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Hayat M, Gao T, Cao Y, Rafiq M, Zhuo L, Li YZ. Identification of Prospective Ebola Virus VP35 and VP40 Protein Inhibitors from Myxobacterial Natural Products. Biomolecules 2024; 14:660. [PMID: 38927063 PMCID: PMC11201620 DOI: 10.3390/biom14060660] [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: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The Ebola virus (EBOV) is a lethal pathogen causing hemorrhagic fever syndrome which remains a global health challenge. In the EBOV, two multifunctional proteins, VP35 and VP40, have significant roles in replication, virion assembly, and budding from the cell and have been identified as druggable targets. In this study, we employed in silico methods comprising molecular docking, molecular dynamic simulations, and pharmacological properties to identify prospective drugs for inhibiting VP35 and VP40 proteins from the myxobacterial bioactive natural product repertoire. Cystobactamid 934-2, Cystobactamid 919-1, and Cittilin A bound firmly to VP35. Meanwhile, 2-Hydroxysorangiadenosine, Enhypyrazinone B, and Sorangiadenosine showed strong binding to the matrix protein VP40. Molecular dynamic simulations revealed that, among these compounds, Cystobactamid 919-1 and 2-Hydroxysorangiadenosine had stable interactions with their respective targets. Similarly, molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MMPBSA) calculations indicated close-fitting receptor binding with VP35 or VP40. These two compounds also exhibited good pharmacological properties. In conclusion, we identified Cystobactamid 919-1 and 2-Hydroxysorangiadenosine as potential ligands for EBOV that target VP35 and VP40 proteins. These findings signify an essential step in vitro and in vivo to validate their potential for EBOV inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Hayat
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Institute of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China; (M.H.); (T.G.); (Y.C.); (Y.-Z.L.)
| | - Tian Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Institute of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China; (M.H.); (T.G.); (Y.C.); (Y.-Z.L.)
| | - Ying Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Institute of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China; (M.H.); (T.G.); (Y.C.); (Y.-Z.L.)
| | - Muhammad Rafiq
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Informatics, Balochistan University of IT, Engineering and Management Sciences, Quetta 87100, Pakistan
| | - Li Zhuo
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Institute of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China; (M.H.); (T.G.); (Y.C.); (Y.-Z.L.)
- Shenzhen Research Institute, Shandong University, Shenzhen 518057, China
- Suzhou Research Institute, Shandong University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yue-Zhong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Institute of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China; (M.H.); (T.G.); (Y.C.); (Y.-Z.L.)
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Lee HN, Xu B, Lewkowicz AP, Engel K, Kelley-Baker L, McWilliams IL, Ireland DDC, Kielczewski JL, Li J, Fariss RN, Campos MM, Baum A, Kyratsous C, Pascal K, Chan CC, Caspi RR, Manangeeswaran M, Verthelyi D. Ebola virus-induced eye sequelae: a murine model for evaluating glycoprotein-targeting therapeutics. EBioMedicine 2024; 104:105170. [PMID: 38823088 PMCID: PMC11169960 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ebola virus disease (EVD) survivors experience ocular sequelae including retinal lesions, cataracts, and vision loss. While monoclonal antibodies targeting the Ebola virus glycoprotein (EBOV-GP) have shown promise in improving prognosis, their effectiveness in mitigating ocular sequelae remains uncertain. METHODS We developed and characterized a BSL-2-compatible immunocompetent mouse model to evaluate therapeutics targeting EBOV-GP by inoculating neonatal mice with vesicular stomatitis virus expressing EBOV-GP (VSV-EBOV). To examine the impact of anti-EBOV-GP antibody treatment on acute retinitis and ocular sequelae, VSV-EBOV-infected mice were treated with polyclonal antibodies or monoclonal antibody preparations with antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC-mAb) or neutralizing activity (NEUT-mAb). FINDINGS Treatment with all anti-EBOV-GP antibodies tested dramatically reduced viremia and improved survival. Further, all treatments reduced the incidence of cataracts. However, NEUT-mAb alone or in combination with ADCC-mAb reduced viral load in the eyes, downregulated the ocular immune and inflammatory responses, and minimized retinal damage more effectively. INTERPRETATION Anti-EBOV-GP antibodies can improve survival among EVD patients, but improved therapeutics are needed to reduce life altering sequelae. This animal model offers a new platform to examine the acute and long-term effect of the virus in the eye and the relative impact of therapeutic candidates targeting EBOV-GP. Results indicate that even antibodies that improve systemic viral clearance and survival can differ in their capacity to reduce acute ocular inflammation, and long-term retinal pathology and corneal degeneration. FUNDING This study was partly supported by Postgraduate Research Fellowship Awards from ORISE through an interagency agreement between the US DOE and the US FDA.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Mice
- Disease Models, Animal
- Ebolavirus/immunology
- Ebolavirus/pathogenicity
- Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola/virology
- Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola/drug therapy
- Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola/immunology
- Antibodies, Viral/immunology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/therapeutic use
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/pharmacology
- Humans
- Viral Load
- Glycoproteins/immunology
- Glycoproteins/metabolism
- Viral Envelope Proteins/immunology
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/pharmacology
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/therapeutic use
- Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha-Na Lee
- Division of Biotechnology Review and Research-III, Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | - Biying Xu
- Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Aaron P Lewkowicz
- Division of Biotechnology Review and Research-III, Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | - Kaliroi Engel
- Division of Biotechnology Review and Research-III, Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | - Logan Kelley-Baker
- Division of Biotechnology Review and Research-III, Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | - Ian L McWilliams
- Division of Biotechnology Review and Research-III, Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | - Derek D C Ireland
- Division of Biotechnology Review and Research-III, Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | | | - Jinbo Li
- Biological Imaging Core, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Robert N Fariss
- Biological Imaging Core, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Mercedes M Campos
- Biological Imaging Core, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Alina Baum
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY, 10591, USA
| | | | - Kristen Pascal
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY, 10591, USA
| | - Chi-Chao Chan
- Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Rachel R Caspi
- Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Mohanraj Manangeeswaran
- Division of Biotechnology Review and Research-III, Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | - Daniela Verthelyi
- Division of Biotechnology Review and Research-III, Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA.
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3
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Sun T, Wang Y, Zou P, Wang Q, Liu J, Liu W, Huang J, Wu F. M2e-specific antibodies protect against influenza PR8 virus in an isotype and route dependent manner. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28721. [PMID: 37185862 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28721] [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: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The ectodomain of influenza matrix protein 2 (M2e) is a promising target for the development of universal prophylactic and therapeutic agents against influenza viruses of different subtypes. We constructed three M2e-specific monoclonal antibody variants, M2A1-1 (IgG1), M2A1-2a (IgG2a), M2A1-2b (IgG2b), which have the same Fab region targeting the M2e epitope but different isotypes, and compared their protective efficacy in influenza PR8-infected mice. We found that anti-M2e antibodies provided protection against influenza virus in a subtype-dependent manner, with the IgG2a variant providing significantly better protection with lower virus titers and milder lung injury than IgG1 and IgG2b isotypes. Additionally, we observed that the protective efficacy was dependent on the administration routes, with intranasal administration of antibody providing better protection than intraperitoneal administration. The timing of administration was also critical in determining the protective efficacy; while all the antibody isotypes provided protection when administered before influenza challenge, only IgG2a provided minimal protection when the antibodies were administered after virus challenge. These results provide valuable information for optimizing the therapeutics usage of M2e-based antibodies and furthering the development of M2e-based universal influenza vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Sun
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center and Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Immune Therapy Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Renji Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingdan Wang
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center and Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng Zou
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center and Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qimin Wang
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center and Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiangyan Liu
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center and Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wanli Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Beijing Key Lab for Immunological Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Immunology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jinghe Huang
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center and Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fan Wu
- Shanghai Immune Therapy Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Renji Hospital, Shanghai, China
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Broni E, Ashley C, Adams J, Manu H, Aikins E, Okom M, Miller WA, Wilson MD, Kwofie SK. Cheminformatics-Based Study Identifies Potential Ebola VP40 Inhibitors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076298. [PMID: 37047270 PMCID: PMC10094735 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The Ebola virus (EBOV) is still highly infectious and causes severe hemorrhagic fevers in primates. However, there are no regulatorily approved drugs against the Ebola virus disease (EVD). The highly virulent and lethal nature of EVD highlights the need to develop therapeutic agents. Viral protein 40 kDa (VP40), the most abundantly expressed protein during infection, coordinates the assembly, budding, and release of viral particles into the host cell. It also regulates viral transcription and RNA replication. This study sought to identify small molecules that could potentially inhibit the VP40 protein by targeting the N-terminal domain using an in silico approach. The statistical quality of AutoDock Vina’s capacity to discriminate between inhibitors and decoys was determined, and an area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic (AUC-ROC) curve of 0.791 was obtained. A total of 29,519 natural-product-derived compounds from Chinese and African sources as well as 2738 approved drugs were successfully screened against VP40. Using a threshold of −8 kcal/mol, a total of 7, 11, 163, and 30 compounds from the AfroDb, Northern African Natural Products Database (NANPDB), traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and approved drugs libraries, respectively, were obtained after molecular docking. A biological activity prediction of the lead compounds suggested their potential antiviral properties. In addition, random-forest- and support-vector-machine-based algorithms predicted the compounds to be anti-Ebola with IC50 values in the micromolar range (less than 25 μM). A total of 42 natural-product-derived compounds were identified as potential EBOV inhibitors with desirable ADMET profiles, comprising 1, 2, and 39 compounds from NANPDB (2-hydroxyseneganolide), AfroDb (ZINC000034518176 and ZINC000095485942), and TCM, respectively. A total of 23 approved drugs, including doramectin, glecaprevir, velpatasvir, ledipasvir, avermectin B1, nafarelin acetate, danoprevir, eltrombopag, lanatoside C, and glycyrrhizin, among others, were also predicted to have potential anti-EBOV activity and can be further explored so that they may be repurposed for EVD treatment. Molecular dynamics simulations coupled with molecular mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann surface area calculations corroborated the stability and good binding affinities of the complexes (−46.97 to −118.9 kJ/mol). The potential lead compounds may have the potential to be developed as anti-EBOV drugs after experimental testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Broni
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra LG 77, Ghana
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), College of Health Sciences (CHS), University of Ghana, Legon, Accra LG 581, Ghana
- Department of Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - Carolyn Ashley
- Department of Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - Joseph Adams
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), College of Health Sciences (CHS), University of Ghana, Legon, Accra LG 581, Ghana
| | - Hammond Manu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra LG 77, Ghana
| | - Ebenezer Aikins
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra LG 77, Ghana
| | - Mary Okom
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra LG 77, Ghana
| | - Whelton A. Miller
- Department of Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Correspondence: (W.A.M.III); (S.K.K.); Tel.: +1(708)-2168451 (W.A.M.III); +23-320-3797922 (S.K.K.)
| | - Michael D. Wilson
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), College of Health Sciences (CHS), University of Ghana, Legon, Accra LG 581, Ghana
- Department of Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - Samuel K. Kwofie
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra LG 77, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra LG 54, Ghana
- Correspondence: (W.A.M.III); (S.K.K.); Tel.: +1(708)-2168451 (W.A.M.III); +23-320-3797922 (S.K.K.)
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5
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Maffei ME, Salata C, Gribaudo G. Tackling the Future Pandemics: Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Agents (BSAAs) Based on A-Type Proanthocyanidins. Molecules 2022; 27:8353. [PMID: 36500445 PMCID: PMC9736452 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27238353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
A-type proanthocyanidins (PAC-As) are plant-derived natural polyphenols that occur as oligomers or polymers of flavan-3-ol monomers, such as (+)-catechin and (-)-epicatechin, connected through an unusual double A linkage. PAC-As are present in leaves, seeds, flowers, bark, and fruits of many plants, and are thought to exert protective natural roles against microbial pathogens, insects, and herbivores. Consequently, when tested in isolation, PAC-As have shown several biological effects, through antioxidant, antibacterial, immunomodulatory, and antiviral activities. PAC-As have been observed in fact to inhibit replication of many different human viruses, and both enveloped and non-enveloped DNA and RNA viruses proved sensible to their inhibitory effect. Mechanistic studies revealed that PAC-As cause reduction of infectivity of viral particles they come in contact with, as a result of their propensity to interact with virion surface capsid proteins or envelope glycoproteins essential for viral attachment and entry. As viral infections and new virus outbreaks are a major public health concern, development of effective Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Agents (BSAAs) that can be rapidly deployable even against future emerging viruses is an urgent priority. This review summarizes the antiviral activities and mechanism of action of PAC-As, and their potential to be deployed as BSAAs against present and future viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo E. Maffei
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Via Quarello 15/a, 10135 Turin, Italy
| | - Cristiano Salata
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Giorgio Gribaudo
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123 Turin, Italy
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Zinzula L, Mereu AM, Orsini M, Seeleitner C, Bracher A, Nagy I, Baumeister W. Ebola and Marburg virus VP35 coiled-coil validated as antiviral target by tripartite split-GFP complementation. iScience 2022; 25:105354. [PMID: 36325051 PMCID: PMC9619376 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Ebola virus (EBOV) and Marburg virus (MARV) are highly pathogenic viruses in humans, against which approved antivirals are lacking. During EBOV and MARV infection, coiled-coil mediated oligomerization is essential for the virion protein 35 (VP35) polymerase co-factor function and type I interferon antagonism, making VP35 coiled-coil an elective drug target. We established a tripartite split-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fluorescence complementation (FC) system based on recombinant GFP-tagged EBOV and MARV VP35, which probes VP35 coiled-coil assembly by monitoring fluorescence on E. coli colonies, or in vitro in 96/384-multiwell. Oligomerization-defective VP35 mutants showed that correct coiled-coil knobs-into-holes pairing within VP35 oligomer is pre-requisite for GFP tags and GFP detector to reconstitute fluorescing full-length GFP. The method was validated by screening a small compound library, which identified Myricetin and 4,5,6,7-Tetrabromobenzotriazole as inhibitors of EBOV and MARV VP35 oligomerization-dependent FC with low-micromolar IC50 values. These findings substantiate the VP35 coiled-coil value as antiviral target. Ebola and Marburg virus VP35 oligomerize via trimeric and tetrameric coiled-coil VP35 coiled-coil assembly triggers fluorescence of a tripartite split-GFP system Mutations perturbing VP35 coiled-coil hamper split-GFP complementation Myricetin and TBBT inhibit split-GFP complementation mediated by VP35 coiled-coil
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Zinzula
- The Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Molecular Structural Biology, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
- Corresponding author
| | - Angela Maria Mereu
- The Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Molecular Structural Biology, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Massimiliano Orsini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Department of Risk Analysis and Public Health Surveillance, Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Christine Seeleitner
- The Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Molecular Structural Biology, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Andreas Bracher
- The Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Cellular Biochemistry, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - István Nagy
- The Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Molecular Structural Biology, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Baumeister
- The Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Molecular Structural Biology, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
- Corresponding author
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Adams J, Agyenkwa-Mawuli K, Agyapong O, Wilson MD, Kwofie SK. EBOLApred: A machine learning-based web application for predicting cell entry inhibitors of the Ebola virus. Comput Biol Chem 2022; 101:107766. [DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2022.107766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Rosenke K, Okumura A, Lewis MC, Feldmann F, Meade-White K, Bohler WF, Griffin A, Rosenke R, Shaia C, Jarvis MA, Feldmann H. Molnupiravir inhibits SARS-CoV-2 variants including Omicron in the hamster model. JCI Insight 2022; 7:e160108. [PMID: 35579953 PMCID: PMC9310535 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.160108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant of concern (VOC), which contains a heavily mutated spike protein capable of escaping preexisting immunity, identifies a continued need for interventional measures. Molnupiravir (MK-4482), an orally administered nucleoside analog, has demonstrated efficacy against earlier SARS-CoV-2 lineages and was recently approved for SARS-CoV-2 infections in high-risk adults. Here, we assessed the efficacy of MK-4482 against the earlier Alpha, Beta, and Delta VOCs and Omicron in the hamster COVID-19 model. Omicron replication and associated lung disease in vehicle-treated hamsters was reduced compared with replication and lung disease associated with earlier VOCs. MK-4482 treatment inhibited virus replication in the lungs of hamsters infected with Alpha, Beta, or Delta VOCs. Importantly, MK-4482 profoundly inhibited virus replication in the upper and lower respiratory tract of hamsters infected with the Omicron VOC. Consistent with its mutagenic mechanism, MK-4482 treatment had a more pronounced inhibitory effect on infectious titers compared with viral RNA genome load. Histopathologic analysis showed that MK-4482 treatment caused a concomitant reduction in the level of lung disease and viral antigen load in infected hamsters across all VOCs examined. Together, our data indicate the potential of MK-4482 as an effective antiviral against known SARS-CoV-2 VOCs, especially Omicron, and likely future SARS-CoV-2 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Friederike Feldmann
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | | | | | | | - Rebecca Rosenke
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | - Carl Shaia
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | - Michael A. Jarvis
- Laboratory of Virology and
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom
- The Vaccine Group, Plymouth, United Kingdom
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Rosenke K, Okumura A, Lewis MC, Feldmann F, Meade-White K, Bohler WF, Griffin A, Rosenke R, Shaia C, Jarvis MA, Feldmann H. Molnupiravir (MK-4482) is efficacious against Omicron and other SARS-CoV-2 variants in the Syrian hamster COVID-19 model. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2022:2022.02.22.481491. [PMID: 35233571 PMCID: PMC8887072 DOI: 10.1101/2022.02.22.481491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The recent emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant of concern (VOC) containing a heavily mutated spike protein capable of escaping preexisting immunity, identifies a continued need for interventional measures. Molnupiravir (MK-4482), an orally administered nucleoside analog, has demonstrated efficacy against earlier SARS-CoV-2 lineages and was recently approved for SARS-CoV-2 infections in high-risk adults. Here we assessed the efficacy of MK-4482 against the earlier Alpha, Beta and Delta VOCs and Omicron in the Syrian hamster COVID-19 model. Omicron replication and associated lung disease in vehicle treated hamsters was reduced compared to the earlier VOCs. MK-4482 treatment inhibited virus replication in the lungs of Alpha, Beta and Delta VOC infected hamsters. Importantly, MK-4482 profoundly inhibited virus replication in the upper and lower respiratory tract of hamsters infected with the Omicron VOC. Consistent with its mutagenic mechanism, MK-4482 treatment had a more pronounced inhibitory effect on infectious virus titers compared to viral RNA genome load. Histopathologic analysis showed that MK-4482 treatment caused a concomitant reduction in the level of lung disease and viral antigen load in infected hamsters across all VOCs examined. Together, our data indicate the potential of MK-4482 as an effective antiviral against known SARS-CoV-2 VOCs, especially Omicron, and likely future SARS-CoV-2 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Rosenke
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health; Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Atsushi Okumura
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health; Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Matthew C. Lewis
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health; Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Friederike Feldmann
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health; Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Kimberly Meade-White
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health; Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - W. Forrest Bohler
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health; Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Amanda Griffin
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health; Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Rebecca Rosenke
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health; Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Carl Shaia
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health; Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Michael A. Jarvis
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health; Hamilton, MT, USA
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Plymouth; Plymouth, Devon, UK
- The Vaccine Group Ltd; Plymouth, Devon, UK
| | - Heinz Feldmann
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health; Hamilton, MT, USA
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10
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Bradfute SB. The discovery and development of novel treatment strategies for filoviruses. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2021; 17:139-149. [PMID: 34962451 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2022.2013800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Filoviruses are negative-stranded, enveloped RNA viruses that can cause hemorrhagic fever in humans and include Ebola and Marburg viruses. Lethality rates can reach 90% in isolated outbreaks. The 2013-2016 Ebola virus epidemic demonstrated the global threat of filoviruses and hastened development of vaccines and therapeutics. There are six known filoviruses that cause disease in humans, but still few therapeutics are available for treatment. AREAS COVERED This review summarizes identification, testing, and development of therapeutics based on the peer-reviewed scientific literature beginning with the discovery of filoviruses in 1967. Small molecules, antibodies, cytokines, antisense, post-exposure vaccination, and host-targeted therapeutic approaches are discussed. An emphasis is placed on therapeutics that have shown promise in in vivo studies. EXPERT OPINION Two monoclonal antibody regimens are approved for use in humans for one filovirus (Ebola virus), and preclinical nonhuman primate studies suggest that other monoclonal-based therapies are likely to be effective against other filoviruses. Significant progress has been made in small-molecule antivirals and host-targeted approaches. An important consideration is the necessity of pan-filovirus therapeutics via broadly effective small molecules, antibody cocktails, and cross-reactive antibodies. The use of filovirus therapeutics as prophylactic treatment or in chronically infected individuals should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven B Bradfute
- Center for Global Health, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, USA
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11
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Lee HN, McWilliams IL, Lewkowicz AP, Engel K, Ireland DDC, Kelley-Baker L, Thacker S, Piccardo P, Manangeeswaran M, Verthelyi D. Characterization of the therapeutic effect of antibodies targeting the Ebola glycoprotein using a novel BSL2-compliant rVSVΔG-EBOV-GP infection model. Emerg Microbes Infect 2021; 10:2076-2089. [PMID: 34674613 PMCID: PMC8583756 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2021.1997075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Ebola virus (EBOV) infections cause haemorrhagic fever, multi-organ failure and death, and survivors can experience neurological sequelae. Licensing of monoclonal antibodies targeting EBOV glycoprotein (EBOV-GP) improved its prognosis, however, this treatment is primarily effective during early stages of disease and its effectiveness in reducing neurological sequela remains unknown. Currently, the need for BSL4 containment hinders research and therapeutic development; development of an accessible BSL-2 in vivo mouse model would facilitate preclinical studies to screen and select therapeutics. Previously, we have shown that a subcutaneous inoculation with replicating EBOV-GP pseudotyped vesicular stomatitis virus (rVSVΔG-EBOV-GP or VSV-EBOV) in neonatal mice causes transient viremia and infection of the mid and posterior brain resulting in overt neurological symptoms and death. Here, we demonstrate that the model can be used to test therapeutics that target the EBOV-GP, by using an anti-EBOV-GP therapeutic (SAB-139) previously shown to block EBOV infection in mice and primates. We show that SAB-139 treatment decreases the severity of neurological symptoms and improves survival when administered before (1 day prior to infection) or up to 3 dpi, by which time animals have high virus titres in their brains. Improved survival was associated with reduced viral titres, microglia loss, cellular infiltration/activation, and inflammatory responses in the brain. Interestingly, SAB-139 treatment significantly reduced the severe VSV-EBOV-induced long-term neurological sequalae although convalescent mice showed modest evidence of abnormal fear responses. Together, these data suggest that the neonatal VSV-EBOV infection system can be used to facilitate assessment of therapeutics targeting EBOV-GP in the preclinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha-Na Lee
- Division of Biotechnology Review and Research-III, Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Ian L. McWilliams
- Division of Biotechnology Review and Research-III, Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Aaron P. Lewkowicz
- Division of Biotechnology Review and Research-III, Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Kaliroi Engel
- Division of Biotechnology Review and Research-III, Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Derek D. C. Ireland
- Division of Biotechnology Review and Research-III, Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Logan Kelley-Baker
- Division of Biotechnology Review and Research-III, Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Seth Thacker
- Division of Biotechnology Review and Research-III, Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Pedro Piccardo
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Mohanraj Manangeeswaran
- Division of Biotechnology Review and Research-III, Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Daniela Verthelyi
- Division of Biotechnology Review and Research-III, Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
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12
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Long CM, Marzi A. Biodefence research two decades on: worth the investment? THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2021; 21:e222-e233. [PMID: 34331891 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(21)00382-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
For the past 20 years, the notion of bioterror has been a source of considerable fear and panic worldwide. In response to the terror attacks of 2001 in the USA, extensive research funding was awarded to investigate bioterror-related pathogens. The global scientific legacy of this funding has extended into the present day, highlighted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Unsurprisingly, the surge in biodefence-related research and preparedness has been met with considerable apprehension and opposition. Here, we briefly outline the history of modern bioterror threats and biodefence research, describe the scientific legacy of biodefence research by highlighting advances pertaining to specific bacterial and viral pathogens, and summarise the future of biodefence research and its relevance today. We sought to address the sizeable question: have the past 20 years of investment into biodefence research and preparedness been worth it? The legacy of modern biodefence funding includes advancements in biosecurity, biosurveillence, diagnostics, medical countermeasures, and vaccines. In summary, we feel that these advances justify the substantial biodefence funding trend of the past two decades and set a precedent for future funding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie M Long
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Andrea Marzi
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA.
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Groaz E, De Clercq E, Herdewijn P. Anno 2021: Which antivirals for the coming decade? ANNUAL REPORTS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2021; 57:49-107. [PMID: 34744210 PMCID: PMC8563371 DOI: 10.1016/bs.armc.2021.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Despite considerable progress in the development of antiviral drugs, among which anti-immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) medications can be considered real success stories, many viral infections remain without an effective treatment. This not only applies to infectious outbreaks caused by zoonotic viruses that have recently spilled over into humans such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), but also ancient viral diseases that have been brought under control by vaccination such as variola (smallpox), poliomyelitis, measles, and rabies. A largely unsolved problem are endemic respiratory infections due to influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and rhinoviruses, whose associated morbidity will likely worsen with increasing air pollution. Furthermore, climate changes will expose industrialized countries to a dangerous resurgence of viral hemorrhagic fevers, which might also become global infections. Herein, we summarize the recent progress that has been made in the search for new antivirals against these different threats that the world population will need to confront with increasing frequency in the next decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Groaz
- Medicinal Chemistry, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium,Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy,Corresponding author:
| | - Erik De Clercq
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Piet Herdewijn
- Medicinal Chemistry, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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