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Su C, He J, Wang L, Hu Y, Cao J, Bai B, Qi J, Gao GF, Yang M, Wang Q. Structural characteristics of BtKY72 RBD bound to bat ACE2 reveal multiple key residues affecting ACE2 usage of sarbecoviruses. mBio 2024; 15:e0140424. [PMID: 39082798 PMCID: PMC11389363 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01404-24] [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: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Two different sarbecoviruses, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and SARS-CoV-2, have caused serious challenges to public health. Certain sarbecoviruses utilize angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as their cellular receptor, whereas some do not, speculatively due to the two deletions in their receptor-binding domain (RBD). However, it remains unclear whether sarbecoviruses with one deletion in the RBD can still bind to ACE2. Here, we showed that two phylogenetically related sarbecoviruses with one deletion, BtKY72 and BM48-31, displayed a different ACE2-usage range. The cryo-electron microscopy structure of BtKY72 RBD bound to bat ACE2 identified a key residue important for the interaction between RBD and ACE2. In addition, we demonstrated that the mutations involving four types of core residues enabled the sarbecoviruses with deletion(s) to bind to human ACE2 (hACE2) and broadened the ACE2 usage of SARS-CoV-2. Our findings help predict the potential hACE2-binding ability to emerge sarbecoviruses and develop pan-sarbecovirus therapeutic agents. IMPORTANCE Many sarbecoviruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), possess the ability to bind to receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) through their receptor-binding domain (RBD). However, certain sarbecoviruses with deletion(s) in the RBD lack this capability. In this study, we investigated two closely related short-deletion sarbecoviruses, BtKY72 and BM48-31, and revealed that BtKY72 exhibited a broader ACE2-binding spectrum compared to BM48-31. Structural analysis of the BtKY72 RBD-bat ACE2 complex identifies a critical residue at position 493 contributing to these differences. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the mutations involving four core residues in the RBD enabled the sarbecoviruses with deletion(s) to bind to human ACE2 and expanded the ACE2 usage spectra of SARS-CoV-2. These findings offer crucial insights for accurately predicting the potential threat of newly emerging sarbecoviruses to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Su
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Juanhua He
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
- Institute of Pediatrics, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Liang Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Center for Influenza Research and Early-warning (CASCIRE), CAS-TWAS Center of Excellence for Emerging Infectious Diseases (CEEID), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jian Cao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
| | - Bin Bai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jianxun Qi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
| | - George Fu Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Institute of Pediatrics, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Mengsu Yang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Qihui Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
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Du Q, Liang R, Wu M, Yang M, Xie Y, Liu Q, Tang K, Lin X, Yuan S, Shen J. Alisol B 23-acetate broadly inhibits coronavirus through blocking virus entry and suppresses proinflammatory T cells responses for the treatment of COVID-19. J Adv Res 2024; 62:273-290. [PMID: 37802148 PMCID: PMC11331179 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2023.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Emerging severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus (CoV)-2 causes a global health disaster and pandemic. Seeking effective anti-pan-CoVs drugs benefit critical illness patients of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) but also may play a role in emerging CoVs of the future. OBJECTIVES This study tested the hypothesis that alisol B 23-acetate could be a viral entry inhibitor and would have proinflammatory inhibition for COVID-19 treatment. METHODS SARS-CoV-2 and its variants infected several cell lines were applied to evaluate the anti-CoVs activities of alisol B 23-aceate in vitro. The effects of alisol B 23-acetate on in vivo models were assessed by using SARS-CoV-2 and its variants challenged hamster and human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) transgenic mice. The target of alisol B 23-acetate to ACE2 was analyzed using hydrogen/deuterium exchange (HDX) mass spectrometry (MS). RESULTS Alisol B 23-acetate had inhibitory effects on different species of coronavirus. By using HDX-MS, we found that alisol B 23-acetate had inhibition potency toward ACE2. In vivo experiments showed that alisol B 23-acetate treatment remarkably decreased viral copy, reduced CD4+ T lymphocytes and CD11b+ macrophages infiltration and ameliorated lung damages in the hamster model. In Omicron variant infected human ACE2 transgenic mice, alisol B 23-acetate effectively alleviated viral load in nasal turbinate and reduced proinflammatory cytokines interleukin 17 (IL17) and interferon γ (IFNγ) in peripheral blood. The prophylactic treatment of alisol B 23-acetate by intranasal administration significantly attenuated Omicron viral load in the hamster lung tissues. Moreover, alisol B 23-acetate treatment remarkably inhibited proinflammatory responses through mitigating the secretions of IFNγ and IL17 in the cultured human and mice lymphocytes in vitro. CONCLUSION Alisol B 23-acetate could be a promising therapeutic agent for COVID-19 treatment and its underlying mechanisms might be attributed to viral entry inhibition and anti-inflammatory activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaohui Du
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 3 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Ronghui Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Meiling Wu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 3 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Minxiao Yang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 3 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Yubin Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Qing Liu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 3 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Kaiming Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Xiang Lin
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 3 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Shuofeng Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infection Control, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
| | - Jiangang Shen
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 3 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
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Wang J, Beyer D, Vaccarin C, He Y, Tanriver M, Benoit R, Deupi X, Mu L, Bode JW, Schibli R, Müller C. Development of radiofluorinated MLN-4760 derivatives for PET imaging of the SARS-CoV-2 entry receptor ACE2. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2024:10.1007/s00259-024-06831-6. [PMID: 39066808 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-024-06831-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) plays a regulatory role in the cardiovascular system and serves SARS-CoV-2 as an entry receptor. The aim of this study was to synthesize and evaluate radiofluorinated derivatives of the ACE2 inhibitor MLN-4760. [18F]F-MLN-4760 and [18F]F-Aza-MLN-4760 were demonstrated to be suitable for non-invasive imaging of ACE2, potentially enabling a better understanding of its expression dynamics. METHODS Computational molecular modeling, based on the structures of human ACE2 (hACE2) and mouse ACE2 (mACE2), revealed that the ACE2-binding modes of F-MLN-4760 and F-Aza-MLN-4760 were similar to that of MLN-4760. Co-crystallization of the hACE2/F-MLN-4760 protein complex was performed for confirmation. Displacement experiments using [3H]MLN-4760 enabled the determination of the binding affinities of the synthesized F-MLN-4760 and F-Aza-MLN-4760 to hACE2 expressed in HEK-ACE2 cells. Aryl trimethylstannane-based and pyridine-based radiofluorination precursors were synthesized and used for the preparation of the respective radiotracers. [18F]F-MLN-4760 and [18F]F-Aza-MLN-4760 were evaluated with regard to the uptake in HEK-ACE2 and HEK-ACE cells and in vitro binding to tissue sections of HEK-ACE2 xenografts and normal organs of mice. Biodistribution and PET/CT imaging studies of [18F]F-MLN-4760 and [18F]F-Aza-MLN-4760 were performed using HEK-ACE2 and HEK-ACE xenografted nude mice. RESULTS Crystallography data revealed an equal hACE2-binding mode for F-MLN-4760 as previously found for MLN-4760. Moreover, computer-based modeling indicated that similar binding to hACE2 and mACE2 holds true for both, F-MLN-4760 and F-Aza-MLN-4760, as is the case for MLN-4760. The IC50 values were three-fold and seven-fold higher for F-MLN-4760 and F-Aza-MLN-4760, respectively, than for MLN-4760. [18F]F-MLN-4760 and [18F]F-Aza-MLN-4760 were obtained in 1.4 ± 0.3 GBq and 0.5 ± 0.1 GBq activity with > 99% radiochemical purity in a 5.3% and 1.2% radiochemical yield, respectively. Uptake in HEK-ACE2 cells was higher for [18F]F-MLN-4760 (67 ± 9%) than for [18F]F-Aza-MLN-4760 (37 ± 8%) after 3-h incubation while negligible uptake was seen in HEK-ACE cells (< 0.3%). [18F]F-MLN-4760 and [18F]F-Aza-MLN-4760 accumulated specifically in HEK-ACE2 xenografts of mice (13 ± 2% IA/g and 15 ± 2% IA/g at 1 h p.i.) with almost no uptake observed in HEK-ACE xenografts (< 0.3% IA/g). This was confirmed by PET/CT imaging, which also visualized unspecific accumulation in the gall bladder and intestinal tract. CONCLUSION Both radiotracers showed specific and selective binding to ACE2 in vitro and in vivo. [18F]F-MLN-4760 was, however, obtained in higher yields and the ACE2-binding affinity was superior over that of [18F]F-Aza-MLN-4760. [18F]F-MLN-4760 would, thus, be the candidate of choice for further development in view of its use for PET imaging of ACE2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinling Wang
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8093, Switzerland
| | - Darja Beyer
- Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences ETH-PSI, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen-PSI, 5232, Switzerland
| | - Christian Vaccarin
- Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences ETH-PSI, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen-PSI, 5232, Switzerland
| | - Yingfang He
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8093, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Tanriver
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8093, Switzerland
| | - Roger Benoit
- Laboratory of Nanoscale Biology, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen-PSI, 5232, Switzerland
| | - Xavier Deupi
- Condensed Matter Theory Group, Division of Scientific Computing, Theory, and Data, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen-PSI, 5232, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen-PSI, 5232, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Linjing Mu
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8093, Switzerland
| | - Jeffrey W Bode
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8093, Switzerland
| | - Roger Schibli
- Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences ETH-PSI, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen-PSI, 5232, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8093, Switzerland
| | - Cristina Müller
- Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences ETH-PSI, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen-PSI, 5232, Switzerland.
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8093, Switzerland.
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Ha NX, Huong TT, Khanh PN, Hung NP, Loc VT, Ha VT, Quynh DT, Nghi DH, Hai PT, Scarlett CJ, Wessjohann LA, Cuong NM. In Vitro and in Silico Study of New Biscoumarin Glycosides from Paramignya trimera against Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE-2) for Preventing SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 2024; 72:574-583. [PMID: 38866495 DOI: 10.1248/cpb.c23-00844] [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] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
In Vietnam, the stems and roots of the Rutaceous plant Paramignya trimera (Oliv.) Burkill (known locally as "Xáo tam phân") are widely used to treat liver diseases such as viral hepatitis and acute and chronic cirrhosis. In an effort to search for Vietnamese natural compounds capable of inhibiting coronavirus based on molecular docking screening, two new dimeric coumarin glycosides, namely cis-paratrimerin B (1) and cis-paratrimerin A (2), and two previously identified coumarins, the trans-isomers paratrimerin B (3) and paratrimerin A (4), were isolated from the roots of P. trimera and tested for their anti-angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) inhibitory properties in vitro. It was discovered that ACE-2 enzyme was inhibited by cis-paratrimerin B (1), cis-paratrimerin A (2), and trans-paratrimerin B (3), with IC50 values of 28.9, 68, and 77 µM, respectively. Docking simulations revealed that four biscoumarin glycosides had good binding energies (∆G values ranging from -10.6 to -14.7 kcal/mol) and mostly bound to the S1' subsite of the ACE-2 protein. The key interactions of these natural ligands include metal chelation with zinc ions and multiple H-bonds with Ser128, Glu145, His345, Lys363, Thr371, Glu406, and Tyr803. Our findings demonstrated that biscoumarin glycosides from P. trimera roots occur naturally in both cis- and trans-diastereomeric forms. The biscoumarin glycosides Lys363, Thr371, Glu406, and Tyr803. Our findings demonstrated that biscoumarin glycosides from P. trimera roots hold potential for further studies as natural ACE-2 inhibitors for preventing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Xuan Ha
- Institute of Natural Products Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology
- Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology
| | - Tran Thu Huong
- Institute of Natural Products Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology
| | - Pham Ngoc Khanh
- Institute of Natural Products Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology
- Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology
| | - Nguyen Phi Hung
- Institute of Natural Products Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology
| | - Vu Thanh Loc
- Institute of Natural Products Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology
| | - Vu Thi Ha
- Institute of Natural Products Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology
| | - Dang Thu Quynh
- Institute of Natural Products Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology
| | - Do Huu Nghi
- Institute of Natural Products Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology
| | - Pham The Hai
- University of Science and Technology of Hanoi, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology
| | - Christopher J Scarlett
- School of Environmental & Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle
| | - Ludger A Wessjohann
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry (IPB)
| | - Nguyen Manh Cuong
- Institute of Natural Products Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology
- Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology
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Kober DL, Caballero Van Dyke MC, Eitson JL, Boys IN, McDougal MB, Rosenbaum DM, Schoggins JW. Development of a mutant aerosolized ACE2 that neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 in vivo. mBio 2024; 15:e0076824. [PMID: 38771062 PMCID: PMC11237572 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00768-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The rapid evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants highlights the need for new therapies to prevent disease spread. SARS-CoV-2, like SARS-CoV-1, uses the human cell surface protein angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as its native receptor. Here, we design and characterize a mutant ACE2 that enables rapid affinity purification of a dimeric protein by altering the active site to prevent autoproteolytic digestion of a C-terminal His10 epitope tag. In cultured cells, mutant ACE2 competitively inhibits lentiviral vectors pseudotyped with spikes from multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants and infectious SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, the protein can be nebulized and retains virus-binding properties. We developed a system for the delivery of aerosolized ACE2 to K18-hACE2 mice and demonstrated protection by our modified ACE2 when delivered as a prophylactic agent. These results show proof-of-concept for an aerosolized delivery method to evaluate anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents in vivo and suggest a new tool in the ongoing fight against SARS-CoV-2 and other ACE2-dependent viruses. IMPORTANCE The rapid evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants poses a challenge for immune recognition and antibody therapies. However, the virus is constrained by the requirement that it recognizes a human host receptor protein. A recombinant ACE2 could protect against SARS-CoV-2 infection by functioning as a soluble decoy receptor. We designed a mutant version of ACE2 with impaired catalytic activity to enable the purification of the protein using a single affinity purification step. This protein can be nebulized and retains the ability to bind the relevant domains from SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, this protein inhibits viral infection against a panel of coronaviruses in cells. Finally, we developed an aerosolized delivery system for animal studies and show the modified ACE2 offers protection in an animal model of COVID-19. These results show proof-of-concept for an aerosolized delivery method to evaluate anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents in vivo and suggest a new tool in the ongoing fight against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel L. Kober
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | | | - Jennifer L. Eitson
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Ian N. Boys
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Matthew B. McDougal
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Daniel M. Rosenbaum
- Department of Biophysics, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - John W. Schoggins
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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Guo YT, Jiang JB, Qiao GR, Luo RH, Zhou X, Hua R, Zheng CB, Liu Z. Pleiotropy of positive selection in ancient ACE2 suggests an alternative hypothesis for bat-specific adaptations to host coronaviruses. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2321619121. [PMID: 38833475 PMCID: PMC11181079 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2321619121] [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: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Angiotensin-convertingenzyme 2 (ACE2) has dual functions, regulating cardiovascular physiology and serving as the receptor for coronaviruses. Bats, the only true flying mammals and natural viral reservoirs, have evolved positive alterations in traits related to both functions of ACE2. This suggests significant evolutionary changes in ACE2 during bat evolution. To test this hypothesis, we examine the selection pressure in ACE2 along the ancestral branch of all bats (AncBat-ACE2), where powered flight and bat-coronavirus coevolution occurred, and detect a positive selection signature. To assess the functional effects of positive selection, we resurrect AncBat-ACE2 and its mutant (AncBat-ACE2-mut) created by replacing the positively selected sites. Compared to AncBat-ACE2-mut, AncBat-ACE2 exhibits stronger enzymatic activity, enhances mice's performance in exercise fatigue, and shows lower affinity to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Our findings indicate the functional pleiotropy of positive selection in the ancient ACE2 of bats, providing an alternative hypothesis for the evolutionary origin of bats' defense against coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Ting Guo
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an710127, China
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming650201, China
| | - Ji-Bin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming650201, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Guan-Rong Qiao
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Pharmacology for Natural Products, Kunming Medical University, Kunming650500, China
| | - Rong-Hua Luo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming650201, China
| | - Xin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming650201, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Rong Hua
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming650201, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Chang-Bo Zheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Pharmacology for Natural Products, Kunming Medical University, Kunming650500, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming650201, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Information, Kunming650201, China
- Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution and Animal Models, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming650201, China
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Mendiola-Salazar XA, Munguía-Laguna MA, Franco M, Cano-Martínez A, Santamaría Sosa J, Bautista-Pérez R. SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Enhances Carboxypeptidase Activity of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6276. [PMID: 38892464 PMCID: PMC11172802 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116276] [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: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, we investigated whether severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein may modify angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) activity in the plasma, heart, kidney, liver, lung, and six brain regions (amygdala, brain stem, cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus, and striatum) of diabetic and hypertensive rats. We determine ACE2 activity in the plasma and lysates of heart, kidney, liver, lung, and six brain regions. MLN-4760 inhibits ACE2 activity in the plasma and all organs. On the other hand, soluble ACE2 (sACE2) activity increased in the plasma of diabetic rats, and there was no change in the plasma of hypertensive rats. ACE2 activity was augmented in the liver, brain stem, and striatum, while it decreased in the kidney, amygdala, cortex, and hippocampus of diabetic rats. ACE2 activity increased in the kidney, liver, and lung, while it decreased in the heart, amygdala, cortex, and hypothalamus of hypertensive rats. We measured the ACE2 content via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and found that ACE2 protein levels increased in the heart, while it decreased in the plasma, kidney, brain stem, cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus, and striatum of diabetic rats. ACE2 protein levels decreased in the brain stem, cortex, hippocampus, and hypothalamus of hypertensive rats. Our data showed that the spike protein enhanced ACE2 activity in the liver and lungs of diabetic rats, as well as in the heart and three of the brain regions (cortex, hypothalamus, and striatum) of hypertensive rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xóchitl Andrea Mendiola-Salazar
- Department of Molecular Biology, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología “Ignacio Chávez”, Mexico City 14080, Mexico (M.A.M.-L.)
- Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 54090, Mexico
| | - Melanie A. Munguía-Laguna
- Department of Molecular Biology, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología “Ignacio Chávez”, Mexico City 14080, Mexico (M.A.M.-L.)
| | - Martha Franco
- Department of Cardio-Renal Pathophysiology, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología “Ignacio Chávez”, Mexico City 14080, Mexico; (M.F.); (J.S.S.)
| | - Agustina Cano-Martínez
- Department of Physiology, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología “Ignacio Chávez”, Mexico City 14080, Mexico;
| | - José Santamaría Sosa
- Department of Cardio-Renal Pathophysiology, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología “Ignacio Chávez”, Mexico City 14080, Mexico; (M.F.); (J.S.S.)
| | - Rocío Bautista-Pérez
- Department of Molecular Biology, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología “Ignacio Chávez”, Mexico City 14080, Mexico (M.A.M.-L.)
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Ghaedamini H, Khalaf K, Kim DS, Tang Y. A novel ACE2-Based electrochemical biosensor for sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2. Anal Biochem 2024; 689:115504. [PMID: 38458306 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2024.115504] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 emerged in late 2019 and quickly spread globally, resulting in significant morbidity, mortality, and socio-economic disruptions. As of now, collaborative global efforts in vaccination and the advent of novel diagnostic tools have considerably curbed the spread and impact of the virus in many regions. Despite this progress, the demand remains for low-cost, accurate, rapid and scalable diagnostic tools to reduce the influence of SARS-CoV-2. Herein, the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a receptor for SARS-CoV-2, was immobilized on two types of electrodes, a screen-printed gold electrode (SPGE) and a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE), to develop electrochemical biosensors for detecting SARS-CoV-2 with high sensitivity and selectivity. This was achieved by using 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorodecanethiol (PFDT) and aryl diazonium salt serving as linkers for SPGEs and SPCEs, respectively. Once SARS-CoV-2 was anchored onto the ACE2, the interaction of the virus with the redox probe was analyzed using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). Aryl diazonium salt was observed as a superior linker compared to PFDT due to its consistent performance in the modification of the SPCEs and effective ACE2 enzyme immobilization. A distinct pair of redox peaks in the cyclic voltammogram of the biosensor modified with aryl diazonium salt highlighted the redox reaction between the functional groups of SARS-CoV-2 and the redox probe. The sensor presented a linear relationship between the redox response and the logarithm of SARS-CoV-2 concentration, with a detection limit of 1.02 × 106 TCID50/mL (50% tissue culture infectious dose). Furthermore, the biosensor showed remarkable selectivity towards SARS-CoV-2 over H1N1virus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Khalid Khalaf
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Toledo, USA
| | - Dong-Shik Kim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Toledo, USA
| | - Yuan Tang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Toledo, USA.
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Samy A, Hassan A, Hegazi NM, Farid M, Elshafei M. Network pharmacology, molecular docking, and dynamics analyses to predict the antiviral activity of ginger constituents against coronavirus infection. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12059. [PMID: 38802394 PMCID: PMC11130167 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60721-3] [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: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is a global pandemic that caused a dramatic loss of human life worldwide, leading to accelerated research for antiviral drug discovery. Herbal medicine is one of the most commonly used alternative medicine for the prevention and treatment of many conditions including respiratory system diseases. In this study, a computational pipeline was employed, including network pharmacology, molecular docking simulations, and molecular dynamics simulations, to analyze the common phytochemicals of ginger rhizomes and identify candidate constituents as viral inhibitors. Furthermore, experimental assays were performed to analyze the volatile and non-volatile compounds of ginger and to assess the antiviral activity of ginger oil and hydroalcoholic extract. Network pharmacology analysis showed that ginger compounds target human genes that are involved in related cellular processes to the viral infection. Docking analysis highlighted five pungent compounds and zingiberenol as potential inhibitors for the main protease (Mpro), spike receptor-binding domain (RBD), and human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Then, (6)-gingerdiacetate was selected for molecular dynamics (MD) simulations as it exhibited the best binding interactions and free energies over the three target proteins. Trajectories analysis of the three complexes showed that RBD and ACE2 complexes with the ligand preserved similar patterns of root mean square deviation (RMSD) and radius of gyration (Rg) values to their respective native structures. Finally, experimental validation of the ginger hydroalcoholic extract confirmed the existence of (6)-gingerdiacetate and revealed the strong antiviral activity of the hydroalcoholic extract with IC50 of 2.727 μ g / ml . Our study provides insights into the potential antiviral activity of (6)-gingerdiacetate that may enhance the host immune response and block RBD binding to ACE2, thereby, inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa Samy
- Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, 12578, Egypt
| | - Afnan Hassan
- Biomedical Sciences Program, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, 12578, Egypt
| | - Nesrine M Hegazi
- Department of Phytochemistry and Plant Systematics, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, 12622, Egypt
| | - Mai Farid
- Department of Phytochemistry and Plant Systematics, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, 12622, Egypt
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10
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Ridgway H, Moore GJ, Gadanec LK, Zulli A, Apostolopoulos V, Hoffmann W, Węgrzyn K, Vassilaki N, Mpekoulis G, Zouridakis M, Giastas P, Vidali VP, Kelaidonis K, Matsoukas MT, Dimitriou M, Mavromoustakos T, Tsiodras S, Gorgoulis VG, Karakasiliotis I, Chasapis CT, Matsoukas JM. Novel benzimidazole angiotensin receptor blockers with anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity equipotent to that of nirmatrelvir: computational and enzymatic studies. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2024; 28:437-459. [PMID: 38828744 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2024.2362675] [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: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertension worsens outcomes in SARS-CoV-2 patients. Sartans, a type of antihypertensive angiotensin receptor blocker-(ARB), reduce COVID-19 morbidity and mortality by targeting angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2). This study aimed to evaluate the antiviral and antihypertensive effects of nirmatrelvir, commercial sartans (candesartan, losartan, and losartan carboxylic (Exp3174)), and newly synthesized sartans (benzimidazole-N-biphenyl carboxyl (ACC519C) and benzimidazole-N-biphenyl tetrazole (ACC519T)), compared to nirmatrelvir, the antiviral component of Paxlovid. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and enzymatic studies assessed drug effects on ACE2. Antiviral abilities were tested with SARS-CoV-2-infected Vero E6 cells, and antihypertensive effects were evaluated using angiotensin II-contracted rabbit iliac arteries. RESULTS Benzimidazole-based candesartan and ACC519C showed antiviral activity comparable to nirmatrelvir (95% inhibition). Imidazole-based losartan, Exp3174, and ACC519T were less potent (75%-80% and 50%, respectively), with Exp3174 being the least effective. SPR analysis indicated high sartans-ACE2 binding affinity. Candesartan and nirmatrelvir combined had greater inhibitory and cytopathic effects (3.96%) than individually (6.10% and 5.08%). ACE2 enzymatic assays showed varying effects of novel sartans on ACE2. ACC519T significantly reduced angiotensin II-mediated contraction, unlike nirmatrelvir and ACC519T(2). CONCLUSION This study reports the discovery of a new class of benzimidazole-based sartans that significantly inhibit SARS-CoV-2, likely due to their interaction with ACE2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry Ridgway
- Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
- AquaMem Consultants, Rodeo, NM, USA
| | - Graham J Moore
- Pepmetics Inc, 772 Murphy Place, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Laura Kate Gadanec
- Institute for Health and Sport, Immunology and Translational Research, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Anthony Zulli
- Institute for Health and Sport, Immunology and Translational Research, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Vasso Apostolopoulos
- Institute for Health and Sport, Immunology and Translational Research, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
- Immunology Program, Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), Melbourne, Australia
| | - Weronika Hoffmann
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology of University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Węgrzyn
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology of University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Niki Vassilaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - George Mpekoulis
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Marios Zouridakis
- Structural Neurobiology Research Group, Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology and Immunology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Petros Giastas
- Structural Neurobiology Research Group, Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology and Immunology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
- Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Veroniki P Vidali
- Natural Products and Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory, Institute of Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, NCSR "Demokritos", Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Marios Dimitriou
- Laboratory of Biology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Xanthi, Greece
| | - Thomas Mavromoustakos
- Department of Chemistry, Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Sotirios Tsiodras
- Faculty of Medicine, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Vassilis G Gorgoulis
- Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Faculty Institute for Cancer Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, UK
| | - Ioannis Karakasiliotis
- Laboratory of Biology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Xanthi, Greece
| | - Christos T Chasapis
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
| | - John M Matsoukas
- Institute for Health and Sport, Immunology and Translational Research, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
- NewDrug PC, Patras Science Park, Patras, Greece
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
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Guo H, Ha S, Botten JW, Xu K, Zhang N, An Z, Strohl WR, Shiver JW, Fu TM. SARS-CoV-2 Omicron: Viral Evolution, Immune Evasion, and Alternative Durable Therapeutic Strategies. Viruses 2024; 16:697. [PMID: 38793580 PMCID: PMC11125895 DOI: 10.3390/v16050697] [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: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Since the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron virus has gained dominance worldwide, its continual evolution with unpredictable mutations and patterns has revoked all authorized immunotherapeutics. Rapid viral evolution has also necessitated several rounds of vaccine updates in order to provide adequate immune protection. It remains imperative to understand how Omicron evolves into different subvariants and causes immune escape as this could help reevaluate the current intervention strategies mostly implemented in the clinics as emergency measures to counter the pandemic and, importantly, develop new solutions. Here, we provide a review focusing on the major events of Omicron viral evolution, including the features of spike mutation that lead to immune evasion against monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy and vaccination, and suggest alternative durable options such as the ACE2-based experimental therapies superior to mAbs to address this unprecedented evolution of Omicron virus. In addition, this type of unique ACE2-based virus-trapping molecules can counter all zoonotic SARS coronaviruses, either from unknown animal hosts or from established wild-life reservoirs of SARS-CoV-2, and even seasonal alpha coronavirus NL63 that depends on human ACE2 for infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailong Guo
- IGM Biosciences, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA
| | - Sha Ha
- IGM Biosciences, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA
| | - Jason W. Botten
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine, Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Kai Xu
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ningyan Zhang
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zhiqiang An
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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12
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Liu S, Chen H, Chen X, Luo N, Peraramelli S, Gong X, Zhang MJ, Ou L. Utilizing noncatalytic ACE2 protein mutant as a competitive inhibitor to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1365803. [PMID: 38646520 PMCID: PMC11032047 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1365803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Angiotensin converting-enzyme 2 (ACE2) is an enzyme catalyzing the conversion of angiotensin 2 into angiotensin 1-7. ACE2 also serves as the receptor of several coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, ACE2 could be utilized as a therapeutic target for treating these coronaviruses, ideally lacking enzymatic function. Methods Based on structural analysis, specific mutations were introduced to generate mutants of ACE2 and ACE2-Fc (fusion protein of ACE2 and Fc region of IgG1). The enzyme activity, binding affinity, and neutralization abilities were measured. Results and discussion As predicted, five mutants (AMI081, AMI082, AMI083, AMI084, AMI090) have completely depleted ACE2 enzymatic activities. More importantly, enzyme-linked receptor-ligand assay (ELRLA) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) results showed that 2 mutants (AMI082, AMI090) maintained binding activity to the viral spike proteins of SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2. In An in vitro neutralization experiment using a pseudovirus, SARS-CoV-2 S1 spike protein-packed lentivirus particles, was also performed, showing that AMI082 and AMI090 significantly reduced GFP transgene expression. Further, in vitro virulent neutralization assays using SARS-CoV-2 (strain name: USA-WA1/2020) showed that AMI082 and AMI090 had remarkable inhibitory effects, indicated by comparable IC50 to wildtype ACE2 (5.33 µg/mL). In addition to the direct administration of mutant proteins, an alternative strategy for treating COVID-19 is through AAV delivery to achieve long-lasting effects. Therefore, AAV5 encoding AMI082 and AMI090 were packaged and transgene expression was assessed. In summary, these ACE2 mutants represent a novel approach to prevent or treat COVID-19 and other viruses with the same spike protein.
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13
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Yang W, Wang Y, Han D, Tang W, Sun L. Recent advances in application of computer-aided drug design in anti-COVID-19 Virials Drug Discovery. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116423. [PMID: 38493593 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116423] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic epidemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which poses a serious threat to human health worldwide and results in significant economic losses. With the continuous emergence of new virus strains, small molecule drugs remain the most effective treatment for COVID-19. The traditional drug development process usually requires several years; however, the development of computer-aided drug design (CADD) offers the opportunity to develop innovative drugs quickly and efficiently. The literature review describes the general process of CADD, the viral proteins that play essential roles in the life cycle of SARS-CoV-2 and can serve as therapeutic targets, and examples of drug screening of viral target proteins by applying CADD methods. Finally, the potential of CADD in COVID-19 therapy, the deficiency, and the possible future development direction are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiying Yang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Ye Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Dongfeng Han
- Department of Emergency Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Wenjing Tang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Lichao Sun
- Department of Emergency Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
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14
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Karadağ A, Biltekin SN, Ghani U, Demirci B, Demirci F. Enzyme-Based Antiviral Potential of Cinnamomum verum J. Presl. Essential Oil and Its Major Component ( E)-Cinnamaldehyde. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:14118-14122. [PMID: 38559956 PMCID: PMC10975636 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c09595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
In the present study, Cinnamomum verum J. Presl. bark essential oil and its main component cinnamaldehyde was evaluated in vitro for neuraminidase (NA), transmembrane serine protease (TMPRSS2), and angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) inhibitory activities. The chemical composition of C. verum essential oil was confirmed by both gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID), where 75.9% (E)-cinnamaldehyde was the major component. The ACE2, NA, and TMPRSS2 enzyme inhibitions of C. verum bark essential oil at 20 μg/mL concentration, and (E)-cinnamaldehyde (5 μg/mL) were calculated and compared in the range of 54.2-89.9%. Molecular docking results supported that (E)-cinnam-aldehyde was specific to ACE2 with 89.9% inhibition. Our findings suggest further in vivo studies to confirm the effective and safe use of the essential oil as well as the (E)-cinnamaldehyde.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayşe
Esra Karadağ
- Department
of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Istanbul
Medipol University, 34810 Beykoz, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sevde Nur Biltekin
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, School of Pharmacy, Istanbul Medipol University, 34810 Beykoz, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Usman Ghani
- Department
of Pathology, Clinical Biochemistry Unit, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 12372, Saudi Arabia
| | - Betül Demirci
- Department
of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Anadolu
University, 26470 Eskişehir, Türkiye
| | - Fatih Demirci
- Department
of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Anadolu
University, 26470 Eskişehir, Türkiye
- Faculty
of Pharmacy, Eastern Mediterranean University, Mersin 10, 99450 Famagusta, North Cyprus, Türkiye
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15
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Geanes ES, McLennan R, LeMaster C, Bradley T. Autoantibodies to ACE2 and immune molecules are associated with COVID-19 disease severity. COMMUNICATIONS MEDICINE 2024; 4:47. [PMID: 38491326 PMCID: PMC10943194 DOI: 10.1038/s43856-024-00477-z] [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: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased inflammation caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection can lead to severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and long-term disease manifestations. The mechanisms of this variable long-term immune activation are poorly defined. One feature of this increased inflammation is elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Autoantibodies targeting immune factors such as cytokines, as well as the viral host cell receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), have been observed after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Autoantibodies to immune factors and ACE2 could interfere with normal immune regulation and lead to increased inflammation, severe COVID-19, and long-term complications. METHODS Here, we deeply profiled the features of ACE2, cytokine, and chemokine autoantibodies in samples from patients recovering from severe COVID-19. We measured the levels of immunoglobulin subclasses (IgG, IgA, IgM) in the peripheral blood against ACE2 and 23 cytokines and other immune molecules. We then utilized an ACE2 peptide microarray to map the linear epitopes targeted by ACE2 autoantibodies. RESULTS We demonstrate that ACE2 autoantibody levels are increased in individuals with severe COVID-19 compared with those with mild infection or no prior infection. We identify epitopes near the catalytic domain of ACE2 targeted by these antibodies. Levels of autoantibodies targeting ACE2 and other immune factors could serve as determinants of COVID-19 disease severity, and represent a natural immunoregulatory mechanism in response to viral infection. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that SARS-CoV-2 infection can increase autoantibody levels to ACE2 and other immune factors. The levels of these autoantibodies are associated with COVID-19 disease severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric S Geanes
- Genomic Medicine Center, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Rebecca McLennan
- Genomic Medicine Center, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Cas LeMaster
- Genomic Medicine Center, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Todd Bradley
- Genomic Medicine Center, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Kansas City, MO, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Missouri, Kansas City, MO, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.
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16
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Feinstein P. Rapid Degradation of the Human ACE2 Receptor Upon Binding and Internalization of SARS-Cov-2-Spike-RBD Protein. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.07.583884. [PMID: 38496410 PMCID: PMC10942428 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.07.583884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
It is widely accepted that the SARS-CoV-2 betacoronavirus infects humans through binding the human Angiotensin Receptor 2 (ACE2) that lines the nasal cavity and lungs, followed by import into a cell utilizing the Transmembrane Protease, Serine 2 (TMPRSS2) cofactor. ACE2 binding is mediated by an approximately 200-residue portion of the SARS-CoV-2 extracellular spike protein, the receptor binding domain (RBD). Robust interactions are shown using a novel cell-based assay between an RBD membrane tethered-GFP fusion protein and the membrane bound ACE2-Cherry fusion protein. Several observations were not predicted including, quick and sustained interactions leading to internalization of RBD fusion protein into the ACE2 cells and rapid downregulation of the ACE2-Cherry fluorescence. Targeted mutation in the RBD disulfide Loop 4 led to a loss of internalization for several variants tested. However, a secreted RBD did not cause ACE2 downregulation of ACE2-Cherry fluorescence. Thus, the membrane associated form of RBD found on the viral coat may have long-term system wide consequences on ACE2 expressing cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Feinstein
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065
- The Graduate Center Programs in Biochemistry, Biology and CUNY Neuroscience Collaborative, 365 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016
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Eskew MW, Reardon P, Benight AS. DNA-based assay for calorimetric determination of protein concentrations in pure or mixed solutions. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298969. [PMID: 38427623 PMCID: PMC10906865 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
It was recently reported that values of the transition heat capacities, as measured by differential scanning calorimetry, for two globular proteins and a short DNA hairpin in NaCl buffer are essentially equivalent, at equal concentrations (mg/mL). To validate the broad applicability of this phenomenon, additional evidence for this equivalence is presented that reveals it does not depend on DNA sequence, buffer salt, or transition temperature (Tm). Based on the equivalence of transition heat capacities, a calorimetric method was devised to determine protein concentrations in pure and complex solutions. The scheme uses direct comparisons between the thermodynamic stability of a short DNA hairpin standard of known concentration, and thermodynamic stability of protein solutions of unknown concentrations. Sequences of two DNA hairpins were designed to confer a near 20°C difference in their Tm values. In all cases, evaluated protein concentrations determined from the DNA standard curves agreed with the UV-Vis concentration for monomeric proteins. For multimeric proteins evaluated concentrations were greater than determined by UV-Vis suggesting the calorimetric approach can also be an indicator of molecular stoichiometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W. Eskew
- ThermoCap Laboratories Inc, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
- Department of Chemistry, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Patrick Reardon
- OSU NMR Facility, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Albert S. Benight
- ThermoCap Laboratories Inc, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
- Department of Chemistry, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
- Department of Physics, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
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18
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Xu X, Zhou J, Zhu C, Zhan Q, Li Z, Zhang R, Wang Y, Liao X, Gao X. Optimization of binding affinities in chemical space with generative pre-trained transformer and deep reinforcement learning. F1000Res 2024; 12:757. [PMID: 38434657 PMCID: PMC10905145 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.130936.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The key challenge in drug discovery is to discover novel compounds with desirable properties. Among the properties, binding affinity to a target is one of the prerequisites and usually evaluated by molecular docking or quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) models. Methods In this study, we developed SGPT-RL, which uses a generative pre-trained transformer (GPT) as the policy network of the reinforcement learning (RL) agent to optimize the binding affinity to a target. SGPT-RL was evaluated on the Moses distribution learning benchmark and two goal-directed generation tasks, with Dopamine Receptor D2 (DRD2) and Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) as the targets. Both QSAR model and molecular docking were implemented as the optimization goals in the tasks. The popular Reinvent method was used as the baseline for comparison. Results The results on the Moses benchmark showed that SGPT-RL learned good property distributions and generated molecules with high validity and novelty. On the two goal-directed generation tasks, both SGPT-RL and Reinvent were able to generate valid molecules with improved target scores. The SGPT-RL method achieved better results than Reinvent on the ACE2 task, where molecular docking was used as the optimization goal. Further analysis shows that SGPT-RL learned conserved scaffold patterns during exploration. Conclusions The superior performance of SGPT-RL in the ACE2 task indicates that it can be applied to the virtual screening process where molecular docking is widely used as the criteria. Besides, the scaffold patterns learned by SGPT-RL during the exploration process can assist chemists to better design and discover novel lead candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaopeng Xu
- Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering (CEMSE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Juexiao Zhou
- Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering (CEMSE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Chen Zhu
- KAUST Catalysis Center (KCC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Qing Zhan
- Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering (CEMSE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zhongxiao Li
- Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering (CEMSE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Yu Wang
- Syneron Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xingyu Liao
- Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering (CEMSE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Xin Gao
- Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering (CEMSE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
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19
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Ghahramani M, Shahsavani MB, Khaleghinejad SH, Niazi A, Moosavi-Movahedi AA, Yousefi R. Efficient Expression in the Prokaryotic Host System, Purification and Structural Analyses of the Recombinant Human ACE2 Catalytic Subunit as a Hybrid Protein with the B Subunit of Cholera Toxin (CTB-ACE2). Protein J 2024; 43:24-38. [PMID: 38017315 DOI: 10.1007/s10930-023-10164-y] [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] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has a specific interaction with the coronavirus spike protein, enabling its entry into human cells. This membrane enzyme converts angiotensin II into angiotensin 1-7, which has an essential role in protecting the heart and improving lung function. Many therapeutic properties have been attributed to the human recombinant ACE2 (hrACE2), especially in combating complications related to diabetes mellitus and hypertension, as well as, preventing the coronavirus from entering the target tissues. In the current study, we designed an appropriate gene construct for the hybrid protein containing the ACE2 catalytic subunit and the B subunit of cholera toxin (CTB-ACE2). This structural feature will probably help the recombinant hybrid protein enter the mucosal tissues, including the lung tissue. Optimization of this hybrid protein expression was investigated in BL21 bacterial host cells. Also, the hybrid protein was identified with an appropriate antibody using the ELISA method. A large amount of the hybrid protein (molecular weight of ~ 100 kDa) was expressed as the inclusion body when the induction was performed in the presence of 0.25 mM IPTG and 1% sucrose for 10 h. Finally, the protein structural features were assessed using several biophysical methods. The fluorescence emission intensity and oligomeric size distribution of the CTB-ACE2 suggested a temperature-dependent alteration. The β-sheet and α-helix were also dominant in the hybrid protein structure, and this protein also displays acceptable chemical stability. In overall, according to our results, the efficient expression and successful purification of the CTB-ACE2 protein may pave the path for its therapeutic applications against diseases such as covid-19, diabetes mellitus and hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Ghahramani
- Protein Chemistry Laboratory (PCL), Department of Biology, College of Sciences, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Bagher Shahsavani
- Protein Chemistry Laboratory (PCL), Department of Biology, College of Sciences, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Seyed Hossein Khaleghinejad
- Protein Chemistry Laboratory (PCL), Department of Biology, College of Sciences, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ali Niazi
- Institute of Biotechnology, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Reza Yousefi
- Protein Chemistry Laboratory (PCL), Department of Biology, College of Sciences, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
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20
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Ismail CMKH, Abdul Hamid AA, Abdul Rashid NN, Lestari W, Mokhtar KI, Mustafa Alahmad BE, Abd Razak MRM, Ismail A. An ensemble docking-based virtual screening and molecular dynamics simulation of phytochemical compounds from Malaysian Kelulut Honey (KH) against SARS-CoV-2 target enzyme, human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2). J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-30. [PMID: 38279932 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2308762] [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: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
The human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptor is a metalloenzyme that plays an important role in regulating blood pressure by modulating angiotensin II. This receptor facilitates SARS-CoV-2 entry into human cells via receptor-mediated endocytosis, causing the global COVID-19 pandemic and a major health crisis. Kelulut honey (KH), one of Malaysian honey recently gained attention for its distinct flavour and taste while having many nutritional and medicinal properties. Recent study demonstrates the antiviral potential of KH against SARS-CoV-2 by inhibiting ACE-2 in vitro, but the bioactive compound pertaining to the ACE-2 inhibition is yet unknown. An ensemble docking-based virtual screening was employed to screen the phytochemical compounds from KH with high binding affinity against the 10 best representative structures of ACE-2 that mostly formed from MD simulation. From 110 phytochemicals previously identified in KH, 27 compounds passed the ADMET analysis and proceeded to docking. Among the docked compound, SDC and FMN consistently exhibited strong binding to ACE-2's active site (-9.719 and -9.473 kcal/mol) and allosteric site (-7.305 and -7.464 kcal/mol) as compared to potent ACE-2 inhibitor, MLN 4760. Detailed trajectory analysis of MD simulation showed stable binding interaction towards active and allosteric sites of ACE-2. KH's compounds show promise in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 binding to ACE-2 receptors, indicating potential for preventive use or as a supplement to other COVID-19 treatments. Additional research is needed to confirm KH's antiviral effects and its role in SARS-CoV-2 therapy, including prophylaxis and adjuvant treatment with vaccination.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Che Muhammad Khairul Hisyam Ismail
- Department of Biotechnology, Kulliyyah of Science, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
- Research Unit for Bioinformatics & Computational Biology (RUBIC), Kulliyyah of Science, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Azzmer Azzar Abdul Hamid
- Department of Biotechnology, Kulliyyah of Science, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
- Research Unit for Bioinformatics & Computational Biology (RUBIC), Kulliyyah of Science, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
| | | | - Widya Lestari
- Department of Fundamental Dental and Medical Sciences, Kulliyyah of Dentistry, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Khairani Idah Mokhtar
- Department of Fundamental Dental and Medical Sciences, Kulliyyah of Dentistry, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Basma Ezzat Mustafa Alahmad
- Department of Fundamental Dental and Medical Sciences, Kulliyyah of Dentistry, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Ridzuan Mohd Abd Razak
- Herbal Medicine Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Azlini Ismail
- Department of Fundamental Dental and Medical Sciences, Kulliyyah of Dentistry, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
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21
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Bedding MJ, Franck C, Johansen-Leete J, Aggarwal A, Maxwell JWC, Patel K, Hawkins PME, Low JKK, Siddiquee R, Sani HM, Ford DJ, Turville S, Mackay JP, Passioura T, Christie M, Payne RJ. Discovery of High Affinity Cyclic Peptide Ligands for Human ACE2 with SARS-CoV-2 Entry Inhibitory Activity. ACS Chem Biol 2024; 19:141-152. [PMID: 38085789 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.3c00568] [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: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
The development of effective antiviral compounds is essential for mitigating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Entry of SARS-CoV-2 virions into host cells is mediated by the interaction between the viral spike (S) protein and membrane-bound angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) on the surface of epithelial cells. Inhibition of this viral protein-host protein interaction is an attractive avenue for the development of antiviral molecules with numerous spike-binding molecules generated to date. Herein, we describe an alternative approach to inhibit the spike-ACE2 interaction by targeting the spike-binding interface of human ACE2 via mRNA display. Two consecutive display selections were performed to direct cyclic peptide ligand binding toward the spike binding interface of ACE2. Through this process, potent cyclic peptide binders of human ACE2 (with affinities in the picomolar to nanomolar range) were identified, two of which neutralized SARS-CoV-2 entry. This work demonstrates the potential of targeting ACE2 for the generation of anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapeutics as well as broad spectrum antivirals for the treatment of SARS-like betacoronavirus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max J Bedding
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Charlotte Franck
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Jason Johansen-Leete
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | | | - Joshua W C Maxwell
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Karishma Patel
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Paige M E Hawkins
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Jason K K Low
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Rezwan Siddiquee
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Hakimeh Moghaddas Sani
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Daniel J Ford
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | | | - Joel P Mackay
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Toby Passioura
- Sydney Analytical Core Research Facility, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Mary Christie
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Richard J Payne
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
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22
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Quarto G, Benassai G, Colao A, Cittadini A, Ascierto PA, Pivonello R, Elefante A, Bocchino M, Marra AM, Gentile I, Benassai G, Miletti A, Calemma F, Furino E. Vein wall thickness and severity of pulmonary involvement due to sars n-cov2 virus infection. J Transl Med 2024; 22:70. [PMID: 38233934 PMCID: PMC10795284 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-04857-w] [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: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An observational study involving patients recovered from COVID-19 was conducted in order to evaluate the presence/absence of vein wall thickness increasing, according to the severity of pulmonary involvement quantified with a CT-scoring system. METHODS The venous wall thickness (VWT) of 31 patients (23 males and 8 females) with COVID 19 previously admitted to Federico II University Hospital of Naples was evaluated through ultrasound measurement of the common femoral Vein 1 cm proximal to the saphenous-femoral junction and the popliteal Vein 1 cm distal to the confluence of gemellary veins. Measurements were taken with an automated tool to avoid human error. All patients were evaluated in the supine position. Patients were then stratified into two groups, VWT > 1 mm and VWT < 1 mm. Lung damage was assessed through thoracic High Resolution Computer Tomography and subsequently quantified using the scoring system set out by Chung et al. CEAP-C class was calculated for all patients. RESULTS The mean value of COVID score in VWT > 1 mm group was 7.4 (S.D. 4.83), whilst the mean value of the COVID score in the VWT < 1 mm group was 3.82 (S.D 3.34). These findings were determined to be statistically significant in a two-tie Student-T test. The linear regression test between VWT and Covid score values demonstrated a direct relationship between the two variables. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate a link between two different aspects of the pathological effects on the vessels during a SARS-COV 2 infection. As such a common primum movens can be hypothesized in both micro-thrombotic and inflammatory processes relating to COVID 19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennaro Quarto
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.
| | - Giacomo Benassai
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Annamaria Colao
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Cittadini
- Department of Translational Medicine, Federico II University, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Antonio Ascierto
- Melanoma and Cancer Immunotherapy and Developmental Unit, National Cancer Institute IRCCS Fondazione Pascale, Via Mariano Semmola 53, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosario Pivonello
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Elefante
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Federico II University, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Marialuisa Bocchino
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery Section of Respiratory Diseases, Federico II University, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Alberto Maria Marra
- Department of Translational Medicine, Federico II University, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Ivan Gentile
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Gianluca Benassai
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Miletti
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Calemma
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Ermenegildo Furino
- Department for Integrated Activities of Emergency-Admission, Critical Areas and Trauma, Umberto I University Polyclinic - Sapienza University, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00186, Rome, Italy
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23
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Wu A, Shi K, Wang J, Zhang R, Wang Y. Targeting SARS-CoV-2 entry processes: The promising potential and future of host-targeted small-molecule inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 263:115923. [PMID: 37981443 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has had a huge impact on global health. To respond to rapidly mutating viruses and to prepare for the next pandemic, there is an urgent need to develop small molecule therapies that target critical stages of the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle. Inhibiting the entry process of the virus can effectively control viral infection and play a role in prevention and treatment. Host factors involved in this process, such as ACE2, TMPRSS2, ADAM17, furin, PIKfyve, TPC2, CTSL, AAK1, V-ATPase, HSPG, and NRP1, have been found to be potentially good targets with stability. Through further exploration of the cell entry process of SARS-CoV-2, small-molecule drugs targeting these host factors have been developed. This review focuses on the structural functions of potential host cell targets during the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into host cells. The research progress, chemical structure, structure-activity relationship, and clinical value of small-molecule inhibitors against COVID-19 are reviewed to provide a reference for the development of small-molecule drugs against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aijia Wu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Kunyu Shi
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Frontiers Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, 610212, China
| | - Jiaxing Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, 38163, Tennessee, United States
| | - Ruofei Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yuxi Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Frontiers Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, 610212, China.
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24
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Kumar V, Sari AN, Gupta D, Ishida Y, Terao K, Kaul SC, Vrati S, Sundar D, Wadhwa R. Anti-COVID-19 Potential of Withaferin-A and Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester. Curr Top Med Chem 2024; 24:830-842. [PMID: 38279743 DOI: 10.2174/0115680266280720231221100004] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The recent COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic triggered research on the development of new vaccines/drugs, repurposing of clinically approved drugs, and assessment of natural anti-COVID-19 compounds. Based on the gender difference in the severity of the disease, such as a higher number of men hospitalized and in intense care units, variations in sex hormones have been predicted to play a role in disease susceptibility. Cell surface receptors (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2; ACE2 and a connected transmembrane protease serine 2- TMPSS2) are upregulated by androgens. Conversely, androgen antagonists have also been shown to lower ACE2 levels, implying their usefulness in COVID-19 management. OBJECTIVES In this study, we performed computational and cell-based assays to investigate the anti- COVID-19 potential of Withaferin-A and Caffeic acid phenethyl ester, natural compounds from Withania somnifera and honeybee propolis, respectively. METHODS Structure-based computational approach was adopted to predict binding stability, interactions, and dynamics of the two test compounds to three target proteins (androgen receptor, ACE2, and TMPRSS2). Further, in vitro, cell-based experimental approaches were used to investigate the effect of compounds on target protein expression and SARS-CoV-2 replication. RESULTS Computation and experimental analyses revealed that (i) CAPE, but not Wi-A, can act as androgen antagonist and hence inhibit the transcriptional activation function of androgen receptor, (ii) while both Wi-A and CAPE could interact with ACE2 and TMPRSS2, Wi-A showed higher binding affinity, and (iii) combination of Wi-A and CAPE (Wi-ACAPE) caused strong downregulation of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 expression and inhibition of virus infection. CONCLUSION Wi-A and CAPE possess multimodal anti-COVID-19 potential, and their combination (Wi-ACAPE) is expected to provide better activity and hence warrant further attention in the laboratory and clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vipul Kumar
- DAILAB, Department of Biochemical Engineering & Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, 110 016, India
| | - Anissa Nofita Sari
- AIST-INDIA DAILAB, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science & Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, 305 8565, Japan
| | - Dharmender Gupta
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), Faridabad, 121 001, India
| | - Yoshiyuki Ishida
- CycloChem Bio Co., Ltd., 7-4-5 Minatojima-minamimachi, Kobe, 6500047, Japan
| | - Keiji Terao
- CycloChem Bio Co., Ltd., 7-4-5 Minatojima-minamimachi, Kobe, 6500047, Japan
| | - Sunil C Kaul
- AIST-INDIA DAILAB, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science & Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, 305 8565, Japan
| | - Sudhanshu Vrati
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), Faridabad, 121 001, India
| | - Durai Sundar
- DAILAB, Department of Biochemical Engineering & Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, 110 016, India
| | - Renu Wadhwa
- AIST-INDIA DAILAB, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science & Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, 305 8565, Japan
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25
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Kumar V, Meidinna HN, Kaul SC, Gupta D, Ishida Y, Terao K, Vrati S, Sundar D, Wadhwa R. Molecular insights to the anti-COVID-19 potential of α-, β- and γ-cyclodextrins. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023:1-11. [PMID: 38116950 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2294385] [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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 viral infection is regulated by the host cell receptors ACE2 and TMPRSS2, and therefore the effect of various natural and synthetic compounds on these receptors has recently been the subject of investigations. Cyclodextrins, naturally occurring polysaccharides derived from starch, are soluble in water and have a hydrophobic cavity at their center enabling them to accommodate small molecules and utilize them as carriers in the food, supplements, and pharmaceutical industries to improve the solubility, stability, and bioavailability of target compounds. In the current study, computational molecular simulations were used to investigate the ability of α-, β- and γ-Cyclodextrins on human cell surface receptors. Cell-based experimental approaches, including expression analyses at mRNA and protein levels and virus replication, were used to assess the effect on receptor expression and virus infection, respectively. We found that none of the three CDs could dock effectively to human cell surface receptor ACE2 and viral protease Mpro (essential for virus replication). On the other hand, α- and β-CD showed strong and stable interactions with TMPRSS2, and the expression of both ACE2 and TMPRSS2 was downregulated at the mRNA and protein levels in cyclodextrin (CD)-treated cells. A cell-based virus replication assay showed ∼20% inhibition by β- and γ-CD. Taken together, the study suggested that (i) downregulation of expression of host cell receptors may not be sufficient to inhibit virus infection (ii) activity of the receptors and virus protein Mpro may play a critical and clinically relevant role, and hence (iii) newly emerging anti-Covid-19 compounds warrant multimodal functional analyses.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vipul Kumar
- DAILAB, Department of Biochemical Engineering & Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, India
| | - Hazna Noor Meidinna
- AIST-INDIA DAILAB, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science & Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Sunil C Kaul
- AIST-INDIA DAILAB, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science & Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Japan
| | | | | | - Keiji Terao
- CycloChem Bio Co., Ltd, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Japan
| | | | - Durai Sundar
- DAILAB, Department of Biochemical Engineering & Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, India
| | - Renu Wadhwa
- AIST-INDIA DAILAB, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science & Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Japan
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26
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Niwa R, Sakai K, Lung MSY, Matsumoto T, Mikawa R, Maehana S, Suzuki M, Yamamoto Y, Maurissen TL, Hirabayashi A, Noda T, Kubo M, Gotoh S, Woltjen K. ACE2 knockout hinders SARS-CoV-2 propagation in iPS cell-derived airway and alveolar epithelial cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1290876. [PMID: 38149046 PMCID: PMC10750251 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1290876] [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: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of COVID-19, continues to spread around the world with serious cases and deaths. It has also been suggested that different genetic variants in the human genome affect both the susceptibility to infection and severity of disease in COVID-19 patients. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has been identified as a cell surface receptor for SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 entry into cells. The construction of an experimental model system using human iPS cells would enable further studies of the association between viral characteristics and genetic variants. Airway and alveolar epithelial cells are cell types of the lung that express high levels of ACE2 and are suitable for in vitro infection experiments. Here, we show that human iPS cell-derived airway and alveolar epithelial cells are highly susceptible to viral infection of SARS-CoV-2. Using gene knockout with CRISPR-Cas9 in human iPS cells we demonstrate that ACE2 plays an essential role in the airway and alveolar epithelial cell entry of SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. Replication of SARS-CoV-2 was strongly suppressed in ACE2 knockout (KO) lung cells. Our model system based on human iPS cell-derived lung cells may be applied to understand the molecular biology regulating viral respiratory infection leading to potential therapeutic developments for COVID-19 and the prevention of future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Niwa
- Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kouji Sakai
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
- Management Department of Biosafety, Laboratory Animal, and Pathogen Bank, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mandy Siu Yu Lung
- Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tomoko Matsumoto
- Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ryuta Mikawa
- Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shotaro Maehana
- Department of Microbiology, Kitasato University School of Allied Health Sciences, Kanagawa, Japan
- Regenerative Medicine and Cell Design Research Facility, Kitasato University School of Allied Health Sciences, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Masato Suzuki
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuki Yamamoto
- Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Thomas L. Maurissen
- Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ai Hirabayashi
- Laboratory of Ultrastructural Virology, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takeshi Noda
- Laboratory of Ultrastructural Virology, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Laboratory of Ultrastructural Virology, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Makoto Kubo
- Department of Microbiology, Kitasato University School of Allied Health Sciences, Kanagawa, Japan
- Regenerative Medicine and Cell Design Research Facility, Kitasato University School of Allied Health Sciences, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Shimpei Gotoh
- Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Knut Woltjen
- Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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Sun CP, Chiu CW, Wu PY, Tsung SI, Lee IJ, Hu CW, Hsu MF, Kuo TJ, Lan YH, Chen LY, Ng HY, Chung MJ, Liao HN, Tseng SC, Lo CH, Chen YJ, Liao CC, Chang CS, Liang JJ, Draczkowski P, Puri S, Chang YC, Huang JS, Chen CC, Kau JH, Chen YH, Liu WC, Wu HC, Danny Hsu ST, Wang IH, Tao MH. Development of AAV-delivered broadly neutralizing anti-human ACE2 antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 variants. Mol Ther 2023; 31:3322-3336. [PMID: 37689971 PMCID: PMC10638075 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.09.002] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The ongoing evolution of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), resulting in the emergence of new variants that are resistant to existing vaccines and therapeutic antibodies, has raised the need for novel strategies to combat the persistent global COVID-19 epidemic. In this study, a monoclonal anti-human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) antibody, ch2H2, was isolated and humanized to block the viral receptor-binding domain (RBD) binding to hACE2, the major entry receptor of SARS-CoV-2. This antibody targets the RBD-binding site on the N terminus of hACE2 and has a high binding affinity to outcompete the RBD. In vitro, ch2H2 antibody showed potent inhibitory activity against multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants, including the most antigenically drifted and immune-evading variant Omicron. In vivo, adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated delivery enabled a sustained expression of monoclonal antibody (mAb) ch2H2, generating a high concentration of antibodies in mice. A single administration of AAV-delivered mAb ch2H2 significantly reduced viral RNA load and infectious virions and mitigated pulmonary pathological changes in mice challenged with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.5 subvariant. Collectively, the results suggest that AAV-delivered hACE2-blocking antibody provides a promising approach for developing broad-spectrum antivirals against SARS-CoV-2 and potentially other hACE2-dependent pathogens that may emerge in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Pu Sun
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan; Biomedical Translation Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Wen Chiu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Clinical Laboratory Science and Medical Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ping-Yi Wu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Szu-I Tsung
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Microbiology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - I-Jung Lee
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Microbiology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Wei Hu
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical College, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Min-Feng Hsu
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Jiun Kuo
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hua Lan
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Yao Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Yee Ng
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Jhe Chung
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Ni Liao
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Che Tseng
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hui Lo
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Jiun Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Che Liao
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan; Biomedical Translation Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Shin Chang
- Biomedical Translation Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jian-Jong Liang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Sarita Puri
- Department of Bioscience, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Yuan-Chih Chang
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Siou Huang
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Cheung Chen
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical College, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jyh-Hwa Kau
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical College, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Hui Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chun Liu
- Biomedical Translation Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Han-Chung Wu
- Biomedical Translation Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shang-Te Danny Hsu
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; International Institute for Sustainability with Knotted Chiral Meta Matter, Hiroshima University, Higashihiroshima, Japan
| | - I-Hsuan Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Mi-Hua Tao
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan; Biomedical Translation Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Clinical Laboratory Science and Medical Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Microbiology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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28
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Huang SM, Hsieh CY, Ting JU, De Castro-Cruz KA, Wang CC, Lee CJ, Tsai PW. Anti-COVID-19, Anti-Inflammatory, and Anti-Osteoarthritis Activities of Sesamin from Sesamum indicum L. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:1263. [PMID: 38002386 PMCID: PMC10669907 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10111263] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
During the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) outbreak, many people were infected, and the symptoms may persist for several weeks or months for recovering patients. This is also known as "long COVID" and includes symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, muscle pain, et cetera. The COVID-19 virus may trigger hyper-inflammation associated with cytokine levels in the body. COVID-19 can trigger inflammation in the joints, which can lead to osteoarthritis (OA), while long-term COVID-19 symptoms may lead to joint damage and other inflammation problems. According to several studies, sesame has potent anti-inflammatory properties due to its major constituent, sesamin. This study examined sesamin's anti-inflammatory, anti-osteoarthritis, and anti-COVID-19 effects. Moreover, in vivo and in vitro assays were used to determine sesamin's anti-inflammatory activity against the RAW264.7 and SW1353 cell lines. Sesamin had a dose-dependent effect (20 mg/kg) in a monoiodoacetic acid (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis rat model. Sesamin reduced paw swelling and joint discomfort. In addition, the findings indicated that sesamin suppressed the expression of iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase) and COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) in the RAW264.7 cell line within the concentration range of 6.25-50 μM. Furthermore, sesamin also had a suppressive effect on MMP (matrix metalloproteinase) expression in chondrocytes and the SW1353 cell line within the same concentration range of 6.25-50 μM. To examine the anti-viral activity, an in silico analysis was performed to evaluate sesamin's binding affinity with SARS-CoV-2 RdRp (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase) and human ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2). Compared to the controls, sesamin exhibited strong binding affinities towards SARS-CoV-2 RdRp and human ACE2. Furthermore, sesamin had a higher binding affinity for the ACE2 target protein. This study suggests that sesamin shows potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Ming Huang
- Department of Nutrition, College of Medical and Health Care, Hungkuang University, Taichung 433, Taiwan;
- Department of Nutrition, Nantou Hospital of Ministry of Health and Welfare, Nantou 540, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yang Hsieh
- Ph.D. Program in Clinical Drug Development of Herbal Medicine, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan; (C.-Y.H.); (C.-C.W.)
- Laboratory of Oncology, Pharmacy Practice and Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
| | - Jasmine U. Ting
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, De La Salle University, Metro Manila 1004, Philippines;
| | - Kathlia A. De Castro-Cruz
- School of Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering and Sciences, Mapúa University, Metro Manila 1002, Philippines;
| | - Ching-Chiung Wang
- Ph.D. Program in Clinical Drug Development of Herbal Medicine, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan; (C.-Y.H.); (C.-C.W.)
- Traditional Herbal Medicine Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Orthopedics Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jung Lee
- Ph.D. Program in Clinical Drug Development of Herbal Medicine, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan; (C.-Y.H.); (C.-C.W.)
- Traditional Herbal Medicine Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Po-Wei Tsai
- Department of Medical Science Industries, College of Health Sciences, Chang Jung Christian University, Tainan 711, Taiwan
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29
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Berkowitz RL, Bluhm AP, Knox GW, McCurdy CR, Ostrov DA, Norris MH. Sigma Receptor Ligands Prevent COVID Mortality In Vivo: Implications for Future Therapeutics. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15718. [PMID: 37958703 PMCID: PMC10647780 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of lethal coronaviruses follows a periodic pattern which suggests a recurring cycle of outbreaks. It remains uncertain as to when the next lethal coronavirus will emerge, though its eventual emergence appears to be inevitable. New mutations in evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants have provided resistance to current antiviral drugs, monoclonal antibodies, and vaccines, reducing their therapeutic efficacy. This underscores the urgent need to investigate alternative therapeutic approaches. Sigma receptors have been unexpectedly linked to the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle due to the direct antiviral effect of their ligands. Coronavirus-induced cell stress facilitates the formation of an ER-derived complex conducive to its replication. Sigma receptor ligands are believed to prevent the formation of this complex. Repurposing FDA-approved drugs for COVID-19 offers a timely and cost-efficient strategy to find treatments with established safety profiles. Notably, diphenhydramine, a sigma receptor ligand, is thought to counteract the virus by inhibiting the creation of ER-derived replication vesicles. Furthermore, lactoferrin, a well-characterized immunomodulatory protein, has shown antiviral efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 both in laboratory settings and in living organisms. In the present study, we aimed to explore the impact of sigma receptor ligands on SARS-CoV-2-induced mortality in ACE2-transgenic mice. We assessed the effects of an investigational antiviral drug combination comprising a sigma receptor ligand and an immunomodulatory protein. Mice treated with sigma-2 receptor ligands or diphenhydramine and lactoferrin exhibited improved survival rates and rapid rebound in mass following the SARS-CoV-2 challenge compared to mock-treated animals. Clinical translation of these findings may support the discovery of new treatment and research strategies for SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reed L. Berkowitz
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (R.L.B.); (D.A.O.)
| | - Andrew P. Bluhm
- Spatial Epidemiology and Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Geography, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32601, USA
| | - Glenn W. Knox
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (R.L.B.); (D.A.O.)
| | - Christopher R. McCurdy
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Translational Drug Development Core, Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - David A. Ostrov
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (R.L.B.); (D.A.O.)
| | - Michael H. Norris
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32601, USA
- School of Life Sciences, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
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30
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Sun J, Liu X, Zhang S, Li M, Zhang Q, Chen J. Molecular insights and optimization strategies for the competitive binding of engineered ACE2 proteins: a multiple replica molecular dynamics study. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2023; 25:28479-28496. [PMID: 37846774 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp03392a] [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: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) continues to spread globally, and rapid viral evolution and the emergence of new variants pose challenges to pandemic control. During infection, the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 interacts with the human ACE2 protein via its receptor binding domain (RBD), and it is known that engineered forms of ACE2 can compete with wild-type (WT) ACE2 for binding to inhibit infection. Here, we conducted multiple replica molecular dynamics (MRMD) simulations to study the mechanisms of the engineered ACE2 variants 3N39 and 3N94 and provide directions for optimization. Our findings reveal that engineered ACE2 is notably more efficacious in systems that show weaker binding to WT ACE2 (i.e., WT and BA.1 RBD), but also faces immune escape as the virus evolves. Moreover, by modifying residue types near the binding interface, engineered ACE2 alters the electrostatic potential distribution and reconfigures the hydrogen bonding network, which results in modified binding to the RBD. However, this structural rearrangement does not occur in all RBD variants. In addition, we identified potentially engineerable beneficial residues and potentially engineerable detrimental residues in both ACE2 and RBD. Functional conservation can thus enable the optimization of these residues and improve the binding competitiveness of engineered ACE2, which therefore provides additional immune escape prevention. Finally, we conclude that these findings have implications for understanding the mechanisms responsible for engineered ACE2 and can help us to develop engineered ACE2 proteins that show superior performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahao Sun
- School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250358, China.
| | - Xinguo Liu
- School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250358, China.
| | - Shaolong Zhang
- School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250358, China.
| | - Meng Li
- School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250358, China.
| | - Qinggang Zhang
- School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250358, China.
| | - Jianzhong Chen
- School of Science, Shandong Jiaotong University, Jinan, 250357, China.
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31
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Maroli N. Riding the Wave: Unveiling the Conformational Waves from RBD of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein to ACE2. J Phys Chem B 2023; 127:8525-8536. [PMID: 37769161 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c04366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
The binding affinity between angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and the receptor-binding domain (RBD) plays a crucial role in the transmission and reinfection of SARS-CoV2. Here, microsecond molecular dynamics simulations revealed that point mutations in the RBD domain induced conformational transitions that determined the binding affinity between ACE2 and RBD. These structural changes propagated through the RBD domain, altering the orientation of both ACE2 and RBD residues at the binding site. ACE2 receptor shows significant structural heterogeneity, whereas its binding to the RBD domain indicates a much greater degree of structural homogeneity. The receptor was more flexible in its unbound state with the binding of RBD domains inducing structural transitions. The structural heterogeneity observed in the ACE2 unbound form plays a role in the promiscuity of viral entry, as it may allow the receptor to interact with various related and unrelated ligands. Furthermore, rigidity may be important for stabilizing the complex and ensuring the proper orientation of the RBD-binding interface with ACE2. The greater structural homogeneity observed in the ACE2-RBD complex revealed the effectiveness of neutralizing antibodies and vaccines that are primarily directed toward the RBD-binding interface. The binding of the B38 monoclonal antibody revealed restricted conformational transitions in the RBD and ACE2 receptors, attributed to its potent binding interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Maroli
- Centre for Computational Modeling, Chennai Institute of Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600069, India
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32
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Kober DL, Caballero Van Dyke MC, Eitson JL, Boys IN, McDougal MB, Rosenbaum DM, Schoggins JW. Development of a mutant aerosolized ACE2 that neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 in vivo. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.26.559550. [PMID: 37808801 PMCID: PMC10557691 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.26.559550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
The rapid evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants highlights the need for new therapies to prevent disease spread. SARS-CoV-2, like SARS-CoV-1, uses the human cell surface protein angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as its native receptor. Here, we design and characterize a mutant ACE2 that enables rapid affinity purification of a dimeric protein by altering the active site to prevent autoproteolytic digestion of a C-terminal His10 epitope tag. In cultured cells, mutant ACE2 competitively inhibits lentiviral vectors pseudotyped with spike from multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants, and infectious SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, the protein can be nebulized and retains virus-binding properties. We developed a system for delivery of aerosolized ACE2 to K18-hACE2 mice and demonstrate protection by our modified ACE2 when delivered as a prophylactic agent. These results show proof-of-concept for an aerosolized delivery method to evaluate anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents in vivo and suggest a new tool in the ongoing fight against SARS-CoV-2 and other ACE2-dependent viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel L. Kober
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | | | - Jennifer L. Eitson
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Ian N. Boys
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Matthew B. McDougal
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Daniel M. Rosenbaum
- Department of Biophysics, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - John W. Schoggins
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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33
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Bradley T, Geanes E, McLennan R, LeMaster C. Autoantibodies against Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and immune molecules are associated with COVID-19 disease severity. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3304083. [PMID: 37841848 PMCID: PMC10571615 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3304083/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Increased inflammation caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection can lead to severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and long-term disease manifestations referred to as post-acute sequalae of COVID (PASC). The mechanisms of this variable long-term immune activation are poorly defined. Autoantibodies targeting immune factors such as cytokines, as well as the viral host cell receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), have been observed after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Autoantibodies to immune factors and ACE2 could interfere with normal immune regulation and lead to increased inflammation, severe COVID-19, and long-term complications. Here, we deeply pro led the features of ACE2, cytokine, and chemokine autoantibodies in samples from patients recovering from severe COVID-19. We identified epitopes in the catalytic domain of ACE2 targeted by these antibodies, that could inhibit ACE2 function. Levels of autoantibodies targeting ACE2 and other immune factors could serve as determinants of COVID-19 disease severity, and represent a natural immunoregulatory mechanism in response to viral infection.
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34
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Eskew MW, Reardon PW, Benight AS. Calorimetric analysis using DNA thermal stability to determine protein concentration. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.25.559360. [PMID: 37808849 PMCID: PMC10557601 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.25.559360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
It was recently reported for two globular proteins and a short DNA hairpin in NaCl buffer that values of the transition heat capacities, Cp,DNA and Cp,PRO, for equal concentrations (mg/mL) of DNA and proteins, are essentially equivalent (differ by less than 1%). Additional evidence for this equivalence is presented that reveals this phenomenon does not depend on DNA sequence, buffer salt, or Tm. Sequences of two DNA hairpins were designed to confer a near 20°C difference in their Tm's. For the molecules, in NaCl and CsCl buffer the evaluated Cp,PRO and Cp,DNA were equivalent. Based on the equivalence of transition heat capacities, a calorimetric method was devised to determine protein concentrations in pure and complex solutions. The scheme uses direct comparisons between the thermodynamic stability of a short DNA hairpin standard of known concentration, and thermodynamic stability of protein solutions of unknown concentrations. In all cases, evaluated protein concentrations determined from the DNA standard curve agreed with the UV-Vis concentration for monomeric proteins. For samples of multimeric proteins, streptavidin (tetramer), Herpes Simplex Virus glycoprotein D (trimer/dimer), and a 16 base pair DNA duplex (dimer), evaluated concentrations were greater than determined by UV-Vis by factors of 3.94, 2.65, and 2.15, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W. Eskew
- ThermoCap Laboratories Inc, Portland, Oregon
- Department of Chemistry, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon
| | | | - Albert S. Benight
- ThermoCap Laboratories Inc, Portland, Oregon
- Department of Chemistry, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon
- Department of Physics, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon
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35
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Karadağ AE, Biltekin SN, Demirci B, Demirci F, Ghani U. Comparative In Vitro and In Silico Enzyme Inhibitory Screening of Rosa x damascena and Pelargonium graveolens Essential Oils and Geraniol. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:3296. [PMID: 37765459 PMCID: PMC10537268 DOI: 10.3390/plants12183296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
The present work aims to evaluate Rosa x damascena Herrm. and Pelargonium graveolens L'Hér. essential oils, and the major constituent geraniol for their in vitro and in silico inhibitory activities against 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), cyclooxygenase (COX), acetyl cholinesterase (AChE), butyryl cholinesterase (BuChE), and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE2) enzymes. Geraniol most potently inhibited the ACE2 relative to other enzymes. R. damascena essential oil moderately inhibited the cancer cell lines with no toxic effects on healthy HEK 293 cells. P. graveolens essential oil inhibited a number of cancer cell lines including A549, MCF7, PC3, and HEK 293 that are reported here for the first time. The molecular docking of geraniol with the target enzymes revealed that it binds to the active sites similar to that of known drugs. Geraniol carries the potential for further drug development due to its drug-like binding mode for the target enzymes. Our work confirms that these essential oils possess similar biological activities due to their similar phytochemistry in terms of the major constituents of the plants. The promising biological activities reported in this work further warrant the inclusion of in vivo studies to establish safe use of the target essential oils and their constituents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayşe Esra Karadağ
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Istanbul Medipol University, 34815 Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Sevde Nur Biltekin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, School of Pharmacy, Istanbul Medipol University, 34815 Istanbul, Türkiye;
| | - Betül Demirci
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Anadolu University, 26470 Eskişehir, Türkiye; (B.D.); (F.D.)
| | - Fatih Demirci
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Anadolu University, 26470 Eskişehir, Türkiye; (B.D.); (F.D.)
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Eastern Mediterranean University, North Cyprus, 99450 Famagusta, Türkiye
| | - Usman Ghani
- Clinical Biochemistry Unit, Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 12372, Saudi Arabia
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36
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Lamanna G, Delre P, Marcou G, Saviano M, Varnek A, Horvath D, Mangiatordi GF. GENERA: A Combined Genetic/Deep-Learning Algorithm for Multiobjective Target-Oriented De Novo Design. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:5107-5119. [PMID: 37556857 PMCID: PMC10466378 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c00963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
This study introduces a new de novo design algorithm called GENERA that combines the capabilities of a deep-learning algorithm for automated drug-like analogue design, called DeLA-Drug, with a genetic algorithm for generating molecules with desired target-oriented properties. Specifically, GENERA was applied to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) target, which is implicated in many pathological conditions, including COVID-19. The ability of GENERA to de novo design promising candidates for a specific target was assessed using two docking programs, PLANTS and GLIDE. A fitness function based on the Pareto dominance resulting from computed PLANTS and GLIDE scores was applied to demonstrate the algorithm's ability to perform multiobjective optimizations effectively. GENERA can quickly generate focused libraries that produce better scores compared to a starting set of known ACE-2 binders. This study is the first to utilize a DL-based algorithm designed for analogue generation as a mutational operator within a GA framework, representing an innovative approach to target-oriented de novo design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Lamanna
- Chemistry
Department, University of Bari “Aldo
Moro”, Via E.
Orabona, 4, I-70125 Bari, Italy
- CNR
− Institute of Crystallography, Via Amendola 122/o, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Pietro Delre
- CNR
− Institute of Crystallography, Via Amendola 122/o, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Gilles Marcou
- Laboratoire
de Chémoinformatique UMR7140, 4 rue Blaise Pascal, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Michele Saviano
- CNR
− Institute of Crystallography, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Alexandre Varnek
- Laboratoire
de Chémoinformatique UMR7140, 4 rue Blaise Pascal, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Dragos Horvath
- Laboratoire
de Chémoinformatique UMR7140, 4 rue Blaise Pascal, 67000 Strasbourg, France
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37
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Zhou M, Song T, Li W, Huang M, Zheng L, Zhao M. Identification and Screening of Potential ACE2 Activating Peptides from Soybean Protein Isolate Hydrolysate against Ang II-Induced Endothelial Dysfunction. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:11957-11969. [PMID: 37501259 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c03013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a counterregulator against ACE by converting angiotensin II (Ang II) to Ang-(1-7), and its down-regulation leads to endothelial dysfunction in the vascular system. In the present study, we investigated the effects of soybean protein isolate hydrolysate (SPIH) on Ang II-induced endothelial dysfunction with its underlying mechanisms via ACE2 activation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). We further screened potential ACE2 activating peptides by peptidomics analysis combined with bioinformatics tools. Results showed that SPIH remarkably attenuated Ang II-induced cell migration from 129 to 92%, decreased the ROS level from 2.22-fold to 1.45-fold, and increased NO concentration from 31.4 ± 0.7 to 43.7 ± 0.1 μM in HUVECs. However, these beneficial effects were reversed by ACE2 inhibitor MLN-4760 to a certain extent, indicating the modulation of ACE2. Further results revealed that SPIH (1 mg/mL) significantly increased the expression and activity of ACE2 and two novel ACE2 activating peptides with different mechanisms were explored from SPIH. IVPQ and IAVPT (50 μM) enhanced ACE2 activity, and only IVPQ (50 μM) increased ACE2 protein expression in HUVECs. These findings furthered our understanding of the antihypertensive mechanism of SPIH mediating the ACE2 activation on vascular endothelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minzhi Zhou
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, P.R. China
- Guangdong Food Green Processing and Nutrition Regulation Technologies Research Center, Guangzhou 510640, P.R. China
| | - Tianyuan Song
- School of Food Science and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory for Food Microbial Technology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310018, P.R. China
| | - Wen Li
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, P.R. China
- Guangdong Food Green Processing and Nutrition Regulation Technologies Research Center, Guangzhou 510640, P.R. China
| | - Mingtao Huang
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, P.R. China
- Guangdong Food Green Processing and Nutrition Regulation Technologies Research Center, Guangzhou 510640, P.R. China
| | - Lin Zheng
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, P.R. China
- Guangdong Food Green Processing and Nutrition Regulation Technologies Research Center, Guangzhou 510640, P.R. China
| | - Mouming Zhao
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, P.R. China
- Guangdong Food Green Processing and Nutrition Regulation Technologies Research Center, Guangzhou 510640, P.R. China
- Food Laboratory of Zhongyuan, Luohe, Henan 462300, P.R. China
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38
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Benedetti S, Sisti D, Vandini D, Barocci S, Sudano M, Carlotti E, Teng JLL, Zamai L. Circulating ACE2 level and zinc/albumin ratio as potential biomarkers for a precision medicine approach to COVID-19. Adv Biol Regul 2023; 89:100973. [PMID: 37257289 PMCID: PMC10202900 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2023.100973] [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: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Highly mutable influenza is successfully countered based on individual susceptibility and similar precision-like medicine approach should be effective against SARS-COV-2. Among predictive markers to bring precision medicine to COVID-19, circulating ACE2 has potential features being upregulated in both severe COVID-19 and predisposing comorbidities. Spike SARS-CoVs were shown to induce ADAM17-mediated shedding of enzymatic active ACE2, thus accounting for its increased activity that has also been suggested to induce positive feedback loops leading to COVID-19-like manifestations. For this reason, pre-existing ACE2 activity and inhibition of ACE2/ADAM17 zinc-metalloproteases through zinc chelating agents have been proposed to predict COVID-19 outcome before infection and to protect from COVID-19, respectively. Since most diagnostic laboratories are not equipped for enzymatic activity determination, other potential predictive markers of disease progression exploitable by diagnostic laboratories were explored. Concentrations of circulating albumin, zinc, ACE2 protein and its activity were investigated in healthy, diabetic (COVID-19-susceptible) and SARS-CoV-2-negative COVID-19 individuals. ACE2 both protein levels and activity significantly increased in COVID-19 and diabetic patients. Abnormal high levels of ACE2 characterised a subgroup (16-19%) of diabetics, while COVID-19 patients were characterised by significantly higher zinc/albumin ratios, pointing to a relative increase of albumin-unbound zinc species, such as free zinc ones. Data on circulating ACE2 levels are in line with the hypothesis that they can drive susceptibility to COVID-19 and elevated zinc/albumin ratios support the therapeutic use of zinc chelating inhibitors of ACE2/ADAM17 zinc-metalloproteases in a targeted therapy for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Benedetti
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029, Urbino, Italy
| | - Davide Sisti
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029, Urbino, Italy
| | - Daniela Vandini
- Department of Clinical Pathology, ASUR Marche AV1, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Simone Barocci
- Department of Clinical Pathology, ASUR Marche AV1, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Maurizio Sudano
- Diabetology and Endocrinology Unit, ASUR Marche AV1, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | | | - Jade Lee Lee Teng
- Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Loris Zamai
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029, Urbino, Italy; INFN-Gran Sasso National Laboratory, Assergi, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy.
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39
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Xia X. Identification of host receptors for viral entry and beyond: a perspective from the spike of SARS-CoV-2. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1188249. [PMID: 37560522 PMCID: PMC10407229 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1188249] [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: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Identification of the interaction between the host membrane receptor and viral receptor-binding domain (RBD) represents a crucial step for understanding viral pathophysiology and for developing drugs against pathogenic viruses. While all membrane receptors and carbohydrate chains could potentially be used as receptors for viruses, prioritized searches focus typically on membrane receptors that are known to have been used by the relatives of the pathogenic virus, e.g., ACE2 used as a receptor for SARS-CoV is a prioritized candidate receptor for SARS-CoV-2. An ideal receptor protein from a viral perspective is one that is highly expressed in epithelial cell surface of mammalian respiratory or digestive tracts, strongly conserved in evolution so many mammalian species can serve as potential hosts, and functionally important so that its expression cannot be readily downregulated by the host in response to the infection. Experimental confirmation of host receptors includes (1) infection studies with cell cultures/tissues/organs with or without candidate receptor expression, (2) experimental determination of protein structure of the complex between the putative viral RDB and the candidate host receptor, and (3) experiments with mutant candidate receptor or homologues of the candidate receptor in other species. Successful identification of the host receptor opens the door for mechanism-based development of candidate drugs and vaccines and facilitates the inference of what other animal species are vulnerable to the viral pathogen. I illustrate these approaches with research on identification of the receptor and co-factors for SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuhua Xia
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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40
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Devaux CA, Fantini J. ACE2 receptor polymorphism in humans and animals increases the risk of the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants during repeated intra- and inter-species host-switching of the virus. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1199561. [PMID: 37520374 PMCID: PMC10373931 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1199561] [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: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Like other coronaviruses, SARS-CoV-2 has ability to spread through human-to-human transmission and to circulate from humans to animals and from animals to humans. A high frequency of SARS-CoV-2 mutations has been observed in the viruses isolated from both humans and animals, suggesting a genetic fitness under positive selection in both ecological niches. The most documented positive selection force driving SARS-CoV-2 mutations is the host-specific immune response. However, after electrostatic interactions with lipid rafts, the first contact between the virus and host proteins is the viral spike-cellular receptor binding. Therefore, it is likely that the first level of selection pressure impacting viral fitness relates to the virus's affinity for its receptor, the angiotensin I converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Although sufficiently conserved in a huge number of species to support binding of the viral spike with enough affinity to initiate fusion, ACE2 is highly polymorphic both among species and within a species. Here, we provide evidence suggesting that when the viral spike-ACE2 receptor interaction is not optimal, due to host-switching, mutations can be selected to improve the affinity of the spike for the ACE2 expressed by the new host. Notably, SARS-CoV-2 is mutation-prone in the spike receptor binding domain (RBD), allowing a better fit for ACE2 orthologs in animals. It is possibly that this may also be true for rare human alleles of ACE2 when the virus is spreading to billions of people. In this study, we present evidence that human subjects expressing the rare E329G allele of ACE2 with higher allele frequencies in European populations exhibit a improved affinity for the SARS-CoV-2 spike N501Y variant of the virus. This may suggest that this viral N501Y variant emerged in the human population after SARS-CoV-2 had infected a human carrying the rare E329G allele of ACE2. In addition, this viral evolution could impact viral replication as well as the ability of the adaptive humoral response to control infection with RBD-specific neutralizing antibodies. In a shifting landscape, this ACE2-driven genetic drift of SARS-CoV-2 which we have named the 'boomerang effect', could complicate the challenge of preventing COVID with a SARS-CoV-2 spike-derived vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian A. Devaux
- Laboratory Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI), Aix-Marseille Université, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU–Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS-SNC5039), Marseille, France
| | - Jacques Fantini
- INSERM UMR_S1072, Marseille, France, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
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41
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Sansoè G, Aragno M. New Viral Diseases and New Possible Remedies by Means of the Pharmacology of the Renin-Angiotensin System. J Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone Syst 2023; 2023:3362391. [PMID: 37476705 PMCID: PMC10356449 DOI: 10.1155/2023/3362391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
All strains of SARS-CoV-2, as well as previously described SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, bind to ACE2, the cell membrane receptor of β-coronaviruses. Monocarboxypeptidase ACE2 activity stops upon viral entry into cells, leading to inadequate tissue production of angiotensin 1-7 (Ang1-7). Acute lung injury due to the human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) or avian influenza A H7N9 and H5N1 viruses is also characterized by significant downregulation of lung ACE2 and increased systemic levels of angiotensin II (Ang II). Restoration of Ang1-7 anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, vasodilating, and natriuretic properties was attempted at least in some COVID-19 patients through i.v. infusion of recombinant human ACE2 or intranasal administration of the modified ACE2 protein, with inconsistent clinical results. Conversely, use of ACE inhibitors (ACEis), which increase ACE2 cell expression, seemed to improve the prognosis of hypertensive patients with COVID-19. To restore Ang1-7 tissue levels in all these viral diseases and avoid the untoward effects frequently seen with ACE2 systemic administration, a different strategy may be hypothesized. Experimentally, when metallopeptidase inhibitors block ACE2, neprilysin (NEP), highly expressed in higher and lower airways, starts cleaving angiotensin I (Ang I) into Ang1-7. We suggest a discerning use of ACEis in normohypertensive patients with β-coronavirus disease as well as in atypical pneumonia caused by avian influenza viruses or hRSV to block the main ACE-dependent effects: Ang II synthesis and Ang1-7 degradation into angiotensin 1-5. At the same time, i.v.-infused Ang I, which is not hypertensive provided ACE is inhibited, may become the primary substrate for local Ang1-7 synthesis via ubiquitous NEP; i.e., NEP could replace inadequate ACE2 function if Ang I was freely available. Moreover, inhibitors of chymase, a serine endopeptidase responsible for 80% of Ang II-forming activity in tissues and vessel walls, could protect patients with atypical pneumonia from Ang II-mediated microvascular damage without reducing arterial blood pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Sansoè
- Gastroenterology Unit, Humanitas Institute, Gradenigo Hospital, Corso Regina Margherita 10, 10153 Torino, Italy
| | - Manuela Aragno
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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42
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Harman MAJ, Stanway SJ, Scott H, Demydchuk Y, Bezerra GA, Pellegrino S, Chen L, Brear P, Lulla A, Hyvönen M, Beswick PJ, Skynner MJ. Structure-Guided Chemical Optimization of Bicyclic Peptide ( Bicycle) Inhibitors of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2. J Med Chem 2023. [PMID: 37433017 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a metalloprotease that cleaves angiotensin II, a peptide substrate involved in the regulation of hypertension. Here, we identified a series of constrained bicyclic peptides, Bicycle, inhibitors of human ACE2 by panning highly diverse bacteriophage display libraries. These were used to generate X-ray crystal structures which were used to inform the design of additional Bicycles with increased affinity and inhibition of ACE2 enzymatic activity. This novel structural class of ACE2 inhibitors is among the most potent ACE2 inhibitors yet described in vitro, representing a valuable tool to further probe ACE2 function and for potential therapeutic utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian A J Harman
- BicycleTx Ltd., Portway Building Blocks A and B, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge CB21 6GS, U.K
| | - Steven J Stanway
- BicycleTx Ltd., Portway Building Blocks A and B, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge CB21 6GS, U.K
| | - Heather Scott
- BicycleTx Ltd., Portway Building Blocks A and B, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge CB21 6GS, U.K
| | - Yuliya Demydchuk
- BicycleTx Ltd., Portway Building Blocks A and B, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge CB21 6GS, U.K
| | - Gustavo Arruda Bezerra
- BicycleTx Ltd., Portway Building Blocks A and B, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge CB21 6GS, U.K
| | - Simone Pellegrino
- BicycleTx Ltd., Portway Building Blocks A and B, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge CB21 6GS, U.K
| | - Liuhong Chen
- BicycleTx Ltd., Portway Building Blocks A and B, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge CB21 6GS, U.K
| | - Paul Brear
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1GA, U.K
| | - Aleksei Lulla
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1GA, U.K
| | - Marko Hyvönen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1GA, U.K
| | - Paul J Beswick
- BicycleTx Ltd., Portway Building Blocks A and B, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge CB21 6GS, U.K
| | - Michael J Skynner
- BicycleTx Ltd., Portway Building Blocks A and B, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge CB21 6GS, U.K
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43
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Jeffery CJ. MSFP: undergraduate 'collaborate-from-home' research in macromolecular structure and function. BIOINFORMATICS ADVANCES 2023; 3:vbad074. [PMID: 37521308 PMCID: PMC10374487 DOI: 10.1093/bioadv/vbad074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Summary When the COVID-19 crisis shut down most undergraduate research opportunities, the Macromolecular Structure and Function Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program provided a mentored research experience on the topic of Macromolecular Structure and Function and training in professional skills to assist the participants in pursuing a degree and a future career in STEM. The fully online, remote, computer-based program was funded by the USA National Science Foundation. It involved faculty at four geographically distributed institutions specializing in diverse but complementary approaches to study macromolecular structure and function. Importantly, its online 'collaborate-from-home' format made it accessible to students during the pandemic to participate fully in the research, professional development and other activities of the program. This project can also serve as an example for future remote, online projects that would especially be helpful for students who do not have access to similar programs at their universities, cannot travel to attend a summer program, have physical challenges that make it difficult for them to work in a lab or students whose research opportunities are limited due to the war in Ukraine. The lessons learned with the Macromolecular Structure and Function REU program can provide helpful information for ISCB members to set up similar programs to serve additional students. Availability and implementation More information and resources are available on the project web site http://jefferylab.moonlightingproteins.org. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics Advances online.
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44
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Sahu N, Mishra S, Kesheri M, Kanchan S, Sinha RP. Identification of Cyanobacteria-Based Natural Inhibitors Against SARS-CoV-2 Druggable Target ACE2 Using Molecular Docking Study, ADME and Toxicity Analysis. Indian J Clin Biochem 2023; 38:361-373. [PMID: 35812791 PMCID: PMC9255548 DOI: 10.1007/s12291-022-01056-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In 2019-2020, the novel "severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2)" had emerged as the biggest challenge for humanity, causing "coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19)". Scientists around the world have been putting continuous efforts to unfold potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2. We have performed computational studies that help us to identify cyanobacterial photoprotective compounds as potential inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 druggable target human angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE2), which plays a vital role in the attachment and entry of the virus into the cell. Blocking the receptor-binding domain of ACE2 can prevent the access of the virus into the compartment. A molecular docking study was performed between photoprotective compounds mycosporine-like amino acids, scytonemins and ACE2 protein using AutoDock tools. Among sixteen molecularly docked metabolites, seven compounds were selected with binding energy < 6.8 kcal/mol. Afterwards, drug-likeness and toxicity of the top candidate were predicted using Swiss ADME and Pro Tox-II online servers. All top hits show desirable drug-likeness properties, but toxicity pattern analysis discloses the toxic effect of scytonemin and its derivatives, resulting in the elimination from the screening pipeline. Further molecular interaction study of the rest two ligands, mycosporine-glycine-valine and shinorine with ACE2 was performed using PyMol, Biovia Discovery studio and LigPlot+. Lastly biological activity of both the ligands was predicted by using the PASS online server. Combining the docking score and other studied properties, we believe that mycosporine-glycine-valine and shinorine have potential to be potent inhibitors of ACE2 and can be explored further to use against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niharika Sahu
- Laboratory of Photobiology and Molecular Microbiology, Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005 India
| | - Sonal Mishra
- Laboratory of Photobiology and Molecular Microbiology, Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005 India
| | - Minu Kesheri
- Laboratory of Photobiology and Molecular Microbiology, Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005 India
| | - Swarna Kanchan
- Laboratory of Photobiology and Molecular Microbiology, Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005 India
| | - Rajeshwar P. Sinha
- Laboratory of Photobiology and Molecular Microbiology, Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005 India
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45
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Renzi F, Seamann A, Ganguly K, Pandey K, Byrareddy SN, Batra S, Kumar S, Ghersi D. Engineering an ACE2-Derived Fragment as a Decoy for Novel SARS-CoV-2 Virus. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:857-867. [PMID: 37325447 PMCID: PMC10262318 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.2c00180] [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: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Entry inhibitors are an important resource in the response against emerging pathogens like the novel SARS-CoV-2, which enters human cells via interaction between the surface spike glycoprotein and the cellular membrane receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Using a combination of comparative structural analyses of the binding surface of the spike to ACE2, docking experiments, and molecular dynamics simulations, we identified a stable fragment of ACE2 that binds to the spike, is soluble, and is not predicted to bind to its physiological ligand angiotensin II. From this fragment we computationally designed and experimentally validated a smaller, stable peptide that disrupts ACE2-spike interaction at nanomolar concentrations, suggesting its potential use as a decoy that could interfere with viral binding by competition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Renzi
- Department
of Physics, Università di Roma ”La
Sapienza”, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Austin Seamann
- School
of Interdisciplinary Informatics, University
of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska 68182, USA
| | - Koelina Ganguly
- Department
of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68182, USA
| | - Kabita Pandey
- Department
of Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68182, USA
| | - Siddappa N. Byrareddy
- Department
of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68182, USA
- Department
of Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68182, USA
| | - Surinder Batra
- Department
of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68182, USA
| | - Sushil Kumar
- Department
of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68182, USA
| | - Dario Ghersi
- School
of Interdisciplinary Informatics, University
of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska 68182, USA
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46
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Zhang F, Jenkins J, de Carvalho RVH, Nakandakari-Higa S, Chen T, Abernathy ME, Baharani VA, Nyakatura EK, Andrew D, Lebedeva IV, Lorenz IC, Hoffmann HH, Rice CM, Victora GD, Barnes CO, Hatziioannou T, Bieniasz PD. Pan-sarbecovirus prophylaxis with human anti-ACE2 monoclonal antibodies. Nat Microbiol 2023; 8:1051-1063. [PMID: 37188812 PMCID: PMC10234812 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-023-01389-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that target the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein have been isolated from convalescent individuals and developed into therapeutics for SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, therapeutic mAbs for SARS-CoV-2 have been rendered obsolete by the emergence of mAb-resistant virus variants. Here we report the generation of a set of six human mAbs that bind the human angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (hACE2) receptor, rather than the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. We show that these antibodies block infection by all hACE2 binding sarbecoviruses tested, including SARS-CoV-2 ancestral, Delta and Omicron variants at concentrations of ~7-100 ng ml-1. These antibodies target an hACE2 epitope that binds to the SARS-CoV-2 spike, but they do not inhibit hACE2 enzymatic activity nor do they induce cell-surface depletion of hACE2. They have favourable pharmacology, protect hACE2 knock-in mice against SARS-CoV-2 infection and should present a high genetic barrier to the acquisition of resistance. These antibodies should be useful prophylactic and treatment agents against any current or future SARS-CoV-2 variants and might be useful to treat infection with any hACE2-binding sarbecoviruses that emerge in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengwen Zhang
- Laboratory of Retrovirology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jesse Jenkins
- Laboratory of Retrovirology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Teresia Chen
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Viren A Baharani
- Laboratory of Retrovirology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - David Andrew
- Tri-Institutional Therapeutics Discovery Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Irina V Lebedeva
- Tri-Institutional Therapeutics Discovery Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ivo C Lorenz
- Tri-Institutional Therapeutics Discovery Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - H-Heinrich Hoffmann
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Charles M Rice
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gabriel D Victora
- Laboratory of Lymphocyte Dynamics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christopher O Barnes
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Paul D Bieniasz
- Laboratory of Retrovirology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA.
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47
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Pelucelli A, Peana M, Orzeł B, Piasta K, Gumienna-Kontecka E, Medici S, Zoroddu MA. Zn 2+ and Cu 2+ Interaction with the Recognition Interface of ACE2 for SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119202. [PMID: 37298154 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119202] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The spike protein (S) of SARS-CoV-2 is able to bind to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor with a much higher affinity compared to other coronaviruses. The binding interface between the ACE2 receptor and the spike protein plays a critical role in the entry mechanism of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. There are specific amino acids involved in the interaction between the S protein and the ACE2 receptor. This specificity is critical for the virus to establish a systemic infection and cause COVID-19 disease. In the ACE2 receptor, the largest number of amino acids playing a crucial role in the mechanism of interaction and recognition with the S protein is located in the C-terminal part, which represents the main binding region between ACE2 and S. This fragment is abundant in coordination residues such as aspartates, glutamates, and histidine that could be targeted by metal ions. Zn2+ ions bind to the ACE2 receptor in its catalytic site and modulate its activity, but it could also contribute to the structural stability of the entire protein. The ability of the human ACE2 receptor to coordinate metal ions, such as Zn2+, in the same region where it binds to the S protein could have a crucial impact on the mechanism of recognition and interaction of ACE2-S, with consequences on their binding affinity that deserve to be investigated. To test this possibility, this study aims to characterize the coordination ability of Zn2+, and also Cu2+ for comparison, with selected peptide models of the ACE2 binding interface using spectroscopic and potentiometric techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Pelucelli
- Department of Chemical, Physical, Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Peana
- Department of Chemical, Physical, Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Bartosz Orzeł
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Karolina Piasta
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | - Serenella Medici
- Department of Chemical, Physical, Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta Zoroddu
- Department of Chemical, Physical, Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
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48
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Halder SK, Sultana I, Shuvo MN, Shil A, Himel MK, Hasan MA, Shawan MMAK. In Silico Identification and Analysis of Potentially Bioactive Antiviral Phytochemicals against SARS-CoV-2: A Molecular Docking and Dynamics Simulation Approach. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 2023:5469258. [PMID: 37214084 PMCID: PMC10195178 DOI: 10.1155/2023/5469258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, a deadly coronavirus sparked COVID-19 pandemic around the globe. With an increased mutation rate, this infectious agent is highly transmissible inducing an escalated rate of infections and death everywhere. Hence, the discovery of a viable antiviral therapy option is urgent. Computational approaches have offered a revolutionary framework to identify novel antimicrobial treatment regimens and allow a quicker, cost-effective, and productive conversion into the health center by evaluating preliminary and safety investigations. The primary purpose of this research was to find plausible plant-derived antiviral small molecules to halt the viral entrance into individuals by clogging the adherence of Spike protein with human ACE2 receptor and to suppress their genome replication by obstructing the activity of Nsp3 (Nonstructural protein 3) and 3CLpro (main protease). An in-house library of 1163 phytochemicals were selected from the NPASS and PubChem databases for downstream analysis. Preliminary analysis with SwissADME and pkCSM revealed 149 finest small molecules from the large dataset. Virtual screening using the molecular docking scoring and the MM-GBSA data analysis revealed that three candidate ligands CHEMBL503 (Lovastatin), CHEMBL490355 (Sulfuretin), and CHEMBL4216332 (Grayanoside A) successfully formed docked complex within the active site of human ACE2 receptor, Nsp3, and 3CLpro, respectively. Dual method molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and post-MD MM-GBSA further confirmed efficient binding and stable interaction between the ligands and target proteins. Furthermore, biological activity spectra and molecular target analysis revealed that all three preselected phytochemicals were biologically active and safe for human use. Throughout the adopted methodology, all three therapeutic candidates significantly outperformed the control drugs (Molnupiravir and Paxlovid). Finally, our research implies that these SARS-CoV-2 protein antagonists might be viable therapeutic options. At the same time, enough wet lab evaluations would be needed to ensure the therapeutic potency of the recommended drug candidates for SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajal Kumar Halder
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh
| | - Ive Sultana
- Department of Microbiology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh
| | | | - Aparna Shil
- Department of Botany, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh
| | | | - Md. Ashraful Hasan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh
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49
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Ito J, Suzuki R, Uriu K, Itakura Y, Zahradnik J, Kimura KT, Deguchi S, Wang L, Lytras S, Tamura T, Kida I, Nasser H, Shofa M, Begum MM, Tsuda M, Oda Y, Suzuki T, Sasaki J, Sasaki-Tabata K, Fujita S, Yoshimatsu K, Ito H, Nao N, Asakura H, Nagashima M, Sadamasu K, Yoshimura K, Yamamoto Y, Nagamoto T, Kuramochi J, Schreiber G, Saito A, Matsuno K, Takayama K, Hashiguchi T, Tanaka S, Fukuhara T, Ikeda T, Sato K. Convergent evolution of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants leading to the emergence of BQ.1.1 variant. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2671. [PMID: 37169744 PMCID: PMC10175283 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38188-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
In late 2022, various Omicron subvariants emerged and cocirculated worldwide. These variants convergently acquired amino acid substitutions at critical residues in the spike protein, including residues R346, K444, L452, N460, and F486. Here, we characterize the convergent evolution of Omicron subvariants and the properties of one recent lineage of concern, BQ.1.1. Our phylogenetic analysis suggests that these five substitutions are recurrently acquired, particularly in younger Omicron lineages. Epidemic dynamics modelling suggests that the five substitutions increase viral fitness, and a large proportion of the fitness variation within Omicron lineages can be explained by these substitutions. Compared to BA.5, BQ.1.1 evades breakthrough BA.2 and BA.5 infection sera more efficiently, as demonstrated by neutralization assays. The pathogenicity of BQ.1.1 in hamsters is lower than that of BA.5. Our multiscale investigations illuminate the evolutionary rules governing the convergent evolution for known Omicron lineages as of 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jumpei Ito
- Division of Systems Virology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rigel Suzuki
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Keiya Uriu
- Division of Systems Virology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukari Itakura
- Division of Molecular Pathobiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Jiri Zahradnik
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- First Medical Faculty at Biocev, Charles University, Vestec-Prague, Czechia
| | - Kanako Terakado Kimura
- Laboratory of Medical Virology, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Sayaka Deguchi
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Cancer Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Institute for Chemical Reaction Design and Discovery (WPI-ICReDD), Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Spyros Lytras
- Medical Research Council-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - Tomokazu Tamura
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Izumi Kida
- Division of Risk Analysis and Management, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hesham Nasser
- Division of Molecular Virology and Genetics, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Maya Shofa
- Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Mst Monira Begum
- Division of Molecular Virology and Genetics, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Masumi Tsuda
- Department of Cancer Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Institute for Chemical Reaction Design and Discovery (WPI-ICReDD), Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Oda
- Department of Cancer Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Tateki Suzuki
- Laboratory of Medical Virology, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Jiei Sasaki
- Laboratory of Medical Virology, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kaori Sasaki-Tabata
- Department of Medicinal Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shigeru Fujita
- Division of Systems Virology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Hayato Ito
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Naganori Nao
- Division of International Research Promotion, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- One Health Research Center, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Institute for Vaccine Research and Development: HU-IVReD, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | | | - Mami Nagashima
- Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Public Health, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenji Sadamasu
- Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Public Health, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Jin Kuramochi
- Interpark Kuramochi Clinic, Utsunomiya, Japan
- Department of Global Health Promotion, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Gideon Schreiber
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Akatsuki Saito
- Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
- Center for Animal Disease Control, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Keita Matsuno
- Division of Risk Analysis and Management, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Institute for Vaccine Research and Development: HU-IVReD, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- International Collaboration Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Kazuo Takayama
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- AMED-CREST, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takao Hashiguchi
- Laboratory of Medical Virology, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
| | - Shinya Tanaka
- Department of Cancer Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
- Institute for Chemical Reaction Design and Discovery (WPI-ICReDD), Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
| | - Takasuke Fukuhara
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
- AMED-CREST, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), Tokyo, Japan.
- Laboratory of Virus Control, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.
| | - Terumasa Ikeda
- Division of Molecular Virology and Genetics, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.
| | - Kei Sato
- Division of Systems Virology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
- Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
- International Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
- International Vaccine Design Center, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
- Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan.
- Collaboration Unit for Infection, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.
- CREST, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Kawaguchi, Japan.
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50
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Bogoyavlenskiy A, Alexyuk M, Alexyuk P, Berezin V, Almalki FA, Ben Hadda T, Alqahtani AM, Ahmed SA, Dall'Acqua S, Jamalis J. Computer Analysis of the Inhibition of ACE2 by Flavonoids and Identification of Their Potential Antiviral Pharmacophore Site. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28093766. [PMID: 37175179 PMCID: PMC10179817 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28093766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we investigated the antiviral activities of 17 flavonoids as natural products. These derivatives were evaluated for their in vitro antiviral activities against HIV and SARS-CoV-2. Their antiviral activity was evaluated for the first time based on POM (Petra/Osiris/Molispiration) theory and docking analysis. POM calculation was used to analyze the atomic charge and geometric characteristics. The side effects, drug similarities, and drug scores were also assumed for the stable structure of each compound. These results correlated with the experimental values. The bioinformatics POM analyses of the relative antiviral activities of these derivatives are reported for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey Bogoyavlenskiy
- Research and Production Center for Microbiology and Virology, Almaty 050010, Kazakhstan
| | - Madina Alexyuk
- Research and Production Center for Microbiology and Virology, Almaty 050010, Kazakhstan
| | - Pavel Alexyuk
- Research and Production Center for Microbiology and Virology, Almaty 050010, Kazakhstan
| | - Vladimir Berezin
- Research and Production Center for Microbiology and Virology, Almaty 050010, Kazakhstan
| | - Faisal A Almalki
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Taibi Ben Hadda
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia
- Laboratory of Applied Chemistry & Environment, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed Premier University, MB 524, Oujda 60000, Morocco
| | - Alaa M Alqahtani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh A Ahmed
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Applied Science, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Stefano Dall'Acqua
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 5, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Joazaizulfazli Jamalis
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM, Johor Bahru 81310, Johor, Malaysia
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