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Franco AR, Artusa V, Peri F. Use of Fluorescent Chemical Probes in the Study of Toll-like Receptors (TLRs) Trafficking. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2700:57-74. [PMID: 37603174 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3366-3_3] [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] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Fluorescent chemical probes are used nowadays as a chemical resource to study the physiology and pharmacology of several important endogenous receptors. Different fluorescent groups have been coupled with known ligands of these receptors, allowing the visualization of their localization and trafficking. One of the most important molecular players of innate immunity and inflammation are the Toll-Like Receptors (TLRs). These Pattern-Recognition Receptors (PRR) have as natural ligands microbial-derived pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and also endogenous molecules called danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). These ligands activate TLRs to start a response that will determine the host's protection and overall cell survival but can also lead to chronic inflammation and autoimmune syndromes. TLRs action is tightly related to their subcellular localization and trafficking. Understanding this trafficking phenomenon can enlighten critical molecular pathways that might allow to decipher the causes of different diseases. In this chapter, the study of function, localization and trafficking of TLRs through the use of chemical probes will be discussed. Furthermore, an example protocol of the use of fluorescent chemical probes to study TLR4 trafficking using high-content analysis will be described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rita Franco
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Artusa
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Peri
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.
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2
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Tam JSY, Pei JV, Coller JK, Prestidge CA, Bowen JM. Structural insight and analysis of TLR4 interactions with IAXO-102, TAK-242 and SN-38: an in silico approach. In Silico Pharmacol 2022; 11:1. [PMID: 36438853 PMCID: PMC9681971 DOI: 10.1007/s40203-022-00137-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) has attracted interest due to its role in chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal inflammation. This structural study aimed to provide in silico rational of the recognition and potential binding of TLR4 ligands IAXO-102, TAK-242, and SN-38 (the toxic metabolite of the chemotherapeutic irinotecan hydrochloride), which could contribute to rationale development of therapeutic anti-inflammation drugs targeting TLR4 in the gastrointestinal tract. Methods In silico docking was performed between the human TLR4-MD-2 complex and ligands (IAXO-102, TAK-242, SN-38) using Autodock Vina, setting the docking grids to cover either the upper or the lower bound of TLR4. The conformation having the lowest binding energy value (kcal/mol) was processed for post-hoc analysis of the best-fit model. Hydrogen bonding was calculated by using ChimeraX. Results Binding energies of IAXO-102, TAK-242 and SN-38 at the upper bound of TLR4-MD-2 ranged between - 3.8 and - 3.1, - 6.9 and - 6.3, and - 9.0 and - 7.0, respectively. Binding energies of IAXO-102, TAK-242 and SN-38 at the lower bound ranged between - 3.9 and - 3.5, - 6.5 and - 5.8, and - 8.2 and - 6.8, respectively. Hydrogen bonding at the upper bound of TLR4/MD-2 with IAXO-102, TAK-242 and SN-38 was to aspartic acid 70, cysteine 133 and serine 120, respectively. Hydrogen bonding at the lower bound of TLR4-MD-2 with IAXO-102, TAK-242 and SN-38 was to serine 528, glycine 480 and glutamine 510, respectively. Conclusion The in silico rational presented here supports further investigation of the binding activity of IAXO-102 and TAK-242 for their potential application in the prevention of gastrointestinal inflammation caused by SN-38.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine S. Y. Tam
- Discipline of Physiology, Department of Physiology, School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005 Australia
| | - Jinxin V. Pei
- Research School of Biology, College of Science, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia
| | - Janet K. Coller
- Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia Australia
| | - Clive A. Prestidge
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia Australia
| | - Joanne M. Bowen
- Discipline of Physiology, Department of Physiology, School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005 Australia
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3
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Small Molecules as Toll-like Receptor 4 Modulators Drug and In-House Computational Repurposing. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092326. [PMID: 36140427 PMCID: PMC9496124 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The innate immunity toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) system is a receptor of paramount importance as a therapeutic target. Virtual screening following a “computer-aided drug repurposing” approach was applied to the discovery of novel TLR4 modulators with a non-lipopolysaccharide-like structure. We screened almost 29,000 approved drugs and drug-like molecules from commercial, public, and in-house academia chemical libraries and, after biological assays, identified several compounds with TLR4 antagonist activity. Our computational protocol showed to be a robust approach for the identification of hits with drug-like scaffolds as possible inhibitors of the TLR4 innate immune pathways. Our collaborative work broadens the chemical diversity for inspiration of new classes of TLR4 modulators.
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Atorvastatin suppresses NLRP3 inflammasome activation in intracerebral hemorrhage via TLR4- and MyD88-dependent pathways. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:462-476. [PMID: 35017318 PMCID: PMC8791214 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a common neurological condition that causes severe disability and even death. Even though the mechanism is not clear, increasing evidence shows the efficacy of atorvastatin on treating ICH. In this study, we examined the impact of atorvastatin on the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and inflammatory pathways following ICH. Mouse models of ICH were established by collagenase injection in adult C57BL/6 mice. IHC mice received atorvastatin treatment 2 h after hematoma establishment. First, the changes of glial cells and neurons in the brains of ICH patients and mice were detected by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Second, the molecular mechanisms underlying the microglial activation and neuronal loss were evaluated after the application of atorvastatin. Finally, the behavioral deficits of ICH mice without or with the treatment of atorvastatin were determined by neurological defect scores. The results demonstrated that atorvastatin significantly deactivated glial cells by reducing the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), Ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-6 in ICH model mice. For inflammasomes, atorvastatin also showed its efficacy by decreasing the expression of NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1, and IL-1β in ICH mice. Moreover, atorvastatin markedly inhibited the upregulation of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), which indicated deactivation of NLRP3 inflammasomes. By inhibiting the activities of inflammasomes in glial cells, neuronal loss was partially prevented by suppressing the apoptosis in the brains of ICH mice, protecting them from neurological defects.
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Matamoros‐Recio A, Franco‐Gonzalez JF, Perez‐Regidor L, Billod J, Guzman‐Caldentey J, Martin‐Santamaria S. Full-Atom Model of the Agonist LPS-Bound Toll-like Receptor 4 Dimer in a Membrane Environment. Chemistry 2021; 27:15406-15425. [PMID: 34569111 PMCID: PMC8596573 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202102995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 2 (MD-2) innate immunity system is a membrane receptor of paramount importance as therapeutic target. Its assembly, upon binding of Gram-negative bacteria lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and also dependent on the membrane composition, finally triggers the immune response cascade. We have combined ab-initio calculations, molecular docking, all-atom molecular dynamics simulations, and thermodynamics calculations to provide the most realistic and complete 3D models of the active full TLR4 complex embedded into a realistic membrane to date. Our studies give functional and structural insights into the transmembrane domain behavior in different membrane environments, the ectodomain bouncing movement, and the dimerization patterns of the intracellular Toll/Interleukin-1 receptor domain. Our work provides TLR4 models as reasonable 3D structures for the (TLR4/MD-2/LPS)2 architecture accounting for the active (agonist) state of the TLR4, and pointing to a signal transduction mechanism across cell membrane. These observations unveil relevant molecular aspects involved in the TLR4 innate immune pathways and will promote the discovery of new TLR4 modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Matamoros‐Recio
- Department of Structural and Chemical BiologyCentre for Biological Research Margarita Salas, CIB-CSICC/ Ramiro de Maeztu, 928040MadridSpain
| | - Juan Felipe Franco‐Gonzalez
- Department of Structural and Chemical BiologyCentre for Biological Research Margarita Salas, CIB-CSICC/ Ramiro de Maeztu, 928040MadridSpain
| | - Lucia Perez‐Regidor
- Department of Structural and Chemical BiologyCentre for Biological Research Margarita Salas, CIB-CSICC/ Ramiro de Maeztu, 928040MadridSpain
| | - Jean‐Marc Billod
- Department of Structural and Chemical BiologyCentre for Biological Research Margarita Salas, CIB-CSICC/ Ramiro de Maeztu, 928040MadridSpain
| | - Joan Guzman‐Caldentey
- Department of Structural and Chemical BiologyCentre for Biological Research Margarita Salas, CIB-CSICC/ Ramiro de Maeztu, 928040MadridSpain
| | - Sonsoles Martin‐Santamaria
- Department of Structural and Chemical BiologyCentre for Biological Research Margarita Salas, CIB-CSICC/ Ramiro de Maeztu, 928040MadridSpain
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Romerio A, Peri F. Increasing the Chemical Variety of Small-Molecule-Based TLR4 Modulators: An Overview. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1210. [PMID: 32765484 PMCID: PMC7381287 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4) is one of the receptors of innate immunity. It is activated by Pathogen- and Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns (PAMPs and DAMPs) and triggers pro-inflammatory responses that belong to the repertoire of innate immune responses, consequently protecting against infectious challenges and boosting adaptive immunity. Mild TLR4 stimulation by non-toxic molecules resembling its natural agonist (lipid A) provided efficient vaccine adjuvants. The non-toxic TLR4 agonist monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) has been approved for clinical use. This suggests the development of other TLR4 agonists as adjuvants or drugs for cancer immunotherapy. TLR4 excessive activation by a Gram-negative bacteria lipopolysaccharide (LPS) leads to sepsis, while TLR4 stimulation by DAMPs is a common mechanism in several inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. TLR4 inhibition by small molecules and antibodies could therefore provide access to innovative therapeutics targeting sepsis as well as acute and chronic inflammations. The potential use of TLR4 antagonists as anti-inflammatory drugs with unique selectivity and a new mechanism of action compared to corticosteroids or other non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs fueled the search for compounds of natural or synthetic origin able to block or inhibit TLR4 activation and signaling. The wide spectrum of clinical settings to which TLR4 inhibitors can be applied include autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases), vascular inflammation, neuroinflammations, and neurodegenerative diseases. The last advances (from 2017) in TLR4 activation or inhibition by small molecules (molecular weight <2 kDa) are reviewed here. Studies on pre-clinical validation of new chemical entities (drug hits) on cellular or animal models as well as new clinical studies on previously developed TLR4 modulators are reported. Innovative TLR4 modulators discovered by computer-assisted drug design and an artificial intelligence approach are described. Some "old" TLR4 agonists or antagonists such as MPLA or Eritoran are under study for repositioning in different pharmacological contexts. The mechanism of action of the molecules and the level of TLR4 involvement in their biological activity are critically discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Romerio
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Peri
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
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Neuroprotective Effects of Ethyl Pyruvate against Aluminum Chloride-Induced Alzheimer's Disease in Rats via Inhibiting Toll-Like Receptor 4. J Mol Neurosci 2020; 70:836-850. [PMID: 32030557 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-020-01489-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by the formation of insoluble deposits of β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques within the parenchyma of the brain. The present study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective role of ethyl pyruvate against in vitro and in vivo model of aluminum chloride (AlCl3)-induced AD. Effect of ethyl pyruvate (5, 10, 20, 40 mM) against AlCl3 (1250 μM)-induced neurotoxicity in primary neuron-glial mixed cell culture was evaluated using cell viability assays (MTT assay as well as calcein-AM/propidium iodide fluorescent dyes). In vivo model, AlCl3 (50 mg/kg) were given through intraperitoneal route (i.p.) once daily for 4 weeks in rats and after 2 weeks, ethyl pyruvate (50, 100, 200 mg/kg/day) was co-administered with AlCl3 once daily via the oral route. The present study, in addition to perform histopathology of the brain, also estimated oxidant and antioxidant parameters as well as memory impairment using pole test, plus maze, and Morris water maze test. The binding mode of ethyl pyruvate in the hMD-2 was also studied. Results of in vitro studies showed that the AlCl3 administration resulted in neuronal cell death. AlCl3 administration in rats resulted in memory loss, oxidative stress (increased lipid peroxide and nitric oxide), impairment of antioxidant mechanisms (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and reduced glutathione), and deposition of amyloid plaques in cerebral cortex region of the brain. AlCl3 also resulted in the overexpression of the TLR4 receptors in the brain tissues. Administration of ethyl pyruvate ameliorated the AlCl3-induced neurotoxicity in neuron-glial mixed cell culture as well as histopathological, neurochemical, and behavioral consequences of chronic administration of AlCl3 in the rat. Ethyl pyruvate showed a docking score of 4.048. Thus, ethyl pyruvate is effective against in vitro and in vivo models of AlCl3-induced AD.
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Cochet F, Facchini FA, Zaffaroni L, Billod JM, Coelho H, Holgado A, Braun H, Beyaert R, Jerala R, Jimenez-Barbero J, Martin-Santamaria S, Peri F. Novel carboxylate-based glycolipids: TLR4 antagonism, MD-2 binding and self-assembly properties. Sci Rep 2019; 9:919. [PMID: 30696900 PMCID: PMC6351529 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-37421-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
New monosaccharide-based lipid A analogues were rationally designed through MD-2 docking studies. A panel of compounds with two carboxylate groups as phosphates bioisosteres, was synthesized with the same glucosamine-bis-succinyl core linked to different unsaturated and saturated fatty acid chains. The binding of the synthetic compounds to purified, functional recombinant human MD-2 was studied by four independent methods. All compounds bound to MD-2 with similar affinities and inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner the LPS-stimulated TLR4 signaling in human and murine cells, while being inactive as TLR4 agonists when provided alone. A compound of the panel was tested in vivo and was not able to inhibit the production of proinflammatory cytokines in animals. This lack of activity is probably due to strong binding to serum albumin, as suggested by cell experiments in the presence of the serum. The interesting self-assembly property in solution of this type of compounds was investigated by computational methods and microscopy, and formation of large vesicles was observed by cryo-TEM microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florent Cochet
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza, 2, 20126, Milano, Italy
| | - Fabio A Facchini
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza, 2, 20126, Milano, Italy
| | - Lenny Zaffaroni
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza, 2, 20126, Milano, Italy
| | - Jean-Marc Billod
- Department of Structural and Chemical Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas, CIB-CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu, 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Helena Coelho
- Molecular Recognition & Host-Pathogen Interactions Programme, CIC bioGUNE, Bizkaia Technology Park, Building 801 A, 48170, Derio, Spain.,UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Quimica, Faculdade de Ciencias e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2829-516, Caparica, Portugal.,Department of Organic Chemistry II, Faculty of Science & Technology, University of the Basque Country, 48940, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Aurora Holgado
- Unit for Molecular Signal Transduction in Inflammation VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, VIB Technologiepark 927, 9052, Zwijnaarde, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University Technologiepark 927, 9052, Zwijnaarde, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Harald Braun
- Unit for Molecular Signal Transduction in Inflammation VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, VIB Technologiepark 927, 9052, Zwijnaarde, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University Technologiepark 927, 9052, Zwijnaarde, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rudi Beyaert
- Unit for Molecular Signal Transduction in Inflammation VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, VIB Technologiepark 927, 9052, Zwijnaarde, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University Technologiepark 927, 9052, Zwijnaarde, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Roman Jerala
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jesus Jimenez-Barbero
- Molecular Recognition & Host-Pathogen Interactions Programme, CIC bioGUNE, Bizkaia Technology Park, Building 801 A, 48170, Derio, Spain.,Department of Organic Chemistry II, Faculty of Science & Technology, University of the Basque Country, 48940, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain.,Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Maria Diaz de Haro 13, 48009, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Sonsoles Martin-Santamaria
- Department of Structural and Chemical Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas, CIB-CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu, 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francesco Peri
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza, 2, 20126, Milano, Italy.
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Facchini FA, Zaffaroni L, Minotti A, Rapisarda S, Calabrese V, Forcella M, Fusi P, Airoldi C, Ciaramelli C, Billod JM, Schromm AB, Braun H, Palmer C, Beyaert R, Lapenta F, Jerala R, Pirianov G, Martin-Santamaria S, Peri F. Structure-Activity Relationship in Monosaccharide-Based Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4) Antagonists. J Med Chem 2018; 61:2895-2909. [PMID: 29494148 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b01803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The structure-activity relationship was investigated in a series of synthetic TLR4 antagonists formed by a glucosamine core linked to two phosphate esters and two linear carbon chains. Molecular modeling showed that the compounds with 10, 12, and 14 carbons chains are associated with higher stabilization of the MD-2/TLR4 antagonist conformation than in the case of the C16 variant. Binding experiments with human MD-2 showed that the C12 and C14 variants have higher affinity than C10, while the C16 variant did not interact with the protein. The molecules, with the exception of the C16 variant, inhibited the LPS-stimulated TLR4 signal in human and murine cells, and the antagonist potency mirrored the MD-2 affinity calculated from in vitro binding experiments. Fourier-transform infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, and small angle X-ray scattering measurements suggested that the aggregation state in aqueous solution depends on fatty acid chain lengths and that this property can influence TLR4 activity in this series of compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio A Facchini
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences , University of Milano-Bicocca , Piazza della Scienza, 2 , 20126 Milano , Italy
| | - Lenny Zaffaroni
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences , University of Milano-Bicocca , Piazza della Scienza, 2 , 20126 Milano , Italy
| | - Alberto Minotti
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences , University of Milano-Bicocca , Piazza della Scienza, 2 , 20126 Milano , Italy
| | - Silvia Rapisarda
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences , University of Milano-Bicocca , Piazza della Scienza, 2 , 20126 Milano , Italy
| | - Valentina Calabrese
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences , University of Milano-Bicocca , Piazza della Scienza, 2 , 20126 Milano , Italy
| | - Matilde Forcella
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences , University of Milano-Bicocca , Piazza della Scienza, 2 , 20126 Milano , Italy
| | - Paola Fusi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences , University of Milano-Bicocca , Piazza della Scienza, 2 , 20126 Milano , Italy
| | - Cristina Airoldi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences , University of Milano-Bicocca , Piazza della Scienza, 2 , 20126 Milano , Italy
| | - Carlotta Ciaramelli
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences , University of Milano-Bicocca , Piazza della Scienza, 2 , 20126 Milano , Italy
| | - Jean-Marc Billod
- Department of Structural & Chemical Biology , Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas, CIB-CSIC , C/Ramiro de Maeztu, 9 , 28040 Madrid , Spain
| | - Andra B Schromm
- Division of Immunobiophysics , Research Center Borstel , Parkallee 1-40 , 23845 Borstel , Germany
| | - Harald Braun
- VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research , UGent Department for Biomedical Molecular Biology, Unit of Molecular Signal Transduction in Inflammation , Technologiepark 927 , 9052 Ghent , Belgium
| | - Charys Palmer
- Anglia Ruskin Cambridge University , Cambridge CB1 1PT , U.K
| | - Rudi Beyaert
- VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research , UGent Department for Biomedical Molecular Biology, Unit of Molecular Signal Transduction in Inflammation , Technologiepark 927 , 9052 Ghent , Belgium
| | - Fabio Lapenta
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology , Kemijski Institute, National Institute of Chemistry , Hajdrihova 19 , SI-1000 Ljubljana , Slovenia
| | - Roman Jerala
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology , Kemijski Institute, National Institute of Chemistry , Hajdrihova 19 , SI-1000 Ljubljana , Slovenia
| | - Grisha Pirianov
- Anglia Ruskin Cambridge University , Cambridge CB1 1PT , U.K
| | - Sonsoles Martin-Santamaria
- Department of Structural & Chemical Biology , Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas, CIB-CSIC , C/Ramiro de Maeztu, 9 , 28040 Madrid , Spain
| | - Francesco Peri
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences , University of Milano-Bicocca , Piazza della Scienza, 2 , 20126 Milano , Italy
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Cochet F, Peri F. The Role of Carbohydrates in the Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4) Signalling. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:E2318. [PMID: 29099761 PMCID: PMC5713287 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18112318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Revised: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The interactions between sugar-containing molecules from the bacteria cell wall and pattern recognition receptors (PRR) on the plasma membrane or cytosol of specialized host cells are the first molecular events required for the activation of higher animal's immune response and inflammation. This review focuses on the role of carbohydrates of bacterial endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS, lipooligosaccharide, LOS, and lipid A), in the interaction with the host Toll-like receptor 4/myeloid differentiation factor 2 (TLR4/MD-2) complex. The lipid chains and the phosphorylated disaccharide core of lipid A moiety are responsible for the TLR4 agonist action of LPS, and the specific interaction between MD-2, TLR4, and lipid A are key to the formation of the activated complex (TLR4/MD-2/LPS)₂, which starts intracellular signalling leading to nuclear factors activation and to production of inflammatory cytokines. Subtle chemical variations in the lipid and sugar parts of lipid A cause dramatic changes in endotoxin activity and are also responsible for the switch from TLR4 agonism to antagonism. While the lipid A pharmacophore has been studied in detail and its structure-activity relationship is known, the contribution of core saccharides 3-deoxy-d-manno-octulosonic acid (Kdo) and heptosyl-2-keto-3-deoxy-octulosonate (Hep) to TLR4/MD-2 binding and activation by LPS and LOS has been investigated less extensively. This review focuses on the role of lipid A, but also of Kdo and Hep sugars in LPS/TLR4 signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florent Cochet
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza, 2, 20126 Milano, Italy.
| | - Francesco Peri
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza, 2, 20126 Milano, Italy.
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Sestito SE, Facchini FA, Morbioli I, Billod JM, Martin-Santamaria S, Casnati A, Sansone F, Peri F. Amphiphilic Guanidinocalixarenes Inhibit Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- and Lectin-Stimulated Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4) Signaling. J Med Chem 2017; 60:4882-4892. [PMID: 28471658 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b00095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
We recently reported on the activity of cationic amphiphiles in inhibiting TLR4 activation and subsequent production of inflammatory cytokines in cells and in animal models. Starting from the assumption that opportunely designed cationic amphiphiles can behave as CD14/MD-2 ligands and therefore modulate the TLR4 signaling, we present here a panel of amphiphilic guanidinocalixarenes whose structure was computationally optimized to dock into MD-2 and CD14 binding sites. Some of these calixarenes were active in inhibiting, in a dose-dependent way, the LPS-stimulated TLR4 activation and TLR4-dependent cytokine production in human and mouse cells. Moreover, guanidinocalixarenes also inhibited TLR4 signaling when TLR4 was activated by a non-LPS stimulus, the plant lectin PHA. While the activity of guanidinocalixarenes in inhibiting LPS toxic action has previously been related to their capacity to bind LPS, we suggest a direct antagonist effect of calixarenes on TLR4/MD-2 dimerization, pointing at the calixarene moiety as a potential scaffold for the development of new TLR4-directed therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania E Sestito
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca , Piazza della Scienza, 2, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Fabio A Facchini
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca , Piazza della Scienza, 2, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Ilaria Morbioli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, della Vita e della Sostenibilità Ambientale, Università di Parma , Parco Area delle Scienze 17/a, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Jean-Marc Billod
- Department of Chemical and Physical Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas, CIB-CSIC , C/Ramiro de Maeztu, 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sonsoles Martin-Santamaria
- Department of Chemical and Physical Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas, CIB-CSIC , C/Ramiro de Maeztu, 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alessandro Casnati
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, della Vita e della Sostenibilità Ambientale, Università di Parma , Parco Area delle Scienze 17/a, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Francesco Sansone
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, della Vita e della Sostenibilità Ambientale, Università di Parma , Parco Area delle Scienze 17/a, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Francesco Peri
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca , Piazza della Scienza, 2, 20126 Milano, Italy
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Chen W, Hu YQ, Jiang LF, Wu L. Mechanism of action of Zhuyu Annao pill in mice with cerebral intrahemorrhage based on TLR4. ASIAN PAC J TROP MED 2016; 9:1095-1100. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apjtm.2016.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Revised: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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Billod JM, Lacetera A, Guzmán-Caldentey J, Martín-Santamaría S. Computational Approaches to Toll-Like Receptor 4 Modulation. Molecules 2016; 21:molecules21080994. [PMID: 27483231 PMCID: PMC6274477 DOI: 10.3390/molecules21080994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Revised: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), along with its accessory protein myeloid differentiation factor 2 (MD-2), builds a heterodimeric complex that specifically recognizes lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which are present on the cell wall of Gram-negative bacteria, activating the innate immune response. Some TLR4 modulators are undergoing preclinical and clinical evaluation for the treatment of sepsis, inflammatory diseases, cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. Since the relatively recent elucidation of the X-ray crystallographic structure of the extracellular domain of TLR4, research around this fascinating receptor has risen to a new level, and thus, new perspectives have been opened. In particular, diverse computational techniques have been applied to decipher some of the basis at the atomic level regarding the mechanism of functioning and the ligand recognition processes involving the TLR4/MD-2 system at the atomic level. This review summarizes the reported molecular modeling and computational studies that have recently provided insights into the mechanism regulating the activation/inactivation of the TLR4/MD-2 system receptor and the key interactions modulating the molecular recognition process by agonist and antagonist ligands. These studies have contributed to the design and the discovery of novel small molecules with promising activity as TLR4 modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Joan Guzmán-Caldentey
- Department of Chemical & Physical Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, CIB-CSIC, C/Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Sonsoles Martín-Santamaría
- Department of Chemical & Physical Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, CIB-CSIC, C/Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
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