1
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Almansour I, Jermy BR. Nucleic acid vaccine candidates encapsulated with mesoporous silica nanoparticles against MERS-CoV. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2346390. [PMID: 38691025 PMCID: PMC11067998 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2346390] [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: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Middle East respiratory coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a newly emergent, highly pathogenic coronavirus that is associated with 34% mortality rate. MERS-CoV remains listed as priority pathogen by the WHO. Since its discovery in 2012 and despite the efforts to develop coronaviruses vaccines to fight against SARS-CoV-2, there are currently no MERS-CoV vaccine that has been approved. Therefore, there is high demand to continue on the development of prophylactic vaccines against MERS-CoV. Current advancements in vaccine developments can be adapted for the development of improved MERS-CoV vaccines candidates. Nucleic acid-based vaccines, including pDNA and mRNA, are relatively new class of vaccine platforms. In this work, we developed pDNA and mRNA vaccine candidates expressing S.FL gene of MERS-CoV. Further, we synthesized a silane functionalized hierarchical aluminosilicate to encapsulate each vaccine candidates. We tested the nucleic acid vaccine candidates in mice and evaluated humoral antibodies response. Interestingly, we determined that the non-encapsulated, codon optimized S.FL pDNA vaccine candidate elicited the highest level of antibody responses against S.FL and S1 of MERS-CoV. Encapsulation of mRNA with nanoporous aluminosilicate increased the humoral antibody responses, whereas encapsulation of pDNA did not. These findings suggests that MERS-CoV S.FL pDNA vaccine candidate induced the highest level of humoral responses. This study will enhance further optimization of nanosilica as potential carrier for mRNA vaccines. In conclusion, this study suggests MERS-CoV pDNA vaccine candidate as a suitable vaccine platform for further pivotal preclinical testings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman Almansour
- Nucleic Acid Vaccine Laboratory, Department of Epidemic Diseases Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations IRMC, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - B. Rabindran Jermy
- Department of Nanomedicine Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations IRMC, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
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2
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Ahuja R, Vishwakarma P, Raj S, Kumar V, Khatri R, Lohiya B, Saxena S, Kaur G, Singh G, Asthana S, Ahmed S, Samal S. Characterization and immunogenicity assessment of MERS-CoV pre-fusion spike trimeric oligomers as vaccine immunogen. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2351664. [PMID: 38757508 PMCID: PMC11110700 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2351664] [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: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a lethal beta-coronavirus that emerged in 2012. The virus is part of the WHO blueprint priority list with a concerning fatality rate of 35%. Scientific efforts are ongoing for the development of vaccines, anti-viral and biotherapeutics, which are majorly directed toward the structural spike protein. However, the ongoing effort is challenging due to conformational instability of the spike protein and the evasion strategy posed by the MERS-CoV. In this study, we have expressed and purified the MERS-CoV pre-fusion spike protein in the Expi293F mammalian expression system. The purified protein was extensively characterized for its biochemical and biophysical properties. Thermal stability analysis showed a melting temperature of 58°C and the protein resisted major structural changes at elevated temperature as revealed by fluorescence spectroscopy and circular dichroism. Immunological assessment of the MERS-CoV spike immunogen in BALB/c mice with AddaVaxTM and Imject alum adjuvants showed elicitation of high titer antibody responses but a more balanced Th1/Th2 response with AddaVaxTM squalene like adjuvant. Together, our results suggest the formation of higher-order trimeric pre-fusion MERS-CoV spike proteins, which were able to induce robust immune responses. The comprehensive characterization of MERS-CoV spike protein warrants a better understanding of MERS spike protein and future vaccine development efforts.
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MESH Headings
- Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus/immunology
- Animals
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/immunology
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/genetics
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Antibodies, Viral/immunology
- Antibodies, Viral/blood
- Viral Vaccines/immunology
- Mice
- Female
- Coronavirus Infections/prevention & control
- Coronavirus Infections/immunology
- Immunogenicity, Vaccine
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/blood
- Adjuvants, Immunologic/administration & dosage
- Adjuvants, Vaccine
- Humans
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Ahuja
- Influenza and Respiratory Virus Laboratory, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Preeti Vishwakarma
- Influenza and Respiratory Virus Laboratory, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Sneha Raj
- Influenza and Respiratory Virus Laboratory, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Varun Kumar
- Influenza and Respiratory Virus Laboratory, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Ritika Khatri
- Influenza and Respiratory Virus Laboratory, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Bharat Lohiya
- Influenza and Respiratory Virus Laboratory, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Shikha Saxena
- Influenza and Respiratory Virus Laboratory, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Gurleen Kaur
- Influenza and Respiratory Virus Laboratory, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Gagandeep Singh
- Influenza and Respiratory Virus Laboratory, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
- Computational Biophysics and CADD Group, Computational and Mathematical Biology Center (CMBC), Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Shailendra Asthana
- Influenza and Respiratory Virus Laboratory, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
- Computational Biophysics and CADD Group, Computational and Mathematical Biology Center (CMBC), Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Shubbir Ahmed
- Influenza and Respiratory Virus Laboratory, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
- Centralized Core Research Facility (CCRF), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Sweety Samal
- Influenza and Respiratory Virus Laboratory, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
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3
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Lee JH, Kim JW, Lee HE, Song JY, Cho AH, Hwang JH, Heo K, Lee S. A dual-targeting approach using a human bispecific antibody against the receptor-binding domain of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus. Virus Res 2024; 345:199383. [PMID: 38697296 PMCID: PMC11074968 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2024.199383] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
The emergence of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) has posed a significant global health concern due to its severe respiratory illness and high fatality rate. Currently, despite the potential for resurgence, there are no specific treatments for MERS-CoV, and only supportive care is available. Our study aimed to address this therapeutic gap by developing a potent neutralizing bispecific antibody (bsAb) against MERS-CoV. Initially, we isolated four human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that specifically target the MERS-CoV receptor-binding domain (RBD) using phage display technology and an established human antibody library. Among these four selected mAbs, our intensive in vitro functional analyses showed that the MERS-CoV RBD-specific mAb K111.3 exhibited the most potent neutralizing activity against MERS-CoV pseudoviral infection and the molecular interaction between MERS-CoV RBD and human dipeptidyl peptidase 4. Consequently, we engineered a novel bsAb, K207.C, by utilizing K111.3 as the IgG base and fusing it with the single-chain variable fragment of its non-competing pair, K111.1. This engineered bsAb showed significantly enhanced neutralization potential against MERS-CoV compared to its parental mAb. These findings suggest that K207.C may serve as a potential candidate for effective MERS-CoV neutralization, further highlighting the promise of the bsAb dual-targeting approach in MERS-CoV neutralization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hyun Lee
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Woong Kim
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Eon Lee
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Young Song
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Ah Hyun Cho
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Hyeon Hwang
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyun Heo
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea; Department of Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea; Antibody Research Institute, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Sukmook Lee
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea; Department of Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea; Antibody Research Institute, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea.
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4
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Zhang G, Peng Q, Liu S, Fan B, Wang C, Song X, Cao Q, Li C, Xu H, Lu H, Bao M, Yang S, Li Y, Wang J, Li B. The glycosylation sites in RBD of spike protein attenuate the immunogenicity of PEDV AH2012/12. Virus Res 2024; 345:199381. [PMID: 38679392 PMCID: PMC11070342 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2024.199381] [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: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) is a highly contagious swine intestinal disease caused by PED virus (PEDV). Vaccination is a promising strategy to prevent and control PED. Previous studies have confirmed that glycosylation could regulate the immunogenicity of viral antigens. In this study, we constructed three recombinant PEDVs which removed the glycosylation sites in RBD. Viral infection assays revealed that similar replication characteristics between the recombinant viruses and parental PEDV. Although animal challenging study demonstrated that the glycosylation sites in RBD do not affect the pathogenicity of PEDV, we found that removing the glycosylation sites on the RBD regions could promote the IgG and neutralization titer in vivo, suggesting deglycosylation in RBD could enhance the immunogenicity of PEDV. These findings demonstrated that removal of the glycosylation sites in RBD is a promising method to develop PEDV vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gege Zhang
- College of Animal Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434025, China; Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210014, China
| | - Qi Peng
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210014, China
| | - Shiyu Liu
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210014, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, China; Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Baochao Fan
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210014, China; Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China; GuoTai (Taizhou) Center of Technology Innovation for Veterinary Biologicals, Taizhou, Jiangsu 225300, China
| | - Chuanhong Wang
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210014, China
| | - Xu Song
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210014, China
| | - Qiuxia Cao
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210014, China
| | - Chengcheng Li
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210014, China
| | - Hong Xu
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210014, China
| | - Hongting Lu
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210014, China
| | - Meiying Bao
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210014, China
| | - Shanshan Yang
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210014, China; Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China; GuoTai (Taizhou) Center of Technology Innovation for Veterinary Biologicals, Taizhou, Jiangsu 225300, China
| | - Yunchuan Li
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210014, China; Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China; GuoTai (Taizhou) Center of Technology Innovation for Veterinary Biologicals, Taizhou, Jiangsu 225300, China
| | - Jiaxiang Wang
- College of Animal Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434025, China.
| | - Bin Li
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210014, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, China; Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China; GuoTai (Taizhou) Center of Technology Innovation for Veterinary Biologicals, Taizhou, Jiangsu 225300, China.
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5
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Al-Tawfiq JA. Developments in treatment for middle east respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Expert Rev Respir Med 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38881206 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2024.2369714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION An important respiratory pathogen that has led to multiple hospital outbreaks both inside and outside of the Arabian Peninsula is the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Given the elevated case fatality rate, there exists a pressing requirement for efficacious therapeutic agents. AREAS COVERED This is an updated review of the developments in MERS treatment approaches. Using databases like PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus, and Google Scholar, a thorough search was carried out utilizing keywords like 'MERS,' 'MERS-CoV,' and 'Middle East respiratory syndrome' in conjunction with 'treatment' or 'therapy' from Jan 2012 to Feb 2024. EXPERT OPINION MERS-CoV is a highly pathogenic respiratory infection that emerged in 2012 and continues to pose a significant public health threat. Despite ongoing efforts to control the spread of MERS-CoV, there is currently no specific antiviral treatment available. While many agents have been tested both in vivo and in vitro, none of them have been thoroughly examined in extensive clinical trials. Only case reports, case series, or cohort studies have been made available as clinical studies. However, there is a limited number of randomized-controlled trials. Because cases are irregular and sporadic, conducting a large prospective randomized trials for establishing an efficacious treatment might be difficult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaffar A Al-Tawfiq
- Speciality Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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6
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Yang Y, Li F, Du L. Therapeutic nanobodies against SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogenic human coronaviruses. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:304. [PMID: 38822339 PMCID: PMC11140877 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02573-7] [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: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Nanobodies, single-domain antibodies derived from variable domain of camelid or shark heavy-chain antibodies, have unique properties with small size, strong binding affinity, easy construction in versatile formats, high neutralizing activity, protective efficacy, and manufactural capacity on a large-scale. Nanobodies have been arisen as an effective research tool for development of nanobiotechnologies with a variety of applications. Three highly pathogenic coronaviruses (CoVs), SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, and MERS-CoV, have caused serious outbreaks or a global pandemic, and continue to post a threat to public health worldwide. The viral spike (S) protein and its cognate receptor-binding domain (RBD), which initiate viral entry and play a critical role in virus pathogenesis, are important therapeutic targets. This review describes pathogenic human CoVs, including viral structures and proteins, and S protein-mediated viral entry process. It also summarizes recent advances in development of nanobodies targeting these CoVs, focusing on those targeting the S protein and RBD. Finally, we discuss potential strategies to improve the efficacy of nanobodies against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants and other CoVs with pandemic potential. It will provide important information for rational design and evaluation of therapeutic agents against emerging and reemerging pathogens.
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MESH Headings
- Single-Domain Antibodies/immunology
- Single-Domain Antibodies/pharmacology
- Single-Domain Antibodies/therapeutic use
- Single-Domain Antibodies/chemistry
- Humans
- SARS-CoV-2/immunology
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/immunology
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/chemistry
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/metabolism
- Animals
- COVID-19/virology
- COVID-19/immunology
- COVID-19/therapy
- Coronavirus Infections/drug therapy
- Coronavirus Infections/immunology
- Coronavirus Infections/virology
- Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus/immunology
- Virus Internalization/drug effects
- Pandemics
- Betacoronavirus/immunology
- Antibodies, Viral/immunology
- Antibodies, Viral/therapeutic use
- Pneumonia, Viral/drug therapy
- Pneumonia, Viral/virology
- Pneumonia, Viral/immunology
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus/immunology
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/therapeutic use
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Fang Li
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
- Center for Coronavirus Research, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | - Lanying Du
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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7
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Failayev H, Ganoth A, Tsfadia Y. Molecular insights on the coronavirus MERS-CoV interaction with the CD26 receptor. Virus Res 2024; 342:199330. [PMID: 38272241 PMCID: PMC10862065 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2024.199330] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
The Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is a severe respiratory disease with high fatality rates, caused by the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). The virus initiates infection by binding to the CD26 receptor (also known as dipeptidyl peptidase 4 or DPP4) via its spike protein. Although the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the viral spike protein and the complex between RBD and the extracellular domain of CD26 have been studied using X-ray crystallography, conflicting studies exist regarding the importance of certain amino acids outside the resolved RBD-CD26 complex interaction interface. To gain atomic-level knowledge of the RBD-CD26 complex, we employed computational simulations to study the complex's dynamic behavior as it evolves from its crystal structure to a conformation stable in solution. Our study revealed previously unidentified interaction regions and interacting amino acids within the complex, determined a novel comprehensive RBD-binding domain of CD26, and by that expanded the current understanding of its structure. Additionally, we examined the impact of a single amino acid substitution, E513A, on the complex's stability. We discovered that this substitution disrupts the complex through an allosteric domino-like mechanism that affects other residues. Since MERS-CoV is a zoonotic virus, we evaluated its potential risk of human infection via animals, and suggest a low likelihood for possible infection by cats or dogs. The molecular structural information gleaned from our insights into the RBD-CD26 complex pre-dissociative states may be proved useful not only from a mechanistic view but also in assessing inter-species transmission and in developing anti-MERS-CoV antiviral therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hila Failayev
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Assaf Ganoth
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Professions, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; The Interdisciplinary Center (IDC), P.O. Box 167, Herzliya 4610101, Israel
| | - Yossi Tsfadia
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
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8
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Biswas S, Mita MA, Afrose S, Hasan MR, Shimu MSS, Zaman S, Saleh MA. An in silico approach to develop potential therapies against Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Heliyon 2024; 10:e25837. [PMID: 38379969 PMCID: PMC10877303 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25837] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
A deadly respiratory disease Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is caused by a perilous virus known as MERS-CoV, which has a severe impact on human health. Currently, there is no approved vaccine, prophylaxis, or antiviral therapeutics for preventing MERS-CoV infection. Due to its inexorable and integral role in the maturation and replication of the MERS-CoV virus, the 3C-like protease is unavoidly a viable therapeutic target. In this study, 2369 phytoconstituents were enlisted from Japanese medicinal plants, and these compounds were screened against 3C-like protease to identify feasible inhibitors. The best three compounds were identified as Kihadanin B, Robustaflavone, and 3-beta-O- (trans-p-Coumaroyl) maslinic acid, with binding energies of -9.8, -9.4, and -9.2 kcal/mol, respectively. The top three potential candidates interacted with several active site residues in the targeted protein, including Cys145, Met168, Glu169, Ala171, and Gln192. The best three compounds were assessed by in silico technique to determine their drug-likeness properties, and they exhibited the least harmful features and the greatest drug-like qualities. Various descriptors, such as solvent-accessible surface area, root-mean-square fluctuation, root-mean-square deviation, hydrogen bond, and radius of gyration, validated the stability and firmness of the protein-ligand complexes throughout the 100ns molecular dynamics simulation. Moreover, the top three compounds exhibited better binding energy along with better stability and firmness than the inhibitor (Nafamostat), which was further confirmed by the binding free energy calculation. Therefore, this computational investigation could aid in the development of efficient therapeutics for life-threatening MERS-CoV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suvro Biswas
- Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Mohasana Akter Mita
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Shamima Afrose
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Robiul Hasan
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh
| | | | - Shahriar Zaman
- Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Abu Saleh
- Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh
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9
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Jiang X, Qin Q, Zhu H, Qian J, Huang Q. Structure-guided design of a trivalent nanobody cluster targeting SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 256:128191. [PMID: 38000614 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128191] [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: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Nanobodies are natural anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug candidates. Engineering multivalent nanobodies is an effective way to improve the functional binding affinity of natural nanobodies by simultaneously targeting multiple sites on viral proteins. However, multivalent nanobodies have usually been engineered by trial and error, and rational designs are still lacking. Here, we describe a structure-guided design of a self-assembled trivalent nanobody cluster targeting the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Using the nanobody Nb6 as a monovalent binder, we first selected a human-derived trimerization scaffold evaluated by molecular dynamics simulations, then selected an optimal linker according to the minimum distance between Nb6 and the trimerization scaffold, and finally successfully engineered a trivalent nanobody cluster called Tribody. Compared with the low-affinity monovalent counterpart (Nb6), Tribody showed much higher target binding affinity (KD < 1 pM) and thus had a 900-fold increase in antiviral neutralization against SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus. We determined the cryo-EM structure of the Tribody-spike complex and confirmed that all three Nb6 binders of Tribody collectively bind to the three receptor-binding domains (RBDs) of the spike and lock them in a 3-RBD-down conformation, fully consistent with our structure-guided design. This study demonstrates that synthetic nanobody clusters with human-derived self-assembled scaffolds are potential protein drugs against SARS-CoV-2 coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, MOE Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Qin Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, MOE Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Haixia Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, MOE Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Jiaqiang Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, MOE Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Qiang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, MOE Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; Multiscale Research Institute of Complex Systems, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China.
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10
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Li J, Li Q, Xia S, Tu J, Zheng L, Wang Q, Jiang S, Wang C. Design of MERS-CoV entry inhibitory short peptides based on helix-stabilizing strategies. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2024; 97:129569. [PMID: 38008340 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2023.129569] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
Interaction between Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) spike (S) protein heptad repeat-1 domain (HR1) and heptad repeat-2 domain (HR2) is critical for the MERS-CoV fusion process. This interaction is mediated by the α-helical region from HR2 and the hydrophobic groove in a central HR1 trimeric coiled coil. We sought to develop a short peptidomimetic to act as a MERS-CoV fusion inhibitor by reproducing the key recognition features of HR2 helix. This was achieved by the use of helix-stabilizing strategies, including substitution with unnatural helix-favoring amino acids, introduction of ion pair interactions, and conjugation of palmitic acid. The resulting 23-mer lipopeptide, termed AEEA-C16, inhibits MERS-CoV S protein-mediated cell-cell fusion at a low micromolar level comparable to that of the 36-mer HR2 peptide HR2P-M2. Collectively, our studies provide new insights into developing short peptide-based antiviral agents to treat MERS-CoV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jichun Li
- College of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Hebei University of Science and Technology, 26 Yuxiang Street, Shijiazhuang 050018, China; State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, 27 Tai-Ping Road, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Qing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, 27 Tai-Ping Road, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Shuai Xia
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH/CAMS, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 131 Dong An Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jiahuang Tu
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, 27 Tai-Ping Road, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Longbo Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Structure-based Drug Design & Discovery of the Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH/CAMS, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 131 Dong An Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Shibo Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH/CAMS, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 131 Dong An Road, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Chao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, 27 Tai-Ping Road, Beijing 100850, China.
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11
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Zhang Y, Zhao Y, Liang H, Xu Y, Zhou C, Yao Y, Wang H, Yang X. Innovation-driven trend shaping COVID-19 vaccine development in China. Front Med 2023; 17:1096-1116. [PMID: 38102402 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-023-1034-6] [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: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Confronted with the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, China has become an asset in tackling the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission and mutation, with several innovative platforms, which provides various technical means in this persisting combat. Derived from collaborated researches, vaccines based on the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 or inactivated whole virus are a cornerstone of the public health response to COVID-19. Herein, we outline representative vaccines in multiple routes, while the merits and plights of the existing vaccine strategies are also summarized. Likewise, new technologies may provide more potent or broader immunity and will contribute to fight against hypermutated SARS-CoV-2 variants. All in all, with the ultimate aim of delivering robust and durable protection that is resilient to emerging infectious disease, alongside the traditional routes, the discovery of innovative approach to developing effective vaccines based on virus properties remains our top priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuntao Zhang
- China National Biotec Group Company Limited, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Yuxiu Zhao
- China National Biotec Group Company Limited, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Hongyang Liang
- China National Biotec Group Company Limited, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Ying Xu
- China National Biotec Group Company Limited, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Chuge Zhou
- China National Biotec Group Company Limited, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Yuzhu Yao
- China National Biotec Group Company Limited, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Hui Wang
- China National Biotec Group Company Limited, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Xiaoming Yang
- China National Biotec Group Company Limited, Beijing, 100029, China.
- National Engineering Technology Research Center of Combined Vaccines, Wuhan, 430207, China.
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12
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Gattan HS, Mahmoud Alawi M, Bajrai LH, Alandijany TA, Alsaady IM, El-Daly MM, Dwivedi VD, Azhar EI. A Multifaceted Computational Approach to Understanding the MERS-CoV Main Protease and Brown Algae Compounds' Interaction. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:626. [PMID: 38132947 PMCID: PMC10744363 DOI: 10.3390/md21120626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a viral respiratory disease caused b a special type of coronavirus called MERS-CoV. In the search for effective substances against the MERS-CoV main protease, we looked into compounds from brown algae, known for their medicinal benefits. From a set of 1212 such compounds, our computer-based screening highlighted four-CMNPD27819, CMNPD1843, CMNPD4184, and CMNPD3156. These showed good potential in how they might attach to the MERS-CoV protease, comparable to a known inhibitor. We confirmed these results with multiple computer tests. Studies on the dynamics and steadiness of these compounds with the MERS-CoV protease were performed using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Metrics like RMSD and RMSF showed their stability. We also studied how these compounds and the protease interact in detail. An analysis technique, PCA, showed changes in atomic positions over time. Overall, our computer studies suggest brown algae compounds could be valuable in fighting MERS. However, experimental validation is needed to prove their real-world effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hattan S. Gattan
- Special Infectious Agents Unit-BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21362, Saudi Arabia; (H.S.G.); (M.M.A.); (L.H.B.); (T.A.A.); (M.M.E.-D.)
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21362, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maha Mahmoud Alawi
- Special Infectious Agents Unit-BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21362, Saudi Arabia; (H.S.G.); (M.M.A.); (L.H.B.); (T.A.A.); (M.M.E.-D.)
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Infection Control & Environmental Health Unit, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Leena H. Bajrai
- Special Infectious Agents Unit-BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21362, Saudi Arabia; (H.S.G.); (M.M.A.); (L.H.B.); (T.A.A.); (M.M.E.-D.)
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21362, Saudi Arabia
| | - Thamir A. Alandijany
- Special Infectious Agents Unit-BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21362, Saudi Arabia; (H.S.G.); (M.M.A.); (L.H.B.); (T.A.A.); (M.M.E.-D.)
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21362, Saudi Arabia
| | - Isra M. Alsaady
- Special Infectious Agents Unit-BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21362, Saudi Arabia; (H.S.G.); (M.M.A.); (L.H.B.); (T.A.A.); (M.M.E.-D.)
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21362, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mai M. El-Daly
- Special Infectious Agents Unit-BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21362, Saudi Arabia; (H.S.G.); (M.M.A.); (L.H.B.); (T.A.A.); (M.M.E.-D.)
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21362, Saudi Arabia
| | - Vivek Dhar Dwivedi
- Center for Global Health Research, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha Medical College and Hospitals, Saveetha University, Chennai 605102, India
- Bioinformatics Research Division, Quanta Calculus, Greater Noida 201310, India
| | - Esam I. Azhar
- Special Infectious Agents Unit-BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21362, Saudi Arabia; (H.S.G.); (M.M.A.); (L.H.B.); (T.A.A.); (M.M.E.-D.)
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21362, Saudi Arabia
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13
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Aleebrahim-Dehkordi E, Ghoshouni H, Koochaki P, Esmaili-Dehkordi M, Aleebrahim E, Chichagi F, Jafari A, Hanaei S, Heidari-Soureshjani E, Rezaei N. Targeting the vital non-structural proteins (NSP12, NSP7, NSP8 and NSP3) from SARS-CoV-2 and inhibition of RNA polymerase by natural bioactive compound naringenin as a promising drug candidate against COVID-19. J Mol Struct 2023; 1287:135642. [PMID: 37131962 PMCID: PMC10131750 DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2023.135642] [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: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2-induced respiratory infections is now a major challenge worldwide. There is currently no specific antiviral drug to prevent or treat this disease. Infection with COVID-19 seriously needs to find effective therapeutic agents. In the present study, naringenin, as a potential inhibitor candidate for RNA Polymerase SARS-CoV-2 was compared with remdesivir (FDA-approved drug) and GS-441,524 (Derivative of the drug remdesivir) by screening with wild-type and mutant SARS-CoV-2 NSP12 (NSP7-NSP8) and NSP3 interfaces, then complexes were simulated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to gain their stabilities. The docking results displayed scores of -3.45 kcal/mol and -4.32 kcal/mol against NSP12 and NSP3, respectively. Our results showed that naringenin had ΔG values more negative than the ΔG values of Remdesivir (RDV) and GS-441,524. Hence, naringenin was considered to be a potential inhibitor. Also, the number of hydrogen bonds of naringenin with NSP3 and later NSP12 are more than Remdesivir and its derivative. In this research, Mean root mean square deviation (RMSD) values of NSP3 and NSP12with naringenin ligand (5.55±1.58 nm to 3.45±0.56 nm and 0.238±0.01 to 0.242±0.021 nm, respectively showed stability in the presence of ligand. The root mean square fluctuations (RMSF) values of NSP3 and NSP12 amino acid units in the presence of naringenin in were 1.5 ± 0.31 nm and 0.118±0.058, respectively. Pharmacokinetic properties and prediction of absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) properties of naringenin and RDV showed that these two compounds had no potential cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elahe Aleebrahim-Dehkordi
- Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Expert Group (SRMEG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Nutritional Health Team (NHT), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Hamed Ghoshouni
- Medical student, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Pooneh Koochaki
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Elham Aleebrahim
- PhD Student in Food Sciences and Engineering, Islamic Azad University, Tehran North Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Chichagi
- Research Development Center, Sina Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Jafari
- Nutritional Health Team (NHT), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Department of Nutrition, School of Health, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
- Golestan Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Sara Hanaei
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Heidari-Soureshjani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, P. O. Box. 115, Iran
- Central Laboratory, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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14
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Tai W, Zheng J, Zhang X, Shi J, Wang G, Guan X, Zhu J, Perlman S, Du L. MERS-CoV RBD-mRNA vaccine induces potent and broadly neutralizing antibodies with protection against MERS-CoV infection. Virus Res 2023; 334:199156. [PMID: 37336390 PMCID: PMC10278997 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2023.199156] [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: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), a highly pathogenic coronavirus in the same Betacoronavirus genus and Coronaviridae family as SARS-CoV-2, continues to post a threat to human health. Mortality remains high; therefore, there is a need to develop effective vaccines to prevent MERS-CoV infection. The receptor-binding domain (RBD) within the MERS-CoV spike (S) protein is a critical vaccine target. The latest mRNA technology has enabled rapid development of much-needed vaccines with high efficiency and scalable manufacturing capacity. Here, we designed a mRNA vaccine encoding the RBD of MERS-CoV S protein (RBD-mRNA) and evaluated its immunogenicity and protective efficacy in a mouse model. The data showed that nucleoside-modified RBD-mRNA, but not RBD-mRNA lacking the nucleoside modification, was stable and elicited broadly and durable neutralizing antibody and cellular immune responses, which neutralized the original strain and multiple MERS-CoV variants. Among all immunization routes tested, the intradermal route was appropriate for this RBD-mRNA to induce strong B-cell responses and the highest neutralizing antibody titers. Importantly, injection of nucleoside-modified RBD-mRNA through the intradermal route protected immunized mice against challenge with MERS-CoV. This protection correlated with serum neutralizing antibody titers. Overall, we have developed an effective MERS-CoV RBD-based mRNA vaccine (with potential for further development) that prevents infection by divergent strains of MERS-CoV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanbo Tai
- Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jian Zheng
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Predictive Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Xiujuan Zhang
- Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Juan Shi
- Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY, USA; Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Gang Wang
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Xiaoqing Guan
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jiang Zhu
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Stanley Perlman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
| | - Lanying Du
- Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY, USA; Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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15
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Tao S, Zhao X, Bao D, Liu X, Zhang W, Zhao L, Tang Y, Wu H, Ye H, Yang Y, Deng D. SARS-Cov-2 Spike-S1 Antigen Test Strip with High Sensitivity Endowed by High-Affinity Antibodies and Brightly Fluorescent QDs/Silica Nanospheres. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:27612-27623. [PMID: 37265327 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c03434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The extensive research into developing novel strategies for detecting respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antigens in clinical specimens, especially the sensitive point-of-care testing method, is still urgently needed to reach rapid screening of viral infections. Herein, a new lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) platform was reported for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 spike-S1 protein antigens, in which four sensitive and specific SARS-CoV-2 mouse monoclonal antibodies (MmAbs) were tailored by using quantum dot (QD)-loaded dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles modified further for achieving the -COOH group surface coating (named Q/S-COOH nanospheres). Importantly, compact QD adsorption was achieved in mesoporous channels of silica nanoparticles on account of highly accessible central-radial pores and electrostatic interactions, leading to significant signal amplification. As such, a limit of detection for SARS-CoV-2 spike-S1 testing was found to be 0.03 ng/mL, which is lower compared with those of AuNPs-LFIA (traditional colloidal gold nanoparticles, Au NPs) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods. These results show that optimizing the affinity of antibody and the intensity of fluorescent nanospheres simultaneously is of great significance to improve the sensitivity of LFIA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyi Tao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- China Regional Research Centre, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Taizhou 225300, China
| | - Xiaomin Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Dongping Bao
- China Regional Research Centre, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Taizhou 225300, China
| | - Xuecheng Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Liying Zhao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yujiao Tang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Hongbin Wu
- Jiangsu Huatai Vaccine Engineering Technology Research Co., Ltd., Taizhou 225300, China
| | - Huayue Ye
- Jiangsu Huatai Vaccine Engineering Technology Research Co., Ltd., Taizhou 225300, China
| | - Yili Yang
- China Regional Research Centre, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Taizhou 225300, China
| | - Dawei Deng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
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16
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Sullivan MV, Allabush F, Flynn H, Balansethupathy B, Reed JA, Barnes ET, Robson C, O'Hara P, Milburn LJ, Bunka D, Tolley A, Mendes PM, Tucker JHR, Turner NW. Highly Selective Aptamer-Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Hybrids for Recognition of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Variants. GLOBAL CHALLENGES (HOBOKEN, NJ) 2023; 7:2200215. [PMID: 37287590 PMCID: PMC10242533 DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202200215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Virus recognition has been driven to the forefront of molecular recognition research due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Development of highly sensitive recognition elements, both natural and synthetic is critical to facing such a global issue. However, as viruses mutate, it is possible for their recognition to wane through changes in the target substrate, which can lead to detection avoidance and increased false negatives. Likewise, the ability to detect specific variants is of great interest for clinical analysis of all viruses. Here, a hybrid aptamer-molecularly imprinted polymer (aptaMIP), that maintains selective recognition for the spike protein template across various mutations, while improving performance over individual aptamer or MIP components (which themselves demonstrate excellent performance). The aptaMIP exhibits an equilibrium dissociation constant of 1.61 nM toward its template which matches or exceeds published examples of imprinting of the spike protein. The work here demonstrates that "fixing" the aptamer within a polymeric scaffold increases its capability to selectivity recognize its original target and points toward a methodology that will allow variant selective molecular recognition with exceptional affinity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark V. Sullivan
- Leicester School of PharmacyDe Montfort UniversityThe GatewayLeicesterLE1 9BHUK
| | - Francia Allabush
- School of Chemical EngineeringUniversity of BirminghamEdgbastonBirminghamB15 2TTUK
- School of ChemistryUniversity of BirminghamEdgbastonBirminghamB15 2TTUK
| | - Harriet Flynn
- The Aptamer GroupWindmill HouseInnovation WayHeslingtonYork, YO10 5BRUK
| | | | - Joseph A. Reed
- The Aptamer GroupWindmill HouseInnovation WayHeslingtonYork, YO10 5BRUK
| | - Edward T. Barnes
- The Aptamer GroupWindmill HouseInnovation WayHeslingtonYork, YO10 5BRUK
| | - Callum Robson
- The Aptamer GroupWindmill HouseInnovation WayHeslingtonYork, YO10 5BRUK
| | - Phoebe O'Hara
- The Aptamer GroupWindmill HouseInnovation WayHeslingtonYork, YO10 5BRUK
| | - Laura J. Milburn
- The Aptamer GroupWindmill HouseInnovation WayHeslingtonYork, YO10 5BRUK
| | - David Bunka
- The Aptamer GroupWindmill HouseInnovation WayHeslingtonYork, YO10 5BRUK
| | - Arron Tolley
- The Aptamer GroupWindmill HouseInnovation WayHeslingtonYork, YO10 5BRUK
| | - Paula M. Mendes
- School of Chemical EngineeringUniversity of BirminghamEdgbastonBirminghamB15 2TTUK
| | | | - Nicholas W. Turner
- Leicester School of PharmacyDe Montfort UniversityThe GatewayLeicesterLE1 9BHUK
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17
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Oh J, Park U, Kim J, Jeon K, Kim C, Cho NH, Choi YS. Enhancing immune protection against MERS-CoV: the synergistic effect of proteolytic cleavage sites and the fusion peptide and RBD domain targeting VLP immunization. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1201136. [PMID: 37275866 PMCID: PMC10235442 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1201136] [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: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a zoonotic infectious virus that has caused significant outbreaks in the Middle East and beyond. Due to a highly mortality rate, easy transmission, and rapid spread of the MERS-CoV, it remains as a significant public health treat. There is currently no licensed vaccine available to protect against MERS-CoV. Methods In this study, we investigated whether the proteolytic cleavage sites and fusion peptide domain of the MERS-CoV spike (S) protein could be a vaccine target to elicit the MERS-CoV S protein-specific antibody responses and confer immune protection against MERS-CoV infection. Our results demonstrate that immunization of the proteolytic cleavage sites and the fusion peptide domain using virus-like particle (VLP) induced the MERS-CoV S protein-specific IgG antibodies with capacity to neutralize pseudotyped MERS-CoV infection in vitro. Moreover, proteolytic cleavage sites and the fusion peptide VLP immunization showed a synergistic effect on the immune protection against MERS-CoV infection elicited by immunization with VLP expressing the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the S protein. Additionally, immune evasion of MERS-CoV RBD variants from anti-RBD sera was significantly controlled by anti-proteolytic cleavage sites and the fusion peptide sera. Conclusion and discussion Our study demonstrates the potential of VLP immunization targeting the proteolytic cleavage sites and the fusion peptide and RBD domains of the MERS-CoV S protein for the development of effective treatments and vaccines against MERS-CoV and related variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeein Oh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Uni Park
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Juhyung Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeongseok Jeon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chulwoo Kim
- Deparatment of Microbiology, Institute for Viral Diseases, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Nam-Hyuk Cho
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Youn Soo Choi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Transplantation Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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18
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Samman N, El-Boubbou K, Al-Muhalhil K, Ali R, Alaskar A, Alharbi NK, Nehdi A. MICaFVi: A Novel Magnetic Immuno-Capture Flow Virometry Nano-Based Diagnostic Tool for Detection of Coronaviruses. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:bios13050553. [PMID: 37232914 DOI: 10.3390/bios13050553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 has resulted in a pandemic that aggravated the world's healthcare systems, economies, and education, and caused millions of global deaths. Until now, there has been no specific, reliable, and effective treatment to combat the virus and its variants. The current standard tedious PCR-based tests have limitations in terms of sensitivity, specificity, turnaround time, and false negative results. Thus, an alternative, rapid, accurate, and sensitive diagnostic tool that can detect viral particles, without the need for amplification or viral replication, is central to infectious disease surveillance. Here, we report MICaFVi (Magnetic Immuno-Capture Flow Virometry), a novel precise nano-biosensor diagnostic assay for coronavirus detection which combines the MNP-based immuno-capture of viruses for enrichment followed by flow-virometry analysis, enabling the sensitive detection of viral particles and pseudoviruses. As proof of concept, virus-mimicking spike-protein-coated silica particles (VM-SPs) were captured using anti-spike-antibody-conjugated MNPs (AS-MNPs) followed by detection using flow cytometry. Our results showed that MICaFVi can successfully detect viral MERS-CoV/SARS-CoV-2-mimicking particles as well as MERS-CoV pseudoviral particles (MERSpp) with high specificity and sensitivity, where a limit of detection (LOD) of 3.9 µg/mL (20 pmol/mL) was achieved. The proposed method has great potential for designing practical, specific, and point-of-care testing for rapid and sensitive diagnoses of coronavirus and other infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nosaibah Samman
- Medical Research Core Facility and Platforms (MRCFP), King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC) & King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC), Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kheireddine El-Boubbou
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC) & King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC), Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia
- Nanomaterials for Bioimaging Group (nanoBIG), Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Física de Materiales, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Bahrain, Sakhir 32038, Bahrain
| | - Khawlah Al-Muhalhil
- Medical Research Core Facility and Platforms (MRCFP), King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC) & King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC), Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rizwan Ali
- Medical Research Core Facility and Platforms (MRCFP), King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC) & King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC), Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Alaskar
- Medical Research Core Facility and Platforms (MRCFP), King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC) & King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC), Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Oncology, King Abdulaziz Medical City, College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naif Khalaf Alharbi
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC) & King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC), Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia
| | - Atef Nehdi
- Medical Research Core Facility and Platforms (MRCFP), King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC) & King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC), Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences of Gabes, University of Gabes, Gabes 6029, Tunisia
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19
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Wang S, Liang B, Wang W, Li L, Feng N, Zhao Y, Wang T, Yan F, Yang S, Xia X. Viral vectored vaccines: design, development, preventive and therapeutic applications in human diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:149. [PMID: 37029123 PMCID: PMC10081433 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01408-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Human diseases, particularly infectious diseases and cancers, pose unprecedented challenges to public health security and the global economy. The development and distribution of novel prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines are the prioritized countermeasures of human disease. Among all vaccine platforms, viral vector vaccines offer distinguished advantages and represent prominent choices for pathogens that have hampered control efforts based on conventional vaccine approaches. Currently, viral vector vaccines remain one of the best strategies for induction of robust humoral and cellular immunity against human diseases. Numerous viruses of different families and origins, including vesicular stomatitis virus, rabies virus, parainfluenza virus, measles virus, Newcastle disease virus, influenza virus, adenovirus and poxvirus, are deemed to be prominent viral vectors that differ in structural characteristics, design strategy, antigen presentation capability, immunogenicity and protective efficacy. This review summarized the overall profile of the design strategies, progress in advance and steps taken to address barriers to the deployment of these viral vector vaccines, simultaneously highlighting their potential for mucosal delivery, therapeutic application in cancer as well as other key aspects concerning the rational application of these viral vector vaccines. Appropriate and accurate technological advances in viral vector vaccines would consolidate their position as a leading approach to accelerate breakthroughs in novel vaccines and facilitate a rapid response to public health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Bo Liang
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Weiqi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ling Li
- China National Research Center for Exotic Animal Diseases, China Animal Health and Epidemiology Center, Qingdao, China
| | - Na Feng
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Yongkun Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Tiecheng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Feihu Yan
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China.
| | - Songtao Yang
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China.
| | - Xianzhu Xia
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China.
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20
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Kandeel M. An overview of the recent progress in Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2023; 18:385-400. [PMID: 36971501 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2192921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) has remained a public health concern since it first emerged in 2012. Although many potential treatments for MERS-CoV have been developed and tested, none have had complete success in stopping the spread of this deadly disease. MERS-CoV replication comprises attachment, entry, fusion and replication steps. Targeting these events may lead to the creation of medications that effectively treat MERS-CoV infection. AREAS COVERED This review updates the research on the development of inhibitors of MERS-CoV. The main topics are MERS-CoV‒related proteins and host cell proteins that are involved in viral protein activation and infection. EXPERT OPINION Research on discovering drugs that can inhibit MERS-CoV started at a slow pace, and although efforts have steadily increased, clinical trials for new drugs specifically targeting MERS-CoV have not been extensive enough. The explosion in efforts to find new medications for the SARS-CoV-2 virus indirectly enhanced the volume of data on MERS-CoV inhibition by including MERS-CoV in drug assays. The appearance of COVID-19 completely transformed the data available on MERS-CoV inhibition. Despite the fact that new infected cases are constantly being diagnosed, there are currently no approved vaccines for or inhibitors of MERS-CoV.
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21
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Fumagalli SE, Padhiar NH, Meyer D, Katneni U, Bar H, DiCuccio M, Komar AA, Kimchi-Sarfaty C. Analysis of 3.5 million SARS-CoV-2 sequences reveals unique mutational trends with consistent nucleotide and codon frequencies. Virol J 2023; 20:31. [PMID: 36812119 PMCID: PMC9936480 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-023-01982-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the onset of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, bioinformatic analyses have been performed to understand the nucleotide and synonymous codon usage features and mutational patterns of the virus. However, comparatively few have attempted to perform such analyses on a considerably large cohort of viral genomes while organizing the plethora of available sequence data for a month-by-month analysis to observe changes over time. Here, we aimed to perform sequence composition and mutation analysis of SARS-CoV-2, separating sequences by gene, clade, and timepoints, and contrast the mutational profile of SARS-CoV-2 to other comparable RNA viruses. METHODS Using a cleaned, filtered, and pre-aligned dataset of over 3.5 million sequences downloaded from the GISAID database, we computed nucleotide and codon usage statistics, including calculation of relative synonymous codon usage values. We then calculated codon adaptation index (CAI) changes and a nonsynonymous/synonymous mutation ratio (dN/dS) over time for our dataset. Finally, we compiled information on the types of mutations occurring for SARS-CoV-2 and other comparable RNA viruses, and generated heatmaps showing codon and nucleotide composition at high entropy positions along the Spike sequence. RESULTS We show that nucleotide and codon usage metrics remain relatively consistent over the 32-month span, though there are significant differences between clades within each gene at various timepoints. CAI and dN/dS values vary substantially between different timepoints and different genes, with Spike gene on average showing both the highest CAI and dN/dS values. Mutational analysis showed that SARS-CoV-2 Spike has a higher proportion of nonsynonymous mutations than analogous genes in other RNA viruses, with nonsynonymous mutations outnumbering synonymous ones by up to 20:1. However, at several specific positions, synonymous mutations were overwhelmingly predominant. CONCLUSIONS Our multifaceted analysis covering both the composition and mutation signature of SARS-CoV-2 gives valuable insight into the nucleotide frequency and codon usage heterogeneity of SARS-CoV-2 over time, and its unique mutational profile compared to other RNA viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Fumagalli
- Hemostasis Branch, Division of Plasma Protein Therapeutics, Office of Tissues and Advanced Therapies, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Nigam H Padhiar
- Hemostasis Branch, Division of Plasma Protein Therapeutics, Office of Tissues and Advanced Therapies, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Douglas Meyer
- Hemostasis Branch, Division of Plasma Protein Therapeutics, Office of Tissues and Advanced Therapies, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Upendra Katneni
- Hemostasis Branch, Division of Plasma Protein Therapeutics, Office of Tissues and Advanced Therapies, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Haim Bar
- Department of Statistics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | | | - Anton A Komar
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Chava Kimchi-Sarfaty
- Hemostasis Branch, Division of Plasma Protein Therapeutics, Office of Tissues and Advanced Therapies, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA.
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22
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Human Coronavirus Cell Receptors Provide Challenging Therapeutic Targets. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11010174. [PMID: 36680018 PMCID: PMC9862439 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11010174] [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: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses interact with protein or carbohydrate receptors through their spike proteins to infect cells. Even if the known protein receptors for these viruses have no evolutionary relationships, they do share ontological commonalities that the virus might leverage to exacerbate the pathophysiology. ANPEP/CD13, DPP IV/CD26, and ACE2 are the three protein receptors that are known to be exploited by several human coronaviruses. These receptors are moonlighting enzymes involved in several physiological processes such as digestion, metabolism, and blood pressure regulation; moreover, the three proteins are expressed in kidney, intestine, endothelium, and other tissues/cell types. Here, we spot the commonalities between the three enzymes, the physiological functions of the enzymes are outlined, and how blocking either enzyme results in systemic deregulations and multi-organ failures via viral infection or therapeutic interventions is addressed. It can be difficult to pinpoint any coronavirus as the target when creating a medication to fight them, due to the multiple processes that receptors are linked to and their extensive expression.
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23
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Insight into free energy and dynamic cross-correlations of residue for binding affinity of antibody and receptor binding domain SARS-CoV-2. Heliyon 2023; 9:e12667. [PMID: 36618128 PMCID: PMC9809146 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to evolve and mutate causing most of the mutated variants resist to many of the therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Despite several mAbs retained neutralizing capability for Omicron BA.1 and BA.2, reduction in neutralization potency was reported. Hence, effort of searching for mAb that is broader in neutralization breadth without losing the neutralizing ability is continued. MW06 was reported with capability in neutralizing most of the variants of concern (VOC) and it binds to the conserved region (left flank) near epitope mAb sotrovimab (S309). In this study, binding affinity of mAb MW06 and its cocktail formulation with MW05 for receptor binding domain (RBD) SARS-CoV-2 virus was investigated under molecular dynamics simulations (MDs). Binding free energies computed by Molecular Mechanics Generalised Born Surface Area (MM-GBSA) algorithm predicted the binding affinity of MW06 for RBD BA.1 (-53 kcal/mol) as strong as RBD wildtype (-58 kcal/mol) while deterioration was observed for RBD BA.2 (-43 kcal/mol). Alike S309 and MW06, simulated cocktail mAb (MW05 and MW06)-RBD interactions suggested the neutralizing capability of the cocktail formulation for RBD BA.1 and BA.2 reduced. Meanwhile, residue pairs that favour the communication between the mAb and RBD have been identified by decomposing the free energy per pairwise residue basis. Apart from understanding the effects of mutation occurred in the RBD region on human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) binding, impact of heavily mutated RBD on mAb-RBD interactions was investigated in this study as well. In addition to energetic profile obtained from MDs, plotting the dynamics cross-correlation map of the mAb-RBD complex under elastic network model (ENM) was aimed to understand the cross-correlations between residue fluctuations. It allows simple and rapid analysis on the motions or dynamics of the protein residues of mAbs and RBD in complex. Protein residues having correlated motions are normally part of the structural domains of the protein and their respective motions and protein function are related. Motion of mutated RBD residues and mAb residues was less correlated while their respective interactions energy computed to be higher. The combined techniques of MDs and ENM offered simplicity in understanding dynamics and energy contribution that explain binding affinity of mAb-RBD complexes.
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24
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Lan Q, Wang L, Jiao F, Lu L, Xia S, Jiang S. Pan-coronavirus fusion inhibitors to combat COVID-19 and other emerging coronavirus infectious diseases. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28143. [PMID: 36098460 PMCID: PMC9539121 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of the currently ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, has posed a serious threat to global public health. Recently, several SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) have emerged and caused numerous cases of reinfection in convalescent COVID-19 patients, as well as breakthrough infections in vaccinated individuals. This calls for the development of broad-spectrum antiviral drugs to combat SARS-CoV-2 and its VOCs. Pan-coronavirus fusion inhibitors, targeting the conserved heptad repeat 1 (HR1) in spike protein S2 subunit, can broadly and potently inhibit infection of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants, as well as other human coronaviruses. In this review, we summarized the most recent development of pan-coronavirus fusion inhibitors, such as EK1, EK1C4, and EKL1C, and highlighted their potential application in combating current COVID-19 infection and reinfection, as well as future emerging coronavirus infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoshuai Lan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microbes and Infection, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and BiosecurityFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Lijue Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microbes and Infection, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and BiosecurityFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Fanke Jiao
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microbes and Infection, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and BiosecurityFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Lu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microbes and Infection, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and BiosecurityFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Shuai Xia
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microbes and Infection, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and BiosecurityFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Shibo Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microbes and Infection, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and BiosecurityFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
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25
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Assad M, Parveen Z, Farman S, Khurshid B, Hashmi MA, Khan KM, Khurshid A. In Vitro Screening and MD Simulations of Thiourea Derivatives against SARS-CoV-2 in Association with Multidrug Resistance ABCB1 Transporter. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:47671-47679. [PMID: 36569212 PMCID: PMC9762419 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c04671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is considered a global public health concern since it causes high morbidity and mortality. Recently, it has been reported that repurposed anti-COVID-19 drugs might interact with multidrug resistance ABC transporter, particularly ABCB1. In the current study, a series of thiourea derivatives were screened as potential inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 by targeting the attachment of receptor binding domain (RBD) of spike protein with ACE2 and their interaction with human ABCB1 has also been explored. The results indicated strong impairment of RBD-ACE2 attachment by BB IV-46 with a percentage inhibition of 95.73 ± 1.79% relative to the positive control, while BB V-19 was proven inactive with a percentage inhibition of 50.90 ± 0.84%. The same compound (BB IV-46) interacted with ABCB1 and potentially inhibited cell proliferation of P-gp overexpressing cell line with an IC50 value of 4.651 ± 0.06 μM. BB V-19, which was inactive against SARS-CoV-2, was inactive against ABCB1 with a higher IC50 value of 35.72 ± 0.09 μM. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations followed by binding free-energy analysis explored the binding interaction of BB IV-46 and BB V-19 to RBD region of spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. The results confirmed that compound BB IV-46 interacted strongly with RBD with a significant binding energy (-127.0 kJ/mol), while BB V-19 interacted weakly (-29.30 kJ/mol). The key interacting residues of the RBD involved in binding included Leu441, Lys444, and Tyr449. This study highlights the importance of BB IV-46 against SARS-CoV-2; however, further pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics studies are needed to be done.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Assad
- Department
of Biochemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, 23200 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Zahida Parveen
- Department
of Biochemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, 23200 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Saira Farman
- Department
of Biochemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, 23200 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Beenish Khurshid
- Department
of Biochemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, 23200 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Ali Hashmi
- Department
of Chemistry, Division of Science and Technology, University of Education, 54770 Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Khalid Mohammed Khan
- H. E.
J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical
and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, 75270 Karachi City, Pakistan
| | - Akif Khurshid
- Department
of Biochemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, 23200 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
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26
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Bolivar-Muñoz J, Vits S, Bermudez-Santana CI, Galindo JF. Structural Analysis of the Spike Protein of SARS-CoV-2 Variants and Other Betacoronaviruses Using Molecular Dynamics. Chemphyschem 2022; 23:e202200382. [PMID: 35927218 DOI: 10.1002/cphc.202200382] [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: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
A structural analysis over various spike proteins from three highly pathogenic Betacoronavirus was done to understand their structural differences. The proteins were modeled using crystal structures from SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and other Betacoronavirus that infect bats and pangolins. The group was split in two sets; the first set corresponds to the non-mutated spike proteins, while the second set corresponds to mutated spike variants alpha, beta, gamma, delta, omicron and mu; five of them classified as variants of concern and the last one as variant of interest. A conformational space exploration was carried out for every protein by using molecular dynamic simulations. Root mean square fluctuations, principal component and cross-correlation analysis were carried out over the dynamics to analyze the flexibility and rigidity of every protein in comparison to the wild type Spike protein from the SARS-CoV-2. The obtained results indicate that the proteins, which are not spread among humans, have smooth movements compared to those of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. In addition, a relationship between the speed of the virulence and the movement of the protein can explain the behavior of delta and omicron variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Bolivar-Muñoz
- Department of Chemistry, Center of Excellence in Scientific Computing, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, 111321, Colombia
| | - Sofia Vits
- Department of Biology, Center of Excellence in Scientific Computing, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, 111321, Colombia
| | - Clara Isabel Bermudez-Santana
- Department of Biology, Center of Excellence in Scientific Computing, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, 111321, Colombia
| | - Johan Fabian Galindo
- Department of Chemistry, Center of Excellence in Scientific Computing, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, 111321, Colombia
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27
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Toelzer C, Gupta K, Yadav SKN, Hodgson L, Williamson MK, Buzas D, Borucu U, Powers K, Stenner R, Vasileiou K, Garzoni F, Fitzgerald D, Payré C, Gautam G, Lambeau G, Davidson AD, Verkade P, Frank M, Berger I, Schaffitzel C. The free fatty acid-binding pocket is a conserved hallmark in pathogenic β-coronavirus spike proteins from SARS-CoV to Omicron. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eadc9179. [PMID: 36417532 PMCID: PMC9683698 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adc9179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
As coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) persists, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern (VOCs) emerge, accumulating spike (S) glycoprotein mutations. S receptor binding domain (RBD) comprises a free fatty acid (FFA)-binding pocket. FFA binding stabilizes a locked S conformation, interfering with virus infectivity. We provide evidence that the pocket is conserved in pathogenic β-coronaviruses (β-CoVs) infecting humans. SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, and VOCs bind the essential FFA linoleic acid (LA), while binding is abolished by one mutation in common cold-causing HCoV-HKU1. In the SARS-CoV S structure, LA stabilizes the locked conformation, while the open, infectious conformation is devoid of LA. Electron tomography of SARS-CoV-2-infected cells reveals that LA treatment inhibits viral replication, resulting in fewer deformed virions. Our results establish FFA binding as a hallmark of pathogenic β-CoV infection and replication, setting the stage for FFA-based antiviral strategies to overcome COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Toelzer
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard’s Close, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
- Bristol Synthetic Biology Centre BrisSynBio, 24 Tyndall Ave, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
| | - Kapil Gupta
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard’s Close, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
- Bristol Synthetic Biology Centre BrisSynBio, 24 Tyndall Ave, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
- Imophoron Ltd., St. Philips Central, Albert Rd, Bristol BS2 0XJ, UK
| | - Sathish K. N. Yadav
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard’s Close, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
- Bristol Synthetic Biology Centre BrisSynBio, 24 Tyndall Ave, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
| | - Lorna Hodgson
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard’s Close, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
- Bristol Synthetic Biology Centre BrisSynBio, 24 Tyndall Ave, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
| | | | - Dora Buzas
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard’s Close, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
- Bristol Synthetic Biology Centre BrisSynBio, 24 Tyndall Ave, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
- Max Planck Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology, Cantock’s Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
| | - Ufuk Borucu
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard’s Close, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
- Bristol Synthetic Biology Centre BrisSynBio, 24 Tyndall Ave, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
| | - Kyle Powers
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard’s Close, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
- Bristol Synthetic Biology Centre BrisSynBio, 24 Tyndall Ave, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
| | - Richard Stenner
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard’s Close, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
- Bristol Synthetic Biology Centre BrisSynBio, 24 Tyndall Ave, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
| | - Kate Vasileiou
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard’s Close, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
- Bristol Synthetic Biology Centre BrisSynBio, 24 Tyndall Ave, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
| | - Frederic Garzoni
- Imophoron Ltd., St. Philips Central, Albert Rd, Bristol BS2 0XJ, UK
| | - Daniel Fitzgerald
- Halo Therapeutics Ltd., St. Philips Central, Albert Rd, Bristol BS2 0XJ, UK
| | - Christine Payré
- Université Côte d’Azur, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Valbonne Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Gunjan Gautam
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard’s Close, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
- Bristol Synthetic Biology Centre BrisSynBio, 24 Tyndall Ave, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
| | - Gérard Lambeau
- Université Côte d’Azur, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Valbonne Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Andrew D. Davidson
- Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Paul Verkade
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard’s Close, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
- Bristol Synthetic Biology Centre BrisSynBio, 24 Tyndall Ave, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
| | | | - Imre Berger
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard’s Close, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
- Bristol Synthetic Biology Centre BrisSynBio, 24 Tyndall Ave, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
- Max Planck Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology, Cantock’s Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
- Halo Therapeutics Ltd., St. Philips Central, Albert Rd, Bristol BS2 0XJ, UK
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock’s Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
| | - Christiane Schaffitzel
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard’s Close, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
- Bristol Synthetic Biology Centre BrisSynBio, 24 Tyndall Ave, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
- Halo Therapeutics Ltd., St. Philips Central, Albert Rd, Bristol BS2 0XJ, UK
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28
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Comparing the Immunogenicity and Protective Effects of Three MERS-CoV Inactivation Methods in Mice. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10111843. [DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10111843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is a fatal acute viral respiratory disease caused by MERS-coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection. To date, no vaccine has been approved for MERS-CoV despite continuing outbreaks. Inactivated vaccines are a viable option when developed using the appropriate inactivation methods and adjuvants. In this study, we evaluated the immunogenicity and protective effects of MERS-CoV vaccine candidates inactivated by three different chemical agents. MERS-CoV was effectively inactivated by formaldehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and binary ethylene imine and induced humoral and cellular immunity in mice. Although inflammatory cell infiltration was observed in the lungs four days after the challenge, the immunized hDPP4-transgenic mouse group showed 100% protection against a challenge with MERS-CoV (100 LD50). In particular, the immune response was highly stimulated by MERS-CoV inactivated with formaldehyde, and all mice survived a challenge with the minimum dose. In the adjuvant comparison test, the group immunized with inactivated MERS-CoV and AddaVax had a higher immune response than the group immunized with aluminum potassium sulfate (alum). In conclusion, our study indicates that the three methods of MERS-CoV inactivation are highly immunogenic and protective in mice and show strong potential as vaccine candidates when used with an appropriate adjuvant.
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29
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Iacobucci I, Monaco V, Canè L, Bibbò F, Cioffi V, Cozzolino F, Guarino A, Zollo M, Monti M. Spike S1 domain interactome in non-pulmonary systems: A role beyond the receptor recognition. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:975570. [PMID: 36225252 PMCID: PMC9550266 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.975570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), which, since 2019 in China, has rapidly become a worldwide pandemic. The aggressiveness and global spread were enhanced by the many SARS-CoV-2 variants that have been isolated up to now. These mutations affect mostly the viral glycoprotein Spike (S), the capsid protein mainly involved in the early stages of viral entry processes, through the recognition of specific receptors on the host cell surface. In particular, the subunit S1 of the Spike glycoprotein contains the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) and it is responsible for the interaction with the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Although ACE2 is the primary Spike host receptor currently studied, it has been demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 is also able to infect cells expressing low levels of ACE2, indicating that the virus may have alternative receptors on the host cells. The identification of the alternative receptors can better elucidate the pathogenicity and the tropism of SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, we investigated the Spike S1 interactomes, starting from host membrane proteins of non-pulmonary cell lines, such as human kidney (HK-2), normal colon (NCM460D), and colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2). We employed an affinity purification-mass spectrometry (AP-MS) to pull down, from the membrane protein extracts of all cell lines, the protein partners of the recombinant form of the Spike S1 domain. The purified interactors were identified by a shotgun proteomics approach. The lists of S1 potential interacting proteins were then clusterized according to cellular localization, biological processes, and pathways, highlighting new possible S1 intracellular functions, crucial not only for the entrance mechanisms but also for viral replication and propagation processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Iacobucci
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
- CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies, Naples, Italy
| | - Vittoria Monaco
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
- CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies, Naples, Italy
| | - Luisa Canè
- CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies, Naples, Italy
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Bibbò
- CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies, Naples, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies (DMMBM), University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Valentina Cioffi
- Department of Translational Medical Science, Section of Pediatrics, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Flora Cozzolino
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
- CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies, Naples, Italy
| | - Alfredo Guarino
- Department of Translational Medical Science, Section of Pediatrics, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Massimo Zollo
- CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies, Naples, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies (DMMBM), University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Monti
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
- CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies, Naples, Italy
- *Correspondence: Maria Monti,
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30
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da Silva SJR, do Nascimento JCF, Germano Mendes RP, Guarines KM, Targino Alves da Silva C, da Silva PG, de Magalhães JJF, Vigar JRJ, Silva-Júnior A, Kohl A, Pardee K, Pena L. Two Years into the COVID-19 Pandemic: Lessons Learned. ACS Infect Dis 2022; 8:1758-1814. [PMID: 35940589 PMCID: PMC9380879 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.2c00204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a highly transmissible and virulent human-infecting coronavirus that emerged in late December 2019 in Wuhan, China, causing a respiratory disease called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which has massively impacted global public health and caused widespread disruption to daily life. The crisis caused by COVID-19 has mobilized scientists and public health authorities across the world to rapidly improve our knowledge about this devastating disease, shedding light on its management and control, and spawned the development of new countermeasures. Here we provide an overview of the state of the art of knowledge gained in the last 2 years about the virus and COVID-19, including its origin and natural reservoir hosts, viral etiology, epidemiology, modes of transmission, clinical manifestations, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, emerging variants, and vaccines, highlighting important differences from previously known highly pathogenic coronaviruses. We also discuss selected key discoveries from each topic and underline the gaps of knowledge for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Severino Jefferson Ribeiro da Silva
- Laboratory of Virology and Experimental Therapy (LAVITE), Department of Virology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), 50670-420 Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Jessica Catarine Frutuoso do Nascimento
- Laboratory of Virology and Experimental Therapy (LAVITE), Department of Virology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), 50670-420 Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Renata Pessôa Germano Mendes
- Laboratory of Virology and Experimental Therapy (LAVITE), Department of Virology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), 50670-420 Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Klarissa Miranda Guarines
- Laboratory of Virology and Experimental Therapy (LAVITE), Department of Virology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), 50670-420 Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Caroline Targino Alves da Silva
- Laboratory of Virology and Experimental Therapy (LAVITE), Department of Virology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), 50670-420 Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Poliana Gomes da Silva
- Laboratory of Virology and Experimental Therapy (LAVITE), Department of Virology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), 50670-420 Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Jurandy Júnior Ferraz de Magalhães
- Laboratory of Virology and Experimental Therapy (LAVITE), Department of Virology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), 50670-420 Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.,Department of Virology, Pernambuco State Central Laboratory (LACEN/PE), 52171-011 Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.,University of Pernambuco (UPE), Serra Talhada Campus, 56909-335 Serra Talhada, Pernambuco, Brazil.,Public Health Laboratory of the XI Regional Health, 56912-160 Serra Talhada, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Justin R J Vigar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Abelardo Silva-Júnior
- Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas (UFAL), 57072-900 Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Alain Kohl
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom
| | - Keith Pardee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada.,Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Lindomar Pena
- Laboratory of Virology and Experimental Therapy (LAVITE), Department of Virology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), 50670-420 Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
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31
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Diagnostic Performance of Three ELISAs for Detection of Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in Human Samples. ScientificWorldJournal 2022; 2022:7754329. [PMID: 36017468 PMCID: PMC9398874 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7754329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a disease with a high rate of transmission. Serological tests are important to perform surveys and to determine the immunological status of the population. Based on this, we evaluated three enzyme-linked immunoassays (ELISAs) using different antigens from SARS-CoV-2 in a cohort of 161 patients. The performance of the ELISA developed for immunoglobulin G (IgG) measurement against SARS-CoV-2 was evaluated based on sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. We found specificities of 0.98, 0.98, and 0.99 and sensitivities of 0.99, 0.91, and 0.87 for the nucleocapsid (N) protein, spike protein, and receptor binding domain (RBD) fraction, respectively. The accuracy assessment indicated the N protein (accuracy = 0.98) as the antigen most likely to give a correct diagnosis. Overall, the antibody responses were present for all three proteins in subjects with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections, showing a similar pattern of antibody production for different antigens. In summary, these highly sensitive and specific ELISAs, with a more competitive price, appear to be a valid approach for the serodiagnosis of COVID-19.
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32
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Liu XH, Cheng T, Liu BY, Chi J, Shu T, Wang T. Structures of the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein and applications for novel drug development. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:955648. [PMID: 36016554 PMCID: PMC9395726 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.955648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 has raised a health crisis worldwide. The high morbidity and mortality associated with COVID-19 and the lack of effective drugs or vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 emphasize the urgent need for standard treatment and prophylaxis of COVID-19. The receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the glycosylated spike protein (S protein) is capable of binding to human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) and initiating membrane fusion and virus entry. Hence, it is rational to inhibit the RBD activity of the S protein by blocking the RBD interaction with hACE2, which makes the glycosylated S protein a potential target for designing and developing antiviral agents. In this study, the molecular features of the S protein of SARS-CoV-2 are highlighted, such as the structures, functions, and interactions of the S protein and ACE2. Additionally, computational tools developed for the treatment of COVID-19 are provided, for example, algorithms, databases, and relevant programs. Finally, recent advances in the novel development of antivirals against the S protein are summarized, including screening of natural products, drug repurposing and rational design. This study is expected to provide novel insights for the efficient discovery of promising drug candidates against the S protein and contribute to the development of broad-spectrum anti-coronavirus drugs to fight against SARS-CoV-2.
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33
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Aziz S, Waqas M, Halim SA, Ali A, Iqbal A, Iqbal M, Khan A, Al-Harrasi A. Exploring whole proteome to contrive multi-epitope-based vaccine for NeoCoV: An immunoinformtics and in-silico approach. Front Immunol 2022; 13:956776. [PMID: 35990651 PMCID: PMC9382669 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.956776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neo-Coronavirus (NeoCoV) is a novel Betacoronavirus (β-CoVs or Beta-CoVs) discovered in bat specimens in South Africa during 2011. The viral sequence is highly similar to Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, particularly that of structural proteins. Thus, scientists have emphasized the threat posed by NeoCoV associated with human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) usage, which could lead to a high death rate and faster transmission rate in humans. The development of a NeoCoV vaccine could provide a promising option for the future control of the virus in case of human infection. In silico predictions can decrease the number of experiments required, making the immunoinformatics approaches cost-effective and convenient. Herein, with the aid of immunoinformatics and reverse vaccinology, we aimed to formulate a multi-epitope vaccine that may be used to prevent and treat NeoCoV infection. Based on the NeoCoV proteins, B-cell, cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), and helper T lymphocyte (HTL) epitopes were shortlisted. Four vaccines (Neo-1-4) were devised by fusing shortlisted epitopes with appropriate adjuvants and linkers. The secondary and three-dimensional structures of final vaccines were then predicted. The binding interactions of these potential vaccines with toll-like immune receptors (TLR-2, TLR-3, and TLR-4) and major histocompatibility complex molecules (MHC-I and II) reveal that they properly fit into the receptors' binding domains. Besides, Neo-1 and Neo-4 vaccines exhibited better docking energies of -101.08 kcal/mol and -114.47 kcal/mol, respectively, with TLR-3 as compared to other vaccine constructs. The constructed vaccines are highly antigenic, non-allergenic, soluble, non-toxic, and topologically assessable with good physiochemical characteristics. Codon optimization and in-silico cloning confirmed efficient expression of the designed vaccines in Escherichia coli strain K12. In-silico immune simulation indicated that Neo-1 and Neo-4 vaccines could induce a strong immune response against NeoCoV. Lastly, the binding stability and strong binding affinity of Neo-1 and Neo-4 with TLR-3 receptor were validated using molecular dynamics simulations and free energy calculations (Molecular Mechanics/Generalized Born Surface Area method). The final vaccines require experimental validation to establish their safety and effectiveness in preventing NeoCoV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahkaar Aziz
- Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, the University of Agriculture Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Waqas
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Birkat-ul-Mouz, Nizwa, Oman
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Hazara University Mansehra, Mansehra, Pakistan
| | - Sobia Ahsan Halim
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Birkat-ul-Mouz, Nizwa, Oman
| | - Amjad Ali
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Hazara University Mansehra, Mansehra, Pakistan
| | - Aqib Iqbal
- Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, the University of Agriculture Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Maaz Iqbal
- Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, the University of Agriculture Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Ajmal Khan
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Birkat-ul-Mouz, Nizwa, Oman
| | - Ahmed Al-Harrasi
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Birkat-ul-Mouz, Nizwa, Oman
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34
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Mokhtary P, Pourhashem Z, Mehrizi AA, Sala C, Rappuoli R. Recent Progress in the Discovery and Development of Monoclonal Antibodies against Viral Infections. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081861. [PMID: 36009408 PMCID: PMC9405509 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), the new revolutionary class of medications, are fast becoming tools against various diseases thanks to a unique structure and function that allow them to bind highly specific targets or receptors. These specialized proteins can be produced in large quantities via the hybridoma technique introduced in 1975 or by means of modern technologies. Additional methods have been developed to generate mAbs with new biological properties such as humanized, chimeric, or murine. The inclusion of mAbs in therapeutic regimens is a major medical advance and will hopefully lead to significant improvements in infectious disease management. Since the first therapeutic mAb, muromonab-CD3, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1986, the list of approved mAbs and their clinical indications and applications have been proliferating. New technologies have been developed to modify the structure of mAbs, thereby increasing efficacy and improving delivery routes. Gene delivery technologies, such as non-viral synthetic plasmid DNA and messenger RNA vectors (DMabs or mRNA-encoded mAbs), built to express tailored mAb genes, might help overcome some of the challenges of mAb therapy, including production restrictions, cold-chain storage, transportation requirements, and expensive manufacturing and distribution processes. This paper reviews some of the recent developments in mAb discovery against viral infections and illustrates how mAbs can help to combat viral diseases and outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pardis Mokhtary
- Monoclonal Antibody Discovery Laboratory, Fondazione Toscana Life Sciences, 53100 Siena, Italy;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Zeinab Pourhashem
- Student Research Committee, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 1316943551, Iran;
- Malaria and Vector Research Group, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 1316943551, Iran;
| | - Akram Abouei Mehrizi
- Malaria and Vector Research Group, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 1316943551, Iran;
| | - Claudia Sala
- Monoclonal Antibody Discovery Laboratory, Fondazione Toscana Life Sciences, 53100 Siena, Italy;
- Correspondence: (C.S.); (R.R.)
| | - Rino Rappuoli
- Monoclonal Antibody Discovery Laboratory, Fondazione Toscana Life Sciences, 53100 Siena, Italy;
- Correspondence: (C.S.); (R.R.)
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35
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Han X, Cai Z, Dai Y, Huang H, Cao X, Wang Y, Fang Y, Liu G, Zhang M, Zhang Y, Yang B, Xue W, Zhao G, Tai W, Li M. Re-burying Artificially Exposed Surface of Viral Subunit Vaccines Through Oligomerization Enhances Vaccine Efficacy. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:927674. [PMID: 35846760 PMCID: PMC9278648 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.927674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral subunit vaccines often suffer low efficacy. We recently showed that when taken out of the context of whole virus particles, recombinant subunit vaccines contain artificially exposed surface regions that are non-neutralizing and reduce their efficacy, and thus these regions need to be re-buried in vaccine design. Here we used the envelope protein domain III (EDIII) of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), a subunit vaccine candidate, to further validate this important concept for subunit vaccine designs. We constructed monomeric EDIII, dimeric EDIII via a linear space, dimeric EDIII via an Fc tag, and trimeric EDIII via a foldon tag. Compared to monomeric EDIII or linearly linked dimeric EDIII, tightly packed EDIII oligomers via the Fc or foldon tag induce higher neutralizing antibody titers in mice and also protect mice more effectively from lethal JEV challenge. Structural analyses demonstrate that part of the artificially exposed surface areas on recombinant EDIII becomes re-buried in Fc or foldon-mediated oligomers. This study further establishes the artificially exposed surfaces as an intrinsic limitation of subunit vaccines, and suggests that re-burying these surfaces through tightly packed oligomerization is a convenient and effective approach to overcome this limitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuelian Han
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuming Cai
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yulong Dai
- Institute of Hemu Biotechnology, Beijing Hemu Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - He Huang
- Institute of Hemu Biotechnology, Beijing Hemu Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangwen Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Public Health School, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yingying Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Gang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Min Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuhang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Binhui Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guangyu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Public Health School, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, China
| | - Wanbo Tai
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
| | - Min Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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36
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Hoter A, Naim HY. Biochemical Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 Spike RBD Mutations and Their Impact on ACE2 Receptor Binding. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:893843. [PMID: 35677879 PMCID: PMC9168323 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.893843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection of mammalian cells by SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus requires primary interaction between the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the viral spike protein and the host cell surface receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) glycoprotein. Several mutations in the RBD of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein have been reported for several variants and resulted in wide spread of the COVID pandemic. For instance, the double mutations L452R and E484Q present in the Indian B.1.617 variant have been suggested to cause evasion of the host immune response. The common RBD mutations N501Y and E484K were found to enhance the interaction with the ACE2 receptor. In the current study, we analyzed the biosynthesis and secretion of the RBD double mutants L452R and E484Q in comparison to the wild-type RBD and the individual mutations N501 and E484K in mammalian cells. Moreover, we evaluated the interaction of these variants with ACE2 by means of expression of the S protein and co-immunoprecipitation with ACE2. Our results revealed that the double RBD mutations L452R and E484Q resulted in a higher expression level and secretion of spike S1 protein than other mutations. In addition, an increased interaction of these mutant forms with ACE2 in Calu3 cells was observed. Altogether, our findings highlight the impact of continuous S1 mutations on the pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 and provide further biochemical evidence for the dominance and high transmissibility of the double Indian mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Hoter
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry of Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Hassan Y. Naim
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
- *Correspondence: Hassan Y. Naim,
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Kesheh MM, Shavandi S, Haeri Moghaddam N, Ramezani M, Ramezani F. Effect of herbal compounds on coronavirus; a systematic review and meta-analysis. Virol J 2022; 19:87. [PMID: 35597998 PMCID: PMC9123756 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-022-01808-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The new coronavirus (COVID-19) has been transmitted exponentially. Numerous studies have been performed in recent years that have shown the inhibitory effect of plant extracts or plant-derived compounds on the coronavirus family. In this study, we want to use systematic review and meta-analysis to answer the question, which herbal compound has been more effective? MAIN BODY The present study is based on the guidelines for conducting meta-analyzes. An extensive search was conducted in the electronic database, and based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, articles were selected and data screening was done. Quality control of articles was performed. Data analysis was carried out in STATA software. CONCLUSION Due to the variety of study methods, definitive conclusions are not possible. However, in this study, we attempted to gather all the available evidence on the effect of plant compounds on SARS-COV-2 to be used for the development and use of promising antiviral agents against this virus and other coronaviruses. Trypthantrin, Sambucus extract, S. cusia extract, Boceprevir and Indigole B, dioica agglutinin urtica had a good effect on reducing the virus titer. Also among the compounds that had the greatest effect on virus inhibition, Saikosaponins B2, SaikosaponinsD, SaikosaponinsA and Phillyrin, had an acceptable selectivity index greater than 10. Andrographolide showed the highest selectivity index on SARS-COV-2. Our study confirmed insufficient data to support alkaloid compounds against SARS-COV-2, and the small number of studies that used alkaloid compounds was a limitation. It is recommended to investigate the effect of more alkaloid compounds against Corona virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Mobini Kesheh
- Department of Virology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Shavandi
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Niloofar Haeri Moghaddam
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Fatemeh Ramezani
- Physiology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Bangaru S, Antanasijevic A, Kose N, Sewall LM, Jackson AM, Suryadevara N, Zhan X, Torres JL, Copps J, de la Peña AT, Crowe JE, Ward AB. Structural mapping of antibody landscapes to human betacoronavirus spike proteins. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabn2911. [PMID: 35507649 PMCID: PMC9067923 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn2911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Preexisting immunity against seasonal coronaviruses (CoVs) represents an important variable in predicting antibody responses and disease severity to severe acute respiratory syndrome CoV-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections. We used electron microscopy-based polyclonal epitope mapping (EMPEM) to characterize the antibody specificities against β-CoV spike proteins in prepandemic (PP) sera or SARS-CoV-2 convalescent (SC) sera. We observed that most PP sera had antibodies specific to seasonal human CoVs (HCoVs) OC43 and HKU1 spike proteins while the SC sera showed reactivity across all human β-CoVs. Detailed molecular mapping of spike-antibody complexes revealed epitopes that were differentially targeted by preexisting antibodies and SC serum antibodies. Our studies provide an antigenic landscape to β-HCoV spikes in the general population serving as a basis for cross-reactive epitope analyses in SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandhya Bangaru
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Aleksandar Antanasijevic
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Nurgun Kose
- The Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Leigh M. Sewall
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Abigail M. Jackson
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | | | - Xiaoyan Zhan
- The Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Jonathan L. Torres
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Jeffrey Copps
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Alba Torrents de la Peña
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - James E. Crowe
- The Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Departments of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Andrew B. Ward
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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Goyal R, Bala R, Sindhu RK, Zehravi M, Madaan R, Ramproshad S, Mondal B, Dey A, Rahman MH, Cavalu S. Bioactive Based Nanocarriers for the Treatment of Viral Infections and SARS-CoV-2. NANOMATERIALS 2022; 12:nano12091530. [PMID: 35564239 PMCID: PMC9104170 DOI: 10.3390/nano12091530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Since ancient times, plants have been used for their medicinal properties. They provide us with many phytomolecules, which serve a synergistic function for human well-being. Along with anti-microbial, plants also possess anti-viral activities. In Western nations, about 50% of medicines were extracted from plants or their constituents. The spread and pandemic of viral diseases are becoming a major threat to public health and a burden on the financial prosperity of communities worldwide. In recent years, SARS-CoV-2 has made a dramatic lifestyle change. This has promoted scientists not to use synthetic anti-virals, such as protease inhibitors, nucleic acid analogs, and other anti-virals, but to study less toxic anti-viral phytomolecules. An emerging approach includes searching for eco-friendly therapeutic molecules to develop phytopharmaceuticals. This article briefly discusses numerous bioactive molecules that possess anti-viral properties, their mode of action, and possible applications in treating viral diseases, with a special focus on coronavirus and various nano-formulations used as a carrier for the delivery of phytoconstituents for improved bioavailability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Goyal
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura 140401, Punjab, India; (R.G.); (R.B.); (R.M.)
| | - Rajni Bala
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura 140401, Punjab, India; (R.G.); (R.B.); (R.M.)
| | - Rakesh K. Sindhu
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura 140401, Punjab, India; (R.G.); (R.B.); (R.M.)
- Correspondence: (R.K.S.); (M.H.R.); (S.C.)
| | - Mehrukh Zehravi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy Girls Section, Prince Sattam Bin Abdul Aziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Reecha Madaan
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura 140401, Punjab, India; (R.G.); (R.B.); (R.M.)
| | - Sarker Ramproshad
- Department of Pharmacy, Ranada Prasad Shaha University, Narayanganj 1400, Bangladesh; (S.R.); (B.M.)
| | - Banani Mondal
- Department of Pharmacy, Ranada Prasad Shaha University, Narayanganj 1400, Bangladesh; (S.R.); (B.M.)
| | - Abhijit Dey
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata 700073, West Bengal, India;
| | - Md. Habibur Rahman
- Department of Global Medical Science, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju 26426, Gangwon-do, Korea
- Correspondence: (R.K.S.); (M.H.R.); (S.C.)
| | - Simona Cavalu
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, P-ta 1 Decembrie 10, 410087 Oradea, Romania
- Correspondence: (R.K.S.); (M.H.R.); (S.C.)
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Martí D, Martín-Martínez E, Torras J, Betran O, Turon P, Alemán C. In silico study of substrate chemistry effect on the tethering of engineered antibodies for SARS-CoV-2 detection: Amorphous silica vs gold. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2022; 213:112400. [PMID: 35158221 PMCID: PMC8820101 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2022.112400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The influence of the properties of different solid substrates on the tethering of two antibodies, IgG1-CR3022 and IgG1-S309, which were specifically engineered for the detection of SARS-CoV-2, has been examined at the molecular level using conventional and accelerated Molecular Dynamics (cMD and aMD, respectively). Two surfaces with very different properties and widely used in immunosensors for diagnosis, amorphous silica and the most stable facet of the face-centered cubic gold structure, have been considered. The effects of such surfaces on the structure and orientation of the immobilized antibodies have been determined by quantifying the tilt and hinge angles that describe the orientation and shape of the antibody, respectively, and the dihedrals that measure the relative position of the antibody arms with respect to the surface. Results show that the interactions with amorphous silica, which are mainly electrostatic due to the charged nature of the surface, help to preserve the orientation and structure of the antibodies, especially of the IgG1-CR3022, indicating that the primary sequence of those antibodies also plays some role. Instead, short-range van der Waals interactions with the inert gold surface cause a higher degree tilting and fraying of the antibodies with respect to amorphous silica. The interactions between the antibodies and the surface also affect the correlation among the different angles and dihedrals, which increases with their strength. Overall, results explain why amorphous silica substrates are frequently used to immobilize antibodies in immunosensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didac Martí
- Departament d'Enginyeria Química (DEQ), EEBE, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), C/ Eduard Maristany, 10-14, Ed. I2, 08019 Barcelona, Spain; Barcelona Research Center in Multiscale Science and Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, C/ Eduard Maristany, 10-14, 08019 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduard Martín-Martínez
- Departament d'Enginyeria Química (DEQ), EEBE, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), C/ Eduard Maristany, 10-14, Ed. I2, 08019 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Torras
- Departament d'Enginyeria Química (DEQ), EEBE, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), C/ Eduard Maristany, 10-14, Ed. I2, 08019 Barcelona, Spain; Barcelona Research Center in Multiscale Science and Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, C/ Eduard Maristany, 10-14, 08019 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Oscar Betran
- Departament de Física, EETAC, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), c/ Esteve Terrades, 7, 08860 Castelldefels, Spain
| | - Pau Turon
- B. Braun Surgical, S.A.U. Carretera de Terrasa 121, Rubí, 08191 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Carlos Alemán
- Departament d'Enginyeria Química (DEQ), EEBE, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), C/ Eduard Maristany, 10-14, Ed. I2, 08019 Barcelona, Spain; Barcelona Research Center in Multiscale Science and Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, C/ Eduard Maristany, 10-14, 08019 Barcelona, Spain; Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
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Han X, Ye Q. The variants of SARS-CoV-2 and the challenges of vaccines. J Med Virol 2022; 94:1366-1372. [PMID: 34890492 PMCID: PMC9015306 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Since the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), countries all over the world have suffered severe losses. It affects not only human life and health but also the economy. In response to COVID-19, countries have made tremendous efforts to vaccine development. The newly discovered variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have brought major challenges to the effectiveness and research of vaccines. This article reviews the existing literature and summarizes the main variants of the SARS-CoV-2 and its impact on vaccines, and provides new ideas for the later development of vaccines. An excellent job in developing and applying vaccines will be an important measure for epidemic prevention and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiucui Han
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child HealthNational Children's Regional Medical CenterHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Qing Ye
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child HealthNational Children's Regional Medical CenterHangzhouZhejiangChina
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Entesari M, Zamani M, Heidarizadeh M, Moradi R, Khakdan F, Rafiei F. An Insight Into Detection Pathways/Biosensors of Highly Infectious Coronaviruses. Mol Biotechnol 2022; 64:339-354. [PMID: 34655396 PMCID: PMC8520350 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-021-00417-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences have inflicted a substantial damage on the world. In this study, it was attempted to review the recent coronaviruses appeared among the human being and their epidemic/pandemic spread throughout the world. Currently, there is an inevitable need for the establishment of a quick and easily available biosensor for tracing COVID-19 in all countries. It has been known that the incubation time of COVID-19 lasts about 14 days and 25% of the infected individuals are asymptomatic. To improve the ability to determine SARS-CoV-2 precisely and reduce the risk of eliciting false-negative results produced by mutating nature of coronaviruses, many researchers have established a real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay using mismatch-tolerant molecular beacons as multiplex real-time RT-PCR to distinguish between pathogenic and non-pathogenic strains of coronaviruses. The possible mechanisms and pathways for the detection of coronaviruses by biosensors have been reviewed in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrnaz Entesari
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Molecular Genetics, Zanjan University, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Mina Zamani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Heidarizadeh
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Rasoul Moradi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering & Applied Science, Khazar University, Baku, Azerbaijan
| | | | - Fariba Rafiei
- Department of Agronomy & Plant Breeding, Collage of Agriculture & Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
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Tai W, Zhang X, Yang Y, Zhu J, Du L. Advances in mRNA and other vaccines against MERS-CoV. Transl Res 2022; 242:20-37. [PMID: 34801748 PMCID: PMC8603276 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2021.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a highly pathogenic human coronavirus (CoV). Belonging to the same beta-CoV genus as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-1 (SARS-CoV-1) and SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV has a significantly higher fatality rate with limited human-to-human transmissibility. MERS-CoV causes sporadic outbreaks, but no vaccines have yet been approved for use in humans, thus calling for continued efforts to develop effective vaccines against this important CoV. Similar to SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV contains 4 structural proteins, among which the surface spike (S) protein has been used as a core component in the majority of currently developed MERS-CoV vaccines. Here, we illustrate the importance of the MERS-CoV S protein as a key vaccine target and provide an update on the currently developed MERS-CoV vaccines, including those based on DNAs, proteins, virus-like particles or nanoparticles, and viral vectors. Additionally, we describe approaches for designing MERS-CoV mRNA vaccines and explore the role and importance of naturally occurring pseudo-nucleosides in the design of effective MERS-CoV mRNA vaccines. This review also provides useful insights into designing and evaluating mRNA vaccines against other viral pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanbo Tai
- Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, New York
| | - Xiujuan Zhang
- Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, New York
| | - Yang Yang
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
| | - Jiang Zhu
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, Califonia; Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California
| | - Lanying Du
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia.
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Khamees A, Bani-Issa J, Zoubi MSA, Qasem T, AbuAlArjah MI, Alawadin SA, Al-Shami K, Hussein FE, Hussein E, Bashayreh IH, Tambuwala MM, Al-Saghir M, Cornelison CT. SARS-CoV-2 and Coronavirus Disease Mitigation: Treatment Options, Vaccinations and Variants. Pathogens 2022; 11:275. [PMID: 35215217 PMCID: PMC8876838 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11020275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is caused by a novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), which was declared as a pandemic after it emerged in China 2019. A vast international effort has been conducted to prevent and treat COVID-19 due to its high transmissibility and severe morbidity and mortality rates, particularly in individuals with chronic co-morbidities. In addition, polymorphic variants increased the need for proper vaccination to overcome the infectivity of new variants that are emerging across the globe. Many treatment options have been proposed and more than 25 vaccines are in various stages of development; however, the infection peaks are oscillating periodically, which raises a significant question about the effectiveness of the prevention measures and the persistence of this pandemic disease. In this review, we are exploring the most recent knowledge and advances in the treatment and vaccination options as well as the new emerging variants of 2019-nCoV and the possible mitigation of one of the most aggressive pandemics in the last centuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Almu’atasim Khamees
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid 211-63, Jordan; (A.K.); (J.B.-I.); (K.A.-S.); (F.E.H.)
| | - Jamal Bani-Issa
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid 211-63, Jordan; (A.K.); (J.B.-I.); (K.A.-S.); (F.E.H.)
| | - Mazhar Salim Al Zoubi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid 211-63, Jordan; (M.S.A.Z.); (T.Q.); (M.I.A.)
| | - Taqwa Qasem
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid 211-63, Jordan; (M.S.A.Z.); (T.Q.); (M.I.A.)
| | - Manal Issam AbuAlArjah
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid 211-63, Jordan; (M.S.A.Z.); (T.Q.); (M.I.A.)
| | | | - Khayry Al-Shami
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid 211-63, Jordan; (A.K.); (J.B.-I.); (K.A.-S.); (F.E.H.)
| | - Farah E. Hussein
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid 211-63, Jordan; (A.K.); (J.B.-I.); (K.A.-S.); (F.E.H.)
| | - Emad Hussein
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, A’Sharqiyah University, P.O. Box 42, Ibra 400, Oman;
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Yarmouk University, Irbid 211-63, Jordan
| | - Ibrahim H. Bashayreh
- Nursing Department, Fatima College of Health Sciences, Al-Ain Campus, P.O. Box 24162, Abu-Dhabi 31201, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Murtaza M. Tambuwala
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK;
| | - Mohannad Al-Saghir
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ohio University, Zanesville, OH 43701, USA;
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Du L, Yang Y, Zhang X, Li F. Recent advances in nanotechnology-based COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutic antibodies. NANOSCALE 2022; 14:1054-1074. [PMID: 35018939 PMCID: PMC8863106 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr03831a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 has caused a global pandemic and millions of deaths. It is imperative to develop effective countermeasures against the causative viral agent, SARS-CoV-2 and its many variants. Vaccines and therapeutic antibodies are the most effective approaches for preventing and treating COVID-19, respectively. SARS-CoV-2 enters host cells through the activities of the virus-surface spike (S) protein. Accordingly, the S protein is a prime target for vaccines and therapeutic antibodies. Dealing with particles with dimensions on the scale of nanometers, nanotechnology has emerged as a critical tool for rapidly designing and developing safe, effective, and urgently needed vaccines and therapeutics to control the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, nanotechnology was key to the fast-track approval of two mRNA vaccines for their wide use in human populations. In this review article, we first explore the roles of nanotechnology in battling COVID-19, including protein nanoparticles (for presentation of protein vaccines), lipid nanoparticles (for formulation with mRNAs), and nanobodies (as unique therapeutic antibodies). We then summarize the currently available COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics based on nanotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanying Du
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Yang Yang
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Xiujuan Zhang
- Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Fang Li
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA
- Center for Coronavirus Research, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA.
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Goc A, Niedzwiecki A, Ivanov V, Ivanova S, Rath M. Inhibitory effects of specific combination of natural compounds against SARS-CoV-2 and its Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Kappa, and Mu variants. Eur J Microbiol Immunol (Bp) 2022; 11:87-94. [PMID: 35060921 PMCID: PMC8830412 DOI: 10.1556/1886.2021.00022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite vaccine availability, the global spread of COVID-19 continues, largely facilitated by emerging SARS-CoV-2 mutations. Our earlier research documented that a specific combination of plant-derived compounds can inhibit SARS-CoV-2 binding to its ACE2 receptor and controlling key cellular mechanisms of viral infectivity. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of a defined mixture of plant extracts and micronutrients against original SARS-CoV-2 and its Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Kappa, and Mu variants. The composition containing vitamin C, N-acetylcysteine, resveratrol, theaflavin, curcumin, quercetin, naringenin, baicalin, and broccoli extract demonstrated a highest efficacy by inhibiting the receptor-binding domain (RBD) binding of SARS-CoV-2 to its cellular ACE2 receptor by 90%. In vitro exposure of test pseudo-typed variants to this formula for 1 h before or simultaneously administrated to human pulmonary cells resulted in up to 60% inhibition in their cellular entry. Additionally, this composition significantly inhibited other cellular mechanisms of viral infectivity, including the activity of viral RdRp, furin, and cathepsin L. These findings demonstrate the efficacy of natural compounds against SARS-CoV-2 including its mutated forms through pleiotropic mechanisms. Our results imply that simultaneous inhibition of multiple mechanisms of viral infection of host cells could be an effective strategy to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Goc
- Dr. Rath Research Institute, 5941 Optical Ct., San Jose, CA 95138,USA
| | | | - Vadim Ivanov
- Dr. Rath Research Institute, 5941 Optical Ct., San Jose, CA 95138,USA
| | - Svetlana Ivanova
- Dr. Rath Research Institute, 5941 Optical Ct., San Jose, CA 95138,USA
| | - Matthias Rath
- Dr. Rath Research Institute, 5941 Optical Ct., San Jose, CA 95138,USA
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47
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Wang P, Ding P, Wei Q, Liu H, Liu Y, Li Q, Xing Y, Li G, Zhou E, Zhang G. Precise location of two novel linear epitopes on the receptor-binding domain surface of MERS-CoV spike protein recognized by two different monoclonal antibodies. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 195:609-619. [PMID: 34871658 PMCID: PMC8641979 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.11.192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a coronavirus which can cause severe human respiratory diseases with a fatality rate of almost 36%. In this study, we report the generation, characterization and epitope mapping of several monoclonal antibodies against the spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) of MERS-CoV. Two monoclonal antibodies (4C7 and 6E8) that can react with linearized RBD have been selected for subsequent identification of RBD mAb-binding epitopes. Two distinct novel linear epitopes, 423FTCSQIS429 and 546SPLEGGGWL554,were precisely located at the outermost surface of RBD by dot-blot hybridization and ELISAs. Multiple sequence alignment analysis showed that these two peptides were highly conserved. Alanine (A)-scanning mutagenesis demonstrated that residues 423F, 428I, and 429S are the crucial residues for the linear epitope 423FTCSQIS429 while residues 548L, 550G, 553W, 554L for epitope 546SPLEGGGWL554. These findings may be helpful for further understanding of the function of RBD protein and the development of subsequent diagnosis and detection methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China,Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Peiyang Ding
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Qiang Wei
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Hongliang Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yunchao Liu
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Qingmei Li
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Yunrui Xing
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Ge Li
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Enmin Zhou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Gaiping Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China; School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China; Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonose, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.
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48
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Liposome-Mediated Delivery of MERS Antigen Induces Potent Humoral and Cell-Mediated Immune Response in Mice. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27020403. [PMID: 35056718 PMCID: PMC8778403 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27020403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The advancements in the field of nanotechnology have provided a great platform for the development of effective antiviral vaccines. Liposome-mediated delivery of antigens has been shown to induce the antigen-specific stimulation of the humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. Here, we prepared dried, reconstituted vesicles (DRVs) from DPPC liposomes and used them as the vaccine carrier system for the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus papain-like protease (DRVs-MERS-CoV PLpro). MERS-CoV PLpro emulsified in the Incomplete Freund’s Adjuvant (IFA-MERS-CoV PLpro) was used as a control. Immunization of mice with DRVs-MERS-CoV PLpro did not induce any notable toxicity, as revealed by the levels of the serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the blood of immunized mice. Immunization with DRVs-MERS-CoV PLpro induced greater antigen-specific antibody titer and switching of IgG1 isotyping to IgG2a as compared to immunization with IFA-MERS-CoV PLpro. Moreover, splenocytes from mice immunized with DRVs-MERS-CoV PLpro exhibited greater proliferation in response to antigen stimulation. Moreover, splenocytes from DRVs-MERS-CoV PLpro-immunized mice secreted significantly higher IFN-γ as compared to splenocytes from IFA-MERS-CoV PLpro mice. In summary, DRVs-MERS-CoV PLpro may prove to be an effective prophylactic formulation to prevent MERS-CoV infection.
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Ahmadi K, Zahedifard F, Mafakher L, Einakian MA, Ghaedi T, Kavousipour S, Faezi S, Karmostaji A, Sharifi-Sarasiabi K, Gouklani H, Hassaniazad M. Active site-based analysis of structural proteins for drug targets in different human Coronaviruses. Chem Biol Drug Des 2021; 99:585-602. [PMID: 34914204 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Seven types of Coronaviruses (CoVs) have been identified that can cause infection in humans, including HCoV-229E, HCoV-NL63, HCoV-OC43, HCoV-HKU1, SARS-CoV, HCoV-MERS, and SARS-CoV-2. In this study, we investigated the genetic structure, the homology of the structural protein sequences, as well as the investigation of the active site of structural proteins. The active site of structural proteins was determined based on the previous studies, and the homology of their amino acid sequences and structure was compared. Multiple sequence alignment of Spike protein of HCoVs showed that the receptor-binding domain of SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, and MERS-CoV was located at a similar site to the S1 subunit. The binding motif of PDZ (postsynaptic density- 95/discs large/zona occludens-1) of the envelope protein, was conserved in SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 according to multiple sequence alignment but showed different changes in the other HCoVs. Overall, Spike protein showed the most variation in its active sites, but the other structural proteins were highly conserved. In this study, for the first time, the active site of all structural proteins of HCoVs as a drug target was investigated. The binding site of these proteins can be suitable targets for drugs or vaccines among HCoVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khadijeh Ahmadi
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Farnaz Zahedifard
- Drug discovery and Evaluation unit, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ladan Mafakher
- Thalassemia & Hemoglobinopathy Research center, Health research institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Einakian
- Food Health Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Tayebeh Ghaedi
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Soudabeh Kavousipour
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Sobhan Faezi
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Afsaneh Karmostaji
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Khojasteh Sharifi-Sarasiabi
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Hamed Gouklani
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Mehdi Hassaniazad
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
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50
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Identification of a novel neutralizing epitope on the N-terminal domain of the HCoV-229E spike protein. J Virol 2021; 96:e0195521. [PMID: 34908442 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01955-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The receptor binding domain (RBD) of the coronavirus spike protein (S) has been verified to be the main target for potent neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) in most coronaviruses, and the N-terminal domain (NTD) of some betacoronaviruses has also been indicated to induce nAbs. For alphacoronavirus HCoV-229E, its RBD has been shown to have neutralizing epitopes, and these epitopes could change over time. However, whether neutralizing epitopes exist on the NTD and whether these epitopes change like those of the RBD are still unknown. Here, we verified that neutralizing epitopes exist on the NTD of HCoV-229E. Furthermore, we characterized an NTD targeting nAb 5H10, which could neutralize both pseudotyped and authentic HCoV-229E VR740 in vitro. Epitope mapping indicated that 5H10 targeted motif E1 (147-167 aa) and identified F159 as critical for 5H10 binding. More importantly, our results revealed that motif E1 was highly conserved among clinical isolates except for F159. Further data proved that mutations at position 159 gradually appeared over time and could completely abolish the neutralizing ability of 5H10, supporting the notion that position 159 may be under selective pressure during the human epidemic. In addition, we also found that contemporary clinical serum has a stronger binding capacity for the NTD of contemporary strains than historic strains, proving that the epitope on the NTD could change over time. In summary, these findings define a novel neutralizing epitope on the NTD of HCoV-229E S and provide a theoretical basis for the design of vaccines against HCoV-229E or related coronaviruses. Importance Characterization of the neutralizing epitope of the spike (S) protein, the major invasion protein of coronaviruses, can help us better understand the evolutionary characteristics of these viruses and promote vaccine development. To date, the neutralizing epitope distribution of alphacoronaviruses is not well known. Here, we identified a neutralizing antibody that targeted the N-terminal domain (NTD) of the alphacoronavirus HCoV-229E S protein. Epitope mapping revealed a novel epitope that was not previously discovered in HCoV-229E. Further studies identified an important residue, F159. Mutations that gradually appeared over time at this site abolished the neutralizing ability of 5H10, indicating that selective pressure occurred at this position in the spread of HCoV-229E. Furthermore, we found that the epitopes within the NTD also changed over time. Taken together, our findings defined a novel neutralizing epitope and highlighted the role of the NTD in the future prevention and control of HCoV-229E or related coronaviruses.
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