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Porala S, Yerrabelly JR, Kasireddy VR, Yerrabelly H, Ghojala VR, Rebelli P. New and Efficient Synthesis of HCV NS3/4 A Protease Inhibitor Telaprevir. ChemistrySelect 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.201902078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Subbanarasimhulu Porala
- Department of ChemistryUniversity College of ScienceSaifabad, Osmania University, Hyderabad Telangana 500004 India
- Department of ChemistryJawaharlal Nehru technological University college of engineering, Hyderabad Telangana 500085 India
- Department of Research and DevelopmentMSN R&D centre, Pashamylaram Medak Telangana 502307 India
| | - Jayaprakash Rao Yerrabelly
- Department of ChemistryUniversity College of ScienceSaifabad, Osmania University, Hyderabad Telangana 500004 India
| | | | - Hemasri Yerrabelly
- Department of Chemistry Nizam CollegeOsmania University Hyderabad Telangana 500004 India
| | - Venkat Reddy Ghojala
- Department of Research and DevelopmentMSN R&D centre, Pashamylaram Medak Telangana 502307 India
| | - Pradeep Rebelli
- Department of Research and DevelopmentMSN R&D centre, Pashamylaram Medak Telangana 502307 India
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2
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Calculation of Wiener Indices of Thiazolides: The Potent Inhibitors of Hepatitis B Virus and Hepatitis C Virus Replication. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2018. [DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.67709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
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3
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Nair AG, Zeng Q, Selyutin O, Rosenblum SB, Jiang Y, Yang DY, Keertikar K, Zhou G, Dwyer M, Kim SH, Shankar B, Yu W, Tong L, Chen L, Mazzola R, Caldwell J, Tang H, Agrawal S, Liu R, Kong R, Ingravallo P, Xia E, Zhai Y, Nomeir A, Asante-Appiah E, Kozlowski JA. MK-8325: A silyl proline-containing NS5A inhibitor with pan-genotype activity for treatment of HCV. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2018; 28:1954-1957. [PMID: 29653894 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2018.03.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Revised: 03/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
HCV NS5A inhibitors have shown impressive in vitro potency profiles in HCV replicon assays thus making them attractive components for inclusion in an all oral fixed dose combination regimen. Herein, we describe the discovery and characterization of silyl proline-containing HCV NS5A inhibitor MK-8325 with good pan-genotype activity and acceptable pharmacokinetic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anilkumar G Nair
- Merck & Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA.
| | - Qingbei Zeng
- Merck & Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA
| | - Oleg Selyutin
- Merck & Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA
| | | | - Yueheng Jiang
- Merck & Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA
| | - De-Yi Yang
- Merck & Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA
| | - Kerry Keertikar
- Merck & Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA
| | - Guowei Zhou
- Merck & Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA
| | - Michael Dwyer
- Merck & Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA
| | - Seong Heon Kim
- Merck & Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA
| | | | - Wensheng Yu
- Merck & Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA
| | - Ling Tong
- Merck & Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA
| | - Lei Chen
- Merck & Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA
| | - Robert Mazzola
- Merck & Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA
| | - John Caldwell
- Merck & Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA
| | - Haiqun Tang
- Merck & Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA
| | - Sony Agrawal
- Merck & Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA
| | - Rong Liu
- Merck & Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA
| | - Rong Kong
- Merck & Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA
| | - Paul Ingravallo
- Merck & Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA
| | - Ellen Xia
- Merck & Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA
| | - Ying Zhai
- Merck & Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA
| | - Amin Nomeir
- Merck & Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA
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4
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Design, synthesis and identification of silicon-containing HCV NS5A inhibitors with pan-genotype activity. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 148:95-105. [PMID: 29454920 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Revised: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Modification of a HCV NS5A inhibitor, ombitasvir, led to the identification of 10d with improved pan-genotype NS5A inhibition and better pharmacokinetic properties. The key structural changes to ombitasvir include bioisosteric replacement of carbon with silicon atom. Compared with ombitasvir, the activity of anti-HCV genotypes (GT 1 to 6) of 10d is increased to some extent, especially the inhibitory activity against genotype 3a and 6a is increased by more than seven times, and the dog's in vivo pharmacokinetics properties were also superior to ombitasvir. Further drug evaluation showed that 10d was similar to ombitasvir on plasma protein binding and liver distribution profiles, with no cytotoxicity and no inhibitory effect on both CYP 450 and hERG ligand binding. However, permeability assay results indicated that 10d was not the substrate of P-gp or BCRP transporter, which is different from that of ombitasvir. The results of a 14-day repeat-dose toxicity study identified no toxicity with 10d. Our findings in preclinical tests suggest that the silicon-containing compound 10d could be worthy of continued study as a potential drug candidate.
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5
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Rose R, Nolan DJ, Maidji E, Stoddart CA, Singer EJ, Lamers SL, McGrath MS. Eradication of HIV from Tissue Reservoirs: Challenges for the Cure. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2018; 34:3-8. [PMID: 28691499 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2017.0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The persistence of HIV infection, even after lengthy and successful combined antiretroviral therapy (cART), has precluded an effective cure. The anatomical locations and biological mechanisms through which the viral population is maintained remain unknown. Much research has focused nearly exclusively on circulating resting T cells as the predominant source of persistent HIV, a strategy with limited success in developing an effective cure strategy. In this study, we review research supporting the importance of anatomical tissues and other immune cells for HIV maintenance and expansion, including the central nervous system, lymph nodes, and macrophages. We present accumulated research that clearly demonstrates the limitations of using blood-derived cells as a proxy for tissue reservoirs and sanctuaries throughout the body. We cite recent studies that have successfully used deep-sequencing strategies to uncover the complexity of HIV infection and the ability of the virus to evolve despite undetectable plasma viral loads. Finally, we suggest new strategies and highlight the importance of tissue banks for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ekaterina Maidji
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Cheryl A. Stoddart
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Elyse J. Singer
- The National Neurological AIDS Bank at David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine and Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | | | - Michael S. McGrath
- The AIDS and Cancer Specimen Resource, San Francisco, California
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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Meng L, Wang Q, Tang T, Xiao S, Zhang L, Zhou D, Yu F. Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Pentacyclic Triterpene Dimers as HCV Entry Inhibitors. CHINESE J CHEM 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/cjoc.201700272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lingkuan Meng
- Medical Faculty of Kunming University of Science and Technology; Kunming Yunnan 650500 China
| | - Qi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Peking University; Beijing 100191 China
| | - Tao Tang
- Medical Faculty of Kunming University of Science and Technology; Kunming Yunnan 650500 China
| | - Sulong Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Peking University; Beijing 100191 China
| | - Lihe Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Peking University; Beijing 100191 China
| | - Demin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Peking University; Beijing 100191 China
| | - Fei Yu
- Medical Faculty of Kunming University of Science and Technology; Kunming Yunnan 650500 China
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Chen Q, Belmonte I, Buti M, Nieto L, Garcia-Cehic D, Gregori J, Perales C, Ordeig L, Llorens M, Soria ME, Esteban R, Esteban JI, Rodriguez-Frias F, Quer J. New real-time-PCR method to identify single point mutations in hepatitis C virus. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:9604-9612. [PMID: 27920481 PMCID: PMC5116604 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i43.9604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Revised: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To develop a fast, low-cost diagnostic strategy to identify single point mutations in highly variable genomes such as hepatitis C virus (HCV).
METHODS In patients with HCV infection, resistance-associated amino acid substitutions within the viral quasispecies prior to therapy can confer decreased susceptibility to direct-acting antiviral agents and lead to treatment failure and virological relapse. One such naturally occurring mutation is the Q80K substitution in the HCV-NS3 protease gene, which confers resistance to PI inhibitors, particularly simeprevir. Low-cost, highly sensitive techniques enabling routine detection of these single point mutations would be useful to identify patients at a risk of treatment failure. LightCycler methods, based on real-time PCR with sequence-specific probe hybridization, have been implemented in most diagnostic laboratories. However, this technique cannot identify single point mutations in highly variable genetic environments, such as the HCV genome. To circumvent this problem, we developed a new method to homogenize all nucleotides present in a region except the point mutation of interest.
RESULTS Using nucleotide-specific probes Q, K, and R substitutions at position 80 were clearly identified at a sensitivity of 10% (mutations present at a frequency of at least 10% were detected). The technique was successfully applied to identify the Q80K substitution in 240 HCV G1 serum samples, with performance comparable to that of direct Sanger sequencing, the current standard procedure for this purpose. The new method was then validated in a Catalonian population of 202 HCV G1-infected individuals. Q80K was detected in 14.6% of G1a patients and 0% of G1b in our setting.
CONCLUSION A fast, low-cost diagnostic strategy based on real-time PCR and fluorescence resonance energy transfer probe melting curve analysis has been successfully developed to identify single point mutations in highly variable genomes such as hepatitis C virus. This technique can be adapted to detect any single point mutation in highly variable genomes.
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8
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Tong L, Yu W, Chen L, Selyutin O, Dwyer MP, Nair AG, Mazzola R, Kim JH, Sha D, Yin J, Ruck RT, Davies IW, Hu B, Zhong B, Hao J, Ji T, Zan S, Liu R, Agrawal S, Xia E, Curry S, McMonagle P, Bystol K, Lahser F, Carr D, Rokosz L, Ingravallo P, Chen S, Feng KI, Cartwright M, Asante-Appiah E, Kozlowski JA. Discovery of Ruzasvir (MK-8408): A Potent, Pan-Genotype HCV NS5A Inhibitor with Optimized Activity against Common Resistance-Associated Polymorphisms. J Med Chem 2016; 60:290-306. [PMID: 27808515 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b01310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
We describe the research that led to the discovery of compound 40 (ruzasvir, MK-8408), a pan-genotypic HCV nonstructural protein 5A (NS5A) inhibitor with a "flat" GT1 mutant profile. This NS5A inhibitor contains a unique tetracyclic indole core while maintaining the imidazole-proline-valine Moc motifs of our previous NS5A inhibitors. Compound 40 is currently in early clinical trials and is under evaluation as part of an all-oral DAA regimen for the treatment of chronic HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Bin Hu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, WuXi AppTec , Shanghai, 200131, China
| | - Bin Zhong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, WuXi AppTec , Shanghai, 200131, China
| | - Jinglai Hao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, WuXi AppTec , Shanghai, 200131, China
| | - Tao Ji
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, WuXi AppTec , Shanghai, 200131, China
| | - Shuai Zan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, WuXi AppTec , Shanghai, 200131, China
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9
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HIV Maintains an Evolving and Dispersed Population in Multiple Tissues during Suppressive Combined Antiretroviral Therapy in Individuals with Cancer. J Virol 2016; 90:8984-93. [PMID: 27466425 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00684-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED While combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) can result in undetectable plasma viral loads, it does not eradicate HIV infection. Furthermore, HIV-infected individuals while on cART remain at an increased risk of developing serious comorbidities, such as cancer, neurological disease, and atherosclerosis, suggesting that during cART, tissue-based HIV may contribute to such pathologies. We obtained DNA and RNA env, nef, and pol sequences using single-genome sequencing from postmortem tissues of three HIV(+) cART-treated (cART(+)) individuals with undetectable viral load and metastatic cancer at death and performed time-scaled Bayesian evolutionary analyses. We used a sensitive in situ hybridization technique to visualize HIV gag-pol mRNA transcripts in cerebellum and lymph node tissues from one patient. Tissue-associated virus evolved at similar rates in cART(+) and cART-naive (cART(-)) patients. Phylogenetic trees were characterized by two distinct features: (i) branching patterns consistent with constant viral evolution and dispersal among tissues and (ii) very recently derived clades containing both DNA and RNA sequences from multiple tissues. Rapid expansion of virus near death corresponded to wide-spread metastasis. HIV RNA(+) cells clustered in cerebellum tissue but were dispersed in lymph node tissue, mirroring the evolutionary patterns observed for that patient. Activated, infiltrating macrophages were associated with HIV RNA. Our data provide evidence that tissues serve as a sanctuary for wild-type HIV during cART and suggest the importance of macrophages as an alternative reservoir and mechanism of virus spread. IMPORTANCE Combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) reduces plasma HIV to undetectable levels; however, removal of cART results in plasma HIV rebound, thus highlighting its inability to entirely rid the body of infection. Additionally, HIV-infected individuals on cART remain at high risk of serious diseases, which suggests a contribution from residual HIV. In this study, we isolated and sequenced HIV from postmortem tissues from three HIV(+) cART(+) individuals who died with metastatic cancer and had no detectable plasma viral load. Using high-resolution evolutionary analyses, we found that tissue-based HIV continues to replicate, evolve, and migrate among tissues during cART. Furthermore, cancer onset and metastasis coincided with increased HIV expansion, suggesting a linked mechanism. HIV-expressing cells were associated with tissue macrophages, a target of HIV infection. Our results suggest the importance of tissues, and macrophages in particular, as a target for novel anti-HIV therapies.
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10
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Tong L, Yu W, Coburn CA, Chen L, Selyutin O, Zeng Q, Dwyer MP, Nair AG, Shankar BB, Kim SH, Yang DY, Rosenblum SB, Ruck RT, Davies IW, Hu B, Zhong B, Hao J, Ji T, Zan S, Liu R, Agrawal S, Carr D, Curry S, McMonagle P, Bystol K, Lahser F, Ingravallo P, Chen S, Asante-Appiah E, Kozlowski JA. Structure-activity relationships of proline modifications around the tetracyclic-indole class of NS5A inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2016; 26:5354-5360. [PMID: 27680588 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2016.08.097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
We describe the impact of proline modifications, in our tetracyclic-indole based series of nonstructural protein 5A (NS5A) inhibitors, to their replicon profiles. This work identified NS5A inhibitors with an improved and flattened resistance profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Tong
- Merck & Co., Inc., 126 E. Lincoln Ave., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA.
| | - Wensheng Yu
- Merck & Co., Inc., 126 E. Lincoln Ave., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Craig A Coburn
- Merck & Co., Inc., 126 E. Lincoln Ave., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Lei Chen
- Merck & Co., Inc., 126 E. Lincoln Ave., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Oleg Selyutin
- Merck & Co., Inc., 126 E. Lincoln Ave., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Qingbei Zeng
- Merck & Co., Inc., 126 E. Lincoln Ave., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Michael P Dwyer
- Merck & Co., Inc., 126 E. Lincoln Ave., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | | | | | - Seong Heon Kim
- Merck & Co., Inc., 126 E. Lincoln Ave., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - De-Yi Yang
- Merck & Co., Inc., 126 E. Lincoln Ave., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | | | - Rebecca T Ruck
- Merck & Co., Inc., 126 E. Lincoln Ave., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Ian W Davies
- Merck & Co., Inc., 126 E. Lincoln Ave., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Bin Hu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, WuXi AppTec, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Bin Zhong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, WuXi AppTec, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Jinglai Hao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, WuXi AppTec, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Tao Ji
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, WuXi AppTec, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Shuai Zan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, WuXi AppTec, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Rong Liu
- Merck & Co., Inc., 126 E. Lincoln Ave., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Sony Agrawal
- Merck & Co., Inc., 126 E. Lincoln Ave., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Donna Carr
- Merck & Co., Inc., 126 E. Lincoln Ave., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Stephanie Curry
- Merck & Co., Inc., 126 E. Lincoln Ave., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | | | - Karin Bystol
- Merck & Co., Inc., 126 E. Lincoln Ave., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | | | - Paul Ingravallo
- Merck & Co., Inc., 126 E. Lincoln Ave., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Shiying Chen
- Merck & Co., Inc., 126 E. Lincoln Ave., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
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11
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Tong L, Yu W, Coburn CA, Meinke PT, Nair AG, Dwyer MP, Chen L, Selyutin O, Rosenblum SB, Jiang Y, Fells J, Hu B, Zhong B, Soll RM, Liu R, Agrawal S, Xia E, Zhai Y, Kong R, Ingravallo P, Nomeir A, Asante-Appiah E, Kozlowski JA. Alternative core development around the tetracyclic indole class of HCV NS5A inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2016; 26:5132-5137. [PMID: 27634194 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2016.07.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2016] [Revised: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we describe our research efforts to develop unique cores in molecules which function as HCV nonstructural protein 5A (NS5A) inhibitors. In particular, various fused tetracyclic cores were identified which showed genotype and mutant activities comparable to the indole-based tetracyclic core.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Tong
- Merck Research Laboratories, 126 E. Lincoln Ave., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Wensheng Yu
- Merck Research Laboratories, 126 E. Lincoln Ave., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Craig A Coburn
- Merck Research Laboratories, 126 E. Lincoln Ave., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Peter T Meinke
- Merck Research Laboratories, 126 E. Lincoln Ave., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Anilkumar G Nair
- Merck Research Laboratories, 126 E. Lincoln Ave., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Michael P Dwyer
- Merck Research Laboratories, 126 E. Lincoln Ave., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Lei Chen
- Merck Research Laboratories, 126 E. Lincoln Ave., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Oleg Selyutin
- Merck Research Laboratories, 126 E. Lincoln Ave., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | | | - Yueheng Jiang
- Merck Research Laboratories, 126 E. Lincoln Ave., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - James Fells
- Merck Research Laboratories, 126 E. Lincoln Ave., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Bin Hu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, WuXi AppTec, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Bin Zhong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, WuXi AppTec, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Richard M Soll
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, WuXi AppTec, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Rong Liu
- Merck Research Laboratories, 126 E. Lincoln Ave., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Sony Agrawal
- Merck Research Laboratories, 126 E. Lincoln Ave., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Ellen Xia
- Merck Research Laboratories, 126 E. Lincoln Ave., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Ying Zhai
- Merck Research Laboratories, 126 E. Lincoln Ave., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Rong Kong
- Merck Research Laboratories, 126 E. Lincoln Ave., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Paul Ingravallo
- Merck Research Laboratories, 126 E. Lincoln Ave., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Amin Nomeir
- Merck Research Laboratories, 126 E. Lincoln Ave., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
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12
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Yu W, Vibulbhan B, Rosenblum SB, Martin GS, Vellekoop AS, Holst CL, Coburn CA, Wong M, Selyutin O, Ji T, Zhong B, Hu B, Chen L, Dwyer MP, Jiang Y, Nair AG, Tong L, Zeng Q, Agrawal S, Carr D, Rokosz L, Liu R, Curry S, McMonagle P, Ingravallo P, Lahser F, Asante-Appiah E, Fells J, Kozlowski JA. Discovery of potent macrocyclic HCV NS5A inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2016; 26:3793-9. [PMID: 27282743 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2016.05.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Revised: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 05/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
HCV NS5A inhibitors have demonstrated impressive in vitro virologic profiles in HCV replicon assays and robust HCV RNA titer reduction in the clinic making them attractive components for inclusion in an all oral fixed-dose combination (FDC) regimen for the treatment of HCV infection. Merck's effort in this area identified MK-4882 and MK-8325 as early development leads. Herein, we describe the discovery of potent macrocyclic NS5A inhibitors bearing the MK-8325 or MK-4882 core structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wensheng Yu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Merck Research Laboratories, 126 E. Lincoln Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065, USA.
| | - Bancha Vibulbhan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Merck Research Laboratories, 126 E. Lincoln Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Stuart B Rosenblum
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Merck Research Laboratories, 126 E. Lincoln Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Gregory S Martin
- Albany Molecular Research Inc., 26 Corporate Circle, Albany, NY 12203, USA
| | - A Samuel Vellekoop
- Albany Molecular Research Inc., 26 Corporate Circle, Albany, NY 12203, USA
| | - Christian L Holst
- Albany Molecular Research Inc., 26 Corporate Circle, Albany, NY 12203, USA
| | - Craig A Coburn
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Merck Research Laboratories, 770 Sumneytown Pike, West Point, PA 19486, USA
| | - Michael Wong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Merck Research Laboratories, 126 E. Lincoln Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Oleg Selyutin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Merck Research Laboratories, 126 E. Lincoln Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Tao Ji
- WuXi AppTec, 288 Fute Zhong Road, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Bin Zhong
- WuXi AppTec, 288 Fute Zhong Road, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Bin Hu
- WuXi AppTec, 288 Fute Zhong Road, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Merck Research Laboratories, 126 E. Lincoln Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Michael P Dwyer
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Merck Research Laboratories, 126 E. Lincoln Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Yueheng Jiang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Merck Research Laboratories, 126 E. Lincoln Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Anilkumar G Nair
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Merck Research Laboratories, 126 E. Lincoln Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Ling Tong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Merck Research Laboratories, 126 E. Lincoln Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Qingbei Zeng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Merck Research Laboratories, 126 E. Lincoln Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Sony Agrawal
- Department of In Vitro Pharmacology, Merck Research Laboratories, 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA
| | - Donna Carr
- Department of In Vitro Pharmacology, Merck Research Laboratories, 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA
| | - Laura Rokosz
- Department of In Vitro Pharmacology, Merck Research Laboratories, 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA
| | - Rong Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Merck Research Laboratories, 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA
| | - Stephanie Curry
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Merck Research Laboratories, 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA
| | - Patricia McMonagle
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Merck Research Laboratories, 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA
| | - Paul Ingravallo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Merck Research Laboratories, 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA
| | - Fred Lahser
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Merck Research Laboratories, 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA
| | - Ernest Asante-Appiah
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Merck Research Laboratories, 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA
| | - James Fells
- Department of Structural Chemistry, Merck Research Laboratories, 126 E. Lincoln Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065 USA
| | - Joseph A Kozlowski
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Merck Research Laboratories, 126 E. Lincoln Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
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13
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Yu W, Coburn CA, Yang DY, Meinke PT, Wong M, Rosenblum SB, Chen KX, Njoroge GF, Chen L, Dwyer MP, Jiang Y, Nair AG, Selyutin O, Tong L, Zeng Q, Zhong B, Ji T, Hu B, Agrawal S, Xia E, Zhai Y, Liu R, Kong R, Ingravallo P, Asante-Appiah E, Nomeir A, Fells J, Kozlowski JA. Discovery of fused tricyclic core containing HCV NS5A inhibitors with pan-genotype activity. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2016; 26:3158-3162. [PMID: 27180013 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2016.04.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Revised: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
HCV NS5A inhibitors have demonstrated impressive in vitro potency profiles in HCV replicon assays and robust HCV RNA titer reduction in the clinic making them attractive components for inclusion in an all oral fixed dose combination regimen for the treatment of HCV infection. Herein, we describe research efforts that led to the discovery of a series of fused tricyclic core containing HCV NS5A inhibitors such as 24, 39, 40, 43, and 44 which have pan-genotype activity and are orally bioavailable in the rat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wensheng Yu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Merck Research Laboratories, 126 E. Lincoln Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065, USA.
| | - Craig A Coburn
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Merck Research Laboratories, 770 Sumneytown Pike, West Point, PA 19486, USA
| | - De-Yi Yang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Merck Research Laboratories, 126 E. Lincoln Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Peter T Meinke
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Merck Research Laboratories, 126 E. Lincoln Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Michael Wong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Merck Research Laboratories, 126 E. Lincoln Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Stuart B Rosenblum
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Merck Research Laboratories, 126 E. Lincoln Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Kevin X Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Merck Research Laboratories, 126 E. Lincoln Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - George F Njoroge
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Merck Research Laboratories, 126 E. Lincoln Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Merck Research Laboratories, 126 E. Lincoln Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Michael P Dwyer
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Merck Research Laboratories, 126 E. Lincoln Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Yueheng Jiang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Merck Research Laboratories, 126 E. Lincoln Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Anilkumar G Nair
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Merck Research Laboratories, 126 E. Lincoln Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Oleg Selyutin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Merck Research Laboratories, 126 E. Lincoln Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Ling Tong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Merck Research Laboratories, 126 E. Lincoln Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Qingbei Zeng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Merck Research Laboratories, 126 E. Lincoln Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Bin Zhong
- WuXi AppTec, 288 Fute Zhong Road, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Tao Ji
- WuXi AppTec, 288 Fute Zhong Road, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Bin Hu
- WuXi AppTec, 288 Fute Zhong Road, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Sony Agrawal
- Department of In Vitro Pharmacology, Merck Research Laboratories, 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA
| | - Ellen Xia
- Department of In Vitro Pharmacology, Merck Research Laboratories, 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA
| | - Ying Zhai
- Department of In Vitro Pharmacology, Merck Research Laboratories, 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA
| | - Rong Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Merck Research Laboratories, 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA
| | - Rong Kong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Merck Research Laboratories, 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA
| | - Paul Ingravallo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Merck Research Laboratories, 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA
| | - Ernest Asante-Appiah
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Merck Research Laboratories, 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA
| | - Amin Nomeir
- Department of PPDM, Merck Research Laboratories, 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA
| | - James Fells
- Department of Structural Chemistry, Merck Research Laboratories, 126 E. Lincoln Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Joseph A Kozlowski
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Merck Research Laboratories, 126 E. Lincoln Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
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14
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Discovery of silyl proline containing HCV NS5A inhibitors with pan-genotype activity: SAR development. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2016; 26:1475-9. [PMID: 26850003 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2016.01.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Revised: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
HCV NS5A inhibitors have shown impressive in vitro potency profiles in HCV replicon assays thus making them attractive components for inclusion in an all oral fixed dose combination treatment regimen. Herein we describe the research efforts that led to the discovery of silyl proline containing HCV NS5A inhibitors such as 7e and 8a with pan-genotype activity profile and acceptable pharmacokinetic properties.
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15
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Liu LW, Wang FY, Tian F, Peng L, Wang LX. An Improved and Enantioselective Preparation of the Telaprevir Bicyclic [3.3.0] Proline Intermediate and Reuse of Unwanted Enantiomer. Org Process Res Dev 2016. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.oprd.5b00345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Wei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Asymmetric Synthesis & Chirotechnology of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, P. R. China
| | - Fei-Ying Wang
- Key Laboratory of Asymmetric Synthesis & Chirotechnology of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, P. R. China
| | - Fang Tian
- Key Laboratory of Asymmetric Synthesis & Chirotechnology of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, P. R. China
| | - Lin Peng
- Key Laboratory of Asymmetric Synthesis & Chirotechnology of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, P. R. China
| | - Li-Xin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Asymmetric Synthesis & Chirotechnology of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, P. R. China
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16
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Wang H, Yu F, Peng Y, Wang Q, Han X, Xu R, Zhou X, Wan C, Fan Z, Jiao P, Zhang Y, Zhang L, Zhou D, Xiao S. Synthesis and biological evaluation of ring A and/or C expansion and opening echinocystic acid derivatives for anti-HCV entry inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2015; 102:594-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2015.08.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Revised: 08/12/2015] [Accepted: 08/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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17
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Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection results in a progressive disease that may end in cirrhosis and, eventually, in hepatocellular carcinoma. In the last several years, tremendous progress has been made in understanding the HCV life cycle and in the development of small molecule compounds for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. Nevertheless, the complete understanding of HCV assembly and particle release as well as the detailed characterization and structure of HCV particles is still missing. One of the most important events in the HCV assembly is the nucleocapsid formation which is driven by the core protein, that can oligomerize upon interaction with viral RNA, and is orchestrated by viral and host proteins. Despite a growing number of new factors involved in HCV assembly process, we do not know the three-dimensional structure of the core protein or its topology in the nucleocapsid. Since the core protein contains a hydrophobic C-terminal domain responsible for the binding to cellular membranes, the assembly pathway of HCV virions might proceed via coassembly at endoplasmic reticulum membranes. Recently, new mechanisms involving viral proteins and host factors in HCV particle formation and egress have been described. The present review aims to summarize the advances in our understanding of HCV assembly with an emphasis on the core protein as a structural component of virus particles that possesses the ability to interact with a variety of cellular components and is potentially an attractive target for the development of a novel class of anti-HCV agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Gawlik
- Department of Immunology and Microbial Science, IMM-9, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Rd., La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
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18
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Kumar K, Liu N, Yang D, Na D, Thompson J, Wrischnik LA, Land KM, Kumar V. Synthesis and antiprotozoal activity of mono- and bis-uracil isatin conjugates against the human pathogen Trichomonas vaginalis. Bioorg Med Chem 2015; 23:5190-7. [PMID: 25999204 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2015.04.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2015] [Revised: 04/22/2015] [Accepted: 04/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
A library of mono- and bis-uracil isatin conjugates were synthesized and subjected for the assessment of their in vitro activity against the protozoal pathogen Trichomonas vaginalis. The structure activity studies (SAR) revealed that the bis-uracil-isatin based conjugates were more effective than their corresponding mono conjugates in inhibiting the growth of T. vaginalis at approximately 10 μM with no visual effect on mammalian cells at the same concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kewal Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, India
| | - Nicole Liu
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA 95211, USA
| | - Donald Yang
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA 95211, USA
| | - Daniel Na
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA 95211, USA
| | - John Thompson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA 95211, USA
| | - Lisa A Wrischnik
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA 95211, USA
| | - Kirkwood M Land
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA 95211, USA.
| | - Vipan Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, India.
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19
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Small molecule inhibitors of Ago2 decrease Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus replication. Antiviral Res 2014; 112:26-37. [PMID: 25448087 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2014.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2014] [Revised: 10/01/2014] [Accepted: 10/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is classified as a Category B Select Agent and potential bioterror weapon for its severe disease course in humans and equines and its potential for aerosol transmission. There are no current FDA licensed vaccines or specific therapies against VEEV, making identification of potential therapeutic targets a priority. With this aim, our research focuses on the interactions of VEEV with host microRNA (miRNA) machinery. miRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that act as master regulators of gene expression by downregulating or degrading messenger RNA, thus suppressing production of the resultant proteins. Recent publications implicate miRNA interactions in the pathogenesis of various viral diseases. To test the importance of miRNA processing for VEEV replication, cells deficient in Ago2, an important component of the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), and cells treated with known Ago2 inhibitors, notably acriflavine (ACF), were utilized. Both conditions caused decreased viral replication and capsid expression. ACF treatment promoted increased survival of neuronal cells over a non-treated, infected control and reduced viral titers of fully virulent VEEV as well as Eastern and Western Equine Encephalitis Viruses and West Nile Virus, but not Vesicular Stomatitis Virus. ACF treatment of VEEV TC-83 infected mice resulted in increased in vivo survival, but did not affect survival or viral loads when mice were challenged with fully virulent VEEV TrD. These results suggest that inhibition of Ago2 results in decreased replication of encephalitic alphaviruses in vitro and this pathway may be an avenue to explore for future therapeutic development.
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20
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21
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Development of bivalent oleanane-type triterpenes as potent HCV entry inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2014; 77:258-68. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2014.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2013] [Revised: 02/24/2014] [Accepted: 03/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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22
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Xiao S, Wang Q, Si L, Shi Y, Wang H, Yu F, Zhang Y, Li Y, Zheng Y, Zhang C, Wang C, Zhang L, Zhou D. Synthesis and anti-HCV entry activity studies of β-cyclodextrin-pentacyclic triterpene conjugates. ChemMedChem 2014; 9:1060-70. [PMID: 24623716 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201300545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2013] [Revised: 02/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
In our previous studies, oleanolic acid (OA) and echinocystic acid (EA), isolated from Dipsacus asperoides, were found to have anti-HCV entry properties. The major issue for members of this type of triterpene is their low water solubility. In this study, a series of new water-soluble triazole-bridged β-cyclodextrin (CD)-pentacyclic triterpene conjugates were synthesized via click chemistry. Thanks to the attached β-CD moiety, all synthesized conjugates showed lower hydrophobicity (Alog P) than their parent compounds. Several conjugates exhibited moderate anti-HCV entry activity. With the exception of per-O-methylated β-CD-pentacyclic triterpene conjugates, all other conjugates showed no cytotoxicity based on an alamarBlue assay carried out with HeLa, HepG2, MDCK, and 293T cells. More interestingly, the hemolytic activity of these conjugates disappeared upon the introduction of β-CDs. Easy access to such conjugates that combine the properties of β-CD and pentacyclic triterpenes may provide a way to obtain a new class of anti-HCV entry inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sulong Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191 (China).
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23
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Abstract
Hepatitis has been a major plague of mankind. The history of the discovery of causative viruses is one of the most fascinating scientific adventures of this half century. Individualization of several types of hepatitis only emerged after world war two. Their identification has been associated with milestones which revolutionized medicine and public health. The discovery of HBV brought the first ever vaccine not prepared by tissue culture but initially directly from plasma and soon the first vaccine produced by genetic engineering. HBV vaccine proved to be the first "anti-cancer" vaccine by preventing hepatocellular carcinoma and practically eradicating it from childhood in Taiwan. Successful vaccines became also available for HAV and more recently HEV. The discovery of HCV in 1989 opened a new era since it was the first virus was identified by a direct molecular approach. Two billion people are infected with HBV and 350 million are chronic carriers of the virus. The extraordinary effectiveness of HBV vaccination was best illustrated in Taiwan and Singapore where in less than 2 decades HBs Ag carriers dropped from 9,1% to 2,7% and HCC from 27% to 17%. Successful development of nucleos(t)ides analogs make it now possible to fully control disease progression with a daily pill long term therapy. The progress in HCV therapy has been even more spectacular and successful treatment jumped from 6 % with interferon alone in 1986 to more than 80% in 2013 with triple combination therapies. Remarkably chronic hepatitis C is the only chronic disease which is curable. It will be soon possible to eradicate HCV infection with, an all oral, daily single pill (containing several molecules) for 3 to 6 months which will cure over 90% of patients. This unprecedented therapeutic victory benefiting hundred millions of people matches the triumphs over small pox, polio and tuberculosis. The next 10 years should undoubtedly witness cure or full control over all forms of acute and chronic hepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Trepo
- Hepatology Unit, CROIX ROUSSE Hospital and INSERM U1052, Lyon, France
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24
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Hagan LM, Yang Z, Ehteshami M, Schinazi RF. All-oral, interferon-free treatment for chronic hepatitis C: cost-effectiveness analyses. J Viral Hepat 2013; 20:847-57. [PMID: 24304454 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2013] [Accepted: 03/19/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Interferon-based standard of care treatments (SOC) for chronic hepatitis C are unable to provide high cure rates in certain subgroups of the infected population and can cause debilitating side effects. Clinical trials evaluating all-oral, interferon-free treatments have demonstrated high rates of sustained virologic response with no resistance or major adverse events in most populations. As these drug regimens move towards FDA approval, it will be important to assess their cost-effectiveness in addition to their clinical efficacy. A decision-analytic Markov model with a lifetime, societal perspective was used to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a generalized all-oral drug regimen compared to SOC by modelling the progression of a 50-year-old, HCV-positive cohort through disease natural history and treatment. In base case analysis, all-oral treatment dominated SOC across a range of willingness-to-pay (WTP) thresholds with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of US$44,514/quality-adjusted life year (QALY). In sensitivity analyses, the model was sensitive to all-oral drug costs as well as rates of SVR and treatment uptake among noncirrhotic subjects, but robust to variations in all other parameters. All-oral treatment was most cost-effective among genotype 1 subjects but remained cost-effective for genotypes 2 and 3 at WTP thresholds ≥$80,000/QALY. Quality-adjusted life years gained per dollar spent were maximized in younger treatment cohorts. Using this model, the degree of cost-effectiveness depended on the WTP threshold and the final cost set for approved drug combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M Hagan
- Department of Pediatrics, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Center for AIDS Research, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA; Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA; Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, GA, USA
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25
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Effects of substitutions at the 4' and 2 positions on the bioactivity of 4'-ethynyl-2-fluoro-2'-deoxyadenosine. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2013; 57:6254-64. [PMID: 24100493 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01703-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleos(t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) form the backbone of most anti-HIV therapies. We have shown that 4'-ethynyl-2-fluoro-2'-deoxyadenosine (EFdA) is a highly effective NRTI; however, the reasons for the potent antiviral activity of EFdA are not well understood. Here, we use a combination of structural, computational, and biochemical approaches to examine how substitutions in the sugar or adenine rings affect the incorporation of dA-based NRTIs like EFdA into DNA by HIV RT and their susceptibility to deamination by adenosine deaminase (ADA). Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy studies of 4'-substituted NRTIs show that ethynyl or cyano groups stabilize the sugar ring in the C-2'-exo/C-3'-endo (north) conformation. Steady-state kinetic analysis of the incorporation of 4'-substituted NRTIs by RT reveals a correlation between the north conformation of the NRTI sugar ring and efficiency of incorporation into the nascent DNA strand. Structural analysis and the kinetics of deamination by ADA demonstrate that 4'-ethynyl and cyano substitutions decrease the susceptibility of adenosine-based compounds to ADA through steric interactions at the active site. However, the major determinant for decreased susceptibility to ADA is the 2-halo substitution, which alters the pKa of N1 on the adenine base. These results provide insight into how NRTI structural attributes affect their antiviral activities through their interactions with the RT and ADA active sites.
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26
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Macarthur KL, Smolic R, Smolic MV, Wu CH, Wu GY. Update on the Development of Anti-Viral Agents Against Hepatitis C. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2013; 1:9-21. [PMID: 26357602 PMCID: PMC4521270 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2013.007xx] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2013] [Revised: 05/14/2013] [Accepted: 05/14/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infects nearly 170 million people worldwide and causes chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The search for a drug regimen that maximizes efficacy and minimizes side effects is quickly evolving. This review will discuss a wide range of drug targets currently in all phases of development for the treatment of HCV. Direct data from agents in phase III/IV clinical trials will be presented, along with reported side-effect profiles. The mechanism of action of all treatments and resistance issues are highlighted. Special attention is given to available trial data supporting interferon-free treatment regimens. HCV has become an increasingly important public health concern, and it is important for physicians to stay up to date on the rapidly growing novel therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Catherine H. Wu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - George Y. Wu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
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27
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Cell-cell contact-mediated hepatitis C virus (HCV) transfer, productive infection, and replication and their requirement for HCV receptors. J Virol 2013; 87:8545-58. [PMID: 23720720 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01062-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is believed to begin with interactions between cell-free HCV and cell receptors that include CD81, scavenger receptor B1 (SR-B1), claudin-1 (CLDN1), and occludin (OCLN). In this study, we have demonstrated that HCV spreading from infected hepatocytes to uninfected hepatocytes leads to the transfer of HCV and the formation of infection foci and is cell density dependent. This cell-cell contact-mediated (CCCM) HCV transfer occurs readily and requires all these known HCV receptors and an intact actin cytoskeleton. With a fluorescently labeled replication-competent HCV system, the CCCM transfer process was further dissected by live-cell imaging into four steps: donor cell-target cell contact, formation of viral puncta-target cell conjugation, transfer of viral puncta, and posttransfer. Importantly, the CCCM HCV transfer leads to productive infection of target cells. Taken together, these results show that CCCM HCV transfer constitutes an important and effective route for HCV infection and dissemination. These findings will aid in the development of new and novel strategies for preventing and treating HCV infection.
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28
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Peres-da-Silva A, Almeida AJD, Lampe E. Genetic diversity of NS3 protease from Brazilian HCV isolates and possible implications for therapy with direct-acting antiviral drugs. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2013; 107:254-61. [PMID: 22415266 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762012000200016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3 protease has been one of the molecular targets of new therapeutic approaches. Its genomic sequence variability in Brazilian HCV isolates is poorly documented. To obtain more information on the magnitude of its genetic diversity, 114 Brazilian HCV samples were sequenced and analysed together with global reference sequences. Genetic distance (d) analyses revealed that subtype 1b had a higher degree of heterogeneity (d = 0.098) than subtypes 1a (d = 0.060) and 3a (d = 0.062). Brazilian isolates of subtype 1b were distributed in the phylogenetic tree among sequences from other countries, whereas most subtype 1a and 3a sequences clustered into a single branch. Additional characterisation of subtype 1a in clades 1 and 2 revealed that all but two Brazilian subtype 1a sequences formed a distinct and strongly supported (approximate likelihood-ratio test = 93) group of sequences inside clade 1. Moreover, this subcluster inside clade 1 presented an unusual phenotypic characteristic in relation to the presence of resistance mutations for macrocyclic inhibitors. In particular, the mutation Q80K was found in the majority of clade 1 sequences, but not in the Brazilian isolates. These data demonstrate that Brazilian HCV subtypes display a distinct pattern of genetic diversity and reinforce the importance of sequence information in future therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan Peres-da-Silva
- Laboratório de Hepatites Virais, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
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29
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Abstract
Worldwide eradication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is possible through a combination of prevention education, universal clinical and targeted community screening, effective linkage to care and treatment with promising new direct-acting antiviral drug regimens. Universal screening should be offered in all healthcare visits, and parallel community screening efforts should prioritize high-prevalence, high-transmission populations including injection drug users, prison inmates and those with HIV/HCV co-infection. Increasing awareness of HCV infection through screening, improving treatment uptake and cure rates by providing linkage to care and more effective treatment, and ultimately combining education efforts with vaccination campaigns to prevent transmission and reinfection can slow and eventually stop the 'silent epidemic'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liesl M. Hagan
- Center for AIDS Research; Emory University School of Medicine and Veterans Affairs Medical Center; Decatur GA USA
| | - Raymond F. Schinazi
- Center for AIDS Research; Emory University School of Medicine and Veterans Affairs Medical Center; Decatur GA USA
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30
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Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and tolerability of GS-9851, a nucleotide analog polymerase inhibitor, following multiple ascending doses in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2012; 57:1209-17. [PMID: 23263000 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01263-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
We conducted this double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, randomized, multiple-ascending-dose study to assess the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of GS-9851 (formerly PSI-7851) in treatment-naïve patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1. Thirty-two patients received active doses up to 400 mg of GS-9851 once daily for 3 days. GS-9851 and the metabolite GS-566500 (formerly PSI-352707) were rapidly cleared from the plasma, with half-life (t(1/2)) values of approximately 1 h for GS-9851 and 3 h for GS-566500. Accumulation (21%) was observed only for GS-331007 (formerly PSI-6206) after multiple dosing. GS-331007 was the primary drug-related moiety in the plasma and urine. Increases in the GS-9851, GS-566500, and GS-331007 maximum concentrations in plasma (C(max)) and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) were less than dose proportional, particularly at the highest doses. The decline in plasma HCV RNA levels was dose dependent, and a mean maximal change from the baseline of -1.95 log(10) IU/ml was obtained for 400 mg GS-9851, compared with -0.090 log(10) IU/ml for the placebo. Most patients had a decrease in HCV RNA of ≥1.0 log(10) IU/ml after 3 days' dosing with 400 mg GS-9851. No virologic resistance was observed. GS-9851 was generally well tolerated, with no notable differences in adverse event frequency across doses. The pharmacokinetic profile observed in this study was similar to that seen in a single-ascending-dose study in healthy subjects.
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Pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of GS-9851, a nucleotide analog polymerase inhibitor for hepatitis C virus, following single ascending doses in healthy subjects. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2012; 57:1201-8. [PMID: 23262999 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01262-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
To investigate the pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of GS-9851 (formerly PSI-7851), a new nucleotide analog inhibitor of hepatitis C virus (HCV), we conducted a double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled, randomized, single-ascending-dose study. Healthy subjects received oral doses of 25 to 800 mg GS-9851. Peak concentrations of GS-9851 in plasma were achieved more rapidly than those of the metabolites GS-566500 (formerly PSI-352707) and GS-331007 (formerly PSI-6206), with time to maximum concentration of drug in plasma (t(max)) values of 1.0 to 1.8 h, 1.5 to 3.0 h, and 3.0 to 6.0 h, respectively. The majority of systemic drug exposure was from the nucleoside GS-331007, with maximum concentration of drug in plasma (C(max)) and area under the concentration-time curve to the last measurable concentration (AUC(0-t)) values at least 7- and 41-fold higher, respectively, than those obtained for GS-9851 after adjusting for differences in molecular weight. The terminal elimination half-life (t(1/2)) of GS-331007 increased with the dose, achieving a t(1/2) of 25.7 h at 800 mg GS-9851. Dose proportionality was not observed for GS-331007. The majority of drug recovered in urine was in the form of GS-331007, with the percentage of this metabolite in urine samples ranging from 57% to 27% with increasing dose. GS-9851 was generally well tolerated, with no maximum tolerated dose identified. In conclusion, GS-9851 and its metabolites demonstrated a favorable pharmacokinetic profile consistent with once-daily dosing, and therefore, further clinical studies evaluating GS-9851 in HCV-infected patients are warranted.
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Kumar K, Sagar S, Esau L, Kaur M, Kumar V. Synthesis of novel 1H-1,2,3-triazole tethered C-5 substituted uracil–isatin conjugates and their cytotoxic evaluation. Eur J Med Chem 2012; 58:153-9. [PMID: 23124212 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2012.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2012] [Revised: 10/01/2012] [Accepted: 10/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kewal Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, India
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Zhang H, Zhou L, Amblard F, Shi J, Bobeck DR, Tao S, McBrayer TR, Tharnish PM, Whitaker T, Coats SJ, Schinazi RF. Synthesis and evaluation of novel potent HCV NS5A inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2012; 22:4864-8. [PMID: 22704887 PMCID: PMC3389222 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2012.05.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2012] [Revised: 05/01/2012] [Accepted: 05/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Judicious modifications to the structure of the previously reported HCV NS5A inhibitor 1, resulted in more potent anti-HCV compounds with similar and in some cases improved toxicity profiles. The synthesis of 19 new NS5A inhibitors is reported along with their ability to block HCV replication in an HCV 1b replicon system. For the most potent compounds chemical stability, stability in liver microsomes and inhibition of relevant CYP450 enzymes is also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwang Zhang
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Decatur, GA 30033, USA
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Potent and selective inhibition of hepatitis C virus replication by novel phenanthridinone derivatives. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2011; 415:714-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2011.10.153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2011] [Accepted: 10/31/2011] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Anti-infectives: Can cellular screening deliver? Curr Opin Chem Biol 2011; 15:529-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2011.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2011] [Revised: 05/18/2011] [Accepted: 06/07/2011] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Halfon P, Locarnini S. Hepatitis C virus resistance to protease inhibitors. J Hepatol 2011; 55:192-206. [PMID: 21284949 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2011.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 251] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2010] [Revised: 01/20/2011] [Accepted: 01/20/2011] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in molecular biology have led to the development of novel small molecules that target specific viral proteins of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) life cycle. These drugs, collectively termed directly acting antivirals (DAA) against HCV, include a range of non-structural (NS) 3/NS4A protease, NS5B polymerase, and NS5A inhibitors at various stages of clinical development. The rapid replication rate of HCV, along with the low fidelity of its polymerase, gives rise to generations of mutations throughout the viral genome resulting in remarkable sequence variation in the HCV population, known as a quasispecies. The efficacy of DAAs is limited by the presence of those mutations that give rise to amino-acid substitutions within the targeted protein, and that affect the viral sensitivity to these compounds. Thus, due to the high genetic variability of HCV, variants with reduced susceptibility to DAA can occur naturally even before treatment begins, but usually at low levels. Not surprisingly then, these changes are selected in patients either breaking through or not responding to potent DAA treatment. In vitro or in vivo, six major position mutations in the NS3 HCV protease (36, 54, 155, 156, 168, and 170) have now been reported associated with different levels of resistance. The amino acid composition at several of the drug resistance sites can vary between the HCV genotypes/subtypes, resulting in different consensus amino acids leading to a reduction in replicative fitness as well as reduced DAA sensitivity. Different amino acid diversity profiles for HCV genotypes/subtypes suggest differences in the position/type of immune escape and drug resistance mutations. Also, different pathways of resistance profiles based on the chemical scaffold (linear or macrocyclic) of the protease inhibitors have been described. This review first describes how resistance to a protease inhibitor can develop and then provides an overview of the mechanism of how particular mutations confer varying levels of resistance to protease inhibitor, which have been identified and characterized using both genotypic and phenotypic tools. Future potential therapeutic strategies to assist patients who do develop resistance to protease inhibitors are also outlined. The challenge developing new HCV protease inhibitors should take into consideration not only the antiviral potency of the drugs, the occurrence and importance of side effects, the frequency of oral administration, but also the resistance profiles of these agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Halfon
- Virological Departement Laboratoire Alphabio, Hôpital Ambroise Paré, Marseille, France.
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Shen T, Zheng J, Liang H, Xu C, Chen X, Zhang T, Xu Q, Lu F. Characteristics and PD-1 expression of peripheral CD4+CD127loCD25hiFoxP3+ Treg cells in chronic HCV infected-patients. Virol J 2011; 8:279. [PMID: 21645420 PMCID: PMC3129323 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-8-279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2011] [Accepted: 06/07/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Both regulatory T cells (Tregs) and PD-1/PD-L1 pathway were critically involved in HCV viral persistence. However, the association between them was not well investigated. Herein, we aimed to investigate the distributional profiles of Tregs subsets and association between PD-1 expression on these subsets and development of HCV long-term persistence. Methods CD45RA and CD27 were employed to separate peripheral Tregs as naïve/central memory/effector memory/effector subsets. The phenotypic characteristics and PD-1 expression of Tregs were studied by flow cytometry. Results In the present study, the majority of Tregs was identified as central memory phenotype in chronic hepatitis C patients compared with nearly equal contribution of naïve and central memory subsets in healthy individuals. PD-1 expression was elevated in all CD4+ T cell subset in chronic HCV infected patients, including Tregs. Of note, higher level of PD-1 expression was found on TEM- and effector-Treg than naïve- and TCM-Tregs subsets. The ratio of TEM-Tregs/naive-Tregs and TEM-Tregs/TCM-Tregs regarding to PD-1 MFI were significantly lower in CHC patients compared to controls. Conclusions Our study indicated that distinctive characteristics of PD-1 expression on Tregs in HCV infection suggests associated with impaired adaptive immunity as well as viral long-term persistence. The cross talk between Treg cells and PD-1 induced inhibition in chronic HCV infection deserved further exploration for HCV infection associated immune pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Shen
- Department of Microbiology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
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Ohara E, Hiraga N, Imamura M, Iwao E, Kamiya N, Yamada I, Kono T, Onishi M, Hirata D, Mitsui F, Kawaoka T, Tsuge M, Takahashi S, Abe H, Hayes CN, Ochi H, Tateno C, Yoshizato K, Tanaka S, Chayama K. Elimination of hepatitis C virus by short term NS3-4A and NS5B inhibitor combination therapy in human hepatocyte chimeric mice. J Hepatol 2011; 54:872-8. [PMID: 21145818 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2010.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2010] [Revised: 07/14/2010] [Accepted: 08/04/2010] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The current treatment regimen for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is peg-interferon plus ribavirin combination therapy. The majority of developing therapeutic strategies also contain peg-interferon with or without ribavirin. However, interferon is expensive and sometimes intolerable for some patients because of severe side effects. METHODS Using human hepatocyte chimeric mice, we examined whether a short term combination therapy with the HCV NS3-4A protease inhibitor telaprevir and the RNA polymerase inhibitor MK-0608 with or without interferon eradicates the HCV from infected mice. The effect of telaprevir and MK-0608 combination therapy was examined using subgenomic HCV replicon cells. RESULTS Combination therapy with the two drugs enhanced inhibition of HCV replication compared with either drug alone. In in vivo experiments, early emergence of drug resistance was seen in mice treated with either telaprevir or MK-0608 alone. However, emergence was prevented by the combination of these drugs. Mice treated with a triple combination therapy of telaprevir, MK-0608, and interferon became negative for HCV RNA soon after commencement of the therapy, and HCV RNA was not detected in serum of these mice 12 weeks after cessation of the therapy. Furthermore, all mice treated with a high dose telaprevir and MK-0608 combination therapy for 4 weeks became negative for HCV RNA 1 week after the beginning of the therapy and remained negative after 18 weeks. CONCLUSIONS Eradication of HCV from mice with only 4 weeks of therapy without interferon points the way to future combination therapies for chronic hepatitis C patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiji Ohara
- Department of Medicine, Division of Frontier Medical Science, Programs for Biomedical Research, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
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Obeid S, Printsevskaya SS, Olsufyeva EN, Dallmeier K, Durantel D, Zoulim F, Preobrazhenskaya MN, Neyts J, Paeshuyse J. Inhibition of hepatitis C virus replication by semi-synthetic derivatives of glycopeptide antibiotics. J Antimicrob Chemother 2011; 66:1287-94. [PMID: 21436155 PMCID: PMC7109641 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkr104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Some semi-synthetic derivatives of glycopeptide antibiotics have been shown to exert in vitro antiviral activity against HIV and coronaviruses. Here we report and characterize the in vitro anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) activity of several semi-synthetic derivatives of teicoplanin aglycone. Methods Anti-HCV activity was analysed in: (i) three different subgenomic HCV replicon systems using a luciferase or quantitative RT–PCR (qRT–PCR) assay; and (ii) an infectious HCV cell culture system by means of qRT–PCR and immunofluorescence assays. Results Several teicoplanin aglycone derivatives elicited selective anti-HCV activity in replicons as well as infectious cell culture systems, with LCTA-949 being the most potent derivative. LCTA-949 proved, in contrast to several directly acting antivirals for HCV, efficient in clearing cells of their replicons. When LCTA-949 was combined with HCV protease or polymerase inhibitors an overall additive effect was observed. Likewise, LCTA-949 was equipotent against wild-type replicons as well as against replicons resistant to polymerase and protease inhibitors. Following up to 4 months of selective pressure, no drug-resistant replicons were selected. When combined with the HCV NS3 protease inhibitor VX-950, LCTA-949 prevented the development of VX-950-resistant variants. Conclusions Semi-synthetic derivatives of teicoplanin aglycone constitute a novel class of HCV replication inhibitors that are not cross-resistant with various HCV protease and polymerase inhibitors and in particular are potent in clearing hepatoma cells of their replicons. This class of molecules also provides a good tool to obtain novel insights into the replication cycle of HCV and into cellular factors/processes that are crucial for viral replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Obeid
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, K.U. Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
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INX-08189, a phosphoramidate prodrug of 6-O-methyl-2'-C-methyl guanosine, is a potent inhibitor of hepatitis C virus replication with excellent pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2011; 55:1843-51. [PMID: 21357300 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01335-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INX-08189 is an aryl-phosphoramidate of 6-O-methyl-2'-C-methyl guanosine. INX-08189 was highly potent in replicon assays, with a 50% effective concentration of 10±6 nM against hepatitis C genotype 1b at 72 h. The inhibitory effect on viral replication was rapid, with a 50% effective concentration (EC50) of 35±8 nM at 24 h. An intracellular 2'-C-methyl guanosine triphosphate (2'-C-MeGTP) concentration of 2.43±0.42 pmol/10(6) cells was sufficient to achieve 90% inhibition of viral replication. In vitro resistance studies confirmed that the S282T mutation in the NS5b gene conferred an approximately 10-fold reduction in sensitivity to INX-08189. However, the complete inhibition of S282T mutant replicons still could be achieved with an EC90 of 344±170 nM. Drug combination studies of INX-08189 and ribavirin indicated significant synergy in antiviral potency both in wild-type and S282T-expressing replicons. Genotype 1b replicons could be cleared after 14 days of culture when exposed to as little as 20 nM INX-08189. No evidence of mitochondrial toxicity was observed after 14 days of INX-08189 exposure in both HepG2 and CEM human cell lines. In vivo studies of rats and cynomolgus monkeys demonstrated that 2'-C-MeGTP concentrations in liver equivalent to the EC90 could be attained after a single oral dose of INX-08189. Rat liver 2'-C-MeGTP concentrations were proportional to dose, sustained for greater than 24 h, and correlated with plasma concentrations of the nucleoside metabolite 2'-C-methyl guanosine. The characteristics displayed by INX-08189 support its continued development as a clinical candidate for the treatment of chronic HCV infection.
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Bobeck DR, Schinazi RF, Coats SJ. Advances in nucleoside monophosphate prodrugs as anti-HCV agents. Antivir Ther 2011; 15:935-50. [PMID: 21041908 DOI: 10.3851/imp1667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Nucleoside monophosphate prodrugs that are eventually bioconverted to the active nucleoside triphosphate (NTP) offer the potential to deliver increased intracellular NTP levels and/or organ-specific NTP enhancement. There are several classes of monophosphate prodrugs that have been applied to HCV drug discovery, and some of these approaches are currently being evaluated in humans. This review discusses recent advances in monophosphate prodrug approaches to improve oral absorption, stability and pharmacokinetic profile, including their advantages and potential pitfalls.
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42
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Chang W, Bao D, Chun BK, Naduthambi D, Nagarathnam D, Rachakonda S, Reddy PG, Ross BS, Zhang HR, Bansal S, Espiritu CL, Keilman M, Lam AM, Niu C, Steuer HM, Furman PA, Otto MJ, Sofia MJ. Discovery of PSI-353661, a Novel Purine Nucleotide Prodrug for the Treatment of HCV Infection. ACS Med Chem Lett 2011; 2:130-5. [PMID: 24900291 DOI: 10.1021/ml100209f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2010] [Accepted: 12/08/2010] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus afflicts approximately 180 million people worldwide, and the development of direct acting antivirals may offer substantial benefit compared to the current standard of care. Accordingly, prodrugs of 2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro-2'-C-methylguanosine monophosphate analogues were prepared and evaluated for their anti-HCV efficacy and tolerability. These prodrugs demonstrated >1000 fold greater potency than the parent nucleoside in a cell-based replicon assay as a result of higher intracellular triphosphate levels. Further optimization led to the discovery of the clinical candidate PSI-353661, which has demonstrated strong in vitro inhibition against HCV without cytotoxicity and equipotent activity against both the wild type and the known S282T nucleoside/tide resistant replicon. PSI-353661 is currently in preclinical development for the treatment of HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wonsuk Chang
- Pharmasset, Inc., 303A College Road East, Princeton,
New Jersey 08540-6608, United States
| | - Donghui Bao
- Pharmasset, Inc., 303A College Road East, Princeton,
New Jersey 08540-6608, United States
| | - Byoung-Kwon Chun
- Pharmasset, Inc., 303A College Road East, Princeton,
New Jersey 08540-6608, United States
| | - Devan Naduthambi
- Pharmasset, Inc., 303A College Road East, Princeton,
New Jersey 08540-6608, United States
| | - Dhanapalan Nagarathnam
- Pharmasset, Inc., 303A College Road East, Princeton,
New Jersey 08540-6608, United States
| | - Suguna Rachakonda
- Pharmasset, Inc., 303A College Road East, Princeton,
New Jersey 08540-6608, United States
| | - P. Ganapati Reddy
- Pharmasset, Inc., 303A College Road East, Princeton,
New Jersey 08540-6608, United States
| | - Bruce S. Ross
- Pharmasset, Inc., 303A College Road East, Princeton,
New Jersey 08540-6608, United States
| | - Hai-Ren Zhang
- Pharmasset, Inc., 303A College Road East, Princeton,
New Jersey 08540-6608, United States
| | - Shalini Bansal
- Pharmasset, Inc., 303A College Road East, Princeton,
New Jersey 08540-6608, United States
| | - Christine L. Espiritu
- Pharmasset, Inc., 303A College Road East, Princeton,
New Jersey 08540-6608, United States
| | - Meg Keilman
- Pharmasset, Inc., 303A College Road East, Princeton,
New Jersey 08540-6608, United States
| | - Angela M. Lam
- Pharmasset, Inc., 303A College Road East, Princeton,
New Jersey 08540-6608, United States
| | - Congrong Niu
- Pharmasset, Inc., 303A College Road East, Princeton,
New Jersey 08540-6608, United States
| | | | - Phillip A. Furman
- Pharmasset, Inc., 303A College Road East, Princeton,
New Jersey 08540-6608, United States
| | - Michael J. Otto
- Pharmasset, Inc., 303A College Road East, Princeton,
New Jersey 08540-6608, United States
| | - Michael J. Sofia
- Pharmasset, Inc., 303A College Road East, Princeton,
New Jersey 08540-6608, United States
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Novikov MS, Buckheit RW, Temburnikar K, Khandazhinskaya AL, Ivanov AV, Seley-Radtke KL. 1-Benzyl derivatives of 5-(arylamino)uracils as anti-HIV-1 and anti-EBV agents. Bioorg Med Chem 2010; 18:8310-4. [PMID: 21035347 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2010.09.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2010] [Revised: 09/27/2010] [Accepted: 09/29/2010] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Pyrimidine analogs have long found use over a broad chemotherapeutic spectrum. In an effort to further explore the antiviral potential of several uracil derivatives previously synthesized in our laboratories, a series of benzylated pyrimidines were designed and synthesized. Introduction of the benzyl residue onto the 5-phenylaminouracil scaffold was carried out using 2,4-bis(trimethylsilyloxy)pyrimidine with the corresponding benzyl bromides. Similarly, 1-benzyl-5-(benzylamino)- and 1-benzyl-5-(phenethylamino)uracils were obtained via amination of 1-benzyl-5-bromouracils with benzylamine or phenylethylamine. The results of the broad screen antiviral studies revealed that compounds 5 and 11 exhibit promising inhibitory activity against HIV-1 in CEM-SS culture. A 50% protective effect was observed at concentrations of 11.9 and 9.5 μМ, respectively. Moreover, compounds 8 and 3 exhibited good inhibitory effects against EBV in АKАТА cell culture with EC₅₀ values of 2.3 and 12 μM, respectively. The synthesis and biological studies are detailed herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail S Novikov
- Department of Pharmaceutical & Toxicological Chemistry, Volgograd State Medical University, Russia
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44
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Znabet A, Polak MM, Janssen E, de Kanter FJJ, Turner NJ, Orru RVA, Ruijter E. A highly efficient synthesis of telaprevir by strategic use of biocatalysis and multicomponent reactions. Chem Commun (Camb) 2010; 46:7918-20. [PMID: 20856952 DOI: 10.1039/c0cc02823a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
A very short and efficient synthesis of the important drug candidate telaprevir, featuring a biocatalytic desymmetrization and two multicomponent reactions as the key steps, is presented. The classical issue of lack of stereoselectivity in Ugi- and Passerini-type reactions is circumvented. The atom economic and convergent nature of the synthetic strategy require only very limited use of protective groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anass Znabet
- Department of Chemistry & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1083, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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45
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Rigid amphipathic fusion inhibitors, small molecule antiviral compounds against enveloped viruses. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2010; 107:17339-44. [PMID: 20823220 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1010026107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Antiviral drugs targeting viral proteins often result in prompt selection for resistance. Moreover, the number of viral targets is limited. Novel antiviral targets are therefore needed. The unique characteristics of fusion between virion envelopes and cell membranes may provide such targets. Like all fusing bilayers, viral envelopes locally adopt hourglass-shaped stalks during the initial stages of fusion, a process that requires local negative membrane curvature. Unlike cellular vesicles, however, viral envelopes do not redistribute lipids between leaflets, can only use the energy released by virion proteins, and fuse to the extracellular leaflets of cell membranes. Enrichment in phospholipids with hydrophilic heads larger than their hydrophobic tails in the convex outer leaflet of vesicles favors positive curvature, therefore increasing the activation energy barrier for fusion. Such phospholipids can increase the activation barrier beyond the energy provided by virion proteins, thereby inhibiting viral fusion. However, phospholipids are not pharmacologically useful. We show here that a family of synthetic rigid amphiphiles of shape similar to such phospholipids, RAFIs (rigid amphipathic fusion inhibitors), inhibit the infectivity of several otherwise unrelated enveloped viruses, including hepatitis C and HSV-1 and -2 (lowest apparent IC(50) 48 nM), with no cytotoxic or cytostatic effects (selectivity index > 3,000) by inhibiting the increased negative curvature required for the initial stages of fusion.
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47
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Kanda T, Imazeki F, Yokosuka O. New antiviral therapies for chronic hepatitis C. Hepatol Int 2010; 4:548-61. [PMID: 21063477 PMCID: PMC2940000 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-010-9193-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2010] [Accepted: 07/09/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C is an important health issue worldwide. The current standard therapy is based on a combination of pegylated-interferon (pegIFN) and ribavirin (RBV), but this treatment leads to only ~50% sustained virological response (SVR) in patients with HCV genotype 1 and high viral loads, who were mostly null-responders or relapsers. Among HCV genotypes other than HCV genotype 1, especially HCV genotype 4 patients show only 40-70% SVR by this treatment. Although new drugs also depend on the combination of pegIFN and RBV, it appears that these drugs improve not only rapid virological response (RVR) but also early virological response, leading to SVR in these patients. In the near future, we predict higher SVR rates in chronic hepatitis C patients treated with these new drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuo Kanda
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, 260-8677 Japan
| | - Fumio Imazeki
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, 260-8677 Japan
| | - Osamu Yokosuka
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, 260-8677 Japan
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Lange CM, Sarrazin C, Zeuzem S. Review article: specifically targeted anti-viral therapy for hepatitis C - a new era in therapy. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010; 32:14-28. [PMID: 20374226 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2010.04317.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Novel, directly acting anti-viral agents, also named 'specifically targeted anti-viral therapy for hepatitis C' (STAT-C) compounds, are currently under development. AIM To review the potential of STAT-C agents which are currently under clinical development, with a focus on agents that target HCV proteins. METHODS Studies evaluating STAT-C compounds were identified by systematic literature search using PubMed as well as databases of abstracts presented in English at recent liver and gastroenterology congresses. RESULTS Numerous directly-acting anti-viral agents are currently under clinical phase I-III evaluation. Final results of phase II clinical trials evaluating the most advanced compounds telaprevir and boceprevir indicate that the addition of these NS3/4A protease inhibitors to pegylated interferon-alfa and ribavirin strongly improves the chance to achieve a SVR in treatment-naive HCV genotype 1 patient as well as in prior nonresponders and relapsers to standard therapy. Monotherapy with directly acting anti-virals is not suitable. NS5B polymerase inhibitors in general have a lower anti-viral efficacy than protease inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS STAT-C compounds in addition to pegylated interferon-alfa and ribavirin can improve SVR rates at least in HCV genotype 1 patients. Future research needs to evaluate whether a SVR can be achieved by combination therapies of STAT-C compounds in interferon-free regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Lange
- Department of Medicine, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Resistance analysis of the hepatitis C virus NS5A inhibitor BMS-790052 in an in vitro replicon system. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2010; 54:3641-50. [PMID: 20585111 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00556-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 247] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BMS-790052 is the most potent hepatitis C virus (HCV) inhibitor reported to date, with 50% effective concentrations (EC(50)s) of < or = 50 pM against genotype 1 replicons. This exceptional potency translated to rapid viral load declines in a phase I clinical study. By targeting NS5A, BMS-790052 is distinct from most HCV inhibitors in clinical evaluation. As an initial step toward correlating in vitro and in vivo resistances, multiple cell lines and selective pressures were used to identify BMS-790052-resistant variants in genotype 1 replicons. Similarities and differences were observed between genotypes 1a and 1b. For genotype 1b, L31F/V, P32L, and Y93H/N were identified as primary resistance mutations. L23F, R30Q, and P58S acted as secondary resistance substitutions, enhancing the resistance of primary mutations but themselves not conferring resistance. For genotype 1a, more sites of resistance were identified, and substitutions at these sites (M28T, Q30E/H/R, L31M/V, P32L, and Y93C/H/N) conferred higher levels of resistance. For both subtypes, combining two resistance mutations markedly decreased inhibitor susceptibility. Selection studies with a 1b/1a hybrid replicon highlighted the importance of the NS5A N-terminal region in determining genotype-specific inhibitor responses. As single mutations, Q30E and Y93N in genotype 1a conferred the highest levels of resistance. For genotype 1b, BMS-790052 retained subnanomolar potency against all variants with single amino acid substitutions, suggesting that multiple mutations will likely be required for significant in vivo resistance in this genetic background. Importantly, BMS-790052-resistant variants remained fully sensitive to alpha interferon and small-molecule inhibitors of HCV protease and polymerase.
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Quer J, Buti M, Cubero M, Guardia J, Esteban R, Esteban JI. New strategies for the treatment of hepatitis C virus infection and implications of resistance to new direct-acting antiviral agents. Infect Drug Resist 2010; 3:133-45. [PMID: 21694902 PMCID: PMC3108733 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s7136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2010] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a leading cause of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma and the major indication for liver transplantation in adults. Current standard of care treatment (SOC) with pegylated-interferon-α 2 and ribavirin (RBV) has a limited efficacy and is associated with significant side effects frequently associated with poor compliance or treatment discontinuation, requiring specialized and frequent monitoring. To overcome the limited efficacy of SOC, more than 50 direct-acting antiviral agents (DAA) designed to target viral-encoded proteins essential in the HCV life cycle are currently under development. The rapid selection of resistant mutants associated with the quasispecies nature of HCV with high mutation and replication rates is one of the main challenges for the new HCV therapies. Predictive host and viral factors together with combination of DAAs with or without IFN and/or RBV need to be accurately evaluated to design the most effective individualized treatment strategy within the shortest time interval and with minimum side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josep Quer
- Liver Unit, Internal Medicine Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
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