-2 differs in many respects from HIV-1, the same technology displays regions with a high base order-dependent folding energy component, which are also highly conserved. This indicates structural invariance (SI) sustained by natural selection. While the regions are often also protein-encoding (e. g. NSP3, ORF3a), we suggest that their nucleic acid level functions can be considered potential "Achilles heels" for SARS-CoV-2, perhaps susceptible to therapies like those envisaged for AIDS. The ribosomal frameshifting element scored well, but higher SI scores were obtained in other regions, including those encoding NSP13 and the nucleocapsid (N) protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiyu Zhang
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Donald R Forsdyke
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L3N6, Canada.
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