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Li W, Wang Y, Peng Q, Shi Y, Wan P, Yao Y, Bai T, Ma Y, Shu X, Liu Y, Sun B. SARS-CoV-2 NSP14 induces AP-1 transcriptional activity via its interaction with MEK. Mol Immunol 2024; 175:1-9. [PMID: 39265360 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2024.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2024] [Revised: 08/28/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/14/2024]
Abstract
The NSP14 protein of SARS-CoV-2 not only facilitates viral replication but also plays a pivotal role in activating the host immune system by enhancing cytokine production. In this study, we found that NSP14 markedly activated the activator protein 1 (AP-1) pathway by increasing the phosphorylation of ERK (p-ERK), which enters the nucleus and promotes AP-1 transcription. The screening of the main proteins of the ERK pathway revealed that NSP14 could interact with MEK, a kinase of ERK, and increase the level of phosphorylated MEK. The addition of the MEK inhibitor U0126 suppressed the level of p-ERK induced by NSP14 and partly blocked cytokine production, suggesting that NSP14 activates MEK to enhance AP-1 signaling. Further investigation demonstrated that the ExoN domain of NSP14 might be crucial for the interaction and activation of MEK. These results suggest a novel mechanism by which NSP14 of SARS-CoV-2 induces a proinflammatory response in the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiling Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cognitive and Affective Disorders, Wuhan Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuansong Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cognitive and Affective Disorders, Wuhan Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qian Peng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cognitive and Affective Disorders, Wuhan Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yingying Shi
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cognitive and Affective Disorders, Wuhan Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China; Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Pin Wan
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cognitive and Affective Disorders, Wuhan Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yulin Yao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cognitive and Affective Disorders, Wuhan Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tao Bai
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yanling Ma
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiji Shu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cognitive and Affective Disorders, Wuhan Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuchen Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cognitive and Affective Disorders, Wuhan Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Binlian Sun
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cognitive and Affective Disorders, Wuhan Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China; Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China.
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Al Adem K, Ferreira JC, Villanueva AJ, Fadl S, El-Sadaany F, Masmoudi I, Gidiya Y, Gurudza T, Cardoso THS, Saksena NK, Rabeh WM. 3-chymotrypsin-like protease in SARS-CoV-2. Biosci Rep 2024; 44:BSR20231395. [PMID: 39036877 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20231395] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses constitute a significant threat to the human population. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2, SARS-CoV-2, is a highly pathogenic human coronavirus that has caused the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. It has led to a global viral outbreak with an exceptional spread and a high death toll, highlighting the need for effective antiviral strategies. 3-Chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro), the main protease in SARS-CoV-2, plays an indispensable role in the SARS-CoV-2 viral life cycle by cleaving the viral polyprotein to produce 11 individual non-structural proteins necessary for viral replication. 3CLpro is one of two proteases that function to produce new viral particles. It is a highly conserved cysteine protease with identical structural folds in all known human coronaviruses. Inhibitors binding with high affinity to 3CLpro will prevent the cleavage of viral polyproteins, thus impeding viral replication. Multiple strategies have been implemented to screen for inhibitors against 3CLpro, including peptide-like and small molecule inhibitors that covalently and non-covalently bind the active site, respectively. In addition, allosteric sites of 3CLpro have been identified to screen for small molecules that could make non-competitive inhibitors of 3CLpro. In essence, this review serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the structural intricacies and functional dynamics of 3CLpro, emphasizing key findings that elucidate its role as the main protease of SARS-CoV-2. Notably, the review is a critical resource in recognizing the advancements in identifying and developing 3CLpro inhibitors as effective antiviral strategies against COVID-19, some of which are already approved for clinical use in COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenana Al Adem
- Science Division, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Juliana C Ferreira
- Science Division, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Adrian J Villanueva
- Science Division, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Samar Fadl
- Science Division, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Farah El-Sadaany
- Science Division, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Imen Masmoudi
- Science Division, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yugmee Gidiya
- Science Division, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Tariro Gurudza
- Science Division, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Thyago H S Cardoso
- OMICS Centre of Excellence, G42 Healthcare, Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nitin K Saksena
- Victoria University, Footscray Campus, Melbourne, VIC. Australia
| | - Wael M Rabeh
- Science Division, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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Kesika P, Thangaleela S, Sisubalan N, Radha A, Sivamaruthi BS, Chaiyasut C. The Role of the Nuclear Factor-Kappa B (NF-κB) Pathway in SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Pathogens 2024; 13:164. [PMID: 38392902 PMCID: PMC10892479 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13020164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is a global health threat caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and is associated with a significant increase in morbidity and mortality. The present review discusses nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation and its potential therapeutical role in treating COVID-19. COVID-19 pathogenesis, the major NF-κB pathways, and the involvement of NF-κB in SARS-CoV-2 have been detailed. Specifically, NF-κB activation and its impact on managing COVID-19 has been discussed. As a central player in the immune and inflammatory responses, modulating NF-κB activation could offer a strategic avenue for managing SARS-CoV-2 infection. Understanding the NF-κB pathway's role could aid in developing treatments against SARS-CoV-2. Further investigations into the intricacies of NF-κB activation are required to reveal effective therapeutic strategies for managing and combating the SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Periyanaina Kesika
- Office of Research Administration, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (P.K.); (N.S.)
- Innovation Center for Holistic Health, Nutraceuticals, and Cosmeceuticals, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Subramanian Thangaleela
- Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Medical Biotechnology and Integrative Physiology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai 602105, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Natarajan Sisubalan
- Office of Research Administration, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (P.K.); (N.S.)
- Innovation Center for Holistic Health, Nutraceuticals, and Cosmeceuticals, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Arumugam Radha
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli 620024, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Chaiyavat Chaiyasut
- Innovation Center for Holistic Health, Nutraceuticals, and Cosmeceuticals, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
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