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Tolksdorf B, Heinze J, Niemeyer D, Röhrs V, Berg J, Drosten C, Kurreck J. Development of a highly stable, active small interfering RNA with broad activity against SARS-CoV viruses. Antiviral Res 2024; 226:105879. [PMID: 38599550 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105879] [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: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Treatment options for COVID-19 remain limited. Here, we report the optimization of an siRNA targeting the highly conserved leader region of SARS-CoV-2. The siRNA was rendered nuclease resistant by the introduction of modified nucleotides without loss of activity. Importantly, the siRNA also retained its inhibitory activity against the emerged omicron sublineage variant BA.2, which occurred after the siRNA was designed and is resistant to other antiviral agents such as antibodies. In addition, we show that a second highly active siRNA designed against the viral 5'-UTR can be applied as a rescue molecule, to minimize the spread of escape mutations. We therefore consider our siRNA-based molecules to be promising broadly active candidates for the treatment of current and future SARS-CoV-2 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Tolksdorf
- Chair of Applied Biochemistry, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, 10623, Germany
| | - Julian Heinze
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany; Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117, Germany
| | - Daniela Niemeyer
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany; Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117, Germany
| | - Viola Röhrs
- Chair of Applied Biochemistry, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, 10623, Germany
| | - Johanna Berg
- Chair of Applied Biochemistry, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, 10623, Germany
| | - Christian Drosten
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany; Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117, Germany
| | - Jens Kurreck
- Chair of Applied Biochemistry, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, 10623, Germany.
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2
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Petrov N, Stoyanova M, Stoyanova A, Nikolova I, Grozdanov P, Galabov A. Gene silencing of VP1 gene of coxsackievirus B3 neurotropic strain Nancy by dsRNAs and siRNAs. BIOTECHNOL BIOTEC EQ 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/13102818.2022.2082320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nikolay Petrov
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Natural Sciences, New Bulgarian University, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Mariya Stoyanova
- Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Soil Science, Agrotechnologies and Plant Protection “N. Pushkarov”, Agricultural Academy, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Adelina Stoyanova
- Department of Virology, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Ivanka Nikolova
- Department of Virology, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Petar Grozdanov
- Department of Virology, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Angel Galabov
- Department of Virology, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
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3
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Tolksdorf B, Nie C, Niemeyer D, Röhrs V, Berg J, Lauster D, Adler JM, Haag R, Trimpert J, Kaufer B, Drosten C, Kurreck J. Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Replication by a Small Interfering RNA Targeting the Leader Sequence. Viruses 2021; 13:v13102030. [PMID: 34696460 PMCID: PMC8539227 DOI: 10.3390/v13102030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has infected almost 200 million people worldwide and led to approximately 4 million deaths as of August 2021. Despite successful vaccine development, treatment options are limited. A promising strategy to specifically target viral infections is to suppress viral replication through RNA interference (RNAi). Hence, we designed eight small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeting the highly conserved 5′-untranslated region (5′-UTR) of SARS-CoV-2. The most promising candidate identified in initial reporter assays, termed siCoV6, targets the leader sequence of the virus, which is present in the genomic as well as in all subgenomic RNAs. In assays with infectious SARS-CoV-2, it reduced replication by two orders of magnitude and prevented the development of a cytopathic effect. Moreover, it retained its activity against the SARS-CoV-2 alpha variant and has perfect homology against all sequences of the delta variant that were analyzed by bioinformatic means. Interestingly, the siRNA was even highly active in virus replication assays with the SARS-CoV-1 family member. This work thus identified a very potent siRNA with a broad activity against various SARS-CoV viruses that represents a promising candidate for the development of new treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Tolksdorf
- Applied Biochemistry, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, 10623 Berlin, Germany; (B.T.); (V.R.); (J.B.)
| | - Chuanxiong Nie
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany; (C.N.); (D.L.); (R.H.)
| | - Daniela Niemeyer
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (D.N.); (C.D.)
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Viola Röhrs
- Applied Biochemistry, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, 10623 Berlin, Germany; (B.T.); (V.R.); (J.B.)
| | - Johanna Berg
- Applied Biochemistry, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, 10623 Berlin, Germany; (B.T.); (V.R.); (J.B.)
| | - Daniel Lauster
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany; (C.N.); (D.L.); (R.H.)
| | - Julia M. Adler
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Virology, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (J.M.A.); (J.T.); (B.K.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Rainer Haag
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany; (C.N.); (D.L.); (R.H.)
| | - Jakob Trimpert
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Virology, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (J.M.A.); (J.T.); (B.K.)
| | - Benedikt Kaufer
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Virology, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (J.M.A.); (J.T.); (B.K.)
| | - Christian Drosten
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (D.N.); (C.D.)
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jens Kurreck
- Applied Biochemistry, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, 10623 Berlin, Germany; (B.T.); (V.R.); (J.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.:+ 49-30-314-27581
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Khanna M, Gautam A, Rajput R, Sharma L. Natural Products as a Paradigm for the Treatment of Coxsackievirus - induced Myocarditis. Curr Top Med Chem 2020; 20:607-616. [PMID: 31995007 DOI: 10.2174/1568026620666200129094516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3), a member of the Picornaviridae family, is considered to be one of the most important infectious agents to cause virus-induced myocarditis. Despite improvements in studying viral pathology, structure and molecular biology, as well as diagnosis of this disease, there is still no virus-specific drug in clinical use. Structural and nonstructural proteins produced during the coxsackievirus life cycle have been identified as potential targets for blocking viral replication at the step of attachment, entry, uncoating, RNA and protein synthesis by synthetic or natural compounds. Moreover, WIN (for Winthrop) compounds and application of nucleic-acid based strategies were shown to target viral capsid, entry and viral proteases, but have not reached to the clinical trials as a successful antiviral agent. There is an urgent need for diverse molecular libraries for phenotype-selective and high-throughput screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhu Khanna
- Department of Microbiology (Virology Unit), Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi-110007, India
| | - Anju Gautam
- Department of Microbiology (Virology Unit), Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi-110007, India
| | - Roopali Rajput
- Department of Microbiology (Virology Unit), Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi-110007, India
| | - Latika Sharma
- Department of Microbiology (Virology Unit), Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi-110007, India
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5
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Bai J, Li L, Gao Y, Li S, Zhu H, Shi M, Fan H, Wang X, Jiang P. Inhibition of encephalomyocarditis virus replication by shRNA targeting 1C and 2A genes in vitro and in vivo. Vet Microbiol 2020; 244:108664. [PMID: 32402343 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2020.108664] [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: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) infects many mammalian species, causing myocarditis, encephalitis and reproductive disorders. The small interference RNA (siRNA) targeting to the virus has not been understood completely. Here, two out of six interference sequences were screened to inhibit significantly EMCV replication by using recombinant plasmids expressing small hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting to the viral 1C or 2A genes in BHK-21 cells. And two recombinant adenoviruses expressing the shRNAs were constructed and named as rAd-1C-1 and rAd-2A-3. They inhibit EMCV replication in BHK-21 cells in protein levels, as well as the virus yields by approximately 1000 times. Furthermore, they provide high protective efficacy against the challenge with virulent EMCV NJ08 strain in mice. And the EMCV loads in the live mice in rAd-1C-1 and rAd-2A-3 groups decrease by more than 90 % compared with those in the dead mice in the challenge control groups at the same times. It indicates that the adenoviruses medicated shRNA targeting to 1C and 2A genes might provide a potential strategy for combating EMCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Bai
- Key Laboratory of Animal Diseases Diagnostic and Immunology, Ministry of Agriculture, MOE International Joint Collaborative Research Laboratory for Animal Health & Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009,PR China.
| | - Liang Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Diseases Diagnostic and Immunology, Ministry of Agriculture, MOE International Joint Collaborative Research Laboratory for Animal Health & Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yanni Gao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Diseases Diagnostic and Immunology, Ministry of Agriculture, MOE International Joint Collaborative Research Laboratory for Animal Health & Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009,PR China
| | - Shihai Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Diseases Diagnostic and Immunology, Ministry of Agriculture, MOE International Joint Collaborative Research Laboratory for Animal Health & Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Huixin Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Diseases Diagnostic and Immunology, Ministry of Agriculture, MOE International Joint Collaborative Research Laboratory for Animal Health & Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Mengyu Shi
- Key Laboratory of Animal Diseases Diagnostic and Immunology, Ministry of Agriculture, MOE International Joint Collaborative Research Laboratory for Animal Health & Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Hui Fan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Diseases Diagnostic and Immunology, Ministry of Agriculture, MOE International Joint Collaborative Research Laboratory for Animal Health & Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - XianWei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Diseases Diagnostic and Immunology, Ministry of Agriculture, MOE International Joint Collaborative Research Laboratory for Animal Health & Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009,PR China
| | - Ping Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Diseases Diagnostic and Immunology, Ministry of Agriculture, MOE International Joint Collaborative Research Laboratory for Animal Health & Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009,PR China
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Sin J, Mangale V, Thienphrapa W, Gottlieb RA, Feuer R. Recent progress in understanding coxsackievirus replication, dissemination, and pathogenesis. Virology 2015; 484:288-304. [PMID: 26142496 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2015.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2015] [Revised: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 06/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Coxsackieviruses (CVs) are relatively common viruses associated with a number of serious human diseases, including myocarditis and meningo-encephalitis. These viruses are considered cytolytic yet can persist for extended periods of time within certain host tissues requiring evasion from the host immune response and a greatly reduced rate of replication. A member of Picornaviridae family, CVs have been historically considered non-enveloped viruses - although recent evidence suggest that CV and other picornaviruses hijack host membranes and acquire an envelope. Acquisition of an envelope might provide distinct benefits to CV virions, such as resistance to neutralizing antibodies and efficient nonlytic viral spread. CV exhibits a unique tropism for progenitor cells in the host which may help to explain the susceptibility of the young host to infection and the establishment of chronic disease in adults. CVs have also been shown to exploit autophagy to maximize viral replication and assist in unconventional release from target cells. In this article, we review recent progress in clarifying virus replication and dissemination within the host cell, identifying determinants of tropism, and defining strategies utilized by the virus to evade the host immune response. Also, we will highlight unanswered questions and provide future perspectives regarding the potential mechanisms of CV pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Sin
- Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, 8700 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Vrushali Mangale
- The Integrated Regenerative Research Institute (IRRI) at San Diego State University, Cell & Molecular Biology Joint Doctoral Program, Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182-4614, USA
| | - Wdee Thienphrapa
- The Integrated Regenerative Research Institute (IRRI) at San Diego State University, Cell & Molecular Biology Joint Doctoral Program, Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182-4614, USA
| | - Roberta A Gottlieb
- Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, 8700 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Ralph Feuer
- The Integrated Regenerative Research Institute (IRRI) at San Diego State University, Cell & Molecular Biology Joint Doctoral Program, Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182-4614, USA.
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Adenovirus vector-mediated RNA interference for the inhibition of human parvovirus B19 replication. Virus Res 2013; 176:155-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2013.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2013] [Revised: 05/23/2013] [Accepted: 05/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Luan Y, Dai HL, Yang D, Zhu L, Gao TL, Shao HJ, Peng X, Jin ZF. Small interfering RNA against the 2C genomic region of coxsackievirus B3 exerts potential antiviral effects in permissive HeLa cells. Virus Res 2012; 163:183-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2011.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2011] [Revised: 09/02/2011] [Accepted: 09/12/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Fechner H, Pinkert S, Geisler A, Poller W, Kurreck J. Pharmacological and biological antiviral therapeutics for cardiac coxsackievirus infections. Molecules 2011; 16:8475-503. [PMID: 21989310 PMCID: PMC6264230 DOI: 10.3390/molecules16108475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2011] [Revised: 09/29/2011] [Accepted: 09/30/2011] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Subtype B coxsackieviruses (CVB) represent the most commonly identified infectious agents associated with acute and chronic myocarditis, with CVB3 being the most common variant. Damage to the heart is induced both directly by virally mediated cell destruction and indirectly due to the immune and autoimmune processes reacting to virus infection. This review addresses antiviral therapeutics for cardiac coxsackievirus infections discovered over the last 25 years. One group represents pharmacologically active low molecular weight substances that inhibit virus uptake by binding to the virus capsid (e.g., pleconaril) or inactivate viral proteins (e.g., NO-metoprolol and ribavirin) or inhibit cellular proteins which are essential for viral replication (e.g., ubiquitination inhibitors). A second important group of substances are interferons. They have antiviral but also immunomodulating activities. The third and most recently discovered group includes biological and cellular therapeutics. Soluble receptor analogues (e.g., sCAR-Fc) bind to the virus capsid and block virus uptake. Small interfering RNAs, short hairpin RNAs and antisense oligonucleotides bind to and led to degradation of the viral RNA genome or cellular RNAs, thereby preventing their translation and viral replication. Most recently mesenchymal stem cell transplantation has been shown to possess antiviral activity in CVB3 infections. Taken together, a number of antiviral therapeutics has been developed for the treatment of myocardial CVB infection in recent years. In addition to low molecular weight inhibitors, biological therapeutics have become promising anti-viral agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Fechner
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Gustav-Meyer-Allee 25, 13355 Berlin, Germany; (S.P.); (J.K.)
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; ; Tel.: +49-30-31472181; Fax: +49-30-31427502
| | - Sandra Pinkert
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Gustav-Meyer-Allee 25, 13355 Berlin, Germany; (S.P.); (J.K.)
| | - Anja Geisler
- Department of Cardiology & Pneumology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12200 Berlin, Germany; (A.G.); wolfgang.poller@charite (W.P.)
| | - Wolfgang Poller
- Department of Cardiology & Pneumology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12200 Berlin, Germany; (A.G.); wolfgang.poller@charite (W.P.)
| | - Jens Kurreck
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Gustav-Meyer-Allee 25, 13355 Berlin, Germany; (S.P.); (J.K.)
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Targeted delivery of mutant tolerant anti-coxsackievirus artificial microRNAs using folate conjugated bacteriophage Phi29 pRNA. PLoS One 2011; 6:e21215. [PMID: 21698212 PMCID: PMC3115994 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0021215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2011] [Accepted: 05/23/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myocarditis is the major heart disease in infants and young adults. It is very commonly caused by coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) infection; however, no specific treatment or vaccine is available at present. RNA interference (RNAi)-based anti-viral therapy has shown potential to inhibit viral replication, but this strategy faces two major challenges; viral mutational escape from drug suppression and targeted delivery of the reagents to specific cell populations. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS In this study, we designed artificial microRNAs (AmiRs) targeting the 3'untranslated region (3'UTR) of CVB3 genome with mismatches to the central region of their targeting sites. Antiviral evaluation showed that AmiR-1 and AmiR-2 reduced CVB3 (Kandolf and CG strains) replication approximately 100-fold in both HeLa cells and HL-1 cardiomyocytes. To achieve specific delivery, we linked AmiRs to the folate-conjugated bacterial phage packaging RNA (pRNA) and delivered the complexes into HeLa cells, a folate receptor positive cancer cells widely used as an in vitro model for CVB3 infection, via folate-mediated specific internalization. We found that our designed pRNA-AmiRs conjugates were tolerable to target mutations and have great potential to suppress viral mutational escape with little effect on triggering interferon induction. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE This study provides important clues for designing AmiRs targeting the 3'UTR of viral genome. It also proves the feasibility of specific deliver of AmiRs using conjugated pRNA vehicles. These small AmiRs combined with pRNA-folate conjugates could form a promising system for antiviral drug development.
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Rhoades RE, Tabor-Godwin JM, Tsueng G, Feuer R. Enterovirus infections of the central nervous system. Virology 2011; 411:288-305. [PMID: 21251690 PMCID: PMC3060663 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2010.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2010] [Accepted: 12/08/2010] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Enteroviruses (EV) frequently infect the central nervous system (CNS) and induce neurological diseases. Although the CNS is composed of many different cell types, the spectrum of tropism for each EV is considerable. These viruses have the ability to completely shut down host translational machinery and are considered highly cytolytic, thereby causing cytopathic effects. Hence, CNS dysfunction following EV infection of neuronal or glial cells might be expected. Perhaps unexpectedly given their cytolytic nature, EVs may establish a persistent infection within the CNS, and the lasting effects on the host might be significant with unanticipated consequences. This review will describe the clinical aspects of EV-mediated disease, mechanisms of disease, determinants of tropism, immune activation within the CNS, and potential treatment regimes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ralph Feuer
- Corresponding author. Cell & Molecular Biology Joint Doctoral Program, Department of Biology, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive; San Diego, CA 92182-4614, USA. Fax: +1 619 594 0777.
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12
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Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism for sequence-specific target RNA degradation in animals and plants, which plays an essential role in gene regulation. In addition, it is believed to function as a defense against viruses and transposons. In recent years, RNAi has become a widely used approach for studying gene function by targeted cleavage of a specific RNA. Moreover, the technology has been developed as a new therapeutic option that has already made its way into clinical testing. Treatment of viral infections remains a serious challenge due to the emergence of new viruses and strain variation among known virus species. RNAi holds great promise to provide a flexible approach that can rapidly be adapted to new viral target sequences. A major challenge in the development of an efficient RNAi approach still remains the design of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) with high silencing potency. While large libraries with validated siRNAs exist for silencing of endogenously expressed genes in human or murine cells, siRNAs still have to be designed individually for new antiviral approaches. The present chapter describes strategies to design highly potent siRNAs by taking into consideration thermodynamic features of the siRNA, as well as the structural restrictions of the target RNA. Furthermore, assays for testing the siRNAs in reporter assays as well as options to improve the properties of siRNAs by the introduction of modified nucleotides will be described. Finally, experimental setups will be outlined to test the siRNAs in assays with infectious viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald P. van Rij
- Inst. for Infection, Inflammation & Immu, Dept. Medical Microbiology, Radboud Univ.Nijmegen Medical Ctr, Geert Grooteplein 28, Nijmegen, 6525 GA Netherlands
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13
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Rothe D, Wajant G, Grunert HP, Zeichhardt H, Fechner H, Kurreck J. Rapid construction of adeno-associated virus vectors expressing multiple short hairpin RNAs with high antiviral activity against echovirus 30. Oligonucleotides 2010; 20:191-8. [PMID: 20649454 DOI: 10.1089/oli.2010.0236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
RNA interference has proven to be a powerful tool to inhibit viruses. For the prevention of viral escape, multiple short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) will have to be employed. This article describes a rapid procedure for the generation of shRNA expression cassettes by parallel cloning as well as a simple strategy for the combination of selected units. After delivery of the shRNA expression cassettes with adeno-associated virus vectors, inhibition of echovirus 30 as well as silencing of an important cellular cofactor of virus replication were achieved. The procedure has the potential to be generally applicable for silencing of multiple endogenous targets or viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Rothe
- Institute of Industrial Genetics, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
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Nygårdas M, Vuorinen T, Aalto AP, Bamford DH, Hukkanen V. Inhibition of coxsackievirus B3 and related enteroviruses by antiviral short interfering RNA pools produced using phi6 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. J Gen Virol 2009; 90:2468-2473. [PMID: 19553393 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.011338-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Coxsackievirus B3 (CBV3) is a member of the human enterovirus B species and a common human pathogen. Even though much is known about the enteroviral life cycle, no specific drugs are available to treat enterovirus infections. RNA interference (RNAi) has evolved to be an important tool for antiviral experimental therapies and gene function studies. We describe here a novel approach for RNAi against CBVs by using a short interfering (siRNA) pool covering 3.5 kb of CBV3 genomic sequence. The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) of bacteriophage phi6 was used to synthesize long double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) from a cloned region (nt 3837-7399) of the CBV3 genome. The dsRNA was cleaved using Dicer, purified and introduced to cells by transfection. The siRNA pool synthesized using the phi6 RdRP (phi6-siRNAs) was considerably more effective than single-site siRNAs. The phi6-siRNA pool also inhibited replication of other enterovirus B species, such as coxsackievirus B4 and coxsackievirus A9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Nygårdas
- Department of Virology, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 13, FIN-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Tytti Vuorinen
- Department of Virology, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 13, FIN-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Antti P Aalto
- Institute of Biotechnology and Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Biocenter 2, Viikinkaari 5, PO Box 56, FIN-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Dennis H Bamford
- Institute of Biotechnology and Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Biocenter 2, Viikinkaari 5, PO Box 56, FIN-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Veijo Hukkanen
- Department of Microbiology, Aapistie 5A, 90014 University of Oulu, Finland
- Department of Virology, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 13, FIN-20520 Turku, Finland
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15
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Nemunaitis J, Senzer NN. Emerging technologies for the genomic analysis of cancer. F1000 BIOLOGY REPORTS 2009; 1:35. [PMID: 20948650 PMCID: PMC2924702 DOI: 10.3410/b1-35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cancer-cell survival, growth and metastatic potential are directed by dominant molecular signalling patterns, the components of which have been shown to be qualitatively different from their normal tissue counterparts. These signalling patterns can now be further distinguished by quantitative assessment, either at a single point in time or at intervals. This commentary will focus on the emergence of proteomic analysis which, in conjunction with the genomic expression data, is an evolving technology that one day will enable personalized therapeutic strategies that are differentially targeted against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Nemunaitis
- Mary Crowley Cancer Research Centers, 1700 Pacific Avenue, Suite 1100, Dallas, TX 75201, USA.
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16
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Rothe D, Werk D, Niedrig S, Horbelt D, Grunert HP, Zeichhardt H, Erdmann VA, Kurreck J. Antiviral activity of highly potent siRNAs against echovirus 30 and its receptor. J Virol Methods 2009; 157:211-8. [PMID: 19187792 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2009.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2008] [Revised: 01/07/2009] [Accepted: 01/13/2009] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) has been shown to be suitable to inhibit viruses in experimental setups and is considered a promising antiviral strategy that is currently being tested in various clinical trials. The present study provides an approach to design siRNAs with high potency against a virus-specific target gene. In recent years, several outbreaks of aseptic meningitis caused by an echovirus 30 (EV-30) infection have been described. Based on an initial set of 30 in silico designed siRNAs, six siRNAs targeting the 3D RNA-dependent RNA-Polymerase (3D(Pol)) of EV-30 were selected. All but one of them showed high efficiency in both, reporter and virus assays. A second aim of the study was to re-investigate the relevance of the decay-accelerating factor (DAF, also known as CD55) as cellular entry receptor of EV-30 by means of RNAi, a question which had been under debate in previous studies. Knockdown of DAF inhibited drastically infection by EV-30 indicating that DAF plays an important role either as an attachment factor or as a receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Rothe
- University of Stuttgart, Institute of Industrial Genetics, Allmandring, Stuttgart, Germany
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17
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Kurreck
- Institut für Industrielle Genetik, Universität Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569 Stuttgart (Deutschland), Fax: (+49) 711‐685 66973 http://www.uni‐stuttgart.de/iig/institut/staff/kurreck/index.html
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18
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Abstract
An efficient mechanism for the sequence-specific inhibition of gene expression is RNA interference. In this process, double-stranded RNA molecules induce cleavage of a selected target RNA (see picture). This technique has in recent years developed into a standard method of molecular biology. Successful applications in animal models have already led to the initiation of RNAi-based clinical trials as a new therapeutic option.Only ten years ago Andrew Fire and Craig Mello were able to show that double-stranded RNA molecules could inhibit the expression of homologous genes in eukaryotes. This process, termed RNA interference, has developed into a standard method of molecular biology. This Review provides an overview of the molecular processes involved, with a particular focus on the posttranscriptional inhibition of gene expression in mammalian cells, the possible applications in research, and the results of the first clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Kurreck
- Institute of Industrial Genetics, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany.
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19
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Dutkiewicz M, Grunert HP, Zeichhardt H, Lena SW, Wengel J, Kurreck J. Design of LNA-modified siRNAs against the highly structured 5' UTR of coxsackievirus B3. FEBS Lett 2008; 582:3061-6. [PMID: 18691577 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2008.07.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2008] [Revised: 07/11/2008] [Accepted: 07/28/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
This study describes a strategy to develop LNA-modified small interfering RNA (siRNAs) against the highly structured 5' UTR of coxsackievirus B3 (CVB-3), which is an attractive target site due to its high degree of conservation. Accessible sites were identified based on structural models and RNase H assays with DNA oligonucleotides. Subsequently, LNA gapmers, siRNAs, siLNAs and small internally segmented interfering RNA (sisiLNAs) were designed against sites, which were found to be accessible in the in vitro assays, and tested in reporter assays and experiments with the infectious virus. The best siLNA improved viability of infected cells by 92% and exerted good antiviral activity in plaque reduction assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariola Dutkiewicz
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Free University Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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20
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Erdmann VA, Poller W, Barciszewski J. Targeting Viral Heart Disease by RNA Interference. RNA TECHNOLOGIES IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE AND RESEARCH 2008. [PMCID: PMC7120428 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-540-78709-9_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Viral heart disease (VHD) is an important clinical disease entity both in pediatric as well as adult cardiology. Coxsackieviruses (CVBs) are considered an important cause for VHD in both populations. VHD may lead to dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure which can ultimately require heart transplantation. However, no specific treatment modality is so far available. We and others have shown that coxsackieviral replication and cytotoxicity can be successfully targeted by RNA interference, thus leading to increased cell viability and even prolongation of survival in vivo. However, considerable limitations have to be solved before this novel therapeutic approach may enter the clinical trials arena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volker A. Erdmann
- Institute for Chemistry/Biochemistry, Free University of Berlin, Thielallee 63, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Poller
- Clinic for Cardiology and Pneumology Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charite University Medicine Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12200 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jan Barciszewski
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
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