1
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Wu C, Raheem IT, Nahas DD, Citron M, Kim PS, Montefiori DC, Ottinger EA, Hepler RW, Hrin R, Patel SB, Soisson SM, Joyce JG. Stabilized trimeric peptide immunogens of the complete HIV-1 gp41 N-heptad repeat and their use as HIV-1 vaccine candidates. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2317230121. [PMID: 38768344 PMCID: PMC11145295 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2317230121] [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: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Efforts to develop an HIV-1 vaccine include those focusing on conserved structural elements as the target of broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibodies. MAb D5 binds to a highly conserved hydrophobic pocket on the gp41 N-heptad repeat (NHR) coiled coil and neutralizes through prevention of viral fusion and entry. Assessment of 17-mer and 36-mer NHR peptides presenting the D5 epitope in rodent immunogenicity studies showed that the longer peptide elicited higher titers of neutralizing antibodies, suggesting that neutralizing epitopes outside of the D5 pocket may exist. Although the magnitude and breadth of neutralization elicited by NHR-targeting antigens are lower than that observed for antibodies directed to other epitopes on the envelope glycoprotein complex, it has been shown that NHR-directed antibodies are potentiated in TZM-bl cells containing the FcγRI receptor. Herein, we report the design and evaluation of covalently stabilized trimeric 51-mer peptides encompassing the complete gp41 NHR. We demonstrate that these peptide trimers function as effective antiviral entry inhibitors and retain the ability to present the D5 epitope. We further demonstrate in rodent and nonhuman primate immunization studies that our 51-mer constructs elicit a broader repertoire of neutralizing antibody and improved cross-clade neutralization of primary HIV-1 isolates relative to 17-mer and 36-mer NHR peptides in A3R5 and FcγR1-enhanced TZM-bl assays. These results demonstrate that sensitive neutralization assays can be used for structural enhancement of moderately potent neutralizing epitopes. Finally, we present expanded trimeric peptide designs which include unique low-molecular-weight scaffolds that provide versatility in our immunogen presentation strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengwei Wu
- Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, PA19486
| | | | | | - Michael Citron
- Discovery Biology, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, PA19486
| | - Peter S. Kim
- Office of the President, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, PA19486
| | | | | | | | - Renee Hrin
- Discovery Biology, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, PA19486
| | | | | | - Joseph G. Joyce
- Process Research and Development, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, PA19486
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2
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Rizvi SFA, Zhang H, Fang Q. Engineering peptide drug therapeutics through chemical conjugation and implication in clinics. Med Res Rev 2024. [PMID: 38704826 DOI: 10.1002/med.22046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
The development of peptide drugs has made tremendous progress in the past few decades because of the advancements in modification chemistry and analytical technologies. The novel-designed peptide drugs have been modified through various biochemical methods with improved diagnostic, therapeutic, and drug-delivery strategies. Researchers found it a helping hand to overcome the inherent limitations of peptides and bring continued advancements in their applications. Furthermore, the emergence of peptide-drug conjugates (PDCs)-utilizes target-oriented peptide moieties as a vehicle for cytotoxic payloads via conjugation with cleavable chemical agents, resulting in the key foundation of the new era of targeted peptide drugs. This review summarizes the various classifications of peptide drugs, suitable chemical modification strategies to improve the ADME (adsorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) features of peptide drugs, and recent (2015-early 2024) progress/achievements in peptide-based drug delivery systems as well as their fruitful implication in preclinical and clinical studies. Furthermore, we also summarized the brief description of other types of PDCs, including peptide-MOF conjugates and peptide-UCNP conjugates. The principal aim is to provide scattered and diversified knowledge in one place and to help researchers understand the pinching knots in the science of PDC development and progress toward a bright future of novel peptide drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Faheem Askari Rizvi
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Institute of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Haixia Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Quan Fang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Institute of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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3
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Lander A, Kong Y, Jin Y, Wu C, Luk LYP. Deciphering the Synthetic and Refolding Strategy of a Cysteine-Rich Domain in the Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor (TNF-R) for Racemic Crystallography Analysis and d-Peptide Ligand Discovery. ACS BIO & MED CHEM AU 2024; 4:68-76. [PMID: 38404743 PMCID: PMC10885103 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomedchemau.3c00060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Many cell-surface receptors are promising targets for chemical synthesis because of their critical roles in disease development. This synthetic approach enables investigations by racemic protein crystallography and ligand discovery by mirror-image methodologies. However, due to their complex nature, the chemical synthesis of a receptor can be a significant challenge. Here, we describe the chemical synthesis and folding of a central, cysteine-rich domain of the cell-surface receptor tumor necrosis factor 1 which is integral to binding of the cytokine TNF-α, namely, TNFR-1 CRD2. Racemic protein crystallography at 1.4 Å confirmed that the native binding conformation was preserved, and TNFR-1 CRD2 maintained its capacity to bind to TNF-α (KD ≈ 7 nM). Encouraged by this discovery, we carried out mirror-image phage display using the enantiomeric receptor mimic and identified a d-peptide ligand for TNFR-1 CRD2 (KD = 1 μM). This work demonstrated that cysteine-rich domains, including the central domains, can be chemically synthesized and used as mimics for investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander
J. Lander
- School
of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AT, U.K.
| | - Yifu Kong
- Department
of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, The MOE
Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State
Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University, Fujian Province 361005, China
| | - Yi Jin
- Manchester
Institute of Biotechnology, University of
Manchester, Manchester M1 7DN, U.K.
| | - Chuanliu Wu
- Department
of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, The MOE
Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State
Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University, Fujian Province 361005, China
| | - Louis Y. P. Luk
- School
of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AT, U.K.
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4
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Rizvi SF, Zhang L, Zhang H, Fang Q. Peptide-Drug Conjugates: Design, Chemistry, and Drug Delivery System as a Novel Cancer Theranostic. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2024; 7:309-334. [PMID: 38357281 PMCID: PMC10863443 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00269] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
The emergence of peptide-drug conjugates (PDCs) that utilize target-oriented peptide moieties as carriers of cytotoxic payloads, interconnected with various cleavable/noncleavable linkers, resulted in the key-foundation of the new era of targeted therapeutics. They are capable of retaining the integrity of conjugates in the blood circulatory system as well as releasing the drugs at the tumor microenvironment. Other valuable advantages are specificity and selectivity toward targeted-receptors, higher penetration ability, and drug-loading capacity, making them a suitable candidate to play their vital role as promising carrier agents. In this review, we summarized the types of cell-targeting (CTPs) and cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) that have broad applications in the advancement of targeted drug-delivery systems (DDS). Moreover, the techniques to overcome the limitations of peptide-chemistry for their extensive implementation to construct the PDCs. Besides this, the diversified breakthrough of linker chemistry, and ample knowledge of various cytotoxic payloads used in PDCs in recent years, as well as the mechanism of action of PDCs was critically discussed. The principal aim is to provide scattered and diversified knowledge in one place and to help researchers understand the pinching knots in the science of PDC development, also their progression toward a bright future for PDCs as novel theranostics in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Faheem
Askari Rizvi
- Key
Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and
Institute of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu P.R. China
- State
Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry
and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu P.R. China
- Institute
of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), The University of Lahore, Lahore, 54000, Punjab Pakistan
| | - Linjie Zhang
- State
Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry
and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu P.R. China
| | - Haixia Zhang
- State
Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry
and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu P.R. China
| | - Quan Fang
- Key
Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and
Institute of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu P.R. China
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5
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Chen YC, Wu HY, Lin LC, Chang CW, Liao PC. Characterizing the D-Amino Acid Position in Peptide Epimers by Using Higher-Energy Collisional Dissociation Tandem Mass Spectrometry: A Case Study of Liraglutide. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1379. [PMID: 38338662 PMCID: PMC10855602 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031379] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
D-amino acid-containing peptides (DAACPs) occur in biological and artificial environments. Since the importance of DAACPs has been recognized, various mass spectrometry-based analytical approaches have been developed. However, the capability of higher-energy collisional dissociation (HCD) fragmentation to characterize DAACP sites has not been evaluated. In this study, we compared the normalized spectra intensity under different conditions of HCD and used liraglutide along with its DAACPs as examples. Our results indicated that the difference in the intensity of y ions between DAACPs and all-L liraglutide could not only distinguish them but also localize the sites of D-amino acids in the DAACPs. Our data demonstrate the potential of using HCD for the site characterization of DAACPs, which may have great impact in biological studies and peptide drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Chih Chen
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yi Wu
- Instrumentation Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | | | - Chih-Wei Chang
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan
| | - Pao-Chi Liao
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan
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6
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Chen X, Liu F, Yu X, Li L, Yan J, Chen X, Liu Q, Liu B. An auristatin-based peptide-drug conjugate targeting Kita-Kyushu lung cancer antigen 1 for precision chemoradiotherapy in gastric cancer. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 241:114617. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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7
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Bak IG, Chae CG, Lee JS. Synthetic Control of Helical Polyisocyanates by Living Anionic Polymerization toward Peptide Mimicry. Macromolecules 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.1c02160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- In Gyu Bak
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), 123 Cheomdangwagi-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Geun Chae
- Advanced Materials Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Suk Lee
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), 123 Cheomdangwagi-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
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8
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Kleinman AJ, Pandrea I, Apetrei C. So Pathogenic or So What?-A Brief Overview of SIV Pathogenesis with an Emphasis on Cure Research. Viruses 2022; 14:135. [PMID: 35062339 PMCID: PMC8781889 DOI: 10.3390/v14010135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
HIV infection requires lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART) to control disease progression. Although ART has greatly extended the life expectancy of persons living with HIV (PWH), PWH nonetheless suffer from an increase in AIDS-related and non-AIDS related comorbidities resulting from HIV pathogenesis. Thus, an HIV cure is imperative to improve the quality of life of PWH. In this review, we discuss the origins of various SIV strains utilized in cure and comorbidity research as well as their respective animal species used. We briefly detail the life cycle of HIV and describe the pathogenesis of HIV/SIV and the integral role of chronic immune activation and inflammation on disease progression and comorbidities, with comparisons between pathogenic infections and nonpathogenic infections that occur in natural hosts of SIVs. We further discuss the various HIV cure strategies being explored with an emphasis on immunological therapies and "shock and kill".
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J. Kleinman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, DOM, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA;
| | - Ivona Pandrea
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA;
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Cristian Apetrei
- Division of Infectious Diseases, DOM, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA;
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA;
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9
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Lv X, Wang P, Li C, Cheng S, Bi Y, Li X. Zanamivir-Cholesterol Conjugate: A Long-Acting Neuraminidase Inhibitor with Potent Efficacy against Drug-Resistant Influenza Viruses. J Med Chem 2021; 64:17403-17412. [PMID: 34797984 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Antiviral therapy of influenza virus infections depends heavily on two viral neuraminidase (NA) inhibitors, oseltamivir (OSV) and zanamivir (ZNV). The efficacy of OSV is challenged by the development of viral resistance, while the clinical use of ZNV is limited by its poor pharmacokinetic profile and requirement for twice-daily intranasal administration. We have developed a novel NA inhibitor by conjugating ZNV to cholesterol. The ZNV-cholesterol conjugate showed markedly improved antiviral efficacy and plasma half-life compared with ZNV. Single-dose administration of the conjugate protected the mice from lethal challenges with wild-type or mutant H1N1 influenza viruses bearing an OSV-resistant H275Y-substitution. Mechanistic studies showed that the conjugate targeted the cell membrane and entered the host cells, thereby inhibiting the NA function and the assembly of progeny virions. The ZNV-cholesterol conjugate represents a potential new treatment for influenza infections with sustained effect. Cholesterol conjugation may be an effective strategy for improving the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of other small-molecule therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xun Lv
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huairou District, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Pengfei Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huairou District, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Chenning Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huairou District, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Shuihong Cheng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huairou District, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Yuhai Bi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huairou District, Beijing 101408, China.,Center for Influenza Research and Early-warning, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CASCIRE), Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xuebing Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huairou District, Beijing 101408, China.,Center for Influenza Research and Early-warning, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CASCIRE), Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
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10
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Gao B, Zhao D, Li L, Cheng Z, Guo Y. Antiviral Peptides with in vivo Activity: Development and Modes of Action. Chempluschem 2021; 86:1547-1558. [PMID: 34755499 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202100351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The viral pandemic has resulted in a growing demand for antiviral drugs. The existing small-molecule antiviral drugs are limited, due to their incidence of drug resistance and adverse side effects. As potential drugs, antiviral peptides have the benefits of high activity, high stability, and few side effects. Furthermore, the diversity of acquisition methods allows antiviral peptides to be quickly designed and yielded. The drug properties (such as high bioavailability and in vivo stability) of antiviral peptides can be improved by the developed modifications. Currently, two peptide antiviral drugs have been approved for the treatment of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Many antiviral peptides have entered clinical trials for the treatment of diseases caused by viruses. In addition, new antiviral peptides are continuously being identified and validated against virus infections. Given the benefits of antiviral peptides, they will become major antiviral drugs to combat new outbreaks caused by unknown viruses in the future. This review provides an overview of recent developments in antiviral peptides with in vivo activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Gao
- School of Public Health, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, 31 Construction Road, Donghe District, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, P. R. China
| | - Dongdong Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, 31 Construction Road, Donghe District, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, P. R. China
| | - Lingmu Li
- School of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, 31 Construction Road, Donghe District, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, P. R. China
| | - Zhigang Cheng
- School of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, 31 Construction Road, Donghe District, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, P. R. China
| | - Ye Guo
- School of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, 31 Construction Road, Donghe District, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, P. R. China
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Disease-Related Biomarkers, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, 31 Construction Road, Donghe District, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, P. R. China
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11
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Valiente PA, Wen H, Nim S, Lee J, Kim HJ, Kim J, Perez-Riba A, Paudel YP, Hwang I, Kim KD, Kim S, Kim PM. Computational Design of Potent D-Peptide Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2. J Med Chem 2021; 64:14955-14967. [PMID: 34624194 PMCID: PMC8525337 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Blocking the association between the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein receptor-binding domain (RBD) and the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is an attractive therapeutic approach to prevent the virus from entering human cells. While antibodies and other modalities have been developed to this end, d-amino acid peptides offer unique advantages, including serum stability, low immunogenicity, and low cost of production. Here, we designed potent novel D-peptide inhibitors that mimic the ACE2 α1-binding helix by searching a mirror-image version of the PDB. The two best designs bound the RBD with affinities of 29 and 31 nM and blocked the infection of Vero cells by SARS-CoV-2 with IC50 values of 5.76 and 6.56 μM, respectively. Notably, both D-peptides neutralized with a similar potency the infection of two variants of concern: B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 in vitro. These potent D-peptide inhibitors are promising lead candidates for developing SARS-CoV-2 prophylactic or therapeutic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro A. Valiente
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular
Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E1,
Canada
| | - Han Wen
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular
Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E1,
Canada
| | - Satra Nim
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular
Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E1,
Canada
| | - JinAh Lee
- Zoonotic Virus Laboratory, Institut
Pasteur Korea, 16, Daewangpangyo-ro 712 Beon-gil Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si,
Gyeonggi-do 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeon Ju Kim
- Zoonotic Virus Laboratory, Institut
Pasteur Korea, 16, Daewangpangyo-ro 712 Beon-gil Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si,
Gyeonggi-do 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinhee Kim
- Zoonotic Virus Laboratory, Institut
Pasteur Korea, 16, Daewangpangyo-ro 712 Beon-gil Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si,
Gyeonggi-do 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Albert Perez-Riba
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular
Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E1,
Canada
| | - Yagya Prasad Paudel
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular
Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E1,
Canada
| | - Insu Hwang
- Center for Convergent Research of Emerging Virus
Infection, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology,
Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyun-Do Kim
- Center for Convergent Research of Emerging Virus
Infection, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology,
Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungtaek Kim
- Zoonotic Virus Laboratory, Institut
Pasteur Korea, 16, Daewangpangyo-ro 712 Beon-gil Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si,
Gyeonggi-do 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Philip M. Kim
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular
Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E1,
Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics,
University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E1,
Canada
- Department of Computer Science,
University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E1,
Canada
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12
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Rubio AA, Filsinger Interrante MV, Bell BN, Brown CL, Bruun TUJ, LaBranche CC, Montefiori DC, Kim PS. A Derivative of the D5 Monoclonal Antibody That Targets the gp41 N-Heptad Repeat of HIV-1 with Broad Tier-2-Neutralizing Activity. J Virol 2021; 95:e0235020. [PMID: 33980592 PMCID: PMC8274607 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02350-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
HIV-1 infection is initiated by the viral glycoprotein Env, which, after interaction with cellular coreceptors, adopts a transient conformation known as the prehairpin intermediate (PHI). The N-heptad repeat (NHR) is a highly conserved region of gp41 exposed in the PHI; it is the target of the FDA-approved drug enfuvirtide and of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). However, to date, these mAbs have only been weakly effective against tier-1 HIV-1 strains, which are most sensitive to neutralizing antibodies. Here, we engineered and tested 11 IgG variants of D5, an anti-NHR mAb, by recombining previously described mutations in four of D5's six antibody complementarity-determining regions. One variant, D5_AR, demonstrated 6-fold enhancement in the 50% inhibitory dose (ID50) against lentivirus pseudotyped with HXB2 Env. D5_AR exhibited weak cross-clade neutralizing activity against a diverse set of tier-2 HIV-1 viruses, which are less sensitive to neutralizing antibodies than tier-1 viruses and are the target of current antibody-based vaccine efforts. In addition, the neutralization potency of D5_AR IgG was greatly enhanced in target cells expressing FcγRI, with ID50 values of <0.1 μg/ml; this immunoglobulin receptor is expressed on macrophages and dendritic cells, which are implicated in the early stages of HIV-1 infection of mucosal surfaces. D5 and D5_AR have equivalent neutralization potency in IgG, Fab, and single-chain variable-fragment (scFv) formats, indicating that neutralization is not impacted by steric hindrance. Taken together, these results provide support for vaccine strategies that target the PHI by eliciting antibodies against the gp41 NHR and support investigation of anti-NHR mAbs in nonhuman primate passive immunization studies. IMPORTANCE Despite advances in antiretroviral therapy, HIV remains a global epidemic and has claimed more than 32 million lives. Accordingly, developing an effective HIV vaccine remains an urgent public health need. The gp41 N-heptad repeat (NHR) of the HIV-1 prehairpin intermediate (PHI) is highly conserved (>90%) and is inhibited by the FDA-approved drug enfuvirtide, making it an attractive vaccine target. However, to date, anti-NHR antibodies have not been potent. Here, we engineered D5_AR, a more potent variant of the anti-NHR antibody D5, and established its ability to inhibit HIV-1 strains that are more difficult to neutralize and are more representative of circulating strains (tier-2 strains). The neutralizing activity of D5_AR was greatly potentiated in cells expressing FcγRI; FcγRI is expressed on cells that are implicated at the earliest stages of sexual HIV-1 transmission. Taken together, these results bolster efforts to target the gp41 NHR and the PHI for vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adonis A. Rubio
- Stanford ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Biology, Stanford University School of Humanities & Sciences, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Maria V. Filsinger Interrante
- Stanford ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Stanford Biophysics Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Stanford Medical Scientist Training Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Benjamin N. Bell
- Stanford ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Clayton L. Brown
- Stanford ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Theodora U. J. Bruun
- Stanford ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Celia C. LaBranche
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - David C. Montefiori
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Peter S. Kim
- Stanford ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, California, USA
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13
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Cooper BM, Iegre J, O' Donovan DH, Ölwegård Halvarsson M, Spring DR. Peptides as a platform for targeted therapeutics for cancer: peptide-drug conjugates (PDCs). Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:1480-1494. [PMID: 33346298 DOI: 10.1039/d0cs00556h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Peptides can offer the versatility needed for a successful oncology drug discovery approach. Peptide-drug conjugates (PDCs) are an emerging targeted therapeutic that present increased tumour penetration and selectivity. Despite these advantages, there are still limitations for the use of peptides as therapeutics exemplified through their slow progression to get into the clinic and limited oral bioavailability. New approaches to address these problems have been studied and successfully implemented to enhance the stability of peptides and their constructs. There is great promise for the future of PDCs with two molecules already on the market and many variations currently undergoing clinical trials, such as bicycle-toxin conjugates and peptide-dendrimer conjugates. This review summarises the entire process needed for the design and successful development of an oncology PDC including chemical and nanomaterial strategies to enhance peptide stability within circulation, the function of each component of a PDC construct, and current examples in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany M Cooper
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.
| | - Jessica Iegre
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.
| | | | - Maria Ölwegård Halvarsson
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - David R Spring
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.
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14
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Lu L, Su S, Yang H, Jiang S. Antivirals with common targets against highly pathogenic viruses. Cell 2021; 184:1604-1620. [PMID: 33740455 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Historically, emerging viruses appear constantly and have cost millions of human lives. Currently, climate change and intense globalization have created favorable conditions for viral transmission. Therefore, effective antivirals, especially those targeting the conserved protein in multiple unrelated viruses, such as the compounds targeting RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, are urgently needed to combat more emerging and re-emerging viruses in the future. Here we reviewed the development of antivirals with common targets, including those against the same protein across viruses, or the same viral function, to provide clues for development of antivirals for future epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Shan Su
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Haitao Yang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai 201210, China.
| | - Shibo Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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