1
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Allweiss L, Cohen C, Dias J, Fumagalli V, Guo H, Harris JM, Hu J, Iannacone M, Isogawa M, Jeng WJ, Kim KH, Kramvis A, Li W, Lucifora J, Muramatsu M, Neuveut C, Ploss A, Pollicino T, Protzer U, Tan A, Tanaka Y, Tu T, Tsukuda S, Thimme R, Urban S, Watashi K, Yuan Z, Yeh SH, McKeating JA, Revill PA. Highlights from the 2023 International Meeting on the Molecular Biology of Hepatitis B virus. J Gen Virol 2024; 105:001978. [PMID: 38757942 PMCID: PMC11258880 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Since its discovery in 1965, our understanding of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication cycle and host immune responses has increased markedly. In contrast, our knowledge of the molecular biology of hepatitis delta virus (HDV), which is associated with more severe liver disease, is less well understood. Despite the progress made, critical gaps remain in our knowledge of HBV and HDV replication and the mechanisms underlying viral persistence and evasion of host immunity. The International HBV Meeting is the leading annual scientific meeting for presenting the latest advances in HBV and HDV molecular virology, immunology, and epidemiology. In 2023, the annual scientific meeting was held in Kobe, Japan and this review summarises some of the advances presented at the Meeting and lists gaps in our knowledge that may facilitate the development of new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- HBV2023
- Various- see supplementary material
| | - Lena Allweiss
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany
| | | | - Joao Dias
- Laboratoire de Virologie Moléculaire, CNRS Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Valeria Fumagalli
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Haitao Guo
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics; Cancer Virology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - James M. Harris
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jianming Hu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Matteo Iannacone
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Masanori Isogawa
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Wen-Juei Jeng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Kyun-Hwan Kim
- Department of Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Anna Kramvis
- Anna Kramvis Hepatitis Virus Diversity Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Wenhui Li
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, PR China
- Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Julie Lucifora
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Univ Lyon, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, F-69007, Lyon, France
| | - Masamichi Muramatsu
- Department of Infectious Disease Research, Institute of Biomedical Research and Innovation, Foundation for Biomedical Research and Innovation at Kobe, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Christine Neuveut
- Laboratoire de Virologie Moléculaire, CNRS Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Alexander Ploss
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Teresa Pollicino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich/Helmholtz Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Anthony Tan
- Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yasuhito Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Thomas Tu
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney at Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, The University of Sydney at Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Senko Tsukuda
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Robert Thimme
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Freiburg, Breisgau, Germany
| | - Stephan Urban
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Koichi Watashi
- Research Center for Drug and Vaccine Development, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Zhenghong Yuan
- Key Lab of Medical Molecular Virology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Shiou-Hwei Yeh
- Graduate Institute of Microbiology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jane A. McKeating
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Oxford Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Peter A. Revill
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Royal Melbourne Hospital at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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2
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Fan Z, Pavlova A, Jenkins MC, Bassit L, Salman M, Lynch DL, Patel D, Korablyov M, Finn MG, Schinazi RF, Gumbart JC. Biophysics-Guided Lead Discovery of HBV Capsid Assembly Modifiers. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:1162-1173. [PMID: 38564659 PMCID: PMC11019538 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the leading cause of chronic liver pathologies worldwide. HBV nucleocapsid, a key structural component, is formed through the self-assembly of the capsid protein units. Therefore, interfering with the self-assembly process is a promising approach for the development of novel antiviral agents. Applied to HBV, this approach has led to several classes of capsid assembly modulators (CAMs). Here, we report structurally novel CAMs with moderate activity and low toxicity, discovered through a biophysics-guided approach combining docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and a series of assays with a particular emphasis on biophysical experiments. Several of the identified compounds induce the formation of aberrant capsids and inhibit HBV DNA replication in vitro, suggesting that they possess modest capsid assembly modulation effects. The synergistic computational and experimental approaches provided key insights that facilitated the identification of compounds with promising activities. The discovery of preclinical CAMs presents opportunities for subsequent optimization efforts, thereby opening new avenues for HBV inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixing Fan
- Interdisciplinary
Bioengineering Graduate Program, Georgia
Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Anna Pavlova
- School
of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Matthew C. Jenkins
- School
of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Georgia
Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Leda Bassit
- Center
for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology,
Department of Pediatrics, Emory University
School of Medicine and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Mohammad Salman
- Center
for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology,
Department of Pediatrics, Emory University
School of Medicine and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Diane L. Lynch
- School
of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Dharmeshkumar Patel
- Center
for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology,
Department of Pediatrics, Emory University
School of Medicine and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Maksym Korablyov
- MIT
Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - M. G. Finn
- School
of Chemistry & Biochemistry and School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Raymond F. Schinazi
- Center
for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology,
Department of Pediatrics, Emory University
School of Medicine and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - James C. Gumbart
- School
of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
- School
of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Georgia
Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
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3
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Amblard F, Chen Z, Wiseman J, Zhou S, Liu P, Salman M, Verma K, Azadi N, Downs-Bowen J, Tao S, Kumari A, Zhang Q, Smith DB, Patel D, Bassit L, Schinazi RF. Synthesis and evaluation of highly potent HBV capsid assembly modulators (CAMs). Bioorg Chem 2023; 141:106923. [PMID: 37871391 PMCID: PMC10765384 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major global health burden. It affects more than 290 million individuals worldwide and is responsible for approximately 900,000 deaths annually. Anti-HBV treatment with a nucleoside analog in combination with pegylated interferon are considered first-line therapy for patients with chronic HBV infection and liver inflammation. However, because cure rates are low, most patients will require lifetime treatment. HBV Capsid Assembly Modulators (CAMs) have emerged as a promising new class of compounds as they can affect levels of HBV covalently closed-circular DNA (cccDNA) associated with viral persistence. SAR studies around the core structure of lead HBV CAM GLP-26 (Fig. 1B) was performed and led to the discovery of non-toxic compound 10a displaying sub-nanomolar anti-HBV activity. Advanced toxicity and cellular pharmacology profiles of compounds 10a were also established and the results are discussed herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franck Amblard
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
| | - Zhe Chen
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - John Wiseman
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Shaoman Zhou
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Peng Liu
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Mohammad Salman
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Kiran Verma
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Niloufar Azadi
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Jessica Downs-Bowen
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Sijia Tao
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Amita Kumari
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Qingling Zhang
- Aligos Therapeutics, Inc., 1 Corporate Drive, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - David B Smith
- Aligos Therapeutics, Inc., 1 Corporate Drive, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Dharmeshkumar Patel
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Leda Bassit
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Raymond F Schinazi
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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4
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Zhao S, Wang Y, Zhang X, Qiao L, Wang S, Jin Y, Wu S, Li Y, Zhan P, Liu X. Discovery of carboxyl-containing heteroaryldihydropyrimidine derivatives as novel HBV capsid assembly modulators with significantly improved metabolic stability. RSC Med Chem 2023; 14:2380-2400. [PMID: 37974964 PMCID: PMC10650354 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00461a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Interfering with the assembly of hepatitis B virus (HBV) capsid is a promising approach for treating chronic hepatitis B (CHB). In order to enhance the metabolic stability and reduce the strong hERG inhibitory effect of HBV capsid assembly modulator (CAM) GLS4, we rationally designed a series of carboxyl-containing heteroaryldihydropyrimidine (HAP) derivatives based on structural biology information combined with medicinal chemistry strategies. The results from biological evaluation demonstrated that compound 6a-25 (EC50 = 0.020 μM) exhibited greater potency than the positive drug lamivudine (EC50 = 0.09 μM), and was comparable to the lead compound GLS4 (EC50 = 0.007 μM). Furthermore, it was observed that 6a-25 reduced levels of core protein (Cp) and capsid in cells. Preliminary assessment of drug-likeness revealed that 6a-25 exhibited superior water solubility (pH 2.0: 374.81 μg mL-1; pH 7.0: 6.85 μg mL-1; pH 7.4: 25.48 μg mL-1), liver microsomal metabolic stability (t1/2 = 108.2 min), and lower hERG toxicity (10 μM inhibition rate was 72.66%) compared to the lead compound GLS4. Overall, compound 6a-25 holds promise for further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujie Zhao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University 44 West Culture Road 250012 Jinan Shandong PR China
| | - Ya Wang
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drug Research, Beijing Key Laboratory of Antimicrobial Agents, NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College 100050 Beijing PR China
| | - Xujie Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University 44 West Culture Road 250012 Jinan Shandong PR China
| | - Lijun Qiao
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drug Research, Beijing Key Laboratory of Antimicrobial Agents, NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College 100050 Beijing PR China
| | - Shuo Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University 44 West Culture Road 250012 Jinan Shandong PR China
| | - Yu Jin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University 44 West Culture Road 250012 Jinan Shandong PR China
| | - Shuo Wu
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drug Research, Beijing Key Laboratory of Antimicrobial Agents, NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College 100050 Beijing PR China
| | - Yuhuan Li
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drug Research, Beijing Key Laboratory of Antimicrobial Agents, NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College 100050 Beijing PR China
| | - Peng Zhan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University 44 West Culture Road 250012 Jinan Shandong PR China
| | - Xinyong Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University 44 West Culture Road 250012 Jinan Shandong PR China
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5
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Hwang N, Wu S, Ban H, Luo H, Ma J, Cheng J, Zhao Q, Laney JA, Du N, Guo J, Suresh M, Shen L, Tolufashe G, Viswanathan U, Kulp J, Lam P, Chang J, Clement JA, Menne S, Guo JT, Du Y. Identification of novel tetrahydroquinoxaline derived phenyl ureas as modulators of the hepatitis B virus nucleocapsid assembly. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 259:115634. [PMID: 37499290 PMCID: PMC10753860 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
A key step of hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication is the selective packaging of pregenomic RNA (pgRNA) by core protein (Cp) dimers, forming a nucleocapsid where the reverse transcriptional viral DNA replication takes place. One approach in the development of new anti-HBV drugs is to disrupt the assembly of HBV nucleocapsids by misdirecting Cp dimers to assemble morphologically normal capsids devoid of pgRNA. In this study, we built upon our previous discovery of benzamide-derived HBV capsid assembly modulators by exploring fused bicyclic scaffolds with an exocyclic amide that is β, γ to the fused ring, and identified 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoxaline derived phenyl ureas as a novel scaffold. Structure-activity relationship studies showed that a favorable hydrophobic substitution can be tolerated at the 2-position of the 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoxaline core, and the resulting compound 88 demonstrated comparable or improved antiviral potencies in mouse and human hepatocyte-derived HBV-replicating cell lines compared to our previously reported benzamide compound, 38017 (8). In addition, a novel bis-urea series based on 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoxaline was also found to inhibit HBV DNA replication with sub-micromolar EC50 values. The mode of action of these compounds is consistent with specific inhibition of pgRNA encapsidation into nucleocapsids in hepatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicky Hwang
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA
| | - Shuo Wu
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA
| | - Haiqun Ban
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA; Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 1630 Dongfang Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Huixin Luo
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA
| | - Julia Ma
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA
| | - Junjun Cheng
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA
| | - Qiong Zhao
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA
| | - Jessilyn A Laney
- United States Naval Academy, 121 Blake Rd, Annapolis, MD, 21402, USA
| | - Na Du
- Pharmaron, 6 Taihe Road, BDA, Beijing, 100176, China
| | - Junyang Guo
- Pharmaron, 6 Taihe Road, BDA, Beijing, 100176, China
| | - Manasa Suresh
- Georgetown University Medical Center, 3900 Reservoir Road, Washington, DC, 20057, USA
| | - Liangxian Shen
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA
| | - Gideon Tolufashe
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA
| | - Usha Viswanathan
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA
| | - John Kulp
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA
| | - Patrick Lam
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA
| | - Jinhong Chang
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA
| | - Jason A Clement
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA
| | - Stephan Menne
- Georgetown University Medical Center, 3900 Reservoir Road, Washington, DC, 20057, USA
| | - Ju-Tao Guo
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA.
| | - Yanming Du
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA.
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6
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Xi J, Gu Z, Sun C, Chen Z, Zhang T, Chen R, Liu T, Liao H, Zou J, Yang D, Xu Q, Wang J, Wei G, Cheng Z, Lu F, Chen X. A novel hepatitis B virus capsid assembly modulator QL-007 inhibits HBV replication and infection through altering capsid assembly. Antiviral Res 2023; 218:105715. [PMID: 37683938 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2023.105715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
The core protein allosteric modulators (CpAMs) have shown great potential as highly effective antiviral drugs against hepatitis B virus (HBV) in preclinical studies and clinical trials. In this study, we evaluated a small molecule compound called QL-007, which could potentially influence capsid assembly, using HBV replicated and susceptible cell models as well as mice infected with rAAV-HBV. QL-007 significantly inhibited HBV replication in a dose-dependent manner both in vitro and in vivo, resulting in significant decreases in HBV DNA, 3.5 kb HBV RNA and HBeAg. Furthermore, QL-007 not only induced the formation of misshaped Cp149 capsids but also possessed the capability to disassemble HBV capsids. It is noteworthy that QL-007 effectively reduced cccDNA biosynthesis in de novo infections. Mechanistically, QL-007 blocked the encapsidation of pgRNA and induced aberrant polymers assembly at concentrations ≥100 nM, while having no impact on the stability of core proteins. In conclusion, our findings underscore the potential of QL-007 as an effective agent against HBV replication and introduce it as a novel CpAM for the antiviral treatment of chronic hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyuan Xi
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory Center, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, 100045, China
| | - Zhiqiang Gu
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Chunyan Sun
- Department of Nonclinical Development, Qilu Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd, 243 Gong Ye Bei Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250100, China
| | - Zimin Chen
- R&D Department, Xiamen Innobiomax Biotechnology Co, Ltd, 126 Xin Yuan Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361022, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ran Chen
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China; Institute of Human Virology, Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Tianyu Liu
- Medical Isotopes Research Center, Department of Radiation Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Hao Liao
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Shenzhen, 518112, China
| | - Jun Zou
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Danli Yang
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Qiang Xu
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Guochao Wei
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Zhe Cheng
- Department of Nonclinical Development, Qilu Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd, 243 Gong Ye Bei Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250100, China.
| | - Fengmin Lu
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China; Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China.
| | - Xiangmei Chen
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China.
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7
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Ruengsatra T, Meeprasert A, Rattanangkool E, Deesiri S, Srisa J, Udomnilobol U, Dunkoksung W, Chuaypen N, Kiatbumrung R, Tangkijvanich P, Vimolmangkang S, Pudhom K, Prueksaritanont T. Binding characteristics of pyrrole-scaffold hepatitis B virus capsid inhibitors and identification of novel potent compounds. RSC Adv 2023; 13:29004-29022. [PMID: 37807973 PMCID: PMC10556424 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra04720b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) capsid assembly modulators (CAMs) are currently being evaluated in clinical trials as potential curative therapies for HBV. This study used in silico computational modeling to provide insights into the binding characteristics between the HBV core protein and two pyrrole-scaffold inhibitors, JNJ-6379 and GLP-26, both in the CAM-Normal (CAM-N) series. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that the pyrrole inhibitors displayed similar general binding-interaction patterns to NVR 3-778, another CAM-N, with hydrophobic interactions serving as the major driving force. However, consistent with their higher potency, the pyrrole inhibitors exhibited stronger nonpolar interactions with key residues in a solvent-accessible region as compared to NVR 3-778. This feature was facilitated by distinct hydrogen bond interactions of the pyrrole scaffold inhibitors with the residue 140 in chain B of the HBV core protein (L140B). Based on these findings, novel CAM-N compounds were designed to mimic the interaction with L140B residue while maximizing nonpolar interactions in the solvent-accessible region. Several 1H-pyrrole-2-carbonyl substituted pyrrolidine-based compounds with various hydrophobic side chains were synthesized and evaluated. Through analyses of the structure-activity and structure-druggability relations of a series of compounds, CU15 emerged as the most promising lead CAM-N compound, exhibiting sub-nanomolar potency and good pharmacokinetic profiles. Overall, the study demonstrated a practical approach to leverage computational methods for understanding key target binding features for rationale-based design, and for guiding the identification of novel compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanachote Ruengsatra
- Chulalongkorn University Drug Discovery and Drug Development Research Center (Chula4DR), Chulalongkorn University 254 Phayathai Rd, Prathumwan Bangkok 10330 Thailand
| | - Arthitaya Meeprasert
- Chulalongkorn University Drug Discovery and Drug Development Research Center (Chula4DR), Chulalongkorn University 254 Phayathai Rd, Prathumwan Bangkok 10330 Thailand
| | - Eakkaphon Rattanangkool
- Chulalongkorn University Drug Discovery and Drug Development Research Center (Chula4DR), Chulalongkorn University 254 Phayathai Rd, Prathumwan Bangkok 10330 Thailand
| | - Sirikan Deesiri
- Chulalongkorn University Drug Discovery and Drug Development Research Center (Chula4DR), Chulalongkorn University 254 Phayathai Rd, Prathumwan Bangkok 10330 Thailand
| | - Jakkrit Srisa
- Chulalongkorn University Drug Discovery and Drug Development Research Center (Chula4DR), Chulalongkorn University 254 Phayathai Rd, Prathumwan Bangkok 10330 Thailand
| | - Udomsak Udomnilobol
- Chulalongkorn University Drug Discovery and Drug Development Research Center (Chula4DR), Chulalongkorn University 254 Phayathai Rd, Prathumwan Bangkok 10330 Thailand
| | - Wilasinee Dunkoksung
- Chulalongkorn University Drug Discovery and Drug Development Research Center (Chula4DR), Chulalongkorn University 254 Phayathai Rd, Prathumwan Bangkok 10330 Thailand
| | - Natthaya Chuaypen
- Chulalongkorn University Drug Discovery and Drug Development Research Center (Chula4DR), Chulalongkorn University 254 Phayathai Rd, Prathumwan Bangkok 10330 Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand
| | - Rattanaporn Kiatbumrung
- Chulalongkorn University Drug Discovery and Drug Development Research Center (Chula4DR), Chulalongkorn University 254 Phayathai Rd, Prathumwan Bangkok 10330 Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand
| | - Pisit Tangkijvanich
- Chulalongkorn University Drug Discovery and Drug Development Research Center (Chula4DR), Chulalongkorn University 254 Phayathai Rd, Prathumwan Bangkok 10330 Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand
| | - Sornkanok Vimolmangkang
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand
| | - Khanitha Pudhom
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand
| | - Thomayant Prueksaritanont
- Chulalongkorn University Drug Discovery and Drug Development Research Center (Chula4DR), Chulalongkorn University 254 Phayathai Rd, Prathumwan Bangkok 10330 Thailand
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8
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Basit L, Amblard F, Patel DJ, Biteau N, Chen Z, Kasthuri M, Zhou S, Schinazi RF. The premise of capsid assembly modulators towards eliminating HBV persistence. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2023; 18:1031-1041. [PMID: 37477111 PMCID: PMC10530454 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2239701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The burden of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) results in almost a million deaths per year. The most common treatment for chronic hepatitis B infection is long-term nucleoside analogs (NUC) or one-year interferon-alpha (pegylated or non-pegylated) therapy before or after NUC therapy. Unfortunately, these therapies rarely result in HBV functional cure because they do not eradicate HBV from the nucleus of the hepatocytes, where the covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) is formed and/or where the integrated HBV DNA persists in the host genome. Hence, the search continues for novel antiviral therapies that target different steps of the HBV replication cycle to cure chronically infected HBV individuals and eliminate HBV from the liver reservoirs. AREAS COVERED The authors focus on capsid assembly modulators (CAMs). These molecules are unique because they impact not only one but several steps of HBV viral replication, including capsid assembly, capsid trafficking into the nucleus, reverse transcription, pre-genomic RNA (pgRNA), and polymerase protein co-packaging. EXPERT OPINION Mono- or combination therapy, including CAMs with other HBV drugs, may potentially eliminate hepatitis B infections. Nevertheless, more data on their potential effect on HBV elimination is needed, especially when used daily for 6-12 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leda Basit
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical
Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, 1760 Haygood Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322,
USA
| | - Franck Amblard
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical
Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, 1760 Haygood Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322,
USA
| | - Dharmeshkumar J. Patel
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical
Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, 1760 Haygood Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322,
USA
| | - Nicolas Biteau
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical
Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, 1760 Haygood Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322,
USA
| | - Zhe Chen
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical
Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, 1760 Haygood Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322,
USA
| | - Mahesh Kasthuri
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical
Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, 1760 Haygood Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322,
USA
| | - Shaoman Zhou
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical
Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, 1760 Haygood Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322,
USA
| | - Raymond F. Schinazi
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical
Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, 1760 Haygood Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322,
USA
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9
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McFadden WM, Sarafianos SG. Targeting the HIV-1 and HBV Capsids, an EnCore. Viruses 2023; 15:896. [PMID: 37112877 PMCID: PMC10146275 DOI: 10.3390/v15040896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Not many structures are common among all viruses: only nucleic acid and a protein coat [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- William M. McFadden
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Stefan G. Sarafianos
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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10
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Yan R, Cai D, Zong Y, Guo L, Zhou Y, Tang A, Li L, Huang Q, Colonno R, Walker MA. Preclinical characterization of ABI-H2158, an HBV core inhibitor with dual mechanisms of action. Antiviral Res 2023; 209:105485. [PMID: 36509208 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2022.105485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The HBV core protein plays an integral role in multiple steps of the HBV lifecycle. Consequently, HBV core inhibitors interrupt multiple steps of the replication cycle, including blocking pgRNA encapsidation and prematurely disassembling existing nucleocapsids, thereby preventing them from transporting relaxed circular (rcDNA) to the nucleus for conversion to covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA). ABI-H2158 is an HBV core inhibitor that advanced into Phase 2 clinical trials for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus infection (cHBV) but was discontinued due to hepatotoxicity. Here, the potency, selectivity, and mechanisms of action of ABI-H2158 were evaluated using a variety of cell-based assays. Antiviral activity was measured by quantifying intracellular or secreted HBV DNA, RNA, and antigens. ABI-H2158 inhibited HBV replication by blocking pgRNA encapsidation in induced HepAD38 cells (EC50 = 22 nM) and had similar potency in HBV-infected HepG2-NTCP cells (EC50 = 27 nM) and primary human hepatocytes (PHH) (EC50 = 41 nM). ABI-H2158 is a pan-genotypic HBV inhibitor, with EC50s ranging from 7.1 to 22 nM across HBV genotypes A-E. ABI-H2158 also potently blocked the formation of cccDNA in de novo HBV infections with EC50s of ∼200 nM in HepG2-NTCP and PHH assays. These results indicate ABI-H2158 has dual mechanisms of action, inhibiting both early and late steps of the HBV replication cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Yan
- Assembly Biosciences, South San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Dawei Cai
- Assembly Biosciences, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yuhua Zong
- Assembly Biosciences, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lida Guo
- Assembly Biosciences, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yi Zhou
- Assembly Biosciences, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ariel Tang
- Assembly Biosciences, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lichun Li
- Assembly Biosciences, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Qi Huang
- Assembly Biosciences, South San Francisco, CA, USA
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11
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Patel D, Ono SK, Bassit L, Verma K, Amblard F, Schinazi RF. Assessment of a Computational Approach to Predict Drug Resistance Mutations for HIV, HBV and SARS-CoV-2. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27175413. [PMID: 36080181 PMCID: PMC9457688 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27175413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral resistance is a worldwide problem mitigating the effectiveness of antiviral drugs. Mutations in the drug-targeting proteins are the primary mechanism for the emergence of drug resistance. It is essential to identify the drug resistance mutations to elucidate the mechanism of resistance and to suggest promising treatment strategies to counter the drug resistance. However, experimental identification of drug resistance mutations is challenging, laborious and time-consuming. Hence, effective and time-saving computational structure-based approaches for predicting drug resistance mutations are essential and are of high interest in drug discovery research. However, these approaches are dependent on accurate estimation of binding free energies which indirectly correlate to the computational cost. Towards this goal, we developed a computational workflow to predict drug resistance mutations for any viral proteins where the structure is known. This approach can qualitatively predict the change in binding free energies due to mutations through residue scanning and Prime MM-GBSA calculations. To test the approach, we predicted resistance mutations in HIV-RT selected by (-)-FTC and demonstrated accurate identification of the clinical mutations. Furthermore, we predicted resistance mutations in HBV core protein for GLP-26 and in SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro for nirmatrelvir. Mutagenesis experiments were performed on two predicted resistance and three predicted sensitivity mutations in HBV core protein for GLP-26, corroborating the accuracy of the predictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dharmeshkumar Patel
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, 1760 Haygood Dr., Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Suzane K. Ono
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, 1760 Haygood Dr., Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 455, São Paulo 05403-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Leda Bassit
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, 1760 Haygood Dr., Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Kiran Verma
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, 1760 Haygood Dr., Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Franck Amblard
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, 1760 Haygood Dr., Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Raymond F. Schinazi
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, 1760 Haygood Dr., Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Correspondence:
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12
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Pavlova A, Bassit L, Cox BD, Korablyov M, Chipot C, Patel D, Lynch DL, Amblard F, Schinazi RF, Gumbart JC. The Mechanism of Action of Hepatitis B Virus Capsid Assembly Modulators Can Be Predicted from Binding to Early Assembly Intermediates. J Med Chem 2022; 65:4854-4864. [PMID: 35290049 PMCID: PMC9026740 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c02040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Interfering with the self-assembly of virus nucleocapsids is a promising approach for the development of novel antiviral agents. Applied to hepatitis B virus (HBV), this approach has led to several classes of capsid assembly modulators (CAMs) that target the virus by either accelerating nucleocapsid assembly or misdirecting it into noncapsid-like particles, thereby inhibiting the HBV replication cycle. Here, we have assessed the structures of early nucleocapsid assembly intermediates, bound with and without CAMs, using molecular dynamics simulations. We find that distinct conformations of the intermediates are induced depending on whether the bound CAM accelerates or misdirects assembly. Specifically, the assembly intermediates with bound misdirecting CAMs appear to be flattened relative to those with bound accelerators. Finally, the potency of CAMs within the same class was studied. We find that an increased number of contacts with the capsid protein and favorable binding energies inferred from free energy perturbation calculations are indicative of increased potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pavlova
- School of Physics and School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Leda Bassit
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Bryan D Cox
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Maksym Korablyov
- MIT Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Christophe Chipot
- Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Laboratoire international associé CNRS-UIUC, UMR 7019, Université de Lorraine, B.P. 70239, 54506 Vandæuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Dharmeshkumar Patel
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Diane L Lynch
- School of Physics and School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Franck Amblard
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Raymond F Schinazi
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - James C Gumbart
- School of Physics and School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
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13
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Taverniti V, Ligat G, Debing Y, Kum DB, Baumert TF, Verrier ER. Capsid Assembly Modulators as Antiviral Agents against HBV: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Perspectives. J Clin Med 2022; 11:1349. [PMID: 35268440 PMCID: PMC8911156 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11051349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite a preventive vaccine being available, more than 250 million people suffer from chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, a major cause of liver disease and HCC. HBV infects human hepatocytes where it establishes its genome, the cccDNA with chromosomal features. Therapies controlling HBV replication exist; however, they are not sufficient to eradicate HBV cccDNA, the main cause for HBV persistence in patients. Core protein is the building block of HBV nucleocapsid. This viral protein modulates almost every step of the HBV life cycle; hence, it represents an attractive target for the development of new antiviral therapies. Capsid assembly modulators (CAM) bind to core dimers and perturb the proper nucleocapsid assembly. The potent antiviral activity of CAM has been demonstrated in cell-based and in vivo models. Moreover, several CAMs have entered clinical development. The aim of this review is to summarize the mechanism of action (MoA) and the advancements in the clinical development of CAMs and in the characterization of their mod of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Taverniti
- Université de Strasbourg, Inserm, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques UMR_S1110, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (V.T.); (G.L.); (T.F.B.)
| | - Gaëtan Ligat
- Université de Strasbourg, Inserm, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques UMR_S1110, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (V.T.); (G.L.); (T.F.B.)
| | - Yannick Debing
- Aligos Belgium BV, 3001 Leuven, Belgium; (Y.D.); (D.B.K.)
| | | | - Thomas F. Baumert
- Université de Strasbourg, Inserm, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques UMR_S1110, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (V.T.); (G.L.); (T.F.B.)
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire, Pôle Hépato-Digestif, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Eloi R. Verrier
- Université de Strasbourg, Inserm, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques UMR_S1110, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (V.T.); (G.L.); (T.F.B.)
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14
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Hwang N, Ban H, Wu S, McGuire K, Hernandez E, Chen J, Zhao Q, Suresh M, Blass B, Viswanathan U, Kulp J, Chang J, Clement J, Menne S, Guo JT, Du Y. 4-Oxooctahydroquinoline-1(2H)-carboxamides as hepatitis B virus (HBV) capsid core protein assembly modulators. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2022; 58:128518. [PMID: 34979256 PMCID: PMC8792325 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2021.128518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) core protein, the building block of the HBV capsid, plays multiple roles in viral replication, and is an attractive target for development of antiviral agents with a new mechanism of action. In addition to the heteroaryldihydropyrimidines (HAPs), sulfamoylbenzamides (SBAs), dibenzothiazepine derivatives (DBTs), and sulfamoylpyrrolamides (SPAs) that inhibit HBV replication by modulation of viral capsid assembly and are currently under clinical trials for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB), other chemical structures with activity to modulate HBV capsid assembly have also been explored. Here we describe our continued optimization of a benzamide originating from our high throughput screening. A new bicyclic carboxamide lead featuring an electron deficient non-planar core structure was discovered. Evaluations of its ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity) and pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles demonstrate improved metabolic stability and good bioavailability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicky Hwang
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA 18902, USA, Contribute equally
| | - Haiqun Ban
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA 18902, USA, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 1630 Dongfang Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 200127, China, Contribute equally
| | - Shuo Wu
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA 18902, USA, Contribute equally
| | - Kelly McGuire
- Temple University, 1801 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 191222
| | - Ellen Hernandez
- Delaware Valley university, 700 E Butler Ave, Doylestown, PA 18901
| | - Junjun Chen
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA 18902, USA
| | - Qiong Zhao
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA 18902, USA
| | - Manasa Suresh
- Georgetown University Medical Center, 3900 Reservoir Road, Washington, DC 20057
| | - Benjamin Blass
- Temple University School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences 3307 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140
| | - Usha Viswanathan
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA 18902, USA
| | - John Kulp
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA 18902, USA
| | - Jinhong Chang
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA 18902, USA
| | - Jason Clement
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA 18902, USA
| | - Stephan Menne
- Georgetown University Medical Center, 3900 Reservoir Road, Washington, DC 20057
| | - Ju-Tao Guo
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA 18902, USA.
| | - Yanming Du
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA 18902, USA.
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15
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Yang Y, Yan Y, Yin J, Hu J, Cai X, Hu J, Xia J, Wang K, Tang N, Huang L. Structure-Based Discovery of N-Sulfonylpiperidine-3-carboxamides as Novel Capsid Assembly Modulators for Potent Inhibition of HBV Replication. Viruses 2022; 14:v14020348. [PMID: 35215939 PMCID: PMC8876525 DOI: 10.3390/v14020348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
As a key element during HBV replication, a nucleocapsid is considered a promising target for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B. The present study aimed to identify small molecules as novel capsid assembly modulators with antiviral activity. Structure-based virtual screening of an integrated compound library led to the identification of several types of HBV inhibitors. Among these inhibitors, N-sulfonylpiperidine-3-carboxamides (SPCs) potently reduced the amount of secreted HBV DNA. Through structure–activity relationship studies, we identified an SPC derivative, namely, C-39, which exhibited the highest antiviral activity without causing cytotoxicity. Mechanism studies showed that C-39 dose-dependently inhibited the formation of HBV capsid, synthesis of cccDNA, e antigen (HBeAg), viral pregenomic RNA (pgRNA), and HBV DNA levels, thereby restraining HBV replication. In summary, SPCs represent a new class of capsid assembly modulators. Further optimization of SPCs is expected to obtain new antiviral drugs against HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ni Tang
- Correspondence: (N.T.); (L.H.)
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16
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Targeting the Virus Capsid as a Tool to Fight RNA Viruses. Viruses 2022; 14:v14020174. [PMID: 35215767 PMCID: PMC8879806 DOI: 10.3390/v14020174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Several strategies have been developed to fight viral infections, not only in humans but also in animals and plants. Some of them are based on the development of efficient vaccines, to target the virus by developed antibodies, others focus on finding antiviral compounds with activities that inhibit selected virus replication steps. Currently, there is an increasing number of antiviral drugs on the market; however, some have unpleasant side effects, are toxic to cells, or the viruses quickly develop resistance to them. As the current situation shows, the combination of multiple antiviral strategies or the combination of the use of various compounds within one strategy is very important. The most desirable are combinations of drugs that inhibit different steps in the virus life cycle. This is an important issue especially for RNA viruses, which replicate their genomes using error-prone RNA polymerases and rapidly develop mutants resistant to applied antiviral compounds. Here, we focus on compounds targeting viral structural capsid proteins, thereby inhibiting virus assembly or disassembly, virus binding to cellular receptors, or acting by inhibiting other virus replication mechanisms. This review is an update of existing papers on a similar topic, by focusing on the most recent advances in the rapidly evolving research of compounds targeting capsid proteins of RNA viruses.
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17
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Zhang X, Wang Y, Yang G. Research progress in hepatitis B virus covalently closed circular DNA. Cancer Biol Med 2021; 19:j.issn.2095-3941.2021.0454. [PMID: 34931766 PMCID: PMC9088183 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2021.0454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections are a global public health issue. HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), the template for the transcription of viral RNAs, is a key factor in the HBV replication cycle. Notably, many host factors involved in HBV cccDNA epigenetic modulation promote the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The HBV cccDNA minichromosome is a clinical obstacle that cannot be efficiently eliminated. In this review, we provide an update on the advances in research on HBV cccDNA and further discuss factors affecting the modulation of HBV cccDNA. Hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) contributes to HBV cccDNA transcription and the development of hepatocarcinogenesis through modulating host epigenetic regulatory factors, thus linking the cccDNA to hepatocarcinogenesis. The measurable serological biomarkers of continued transcription of cccDNA, the effects of anti-HBV drugs on cccDNA, and potential therapeutic strategies targeting cccDNA are discussed in detail. Thus, this review describes new insights into HBV cccDNA mechanisms and therapeutic strategies for cleaning cccDNA, which will benefit patients with liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, Liver Cancer Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Yufei Wang
- Department of Cancer Research, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, Liver Cancer Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
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18
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Kim H, Ko C, Lee JY, Kim M. Current Progress in the Development of Hepatitis B Virus Capsid Assembly Modulators: Chemical Structure, Mode-of-Action and Efficacy. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26247420. [PMID: 34946502 PMCID: PMC8705634 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26247420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major causative agent of human hepatitis. Its viral genome comprises partially double-stranded DNA, which is complexed with viral polymerase within an icosahedral capsid consisting of a dimeric core protein. Here, we describe the effects of capsid assembly modulators (CAMs) on the geometric or kinetic disruption of capsid construction and the virus life cycle. We highlight classical, early-generation CAMs such as heteroaryldihydropyrimidines, phenylpropenamides or sulfamoylbenzamides, and focus on the chemical structure and antiviral efficacy of recently identified non-classical CAMs, which consist of carboxamides, aryl ureas, bithiazoles, hydrazones, benzylpyridazinones, pyrimidines, quinolines, dyes, and antimicrobial compounds. We summarize the therapeutic efficacy of four representative classical compounds with data from clinical phase 1 studies in chronic HBV patients. Most of these compounds are in phase 2 trials, either as monotherapy or in combination with approved nucleos(t)ides drugs or other immunostimulatory molecules. As followers of the early CAMs, the therapeutic efficacy of several non-classical CAMs has been evaluated in humanized mouse models of HBV infection. It is expected that these next-generation HBV CAMs will be promising candidates for a series of extended human clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyejin Kim
- Correspondence: (H.K.); (M.K.); Tel.: +82-42-860-7130 (H.K.); +82-42-860-7540 (M.K.)
| | | | | | - Meehyein Kim
- Correspondence: (H.K.); (M.K.); Tel.: +82-42-860-7130 (H.K.); +82-42-860-7540 (M.K.)
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19
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Niklasch M, Zimmermann P, Nassal M. The Hepatitis B Virus Nucleocapsid-Dynamic Compartment for Infectious Virus Production and New Antiviral Target. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1577. [PMID: 34829806 PMCID: PMC8615760 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9111577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a small enveloped DNA virus which replicates its tiny 3.2 kb genome by reverse transcription inside an icosahedral nucleocapsid, formed by a single ~180 amino acid capsid, or core, protein (Cp). HBV causes chronic hepatitis B (CHB), a severe liver disease responsible for nearly a million deaths each year. Most of HBV's only seven primary gene products are multifunctional. Though less obvious than for the multi-domain polymerase, P protein, this is equally crucial for Cp with its multiple roles in the viral life-cycle. Cp provides a stable genome container during extracellular phases, allows for directed intracellular genome transport and timely release from the capsid, and subsequent assembly of new nucleocapsids around P protein and the pregenomic (pg) RNA, forming a distinct compartment for reverse transcription. These opposing features are enabled by dynamic post-transcriptional modifications of Cp which result in dynamic structural alterations. Their perturbation by capsid assembly modulators (CAMs) is a promising new antiviral concept. CAMs inappropriately accelerate assembly and/or distort the capsid shell. We summarize the functional, biochemical, and structural dynamics of Cp, and discuss the therapeutic potential of CAMs based on clinical data. Presently, CAMs appear as a valuable addition but not a substitute for existing therapies. However, as part of rational combination therapies CAMs may bring the ambitious goal of a cure for CHB closer to reality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michael Nassal
- Internal Medicine II/Molecular Biology, University Hospital Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, D-79106 Freiburg, Germany; (M.N.); (P.Z.)
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20
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Tsounis EP, Tourkochristou E, Mouzaki A, Triantos C. Toward a new era of hepatitis B virus therapeutics: The pursuit of a functional cure. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:2727-2757. [PMID: 34135551 PMCID: PMC8173382 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i21.2727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, although preventable by vaccination, remains a global health problem and a major cause of chronic liver disease. Although current treatment strategies suppress viral replication very efficiently, the optimal endpoint of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) clearance is rarely achieved. Moreover, the thorny problems of persistent chromatin-like covalently closed circular DNA and the presence of integrated HBV DNA in the host genome are ignored. Therefore, the scientific community has focused on developing innovative therapeutic approaches to achieve a functional cure of HBV, defined as undetectable HBV DNA and HBsAg loss over a limited treatment period. A deeper understanding of the HBV life cycle has led to the introduction of novel direct-acting antivirals that exert their function through multiple mechanisms, including inhibition of viral entry, transcriptional silencing, epigenetic manipulation, interference with capsid assembly, and disruption of HBsAg release. In parallel, another category of new drugs aims to restore dysregulated immune function in chronic hepatitis B accompanied by lethargic cellular and humoral responses. Stimulation of innate immunity by pattern-recognition receptor agonists leads to upregulation of antiviral cytokine expression and appears to contribute to HBV containment. Immune checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive transfer of genetically engineered T cells are breakthrough technologies currently being explored that may elicit potent HBV-specific T-cell responses. In addition, several clinical trials are attempting to clarify the role of therapeutic vaccination in this setting. Ultimately, it is increasingly recognized that elimination of HBV requires a treatment regimen based on a combination of multiple drugs. This review describes the rationale for progressive therapeutic interventions and discusses the latest findings in the field of HBV therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efthymios P Tsounis
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras 26504, Greece
| | - Evanthia Tourkochristou
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras 26504, Greece
| | - Athanasia Mouzaki
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras 26504, Greece
| | - Christos Triantos
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras 26504, Greece
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21
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Dash PK, Gorantla S, Poluektova L, Hasan M, Waight E, Zhang C, Markovic M, Edagwa B, Machhi J, Olson KE, Wang X, Mosley RL, Kevadiya B, Gendelman HE. Humanized Mice for Infectious and Neurodegenerative disorders. Retrovirology 2021; 18:13. [PMID: 34090462 PMCID: PMC8179712 DOI: 10.1186/s12977-021-00557-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Humanized mice model human disease and as such are used commonly for research studies of infectious, degenerative and cancer disorders. Recent models also reflect hematopoiesis, natural immunity, neurobiology, and molecular pathways that influence disease pathobiology. A spectrum of immunodeficient mouse strains permit long-lived human progenitor cell engraftments. The presence of both innate and adaptive immunity enables high levels of human hematolymphoid reconstitution with cell susceptibility to a broad range of microbial infections. These mice also facilitate investigations of human pathobiology, natural disease processes and therapeutic efficacy in a broad spectrum of human disorders. However, a bridge between humans and mice requires a complete understanding of pathogen dose, co-morbidities, disease progression, environment, and genetics which can be mirrored in these mice. These must be considered for understanding of microbial susceptibility, prevention, and disease progression. With known common limitations for access to human tissues, evaluation of metabolic and physiological changes and limitations in large animal numbers, studies in mice prove important in planning human clinical trials. To these ends, this review serves to outline how humanized mice can be used in viral and pharmacologic research emphasizing both current and future studies of viral and neurodegenerative diseases. In all, humanized mouse provides cost-effective, high throughput studies of infection or degeneration in natural pathogen host cells, and the ability to test transmission and eradication of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasanta K Dash
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Santhi Gorantla
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Larisa Poluektova
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Mahmudul Hasan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Emiko Waight
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Chen Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Milica Markovic
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Benson Edagwa
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Jatin Machhi
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Katherine E Olson
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Xinglong Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - R Lee Mosley
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Bhavesh Kevadiya
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Howard E Gendelman
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
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22
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Ploss A, Strick-Marchand H, Li W. Animal Models for Hepatitis B: Does the Supply Meet the Demand? Gastroenterology 2021; 160:1437-1442. [PMID: 33352166 PMCID: PMC8035324 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2020.11.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Ploss
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey.
| | - Hélène Strick-Marchand
- Innate Immunity Unit and, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1223, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Wenhui Li
- National Institute of Biological Sciences and, Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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23
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Discovery and structure activity relationship of glyoxamide derivatives as anti-hepatitis B virus agents. Bioorg Med Chem 2021; 31:115952. [PMID: 33421915 PMCID: PMC7856252 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2020.115952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B viral infection is a significant health problem world-wide, and currently available antiviral agents suppress HBV infections, but rarely cure this disease. It is presumed that antiviral agents that target the viral nuclear reservoir of transcriptionally active cccDNA may eliminate HBV infection. Through a series of chemical optimization, we identified a new series of glyoxamide derivatives affecting HBV nucleocapsid formation and cccDNA maintenance at low nanomolar levels. Among all the compounds synthesized, GLP-26 displays a major effect on HBV DNA, HBeAg secretion and cccDNA amplification. In addition, GLP-26 shows a promising pre-clinical profile and long-term effect on viral loads in a humanized mouse model.
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24
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Studies on the Efficacy, Potential Cardiotoxicity and Monkey Pharmacokinetics of GLP-26 as a Potent Hepatitis B Virus Capsid Assembly Modulator. Viruses 2021; 13:v13010114. [PMID: 33467678 PMCID: PMC7830897 DOI: 10.3390/v13010114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
While treatment options are available for hepatitis B virus (HBV), there is currently no cure. Anti-HBV nucleoside analogs and interferon-alpha 2b rarely clear HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), requiring lifelong treatment. Recently, we identified GLP-26, a glyoxamide derivative which modulates HBV capsid assembly. The impact of GLP-26 on viral replication and integrated DNA was assessed in an HBV nude mouse model bearing HBV transfected AD38 xenografts. At day 45 post-infection, GLP-26 reduced HBV titers by 2.3–3 log10 versus infected placebo-treated mice. Combination therapy with GLP-26 and entecavir reduced HBV log10 titers by 4.6-fold versus placebo. Next, we examined the pharmacokinetics (PK) in cynomolgus monkeys administered GLP-26 via IV (1 mg/kg) or PO (5 mg/kg). GLP-26 was found to have 34% oral bioavailability, with a mean input time of 3.17 h. The oral dose produced a mean peak plasma concentration of 380.7 ng/mL, observed 0.67 h after administration (~30-fold > in vitro EC90 corrected for protein binding), with a mean terminal elimination half-life of 2.4 h and a mean area under the plasma concentration versus time curve of 1660 ng·hr/mL. GLP-26 was 86.7% bound in monkey plasma. Lastly, GLP-26 demonstrated a favorable toxicity profile confirmed in primary human cardiomyocytes. Thus, GLP-26 warrants further preclinical development as an add on to treatment for HBV infection.
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25
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Bassit L, Ono SK, Schinazi RF. Moving Fast Toward Hepatitis B Virus Elimination. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1322:115-138. [PMID: 34258739 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-16-0267-2_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Currently, there are two safe and effective therapeutic strategies for chronic hepatitis B treatment, namely, nucleoside analogs and interferon alpha (pegylated or non-pegylated). These treatments can control viral replication and improve survival; however, they do not eliminate the virus and therefore require long-term continued therapy. In addition, there are significant concerns about virus rebound on discontinuation of therapy and the development of fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma despite therapy. Therefore, the search for new, more effective, and safer antiviral agents that can cure hepatitis B virus (HBV) continues. Anti-HBV drug discovery and development is fundamentally impacted by our current understanding of HBV replication, disease physiopathology, and persistence of HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA). Several HBV replication targets are the basis for novel anti-HBV drug development strategies. Many of them are already in clinical trial phase 1 or 2, while others with promising results are still in preclinical stages. As research intensifies, potential HBV curative therapies and modalities in the pipeline are now on the horizon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leda Bassit
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Suzane Kioko Ono
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Sao Paulo School of Medicine, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Raymond F Schinazi
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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26
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Viswanathan U, Mani N, Hu Z, Ban H, Du Y, Hu J, Chang J, Guo JT. Targeting the multifunctional HBV core protein as a potential cure for chronic hepatitis B. Antiviral Res 2020; 182:104917. [PMID: 32818519 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2020.104917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The core (capsid) protein of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the building block of nucleocapsids where viral DNA reverse transcriptional replication takes place and mediates virus-host cell interaction important for the persistence of HBV infection. The pleiotropic role of core protein (Cp) in HBV replication makes it an attractive target for antiviral therapies of chronic hepatitis B, a disease that affects more than 257 million people worldwide without a cure. Recent clinical studies indicate that core protein allosteric modulators (CpAMs) have a great promise as a key component of hepatitis B curative therapies. Particularly, it has been demonstrated that modulation of Cp dimer-dimer interactions by several chemical series of CpAMs not only inhibit nucleocapsid assembly and viral DNA replication, but also induce the disassembly of double-stranded DNA-containing nucleocapsids to prevent the synthesis of cccDNA. Moreover, the different chemotypes of CpAMs modulate Cp assembly by interaction with distinct amino acid residues at the HAP pocket between Cp dimer-dimer interfaces, which results in the assembly of Cp dimers into either non-capsid Cp polymers (type I CpAMs) or empty capsids with distinct physical property (type II CpAMs). The different CpAMs also differentially modulate Cp metabolism and subcellular distribution, which may impact cccDNA metabolism and host antiviral immune responses, the critical factors for the cure of chronic HBV infection. This review article highlights the recent research progress on the structure and function of core protein in HBV replication cycle, the mode of action of CpAMs, as well as the current status and perspectives on the discovery and development of core protein-targeting antivirals. This article forms part of a symposium in Antiviral Research on "Wide-ranging immune and direct-acting antiviral approaches to curing HBV and HDV infections."
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Affiliation(s)
- Usha Viswanathan
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA
| | - Nagraj Mani
- Arbutus Biopharma Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA, 18974, USA
| | - Zhanying Hu
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA
| | - Haiqun Ban
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA
| | - Yanming Du
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA
| | - Jin Hu
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA
| | - Jinhong Chang
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA
| | - Ju-Tao Guo
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA.
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