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Chaudhary S, Ali Z, Pantoja-Angles A, Abdelrahman S, Juárez COB, Rao GS, Hong PY, Hauser C, Mahfouz M. High-yield, plant-based production of an antimicrobial peptide with potent activity in a mouse model. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2024. [PMID: 39264967 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 08/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/14/2024]
Abstract
Plants offer a promising chassis for the large-scale, cost-effective production of diverse therapeutics, including antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). However, key advances will reduce production costs, including simplifying the downstream processing and purification steps. Here, using Nicotiana benthamiana plants, we present an improved modular design that enables AMPs to be secreted via the endomembrane system and sequestered in an extracellular compartment, the apoplast. Additionally, we translationally fused an AMP to a mutated small ubiquitin-like modifier sequence, thereby enhancing peptide yield and solubilizing the peptide with minimal aggregation and reduced occurrence of necrotic lesions in the plant. This strategy resulted in substantial peptide accumulation, reaching around 2.9 mg AMP per 20 g fresh weight of leaf tissue. Furthermore, the purified AMP demonstrated low collateral toxicity in primary human skin cells, killed pathogenic bacteria by permeabilizing the membrane and exhibited anti-infective efficacy in a preclinical mouse (Mus musculus) model system, reducing bacterial loads by up to three orders of magnitude. A base-case techno-economic analysis demonstrated the economic advantages and scalability of our plant-based platform. We envision that our work can establish plants as efficient bioreactors for producing preclinical-grade AMPs at a commercial scale, with the potential for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahid Chaudhary
- Laboratory for Genome Engineering and Synthetic Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zahir Ali
- Laboratory for Genome Engineering and Synthetic Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aarón Pantoja-Angles
- Laboratory for Genome Engineering and Synthetic Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sherin Abdelrahman
- Laboratory for Nanomedicine, Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Computational Bioscience Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Red Sea Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Cynthia Olivia Baldelamar Juárez
- Laboratory for Nanomedicine, Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Computational Bioscience Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Red Sea Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gundra Sivakrishna Rao
- Laboratory for Genome Engineering and Synthetic Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Pei-Ying Hong
- Water Desalination and Reuse Center, Division of Biological Sciences and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Charlotte Hauser
- Laboratory for Nanomedicine, Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Computational Bioscience Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Red Sea Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Magdy Mahfouz
- Laboratory for Genome Engineering and Synthetic Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Liu S, Yu Y, Guo K, Zhang Q, Jia Z, Alfredo MR, Ma P, Xie H, Bian X. Expression and antiviral application of exogenous lectin (griffithsin) in sweetpotatoes. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1421244. [PMID: 39081525 PMCID: PMC11286482 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1421244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Griffithsin (GRFT) is a highly effective, broad-spectrum, safe, and stable viral inhibitor used to suppress a variety of viruses. However, little information is available on whether GRFT can prevent plant viral diseases. In this study, we constructed a GRFT overexpression vector containing the sweetpotato storage cell signal peptide and generated exogenous GRFT overexpression lines through genetic transformation. The transgenic plants showed notable resistance to sweetpotato virus disease in the virus nursery. To verify the antiplant virus function of GRFT, transient expression in tobacco leaves showed that GRFT inhibited the sweetpotato leaf curl virus (SPLCV). The replication of SPLCV was entirely inhibited when the concentration of GRFT reached a certain level. The results of pulldown and BIFC assays showed that GRFT did not interact with the six components of SPLCV. In addition, the mutated GRFTD/A without the binding ability of carbohydrate and anticoronavirus function, in which three aspartate residues at carbohydrate binding sites were all mutated to alanine, also inhibited SPLCV. Quantitative reverse-transcription PCR analyses showed that the tobacco antiviral-related genes HIN1, ICS1, WRKY40, and PR10 were overexpressed after GRFT/GRFTD/A injection. Furthermore, HIN1, ICS1, and PR10 were more highly expressed in the leaves injected with GRFTD/A. The results suggest that sweetpotato is able to express GRFT exogenously as a bioreactor. Moreover, exogenous GRFT expression inhibits plant viruses by promoting the expression of plant antiviral genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Liu
- Institute of Food Crops, Provincial Key Laboratory of Agrobiology, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Yu
- Institute of Food Crops, Provincial Key Laboratory of Agrobiology, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Ke Guo
- Institute of Food Crops, Provincial Key Laboratory of Agrobiology, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Institute of Food Crops, Provincial Key Laboratory of Agrobiology, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhaodong Jia
- Institute of Food Crops, Provincial Key Laboratory of Agrobiology, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Morales Rodriguez Alfredo
- Center for Tropical Crop Research, Research Institute of Tropical Roots and Tuber Crops (INIVIT), Santo Domingo, Cuba
| | - Peiyong Ma
- Institute of Food Crops, Provincial Key Laboratory of Agrobiology, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Xie
- Xuzhou Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xiaofeng Bian
- Institute of Food Crops, Provincial Key Laboratory of Agrobiology, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
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Santisteban Celis IC, Matoba N. Lectibodies as antivirals. Antiviral Res 2024; 227:105901. [PMID: 38734211 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Growing concerns regarding the emergence of highly transmissible viral diseases highlight the urgent need to expand the repertoire of antiviral therapeutics. For this reason, new strategies for neutralizing and inhibiting these viruses are necessary. A promising approach involves targeting the glycans present on the surfaces of enveloped viruses. Lectins, known for their ability to recognize specific carbohydrate molecules, offer the potential for glycan-targeted antiviral strategies. Indeed, numerous studies have reported the antiviral effects of various lectins of both endogenous and exogenous origins. However, many lectins in their natural forms, are not suitable for use as antiviral therapeutics due to toxicity, other unfavorable pharmacological effects, and/or unreliable manufacturing sources. Therefore, improvements are crucial for employing lectins as effective antiviral therapeutics. A novel approach to enhance lectins' suitability as pharmaceuticals could be the generation of recombinant lectin-Fc fusion proteins, termed "lectibodies." In this review, we discuss the scientific rationale behind lectin-based antiviral strategies and explore how lectibodies could facilitate the development of new antiviral therapeutics. We will also share our perspective on the potential of these molecules to transcend their potential use as antiviral agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Carlosalberto Santisteban Celis
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA; Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Nobuyuki Matoba
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA; Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA; UofL Health - Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA.
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Zhernov YV, Petrova VO, Simanduyev MY, Shcherbakov DV, Polibin RV, Mitrokhin OV, Basov AA, Zabroda NN, Vysochanskaya SO, Al-khaleefa E, Pashayeva KR, Feyziyeva NY. Microbicides for Topical HIV Immunoprophylaxis: Current Status and Future Prospects. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:668. [PMID: 38931337 PMCID: PMC11206355 DOI: 10.3390/ph17060668] [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: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Microbicides, which are classified as topical antiseptic agents, are a revolutionary advancement in HIV prevention aimed to prevent the entry of infectious agents into the human body, thus stopping the sexual transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. Microbicides represent the promise of a new age in preventive measures against one of the world's most pressing health challenges. In addition to their direct antiviral effects during HIV transmission, microbicides also influence vaginal mucosal immunity. This article reviews microbicides by presenting different drug classifications and highlighting significant representatives from each group. It also explains their mechanisms of action and presents information about vaginal mucosal immune responses, emphasizing the critical role they play in responding to HIV during sexual transmission. The article discusses the following groups of microbicides: surfactants or membrane disruptors, vaginal milieu protectors, anionic polymers, dendrimers, carbohydrate-binding proteins, HIV replication inhibitors (reverse transcriptase inhibitors), and multi-purpose prevention technologies, which combine protection against HIV, other sexually transmitted diseases, and contraception. For each chemical compound, the article provides a brief overview of relevant preclinical and clinical research, emphasizing their potential as microbicides. The article offers insights into the multifaceted impact of microbicides, which signify a pivotal step forward in the pursuit of effective and accessible pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yury V. Zhernov
- Department of General Hygiene, F. Erismann Institute of Public Health, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119435 Moscow, Russia
- A.N. Sysin Research Institute of Human Ecology and Environmental Hygiene, Centre for Strategic Planning and Management of Biomedical Health Risks of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency, 119435 Moscow, Russia
- Fomin Clinic, 119192 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladislava O. Petrova
- Department of General Hygiene, F. Erismann Institute of Public Health, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119435 Moscow, Russia
| | - Mark Y. Simanduyev
- The Baku Branch, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State University (Sechenov University), Baku AZ1141, Azerbaijan
| | - Denis V. Shcherbakov
- Department of General Hygiene, F. Erismann Institute of Public Health, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119435 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Public Health and Healthcare, Omsk State Medical University, 644099 Omsk, Russia
| | - Roman V. Polibin
- Department of Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Medicine, F. Erismann Institute of Public Health, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119435 Moscow, Russia
| | - Oleg V. Mitrokhin
- Department of General Hygiene, F. Erismann Institute of Public Health, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119435 Moscow, Russia
| | - Artem A. Basov
- Department of General Hygiene, F. Erismann Institute of Public Health, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119435 Moscow, Russia
- Diphtheria and Pertussis Surveillance Laboratory, G.N. Gabrichevsky Research Institute for Epidemiology and Microbiology, 125212 Moscow, Russia
| | - Nadezhda N. Zabroda
- Department of General Hygiene, F. Erismann Institute of Public Health, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119435 Moscow, Russia
| | - Sonya O. Vysochanskaya
- Department of Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Medicine, F. Erismann Institute of Public Health, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119435 Moscow, Russia
- Diphtheria and Pertussis Surveillance Laboratory, G.N. Gabrichevsky Research Institute for Epidemiology and Microbiology, 125212 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ezzulddin Al-khaleefa
- Department of General Hygiene, F. Erismann Institute of Public Health, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119435 Moscow, Russia
| | - Kamilla R. Pashayeva
- The Baku Branch, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State University (Sechenov University), Baku AZ1141, Azerbaijan
| | - Narmina Yu. Feyziyeva
- The Baku Branch, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State University (Sechenov University), Baku AZ1141, Azerbaijan
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Cao N, Cai Y, Huang X, Jiang H, Huang Z, Xing L, Lu L, Jiang S, Xu W. Inhibition of influenza A virus and SARS-CoV-2 infection or co-infection by griffithsin and griffithsin-based bivalent entry inhibitor. mBio 2024; 15:e0074124. [PMID: 38587427 PMCID: PMC11077956 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00741-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Outbreaks of acute respiratory viral diseases, such as influenza and COVID-19 caused by influenza A virus (IAV) and SARS-CoV-2, pose a serious threat to global public health, economic security, and social stability. This calls for the development of broad-spectrum antivirals to prevent or treat infection or co-infection of IAV and SARS-CoV-2. Hemagglutinin (HA) on IAV and spike (S) protein on SARS-CoV-2, which contain various types of glycans, play crucial roles in mediating viral entry into host cells. Therefore, they are key targets for the development of carbohydrate-binding protein-based antivirals. This study demonstrated that griffithsin (GRFT) and the GRFT-based bivalent entry inhibitor GL25E (GRFT-L25-EK1) showed broad-spectrum antiviral effects against IAV infection in vitro by binding to HA in a carbohydrate-dependent manner and effectively protected mice from lethal IAV infection. Although both GRFT and GL25E could inhibit infection of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants, GL25E proved to be significantly more effective than GRFT and EK1 alone. Furthermore, GL25E effectively inhibited in vitro co-infection of IAV and SARS-CoV-2 and demonstrated good druggability, including favorable safety and stability profiles. These findings suggest that GL25E is a promising candidate for further development as a broad-spectrum antiviral drug for the prevention and treatment of infection or co-infection from IAV and SARS-CoV-2.IMPORTANCEInfluenza and COVID-19 are highly contagious respiratory illnesses caused by the influenza A virus (IAV) and SARS-CoV-2, respectively. IAV and SARS-CoV-2 co-infection exacerbates damage to lung tissue and leads to more severe clinical symptoms, thus calling for the development of broad-spectrum antivirals for combating IAV and SARS-CoV-2 infection or co-infection. Here we found that griffithsin (GRFT), a carbohydrate-binding protein, and GL25E, a recombinant protein consisting of GRFT, a 25 amino acid linker, and EK1, a broad-spectrum coronavirus inhibitor, could effectively inhibit IAV and SARS-CoV-2 infection and co-infection by targeting glycans on HA of IAV and spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2. GL25E is more effective than GRFT because GL25E can also interact with the HR1 domain in SARS-CoV-2 S protein. Furthermore, GL25E possesses favorable safety and stability profiles, suggesting that it is a promising candidate for development as a drug to prevent and treat IAV and SARS-CoV-2 infection or co-infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najing Cao
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanxing Cai
- Guiyang Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Xin Huang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hanxiao Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ziqi Huang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lixiao Xing
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shibo Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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6
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Gupta A, Yadav K, Yadav A, Ahmad R, Srivastava A, Kumar D, Khan MA, Dwivedi UN. Mannose-specific plant and microbial lectins as antiviral agents: A review. Glycoconj J 2024; 41:1-33. [PMID: 38244136 DOI: 10.1007/s10719-023-10142-7] [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: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Lectins are non-immunological carbohydrate-binding proteins classified on the basis of their structure, origin, and sugar specificity. The binding specificity of such proteins with the surface glycan moiety determines their activity and clinical applications. Thus, lectins hold great potential as diagnostic and drug discovery agents and as novel biopharmaceutical products. In recent years, significant advancements have been made in understanding plant and microbial lectins as therapeutic agents against various viral diseases. Among them, mannose-specific lectins have being proven as promising antiviral agents against a variety of viruses, such as HIV, Influenza, Herpes, Ebola, Hepatitis, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-1 (SARS-CoV-1), Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and most recent Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). The binding of mannose-binding lectins (MBLs) from plants and microbes to high-mannose containing N-glycans (which may be simple or complex) of glycoproteins found on the surface of viruses has been found to be highly specific and mainly responsible for their antiviral activity. MBLs target various steps in the viral life cycle, including viral attachment, entry and replication. The present review discusses the brief classification and structure of lectins along with antiviral activity of various mannose-specific lectins from plants and microbial sources and their diagnostic and therapeutic applications against viral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Kusum Yadav
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Anurag Yadav
- Department of Microbiology, C.P. College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agriculture University, District-Banaskantha, Gujarat, India
| | - Rumana Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry, Era's Lucknow Medical College and Hospital, Era University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Aditi Srivastava
- Department of Biochemistry, Era's Lucknow Medical College and Hospital, Era University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Dileep Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Department of Biotechnology, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Language University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Mohammad Amir Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, Era's Lucknow Medical College and Hospital, Era University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - U N Dwivedi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Bains A, Fischer K, Guan W, LiWang PJ. The Antiviral Activity of the Lectin Griffithsin against SARS-CoV-2 Is Enhanced by the Presence of Structural Proteins. Viruses 2023; 15:2452. [PMID: 38140693 PMCID: PMC10747160 DOI: 10.3390/v15122452] [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: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Although COVID-19 transmission has been reduced by the advent of vaccinations and a variety of rapid monitoring techniques, the SARS-CoV-2 virus itself has shown a remarkable ability to mutate and persist. With this long track record of immune escape, researchers are still exploring prophylactic treatments to curtail future SARS-CoV-2 variants. Specifically, much focus has been placed on the antiviral lectin Griffithsin in preventing spike protein-mediated infection via the hACE2 receptor (direct infection). However, an oft-overlooked aspect of SARS-CoV-2 infection is viral capture by attachment receptors such as DC-SIGN, which is thought to facilitate the initial stages of COVID-19 infection in the lung tissue (called trans-infection). In addition, while immune escape is dictated by mutations in the spike protein, coronaviral virions also incorporate M, N, and E structural proteins within the particle. In this paper, we explored how several structural facets of both the SARS-CoV-2 virion and the antiviral lectin Griffithsin can affect and attenuate the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus. We found that Griffithsin was a better inhibitor of hACE2-mediated direct infection when the coronaviral M protein is present compared to when it is absent (possibly providing an explanation regarding why Griffithsin shows better inhibition against authentic SARS-CoV-2 as opposed to pseudotyped viruses, which generally do not contain M) and that Griffithsin was not an effective inhibitor of DC-SIGN-mediated trans-infection. Furthermore, we found that DC-SIGN appeared to mediate trans-infection exclusively via binding to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, with no significant effect observed when other viral proteins (M, N, and/or E) were present. These results provide etiological data that may help to direct the development of novel antiviral treatments, either by leveraging Griffithsin binding to the M protein as a novel strategy to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection or by narrowing efforts to inhibit trans-infection to focus on DC-SIGN binding to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjan Bains
- Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Merced, 5200 North Lake Rd., Merced, CA 95343, USA;
| | - Kathryn Fischer
- Quantitative and Systems Biology, University of California Merced, 5200 North Lake Rd., Merced, CA 95343, USA;
| | - Wenyan Guan
- Materials and Biomaterials Science and Engineering, University of California Merced, 5200 North Lake Rd., Merced, CA 95343, USA;
| | - Patricia J. LiWang
- Molecular Cell Biology, Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California Merced, 5200 North Lake Rd., Merced, CA 95343, USA
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8
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Nangarlia A, Hassen FF, Canziani G, Bandi P, Talukder C, Zhang F, Krauth D, Gary EN, Weiner DB, Bieniasz P, Navas-Martin S, O'Keefe BR, Ang CG, Chaiken I. Irreversible Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 by Lectin Engagement with Two Glycan Clusters on the Spike Protein. Biochemistry 2023; 62:2115-2127. [PMID: 37341186 PMCID: PMC10663058 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.3c00109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Host cell infection by SARS-CoV-2, similar to that by HIV-1, is driven by a conformationally metastable and highly glycosylated surface entry protein complex, and infection by these viruses has been shown to be inhibited by the mannose-specific lectins cyanovirin-N (CV-N) and griffithsin (GRFT). We discovered in this study that CV-N not only inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection but also leads to irreversibly inactivated pseudovirus particles. The irreversibility effect was revealed by the observation that pseudoviruses first treated with CV-N and then washed to remove all soluble lectin did not recover infectivity. The infection inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus mutants with single-site glycan mutations in spike suggested that two glycan clusters in S1 are important for both CV-N and GRFT inhibition: one cluster associated with the RBD (receptor binding domain) and the second with the S1/S2 cleavage site. We observed lectin antiviral effects with several SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus variants, including the recently emerged omicron, as well as a fully infectious coronavirus, therein reflecting the breadth of lectin antiviral function and the potential for pan-coronavirus inactivation. Mechanistically, observations made in this work indicate that multivalent lectin interaction with S1 glycans is likely a driver of the lectin infection inhibition and irreversible inactivation effect and suggest the possibility that lectin inactivation is caused by an irreversible conformational effect on spike. Overall, lectins' irreversible inactivation of SARS-CoV-2, taken with their breadth of function, reflects the therapeutic potential of multivalent lectins targeting the vulnerable metastable spike before host cell encounter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aakansha Nangarlia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, United States
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, United States
| | - Farah Fazloon Hassen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, United States
| | - Gabriela Canziani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, United States
| | - Praneeta Bandi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, United States
| | - Choya Talukder
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, United States
| | - Fengwen Zhang
- Laboratory of Retrovirology, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10065, United States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Douglas Krauth
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, United States
| | - Ebony N Gary
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - David B Weiner
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Paul Bieniasz
- Laboratory of Retrovirology, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10065, United States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Sonia Navas-Martin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Molecular Virology & Translational Neuroscience, Institute for Molecular Medicine & Infectious Disease, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, United States
| | - Barry R O'Keefe
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
- Natural Products Branch, Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Charles G Ang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, United States
| | - Irwin Chaiken
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, United States
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9
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Franzén Boger M, Benhach N, Hasselrot T, Brand RM, Rohan LC, Wang L, McGowan I, Edick S, Ho K, Meyn L, Matoba N, Palmer KE, Broliden K, Tjernlund A. A topical rectal douche product containing Q-Griffithsin does not disrupt the epithelial border or alter CD4 + cell distribution in the human rectal mucosa. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7547. [PMID: 37161022 PMCID: PMC10169179 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34107-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
To reduce HIV transmission, locally applied pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) products for anorectal use will be important complements to oral and injectable PrEP products already available. It is critical to preserve an intact rectal epithelium and avoid an influx of mucosal HIV target cells with such product use. In this phase 1 clinical trial, we evaluated application of a topical rectal douche product containing Q-Griffithsin (Q-GRFT). Colorectal tissue samples were obtained via sigmoidoscopy at baseline, 1 and 24 h after single-dose exposure in 15 healthy volunteers. In situ staining for epithelial junction markers and CD4+ cells were assessed as an exploratory endpoint. A high-throughput, digitalized in situ imaging analysis workflow was developed to visualize and quantify these HIV susceptibility markers. We observed no significant differences in epithelial distribution of E-cadherin, desmocollin-2, occludin, claudin-1, or zonula occludens-1 when comparing the three timepoints or Q-GRFT versus placebo. There were also no differences in %CD4+ cells within the epithelium or lamina propria in any of these comparisons. In conclusion, the rectal epithelium and CD4+ cell distribution remained unchanged following topical application of Q-GRFT. In situ visualization of HIV susceptibility markers at mucosal sites could be useful to complement standard product safety assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Franzén Boger
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Bioclinicum J7:20, 171 64, Solna, Sweden.
| | - Nora Benhach
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Bioclinicum J7:20, 171 64, Solna, Sweden
| | - Tyra Hasselrot
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Bioclinicum J7:20, 171 64, Solna, Sweden
| | - Rhonda M Brand
- Magee Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lisa C Rohan
- Magee Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lin Wang
- Magee Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ian McGowan
- Magee Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Orion Biotechnology, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Stacey Edick
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ken Ho
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Leslie Meyn
- Magee Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Nobuyuki Matoba
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- UofL Health-Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Kenneth E Palmer
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- UofL Health-Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Kristina Broliden
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Bioclinicum J7:20, 171 64, Solna, Sweden
| | - Annelie Tjernlund
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Bioclinicum J7:20, 171 64, Solna, Sweden
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10
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Muñoz-Basagoiti J, Monteiro FLL, Krumpe LRH, Armario-Najera V, Shenoy SR, Perez-Zsolt D, Westgarth HJ, Villorbina G, Bomfim LM, Raïch-Regué D, Nogueras L, Henrich CJ, Gallemí M, Moreira FRR, Torres P, Wilson J, D’arc M, Marfil S, Herlinger AL, Pradenas E, Higa LM, Portero-Otin M, Trinité B, Twyman RM, Capell T, Tanuri A, Blanco J, Izquierdo-Useros N, Rech EL, Christou P, O’Keefe BR. Cyanovirin-N binds to select SARS-CoV-2 spike oligosaccharides outside of the receptor binding domain and blocks infection by SARS-CoV-2. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2214561120. [PMID: 36853940 PMCID: PMC10013841 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2214561120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an enveloped positive stranded RNA virus which has caused the recent deadly pandemic called COVID-19. The SARS-CoV-2 virion is coated with a heavily glycosylated Spike glycoprotein which is responsible for attachment and entry into target cells. One, as yet unexploited strategy for preventing SARS-CoV-2 infections, is the targeting of the glycans on Spike. Lectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins produced by plants, algae, and cyanobacteria. Some lectins can neutralize enveloped viruses displaying external glycoproteins, offering an alternative therapeutic approach for the prevention of infection with virulent β-coronaviruses, such as SARS-CoV-2. Here we show that the cyanobacterial lectin cyanovirin-N (CV-N) can selectively target SARS-CoV-2 Spike oligosaccharides and inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro and in vivo. CV-N neutralizes Delta and Omicron variants in vitro better than earlier circulating viral variants. CV-N binds selectively to Spike with a Kd as low as 15 nM and a stoichiometry of 2 CV-N: 1 Spike but does not bind to the receptor binding domain (RBD). Further mapping of CV-N binding sites on Spike shows that select high-mannose oligosaccharides in the S1 domain of Spike are targeted by CV-N. CV-N also reduced viral loads in the nares and lungs in vivo to protect hamsters against a lethal viral challenge. In summary, we present an anti-coronavirus agent that works by an unexploited mechanism and prevents infection by a broad range of SARS-CoV-2 strains.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fábio Luís Lima Monteiro
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Institute of Biology, Department of Genetics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro21941-90, Brazil
| | - Lauren R. H. Krumpe
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute-Frederick, NIH, Frederick, MD21702
- Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD21702
| | - Victoria Armario-Najera
- Department of Crop and Forest Sciences, University of Lleida-Agrotecnio Center, Lleida25198, Spain
| | - Shilpa R. Shenoy
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute-Frederick, NIH, Frederick, MD21702
- Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD21702
| | - Daniel Perez-Zsolt
- IrsiCaixa Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Research Institute, Badalona08916, Spain
| | - Harrison James Westgarth
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Institute of Biology, Department of Genetics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro21941-90, Brazil
| | - Gemma Villorbina
- Department of Crop and Forest Sciences, University of Lleida-Agrotecnio Center, Lleida25198, Spain
| | - Larissa Maciel Bomfim
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Institute of Biology, Department of Genetics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro21941-90, Brazil
| | - Dàlia Raïch-Regué
- IrsiCaixa Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Research Institute, Badalona08916, Spain
| | - Lara Nogueras
- Department of Crop and Forest Sciences, University of Lleida-Agrotecnio Center, Lleida25198, Spain
| | - Curtis J. Henrich
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute-Frederick, NIH, Frederick, MD21702
- Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD21702
| | - Marçal Gallemí
- IrsiCaixa Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Research Institute, Badalona08916, Spain
| | - Filipe Romero Rebello Moreira
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Institute of Biology, Department of Genetics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro21941-90, Brazil
| | - Pascual Torres
- Department of Crop and Forest Sciences, University of Lleida-Agrotecnio Center, Lleida25198, Spain
| | - Jennifer Wilson
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute-Frederick, NIH, Frederick, MD21702
- Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD21702
| | - Mirela D’arc
- Laboratory of Diversity and Viral Diseases, Institute of Genetics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro21941-90, Brazil
| | - Silvia Marfil
- IrsiCaixa Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Research Institute, Badalona08916, Spain
| | - Alice Laschuk Herlinger
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Institute of Biology, Department of Genetics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro21941-90, Brazil
| | - Edwards Pradenas
- IrsiCaixa Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Research Institute, Badalona08916, Spain
| | - Luiza Mendonça Higa
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Institute of Biology, Department of Genetics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro21941-90, Brazil
| | - Manuel Portero-Otin
- Department of Crop and Forest Sciences, University of Lleida-Agrotecnio Center, Lleida25198, Spain
| | - Benjamin Trinité
- IrsiCaixa Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Research Institute, Badalona08916, Spain
| | | | - Teresa Capell
- Department of Crop and Forest Sciences, University of Lleida-Agrotecnio Center, Lleida25198, Spain
| | - Amilcar Tanuri
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Institute of Biology, Department of Genetics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro21941-90, Brazil
| | - Julià Blanco
- IrsiCaixa Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Research Institute, Badalona08916, Spain
- Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute, Badalona08916, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Infecciosas, Madrid28029, Spain
- Universitat de Vic - Universitat Central de Catalunya, Vic08500, Spain
| | - Nuria Izquierdo-Useros
- IrsiCaixa Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Research Institute, Badalona08916, Spain
- Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute, Badalona08916, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Infecciosas, Madrid28029, Spain
| | - Elibio L. Rech
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology National Institute of Science and Technology in Synthetic Biology, Brasília70770-917, Brazil
| | - Paul Christou
- Department of Crop and Forest Sciences, University of Lleida-Agrotecnio Center, Lleida25198, Spain
- ICREA, Catalan Institute for Research and Advanced Studies, Barcelona08010, Spain
| | - Barry R. O’Keefe
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute-Frederick, NIH, Frederick, MD21702
- Natural Products Branch, Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD21702
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11
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Vianna GR, Cunha NB, Rech EL. Soybean seed protein storage vacuoles for expression of recombinant molecules. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 71:102331. [PMID: 36603392 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2022.102331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Soybean is one of the most important protein sources for human consumption and livestock feed. Soy production also allows the biosynthesis of edible oils, biodiesel, and biofertilizers. With the advent of modern agricultural biotechnology, soybean plants have also converted into bioreactors of therapeutic proteins and industrial enzymes. Soybean's characteristics, such as protein storage vacuoles (PSVs) and other unique organelles, allow the plant to be exploited as an accumulator of heterologous proteins under high stability and scalability conditions, and that maintains its basic functions. This review reports the main aspects of heterologous protein accumulation in soybean PSVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- G R Vianna
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology/National Institute of Science and Technology in Synthetic Biology, Brasília, Distrito Federal, 70770-917, Brazil
| | - N B Cunha
- University of Brasília (UnB), Faculty of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine (FAV), Campus Universitario Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília, Distrito Federal, 70910-900, Brazil; Catholic University of Brasília (UCB), Postgraduate Program in Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology, Brasília, SGAN 916 Modulo B, Bloco C, 70.790-160, Brazil
| | - E L Rech
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology/National Institute of Science and Technology in Synthetic Biology, Brasília, Distrito Federal, 70770-917, Brazil.
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12
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Borhani SG, Levine MZ, Krumpe LH, Wilson J, Henrich CJ, O’Keefe BR, Lo D, Sittampalam GS, Godfrey AG, Lunsford RD, Mangalampalli V, Tao D, LeClair CA, Thole A, Frey D, Swartz J, Rao G. An approach to rapid distributed manufacturing of broad spectrum anti-viral griffithsin using cell-free systems to mitigate pandemics. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2022:2022.12.19.521044. [PMID: 36597541 PMCID: PMC9810220 DOI: 10.1101/2022.12.19.521044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
This study describes the cell-free biomanufacturing of a broad-spectrum antiviral protein, griffithsin (GRFT) such that it can be produced with consistent purity and potency in less than 24 hours. We demonstrate GRFT production using two independent cell-free systems, one plant and one microbial. Griffithsin purity and quality were verified using standard regulatory metrics. Efficacy was demonstrated in vitro against SARS-CoV-2 and HIV-1 and was nearly identical to that of GRFT expressed in vivo . The proposed production process is efficient and can be readily scaled up and deployed anywhere in the world where a viral pathogen might emerge. The current emergence of viral variants has resulted in frequent updating of existing vaccines and loss of efficacy for front-line monoclonal antibody therapies. Proteins such as GRFT with its efficacious and broad virus neutralizing capability provide a compelling pandemic mitigation strategy to promptly suppress viral emergence at the source of an outbreak.
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13
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Kaushik A, Sangtani R, Parmar HS, Bala K. Algal metabolites: Paving the way towards new generation antidiabetic therapeutics. ALGAL RES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2022.102904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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14
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Nabeta HW, Lasnik AB, Fuqua JL, Wang L, Rohan LC, Palmer KE. Antiviral lectin Q-Griffithsin suppresses fungal infection in murine models of vaginal candidiasis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:976033. [PMID: 36329822 PMCID: PMC9623022 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.976033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Resistance to antifungal agents in vulvovaginal candidiasis has resulted in increasing morbidity among women globally. It is therefore crucial that new antimycotic agents are developed to counter this rising challenge. Q-Griffithsin (Q-GRFT) is a red algal lectin, manufactured in Nicotiana benthamiana. Griffithsin has well characterized broad spectrum antiviral activity and has demonstrated potent in vitro activity against multiple strains of Candida, including C. albicans. We have been working to incorporate Q-GRFT into topical microbicide products to prevent HIV-1 and HSV-2 transmission. The goal of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a prototype Q-GRFT dosage form in prophylactic and therapeutic murine models of vaginal candidiasis, through microbiologic, histopathologic, and immune studies. In a preventive model, in comparison with infected controls, Q-GRFT treatment resulted in a lower fungal burden but did not alter the number of vaginal neutrophils and monocytes. In a therapeutic model, Q-GRFT enhanced fungal clearance when compared with infected untreated controls. Finally, histopathology demonstrated lower vaginal colonization with C. albicans following Q-GRFT treatment. Our results demonstrate that Q-GRFT has significant preventive and therapeutic activity in vaginal candidiasis offering additional benefit as a topical microbicide for prevention of HIV-1 and HSV-2 transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry W. Nabeta
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville KY, United States
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville, Louisville KY, United States
- *Correspondence: Henry W. Nabeta, ; Kenneth E. Palmer,
| | - Amanda B. Lasnik
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville, Louisville KY, United States
| | - Joshua L. Fuqua
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville, Louisville KY, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville KY, United States
| | - Lin Wang
- Infectious Diseases, Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Lisa C. Rohan
- Infectious Diseases, Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Kenneth E. Palmer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville KY, United States
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville, Louisville KY, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville KY, United States
- *Correspondence: Henry W. Nabeta, ; Kenneth E. Palmer,
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15
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Bezerra RP, Conniff AS, Uversky VN. Comparative study of structures and functional motifs in lectins from the commercially important photosynthetic microorganisms. Biochimie 2022; 201:63-74. [PMID: 35839918 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2022.07.004] [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: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Photosynthetic microorganisms, specifically cyanobacteria and microalgae, can synthesize a vast array of biologically active molecules, such as lectins, that have great potential for various biotechnological and biomedical applications. However, since the structures of these proteins are not well established, likely due to the presence of intrinsically disordered regions, our ability to better understand their functionality is hampered. We embarked on a study of the carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD), intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs), amino acidic composition, as well as and functional motifs in lectins from cyanobacteria of the genus Arthrospira and microalgae Chlorella and Dunaliella genus using a combination of bioinformatics techniques. This search revealed the presence of five distinctive CRD types differently distributed between the genera. Most CRDs displayed a group-specific distribution, except to C. sorokiniana possessing distinctive CRD probably due to its specific lifestyle. We also found that all CRDs contain short IDRs. Bacterial lectin of Arthrospira prokarionte showed lower intrinsic disorder and proline content when compared to the lectins from the eukaryotic microalgae (Chlorella and Dunaliella). Among the important functions predicted in all lectins were several specific motifs, which directly interacts with proteins involved in the cell-cycle control and which may be used for pharmaceutical purposes. Since the aforementioned properties of each type of lectin were investigated in silico, they need experimental confirmation. The results of our study provide an overview of the distribution of CRD, IDRs, and functional motifs within lectin from the commercially important microalgae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel P Bezerra
- Department of Morphology and Animal Physiology, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco-UFRPE, Dom Manoel de Medeiros Ave, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil.
| | - Amanda S Conniff
- Department of Medical Engineering, Morsani College of Medicine and College of Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA.
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA.
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16
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Ahmmed MK, Bhowmik S, Giteru SG, Zilani MNH, Adadi P, Islam SS, Kanwugu ON, Haq M, Ahmmed F, Ng CCW, Chan YS, Asadujjaman M, Chan GHH, Naude R, Bekhit AEDA, Ng TB, Wong JH. An Update of Lectins from Marine Organisms: Characterization, Extraction Methodology, and Potential Biofunctional Applications. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20070430. [PMID: 35877723 PMCID: PMC9316650 DOI: 10.3390/md20070430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Lectins are a unique group of nonimmune carbohydrate-binding proteins or glycoproteins that exhibit specific and reversible carbohydrate-binding activity in a non-catalytic manner. Lectins have diverse sources and are classified according to their origins, such as plant lectins, animal lectins, and fish lectins. Marine organisms including fish, crustaceans, and mollusks produce a myriad of lectins, including rhamnose binding lectins (RBL), fucose-binding lectins (FTL), mannose-binding lectin, galectins, galactose binding lectins, and C-type lectins. The widely used method of extracting lectins from marine samples is a simple two-step process employing a polar salt solution and purification by column chromatography. Lectins exert several immunomodulatory functions, including pathogen recognition, inflammatory reactions, participating in various hemocyte functions (e.g., agglutination), phagocytic reactions, among others. Lectins can also control cell proliferation, protein folding, RNA splicing, and trafficking of molecules. Due to their reported biological and pharmaceutical activities, lectins have attracted the attention of scientists and industries (i.e., food, biomedical, and pharmaceutical industries). Therefore, this review aims to update current information on lectins from marine organisms, their characterization, extraction, and biofunctionalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirja Kaizer Ahmmed
- Department of Food Sciences, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand or (M.K.A.); (S.G.G.); (P.A.)
- Department of Fishing and Post-Harvest Technology, Faculty of Fisheries, Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chittagong 4225, Bangladesh
| | - Shuva Bhowmik
- Centre for Bioengineering and Nanomedicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Division of Health Sciences, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand;
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali 3814, Bangladesh
| | - Stephen G. Giteru
- Department of Food Sciences, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand or (M.K.A.); (S.G.G.); (P.A.)
- Alliance Group Limited, Invercargill 9840, New Zealand
| | - Md. Nazmul Hasan Zilani
- Department of Pharmacy, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh;
| | - Parise Adadi
- Department of Food Sciences, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand or (M.K.A.); (S.G.G.); (P.A.)
| | - Shikder Saiful Islam
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Launceston 7250, Australia;
- Fisheries and Marine Resource Technology Discipline, Life Science School, Khulna University, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh
| | - Osman N. Kanwugu
- Institute of Chemical Engineering, Ural Federal University, Mira Street 28, 620002 Yekaterinburg, Russia;
| | - Monjurul Haq
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Bioscience, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh;
| | - Fatema Ahmmed
- Department of Chemistry, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand;
| | | | - Yau Sang Chan
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China;
| | - Md. Asadujjaman
- Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, Khulna Agricultural University, Khulna 9100, Bangladesh;
| | - Gabriel Hoi Huen Chan
- Division of Science, Engineering and Health Studies, College of Professional and Continuing Education, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China;
| | - Ryno Naude
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa;
| | - Alaa El-Din Ahmed Bekhit
- Department of Food Sciences, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand or (M.K.A.); (S.G.G.); (P.A.)
- Correspondence: (A.E.-D.A.B.); (J.H.W.)
| | - Tzi Bun Ng
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China;
| | - Jack Ho Wong
- School of Health Sciences, Caritas Institute of Higher Education, Hong Kong, China
- Correspondence: (A.E.-D.A.B.); (J.H.W.)
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17
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Armario-Najera V, Blanco-Perera A, Shenoy SR, Sun Y, Marfil S, Muñoz-Basagoiti J, Perez-Zsolt D, Blanco J, Izquierdo-Useros N, Capell T, O'Keefe BR, Christou P. Physicochemical characterization of the recombinant lectin scytovirin and microbicidal activity of the SD1 domain produced in rice against HIV-1. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2022; 41:1013-1023. [PMID: 35178612 PMCID: PMC9034974 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-022-02834-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
KEY MESSAGE Rice-produced SD1 retains its physicochemical properties and provides efficient pre-exposure HIV-1 prophylaxis against infection in vitro. Scytovirin (SVN) is an HIV-neutralizing lectin that features two structural domains (SD1 and SD2) that bind to HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins. We expressed SD1 in rice seeds as a potential large-scale production platform and confirmed that rice-derived SD1 binds the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120 in vitro. We analyzed the thermodynamic properties of SD1 compared to full-size SVN (produced in E. coli) by isothermal titration and differential scanning calorimetry to characterize the specific interactions between SVN/SD1 and gp120 as well as to high-mannose oligosaccharides. SVN bound with moderate affinity (Kd = 1.5 µM) to recombinant gp120, with 2.5-fold weaker affinity to nonamannoside (Kd of 3.9 µM), and with tenfold weaker affinity to tetramannoside (13.8 µM). The melting temperature (Tm) of full-size SVN was 59.1 °C and the enthalpy of unfolding (ΔHunf) was 16.4 kcal/mol, but the Tm fell when SVN bound to nonamannoside (56.5 °C) and twice as much energy was required for unfolding (ΔHunf = 33.5 kcal/mol). Interestingly, binding to tetramannoside destabilized the structure of SD1 (ΔTm ~ 11.5 °C) and doubled the enthalpy of unfolding, suggesting a dimerization event. The similar melting phenomenon shared by SVN and SD1 in the presence of oligomannose confirmed their conserved oligosaccharide-binding mechanisms. SD1 expressed in transgenic rice was able to neutralize HIV-1 in vitro. SD1 expressed in rice, therefore, is suitable as a microbicide component.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Armario-Najera
- Department of Plant Production and Forestry Science, School of Agrifood and Forestry Science and Engineering, University of Lleida-Agrotecnio CERCA Center, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Amaya Blanco-Perera
- Department of Plant Production and Forestry Science, School of Agrifood and Forestry Science and Engineering, University of Lleida-Agrotecnio CERCA Center, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Shilpa R Shenoy
- Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Yi Sun
- Department of Plant Production and Forestry Science, School of Agrifood and Forestry Science and Engineering, University of Lleida-Agrotecnio CERCA Center, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Silvia Marfil
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, 08916, Badalona, Spain
- Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Can Ruti Campus, 08916, Badalona, Spain
| | | | | | - Julià Blanco
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, 08916, Badalona, Spain
- Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Can Ruti Campus, 08916, Badalona, Spain
- Chair of AIDS and Related Diseases, University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia, 08500, Vic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nuria Izquierdo-Useros
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, 08916, Badalona, Spain
- Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Can Ruti Campus, 08916, Badalona, Spain
| | - Teresa Capell
- Department of Plant Production and Forestry Science, School of Agrifood and Forestry Science and Engineering, University of Lleida-Agrotecnio CERCA Center, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Barry R O'Keefe
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD, USA.
- Natural Products Branch, Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD, USA.
| | - Paul Christou
- Department of Plant Production and Forestry Science, School of Agrifood and Forestry Science and Engineering, University of Lleida-Agrotecnio CERCA Center, 25198, Lleida, Spain.
- Catalan Institute for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), 08010, Barcelona, Spain.
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18
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Teleshova N, Keller MJ, Fernández Romero JA, Friedland BA, Creasy GW, Plagianos MG, Ray L, Barnable P, Kizima L, Rodriguez A, Cornejal N, Melo C, Cruz Rodriguez G, Mukhopadhyay S, Calenda G, Sinkar SU, Bonnaire T, Wesenberg A, Zhang S, Kleinbeck K, Palmer K, Alami M, O’Keefe BR, Gillevet P, Hur H, Liang Y, Santone G, Fichorova RN, Kalir T, Zydowsky TM. Results of a phase 1, randomized, placebo-controlled first-in-human trial of griffithsin formulated in a carrageenan vaginal gel. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0261775. [PMID: 35051209 PMCID: PMC8775213 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is dominated by clinical therapeutic antiretroviral (ARV) drugs. Griffithsin (GRFT) is a non-ARV lectin with potent anti-HIV activity. GRFT’s preclinical safety, lack of systemic absorption after vaginal administration in animal studies, and lack of cross-resistance with existing ARV drugs prompted its development for topical HIV PrEP. We investigated safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), and immunogenicity of PC-6500 (0.1% GRFT in a carrageenan (CG) gel) in healthy women after vaginal administration. This randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel group, double-blind first-in-human phase 1 study enrolled healthy, HIV-negative, non-pregnant women aged 24–45 years. In the open label period, all participants (n = 7) received single dose of PC-6500. In the randomized period, participants (n = 13) were instructed to self-administer 14 doses of PC-6500 or its matching CG placebo (PC-535) once daily for 14 days. The primary outcomes were safety and PK after single dose, and then after 14 days of dosing. Exploratory outcomes were GRFT concentrations in cervicovaginal fluids, PD, inflammatory mediators and gene expression in ectocervical biopsies. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02875119. No significant adverse events were recorded in clinical or laboratory results or histopathological evaluations in cervicovaginal mucosa, and no anti-drug (GRFT) antibodies were detected in serum. No cervicovaginal proinflammatory responses and no changes in the ectocervical transcriptome were evident. Decreased levels of proinflammatory chemokines (CXCL8, CCL5 and CCL20) were observed. GRFT was not detected in plasma. GRFT and GRFT/CG in cervicovaginal lavage samples inhibited HIV and HPV, respectively, in vitro in a dose-dependent fashion. These data suggest GRFT formulated in a CG gel is a safe and promising on-demand multipurpose prevention technology product that warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Teleshova
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Marla J. Keller
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - José A. Fernández Romero
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, United States of America
- Science Department, Borough of Manhattan Community College, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Barbara A. Friedland
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - George W. Creasy
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Marlena G. Plagianos
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Laurie Ray
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Patrick Barnable
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Larisa Kizima
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Aixa Rodriguez
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Nadjet Cornejal
- Science Department, Borough of Manhattan Community College, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Claudia Melo
- Science Department, Borough of Manhattan Community College, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Gearoff Cruz Rodriguez
- Science Department, Borough of Manhattan Community College, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Sampurna Mukhopadhyay
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Giulia Calenda
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Shweta U. Sinkar
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Thierry Bonnaire
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Asa Wesenberg
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Shimin Zhang
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Kyle Kleinbeck
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Kenneth Palmer
- University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Mohcine Alami
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Barry R. O’Keefe
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research and Natural Products Branch, Developmental Therapeutics Program, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Patrick Gillevet
- George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Hong Hur
- Rockefeller University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Yupu Liang
- Rockefeller University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Gabriela Santone
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | | | - Tamara Kalir
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Thomas M. Zydowsky
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, United States of America
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19
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Reis JG, Cadamuro RD, Cabral AC, Thaís da Silva I, Rodríguez-Lázaro D, Fongaro G. Broad Spectrum Algae Compounds Against Viruses. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:809296. [PMID: 35095816 PMCID: PMC8795700 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.809296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The pharmaceutical industry is currently trying to develop new bioactive compounds to inactivate both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses for therapeutic purposes. Consequently, microalgal and macroalgal bioactive compounds are being explored by pharmaceutical, as well as biotechnology and food industries. In this review, we show how compounds produced by algae include important candidates for viral control applications. We discuss their mechanisms of action and activity against enveloped and non-enveloped viruses, including those causing infections by enteric, parenteral, and respiratory routes. Indeed, algal products have potential in human and animal medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Graff Reis
- Laboratory of Applied Virology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Rafael Dorighello Cadamuro
- Laboratory of Applied Virology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Ariadne Cristiane Cabral
- Laboratory of Applied Virology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
- Department of Dentistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Izabella Thaís da Silva
- Laboratory of Applied Virology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - David Rodríguez-Lázaro
- Microbiology Division, Faculty of Sciences, University of Burgos, Burgos, Spain
- Research Centre for Emerging Pathogens and Global Health, University of Burgos, Burgos, Spain
| | - Gislaine Fongaro
- Laboratory of Applied Virology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Gislaine Fongaro,
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20
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Hu M, Valicherla GR, Zhou T, Hillier SL, Rohan LC. Expression, Activity, and Regulation of Phosphorylating Enzymes in Tissues and Cells Relevant to HIV-1 Sexual Transmission. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2022; 38:22-32. [PMID: 33567990 PMCID: PMC8785762 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2020.0250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Phosphorylating enzymes (PEs) are responsible for activating nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) such as tenofovir (TFV) and are critical for their conversion to obtain intracellular antiviral activity. However, there are limited data available regarding the expression of PEs and their activity in the female genital tract. This work compared the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of PEs in human female genital tissue, immune cells, and animal models that are commonly used in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) research. Furthermore, the effect of contraceptive hormones and proinflammatory cytokines on tenofovir diphosphate (TFV-DP) formation and efficacy in human vaginal, epithelial, and immune cells was also evaluated. We found that human vaginal and ectocervical tissues had similar mRNA expression for seven PEs tested. Polymerase chain reaction results revealed that creatine kinase brain (CKB), mitochondrial creatine kinase 1 (CKMT1), mitochondrial creatine kinase 2 (CKMT2), adenylate kinase AK3L1 (AK4), and nucleoside diphosphate kinase 1 (NME1) exhibited a 10- to 10,000-fold higher expression level in a vaginal epithelial cell line, VK2, compared with CD4+ T cells (p < .05). Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA)/progesterone (P4) and IL-1β/IL-8 treatment resulted in altered TFV-DP levels in VK2 and PM1 cells. MPA and P4 at concentrations above 0.1 μM, as well as IL-1β and IL-8 at concentrations above 10 ng/mL, significantly decreased HIV-1BaL inhibition in PM1 cells when 1 μM TFV was added. However, this observed effect of hormones and cytokines was abrogated when TFV concentration was raised to 1 mM. These in vitro results elucidate the role of PEs in TFV metabolism and provide information regarding differences in PE tissue expression for animal models commonly used in HIV testing. This information can be applied to better understand and interpret data obtained using these models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minlu Hu
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Guru R. Valicherla
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Tian Zhou
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sharon L. Hillier
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lisa C. Rohan
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Address correspondence to: Lisa C. Rohan, Magee-Womens Research Institute, 204 Craft Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA
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21
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Algal and Cyanobacterial Lectins and Their Antimicrobial Properties. Mar Drugs 2021; 19:md19120687. [PMID: 34940686 PMCID: PMC8707200 DOI: 10.3390/md19120687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Lectins are proteins with a remarkably high affinity and specificity for carbohydrates. Many organisms naturally produce them, including animals, plants, fungi, protists, bacteria, archaea, and viruses. The present report focuses on lectins produced by marine or freshwater organisms, in particular algae and cyanobacteria. We explore their structure, function, classification, and antimicrobial properties. Furthermore, we look at the expression of lectins in heterologous systems and the current research on the preclinical and clinical evaluation of these fascinating molecules. The further development of these molecules might positively impact human health, particularly the prevention or treatment of diseases caused by pathogens such as human immunodeficiency virus, influenza, and severe acute respiratory coronaviruses, among others.
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22
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Friedrich N, Stiegeler E, Glögl M, Lemmin T, Hansen S, Kadelka C, Wu Y, Ernst P, Maliqi L, Foulkes C, Morin M, Eroglu M, Liechti T, Ivan B, Reinberg T, Schaefer JV, Karakus U, Ursprung S, Mann A, Rusert P, Kouyos RD, Robinson JA, Günthard HF, Plückthun A, Trkola A. Distinct conformations of the HIV-1 V3 loop crown are targetable for broad neutralization. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6705. [PMID: 34795280 PMCID: PMC8602657 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27075-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The V3 loop of the HIV-1 envelope (Env) protein elicits a vigorous, but largely non-neutralizing antibody response directed to the V3-crown, whereas rare broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) target the V3-base. Challenging this view, we present V3-crown directed broadly neutralizing Designed Ankyrin Repeat Proteins (bnDs) matching the breadth of V3-base bnAbs. While most bnAbs target prefusion Env, V3-crown bnDs bind open Env conformations triggered by CD4 engagement. BnDs achieve breadth by focusing on highly conserved residues that are accessible in two distinct V3 conformations, one of which resembles CCR5-bound V3. We further show that these V3-crown conformations can, in principle, be attacked by antibodies. Supporting this conclusion, analysis of antibody binding activity in the Swiss 4.5 K HIV-1 cohort (n = 4,281) revealed a co-evolution of V3-crown reactivities and neutralization breadth. Our results indicate a role of V3-crown responses and its conformational preferences in bnAb development to be considered in preventive and therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolas Friedrich
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Emanuel Stiegeler
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland ,grid.424277.0Present Address: Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Nonnenwald 2, 82377 Penzberg, Deutschland
| | - Matthias Glögl
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Lemmin
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland ,grid.5801.c0000 0001 2156 2780Department of Computer Science, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland ,grid.29078.340000 0001 2203 2861Present Address: Euler Institute, Faculty of Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Simon Hansen
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland ,Present Address: NGM Bio, 333 Oysterpoint Blvd, South San Francisco, CA 94080 USA
| | - Claus Kadelka
- grid.34421.300000 0004 1936 7312Department of Mathematics, Iowa State University, Ames, IA USA
| | - Yufan Wu
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland ,Present Address: Innovent Biologics Inc, 168 Dongping Street, Suzhou Industrial Park, 215123 China
| | - Patrick Ernst
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland ,grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Present Address: Office Research and Teaching, Medical Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Liridona Maliqi
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Caio Foulkes
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mylène Morin
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland ,Present Address: BeiGene Switzerland GmbH, Aeschengraben 27, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mustafa Eroglu
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland ,Present Address: Janssen Vaccines AG, Rehhagstrasse 79, 3018 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Liechti
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland ,grid.419681.30000 0001 2164 9667Present Address: ImmunoTechnology Section, Vaccine Research Center, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Branislav Ivan
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland ,grid.410567.1Present Address: Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Reinberg
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jonas V. Schaefer
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland ,grid.419481.10000 0001 1515 9979Present Address: Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Chemical Biology & Therapeutics (CBT), Novartis Pharma AG, Virchow 16, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Umut Karakus
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Ursprung
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland ,grid.5335.00000000121885934Present Address: University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Department of Radiology, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ UK
| | - Axel Mann
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland ,Present Address: Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development (pRED), Wagistrasse 10, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Peter Rusert
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roger D. Kouyos
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland ,grid.412004.30000 0004 0478 9977Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich (USZ), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - John A. Robinson
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Huldrych F. Günthard
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland ,grid.412004.30000 0004 0478 9977Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich (USZ), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Plückthun
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alexandra Trkola
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland.
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23
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Chawuke P, van den Berg N, Fouche G, Maharaj V, Shoko T, Johan van der Westhuizen C, Invernizzi L, Alexandre KB. Lobostemon trigonus (Thunb.) H. Buek, a medicinal plant from South Africa as a potential natural microbicide against HIV-1. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 277:114222. [PMID: 34033901 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE There have been different methods proposed to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV-1 and many of them have centered on the use of anti-retrovirals as microbicides. Given that a large section of the African population still relies on herbal medicine, Lobostemon trigonus (L. trigonus), a traditionally used medicinal plant in South Africa to treat HIV-1 was further investigated for its potential as a natural microbicide to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV-1. METHODS The aerial parts of L. trigonus were oven-dried at 80 °C, ground, extracted with boiling water for 30 min and then filtered. The aqueous extract produced was then bioassayed using different HIV-1 inhibition assays. The active components were purified and chemically profiled using ultra-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-qTOF-MS). The mechanism of HIV-1 inhibition was determined by fusion arrest assay and time of addition assay. Molecular modelling and molecular dynamic simulations, using Schrödinger, were used to better understand the molecule's mechanism of entry inhibition by evaluating their docking affinity and stability against the gp120 of HIV-1. RESULTS The aqueous extract of this plant had a broad spectrum of activity against different subtypes of the virus; neutralizing subtype A, B and C in the TZM-bl cells, with IC50 values ranging from 0.10 to 7.21 μg/mL. The extract was also inhibitory to the virus induced cytopathic effects in CEM-SS cells with an EC50 of 8.9 μg/mL. In addition, it inhibited infection in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and macrophages with IC50 values of 0.97 and 4.4 μg/mL, respectively. In the presence of vaginal and seminal simulants, and in human semen it retained its inhibitory activity albeit with a decrease in efficiency, by about 3-fold. Studies of the mode of action suggested that the extract blocked HIV-1 attachment to target cells. No toxicity was observed when the Lactobacilli strains, L. acidophilus, L. jensenii, and L. crispatus that populate the female genital tract were cultured in the presence of L. trigonus extract. UPLC-qTOF-MS analyses of the purified fraction of the extract, confirmed the presence of six compounds of which four were identified as rosmarinic acid, salvianolic acids B and C and lithospermic acid. The additional molecular dynamic simulations provided further insight into the entry inhibitory characteristics of salvianolic acid B against the HIV-1 gp120, with a stable pose being found within the CD4 binding site. CONCLUSION The data suggests that the inhibitory effect of L. trigonus may be due to the presence of organic acids which are known to possess anti-HIV-1 properties. The molecules salvianolic acids B and C have been identified for the first time in L. trigonus species. Our study also showed that the L. trigonus extract blocked HIV-1 attachment to target cells, and that it has a broad spectrum of activity against different subtypes of the virus; thus, justifying further investigation as a HIV-1 microbicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phindiwe Chawuke
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria, South Africa; University of Pretoria, Department of Chemistry, Pretoria, South Africa.
| | | | - Gerda Fouche
- University of Pretoria, Department of Chemistry, Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - Vinesh Maharaj
- University of Pretoria, Department of Chemistry, Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - Tinotenda Shoko
- University of Pretoria, Department of Chemistry, Pretoria, South Africa.
| | | | - Luke Invernizzi
- University of Pretoria, Department of Chemistry, Pretoria, South Africa.
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Alsaidi S, Cornejal N, Mahoney O, Melo C, Verma N, Bonnaire T, Chang T, O’Keefe BR, Sailer J, Zydowsky TM, Teleshova N, Romero JAF. Griffithsin and Carrageenan Combination Results in Antiviral Synergy against SARS-CoV-1 and 2 in a Pseudoviral Model. Mar Drugs 2021; 19:md19080418. [PMID: 34436255 PMCID: PMC8400000 DOI: 10.3390/md19080418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Over 182 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 and more than 4 million deaths have been reported to date around the world. It is essential to identify broad-spectrum antiviral agents that may prevent or treat infections by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) but also by other coronaviruses that may jump the species barrier in the future. We evaluated the antiviral selectivity of griffithsin and sulfated and non-sulfated polysaccharides against SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 using a cytotoxicity assay and a cell-based pseudoviral model. The half-maximal cytotoxic concentration (CC50) and half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) were determined for each compound, using a dose-response-inhibition analysis on GraphPad Prism v9.0.2 software (San Diego, CA, USA). The therapeutic index (TI = CC50/EC50) was calculated for each compound. The potential synergistic, additive, or antagonistic effect of different compound combinations was determined by CalcuSyn v1 software (Biosoft, Cambridge, UK), which estimated the combination index (CI) values. Iota and lambda carrageenan showed the most potent antiviral activity (EC50 between 3.2 and 7.5 µg/mL). Carrageenan and griffithsin combinations exhibited synergistic activity (EC50 between 0.2 and 3.8 µg/mL; combination index <1), including against recent SARS-CoV-2 mutations. The griffithsin and carrageenan combination is a promising candidate to prevent or treat infections by SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Alsaidi
- Population Council, New York, NY 10065, USA; (S.A.); (N.C.); (O.M.); (C.M.); (N.V.); (T.B.); (J.S.); (T.M.Z.); (N.T.)
- Department of Science, Borough of Manhattan Community College, The City University of New York, New York, NY 10007, USA
- Department of Anthropology, Lehman College, The City University of New York, New York, NY 10468, USA
| | - Nadjet Cornejal
- Population Council, New York, NY 10065, USA; (S.A.); (N.C.); (O.M.); (C.M.); (N.V.); (T.B.); (J.S.); (T.M.Z.); (N.T.)
- Department of Science, Borough of Manhattan Community College, The City University of New York, New York, NY 10007, USA
- Center for Achievement in Science Education, Department of Biology and Chemistry, School of Natural and Behavioral Sciences, Brooklyn College, The City University of New York, New York, NY 11210, USA
| | - Oneil Mahoney
- Population Council, New York, NY 10065, USA; (S.A.); (N.C.); (O.M.); (C.M.); (N.V.); (T.B.); (J.S.); (T.M.Z.); (N.T.)
- Department of Science, Borough of Manhattan Community College, The City University of New York, New York, NY 10007, USA
| | - Claudia Melo
- Population Council, New York, NY 10065, USA; (S.A.); (N.C.); (O.M.); (C.M.); (N.V.); (T.B.); (J.S.); (T.M.Z.); (N.T.)
- Department of Science, Borough of Manhattan Community College, The City University of New York, New York, NY 10007, USA
- Center for Achievement in Science Education, Department of Biology and Chemistry, School of Natural and Behavioral Sciences, Brooklyn College, The City University of New York, New York, NY 11210, USA
| | - Neeharika Verma
- Population Council, New York, NY 10065, USA; (S.A.); (N.C.); (O.M.); (C.M.); (N.V.); (T.B.); (J.S.); (T.M.Z.); (N.T.)
| | - Thierry Bonnaire
- Population Council, New York, NY 10065, USA; (S.A.); (N.C.); (O.M.); (C.M.); (N.V.); (T.B.); (J.S.); (T.M.Z.); (N.T.)
| | - Theresa Chang
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07102, USA;
| | - Barry R. O’Keefe
- Natural Products Branch, Molecular Targets Program, Developmental Therapeutics Program, Center for Cancer Research, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA;
| | - James Sailer
- Population Council, New York, NY 10065, USA; (S.A.); (N.C.); (O.M.); (C.M.); (N.V.); (T.B.); (J.S.); (T.M.Z.); (N.T.)
| | - Thomas M. Zydowsky
- Population Council, New York, NY 10065, USA; (S.A.); (N.C.); (O.M.); (C.M.); (N.V.); (T.B.); (J.S.); (T.M.Z.); (N.T.)
| | - Natalia Teleshova
- Population Council, New York, NY 10065, USA; (S.A.); (N.C.); (O.M.); (C.M.); (N.V.); (T.B.); (J.S.); (T.M.Z.); (N.T.)
| | - José A. Fernández Romero
- Population Council, New York, NY 10065, USA; (S.A.); (N.C.); (O.M.); (C.M.); (N.V.); (T.B.); (J.S.); (T.M.Z.); (N.T.)
- Department of Science, Borough of Manhattan Community College, The City University of New York, New York, NY 10007, USA
- Correspondence:
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Man-Specific Lectins from Plants, Fungi, Algae and Cyanobacteria, as Potential Blockers for SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Coronaviruses: Biomedical Perspectives. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071619. [PMID: 34203435 PMCID: PMC8305077 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Betacoronaviruses, responsible for the “Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome” (SARS) and the “Middle East Respiratory Syndrome” (MERS), use the spikes protruding from the virion envelope to attach and subsequently infect the host cells. The coronavirus spike (S) proteins contain receptor binding domains (RBD), allowing the specific recognition of either the dipeptidyl peptidase CD23 (MERS-CoV) or the angiotensin-converting enzyme ACE2 (SARS-Cov, SARS-CoV-2) host cell receptors. The heavily glycosylated S protein includes both complex and high-mannose type N-glycans that are well exposed at the surface of the spikes. A detailed analysis of the carbohydrate-binding specificity of mannose-binding lectins from plants, algae, fungi, and bacteria, revealed that, depending on their origin, they preferentially recognize either complex type N-glycans, or high-mannose type N-glycans. Since both complex and high-mannose glycans substantially decorate the S proteins, mannose-specific lectins are potentially useful glycan probes for targeting the SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 virions. Mannose-binding legume lectins, like pea lectin, and monocot mannose-binding lectins, like snowdrop lectin or the algal lectin griffithsin, which specifically recognize complex N-glycans and high-mannose glycans, respectively, are particularly adapted for targeting coronaviruses. The biomedical prospects of targeting coronaviruses with mannose-specific lectins are wide-ranging including detection, immobilization, prevention, and control of coronavirus infection.
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Serna-Arbeláez MS, Florez-Sampedro L, Orozco LP, Ramírez K, Galeano E, Zapata W. Natural Products with Inhibitory Activity against Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1. Adv Virol 2021; 2021:5552088. [PMID: 34194504 PMCID: PMC8181102 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5552088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Infections caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are considered one of the main public health problems worldwide. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the current modality of treatment for HIV-1 infection. It comprises the combined use of several drugs and can decrease the viral load and increase the CD4+ T cell count in patients with HIV-1 infection, thereby proving to be an effective modality. This therapy significantly decreases the rate of morbidity and mortality owing to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and prolongs and improves the quality of life of infected patients. However, nonadherence to ART may increase viral resistance to antiretroviral drugs and transmission of drug-resistant strains of HIV. Therefore, it is necessary to continue research for compounds with anti-HIV-1 activity, exhibiting a potential for the development of an alternative or complementary therapy to ART with low cost and fewer side effects. Natural products and their derivatives represent an excellent option owing to their therapeutic potential against HIV. Currently, the derivatives of natural products available as anti-HIV-1 agents include zidovudine, an arabinonucleoside derivative of the Caribbean marine sponge (Tectitethya crypta), which inhibits the reverse transcriptase of the virus. This was the first antiviral agent approved for treatment of HIV infection. Additionally, bevirimat (isolated from Syzygium claviflorum) and calanolide A (isolated from Calophyllum sp.) are inhibitors of viral maturation and reverse transcription process, respectively. In the present review, we aimed to describe the wide repertoire of natural compounds exhibiting anti-HIV-1 activity that can be considered for designing new therapeutic strategies to curb the HIV pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria S. Serna-Arbeláez
- Grupo Infettare, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Medellín, Colombia
- Grupo de Investigacion en Ciencias Animales-GRICA, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Laura Florez-Sampedro
- Grupo Inmunovirología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia (UdeA), Medellín, Colombia
| | - Lina P. Orozco
- Grupo Inmunovirología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia (UdeA), Medellín, Colombia
| | - Katherin Ramírez
- Grupo Inmunovirología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia (UdeA), Medellín, Colombia
| | - Elkin Galeano
- Productos Naturales Marinos, Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas y Alimentarias, Universidad de Antioquia (UdeA), Medellín, Colombia
| | - Wildeman Zapata
- Grupo Infettare, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Medellín, Colombia
- Grupo Inmunovirología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia (UdeA), Medellín, Colombia
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Mandal A, Jha AK, Hazra B. Plant Products as Inhibitors of Coronavirus 3CL Protease. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:583387. [PMID: 33767619 PMCID: PMC7985176 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.583387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has created an alarming situation due to extensive loss of human lives and economy, posing enormous threat to global health security. Till date, no antiviral drug or vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 has reached the market, although a number of clinical trials are under way. The viral 3-chymotrypsin-like cysteine protease (3CLpro), playing pivotal roles in coronavirus replication and polyprotein processing, is essential for its life cycle. In fact, 3CLpro is already a proven drug discovery target for SARS- and MERS-CoVs. This underlines the importance of 3CL protease in the design of potent drugs against COVID-19. Methods: We have collected one hundred twenty-seven relevant literatures to prepare the review article. PubMed, Google Scholar and other scientific search engines were used to collect the literature based on keywords, like "SARS-CoVs-3CL protease," "medicinal plant and anti-SARS-CoVs-3CL protease" published during 2003-2020. However, earlier publications related to this topic are also cited for necessary illustration and discussion. Repetitive articles and non-English studies were excluded. Results: From the literature search, we have enlisted medicinal plants reported to inhibit coronavirus 3CL protease. Some of the plants like Isatis tinctoria L. (syn. Isatis indigotica Fort.), Torreya nucifera (L.) Siebold and Zucc., Psoralea corylifolia L., and Rheum palmatum L. have exhibited strong anti-3CLpro activity. We have also discussed about the phytochemicals with encouraging antiviral activity, such as, bavachinin, psoralidin, betulinic acid, curcumin and hinokinin, isolated from traditional medicinal plants. Conclusion: Currently, searching for a plant-derived novel drug with better therapeutic index is highly desirable due to lack of specific treatment for SARS-CoV-2. It is expected that in-depth evaluation of medicinally important plants would reveal new molecules with significant potential to inhibit coronavirus 3CL protease for development into approved antiviral drug against COVID-19 in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anirban Mandal
- Department of Microbiology, Mrinalini Datta Mahavidyapith, Kolkata, India
| | - Ajeet Kumar Jha
- Animal Health Research Division, Nepal Agricultural Research Council, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Banasri Hazra
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India
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Kramzer LF, Hamorsky KT, Graebing PW, Wang L, Fuqua JL, Matoba N, Lasnik AB, Moncla BJ, Zhang J, Palmer KE, Rohan LC. Preformulation Characterization of Griffithsin, a Biopharmaceutical Candidate for HIV Prevention. AAPS PharmSciTech 2021; 22:83. [PMID: 33625602 PMCID: PMC7903873 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-021-01931-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Griffithsin (GRFT) has shown potent anti-HIV activity, and it is being developed as a drug candidate for HIV prevention. Successful implementation requires thorough understanding of its preformulation characterization. In this work, preformulation assessments were conducted to characterize GRFT and identify its degradation pathways under selected conditions of temperature, light, pH, shear, ionic strength, and oxidation. Compatibility with vaginal fluid simulant, vaginal enzymes, Lactobacillus spp., and human cervicovaginal secretions was assessed. The purity, melting temperature, and HIV gp120-binding affinity of GRFT stored at 4°C and 25°C in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) were assessed for 2 years. Chemical modifications were evaluated by intact mass analysis and peptide sequencing. Excised human ectocervical tissue permeability and localization of GRFT were evaluated. Our results demonstrated GRFT to be safe and stable under all the preformulation assessment conditions studied except oxidative stress. When GRFT was exposed to hydrogen peroxide or human cervicovaginal secretion, methionine 78 in the protein sequence underwent oxidation. GRFT did not permeate through human cervical tissue but adhered to the superficial epithelial tissue. The 2-year stability study revealed no significant change in GRFT's aggregation, degradation, melting temperature, or gp120-binding affinity despite a slow increase in oxidation over time. These studies elucidated desirable safety and bioactivity profile for GRFT, showing promise as a potential drug candidate for HIV prevention. However, susceptibility to oxidative degradation was identified. Effective protection of GRFT from oxidation is required for further development.
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Minooei F, Fried JR, Fuqua JL, Palmer KE, Steinbach-Rankins JM. In vitro Study on Synergistic Interactions Between Free and Encapsulated Q-Griffithsin and Antiretrovirals Against HIV-1 Infection. Int J Nanomedicine 2021; 16:1189-1206. [PMID: 33623382 PMCID: PMC7894819 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s287310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a persistent global challenge, impacting 38 million people worldwide. Antiretrovirals (ARVs) including tenofovir (TFV), raltegravir (RAL), and dapivirine (DAP) have been developed to prevent and treat HIV-1 via different mechanisms of action. In parallel, a promising biological candidate, griffithsin (GRFT), has demonstrated outstanding preclinical safety and potency against HIV-1. While ARV co-administration has been shown to enhance virus inhibition, synergistic interactions between ARVs and the oxidation-resistant variant of GRFT (Q-GRFT) have not yet been explored. Here, we co-administered Q-GRFT with TFV, RAL, and DAP, in free and encapsulated forms, to identify unique protein-drug synergies. Methods Nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using a single or double-emulsion technique and release from each formulation was assessed in simulated vaginal fluid. Next, each ARV, in free and encapsulated forms, was co-administered with Q-GRFT or Q-GRFT NPs to evaluate the impact of co-administration in HIV-1 pseudovirus assays, and the combination indices were calculated to identify synergistic interactions. Using the most synergistic formulations, we investigated the effect of agent incorporation in NP-fiber composites on release properties. Finally, NP safety was assessed in vitro using MTT assay. Results All active agents were encapsulated in NPs with desirable encapsulation efficiency (15–100%), providing ~20% release over 2 weeks. The co-administration of free Q-GRFT with each free ARV resulted in strong synergistic interactions, relative to each agent alone. Similarly, Q-GRFT NP and ARV NP co-administration resulted in synergy across all formulations, with the most potent interactions between encapsulated Q-GRFT and DAP. Furthermore, the incorporation of Q-GRFT and DAP in NP-fiber composites resulted in burst release of DAP and Q-GRFT with a second phase of Q-GRFT release. Finally, all NP formulations exhibited safety in vitro. Conclusions This work suggests that Q-GRFT and ARV co-administration in free or encapsulated forms may improve efficacy in achieving prophylaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farnaz Minooei
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Louisville Speed School of Engineering, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Joel R Fried
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Louisville Speed School of Engineering, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Joshua L Fuqua
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville Speed School of Engineering, Louisville, KY, USA.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA.,Center for Predictive Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Kenneth E Palmer
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA.,Center for Predictive Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Jill M Steinbach-Rankins
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville Speed School of Engineering, Louisville, KY, USA.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA.,Center for Predictive Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
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Ali SG, Ansari MA, Alzohairy MA, Almatroudi A, Alomary MN, Alghamdi S, Rehman S, Khan HM. Natural Products and Nutrients against Different Viral Diseases: Prospects in Prevention and Treatment of SARS-CoV-2. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2021; 57:169. [PMID: 33673004 PMCID: PMC7917779 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57020169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a global pandemic and is posing a serious challenge to mankind. As per the current scenario, there is an urgent need for antiviral that could act as a protective and therapeutic against SARS-CoV-2. Previous studies have shown that SARS-CoV-2 is much similar to the SARS-CoV bat that occurred in 2002-03. Since it is a zoonotic virus, the exact source is still unknown, but it is believed bats may be the primary reservoir of SARS-CoV-2 through which it has been transferred to humans. In this review, we have tried to summarize some of the approaches that could be effective against SARS-CoV-2. Firstly, plants or plant-based products have been effective against different viral diseases, and secondly, plants or plant-based natural products have the minimum adverse effect. We have also highlighted a few vitamins and minerals that could be beneficial against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Ghazanfar Ali
- Viral Research Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College A.M.U., Aligarh U.P.202002, India;
| | - Mohammad Azam Ansari
- Department of Epidemic Disease Research, Institutes for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia; (M.A.A.); (S.R.)
| | - Mohammad A. Alzohairy
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Qassim 51431, Saudi Arabia; (M.A.A.); (A.A.)
| | - Ahmad Almatroudi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Qassim 51431, Saudi Arabia; (M.A.A.); (A.A.)
| | - Mohammad N. Alomary
- National Centre for Biotechnology, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), P.O. Box 6086, Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saad Alghamdi
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah21955, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Suriya Rehman
- Department of Epidemic Disease Research, Institutes for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia; (M.A.A.); (S.R.)
| | - Haris M. Khan
- Viral Research Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College A.M.U., Aligarh U.P.202002, India;
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COVID-19 Crisis: How Can Plant Biotechnology Help? PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10020352. [PMID: 33673316 PMCID: PMC7917634 DOI: 10.3390/plants10020352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant public health crisis all over the world. The rapid spreading nature and high mortality rate of COVID-19 places a huge pressure on scientists to develop effective diagnostics and therapeutics to control the pandemic. Some scientists working on plant biotechnology together with commercial enterprises for the emergency manufacturing of diagnostics and therapeutics have aimed to fulfill the rapid demand for SARS-CoV-2 protein antigen and antibody through a rapid, scalable technology known as transient/stable expression in plants. Plant biotechnology using transient/stable expression offers a rapid solution to address this crisis through the production of low-cost diagnostics, antiviral drugs, immunotherapy, and vaccines. Transient/stable expression technology for manufacturing plant-based biopharmaceuticals is already established at commercial scale. Here, current opinions regarding how plant biotechnology can help fight against COVID-19 through the production of low-cost diagnostics and therapeutics are discussed.
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Antiviral Potential of Algal Metabolites-A Comprehensive Review. Mar Drugs 2021; 19:md19020094. [PMID: 33562153 PMCID: PMC7914423 DOI: 10.3390/md19020094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Historically, algae have stimulated significant economic interest particularly as a source of fertilizers, feeds, foods and pharmaceutical precursors. However, there is increasing interest in exploiting algal diversity for their antiviral potential. Here, we present an overview of 50-years of scientific and technological developments in the field of algae antivirals. After bibliometric analysis of 999 scientific references, a survey of 16 clinical trials and analysis of 84 patents, it was possible to identify the dominant algae, molecules and viruses that have been shaping and driving this promising field of research. A description of the most promising discoveries is presented according to molecule class. We observed a diverse range of algae and respective molecules displaying significant antiviral effects against an equally diverse range of viruses. Some natural algae molecules, like carrageenan, cyanovirin or griffithsin, are now considered prime reference molecules for their outstanding antiviral capacity. Crucially, while many algae antiviral applications have already reached successful commercialization, the large spectrum of algae antiviral capacities already identified suggests a strong potential for future expansion of this field.
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Lico C, Santi L, Baschieri S, Noris E, Marusic C, Donini M, Pedrazzini E, Maga G, Franconi R, Di Bonito P, Avesani L. Plant Molecular Farming as a Strategy Against COVID-19 - The Italian Perspective. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:609910. [PMID: 33381140 PMCID: PMC7768017 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.609910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has killed more than 37,000 people in Italy and has caused widespread socioeconomic disruption. Urgent measures are needed to contain and control the virus, particularly diagnostic kits for detection and surveillance, therapeutics to reduce mortality among the severely affected, and vaccines to protect the remaining population. Here we discuss the potential role of plant molecular farming in the rapid and scalable supply of protein antigens as reagents and vaccine candidates, antibodies for virus detection and passive immunotherapy, other therapeutic proteins, and virus-like particles as novel vaccine platforms. We calculate the amount of infrastructure and production capacity needed to deal with predictable subsequent waves of COVID-19 in Italy by pooling expertise in plant molecular farming, epidemiology and the Italian health system. We calculate the investment required in molecular farming infrastructure that would enable us to capitalize on this technology, and provide a roadmap for the development of diagnostic reagents and biopharmaceuticals using molecular farming in plants to complement production methods based on the cultivation of microbes and mammalian cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Lico
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Biotechnologies and Agroindustry Division, Department of Sustainability, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Santi
- Department of Agriculture and Forest Science, Tuscia University, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Selene Baschieri
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Biotechnologies and Agroindustry Division, Department of Sustainability, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Noris
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, National Research Council IPSP-CNR, Turin, Italy
| | - Carla Marusic
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Biotechnologies and Agroindustry Division, Department of Sustainability, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), Rome, Italy
| | - Marcello Donini
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Biotechnologies and Agroindustry Division, Department of Sustainability, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Pedrazzini
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, National Research Council IBBA-CNR, Turin, Italy
| | - Giovanni Maga
- Institute of Molecular Genetics IGM-CNR “Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza,”Pavia, Italy
| | - Rosella Franconi
- Laboratory of Biomedical Technologies, Health Technologies Division, Department of Sustainability, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Di Bonito
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Viral Hepatitis, Oncoviruses and Retroviruses (EVOR) Unit, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Linda Avesani
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Parajuli B, Acharya K, Nangarlia A, Zhang S, Parajuli B, Dick A, Ngo B, Abrams CF, Chaiken I. Identification of a glycan cluster in gp120 essential for irreversible HIV-1 lytic inactivation by a lectin-based recombinantly engineered protein conjugate. Biochem J 2020; 477:4263-4280. [PMID: 33057580 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20200495] [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: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We previously discovered a class of recombinant lectin conjugates, denoted lectin DLIs ('dual-acting lytic inhibitors') that bind to the HIV-1 envelope (Env) protein trimer and cause both lytic inactivation of HIV-1 virions and cytotoxicity of Env-expressing cells. To facilitate mechanistic investigation of DLI function, we derived the simplified prototype microvirin (MVN)-DLI, containing an MVN domain that binds high-mannose glycans in Env, connected to a DKWASLWNW sequence (denoted 'Trp3') derived from the membrane-associated region of gp41. The relatively much stronger affinity of the lectin component than Trp3 argues that the lectin functions to capture Env to enable Trp3 engagement and consequent Env membrane disruption and virolysis. The relatively simplified engagement pattern of MVN with Env opened up the opportunity, pursued here, to use recombinant glycan knockout gp120 variants to identify the precise Env binding site for MVN that drives DLI engagement and lysis. Using mutagenesis combined with a series of biophysical and virological experiments, we identified a restricted set of residues, N262, N332 and N448, all localized in a cluster on the outer domain of gp120, as the essential epitope for MVN binding. By generating these mutations in the corresponding HIV-1 virus, we established that the engagement of this glycan cluster with the lectin domain of MVN*-DLI is the trigger for DLI-derived virus and cell inactivation. Beyond defining the initial encounter step for lytic inactivation, this study provides a guide to further elucidate DLI mechanism, including the stoichiometry of Env trimer required for function, and downstream DLI optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bibek Parajuli
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, U.S.A
| | - Kriti Acharya
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, U.S.A
| | - Aakansha Nangarlia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, U.S.A
| | - Shiyu Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, U.S.A
| | - Bijay Parajuli
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, U.S.A
| | - Alexej Dick
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, U.S.A
| | - Brendon Ngo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, U.S.A
| | - Cameron F Abrams
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, U.S.A
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, U.S.A
| | - Irwin Chaiken
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, U.S.A
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Shrivastava-Ranjan P, Lo MK, Chatterjee P, Flint M, Nichol ST, Montgomery JM, O'Keefe BR, Spiropoulou CF. Hantavirus Infection Is Inhibited by Griffithsin in Cell Culture. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:561502. [PMID: 33251157 PMCID: PMC7671970 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.561502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Andes virus (ANDV) and Sin Nombre virus (SNV), highly pathogenic hantaviruses, cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in the Americas. Currently no therapeutics are approved for use against these infections. Griffithsin (GRFT) is a high-mannose oligosaccharide-binding lectin currently being evaluated in phase I clinical trials as a topical microbicide for the prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifiers: NCT04032717, NCT02875119) and has shown broad-spectrum in vivo activity against other viruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, hepatitis C virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, and Nipah virus. In this study, we evaluated the in vitro antiviral activity of GRFT and its synthetic trimeric tandemer 3mGRFT against ANDV and SNV. Our results demonstrate that GRFT is a potent inhibitor of ANDV infection. GRFT inhibited entry of pseudo-particles typed with ANDV envelope glycoprotein into host cells, suggesting that it inhibits viral envelope protein function during entry. 3mGRFT is more potent than GRFT against ANDV and SNV infection. Our results warrant the testing of GRFT and 3mGRFT against ANDV infection in animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Punya Shrivastava-Ranjan
- Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Michael K Lo
- Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Payel Chatterjee
- Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Mike Flint
- Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Stuart T Nichol
- Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Joel M Montgomery
- Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Barry R O'Keefe
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, United States.,Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, Natural Products Branch, Developmental Therapeutics Program, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Christina F Spiropoulou
- Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
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36
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Rosales-Mendoza S, García-Silva I, González-Ortega O, Sandoval-Vargas JM, Malla A, Vimolmangkang S. The Potential of Algal Biotechnology to Produce Antiviral Compounds and Biopharmaceuticals. Molecules 2020; 25:E4049. [PMID: 32899754 PMCID: PMC7571207 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25184049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has led to an unprecedented pandemic, which demands urgent development of antiviral drugs and antibodies; as well as prophylactic approaches, namely vaccines. Algae biotechnology has much to offer in this scenario given the diversity of such organisms, which are a valuable source of antiviral and anti-inflammatory compounds that can also be used to produce vaccines and antibodies. Antivirals with possible activity against SARS-CoV-2 are summarized, based on previously reported activity against Coronaviruses or other enveloped or respiratory viruses. Moreover, the potential of algae-derived anti-inflammatory compounds to treat severe cases of COVID-19 is contemplated. The scenario of producing biopharmaceuticals in recombinant algae is presented and the cases of algae-made vaccines targeting viral diseases is highlighted as valuable references for the development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Successful cases in the production of functional antibodies are described. Perspectives on how specific algae species and genetic engineering techniques can be applied for the production of anti-viral compounds antibodies and vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Rosales-Mendoza
- Laboratorio de Biofarmacéuticos Recombinantes, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Dr. Manuel Nava 6, San Luis Potosí 78210, Mexico; (I.G.-S.); (O.G.-O.); (J.M.S.-V.)
- Sección de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud y Biomedicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Sierra Leona 550, Lomas 2. Sección, San Luis Potosí 78210, Mexico
| | - Ileana García-Silva
- Laboratorio de Biofarmacéuticos Recombinantes, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Dr. Manuel Nava 6, San Luis Potosí 78210, Mexico; (I.G.-S.); (O.G.-O.); (J.M.S.-V.)
- Sección de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud y Biomedicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Sierra Leona 550, Lomas 2. Sección, San Luis Potosí 78210, Mexico
| | - Omar González-Ortega
- Laboratorio de Biofarmacéuticos Recombinantes, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Dr. Manuel Nava 6, San Luis Potosí 78210, Mexico; (I.G.-S.); (O.G.-O.); (J.M.S.-V.)
| | - José M. Sandoval-Vargas
- Laboratorio de Biofarmacéuticos Recombinantes, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Dr. Manuel Nava 6, San Luis Potosí 78210, Mexico; (I.G.-S.); (O.G.-O.); (J.M.S.-V.)
- Sección de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud y Biomedicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Sierra Leona 550, Lomas 2. Sección, San Luis Potosí 78210, Mexico
| | - Ashwini Malla
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
- Research Unit for Plant-Produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Sornkanok Vimolmangkang
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
- Research Unit for Plant-Produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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37
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Decker JS, Menacho-Melgar R, Lynch MD. Low-Cost, Large-Scale Production of the Anti-viral Lectin Griffithsin. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:1020. [PMID: 32974328 PMCID: PMC7471252 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.01020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Griffithsin, a broad-spectrum antiviral lectin, has potential to prevent and treat numerous viruses including HIV, HCV, HSV, SARS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2. For these indications, the annual demand for Griffithsin could reach billions of doses and affordability is paramount. We report the lab-scale validation of a bioprocess that supports production volumes of >20 tons per year at a cost of goods sold below $3,500/kg. Recombinant expression in engineered E. coli enables Griffithsin titers ∼2.5 g/L. A single rapid precipitation step provides > 90% yield with 2-, 3-, and 4-log reductions in host cell proteins, endotoxin, and nucleic acids, respectively. Two polishing chromatography steps remove residual contaminants leading to pure, active Griffithsin. Compared to a conventional one this process shows lower costs and improved economies of scale. These results support the potential of biologics in very large-scale, cost-sensitive applications such as antivirals, and highlight the importance of bioprocess innovations in enabling these applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michael D. Lynch
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
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38
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Corman JM, Hamorsky KT, Shepherd JW, Hiatt E, Fuqua JL, Palmer KE. Stability of plasmid and viral banks supporting the cGMP manufacture of Q-Griffithsin from a TMV-based viral vector. J Biotechnol 2020; 320:74-76. [PMID: 32553533 PMCID: PMC7397727 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2020.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The "whole genome" TMV-based expression system, Geneware®, was used in the cGMP production of the plant-made pharmaceutical Q-Griffithsin and demonstrates stable expression for up to a two-year period. Virion and plasmid banks which contained viral cDNA and a Q-Griffithsin sequence were able to produce >200 g of Q-Griffithsin. Data assessing the quality and stability of the product banks were measured through functional assessments of visual symptomology and product expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia M Corman
- Center for Predictive Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville KY, USA
| | - Krystal T Hamorsky
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine,Louisville KY, USA; Center for Predictive Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville KY, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville KY, USA
| | | | - Ernie Hiatt
- R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Joshua L Fuqua
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine,Louisville KY, USA; Center for Predictive Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville KY, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville KY, USA.
| | - Kenneth E Palmer
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine,Louisville KY, USA; Center for Predictive Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville KY, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville KY, USA
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39
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Capell T, Twyman RM, Armario-Najera V, Ma JKC, Schillberg S, Christou P. Potential Applications of Plant Biotechnology against SARS-CoV-2. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 25:635-643. [PMID: 32371057 PMCID: PMC7181989 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2020.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel coronavirus responsible for an ongoing human pandemic (COVID-19). There is a massive international effort underway to develop diagnostic reagents, vaccines, and antiviral drugs in a bid to slow down the spread of the disease and save lives. One part of that international effort involves the research community working with plants, bringing researchers from all over the world together with commercial enterprises to achieve the rapid supply of protein antigens and antibodies for diagnostic kits, and scalable production systems for the emergency manufacturing of vaccines and antiviral drugs. Here, we look at some of the ways in which plants can and are being used in the fight against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Capell
- Department of Crop and Forest Sciences, University of Lleida-Agrotecnio Center, Av. Rovira Roure 191, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | | | - Victoria Armario-Najera
- Department of Crop and Forest Sciences, University of Lleida-Agrotecnio Center, Av. Rovira Roure 191, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Julian K-C Ma
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK.
| | | | - Paul Christou
- Department of Crop and Forest Sciences, University of Lleida-Agrotecnio Center, Av. Rovira Roure 191, 25198 Lleida, Spain; ICREA, Catalan Institute for Research and Advanced Studies, Passeig Lluıís Companys 23, 08010 Barcelona, Spain.
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40
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Lo MK, Spengler JR, Krumpe LRH, Welch SR, Chattopadhyay A, Harmon JR, Coleman-McCray JD, Scholte FEM, Hotard AL, Fuqua JL, Rose JK, Nichol ST, Palmer KE, O'Keefe BR, Spiropoulou CF. Griffithsin Inhibits Nipah Virus Entry and Fusion and Can Protect Syrian Golden Hamsters From Lethal Nipah Virus Challenge. J Infect Dis 2020; 221:S480-S492. [PMID: 32037447 PMCID: PMC7199786 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiz630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Nipah virus (NiV) is a highly pathogenic zoonotic paramyxovirus that causes fatal encephalitis and respiratory disease in humans. There is currently no approved therapeutic for human use against NiV infection. Griffithsin (GRFT) is high-mannose oligosaccharide binding lectin that has shown in vivo broad-spectrum activity against viruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, human immunodeficiency virus 1, hepatitis C virus, and Japanese encephalitis virus. In this study, we evaluated the in vitro antiviral activities of GRFT and its synthetic trimeric tandemer (3mG) against NiV and other viruses from 4 virus families. The 3mG had comparatively greater potency than GRFT against NiV due to its enhanced ability to block NiV glycoprotein-induced syncytia formation. Our initial in vivo prophylactic evaluation of an oxidation-resistant GRFT (Q-GRFT) showed significant protection against lethal NiV challenge in Syrian golden hamsters. Our results warrant further development of Q-GRFT and 3mG as potential NiV therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael K Lo
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jessica R Spengler
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Lauren R H Krumpe
- Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Stephen R Welch
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Jessica R Harmon
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - JoAnn D Coleman-McCray
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Florine E M Scholte
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Anne L Hotard
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Joshua L Fuqua
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - John K Rose
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Stuart T Nichol
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kenneth E Palmer
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Barry R O'Keefe
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, USA.,Natural Products Branch, Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Christina F Spiropoulou
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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41
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Rapid-Release Griffithsin Fibers for Dual Prevention of HSV-2 and HIV-1 Infections. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 64:AAC.02139-19. [PMID: 32229493 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02139-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The biologic griffithsin (GRFT) has recently emerged as a candidate to safely prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2). However, to date, there are few delivery platforms that are available to effectively deliver biologics to the female reproductive tract (FRT). The goal of this work was to evaluate rapid-release polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) fibers that incorporate GRFT in in vitro (HIV-1 and HSV-2) and in vivo (HSV-2) infection models. GRFT loading was determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the bioactivity of GRFT fibers was assessed using in vitro HIV-1 pseudovirus and HSV-2 plaque assays. Afterwards, the efficacy of GRFT fibers was assessed in a murine model of lethal HSV-2 infection. Finally, murine reproductive tracts and vaginal lavage samples were evaluated for histology and cytokine expression, 24 and 72 h after fiber administration, to determine safety. All rapid-release formulations achieved high levels of GRFT incorporation and were completely efficacious against in vitro HIV-1 and HSV-2 infections. Importantly, all rapid-release GRFT fibers provided potent protection in a murine model of HSV-2 infection. Moreover, histology and cytokine levels, evaluated from collected murine reproductive tissues and vaginal lavage samples treated with blank fibers, showed no increased cytokine production or histological aberrations, demonstrating the preliminary safety of rapid-release GRFT fibers in vaginal tissue.
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42
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Eapen P, Cates J, Mundell R, Palmer KE, Fuqua JL. In Preparation for Outdoor Pharming: Griffithsin Can Be Expressed in Nicotiana excelsiana and Retains Activity After Storage as Silage. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:199. [PMID: 32258012 PMCID: PMC7093594 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Griffithsin is an algae-derived lectin with strong anti-viral activity against HIV and a positive safety profile. Multiple clinical studies are investigating griffithsin's utility as topical HIV microbicide. HIV microbicides are an extremely cost-sensitive market and plant-based griffithsin protein expression has the potential to meet those demands. The griffithsin product used in the clinic has been expressed and purified in N. benthamiana, using a TMV-based viral vector system, Geneware®. Outdoor pharming of biopharmaceuticals would further alleviate startup costs for biotechnology firms and may allow broader product accessibility. Therefore, this study assessed expression in a hybrid tobacco line, N. excelsiana, that is susceptible to TMV-based viral vectors and can be grown outdoors. In addition to using this hybrid line we expand on methods for in planta storage of griffithsin in leafy plants by ensiling kilogram quantities of griffithsin. The ensiling process allows year-round biomanufacturing, minimal environmental-controlled storage, and reduces the industry need for multiple growth areas to maintain multi-product manufacturing of plant-based pharmaceuticals. This study shows that griffithsin can be expressed in N. excelsiana and is stable, recoverable, and active from ensiled tissue. These studies can pave the way for future plant-based pharmaceuticals to be expressed and stored in this manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Eapen
- University of Louisville School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Jennifer Cates
- University of Louisville School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Rich Mundell
- University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Kenneth E Palmer
- University of Louisville School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, James Graham Brown Cancer Center, Center for Predictive Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Joshua L Fuqua
- University of Louisville School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, James Graham Brown Cancer Center, Center for Predictive Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
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43
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An Engineered Microvirin Variant with Identical Structural Domains Potently Inhibits Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Hepatitis C Virus Cellular Entry. Viruses 2020; 12:v12020199. [PMID: 32054060 PMCID: PMC7077325 DOI: 10.3390/v12020199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Microvirin (MVN) is one of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) entry inhibitor lectins, which consists of two structural domains sharing 35% sequence identity and contrary to many other antiviral lectins, it exists as a monomer. In this study, we engineered an MVN variant, LUMS1, consisting of two domains with 100% sequence identity, thereby reducing the chemical heterogeneity, which is a major factor in eliciting immunogenicity. We determined carbohydrate binding of LUMS1 through NMR chemical shift perturbation and tested its anti-HIV activity in single-round infectivity assay and its anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) activity in three different assays including HCVcc, HCVpp, and replicon assays. We further investigated the effect of LUMS1 on the activation of T helper (Th) and B cells through flow cytometry. LUMS1 showed binding to α(1-2)mannobiose, the minimum glycan epitope of MVN, potently inhibited HIV-1 and HCV with EC50 of 37.2 and 45.3 nM, respectively, and showed negligible cytotoxicity with CC50 > 10 µM against PBMCs, Huh-7.5 and HepG2 cells, and 4.9 µM against TZM-bl cells. LUMS1 did not activate Th cells, and its stimulatory effect on B cells was markedly less as compared to MVN. Together, with these effects, LUMS1 represents a potential candidate for the development of antiviral therapies.
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44
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Tyo KM, Lasnik AB, Zhang L, Mahmoud M, Jenson AB, Fuqua JL, Palmer KE, Steinbach-Rankins JM. Sustained-release Griffithsin nanoparticle-fiber composites against HIV-1 and HSV-2 infections. J Control Release 2020; 321:84-99. [PMID: 32035194 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide. The antiviral lectin, Griffithsin (GRFT), has been shown to be both safe and efficacious against HSV-2 and HIV-1 infections in vivo. The goal of this work was to develop a multilayered nanoparticle (NP)-electrospun fiber (EF) composite to provide sustained-release of GRFT, and to examine its safety and efficacy in a murine model of lethal HSV-2 infection. Composites were fabricated from polycaprolactone (PCL) fibers surrounding polyethylene oxide (PEO) fibers that incorporated methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (mPEG-PLGA) GRFT NPs. GRFT loading and release were determined via ELISA, showing that NP-EF composites achieved high GRFT loading, and provided sustained-release of GRFT for up to 90 d. The in vitro efficacy of GRFT NP-EFs was assessed using HIV-1 pseudovirus assays, demonstrating complete in vitro protection against HIV-1 infection. Additionally, sustained-release NP-EFs, administered 24 h prior to infection, prevented against a lethal dose of HSV-2 infection in a murine model. In parallel, histology and cytokine expression from murine reproductive tracts and vaginal lavages collected 24 and 72 h post-administration were similar to untreated mice, suggesting that NP-EF composites may be a promising and safe sustained-delivery platform to prevent HSV-2 infection. Future work will evaluate the ability to provide prolonged protection against multiple virus challenges, and different administration times with respect to infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M Tyo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, United States; Center for Predictive Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Amanda B Lasnik
- Center for Predictive Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Longyun Zhang
- Center for Predictive Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States; Department of Bioengineering, Speed School of Engineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Mohamed Mahmoud
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, United States; Center for Predictive Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Alfred B Jenson
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Joshua L Fuqua
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, United States; Center for Predictive Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Kenneth E Palmer
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, United States; Center for Predictive Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States; James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Jill M Steinbach-Rankins
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, United States; Center for Predictive Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States; James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States; Department of Bioengineering, Speed School of Engineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, United States.
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Rosa GP, Tavares WR, Sousa PMC, Pagès AK, Seca AML, Pinto DCGA. Seaweed Secondary Metabolites with Beneficial Health Effects: An Overview of Successes in In Vivo Studies and Clinical Trials. Mar Drugs 2019; 18:E8. [PMID: 31861879 PMCID: PMC7024274 DOI: 10.3390/md18010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Macroalgae are increasingly viewed as a source of secondary metabolites with great potential for the development of new drugs. In this development, in vitro studies are only the first step in a long process, while in vivo studies and clinical trials are the most revealing stages of the true potential and limitations that a given metabolite may have as a new drug. This literature review aims to give a critical overview of the secondary metabolites that reveal the most interesting results in these two steps. Phlorotannins show great pharmaceutical potential in in vivo models and, among the several examples, the anti-dyslipidemia activity of dieckol must be highlighted because it was more effective than lovastatin in an in vivo model. The IRLIIVLMPILMA tridecapeptide that exhibits an in vivo level of activity similar to the hypotensive clinical drug captopril should still be stressed, as well as griffithsin which showed such stunning results over a variety of animal models and which will probably move onto clinical trials soon. Regarding clinical trials, studies with pure algal metabolites are scarce, limited to those carried out with kahalalide F and fucoxanthin. The majority of clinical trials currently aim to ascertain the effect of algae consumption, as extracts or fractions, on obesity and diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonçalo P. Rosa
- cE3c—Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes/Azorean Biodiversity Group & University of Azores, Rua Mãe de Deus, 9501-801 Ponta Delgada, Portugal;
| | - Wilson R. Tavares
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Azores, 9501-801 Ponta Delgada, Portugal; (W.R.T.); (P.M.C.S.); (A.K.P.)
| | - Pedro M. C. Sousa
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Azores, 9501-801 Ponta Delgada, Portugal; (W.R.T.); (P.M.C.S.); (A.K.P.)
| | - Aida K. Pagès
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Azores, 9501-801 Ponta Delgada, Portugal; (W.R.T.); (P.M.C.S.); (A.K.P.)
| | - Ana M. L. Seca
- cE3c—Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes/Azorean Biodiversity Group & University of Azores, Rua Mãe de Deus, 9501-801 Ponta Delgada, Portugal;
- QOPNA & LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Diana C. G. A. Pinto
- QOPNA & LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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Fischer K, Nguyen K, LiWang PJ. Griffithsin Retains Anti-HIV-1 Potency with Changes in gp120 Glycosylation and Complements Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies PGT121 and PGT126. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2019; 64:e01084-19. [PMID: 31611356 PMCID: PMC7187567 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01084-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Griffithsin (Grft) is an antiviral lectin that has been shown to potently inhibit HIV-1 by binding high-mannose N-linked glycosylation sites on HIV-1 gp120. A key factor for Grft potency is glycosylation at N295 of gp120, which is directly adjacent to N332, a target glycan for an entire class of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs). Here, we unify previous work on the importance of other glycans to Grft potency against HIV-1 and Grft's role in mediating the conformational change of gp120 by mutating nearly every glycosylation site in gp120. In addition to a significant loss of Grft activity by the removal of glycosylation at N295, glycan absence at N332 or N448 was found to have moderate effects on Grft potency. Interestingly, in the absence of N295, Grft effectiveness could be improved by a mutation that results in the glycan at N448 shifting to N446, indicating that the importance of individual glycans may be related to their effect on glycosylation density. Grft's ability to alter the structure of gp120, exposing the CD4 binding site, correlated with the presence of glycosylation at N295 only in clade B strains, not clade C strains. We further demonstrate that Grft can rescue the activity of the bNAbs PGT121 and PGT126 in the event of a loss or a shift of glycosylation at N332, where the bNAbs suffer a drastic loss of potency. Despite targeting the same region, Grft in combination with PGT121 and PGT126 produced additive effects. This indicates that Grft could be an important combinational therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Fischer
- Molecular Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, Merced, California, USA
| | - Kimberly Nguyen
- Molecular Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, Merced, California, USA
| | - Patricia J LiWang
- Molecular Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, Merced, California, USA
- Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California, Merced, Merced, California, USA
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Impact of Q-Griffithsin anti-HIV microbicide gel in non-human primates: In situ analyses of epithelial and immune cell markers in rectal mucosa. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18120. [PMID: 31792342 PMCID: PMC6889265 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54493-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural-product derived lectins can function as potent viral inhibitors with minimal toxicity as shown in vitro and in small animal models. We here assessed the effect of rectal application of an anti-HIV lectin-based microbicide Q-Griffithsin (Q-GRFT) in rectal tissue samples from rhesus macaques. E-cadherin+ cells, CD4+ cells and total mucosal cells were assessed using in situ staining combined with a novel customized digital image analysis platform. Variations in cell numbers between baseline, placebo and Q-GRFT treated samples were analyzed using random intercept linear mixed effect models. The frequencies of rectal E-cadherin+ cells remained stable despite multiple tissue samplings and Q-GRFT gel (0.1%, 0.3% and 1%, respectively) treatment. Whereas single dose application of Q-GRFT did not affect the frequencies of rectal CD4+ cells, multi-dose Q-GRFT caused a small, but significant increase of the frequencies of intra-epithelial CD4+ cells (placebo: median 4%; 1% Q-GRFT: median 7%) and of the CD4+ lamina propria cells (placebo: median 30%; 0.1–1% Q-GRFT: median 36–39%). The resting time between sampling points were further associated with minor changes in the total and CD4+ rectal mucosal cell levels. The results add to general knowledge of in vivo evaluation of anti-HIV microbicide application concerning cellular effects in rectal mucosa.
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Griffithsin, a Highly Potent Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Lectin from Red Algae: From Discovery to Clinical Application. Mar Drugs 2019; 17:md17100567. [PMID: 31590428 PMCID: PMC6835697 DOI: 10.3390/md17100567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Virus entry into a susceptible host cell is the first step in the formation of all viral diseases. Controlling viral infections by disrupting viral entry is advantageous for antibody-mediated neutralization by the host’s immune system and as a preventive and therapeutic antiviral strategy. Recently, several plant-derived carbohydrate-binding proteins (lectins) have emerged as a new class of antiviral biologics by taking advantage of a unique glycosylation pattern only found on the surface of viruses. In particular, a red algae-derived griffithsin (GRFT) protein has demonstrated superior in vitro and in vivo antiviral activity with minimum host toxicity against a variety of clinically relevant, enveloped viruses. This review examines the structural characteristics of GRFT, focusing on its carbohydrate-binding capability. Its in vitro antiviral profiles against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are also discussed followed by a description of the results from a combination study using anti-HIV drugs. The results of several studies regarding its novel antiviral mechanism of action are provided in conjunction with an explanation of viral resistance profiles to GRFT. In addition, its in vitro and in vivo host toxicity profiles are summarized with its pharmacokinetic behavior using in vivo efficacy study results. Also, a large-scale production and formulation strategy, as well as a drug delivery strategy, for GRFT as a new class of broad-spectrum microbicides is discussed. Finally, results from two ongoing clinical studies examining GRFT’s effects on viruses are presented.
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Rech EL. Engineering biodiversity as a model for the species conservation. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2019; 91:e20190568. [PMID: 31576934 DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765201920190568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Early humans have domesticated plant and animal species based on ancient empirical concepts (Darwin 1868, 1876). In 1886, Mendel established a new paradigm of hereditary laws (Mendel 1866, 1870, 1950) based on genotypic and phenotypic traits of cross-compatible species, establishing a complex breeding technology that is currently utilized for the development of most food and livestock-derived products. Recently, studies on deciphering the double-helical structure (Watson and Crick 1953a, b) and how to restrict DNA (Arber 2012) have established the foundation of recombinant DNA technology. A new era is paving the way for genetic manipulation of important traits among all the kingdom's organisms, allowing for the development of innovative and widely utilized products for the agricultural, industrial and pharmaceutical production sectors (Mc Elroy 2003, 2004, ISAAA 2016).
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Affiliation(s)
- Elibio L Rech
- EMBRAPA Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Laboratory of Synthetic Biology and National Institute of Science and Technology on Synthetic Biology, Parque Estação Biológica, W-5 Norte, 70770-917 Brasília, DF, Brazil
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Habibi P, Daniell H, Soccol CR, Grossi‐de‐Sa MF. The potential of plant systems to break the HIV-TB link. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2019; 17:1868-1891. [PMID: 30908823 PMCID: PMC6737023 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can place a major burden on healthcare systems and constitute the main challenges of diagnostic and therapeutic programmes. Infection with HIV is the most common cause of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), which can accelerate the risk of latent TB reactivation by 20-fold. Similarly, TB is considered the most relevant factor predisposing individuals to HIV infection. Thus, both pathogens can augment one another in a synergetic manner, accelerating the failure of immunological functions and resulting in subsequent death in the absence of treatment. Synergistic approaches involving the treatment of HIV as a tool to combat TB and vice versa are thus required in regions with a high burden of HIV and TB infection. In this context, plant systems are considered a promising approach for combatting HIV and TB in a resource-limited setting because plant-made drugs can be produced efficiently and inexpensively in developing countries and could be shared by the available agricultural infrastructure without the expensive requirement needed for cold chain storage and transportation. Moreover, the use of natural products from medicinal plants can eliminate the concerns associated with antiretroviral therapy (ART) and anti-TB therapy (ATT), including drug interactions, drug-related toxicity and multidrug resistance. In this review, we highlight the potential of plant system as a promising approach for the production of relevant pharmaceuticals for HIV and TB treatment. However, in the cases of HIV and TB, none of the plant-made pharmaceuticals have been approved for clinical use. Limitations in reaching these goals are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peyman Habibi
- Department of BiochemistrySchool of Dental MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of Bioprocess Engineering and BiotechnologyFederal University of ParanáCuritibaPRBrazil
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and BiotechnologyBrasíliaDFBrazil
| | - Henry Daniell
- Department of BiochemistrySchool of Dental MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | | | - Maria Fatima Grossi‐de‐Sa
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and BiotechnologyBrasíliaDFBrazil
- Catholic University of BrasíliaBrasíliaDFBrazil
- Post Graduation Program in BiotechnologyUniversity PotiguarNatalRNBrazil
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