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Villada-Troncoso SM, Arévalo-Romero JA, Hernández Rivera V, Pedraza-Escalona M, Pérez-Tapia SM, Espejo-Mojica AJ, Alméciga-Díaz CJ. Study of Potential Blocking Peptides Targeting the SARS-CoV-2 RBD/hACE2 Interaction. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:1240. [PMID: 39338402 PMCID: PMC11435355 DOI: 10.3390/ph17091240] [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: 09/02/2024] [Revised: 09/13/2024] [Accepted: 09/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of COVID-19, was declared a public health emergency in early 2020. The infection initiates when the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the viral spike protein binds to human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Despite the success of vaccination efforts, the emergence of new variants highlights the ongoing need for treatments targeting these evolving strains. In silico methods previously identified peptides BP2, BP9, and BP11 as being capable of disrupting the RBD-ACE2 interaction, though their efficacy has not been experimentally validated until now. METHODS In this study, these peptides were recombinantly produced in the yeast Komagataella phaffii, and the activity was assessed in vitro using binding assays with multiple RBD variants and the inhibition of the RBD-ACE2 interaction. RESULTS The production yield for BP2, BP9, and BP11 was 14.34, 4.01, and 1.35 mg per culture liter, respectively. Noteworthy, the three BPs interacted with the RBD of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, with BP2 showing higher recognition. Finally, the BPs showed an RBD/hACE2 interaction blocking capacity with IC50 values between 1.03 and 5.35 nM, with BP2 showing the lowest values among the evaluated peptides. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that BP2, specifically, is a promising candidate for the development of novel therapeutic interventions targeting SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses that use hACE2 for cellular entry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M. Villada-Troncoso
- Institute for the Study in Inborn Errors of Metabolism—IEIM, Faculty of Science, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110231, Colombia; (S.M.V.-T.); (J.A.A.-R.); (A.J.E.-M.)
| | - Jenny Andrea Arévalo-Romero
- Institute for the Study in Inborn Errors of Metabolism—IEIM, Faculty of Science, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110231, Colombia; (S.M.V.-T.); (J.A.A.-R.); (A.J.E.-M.)
- Instituto Distrital de Ciencia, Biotecnología e Innovación en Salud—IDCBIS, Bogotá 111611, Colombia
| | - Vanessa Hernández Rivera
- Unidad de Desarrollo e Investigación en Bioterapéuticos (UDIBI), Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala S/N, Colonia Santo Tomás, Alcaldía Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City 11340, Mexico; (V.H.R.); (S.M.P.-T.)
| | - Martha Pedraza-Escalona
- CONAHCyT-Unidad de Desarrollo e Investigación en Bioterapéuticos (UDIBI), Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala S/N, Colonia Santo Tomás, Alcaldía Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City 11340, Mexico;
| | - Sonia M. Pérez-Tapia
- Unidad de Desarrollo e Investigación en Bioterapéuticos (UDIBI), Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala S/N, Colonia Santo Tomás, Alcaldía Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City 11340, Mexico; (V.H.R.); (S.M.P.-T.)
| | - Angela Johana Espejo-Mojica
- Institute for the Study in Inborn Errors of Metabolism—IEIM, Faculty of Science, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110231, Colombia; (S.M.V.-T.); (J.A.A.-R.); (A.J.E.-M.)
| | - Carlos Javier Alméciga-Díaz
- Institute for the Study in Inborn Errors of Metabolism—IEIM, Faculty of Science, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110231, Colombia; (S.M.V.-T.); (J.A.A.-R.); (A.J.E.-M.)
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2
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Alfadhli A, Bates TA, Barklis RL, Romanaggi C, Tafesse FG, Barklis E. A nanobody interaction with SARS-COV-2 Spike allows the versatile targeting of lentivirus vectors. J Virol 2024; 98:e0079524. [PMID: 39207135 PMCID: PMC11406891 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00795-24] [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: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
While investigating methods to target gene delivery vectors to specific cell types, we examined the potential of using a nanobody against the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein receptor-binding domain to direct lentivirus infection of Spike-expressing cells. Using four different approaches, we found that lentiviruses with surface-exposed nanobody domains selectively infect Spike-expressing cells. Targeting is dependent on the fusion function of the Spike protein, and conforms to a model in which nanobody binding to the Spike protein triggers the Spike fusion machinery. The nanobody-Spike interaction also is capable of directing cell-cell fusion and the selective infection of nanobody-expressing cells by Spike-pseudotyped lentivirus vectors. Significantly, cells infected with SARS-CoV-2 are efficiently and selectively infected by lentivirus vectors pseudotyped with a chimeric nanobody protein. Our results suggest that cells infected by any virus that forms syncytia may be targeted for gene delivery by using an appropriate nanobody or virus receptor mimic. Vectors modified in this fashion may prove useful in the delivery of immunomodulators to infected foci to mitigate the effects of viral infections.IMPORTANCEWe have discovered that lentiviruses decorated on their surfaces with a nanobody against the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein selectively infect Spike-expressing cells. Infection is dependent on the specificity of the nanobody and the fusion function of the Spike protein and conforms to a reverse fusion model, in which nanobody binding to Spike triggers the Spike fusion machinery. The nanobody-Spike interaction also can drive cell-cell fusion and infection of nanobody-expressing cells with viruses carrying the Spike protein. Importantly, cells infected with SARS-CoV-2 are selectively infected with nanobody-decorated lentiviruses. These results suggest that cells infected by any virus that expresses an active receptor-binding fusion protein may be targeted by vectors for delivery of cargoes to mitigate infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayna Alfadhli
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Timothy A Bates
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Robin Lid Barklis
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - CeAnn Romanaggi
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Fikadu G Tafesse
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Eric Barklis
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, Oregon, USA
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3
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Oliveira EH, Monteleone-Cassiano AC, Tavares L, Santos JC, Lima TM, Gomes GF, Tanaka PP, Monteiro CJ, Munuera M, Batah SS, Fabro AT, Faça VM, Masson AP, Donadi EA, Dametto M, Bonacin R, Martins RB, Neto EA, daSilva LLP, Cunha TM, Passos GA. A mimetic peptide of ACE2 protects against SARS-CoV-2 infection and decreases pulmonary inflammation related to COVID-19. Antiviral Res 2024; 229:105968. [PMID: 39004311 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105968] [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: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Since human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) serves as a primary receptor for SARS-CoV-2, characterizing ACE2 regions that allow SARS-CoV-2 to enter human cells is essential for designing peptide-based antiviral blockers and elucidating the pathogenesis of the virus. We identified and synthesized a 25-mer mimetic peptide (encompassing positions 22-46 of the ACE2 alpha-helix α1) implicated in the S1 receptor-binding domain (RBD)-ACE2 interface. The mimetic (wild-type, WT) ACE2 peptide significantly inhibited SARS-CoV-2 infection of human pulmonary Calu-3 cells in vitro. In silico protein modeling predicted that residues F28, K31, F32, F40, and Y41 of the ACE2 alpha-helix α1 are critical for the original, Delta, and Omicron strains of SARS-CoV-2 to establish the Spike RBD-ACE2 interface. Substituting these residues with alanine (A) or aspartic acid (D) abrogated the antiviral protective effect of the peptides, indicating that these positions are critical for viral entry into pulmonary cells. WT ACE2 peptide, but not the A or D mutated peptides, exhibited significant interaction with the SARS-CoV-2 S1 RBD, as shown through molecular dynamics simulations. Through identifying the critical amino acid residues of the ACE2 alpha-helix α1, which is necessary for the Spike RBD-ACE2 interface and mobilized during the in vitro viral infection of cells, we demonstrated that the WT ACE2 peptide protects susceptible K18-hACE2 mice against in vivo SARS-CoV-2 infection and is effective for the treatment of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernna H Oliveira
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana C Monteleone-Cassiano
- Program in Basic and Applied Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Lucas Tavares
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, Center for Virus Research, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Jadson C Santos
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Thais M Lima
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, Center for Virus Research, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Giovanni F Gomes
- Center for Research in Inflammatory Diseases, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Pedro P Tanaka
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Cintia J Monteiro
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Matheus Munuera
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Sabrina S Batah
- Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Alexandre T Fabro
- Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Vitor M Faça
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana P Masson
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Eduardo A Donadi
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariangela Dametto
- Renato Archer Technology Information Center, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Bonacin
- Renato Archer Technology Information Center, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Ronaldo B Martins
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, Center for Virus Research, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Eurico Arruda Neto
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, Center for Virus Research, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Luis Lamberti P daSilva
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, Center for Virus Research, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Thiago M Cunha
- Center for Research in Inflammatory Diseases, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Geraldo A Passos
- Molecular Immunogenetics Group, Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Department of Basic and Oral Biology, Ribeirão Preto School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
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4
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Pritam M, Dutta S, Medicherla KM, Kumar R, Singh SP. Computational analysis of spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 (Omicron variant) for development of peptide-based therapeutics and diagnostics. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:7321-7339. [PMID: 37498146 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2239932] [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: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
In the last few years, the worldwide population has suffered from the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The WHO dashboard indicated that around 504,079,039 people were infected and 6,204,155 died from COVID-19 caused by different variants of SARS-CoV-2. Recently, a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 (B.1.1.529) was reported by South Africa known as Omicron. The high transmissibility rate and resistance towards available anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs/vaccines/monoclonal antibodies, make Omicron a variant of concern. Because of various mutations in spike protein, available diagnostic and therapeutic treatments are not reliable. Therefore, the present study explored the development of some therapeutic peptides that can inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 virus interaction with host ACE2 receptors and can also be used for diagnostic purposes. The screened linear B cell epitopes derived from receptor-binding domain of spike protein of Omicron variant were evaluated as peptide inhibitor/vaccine candidates through different bioinformatics tools including molecular docking and simulation to analyze the interaction between Omicron peptide and human ACE2 receptor. Overall, in-silico studies revealed that Omicron peptides OP1-P12, OP14, OP20, OP23, OP24, OP25, OP26, OP27, OP28, OP29, and OP30 have the potential to inhibit Omicron interaction with ACE2 receptor. Moreover, Omicron peptides OP20, OP22, OP23, OP24, OP25, OP26, OP27, and OP30 have shown potential antigenic and immunogenic properties that can be used in design and development vaccines against Omicron. Although the in-silico validation was performed by comparative analysis with the control peptide inhibitor, further validation through wet lab experimentation is required before its use as therapeutic peptides.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manisha Pritam
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Birla Institute of Scientific Research, Jaipur, India
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, India
| | - Somenath Dutta
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Birla Institute of Scientific Research, Jaipur, India
- Department of Bioinformatics, Pondicherry Central University, Puducherry, India
| | - Krishna Mohan Medicherla
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Birla Institute of Scientific Research, Jaipur, India
| | - Rajnish Kumar
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, India
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
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5
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Gaur NK, Urankar S, Sengupta D, Chepuri VR, Makde RD, Kulkarni K. A cell based assay using virus-like particles to screen AM type mimics for SARS-CoV-2 neutralisation. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 718:150082. [PMID: 38735141 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150082] [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: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
A number of small molecule and protein therapeutic candidates have been developed in the last four years against SARS-CoV-2 spike. However, there are hardly a few molecules that have advanced through the subsequent discovery steps to eventually work as a therapeutic agent. This is majorly because of the hurdles in determining the affinity of potential therapeutics with live SARS-CoV-2 virus. Furthermore, affinity determined for the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, at times, fails to mimic physiological conditions of the host-virus interaction. To bridge this gap between in vitro and in vivo methods of therapeutic agent screening, we report an improved screening protocol for therapeutic candidates using SARS-CoV-2 virus like particles (VLPs). To minimise the interference from the bulkier reporters like GPF in the affinity studies, a smaller hemagglutinin (HA) tag has been fused to one of the proteins of VLP. This HA tag serves as readout, when probed with fluorescent anti-HA antibodies. Outcome of this study sheds light on the lesser known virus neutralisation capabilities of AM type miniprotein mimics. Further, to assess the stability of SARS-CoV-2 spike - miniprotein complex, we have performed molecular dynamic simulations on the membrane embedded protein complex. Simulation results reveal extremely stable intermolecular interactions between RBD and one of the AM type miniproteins, AM1. Furthermore, we discovered a robust network of intramolecular interactions that help stabilise AM1. Findings from our in vitro and in silico experiments concurrently highlight advantages and capabilities of mimic based miniprotein therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neeraj Kailash Gaur
- Division of Biochemical Sciences, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune- 411008, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad- 201002, India
| | - Shreegauri Urankar
- Division of Biochemical Sciences, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune- 411008, India
| | - Durba Sengupta
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad- 201002, India; Division of Physical and Material Chemistry, CSIR- National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, 411008, India
| | - V Ramana Chepuri
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad- 201002, India; Division of Organic Chemistry, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune, 411 008, India
| | - Ravindra D Makde
- Beamline Development and Application Section, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Kiran Kulkarni
- Division of Biochemical Sciences, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune- 411008, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad- 201002, India.
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6
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Alfadhli A, Bates TA, Barklis RL, Romanaggi C, Tafesse FG, Barklis E. A Nanobody Interaction with SARS-CoV-2 Spike Allows the Versatile Targeting of Lentivirus Vectors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.06.597774. [PMID: 38895228 PMCID: PMC11185593 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.06.597774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
While investigating methods to target gene delivery vectors to specific cell types, we examined the potential of using a nanobody against the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein receptor binding domain to direct lentivirus infection of Spike-expressing cells. Using three different approaches, we found that lentiviruses with surface-exposed nanobody domains selectively infect Spike-expressing cells. The targeting is dependent on the fusion function of Spike, and conforms to a model in which nanobody binding to the Spike protein triggers the Spike fusion machinery. The nanobody-Spike interaction also is capable of directing cell-cell fusion, and the selective infection of nanobody-expressing cells by Spike-pseudotyped lentivirus vectors. Significantly, cells infected with SARS-CoV-2 are efficiently and selectively infected by lentivirus vectors pseudotyped with a chimeric nanobody protein. Our results suggest that cells infected by any virus that forms syncytia may be targeted for gene delivery using an appropriate nanobody or virus receptor mimic. Vectors modified in this fashion may prove useful in the delivery of immunomodulators to infected foci to mitigate the effects of viral infections. IMPORTANCE We have discovered that lentiviruses decorated on their surfaces with a nanobody against the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein selectively infect Spike-expressing cells. Infection is dependent on the specificity of the nanobody and the fusion function of the Spike protein, and conforms to a reverse fusion model, in which nanobody binding to Spike triggers the Spike fusion machinery. The nanobody-Spike interaction also can drive cell-cell fusion, and infection of nanobody-expressing cells with viruses carrying the Spike protein. Importantly, cells infected with SARS-CoV-2 are selectively infected with nanobody-decorated lentiviruses. These results suggest that cells infected by any virus that expresses an active receptor-binding fusion protein may be targeted by vectors for delivery of cargoes to mitigate infections.
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7
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Holmes J, Islam SM, Milligan KA. Exploring Cannabinoids as Potential Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Papain-like Protease: Insights from Computational Analysis and Molecular Dynamics Simulations. Viruses 2024; 16:878. [PMID: 38932170 PMCID: PMC11209085 DOI: 10.3390/v16060878] [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: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The emergence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has triggered a global COVID-19 pandemic, challenging healthcare systems worldwide. Effective therapeutic strategies against this novel coronavirus remain limited, underscoring the urgent need for innovative approaches. The present research investigates the potential of cannabis compounds as therapeutic agents against SARS-CoV-2 through their interaction with the virus's papain-like protease (PLpro) protein, a crucial element in viral replication and immune evasion. Computational methods, including molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, were employed to screen cannabis compounds against PLpro and analyze their binding mechanisms and interaction patterns. The results showed cannabinoids with binding affinities ranging from -6.1 kcal/mol to -4.6 kcal/mol, forming interactions with PLpro. Notably, Cannabigerolic and Cannabidiolic acids exhibited strong binding contacts with critical residues in PLpro's active region, indicating their potential as viral replication inhibitors. MD simulations revealed the dynamic behavior of cannabinoid-PLpro complexes, highlighting stable binding conformations and conformational changes over time. These findings shed light on the mechanisms underlying cannabis interaction with SARS-CoV-2 PLpro, aiding in the rational design of antiviral therapies. Future research will focus on experimental validation, optimizing binding affinity and selectivity, and preclinical assessments to develop effective treatments against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shahidul M. Islam
- Department of Chemistry, Delaware State University, 1200 N. DuPont Hwy, Dover, DE 19901, USA; (J.H.); (K.A.M.)
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Vishweshwaraiah YL, Hnath B, Wang J, Chandler M, Mukherjee A, Yennawar NH, Booker SJ, Afonin KA, Dokholyan NV. A Piecewise Design Approach to Engineering a Miniature ACE2 Mimic to Bind SARS-CoV-2. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2024; 7:3238-3246. [PMID: 38700999 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.4c00222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
As the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continues its global spread, the exploration of novel therapeutic and diagnostic strategies is still needed. The virus enters host cells by binding the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor through the spike protein. Here, we develop an engineered, small, stable, and catalytically inactive version of ACE2, termed miniature ACE2 (mACE2), designed to bind the spike protein with high affinity. Employing a magnetic nanoparticle-based assay, we harnessed the strong binding affinity of mACE2 to develop a sensitive and specific platform for the detection or neutralization of SARS-CoV-2. Our findings highlight the potential of engineered mACE2 as a valuable tool in the fight against SARS-CoV-2. The success of developing such a small reagent based on a piecewise molecular design serves as a proof-of-concept approach for the rapid deployment of such agents to diagnose and fight other viral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brianna Hnath
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033-0850, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033-0850, United States
| | - Morgan Chandler
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Arnab Mukherjee
- Department of Chemistry, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
- The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Neela H Yennawar
- The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Squire J Booker
- Department of Chemistry, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
- The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Kirill A Afonin
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Nikolay V Dokholyan
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033-0850, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033-0850, United States
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9
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Mi T, Nguyen D, Gao Z, Burgess K. Bioinformatics leading to conveniently accessible, helix enforcing, bicyclic ASX motif mimics (BAMMs). Nat Commun 2024; 15:4217. [PMID: 38760359 PMCID: PMC11101637 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48323-z] [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: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Helix mimicry provides probes to perturb protein-protein interactions (PPIs). Helical conformations can be stabilized by joining side chains of non-terminal residues (stapling) or via capping fragments. Nature exclusively uses capping, but synthetic helical mimics are heavily biased towards stapling. This study comprises: (i) creation of a searchable database of unique helical N-caps (ASX motifs, a protein structural motif with two intramolecular hydrogen-bonds between aspartic acid/asparagine and following residues); (ii) testing trends observed in this database using linear peptides comprising only canonical L-amino acids; and, (iii) novel synthetic N-caps for helical interface mimicry. Here we show many natural ASX motifs comprise hydrophobic triangles, validate their effect in linear peptides, and further develop a biomimetic of them, Bicyclic ASX Motif Mimics (BAMMs). BAMMs are powerful helix inducing motifs. They are synthetically accessible, and potentially useful to a broad section of the community studying disruption of PPIs using secondary structure mimics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianxiong Mi
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX, 77842, USA
| | - Duyen Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX, 77842, USA
| | - Zhe Gao
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX, 77842, USA
| | - Kevin Burgess
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX, 77842, USA.
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10
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Özçelik C, Araz CZ, Yılmaz Ö, Gülyüz S, Özdamar P, Salmanlı E, Özkul A, Şeker UÖŞ. Screening Peptide Drug Candidates To Neutralize Whole Viral Agents: A Case Study with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2024; 7:1032-1042. [PMID: 38633598 PMCID: PMC11020059 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00317] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the need for therapeutic and pharmaceutical molecule development in a short time with different approaches. Although boosting immunological memory by vaccination was the quickest and robust strategy, still medication is required for the immediate treatment of a patient. A popular approach is the mining of new therapeutic molecules. Peptide-based drug candidates are also becoming a popular avenue. To target whole pathogenic viral agents, peptide libraries can be employed. With this motivation, we have used the 12mer M13 phage display library for selecting SARS-CoV-2 targeting peptides as potential neutralizing molecules to prevent viral infections. Panning was applied with four iterative cycles to select SARS-CoV-2 targeting phage particles displaying 12-amino acid-long peptides. Randomly selected peptide sequences were synthesized by a solid-state peptide synthesis method. Later, selected peptides were analyzed by the quartz crystal microbalance method to characterize their molecular interaction with SARS-CoV-2's S protein. Finally, the neutralization activity of the selected peptides was probed with an in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results showed that scpep3, scpep8, and scpep10 peptides have both binding and neutralizing capacity for S1 protein as a candidate for therapeutic molecule. The results of this study have a translational potential with future in vivo and human studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cemile
Elif Özçelik
- UNAM—Institute
of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, Bilkent University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
| | - Cemre Zekiye Araz
- Synbiotik
Biotechnology and Biomedical Technology Bilkent Kümeevler, Çankaya, Ankara 06800, Turkey
| | - Özgür Yılmaz
- Material
Technologies, Marmara Research Center, TUBITAK, Gebze, Kocaeli 41470, Turkey
| | - Sevgi Gülyüz
- Material
Technologies, Marmara Research Center, TUBITAK, Gebze, Kocaeli 41470, Turkey
| | - Pınar Özdamar
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Virology, Graduate School of Health
Sciences, Department of Virology, Ankara
University, Ankara 06110, Turkey
| | - Ezgi Salmanlı
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Virology, Graduate School of Health
Sciences, Department of Virology, Ankara
University, Ankara 06110, Turkey
| | - Aykut Özkul
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Virology, Graduate School of Health
Sciences, Department of Virology, Ankara
University, Ankara 06110, Turkey
| | - Urartu Özgür Şafak Şeker
- UNAM—Institute
of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, Bilkent University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
- Interdisciplinary
Program in Neuroscience, Bilkent University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
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11
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Robang A, Roy A, Dodd-o JB, He D, Le JV, McShan AC, Hu Y, Kumar VA, Paravastu AK. Structural Consequences of Introducing Bioactive Domains to Designer β-Sheet Peptide Self-Assemblies. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:1429-1438. [PMID: 38408372 PMCID: PMC10934295 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
We applied solid- and solution-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to examine the structure of multidomain peptides composed of self-assembling β-sheet domains linked to bioactive domains. Bioactive domains can be selected to stimulate specific biological responses (e.g., via receptor binding), while the β-sheets provide the desirable nanoscale properties. Although previous work has established the efficacy of multidomain peptides, molecular-level characterization is lacking. The bioactive domains are intended to remain solvent-accessible without being incorporated into the β-sheet structure. We tested for three possible anticipated molecular-level consequences of introducing bioactive domains to β-sheet-forming peptides: (1) the bioactive domain has no effect on the self-assembling peptide structure; (2) the bioactive domain is incorporated into the β-sheet nanofiber; and (3) the bioactive domain interferes with self-assembly such that nanofibers are not formed. The peptides involved in this study incorporated self-assembling domains based on the (SL)6 motif and bioactive domains including a VEGF-A mimic (QK), an IGF-mimic (IGF-1c), and a de novo SARS-CoV-2 binding peptide (SBP3). We observed all three of the anticipated outcomes from our examination of peptides, illustrating the unintended structural effects that could adversely affect the desired biofunctionality and biomaterial properties of the resulting peptide hydrogel. This work is the first attempt to evaluate the structural effects of incorporating bioactive domains into a set of peptides unified by a similar self-assembling peptide domain. These structural insights reveal unmet challenges in the design of highly tunable bioactive self-assembling peptide hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia
S. Robang
- School
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Abhishek Roy
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute
of Technology, Newark, New Jersey 07102, United States
| | - Joseph B. Dodd-o
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute
of Technology, Newark, New Jersey 07102, United States
| | - Dongjing He
- George
W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Justin V. Le
- School
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Andrew C. McShan
- School
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute
of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Yuhang Hu
- School
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
- George
W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
- Parker
H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Vivek A. Kumar
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute
of Technology, Newark, New Jersey 07102, United States
- Department
of Chemicals and Materials Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey 07102, United States
- Department
of Biology, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey 07102, United States
| | - Anant K. Paravastu
- School
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
- Parker
H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
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12
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Bi W, Tang K, Chen G, Xie Y, Polizzi NF, DeGrado WF, Yuan S, Dang B. An enhanced broad-spectrum peptide inhibits Omicron variants in vivo. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101418. [PMID: 38340726 PMCID: PMC10897629 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101418] [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: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
The continual emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern (VOCs) poses a major challenge to vaccines and antiviral therapeutics due to their extensive evasion of immunity. Aiming to develop potent and broad-spectrum anticoronavirus inhibitors, we generated A1-(GGGGS)7-HR2m (A1L35HR2m) by introducing an angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)-derived peptide A1 to the N terminus of the viral HR2-derived peptide HR2m through a long flexible linker, which showed significantly improved antiviral activity. Further cholesterol (Chol) modification at the C terminus of A1L35HR2m greatly enhanced the inhibitory activities against SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-2 VOCs, SARS-CoV, and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) pseudoviruses, with IC50 values ranging from 0.16 to 5.53 nM. A1L35HR2m-Chol also potently inhibits spike-protein-mediated cell-cell fusion and the replication of authentic Omicron BA.2.12.1, BA.5, and EG.5.1. Importantly, A1L35HR2m-Chol distributed widely in respiratory tract tissue and had a long half-life (>10 h) in vivo. Intranasal administration of A1L35HR2m-Chol to K18-hACE2 transgenic mice potently inhibited Omicron BA.5 and EG.5.1 infection both prophylactically and therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Bi
- Research Center for Industries of the Future and Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310030, Zhejiang, China; Frontier Biotechnology Laboratory, ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311215, China; Center for Infectious Disease Research, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310030, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310030, China.
| | - Kaiming Tang
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China; State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Guilin Chen
- Research Center for Industries of the Future and Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310030, Zhejiang, China; Center for Infectious Disease Research, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310030, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310030, China
| | - Yubin Xie
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China; State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Nicholas F Polizzi
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - William F DeGrado
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and the Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Shuofeng Yuan
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China; State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Bobo Dang
- Research Center for Industries of the Future and Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310030, Zhejiang, China; Center for Infectious Disease Research, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310030, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310030, China.
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13
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Dodd-O J, Roy A, Siddiqui Z, Jafari R, Coppola F, Ramasamy S, Kolloli A, Kumar D, Kaundal S, Zhao B, Kumar R, Robang AS, Li J, Azizogli AR, Pai V, Acevedo-Jake A, Heffernan C, Lucas A, McShan AC, Paravastu AK, Prasad BVV, Subbian S, Král P, Kumar V. Antiviral fibrils of self-assembled peptides with tunable compositions. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1142. [PMID: 38326301 PMCID: PMC10850501 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45193-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The lasting threat of viral pandemics necessitates the development of tailorable first-response antivirals with specific but adaptive architectures for treatment of novel viral infections. Here, such an antiviral platform has been developed based on a mixture of hetero-peptides self-assembled into functionalized β-sheets capable of specific multivalent binding to viral protein complexes. One domain of each hetero-peptide is designed to specifically bind to certain viral proteins, while another domain self-assembles into fibrils with epitope binding characteristics determined by the types of peptides and their molar fractions. The self-assembled fibrils maintain enhanced binding to viral protein complexes and retain high resilience to viral mutations. This method is experimentally and computationally tested using short peptides that specifically bind to Spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2. This platform is efficacious, inexpensive, and stable with excellent tolerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Dodd-O
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, 07102, USA
| | - Abhishek Roy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, 07102, USA
| | - Zain Siddiqui
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, 07102, USA
| | - Roya Jafari
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
| | - Francesco Coppola
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
| | - Santhamani Ramasamy
- Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Afsal Kolloli
- Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Dilip Kumar
- Department of Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Soni Kaundal
- Department of Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Boyang Zhao
- Department of Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Ranjeet Kumar
- Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Alicia S Robang
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Jeffrey Li
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Abdul-Rahman Azizogli
- Department of Biological Sciences, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, 07102, USA
| | - Varun Pai
- Department of Biological Sciences, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, 07102, USA
| | - Amanda Acevedo-Jake
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, 07102, USA
| | - Corey Heffernan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, 07102, USA
- SAPHTx Inc, Newark, NJ, 07104, USA
| | - Alexandra Lucas
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics and Center for Immunotherapy Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, 727 E, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Andrew C McShan
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Anant K Paravastu
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - B V Venkataram Prasad
- Department of Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Selvakumar Subbian
- Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Petr Král
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA.
- Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA.
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA.
| | - Vivek Kumar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, 07102, USA.
- Department of Biological Sciences, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, 07102, USA.
- SAPHTx Inc, Newark, NJ, 07104, USA.
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, 07102, USA.
- Department of Endodontics, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA.
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14
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Gaur NK, Khakerwala Z, Makde RD. Design of human ACE2 mimic miniprotein binders that interact with RBD of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concerns. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38315516 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2310789] [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: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
The world of medicine demands from the research community solutions to the emerging problem of SARS-CoV-2 variants and other such potential global pandemics. With advantages of specificity over small molecule drugs and designability over antibodies, miniprotein therapeutics offers a unique solution to the threats of rapidly emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. Unfortunately, most of the promising miniprotein binders are de novo designed and it is not viable to generate molecules for each new variant. Therefore in this study, we demonstrate a method for design of miniprotein mimics from the interaction interphase of human angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). ACE2 is the natural interacting partner for the SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor binding domain (RBD) and acts as a recognition molecule for viral entry into the host cells. Starting with ACE2 N-terminal triple helix interaction interphase, we generated more than 70 miniprotein sequences. Employing Rosetta folding and docking scores we selected 10 promising miniprotein candidates amongst which 3 were found to be soluble in lab studies. Further, using molecular mechanics (MM) calculations on molecular dynamics (MD) trajectories we test interaction of miniproteins with RBD from various variants of concern (VOC). Presently, we report two key findings; miniproteins in this study are generated using less than 10 lab testing experiments, yet when tested through in-vitro experiments, they show submicro to nanomolar affinities towards SARS-CoV-2 RBD. Also in simulation studies, when compared with previously developed therapeutics, our miniproteins display remarkable ability to mimic ACE2 interphase; making them an ideal solution to the ever evolving problem of VOCs.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neeraj K Gaur
- Division of Biochemical Sciences, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Zeenat Khakerwala
- Beamline Development and Application Section, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Maharashtra, Mumbai, India
| | - Ravindra D Makde
- Beamline Development and Application Section, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India
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15
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Notin P, Rollins N, Gal Y, Sander C, Marks D. Machine learning for functional protein design. Nat Biotechnol 2024; 42:216-228. [PMID: 38361074 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-024-02127-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Recent breakthroughs in AI coupled with the rapid accumulation of protein sequence and structure data have radically transformed computational protein design. New methods promise to escape the constraints of natural and laboratory evolution, accelerating the generation of proteins for applications in biotechnology and medicine. To make sense of the exploding diversity of machine learning approaches, we introduce a unifying framework that classifies models on the basis of their use of three core data modalities: sequences, structures and functional labels. We discuss the new capabilities and outstanding challenges for the practical design of enzymes, antibodies, vaccines, nanomachines and more. We then highlight trends shaping the future of this field, from large-scale assays to more robust benchmarks, multimodal foundation models, enhanced sampling strategies and laboratory automation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Notin
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Computer Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | | | - Yarin Gal
- Department of Computer Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Chris Sander
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Debora Marks
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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16
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Zech F, Jung C, Jacob T, Kirchhoff F. Causes and Consequences of Coronavirus Spike Protein Variability. Viruses 2024; 16:177. [PMID: 38399953 PMCID: PMC10892391 DOI: 10.3390/v16020177] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses are a large family of enveloped RNA viruses found in numerous animal species. They are well known for their ability to cross species barriers and have been transmitted from bats or intermediate hosts to humans on several occasions. Four of the seven human coronaviruses (hCoVs) are responsible for approximately 20% of common colds (hCoV-229E, -NL63, -OC43, -HKU1). Two others (SARS-CoV-1 and MERS-CoV) cause severe and frequently lethal respiratory syndromes but have only spread to very limited extents in the human population. In contrast the most recent human hCoV, SARS-CoV-2, while exhibiting intermediate pathogenicity, has a profound impact on public health due to its enormous spread. In this review, we discuss which initial features of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein and subsequent adaptations to the new human host may have helped this pathogen to cause the COVID-19 pandemic. Our focus is on host forces driving changes in the Spike protein and their consequences for virus infectivity, pathogenicity, immune evasion and resistance to preventive or therapeutic agents. In addition, we briefly address the significance and perspectives of broad-spectrum therapeutics and vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Zech
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Christoph Jung
- Institute of Electrochemistry, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (C.J.); (T.J.)
- Helmholtz-Institute Ulm (HIU) Electrochemical Energy Storage, 89081 Ulm, Germany
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), 76021 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Timo Jacob
- Institute of Electrochemistry, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (C.J.); (T.J.)
- Helmholtz-Institute Ulm (HIU) Electrochemical Energy Storage, 89081 Ulm, Germany
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), 76021 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Frank Kirchhoff
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
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17
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Kant R, Kaushik R, Chopra M, Saluja D. Structure-based drug discovery to identify SARS-CoV2 spike protein-ACE2 interaction inhibitors. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-19. [PMID: 38174578 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2300060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
After the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in late 2019, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has undergone a dynamic evolution driven by the acquisition of genetic modifications, resulting in several variants that are further classified as variants of interest (VOIs), variants under monitoring (VUM) and variants of concern (VOC) by World Health Organization (WHO). Currently, there are five SARS-CoV-2 VOCs (Alpha, Beta, Delta, Gamma and Omicron), two VOIs (Lambda and Mu) and several other VOIs that have been reported globally. In this study, we report a natural compound, Curcumin, as the potential inhibitor to the interactions between receptor binding domain (RBD(S1)) and human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) domains and showcased its inhibitory potential for the Delta and Omicron variants through a computational approach by implementing state of the art methods. The study for the first time revealed a higher efficiency of Curcumin, especially for hindering the interaction between RBD(S1) and hACE-2 domains of Delta and Omicron variants as compared to other lead compounds. We investigated that the mutations in the RBD(S1) of VOC especially Delta and Omicron variants affect its structure compared to that of the wild type and other variants and therefore altered its binding to the hACE2 receptor. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation analyses substantially supported the findings in terms of the stability of the docked complexes. This study offers compelling evidence, warranting a more in-depth exploration into the impact of these alterations on the binding of identified drug molecules with the Spike protein. Further investigation into their potential therapeutic effects in vivo is highly recommended.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Kant
- Medical Biotechnology Laboratory, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Center for Biomedical Research &Delhi School of Public Health, IoE, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Rahul Kaushik
- Biotechology Research Center, Technology Innovation Institute, Masdar City, UAE
- Laboratory for Structural Bioinformatics, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Madhu Chopra
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Drug Development, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Center for Biomedical Research, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Daman Saluja
- Medical Biotechnology Laboratory, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Center for Biomedical Research &Delhi School of Public Health, IoE, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
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18
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Ferková S, Froehlich U, Nepveu-Traversy MÉ, Murza A, Azad T, Grandbois M, Sarret P, Lavigne P, Boudreault PL. Comparative Analysis of Cyclization Techniques in Stapled Peptides: Structural Insights into Protein-Protein Interactions in a SARS-CoV-2 Spike RBD/hACE2 Model System. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:166. [PMID: 38203338 PMCID: PMC10778704 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Medicinal chemistry is constantly searching for new approaches to develop more effective and targeted therapeutic molecules. The design of peptidomimetics is a promising emerging strategy that is aimed at developing peptides that mimic or modulate the biological activity of proteins. Among these, stapled peptides stand out for their unique ability to stabilize highly frequent helical motifs, but they have failed to be systematically reported. Here, we exploit chemically diverse helix-inducing i, i + 4 constraints-lactam, hydrocarbon, triazole, double triazole and thioether-on two distinct short sequences derived from the N-terminal peptidase domain of hACE2 upon structural characterization and in silico alanine scan. Our overall objective was to provide a sequence-independent comparison of α-helix-inducing staples using circular dichroism (CD) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. We identified a 9-mer lactam stapled peptide derived from the hACE2 sequence (His34-Gln42) capable of reaching its maximal helicity of 55% with antiviral activity in bioreporter- and pseudovirus-based inhibition assays. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first comprehensive investigation comparing several cyclization methods with the goal of generating stapled peptides and correlating their secondary structures with PPI inhibitions using a highly topical model system (i.e., the interaction of SARS-CoV-2 Spike RBD with hACE2).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Pierre-Luc Boudreault
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada; (S.F.); (M.-É.N.-T.); (A.M.); (T.A.)
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19
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Boshah H, Samkari F, Valle-Pérez AU, Alsawaf SM, Aldoukhi AH, Bilalis P, Alshehri SA, Susapto HH, Hauser CAE. Evaluation of Potential Peptide-Based Inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 and Variants of Concern. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 2023:3892370. [PMID: 37869628 PMCID: PMC10589072 DOI: 10.1155/2023/3892370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has greatly affected all aspect of life. Although several vaccines and pharmaceuticals have been developed against SARS-CoV-2, the emergence of mutated variants has raised several concerns. The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE2) receptor cell entry mechanism of this virus has not changed despite the vast mutation in emerging variants. Inhibiting the spike protein by which the virus identifies the host ACE2 receptor is a promising therapeutic countermeasure to keep pace with rapidly emerging variants. Here, we synthesized two ACE2-derived peptides, P1 and P25, to target and potentially inhibit SARS-CoV-2 cell entry. These peptides were evaluated in vitro using pseudoviruses that contained the SARS-CoV-2 original spike protein, the Delta-mutated spike protein, or the Omicron spike protein. An in silico investigation was also done for these peptides to evaluate the interaction of the synthesized peptides and the SARS-CoV-2 variants. The P25 peptide showed a promising inhibition potency against the tested pseudoviruses and an even higher inhibition against the Omicron variant. The IC50 of the Omicron variant was 60.8 μM, while the IC50s of the SARS-CoV-2 original strain and the Delta variant were 455.2 μM and 546.4 μM, respectively. The in silico experiments also showed that the amino acid composition design and structure of P25 boosted the interaction with the spike protein. These findings suggest that ACE2-derived peptides, such as P25, have the potential to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 cell entry in vitro. However, further in vivo studies are needed to confirm their therapeutic efficacy against emerging variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hattan Boshah
- Laboratory for Nanomedicine, Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- KAUST Smart Health Initiative (KSHI), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faris Samkari
- Laboratory for Nanomedicine, Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- KAUST Smart Health Initiative (KSHI), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alexander U. Valle-Pérez
- Laboratory for Nanomedicine, Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- KAUST Smart Health Initiative (KSHI), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah M. Alsawaf
- Laboratory for Nanomedicine, Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- KAUST Smart Health Initiative (KSHI), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali H. Aldoukhi
- Laboratory for Nanomedicine, Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- KAUST Smart Health Initiative (KSHI), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Panayiotis Bilalis
- Laboratory for Nanomedicine, Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- KAUST Smart Health Initiative (KSHI), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Salwa A. Alshehri
- Laboratory for Nanomedicine, Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hepi H. Susapto
- Laboratory for Nanomedicine, Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Charlotte A. E. Hauser
- Laboratory for Nanomedicine, Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- KAUST Smart Health Initiative (KSHI), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955, Saudi Arabia
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20
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Chiu YS, Wu KJ, Yu SJ, Wu KL, Wang YS, Lin J, Chu CY, Chen S, Chen H, Hsu SC, Wang Y, Chen YH. Peptide immunization against the C-terminal of alpha-synuclein reduces locomotor activity in mice overexpressing alpha-synuclein. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291927. [PMID: 37733672 PMCID: PMC10513202 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormal accumulation of alpha-synuclein (αSyn) in the remaining nigra dopaminergic neurons is a common neuropathological feature found in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Antibody-based immunotherapy has been considered a potential approach for PD treatment. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of active immunization against αSyn in a mouse model of PD. Adult mice were immunized with or without a synthetic peptide containing the C-terminal residues of human αSyn and activation epitopes, followed by an intranigral injection of adeno-associated virus vectors for overexpressing human αSyn. Upon the peptide injection, αSyn-specific antibodies were raised, accompanied by degeneration of dopaminergic neurons and motor deficits. Furthermore, the induction of neuroinflammation was postulated by the elevation of astroglial and microglial markers in the immunized mice. Instead of lessening αSyn toxicity, this peptide vaccine caused an increase in the pathogenic species of αSyn. Our data demonstrated the potential adverse effects of active immunization to raise antibodies against the C-terminal fragment of αSyn. This drawback highlights the need for further investigation to weigh the pros and cons of immunotherapy in PD. Applying the αSyn C-terminal peptide vaccine for PD treatment should be cautiously exercised. This study provides valuable insights into the intricate interplay among immune intervention, αSyn accumulation, and neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Sung Chiu
- Department of Life Science, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Jen Wu
- National Health Research Institutes, Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, Zhunan, Taiwan
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Seong-Jin Yu
- National Health Research Institutes, Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Kun-Lieh Wu
- Department of Electrical Engineering of I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Syuan Wang
- National Health Research Institutes, Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Jing Lin
- Department of Life Science, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ying Chu
- Department of Life Science, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Shuchun Chen
- Department of Life Science, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- National Health Research Institutes, Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Hsi Chen
- National Health Research Institutes, Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Ching Hsu
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
- PhD Program in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Science, China Medical University, Taichung City, Taiwan
- Immunology Research and Development Center, China Medical University, Taichung City, Taiwan
- Department of Life Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Yun Wang
- National Health Research Institutes, Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Hsiang Chen
- Department of Life Science, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- National Health Research Institutes, Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, Zhunan, Taiwan
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21
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Quagliata M, Stincarelli MA, Papini AM, Giannecchini S, Rovero P. Antiviral Activity against SARS-CoV-2 of Conformationally Constrained Helical Peptides Derived from Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:22665-22672. [PMID: 37387789 PMCID: PMC10275481 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c01436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Despite the availability of vaccines, COVID-19 continues to be aggressive, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Therefore, the development of a specific therapeutic agent with antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 is necessary. The infection pathway starts when the receptor binding domain of the viral spike protein interacts with the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which acts as a host receptor for the RBD expressed on the host cell surface. In this scenario, ACE2 analogs binding to the RBD and preventing the cell entry can be promising antiviral agents. Most of the ACE2 residues involved in the interaction belong to the α1 helix, more specifically to the minimal fragment ACE2(24-42). In order to increase the stability of the secondary structure and thus antiviral activity, we designed different triazole-stapled analogs, changing the position and the number of bridges. The peptide called P3, which has the triazole-containing bridge in the positions 36-40, showed promising antiviral activity at micromolar concentrations assessed by plaque reduction assay. On the other hand, the double-stapled peptide P4 lost the activity, showing that excessive rigidity disfavors the interaction with the RBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Quagliata
- Interdepartmental
Research Unit of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology, Department
of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | | | - Anna Maria Papini
- Interdepartmental
Research Unit of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology, Department
of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Simone Giannecchini
- Department
of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University
of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Paolo Rovero
- Interdepartmental
Research Unit of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology, Department
of NeuroFarBa, University of Florence, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
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22
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Renzi F, Seamann A, Ganguly K, Pandey K, Byrareddy SN, Batra S, Kumar S, Ghersi D. Engineering an ACE2-Derived Fragment as a Decoy for Novel SARS-CoV-2 Virus. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:857-867. [PMID: 37325447 PMCID: PMC10262318 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.2c00180] [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: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Entry inhibitors are an important resource in the response against emerging pathogens like the novel SARS-CoV-2, which enters human cells via interaction between the surface spike glycoprotein and the cellular membrane receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Using a combination of comparative structural analyses of the binding surface of the spike to ACE2, docking experiments, and molecular dynamics simulations, we identified a stable fragment of ACE2 that binds to the spike, is soluble, and is not predicted to bind to its physiological ligand angiotensin II. From this fragment we computationally designed and experimentally validated a smaller, stable peptide that disrupts ACE2-spike interaction at nanomolar concentrations, suggesting its potential use as a decoy that could interfere with viral binding by competition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Renzi
- Department
of Physics, Università di Roma ”La
Sapienza”, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Austin Seamann
- School
of Interdisciplinary Informatics, University
of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska 68182, USA
| | - Koelina Ganguly
- Department
of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68182, USA
| | - Kabita Pandey
- Department
of Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68182, USA
| | - Siddappa N. Byrareddy
- Department
of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68182, USA
- Department
of Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68182, USA
| | - Surinder Batra
- Department
of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68182, USA
| | - Sushil Kumar
- Department
of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68182, USA
| | - Dario Ghersi
- School
of Interdisciplinary Informatics, University
of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska 68182, USA
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23
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Li G, Hilgenfeld R, Whitley R, De Clercq E. Therapeutic strategies for COVID-19: progress and lessons learned. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:449-475. [PMID: 37076602 PMCID: PMC10113999 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00672-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 196.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has stimulated tremendous efforts to develop therapeutic strategies that target severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and/or human proteins to control viral infection, encompassing hundreds of potential drugs and thousands of patients in clinical trials. So far, a few small-molecule antiviral drugs (nirmatrelvir-ritonavir, remdesivir and molnupiravir) and 11 monoclonal antibodies have been marketed for the treatment of COVID-19, mostly requiring administration within 10 days of symptom onset. In addition, hospitalized patients with severe or critical COVID-19 may benefit from treatment with previously approved immunomodulatory drugs, including glucocorticoids such as dexamethasone, cytokine antagonists such as tocilizumab and Janus kinase inhibitors such as baricitinib. Here, we summarize progress with COVID-19 drug discovery, based on accumulated findings since the pandemic began and a comprehensive list of clinical and preclinical inhibitors with anti-coronavirus activities. We also discuss the lessons learned from COVID-19 and other infectious diseases with regard to drug repurposing strategies, pan-coronavirus drug targets, in vitro assays and animal models, and platform trial design for the development of therapeutics to tackle COVID-19, long COVID and pathogenic coronaviruses in future outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangdi Li
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University; Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China.
| | - Rolf Hilgenfeld
- Institute of Molecular Medicine & German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
| | - Richard Whitley
- Department of Paediatrics, Microbiology, Medicine and Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
| | - Erik De Clercq
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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24
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Mali A, Franci G, Zannella C, Chianese A, Anthiya S, López-Estévez AM, Monti A, De Filippis A, Doti N, Alonso MJ, Galdiero M. Antiviral Peptides Delivered by Chitosan-Based Nanoparticles to Neutralize SARS-CoV-2 and HCoV-OC43. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1621. [PMID: 37376070 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15061621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has made it clear that there is a crucial need for the design and development of antiviral agents that can efficiently reduce the fatality rate caused by infectious diseases. The fact that coronavirus mainly enters through the nasal epithelial cells and spreads through the nasal passage makes the nasal delivery of antiviral agents a promising strategy not only to reduce viral infection but also its transmission. Peptides are emerging as powerful candidates for antiviral treatments, showing not only a strong antiviral activity, but also improved safety, efficacy, and higher specificity against viral pathogens. Based on our previous experience on the use of chitosan-based nanoparticles to deliver peptides intra-nasally the current study aimed to explore the delivery of two-novel antiviral peptides making use of nanoparticles consisting of HA/CS and DS/CS. The antiviral peptides were chemically synthesized, and the optimal conditions for encapsulating them were selected through a combination of physical entrapment and chemical conjugation using HA/CS and DS/CS nanocomplexes. Finally, we evaluated the in vitro neutralization capacity against SARS-CoV-2 and HCoV-OC43 for potential use as prophylaxis or therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avinash Mali
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Franci
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
| | - Carla Zannella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Annalisa Chianese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Shubaash Anthiya
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Ana M López-Estévez
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Alessandra Monti
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), National Research Council (CNR), 80131 Naples, Italy
- CIRPEB, Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sui Peptidi Bioattivi, 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Anna De Filippis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Nunzianna Doti
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), National Research Council (CNR), 80131 Naples, Italy
- CIRPEB, Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sui Peptidi Bioattivi, 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - María José Alonso
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Massimiliano Galdiero
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
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25
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Kazmirchuk TDD, Bradbury-Jost C, Withey TA, Gessese T, Azad T, Samanfar B, Dehne F, Golshani A. Peptides of a Feather: How Computation Is Taking Peptide Therapeutics under Its Wing. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1194. [PMID: 37372372 PMCID: PMC10298604 DOI: 10.3390/genes14061194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Leveraging computation in the development of peptide therapeutics has garnered increasing recognition as a valuable tool to generate novel therapeutics for disease-related targets. To this end, computation has transformed the field of peptide design through identifying novel therapeutics that exhibit enhanced pharmacokinetic properties and reduced toxicity. The process of in-silico peptide design involves the application of molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and machine learning algorithms. Three primary approaches for peptide therapeutic design including structural-based, protein mimicry, and short motif design have been predominantly adopted. Despite the ongoing progress made in this field, there are still significant challenges pertaining to peptide design including: enhancing the accuracy of computational methods; improving the success rate of preclinical and clinical trials; and developing better strategies to predict pharmacokinetics and toxicity. In this review, we discuss past and present research pertaining to the design and development of in-silico peptide therapeutics in addition to highlighting the potential of computation and artificial intelligence in the future of disease therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas David Daniel Kazmirchuk
- Department of Biology, and the Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology (OISB), Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Calvin Bradbury-Jost
- Department of Biology, and the Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology (OISB), Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Taylor Ann Withey
- Department of Biology, and the Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology (OISB), Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Tadesse Gessese
- Department of Biology, and the Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology (OISB), Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Taha Azad
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1E 4K8, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke (CHUS), Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Bahram Samanfar
- Department of Biology, and the Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology (OISB), Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa Research and Development Centre (ORDC), Ottawa, ON K1A 0C6, Canada
| | - Frank Dehne
- School of Computer Science, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Ashkan Golshani
- Department of Biology, and the Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology (OISB), Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
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26
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Bugatti K, Sartori A, Battistini L, Coppa C, Vanhulle E, Noppen S, Provinciael B, Naesens L, Stevaert A, Contini A, Vermeire K, Zanardi F. Novel Polymyxin-Inspired Peptidomimetics Targeting the SARS-CoV-2 Spike:hACE2 Interface. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:8765. [PMID: 37240111 PMCID: PMC10218303 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Though the bulk of the COVID-19 pandemic is behind, the search for effective and safe anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs continues to be relevant. A highly pursued approach for antiviral drug development involves targeting the viral spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2 to prevent its attachment to the cellular receptor ACE2. Here, we exploited the core structure of polymyxin B, a naturally occurring antibiotic, to design and synthesize unprecedented peptidomimetics (PMs), intended to target contemporarily two defined, non-overlapping regions of the S receptor-binding domain (RBD). Monomers 1, 2, and 8, and heterodimers 7 and 10 bound to the S-RBD with micromolar affinity in cell-free surface plasmon resonance assays (KD ranging from 2.31 μM to 2.78 μM for dimers and 8.56 μM to 10.12 μM for monomers). Although the PMs were not able to fully protect cell cultures from infection with authentic live SARS-CoV-2, dimer 10 exerted a minimal but detectable inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 entry in U87.ACE2+ and A549.ACE2.TMPRSS2+ cells. These results validated a previous modeling study and provided the first proof-of-feasibility of using medium-sized heterodimeric PMs for targeting the S-RBD. Thus, heterodimers 7 and 10 may serve as a lead for the development of optimized compounds, which are structurally related to polymyxin, with improved S-RBD affinity and anti-SARS-CoV-2 potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Bugatti
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy; (K.B.); (A.S.); (L.B.)
| | - Andrea Sartori
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy; (K.B.); (A.S.); (L.B.)
| | - Lucia Battistini
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy; (K.B.); (A.S.); (L.B.)
| | - Crescenzo Coppa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Venezian 21, 20133 Milano, Italy;
| | - Emiel Vanhulle
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (E.V.); (S.N.); (B.P.); (L.N.); (A.S.); (K.V.)
| | - Sam Noppen
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (E.V.); (S.N.); (B.P.); (L.N.); (A.S.); (K.V.)
| | - Becky Provinciael
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (E.V.); (S.N.); (B.P.); (L.N.); (A.S.); (K.V.)
| | - Lieve Naesens
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (E.V.); (S.N.); (B.P.); (L.N.); (A.S.); (K.V.)
| | - Annelies Stevaert
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (E.V.); (S.N.); (B.P.); (L.N.); (A.S.); (K.V.)
| | - Alessandro Contini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Venezian 21, 20133 Milano, Italy;
| | - Kurt Vermeire
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (E.V.); (S.N.); (B.P.); (L.N.); (A.S.); (K.V.)
| | - Franca Zanardi
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy; (K.B.); (A.S.); (L.B.)
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27
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Havranek B, Lindsey GW, Higuchi Y, Itoh Y, Suzuki T, Okamoto T, Hoshino A, Procko E, Islam SM. A computationally designed ACE2 decoy has broad efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 omicron variants and related viruses in vitro and in vivo. Commun Biol 2023; 6:513. [PMID: 37173421 PMCID: PMC10177734 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04860-9] [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: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, especially B.1.1.529/omicron and its sublineages, continues to mutate to evade monoclonal antibodies and antibodies elicited by vaccination. Affinity-enhanced soluble ACE2 (sACE2) is an alternative strategy that works by binding the SARS-CoV-2 S protein, acting as a 'decoy' to block the interaction between the S and human ACE2. Using a computational design strategy, we designed an affinity-enhanced ACE2 decoy, FLIF, that exhibited tight binding to SARS-CoV-2 delta and omicron variants. Our computationally calculated absolute binding free energies (ABFE) between sACE2:SARS-CoV-2 S proteins and their variants showed excellent agreement to binding experiments. FLIF displayed robust therapeutic utility against a broad range of SARS-CoV-2 variants and sarbecoviruses, and neutralized omicron BA.5 in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we directly compared the in vivo therapeutic efficacy of wild-type ACE2 (non-affinity enhanced ACE2) against FLIF. A few wild-type sACE2 decoys have shown to be effective against early circulating variants such as Wuhan in vivo. Our data suggest that moving forward, affinity-enhanced ACE2 decoys like FLIF may be required to combat evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants. The approach described herein emphasizes how computational methods have become sufficiently accurate for the design of therapeutics against viral protein targets. Affinity-enhanced ACE2 decoys remain highly effective at neutralizing omicron subvariants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Havranek
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
- ComputePharma, LLC., Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Yusuke Higuchi
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Yumi Itoh
- Institute for Advanced Co-Creation Studies, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Suzuki
- Institute for Advanced Co-Creation Studies, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Toru Okamoto
- Institute for Advanced Co-Creation Studies, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Atsushi Hoshino
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Erik Procko
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Cyrus Biotechnology, Inc., Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Shahidul M Islam
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA.
- ComputePharma, LLC., Chicago, IL, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, Delaware State University, Dover, DE, 19901, USA.
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28
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Okada S, Muto Y, Zhu B, Ueda H, Nakamura H. Development of a Peptide Sensor Derived from Human ACE2 for Fluorescence Polarization Assays of the SARS-CoV-2 Receptor Binding Domain. Anal Chem 2023; 95:6198-6202. [PMID: 37028948 PMCID: PMC10107661 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c05818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the continuing emergence of infectious variants have caused a serious pandemic and a global economic slump since 2019. To overcome the situation and prepare for future pandemic-prone diseases, there is a need to establish a convenient diagnostic test that is quickly adaptable to unexpected emergence of virus variants. Here we report a fluorescent peptide sensor 26-Dan and its application to the fluorescence polarization (FP) assay for the highly sensitive and convenient detection of SARS-CoV-2. The 26-Dan sensor was developed by fluorescent labeling of the 26th amino acid of a peptide derived from the N-terminal α-helix of human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) receptor. The 26-Dan sensor maintained the α-helical structure and showed FP changes in a concentration-dependent manner of the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the virus. The half maximal effective concentrations (EC50's) for RBD of Wuhan-Hu-1 strain, Delta (B.1.617.2), and Omicron (BA.5) variants were 51, 5.2, and 2.2 nM, respectively, demonstrating that the 26-Dan-based FP assay can be adaptable to virus variants that evade standard diagnostic tests. The 26-Dan-based FP assay could also be applied to model screening of a small molecule that inhibits RBD binding to hACE2 and identified glycyrrhizin as a potential inhibitor. The combination of the sensor with a portable microfluidic fluorescence polarization analyzer allowed for the detection of RBD in a femtomolar range within 3 min, demonstrating the assay could be a promising step toward a rapid and convenient test for SARS-CoV-2 and other possible future pandemic-prone diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Okada
- Laboratory
for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute
of Innovative Research, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 226-8503, Japan
- School
of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute
of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho,
Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 226-8503, Japan
| | - Yuka Muto
- School
of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute
of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho,
Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 226-8503, Japan
| | - Bo Zhu
- Laboratory
for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute
of Innovative Research, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 226-8503, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ueda
- Laboratory
for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute
of Innovative Research, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 226-8503, Japan
- World
Research Hub Initiative, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 226-8503, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Nakamura
- Laboratory
for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute
of Innovative Research, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 226-8503, Japan
- School
of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute
of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho,
Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 226-8503, Japan
- World
Research Hub Initiative, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 226-8503, Japan
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29
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Aparna GM, Tetala KKR. Recent Progress in Development and Application of DNA, Protein, Peptide, Glycan, Antibody, and Aptamer Microarrays. Biomolecules 2023; 13:602. [PMID: 37189350 PMCID: PMC10135839 DOI: 10.3390/biom13040602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Microarrays are one of the trailblazing technologies of the last two decades and have displayed their importance in all the associated fields of biology. They are widely explored to screen, identify, and gain insights on the characteristics traits of biomolecules (individually or in complex solutions). A wide variety of biomolecule-based microarrays (DNA microarrays, protein microarrays, glycan microarrays, antibody microarrays, peptide microarrays, and aptamer microarrays) are either commercially available or fabricated in-house by researchers to explore diverse substrates, surface coating, immobilization techniques, and detection strategies. The aim of this review is to explore the development of biomolecule-based microarray applications since 2018 onwards. Here, we have covered a different array of printing strategies, substrate surface modification, biomolecule immobilization strategies, detection techniques, and biomolecule-based microarray applications. The period of 2018-2022 focused on using biomolecule-based microarrays for the identification of biomarkers, detection of viruses, differentiation of multiple pathogens, etc. A few potential future applications of microarrays could be for personalized medicine, vaccine candidate screening, toxin screening, pathogen identification, and posttranslational modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kishore K. R. Tetala
- Centre for Bioseparation Technology (CBST), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, Tamilnadu, India;
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Zhang H, Lv P, Jiang J, Liu Y, Yan R, Shu S, Hu B, Xiao H, Cai K, Yuan S, Li Y. Advances in developing ACE2 derivatives against SARS-CoV-2. THE LANCET. MICROBE 2023; 4:e369-e378. [PMID: 36934742 PMCID: PMC10019897 DOI: 10.1016/s2666-5247(23)00011-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Extensive immune evasion of SARS-CoV-2 rendered therapeutic antibodies ineffective in the COVID-19 pandemic. Propagating SARS-CoV-2 variants are characterised by immune evasion capacity through key amino acid mutations, but can still bind human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) through the spike protein and are, thus, sensitive to ACE2-mimicking decoys as inhibitors. In this Review, we examine advances in the development of ACE2 derivatives from the past 3 years, including the recombinant ACE2 proteins, ACE2-loaded extracellular vesicles, ACE2-mimicking antibodies, and peptide or mini-protein mimetics of ACE2. Several ACE2 derivatives are granted potent neutralisation efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 variants that rival or surpass endogenous antibodies by various auxiliary techniques such as chemical modification and practical recombinant design. The derivatives also represent enhanced production efficiency and improved bioavailability. In addition to these derivatives of ACE2, new effective therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2 variants are expected to be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Zhang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Panjing Lv
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingrui Jiang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yahui Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ruixi Yan
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Sainan Shu
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bing Hu
- Institute of Health Inspection and Testing, Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, China
| | - Han Xiao
- Institute of Maternal and Child Health, Wuhan Children's Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kun Cai
- Institute of Health Inspection and Testing, Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuai Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Wuhan, China.
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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31
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Calugi L, Sautariello G, Lenci E, Mattei ML, Coppa C, Cini N, Contini A, Trabocchi A. Identification of a short ACE2-derived stapled peptide targeting the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 249:115118. [PMID: 36682293 PMCID: PMC9842534 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The design and synthesis of a series of peptide derivatives based on a short ACE2 α-helix 1 epitope and subsequent [i - i+4] stapling of the secondary structure resulted in the identification of a 9-mer peptide capable to compete with recombinant ACE2 towards Spike RBD in the micromolar range. Specifically, SARS-CoV-2 Spike inhibitor screening based on colorimetric ELISA assay and structural studies by circular dichroism showed the ring-closing metathesis cyclization being capable to stabilize the helical structure of the 9-mer 34HEAEDLFYQ42 epitope better than the triazole stapling via click chemistry. MD simulations showed the stapled peptide being able not only to bind the Spike RBD, sterically interfering with ACE2, but also showing higher affinity to the target as compared to parent epitope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Calugi
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 13, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Sautariello
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 13, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Lenci
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 13, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Mauro Leucio Mattei
- General Laboratory, Careggi University Hospital, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Crescenzo Coppa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Venezian 21, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Cini
- General Laboratory, Careggi University Hospital, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandro Contini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Venezian 21, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Trabocchi
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 13, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy.
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32
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Oudit GY, Wang K, Viveiros A, Kellner MJ, Penninger JM. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2-at the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cell 2023; 186:906-922. [PMID: 36787743 PMCID: PMC9892333 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.01.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
ACE2 is the indispensable entry receptor for SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become one of the most therapeutically targeted human molecules in biomedicine. ACE2 serves two fundamental physiological roles: as an enzyme, it alters peptide cascade balance; as a chaperone, it controls intestinal amino acid uptake. ACE2's tissue distribution, affected by co-morbidities and sex, explains the broad tropism of coronaviruses and the clinical manifestations of SARS and COVID-19. ACE2-based therapeutics provide a universal strategy to prevent and treat SARS-CoV-2 infections, applicable to all SARS-CoV-2 variants and other emerging zoonotic coronaviruses exploiting ACE2 as their cellular receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin Y Oudit
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada; Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
| | - Kaiming Wang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada; Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Anissa Viveiros
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada; Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Max J Kellner
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Science, Vienna, Austria
| | - Josef M Penninger
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Science, Vienna, Austria; Department of Medical Genetics, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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33
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Kumar THV, Srinivasan S, Krishnan V, Vaidyanathan R, Babu KA, Natarajan S, Veerapandian M. Peptide-based direct electrochemical detection of receptor binding domains of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in pristine samples. SENSORS AND ACTUATORS. B, CHEMICAL 2023; 377:133052. [PMID: 36438197 PMCID: PMC9682882 DOI: 10.1016/j.snb.2022.133052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
RNA isolation and amplification-free user-friendly detection of SARS-CoV-2 is the need of hour especially at resource limited settings. Herein, we devised the peptides of human angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (hACE-2) as bioreceptor at electrode interface for selective targeting of receptor binding domains (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (SP). Disposable carbon-screen printed electrode modified with methylene blue (MB) electroadsorbed graphene oxide (GO) has been constructed as cost-efficient and scalable platform for hACE-2 peptide-based SARS-CoV-2 detection. In silico molecular docking of customized 25 mer peptides with RBD of SARS-CoV-2 SP were validated by AutoDock CrankPep. N-terminal region of ACE-2 showed higher binding affinity of - 20.6 kcal/mol with 15 H-bond, 9 of which were < 3 Å. Electrochemical biosensing of different concentrations of SPs were determined by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry (CA), enabling a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.58 pg/mL and 0.71 pg/mL, respectively. MB-GO devised hACE-2 peptide platform exert an enhanced current sensitivity of 0.0105 mA/pg mL-1 cm-2 (R2 = 0.9792) (CV) and 0.45 nA/pg mL-1 (R2 = 0.9570) (CA) against SP in the range of 1 pg/mL to 1 µg/mL. For clinical feasibility, nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab specimens in viral transport medium were directly tested with the prepared peptide biosensor and validated with RT-PCR, promising for point-of-need analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- T H Vignesh Kumar
- Electrodics and Electrocatalysis Division, CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CECRI), Karaikudi 630003, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sowmiya Srinivasan
- Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Center of Excellence in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute, Chennai 600095, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Vinoth Krishnan
- Electrodics and Electrocatalysis Division, CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CECRI), Karaikudi 630003, Tamil Nadu, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Rama Vaidyanathan
- Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Center of Excellence in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute, Chennai 600095, Tamil Nadu, India
- Department of Biotechnology, Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute, Chennai 600095, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Kannadasan Anand Babu
- Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Center of Excellence in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute, Chennai 600095, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sudhakar Natarajan
- Department of Virology and Biotechnology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Chennai 600031, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Murugan Veerapandian
- Electrodics and Electrocatalysis Division, CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CECRI), Karaikudi 630003, Tamil Nadu, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
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34
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Teulière J, Bernard C, Bonnefous H, Martens J, Lopez P, Bapteste E. Interactomics: Dozens of Viruses, Co-evolving With Humans, Including the Influenza A Virus, may Actively Distort Human Aging. Mol Biol Evol 2023; 40:msad012. [PMID: 36649176 PMCID: PMC9897028 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msad012] [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: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Some viruses (e.g., human immunodeficiency virus 1 and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) have been experimentally proposed to accelerate features of human aging and of cellular senescence. These observations, along with evolutionary considerations on viral fitness, raised the more general puzzling hypothesis that, beyond documented sources in human genetics, aging in our species may also depend on virally encoded interactions distorting our aging to the benefits of diverse viruses. Accordingly, we designed systematic network-based analyses of the human and viral protein interactomes, which unraveled dozens of viruses encoding proteins experimentally demonstrated to interact with proteins from pathways associated with human aging, including cellular senescence. We further corroborated our predictions that specific viruses interfere with human aging using published experimental evidence and transcriptomic data; identifying influenza A virus (subtype H1N1) as a major candidate age distorter, notably through manipulation of cellular senescence. By providing original evidence that viruses may convergently contribute to the evolution of numerous age-associated pathways through co-evolution, our network-based and bipartite network-based methodologies support an ecosystemic study of aging, also searching for genetic causes of aging outside a focal aging species. Our findings, predicting age distorters and targets for anti-aging therapies among human viruses, could have fundamental and practical implications for evolutionary biology, aging study, virology, medicine, and demography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérôme Teulière
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle, EPHE, Université des Antilles, Paris, France
| | - Charles Bernard
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle, EPHE, Université des Antilles, Paris, France
| | - Hugo Bonnefous
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle, EPHE, Université des Antilles, Paris, France
| | - Johannes Martens
- Sciences, Normes, Démocratie (SND), Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Lopez
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle, EPHE, Université des Antilles, Paris, France
| | - Eric Bapteste
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle, EPHE, Université des Antilles, Paris, France
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35
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Fu C, Yu L, Miao Y, Liu X, Yu Z, Wei M. Peptide-drug conjugates (PDCs): a novel trend of research and development on targeted therapy, hype or hope? Acta Pharm Sin B 2023; 13:498-516. [PMID: 36873165 PMCID: PMC9978859 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptide-drug conjugates (PDCs) are the next generation of targeted therapeutics drug after antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), with the core benefits of enhanced cellular permeability and improved drug selectivity. Two drugs are now approved for market by US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and in the last two years, the pharmaceutical companies have been developing PDCs as targeted therapeutic candidates for cancer, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), metabolic diseases, and so on. The therapeutic benefits of PDCs are significant, but poor stability, low bioactivity, long research and development time, and slow clinical development process as therapeutic agents of PDC, how can we design PDCs more effectively and what is the future direction of PDCs? This review summarises the components and functions of PDCs for therapeutic, from drug target screening and PDC design improvement strategies to clinical applications to improve the permeability, targeting, and stability of the various components of PDCs. This holds great promise for the future of PDCs, such as bicyclic peptide‒toxin coupling or supramolecular nanostructures for peptide-conjugated drugs. The mode of drug delivery is determined according to the PDC design and current clinical trials are summarised. The way is shown for future PDC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Fu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China.,Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Lifeng Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Yuxi Miao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China.,Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China.,Liaoning Medical Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Xinli Liu
- Department of Digestive Oncology, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang 110042, China
| | - Zhaojin Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China.,Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Minjie Wei
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China.,Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China.,Liaoning Medical Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Shenyang 110000, China
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36
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Astrakhantseva IV, Krut’ VG, Chuvpilo SA, Shevyrev DV, Shumeev AN, Rybtsov SA, Nedospasov SA. On Immunological Studies at Sirius University of Science and Technology. Mol Biol 2023; 57:225-234. [PMID: 37128212 PMCID: PMC10131554 DOI: 10.1134/s0026893323020036] [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: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
This short report summarizes the results of recent immunological studies performed at new Sirius University of Science and Technology. The report focuses on studying the features of the immune response to vaccination and revaccination against SARS-CoV-2, as well as on a search of potential agents to prevent infection with this virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- I. V. Astrakhantseva
- Sirius University of Science and Technology, 354340 Sirius, Krasnodar region Russia
| | - V. G. Krut’
- Sirius University of Science and Technology, 354340 Sirius, Krasnodar region Russia
| | - S. A. Chuvpilo
- Sirius University of Science and Technology, 354340 Sirius, Krasnodar region Russia
| | - D. V. Shevyrev
- Sirius University of Science and Technology, 354340 Sirius, Krasnodar region Russia
| | - A. N. Shumeev
- Sirius University of Science and Technology, 354340 Sirius, Krasnodar region Russia
| | - S. A. Rybtsov
- Sirius University of Science and Technology, 354340 Sirius, Krasnodar region Russia
| | - S. A. Nedospasov
- Sirius University of Science and Technology, 354340 Sirius, Krasnodar region Russia
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
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37
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Chopra A, Shukri AH, Adhikary H, Lukinović V, Hoekstra M, Cowpland M, Biggar KK. A peptide array pipeline for the development of Spike-ACE2 interaction inhibitors. Peptides 2022; 158:170898. [PMID: 36279985 PMCID: PMC9585897 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2022.170898] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In humans, coronaviruses are the cause of endemic illness and have been the causative agents of more severe epidemics. Most recently, SARS-CoV-2 was the causative agent of the COVID19 pandemic. Thus, there is a high interest in developing therapeutic agents targeting various stages of the coronavirus viral life cycle to disrupt viral propagation. Besides the development of small-molecule therapeutics that target viral proteases, there is also interest molecular tools to inhibit the initial event of viral attachment of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein to host ACE2 surface receptor. Here, we leveraged known structural information and peptide arrays to develop an in vitro peptide inhibitor of the Spike-ACE2 interaction. First, from previous co-crystal structures of the Spike-ACE2 complex, we identified an initial 24-residue long region (sequence: STIEEQAKTFLDKFNHEAEDLFYQ) on the ACE2 sequence that encompasses most of the known contact residues. Next, we scanned this 24-mer window along the ACE2 N-terminal helix and found that maximal binding to the SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (CoV2-RBD) was increased when this window was shifted nine residues in the N-terminal direction. Further, by systematic permutation of this shifted ACE2-derived peptide we identified mutations to the wildtype sequence that confer increased binding of the CoV2-RBD. Among these peptides, we identified binding peptide 19 (referred to as BP19; sequence: SLVAVTAAQSTIEEQAKTFLDKFI) as an in vitro inhibitor of the Spike-ACE2 interaction with an IC50 of 2.08 ± 0.38 μM. Overall, BP19 adds to the arsenal of Spike-ACE2 inhibitors, and this study highlights the utility of systematic peptide arrays as a platform for the development of coronavirus protein inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand Chopra
- Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Ali H Shukri
- Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Hemanta Adhikary
- Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Valentina Lukinović
- Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Matthew Hoekstra
- Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Michael Cowpland
- NuvoBio Corporation, 150 Isabella Street, Suite 150, Ottawa, ON, K1S 1V7, Canada
| | - Kyle K Biggar
- Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
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38
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Maemoto T, Kitai Y, Takahashi R, Shoji H, Yamada S, Takei S, Ito D, Muromoto R, Kashiwakura JI, Handa H, Hashimoto A, Hashimoto S, Ose T, Oritani K, Matsuda T. A peptide derived from adaptor protein STAP-2 inhibits tumor progression by downregulating epidermal growth factor receptor signaling. J Biol Chem 2022; 299:102724. [PMID: 36410436 PMCID: PMC9800302 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102724] [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: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal-transducing adaptor family member-2 (STAP-2) is an adaptor protein that regulates various intracellular signals. We previously demonstrated that STAP-2 binds to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and facilitates its stability and activation of EGFR signaling in prostate cancer cells. Inhibition of this interaction may be a promising direction for cancer treatment. Here, we found that 2D5 peptide, a STAP-2-derived peptide, blocked STAP-2-EGFR interactions and suppressed EGFR-mediated proliferation in several cancer cell lines. 2D5 peptide inhibited tumor growth of human prostate cancer cell line DU145 and human lung cancer cell line A549 in murine xenograft models. Additionally, we determined that EGFR signaling and its stability were decreased by 2D5 peptide treatment during EGF stimulation. In conclusion, our study shows that 2D5 peptide is a novel anticancer peptide that inhibits STAP-2-mediated activation of EGFR signaling and suppresses prostate and lung cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiga Maemoto
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Yuichi Kitai
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan,For correspondence: Yuichi Kitai; Tadashi Matsuda
| | - Runa Takahashi
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Haruka Shoji
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Yamada
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Shiho Takei
- Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Daiki Ito
- Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Ryuta Muromoto
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Jun-ichi Kashiwakura
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Haruka Handa
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Ari Hashimoto
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Shigeru Hashimoto
- Division of Molecular Psychoimmunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Toyoyuki Ose
- Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Kenji Oritani
- Department of Hematology, International University of Health and Welfare, Narita, Chiba, Japan
| | - Tadashi Matsuda
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan,For correspondence: Yuichi Kitai; Tadashi Matsuda
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39
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Britton D, Punia K, Mahmoudinobar F, Tada T, Jiang X, Renfrew PD, Bonneau R, Landau NR, Kong XP, Montclare JK. Engineered multivalent self-assembled binder protein against SARS-CoV-2 RBD. Biochem Eng J 2022; 187:108596. [PMID: 36034180 PMCID: PMC9396458 DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2022.108596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a global pandemic since December 2019, and with it, a push for innovations in rapid testing and neutralizing antibody treatments in an effort to solve the spread and fatality of the disease. One such solution to both of these prevailing issues is targeting the interaction of SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor binding domain (RBD) with the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor protein. Structural studies have shown that the N-terminal alpha-helix comprised of the first 23 residues of ACE2 plays an important role in this interaction. Where it is typical to design a binding domain to fit a target, we have engineered a protein that relies on multivalency rather than the sensitivity of a monomeric ligand to provide avidity to its target by fusing the N-terminal helix of ACE2 to the coiled-coil domain of the cartilage oligomeric matrix protein. The resulting ACE-MAP is able to bind to the SARS-CoV-2 RBD with improved binding affinity, is expressible in E. coli, and is thermally stable and relatively small (62 kDa). These properties suggest ACE-MAP and the MAP scaffold to be a promising route towards developing future diagnostics and therapeutics to SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin Britton
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, New York University Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, New York 11201, USA
| | - Kamia Punia
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, New York University Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, New York 11201, USA
| | - Farbod Mahmoudinobar
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, New York University Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, New York 11201, USA
- Center for Computational Biology, Flatiron Institute, New York, New York 10010, USA
| | - Takuya Tada
- Department of Microbiology, NYU, Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA
| | - Xunqing Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA
| | - P Douglas Renfrew
- Center for Computational Biology, Flatiron Institute, New York, New York 10010, USA
| | - Richard Bonneau
- Center for Computational Biology, Flatiron Institute, New York, New York 10010, USA
- Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, New York University, New York, New York 10003, USA
- Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Computer Science Department, New York University, New York, New York 10009, USA
- Center for Data Science, New York University, New York, New York 10011, USA
| | - Nathaniel R Landau
- Department of Microbiology, NYU, Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA
| | - Xiang-Peng Kong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA
| | - Jin Kim Montclare
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, New York University Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, New York 11201, USA
- Bernard and Irene Schwartz Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, New York 10012, USA
- Department of Biomaterials, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, New York 10010, USA
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40
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Lee M, Kang B, Lee J, Lee J, Jung ST, Son CY, Oh SS. De novo selected hACE2 mimics that integrate hotspot peptides with aptameric scaffolds for binding tolerance of SARS-CoV-2 variants. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabq6207. [PMID: 36288301 PMCID: PMC9604513 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abq6207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The frequent occurrence of viral variants is a critical problem in developing antiviral prophylaxis and therapy; along with stronger recognition of host cell receptors, the variants evade the immune system-based vaccines and neutralizing agents more easily. In this work, we focus on enhanced receptor binding of viral variants and demonstrate generation of receptor-mimicking synthetic reagents, capable of strongly interacting with viruses and their variants. The hotspot interaction of viruses with receptor-derived short peptides is maximized by aptamer-like scaffolds, the compact and stable architectures of which can be in vitro selected from a myriad of the hotspot peptide-coupled random nucleic acids. We successfully created the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) receptor-mimicking hybrid ligand that recruits the hACE2-derived receptor binding domain-interacting peptide to directly interact with a binding hotspot of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Experiencing affinity boosting by ~500% to Omicron, the de novo selected hACE2 mimic exhibited a great binding tolerance to all SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjong Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, South Korea
| | - Byunghwa Kang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, South Korea
| | - Juhwa Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, South Korea
| | - Jisun Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul 02841, South Korea
- BK21 Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, South Korea
| | - Sang Taek Jung
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul 02841, South Korea
- BK21 Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, South Korea
| | - Chang Yun Son
- Department of Chemistry, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, South Korea
- Institute for Convergence Research and Education in Advanced Technology (I-CREATE), Yonsei University, Incheon 21983, South Korea
| | - Seung Soo Oh
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, South Korea
- Institute for Convergence Research and Education in Advanced Technology (I-CREATE), Yonsei University, Incheon 21983, South Korea
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41
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Zoladek J, Burlaud-Gaillard J, Chazal M, Desgraupes S, Jeannin P, Gessain A, Pardigon N, Hubert M, Roingeard P, Jouvenet N, Afonso PV. Human Claudin-Derived Peptides Block the Membrane Fusion Process of Zika Virus and Are Broad Flavivirus Inhibitors. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0298922. [PMID: 36040168 PMCID: PMC9603178 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02989-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that emerged in the Pacific islands in 2007 and spread to the Americas in 2015. The infection remains asymptomatic in most cases but can be associated with severe neurological disorders. Despite massive efforts, no specific drug or vaccine against ZIKV infection is available to date. Claudins are tight-junction proteins that favor the entry of several flaviviruses, including ZIKV. In this study, we identified two peptides derived from the N-terminal sequences of claudin-7 and claudin-1, named CL7.1 and CL1.1, respectively, that inhibited ZIKV infection in a panel of human cell lines. Using cell-to-cell fusion assays, we demonstrated that these peptides blocked the ZIKV E-mediated membrane fusion. A comparison of the antiviral efficacy of CL1.1 and CL7.1 pointed to the importance of the peptide amphipathicity. Electron microscopic analysis revealed that CL1.1 altered the ultrastructure of the viral particles likely by binding the virus lipid envelope. However, amphipathicity could not fully explain the antiviral activity of CL1.1. In silico docking simulations suggested that CL1.1 may also interact with the E protein, near its stem region. Overall, our data suggested that claudin-derived peptides inhibition may be linked to simultaneous interaction with the E protein and the viral lipid envelope. Finally, we found that CL1.1 also blocked infection by yellow fever and Japanese encephalitis viruses but not by HIV-1 or SARS-CoV-2. Our results provide a basis for the future development of therapeutics against a wide range of endemic and emerging flaviviruses. IMPORTANCE Zika virus (ZIKV) is a flavivirus transmitted by mosquito bites that have spread to the Pacific Islands and the Americas over the past decade. The infection remains asymptomatic in most cases but can cause severe neurological disorders. ZIKV is a major public health threat in areas of endemicity, and there is currently no specific antiviral drug or vaccine available. We identified two antiviral peptides deriving from the N-terminal sequences of claudin-7 and claudin-1 with the latter being the most effective. These peptides block the envelope-mediated membrane fusion. Our data suggested that the inhibition was likely achieved by simultaneously interacting with the viral lipid envelope and the E protein. The peptides also inhibited other flaviviruses. These results could provide the basis for the development of therapies that might target a wide array of flaviviruses from current epidemics and possibly future emergences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jim Zoladek
- Unité Épidémiologie et Physiopathologie des Virus Oncogènes, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3569, Paris, France
| | - Julien Burlaud-Gaillard
- Inserm U1259 MAVIVH, Université de Tours and CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
- Plate-Forme IBiSA de Microscopie Electronique, Université de Tours and CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Maxime Chazal
- Unité Signalisation Antivirale, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3569, Paris, France
| | - Sophie Desgraupes
- Unité Épidémiologie et Physiopathologie des Virus Oncogènes, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3569, Paris, France
| | - Patricia Jeannin
- Unité Épidémiologie et Physiopathologie des Virus Oncogènes, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3569, Paris, France
| | - Antoine Gessain
- Unité Épidémiologie et Physiopathologie des Virus Oncogènes, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3569, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Pardigon
- Groupe Arbovirus, Unité Environnement et Risques Infectieux, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Mathieu Hubert
- Unité Virus et Immunité, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3569, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Roingeard
- Inserm U1259 MAVIVH, Université de Tours and CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
- Plate-Forme IBiSA de Microscopie Electronique, Université de Tours and CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Nolwenn Jouvenet
- Unité Signalisation Antivirale, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3569, Paris, France
| | - Philippe V. Afonso
- Unité Épidémiologie et Physiopathologie des Virus Oncogènes, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3569, Paris, France
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42
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Biria D. Tailored lipopeptide surfactants as potentially effective drugs to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection. Med Hypotheses 2022; 167:110948. [PMID: 36157252 PMCID: PMC9482169 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2022.110948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Finding effective drugs to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection as a complementary step to the extensive vaccination is of the great importance to overcome the current pandemic situation. It has been shown that some bio-active unsaturated fatty acids such as Arachidonic Acid (AA) can reduce the infection severity and even destroy the virus by disintegration of the virus lipid envelope. On the other hand, it has been reported that several designed peptides with an activity similar to the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2), which has a high affinity towards the novel corona virus spike protein, can inhibit the viral infection through concealing the spike proteins from the cell surfaces ACE-2. Binding the mentioned peptides to the bio-active lipids like AA will result in a lipopeptide surfactant molecule with the synergistic effect of both the active moieties in its structure to treat the novel corona infection. In addition, the peptide segment increases the aqueous solubility of the lipid segment and enables the targeted delivery of the surfactant molecule to the virus. The resultant lipopeptide would be a potentially effective drug for SARS-CoV-2 infection treatment with the minimum side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davoud Biria
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Technologies, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
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43
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Engelhardt PM, Florez‐Rueda S, Drexelius M, Neudörfl J, Lauster D, Hackenberger CPR, Kühne R, Neundorf I, Schmalz H. Synthetic α-Helical Peptides as Potential Inhibitors of the ACE2 SARS-CoV-2 Interaction. Chembiochem 2022; 23:e202200372. [PMID: 35785462 PMCID: PMC9350387 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202200372] [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: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
During viral cell entry, the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 binds to the α1-helix motif of human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Thus, alpha-helical peptides mimicking this motif may serve as inhibitors of viral cell entry. For this purpose, we employed the rigidified diproline-derived module ProM-5 to induce α-helicity in short peptide sequences inspired by the ACE2 α1-helix. Starting with Ac-QAKTFLDKFNHEAEDLFYQ-NH2 as a relevant section of α1, a series of peptides, N-capped with either Ac-βHAsp-[ProM-5] or Ac-βHAsp-PP, were prepared and their α-helicities were investigated. While ProM-5 clearly showed a pronounced effect, an even increased degree of helicity (up to 63 %) was observed in sequences in which non-binding amino acids were replaced by alanine. The binding affinities of the peptides towards the spike protein, as determined by means of microscale thermophoresis (MST), revealed only a subtle influence of the α-helical content and, noteworthy, led to the identification of an Ac-βHAsp-PP-capped peptide displaying a very strong binding affinity (KD =62 nM).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sebastián Florez‐Rueda
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP)Robert-Rössle-Strasse 1013125BerlinGermany
| | - Marco Drexelius
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of CologneZülpicher Straße 47a50674CologneGermany
| | | | - Daniel Lauster
- Freie Universität BerlinInstitut für Biochemie und ChemieArnimallee 2214195BerlinGermany
| | | | - Ronald Kühne
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP)Robert-Rössle-Strasse 1013125BerlinGermany
| | - Ines Neundorf
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of CologneZülpicher Straße 47a50674CologneGermany
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Paul S, Nadendla S, Sobhia ME. Identification of Potential ACE2-Derived Peptide Mimetics in SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant Therapeutics using Computational Approaches. J Phys Chem Lett 2022; 13:7420-7428. [PMID: 35929665 PMCID: PMC9396968 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.2c01155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has become a global health challenge because of the emergence of distinct variants. Omicron, a new variant, is recognized as a variant of concern (VOC) by the World Health Organization (WHO) because of its higher mutations and accelerated human infection. The infection rate is strongly dependent on the binding rate of the receptor binding domain (RBD) against human angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE2human) receptor. Inhibition of protein-protein (RBDs(SARS-CoV-2/omicron)-ACE2human) interaction has been already proven to inhibit viral infection. We have systematically designed ACE2human-derived peptides and peptide mimetics that have high binding affinity toward RBDomicron. Our peptide mutational analysis indicated the influence of canonical amino acids on the peptide binding process. Herein, efforts have been made to explore the atomistic details and events of RBDs(SARS-CoV-2/omicron)-ACE2human interactions by using molecular dynamics simulation. Our studies pave a path for developing therapeutic peptidomimetics against omicron.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanly Paul
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical Analysis, University of
Szeged, Eotvos u. 6, G-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Swathi Nadendla
- Department
of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute
of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector-67, S.A.S. Nagar, Mohali 160062, India
| | - M Elizabeth Sobhia
- Department
of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute
of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector-67, S.A.S. Nagar, Mohali 160062, India
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45
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Kang B, Lee Y, Lim J, Yong D, Ki Choi Y, Woo Yoon S, Seo S, Jang S, Uk Son S, Kang T, Jung J, Lee KS, Kim MH, Lim EK. FRET-based hACE2 receptor mimic peptide conjugated nanoprobe for simple detection of SARS-CoV-2. CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL (LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND : 1996) 2022; 442:136143. [PMID: 35382003 PMCID: PMC8969299 DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2022.136143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has led to a pandemic of acute respiratory disease, namely coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This disease threatens human health and public safety. Early diagnosis, isolation, and prevention are important to suppress the outbreak of COVID 19 given the lack of specific antiviral drugs to treat this disease and the emergence of various variants of the virus that cause breakthrough infections even after vaccine administration. Simple and prompt testing is paramount to preventing further spread of the virus. However, current testing methods, namely RT-PCR, is time-consuming. Binding of the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) glycoprotein to human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) receptor plays a pivotal role in host cell entry. In the present study, we developed a hACE2 mimic peptide beacon (COVID19-PEB) for simple detection of SARS-CoV-2 using a fluorescence resonance energy transfer system. COVID19-PEB exhibits minimal fluorescence in its ''closed'' hairpin structure; however, in the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the specific recognition of the S protein receptor-binding domain by COVID19-PEB causes the beacon to assume an ''open'' structure that emits strong fluorescence. COVID19-PEB can detect SARS-CoV-2 within 3 h or even 50 min and exhibits strong fluorescence even at low viral concentrations, with a detection limit of 4 × 103 plaque-forming unit/test. Furthermore, in SARS-CoV-2-infected patient samples confirmed using polymerase chain reaction, COVID19-PEB accurately detected the virus. COVID19-PEB could be developed as a rapid and accurate diagnostic tool for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byunghoon Kang
- BioNanotechnology Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngjin Lee
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaewoo Lim
- BioNanotechnology Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, KRIBB School of Biotechnology, University of Science and Technology (UST), 217 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongeun Yong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Research Institute of Bacterial Resistance, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Ki Choi
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, 776 1sunhwan-ro, Seowon-gu, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
- Center for Study of Emerging and Re-emerging Viruses, Korea Virus Research Institute, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34126, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Woo Yoon
- BioNanotechnology Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungbeom Seo
- BioNanotechnology Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
- Department of Cogno-Mechatronics Engineering, Pusan National University, 2 Busandaehak-ro, Gumjeong-gu, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Soojin Jang
- BioNanotechnology Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, KRIBB School of Biotechnology, University of Science and Technology (UST), 217 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Uk Son
- BioNanotechnology Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, KRIBB School of Biotechnology, University of Science and Technology (UST), 217 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Taejoon Kang
- BioNanotechnology Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Juyeon Jung
- BioNanotechnology Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, KRIBB School of Biotechnology, University of Science and Technology (UST), 217 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu-Sun Lee
- BioNanotechnology Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung Hee Kim
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Kyung Lim
- BioNanotechnology Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, KRIBB School of Biotechnology, University of Science and Technology (UST), 217 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
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Silwal AP, Thennakoon SKS, Arya SP, Postema RM, Jahan R, Phuoc CMT, Tan X. DNA aptamers inhibit SARS-CoV-2 spike-protein binding to hACE2 by an RBD- independent or dependent approach. Theranostics 2022; 12:5522-5536. [PMID: 35910791 PMCID: PMC9330529 DOI: 10.7150/thno.74428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Nobody knows when the COVID-19 pandemic will end or when and where the next coronavirus will outbreak. Therefore, it is still necessary to develop SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors for different variants or even the new coronavirus. Since SARS-CoV-2 uses its surface spike-protein to recognize hACE2, mediating its entry into cells, ligands that can specifically recognize the spike-protein have the potential to prevent infection. Methods: We have recently discovered DNA aptamers against the S2-domain of the WT spike-protein by exploiting the selection process called SELEX. After optimization, among all candidates, the aptamer S2A2C1 has the shortest sequence and the best binding affinity toward the S2-protein. More importantly, the S2A2C1 aptamer does not bind to the RBD of the spike-protein, but it efficiently blocks the spike-protein/hACE2 interaction, suggesting an RBD-independent inhibition approach. To further improve its performance, we conjugated the S2A2C1 aptamer with a reported anti-RBD aptamer, S1B6C3, using various linkers and constructed hetero-bivalent fusion aptamers. Binding affinities of mono and fusion aptamers against the spike-proteins were measured. The inhibition efficacies of mono and fusion aptamers to prevent the hACE2/spike-protein interaction were determined using ELISA. Results: Anti-spike-protein aptamers, including S2A2C1 and S1B6C3-A5-S2A2C1, maintained high binding affinity toward the WT, Delta, and Omicron spike-proteins and high inhibition efficacies to prevent them from binding to hACE2, rendering them well-suited as diagnostic and therapeutic molecular tools to target SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. Conclusions: Overall, we discovered the anti-S2 aptamer, S2A2C1, which inhibits the hACE2/spike-protein interaction via an RBD-independent approach. The anti-S2 and anti-RBD aptamers were conjugated to obtain the fusion aptamer, S1B6C3-A5-S2A2C1, which recognizes the spike-protein by an RBD-dependent approach. Our strategies, which discovered aptamer inhibitors targeting the highly conserved S2-protein, as well as the design of fusion aptamers, can be used to target new coronaviruses as they emerge.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Xiaohong Tan
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Photochemical Sciences, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio 43403, United States
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47
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Chang CC, Hsu HJ, Wu TY, Liou JW. Computer-aided discovery, design, and investigation of COVID-19 therapeutics. Tzu Chi Med J 2022; 34:276-286. [PMID: 35912059 PMCID: PMC9333103 DOI: 10.4103/tcmj.tcmj_318_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is currently the most serious public health threat faced by mankind. Thus, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes COVID-19, is being intensively investigated. Several vaccines are now available for clinical use. However, owing to the highly mutated nature of RNA viruses, the SARS-CoV-2 is changing at a rapid speed. Breakthrough infections by SARS-CoV-2 variants have been seen in vaccinated individuals. As a result, effective therapeutics for treating COVID-19 patients is urgently required. With the advance of computer technology, computational methods have become increasingly powerful in the biomedical research and pharmaceutical drug discovery. The applications of these techniques have largely reduced the costs and simplified processes of pharmaceutical drug developments. Intensive and extensive studies on SARS-CoV-2 proteins have been carried out and three-dimensional structures of the major SARS-CoV-2 proteins have been resolved and deposited in the Protein Data Bank. These structures provide the foundations for drug discovery and design using the structure-based computations, such as molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. In this review, introduction to the applications of computational methods in the discovery and design of novel drugs and repurposing of existing drugs for the treatments of COVID-19 is given. The examples of computer-aided investigations and screening of COVID-19 effective therapeutic compounds, functional peptides, as well as effective molecules from the herb medicines are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Chun Chang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Hao-Jen Hsu
- Department of Life Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Tien-Yuan Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Je-Wen Liou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
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48
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Krut' VG, Chuvpilo SA, Astrakhantseva IV, Kozlovskaya LI, Efimov GA, Kruglov AA, Drutskaya MS, Nedospasov SA. Will Peptides Help to Stop COVID-19? BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2022; 87:590-604. [PMID: 36154880 PMCID: PMC9282900 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297922070021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Peptides are widely used for the diagnostics, prevention, and therapy of certain human diseases. How useful can they be for the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus? In this review, we discuss the possibility of using synthetic and recombinant peptides and polypeptides for prevention of COVID-19 via blocking the interaction between the virus and its main receptor ACE2, as well as components of antiviral vaccines, in particular, against new emerging virus variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoriya G Krut'
- Sirius University of Science and Technology, Federal Territory Sirius, Krasnodar Krai, 354340, Russia
| | - Sergei A Chuvpilo
- Sirius University of Science and Technology, Federal Territory Sirius, Krasnodar Krai, 354340, Russia
| | - Irina V Astrakhantseva
- Sirius University of Science and Technology, Federal Territory Sirius, Krasnodar Krai, 354340, Russia
| | - Liubov I Kozlovskaya
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immunobiological Products, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 108819, Russia
- Institute of Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, Sechenov Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Grigory A Efimov
- National Medical Research Center of Hematology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 125167, Russia
| | - Andrei A Kruglov
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia
- German Rheumatism Research Center (DRFZ), Leibniz Institute, Berlin, 10117, Germany
| | - Marina S Drutskaya
- Sirius University of Science and Technology, Federal Territory Sirius, Krasnodar Krai, 354340, Russia
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Sergei A Nedospasov
- Sirius University of Science and Technology, Federal Territory Sirius, Krasnodar Krai, 354340, Russia.
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russia
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49
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Weißenborn L, Richel E, Hüseman H, Welzer J, Beck S, Schäfer S, Sticht H, Überla K, Eichler J. Smaller, Stronger, More Stable: Peptide Variants of a SARS-CoV-2 Neutralizing Miniprotein. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116309. [PMID: 35682988 PMCID: PMC9181698 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Based on the structure of a de novo designed miniprotein (LCB1) in complex with the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, we have generated and characterized truncated peptide variants of LCB1, which present only two of the three LCB1 helices, and which fully retained the virus neutralizing potency against different SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC). This antiviral activity was even 10-fold stronger for a cyclic variant of the two-helix peptides, as compared to the full-length peptide. Furthermore, the proteolytic stability of the cyclic peptide was substantially improved, rendering it a better potential candidate for SARS-CoV-2 therapy. In a more mechanistic approach, the peptides also served as tools to dissect the role of individual mutations in the RBD for the susceptibility of the resulting virus variants to neutralization by the peptides. As the peptides reported here were generated through chemical synthesis, rather than recombinant protein expression, they are amenable to further chemical modification, including the incorporation of a wide range of non-proteinogenic amino acids, with the aim to further stabilize the peptides against proteolytic degradation, as well as to improve the strength, as well the breadth, of their virus neutralizing capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Weißenborn
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany; (L.W.); (H.H.); (J.W.); (S.B.)
| | - Elie Richel
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (E.R.); (K.Ü.)
| | - Helena Hüseman
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany; (L.W.); (H.H.); (J.W.); (S.B.)
| | - Julia Welzer
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany; (L.W.); (H.H.); (J.W.); (S.B.)
| | - Silvan Beck
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany; (L.W.); (H.H.); (J.W.); (S.B.)
| | - Simon Schäfer
- Department of Biology, Genetics Division, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany;
| | - Heinrich Sticht
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany;
| | - Klaus Überla
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (E.R.); (K.Ü.)
| | - Jutta Eichler
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany; (L.W.); (H.H.); (J.W.); (S.B.)
- Correspondence:
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50
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Faraji SN, Raee MJ, Hashemi SMA, Daryabor G, Tabrizi R, Dashti FS, Behboudi E, Heidarnejad K, Nowrouzi-Sohrabi P, Hatam G. Human interaction targets of SARS-COV-2 spike protein: A systematic review. EUR J INFLAMM 2022. [PMCID: PMC9160582 DOI: 10.1177/1721727x221095382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The development of effective targeted therapy and drug-design approaches against the SARS-CoV-2 is a universal health priority. Therefore, it is important to assess possible therapeutic strategies against SARS-CoV-2 via its most interaction targets. The present study aimed to perform a systematic review on clinical and experimental investigations regarding SARS-COV-2 interaction targets for human cell entry. Methods: A systematic search using relevant MeSH terms and keywords was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science (ISI) databases up to July 2021. Two reviewers independently assessed the eligibility of the studies, extracted the data, and evaluated the methodological quality of the included studies. Additionally, a narrative synthesis was done as a qualitative method for data gathering and synthesis of each outcome measure. Results: A total of 5610 studies were identified, and 128 articles were included in the systematic review. Based on the results, spike antigen was the only interaction protein from SARS-CoV-2. However, the interaction proteins from humans varied including different spike receptors and several cleavage enzymes. The most common interactions of the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 for cell entry were ACE2 (entry receptor) and TMPRSS2 (for spike priming). A lot of published studies have mainly focused on the ACE2 receptor followed by the TMPRSS family and furin. Based on the results, ACE2 polymorphisms as well as spike RBD mutations affected the SARS-CoV-2 binding affinity. Conclusion: The included studies shed more light on SARS-CoV-2 cellular entry mechanisms and detailed interactions, which could enhance the understanding of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and the development of new and comprehensive therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Nooreddin Faraji
- School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohamad Javad Raee
- Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohamad Ali Hashemi
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Microbiology, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Daryabor
- Autoimmune Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Reza Tabrizi
- Non-communicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Fateme Sadat Dashti
- Research Center for Food Hygiene and Safety, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Emad Behboudi
- Department of Microbiology, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Kamran Heidarnejad
- Recombinant Antibody Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Peyman Nowrouzi-Sohrabi
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Hatam
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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