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Ivachtchenko AV, Khvat AV, Shkil DO. Development and Prospects of Furin Inhibitors for Therapeutic Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9199. [PMID: 39273149 PMCID: PMC11394684 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25179199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2024] [Revised: 08/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Furin, a serine protease enzyme located in the Golgi apparatus of animal cells, plays a crucial role in cleaving precursor proteins into their mature, active forms. It is ubiquitously expressed across various tissues, including the brain, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, liver, pancreas, and reproductive organs. Since its discovery in 1990, furin has been recognized as a significant therapeutic target, leading to the active development of furin inhibitors for potential use in antiviral, antibacterial, anticancer, and other therapeutic applications. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the progress in the development and characterization of furin inhibitors, encompassing peptides, linear and macrocyclic peptidomimetics, and non-peptide compounds, highlighting their potential in the treatment of both infectious and non-infectious diseases.
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2
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Lange RW, Bloch K, Heindl MR, Wollenhaupt J, Weiss MS, Brandstetter H, Klebe G, Falcone FH, Böttcher-Friebertshäuser E, Dahms SO, Steinmetzer T. Fragment-Based Design, Synthesis, and Characterization of Aminoisoindole-Derived Furin Inhibitors. ChemMedChem 2024; 19:e202400057. [PMID: 38385828 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202400057] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
A 1H-isoindol-3-amine was identified as suitable P1 group for the proprotein convertase furin using a crystallographic screening with a set of 20 fragments known to occupy the S1 pocket of trypsin-like serine proteases. Its binding mode is very similar to that observed for the P1 group of benzamidine-derived peptidic furin inhibitors suggesting an aminomethyl substitution of this fragment to obtain a couplable P1 residue for the synthesis of substrate-analogue furin inhibitors. The obtained inhibitors possess a slightly improved picomolar inhibitory potency compared to their benzamidine-derived analogues. The crystal structures of two inhibitors in complex with furin revealed that the new P1 group is perfectly suited for incorporation in peptidic furin inhibitors. Selected inhibitors were tested for antiviral activity against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and a furin-dependent influenza A virus (SC35M/H7N7) in A549 human lung cells and demonstrated an efficient inhibition of virus activation and replication at low micromolar or even submicromolar concentrations. First results suggest that the Mas-related G-protein coupled receptor GPCR-X2 could be a potential off-target for certain benzamidine-derived furin inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman W Lange
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University, Marbacher Weg 6-10, D-35032, Marburg, Germany Phone
| | - Konstantin Bloch
- Institute of Virology, Philipps University, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 2, Marburg, Germany
| | - Miriam Ruth Heindl
- Institute of Virology, Philipps University, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 2, Marburg, Germany
| | - Jan Wollenhaupt
- Macromolecular Crystallography, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, 12489, Berlin, Germany
| | - Manfred S Weiss
- Macromolecular Crystallography, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, 12489, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hans Brandstetter
- Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, Billrothstrasse 11, A-5020, Salzburg, Austria Phone
| | - Gerhard Klebe
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University, Marbacher Weg 6-10, D-35032, Marburg, Germany Phone
| | - Franco H Falcone
- Institute of Parasitology, BFS, Justus Liebig University, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Sven O Dahms
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University, Marbacher Weg 6-10, D-35032, Marburg, Germany Phone
- Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, Billrothstrasse 11, A-5020, Salzburg, Austria Phone
| | - Torsten Steinmetzer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University, Marbacher Weg 6-10, D-35032, Marburg, Germany Phone
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3
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Wu A, Shi K, Wang J, Zhang R, Wang Y. Targeting SARS-CoV-2 entry processes: The promising potential and future of host-targeted small-molecule inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 263:115923. [PMID: 37981443 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has had a huge impact on global health. To respond to rapidly mutating viruses and to prepare for the next pandemic, there is an urgent need to develop small molecule therapies that target critical stages of the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle. Inhibiting the entry process of the virus can effectively control viral infection and play a role in prevention and treatment. Host factors involved in this process, such as ACE2, TMPRSS2, ADAM17, furin, PIKfyve, TPC2, CTSL, AAK1, V-ATPase, HSPG, and NRP1, have been found to be potentially good targets with stability. Through further exploration of the cell entry process of SARS-CoV-2, small-molecule drugs targeting these host factors have been developed. This review focuses on the structural functions of potential host cell targets during the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into host cells. The research progress, chemical structure, structure-activity relationship, and clinical value of small-molecule inhibitors against COVID-19 are reviewed to provide a reference for the development of small-molecule drugs against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aijia Wu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Kunyu Shi
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Frontiers Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, 610212, China
| | - Jiaxing Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, 38163, Tennessee, United States
| | - Ruofei Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yuxi Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Frontiers Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, 610212, China.
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4
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Cassari L, Pavan A, Zoia G, Chinellato M, Zeni E, Grinzato A, Rothenberger S, Cendron L, Dettin M, Pasquato A. SARS-CoV-2 S Mutations: A Lesson from the Viral World to Understand How Human Furin Works. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:4791. [PMID: 36902222 PMCID: PMC10003014 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054791] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the etiological agent responsible for the worldwide pandemic and has now claimed millions of lives. The virus combines several unusual characteristics and an extraordinary ability to spread among humans. In particular, the dependence of the maturation of the envelope glycoprotein S from Furin enables the invasion and replication of the virus virtually within the entire body, since this cellular protease is ubiquitously expressed. Here, we analyzed the naturally occurring variation of the amino acids sequence around the cleavage site of S. We found that the virus grossly mutates preferentially at P positions, resulting in single residue replacements that associate with gain-of-function phenotypes in specific conditions. Interestingly, some combinations of amino acids are absent, despite the evidence supporting some cleavability of the respective synthetic surrogates. In any case, the polybasic signature is maintained and, as a consequence, Furin dependence is preserved. Thus, no escape variants to Furin are observed in the population. Overall, the SARS-CoV-2 system per se represents an outstanding example of the evolution of substrate-enzyme interaction, demonstrating a fast-tracked optimization of a protein stretch towards the Furin catalytic pocket. Ultimately, these data disclose important information for the development of drugs targeting Furin and Furin-dependent pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Cassari
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Angela Pavan
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, Viale G. Colombo 3, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Giulia Zoia
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, Viale G. Colombo 3, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Monica Chinellato
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, Viale G. Colombo 3, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Elena Zeni
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Alessandro Grinzato
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, 71, Avenue des Martyrs, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Sylvia Rothenberger
- Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 48, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Spiez Laboratory, Federal Office for Civil Protection, Austrasse, 3700 Spiez, Switzerland
| | - Laura Cendron
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, Viale G. Colombo 3, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Monica Dettin
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Antonella Pasquato
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy
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5
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Permethrin as a Potential Furin Inhibitor through a Novel Non-Competitive Allosteric Inhibition. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28041883. [PMID: 36838867 PMCID: PMC9959265 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28041883] [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: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Furin is a potential target protein associated with numerous diseases; especially closely related to tumors and multiple viral infections including SARS-CoV-2. Most of the existing efficient furin inhibitors adopt a substrate analogous structure, and other types of small molecule inhibitors need to be discovered urgently. In this study, a high-throughput screening combining virtual and physical screening of natural product libraries was performed, coupled with experimental validation and preliminary mechanistic assays at the molecular level, cellular level, and molecular simulation. A novel furin inhibitor, permethrin, which is a derivative from pyrethrin I generated by Pyrethrum cinerariifolium Trev. was identified, and this study confirmed that it binds to a novel allosteric pocket of furin through non-competitive inhibition. It exhibits a very favorable protease-selective inhibition and good cellular activity and specificity. In summary, permethrin shows a new parent nucleus with a new mode of inhibition. It could be used as a highly promising lead compound against furin for targeting related tumors and various resistant viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2.
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6
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Cheng MH, Krieger JM, Banerjee A, Xiang Y, Kaynak B, Shi Y, Arditi M, Bahar I. Impact of new variants on SARS-CoV-2 infectivity and neutralization: A molecular assessment of the alterations in the spike-host protein interactions. iScience 2022; 25:103939. [PMID: 35194576 PMCID: PMC8851820 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.103939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants necessitates rational assessment of their impact on the recognition and neutralization of the virus by the host cell. We present a comparative analysis of the interactions of Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta variants with cognate molecules (ACE2 and/or furin), neutralizing nanobodies (Nbs), and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) using in silico methods, in addition to Nb-binding assays. Our study elucidates the molecular origin of the ability of Beta and Delta variants to evade selected antibodies, such as REGN10933, LY-CoV555, B38, C105, or H11-H4, while being insensitive to others including REGN10987. Experiments confirm that nanobody Nb20 retains neutralizing activity against the Delta variant. The substitutions T478K and L452R in the Delta variant enhance associations with ACE2, whereas P681R promotes recognition by proteases, thus facilitating viral entry. The Ab-specific responses of variants highlight how full-atomic structure and dynamics analyses are required for assessing the response to newly emerging variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Hongying Cheng
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - James M. Krieger
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Anupam Banerjee
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Yufei Xiang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Burak Kaynak
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Yi Shi
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Moshe Arditi
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, and Biomedical Sciences, Infectious and Immunologic Diseases Research Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Ivet Bahar
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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7
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Abstract
Analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 sequence revealed a multibasic furin cleavage site at the S1/S2 boundary of the spike protein distinguishing this virus from SARS-CoV. Furin, the best-characterized member of the mammalian proprotein convertases, is an ubiquitously expressed single pass type 1 transmembrane protein. Cleavage of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein by furin promotes viral entry into lung cells. While furin knockout is embryonically lethal, its knockout in differentiated somatic cells is not, thus furin provides an exciting therapeutic target for viral pathogens including SARS-CoV-2 and bacterial infections. Several peptide-based and small-molecule inhibitors of furin have been recently reported, and select cocrystal structures have been solved, paving the way for further optimization and selection of clinical candidates. This perspective highlights furin structure, substrates, recent inhibitors, and crystal structures with emphasis on furin's role in SARS-CoV-2 infection, where the current data strongly suggest its inhibition as a promising therapeutic intervention for SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Essam
Eldin A. Osman
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt
| | - Alnawaz Rehemtulla
- Department
of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Nouri Neamati
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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8
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Cheng MH, Porritt RA, Rivas MN, Krieger JM, Ozdemir AB, Garcia G, Arumugaswami V, Fries BC, Arditi M, Bahar I. A monoclonal antibody against staphylococcal enterotoxin B superantigen inhibits SARS-CoV-2 entry in vitro. Structure 2021; 29:951-962.e3. [PMID: 33930306 PMCID: PMC8082696 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2021.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
We recently discovered a superantigen-like motif sequentially and structurally similar to a staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) segment, near the S1/S2 cleavage site of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which might explain the multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) observed in children and the cytokine storm in severe COVID-19 patients. We show here that an anti-SEB monoclonal antibody (mAb), 6D3, can bind this viral motif at its polybasic (PRRA) insert to inhibit infection in live virus assays. The overlap between the superantigenic site of the spike and its proteolytic cleavage site suggests that the mAb prevents viral entry by interfering with the proteolytic activity of cell proteases (furin and TMPRSS2). The high affinity of 6D3 for this site originates from a polyacidic segment at its heavy chain CDR2. The study points to the potential utility of 6D3 for possibly treating COVID-19, MIS-C, or common colds caused by human coronaviruses that also possess a furin-like cleavage site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Hongying Cheng
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Rebecca A Porritt
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; Biomedical Sciences, Infectious and Immunologic Diseases Research Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Magali Noval Rivas
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; Biomedical Sciences, Infectious and Immunologic Diseases Research Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - James M Krieger
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Asli Beyza Ozdemir
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; Biomedical Sciences, Infectious and Immunologic Diseases Research Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Gustavo Garcia
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Vaithilingaraja Arumugaswami
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Bettina C Fries
- Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook, New York, NY 11794, USA; Northport VA Medical Center, Northport, NY 11768, USA
| | - Moshe Arditi
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; Biomedical Sciences, Infectious and Immunologic Diseases Research Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.
| | - Ivet Bahar
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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9
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Palte RL, Juan V, Gomez-Llorente Y, Bailly MA, Chakravarthy K, Chen X, Cipriano D, Fayad GN, Fayadat-Dilman L, Gathiaka S, Greb H, Hall B, Handa M, Hsieh M, Kofman E, Lin H, Miller JR, Nguyen N, O'Neil J, Shaheen H, Sterner E, Strickland C, Sun A, Taremi S, Scapin G. Cryo-EM structures of inhibitory antibodies complexed with arginase 1 provide insight into mechanism of action. Commun Biol 2021; 4:927. [PMID: 34326456 PMCID: PMC8322407 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02444-z] [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: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Human Arginase 1 (hArg1) is a metalloenzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of L-arginine to L-ornithine and urea, and modulates T-cell-mediated immune response. Arginase-targeted therapies have been pursued across several disease areas including immunology, oncology, nervous system dysfunction, and cardiovascular dysfunction and diseases. Currently, all published hArg1 inhibitors are small molecules usually less than 350 Da in size. Here we report the cryo-electron microscopy structures of potent and inhibitory anti-hArg antibodies bound to hArg1 which form distinct macromolecular complexes that are greater than 650 kDa. With local resolutions of 3.5 Å or better we unambiguously mapped epitopes and paratopes for all five antibodies and determined that the antibodies act through orthosteric and allosteric mechanisms. These hArg1:antibody complexes present an alternative mechanism to inhibit hArg1 activity and highlight the ability to utilize antibodies as probes in the discovery and development of peptide and small molecule inhibitors for enzymes in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L Palte
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Veronica Juan
- Department of Discovery Biologics, Merck & Co., Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Marc Andre Bailly
- Department of Discovery Biologics, Merck & Co., Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kalyan Chakravarthy
- Department of Discovery Biology, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, MA, USA
- Ipsen Bioscience Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Xun Chen
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
| | - Daniel Cipriano
- Department of Discovery Biologics, Merck & Co., Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ghassan N Fayad
- Department of Preclinical Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Symon Gathiaka
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, MA, USA
| | - Heiko Greb
- Department of Discovery Biologics, Merck & Co., Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
- Synthekine Inc., Menlo Park, CA, USA
| | - Brian Hall
- Department of Discovery Biologics, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mas Handa
- Department of Discovery Biologics, Merck & Co., Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Mark Hsieh
- Department of Discovery Biologics, Merck & Co., Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Esther Kofman
- Department of Discovery Biologics, Merck & Co., Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Heping Lin
- Department of Discovery Biologics, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, MA, USA
| | - J Richard Miller
- Department of Discovery Biology, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nhung Nguyen
- Department of Discovery Biologics, Merck & Co., Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer O'Neil
- Department of Discovery Oncology, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, MA, USA
- Xilio Therapeutics, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - Hussam Shaheen
- Department of Discovery Biologics, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, MA, USA
- Pandion Therapeutics, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Eric Sterner
- Department of Discovery Biologics, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, MA, USA
| | - Corey Strickland
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
| | - Angie Sun
- Department of Discovery Biologics, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shane Taremi
- Department of Discovery Biologics, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, MA, USA
| | - Giovanna Scapin
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
- NanoImaging Services, Woburn, MA, USA
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10
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Cheng MH, Porritt RA, Rivas MN, Krieger JM, Ozdemir AB, Garcia G, Arumugaswami V, Fries BC, Arditi M, Bahar I. A monoclonal antibody against staphylococcal enterotoxin B superantigen inhibits SARS-CoV-2 entry in vitro. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2020. [PMID: 33269352 PMCID: PMC7709177 DOI: 10.1101/2020.11.24.395079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
We recently discovered a superantigen-like motif, similar to Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), near the S1/S2 cleavage site of SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein, which might explain the multisystem-inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) observed in children and cytokine storm in severe COVID-19 patients. We show here that an anti-SEB monoclonal antibody (mAb), 6D3, can bind this viral motif, and in particular its PRRA insert, to inhibit infection by blocking the access of host cell proteases, TMPRSS2 or furin, to the cleavage site. The high affinity of 6D3 for the furin-cleavage site originates from a poly-acidic segment at its heavy chain CDR2, a feature shared with SARS-CoV-2-neutralizing mAb 4A8. The affinity of 6D3 and 4A8 for this site points to their potential utility as therapeutics for treating COVID-19, MIS-C, or common cold caused by human coronaviruses (HCoVs) that possess a furin-like cleavage site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Hongying Cheng
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Rebecca A Porritt
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.,Biomedical Sciences, Infectious and Immunologic Diseases Research Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Magali Noval Rivas
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.,Biomedical Sciences, Infectious and Immunologic Diseases Research Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - James M Krieger
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Asli Beyza Ozdemir
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.,Biomedical Sciences, Infectious and Immunologic Diseases Research Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Gustavo Garcia
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.,Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA90095, USA
| | - Vaithilingaraja Arumugaswami
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.,Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA90095, USA
| | - Bettina C Fries
- Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook, New York, 11794, USA
| | - Moshe Arditi
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.,Biomedical Sciences, Infectious and Immunologic Diseases Research Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Ivet Bahar
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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11
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Hanke L, Vidakovics Perez L, Sheward DJ, Das H, Schulte T, Moliner-Morro A, Corcoran M, Achour A, Karlsson Hedestam GB, Hällberg BM, Murrell B, McInerney GM. An alpaca nanobody neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 by blocking receptor interaction. Nat Commun 2020; 11:4420. [PMID: 32887876 DOI: 10.1101/2020.06.02.130161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 enters host cells through an interaction between the spike glycoprotein and the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. Directly preventing this interaction presents an attractive possibility for suppressing SARS-CoV-2 replication. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of an alpaca-derived single domain antibody fragment, Ty1, that specifically targets the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike, directly preventing ACE2 engagement. Ty1 binds the RBD with high affinity, occluding ACE2. A cryo-electron microscopy structure of the bound complex at 2.9 Å resolution reveals that Ty1 binds to an epitope on the RBD accessible in both the 'up' and 'down' conformations, sterically hindering RBD-ACE2 binding. While fusion to an Fc domain renders Ty1 extremely potent, Ty1 neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 spike pseudovirus as a 12.8 kDa nanobody, which can be expressed in high quantities in bacteria, presenting opportunities for manufacturing at scale. Ty1 is therefore an excellent candidate as an intervention against COVID-19.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2
- Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Animals
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/pharmacology
- Antibodies, Viral/chemistry
- Antibodies, Viral/immunology
- Betacoronavirus/drug effects
- Betacoronavirus/immunology
- Betacoronavirus/metabolism
- Binding Sites
- COVID-19
- Camelids, New World/immunology
- Chlorocebus aethiops
- Coronavirus Infections/drug therapy
- Coronavirus Infections/virology
- Cryoelectron Microscopy
- Epitopes/immunology
- Epitopes/metabolism
- HEK293 Cells
- Humans
- Male
- Models, Molecular
- Pandemics
- Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A/chemistry
- Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A/metabolism
- Pneumonia, Viral/drug therapy
- Pneumonia, Viral/virology
- Protein Binding
- SARS-CoV-2
- Single-Domain Antibodies/immunology
- Single-Domain Antibodies/isolation & purification
- Single-Domain Antibodies/pharmacology
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/antagonists & inhibitors
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/chemistry
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/immunology
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/metabolism
- Vero Cells
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Affiliation(s)
- Leo Hanke
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Laura Vidakovics Perez
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Daniel J Sheward
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Virology, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Hrishikesh Das
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tim Schulte
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, and Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ainhoa Moliner-Morro
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin Corcoran
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Adnane Achour
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, and Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - B Martin Hällberg
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Karolinska Institutet VR-RÅC, Centre for Structural Systems Biology, Notkestraße 85, 22607, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Ben Murrell
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Gerald M McInerney
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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12
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Hanke L, Vidakovics Perez L, Sheward DJ, Das H, Schulte T, Moliner-Morro A, Corcoran M, Achour A, Karlsson Hedestam GB, Hällberg BM, Murrell B, McInerney GM. An alpaca nanobody neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 by blocking receptor interaction. Nat Commun 2020; 11:4420. [PMID: 32887876 PMCID: PMC7473855 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18174-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 234] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 enters host cells through an interaction between the spike glycoprotein and the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. Directly preventing this interaction presents an attractive possibility for suppressing SARS-CoV-2 replication. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of an alpaca-derived single domain antibody fragment, Ty1, that specifically targets the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike, directly preventing ACE2 engagement. Ty1 binds the RBD with high affinity, occluding ACE2. A cryo-electron microscopy structure of the bound complex at 2.9 Å resolution reveals that Ty1 binds to an epitope on the RBD accessible in both the 'up' and 'down' conformations, sterically hindering RBD-ACE2 binding. While fusion to an Fc domain renders Ty1 extremely potent, Ty1 neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 spike pseudovirus as a 12.8 kDa nanobody, which can be expressed in high quantities in bacteria, presenting opportunities for manufacturing at scale. Ty1 is therefore an excellent candidate as an intervention against COVID-19.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2
- Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Animals
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/pharmacology
- Antibodies, Viral/chemistry
- Antibodies, Viral/immunology
- Betacoronavirus/drug effects
- Betacoronavirus/immunology
- Betacoronavirus/metabolism
- Binding Sites
- COVID-19
- Camelids, New World/immunology
- Chlorocebus aethiops
- Coronavirus Infections/drug therapy
- Coronavirus Infections/virology
- Cryoelectron Microscopy
- Epitopes/immunology
- Epitopes/metabolism
- HEK293 Cells
- Humans
- Male
- Models, Molecular
- Pandemics
- Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A/chemistry
- Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A/metabolism
- Pneumonia, Viral/drug therapy
- Pneumonia, Viral/virology
- Protein Binding
- SARS-CoV-2
- Single-Domain Antibodies/immunology
- Single-Domain Antibodies/isolation & purification
- Single-Domain Antibodies/pharmacology
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/antagonists & inhibitors
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/chemistry
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/immunology
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/metabolism
- Vero Cells
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Affiliation(s)
- Leo Hanke
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Laura Vidakovics Perez
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Daniel J Sheward
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Virology, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Hrishikesh Das
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tim Schulte
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, and Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ainhoa Moliner-Morro
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin Corcoran
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Adnane Achour
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, and Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - B Martin Hällberg
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Karolinska Institutet VR-RÅC, Centre for Structural Systems Biology, Notkestraße 85, 22607, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Ben Murrell
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Gerald M McInerney
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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13
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Structural and Functional Studies of a Klebsiella Phage Capsule Depolymerase Tailspike: Mechanistic Insights into Capsular Degradation. Structure 2020; 28:613-624.e4. [PMID: 32386574 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2020.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Capsule polysaccharide is a major virulence factor of Klebsiella pneumoniae, a nosocomial pathogen associated with a wide range of infections. It protects bacteria from harsh environmental conditions, immune system response, and phage infection. To access cell wall-located receptors, some phages possess tailspike depolymerases that degrade the capsular polysaccharide. Here, we present the crystal structure of a tailspike against Klebsiella, KP32gp38, whose primary sequence shares no similarity to other proteins of known structure. In the trimeric structure of KP32gp38, each chain contains a flexible N-terminal domain, a right-handed parallel β helix domain and two β sandwiches with carbohydrate binding features. The crystal structure and activity assays allowed us to locate the catalytic site. Also, our data provide experimental evidence of a branching architecture of depolymerases in KP32 Klebsiella viruses, as KP32gp38 displays nanomolar affinity to another depolymerase from the same phage, KP32gp37. Results provide a structural framework for enzyme engineering to produce serotype-broad-active enzyme complexes against K. pneumoniae.
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14
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He Z, Thorrez L, Siegfried G, Meulemans S, Evrard S, Tejpar S, Khatib AM, Creemers JWM. The proprotein convertase furin is a pro-oncogenic driver in KRAS and BRAF driven colorectal cancer. Oncogene 2020; 39:3571-3587. [PMID: 32139876 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-1238-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in KRAS and/or BRAF that activate the ERK kinase are frequently found in colorectal cancer (CRC) and drive resistance to targeted therapies. Therefore, the identification of therapeutic targets that affect multiple signaling pathways simultaneously is crucial for improving the treatment of patients with KRAS or BRAF mutations. The proprotein convertase furin activates several oncogenic protein precursors involved in the ERK-MAPK pathway by endoproteolytic cleavage. Here we show that genetic inactivation of furin suppresses tumorigenic growth, proliferation, and migration in KRAS or BRAF mutant CRC cell lines but not in wild-type KRAS and BRAF cells. In a mouse xenograft model, these KRAS or BRAF mutant cells lacking furin displayed reduced growth and angiogenesis, and increased apoptosis. Mechanistically, furin inactivation prevents the processing of various protein pecursors including proIGF1R, proIR, proc-MET, proTGF-β1 and NOTCH1 leading to potent and durable ERK-MAPK pathway suppression in KRAS or BRAF mutant cells. Furthermore, we identified genes involved in activating the ERK-MAPK pathway, such as PTGS2, which are downregulated in the KRAS or BRAF mutant cells after furin inactivation but upregulated in wild-type KRAS and BRAF cells. Analysis of human colorectal tumor samples reveals a positive correlation between enhanced furin expression and KRAS or BRAF expression. These results indicate that furin plays an important role in KRAS or BRAF-associated ERK-MAPK pathway activation and tumorigenesis, providing a potential target for personalized treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongsheng He
- Laboratory of Biochemical Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lieven Thorrez
- Interdisciplinary Research Facility, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Campus Kulak Kortrijk, Kortrijk, Belgium
| | | | - Sandra Meulemans
- Laboratory of Biochemical Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Serge Evrard
- INSERM, LAMC, UMR, Allée Geoffroy St Hilaire, 1029, Pessac, France.,Institut Bergonié, Bordeaux, France
| | - Sabine Tejpar
- Digestive Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - John W M Creemers
- Laboratory of Biochemical Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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15
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Abstract
Single-domain antibodies (sdAbs), the autonomous variable domains of heavy chain-only antibodies produced naturally by camelid ungulates and cartilaginous fishes, have evolved to bind antigen using only three complementarity-determining region (CDR) loops rather than the six present in conventional VH:VL antibodies. It has been suggested, based on limited evidence, that sdAbs may adopt paratope structures that predispose them to preferential recognition of recessed protein epitopes, but poor or non-recognition of protuberant epitopes and small molecules. Here, we comprehensively surveyed the evidence in support of this hypothesis. We found some support for a global structural difference in the paratope shapes of sdAbs compared with those of conventional antibodies: sdAb paratopes have smaller molecular surface areas and diameters, more commonly have non-canonical CDR1 and CDR2 structures, and have elongated CDR3 length distributions, but have similar amino acid compositions and are no more extended (interatomic distance measured from CDR base to tip) than conventional antibody paratopes. Comparison of X-ray crystal structures of sdAbs and conventional antibodies in complex with cognate antigens showed that sdAbs and conventional antibodies bury similar solvent-exposed surface areas on proteins and form similar types of non-covalent interactions, although these are more concentrated in the compact sdAb paratope. Thus, sdAbs likely have privileged access to distinct antigenic regions on proteins, but only owing to their small molecular size and not to general differences in molecular recognition mechanism. The evidence surrounding the purported inability of sdAbs to bind small molecules was less clear. The available data provide a structural framework for understanding the evolutionary emergence and function of autonomous heavy chain-only antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin A Henry
- a Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre , National Research Council Canada , Ottawa , Ontario , Canada
| | - C Roger MacKenzie
- a Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre , National Research Council Canada , Ottawa , Ontario , Canada.,b School of Environmental Sciences , University of Guelph , Guelph , Ontario , Canada
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16
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Böttcher-Friebertshäuser E, Garten W, Klenk HD. The Antiviral Potential of Host Protease Inhibitors. ACTIVATION OF VIRUSES BY HOST PROTEASES 2018. [PMCID: PMC7122247 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-75474-1_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The replication of numerous pathogenic viruses depends on host proteases, which therefore emerged as potential antiviral drug targets. In some cases, e.g., for influenza viruses, their function during the viral propagation cycle is relatively well understood, where they cleave and activate viral surface glycoproteins. For other viruses, e.g., Ebola virus, the function of host proteases during replication is still not clear. Host proteases may also contribute to the pathogenicity of virus infection by activating proinflammatory cytokines. For some coronaviruses, human proteases can also serve in a nonproteolytical fashion simply as receptors for virus entry. However, blocking of such protein-protein contacts is challenging, because receptor surfaces are often flat and difficult to address with small molecules. In contrast, many proteases possess well-defined binding pockets. Therefore, they can be considered as well-druggable targets, especially, if they are extracellularly active. The number of their experimental crystal structures is steadily increasing, which is an important prerequisite for a rational structure-based inhibitor design using computational chemistry tools in combination with classical medicinal chemistry approaches. Moreover, host proteases can be considered as stable targets, and their inhibition should prevent rapid resistance developments, which is often observed when addressing viral proteins. Otherwise, the inhibition of host proteases can also affect normal physiological processes leading to a higher probability of side effects and a narrow therapeutic window. Therefore, they should be preferably used in combination therapies with additional antiviral drugs. This strategy should provide a stronger antiviral efficacy, allow to use lower drug doses, and minimize side effects. Despite numerous experimental findings on their antiviral activity, no small-molecule inhibitors of host proteases have been approved for the treatment of virus infections, so far.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wolfgang Garten
- Institut für Virologie, Philipps Universität, Marburg, Germany
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17
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Böttcher-Friebertshäuser E, Garten W, Klenk HD. Characterization of Proprotein Convertases and Their Involvement in Virus Propagation. ACTIVATION OF VIRUSES BY HOST PROTEASES 2018. [PMCID: PMC7122180 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-75474-1_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Wolfgang Garten
- Institut für Virologie, Philipps Universität, Marburg, Germany
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18
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Bernedo-Navarro RA, Romão E, Yano T, Pinto J, De Greve H, Sterckx YGJ, Muyldermans S. Structural Basis for the Specific Neutralization of Stx2a with a Camelid Single Domain Antibody Fragment. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10030108. [PMID: 29494518 PMCID: PMC5869396 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10030108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2017] [Revised: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are a subset of pathogens leading to illnesses such as diarrhea, hemolytic uremic syndrome and even death. The Shiga toxins are the main virulence factors and divided in two groups: Stx1 and Stx2, of which the latter is more frequently associated with severe pathologies in humans. RESULTS An immune library of nanobodies (Nbs) was constructed after immunizing an alpaca with recombinant Shiga toxin-2a B subunit (rStx2aB), to retrieve multiple rStx2aB-specific Nbs. The specificity of five Nbs towards rStx2aB was confirmed in ELISA and Western blot. Nb113 had the highest affinity (9.6 nM) and its bivalent construct exhibited a 100-fold higher functional affinity. The structure of the Nb113 in complex with rStx2aB was determined via X-ray crystallography. The crystal structure of the Nb113-rStx2aB complex revealed that five copies of Nb113 bind to the rStx2aB pentamer and that the Nb113 epitope overlaps with the Gb3 binding site, thereby providing a structural basis for the neutralization of Stx2a by Nb113 that was observed on Vero cells. Finally, the tandem-repeated, bivalent Nb113₂ exhibits a higher toxin neutralization capacity compared to monovalent Nb113. CONCLUSIONS The Nb of highest affinity for rStx2aB is also the best Stx2a and Stx2c toxin neutralizing Nb, especially in a bivalent format. This lead Nb neutralizes Stx2a by competing for the Gb3 receptor. The fusion of the bivalent Nb113₂ with a serum albumin specific Nb is expected to combine high toxin neutralization potential with prolonged blood circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Alvin Bernedo-Navarro
- Laboratory of Bacterial Genetics, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), São Paulo 13083-862, Brazil.
| | - Ema Romão
- Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Tomomasa Yano
- Laboratory of Bacterial Genetics, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), São Paulo 13083-862, Brazil.
| | - Joar Pinto
- Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Henri De Greve
- Structural Molecular Microbiology, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Yann G-J Sterckx
- Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Serge Muyldermans
- Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
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19
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Jaaks P, Bernasconi M. The proprotein convertase furin in tumour progression. Int J Cancer 2017; 141:654-663. [PMID: 28369813 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.30714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2016] [Revised: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Proprotein convertases are proteases that have been implicated in the activation of a wide variety of proteins. These proteins are generally synthesised as precursor proteins and require limited proteolysis for conversion into their mature bioactive counterparts. Many of these proteins, including metalloproteases, growth factors and their receptors or adhesion molecules, have been shown to facilitate tumour formation and progression. Hence, this review will focus on the proprotein convertase furin and its role in cancer. The expression of furin has been confirmed in a large spectrum of cancers such as head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, breast cancer and rhabdomyosarcoma. Functional studies modulating furin activity uncovered its importance for the processing of many cancer-related substrates and strongly indicate that high furin activity promotes the malignant phenotype of cancer cells. In this review, we summarise the expression and function of furin in different cancer types, discuss its role in processing cancer-related proproteins and give examples of potential therapeutic approaches that take advantage of the proteolytic activity of furin in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Jaaks
- Department of Oncology, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Children's Research Centre, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michele Bernasconi
- Department of Oncology, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Children's Research Centre, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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20
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Klein-Szanto AJ, Bassi DE. Proprotein convertase inhibition: Paralyzing the cell's master switches. Biochem Pharmacol 2017; 140:8-15. [PMID: 28456517 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2017.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Proprotein convertases are serine proteases responsible for the cleavage and subsequent activation of protein substrates, many of them relevant for the development of an ample variety of diseases. Seven of the PCs, including furin and PACE4, recognize and hydrolyze the C-terminal end of the general sequence RXRR/KXR, whereas PCSK-9 recognizes a series of non-basic amino acids. In some systems, PC-mediated substrate activation results in the development of pathological processes, such as cancer, endocrinopathies, and cardiovascular and infectious diseases. After establishing PCs as relevant contributors to disease processes, research efforts were directed towards the development of inhibition strategies, including small and large molecules, anti-sense therapies, and antibody-based therapies. Most of these inhibitors mimic the consensus sequence of PCs, blocking the active site in a competitive manner. The most promising inhibitors were designed as bioengineered proteins; however, some non-protein and peptidomimetic agents have also proved to be effective. These efforts led to the design of pre-clinical studies and clinical trials utilizing inhibitors to PCs. Although the initial studies were performed using non-selective PCs inhibitors, such as CMK, the search for more specific, and compartmentalized selective inhibitors resulted in specific activities ascribed to some, but not all of the PCs. For instance, PACE4 inhibitors were effective in decreasing prostate cancer cell proliferation, and neovascularization. Decreased metastatic ovarian cancer utilizing furin inhibitors represents one of the major endeavors, currently in a phase II trial stage. Antibodies targeting PCSK-9 decreased significantly the levels of HDL-cholesterol, in a phase III trial. The study of Proprotein convertases has reached a stage of maturity. New strategies based on the alteration of their activity at the cellular and clinical level represent a promising experimental pharmacology field. The development of allosteric inhibitors, or specific agents directed against individual PCs is one of the challenges to be unraveled in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel E Bassi
- Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cotman Ave, Philadelphia 19111, USA.
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