1
|
Metibemu DS, Adeyinka OS, Falode J, Crown O, Ogungbe IV. Inhibitors of the Structural and Nonstructural Proteins of Alphaviruses. ACS Infect Dis 2024. [PMID: 38992989 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
The Alphavirus genus includes viruses that cause encephalitis due to neuroinvasion and viruses that cause arthritis due to acute and chronic inflammation. There is no approved therapeutic for alphavirus infections, but significant efforts are ongoing, more so in recent years, to develop vaccines and therapeutics for alphavirus infections. This review article highlights some of the major advances made so far to identify small molecules that can selectively target the structural and the nonstructural proteins in alphaviruses with the expectation that persistent investigation of an increasingly expanding chemical space through a variety of structure-based design and high-throughput screening strategies will yield candidate drugs for clinical studies. While most of the works discussed are still in the early discovery to lead optimization stages, promising avenues remain for drug development against this family of viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Damilohun Samuel Metibemu
- Chemistry and Biotechnology Science and Engineering Programs, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, 301 Sparkman Drive, Huntsville, Alabama 35899, United States
| | - Olawale Samuel Adeyinka
- Chemistry and Biotechnology Science and Engineering Programs, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, 301 Sparkman Drive, Huntsville, Alabama 35899, United States
| | - John Falode
- Chemistry and Biotechnology Science and Engineering Programs, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, 301 Sparkman Drive, Huntsville, Alabama 35899, United States
| | - Olamide Crown
- Chemistry and Biotechnology Science and Engineering Programs, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, 301 Sparkman Drive, Huntsville, Alabama 35899, United States
| | - Ifedayo Victor Ogungbe
- Chemistry and Biotechnology Science and Engineering Programs, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, 301 Sparkman Drive, Huntsville, Alabama 35899, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Omler A, Mutso M, Vaher M, Freitas JR, Taylor A, David CT, Moseley GW, Liu X, Merits A, Mahalingam S. Exploring Barmah Forest virus pathogenesis: molecular tools to investigate non-structural protein 3 nuclear localization and viral genomic determinants of replication. mBio 2024:e0099324. [PMID: 38953633 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00993-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Barmah Forest virus (BFV) is a mosquito-borne virus that causes arthralgia with accompanying rash, fever, and myalgia in humans. The virus is mainly found in Australia and has caused outbreaks associated with significant health concerns. As the sole representative of the Barmah Forest complex within the genus Alphavirus, BFV is not closely related genetically to other alphaviruses. Notably, basic knowledge of BFV molecular virology has not been well studied due to a lack of critical investigative tools such as an infectious clone. Here we describe the construction of an infectious BFV cDNA clone based on Genbank sequence and demonstrate that the clone-derived virus has in vitro and in vivo properties similar to naturally occurring virus, BFV field isolate 2193 (BFV2193-FI). A substitution in nsP4, V1911D, which was identified in the Genbank reference sequence, was found to inhibit virus rescue and replication. T1325P substitution in nsP2 selected during virus passaging was shown to be an adaptive mutation, compensating for the inhibitory effect of nsP4-V1911D. The two mutations were associated with changes in viral non-structural polyprotein processing and type I interferon (IFN) induction. Interestingly, a nuclear localization signal, active in mammalian but not mosquito cells, was identified in nsP3. A point mutation abolishing nsP3 nuclear localization attenuated BFV replication. This effect was more prominent in the presence of type I interferon signaling, suggesting nsP3 nuclear localization might be associated with IFN antagonism. Furthermore, abolishing nsP3 nuclear localization reduced virus replication in mice but did not significantly affect disease.IMPORTANCEBarmah Forest virus (BFV) is Australia's second most prevalent arbovirus, with approximately 1,000 cases reported annually. The clinical symptoms of BFV infection include rash, polyarthritis, arthralgia, and myalgia. As BFV is not closely related to other pathogenic alphaviruses or well-studied model viruses, our understanding of its molecular virology and mechanisms of pathogenesis is limited. There is also a lack of molecular tools essential for corresponding studies. Here we describe the construction of an infectious clone of BFV, variants harboring point mutations, and sequences encoding marker protein. In infected mammalian cells, nsP3 of BFV was located in the nuclei. This finding extends our understanding of the diverse mechanisms used by alphavirus replicase proteins to interact with host cells. Our novel observations highlight the complex synergy through which the viral replication machinery evolves to correct mutation errors within the viral genome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ailar Omler
- Emerging Viruses, Inflammation and Therapeutics Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Institute of Bioengineering, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Margit Mutso
- Emerging Viruses, Inflammation and Therapeutics Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Mihkel Vaher
- The Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Joseph R Freitas
- Emerging Viruses, Inflammation and Therapeutics Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Global Virus Network (GVN) Centre for Excellence in Arboviruses, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Adam Taylor
- Emerging Viruses, Inflammation and Therapeutics Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Global Virus Network (GVN) Centre for Excellence in Arboviruses, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Cassandra T David
- Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gregory W Moseley
- Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Xiang Liu
- Emerging Viruses, Inflammation and Therapeutics Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Global Virus Network (GVN) Centre for Excellence in Arboviruses, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andres Merits
- Institute of Bioengineering, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Suresh Mahalingam
- Emerging Viruses, Inflammation and Therapeutics Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Global Virus Network (GVN) Centre for Excellence in Arboviruses, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kordys M, Urbanowicz A. 3D Puzzle at the Nanoscale-How do RNA Viruses Self-Assemble their Capsids into Perfectly Ordered Structures. Macromol Biosci 2024:e2400088. [PMID: 38864315 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202400088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
The phenomenon of RNA virus self-organization, first observed in the mid-20th century in tobacco mosaic virus, is the subject of extensive research. Efforts to comprehend this process intensify due to its potential for producing vaccines or antiviral compounds as well as nanocarriers and nanotemplates. However, direct observation of the self-assembly is hindered by its prevalence within infected host cells. One of the approaches involves in vitro and in silico research using model viruses featuring a ssRNA(+) genome enclosed within a capsid made up of a single type protein. While various pathways are proposed based on these studies, their relevance in vivo remains uncertain. On the other hand, the development of advanced microscopic methods provide insights into the events within living cells, where following viral infection, specialized compartments form to facilitate the creation of nascent virions. Intriguingly, a growing body of evidence indicates that the primary function of packaging signals in viral RNA is to effectively initiate the virion self-assembly. This is in contrast to earlier opinions suggesting a role in marking RNA for encapsidation. Another noteworthy observation is that many viruses undergo self-assembly within membraneless liquid organelles, which are specifically induced by viral proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martyna Kordys
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego Str. 12/14, Poznan, 61-704, Poland
| | - Anna Urbanowicz
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego Str. 12/14, Poznan, 61-704, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rodríguez-Aguilar ED, Gutiérrez-Millán E, Rodríguez MH. Accurate Recapitulation of Chikungunya Virus Complete Coding Sequence Phylogeny Using Variable Genome Regions for Genomic Surveillance. Viruses 2024; 16:926. [PMID: 38932218 PMCID: PMC11209212 DOI: 10.3390/v16060926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is transmitted by mosquito bites and causes chikungunya fever (CHIKF). CHIKV has a single-stranded RNA genome and belongs to a single serotype with three genotypes. The Asian lineage has recently emerged in the Western Hemisphere, likely due to travel-associated introduction. Genetic variation accumulates in the CHIKV genome as the virus replicates, creating new lineages. Whole genome sequencing is ideal for studying virus evolution and spread but is expensive and complex. This study investigated whether specific, highly variable regions of the CHIKV genome could recapitulate the phylogeny obtained with a complete coding sequence (CDS). Our results revealed that concatenated highly variable regions accurately reconstructed CHIKV phylogeny, exhibiting statistically indistinguishable branch lengths and tree confidence compared to CDS. In addition, these regions adequately inferred the evolutionary relationships among CHIKV isolates from the American outbreak with similar results to the CDS. This finding suggests that highly variable regions can effectively capture the evolutionary relationships among CHIKV isolates, offering a simpler approach for future studies. This approach could be particularly valuable for large-scale surveillance efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mario H. Rodríguez
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, National Institute of Public Health of Mexico, Av. Universidad 655, Cuernavaca 62100, Mexico; (E.D.R.-A.); (E.G.-M.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Chaudhary M, Kumar A, Bala Sharma K, Vrati S, Sehgal D. In silico identification of chikungunya virus replication inhibitor validated using biochemical and cell-based approaches. FEBS J 2024; 291:2656-2673. [PMID: 38303163 DOI: 10.1111/febs.17066] [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: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Discovering an alternative therapy with a long-lasting effect on symptoms caused by chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection is prompted by the lack of a vaccine and the absence of safe, effective and non-toxic medications. One potential strategy is synthesizing or identifying small compounds that can specifically target the active site of an essential enzyme and prevent virus replication. Previous site-directed mutagenesis studies have demonstrated the crucial role of the macrodomain, which is a part of non-structural protein 3 (nsP3), in virus replication. Exploiting this fact, the macrodomain can be targeted to discover a natural substance that can inhibit its function and thereby impede virus replication. With this aim, the present study focused on potential CHIKV nsP3 macrodomain (nsP3MD) inhibitors through in silico, in vitro and cell-based methods. Through virtual screening of the natural compound library, nine nsP3MD inhibitors were initially identified. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were employed to evaluate these nine compounds based on the stability of their ligand-receptor complexes and energy parameters. Target analysis and ADMET (i.e. absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity) prediction of the selected compounds revealed their drug-like characteristics. Subsequent in vitro investigation allowed us to narrow the selection down to one compound, N-[2-(5-methoxy-1H-indol-3-yl) ethyl]-2-oxo-1,2-dihydroquinoline-4-carboxamide, which exhibited potent inhibition of CHIKV growth. This molecule effectively inhibited CHIKV replication in the stable embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma cell line capable of producing CHIKV. Our findings demonstrate that the selected compound possesses substantial anti-CHIKV nsP3MD activity both in vitro and in vivo. This work provides a promising molecule for further preclinical studies to develop a potential drug against the CHIKV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meenakshi Chaudhary
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, Shiv Nadar Institute of Eminence, Greater Noida, India
| | - Akash Kumar
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, Shiv Nadar Institute of Eminence, Greater Noida, India
| | - Kiran Bala Sharma
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, India
| | - Sudhanshu Vrati
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, India
| | - Deepak Sehgal
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, Shiv Nadar Institute of Eminence, Greater Noida, India
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mobasher M, Ansari R, Castejon AM, Barar J, Omidi Y. Advanced nanoscale delivery systems for mRNA-based vaccines. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2024; 1868:130558. [PMID: 38185238 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2024.130558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
The effectiveness of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines, especially those designed for COVID-19, relies heavily on sophisticated delivery systems that ensure efficient delivery of mRNA to target cells. A variety of nanoscale vaccine delivery systems (VDSs) have been explored for this purpose, including lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), liposomes, and polymeric nanoparticles made from biocompatible polymers such as poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), as well as viral vectors and lipid-polymer hybrid complexes. Among these, LNPs are particularly notable for their efficiency in encapsulating and protecting mRNA. These nanoscale VDSs can be engineered to enhance stability and facilitate uptake by cells. The choice of delivery system depends on factors like the specific mRNA vaccine, target cell types, stability requirements, and desired immune response. In this review, we shed light on recent advances in delivery mechanisms for self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) vaccines, emphasizing groundbreaking studies on nanoscale delivery systems aimed at improving the efficacy and safety of mRNA/saRNA vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maha Mobasher
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
| | - Rais Ansari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
| | - Ana M Castejon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
| | - Jaleh Barar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
| | - Yadollah Omidi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhai X, Li X, Veit M, Wang N, Wang Y, Merits A, Jiang Z, Qin Y, Zhang X, Qi K, Jiao H, He WT, Chen Y, Mao Y, Su S. LDLR is used as a cell entry receptor by multiple alphaviruses. Nat Commun 2024; 15:622. [PMID: 38245515 PMCID: PMC10799924 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44872-5] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Alphaviruses are arboviruses transmitted by mosquitoes and are pathogenic to humans and livestock, causing a substantial public health burden. So far, several receptors have been identified for alphavirus entry; however, they cannot explain the broad host range and tissue tropism of certain alphaviruses, such as Getah virus (GETV), indicating the existence of additional receptors. Here we identify the evolutionarily conserved low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) as a new cell entry factor for GETV, Semliki Forest virus (SFV), Ross River virus (RRV) and Bebaru virus (BEBV). Ectopic expression of LDLR facilitates cellular binding and internalization of GETV, which is mediated by the interaction between the E2-E1 spike of GETV and the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of LDLR. Antibodies against LBD block GETV infection in cultured cells. In addition, the GST-LBD fusion protein inhibits GETV infection both in vitro and in vivo. Notably, we identify the key amino acids in LDLR-LBD that played a crucial role in viral entry; specific mutations in the CR4 and CR5 domain of LDLR-LBD reduce viral entry to cells by more than 20-fold. These findings suggest that targeting the LDLR-LBD could be a potential strategy for the development of antivirals against multiple alphaviruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Zhai
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Engineering Laboratory of Animal Immunity of Jiangsu Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoling Li
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Engineering Laboratory of Animal Immunity of Jiangsu Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Michael Veit
- Institute for Virology, Center for Infection Medicine, Veterinary Faculty, Free University Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ningning Wang
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Engineering Laboratory of Animal Immunity of Jiangsu Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Engineering Laboratory of Animal Immunity of Jiangsu Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Andres Merits
- Institute of Bioengineering, University of Tartu, Nooruse Street 1, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Zhiwen Jiang
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Engineering Laboratory of Animal Immunity of Jiangsu Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Qin
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Engineering Laboratory of Animal Immunity of Jiangsu Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoguang Zhang
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Engineering Laboratory of Animal Immunity of Jiangsu Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Kaili Qi
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Engineering Laboratory of Animal Immunity of Jiangsu Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Houqi Jiao
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Engineering Laboratory of Animal Immunity of Jiangsu Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wan-Ting He
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Engineering Laboratory of Animal Immunity of Jiangsu Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ye Chen
- Key Laboratory of Fujian-Taiwan Animal Pathogen Biology, College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Yang Mao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drugs Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Shuo Su
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Engineering Laboratory of Animal Immunity of Jiangsu Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Tsukamoto Y, Igarashi M, Kato H. Targeting cap1 RNA methyltransferases as an antiviral strategy. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:86-99. [PMID: 38091983 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2023.11.011] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Methylation is one of the critical modifications that regulates numerous biological processes. Guanine capping and methylation at the 7th position (m7G) have been shown to mature mRNA for increased RNA stability and translational efficiency. The m7G capped cap0 RNA remains immature and requires additional methylation at the first nucleotide (N1-2'-O-Me), designated as cap1, to achieve full maturation. This cap1 RNA with N1-2'-O-Me prevents its recognition by innate immune sensors as non-self. Viruses have also evolved various strategies to produce self-like capped RNAs with the N1-2'-O-Me that potentially evades the antiviral response and establishes an efficient replication. In this review, we focus on the importance of the presence of N1-2'-O-Me in viral RNAs and discuss the potential for drug development by targeting host and viral N1-2'-O-methyltransferases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Tsukamoto
- Institute of Cardiovascular Immunology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Manabu Igarashi
- Division of Global Epidemiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan; International Collaboration Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kato
- Institute of Cardiovascular Immunology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Chen H, Phuektes P, Yeo LS, Wong YH, Lee RCH, Yi B, Hou X, Liu S, Cai Y, Chu JJH. Attenuation of neurovirulence of chikungunya virus by a single amino acid mutation in viral E2 envelope protein. J Biomed Sci 2024; 31:8. [PMID: 38229040 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-024-00995-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) has reemerged as a major public health concern, causing chikungunya fever with increasing cases and neurological complications. METHODS In the present study, we investigated a low-passage human isolate of the East/ Central/South African (ECSA) lineage of CHIKV strain LK(EH)CH6708, which exhibited a mix of small and large viral plaques. The small and large plaque variants were isolated and designated as CHIKV-SP and CHIKV-BP, respectively. CHIKV-SP and CHIKV-BP were characterized in vitro and in vivo to compare their virus production and virulence. Additionally, whole viral genome analysis and reverse genetics were employed to identify genomic virulence factors. RESULTS CHIKV-SP demonstrated lower virus production in mammalian cells and attenuated virulence in a murine model. On the other hand, CHIKV-BP induced higher pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, compromised the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, and led to astrocyte infection in mouse brains. Furthermore, the CHIKV-SP variant had limited transmission potential in Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, likely due to restricted dissemination. Whole viral genome analysis revealed multiple genetic mutations in the CHIKV-SP variant, including a Glycine (G) to Arginine (R) mutation at position 55 in the viral E2 glycoprotein. Reverse genetics experiments confirmed that the E2-G55R mutation alone was sufficient to reduce virus production in vitro and virulence in mice. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the attenuating effects of the E2-G55R mutation on CHIKV pathogenicity and neurovirulence and emphasize the importance of monitoring this mutation in natural infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huixin Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Patchara Phuektes
- Division of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | - Li Sze Yeo
- School of Applied Science, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yi Hao Wong
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Regina Ching Hua Lee
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Bowen Yi
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xinjun Hou
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sen Liu
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yu Cai
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Justin Jang Hann Chu
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Collaborative and Translation Unit for HFMD, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lucas CJ, Sheridan RM, Reynoso GV, Davenport BJ, McCarthy MK, Martin A, Hesselberth JR, Hickman HD, Tamburini BA, Morrison TE. Chikungunya virus infection disrupts lymph node lymphatic endothelial cell composition and function via MARCO. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e176537. [PMID: 38194268 PMCID: PMC11143926 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.176537] [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: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Infection with chikungunya virus (CHIKV) causes disruption of draining lymph node (dLN) organization, including paracortical relocalization of B cells, loss of the B cell-T cell border, and lymphocyte depletion that is associated with infiltration of the LN with inflammatory myeloid cells. Here, we found that, during the first 24 hours of infection, CHIKV RNA accumulated in MARCO-expressing lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) in both the floor and medullary LN sinuses. The accumulation of viral RNA in the LN was associated with a switch to an antiviral and inflammatory gene expression program across LN stromal cells, and this inflammatory response - including recruitment of myeloid cells to the LN - was accelerated by CHIKV-MARCO interactions. As CHIKV infection progressed, both floor and medullary LECs diminished in number, suggesting further functional impairment of the LN by infection. Consistent with this idea, antigen acquisition by LECs, a key function of LN LECs during infection and immunization, was reduced during pathogenic CHIKV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cormac J. Lucas
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology and
- RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Ryan M. Sheridan
- RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Glennys V. Reynoso
- Viral Immunity & Pathogenesis Unit, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology & Microbiology, National Institutes of Allergy & Infectious Disease, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | - Aspen Martin
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics and
| | - Jay R. Hesselberth
- RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics and
| | - Heather D. Hickman
- Viral Immunity & Pathogenesis Unit, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology & Microbiology, National Institutes of Allergy & Infectious Disease, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Beth A.J. Tamburini
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology and
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Mou C, Meng H, Shi K, Huang Y, Liu M, Chen Z. GETV nsP2 plays a critical role in the interferon antagonism and viral pathogenesis. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:361. [PMID: 38110975 PMCID: PMC10729338 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01392-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Getah virus (GETV) was becoming more serious and posing a potential threat to animal safety and public health. Currently, there is limited comprehension regarding the pathogenesis and immune evasion mechanisms employed by GETV. Our study reveals that GETV infection exhibits the capacity for interferon antagonism. Specifically, the nonstructural protein nsP2 of GETV plays a crucial role in evading the host immune response. GETV nsP2 effectively inhibits the induction of IFN-β by blocking the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of IRF3. Additionally, GETV nsP2 hinders the phosphorylation of STAT1 and its nuclear accumulation, leading to significantly impaired JAK-STAT signaling. Furthermore, the amino acids K648 and R649, situated in the C-terminal region of GETV nsP2, play a crucial role in facilitating nuclear localization. Not only do they affect the interference of nsP2 with the innate immune response, but they also exert an influence on the pathogenicity of GETV in mice. In summary, our study reveals novel mechanisms by which GETV evades the immune system, thereby offering a foundation for comprehending the pathogenic nature of GETV. Video Abstract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunxiao Mou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, No.12 Wen-hui East Road, Yangzhou, JS225009, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Meng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, No.12 Wen-hui East Road, Yangzhou, JS225009, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Kaichuang Shi
- Guangxi Center for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, GX, China
| | - Yanmei Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, No.12 Wen-hui East Road, Yangzhou, JS225009, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Meiqi Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, No.12 Wen-hui East Road, Yangzhou, JS225009, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenhai Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, No.12 Wen-hui East Road, Yangzhou, JS225009, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China.
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China.
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Côrtes N, Lira A, Prates-Syed W, Dinis Silva J, Vuitika L, Cabral-Miranda W, Durães-Carvalho R, Balan A, Cabral-Marques O, Cabral-Miranda G. Integrated control strategies for dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya virus infections. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1281667. [PMID: 38196945 PMCID: PMC10775689 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1281667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Arboviruses are a major threat to public health in tropical regions, encompassing over 534 distinct species, with 134 capable of causing diseases in humans. These viruses are transmitted through arthropod vectors that cause symptoms such as fever, headache, joint pains, and rash, in addition to more serious cases that can lead to death. Among the arboviruses, dengue virus stands out as the most prevalent, annually affecting approximately 16.2 million individuals solely in the Americas. Furthermore, the re-emergence of the Zika virus and the recurrent outbreaks of chikungunya in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, with one million cases reported annually, underscore the urgency of addressing this public health challenge. In this manuscript we discuss the epidemiology, viral structure, pathogenicity and integrated control strategies to combat arboviruses, and the most used tools, such as vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, treatment, etc., in addition to presenting future perspectives for the control of arboviruses. Currently, specific medications for treating arbovirus infections are lacking, and symptom management remains the primary approach. However, promising advancements have been made in certain treatments, such as Chloroquine, Niclosamide, and Isatin derivatives, which have demonstrated notable antiviral properties against these arboviruses in vitro and in vivo experiments. Additionally, various strategies within vector control approaches have shown significant promise in reducing arbovirus transmission rates. These encompass public education initiatives, targeted insecticide applications, and innovative approaches like manipulating mosquito bacterial symbionts, such as Wolbachia. In conclusion, combatting the global threat of arbovirus diseases needs a comprehensive approach integrating antiviral research, vaccination, and vector control. The continued efforts of research communities, alongside collaborative partnerships with public health authorities, are imperative to effectively address and mitigate the impact of these arboviral infections on public health worldwide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nelson Côrtes
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- The Interunits Graduate Program in Biotechnology of the University of São Paulo, the Butantan Institute and the Technological Research Institute of the State of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Aline Lira
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- The Interunits Graduate Program in Biotechnology of the University of São Paulo, the Butantan Institute and the Technological Research Institute of the State of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Wasim Prates-Syed
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- The Interunits Graduate Program in Biotechnology of the University of São Paulo, the Butantan Institute and the Technological Research Institute of the State of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jaqueline Dinis Silva
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- The Graduate Program in Pathophysiology and Toxicology, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Larissa Vuitika
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Ricardo Durães-Carvalho
- São Paulo School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andrea Balan
- The Interunits Graduate Program in Biotechnology of the University of São Paulo, the Butantan Institute and the Technological Research Institute of the State of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Applied Structural Biology Laboratory, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Otavio Cabral-Marques
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- The Graduate Program in Pathophysiology and Toxicology, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Medicine, Division of Molecular Medicine, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Cabral-Miranda
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- The Interunits Graduate Program in Biotechnology of the University of São Paulo, the Butantan Institute and the Technological Research Institute of the State of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- The Graduate Program in Pathophysiology and Toxicology, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Lima JCB, Barbosa JARG. Interaction models between peptide substrate and Alphavirus Protease nsP2 of Chikungunya and Mayaro and implications to the mechanism of action. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:10851-10858. [PMID: 36562200 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2158941] [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: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The Arbovirus (Arthropod-borne virus) is a group which comprises viruses whose transmission is carried out by arthropod vectors infecting vertebrates. Some arboviruses related to human diseases have been given considerable relevance as Chikungunya and Mayaro of the family Togaviridae, genus Alphavirus. The lack of proper specific treatment has prompted the requirement for deeper structural studies that could unveil leads to new drugs. Among possible targets, viral proteases are recognized as proteins with big potential. These proteins, termed nsP2 in Alphavirus, have the function of cleaving certain regions of the viral polyprotein, being vital to the viral cycle. In this research, we used docking and molecular dynamics to analyze the contact between the protease nsP2 of Alphavirus Chikungunya and Mayaro and substrates formed by peptides with ten amino acid residues. A model of the Mayaro nsP2 was constructed based on homologous proteases. Our study suggests that the glycine specificity motif, a region where a highly conserved glycine residue in position P2 of the protease substrate is positioned, facilitates the nucleophilic attack by assisting in placing the P1 carbonyl group carbon. Stabilization of different substrate regions maybe explained by relevant contacts with the enzyme. Besides that, the phi and psi angles in the outlier region of the Ramachandran plot found for the P2 glycine of the Chikungunya substrate seems to indicate the necessity of this residue that can accommodate angles not allowed to other residues.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jônatas Cunha Barbosa Lima
- Laboratório de Biofísica Molecular, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Tapescu I, Taschuk F, Pokharel SM, Zginnyk O, Ferretti M, Bailer PF, Whig K, Madden EA, Heise MT, Schultz DC, Cherry S. The RNA helicase DDX39A binds a conserved structure in chikungunya virus RNA to control infection. Mol Cell 2023; 83:4174-4189.e7. [PMID: 37949067 PMCID: PMC10722560 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.10.008] [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: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Alphaviruses are a large group of re-emerging arthropod-borne RNA viruses. The compact viral RNA genomes harbor diverse structures that facilitate replication. These structures can be recognized by antiviral cellular RNA-binding proteins, including DExD-box (DDX) helicases, that bind viral RNAs to control infection. The full spectrum of antiviral DDXs and the structures that are recognized remain unclear. Genetic screening identified DDX39A as antiviral against the alphavirus chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and other medically relevant alphaviruses. Upon infection, the predominantly nuclear DDX39A accumulates in the cytoplasm inhibiting alphavirus replication, independent of the canonical interferon pathway. Biochemically, DDX39A binds to CHIKV genomic RNA, interacting with the 5' conserved sequence element (5'CSE), which is essential for the antiviral activity of DDX39A. Altogether, DDX39A relocalization and binding to a conserved structural element in the alphavirus genomic RNA attenuates infection, revealing a previously unknown layer to the cellular control of infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iulia Tapescu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Biochemistry and Biophysics Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Frances Taschuk
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Swechha M Pokharel
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Oleksandr Zginnyk
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Max Ferretti
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Peter F Bailer
- Biochemistry and Biophysics Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kanupryia Whig
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Emily A Madden
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, UNC-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Mark T Heise
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, UNC-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Genetics, UNC-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - David C Schultz
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sara Cherry
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Deo S, Desai K, Patare A, Wadapurkar R, Rade S, Mahudkar S, Sathe M, Srivastava S, Prasanna P, Singh A. Evaluation of self-amplifying mRNA platform for protein expression and genetic stability: Implication for mRNA therapies. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 680:108-118. [PMID: 37738900 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
The consecutive launch of mRNA vaccines like mRNA-1273, BNT 162b2, and GEMCOVAC®-19 against COVID-19 has triggered the debate of long-term expression, safety, and genomic integration of the mRNA vaccine platforms. In the present study, we examined the longevity of antigenic protein expression of mRNA-614 and mRNA-S1LC based on self-amplifying mRNA (SAM) in Expi-293F™, HEK-293 T, and ARPE-19 cells. The protein expression was checked by sandwich-ELISA, FACS, luciferase activity assay, and Western blot. The transcribed antigenic mRNA was sequenced and found to be un-mutated. Additionally, no genomic integration of the reverse transcribed mRNA was observed even up to 7 days post-transfection as verified by PCR. Furthermore, we have generated high-quality 3D structures of non-structural proteins (nsPs) in silico and the genes encoding for the nsPs were cloned and expressed using the T7 system. Findings from the current study have strengthened the fact that the alphavirus-based SAM platform has the potential to become a modality in the upcoming years.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Swarda Deo
- Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. ITBT Park, Hinjawadi Phase 2 Road, Hinjawadi Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, Hinjawadi, Pune, Maharashtra, 411057, India
| | - Kaushik Desai
- Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. ITBT Park, Hinjawadi Phase 2 Road, Hinjawadi Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, Hinjawadi, Pune, Maharashtra, 411057, India
| | - Aishwarya Patare
- Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. ITBT Park, Hinjawadi Phase 2 Road, Hinjawadi Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, Hinjawadi, Pune, Maharashtra, 411057, India
| | - Rucha Wadapurkar
- Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. ITBT Park, Hinjawadi Phase 2 Road, Hinjawadi Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, Hinjawadi, Pune, Maharashtra, 411057, India
| | - Saniya Rade
- Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. ITBT Park, Hinjawadi Phase 2 Road, Hinjawadi Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, Hinjawadi, Pune, Maharashtra, 411057, India
| | - Siddhi Mahudkar
- Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. ITBT Park, Hinjawadi Phase 2 Road, Hinjawadi Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, Hinjawadi, Pune, Maharashtra, 411057, India
| | - Madhura Sathe
- Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. ITBT Park, Hinjawadi Phase 2 Road, Hinjawadi Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, Hinjawadi, Pune, Maharashtra, 411057, India
| | - Shalini Srivastava
- Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. ITBT Park, Hinjawadi Phase 2 Road, Hinjawadi Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, Hinjawadi, Pune, Maharashtra, 411057, India
| | - Pragya Prasanna
- Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. ITBT Park, Hinjawadi Phase 2 Road, Hinjawadi Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, Hinjawadi, Pune, Maharashtra, 411057, India
| | - Ajay Singh
- Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. ITBT Park, Hinjawadi Phase 2 Road, Hinjawadi Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, Hinjawadi, Pune, Maharashtra, 411057, India.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Echavarria-Consuegra L, Dinesh Kumar N, van der Laan M, Mauthe M, Van de Pol D, Reggiori F, Smit JM. Mitochondrial protein BNIP3 regulates Chikungunya virus replication in the early stages of infection. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0010751. [PMID: 38011286 PMCID: PMC10703415 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a human pathogen causing outbreaks of febrile illness for which vaccines and specific treatments remain unavailable. Autophagy-related (ATG) proteins and autophagy receptors are a set of host factors that participate in autophagy, but have also shown to function in other unrelated cellular pathways. Although autophagy is reported to both inhibit and enhance CHIKV replication, the specific role of individual ATG proteins remains largely unknown. Here, a siRNA screen was performed to evaluate the importance of the ATG proteome and autophagy receptors in controlling CHIKV infection. We observed that 7 out of 50 ATG proteins impact the replication of CHIKV. Among those, depletion of the mitochondrial protein and autophagy receptor BCL2 Interacting Protein 3 (BNIP3) increased CHIKV infection. Interestingly, BNIP3 controls CHIKV independently of autophagy and cell death. Detailed analysis of the CHIKV viral cycle revealed that BNIP3 interferes with the early stages of infection. Moreover, the antiviral role of BNIP3 was found conserved across two distinct CHIKV genotypes and the closely related Semliki Forest virus. Altogether, this study describes a novel and previously unknown function of the mitochondrial protein BNIP3 in the control of the early stages of the alphavirus viral cycle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Echavarria-Consuegra
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Nilima Dinesh Kumar
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marleen van der Laan
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Mario Mauthe
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Denise Van de Pol
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Fulvio Reggiori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jolanda M. Smit
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ormundo LF, Barreto CT, Tsuruta LR. Development of Therapeutic Monoclonal Antibodies for Emerging Arbovirus Infections. Viruses 2023; 15:2177. [PMID: 38005854 PMCID: PMC10675117 DOI: 10.3390/v15112177] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody-based passive immunotherapy has been used effectively in the treatment and prophylaxis of infectious diseases. Outbreaks of emerging viral infections from arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) represent a global public health problem due to their rapid spread, urging measures and the treatment of infected individuals to combat them. Preparedness in advances in developing antivirals and relevant epidemiological studies protect us from damage and losses. Immunotherapy based on monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) has been shown to be very specific in combating infectious diseases and various other illnesses. Recent advances in mAb discovery techniques have allowed the development and approval of a wide number of therapeutic mAbs. This review focuses on the technological approaches available to select neutralizing mAbs for emerging arbovirus infections and the next-generation strategies to obtain highly effective and potent mAbs. The characteristics of mAbs developed as prophylactic and therapeutic antiviral agents for dengue, Zika, chikungunya, West Nile and tick-borne encephalitis virus are presented, as well as the protective effect demonstrated in animal model studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo F. Ormundo
- Biopharmaceuticals Laboratory, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (L.F.O.); (C.T.B.)
- The Interunits Graduate Program in Biotechnology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Carolina T. Barreto
- Biopharmaceuticals Laboratory, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (L.F.O.); (C.T.B.)
- The Interunits Graduate Program in Biotechnology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Lilian R. Tsuruta
- Biopharmaceuticals Laboratory, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (L.F.O.); (C.T.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Lucas CJ, Sheridan RM, Reynoso GV, Davenport BJ, McCarthy MK, Martin A, Hesselberth JR, Hickman HD, Tamburini BAJ, Morrison TE. Chikungunya virus infection disrupts lymph node lymphatic endothelial cell composition and function via MARCO. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.12.561615. [PMID: 37873393 PMCID: PMC10592756 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.12.561615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Infection with chikungunya virus (CHIKV) causes disruption of draining lymph node (dLN) organization, including paracortical relocalization of B cells, loss of the B cell-T cell border, and lymphocyte depletion that is associated with infiltration of the LN with inflammatory myeloid cells. Here, we find that during the first 24 h of infection, CHIKV RNA accumulates in MARCO-expressing lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) in both the floor and medullary LN sinuses. The accumulation of viral RNA in the LN was associated with a switch to an antiviral and inflammatory gene expression program across LN stromal cells, and this inflammatory response, including recruitment of myeloid cells to the LN, was accelerated by CHIKV-MARCO interactions. As CHIKV infection progressed, both floor and medullary LECs diminished in number, suggesting further functional impairment of the LN by infection. Consistent with this idea, we find that antigen acquisition by LECs, a key function of LN LECs during infection and immunization, was reduced during pathogenic CHIKV infection.
Collapse
|
19
|
Sandenon Seteyen AL, Guiraud P, Gasque P, Girard-Valenciennes E, Sélambarom J. In Vitro Analyses of the Multifocal Effects of Natural Alkaloids Berberine, Matrine, and Tabersonine against the O'nyong-nyong Arthritogenic Alphavirus Infection and Inflammation. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1125. [PMID: 37631040 PMCID: PMC10459185 DOI: 10.3390/ph16081125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
O'nyong-nyong virus (ONNV) is a member of the reemerging arthritogenic alphaviruses that cause chronic debilitating polyarthralgia and/or polyarthritis via their tropism for the musculoskeletal system. Thus, the discovery of dual antiviral and anti-inflammatory drugs is a great challenge in this field. We investigated the effects of the common plant-derived alkaloids berberine (isoquinoline), matrine (quinolizidine), and tabersonine (indole) at a non-toxic concentration (10 μM) on a human fibroblast cell line (HS633T) infected by ONNV (MOI 1). Using qRT-PCR analyses, we measured the RNA levels of the gene coding for the viral proteins and for the host cell immune factors. These alkaloids demonstrated multifocal effects by the inhibition of viral replication, as well as the regulation of the type-I interferon antiviral signaling pathway and the inflammatory mediators and pathways. Berberine and tabersonine proved to be the more valuable compounds. The results supported the proposal that these common alkaloids may be useful scaffolds for drug discovery against arthritogenic alphavirus infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Laure Sandenon Seteyen
- Unité de Recherche Etudes Pharmaco-Immunologiques (UR-EPI), Université de La Réunion, 97400 Saint-Denis, France; (A.-L.S.S.); (P.G.)
| | - Pascale Guiraud
- Unité de Recherche Etudes Pharmaco-Immunologiques (UR-EPI), Université de La Réunion, 97400 Saint-Denis, France; (A.-L.S.S.); (P.G.)
| | - Philippe Gasque
- Unité de Recherche Etudes Pharmaco-Immunologiques (UR-EPI), Université de La Réunion, 97400 Saint-Denis, France; (A.-L.S.S.); (P.G.)
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de La Réunion, Laboratoire d’Immunologie Clinique et Expérimentale de la Zone Océan Indien (LICE-OI), Pôle de Biologie, 97400 Saint-Denis, France
| | - Emmanuelle Girard-Valenciennes
- Laboratoire de Chimie et de Biotechnologie des Produits Naturels (CHEMBIOPRO), Université de La Réunion, 97400 Saint-Denis, France
| | - Jimmy Sélambarom
- Unité de Recherche Etudes Pharmaco-Immunologiques (UR-EPI), Université de La Réunion, 97400 Saint-Denis, France; (A.-L.S.S.); (P.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Chetta M, Cammarota AL, De Marco M, Bukvic N, Marzullo L, Rosati A. The Continuous Adaptive Challenge Played by Arboviruses: An In Silico Approach to Identify a Possible Interplay between Conserved Viral RNA Sequences and Host RNA Binding Proteins (RBPs). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11051. [PMID: 37446229 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Climate change and globalization have raised the risk of vector-borne disease (VBD) introduction and spread in various European nations in recent years. In Italy, viruses carried by tropical vectors have been shown to cause viral encephalitis, one of the symptoms of arboviruses, a spectrum of viral disorders spread by arthropods such as mosquitoes and ticks. Arboviruses are currently causing alarm and attention, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has released recommendations to adopt essential measures, particularly during the hot season, to restrict the spreading of the infectious agents among breeding stocks. In this scenario, rapid analysis systems are required, because they can quickly provide information on potential virus-host interactions, the evolution of the infection, and the onset of disabling clinical symptoms, or serious illnesses. Such systems include bioinformatics approaches integrated with molecular evaluation. Viruses have co-evolved different strategies to transcribe their own genetic material, by changing the host's transcriptional machinery, even in short periods of time. The introduction of genetic alterations, particularly in RNA viruses, results in a continuous adaptive fight against the host's immune system. We propose an in silico pipeline method for performing a comprehensive motif analysis (including motif discovery) on entire genome sequences to uncover viral sequences that may interact with host RNA binding proteins (RBPs) by interrogating the database of known RNA binding proteins, which play important roles in RNA metabolism and biological processes. Indeed, viral RNA sequences, able to bind host RBPs, may compete with cellular RNAs, altering important metabolic processes. Our findings suggest that the proposed in silico approach could be a useful and promising tool to investigate the complex and multiform clinical manifestations of viral encephalitis, and possibly identify altered metabolic pathways as targets of pharmacological treatments and innovative therapeutic protocols.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Chetta
- U.O.C. Medical and Laboratory Genetics, A.O.R.N., Cardarelli, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Lisa Cammarota
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Schola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, 84084 Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Margot De Marco
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Schola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, 84084 Baronissi, SA, Italy
- FIBROSYS s.r.l. Academic Spin-Off, University of Salerno, 84084 Baronissi, Italy
| | - Nenad Bukvic
- Medical Genetics Section, University Hospital Consortium Corporation Polyclinics of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Liberato Marzullo
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Schola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, 84084 Baronissi, SA, Italy
- FIBROSYS s.r.l. Academic Spin-Off, University of Salerno, 84084 Baronissi, Italy
| | - Alessandra Rosati
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Schola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, 84084 Baronissi, SA, Italy
- FIBROSYS s.r.l. Academic Spin-Off, University of Salerno, 84084 Baronissi, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Lin G, Zhang Y. Mutations in the non-structural protein coding region regulate gene expression from replicon RNAs derived from Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus. Biotechnol Lett 2023:10.1007/s10529-023-03379-7. [PMID: 37266878 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-023-03379-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Self-replicating RNA (repRNA) derived from Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) virus is a promising platform for gene therapy and confers prolonged gene expression due to its self-replicating capability, but repRNA suffers from a suboptimal transgene expression level due to its induction of intracellular innate response which may result in inhibition of translation. To improve transgene expression of repRNA, we introduced point mutations in the non-structural protein 1-4 (nsP1-4) coding region of VEE replicon vectors. As a proof of concept, inflammatory cytokines served as genes of interest and were cloned in their wild type and several mutant replicon vectors, followed by transfection in mammalian cells. Our data show that VEE replicons bearing nsP1GGAC-nsP2T or nsP1GGAC-nsP2AT mutations in the nsP1-4 coding region could significantly reduce the recognition by innate immunity as evidenced by the decreased production of type I interferon, and enhance transgene expression in host cells. Thus, the newly discovered mutant VEE replicon vectors could serve as promising gene expression platforms to advance VEE-derived repRNA-based gene therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guibin Lin
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou, 511442, Guangdong, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou, 511442, Guangdong, China.
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, China.
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Paschoalino M, Marinho MDS, Santos IA, Grosche VR, Martins DOS, Rosa RB, Jardim ACG. An update on the development of antiviral against Mayaro virus: from molecules to potential viral targets. Arch Microbiol 2023; 205:106. [PMID: 36881172 PMCID: PMC9990066 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-023-03441-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Mayaro virus (MAYV), first isolated in 1954 in Trinidad and Tobago islands, is the causative agent of Mayaro fever, a disease characterized by fever, rashes, headaches, myalgia, and arthralgia. The infection can progress to a chronic condition in over 50% of cases, with persistent arthralgia, which can lead to the disability of the infected individuals. MAYV is mainly transmitted through the bite of the female Haemagogus spp. mosquito genus. However, studies demonstrate that Aedes aegypti is also a vector, contributing to the spread of MAYV beyond endemic areas, given the vast geographical distribution of the mosquito. Besides, the similarity of antigenic sites with other Alphavirus complicates the diagnoses of MAYV, contributing to underreporting of the disease. Nowadays, there are no antiviral drugs available to treat infected patients, being the clinical management based on analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In this context, this review aims to summarize compounds that have demonstrated antiviral activity against MAYV in vitro, as well as discuss the potentiality of viral proteins as targets for the development of antiviral drugs against MAYV. Finally, through rationalization of the data presented herein, we wish to encourage further research encompassing these compounds as potential anti-MAYV drug candidates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Paschoalino
- Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Igor Andrade Santos
- Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Victória Riquena Grosche
- Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil.,Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniel Oliveira Silva Martins
- Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil.,Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rafael Borges Rosa
- Institute Aggeu Magalhães, Fiocruz Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.,Rodents Animal Facilities Complex, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Gomes Jardim
- Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil. .,Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Lin HC, Chiao DJ, Shu PY, Lin HT, Hsiung CC, Lin CC, Kuo SC. Development of a Novel Chikungunya Virus-Like Replicon Particle for Rapid Quantification and Screening of Neutralizing Antibodies and Antivirals. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0485422. [PMID: 36856407 PMCID: PMC10101068 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04854-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Chikungunya fever is a mosquito-transmitted infectious disease that induces rash, myalgia, and persistent incapacitating arthralgia. At present, no vaccines or antiviral therapies specific to Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection have been approved, and research is currently restricted to biosafety level 3 containment. CHIKV-like replicon particles (VRPs) are single-cycle infectious particles containing viral structure proteins, as well as a defective genome to provide a safe surrogate for living CHIKV to facilitate the testing of vaccines and antivirals. However, inefficient RNA transfection and the potential emergence of the competent virus through recombination in mammalian cells limit VRP usability. This study describes a transfection-free system for the safe packaging of CHIK VRP with all necessary components via transduction of mosquito cell lines using a single baculovirus vector. We observed the release of substantial quantities of mosquito cell-derived CHIK VRP (mos-CHIK VRP) from baculovirus-transduced mosquito cell lines. The VRPs were shown to recapitulate viral replication and subgenomic dual reporter expression (enhanced green fluorescent protein [eGFP] and luciferase) in infected host cells. Interestingly, the rapid expression kinetics of the VRP-expressing luciferase reporter (6 h) makes it possible to use mos-CHIK VRPs for the rapid quantification of VRP infection. Treatment with antivirals (suramin or 6-azauridine) or neutralizing antibodies (monoclonal antibodies [MAbs] or patient sera) was shown to inhibit mos-CHIK VRP infection in a dose-dependent manner. Ease of manufacture, safety, scalability, and high throughput make mos-CHIK VRPs a highly valuable vehicle for the study of CHIKV biology, the detection of neutralizing (NT) antibody activity, and the screening of antivirals against CHIKV. IMPORTANCE This study proposes a transfection-free system that enables the safe packaging of CHIK VRPs with all necessary components via baculovirus transduction. Those mosquito cell-derived CHIK VRP (mos-CHIK VRPs) were shown to recapitulate viral replication and subgenomic dual reporter (enhanced green fluorescent protein [eGFP] and luciferase) expression in infected host cells. Rapid expression kinetics of the VRP-expressing luciferase reporter (within hours) opens the door to using mos-CHIK VRPs for the rapid quantification of neutralizing antibody and antiviral activity against CHIKV. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report a mosquito cell-derived alphavirus VRP system. Note that this system could also be applied to other arboviruses to model the earliest event in arboviral infection in vertebrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Chung Lin
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Der-Jiang Chiao
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Yun Shu
- Center for Diagnostics and Vaccine Development, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Tsu Lin
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chu Hsiung
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chang-Chi Lin
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department and Graduate Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Szu-Cheng Kuo
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department and Graduate Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Prosser O, Stonehouse NJ, Tuplin A. Inhibition of Chikungunya virus genome replication by targeting essential RNA structures within the virus genome. Antiviral Res 2023; 211:105523. [PMID: 36603772 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2023.105523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a pathogenic arbovirus spread by Aedes spp. mosquitos. CHIKV has a wide global prevalence and represents a significant health burden in affected populations. Symptoms of CHIKV infection include fever, rashes and debilitating joint and muscle pain, which can persist for several months to years in some patients. To date, there remains no vaccine or specific antiviral therapy against this important human pathogen. Based on our previously published structural and phenotypic analysis of the 5' region of the CHIKV genome, we designed a panel of locked nucleic acid oligonucleotides to bind structured RNA replication elements within the virus genome, which are essential for efficient CHIKV replication. Using electromobility shift assays, we confirmed the relative binding efficiencies of each LNA to target CHIKV genomic RNA. We then went on to demonstrate, using both sub-genomic replicon and infectious virus systems, that targeting individual RNA replication elements inhibits CHIKV genome replication and production of infectious virus. Time course assays demonstrated that LNAs can access the CHIKV replication complex and virus genome, during active virus replication. For the first time, these findings show that functional RNA elements can be specifically targeted during the CHIKV lifecycle and consequently represent potential novel antiviral targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Prosser
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Nicola J Stonehouse
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Andrew Tuplin
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Ogorek TJ, Golden JE. Advances in the Development of Small Molecule Antivirals against Equine Encephalitic Viruses. Viruses 2023; 15:413. [PMID: 36851628 PMCID: PMC9958955 DOI: 10.3390/v15020413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Venezuelan, western, and eastern equine encephalitic alphaviruses (VEEV, WEEV, and EEEV, respectively) are arboviruses that are highly pathogenic to equines and cause significant harm to infected humans. Currently, human alphavirus infection and the resulting diseases caused by them are unmitigated due to the absence of approved vaccines or therapeutics for general use. These circumstances, combined with the unpredictability of outbreaks-as exemplified by a 2019 EEE surge in the United States that claimed 19 patient lives-emphasize the risks posed by these viruses, especially for aerosolized VEEV and EEEV which are potential biothreats. Herein, small molecule inhibitors of VEEV, WEEV, and EEEV are reviewed that have been identified or advanced in the last five years since a comprehensive review was last performed. We organize structures according to host- versus virus-targeted mechanisms, highlight cellular and animal data that are milestones in the development pipeline, and provide a perspective on key considerations for the progression of compounds at early and later stages of advancement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tyler J. Ogorek
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Jennifer E. Golden
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Activity, Template Preference, and Compatibility of Components of RNA Replicase of Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus. J Virol 2023; 97:e0136822. [PMID: 36533950 PMCID: PMC9888243 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01368-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) usually cycles between Culiseta melanura mosquitoes and birds; however, it can also infect humans. EEEV has a positive-sense RNA genome that, in infected cells, serves as an mRNA for the P1234 polyprotein. P1234 undergoes a series of precise cleavage events producing four nonstructural proteins (nsP1-4) representing subunits of the RNA replicase. Here, we report the construction and properties of a trans-replicase for EEEV. The template RNA of EEEV was shown to be replicated by replicases of diverse alphaviruses. The EEEV replicase, on the other hand, demonstrated limited ability in replicating template RNAs originating from alphaviruses of the Semliki Forest virus complex. The replicase of EEEV was also successfully reconstructed from P123 and nsP4 components. The ability of EEEV P123 to form functional RNA replicases with heterologous nsP4s was more efficient using EEEV template RNA than heterologous alphavirus template RNA. This finding indicates that unlike with previously studied Semliki Forest complex alphaviruses, P123 and/or its processing products have a leading role in EEEV template RNA recognition. Infection of HEK293T cells harboring the EEEV template RNA with EEEV or Western equine encephalitis virus prominently activated expression of a reporter encoded in the template RNA; the effect was much smaller for infection with other alphaviruses and not detectable upon flavivirus infection. At the same time, EEEV infection resulted only in a limited activation of the template RNA of chikungunya virus. Thus, cells harboring reporter-carrying template RNAs can be used as sensitive and selective biosensors for different alphaviruses. IMPORTANCE Infection of EEEV in humans can cause serious neurologic disease with an approximately 30% fatality rate. Although human infections are rare, a record-breaking number was documented in 2019. The replication of EEEV has a unique requirement for host factors but is poorly studied, partly because the virus requires biosafety level 3 facilities which can limit the scope of experiments; at the same time, these studies are crucial for developing antiviral approaches. The EEEV trans-replicase developed here contributes significantly to research on EEEV, providing a safe and versatile tool for studying the virus RNA replication. Using this system, the compatibility of EEEV replicase components with counterparts from other alphaviruses was analyzed. The obtained data can be used to develop unique biosensors that provide alternative methods for detection, identification, quantitation, and neutralization of viable alphaviruses that are compatible with high throughput, semiautomated approaches.
Collapse
|
27
|
Zimmerman O, Holmes AC, Kafai NM, Adams LJ, Diamond MS. Entry receptors - the gateway to alphavirus infection. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e165307. [PMID: 36647825 PMCID: PMC9843064 DOI: 10.1172/jci165307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Alphaviruses are enveloped, insect-transmitted, positive-sense RNA viruses that infect humans and other animals and cause a range of clinical manifestations, including arthritis, musculoskeletal disease, meningitis, encephalitis, and death. Over the past four years, aided by CRISPR/Cas9-based genetic screening approaches, intensive research efforts have focused on identifying entry receptors for alphaviruses to better understand the basis for cellular and species tropism. Herein, we review approaches to alphavirus receptor identification and how these were used for discovery. The identification of new receptors advances our understanding of viral pathogenesis, tropism, and evolution and is expected to contribute to the development of novel strategies for prevention and treatment of alphavirus infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Michael S. Diamond
- Department of Medicine
- Department of Pathology and Immunology
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, and
- The Andrew M. and Jane M. Bursky Center for Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Programs, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Imidazonaphthyridine effects on Chikungunya virus replication: Antiviral activity by dependent and independent of interferon type 1 pathways. Virus Res 2023; 324:199029. [PMID: 36565816 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2022.199029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) causes Chikungunya fever, a disease characterized by symptoms such as arthralgia/polyarthralgia. Currently, there are no antivirals approved against CHIKV, emphasizing the need to develop novel therapies. The imidazonaphthyridine compound (RO8191), an interferon-α (IFN-α) agonist, was reported as a potent inhibitor of HCV. Here RO8191 was investigated for its potential to inhibit CHIKV replication in vitro. RO8191 inhibited CHIKV infection in BHK-21 and Vero-E6 cells with a selectivity index (SI) of 12.3 and 37.3, respectively. Additionally, RO8191 was capable to protect cells against CHIKV infection, inhibit entry by virucidal activity, and strongly impair post-entry steps of viral replication. An effect of RO8191 on CHIKV replication was demonstrated in BHK-21 through type-1 IFN production mechanism and in Vero-E6 cells which has a defective type-1 IFN production, also suggesting a type-1 IFN independent mode of action. Molecular docking calculations demonstrated interactions of RO8191 with the CHIKV E proteins, corroborated by the ATR-FTIR assay, and with non-structural proteins, supported by the CHIKV-subgenomic replicon cells assay.
Collapse
|
29
|
Syzdykova L, Zauatbayeva G, Keyer V, Ramanculov Y, Arsienko R, Shustov AV. Process for production of chimeric antigen receptor-transducing lentivirus particles using infection with replicon particles containing self-replicating RNAs. Biochem Eng J 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2023.108814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
|
30
|
Skidmore AM, Bradfute SB. The life cycle of the alphaviruses: From an antiviral perspective. Antiviral Res 2023; 209:105476. [PMID: 36436722 PMCID: PMC9840710 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2022.105476] [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: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The alphaviruses are a widely distributed group of positive-sense, single stranded, RNA viruses. These viruses are largely arthropod-borne and can be found on all populated continents. These viruses cause significant human disease, and recently have begun to spread into new populations, such as the expansion of Chikungunya virus into southern Europe and the Caribbean, where it has established itself as endemic. The study of alphaviruses is an active and expanding field, due to their impacts on human health, their effects on agriculture, and the threat that some pose as potential agents of biological warfare and terrorism. In this systematic review we will summarize both historic knowledge in the field as well as recently published data that has potential to shift current theories in how alphaviruses are able to function. This review is comprehensive, covering all parts of the alphaviral life cycle as well as a brief overview of their pathology and the current state of research in regards to vaccines and therapeutics for alphaviral disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Skidmore
- Center for Global Health, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, 915 Camino de Salud, IDTC Room 3245, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA.
| | - Steven B Bradfute
- Center for Global Health, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, 915 Camino de Salud, IDTC Room 3330A, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Chaudhary M, Sehgal D. In silico identification of natural antiviral compounds as a potential inhibitor of chikungunya virus non-structural protein 3 macrodomain. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022; 40:11560-11570. [PMID: 34355667 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1960195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Chikungunya Virus (CHIKV) is having a major impact on humans with potentially life-threatening and debilitating arthritis. The lack of a specific antiviral drug against the CHIKV disease has created an alarming situation to identify or develop potent chemical molecules for its remedial measures. Antiviral therapies for viral diseases are generally expensive and have adverse side effects. Plant-based antiviral natural compounds are the most suitable and best alternative of current antiviral drugs because of less toxicity. In the present study, non-structural protein 3 macrodomain (nsP3MD) of the CHIKV that is essential for virus replication has been selected for anti CHIKV drug target. The compounds were identified using molecular docking, virtual screening and further evaluated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies. The binding mechanism of each compound was analyzed considering the stability and energetic parameter. We have found six plant-based natural antiviral compounds Baicalin, Rutaecarpine, Amentoflavone, Apigetrin, Luteoloside, and Baloxavir as strong inhibitors of nsP3MD of CHIKV. ADMET prediction and target analysis of the selected compounds showed drug likeliness of these compounds. MD simulation studies indicated energetically favorable complex formation between nsP3MD and the selected antiviral compounds. Furthermore, the structural effects on these substitutions were analyzed using the principles of each trajectory, which validated the interaction studies. Our analysis suggests a very high probability of these compounds to inhibit nsP3MD of CHIKV and could be evaluated for Chikungunya fever drug development. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meenakshi Chaudhary
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Deepak Sehgal
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Kim T, Abraham R, Pieterse L, Yeh JX, Griffin DE. Cell-Type-Dependent Role for nsP3 Macrodomain ADP-Ribose Binding and Hydrolase Activity during Chikungunya Virus Infection. Viruses 2022; 14:v14122744. [PMID: 36560748 PMCID: PMC9787352 DOI: 10.3390/v14122744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) causes outbreaks of rash, arthritis, and fever associated with neurologic complications, where astrocytes are preferentially infected. A determinant of virulence is the macrodomain (MD) of nonstructural protein 3 (nsP3), which binds and removes ADP-ribose (ADPr) from ADP-ribosylated substrates and regulates stress-granule disruption. We compared the replication of CHIKV 181/25 (WT) and MD mutants with decreased ADPr binding and hydrolase (G32S) or increased ADPr binding and decreased hydrolase (Y114A) activities in C8-D1A astrocytic cells and NSC-34 neuronal cells. WT CHIKV replication was initiated more rapidly with earlier nsP synthesis in C8-D1A than in NSC-34 cells. G32S established infection, amplified replication complexes, and induced host-protein synthesis shut-off less efficiently than WT and produced less infectious virus, while Y114A replication was close to WT. However, G32S mutation effects on structural protein synthesis were cell-type-dependent. In NSC-34 cells, E2 synthesis was decreased compared to WT, while in C8-D1A cells synthesis was increased. Excess E2 produced by G32S-infected C8-D1A cells was assembled into virus particles that were less infectious than those from WT or Y114A-infected cells. Because nsP3 recruits ADP-ribosylated RNA-binding proteins in stress granules away from translation-initiation factors into nsP3 granules where the MD hydrolase can remove ADPr, we postulate that suboptimal translation-factor release decreased structural protein synthesis in NSC-34 cells while failure to de-ADP-ribosylate regulatory RNA-binding proteins increased synthesis in C8-D1A cells.
Collapse
|
33
|
Pourseif MM, Masoudi-Sobhanzadeh Y, Azari E, Parvizpour S, Barar J, Ansari R, Omidi Y. Self-amplifying mRNA vaccines: Mode of action, design, development and optimization. Drug Discov Today 2022; 27:103341. [PMID: 35988718 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.103341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The mRNA-based vaccines are quality-by-design (QbD) immunotherapies that provide safe, tunable, scalable, streamlined and potent treatment possibilities against different types of diseases. The self-amplifying mRNA (saRNA) vaccines, as a highly advantageous class of mRNA vaccines, are inspired by the intracellular self-multiplication nature of some positive-sense RNA viruses. Such vaccine platforms provide a relatively increased expression level of vaccine antigen(s) together with self-adjuvanticity properties. Lined with the QbD saRNA vaccines, essential optimizations improve the stability, safety, and immunogenicity of the vaccine constructs. Here, we elaborate on the concepts and mode-of-action of mRNA and saRNA vaccines, articulate the potential limitations or technical bottlenecks, and explain possible solutions or optimization methods in the process of their design and development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad M Pourseif
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Yosef Masoudi-Sobhanzadeh
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Erfan Azari
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sepideh Parvizpour
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Jaleh Barar
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Rais Ansari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
| | - Yadollah Omidi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Peinado RDS, Eberle RJ, Arni RK, Coronado MA. A Review of Omics Studies on Arboviruses: Alphavirus, Orthobunyavirus and Phlebovirus. Viruses 2022; 14:2194. [PMID: 36298749 PMCID: PMC9607206 DOI: 10.3390/v14102194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the intricate and complex steps in pathogenesis and host-viral interactions of arthropod-borne viruses or arboviruses are not completely understood, the multi-omics approaches, which encompass proteomics, transcriptomics, genomics and metabolomics network analysis, are of great importance. We have reviewed the omics studies on mosquito-borne viruses of the Togaviridae, Peribuyaviridae and Phenuiviridae families, specifically for Chikungunya, Mayaro, Oropouche and Rift Valley Fever viruses. Omics studies can potentially provide a new perspective on the pathophysiology of arboviruses, contributing to a better comprehension of these diseases and their effects and, hence, provide novel insights for the development of new antiviral drugs or therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela dos S. Peinado
- Multiuser Center for Biomolecular Innovation, Department of Physics, Sao Paulo State University, Sao Jose do Rio Preto 15054-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Raphael J. Eberle
- Institute of Biological Information Processing, IBI-7: Structural Biochemistry, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- Institut für Physikalische Biologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Raghuvir K. Arni
- Multiuser Center for Biomolecular Innovation, Department of Physics, Sao Paulo State University, Sao Jose do Rio Preto 15054-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Mônika A. Coronado
- Institute of Biological Information Processing, IBI-7: Structural Biochemistry, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Rabelo VWH, de Palmer Paixão ICN, Abreu PA. Structural insights into the inhibition of the nsP2 protease from Chikungunya virus by molecular modeling approaches. J Mol Model 2022; 28:311. [PMID: 36097090 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-022-05316-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is the etiological agent of the Chikungunya fever which has spread worldwide. Clinically, this disease may lead to prolonged incapacitating joint pain that can compromise remarkably the patients' quality of life. However, there are no licensed vaccines or specific drugs to fight this infection yet, making the search for novel therapies an imperative need. In this scenario, the CHIKV nsP2 protease emerged as an attractive therapeutic target once this protein plays a pivotal role in viral replication and pathogenesis. Hence, we investigated the structural basis for the inhibition of this enzyme by using molecular docking and dynamics simulations. Compounds with inhibitory activities against CHIKV nsP2 protease determined experimentally were selected from the literature. Docking studies with a set of stereoisomers showed that trans isomers, but not cis ones, bound close to the catalytic dyad which may explain isomerism requirements to the enzyme's inhibition. Further, binding mode analyses of other known inhibitors revealed highly conserved contacts between inhibitors and enzyme residues like N1011, C1013, A1046, Y1079, N1082, W1084, L1205, and M1242. Molecular dynamics simulations reinforced the importance of some of these interactions and pointed to nonpolar interactions as the main forces for inhibitors' binding. Finally, we observed that true inhibitors exhibited lower structural fluctuation, higher ligand efficiency and did not induce significant changes in protein correlated motions. Collectively, our findings might allow discerning true inhibitors from false ones and can guide drug development efforts targeting the nsP2 protease to fight CHIKV infections in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vitor Won-Held Rabelo
- Instituto de Biologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, 24210-201, Brazil
| | - Izabel Christina Nunes de Palmer Paixão
- Instituto de Biologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, 24210-201, Brazil.,Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, 24210-201, Brazil
| | - Paula Alvarez Abreu
- Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade (NUPEM), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Macaé, RJ, 27965-045, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Mayaro Virus: The State-of-the-Art for Antiviral Drug Development. Viruses 2022; 14:v14081787. [PMID: 36016409 PMCID: PMC9415492 DOI: 10.3390/v14081787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mayaro virus is an emerging arbovirus that causes nonspecific febrile illness or arthralgia syndromes similar to the Chikungunya virus, a virus closely related from the Togaviridae family. MAYV outbreaks occur more frequently in the northern and central-western states of Brazil; however, in recent years, virus circulation has been spreading to other regions. Due to the undifferentiated initial clinical symptoms between MAYV and other endemic pathogenic arboviruses with geographic overlapping, identification of patients infected by MAYV might be underreported. Additionally, the lack of specific prophylactic approaches or antiviral drugs limits the pharmacological management of patients to treat symptoms like pain and inflammation, as is the case with most pathogenic alphaviruses. In this context, this review aims to present the state-of-the-art regarding the screening and development of compounds/molecules which may present anti-MAYV activity and infection inhibition.
Collapse
|
37
|
Zhang K, Law MCY, Nguyen TM, Tan YB, Wirawan M, Law YS, Jeong LS, Luo D. Molecular basis of specific viral RNA recognition and 5'-end capping by the Chikungunya virus nsP1. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111133. [PMID: 35905713 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Many viruses encode RNA-modifying enzymes to edit the 5' end of viral RNA to mimic the cellular mRNA for effective protein translation, genome replication, and evasion of the host defense mechanisms. Alphavirus nsP1 synthesizes the 5' end Cap-0 structure of viral RNAs. However, the molecular basis of the capping process remains unclear. We determine high-resolution cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of Chikungunya virus nsP1 in complex with m7GTP/SAH, covalently attached m7GMP, and Cap-0 viral RNA. These structures reveal details of viral-RNA-capping reactions and uncover a sequence-specific virus RNA-recognition pattern that, in turn, regulates viral-RNA-capping efficiency to ensure optimal genome replication and subgenomic RNA transcription. This sequence-specific enzyme-RNA pairing is conserved across all alphaviruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kuo Zhang
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, EMB 03-07, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921, Singapore; NTU Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University, EMB 06-01, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921, Singapore; School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Michelle Cheok Yien Law
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, EMB 03-07, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921, Singapore; NTU Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University, EMB 06-01, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921, Singapore
| | - Trinh Mai Nguyen
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, EMB 03-07, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921, Singapore; NTU Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University, EMB 06-01, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921, Singapore
| | - Yaw Bia Tan
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, EMB 03-07, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921, Singapore; NTU Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University, EMB 06-01, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921, Singapore
| | - Melissa Wirawan
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, EMB 03-07, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921, Singapore; NTU Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University, EMB 06-01, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921, Singapore
| | - Yee-Song Law
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, EMB 03-07, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921, Singapore; NTU Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University, EMB 06-01, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921, Singapore
| | - Lak Shin Jeong
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dahai Luo
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, EMB 03-07, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921, Singapore; NTU Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University, EMB 06-01, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921, Singapore; School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Jayaraman M, Dutta P, Krishnan S, Arora K, Sivakumar D, Raghavendran HRB. Emerging Promise of Phytochemicals in Ameliorating Neurological Disorders. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS DRUG TARGETS 2022; 22:CNSNDDT-EPUB-124961. [PMID: 35786341 DOI: 10.2174/1871527321666220701153926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The field of medicine and synthetic drug development have advanced rapidly over the past few decades. However, research on alternative medicine such as phytochemicals cannot be ignored. The main reason for prominent curiosity about phytochemicals stems from the belief that usage of natural compounds is safer and has lesser detrimental side effects. OBJECTIVE The aim of the present review was to discuss in detail with several phytochemicals that have been studied or are being studied in the context of various neurological disorders including depression, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease and even neuroinflammatory disorders such as encephalitis. METHODS The potential role of phytochemicals in the treatment or management of symptoms associated with neurological disorders have been included in this article. All data included in this paper has been pooled from various databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Springer and Wiley Online Library. RESULTS Phytochemicals have been widely studied for their therapeutic properties associated with neurological disorders. Using various experimental techniques for both in vivo and in vitro experiments, studies have shown that phytochemicals do have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities which play major roles in the treatment of neurological diseases. CONCLUSION Even though there has been compelling evidence of the therapeutic role of phytochemicals, further research is still required to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these medicines. Using previously published papers as foundation for additional research such as preclinical studies and clinical trials, phytochemicals can become a safer alternative to synthetic drugs for treating a spectrum of neurological diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megala Jayaraman
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, SRM Nagar, Kattankulathur-603203, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Parijat Dutta
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, SRM Nagar, Kattankulathur-603203, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sabari Krishnan
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, SRM Nagar, Kattankulathur-603203, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Khyati Arora
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, SRM Nagar, Kattankulathur-603203, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Diveyaa Sivakumar
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, SRM Nagar, Kattankulathur-603203, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
- School of Dental Sciences, University Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Hanumanth Rao Balaji Raghavendran
- Faculty of Clinical Research, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Central Research Facility, Porur, Chennai-600116, India
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Characterization of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase from Chikungunya virus and discovery of a novel ligand as a potential drug candidate. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10601. [PMID: 35732685 PMCID: PMC9217121 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14790-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is the causative agent of Chikungunya fever, an acute febrile and arthritogenic illness with no effective treatments available. The development of effective therapeutic strategies could be significantly accelerated with detailed knowledge of the molecular components behind CHIKV replication. However, drug discovery is hindered by our incomplete understanding of their main components. The RNA-dependent RNA-polymerase (nsP4-CHIKV) is considered the key enzyme of the CHIKV replication complex and a suitable target for antiviral therapy. Herein, the nsP4-CHIKV was extensively characterized through experimental and computational biophysical methods. In the search for new molecules against CHIKV, a compound designated LabMol-309 was identified as a strong ligand of the nsp4-CHIKV and mapped to bind to its active site. The antiviral activity of LabMol-309 was evaluated in cellular-based assays using a CHIKV replicon system and a reporter virus. In conclusion, this study highlights the biophysical features of nsP4-CHIKV and identifies a new compound as a promising antiviral agent against CHIKV infection.
Collapse
|
40
|
Cherkashchenko L, Rausalu K, Basu S, Alphey L, Merits A. Expression of Alphavirus Nonstructural Protein 2 (nsP2) in Mosquito Cells Inhibits Viral RNA Replication in Both a Protease Activity-Dependent and -Independent Manner. Viruses 2022; 14:v14061327. [PMID: 35746799 PMCID: PMC9228716 DOI: 10.3390/v14061327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Alphaviruses are positive-strand RNA viruses, mostly being mosquito-transmitted. Cells infected by an alphavirus become resistant to superinfection due to a block that occurs at the level of RNA replication. Alphavirus replication proteins, called nsP1-4, are produced from nonstructural polyprotein precursors, processed by the protease activity of nsP2. Trans-replicase systems and replicon vectors were used to study effects of nsP2 of chikungunya virus and Sindbis virus on alphavirus RNA replication in mosquito cells. Co-expressed wild-type nsP2 reduced RNA replicase activity of homologous virus; this effect was reduced but typically not abolished by mutation in the protease active site of nsP2. Mutations in the replicase polyprotein that blocked its cleavage by nsP2 reduced the negative effect of nsP2 co-expression, confirming that nsP2-mediated inhibition of RNA replicase activity is largely due to nsP2-mediated processing of the nonstructural polyprotein. Co-expression of nsP2 also suppressed the activity of replicases of heterologous alphaviruses. Thus, the presence of nsP2 inhibits formation and activity of alphavirus RNA replicase in protease activity-dependent and -independent manners. This knowledge improves our understanding about mechanisms of superinfection exclusion for alphaviruses and may aid the development of anti-alphavirus approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liubov Cherkashchenko
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (L.C.); (K.R.)
| | - Kai Rausalu
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (L.C.); (K.R.)
| | - Sanjay Basu
- The Pirbright Institute, Ash Road, Pirbright GU24 ONF, UK; (S.B.); (L.A.)
| | - Luke Alphey
- The Pirbright Institute, Ash Road, Pirbright GU24 ONF, UK; (S.B.); (L.A.)
| | - Andres Merits
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (L.C.); (K.R.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Nishikiori M, den Boon JA, Unchwaniwala N, Ahlquist P. Crowning Touches in Positive-Strand RNA Virus Genome Replication Complex Structure and Function. Annu Rev Virol 2022; 9:193-212. [PMID: 35610038 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-virology-092920-021307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Positive-strand RNA viruses, the largest genetic class of eukaryotic viruses, include coronaviruses and many other established and emerging pathogens. A major target for understanding and controlling these viruses is their genome replication, which occurs in virus-induced membrane vesicles that organize replication steps and protect double-stranded RNA intermediates from innate immune recognition. The structure of these complexes has been greatly illuminated by recent cryo-electron microscope tomography studies with several viruses. One key finding in diverse systems is the organization of crucial viral RNA replication factors in multimeric rings or crowns that among other functions serve as exit channels gating release of progeny genomes to the cytosol for translation and encapsidation. Emerging results suggest that these crowns serve additional important purposes in replication complex assembly, function, and interaction with downstream processes such as encapsidation. The findings provide insights into viral function and evolution and new bases for understanding, controlling, and engineering positive-strand RNA viruses. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Virology, Volume 9 is September 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Nishikiori
- John and Jeanne Rowe Center for Research in Virology, Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, Wisconsin, USA; .,Institute for Molecular Virology and McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Johan A den Boon
- John and Jeanne Rowe Center for Research in Virology, Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, Wisconsin, USA; .,Institute for Molecular Virology and McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Nuruddin Unchwaniwala
- John and Jeanne Rowe Center for Research in Virology, Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, Wisconsin, USA; .,Institute for Molecular Virology and McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.,Current affiliation: Assembly Biosciences, Inc., South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Paul Ahlquist
- John and Jeanne Rowe Center for Research in Virology, Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, Wisconsin, USA; .,Institute for Molecular Virology and McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Qin S, Tang X, Chen Y, Chen K, Fan N, Xiao W, Zheng Q, Li G, Teng Y, Wu M, Song X. mRNA-based therapeutics: powerful and versatile tools to combat diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:166. [PMID: 35597779 PMCID: PMC9123296 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01007-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 84.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic use of messenger RNA (mRNA) has fueled great hope to combat a wide range of incurable diseases. Recent rapid advances in biotechnology and molecular medicine have enabled the production of almost any functional protein/peptide in the human body by introducing mRNA as a vaccine or therapeutic agent. This represents a rising precision medicine field with great promise for preventing and treating many intractable or genetic diseases. In addition, in vitro transcribed mRNA has achieved programmed production, which is more effective, faster in design and production, as well as more flexible and cost-effective than conventional approaches that may offer. Based on these extraordinary advantages, mRNA vaccines have the characteristics of the swiftest response to large-scale outbreaks of infectious diseases, such as the currently devastating pandemic COVID-19. It has always been the scientists’ desire to improve the stability, immunogenicity, translation efficiency, and delivery system to achieve efficient and safe delivery of mRNA. Excitingly, these scientific dreams have gradually been realized with the rapid, amazing achievements of molecular biology, RNA technology, vaccinology, and nanotechnology. In this review, we comprehensively describe mRNA-based therapeutics, including their principles, manufacture, application, effects, and shortcomings. We also highlight the importance of mRNA optimization and delivery systems in successful mRNA therapeutics and discuss the key challenges and opportunities in developing these tools into powerful and versatile tools to combat many genetic, infectious, cancer, and other refractory diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shugang Qin
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoshan Tang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuting Chen
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Kepan Chen
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Na Fan
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wen Xiao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qian Zheng
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Guohong Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuqing Teng
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, 58203, USA
| | - Xiangrong Song
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Lüscher B, Verheirstraeten M, Krieg S, Korn P. Intracellular mono-ADP-ribosyltransferases at the host-virus interphase. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:288. [PMID: 35536484 PMCID: PMC9087173 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04290-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The innate immune system, the primary defense mechanism of higher organisms against pathogens including viruses, senses pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). In response to PAMPs, interferons (IFNs) are produced, allowing the host to react swiftly to viral infection. In turn the expression of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) is induced. Their products disseminate the antiviral response. Among the ISGs conserved in many species are those encoding mono-ADP-ribosyltransferases (mono-ARTs). This prompts the question whether, and if so how, mono-ADP-ribosylation affects viral propagation. Emerging evidence demonstrates that some mono-ADP-ribosyltransferases function as PAMP receptors and modify both host and viral proteins relevant for viral replication. Support for mono-ADP-ribosylation in virus–host interaction stems from the findings that some viruses encode mono-ADP-ribosylhydrolases, which antagonize cellular mono-ARTs. We summarize and discuss the evidence linking mono-ADP-ribosylation and the enzymes relevant to catalyze this reversible modification with the innate immune response as part of the arms race between host and viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Lüscher
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Maud Verheirstraeten
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Sarah Krieg
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Patricia Korn
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Sundar S, Piramanayagam S, Natarajan J. A review on structural genomics approach applied for drug discovery against three vector-borne viral diseases: Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika. Virus Genes 2022; 58:151-171. [PMID: 35394596 DOI: 10.1007/s11262-022-01898-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Structural genomics involves the advent of three-dimensional structures of the genome encoded proteins through various techniques available. Numerous structural genomics research groups have been developed across the globe and they contribute enormously to the identification of three-dimensional structures of various proteins. In this review, we have discussed the applications of the structural genomics approach towards the discovery of potential lead-like molecules against the genomic drug targets of three vector-borne diseases, namely, Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika. Currently, all these three diseases are associated with the most important global public health problems and significant economic burden in tropical countries. Structural genomics has accelerated the identification of novel drug targets and inhibitors for the treatment of these diseases. We start with the current development status of the drug targets and antiviral drugs against these three diseases and conclude by describing challenges that need to be addressed to overcome the shortcomings in the process of drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shobana Sundar
- Computational Biology Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, India
| | | | - Jeyakumar Natarajan
- Data Mining and Text Mining Laboratory, Department of Bioinformatics, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Pollock KM, Cheeseman HM, Szubert AJ, Libri V, Boffito M, Owen D, Bern H, O'Hara J, McFarlane LR, Lemm NM, McKay PF, Rampling T, Yim YTN, Milinkovic A, Kingsley C, Cole T, Fagerbrink S, Aban M, Tanaka M, Mehdipour S, Robbins A, Budd W, Faust SN, Hassanin H, Cosgrove CA, Winston A, Fidler S, Dunn DT, McCormack S, Shattock RJ. Safety and immunogenicity of a self-amplifying RNA vaccine against COVID-19: COVAC1, a phase I, dose-ranging trial. EClinicalMedicine 2022; 44:101262. [PMID: 35043093 PMCID: PMC8759012 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2021.101262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lipid nanoparticle (LNP) encapsulated self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) is a novel technology formulated as a low dose vaccine against COVID-19. METHODS A phase I first-in-human dose-ranging trial of a saRNA COVID-19 vaccine candidate LNP-nCoVsaRNA, was conducted at Imperial Clinical Research Facility, and participating centres in London, UK, between 19th June to 28th October 2020. Participants received two intramuscular (IM) injections of LNP-nCoVsaRNA at six different dose levels, 0.1-10.0μg, given four weeks apart. An open-label dose escalation was followed by a dose evaluation. Solicited adverse events (AEs) were collected for one week from enrolment, with follow-up at regular intervals (1-8 weeks). The binding and neutralisation capacity of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody raised in participant sera was measured by means of an anti-Spike (S) IgG ELISA, immunoblot, SARS-CoV-2 pseudoneutralisation and wild type neutralisation assays. (The trial is registered: ISRCTN17072692, EudraCT 2020-001646-20). FINDINGS 192 healthy individuals with no history or serological evidence of COVID-19, aged 18-45 years were enrolled. The vaccine was well tolerated with no serious adverse events related to vaccination. Seroconversion at week six whether measured by ELISA or immunoblot was related to dose (both p<0.001), ranging from 8% (3/39; 0.1μg) to 61% (14/23; 10.0μg) in ELISA and 46% (18/39; 0.3μg) to 87% (20/23; 5.0μg and 10.0μg) in a post-hoc immunoblot assay. Geometric mean (GM) anti-S IgG concentrations ranged from 74 (95% CI, 45-119) at 0.1μg to 1023 (468-2236) ng/mL at 5.0μg (p<0.001) and was not higher at 10.0μg. Neutralisation of SARS-CoV-2 by participant sera was measurable in 15% (6/39; 0.1μg) to 48% (11/23; 5.0μg) depending on dose level received. INTERPRETATION Encapsulated saRNA is safe for clinical development, is immunogenic at low dose levels but failed to induce 100% seroconversion. Modifications to optimise humoral responses are required to realise its potential as an effective vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. FUNDING This study was co-funded by grants and gifts from the Medical Research Council UKRI (MC_PC_19076), and the National Institute Health Research/Vaccine Task Force, Partners of Citadel and Citadel Securities, Sir Joseph Hotung Charitable Settlement, Jon Moulton Charity Trust, Pierre Andurand, Restore the Earth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katrina M. Pollock
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London
- NIHR Imperial Clinical Research Facility and NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | | | | | - Vincenzo Libri
- NIHR UCLH Clinical Research Facility and NIHR UCLH Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Marta Boffito
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London
- Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, London
| | - David Owen
- NIHR Imperial Clinical Research Facility and NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Henry Bern
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, London, UK
| | - Jessica O'Hara
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London
| | | | | | - Paul F. McKay
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London
| | - Tommy Rampling
- NIHR UCLH Clinical Research Facility and NIHR UCLH Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Yee Ting N. Yim
- NIHR UCLH Clinical Research Facility and NIHR UCLH Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | | | | | - Tom Cole
- NIHR Imperial Clinical Research Facility and NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Susanne Fagerbrink
- NIHR Imperial Clinical Research Facility and NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Marites Aban
- NIHR Imperial Clinical Research Facility and NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Maniola Tanaka
- NIHR Imperial Clinical Research Facility and NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Savviz Mehdipour
- NIHR Imperial Clinical Research Facility and NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Alexander Robbins
- NIHR Imperial Clinical Research Facility and NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - William Budd
- NIHR Imperial Clinical Research Facility and NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Saul N. Faust
- NIHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility and Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK; Faculty of Medicine and Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Hana Hassanin
- Surrey Clinical Research Facility, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | | | - Alan Winston
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London
| | - Sarah Fidler
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London
| | | | | | - Robin J. Shattock
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London
- Corresponding author.
| | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Selective estrogen receptor modulators limit alphavirus infection by targeting the viral capping enzyme nsP1. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2022; 66:e0194321. [PMID: 35041501 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01943-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Alphaviruses cause animal or human diseases that are characterized by febrile illness, debilitating arthralgia, or encephalitis. Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), a class of FDA-approved drugs, have been shown to possess antiviral activities against multiple viruses, including Hepatitis C virus, Ebola virus, dengue virus, and vesicular stomatitis virus. Here, we evaluated three SERM compounds, namely 4-hydroxytamoxifen, tamoxifen, and clomifene, for plausible antiviral properties against two medically important alphaviruses, chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and Sindbis virus (SINV). In cell culture settings, these SERMs displayed potent activity against CHIKV and SINV at non-toxic concentrations with EC50 values ranging between 400 nM and 3.9 μM. Further studies indicated that these compounds inhibit a post-entry step of the alphavirus life cycle, while enzymatic assays involving purified recombinant proteins confirmed that these SERMs target the enzymatic activity of non-structural protein 1 (nsP1), the capping enzyme of alphaviruses. Finally, tamoxifen treatment restrained CHIKV growth in the infected mice and diminished musculoskeletal pathologies. Combining biochemical, cell culture-based studies, and in vivo analyses, we strongly argue that SERM compounds, or their derivatives, may provide for attractive therapeutic options against alphaviruses.
Collapse
|
47
|
Ciota AT. Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus Taxonomy, Genomics, and Evolution. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 59:14-19. [PMID: 34734630 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjab079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV; Togaviridae, Alphavirus) is an arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) primarily maintained in an enzootic cycle between Culiseta melanura (Coquillett) and passerine birds. EEEV, which has the highest reported case- fatality rate among arbovirus in the Americas, is responsible for sporadic outbreaks in the Eastern and Midwest United States. Infection is associated with severe neurologic disease and mortality in horses, humans, and other vertebrate hosts. Here, we review what is known about EEEV taxonomy, functional genomics, and evolution, and identify gaps in knowledge regarding the role of EEEV genetic diversity in transmission and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander T Ciota
- The Arbovirus Laboratory, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Slingerlands, NY
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Albany School of Public Health, Rensselaer, NY
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Maruggi G, Ulmer JB, Rappuoli R, Yu D. Self-amplifying mRNA-Based Vaccine Technology and Its Mode of Action. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2022; 440:31-70. [PMID: 33861374 DOI: 10.1007/82_2021_233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Self-amplifying mRNAs derived from the genomes of positive-strand RNA viruses have recently come into focus as a promising technology platform for vaccine development. Non-virally delivered self-amplifying mRNA vaccines have the potential to be highly versatile, potent, streamlined, scalable, and inexpensive. By amplifying their genome and the antigen encoding mRNA in the host cell, the self-amplifying mRNA mimics a viral infection, resulting in sustained levels of the target protein combined with self-adjuvanting innate immune responses, ultimately leading to potent and long-lasting antigen-specific humoral and cellular immune responses. Moreover, in principle, any eukaryotic sequence could be encoded by self-amplifying mRNA without the need to change the manufacturing process, thereby enabling a much faster and flexible research and development timeline than the current vaccines and hence a quicker response to emerging infectious diseases. This chapter highlights the rapid progress made in using non-virally delivered self-amplifying mRNA-based vaccines against infectious diseases in animal models. We provide an overview of the unique attributes of this vaccine approach, summarize the growing body of work defining its mechanism of action, discuss the current challenges and latest advances, and highlight perspectives about the future of this promising technology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Dong Yu
- GSK, 14200 Shady Grove Road, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA. .,Dynavax Technologies, 2100 Powell Street Suite, Emeryville, CA, 94608, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Noguera P, Klinger M, Örün H, Grunow B, Del-Pozo J. Ultrastructural insights into the replication cycle of salmon pancreas disease virus (SPDV) using salmon cardiac primary cultures (SCPCs). JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES 2021; 44:2031-2041. [PMID: 34424537 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.13518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Salmon pancreas disease virus (SPDV) has been affecting the salmon farming industry for over 30 years, but despite the substantial amount of studies, there are still a number of recognized knowledge gaps, for example in the transmission of the virus. In this work, an ultrastructural morphological approach was used to describe observations after infection by SPDV of an ex vivo cardiac model generated from Atlantic salmon embryos. The observations in this study and those available on previous ultrastructural work on SPDV are compared and contrasted with the current knowledge on terrestrial mammalian and insect alphaviral replication cycles, which is deeper than that of SPDV both morphologically and mechanistically. Despite their limitations, morphological descriptions remain an excellent way to generate novel hypotheses, and this has been the aim of this work. This study has used a target host, ex vivo model and resulted in some previously undescribed features, including filopodial membrane projections, cytoplasmic stress granules or putative intracytoplasmic budding. The latter suggests a new hypothesis that warrants further mechanistic research: SPDV in salmon may have retained the capacity for non-cytolytic (persistent) infections by intracellular budding, similar to that noted in arthropod vectors of other alphaviruses. In the notable absence of a known intermediate host for SPDV, the presence of this pattern suggests that both cytopathic and persistent infections may coexist in the same host. It is our hope that the ultrastructural comparison presented here stimulates new research that brings the knowledge on SPDV replication cycle up to a similar level to that of terrestrial alphaviruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Histro Örün
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Bianka Grunow
- Leibniz-Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Jorge Del-Pozo
- Royal Dick School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, UK
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Pott F, Postmus D, Brown RJP, Wyler E, Neumann E, Landthaler M, Goffinet C. Single-cell analysis of arthritogenic alphavirus-infected human synovial fibroblasts links low abundance of viral RNA to induction of innate immunity and arthralgia-associated gene expression. Emerg Microbes Infect 2021; 10:2151-2168. [PMID: 34723780 PMCID: PMC8604527 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2021.2000891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Infection by (re-)emerging RNA arboviruses including Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and Mayaro virus primarily cause acute febrile disease and transient polyarthralgia. However, in a significant subset of infected individuals, debilitating arthralgia persists for weeks over months up to years. The underlying immunopathogenesis of chronification of arthralgia upon primary RNA-viral infection remains unclear. Here, we analysed cell-intrinsic responses to ex vivo arthritogenic alphaviral infection of primary human synovial fibroblasts isolated from knee joints, one the most affected joint types during acute and chronic CHIKV disease. Synovial fibroblasts were susceptible and permissive to alphaviral infection. Base-line and exogenously added type I interferon (IFN) partially and potently restricted infection, respectively. RNA-seq revealed a CHIKV infection-induced transcriptional profile that comprised upregulation of expression of several hundred IFN-stimulated and arthralgia-mediating genes. Single-cell virus-inclusive RNA-seq uncovered a fine-tuned switch from induction to repression of cell-intrinsic immune responses depending on the abundance of viral RNA in an individual cell. Specifically, responses were most pronounced in cells displaying low-to-intermediate amounts of viral RNA and absence of virus-encoded, fluorescent reporter protein expression, arguing for efficient counteraction of innate immunity in cells expressing viral antagonists at sufficient quantities. In summary, cell-intrinsic sensing of viral RNA that potentially persists or replicates at low levels in synovial fibroblasts and other target cell types in vivo may contribute to the chronic arthralgia induced by alphaviral infections. Our findings might advance our understanding of the immunopathophysiology of long-term pathogenesis of RNA-viral infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Pott
- Institute of Virology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dylan Postmus
- Institute of Virology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Emanuel Wyler
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology (BIMSB), Berlin, Germany
| | - Elena Neumann
- Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Markus Landthaler
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology (BIMSB), Berlin, Germany
- IRI Life Sciences, Institut für Biologie, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christine Goffinet
- Institute of Virology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|