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Bonomini A, Felicetti T, Pacetti M, Bertagnin C, Coletti A, Giammarino F, De Angelis M, Poggialini F, Macchiarulo A, Sabatini S, Mercorelli B, Nencioni L, Vicenti I, Dreassi E, Cecchetti V, Tabarrini O, Loregian A, Massari S. Optimization of potent, broad-spectrum, and specific anti-influenza compounds targeting RNA polymerase PA-PB1 heterodimerization. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 277:116737. [PMID: 39153334 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
Influenza viruses (IV) are single-stranded RNA viruses with a negative-sense genome and have the potential to cause pandemics. While vaccines exist for influenza, their protection is only partial. Additionally, there is only a limited number of approved anti-IV drugs, which are associated to emergence of drug resistance. To address these issues, for years we have focused on the development of small-molecules that can interfere with the heterodimerization of PA and PB1 subunits of the IV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP). In this study, starting from a cycloheptathiophene-3-carboxamide compound that we recently identified, we performed iterative cycles of medicinal chemistry optimization that led to the identification of compounds 43 and 45 with activity in the nanomolar range against circulating A and B strains of IV. Mechanistic studies demonstrated the ability of 43 and 45 to interfere with viral RdRP activity by disrupting PA-PB1 subunits heterodimerization and to bind to the PA C-terminal domain through biophysical assays. Most important, ADME studies of 45 also showed an improvement in the pharmacokinetic profile with respect to the starting hit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Bonomini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121, Padua, Italy
| | - Tommaso Felicetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Martina Pacetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Chiara Bertagnin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121, Padua, Italy
| | - Alice Coletti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Federica Giammarino
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Marta De Angelis
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Poggialini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Antonio Macchiarulo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Stefano Sabatini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Lucia Nencioni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Vicenti
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Elena Dreassi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Violetta Cecchetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Oriana Tabarrini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Arianna Loregian
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121, Padua, Italy.
| | - Serena Massari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy.
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2
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Bonomini A, Zhang J, Ju H, Zago A, Pacetti M, Tabarrini O, Massari S, Liu X, Mercorelli B, Zhan P, Loregian A. Synergistic activity of an RNA polymerase PA-PB1 interaction inhibitor with oseltamivir against human and avian influenza viruses in cell culture and in ovo. Antiviral Res 2024; 230:105980. [PMID: 39117284 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 08/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
In search of novel therapeutic options to treat influenza virus (IV) infections, we previously identified a series of inhibitors that act by disrupting the interactions between the PA and PB1 subunits of the viral RNA polymerase. These compounds showed broad-spectrum antiviral activity against human influenza A and B viruses and a high barrier to the induction of drug resistance in vitro. In this short communication, we investigated the effects of combinations of the PA-PB1 interaction inhibitor 54 with oseltamivir carboxylate (OSC), zanamivir (ZA), favipiravir (FPV), and baloxavir marboxil (BXM) on the inhibition of influenza A and B virus replication in vitro. We observed a synergistic effect of the 54/OSC and 54/ZA combinations and an antagonistic effect when 54 was combined with either FPV or BXM. Moreover, we demonstrated the efficacy of 54 against highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) both in cell culture and in the embryonated chicken eggs model. Finally, we observed that 54 enhances OSC protective effect against HPAIV replication in the embryonated eggs model. Our findings represent an advance in the development of alternative therapeutic strategies against both human and avian IV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Bonomini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Jiwei Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Han Ju
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Alessia Zago
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Martina Pacetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Oriana Tabarrini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Serena Massari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Xinyong Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, PR China.
| | | | - Peng Zhan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, PR China.
| | - Arianna Loregian
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
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3
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Giacchello I, Cianciusi A, Bertagnin C, Bonomini A, Francesconi V, Mori M, Carbone A, Musumeci F, Loregian A, Schenone S. Exploring a New Generation of Pyrimidine and Pyridine Derivatives as Anti-Influenza Agents Targeting the Polymerase PA-PB1 Subunits Interaction. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:954. [PMID: 39065650 PMCID: PMC11279468 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16070954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The limited range of available flu treatments due to virus mutations and drug resistance have prompted the search for new therapies. RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is a heterotrimeric complex of three subunits, i.e., polymerase acidic protein (PA) and polymerase basic proteins 1 and 2 (PB1 and PB2). It is widely recognized as one of the most promising anti-flu targets because of its critical role in influenza infection and high amino acid conservation. In particular, the disruption of RdRp complex assembly through protein-protein interaction (PPI) inhibition has emerged as a valuable strategy for discovering a new therapy. Our group previously identified the 3-cyano-4,6-diphenyl-pyridine core as a privileged scaffold for developing PA-PB1 PPI inhibitors. Encouraged by these findings, we synthesized a small library of pyridine and pyrimidine derivatives decorated with a thio-N-(m-tolyl)acetamide side chain (compounds 2a-n) or several amino acid groups (compounds 3a-n) at the C2 position. Interestingly, derivative 2d, characterized by a pyrimidine core and a phenyl and 4-chloro phenyl ring at the C4 and C6 positions, respectively, showed an IC50 value of 90.1 μM in PA-PB1 ELISA, an EC50 value of 2.8 μM in PRA, and a favorable cytotoxic profile, emerging as a significant breakthrough in the pursuit of new PPI inhibitors. A molecular modeling study was also completed as part of this project, allowing us to clarify the biological profile of these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Giacchello
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (I.G.); (A.C.); (V.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Annarita Cianciusi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (I.G.); (A.C.); (V.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Chiara Bertagnin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Via A. Gabelli 63, 35121 Padua, Italy; (C.B.); (A.B.); (A.L.)
| | - Anna Bonomini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Via A. Gabelli 63, 35121 Padua, Italy; (C.B.); (A.B.); (A.L.)
| | - Valeria Francesconi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (I.G.); (A.C.); (V.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Mattia Mori
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Anna Carbone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (I.G.); (A.C.); (V.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Francesca Musumeci
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (I.G.); (A.C.); (V.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Arianna Loregian
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Via A. Gabelli 63, 35121 Padua, Italy; (C.B.); (A.B.); (A.L.)
| | - Silvia Schenone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (I.G.); (A.C.); (V.F.); (S.S.)
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4
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Ye J, Kan CH, Yang X, Ma C. Inhibition of bacterial RNA polymerase function and protein-protein interactions: a promising approach for next-generation antibacterial therapeutics. RSC Med Chem 2024; 15:1471-1487. [PMID: 38784472 PMCID: PMC11110800 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00690e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant pathogens necessitates the urgent development of new antimicrobial agents with innovative modes of action for the next generation of antimicrobial therapy. Bacterial transcription has been identified and widely studied as a viable target for antimicrobial development. The main focus of these studies has been the discovery of inhibitors that bind directly to the core enzyme of RNA polymerase (RNAP). Over the past two decades, substantial advancements have been made in understanding the properties of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) and gaining structural insights into bacterial RNAP and its associated factors. This has led to the crucial role of computational methods in aiding the identification of new PPI inhibitors to affect the RNAP function. In this context, bacterial transcriptional PPIs present promising, albeit challenging, targets for the creation of new antimicrobials. This review will succinctly outline the structural foundation of bacterial transcription networks and provide a summary of the known small molecules that target transcription PPIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiqing Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Kowloon Hong Kong SAR China
- School of Pharmacy, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University Hefei 230032 China
| | - Cheuk Hei Kan
- Department of Microbiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital Shatin Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Xiao Yang
- Department of Microbiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital Shatin Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Cong Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Kowloon Hong Kong SAR China
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5
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Malik S, Asghar M, Waheed Y. Outlining recent updates on influenza therapeutics and vaccines: A comprehensive review. Vaccine X 2024; 17:100452. [PMID: 38328274 PMCID: PMC10848012 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvacx.2024.100452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Influenza virus has presented a considerable healthcare challenge during the past years, particularly in vulnerable groups with compromised immune systems. Therapeutics and vaccination have always been in research annals since the spread of influenza. Efforts have been going on to develop an antiviral therapeutic approach that could assist in better disease management and reduce the overall disease complexity, resistance development, and fatality rates. On the other hand, vaccination presents a chance for effective, long-term, cost-benefit, and preventive response against the morbidity and mortality associated with the influenza. However, the issues of resistance development, strain mutation, antigenic variability, and inability to cure wide-spectrum and large-scale strains of the virus by available vaccines remain there. The article gathers the updated data for the therapeutics and available influenza vaccines, their mechanism of action, shortcomings, and trials under clinical experimentation. A methodological approach has been adopted to identify the prospective therapeutics and available vaccines approved and within the clinical trials against the influenza virus. Review contains influenza therapeutics, including traditional and novel antiviral drugs and inhibitor therapies against influenza virus as well as research trials based on newer drug combinations and latest technologies such as nanotechnology and organic and plant-based natural products. Most recent development of influenza vaccine has been discussed including some updates on traditional vaccination protocols and discussion on next-generation and upgraded novel technologies. This review will help the readers to understand the righteous approach for dealing with influenza virus infection and for deducing futuristic approaches for novel therapeutic and vaccine trials against Influenza.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiza Malik
- Bridging Health Foundation, Rawalpindi, Punjab 46000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Asghar
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Sweden
- Department of Healthcare Biotechnology, Atta-Ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), H-12, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Yasir Waheed
- Office of Research, Innovation, and Commercialization (ORIC), Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SZABMU), Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos 1401, Lebanon
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6
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Pacetti M, Pismataro MC, Felicetti T, Giammarino F, Bonomini A, Tiecco M, Bertagnin C, Barreca ML, Germani R, Cecchetti V, Vicenti I, Tabarrini O, Zazzi M, Loregian A, Massari S. Switching the three-component Biginelli-like reaction conditions for the regioselective synthesis of new 2-amino[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5- a]pyrimidines. Org Biomol Chem 2024; 22:767-783. [PMID: 38167738 DOI: 10.1039/d3ob01861j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Among the eight different triazolopyrimidine isomers existing in nature, 1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine (TZP) is one of the most studied and used isomers in medicinal chemistry. For some years, our group has been involved in developing regioselective one-pot procedures for the synthesis of 2-amino-7-aryl-5-methyl- and 2-amino-5-aryl-7-methyl-TZPs of interest in the preparation of antiviral agents. In this work, taking advantage of a Biginelli-like multicomponent reaction (MCR), we report the identification of finely tunable conditions to regioselectively synthesize C-6 ester-substituted amino-TZP analogues, both in dihydro and oxidized forms. Indeed, the use of mild acidic conditions is strongly directed toward the regioselective synthesis of 5-aryl-7-methyl C-6-substituted TZP analogues, while the use of neutral ionic liquids shifted the regioselectivity towards 7-aryl-5-methyl derivatives. In addition, the novel synthesized scaffolds were functionalized at the C-2 position and evaluated for their antiviral activity against RNA viruses (influenza virus, flaviviruses, and SARS-CoV-2). Compounds 25 and 26 emerged as promising anti-flavivirus agents, showing activity in the low micromolar range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Pacetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | | | - Tommaso Felicetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Federica Giammarino
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Anna Bonomini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Matteo Tiecco
- Chemistry Interdisciplinary Project (ChIP), School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Chiara Bertagnin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | | | - Raimondo Germani
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Violetta Cecchetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Ilaria Vicenti
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Oriana Tabarrini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Maurizio Zazzi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Arianna Loregian
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Serena Massari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
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7
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Bertagnin C, Messa L, Pavan M, Celegato M, Sturlese M, Mercorelli B, Moro S, Loregian A. A small molecule targeting the interaction between human papillomavirus E7 oncoprotein and cellular phosphatase PTPN14 exerts antitumoral activity in cervical cancer cells. Cancer Lett 2023; 571:216331. [PMID: 37532093 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV)-induced cancers still represent a major health issue for worldwide population and lack specific therapeutic regimens. Despite substantial advancements in anti-HPV vaccination, the incidence of HPV-related cancers remains high, thus there is an urgent need for specific anti-HPV drugs. The HPV E7 oncoprotein is a major driver of carcinogenesis that acts by inducing the degradation of several host factors. A target is represented by the cellular phosphatase PTPN14 and its E7-mediated degradation was shown to be crucial in HPV oncogenesis. Here, by exploiting the crystal structure of E7 bound to PTPN14, we performed an in silico screening of small-molecule compounds targeting the C-terminal CR3 domain of E7 involved in the interaction with PTPN14. We discovered a compound able to inhibit the E7/PTPN14 interaction in vitro and to rescue PTPN14 levels in cells, leading to a reduction in viability, proliferation, migration, and cancer-stem cell potential of HPV-positive cervical cancer cells. Mechanistically, as a consequence of PTPN14 rescue, treatment of cancer cells with this compound altered the Yes-associated protein (YAP) nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling and downstream signaling. Notably, this compound was active against cervical cancer cells transformed by different high-risk (HR)-HPV genotypes indicating a potential broad-spectrum activity. Overall, our study reports the first-in-class inhibitor of E7/PTPN14 interaction and provides the proof-of-principle that pharmacological inhibition of this interaction by small-molecule compounds could be a feasible therapeutic strategy for the development of novel antitumoral drugs specific for HPV-associated cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Bertagnin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Messa
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Matteo Pavan
- Molecular Modeling Section (MMS), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Marta Celegato
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Mattia Sturlese
- Molecular Modeling Section (MMS), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Moro
- Molecular Modeling Section (MMS), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Arianna Loregian
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
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8
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Bivacqua R, Barreca M, Spanò V, Raimondi MV, Romeo I, Alcaro S, Andrei G, Barraja P, Montalbano A. Insight into non-nucleoside triazole-based systems as viral polymerases inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 249:115136. [PMID: 36708678 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Viruses have been recognized as the etiological agents responsible for many pathological conditions ranging from asymptomatic infections to serious diseases, even leading to death. For this reason, many efforts have been made to identify selective viral targets with the aim of developing efficient therapeutic strategies, devoid of drug-resistance issues. Considering their crucial role in the viral life cycle, polymerases are very attractive targets. Among the classes of compounds explored as viral polymerases inhibitors, here we present an overview of non-nucleoside triazole-based compounds identified in the last fifteen years. Furthermore, the structure-activity relationships (SAR) of the different chemical entities are described in order to highlight the key chemical features required for the development of effective antiviral agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Bivacqua
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Marilia Barreca
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Virginia Spanò
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Valeria Raimondi
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Isabella Romeo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università Magna Græcia, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy; Net4Science srl, Academic Spinoff, Università Magna Græcia, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Stefano Alcaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università Magna Græcia, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy; Net4Science srl, Academic Spinoff, Università Magna Græcia, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Graciela Andrei
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Paola Barraja
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessandra Montalbano
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123, Palermo, Italy
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9
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Celegato M, Sturlese M, Vasconcelos Costa V, Trevisan M, Lallo Dias AS, Souza Passos IB, Queiroz-Junior CM, Messa L, Favaro A, Moro S, Teixeira MM, Loregian A, Mercorelli B. Small-Molecule Inhibitor of Flaviviral NS3-NS5 Interaction with Broad-Spectrum Activity and Efficacy In Vivo. mBio 2023; 14:e0309722. [PMID: 36622141 PMCID: PMC9973282 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03097-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Every year, dengue virus (DENV) causes one hundred million infections worldwide that can result in dengue disease and severe dengue. Two other mosquito-borne flaviviruses, i.e., Zika virus (ZIKV) and West Nile virus (WNV), are responsible of prolonged outbreaks and are associated with severe neurological diseases, congenital defects, and eventually death. These three viruses, despite their importance for global public health, still lack specific drug treatments. Here, we describe the structure-guided discovery of small molecules with pan-flavivirus antiviral potential by a virtual screening of ~1 million structures targeting the NS3-NS5 interaction surface of different flaviviruses. Two molecules inhibited the interaction between DENV NS3 and NS5 in vitro and the replication of all DENV serotypes as well as ZIKV and WNV and exhibited low propensity to select resistant viruses. Remarkably, one molecule demonstrated efficacy in a mouse model of dengue by reducing peak viremia, viral load in target organs, and associated tissue pathology. This study provides the proof of concept that targeting the flaviviral NS3-NS5 interaction is an effective therapeutic strategy able to reduce virus replication in vivo and discloses new chemical scaffolds that could be further developed, thus providing a significant milestone in the development of much awaited broad-spectrum antiflaviviral drugs. IMPORTANCE More than one-third of the human population is at risk of infection by different mosquito-borne flaviviruses. Despite this, no specific antiviral drug is currently available. In this work, using a computational approach based on molecular dynamics simulation and virtual screening of ~1 million small-molecule structures, we identified a compound that targets the interaction between the two sole flaviviral enzymes, i.e., NS3 and NS5. This compound demonstrated pan-serotype anti-DENV activity and pan-flavivirus potential in infected cells, low propensity to select viral resistant mutant viruses, and efficacy in a mouse model of dengue. Broad-spectrum antivirals are much awaited, and this work represents a significant advance toward the development of therapeutic molecules with extended antiflavivirus potential that act by an innovative mechanism and could be used alone or in combination with other antivirals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Celegato
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Mattia Sturlese
- Molecular Modeling Section (MMS), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Marta Trevisan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Angélica Samer Lallo Dias
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | | | - Lorenzo Messa
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Annagiulia Favaro
- Molecular Modeling Section (MMS), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Stefano Moro
- Molecular Modeling Section (MMS), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Mauro Martins Teixeira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Arianna Loregian
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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10
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Yang ML, Chen YC, Wang CT, Chong HE, Chung NH, Leu CH, Liu FT, Lai MMC, Ling P, Wu CL, Shiau AL. Upregulation of galectin-3 in influenza A virus infection promotes viral RNA synthesis through its association with viral PA protein. J Biomed Sci 2023; 30:14. [PMID: 36823664 PMCID: PMC9948428 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-023-00901-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Influenza is one of the most important viral infections globally. Viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) consists of the PA, PB1, and PB2 subunits, and the amino acid residues of each subunit are highly conserved among influenza A virus (IAV) strains. Due to the high mutation rate and emergence of drug resistance, new antiviral strategies are needed. Host cell factors are involved in the transcription and replication of influenza virus. Here, we investigated the role of galectin-3, a member of the β-galactoside-binding animal lectin family, in the life cycle of IAV infection in vitro and in mice. METHODS We used galectin-3 knockout and wild-type mice and cells to study the intracellular role of galectin-3 in influenza pathogenesis. Body weight and survival time of IAV-infected mice were analyzed, and viral production in mouse macrophages and lung fibroblasts was examined. Overexpression and knockdown of galectin-3 in A549 human lung epithelial cells were exploited to assess viral entry, viral ribonucleoprotein (vRNP) import/export, transcription, replication, virion production, as well as interactions between galectin-3 and viral proteins by immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, co-immunoprecipitation, RT-qPCR, minireplicon, and plaque assays. We also employed recombinant galectin-3 proteins to identify specific step(s) of the viral life cycle that was affected by exogenously added galectin-3 in A549 cells. RESULTS Galectin-3 levels were increased in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lungs of IAV-infected mice. There was a positive correlation between galectin-3 levels and viral loads. Notably, galectin-3 knockout mice were resistant to IAV infection. Knockdown of galectin-3 significantly reduced the production of viral proteins and virions in A549 cells. While intracellular galectin-3 did not affect viral entry, it increased vRNP nuclear import, RdRp activity, and viral transcription and replication, which were associated with the interaction of galectin-3 with viral PA subunit. Galectin-3 enhanced the interaction between viral PA and PB1 proteins. Moreover, exogenously added recombinant galectin-3 proteins also enhanced viral adsorption and promoted IAV infection in A549 cells. CONCLUSION We demonstrate that galectin-3 enhances viral infection through increases in vRNP nuclear import and RdRp activity, thereby facilitating viral transcription and replication. Our findings also identify galectin-3 as a potential therapeutic target for influenza.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Lin Yang
- grid.64523.360000 0004 0532 3255Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1, University Road, Tainan, 701401 Taiwan ,grid.413878.10000 0004 0572 9327Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Cheng Chen
- grid.64523.360000 0004 0532 3255Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1, University Road, Tainan, 701401 Taiwan
| | - Chung-Teng Wang
- grid.64523.360000 0004 0532 3255Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1, University Road, Tainan, 701401 Taiwan
| | - Hao-Earn Chong
- grid.64523.360000 0004 0532 3255Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1, University Road, Tainan, 701401 Taiwan
| | - Nai-Hui Chung
- grid.64523.360000 0004 0532 3255Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1, University Road, Tainan, 701401 Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hsing Leu
- grid.64523.360000 0004 0532 3255Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1, University Road, Tainan, 701401 Taiwan
| | - Fu-Tong Liu
- grid.28665.3f0000 0001 2287 1366Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Michael M. C. Lai
- grid.254145.30000 0001 0083 6092Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan ,grid.28665.3f0000 0001 2287 1366Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pin Ling
- grid.64523.360000 0004 0532 3255Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1, University Road, Tainan, 701401 Taiwan
| | - Chao-Liang Wu
- Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1, University Road, Tainan, 701401, Taiwan.
| | - Ai-Li Shiau
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1, University Road, Tainan, 701401, Taiwan. .,Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan.
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11
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Wang J, Sun Y, Liu S. Emerging antiviral therapies and drugs for the treatment of influenza. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2022; 27:389-403. [PMID: 36396398 DOI: 10.1080/14728214.2022.2149734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Both vaccines and antiviral drugs represent the mainstay for preventing and treating influenza. However, approved M2 ion channel inhibitors, neuraminidase inhibitors, polymerase inhibitors, and various vaccines cannot meet therapeutic needs because of viral resistance. Thus, the discovery of new targets for the virus or host and the development of more effective inhibitors are essential to protect humans from the influenza virus. AREAS COVERED This review summarizes the latest progress in vaccines and antiviral drug research to prevent and treat influenza, providing the foothold for developing novel antiviral inhibitors. EXPERT OPINION Vaccines embody the most effective approach to preventing influenza virus infection, and recombinant protein vaccines show promising prospects in developing next-generation vaccines. Compounds targeting the viral components of RNA polymerase, hemagglutinin and nucleoprotein, and the modification of trusted neuraminidase inhibitors are future research directions for anti-influenza virus drugs. In addition, some host factors affect the replication of virus in vivo, which can be used to develop antiviral drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinshen Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou Guangdong China
| | - Yihang Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou Guangdong China
| | - Shuwen Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou Guangdong China.,State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Southern Medical University, Nanfang Hospital, Guangzhou Guangdong China
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12
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Yu J, Huang C, Wang Z, Kaushik RS, Sheng Z, Li F, Wang D. Development and characterization of an inducible assay system to measure Zika virus capsid interactions. J Med Virol 2022; 94:5392-5400. [PMID: 35822280 PMCID: PMC9474601 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27991] [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: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The global spread of the mosquito-borne Zika virus (ZIKV) infection and its complications including Guillain-Barré syndrome and fetus microcephaly in 2015 have made ZIKV as a significant public health threat. The capsid protein plays crucial roles in ZIKV replication and thus represents an attractive therapeutic target. However, inhibitors of ZIKV capsid assembly have not been rigorously identified due to the lack of a target-based screening system. In this study, we developed a novel ZIKV capsid interaction method based on a split-luciferase complementation assay, which can be used to measure and quantify ZIKV capsid-capsid (C-C) interaction by the restored luciferase signal when capsid proteins interact with each other. Furthermore, a Tet-on inducible stable cell line was generated to screen inhibitors of capsid dimerization. By using of this system, peptides (Pep.15-24 in the N-terminal region of ZIKV capsid protein and Pep.44-58 in the α2 helix of ZIKV capsid protein) were identified to inhibit ZIKV C-C interaction. Overall, this study developed a novel inducible assay system to measure ZIKV capsid interaction and identify ZIKV capsid multimerization inhibitors, which will be applied for future discovery of ZIKV assembly inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieshi Yu
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40546, USA
| | - Chen Huang
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40546, USA
| | - Zhao Wang
- Department of Biology and Microbiology, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007
| | - Radhey S. Kaushik
- Department of Biology and Microbiology, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007
| | - Zizhang Sheng
- Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Feng Li
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40546, USA
| | - Dan Wang
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40546, USA
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13
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Ju H, Hou L, Zhao F, Zhang Y, Jia R, Guizzo L, Bonomini A, Zhang J, Gao Z, Liang R, Bertagnin C, Kong X, Ma X, Kang D, Loregian A, Huang B, Liu X, Zhan P. Iterative Optimization and Structure-Activity Relationship Studies of Oseltamivir Amino Derivatives as Potent and Selective Neuraminidase Inhibitors via Targeting 150-Cavity. J Med Chem 2022; 65:11550-11573. [PMID: 35939763 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
With our continuous endeavors in seeking neuraminidase (NA) inhibitors, we reported herein three series of novel oseltamivir amino derivatives with the goal of exploring the druggable chemical space inside the 150-cavity of influenza virus NAs. Among them, around half of the compounds in series C were demonstrated to be better inhibitors against both wild-type and oseltamivir-resistant group-1 NAs than oseltamivir carboxylate (OSC). Notably, compounds 12d, 12e, 15e, and 15i showed more potent or equipotent antiviral activity against H1N1, H5N1, and H5N8 viruses compared to OSC in cellular assays. Furthermore, compounds 12e and 15e exhibited high metabolic stability in human liver microsomes (HLMs) and low inhibitory effect on main cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, as well as low acute/subacute toxicity and certain antiviral efficacy in vivo. Also, pharmacokinetic (PK) and molecular docking studies were performed. Overall, 12e and 15e possess great potential to serve as anti-influenza candidates and are worthy of further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Ju
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Lingxin Hou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Fabao Zhao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Ruifang Jia
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Laura Guizzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Via Gabelli 63, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Anna Bonomini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Via Gabelli 63, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Jiwei Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Zhen Gao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Ruipeng Liang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Chiara Bertagnin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Via Gabelli 63, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Xiujie Kong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Xiuli Ma
- Institute of Poultry Science, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 202 North Gongye Road, 250100 Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Dongwei Kang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Arianna Loregian
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Via Gabelli 63, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Bing Huang
- Institute of Poultry Science, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 202 North Gongye Road, 250100 Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Xinyong Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Peng Zhan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
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14
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Discovery of novel SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors targeting the main protease M pro by virtual screenings and hit optimization. Antiviral Res 2022; 204:105350. [PMID: 35688349 PMCID: PMC9172283 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2022.105350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Two years after its emergence, SARS-CoV-2 still represents a serious and global threat to human health. Antiviral drug development usually takes a long time and, to increase the chances of success, chemical variability of hit compounds represents a valuable source for the discovery of new antivirals. In this work, we applied a platform of variably oriented virtual screening campaigns to seek for novel chemical scaffolds for SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) inhibitors. The study on the resulting 30 best hits led to the identification of a series of structurally unrelated Mpro inhibitors. Some of them exhibited antiviral activity in the low micromolar range against SARS-CoV-2 and other human coronaviruses (HCoVs) in different cell lines. Time-of-addition experiments demonstrated an antiviral effect during the viral replication cycle at a time frame consistent with the inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro activity. As a proof-of-concept, to validate the pharmaceutical potential of the selected hits against SARS-CoV-2, we rationally optimized one of the hit compounds and obtained two potent SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors with increased activity against Mpro both in vitro and in a cellular context, as well as against SARS-CoV-2 replication in infected cells. This study significantly contributes to the expansion of the chemical variability of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors and provides new scaffolds to be exploited for pan-coronavirus antiviral drug development.
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15
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Hou L, Zhang Y, Ju H, Cherukupalli S, Jia R, Zhang J, Huang B, Loregian A, Liu X, Zhan P. Contemporary medicinal chemistry strategies for the discovery and optimization of influenza inhibitors targeting vRNP constituent proteins. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:1805-1824. [PMID: 35847499 PMCID: PMC9279641 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by the influenza virus, affecting people globally and causing significant social and economic losses. Due to the inevitable limitations of vaccines and approved drugs, there is an urgent need to discover new anti-influenza drugs with different mechanisms. The viral ribonucleoprotein complex (vRNP) plays an essential role in the life cycle of influenza viruses, representing an attractive target for drug design. In recent years, the functional area of constituent proteins in vRNP are widely used as targets for drug discovery, especially the PA endonuclease active site, the RNA-binding site of PB1, the cap-binding site of PB2 and the nuclear export signal of NP protein. Encouragingly, the PA inhibitor baloxavir has been marketed in Japan and the United States, and several drug candidates have also entered clinical trials, such as favipiravir. This article reviews the compositions and functions of the influenza virus vRNP and the research progress on vRNP inhibitors, and discusses the representative drug discovery and optimization strategies pursued.
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16
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N MPA, Lim HM. An in vitro Assay of mRNA 3' end Using the E. coli Cell-free Expression System. Bio Protoc 2022; 12:e4333. [PMID: 35340297 PMCID: PMC8899560 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.4333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
At the end of about 80% of the operon in Escherichia coli, translation termination decouples transcription, leading to Rho-dependent transcription termination (RDT). However, no in vitro or in vivo assay system has proven to be good enough to see the 3' end of the mRNA generated by RDT. Here, we present a cell-free assay system that could provide detailed information on the 3' end of a transcript RNA generated by RDT. Our protocol shows how to extract transcript RNA generated by transcription reactions from a cell-free extract, followed by an RNA oligomer ligation to the 3' end of a transcript RNA of interest. The 3' end of the RNA is amplified using RT-PCR. Its genetic location can be determined using a gene-specific primer extension reaction. The 3' ends of mRNA can be visualized and quantified by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. One significant advantage of a cell-free assay system is that factors involved in the generation of the 3' end, such as proteins and sRNA, can be directly assayed by exogenously adding factor(s) to the reaction. Graphic abstract: An illustration of the experimental methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monford Paul Abishek N
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Heon M. Lim
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
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17
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Synthesis and Evaluation of RNase L-binding 2-aminothiophenes as anticancer agents. Bioorg Med Chem 2022; 58:116653. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.116653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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18
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Massari S, Desantis J, Nizi MG, Cecchetti V, Tabarrini O. Inhibition of Influenza Virus Polymerase by Interfering with Its Protein-Protein Interactions. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:1332-1350. [PMID: 33044059 PMCID: PMC8204303 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.0c00552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Influenza (flu) virus is a serious threat to global health with the potential to generate devastating pandemics. The availability of broad spectrum antiviral drugs is an unequaled weapon during pandemic events, especially when a vaccine is still not available. One of the most promising targets for the development of new antiflu therapeutics is the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP). The assembly of the flu RdRP heterotrimeric complex from the individual polymerase acidic protein (PA), polymerase basic protein 1 (PB1), and polymerase basic protein 2 (PB2) subunits is a prerequisite for RdRP functions, such as mRNA synthesis and genome replication. In this Review, we report the known protein-protein interactions (PPIs) occurring by RdRP that could be disrupted by small molecules and analyze their benefits and drawbacks as drug targets. An overview of small molecules able to interfere with flu RdRP functions exploiting the PPI inhibition approach is described. In particular, an update on the most recent inhibitors targeting the well-consolidated RdRP PA-PB1 subunit heterodimerization is mainly reported, together with pioneer inhibitors targeting other virus-virus or virus-host interactions involving RdRP subunits. As demonstrated by the PA-PB1 interaction inhibitors discussed herein, the inhibition of flu RdRP functions by PPI disrupters clearly represents a valid means to identify compounds endowed with a broad spectrum of action and a reduced propensity to develop drug resistance, which are the main issues of antiviral drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Massari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Jenny Desantis
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Maria Giulia Nizi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Violetta Cecchetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Oriana Tabarrini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
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19
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Kiruthika S, Bhat R, Dash R, Rathore AS, Vivekanandan P, Jayaram B. A novel piperazine derivative that targets hepatitis B surface antigen effectively inhibits tenofovir resistant hepatitis B virus. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11723. [PMID: 34083665 PMCID: PMC8175705 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91196-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global problem. The loss of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in serum is a therapeutic end point. Prolonged therapy with nucleoside/nucleotide analogues targeting the HBV-polymerase may lead to resistance and rarely results in the loss of HBsAg. Therefore, inhibitors targeting HBsAg may have potential therapeutic applications. Here, we used computational virtual screening, docking, and molecular dynamics simulations to identify potential small molecule inhibitors against HBsAg. After screening a million molecules from ZINC database, we identified small molecules with potential anti-HBV activity. Subsequently, cytotoxicity profiles and anti-HBV activities of these small molecules were tested using a widely used cell culture model for HBV. We identified a small molecule (ZINC20451377) which binds to HBsAg with high affinity, with a KD of 65.3 nM, as determined by Surface Plasmon Resonance spectroscopy. Notably, the small molecule inhibited HBsAg production and hepatitis B virion secretion (10 μM) at low micromolar concentrations and was also efficacious against a HBV quadruple mutant (CYEI mutant) resistant to tenofovir. We conclude that this small molecule exhibits strong anti-HBV properties and merits further testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Kiruthika
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Ruchika Bhat
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, New Delhi, India
- Supercomputing Facility for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Rozaleen Dash
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Anurag S Rathore
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Perumal Vivekanandan
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, New Delhi, India.
| | - B Jayaram
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, New Delhi, India.
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, New Delhi, India.
- Supercomputing Facility for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, New Delhi, India.
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20
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Felicetti T, Pismataro MC, Cecchetti V, Tabarrini O, Massari S. Triazolopyrimidine Nuclei: Privileged Scaffolds for Developing Antiviral Agents with a Proper Pharmacokinetic Profile. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:1379-1407. [PMID: 34042030 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210526120534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Viruses are a continuing threat to global health. The lack or limited therapeutic armamentarium against some viral infections and increasing drug resistance issues make the search for new antiviral agents urgent. In recent years, a growing literature highlighted the use of triazolopyrimidine (TZP) heterocycles in the development of antiviral agents, with numerous compounds that showed potent antiviral activities against different RNA and DNA viruses. TZP core represents a privileged scaffold for achieving biologically active molecules, thanks to: i) the synthetic feasibility that allows to variously functionalize TZPs in the different positions of the nucleus, ii) the ability of TZP core to establish multiple interactions with the molecular target, and iii) its favorable pharmacokinetic properties. In the present review, after mentioning selected examples of TZP-based compounds with varied biological activities, we will focus on those antivirals that appeared in the literature in the last 10 years. Approaches used for their identification, the hit-to-lead studies, and the emerged structure-activity relationship will be described. A mention of the synthetic methodologies to prepare TZP nuclei will also be given. In addition, their mechanism of action, the binding mode within the biological target, and pharmacokinetic properties will be analyzed, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of compounds based on the TZP scaffold, which is increasingly used in medicinal chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Felicetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Violetta Cecchetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Oriana Tabarrini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Serena Massari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
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21
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Ghassabian H, Falchi F, Timmoneri M, Mercorelli B, Loregian A, Palù G, Alvisi G. Divide et impera: An In Silico Screening Targeting HCMV ppUL44 Processivity Factor Homodimerization Identifies Small Molecules Inhibiting Viral Replication. Viruses 2021; 13:v13050941. [PMID: 34065234 PMCID: PMC8160850 DOI: 10.3390/v13050941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a leading cause of severe diseases in immunocompromised individuals, including AIDS patients and transplant recipients, and in congenitally infected newborns. The utility of available drugs is limited by poor bioavailability, toxicity, and emergence of resistant strains. Therefore, it is crucial to identify new targets for therapeutic intervention. Among the latter, viral protein–protein interactions are becoming increasingly attractive. Since dimerization of HCMV DNA polymerase processivity factor ppUL44 plays an essential role in the viral life cycle, being required for oriLyt-dependent DNA replication, it can be considered a potential therapeutic target. We therefore performed an in silico screening and selected 18 small molecules (SMs) potentially interfering with ppUL44 homodimerization. Antiviral assays using recombinant HCMV TB4-UL83-YFP in the presence of the selected SMs led to the identification of four active compounds. The most active one, B3, also efficiently inhibited HCMV AD169 strain in plaque reduction assays and impaired replication of an AD169-GFP reporter virus and its ganciclovir-resistant counterpart to a similar extent. As assessed by Western blotting experiments, B3 specifically reduced viral gene expression starting from 48 h post infection, consistent with the inhibition of viral DNA synthesis measured by qPCR starting from 72 h post infection. Therefore, our data suggest that inhibition of ppUL44 dimerization could represent a new class of HCMV inhibitors, complementary to those targeting the DNA polymerase catalytic subunit or the viral terminase complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanieh Ghassabian
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (H.G.); (M.T.); (B.M.); (A.L.); (G.P.)
| | | | - Martina Timmoneri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (H.G.); (M.T.); (B.M.); (A.L.); (G.P.)
| | - Beatrice Mercorelli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (H.G.); (M.T.); (B.M.); (A.L.); (G.P.)
| | - Arianna Loregian
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (H.G.); (M.T.); (B.M.); (A.L.); (G.P.)
| | - Giorgio Palù
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (H.G.); (M.T.); (B.M.); (A.L.); (G.P.)
| | - Gualtiero Alvisi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (H.G.); (M.T.); (B.M.); (A.L.); (G.P.)
- Correspondence:
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22
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Huo X, Ma Y, Chen Z, Yuan L, Zheng X, Li X, Fengting, Liang, You W, Zhao P. One‐Pot, Multi‐Component Synthesis of Novel 2‐Amino‐[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5‐
a
]pyrimidine‐6‐carboxamide Derivatives as Antiproliferative Agents. ChemistrySelect 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.202100985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiansen Huo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening School of Pharmaceutical Science Southern Medical University Guangzhou 510515 P.R.China
| | - Yufeng Ma
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening School of Pharmaceutical Science Southern Medical University Guangzhou 510515 P.R.China
| | - Zhiru Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening School of Pharmaceutical Science Southern Medical University Guangzhou 510515 P.R.China
| | - Lili Yuan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening School of Pharmaceutical Science Southern Medical University Guangzhou 510515 P.R.China
| | - Xiaolan Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening School of Pharmaceutical Science Southern Medical University Guangzhou 510515 P.R.China
| | - Xiongli Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening School of Pharmaceutical Science Southern Medical University Guangzhou 510515 P.R.China
| | - Fengting
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening School of Pharmaceutical Science Southern Medical University Guangzhou 510515 P.R.China
| | - Liang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening School of Pharmaceutical Science Southern Medical University Guangzhou 510515 P.R.China
| | - Wenwei You
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening School of Pharmaceutical Science Southern Medical University Guangzhou 510515 P.R.China
| | - Peiliang Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening School of Pharmaceutical Science Southern Medical University Guangzhou 510515 P.R.China
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Pismataro MC, Felicetti T, Bertagnin C, Nizi MG, Bonomini A, Barreca ML, Cecchetti V, Jochmans D, De Jonghe S, Neyts J, Loregian A, Tabarrini O, Massari S. 1,2,4-Triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines: Efficient one-step synthesis and functionalization as influenza polymerase PA-PB1 interaction disruptors. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 221:113494. [PMID: 33962311 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In the search for new anti-influenza virus (IV) compounds, we have identified the 1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine (TZP) as a very suitable scaffold to obtain compounds able to disrupt IV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) PA-PB1 subunits heterodimerization. In this work, in order to acquire further SAR insights for this class of compounds and identify more potent derivatives, we designed and synthesized additional series of analogues to investigate the role of the substituents around the TZP core. To this aim, we developed four facile and efficient one-step procedures for the synthesis of 5-phenyl-, 6-phenyl- and 7-phenyl-2-amino-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines, and 2-amino-5-phenyl-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-7-ol. Two analogues having the ethyl carboxylate moiety at the C-2 position of the TZP were also prepared in good yields. Then, the scaffolds herein synthesized and two previous scaffolds were functionalized and evaluated for their anti-IAV activity, leading to the identification of compound 22 that showed both anti-PA-PB1 (IC50 = 19.5 μM) and anti-IAV activity (EC50 = 16 μM) at non-toxic concentrations, thus resulting among the most active TZP derivatives reported to date by us. A selection of the synthesized compounds, along with a set of in-house available analogues, was also tested against SARS-CoV-2. The most promising compound 49 from this series displayed an EC50 value of 34.47 μM, highlighting the potential of the TPZ scaffold in the search for anti-CoV agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Chiara Pismataro
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via Del Liceo 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Tommaso Felicetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via Del Liceo 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Chiara Bertagnin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Via Gabelli 63, 35121, Padua, Italy
| | - Maria Giulia Nizi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via Del Liceo 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Anna Bonomini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Via Gabelli 63, 35121, Padua, Italy
| | - Maria Letizia Barreca
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via Del Liceo 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Violetta Cecchetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via Del Liceo 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Dirk Jochmans
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, Box 1043, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Steven De Jonghe
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, Box 1043, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Johan Neyts
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, Box 1043, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Arianna Loregian
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Via Gabelli 63, 35121, Padua, Italy
| | - Oriana Tabarrini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via Del Liceo 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Serena Massari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via Del Liceo 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy.
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Giacchello I, Musumeci F, D'Agostino I, Greco C, Grossi G, Schenone S. Insights into RNA-dependent RNA Polymerase Inhibitors as Antiinfluenza Virus Agents. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:1068-1090. [PMID: 31942843 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327666200114115632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Influenza is a seasonal disease that affects millions of people every year and has a significant economic impact. Vaccines are the best strategy to fight this viral pathology, but they are not always available or administrable, prompting the search for antiviral drugs. RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) recently emerged as a promising target because of its key role in viral replication and its high conservation among viral strains. DISCUSSION This review presents an overview of the most interesting RdRp inhibitors that have been discussed in the literature since 2000. Compounds already approved or in clinical trials and a selection of inhibitors endowed with different scaffolds are described, along with the main features responsible for their activity. RESULTS RdRp inhibitors are emerging as a new strategy to fight viral infections and the importance of this class of drugs has been confirmed by the FDA approval of baloxavir marboxil in 2018. Despite the complexity of the RdRp machine makes the identification of new compounds a challenging research topic, it is likely that in the coming years, this field will attract the interest of a number of academic and industrial scientists because of the potential strength of this therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Giacchello
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesca Musumeci
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Ilaria D'Agostino
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Chiara Greco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Grossi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvia Schenone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy
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25
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Massari S, Bertagnin C, Pismataro MC, Donnadio A, Nannetti G, Felicetti T, Di Bona S, Nizi MG, Tensi L, Manfroni G, Loza MI, Sabatini S, Cecchetti V, Brea J, Goracci L, Loregian A, Tabarrini O. Synthesis and characterization of 1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine-2-carboxamide-based compounds targeting the PA-PB1 interface of influenza A virus polymerase. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 209:112944. [PMID: 33328103 PMCID: PMC7561591 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Influenza viruses (Flu) are responsible for seasonal epidemics causing high rates of morbidity, which can dramatically increase during severe pandemic outbreaks. Antiviral drugs are an indispensable weapon to treat infected people and reduce the impact on human health, nevertheless anti-Flu armamentarium still remains inadequate. In search for new anti-Flu drugs, our group has focused on viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) developing disruptors of PA-PB1 subunits interface with the best compounds characterized by cycloheptathiophene-3-carboxamide and 1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine-2-carboxamide scaffolds. By merging these moieties, two very interesting hybrid compounds were recently identified, starting from which, in this paper, a series of analogues were designed and synthesized. In particular, a thorough exploration of the cycloheptathiophene-3-carboxamide moiety led to acquire important SAR insight and identify new active compounds showing both the ability to inhibit PA-PB1 interaction and viral replication in the micromolar range and at non-toxic concentrations. For few compounds, the ability to efficiently inhibit PA-PB1 subunits interaction did not translate into anti-Flu activity. Chemical/physical properties were investigated for a couple of compounds suggesting that the low solubility of compound 14, due to a strong crystal lattice, may have impaired its antiviral activity. Finally, computational studies performed on compound 23, in which the phenyl ring suitably replaced the cycloheptathiophene, suggested that, in addition to hydrophobic interactions, H-bonds enhanced its binding within the PAC cavity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Massari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy.
| | - Chiara Bertagnin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Anna Donnadio
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giulio Nannetti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121, Padua, Italy
| | - Tommaso Felicetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Stefano Di Bona
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Maria Giulia Nizi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Leonardo Tensi
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Manfroni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Maria Isabel Loza
- CIMUS Research Center, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Stefano Sabatini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Violetta Cecchetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Jose Brea
- CIMUS Research Center, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Laura Goracci
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Arianna Loregian
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121, Padua, Italy
| | - Oriana Tabarrini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
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26
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Affiliation(s)
- S. A. El‐Sebaey
- Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls) Al-Azhar University Youssef Abbas street, Nasr City Cairo Egypt
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27
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Lee BW, Ha TKQ, Cho HM, An JP, Kim SK, Kim CS, Kim E, Oh WK. Antiviral activity of furanocoumarins isolated from Angelica dahurica against influenza a viruses H1N1 and H9N2. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2020; 259:112945. [PMID: 32389854 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.112945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Angelica dahurica (Hoffm.) Benth. & Hook.f. ex Franch. & Sav. (Umbelliferae family) is an herbaceous, perennial plant native to northern and eastern Asia. The root of A. dahurica has traditionally been used under the name "Bai Zhi" as a medicinal plant for colds, dizziness, ulcers, and rheumatism. Moreover, it is also an important ingredient of various prescriptions, such as Gumiganghwal-Tang, for the common cold and influenza. AIM OF THE STUDY Even though various biological activities of the root of A. dahurica have been reported along with its chemical components, the detailed mechanism of how it exerts anti-influenza activity at the compound level has not been studied. Therefore, we investigated the anti-influenza properties of furanocoumarins purified by bioactivity-guided isolation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Bioactivity-guided isolation from a 70% EtOH extract of the root of A. dahurica was performed to produce four active furanocoumarins. The inhibition of cytopathic effects (CPEs) was evaluated to ascertain the antiviral activity of these compounds against influenza A (H1N1 and H9N2) viruses. The most potent compound was subjected to detailed mechanistic studies such as the inhibition of viral protein synthesis, CPE inhibition in different phases of the viral replication cycle, neuraminidase (NA) inhibition, antiapoptotic activity using flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence. RESULTS The bioactivity-guided isolation produced four active furanocoumarins, isoimperatorin (1), oxypeucedanin (2), oxypeucedanin hydrate (3) and imperatorin (4) from the n-BuOH fraction. Among them, compound 2 (followed by compounds 1, 4 and 3) showed a significant CPE inhibition effect, which was stronger than that of the positive control ribavirin, against both H1N1 and H9N2 with an EC50 (μM) of 5.98 ± 0.71 and 4.52 ± 0.39, respectively. Compound 2 inhibited the synthesis of NA and nucleoprotein (NP) in a dose-dependent manner. In the time course assays, the cytopathic effects of influenza A-infected MDCK cells were reduced by 80-90% when treated with compound 2 for 1 and 2 h after infection and declined drastically 3 h after infection. The level of viral NA and NP production was markedly reduced to less than 20% for both proteins in compound 2 (20 μM)-treated cells compared to untreated cells at 2 h after infection. In the molecular docking analysis, compound 2 showed a stronger binding affinity for the C-terminus of polymerase acidic protein (PAC; -36.28 kcal/mol) than the other two polymerase subunits. Compound 2 also exerted an antiapoptotic effect on virus infected cells and significantly inhibited the mRNA expression of caspase-3 and Bax. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that compound 2 might exert anti-influenza A activity via the inhibition of the early phase of the viral replication cycle, not direct neutralization of surface proteins, such as hemagglutinin and NA, and abnormal apoptosis induced by virus infection. Taken together, these findings suggest that furanocoumarins predominant in A. dahurica play a pivotal role in its antiviral activity. These findings can also explain the reasons for the ethnopharmacological uses of this plant as an important ingredient in many antiviral prescriptions in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ba Wool Lee
- Korea Bioactive Natural Material Bank, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Thi Kim Quy Ha
- Korea Bioactive Natural Material Bank, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea; College of Natural Sciences, Cantho University, Campus II, Cantho City, Viet Nam
| | - Hyo Moon Cho
- Korea Bioactive Natural Material Bank, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Pyo An
- Korea Bioactive Natural Material Bank, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Kyun Kim
- Choong Ang Vaccine Laboratory, 1476-37, Yuseong-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34055, Republic of Korea
| | - Choong-Sik Kim
- Choong Ang Vaccine Laboratory, 1476-37, Yuseong-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34055, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunhee Kim
- Choong Ang Vaccine Laboratory, 1476-37, Yuseong-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34055, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Keun Oh
- Korea Bioactive Natural Material Bank, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
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28
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Sroor FM, Aboelenin MM, Mahrous KF, Mahmoud K, Elwahy AHM, Abdelhamid IA. Novel 2‐cyanoacrylamido‐4,5,6,7‐tetrahydrobenzo[
b
]thiophene derivatives as potent anticancer agents. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2020; 353:e2000069. [DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202000069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Farid M. Sroor
- Organometallic and Organometalloid Chemistry Department National Research Centre Cairo Egypt
| | | | | | - Khaled Mahmoud
- Pharmacognosy Department National Research Centre Dokki Egypt
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29
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Zhang J, Hu Y, Wu N, Wang J. Discovery of Influenza Polymerase PA-PB1 Interaction Inhibitors Using an In Vitro Split-Luciferase Complementation-Based Assay. ACS Chem Biol 2020; 15:74-82. [PMID: 31714745 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.9b00552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The limited therapeutic options and increasing drug-resistance call for next-generation influenza antivirals. Due to the essential function in viral replication and high sequence conservation among influenza viruses, influenza polymerase PA-PB1 protein-protein interaction becomes an attractive drug target. Here, we developed an in vitro split luciferase complementation-based assay to speed up screening of PA-PB1 interaction inhibitors. By screening 10,000 compounds, we identified two PA-PB1 interaction inhibitors, R160792 and R151785, with potent and broad-spectrum antiviral activity against a panel of influenza A and B viruses, including amantadine-, oseltamivir-, or dual resistant strains. Further mechanistic study reveals that R151785 inhibits PA nuclear localization, reduces the levels of viral RNAs and proteins, and inhibits viral replication at the intermediate stage, all of which are in line with its antiviral mechanism of action. Overall, we developed a robust high throughput-screening assay for screening broad-spectrum influenza antivirals targeting PA-PB1 interaction and identified R151785 as a promising antiviral drug candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiantao Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Yanmei Hu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Nan Wu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
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30
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Gabriele F, Goracci L, Germani R, Spreti N. Refining the model to design α-chymotrypsin superactivators: the role of the binding mode of quaternary ammonium salts. NEW J CHEM 2020. [DOI: 10.1039/d0nj04676k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Modelling, synthesis and kinetic studies were combined to investigate the interactions responsible for the superactivation of α-chymotrypsin by ammonium-based additives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Gabriele
- Department of Physical and Chemical Sciences
- University of L'Aquila
- I-67100 Coppito
- Italy
| | - Laura Goracci
- Department of Chemistry
- Biology and Biotechnology
- University of Perugia
- Perugia
- Italy
| | - Raimondo Germani
- Department of Chemistry
- Biology and Biotechnology
- University of Perugia
- Perugia
- Italy
| | - Nicoletta Spreti
- Department of Physical and Chemical Sciences
- University of L'Aquila
- I-67100 Coppito
- Italy
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31
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Celegato M, Messa L, Goracci L, Mercorelli B, Bertagnin C, Spyrakis F, Suarez I, Cousido-Siah A, Travé G, Banks L, Cruciani G, Palù G, Loregian A. A novel small-molecule inhibitor of the human papillomavirus E6-p53 interaction that reactivates p53 function and blocks cancer cells growth. Cancer Lett 2019; 470:115-125. [PMID: 31693922 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.10.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Despite prophylactic vaccination campaigns, human papillomavirus (HPV)-induced cancers still represent a major medical issue for global population, thus specific anti-HPV drugs are needed. Since the ability of HPV E6 oncoprotein to promote p53 degradation is linked to tumor progression, E6 has been proposed as an ideal target for cancer treatment. Using the crystal structure of the E6/E6AP/p53 complex, we performed an in silico screening of small-molecule libraries against a highly conserved alpha-helix in the N-terminal domain of E6 involved in the E6-p53 interaction. We discovered a compound able to inhibit the E6-mediated degradation of p53 through disruption of E6-p53 binding both in vitro and in cells. This compound could restore p53 intracellular levels and transcriptional activity, reduce the viability and proliferation of HPV-positive cancer cells, and block 3D cervospheres formation. Mechanistic studies revealed that the compound anti-tumor activity mainly relies on induction of cell cycle arrest and senescence. Our data demonstrate that the disruption of the direct E6-p53 interaction can be obtained with a small-molecule compound leading to specific antitumoral activity in HPV-positive cancer cells and thus represents a new approach for anti-HPV drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Celegato
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Messa
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Laura Goracci
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy; Consortium for Computational Molecular and Materials Sciences, Perugia, Italy.
| | | | - Chiara Bertagnin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Francesca Spyrakis
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Irina Suarez
- Équipe Labellisée Ligue 2015, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
| | - Alexandra Cousido-Siah
- Équipe Labellisée Ligue 2015, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
| | - Gilles Travé
- Équipe Labellisée Ligue 2015, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
| | - Lawrence Banks
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy
| | - Gabriele Cruciani
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy; Consortium for Computational Molecular and Materials Sciences, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giorgio Palù
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Arianna Loregian
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
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A Parallel Phenotypic Versus Target-Based Screening Strategy for RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase Inhibitors of the Influenza A Virus. Viruses 2019; 11:v11090826. [PMID: 31491939 PMCID: PMC6783926 DOI: 10.3390/v11090826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza A virus infections cause significant morbidity and mortality, and novel antivirals are urgently needed. Influenza RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) activity has been acknowledged as a promising target for novel antivirals. In this study, a phenotypic versus target-based screening strategy was established to identify the influenza A virus inhibitors targeting the virus RNA transcription/replication steps by sequentially using an RdRp-targeted screen and a replication-competent reporter virus-based approach using the same compounds. To demonstrate the utility of this approach, a pilot screen of a library of 891 compounds derived from natural products was carried out. Quality control analysis indicates that the primary screen was robust for identification of influenza A virus inhibitors targeting RdRp activity. Finally, two hit candidates were identified, and one was validated as a putative RdRp inhibitor. This strategy can greatly reduce the number of false positives and improve the accuracy and efficacy of primary screening, thereby providing a powerful tool for antiviral discovery.
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Zhang J, Hu Y, Musharrafieh R, Yin H, Wang J. Focusing on the Influenza Virus Polymerase Complex: Recent Progress in Drug Discovery and Assay Development. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:2243-2263. [PMID: 29984646 DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666180706112940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Revised: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Influenza viruses are severe human pathogens that pose persistent threat to public health. Each year more people die of influenza virus infection than that of breast cancer. Due to the limited efficacy associated with current influenza vaccines, as well as emerging drug resistance from small molecule antiviral drugs, there is a clear need to develop new antivirals with novel mechanisms of action. The influenza virus polymerase complex has become a promising target for the development of the next-generation of antivirals for several reasons. Firstly, the influenza virus polymerase, which forms a heterotrimeric complex that consists of PA, PB1, and PB2 subunits, is highly conserved. Secondly, both individual polymerase subunit (PA, PB1, and PB2) and inter-subunit interactions (PA-PB1, PB1- PB2) represent promising drug targets. Lastly, growing insight into the structure and function of the polymerase complex has spearheaded the structure-guided design of new polymerase inhibitors. In this review, we highlight recent progress in drug discovery and assay development targeting the influenza virus polymerase complex and discuss their therapeutic potentials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiantao Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Yanmei Hu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Rami Musharrafieh
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Hang Yin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States.,BIO5 Institute, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
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New therapeutic targets for the prevention of infectious acute exacerbations of COPD: role of epithelial adhesion molecules and inflammatory pathways. Clin Sci (Lond) 2019; 133:1663-1703. [PMID: 31346069 DOI: 10.1042/cs20181009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Chronic respiratory diseases are among the leading causes of mortality worldwide, with the major contributor, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) accounting for approximately 3 million deaths annually. Frequent acute exacerbations (AEs) of COPD (AECOPD) drive clinical and functional decline in COPD and are associated with accelerated loss of lung function, increased mortality, decreased health-related quality of life and significant economic costs. Infections with a small subgroup of pathogens precipitate the majority of AEs and consequently constitute a significant comorbidity in COPD. However, current pharmacological interventions are ineffective in preventing infectious exacerbations and their treatment is compromised by the rapid development of antibiotic resistance. Thus, alternative preventative therapies need to be considered. Pathogen adherence to the pulmonary epithelium through host receptors is the prerequisite step for invasion and subsequent infection of surrounding structures. Thus, disruption of bacterial-host cell interactions with receptor antagonists or modulation of the ensuing inflammatory profile present attractive avenues for therapeutic development. This review explores key mediators of pathogen-host interactions that may offer new therapeutic targets with the potential to prevent viral/bacterial-mediated AECOPD. There are several conceptual and methodological hurdles hampering the development of new therapies that require further research and resolution.
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Mifsud EJ, Hayden FG, Hurt AC. Antivirals targeting the polymerase complex of influenza viruses. Antiviral Res 2019; 169:104545. [PMID: 31247246 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2019.104545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Current influenza antivirals have limitations with regard to their effectiveness and the potential emergence of resistance. Encouragingly, several new compounds which inhibit the polymerase of influenza viruses have recently been shown to have enhanced pre-clinical and clinical effectiveness compared to the neuraminidase inhibitors, the mainstay of influenza antiviral therapy over the last two decades. In this review we focus on four compounds which inhibit polymerase function, baloxavir marboxil, favipiravir, pimodivir and AL-794 and discuss their clinical and virological effectiveness, their propensity to select for resistance and their potential for future combination therapy with the most commonly used neuraminidase inhibitor, oseltamivir.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edin J Mifsud
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza, VIDRL, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Frederick G Hayden
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Aeron C Hurt
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza, VIDRL, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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Yang J, Huang Y, Liu S. Investigational antiviral therapies for the treatment of influenza. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2019; 28:481-488. [PMID: 31018720 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2019.1606210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Influenza viral ribonucleoprotein complexes (vRNPs) play a key role in viral transcription and replication; hence, the recent development of novel anti-influenza drugs targeting vRNPs has garnered widespread interest. AREAS COVERED We discuss the function of the constituents of vRNPs and summarize those vRNPs-targeted synthetic drugs that are in preclinical and early clinical development. EXPERT OPINION vRNPs contain high-value drug targets; such targets include the subunits PA, PB1, PB2, and NP. Developing a new generation of antiviral therapies with strategies that utilize existing drugs, natural compounds originated from new resources and novel drug combinations may open up new therapeutic approaches to influenza.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yang
- a Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Southern Medical University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Yingna Huang
- a Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Southern Medical University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Shuwen Liu
- a Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Southern Medical University , Guangzhou , China.,b State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology , Southern Medical University , Guangzhou , China
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Nannetti G, Massari S, Mercorelli B, Bertagnin C, Desantis J, Palù G, Tabarrini O, Loregian A. Potent and broad-spectrum cycloheptathiophene-3-carboxamide compounds that target the PA-PB1 interaction of influenza virus RNA polymerase and possess a high barrier to drug resistance. Antiviral Res 2019; 165:55-64. [PMID: 30885750 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2019.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Influenza viruses are major respiratory pathogens responsible for both seasonal epidemics and occasional pandemics worldwide. The current available treatment options have limited efficacy and thus the development of new antivirals is highly needed. We previously reported the identification of a series of cycloheptathiophene-3-carboxamide compounds as influenza A virus inhibitors that act by targeting the protein-protein interactions between the PA-PB1 subunits of the viral polymerase. In this study, we characterized the antiviral properties of the most promising compounds as well as investigated their propensity to induce drug resistance. Our results show that some of the selected compounds possess potent, broad-spectrum anti-influenza activity as they efficiently inhibited the replication of several strains of influenza A and B viruses, including an oseltamivir-resistant clinical isolate, with nanomolar or low-micromolar potency. The most promising compounds specifically inhibited the PA-PB1 binding in vitro and interfered with the influenza A virus polymerase activity in a cellular context, without showing cytotoxicity. The most active PA-PB1 inhibitors showed to possess a drug resistance barrier higher than that of oseltamivir. Indeed, no viral variants with reduced susceptibility to the selected compounds emerged after serial passages of influenza A virus under drug selective pressure. Overall, our studies identified potent PA-PB1 inhibitors as promising candidates for the development of new anti-influenza drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Nannetti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Serena Massari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Bertagnin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Jenny Desantis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giorgio Palù
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Oriana Tabarrini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Arianna Loregian
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
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AZT acts as an anti-influenza nucleotide triphosphate targeting the catalytic site of A/PR/8/34/H1N1 RNA dependent RNA polymerase. J Comput Aided Mol Des 2019; 33:387-404. [PMID: 30739239 DOI: 10.1007/s10822-019-00189-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
To develop potent drugs that inhibit the activity of influenza virus RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), a set of compounds favipiravir, T-705, T-1105 and T-1106, ribavirin, ribavirin triphosphate viramidine, 2FdGTP (2'-deoxy-2'-fluoroguanosine triphosphate) and AZT-TP (3'-Azido-3'-deoxy-thymidine-5'-triphosphate) were docked with a homology model of IAV RdRp from the A/PR/8/34/H1N1 strain. These compounds bind to four pockets A-D of the IAV RdRp with different mechanism of action. In addition, AZT-TP also binds to the PB1 catalytic site near to the tip of the priming loop with a highest ΔG of - 16.7 Kcal/mol exhibiting an IC50 of 1.12 µM in an in vitro enzyme transcription assay. This shows that AZT-TP mainly prevents the incorporation of incoming nucleotide involved in initiation of vRNA replication. Conversely, 2FdGTP used as a positive control binds to pocket-B at the end of tunnel-II with a highest ΔG of - 16.3 Kcal/mol inhibiting chain termination with a similar IC50 of 1.12 µM. Overall, our computational results in correlation with experimental studies gives information for the first time about the binding modes of the known influenza antiviral compounds in different models of vRNA replication by IAV RdRp. This in turn gives new structural insights for the development of new therapeutics exhibiting high specificity to the PB1 catalytic site of influenza A viruses.
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Mohl G, Liddle N, Nygaard J, Dorius A, Lyons N, Hodek J, Weber J, Michaelis DJ, Busath DD. Novel influenza inhibitors designed to target PB1 interactions with host importin RanBP5. Antiviral Res 2019; 164:81-90. [PMID: 30742842 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2019.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In search of novel targets for influenza inhibitors, a site on PB1 was selected for its high conservation and probable interaction with a host protein, RanBP5, that is key to nuclear import of PB1, where it complexes with PB2, PA, and NP to transcribe viral RNA. Docking with libraries of drug-like compounds led to a selection of five candidates that bound tightly and with a pose likely to inhibit protein binding. These were purchased and tested in vitro, found to be active, and then one was synthetically expanded to explore the structure-activity relationship. The top candidates had a carboxylic acid converted to an ester and electron-withdrawing substituents added to a phenyl group in the original structure. Resistance was slow to develop, but cytotoxicity was moderately high. Nuclear localization of PB1 and in vitro polymerase activity were both strongly inhibited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Mohl
- Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA.
| | - Nathan Liddle
- Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Joseph Nygaard
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, USA
| | - Alexander Dorius
- Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Nathan Lyons
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, USA
| | - Jan Hodek
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Weber
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - David J Michaelis
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, USA.
| | - David D Busath
- Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA.
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40
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Oukoloff K, Lucero B, Francisco KR, Brunden KR, Ballatore C. 1,2,4-Triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines in drug design. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 165:332-346. [PMID: 30703745 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The 1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine (TP) heterocycle, in spite of its relatively simple structure, has proved to be remarkably versatile as evidenced by its use in many different applications reported over the years in different areas of drug design. For example, as the ring system of TPs is isoelectronic with that of purines, this heterocycle has been proposed as a possible surrogate of the purine ring. However, depending on the choice of substituents, the TP ring has also been described as a potentially viable bio-isostere of the carboxylic acid functional group and of the N-acetyl fragment of ε-N-acetylated lysine. In addition, the metal-chelating properties of the TP ring have also been exploited to generate candidate treatments for cancer and parasitic diseases. In the present review article, we discuss recent applications of the TP scaffold in medicinal chemistry, and provide an overview of its properties and methods of synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Killian Oukoloff
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Bobby Lucero
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Karol R Francisco
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Kurt R Brunden
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3600 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-6323, USA
| | - Carlo Ballatore
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
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41
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Shin WJ, Seong BL. Novel antiviral drug discovery strategies to tackle drug-resistant mutants of influenza virus strains. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2018; 14:153-168. [PMID: 30585088 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2019.1560261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The emergence of drug-resistant influenza virus strains highlights the need for new antiviral therapeutics to combat future pandemic outbreaks as well as continuing seasonal cycles of influenza. Areas covered: This review summarizes the mechanisms of current FDA-approved anti-influenza drugs and patterns of resistance to those drugs. It also discusses potential novel targets for broad-spectrum antiviral drugs and recent progress in novel drug design to overcome drug resistance in influenza. Expert opinion: Using the available structural information about drug-binding pockets, research is currently underway to identify molecular interactions that can be exploited to generate new antiviral drugs. Despite continued efforts, antivirals targeting viral surface proteins like HA, NA, and M2, are all susceptible to developing resistance. Structural information on the internal viral polymerase complex (PB1, PB2, and PA) provides a new avenue for influenza drug discovery. Host factors, either at the initial step of viral infection or at the later step of nuclear trafficking of viral RNP complex, are being actively pursued to generate novel drugs with new modes of action, without resulting in drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo-Jin Shin
- a Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine , University of Southern California , Los Angeles , CA , USA
| | - Baik L Seong
- b Department of Biotechnology , College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University , Seoul , South Korea.,c Vaccine Translational Research Center , Yonsei University , Seoul , South Korea
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42
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Zhang J, Murugan NA, Tian Y, Bertagnin C, Fang Z, Kang D, Kong X, Jia H, Sun Z, Jia R, Gao P, Poongavanam V, Loregian A, Xu W, Ma X, Ding X, Huang B, Zhan P, Liu X. Structure-Based Optimization of N-Substituted Oseltamivir Derivatives as Potent Anti-Influenza A Virus Agents with Significantly Improved Potency against Oseltamivir-Resistant N1-H274Y Variant. J Med Chem 2018; 61:9976-9999. [PMID: 30365885 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b01065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Natarajan Arul Murugan
- Division of Theoretical Chemistry and Biology, School of Biotechnology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, S-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ye Tian
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong P. R. China
| | - Chiara Bertagnin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Via Gabelli 63, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Zengjun Fang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
- The Second Hospital of Shandong University, No. 247 Beiyuan Avenue, 250033 Jinan, China
| | - Dongwei Kang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Xiujie Kong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Haiyong Jia
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Zhuosen Sun
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Ruifang Jia
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Ping Gao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Vasanthanathan Poongavanam
- Department of Physics, Chemistry, and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5230 Odense M, Denmark
| | - Arianna Loregian
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Via Gabelli 63, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Wenfang Xu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Xiuli Ma
- Institute of Poultry Science, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 1, Jiaoxiao Road, 250023 Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Xiao Ding
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Bing Huang
- Institute of Poultry Science, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 1, Jiaoxiao Road, 250023 Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Peng Zhan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Xinyong Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
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Synthesis and biological evaluation of a library of hybrid derivatives as inhibitors of influenza virus PA-PB1 interaction. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 157:743-758. [PMID: 30142611 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.08.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The limited treatment options against influenza virus along with the growing public health concerns regarding the continuous emergence of drug-resistant viruses make essential the development of new anti-flu agents with novel mechanisms of action. One of the most attractive targets is the interaction between two subunits of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, PA and PB1. Herein we report the rational design of hybrid compounds starting from a 3-cyano-4,6-diphenylpyridine scaffold recently identified as disruptor of PA-PB1 interactions. Guided by the previously reported SAR data, a library of amino acid derivatives was synthesized. The biological evaluation led to the identification of new PA-PB1 inhibitors, that do not show appreciable toxicity. Molecular modeling shed further lights on the inhibition mechanism of these compounds.
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44
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Zhang J, Poongavanam V, Kang D, Bertagnin C, Lu H, Kong X, Ju H, Lu X, Gao P, Tian Y, Jia H, Desta S, Ding X, Sun L, Fang Z, Huang B, Liang X, Jia R, Ma X, Xu W, Murugan NA, Loregian A, Huang B, Zhan P, Liu X. Optimization of N-Substituted Oseltamivir Derivatives as Potent Inhibitors of Group-1 and -2 Influenza A Neuraminidases, Including a Drug-Resistant Variant. J Med Chem 2018; 61:6379-6397. [PMID: 29965752 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
On the basis of our earlier discovery of N1-selective inhibitors, the 150-cavity of influenza virus neuraminidases (NAs) could be further exploited to yield more potent oseltamivir derivatives. Among the synthesized compounds, 15b and 15c were exceptionally active against both group-1 and -2 NAs. Especially for 09N1, N2, N6, and N9 subtypes, they showed 6.80-12.47 and 1.20-3.94 times greater activity than oseltamivir carboxylate (OSC). They also showed greater inhibitory activity than OSC toward H274Y and E119V variant. In cellular assays, they exhibited greater potency than OSC toward H5N1, H5N2, H5N6, and H5N8 viruses. 15b demonstrated high metabolic stability, low cytotoxicity in vitro, and low acute toxicity in mice. Computational modeling and molecular dynamics studies provided insights into the role of R group of 15b in improving potency toward group-1 and -2 NAs. We believe the successful exploitation of the 150-cavity of NAs represents an important breakthrough in the development of more potent anti-influenza agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Shandong University , 44 West Culture Road , 250012 Jinan , Shandong , P.R. China
| | - Vasanthanathan Poongavanam
- Department of Physics, Chemistry, and Pharmacy , University of Southern Denmark , DK-5230 Odense M. , Denmark
| | - Dongwei Kang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Shandong University , 44 West Culture Road , 250012 Jinan , Shandong , P.R. China
| | - Chiara Bertagnin
- Department of Molecular Medicine , University of Padova , via Gabelli 63 , 35121 Padova , Italy
| | - Huamei Lu
- Institute of Poultry Science , Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences , 1, Jiaoxiao Road , Jinan , Shandong 250023 , P. R. China
| | - Xiujie Kong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Shandong University , 44 West Culture Road , 250012 Jinan , Shandong , P.R. China
| | - Han Ju
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Shandong University , 44 West Culture Road , 250012 Jinan , Shandong , P.R. China
| | - Xueyi Lu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Shandong University , 44 West Culture Road , 250012 Jinan , Shandong , P.R. China
| | - Ping Gao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Shandong University , 44 West Culture Road , 250012 Jinan , Shandong , P.R. China
| | - Ye Tian
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Shandong University , 44 West Culture Road , 250012 Jinan , Shandong , P.R. China
| | - Haiyong Jia
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Shandong University , 44 West Culture Road , 250012 Jinan , Shandong , P.R. China
| | - Samuel Desta
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Shandong University , 44 West Culture Road , 250012 Jinan , Shandong , P.R. China
| | - Xiao Ding
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Shandong University , 44 West Culture Road , 250012 Jinan , Shandong , P.R. China
| | - Lin Sun
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Shandong University , 44 West Culture Road , 250012 Jinan , Shandong , P.R. China
| | - Zengjun Fang
- The Second Hospital of Shandong University , no. 247 Beiyuan Avenue , Jinan 250033 , China
| | - Boshi Huang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Shandong University , 44 West Culture Road , 250012 Jinan , Shandong , P.R. China
| | - Xuewu Liang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Shandong University , 44 West Culture Road , 250012 Jinan , Shandong , P.R. China
| | - Ruifang Jia
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Shandong University , 44 West Culture Road , 250012 Jinan , Shandong , P.R. China
| | - Xiuli Ma
- Institute of Poultry Science , Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences , 1, Jiaoxiao Road , Jinan , Shandong 250023 , P. R. China
| | - Wenfang Xu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Shandong University , 44 West Culture Road , 250012 Jinan , Shandong , P.R. China
| | - Natarajan Arul Murugan
- Division of Theoretical Chemistry and Biology, School of Biotechnology , KTH Royal Institute of Technology , S-106 91 Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Arianna Loregian
- Department of Molecular Medicine , University of Padova , via Gabelli 63 , 35121 Padova , Italy
| | - Bing Huang
- Institute of Poultry Science , Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences , 1, Jiaoxiao Road , Jinan , Shandong 250023 , P. R. China
| | - Peng Zhan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Shandong University , 44 West Culture Road , 250012 Jinan , Shandong , P.R. China
| | - Xinyong Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Shandong University , 44 West Culture Road , 250012 Jinan , Shandong , P.R. China
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45
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Zhang J, Hu Y, Foley C, Wang Y, Musharrafieh R, Xu S, Zhang Y, Ma C, Hulme C, Wang J. Exploring Ugi-Azide Four-Component Reaction Products for Broad-Spectrum Influenza Antivirals with a High Genetic Barrier to Drug Resistance. Sci Rep 2018; 8:4653. [PMID: 29545578 PMCID: PMC5854701 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-22875-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Influenza viruses are respiratory pathogens that are responsible for seasonal influenza and sporadic influenza pandemic. The therapeutic efficacy of current influenza vaccines and small molecule antiviral drugs is limited due to the emergence of multidrug-resistant influenza viruses. In response to the urgent need for the next generation of influenza antivirals, we utilized a fast-track drug discovery platform by exploring multi-component reaction products for antiviral drug candidates. Specifically, molecular docking was applied to screen a small molecule library derived from the Ugi-azide four-component reaction methodology for inhibitors that target the influenza polymerase PAC-PB1N interactions. One hit compound 5 was confirmed to inhibit PAC-PB1N interactions in an ELISA assay and had potent antiviral activity in an antiviral plaque assay. Subsequent structure-activity relationship studies led to the discovery of compound 12a, which had broad-spectrum antiviral activity and a higher in vitro genetic barrier to drug resistance than oseltamivir. Overall, the discovery of compound 12a as a broad-spectrum influenza antiviral with a high in vitro genetic barrier to drug resistance is significant, as it offers a second line of defense to combat the next influenza epidemics and pandemics if vaccines and oseltamivir fail to confine the disease outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiantao Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, United States
| | - Yanmei Hu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, United States
| | - Christopher Foley
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, United States
| | - Yuanxiang Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, United States
| | - Rami Musharrafieh
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, United States
| | - Shuting Xu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, United States
| | - Yongtao Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, United States
| | - Chunlong Ma
- BIO5 Institute, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, United States
| | - Christopher Hulme
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, United States
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, United States.
- BIO5 Institute, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, United States.
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46
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Abstract
The propensity of influenza virus to develop resistance to commonly prescribed drugs highlights the need for continuing development of new therapeutics. Biological and structural investigations of the enzymatic and interaction domains among influenza A virus polymerase subunits have broadened the target reservoir for drug screening. With the wealth of knowledge from these studies, identification of small-molecule and peptidic inhibitors that specifically abrogate polymerase activity or disrupt the polymerase assembly has emerged as an innovative and promising approach. Importantly, those domains are highly conserved among influenza subtypes and thus minimize the emergence of drug resistant mutants. An overview of the reported enzymatic inhibitors and protein-protein disruptors has been provided, in our effort to facilitate the development of next-generation anti-influenza therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuofeng Yuan
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lei Wen
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jie Zhou
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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47
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Llano M, Peña-Hernandez MA. Defining Pharmacological Targets by Analysis of Virus-Host Protein Interactions. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2018; 111:223-242. [PMID: 29459033 PMCID: PMC6322211 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2017.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Viruses are obligate parasites that depend on cellular factors for replication. Pharmacological inhibition of essential viral proteins, mostly enzymes, is an effective therapeutic alternative in the absence of effective vaccines. However, this strategy commonly encounters drug resistance mechanisms that allow these pathogens to evade control. Due to the dependency on host factors for viral replication, pharmacological disruption of the host-pathogen protein-protein interactions (PPIs) is an important therapeutic alternative to block viral replication. In this review we discuss salient aspects of PPIs implicated in viral replication and advances in the development of small molecules that inhibit viral replication through antagonism of these interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Llano
- University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States.
| | - Mario A Peña-Hernandez
- University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States; Laboratorio de Inmunología y Virología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolas de los Garza, Mexico
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48
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Identification of influenza polymerase inhibitors targeting C-terminal domain of PA through surface plasmon resonance screening. Sci Rep 2018; 8:2280. [PMID: 29396435 PMCID: PMC5797126 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-20772-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, many strains of influenza A virus have developed resistance against anti-influenza drugs, and it is essential to find new chemicals to combat this virus. The influenza polymerase with three proteins, PA, PB1 and PB2, is a crucial component of the viral ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex. Here, we report the identification of a hit compound 221 by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) direct binding screening on the C-terminal of PA (PAC). Compound 221 can subdue influenza RNP activities and attenuate influenza virus replication. Its analogs were subsequently investigated and twelve of them could attenuate RNP activities. One of the analogs, compound 312, impeded influenza A virus replication in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells with IC50 of 27.0 ± 16.8 μM. In vitro interaction assays showed that compound 312 bound directly to PAC with Kd of about 40 μM. Overall, the identification of novel PAC-targeting compounds provides new ground for drug design against influenza virus in the future.
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49
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Mercorelli B, Luganini A, Celegato M, Palù G, Gribaudo G, Loregian A. Repurposing the clinically approved calcium antagonist manidipine dihydrochloride as a new early inhibitor of human cytomegalovirus targeting the Immediate-Early 2 (IE2) protein. Antiviral Res 2018; 150:130-136. [DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2017.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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50
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Zhou Z, Liu T, Zhang J, Zhan P, Liu X. Influenza A virus polymerase: an attractive target for next-generation anti-influenza therapeutics. Drug Discov Today 2018; 23:503-518. [PMID: 29339107 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2018.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The influenza RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) is conserved among different types of influenza virus, playing an important part in transcription and replication. In this regard, influenza RdRP is an attractive target for novel anti-influenza drug discovery. Herein, we will introduce the structural and functional information of influenza polymerase; and an overview of inhibitors targeting the PA endonuclease and PB2 cap-binding site is provided, along with the approaches utilized for identification of these inhibitors. The protein-protein interactions (PPIs) of the three polymerase subunits: PA, PB1 and PB2, are described based on the published crystal structures, and inhibitors targeting the PA-PB1 interaction are introduced briefly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongxia Zhou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Peng Zhan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Xinyong Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, China.
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