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Li L, Sottas CM, Chen HY, Li Y, Cui H, Villano JS, Mankowski JL, Cannon PM, Papadopoulos V. SARS-CoV-2 Enters Human Leydig Cells and Affects Testosterone Production In Vitro. Cells 2023; 12:1198. [PMID: 37190107 PMCID: PMC10136776 DOI: 10.3390/cells12081198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a SARS-like coronavirus, continues to produce mounting infections and fatalities all over the world. Recent data point to SARS-CoV-2 viral infections in the human testis. As low testosterone levels are associated with SARS-CoV-2 viral infections in males and human Leydig cells are the main source of testosterone, we hypothesized that SARS-CoV-2 could infect human Leydig cells and impair their function. We successfully detected SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid in testicular Leydig cells of SARS-CoV-2-infected hamsters, providing evidence that Leydig cells can be infected with SARS-CoV-2. We then employed human Leydig-like cells (hLLCs) to show that the SARS-CoV-2 receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 is highly expressed in hLLCs. Using a cell binding assay and a SARS-CoV-2 spike-pseudotyped viral vector (SARS-CoV-2 spike pseudovector), we showed that SARS-CoV-2 could enter hLLCs and increase testosterone production by hLLCs. We further combined the SARS-CoV-2 spike pseudovector system with pseudovector-based inhibition assays to show that SARS-CoV-2 enters hLLCs through pathways distinct from those of monkey kidney Vero E6 cells, a typical model used to study SARS-CoV-2 entry mechanisms. We finally revealed that neuropilin-1 and cathepsin B/L are expressed in hLLCs and human testes, raising the possibility that SARS-CoV-2 may enter hLLCs through these receptors or proteases. In conclusion, our study shows that SARS-CoV-2 can enter hLLCs through a distinct pathway and alter testosterone production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Chantal M. Sottas
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Hsu-Yu Chen
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Yuchang Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Haoyi Cui
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Jason S. Villano
- Departments of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Pathology and Neurology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Joseph L. Mankowski
- Departments of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Pathology and Neurology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Paula M. Cannon
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Vassilios Papadopoulos
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
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Folic Acid and Leucovorin Have Potential to Prevent SARS-CoV-2-Virus Internalization by Interacting with S-Glycoprotein/Neuropilin-1 Receptor Complex. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28052294. [PMID: 36903540 PMCID: PMC10005443 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28052294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The interaction of the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) glycoprotein receptor-binding domain with the host-cell ACE2 receptor is a well-known step in virus infection. Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) is another host factor involved in virus internalization. The interaction between S-glycoprotein and NRP-1 has been identified as a potential COVID-19 treatment target. Herein, the effectiveness of folic acid and leucovorin in preventing contact between S-glycoprotein and NRP-1 receptors was investigated using in silico studies and then confirmed in vitro. The results of a molecular docking study showed that leucovorin and folic acid had lower binding energies than EG01377, a well-known NRP-1 inhibitor, and lopinavir. Two hydrogen bonds with Asp 320 and Asn 300 residues stabilized the leucovorin, while interactions with Gly 318, Thr 349, and Tyr 353 residues stabilized the folic acid. The molecular dynamic simulation revealed that the folic acid and leucovorin created very stable complexes with the NRP-1. The in vitro studies showed that the leucovorin was the most active inhibitor of the S1-glycoprotein/NRP-1 complex formation, with an IC75 value of 185.95 µg/mL. The results of this study suggest that folic acid and leucovorin could be considered as potential inhibitors of the S-glycoprotein/NRP-1 complex and, thus, could prevent the SARS-CoV-2 virus' entry into host cells.
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Impaired VEGF-A-Mediated Neurovascular Crosstalk Induced by SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein: A Potential Hypothesis Explaining Long COVID-19 Symptoms and COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effects? Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10122452. [PMID: 36557705 PMCID: PMC9784975 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10122452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Long coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is a newly discovered syndrome characterized by multiple organ manifestations that persist for weeks to months, following the recovery from acute disease. Occasionally, neurological and cardiovascular side effects mimicking long COVID-19 have been reported in recipients of COVID-19 vaccines. Hypothetically, the clinical similarity could be due to a shared pathogenic role of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike (S) protein produced by the virus or used for immunization. The S protein can bind to neuropilin (NRP)-1, which normally functions as a coreceptor for the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A. By antagonizing the docking of VEGF-A to NRP-1, the S protein could disrupt physiological pathways involved in angiogenesis and nociception. One consequence could be the increase in unbound forms of VEGF-A that could bind to other receptors. SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals may exhibit increased plasma levels of VEGF-A during both acute illness and convalescence, which could be responsible for diffuse microvascular and neurological damage. A few studies suggest that serum VEGF-A may also be a potential biomarker for long COVID-19, whereas evidence for COVID-19 vaccines is lacking and merits further investigation.
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Charitou T, Kontou PI, Tamposis IA, Pavlopoulos GA, Braliou GG, Bagos PG. Drug genetic associations with COVID-19 manifestations: a data mining and network biology approach. THE PHARMACOGENOMICS JOURNAL 2022; 22:294-302. [PMID: 36171417 PMCID: PMC9517961 DOI: 10.1038/s41397-022-00289-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Available drugs have been used as an urgent attempt through clinical trials to minimize severe cases of hospitalizations with Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), however, there are limited data on common pharmacogenomics affecting concomitant medications response in patients with comorbidities. To identify the genomic determinants that influence COVID-19 susceptibility, we use a computational, statistical, and network biology approach to analyze relationships of ineffective concomitant medication with an adverse effect on patients. We statistically construct a pharmacogenetic/biomarker network with significant drug-gene interactions originating from gene-disease associations. Investigation of the predicted pharmacogenes encompassing the gene-disease-gene pharmacogenomics (PGx) network suggests that these genes could play a significant role in COVID-19 clinical manifestation due to their association with autoimmune, metabolic, neurological, cardiovascular, and degenerative disorders, some of which have been reported to be crucial comorbidities in a COVID-19 patient.
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Suručić R, Radović Selgrad J, Kundaković-Vasović T, Lazović B, Travar M, Suručić L, Škrbić R. In Silico and In Vitro Studies of Alchemilla viridiflora Rothm-Polyphenols' Potential for Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Internalization. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27165174. [PMID: 36014415 PMCID: PMC9415016 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27165174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been obvious that virus infection poses a serious threat to human health on a global scale. Certain plants, particularly those rich in polyphenols, have been found to be effective antiviral agents. The effectiveness of Alchemilla viridiflora Rothm. (Rosaceae) methanol extract to prevent contact between virus spike (S)-glycoprotein and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and neuropilin-1 (NRP1) receptors was investigated. In vitro results revealed that the tested samples inhibited 50% of virus-receptor binding interactions in doses of 0.18 and 0.22 mg/mL for NRP1 and ACE2, respectively. Molecular docking studies revealed that the compounds from A. viridiflora ellagitannins class had a higher affinity for binding with S-glycoprotein whilst flavonoid compounds more significantly interacted with the NRP1 receptor. Quercetin 3-(6″-ferulylglucoside) and pentagalloylglucose were two compounds with the highest exhibited interfering potential for selected target receptors, with binding energies of −8.035 (S-glycoprotein) and −7.685 kcal/mol (NRP1), respectively. Furthermore, computational studies on other SARS-CoV-2 strains resulting from mutations in the original wild strain (V483A, N501Y-K417N-E484K, N501Y, N439K, L452R-T478K, K417N, G476S, F456L, E484K) revealed that virus internalization activity was maintained, but with different single compound contributions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Relja Suručić
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Banja Luka, 78000 Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Correspondence: (R.S.); (R.Š.)
| | - Jelena Radović Selgrad
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, VojvodeStepe 450, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tatjana Kundaković-Vasović
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, VojvodeStepe 450, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Biljana Lazović
- Internal Medicine Clinic, Division of Pulmonology, University Clinical Hospital Center Zemun, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Maja Travar
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Banja Luka, 78000 Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Ljiljana Suručić
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Banja Luka, 78000 Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Ranko Škrbić
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Banja Luka, 78000 Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Correspondence: (R.S.); (R.Š.)
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Current strategies in diagnostics and therapeutics against novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). ACTA PHARMACEUTICA (ZAGREB, CROATIA) 2022; 72:171-197. [PMID: 36651515 DOI: 10.2478/acph-2022-0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The epidemic of COVID-19 spread quickly through China and engulfed all of the countries across the globe. Several advances have been made in understanding the novel coronavirus's pathophysiology and in the development of newer diagnostics with pinpoint accuracy. Several newer therapeutic methods have either been accepted or are awaiting acceptance. In many countries, vaccination programs have been rolled out. Despite all these efforts, coronavirus still exists, though with lesser propensity. Multiple new forms of the novel coronavirus unexpectedly appeared in various areas of the world, undermining previously existing diagnosis and care protocols. This article highlights our understanding of the novel coronavirus's symptoms in brief, pathogenesis, diagnostics, and therapeutic strategies to contain COVID-19. The clinical findings, including serological, radiological, and other advanced diagnostic strategies, contributed much to control the disease. To date, supportive interventions have been used in tandem with potent antiviral therapies such as remdesivir, lopinavir/ritonavir, or corticosteroids with a level of trust in the care of COVID-19 patients. However, in several areas of the world, vaccination initiatives took place; the vaccines' safety and efficacy to control the outbreak is yet to be identified. This review concludes that improvement in therapies and diagnostics for COVID-19 must continually be explored as new variants constantly emerge.
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Chapoval SP, Keegan AD. Perspectives and potential approaches for targeting neuropilin 1 in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Mol Med 2021; 27:162. [PMID: 34961486 PMCID: PMC8711287 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-021-00423-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel type b coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. With over 224 million confirmed infections with this virus and more than 4.6 million people dead because of it, it is critically important to define the immunological processes occurring in the human response to this virus and pathogenetic mechanisms of its deadly manifestation. This perspective focuses on the contribution of the recently discovered interaction of SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein with neuropilin 1 (NRP1) receptor, NRP1 as a virus entry receptor for SARS-CoV-2, its role in different physiologic and pathologic conditions, and the potential to target the Spike-NRP1 interaction to combat virus infectivity and severe disease manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana P Chapoval
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Center for Vascular and Inflammatory Diseases, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 800 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
- Program in Oncology at the Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- SemaPlex LLC, Ellicott City, MD, USA.
| | - Achsah D Keegan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for Vascular and Inflammatory Diseases, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 800 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
- Program in Oncology at the Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore VA Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Gudowska-Sawczuk M, Mroczko B. The Role of Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) in SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Review. J Clin Med 2021; 10:2772. [PMID: 34202613 PMCID: PMC8267897 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10132772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), discovered in 2019, is responsible for the global coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic. The main protein that interacts with the host cell receptor is the Spike-1 (S1) subunit of the coronavirus. This subunit binds with receptors present on the host cell membrane. It has been identified from several studies that neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) is one of the co-receptors for SARS-CoV-2 entry. Therefore, in this review, we focus on the significance of NRP-1 in SARS-CoV-2 infection. MEDLINE/PubMed database was used for a search of available literature. In the current review, we report that NRP-1 plays many important functions, including angiogenesis, neuronal development, and the regulation of immune responses. Additionally, the presence of this glycoprotein on the host cell membrane significantly augments the infection and spread of SARS-CoV-2. Literature data suggest that NRP-1 facilitates entry of the virus into the central nervous system through the olfactory epithelium of the nasal cavity. Moreover, published findings show that interfering with VEGF-A/NRP-1 using NRP-1 inhibitors may produce an analgesic effect. The review describes an association between NRP-1, SARS-CoV-2 and, inter alia, pathological changes in the retina. Based on the published findings, we suggest that NRP-1 is a very important mediator implicated in, inter alia, neurological manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Additionally, it appears that the use of NRP-1 inhibitors is a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Gudowska-Sawczuk
- Department of Biochemical Diagnostics, Medical University of Bialystok, Waszyngtona 15A St., 15-269 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Barbara Mroczko
- Department of Biochemical Diagnostics, Medical University of Bialystok, Waszyngtona 15A St., 15-269 Bialystok, Poland
- Department of Neurodegeneration Diagnostics, Medical University of Bialystok, Waszyngtona 15A St., 15-269 Bialystok, Poland
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Karuppan MKM, Devadoss D, Nair M, Chand HS, Lakshmana MK. SARS-CoV-2 Infection in the Central and Peripheral Nervous System-Associated Morbidities and Their Potential Mechanism. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:2465-2480. [PMID: 33439437 PMCID: PMC7805264 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-02245-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The recent outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 infections that causes coronavirus-induced disease of 2019 (COVID-19) is the defining and unprecedented global health crisis of our time in both the scale and magnitude. Although the respiratory tract is the primary target of SARS-CoV-2, accumulating evidence suggests that the virus may also invade both the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS) leading to numerous neurological issues including some serious complications such as seizures, encephalitis, and loss of consciousness. Here, we present a comprehensive review of the currently known role of SARS-CoV-2 and identify all the neurological problems reported among the COVID-19 case reports throughout the world. The virus might gain entry into the CNS either through the trans-synaptic route via the olfactory neurons or through the damaged endothelium in the brain microvasculature using the ACE2 receptor potentiated by neuropilin-1 (NRP-1). The most critical of all symptoms appear to be the spontaneous loss of breathing in some COVID-19 patients. This might be indicative of a dysfunction within the cardiopulmonary regulatory centers in the brainstem. These pioneering studies, thus, lay a strong foundation for more in-depth basic and clinical research required to confirm the role of SARS-CoV-2 infection in neurodegeneration of critical brain regulatory centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohan Kumar Muthu Karuppan
- Department of Immunology and Nano-Medicine, Alzheimer's Disease Research Unit, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Dinesh Devadoss
- Department of Immunology and Nano-Medicine, Alzheimer's Disease Research Unit, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Madhavan Nair
- Department of Immunology and Nano-Medicine, Alzheimer's Disease Research Unit, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Hitendra S Chand
- Department of Immunology and Nano-Medicine, Alzheimer's Disease Research Unit, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Madepalli K Lakshmana
- Department of Immunology and Nano-Medicine, Alzheimer's Disease Research Unit, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL, 33199, USA.
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Jobe A, Vijayan R. Neuropilins: C-end rule peptides and their association with nociception and COVID-19. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:1889-1895. [PMID: 33815686 PMCID: PMC7997051 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral internalization is aided by host cell surface receptors. In the case of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV, the primary host receptor is the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Considering the disparities in the transmission rate and viral tropism of the two coronaviruses, additional host factors were suspected. Recently, a novel host factor for SARS-CoV-2 entry, neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) has been identified. These receptors potentiate viral infection in the presence of other host factors like ACE2. Through its C-end rule (CendR) motif exposed following furin processing, the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein binds to the CendR pocket of NRP-1 and achieves cell entry through endocytosis. The binding of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to the NRP-1 receptor interferes with the docking of its endogenous ligand VEGF-A, signaling that would otherwise promote nociception. This review looks at the function of neuropilins and how it contributes to SARS-CoV-2 infection and nociception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amie Jobe
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ranjit Vijayan
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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Nunn AVW, Guy GW, Brysch W, Botchway SW, Frasch W, Calabrese EJ, Bell JD. SARS-CoV-2 and mitochondrial health: implications of lifestyle and ageing. Immun Ageing 2020; 17:33. [PMID: 33292333 PMCID: PMC7649575 DOI: 10.1186/s12979-020-00204-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Infection with SARs-COV-2 displays increasing fatality with age and underlying co-morbidity, in particular, with markers of the metabolic syndrome and diabetes, which seems to be associated with a "cytokine storm" and an altered immune response. This suggests that a key contributory factor could be immunosenescence that is both age-related and lifestyle-induced. As the immune system itself is heavily reliant on mitochondrial function, then maintaining a healthy mitochondrial system may play a key role in resisting the virus, both directly, and indirectly by ensuring a good vaccine response. Furthermore, as viruses in general, and quite possibly this new virus, have also evolved to modulate immunometabolism and thus mitochondrial function to ensure their replication, this could further stress cellular bioenergetics. Unlike most sedentary modern humans, one of the natural hosts for the virus, the bat, has to "exercise" regularly to find food, which continually provides a powerful adaptive stimulus to maintain functional muscle and mitochondria. In effect the bat is exposed to regular hormetic stimuli, which could provide clues on how to resist this virus. In this paper we review the data that might support the idea that mitochondrial health, induced by a healthy lifestyle, could be a key factor in resisting the virus, and for those people who are perhaps not in optimal health, treatments that could support mitochondrial function might be pivotal to their long-term recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alistair V W Nunn
- Department of Life Sciences, Research Centre for Optimal Health, University of Westminster, London, W1W 6UW, UK.
| | | | | | - Stanley W Botchway
- UKRI, STFC, Central Laser Facility, & Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, OX110QX, UK
| | - Wayne Frasch
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, USA
| | - Edward J Calabrese
- Environmental Health Sciences Division, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Jimmy D Bell
- Department of Life Sciences, Research Centre for Optimal Health, University of Westminster, London, W1W 6UW, UK
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12
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Häfner SJ. Don't sugar coat the COVID (only the vasculature). Biomed J 2020; 43:393-398. [PMID: 33115641 PMCID: PMC7547304 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2020.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This issue of the Biomedical Journal acquaints us with the compelling hypothesis that the vascular glycocalyx lies at the intersection of severe COVID-19 risk factors and damages, and the ways used by artificial intelligence to predict interactions between SARS-CoV-2 and human proteins. Furthermore, we explore the antiviral potential of valinomycin and the long list of COVID-19-related clinical trials, and learn how (not) to fix a broken femoral head. Last but not least, we get to enjoy the tale of the cellular oxygen-sensing system as well as the role of the host complement system during Leptospira infection, and learn that SARS-CoV-2 can sometimes come with a pathogenic plus one.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Julia Häfner
- University of Copenhagen, BRIC Biotech Research & Innovation Centre, Anders Lund Group, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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