1
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Diamond TL, Goh SL, Ngo W, Rodriguez S, Xu M, Klein DJ, Grobler JA, Asante-Appiah E. No antagonism or cross-resistance and a high barrier to the emergence of resistance in vitro for the combination of islatravir and lenacapavir. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2024; 68:e0033424. [PMID: 38864613 PMCID: PMC11232396 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00334-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Islatravir (ISL) is a deoxyadenosine analog that inhibits HIV-1 reverse transcription by multiple mechanisms. Lenacapavir (LEN) is a novel capsid inhibitor that inhibits HIV-1 at multiple stages throughout the viral life cycle. ISL and LEN are being investigated as once-weekly combination oral therapy for the treatment of HIV-1. Here, we characterized ISL and LEN in vitro to assess combinatorial antiviral activity, cytotoxicity, and the potential for interactions between the two compounds. Bliss analysis revealed ISL with LEN demonstrated additive inhibition of HIV-1 replication, with no evidence of antagonism across the range of concentrations tested. ISL exhibited potent antiviral activity against variants encoding known LEN resistance-associated mutations (RAMs) with or without the presence of M184V, an ISL RAM in reverse transcriptase (RT) . Static resistance selection experiments were conducted with ISL and LEN alone and in combination, initiating with either wild-type virus or virus containing the M184I RAM in RT to further assess their barrier to the emergence of resistance. The combination of ISL with LEN more effectively suppressed viral breakthrough at lower multiples of the compounds' IC50 (half-maximal inhibitory concentration) values and fewer mutations emerged with the combination compared to either compound on its own. The known pathways for development of resistance with ISL and LEN were not altered, and no novel single mutations emerged that substantially reduced susceptibility to either compound. The lack of antagonism and cross-resistance between ISL and LEN support the ongoing evaluation of the combination for treatment of HIV-1.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Winnie Ngo
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Min Xu
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey, USA
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2
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Smith RA, Raugi DN, Nixon RS, Seydi M, Margot NA, Callebaut C, Gottlieb GS. Antiviral Activity of Lenacapavir Against Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 2 (HIV-2) Isolates and Drug-Resistant HIV-2 Mutants. J Infect Dis 2024; 229:1290-1294. [PMID: 38060982 PMCID: PMC11095534 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad562] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The activity of lenacapavir against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) has been extensively evaluated in vitro, but comparable data for human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) are scarce. We determined the anti-HIV-2 activity of lenacapavir using single-cycle infections of MAGIC-5A cells and multicycle infections of a T-cell line. Lenacapavir exhibited low-nanomolar activity against HIV-2, but was 11- to 14-fold less potent against HIV-2 in comparison to HIV-1. Mutations in HIV-2 that confer resistance to other antiretrovirals did not confer cross-resistance to lenacapavir. Although lenacapavir-containing regimens might be considered for appropriate patients with HIV-2, more frequent viral load and/or CD4 testing may be needed to assess clinical response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Smith
- Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Dana N Raugi
- Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Robert S Nixon
- Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Moussa Seydi
- Service des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Centre Hospitalier National Universitaire de Fann, Dakar, Senegal
| | | | | | - Geoffrey S Gottlieb
- Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle
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3
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Akther T, McFadden WM, Zhang H, Kirby KA, Sarafianos SG, Wang Z. Design and Synthesis of New GS-6207 Subtypes for Targeting HIV-1 Capsid Protein. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3734. [PMID: 38612545 PMCID: PMC11012105 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073734] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
HIV-1 capsid protein (CA) is the molecular target of the recently FDA-approved long acting injectable (LAI) drug lenacapavir (GS-6207). The quick emergence of CA mutations resistant to GS-6207 necessitates the design and synthesis of novel sub-chemotypes. We have conducted the structure-based design of two new sub-chemotypes combining the scaffold of GS-6207 and the N-terminal cap of PF74 analogs, the other important CA-targeting chemotype. The design was validated via induced-fit molecular docking. More importantly, we have worked out a general synthetic route to allow the modular synthesis of novel GS-6207 subtypes. Significantly, the desired stereochemistry of the skeleton C2 was confirmed via an X-ray crystal structure of the key synthetic intermediate 22a. Although the newly synthesized analogs did not show significant potency, our efforts herein will facilitate the future design and synthesis of novel subtypes with improved potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thamina Akther
- Center for Drug Design, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA;
| | - William M. McFadden
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (W.M.M.); (H.Z.)
| | - Huanchun Zhang
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (W.M.M.); (H.Z.)
| | - Karen A. Kirby
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (W.M.M.); (H.Z.)
| | - Stefan G. Sarafianos
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (W.M.M.); (H.Z.)
| | - Zhengqiang Wang
- Center for Drug Design, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA;
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4
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Tailor MW, Chahine EB, Koren D, Sherman EM. Lenacapavir: A Novel Long-Acting Capsid Inhibitor for HIV. Ann Pharmacother 2024; 58:185-195. [PMID: 37138515 DOI: 10.1177/10600280231171375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the efficacy, safety, and role of lenacapavir (LEN) in the treatment of HIV-1 infection. DATA SOURCES A literature search was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar (through March 2023) with the search term LEN and GS-6207. Other resources included abstracts presented at recent conferences, the manufacturer's Web site, and prescribing information. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION All relevant articles, trial updates, and conference abstracts in the English language were included. DATA SYNTHESIS Lenacapavir represents a new class of antiretrovirals (ARVs) with a novel mechanism of action as a capsid inhibitor and a unique twice-a-year subcutaneous administration schedule. Lenacapavir when combined with other ARVs has proven to benefit heavily treatment-experienced (HTE) patients with HIV-1 infection in achieving viral suppression and immune restoration. RELEVANCE TO PATIENT CARE AND CLINICAL PRACTICE IN COMPARISON WITH EXISTING DRUGS Lenacapavir is a new treatment option that patients who are HTE can consider adding as part of an ARV regimen. CONCLUSIONS Lenacapavir is an effective and well-tolerated option for HTE patients which is a valuable addition to the arsenal of ARVs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elias B Chahine
- Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy, Palm Beach Atlantic University, Palm Beach, FL, USA
| | - David Koren
- Temple University Health System, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Sherman
- Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
- Memorial Healthcare System, Hollywood, FL, USA
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5
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Hitchcock AM, Kufel WD, Dwyer KAM, Sidman EF. Lenacapavir: A novel injectable HIV-1 capsid inhibitor. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2024; 63:107009. [PMID: 37844807 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2023.107009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Patients living with multidrug-resistant (MDR) HIV have limited antiretroviral regimen options that provide durable viral suppression. Lenacapavir is a novel first-in-class inhibitor of HIV-1 capsid function with efficacy at various stages of the viral life cycle, and it is indicated for the treatment of MDR HIV-1 infection in combination with optimized background antiretroviral therapy. The favourable pharmacokinetic profile supports an every sixth month dosing interval of subcutaneous lenacapavir after an initial oral loading dose, which may advocate for continued adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) through the reduction of daily pill burden. The role of lenacapavir in promoting virologic suppression has been studied in patients with MDR HIV-1 on failing ART at baseline. Lenacapavir was well tolerated in clinical trials with the most common adverse effects including mild to moderate injection site reactions, gastrointestinal symptoms, and headache. Substitutions on the capsid molecule may confer resistance to lenacapavir by changing the binding potential. Cross-resistance to other antiretrovirals has not been observed. The unique mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, and safety and efficacy of lenacapavir support its use for the management of MDR HIV-1 infection. Current studies are ongoing to evaluate the potential use of subcutaneous lenacapavir for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Future studies will confirm the long-term clinical safety, efficacy, and resistance data for lenacapavir.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wesley D Kufel
- Upstate University Hospital, Syracuse, New York; Binghamton University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Johnson City, New York
| | - Keri A Mastro Dwyer
- Binghamton University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Johnson City, New York
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6
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Prather C, Lee A, Yen C. Lenacapavir: A first-in-class capsid inhibitor for the treatment of highly treatment-resistant HIV. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2023; 80:1774-1780. [PMID: 37767713 DOI: 10.1093/ajhp/zxad223] [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: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this article is to review the pharmacology, efficacy, and safety of the capsid inhibitor lenacapavir for the treatment of multidrug-resistant human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. SUMMARY A review of the literature was performed by searching PubMed/MEDLINE for all relevant articles published between February 2021 and March 2023 using the keywords "lenacapavir," "Sunlenca," "human immunodeficiency virus," and "treatment" together with "multidrug resistant human immunodeficiency virus." All English-language articles describing clinical trials assessing the efficacy and safety of lenacapavir when used in humans for the treatment of HIV infection were included. Review articles, conference abstracts, and article references were evaluated for relevant information, and data were also obtained from the manufacturer's website and the package insert. Lenacapavir has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in heavily treatment-experienced adults with multidrug resistance for whom the current antiretroviral regimen is failing due to resistance, intolerance, or safety considerations. It is the first in a new class of drugs called capsid inhibitors to receive FDA approval. Lenacapavir is a long-acting subcutaneous injectable to be administered once every 6 months. The phase 3 clinical trial evaluating lenacapavir has demonstrated its efficacy in viral load reduction from baseline compared to placebo in patients receiving optimized background therapy. The most common adverse events reported in the clinical trial were injection site reactions, occurring in 63% of participants. CONCLUSION Lenacapavir is a novel capsid inhibitor indicated, in combination with other antiretroviral therapy, for treatment of multidrug-resistant HIV-1 infection.
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7
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Bekerman E, Yant SR, VanderVeen L, Hansen D, Lu B, Rowe W, Wang K, Callebaut C. Long-acting lenacapavir acts as an effective preexposure prophylaxis in a rectal SHIV challenge macaque model. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e167818. [PMID: 37384413 PMCID: PMC10425210 DOI: 10.1172/jci167818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-acting antiretroviral agents for preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) represent a promising new alternative to daily oral regimens for HIV prevention. Lenacapavir (LEN) is a first-in-class long-acting capsid inhibitor approved for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. Here, we assessed the efficacy of LEN for PrEP using a single high-dose simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) rectal challenge macaque model. In vitro, LEN showed potent antiviral activity against SHIV, as it did for HIV-1. In macaques, a single subcutaneous administration of LEN demonstrated dose proportional increases in and durability of drug plasma levels. A high-dose SHIV inoculum for the PrEP efficacy evaluation was identified via virus titration in untreated macaques. LEN-treated macaques were challenged with high-dose SHIV 7 weeks after drug administration, and the majority remained protected from infection, as confirmed by plasma PCR, cell-associated proviral DNA, and serology testing. Complete protection and superiority to the untreated group was observed among animals whose LEN plasma exposure exceeded its model-adjusted clinical efficacy target at the time of challenge. All infected animals had subprotective LEN concentrations and showed no emergent resistance. These data demonstrate effective SHIV prophylaxis in a stringent macaque model at clinically relevant LEN exposures and support the clinical evaluation of LEN for HIV PrEP in humans.
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8
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Foka FET, Mufhandu HT. Current ARTs, Virologic Failure, and Implications for AIDS Management: A Systematic Review. Viruses 2023; 15:1732. [PMID: 37632074 PMCID: PMC10458198 DOI: 10.3390/v15081732] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Antiretroviral therapies (ARTs) have revolutionized the management of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, significantly improved patient outcomes, and reduced the mortality rate and incidence of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). However, despite the remarkable efficacy of ART, virologic failure remains a challenge in the long-term management of HIV-infected individuals. Virologic failure refers to the persistent detectable viral load in patients receiving ART, indicating an incomplete suppression of HIV replication. It can occur due to various factors, including poor medication adherence, drug resistance, suboptimal drug concentrations, drug interactions, and viral factors such as the emergence of drug-resistant strains. In recent years, extensive efforts have been made to understand and address virologic failure in order to optimize treatment outcomes. Strategies to prevent and manage virologic failure include improving treatment adherence through patient education, counselling, and supportive interventions. In addition, the regular monitoring of viral load and resistance testing enables the early detection of treatment failure and facilitates timely adjustments in ART regimens. Thus, the development of novel antiretroviral agents with improved potency, tolerability, and resistance profiles offers new options for patients experiencing virologic failure. However, new treatment options would also face virologic failure if not managed appropriately. A solution to virologic failure requires a comprehensive approach that combines individualized patient care, robust monitoring, and access to a range of antiretroviral drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Eric Tatsing Foka
- Department of Microbiology, Virology Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North West University, Mafikeng, Private Bag, Mmabatho X2046, South Africa
| | - Hazel Tumelo Mufhandu
- Department of Microbiology, Virology Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North West University, Mafikeng, Private Bag, Mmabatho X2046, South Africa
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9
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Patel PC, Beasley HK, Hinton A, Wanjalla CN. Lenacapavir (Sunlenca®) for the treatment of HIV-1. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2023; 44:553-554. [PMID: 37330326 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2023.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Pratish C Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Services, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Heather K Beasley
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Antentor Hinton
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Celestine N Wanjalla
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
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10
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Dzinamarira T, Almehmadi M, Alsaiari AA, Allahyani M, Aljuaid A, Alsharif A, Khan A, Kamal M, Rabaan AA, Alfaraj AH, AlShehail BM, Alotaibi N, AlShehail SM, Imran M. Highlights on the Development, Related Patents, and Prospects of Lenacapavir: The First-in-Class HIV-1 Capsid Inhibitor for the Treatment of Multi-Drug-Resistant HIV-1 Infection. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1041. [PMID: 37374245 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59061041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
The multidrug-resistant (MDR) human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) infection is an unmet medical need. HIV-1 capsid plays an important role at different stages of the HIV-1 replication cycle and is an attractive drug target for developing therapies against MDR HIV-1 infection. Lenacapavir (LEN) is the first-in-class HIV-1 capsid inhibitor approved by the USFDA, EMA, and Health Canada for treating MDR HIV-1 infection. This article highlights the development, pharmaceutical aspects, clinical studies, patent literature, and future directions on LEN-based therapies. The literature for this review was collected from PubMed, authentic websites (USFDA, EMA, Health Canada, Gilead, and NIH), and the free patent database (Espacenet, USPTO, and Patent scope). LEN has been developed by Gilead and is marketed as Sunlenca (tablet and subcutaneous injection). The long-acting and patient-compliant LEN demonstrated a low level of drug-related mutations, is active against MDR HIV-1 infection, and does not reveal cross-resistance to other anti-HIV drugs. LEN is also an excellent drug for patients having difficult or limited access to healthcare facilities. The literature has established additive/synergistic effects of combining LEN with rilpivirine, cabotegravir, islatravir, bictegravir, and tenofovir. HIV-1 infection may be accompanied by opportunistic infections such as tuberculosis (TB). The associated diseases make HIV treatment complex and warrant drug interaction studies (drug-drug, drug-food, and drug-disease interaction). Many inventions on different aspects of LEN have been claimed in patent literature. However, there is a great scope for developing more inventions related to the drug combination of LEN with anti-HIV/anti-TB drugs in a single dosage form, new formulations, and methods of treating HIV and TB co-infection. Additional research may provide more LEN-based treatments with favorable pharmacokinetic parameters for MDR HIV-1 infections and associated opportunistic infections such as TB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tafadzwa Dzinamarira
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
- ICAP, Columbia University, Harare P.O. Box 28, Zimbabwe
| | - Mazen Almehmadi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahad Amer Alsaiari
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mamdouh Allahyani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulelah Aljuaid
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulaziz Alsharif
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abida Khan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Northern Border University, Rafha 91911, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mehnaz Kamal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali A Rabaan
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran 31311, Saudi Arabia
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Public Health and Nutrition, The University of Haripur, Haripur 22610, Pakistan
| | - Amal H Alfaraj
- Pediatric Department, Abqaiq General Hospital, First Eastern Health Cluster, Abqaiq 33261, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bashayer M AlShehail
- Pharmacy Practice Department, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nouf Alotaibi
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shams M AlShehail
- Internal Medicine Department, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21487, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd Imran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Northern Border University, Rafha 91911, Saudi Arabia
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11
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Nachega JB, Scarsi KK, Gandhi M, Scott RK, Mofenson LM, Archary M, Nachman S, Decloedt E, Geng EH, Wilson L, Rawat A, Mellors JW. Long-acting antiretrovirals and HIV treatment adherence. Lancet HIV 2023; 10:e332-e342. [PMID: 37062293 PMCID: PMC10734401 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(23)00051-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Intramuscular injection of long-acting cabotegravir and rilpivirine is a novel, long-acting antiretroviral therapy (ART) combination approved for use as a fully suppressive regimen for people living with HIV. Long-acting cabotegravir with rilpivirine ART has reduced required dosing frequency from once daily to once every month or every 2 months injections. This new era of long-acting ART, which includes other antiretrovirals and formulations in various stages of clinical development, holds tremendous promise to change the standard of HIV treatment. Although long-acting ART has high potential to be revolutionary in the landscape of HIV care, prevention, and treatment cascade, more data are needed to substantiate its efficacy and cost-effectiveness among patients at risk of non-adherence and across age groups, pregnancy, and post partum. Advocacy efforts and policy changes to optimise a sustained, high-quality, equitable reach of long-acting ART, especially in low-income and middle-income countries where most people living with HIV reside, are needed to realise the full benefits of long-acting ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean B Nachega
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Global Health, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Epidemiology and Department International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Kimberly K Scarsi
- Antiviral Pharmacology Laboratory, College of Pharmacy, and Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Monica Gandhi
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Rachel K Scott
- MedStar Health Research Institute and MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Moherndran Archary
- Department of Pediatrics, King Edward VIII Hospital, University of Kwa Zulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sharon Nachman
- Department of Pediatrics, Stony Brook Children's, SUNY Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Eric Decloedt
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Elvin H Geng
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, and Institute for Public Health, Washington University, St Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Angeli Rawat
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada; School of Population and Public Heath, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - John W Mellors
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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12
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Tao K, Rhee SY, Tzou PL, Osman ZA, Pond SLK, Holmes SP, Shafer RW. HIV-1 Group M Capsid Amino Acid Variability: Implications for Sequence Quality Control of Genotypic Resistance Testing. Viruses 2023; 15:992. [PMID: 37112972 PMCID: PMC10143361 DOI: 10.3390/v15040992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the approval of the HIV-1 capsid inhibitor, lenacapavir, capsid sequencing will be required for managing lenacapavir-experienced individuals with detectable viremia. Successful sequence interpretation will require examining new capsid sequences in the context of previously published sequence data. METHODS We analyzed published HIV-1 group M capsid sequences from 21,012 capsid-inhibitor naïve individuals to characterize amino acid variability at each position and influence of subtype and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) selection pressure. We determined the distributions of usual mutations, defined as amino acid differences from the group M consensus, with a prevalence ≥ 0.1%. Co-evolving mutations were identified using a phylogenetically-informed Bayesian graphical model method. RESULTS 162 (70.1%) positions had no usual mutations (45.9%) or only conservative usual mutations with a positive BLOSUM62 score (24.2%). Variability correlated independently with subtype-specific amino acid occurrence (Spearman rho = 0.83; p < 1 × 10-9) and the number of times positions were reported to contain an HLA-associated polymorphism, an indicator of CTL pressure (rho = 0.43; p = 0.0002). CONCLUSIONS Knowing the distribution of usual capsid mutations is essential for sequence quality control. Comparing capsid sequences from lenacapavir-treated and lenacapavir-naïve individuals will enable the identification of additional mutations potentially associated with lenacapavir therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiming Tao
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Soo-Yon Rhee
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Philip L. Tzou
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Zachary A. Osman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | | | - Susan P. Holmes
- Department of Statistics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Robert W. Shafer
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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13
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Charpentier C, Le Hingrat Q, Ferré VM, Damond F, Descamps D. Future of Antiretroviral Drugs and Evolution of HIV-1 Drug Resistance. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020540. [PMID: 36851754 PMCID: PMC9967014 DOI: 10.3390/v15020540] [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: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Highly active antiretroviral (ARV) therapy has been used for many years, but the use in low- and middle-income countries of antiretroviral drugs with low genetic barrier to resistance, combined with limited availability of viral load testing, has led to higher rates of acquired drug resistance, sustaining the rate of transmitted drug resistance. Here, we describe the evolution of ARV drugs with the ongoing development of injectable long-acting forms and the requirements regarding all new ARV drugs (i.e., no transmitted drug resistance, no cross-resistance and high genetic barrier to resistance). Then, we report the evolution of both transmitted and acquired resistance regarding new ARV drugs. The WHO has set very ambitious but motivating goals for HIV testing, treatment and viral suppression, aiming to achieve rates of 95% for all three by 2025. Reaching these goals requires a wide implementation and use of close virological monitoring in LMICs.
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14
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Lee NE, Sutherland RK. Lenacapavir and the novel HIV-1 capsid inhibitors: an emerging therapy in the management of multidrug-resistant HIV-1 virus. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2023; 36:15-19. [PMID: 36753704 DOI: 10.1097/qco.0000000000000896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this study was to summarize current evidence regarding lenacapavir, a first in class HIV-1 capsid inhibitor, and its role as an emergent therapy for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. RECENT FINDINGS HIV-1 capsid inhibitors (of which lenacapavir is the first in class) has been postulated to have activity against multidrug resistant HIV-1 viral isolates. Initial results from the phase 3 trial CAPELLA (combining oral and subcutaneous lenacapavir alongside failing drug therapies) suggest that there may be a role for these novel agents in a cohort of patients living with HIV-1 infection (PLWH) for whom multidrug resistance has previously been a barrier to effective therapy. Despite emergent lenacapavir resistance mutations detected in some study participants, virological suppression was still potentially attainable, offering some hope to PLWH with limited antiviral regimens available. Initial results from the CALIBRATE trial show promise for the role of lenacapavir-containing regimens in a treatment-naive cohort as well. SUMMARY Lenacapavir may prove to be an adjunctive agent in the management of PLWH with significant HIV-1 drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie E Lee
- Clinical Infection Research Group, Regional Infectious Diseases Unit, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
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15
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Temereanca A, Ruta S. Strategies to overcome HIV drug resistance-current and future perspectives. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1133407. [PMID: 36876064 PMCID: PMC9978142 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1133407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The availability of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) has revolutionized the course of HIV infection, suppressing HIV viremia, restoring the immune system, and improving the quality of life of HIV infected patients. However, the emergence of drug resistant and multidrug resistant strains remains an important contributor to cART failure, associated with a higher risk of HIV-disease progression and mortality. According to the latest WHO HIV Drug Resistance Report, the prevalence of acquired and transmitted HIV drug resistance in ART naive individuals has exponentially increased in the recent years, being an important obstacle in ending HIV-1 epidemic as a public health threat by 2030. The prevalence of three and four-class resistance is estimated to range from 5 to 10% in Europe and less than 3% in North America. The new drug development strategies are focused on improved safety and resistance profile within the existing antiretroviral classes, discovery of drugs with novel mechanisms of action (e.g., attachment/post-attachment inhibitors, capsid inhibitors, maturation inhibitors, nucleoside reverse transcriptase translocation inhibitors), combination therapies with improved adherence, and treatment simplification with infrequent dosing. This review highlight the current progress in the management of salvage therapy for patients with multidrug-resistant HIV-1 infection, discussing the recently approved and under development antiretroviral agents, as well as the new drug targets that are providing a new avenue for the development of therapeutic interventions in HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aura Temereanca
- Virology Department, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.,Viral Emerging Diseases Department, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Simona Ruta
- Virology Department, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.,Viral Emerging Diseases Department, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
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16
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Ding D, Xu S, Zhang X, Jiang X, Cocklin S, Dick A, Zhan P, Liu X. The discovery and design of novel HIV-1 capsid modulators and future perspectives. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2023; 18:5-12. [PMID: 36480372 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2157401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has achieved significant success in treating HIV, the emergence of multidrug-resistant viruses and cumulative medication toxicity make it necessary to find new classes of antiretroviral agents with novel mechanisms of action. With high sequence conservation, the HIV-1 capsid (CA) protein has attracted attention as a prospective therapeutic target due to its crucial structural and regulatory functions in the HIV-1 replication cycle. AREA COVERED Herein, the authors provide a cutting-edge overview of current advances in the design and discovery of CA modulators, PF74, GS-6207 and their derivativeswhich targets a therapeutically attractive NTD-CTD interprotomer pocket within the hexameric configuration of HIV-1 CA. The discovery and development of these compounds, and derivatives thereof, have provided valuable information for the design of second-generation CA-targeting antivirals. EXPERT OPINION Despite some successes in designing and discovering HIV-1 CA modulators, more studies are required to decipher which chemical groups confer specific desirable properties. The future of CA-modulating compounds may lie in covalent inhibition and the creation of proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs). Moreover, biological interrogation of the process of CA uncoating, virus-host interactions, and studies on the lattice-binding restriction factors may improve our knowledge of HIV-1 CA and support the design of new antiviral agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dang Ding
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Shujing Xu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Xujie Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Xiangyi Jiang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Simon Cocklin
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alexej Dick
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Peng Zhan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Xinyong Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
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17
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Nka AD, Bouba Y, Teto G, Semengue ENJ, Takou DK, Ngueko AMK, Fabeni L, Carioti L, Armenia D, Pabo W, Dambaya B, Sosso SM, Colizzi V, Perno CF, Ceccherini-Silberstein F, Santoro MM, Fokam J, Ndjolo A. Evaluation of HIV-1 capsid genetic variability and lenacapavir (GS-6207) drug resistance-associated mutations according to viral clades among drug-naive individuals. J Antimicrob Chemother 2022; 78:272-275. [PMID: 36411257 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkac388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We evaluated the HIV-1 capsid genetic variability and lenacapavir drug resistance-associated mutations (DRMs) among drug-naive individuals across HIV-1 clades. METHODS A total of 2031 HIV-1 sequences from drug-naive patients were analysed for capsid amino acid modification and the prevalence of lenacapavir DRMs. Amino acid positions with <5% variability were considered as conserved and variability was analysed by HIV-1 clades. RESULTS Overall, 63% (148/232) of amino acid positions were conserved in the capsid protein. Of note, conservation was consistent in specific binding residues of cellular factors involved in viral replication [CypA (G89, P90), CPSF6 (Q4, N57, N74, A77, K182) and TRIM-NUP153 (R143)], while N183 (12.31%) was the only non-conserved lenacapavir binding residue. The overall prevalence (95% CI) of lenacapavir DRMs was 0.14% (0.05-0.44) (3/2031), with M66I (0.05%) and Q67H (0.05%) observed in subtype C, and T107N (0.05%) observed in CRF01_AE. Moreover, polymorphic mutations M66C (n = 85; 4.18%), Q67K (n = 78; 3.84%), K70R (n = 7; 0.34%), N74R (n = 57; 2.81%) and T107L (n = 82; 4.03%) were observed at lenacapavir resistance-associated positions. CONCLUSIONS The low level of lenacapavir DRMs (<1%) supports its predicted effectiveness for treatment and prevention, regardless of HIV-1 clades. The established conserved regions hence serve as a hallmark for the surveillance of novel mutations potentially relevant for lenacapavir resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Durand Nka
- Chantal BIYA International Reference Centre for research on HIV/AIDS prevention and management (CIRCB), Yaoundé, Cameroon.,University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy.,Evangelical University of Cameroon, Bandjoun, Cameroon
| | - Yagai Bouba
- Chantal BIYA International Reference Centre for research on HIV/AIDS prevention and management (CIRCB), Yaoundé, Cameroon.,University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy.,National AIDS Control Committee, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Georges Teto
- Chantal BIYA International Reference Centre for research on HIV/AIDS prevention and management (CIRCB), Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Ezéchiel Ngoufack Jagni Semengue
- Chantal BIYA International Reference Centre for research on HIV/AIDS prevention and management (CIRCB), Yaoundé, Cameroon.,University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy.,Evangelical University of Cameroon, Bandjoun, Cameroon
| | - Désiré Komego Takou
- Chantal BIYA International Reference Centre for research on HIV/AIDS prevention and management (CIRCB), Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Aurelie Minelle Kengni Ngueko
- Chantal BIYA International Reference Centre for research on HIV/AIDS prevention and management (CIRCB), Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Lavinia Fabeni
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' - IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Daniele Armenia
- Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Willy Pabo
- Chantal BIYA International Reference Centre for research on HIV/AIDS prevention and management (CIRCB), Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Béatrice Dambaya
- Chantal BIYA International Reference Centre for research on HIV/AIDS prevention and management (CIRCB), Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Samuel Martin Sosso
- Chantal BIYA International Reference Centre for research on HIV/AIDS prevention and management (CIRCB), Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Vittorio Colizzi
- Chantal BIYA International Reference Centre for research on HIV/AIDS prevention and management (CIRCB), Yaoundé, Cameroon.,University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy.,Evangelical University of Cameroon, Bandjoun, Cameroon
| | | | | | | | - Joseph Fokam
- Chantal BIYA International Reference Centre for research on HIV/AIDS prevention and management (CIRCB), Yaoundé, Cameroon.,Faculty of Health Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon.,National HIV Drug Resistance Working Group, Ministry of Public Health, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Alexis Ndjolo
- Chantal BIYA International Reference Centre for research on HIV/AIDS prevention and management (CIRCB), Yaoundé, Cameroon
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18
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Margot NA, Naik V, VanderVeen L, Anoshchenko O, Singh R, Dvory-Sobol H, Rhee MS, Callebaut C. Resistance Analyses in Highly Treatment-Experienced People With Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Treated With the Novel Capsid HIV Inhibitor Lenacapavir. J Infect Dis 2022; 226:1985-1991. [PMID: 36082606 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiac364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lenacapavir (LEN) is a first-in-class inhibitor of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) capsid function in clinical development for the treatment of heavily treatment-experienced (HTE) people with HIV (PWH) harboring multidrug resistance (MDR) in combination with an optimized background regimen (OBR). Here we describe resistance analyses conducted in the pivotal phase 2/3 CAPELLA study. METHODS CAPELLA enrolled viremic HTE PWH with resistance to ≥3 of 4 of the main antiretroviral (ARV) classes and resistance to ≥2 ARV drugs per class. Baseline resistance analyses used commercial assays (HIV-1 protease, reverse transcriptase, integrase genotypic/phenotypic tests). Postbaseline resistance was evaluated in participants experiencing virologic failure. RESULTS At baseline, 46% of participants had resistance to the 4 main ARV drug classes, with one-third of participants having exhausted all drugs from ≥3 of the 4 main ARV classes. Treatment with LEN + OBR for 26 weeks led to viral suppression in 81% of participants. Postbaseline resistance mutations to lenacapavir occurred in 8 participants (6 with M66I, 1 with K70H, 1 with Q67H + K70R) who were receiving unintended functional LEN monotherapy at the time of resistance selection. CONCLUSIONS LEN added to OBR led to high efficacy in this HTE patient population with MDR but could select for resistance when used unintentionally as functional monotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas A Margot
- Clinical Virology, Gilead Sciences, Inc, Foster City, California, USA
| | - Vidula Naik
- Clinical Virology, Gilead Sciences, Inc, Foster City, California, USA
| | - Laurie VanderVeen
- Clinical Virology, Gilead Sciences, Inc, Foster City, California, USA
| | - Olena Anoshchenko
- Clinical Pharmacology, Gilead Sciences, Inc, Foster City, California, USA
| | - Renu Singh
- Clinical Pharmacology, Gilead Sciences, Inc, Foster City, California, USA
| | - Hadas Dvory-Sobol
- Clinical Research, Gilead Sciences, Inc, Foster City, California, USA
| | - Martin S Rhee
- Clinical Research, Gilead Sciences, Inc, Foster City, California, USA
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19
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Abstract
Lenacapavir (LEN) is a long-acting, highly potent HIV-1 capsid (CA) inhibitor. The evolution of viral variants under the genetic pressure of LEN identified Q67H, N74D, and Q67H/N74D CA substitutions as the main resistance associated mutations (RAMs). Here, we determined high-resolution structures of CA hexamers containing these RAMs in the absence and presence of LEN. Our findings reveal that the Q67H change induces a conformational switch, which adversely affects the inhibitor binding. In the unliganded protein, the His67 side chain adopts the closed conformation by projecting into the inhibitor binding pocket and thereby creating steric hindrance with respect to LEN. Upon the inhibitor binding, the His67 side chain repositions to the open conformation that closely resembles the Gln67 side chain in the WT protein. We propose that the switch from the closed conformation to the open conformation, which is needed to accommodate LEN, accounts for the reduced inhibitor potency with respect to the Q67H CA variant. The N74D CA change results in the loss of a direct hydrogen bond and in induced electrostatic repulsions between CA and LEN. The double Q67H/N74D substitutions exhibited cumulative effects of respective single amino acid changes. An examination of LEN binding kinetics to CA hexamers revealed that Q67H and N74D CA changes adversely influenced the inhibitor binding affinity (KD) by primarily affecting the dissociation rate constant (koff). We used these structural and mechanistic findings to rationally modify LEN. The resulting analog exhibited increased potency against the Q67H/N74D viral variant. Thus, our studies provide a means for the development of second-generation inhibitors with enhanced barriers to resistance.
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20
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Troyano-Hernáez P, Reinosa R, Holguín Á. HIV Capsid Protein Genetic Diversity Across HIV-1 Variants and Impact on New Capsid-Inhibitor Lenacapavir. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:854974. [PMID: 35495642 PMCID: PMC9039614 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.854974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The HIV p24 capsid protein has an essential, structural, and functional role in the viral replication cycle, being an interesting target for vaccine design, diagnostic tests, and new antiretroviral drugs (ARVs). The HIV-1 variability poses a challenge for the accuracy and efficiency of diagnostic and treatment tools. This study analyzes p24 diversity among HIV-1 variants and within its secondary structure in HIV-1 M, O, P, and N groups. All available HIV-1 p24 nucleotide sequences were downloaded from the Los Alamos HIV Sequence Database, selecting 23,671 sequences belonging to groups O, N, P, and M (9 subtypes, 7 sub-sub types, and 109 circulating recombinant forms or CRFs). Using a bioinformatics tool developed in our laboratory (EpiMolBio program), we analyzed the amino acid conservation compared to the HXB2 subtype B reference sequence and the V-markers, or amino acid changes that were specific for each variant with at least 10 available sequences. We inferred the p24 consensus sequence for HIV-1 and for each group to analyze the overall conservation in p24 main structural regions, reporting the percentage of substitutions per variant affecting the capsid assembly and molecule-binding, including those associated with resistance to the new capsid-inhibitor lenacapavir, and the key residues involved in lenacapavir-p24 interaction, according to the bibliography. Although the overall structure of p24 was highly conserved, the conservation in the secondary structure varied between HIV-1 variants and the type of secondary structure. All HIV-1 variants presented >80% amino acid conservation vs. HXB2 reference sequence, except for group M sub-subtype F1 (69.27%). Mutants affecting the capsid assembly or lenacapavir capsid-binding were found in <1% of the p24 consensus sequence. Our study reports the HIV-1 variants carrying 14 unique single V-markers in 9/38 group M variants and the level of p24 conservation in each secondary structure region among the 4 HIV-1 groups and group M variants, revealing no natural resistance to lenacapavir in any HIV-1 variant. We present a thorough analysis of p24 variability among all HIV-1 variants circulating to date. Since p24 genetic variability can impact the viral replication cycle and the efficacy of new p24-based diagnostic, therapeutic, and vaccine strategies, conservation studies must consider all HIV-1 variants circulating worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paloma Troyano-Hernáez
- HIV-1 Molecular Epidemiology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Red en Investigación Translacional en Infecciones Pediátricas (RITIP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Roberto Reinosa
- HIV-1 Molecular Epidemiology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Red en Investigación Translacional en Infecciones Pediátricas (RITIP), Madrid, Spain
| | - África Holguín
- HIV-1 Molecular Epidemiology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Red en Investigación Translacional en Infecciones Pediátricas (RITIP), Madrid, Spain
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