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Stubbing LA, Hubert JG, Bell-Tyrer J, Hermant YO, Yang SH, McSweeney AM, McKenzie-Goldsmith GM, Ward VK, Furkert DP, Brimble MA. P 1 Glutamine isosteres in the design of inhibitors of 3C/3CL protease of human viruses of the Pisoniviricetes class. RSC Chem Biol 2023; 4:533-547. [PMID: 37547456 PMCID: PMC10398354 DOI: 10.1039/d3cb00075c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral infections are one of the leading causes of acute morbidity in humans and much endeavour has been made by the synthetic community for the development of drugs to treat associated diseases. Peptide-based enzyme inhibitors, usually short sequences of three or four residues, are one of the classes of compounds currently under development for enhancement of their activity and pharmaceutical properties. This review reports the advances made in the design of inhibitors targeting the family of highly conserved viral proteases 3C/3CLpro, which play a key role in viral replication and present minimal homology with mammalian proteases. Particular focus is put on the reported development of P1 glutamine isosteres to generate potent inhibitors mimicking the natural substrate sequence at the site of recognition.'
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise A Stubbing
- School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland 23 Symonds Street and 3b Symonds Street Auckland 1142 New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland 3b Symonds Street Auckland 1142 New Zealand
| | - Jonathan G Hubert
- School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland 23 Symonds Street and 3b Symonds Street Auckland 1142 New Zealand
| | - Joseph Bell-Tyrer
- School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland 23 Symonds Street and 3b Symonds Street Auckland 1142 New Zealand
| | - Yann O Hermant
- School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland 23 Symonds Street and 3b Symonds Street Auckland 1142 New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland 3b Symonds Street Auckland 1142 New Zealand
| | - Sung Hyun Yang
- School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland 23 Symonds Street and 3b Symonds Street Auckland 1142 New Zealand
| | - Alice M McSweeney
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland 3b Symonds Street Auckland 1142 New Zealand
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago PO Box 56, 720 Cumberland Street Dunedin 9054 New Zealand
| | - Geena M McKenzie-Goldsmith
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland 3b Symonds Street Auckland 1142 New Zealand
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago PO Box 56, 720 Cumberland Street Dunedin 9054 New Zealand
| | - Vernon K Ward
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland 3b Symonds Street Auckland 1142 New Zealand
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago PO Box 56, 720 Cumberland Street Dunedin 9054 New Zealand
| | - Daniel P Furkert
- School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland 23 Symonds Street and 3b Symonds Street Auckland 1142 New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland 3b Symonds Street Auckland 1142 New Zealand
| | - Margaret A Brimble
- School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland 23 Symonds Street and 3b Symonds Street Auckland 1142 New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland 3b Symonds Street Auckland 1142 New Zealand
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2
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He S, Nahhas AF, Habib AH, Alshehri MA, Alshamrani S, Asiri SA, Alnamshan MM, Helmi N, Al-Dhuayan I, Almulhim J, Alharbi AM, Su D, Kumari A, Rahaman A. Identification of compelling inhibitors of human norovirus 3CL protease to combat gastroenteritis: A structure-based virtual screening and molecular dynamics study. Front Chem 2022; 10:1034911. [PMID: 36247661 PMCID: PMC9561104 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.1034911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human noroviruses (NV) are the most prevalent cause of sporadic and pandemic acute gastroenteritis. NV infections cause substantial morbidity and death globally, especially amongst the aged, immunocompromised individuals, and children. There are presently no authorized NV vaccines, small-molecule therapies, or prophylactics for humans. NV 3 C L protease (3CLP) has been identified as a promising therapeutic target for anti-NV drug development. Herein, we employed a structure-based virtual screening method to screen a library of 700 antiviral compounds against the active site residues of 3CLP. We report three compounds, Sorafenib, YM201636, and LDC4297, that were revealed to have a higher binding energy (BE) value with 3CLP than the control (Dipeptidyl inhibitor 7) following a sequential screening, in-depth molecular docking and visualization, physicochemical and pharmacological property analysis, and molecular dynamics (MD) study. Sorafenib, YM201636, and LDC4297 had BEs of -11.67, -10.34, and -9.78 kcal/mol with 3CLP, respectively, while control had a BE of -6.38 kcal/mol. Furthermore, MD simulations of the two best compounds and control were used to further optimize the interactions, and a 100 ns MD simulation revealed that they form stable complexes with 3CLP. The estimated physicochemical, drug-like, and ADMET properties of these hits suggest that they might be employed as 3CLP inhibitors in the management of gastroenteritis. However, wet lab tests are a prerequisite to optimize them as NV 3CLP inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan He
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
- Institute for Nano Scale and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Suzhou Ultra-Water-Cleaning Tech, Pty, Ltd., Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Alaa F. Nahhas
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alaa Hamed Habib
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Ali Alshehri
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh Alshamrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saeed A. Asiri
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mashael M. Alnamshan
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nawal Helmi
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibtesam Al-Dhuayan
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jawaher Almulhim
- Department of Biological Sciences, King Faisal University, Alahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed M. Alharbi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Hail, Hail, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dongxiao Su
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Dongxiao Su, ; Ankita Kumari, ; Abdul Rahaman,
| | - Ankita Kumari
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South china University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Dongxiao Su, ; Ankita Kumari, ; Abdul Rahaman,
| | - Abdul Rahaman
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South china University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Dongxiao Su, ; Ankita Kumari, ; Abdul Rahaman,
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3
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Zhao B, Hu L, Song Y, Patil K, Ramani S, Atmar RL, Estes MK, Prasad BVV. Norovirus Protease Structure and Antivirals Development. Viruses 2021; 13:v13102069. [PMID: 34696498 PMCID: PMC8537771 DOI: 10.3390/v13102069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Human norovirus (HuNoV) infection is a global health and economic burden. Currently, there are no licensed HuNoV vaccines or antiviral drugs available. The protease encoded by the HuNoV genome plays a critical role in virus replication by cleaving the polyprotein and is an excellent target for developing small-molecule inhibitors. The current strategy for developing HuNoV protease inhibitors is by targeting the enzyme’s active site and designing inhibitors that bind to the substrate-binding pockets located near the active site. However, subtle differential conformational flexibility in response to the different substrates in the polyprotein and structural differences in the active site and substrate-binding pockets across different genogroups, hamper the development of effective broad-spectrum inhibitors. A comparative analysis of the available HuNoV protease structures may provide valuable insight for identifying novel strategies for the design and development of such inhibitors. The goal of this review is to provide such analysis together with an overview of the current status of the design and development of HuNoV protease inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyang Zhao
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (B.Z.); (K.P.); (S.R.); (R.L.A.); (M.K.E.)
| | - Liya Hu
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Yongcheng Song
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Ketki Patil
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (B.Z.); (K.P.); (S.R.); (R.L.A.); (M.K.E.)
| | - Sasirekha Ramani
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (B.Z.); (K.P.); (S.R.); (R.L.A.); (M.K.E.)
| | - Robert L. Atmar
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (B.Z.); (K.P.); (S.R.); (R.L.A.); (M.K.E.)
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mary K. Estes
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (B.Z.); (K.P.); (S.R.); (R.L.A.); (M.K.E.)
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - B. V. Venkataram Prasad
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (B.Z.); (K.P.); (S.R.); (R.L.A.); (M.K.E.)
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-713-798-5686
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GII.4 Norovirus Protease Shows pH-Sensitive Proteolysis with a Unique Arg-His Pairing in the Catalytic Site. J Virol 2019; 93:JVI.01479-18. [PMID: 30626675 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01479-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human noroviruses (NoVs) are the main cause of epidemic and sporadic gastroenteritis. Phylogenetically, noroviruses are divided into seven genogroups, with each divided into multiple genotypes. NoVs belonging to genogroup II and genotype 4 (GII.4) are globally most prevalent. Genetic diversity among the NoVs and the periodic emergence of novel strains present a challenge for the development of vaccines and antivirals to treat NoV infection. NoV protease is essential for viral replication and is an attractive target for the development of antivirals. The available structure of GI.1 protease provided a basis for the design of inhibitors targeting the active site of the protease. These inhibitors, although potent against the GI proteases, poorly inhibit the GII proteases, for which structural information is lacking. To elucidate the structural basis for this difference in the inhibitor efficiency, we determined the crystal structure of a GII.4 protease. The structure revealed significant changes in the S2 substrate-binding pocket, making it noticeably smaller, and in the active site, with the catalytic triad residues showing conformational changes. Furthermore, a conserved arginine is found inserted into the active site, interacting with the catalytic histidine and restricting substrate/inhibitor access to the S2 pocket. This interaction alters the relationships between the catalytic residues and may allow for a pH-dependent regulation of protease activity. The changes we observed in the GII.4 protease structure may explain the reduced potency of the GI-specific inhibitors against the GII protease and therefore must be taken into account when designing broadly cross-reactive antivirals against NoVs.IMPORTANCE Human noroviruses (NoVs) cause sporadic and epidemic gastroenteritis worldwide. They are divided into seven genogroups (GI to GVII), with each genogroup further divided into several genotypes. Human NoVs belonging to genogroup II and genotype 4 (GII.4) are the most prevalent. Currently, there are no vaccines or antiviral drugs available for NoV infection. The protease encoded by NoV is considered a valuable target because of its essential role in replication. NoV protease structures have only been determined for the GI genogroup. We show here that the structure of the GII.4 protease exhibits several significant changes from GI proteases, including a unique pairing of an arginine with the catalytic histidine that makes the proteolytic activity of GII.4 protease pH sensitive. A comparative analysis of NoV protease structures may provide a rational framework for structure-based drug design of broadly cross-reactive inhibitors targeting NoVs.
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5
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Antiviral Drug Discovery: Norovirus Proteases and Development of Inhibitors. Viruses 2019; 11:v11020197. [PMID: 30823509 PMCID: PMC6410195 DOI: 10.3390/v11020197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteases are a major enzyme group playing important roles in a wide variety of biological processes in life forms ranging from viruses to mammalians. The aberrant activity of proteases can lead to various diseases; consequently, host proteases have been the focus of intense investigation as potential therapeutic targets. A wide range of viruses encode proteases which play an essential role in viral replication and, therefore, constitute attractive targets for the development of antiviral therapeutics. There are numerous examples of successful drug development targeting cellular and viral proteases, including antivirals against human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C virus. Most FDA-approved antiviral agents are peptidomimetics and macrocyclic compounds that interact with the active site of a targeted protease. Norovirus proteases are cysteine proteases that contain a chymotrypsin-like fold in their 3D structures. This review focuses on our group’s efforts related to the development of norovirus protease inhibitors as potential anti-norovirus therapeutics. These protease inhibitors are rationally designed transition-state inhibitors encompassing dipeptidyl, tripeptidyl and macrocyclic compounds. Highly effective inhibitors validated in X-ray co-crystallization, enzyme and cell-based assays, as well as an animal model, were generated by launching an optimization campaign utilizing the initial hit compounds. A prodrug approach was also explored to improve the pharmacokinetics (PK) of the identified inhibitors.
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Muzzarelli KM, Kuiper B, Spellmon N, Brunzelle J, Hackett J, Amblard F, Zhou S, Liu P, Kovari IA, Yang Z, Schinazi RF, Kovari LC. Structural and Antiviral Studies of the Human Norovirus GII.4 Protease. Biochemistry 2019; 58:900-907. [PMID: 30605321 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.8b01063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Norovirus is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis worldwide with a yearly reported 700 million cases driving a $60 billion global socioeconomic burden. With no United States Food and Drug Administration approved therapeutics and the chance for severe chronic infection and life-threatening complications, researchers have identified the protease as a potential target. However, drug development has focused on the norovirus GI.1 strain despite its accounting for less than 5% of all outbreaks. Our lab aims to change focus for norovirus drug design from GI.1 to the highly infective GII.4, responsible for more than 50% of all outbreaks worldwide. With the first published crystal structure of the norovirus GII.4 protease, we have identified several significant differences in the structure and active site that have hindered development of a potent inhibitor targeting the norovirus GII.4 protease. With these new insights, we have begun designing compounds that demonstrate increased inhibition of the clinically most relevant norovirus GII.4 strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendall M Muzzarelli
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology , Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit , Michigan 48201 , United States
| | - Benjamin Kuiper
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology , Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit , Michigan 48201 , United States
| | - Nicholas Spellmon
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology , Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit , Michigan 48201 , United States
| | - Joseph Brunzelle
- Synchrotron Research Center, Life Science Collaborative Access Team , Northwestern University , Argonne , Illinois United States
| | - Justin Hackett
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology , Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit , Michigan 48201 , United States
| | - Franck Amblard
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics , Emory University School of Medicine , Atlanta , Georgia 30322 , United States
| | - Shaoman Zhou
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics , Emory University School of Medicine , Atlanta , Georgia 30322 , United States
| | - Peng Liu
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics , Emory University School of Medicine , Atlanta , Georgia 30322 , United States
| | - Iulia A Kovari
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology , Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit , Michigan 48201 , United States
| | - Zhe Yang
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology , Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit , Michigan 48201 , United States
| | - Raymond F Schinazi
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics , Emory University School of Medicine , Atlanta , Georgia 30322 , United States
| | - Ladislau C Kovari
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology , Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit , Michigan 48201 , United States
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7
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Kuiper BD, Muzzarelli KM, Keusch BJ, Holcomb J, Amblard F, Liu P, Zhou S, Kovari IA, Yang Z, Schinazi RF, Kovari LC. Expression, Purification and Characterization of a GII.4 Norovirus Protease from Minerva Virus. Infect Disord Drug Targets 2019; 18:224-232. [PMID: 29779487 DOI: 10.2174/1871526518666180521091158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Revised: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Noroviruses are the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis worldwide. Norovirus proteases, which are responsible for cleavage of the viral polyprotein, have become an attractive drug target to treat norovirus infections. Genogroup II (GII) noroviruses are responsible for a majority of outbreaks; however, limited data exists regarding GII norovirus proteases. METHODS We report here successful expression, purification, characterization, and inhibition of the Minerva virus protease (MVpro), a genogroup II genotype 4 (GII.4) norovirus protease. We observed MVpro as both a monomer and dimer in solution through sizeexclusion chromatography. In addition, MVpro cleaves the synthetic substrate mimicking the MVpro NS2/NS3 cleavage site more efficiently than other norovirus proteases such as the Norwalk virus protease (GI.1) and the MD145 protease (GII.4). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Compound A, a potent inhibitor of MVpro, is a good starting point for the design of inhibitors to target GII.4 noroviruses. Furthermore, the results presented here will allow for future characterization of MVpro inhibitors as they are synthesized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin D Kuiper
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
| | - Kendall M Muzzarelli
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
| | - Bradley J Keusch
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
| | - Joshua Holcomb
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
| | - Franck Amblard
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - Peng Liu
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - Shaoman Zhou
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - Iulia A Kovari
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
| | - Zhe Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
| | - Raymond F Schinazi
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - Ladislau C Kovari
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
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8
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Ghosh S, Malik YS, Kobayashi N. Therapeutics and Immunoprophylaxis Against Noroviruses and Rotaviruses: The Past, Present, and Future. Curr Drug Metab 2018; 19:170-191. [PMID: 28901254 PMCID: PMC5971199 DOI: 10.2174/1389200218666170912161449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Revised: 09/25/2016] [Accepted: 03/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background: Noroviruses and rotaviruses are important viral etiologies of severe gastroenteritis. Noroviruses are the primary cause of nonbacterial diarrheal outbreaks in humans, whilst rotaviruses are a major cause of childhood diarrhea. Although both enteric pathogens substantially impact human health and economies, there are no approved drugs against noroviruses and rotaviruses so far. On the other hand, whilst the currently licensed rotavirus vaccines have been successfully implemented in over 100 countries, the most advanced norovirus vaccine has recently completed phase-I and II trials. Methods: We performed a structured search of bibliographic databases for peer-reviewed research litera-ture on advances in the fields of norovirus and rotavirus therapeutics and immunoprophylaxis. Results: Technological advances coupled with a proper understanding of viral morphology and replication over the past decade has facilitated pioneering research on therapeutics and immunoprophylaxis against noroviruses and rotaviruses, with promising outcomes in human clinical trials of some of the drugs and vaccines. This review focuses on the various developments in the fields of norovirus and rotavirus thera-peutics and immunoprophylaxis, such as potential antiviral drug molecules, passive immunotherapies (oral human immunoglobulins, egg yolk and bovine colostral antibodies, llama-derived nanobodies, and anti-bodies expressed in probiotics, plants, rice grains and insect larvae), immune system modulators, probiot-ics, phytochemicals and other biological substances such as bovine milk proteins, therapeutic nanoparti-cles, hydrogels and viscogens, conventional viral vaccines (live and inactivated whole virus vaccines), and genetically engineered viral vaccines (reassortant viral particles, virus-like particles (VLPs) and other sub-unit recombinant vaccines including multi-valent viral vaccines, edible plant vaccines, and encapsulated viral particles). Conclusions: This review provides important insights into the various approaches to therapeutics and im-munoprophylaxis against noroviruses and rotaviruses..
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Affiliation(s)
- Souvik Ghosh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, St. Kitts and Nevis, West Indies.,Department of Hygiene, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Yashpal Singh Malik
- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar 243 122, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Nobumichi Kobayashi
- Department of Hygiene, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
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9
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Amblard F, Zhou S, Liu P, Yoon J, Cox B, Muzzarelli K, Kuiper BD, Kovari LC, Schinazi RF. Synthesis and antiviral evaluation of novel peptidomimetics as norovirus protease inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2018; 28:2165-2170. [PMID: 29779977 PMCID: PMC6425952 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2018.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A series of tripeptidyl transition state inhibitors with new P1 and warhead moieties were synthesized and evaluated in a GI-1 norovirus replicon system and against GII-4 and GI-1 norovirus proteases. Compound 19, containing a 6-membered ring at the P1 position and a reactive aldehyde warhead exhibited sub-micromolar replicon inhibition. Retaining the same peptidyl scaffold, several reactive warheads were tested for protease inhibition and norovirus replicon inhibition. Of the six that were synthesized and tested, compounds 42, 43, and 45 potently inhibited the protease in biochemical assay and GI-1 norovirus replicon in the nanomolar range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franck Amblard
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Shaoman Zhou
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Peng Liu
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Jack Yoon
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Bryan Cox
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Kendall Muzzarelli
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Benjamin D Kuiper
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Ladislau C Kovari
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Raymond F Schinazi
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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10
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Damalanka VC, Kim Y, Galasiti Kankanamalage AC, Rathnayake AD, Mehzabeen N, Battaile KP, Lovell S, Nguyen HN, Lushington GH, Chang KO, Groutas WC. Structure-guided design, synthesis and evaluation of oxazolidinone-based inhibitors of norovirus 3CL protease. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 143:881-890. [PMID: 29227928 PMCID: PMC5737831 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2017.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Revised: 11/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Acute nonbacterial gastroenteritis caused by noroviruses constitutes a global public health concern and a significant economic burden. There are currently no small molecule therapeutics or vaccines for the treatment of norovirus infections. A structure-guided approach was utilized in the design of a series of inhibitors of norovirus 3CL protease that embody an oxazolidinone ring as a novel design element for attaining optimal binding interactions. Low micromolar cell-permeable inhibitors that display anti-norovirus activity have been identified. The mechanism of action, mode of binding, and structural rearrangements associated with the interaction of the inhibitors and the enzyme were elucidated using X-ray crystallography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishnu C Damalanka
- Department of Chemistry, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS 67260, USA
| | - Yunjeong Kim
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine & Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | | | - Athri D Rathnayake
- Department of Chemistry, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS 67260, USA
| | - Nurjahan Mehzabeen
- Protein Structure Laboratory, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - Kevin P Battaile
- IMCA-CAT, Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute, APS Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL 60439, USA
| | - Scott Lovell
- Protein Structure Laboratory, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - Harry Nhat Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS 67260, USA
| | | | - Kyeong-Ok Chang
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine & Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA.
| | - William C Groutas
- Department of Chemistry, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS 67260, USA.
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11
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Galasiti Kankanamalage AC, Kim Y, Rathnayake AD, Damalanka VC, Weerawarna PM, Doyle ST, Alsoudi AF, Dissanayake DMP, Lushington GH, Mehzabeen N, Battaile KP, Lovell S, Chang KO, Groutas WC. Structure-based exploration and exploitation of the S 4 subsite of norovirus 3CL protease in the design of potent and permeable inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2016; 126:502-516. [PMID: 27914364 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Revised: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 11/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Human noroviruses are the primary cause of epidemic and sporadic acute gastroenteritis. The worldwide high morbidity and mortality associated with norovirus infections, particularly among the elderly, immunocompromised patients and children, constitute a serious public health concern. There are currently no approved human vaccines or norovirus-specific small-molecule therapeutics or prophylactics. Norovirus 3CL protease has recently emerged as a potential therapeutic target for the development of anti-norovirus agents. We hypothesized that the S4 subsite of the enzyme may provide an effective means of designing potent and cell permeable inhibitors of the enzyme. We report herein the structure-guided exploration and exploitation of the S4 subsite of norovirus 3CL protease in the design and synthesis of effective inhibitors of the protease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yunjeong Kim
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine & Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Athri D Rathnayake
- Department of Chemistry, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS 67260, USA
| | - Vishnu C Damalanka
- Department of Chemistry, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS 67260, USA
| | | | - Sean T Doyle
- Department of Chemistry, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS 67260, USA
| | - Amer F Alsoudi
- Department of Chemistry, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS 67260, USA
| | | | | | - Nurjahan Mehzabeen
- Protein Structure Laboratory, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - Kevin P Battaile
- IMCA-CAT, Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute, APS Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL 60439, USA
| | - Scott Lovell
- Protein Structure Laboratory, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - Kyeong-Ok Chang
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine & Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA.
| | - William C Groutas
- Department of Chemistry, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS 67260, USA.
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12
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Antiviral targets of human noroviruses. Curr Opin Virol 2016; 18:117-25. [PMID: 27318434 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Revised: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Human noroviruses are major causative agents of sporadic and epidemic gastroenteritis both in children and adults. Currently there are no licensed therapeutic intervention measures either in terms of vaccines or drugs available for these highly contagious human pathogens. Genetic and antigenic diversity of these viruses, rapid emergence of new strains, and their ability to infect a broad population by using polymorphic histo-blood group antigens for cell attachment, pose significant challenges for the development of effective antiviral agents. Despite these impediments, there is progress in the design and development of therapeutic agents. These include capsid-based candidate vaccines, and potential antivirals either in the form of glycomimetics or designer antibodies that block HBGA binding, as well as those that target essential non-structural proteins such as the viral protease and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. In addition to these classical approaches, recent studies suggest the possibility of interferons and targeting host cell factors as viable approaches to counter norovirus infection. This review provides a brief overview of this progress.
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13
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rapid transmission of norovirus often occurs due to its low infectious dosage, high genetic diversity and its short incubation time. The viruses cause acute gastroenteritis and may lead to death. Presently, no effective vaccine or selective drugs accepted by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are available for the treatment of norovirus. Advances in the development of norovirus replicon cell lines, GII.4-Sydney HuNoV strain human B cells, and murine and gnotobiotic pig norovirus models have facilitated the discovery of effective small molecule inhibitors in vitro and in vivo. AREAS COVERED This review gives a brief discussion of the biology and replication of norovirus before highlighting the discovery of anti-norovirus molecules. The article coverage includes: an overview of the current state of norovirus drug discovery, the targeting of the norovirus life cycle, the inhibition of structural and nonstructural proteins of norovirus such as proteases and polymerase, and the blockage of virus entry into host cells. Finally, anti-norovirus drugs in the clinical development stage are described. EXPERT OPINION The current approach for the counteraction of norovirus focuses on the inhibition of viral RNA polymerase, norovirus 3C-like protease and the structural proteins VP1 as well as the blockade of norovirus entry. Broad-spectrum anti-norovirus molecules, based on the inhibition of 3C-like protease, have been developed. Other host factors and ways to overcome the development of resistance through mutation are also being examined. A dual approach in targeting viral and host factors may lead to an effective counteraction of norovirus infection. Current successes in developing norovirus replicon harboring cells and norovirus infected human cells, as well as murine norovirus models and other animal models such as piglets have facilitated the discovery of effective drugs and helped our understanding of its mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahani Weerasekara
- a Department of Chemistry , Kansas State University , Manhattan , KS , USA
| | - Allan M Prior
- b Molecular Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry , University of the Witwatersrand , Johannesburg , South Africa
| | - Duy H Hua
- a Department of Chemistry , Kansas State University , Manhattan , KS , USA
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14
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Galasiti Kankanamalage AC, Weerawarna PM, Kim Y, Chang KO, Groutas WC. Anti-norovirus therapeutics: a patent review (2010-2015). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2016; 26:297-308. [PMID: 26881878 PMCID: PMC4948123 DOI: 10.1517/13543776.2016.1153065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Human noroviruses are the primary causative agents of acute gastroenteritis and are a pressing public health burden worldwide. There are currently no vaccines or small molecule therapeutics available for the treatment or prophylaxis of norovirus infections. An improved understanding of norovirus biology, as well as the pathogenic mechanisms underlying the disease, has provided the impetus for a range of intense exploratory drug discovery efforts targeting viral and host factors. AREAS COVERED An overview of norovirus inhibitors disclosed in the patent literature (2010-present) and Clinicaltrials.gov is presented. The review is further enriched and supplemented by recent literature reports. EXPERT OPINION Seminal discoveries made in recent years, including a better understanding of the pathobiology and life cycle of norovirus, the identification and targeting of multiple viral and host factors, the advent of a replicon system and a small animal model for the preclinical evaluation of lead compounds, and the availability of high resolution X-ray crystal structures that can be utilized in structure-based drug design and lead optimization campaigns, collectively suggest that a small molecule therapeutic and prophylactic for norovirus infection is likely to emerge in the not too distant future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yunjeong Kim
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine & Pathobiology, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA
| | - Kyeong-Ok Chang
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine & Pathobiology, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA
| | - William C. Groutas
- Department of Chemistry, Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas 67260, USA
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15
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Kim Y, Galasiti Kankanamalage AC, Chang KO, Groutas WC. Recent Advances in the Discovery of Norovirus Therapeutics. J Med Chem 2015; 58:9438-50. [PMID: 26258852 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b00762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Noroviruses are members of the family Caliciviridae. Norovirus infections are a global health burden that impacts >20 million individuals annually in the U.S. alone. Noroviruses are associated with high morbidity among vulnerable populations, particularly immunocompromised patients. This perspective highlights recent developments related to the discovery and development of norovirus-specific small-molecule therapeutics as well as recent advances in our understanding of norovirus biology and pathogenesis. Most of the work in this area is at the early discovery stage and has been primarily focused on inhibitors of norovirus 3C-like protease and RNA dependent RNA polymerase. However, recent discoveries emanating from basic studies in norovirus research have resulted in the identification of new host-related drug targets that can be exploited. A repurposed compound has been advanced to human clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunjeong Kim
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine & Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University , Manhattan, Kansas 66506, United States
| | | | - Kyeong-Ok Chang
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine & Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University , Manhattan, Kansas 66506, United States
| | - William C Groutas
- Department of Chemistry, Wichita State University , 1845 North Fairmount Avenue, Wichita, Kansas 67260, United States
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16
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Kankanamalage ACG, Kim Y, Weerawarna PM, Uy RAZ, Damalanka VC, Mandadapu SR, Alliston KR, Mehzabeen N, Battaile KP, Lovell S, Chang KO, Groutas WC. Structure-guided design and optimization of dipeptidyl inhibitors of norovirus 3CL protease. Structure-activity relationships and biochemical, X-ray crystallographic, cell-based, and in vivo studies. J Med Chem 2015; 58:3144-55. [PMID: 25761614 PMCID: PMC4484267 DOI: 10.1021/jm5019934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Norovirus infection constitutes the primary cause of acute viral gastroenteritis. There are currently no vaccines or norovirus-specific antiviral therapeutics available for the management of norovirus infection. Norovirus 3C-like protease is essential for viral replication, consequently, inhibition of this enzyme is a fruitful avenue of investigation that may lead to the emergence of antinorovirus therapeutics. We describe herein the optimization of dipeptidyl inhibitors of norovirus 3C-like protease using iterative SAR, X-ray crystallographic, and enzyme and cell-based studies. We also demonstrate herein in vivo efficacy of an inhibitor using the murine model of norovirus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yunjeong Kim
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine & Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506
| | | | | | | | | | - Kevin R. Alliston
- Department of Chemistry, Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas 67260
| | - Nurjahan Mehzabeen
- Protein Structure Laboratory, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66047
| | - Kevin P. Battaile
- IMCA-CAT, Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute, APS Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL 60439
| | - Scott Lovell
- Protein Structure Laboratory, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66047
| | - Kyeong-Ok Chang
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine & Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506
| | - William C. Groutas
- Protein Structure Laboratory, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66047
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Development of a Gaussia luciferase-based human norovirus protease reporter system: cell type-specific profile of Norwalk virus protease precursors and evaluation of inhibitors. J Virol 2014; 88:10312-26. [PMID: 25008934 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01111-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Norwalk virus (NV) is the prototype strain of human noroviruses (HuNoVs), a group of positive-strand RNA viruses in the Caliciviridae family and the leading cause of epidemic gastroenteritis worldwide. Investigation of HuNoV replication and development of antiviral therapeutics in cell culture remain challenging tasks. Here, we present NoroGLuc, a HuNoV protease reporter system based on a fusion of NV p41 protein with a naturally secreted Gaussia luciferase (GLuc), linked by the p41/p22 cleavage site for NV protease (Pro). trans cleavage of NoroGLuc by NV Pro or Pro precursors results in release and secretion of an active GLuc. Using this system, we observed a cell type-specific activity profile of NV Pro and Pro precursors, suggesting that the activity of NV Pro is modulated by other viral proteins in the precursor forms and strongly influenced by cellular factors. NoroGLuc was also cleaved by Pro and Pro precursors generated from replication of NV stool RNA in transfected cells, resulting in a measurable increase of secreted GLuc. Truncation analysis revealed that the N-terminal membrane association domain of NV p41 is critical for NoroGLuc activity. Although designed for NV, a genogroup GI.1 norovirus, NoroGLuc also efficiently detects Pro activities from GII.3 and GII.4 noroviruses. At noncytotoxic concentrations, protease inhibitors ZnCl2 and Nα-p-tosyl-l-lysine chloromethyl ketone (TLCK) exhibited dose-dependent inhibitory effects on a GII.4 Pro by NoroGLuc assay. These results establish NoroGLuc as a pan-genogroup HuNoV protease reporter system that can be used for the study of HuNoV proteases and precursors, monitoring of viral RNA replication, and evaluation of antiviral agents. IMPORTANCE Human noroviruses are the leading cause of epidemic gastroenteritis worldwide. Currently, there are no vaccines or antiviral drugs available to counter these highly contagious viruses. These viruses are currently noncultivatable in cell culture. Here, we report the development of a novel cell-based reporter system called NoroGLuc that can be used for studying norovirus replication and also for screening/evaluation of antiviral agents. This system is based on the fusion between viral protein p41 and a naturally secreted Gaussia luciferase (GLuc) with a cleavage site that can be recognized by the viral protease. Cleavage of this fusion protein by the viral protease results in the release and secretion of an active GLuc. Using NoroGLuc, we demonstrated a cell type-specific activity profile of the viral protease and its precursors and dose-dependent inhibitory effects of two protease inhibitors. This novel reporter system should be useful in probing norovirus replication and evaluating antiviral agents.
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