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Kwon EB, Kim B, Kim YS, Choi JG. Anastrozole Protects against Human Coronavirus Infection by Ameliorating the Reactive Oxygen Species-Mediated Inflammatory Response. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:116. [PMID: 38247540 PMCID: PMC10813058 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13010116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The common human coronavirus (HCoV) exhibits mild disease with upper respiratory infection and common cold symptoms. HCoV-OC43, one of the HCoVs, can be used to screen drug candidates against SARS-CoV-2. We determined the antiviral effects of FDA/EMA-approved drug anastrozole (AZ) on two human coronaviruses, HCoV-OC43 and HCoV-229E, using MRC-5 cells in vitro. The AZ exhibited antiviral effects against HCoV-OC43 and HCoV-229E infection. Subsequent studies focused on HCoV-OC43, which is related to the SARS-CoV-2 family. AZ exhibited anti-viral effects and reduced the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. It also inhibited NF-κB translocation to effectively suppress the inflammatory response. AZ reduced intracellular calcium and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, including mitochondrial ROS and Ca2+, induced by the virus. AZ inhibited the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome components and cleaved IL-1β, suggesting that it blocks NLRP3 inflammasome activation in HCoV-OC43-infected cells. Moreover, AZ enhanced cell viability and reduced the expression of cleaved gasdermin D (GSDMD), a marker of pyroptosis. Overall, we demonstrated that AZ exhibits antiviral activity against HCoV-OC43 and HCoV-229E. We specifically focused on its efficacy against HCoV-OC43 and showed its potential to reduce inflammation, inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation, mitigate mitochondrial dysfunction, and suppress pyroptosis in infected cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Young Soo Kim
- Korean Medicine (KM) Application Center, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine (KIOM), Dong-gu, Daegu 41062, Republic of Korea; (E.-B.K.); (B.K.)
| | - Jang-Gi Choi
- Korean Medicine (KM) Application Center, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine (KIOM), Dong-gu, Daegu 41062, Republic of Korea; (E.-B.K.); (B.K.)
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Lu M, Wan W, Li Y, Li H, Sun B, Yu K, Zhao J, Franzo G, Su S. Codon usage bias analysis of the spike protein of human coronavirus 229E and its host adaptability. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:127319. [PMID: 37820917 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127319] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Human coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E) represents one of the known coronaviruses capable of infecting humans and causes mild respiratory symptoms. It is also considered to have a zoonotic source, originating from animals and being transmitted the humans. In this study, a comprehensive phylogenetic and codon usage analysis of the spike (S) gene of HCoV-229E was conducted. Utilizing phylogenetic analysis and principal component analysis, HCoV-229E was categorized into four distinct clusters, each demonstrating unique host affiliations. Furthermore, it was observed that the codon usage bias within the S gene of HCoV-229E is relatively low, primarily influenced by natural selection patterns, with contributions from mutation pressure and dinucleotide abundance. Comparative analysis involving Codon Adaptation Index (CAI) and Relative Codon Deoptimization Index (RCDI) revealed that the codon usage pattern of HCoV-229E mirrors more closely that of camels, as opposed to alpacas and humans. The elucidation of the codon usage pattern within HCoV-229E, which we have meticulously examined, offers valuable insights for a more comprehensive comprehension of viral features, history, and evolutionary trajectory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Lu
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Public Health, Fudan University, 131 Dong'an Road, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenbo Wan
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Public Health, Fudan University, 131 Dong'an Road, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuxing Li
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Public Health, Fudan University, 131 Dong'an Road, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Haipeng Li
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Public Health, Fudan University, 131 Dong'an Road, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Bowen Sun
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Public Health, Fudan University, 131 Dong'an Road, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Kang Yu
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Public Health, Fudan University, 131 Dong'an Road, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Zhao
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Public Health, Fudan University, 131 Dong'an Road, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Giovanni Franzo
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, Viale dell'Università 16, Legnaro 35020, PD, Italy
| | - Shuo Su
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Public Health, Fudan University, 131 Dong'an Road, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China.
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Lu Y, Wang W, Liu H, Li Y, Yan G, Franzo G, Dai J, He WT. Mutation and codon bias analysis of the spike protein of Omicron, the recent variant of SARS-CoV-2. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 250:126080. [PMID: 37536405 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126080] [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: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant is a heavily mutated virus and designated as a variant of concern. To investigate the codon usage pattern of this new variant, we performed mutation and codon bias analysis for Omicron as well as for its sub-lineages BA.1 and BA.2 and compared them with the original SARS-CoV-2 and the Delta variant sequences obtained in this study. Our results indicate that the sub-lineage BA.1 and BA.2 have up to 23 sites of difference on the spike protein, which have minimal impact on function. The Omicron variant and its sub-lineages have similar codon usage patterns and A/U ending codons appear to be preferred over G/C ending codons. The Omicron has a lower degree of codon usage bias in spite of evidence that natural selection, mutation pressure and dinucleotide abundance shape the codon usage bias of Omicron, with natural selection being more significant on BA.2 than the other sub-lineages of Omicron. The codon usage pattern of Omicron variant that we explored provides valid information for a clearer understanding of Omicron and its sub-lineages, which could find application in vaccine development and optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunbiao Lu
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Weixiu Wang
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Liu
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Li
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Ge Yan
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Giovanni Franzo
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, Viale dell'Università 16, Legnaro 35020, PD, Italy
| | - Jianjun Dai
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wan-Ting He
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China.
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Zhang X, Zheng R, Li Z, Ma J. Liquid-liquid Phase Separation in Viral Function. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:167955. [PMID: 36642156 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.167955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
An emerging set of results suggests that liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is the basis for the formation of membrane-less compartments in cells. Evidence is now mounting that various types of virus-induced membrane-less compartments and organelles are also assembled via LLPS. Specifically, viruses appear to use intracellular phase transitions to form subcellular microenvironments known as viral factories, inclusion bodies, or viroplasms. These compartments - collectively referred to as viral biomolecular condensates - can be used to concentrate replicase proteins, viral genomes, and host proteins that are required for virus replication. They can also be used to subvert or avoid the intracellular immune response. This review examines how certain DNA or RNA viruses drive the formation of viral condensates, the possible biological functions of those condensates, and the biophysical and biochemical basis for their assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyue Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China; Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Changsha, China
| | - Run Zheng
- Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Changsha, China
| | - Zhengshuo Li
- Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Changsha, China
| | - Jian Ma
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China; Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Changsha, China.
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Stefanelli I, Corona A, Cerchia C, Cassese E, Improta S, Costanzi E, Pelliccia S, Morasso S, Esposito F, Paulis A, Scognamiglio S, Di Leva FS, Storici P, Brindisi M, Tramontano E, Cannalire R, Summa V. Broad-spectrum coronavirus 3C-like protease peptidomimetic inhibitors effectively block SARS-CoV-2 replication in cells: Design, synthesis, biological evaluation, and X-ray structure determination. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 253:115311. [PMID: 37043904 PMCID: PMC10068823 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Despite the approval of vaccines, monoclonal antibodies and restrictions during the pandemic, the demand for new efficacious and safe antivirals is compelling to boost the therapeutic arsenal against the COVID-19. The viral 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro) is an essential enzyme for replication with high homology in the active site across CoVs and variants showing an almost unique specificity for Leu-Gln as P2-P1 residues, allowing the development of broad-spectrum inhibitors. The design, synthesis, biological activity, and cocrystal structural information of newly conceived peptidomimetic covalent reversible inhibitors are herein described. The inhibitors display an aldehyde warhead, a Gln mimetic at P1 and modified P2-P3 residues. Particularly, functionalized proline residues were inserted at P2 to stabilize the β-turn like bioactive conformation, modulating the affinity. The most potent compounds displayed low/sub-nM potency against the 3CLpro of SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV and inhibited viral replication of three human CoVs, i.e. SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV, and HCoV 229 in different cell lines. Particularly, derivative 12 exhibited nM-low μM antiviral activity depending on the virus, and the highest selectivity index. Some compounds were co-crystallized with SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro validating our design. Altogether, these results foster future work toward broad-spectrum 3CLpro inhibitors to challenge CoVs related pandemics.
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Lynch SM, Guo G, Gibson DS, Bjourson AJ, Rai TS. Role of Senescence and Aging in SARS-CoV-2 Infection and COVID-19 Disease. Cells 2021; 10:3367. [PMID: 34943875 PMCID: PMC8699414 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has resulted in a global pandemic associated with substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide, with particular risk for severe disease and mortality in the elderly population. SARS-CoV-2 infection is driven by a pathological hyperinflammatory response which results in a dysregulated immune response. Current advancements in aging research indicates that aging pathways have fundamental roles in dictating healthspan in addition to lifespan. Our review discusses the aging immune system and highlights that senescence and aging together, play a central role in COVID-19 pathogenesis. In our review, we primarily focus on the immune system response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, the interconnection between severe COVID-19, immunosenescence, aging, vaccination, and the emerging problem of Long-COVID. We hope to highlight the importance of identifying specific senescent endotypes (or "sendotypes"), which can used as determinants of COVID-19 severity and mortality. Indeed, identified sendotypes could be therapeutically exploited for therapeutic intervention. We highlight that senolytics, which eliminate senescent cells, can target aging-associated pathways and therefore are proving attractive as potential therapeutic options to alleviate symptoms, prevent severe infection, and reduce mortality burden in COVID-19 and thus ultimately enhance healthspan.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Taranjit Singh Rai
- Northern Ireland Centre for Stratified Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, C-TRIC Building, Altnagelvin Area Hospital, Glenshane Road, Derry BT47 6SB, UK; (S.M.L.); (G.G.); (D.S.G.); (A.J.B.)
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