Imino sugars inhibit the formation and secretion of bovine viral diarrhea virus, a pestivirus model of hepatitis C virus: implications for the development of broad spectrum anti-hepatitis virus agents

Expanding horizons of iminosugars as broad-spectrum anti-virals: mechanism, efficacy and novel developments

Iminosugars, a class of polyhydroxylated cyclic alkaloids with intriguing properties, hold promising therapeutic potentials against a broad spectrum of enveloped viruses, including DENV, HCV, HIV, and influenza viruses. Mechanistically, iminosugars act as the competitive inhibitors of host endoplasmic reticular α-glucosidases I and II to  disrupt the proper folding of viral nascent glycoproteins, which thereby exerts antiviral effects. Remarkably, the glycoproteins of many enveloped viruses are significantly more dependent on the calnexin pathway of the protein folding than most host glycoproteins. Therefore, extensive interests and efforts have been devoted to exploit iminosugars as broad-spectrum antiviral agents. This review provides the summary and insights into the recent advancements in the development of novel iminosugars as effective and selective antiviral agents against a variety of enveloped viruses, as well as the understandings of their antiviral mechanisms.

Transcriptomic Analysis of Metformin's Effect on Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Infection

(1) Background: Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) causes calf diarrhea, bovine respiratory syndrome, and cow abortion, resulting in substantial economic losses in the cattle industry. Owing to its persistent infection mechanism, BVDV is a major challenge in the treatment of cattle. (2) Methods: To determine how metformin (Met) inhibits the interaction between BVDV and host cells, we treated BVDV-infected cells with Met. We then performed an RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of Met-treated cells infected with BVDV to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Consequently, the RNA-seq results were validated through real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). (3) Results: Our analysis revealed 3169 DEGs in the Met-treated cells (Met group) vs. the negative controls (NC group) and 2510 DEGs in the BVDV-infected cells after pretreatment with Met (MetBVDV group) vs. the BVDV-infected cells (BVDV group). The DEGs were involved in MDBK interactions during BVDV infection, as indicated by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses. The potential interactions of the DEGs were confirmed via a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Met treatment induced autophagy signaling activity and the expression of the autophagy-related genes ATG2A, ATG4B, ATG10, and ATG12 in BVDV-infected Met-pretreated cells. (4) Conclusions: We found that the host transcriptomic profile was affected by BVDV infection and Met pretreatment. These findings offer valuable new insights and provide support for future studies on the inhibition of BVDV replication by Met.

In Vitro Virucidal Activity of Different Essential Oils against Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Used as Surrogate of Human Hepatitis C Virus

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major hepatotropic virus that affects humans with increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma. The bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) causes abortion, calf mortality and poor reproductive performance in cattle. Due the difficulties of in vitro cultivation for HCV, BVDV has been used as surrogate for in vitro assessment of the efficacy of antivirals. Essential oils (EOs) display antiviral and virucidal activity on several viral pathogens. In this study, the virucidal activity of five EOs, Salvia officinalis L. EO (SEO), Melissa officinalis L. EO (MEO), Citrus lemon EO (LEO), Rosmarinus officinalis L. EO (REO) and Thymus vulgaris L. EO (TEO) against BVDV was evaluated in vitro at different concentrations for several time contacts. MEO and LEO were able to considerably inactivate BVDV with a time- and dose-dependent fashion. MEO and LEO at the highest concentrations decreased viral titer by 2.00 and 2.25 log10 TCID50/50 μL at 8 h contact time, respectively. SEO, REO and TEO displayed mild virucidal activity at the highest concentrations for 8 h contact times. In this study, the virucidal efficacies of MEO and LEO against BVDV were observed regardless of compound concentration and contact time. Further studies are needed to confirm the potential use of MEO and LEO as surface disinfectants.

Addition of allyl Grignard to nitriles in air and at room temperature: experimental and computational mechanistic insights in pH-switchable synthesis

A straightforward and selective conversion of nitriles into highly substituted tetrahydropyridines, aminoketones or enamines by using allylmagnesium bromide as an addition partner (under neat conditions) and subsequent treatment with different aqueous-based hydrolysis protocols is reported. Refuting the conventional wisdom of the incompatibility of Grignard reagents with air and moisture, we herein report that the presence of water allows us to promote the chemoselective formation of the target tetrahydropyridines over other competing products (even in the case of highly challenging aliphatic nitriles). Moreover, the careful tuning of both the reaction media employed (acid or basic aqueous solutions for the hydrolysis protocol) and the electronic properties of the starting nitriles allowed us to design a multi-task system capable of producing either β-aminoketones or enamines in a totally selective manner. Importantly, and for the first time in the chemistry of main-group polar organometallic reagents in non-conventional protic solvents (e.g., water), both experimental and computational studies showed that the excellent efficiency and selectivity observed in aqueous media cannot be replicated by using standard dry volatile organic solvents (VOCs) under inert atmosphere conditions.

Discovery of N-(phenylsulfonyl)thiazole-2-carboxamides as potent α-glucosidase inhibitors

In a search for novel nonsugar α-glucosidase inhibitors for diabetes treatment, a series of N-(phenylsulfonyl)thiazole-2-carboxamide derivatives were designed and synthesized, the α-glucosidase inhibitory activities were then evaluated. Several compounds with promising α-glucosidase inhibitory effects were identified. Among these, compound W24 which shows low cytotoxicity and good α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 53.0 ± 7.7 μM, is more competitive compared with the commercially available drug acarbose (IC50  = 228.3 ± 9.2 μM). W24 was identified as a promising candidate in the development of α-glucosidase inhibitors. Molecular docking studies and molecular dynamics simulation were also performed to reveal the binding pattern of the active compound to α-glucosidase, and the binding free energy of the best compound W24 was 36.3403 ± 3.91 kcal/mol.

Synthesis, anti-diabetic and in silico QSAR analysis of flavone hydrazide Schiff base derivatives

This study reports synthesis of flavone hydrazide Schiff base derivatives with diverse functionalities for the cure of diabetic mellitus and their a-glucosidase inhibitor and in silico studies. In this regard, Flavone derivatives 1-20 has synthesized and characterized by various spectroscopic techniques. These compounds showed significant potential towards a-glucosidase enzyme inhibition activity and found to be many fold better active than the standard Acarbose (IC₅₀ = 39.45 ± 0.11 µM). The IC₅₀values ranges 1.02-38.1 µM. Among these, compounds 1(IC₅₀ = 4.6 ± 0.23 µM), 2(IC₅₀ = 1.02 ± 0.2 µM), 3(IC₅₀ = 7.1 ± 0.11 µM), 4(IC₅₀ = 8.3 ± 0.34 µM), 5(IC₅₀ = 7.4 ± 0.15 µM), 6(IC₅₀ = 8.5 ± 0.27 µM) and 18 (IC₅₀ = 1.09 ± 0.26 µM) showed highest activity. It was revealed that the analogues having -OH substitution have higher activity than their look likes. The molecular docking analysis revealed that these molecules have high potential to interact with the protein molecule and have high ability to bind with the enzyme. Furthermore, in silico pharmacokinetics, physicochemical studies were also performed for these derivatives. The bioavailability radar analysis explored that of all these compounds have excellent bioavailability for five (5) descriptors, however, the sixth descriptor of instauration is slightly increased in all compounds.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Tetrahydropyridines’ Stereoselective Formation, How Lockdown Assisted in the Identification of the Features of Its Mechanism

The multicomponent reaction of aldehydes, cyano-containing C-H acids, esters of 3-oxocarboxylic acid and ammonium acetate led to unexpected results. The boiling of starting materials in methanol for one to two hours resulted in the formation of polysubstituted 1,4,5,6-tetrahydropyridines with two or three stereogenic centers. During the 2020 lockdown, we obtained key intermediates of this six-step domino reaction. A number of fast and slow reactions occurred during the prolonged stirring of the reaction mass at rt. Sequence: 1. Knoevenagel condensation; 2. Michael addition; 3. Mannich reaction; 4. cyclization—fast reactions and cyclization of the product polysubstituted 2-hydroxypiperidine—was isolated after 40 min stirring at rt. Further monitoring proved the slow dehydration of 2-hydroxypiperidine to obtain 3,4,5,6-tetrahydropyridine after 7 days. Then, four-month isomerization occurred with 1,4,5,6-tetrahydropyridine formation. All reactions were stereoselective. Key intermediates and products structures were verified by X-ray diffraction analysis. Additionally, we specified conditions for the selective intermediates’ preparation.

Benzimidazole-2-Phenyl-Carboxamides as Dual-Target Inhibitors of BVDV Entry and Replication

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), also known as Pestivirus A, causes severe infection mostly in cattle, but also in pigs, sheep and goats, causing huge economical losses on agricultural farms every year. The infections are actually controlled by isolation of persistently infected animals and vaccination, but no antivirals are currently available to control the spread of BVDV on farms. BVDV binds the host cell using envelope protein E2, which has only recently been targeted in the research of a potent and efficient antiviral. In contrast, RdRp has been successfully inhibited by several classes of compounds in the last few decades. As a part of an enduring antiviral research agenda, we designed a new series of derivatives that emerged from an isosteric substitution of the main scaffold in previously reported anti-BVDV compounds. Here, the new compounds were characterized and tested, where several turned out to be potent and selectively active against BVDV. The mechanism of action was thoroughly studied using a time-of-drug-addition assay and the results were validated using docking simulations.

An Efficient Synthesis of 3,4-dihydro-2(1H)-pyrimidinones from Aldehyde Bisulfite Adducts using Recyclable Wang Resin Supported Sulfonic Acid Catalyst

Abstract:

An efficient one-pot multicomponent synthesis of 3,4- dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones has been developed from aldehyde bisulfite adducts, ethyl acetoacetate and urea using recyclable polymer- supported sulfonic acid catalyst. This new method provides several advantages over the previous synthesis, including high product yields, commercially viable, minimal workup operations and sustainable chemical practices.

Murine models of dengue virus infection for novel drug discovery

INTRODUCTION

Dengue virus (DENV) is the causative agent of the most prevalent human disease transmitted by mosquitoes in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. At present, no antiviral drug is available and the difficulties to develop highly protective vaccines against the four DENV serotypes maintain the requirement of effective options for dengue chemotherapy.

AREAS COVERED

The availability of animal models that reproduce human disease is a very valuable tool for the preclinical evaluation of potential antivirals. Here, the main murine models of dengue infection are described, including immunocompetent wild-type mice, immunocompromised mice deficient in diverse components of the interferon (IFN) pathway and humanized mice. The main findings in antiviral testing of DENV inhibitory compounds in murine models are also presented.

EXPERT OPINION

At present, there is no murine model that fully recapitulates human disease. However, immunocompromised mice deficient in IFN-α/β and -γ receptors, with their limitations, have shown to be the most suitable system for antiviral preclinical testing. In fact, the AG129 mouse model allowed the identification of celgosivir, an inhibitor of cellular glucosidases, as a promising option for DENV therapy. However, clinical trials still were not successful, emphasizing the difficulties in the transition from preclinical testing to human treatment.

β-Aldehyde ketones as dual inhibitors of aldose reductase and α-glucosidase with antioxidant properties

The synthesized β-aldehyde ketone compounds have strong biological activity because of their ionizable hydroxyl groups.

First biocatalytic synthesis of piperidine derivatives via an immobilized lipase-catalyzed multicomponent reaction

A robust and reusable biocatalyst was constructed via immobilization of lipase onto magnetic halloysite nanotubes for the synthesis of piperidine derivatives.

The contribution of bovines to human health against viral infections

In the last 40 years, novel viruses have evolved at a much faster pace than other pathogens. Viral diseases pose a significant threat to public health around the world. Bovines have a longstanding history of significant contributions to human nutrition, agricultural, industrial purposes, medical research, drug and vaccine development, and livelihood. The life cycle, genomic structures, viral proteins, and pathophysiology of bovine viruses studied in vitro paved the way for understanding the human counterparts. Calf model has been used for testing vaccines against RSV, papillomavirus vaccines and anti-HCV agents were principally developed after using the BPV and BVDV model, respectively. Some bovine viruses-based vaccines (BPIV-3 and bovine rotaviruses) were successfully developed, clinically tried, and commercially produced. Cows, immunized with HIV envelope glycoprotein, produced effective broadly neutralizing antibodies in their serum and colostrum against HIV. Here, we have summarized a few examples of human viral infections for which the use of bovines has contributed to the acquisition of new knowledge to improve human health against viral infections covering the convergence between some human and bovine viruses and using bovines as disease models. Additionally, the production of vaccines and drugs, bovine-based products were covered, and the precautions in dealing with bovines and bovine-based materials.

Design, synthesis, and α-glucosidase-inhibitory activity of phenoxy-biscoumarin-N-phenylacetamide hybrids

Thirteen new phenoxy-biscoumarin-N-phenylacetamide derivatives (7a-m) were designed based on a molecular hybridization approach as new α-glucosidase inhibitors. These compounds were synthesized with high yields and evaluated in vitro for their inhibitory activity against yeast α-glucosidase. The obtained results revealed that a significant proportion of the synthesized compounds showed considerable α-glucosidase-inhibitory activity in comparison to acarbose as a positive control. Representatively, 2-(4-(bis(4-hydroxy-2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)methyl)phenoxy)-N-(4-bromophenyl)acetamide (7f), with IC₅₀  = 41.73 ± 0.38 µM against α-glucosidase, was around 18 times more potent than acarbose (IC₅₀  = 750.0 ± 10.0 µM). This compound was a competitive α-glucosidase inhibitor. Molecular modeling and dynamic simulation of these compounds confirmed the obtained results through in vitro experiments. Prediction of the druglikeness/ADME/toxicity of the compound 7f and comparison with the standard drug acarbose showed that the new compound 7f was probably better than the standard drug in terms of toxicity.

Novel carbohydrate-triazole derivatives as potential α-glucosidase inhibitors

A series of novel pyrano[2, 3-d]trizaole compounds were synthesized and their α-glucosidase inhibitory activities were evaluated by in vitro enzyme assay. The experimental data demonstrated that compound 10f showed up to 10-fold higher inhibition (IC₅₀74.0 ± 1.3 μmol·L^-1) than acarbose. The molecular docking revealed that compound 10f could bind to α-glucosidase via the hydrophobic, π-π stacking, and hydrogen bonding interactions. The results may benefit further structural modifications to find new and potent α-glucosidase inhibitors.

Glucosidase Inhibitors Screening in Microalgae and Cyanobacteria Isolated from the Amazon and Proteomic Analysis of Inhibitor Producing Synechococcus sp. GFB01

Microalgae and cyanobacteria are good sources for prospecting metabolites of biotechnological interest, including glucosidase inhibitors. These inhibitors act on enzymes related to various biochemical processes; they are involved in metabolic diseases, such as diabetes and Gaucher disease, tumors and viral infections, thus, they are interesting hubs for the development of new drugs and therapies. In this work, the screening of 63 environmental samples collected in the Brazilian Amazon found activity against β-glucosidase, of at least 60 min, in 13.85% of the tested extracts, with Synechococcus sp. GFB01 showing inhibitory activity of 90.2% for α-glucosidase and 96.9% against β-glucosidase. It was found that the nutritional limitation due to a reduction in the concentration of sodium nitrate, despite not being sufficient to cause changes in cell growth and photosynthetic apparatus, resulted in reduced production of α and β-glucosidase inhibitors and differential protein expression. The proteomic analysis of cyanobacteria isolated from the Amazon is unprecedented, with this being the first work to evaluate the protein expression of Synechococcus sp. GFB01 subjected to nutritional stress. This evaluation helps to better understand the metabolic responses of this organism, especially related to the production of inhibitors, adding knowledge to the industrial potential of these cyanobacterial compounds.

Robust, highly active, and stable supported Co(ii) nanoparticles on magnetic cellulose nanofiber-functionalized for the multi-component reactions of piperidines and alcohol oxidation

The new recyclable cobalt three-core magnetic catalyst obtained by anchoring a Schiff base ligand sector and cellulose nanofiber slings on MNP (Fe3O4) was prepared and named as MNP@CNF@ATSM-Co(ii). Separately, MNPs and CNF have adsorbent properties of great interest. In this way, this catalyst was designed to synthesize piperidine derivatives under solvent-free conditions and alcohol oxidation reactions in EtOH as the solvent. It should be noted that this catalyst is environmentally safe and does not need an external base. This MNPs@CNF@ATSM-Co(ii) separable catalyst has been evaluated using various characterization techniques such as FT-IR, XRD, FE-SEM, EDX, EDS, ICP, TGA, DLS, HRTEM, and VSM. The catalyst was compatible with a variety of benzyl alcohols, benzaldehydes, and amines derivatives, and gave complimentary coupling products with sufficient interest for all of them. The synergistic performance of Co (trinuclear) in the catalyst was demonstrated and its different homologs such as MNPs, MNPs@CNF, MNPs@CNF@ATS-Co(ii), and MNPs@CNF@ATSM-Co(ii) were separately synthesized and applied to a model reaction, and then their catalytic activity was investigated. Also, the performance of these components for the oxidation reaction of alcohols was evaluated. The advantages of the current protocol include the use of a sustainable and safe low temperature, eco-friendly solvent no additive, and long-term stability and magnetic recyclability of the catalyst for at least five successive runs, thus following green chemistry principles. This protocol is a benign and environment-friendly method for oxidation and heterocycle synthesis. This powerful super-magnetic catalyst can use its three arms to advance the reactions, displaying its power for multi-component reactions and oxidation.

Design and synthesis of novel quinazolinone-pyrazole derivatives as potential α-glucosidase inhibitors: Structure-activity relationship, molecular modeling and kinetic study

In this study, a new series of quinazolinone-pyrazole hybrids were designed, synthesized and screened for their α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. The results of the in vitro screening indicated that all the molecular hybrids exhibited more inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ values ranging from 60.5 ± 0.3 µM-186.6 ± 20 μM) in comparison to standard acarbose (IC₅₀ = 750.0 ± 10.0 µM). Limited structure-activity relationship suggested that the variation in the inhibitory activities of the compounds affected by different substitutions on phenyl rings of diphenyl pyrazole moiety. The enzyme kinetic studies of the most potent compound 9i revealed that it inhibited α-glucosidase in a competitive mode with a Ki of 56 μM. Molecular docking study was performed to predict the putative binding interaction. As expected, all pharmacophoric moieties used in the initial structure design playing a pivotal role in the interaction with the binding site of the enzyme. In addition, by performing molecular dynamic investigation and MM-GBSA calculation, we investigated the difference in structural perturbation and dynamic behavior that is observed over α-glycosidase in complex with the most active compound and acarbose relative to unbound α-glycosidase enzyme.

Novel Coumarin Containing Dithiocarbamate Derivatives as Potent α-Glucosidase Inhibitors for Management of Type 2 Diabetes

BACKGROUND

α-Glucosidase is a hydrolyzing enzyme that plays a crucial role in the degradation of carbohydrates and starch to glucose. Hence, α-glucosidase is an important target in carbohydrate mediated diseases such as diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, novel coumarin containing dithiocarbamate derivatives 4a-n were synthesized and evaluated against α-glucosidase in vitro and in silico.

METHODS

These compounds were obtained from the reaction between 4-(bromomethyl)-7- methoxy-2H-chromen-2-one 1, carbon disulfide 2, and primary or secondary amines 3a-n in the presence of potassium hydroxide and ethanol at room temperature. In vitro α-glucosidase inhibition and kinetic study of these compounds were performed. Furthermore, a docking study of the most potent compounds was also performed by Auto Dock Tools (version 1.5.6).

RESULTS

Obtained results showed that all the synthesized compounds exhibited prominent inhibitory activities (IC50 = 85.0 ± 4.0-566.6 ± 8.6 μM) in comparison to acarbose as a standard inhibitor (IC50 = 750.0 ± 9.0 μM). Among them, the secondary amine derivative 4d with pendant indole group was the most potent inhibitor. Enzyme kinetic study of the compound 4d revealed that this compound competes with a substrate to connect to the active site of α-glucosidase and therefore is a competitive inhibitor. Moreover, a molecular docking study predicted that this compound interacted with the α-glucosidase active site pocket.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that the coumarin-dithiocarbamate scaffold can be a promising lead structure for designing potent α-glucosidase inhibitors for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Cu(I)-Catalyzed Click Chemistry in Glycoscience and Their Diverse Applications

Copper(I)-catalyzed 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition between organic azides and terminal alkynes, commonly known as CuAAC or click chemistry, has been identified as one of the most successful, versatile, reliable, and modular strategies for the rapid and regioselective construction of 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles as diversely functionalized molecules. Carbohydrates, an integral part of living cells, have several fascinating features, including their structural diversity, biocompatibility, bioavailability, hydrophilicity, and superior ADME properties with minimal toxicity, which support increased demand to explore them as versatile scaffolds for easy access to diverse glycohybrids and well-defined glycoconjugates for complete chemical, biochemical, and pharmacological investigations. This review highlights the successful development of CuAAC or click chemistry in emerging areas of glycoscience, including the synthesis of triazole appended carbohydrate-containing molecular architectures (mainly glycohybrids, glycoconjugates, glycopolymers, glycopeptides, glycoproteins, glycolipids, glycoclusters, and glycodendrimers through regioselective triazole forming modular and bio-orthogonal coupling protocols). It discusses the widespread applications of these glycoproducts as enzyme inhibitors in drug discovery and development, sensing, gelation, chelation, glycosylation, and catalysis. This review also covers the impact of click chemistry and provides future perspectives on its role in various emerging disciplines of science and technology.

Synthesis, In vitro α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Potential and Molecular Docking Studies of 2-Amino-1,3,4-Oxadiazole Derivatives

BACKGROUND

In the recent past, we have synthesized and reported different derivatives of oxadiazoles as potential α-glucosidase inhibitors, keeping in mind, the pharmacological aspects of oxadiazole moiety and in continuation of our ongoing research on the chemistry and bioactivity of new heterocyclic compounds.

METHODS

1,3,4-Oxadiazole derivatives (1-14) have been synthesized and characterized by different spectroscopic techniques such as 1H-, 13C-NMR and HREI-MS.

RESULTS

The synthetic derivatives were screened for α-glucosidase inhibitory potential. All compounds exhibited good inhibitory activity with IC50 values ranging between 0.80 ± 0.1 to 45.1 ± 1.7 μM in comparison with the standard acarbose having IC50 value 38.45 ± 0.80 μM.

CONCLUSION

Thirteen compounds 1-6 and 8-14 showed potential inhibitory activity as compared to the standard acarbose having IC50 value 38.45 ± 0.80 μM, however, only one compound 7 (IC50 = 45.1 ± 1.7 μM) was found to be less active. Compound 14 (IC50 = 0.80 ± 0.1 μM) showed promising inhibitory activity among all synthetic derivatives. Molecular docking studies were also conducted for the active compounds to understand the ligand-enzyme binding interactions.

Synthesis of hydroxymethyl analogues of mannostatin A and their evaluation as inhibitors of GH38 α-mannosidases

Analogues of mannostatin A were synthesised and evaluated as inhibitors of GH38 α-mannosidases. Different regioselectivity of aziridine opening with sodium methanethiolate was observed and investigated by quantum mechanics calculations.

Iminosugars: A host-targeted approach to combat Flaviviridae infections

N-linked glycosylation is the most common form of protein glycosylation and is required for the proper folding, trafficking, and/or receptor binding of some host and viral proteins. As viruses lack their own glycosylation machinery, they are dependent on the host's machinery for these processes. Certain iminosugars are known to interfere with the N-linked glycosylation pathway by targeting and inhibiting α-glucosidases I and II in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Perturbing ER α-glucosidase function can prevent these enzymes from removing terminal glucose residues on N-linked glycans, interrupting the interaction between viral glycoproteins and host chaperone proteins that is necessary for proper folding of the viral protein. Iminosugars have demonstrated broad-spectrum antiviral activity in vitro and in vivo against multiple viruses. This review discusses the broad activity of iminosugars against Flaviviridae. Iminosugars have shown favorable activity against multiple members of the Flaviviridae family in vitro and in murine models of disease, although the activity and mechanism of inhibition can be virus-specfic. While iminosugars are not currently approved for the treatment of viral infections, their potential use as future host-targeted antiviral (HTAV) therapies continues to be investigated.

Identification of an Antiviral Compound from the Pandemic Response Box that Efficiently Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Infection In Vitro

With over 50 million currently confirmed cases worldwide, including more than 1.3 million deaths, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has a major impact on the economy and health care system. Currently, limited prophylactic or therapeutic intervention options are available against SARS-CoV-2. In this study, 400 compounds from the antimicrobial “pandemic response box” library were screened for inhibiting properties against SARS-CoV-2. An initial screen on Vero E6 cells identified five compounds that inhibited SARS-CoV-2 replication. However, validation of the selected hits in a human lung cell line highlighted that only a single compound, namely Retro-2.1, efficiently inhibited SARS-CoV-2 replication. Additional analysis revealed that the antiviral activity of Retro-2.1 occurs at a post-entry stage of the viral replication cycle. Combined, these data demonstrate that stringent in vitro screening of preselected compounds in multiple cell lines refines the rapid identification of new potential antiviral candidate drugs targeting SARS-CoV-2.

Anti-BVDV Activity Evaluation of Naphthoimidazole Derivatives Compared with Parental Imidazoquinoline Compounds

Background:

Pestivirus genus includes animal pathogens which are involved in economic impact for the livestock industry. Among others, Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus (BVDV) establish a persistent infection in cattle causing a long list of symptoms and a high mortality rate. In the last decades, we synthesised and reported a certain number of anti-BVDV compounds.

Methods:

In them, imidazoquinoline derivatives turned out as the most active. Their mechanism of actions has been deeply investigated, BVDV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RpRd) resulted as target and the way of binding was predicted in silico through three main H-bond interaction with the target.

The prediction could be confirmed by target or ligand mutation. The first approach has already been performed and published confirming the in silico prediction.

Results:

Here, we present how the ligand chemical modification affects the anti-BVDV activity. The designed compounds were synthesised and tested against BVDV as in silico assay negative control.

Conclusion:

The antiviral results confirmed the predicted mechanism of action, as the newly synthesised compounds resulted not active in the in vitro BVDV infection inhibition.

Chemistry, Alpha-glucosidase and Radical Scavenging Properties of Uranyl(VI) Hydrazide Complexes

BACKGROUND

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antitumoral activities among others are essential characteristics in the development of novel therapeutic compounds. Acid hydrazides can form complexation with certain metal ions that positively enhance these biological characteristics.

OBJECTIVE

Five new complexes of uranium with hydrazide ligands were synthesized at room temperature.

METHODS

The characterization was done by spectroscopic methods (ESI-Mass, IR, 1H-NMR, 13CNMR), CHN analysis and conductivity measurements. Metal complexes along with their respective ligands were further screened for their antioxidant (DPPH, superoxide and nitric oxide free radicals) properties and enzyme inhibition (α-glucosidase) activities.

RESULTS

Elemental and spectral data indicate octahedral geometry around uranyl (UO2 2+) species. Magnetic moments indicate the diamagnetic nature of uranyl(VI) ion in the complex in solid state. IC50 values showed potential antioxidant behavior of uranyl complexes demonstrating interesting structure-activity relationships. In general, hydrazide ligands were not active against superoxide and nitric oxide radicals while varying degree of results were observed against DPPH radical whereas all uranyl-complexes showed promising radical scavenging activities against all of them. Promising inhibitory potential was displayed by UO2 +2 hydrazide complexes against α- glucosidases whereas free hydrazide ligands were inactive.

CONCLUSION

Structure function relationship demonstrates that the nature of ligand, position of substituent, electronic and steric effects are significant factors affecting the radical scavenging and enzyme inhibition activities of the compounds.

Lewis acid-catalysed nucleophilic opening of a bicyclic hemiaminal followed by ring contraction: Access to functionalized L-idonojirimycin derivatives

The Lewis acid-catalyzed nucleophilic opening of a D-gluco-configured bicyclic hemiaminal has been examined. Several Lewis acids and silylated nucleophiles have been screened allowing the introduction of acetophenone, phosphonate or nitrile at the pseudoanomeric position in satisfactory yields and high 1,2 trans stereoselectivities. Their skeletal rearrangement triggered by the N-benzyl anchimeric assistance provided the corresponding L-ido-configured piperidines displaying various functional groups at C-6 position in good yield.

Alkyl-imino sugars inhibit the pro-oncogenic ion channel function of human papillomavirus (HPV) E5

Despite the availability of prophylactic vaccines the burden of human papillomavirus (HPV) associated malignancy remains high and there is a need to develop additional therapeutic strategies to complement vaccination. We have previously shown that the poorly characterised E5 oncoprotein forms a virus-coded ion channel or viroporin that was sensitive to the amantadine derivative rimantadine. We now demonstrate that alkylated imino sugars, which have antiviral activity against a number of viruses, inhibit E5 channel activity in vitro. Using molecular modelling we predict that imino sugars intercalate between E5 protomers to prevent channel oligomerisation. We explored the ability of these viroporin inhibitors to block E5-mediated activation of mitogenic signalling in keratinocytes. Treatment with either rimantadine or imino sugars prevented ERK-MAPK phosphorylation and reduced cyclin B1 expression in cells expressing E5 from a number of high-risk HPV types. Moreover, viroporin inhibitors also reduced ERK-MAPK activation and cyclin B1 expression in differentiating primary human keratinocytes containing high-risk HPV18. These observations provide evidence of a key role for E5 viroporin function during the HPV life cycle. Viroporin inhibitors could be utilised for stratified treatment of HPV associated tumours prior to virus integration, or as true antiviral therapies to eliminate virus prior to malignant transformation.

•

Imino sugars inhibit the viroporin activity of the E5 oncoprotein.

•

Imino sugars likely interact at E5 protomer interfaces within a channel to prevent oligomerisation.

•

Imino sugars and adamantanes block mitogenic signalling mediated by E5 from a range of high-risk HPV types.

•

Viroporin inhibitors reduce mitogenic signalling in differentiating primary keratinocytes containing high-risk HPV18.