Nonnucleoside inhibitors of norovirus RNA polymerase: scaffolds for rational drug design

CX-6258 hydrochloride hydrate: A potential non-nucleoside inhibitor targeting the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of norovirus

Human norovirus (HuNoV), a primary cause of non-bacterial gastroenteritis, currently lacks approved treatment. RdRp is vital for virus replication, making it an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. By application of structure-based virtual screening procedure, we present CX-6258 hydrochloride hydrate as a potent RdRp non-nucleoside inhibitor, effectively inhibiting HuNoV RdRp activity with an IC50 of 3.61 μM. Importantly, this compound inhibits viral replication in cell culture, with an EC50 of 0.88 μM. In vitro binding assay validate that CX-6258 hydrochloride hydrate binds to RdRp through interaction with the "B-site" binding pocket. Interestingly, CX-6258-contacting residues such as R392, Q439, and Q414 are highly conserved among major norovirus GI and GII variants, suggesting that it may be a general inhibitor of norovirus RdRp. Given that CX-6258 hydrochloride hydrate is already utilized as an orally efficacious pan-Pim kinase inhibitor, it may serve as a potential lead compound in the effort to control HuNoV infections.

In-silico Investigations for the Identification of Novel Inhibitors Targeting Hepatitis C Virus RNA-dependent RNA Polymerase

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus, exhibiting acute and chronic manifestations with severity ranging from mild to severe and lifelong illnesses leading to liver cirrhosis and cancer. According to the World Health Organization's global estimates, a population of about 58 million have chronic hepatitis C virus infection, with around 1.5 million new infections occurring every year.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to identify novel molecules targeting the Hepatitis C viral RNA Dependent RNA polymerases, which play a crucial role in genome replication, mRNA synthesis, etc. Methods: Structure-based virtual screening of chemical libraries of small molecules was done using AutoDock/Vina. The top-ranking pose for every ligand was complexed with the protein and used for further protein-ligand interaction analysis using the Protein-ligand interaction Profiler. Molecules from virtual screening were further assessed using the pkCSM web server. The proteinligand interactions were further subjected to molecular dynamics simulation studies to establish dynamic stability.

RESULTS

Molecular docking-based virtual screening of the database of small molecules, followed by screening based on pharmacokinetic and toxicity parameters, yielded eight probable RNA Dependent RNA polymerase inhibitors. The docking scores for the proposed candidates ranged from - 8.04 to -9.10 kcal/mol. The potential stability of the ligands bound to the target protein was demonstrated by molecular dynamics simulation studies.

CONCLUSION

Data from exhaustive computational studies proposed eight molecules as potential anti-viral candidates, targeting Hepatitis C viral RNA Dependent RNA polymerases, which can be further evaluated for their biological potential.

Predicting New Anti-Norovirus Inhibitor With the Help of Machine Learning Algorithms and Molecular Dynamics Simulation-Based Model

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) inhibitors are essential in the treatment of human norovirus (HuNoV). This study aimed to map out HCV NS5B RNA-dependent RNA polymerase inhibitors that could potentially be responsible for the inhibitory activity of HuNoV RdRp. It is necessary to develop robust machine learning and in silico methods to predict HuNoV RdRp compounds. In this study, Naïve Bayesian and random forest models were built to categorize norovirus RdRp inhibitors from the non-inhibitors using their molecular descriptors and PubChem fingerprints. The best model observed had accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity values of 98.40%, 97.62%, and 97.62%, respectively. Meanwhile, an external test set was used to validate model performance before applicability to the screened HCV compounds database. As a result, 775 compounds were predicted as NoV RdRp inhibitors. The pharmacokinetics calculations were used to filter out the inhibitors that lack drug-likeness properties. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation investigated the inhibitors' binding modes and residues critical for the HuNoV RdRp receptor. The most active compound, CHEMBL167790, closely binds to the binding pocket of the RdRp enzyme and depicted stable binding with RMSD 0.8-3.2 Å, and the RMSF profile peak was between 1.0-4.0 Å, and the conformational fluctuations were at 450-460 residues. Moreover, the dynamic residue cross-correlation plot also showed the pairwise correlation between the binding residues 300-510 of the HuNoV RdRp receptor and CHEMBL167790. The principal component analysis depicted the enhanced movement of protein atoms. Moreover, additional residues such as Glu510 and Asn505 interacted with CHEMBL167790 via water bridge and established H-bond interactions after the simulation. http://zinc15.docking.org/substances/ZINC000013589565.

Current and Future Antiviral Strategies to Tackle Gastrointestinal Viral Infections

Acute gastroenteritis caused by virus has a major impact on public health worldwide in terms of morbidity, mortality, and economic burden. The main culprits are rotaviruses, noroviruses, sapoviruses, astroviruses, and enteric adenoviruses. Currently, there are no antiviral drugs available for the prevention or treatment of viral gastroenteritis. Here, we describe the antivirals that were identified as having in vitro and/or in vivo activity against these viruses, originating from in silico design or library screening, natural sources or being repurposed drugs. We also highlight recent advances in model systems available for this (hard to cultivate) group of viruses, such as organoid technologies, and that will facilitate antiviral studies as well as fill some of current knowledge gaps that hamper the development of highly efficient therapies against gastroenteric viruses.

Anti-norovirus activity of C7-modified 4-amino-pyrrolo[2,1-f][1,2,4]triazine C-nucleosides

Synthetic nucleoside analogues characterized by a C-C anomeric linkage form a family of promising therapeutics against infectious and malignant diseases. Herein, C-nucleosides comprising structural variations at the sugar and nucleobase moieties were examined for their ability to inhibit both murine and human norovirus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). We have found that the combination of 4-amino-pyrrolo[2,1-f][1,2,4]triazine and its 7-halogenated congeners with either a d-ribose or 2'-C-methyl-d-ribose unit resulted in analogues with good antiviral activity against murine norovirus (MNV), albeit coupled with a significant cytotoxicity. Among this series, 4-aza-7,9-dideazaadenosine notably retained a strong antiviral effect in a human norovirus (HuNoV) replicon assay with an EC₅₀ = 0.015 μM. This study demonstrates that C-nucleosides can be used as viable starting scaffolds for further optimization towards the development of nucleoside-based inhibitors of norovirus replication.

A new antiviral scaffold for human norovirus identified with computer-aided approaches on the viral polymerase

Human norovirus is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis worldwide, affecting every year 685 million people. In about one third of cases, this virus affects children under five years of age, causing each year up to 200,000 child deaths, mainly in the developing countries. Norovirus outbreaks are associated with very significant economic losses, with an estimated societal cost of 60 billion dollars per year. Despite the marked socio-economic consequences associated, no therapeutic options or vaccines are currently available to treat or prevent this infection. One promising target to identify new antiviral agents for norovirus is the viral polymerase, which has a pivotal role for the viral replication and lacks closely homologous structures in the host. Starting from the scaffold of a novel class of norovirus polymerase inhibitors recently discovered in our research group with a computer-aided method, different new chemical modifications were designed and carried out, with the aim to identify improved agents effective against norovirus replication in cell-based assays. While different new inhibitors of the viral polymerase were found, a further computer-aided ligand optimisation approach led to the identification of a new antiviral scaffold for norovirus, which inhibits human norovirus replication at low-micromolar concentrations.

Calicivirus RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerases: Evolution, Structure, Protein Dynamics, and Function

The Caliciviridae are viruses with a positive-sense, single-stranded RNA genome that is packaged into an icosahedral, environmentally stable protein capsid. The family contains five genera (Norovirus, Nebovirus, Sapovirus, Lagovirus, and Vesivirus) that infect vertebrates including amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) replicates the genome of RNA viruses and can speed up evolution due to its error-prone nature. Studying calicivirus RdRps in the context of genuine virus replication is often hampered by a lack of suitable model systems. Enteric caliciviruses and RHDV in particular are notoriously difficult to propagate in cell culture; therefore, molecular studies of replication mechanisms are challenging. Nevertheless, research on recombinant proteins has revealed several unexpected characteristics of calicivirus RdRps. For example, the RdRps of RHDV and related lagoviruses possess the ability to expose a hydrophobic motif, to rearrange Golgi membranes, and to copy RNA at unusually high temperatures. This review is focused on the structural dynamics, biochemical properties, kinetics, and putative interaction partners of these RdRps. In addition, we discuss the possible existence of a conserved but as yet undescribed structural element that is shared amongst the RdRps of all caliciviruses.

Antiviral Candidates for Treating Hepatitis E Virus Infection

Globally, hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes significant morbidity and mortality each year. Despite this burden, there are no specific antivirals available to treat HEV patients, and the only licensed vaccine is not available outside China. Ribavirin and alpha interferon are used to treat chronic HEV infections; however, severe side effects and treatment failure are commonly reported. Therefore, this study aimed to identify potential antivirals for further development to combat HEV infection. We selected 16 compounds from the nucleoside and nonnucleoside antiviral classes that range in developmental status from late preclinical to FDA approved and evaluated them as potential antivirals for HEV infection, using genotype 1 replicon luminescence studies and replicon RNA quantification. Two potent inhibitors of HEV replication included NITD008 (half-maximal effective concentration [EC50], 0.03 μM; half-maximal cytotoxic concentration [CC50], >100 μM) and GPC-N114 (EC50, 1.07 μM, CC50, >100 μM), and both drugs reduced replicon RNA levels in cell culture (>50% reduction with either 10 μM GPC-N114 or 2.50 μM NITD008). Furthermore, GPC-N114 and NITD008 were synergistic in combinational treatment (combination index, 0.4) against HEV replication, allowing for dose reduction indices of 20.42 and 8.82 at 50% inhibition, respectively. Sofosbuvir has previously exhibited mixed results against HEV as an antiviral, both in vitro and in a few clinical applications; however, in this study it was effective against the HEV genotype 1 replicon (EC50, 1.97 μM; CC50, >100 μM) and reduced replicon RNA levels (47.2% reduction at 10 μM). Together these studies indicate drug repurposing may be a promising pathway for development of antivirals against HEV infection.

The Adenosine Analogue NITD008 has Potent Antiviral Activity against Human and Animal Caliciviruses

The widespread nature of calicivirus infections globally has a substantial impact on the health and well-being of humans and animals alike. Currently, the only vaccines approved against caliciviruses are for feline and rabbit-specific members of this group, and thus there is a growing effort towards the development of broad-spectrum antivirals for calicivirus infections. In this study, we evaluated the antiviral activity of the adenosine analogue NITD008 in vitro using three calicivirus model systems namely; feline calicivirus (FCV), murine norovirus (MNV), and the human norovirus replicon. We show that the nucleoside analogue (NA), NITD008, has limited toxicity and inhibits calicivirus replication in all three model systems with EC₅₀ values of 0.94 μM, 0.91 µM, and 0.21 µM for MNV, FCV, and the Norwalk replicon, respectively. NITD008 has a similar level of potency to the most well-studied NA 2′-C-methylcytidine in vitro. Significantly, we also show that continual NITD008 treatment effectively cleared the Norwalk replicon from cells and treatment with 5 µM NITD008 was sufficient to completely prevent rebound. Given the potency displayed by NITD008 against several caliciviruses, we propose that this compound should be interrogated further to assess its effectiveness in vivo. In summary, we have added a potent NA to the current suite of antiviral compounds and provide a NA scaffold that could be further modified for therapeutic use against calicivirus infections.

Norovirus antivirals: Where are we now?

Human noroviruses inflict a significant health burden on society and are responsible for approximately 699 million infections and over 200 000 estimated deaths worldwide each year. Yet despite significant research efforts, approved vaccines or antivirals to combat this pathogen are still lacking. Safe and effective antivirals are not available, particularly for chronically infected immunocompromised individuals, and for prophylactic applications to protect high-risk and vulnerable populations in outbreak settings. Since the discovery of human norovirus in 1972, the lack of a cell culture system has hindered biological research and antiviral studies for many years. Recent breakthroughs in culturing human norovirus have been encouraging, however, further development and optimization of these novel methodologies are required to facilitate more robust replication levels, that will enable reliable serological and replication studies, as well as advances in antiviral development. In the last few years, considerable progress has been made toward the development of norovirus antivirals, inviting an updated review. This review focuses on potential therapeutics that have been reported since 2010, which were examined across at least two model systems used for studying human norovirus or its enzymes. In addition, we have placed emphasis on antiviral compounds with a defined chemical structure. We include a comprehensive outline of direct-acting antivirals and offer a discussion of host-modulating compounds, a rapidly expanding and promising area of antiviral research.

Targeting the Viral Polymerase of Diarrhea-Causing Viruses as a Strategy to Develop a Single Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Therapy

Viral gastroenteritis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, being particularly severe for children under the age of five. The most common viral agents of gastroenteritis are noroviruses, rotaviruses, sapoviruses, astroviruses and adenoviruses, however, no specific antiviral treatment exists today against any of these pathogens. We here discuss the feasibility of developing a broad-spectrum antiviral treatment against these diarrhea-causing viruses. This review focuses on the viral polymerase as an antiviral target, as this is the most conserved viral protein among the diverse viral families to which these viruses belong to. We describe the functional and structural similarities of the different viral polymerases, the antiviral effect of reported polymerase inhibitors and highlight common features that might be exploited in an attempt of designing such pan-polymerase inhibitor.

Potential Therapeutic Agents for Feline Calicivirus Infection

Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a major cause of upper respiratory tract disease in cats, with widespread distribution in the feline population. Recently, virulent systemic diseases caused by FCV infection has been associated with mortality rates up to 50%. Currently, there are no direct-acting antivirals approved for the treatment of FCV infection. Here, we tested 15 compounds from different antiviral classes against FCV using in vitro protein and cell culture assays. After the expression of FCV protease-polymerase protein, we established two in vitro assays to assess the inhibitory activity of compounds directly against the FCV protease or polymerase. Using this recombinant enzyme, we identified quercetagetin and PPNDS as inhibitors of FCV polymerase activity (IC₅₀ values of 2.8 μM and 2.7 μM, respectively). We also demonstrate the inhibition of FCV protease activity by GC376 (IC₅₀ of 18 µM). Using cell culture assays, PPNDS, quercetagetin and GC376 did not display antivirals effects, however, we identified nitazoxanide and 2′-C-methylcytidine (2CMC) as potent inhibitors of FCV replication, with EC₅₀ values in the low micromolar range (0.6 μM and 2.5 μM, respectively). In conclusion, we established two in vitro assays that will accelerate the research for FCV antivirals and can be used for the high-throughput screening of direct-acting antivirals.

TLR7 Agonists Display Potent Antiviral Effects against Norovirus Infection via Innate Stimulation

Norovirus infections are a significant health and economic burden globally, accounting for hundreds of millions of cases of acute gastroenteritis every year. In the absence of an approved norovirus vaccine, there is an urgent need to develop antivirals to treat chronic infections and provide prophylactic therapy to limit viral spread during epidemics and pandemics. Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists have been explored widely for their antiviral potential, and several are progressing through clinical trials for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) and as adjuvants for norovirus viruslike particle (VLP) vaccines. However, norovirus therapies in development are largely direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) with fewer compounds that target the host. Our aim was to assess the antiviral potential of TLR7 agonist immunomodulators on norovirus infection using the murine norovirus (MNV) and human Norwalk replicon models. TLR7 agonists R-848, Gardiquimod, GS-9620, R-837, and loxoribine were screened using a plaque reduction assay, and each displayed inhibition of MNV replication (50% effective concentrations [EC₅₀s], 23.5 nM, 134.4 nM, 0.59 μM, 1.5 μM, and 79.4 μM, respectively). RNA sequencing of TLR7-stimulated cells revealed a predominant upregulation of innate immune response genes and interferon (IFN)-stimulated genes (ISGs) that are known to drive an antiviral state. Furthermore, the combination of R-848 and the nucleoside analogue (NA) 2'C-methylcytidine elicited a synergistic antiviral effect against MNV, demonstrating that combinational therapy of host modulators and DAAs might be used to reduce drug cytotoxicity. In summary, we have identified that TLR7 agonists display potent inhibition of norovirus replication and are a therapeutic option to combat norovirus infections.

Nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of the West Nile virus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase NS5 is critical to infection

West Nile virus (WNV) is a single-stranded, positive sense RNA virus of the family Flaviviridae and is a significant pathogen of global medical importance. Flavivirus replication is known to be exclusively cytoplasmic, but we show here for the first time that access to the nucleus of the WNV strain Kunjin (WNV_KUN ) RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (protein NS5) is central to WNV_KUN virus production. We show that treatment of cells with the specific nuclear export inhibitor leptomycin B (LMB) results in increased NS5 nuclear accumulation in WNV_KUN -infected cells and NS5-transfected cells, indicative of nucleocytoplasmic shuttling under normal conditions. We used site-directed mutagenesis to identify the nuclear localisation sequence (NLS) responsible for WNV_KUN NS5 nuclear targeting, observing that mutation of this NLS resulted in exclusively cytoplasmic accumulation of NS5 even in the presence of leptomycin B. Introduction of NS5 NLS mutations into FLSDX, an infectious clone of WNV_KUN , resulted in lethality, suggesting that the ability of NS5 to traffic into the nucleus in integral to WNV_KUN replication. This study thus shows for the first time that NLS-dependent trafficking into the nucleus during infection of WNV_KUN NS5 is critical for viral replication. Excitingly, specific inhibitors of NS5 nuclear import reduce WNV_KUN virus production, proving the principle that inhibition of WNV_KUN NS5 nuclear import is a viable therapeutic avenue for antiviral drug development in the future.

In silico screening for human norovirus antivirals reveals a novel non-nucleoside inhibitor of the viral polymerase

Human norovirus causes approximately 219,000 deaths annually, yet there are currently no antivirals available. A virtual screening of commercially available drug-like compounds (~300,000) was performed on the suramin and PPNDS binding-sites of the norovirus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). Selected compounds (n = 62) were examined for inhibition of norovirus RdRp activity using an in vitro transcription assay. Eight candidates demonstrated RdRp inhibition (>25% inhibition at 10 µM), which was confirmed using a gel-shift RdRp assay for two of them. The two molecules were identified as initial hits and selected for structure-activity relationship studies, which resulted in the synthesis of novel compounds that were examined for inhibitory activity. Five compounds inhibited human norovirus RdRp activity (>50% at 10 µM), with the best candidate, 54, demonstrating an IC₅₀ of 5.6 µM against the RdRp and a CC₅₀ of 62.8 µM. Combinational treatment of 54 and the known RdRp site-B inhibitor PPNDS revealed antagonism, indicating that 54 binds in the same binding pocket. Two RdRps with mutations (Q414A and R419A) previously shown to be critical for the binding of site-B compounds had no effect on inhibition, suggesting 54 interacts with distinct site-B residues. This study revealed the novel scaffold 54 for further development as a norovirus antiviral.

Anti‑tumor effects of bakuchiol on human gastric carcinoma cell lines are mediated through PI3K/AKT and MAPK signaling pathways

Bakuchiol is extracted from Psoralea corylifolia, a member of the Leguminosae family, has been used in Indian Ayurvedic and Chinese traditional medicine, and it possesses an anticancer effect. The primary aim of the present study was to identify the molecular mechanisms underlying the anticancer effect of bakuchiol monoterpenes. Bakuchiol treatment significantly inhibited NUGC3 human gastric cancer cell viability in a concentration dependent manner. In addition, bakuchiol significantly increased the apoptotic cell population in the sub‑G1 phase, and Annexin‑V‑fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide double staining confirmed the increase in apoptosis. Nuclear fragmentation and the formation of apoptotic organelles were promoted in bakuchiol‑treated NUGC3 cells. Western blotting results indicated that bakuchiol treatment significantly decreased procaspase‑3,6,8,9 and poly (ADP‑ribose) polymerase (PARP) expression levels, increased cleaved caspase‑3 and cleaved PARP expression levels, and increased the B cell lymphoma‑2 associated X, apoptosis regulator:B cell lymphoma‑extra large ratio. Bakuchiol‑treated NUGC3 cells demonstrated significantly reduced phosphorylated (p‑) protein kinase B (AKT) protein expression levels and elevated p‑extracellular signal related kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), p‑c‑Jun N‑terminal kinase (JNK) and p‑p38. Bakuchiol‑induced cell death was mitochondrial dependent, through modulation of phosphoinositide 3‑kinase/AKT and mitogen‑activated protein kinase signaling pathways. These findings demonstrated that bakuchiol possesses potential for treating human gastric cancer.

RNA Sequencing of Murine Norovirus-Infected Cells Reveals Transcriptional Alteration of Genes Important to Viral Recognition and Antigen Presentation

Viruses inherently exploit normal cellular functions to promote replication and survival. One mechanism involves transcriptional control of the host, and knowledge of the genes modified and their molecular function can aid in understanding viral-host interactions. Norovirus pathogenesis, despite the recent advances in cell cultivation, remains largely uncharacterized. Several studies have utilized the related murine norovirus (MNV) to identify innate response, antigen presentation, and cellular recognition components that are activated during infection. In this study, we have used next-generation sequencing to probe the transcriptomic changes of MNV-infected mouse macrophages. Our in-depth analysis has revealed that MNV is a potent stimulator of the innate response including genes involved in interferon and cytokine production pathways. We observed that genes involved in viral recognition, namely IFIH1, DDX58, and DHX58 were significantly upregulated with infection, whereas we observed significant downregulation of cytokine receptors (Il17rc, Il1rl1, Cxcr3, and Cxcr5) and TLR7. Furthermore, we identified that pathways involved in protein degradation (including genes Psmb3, Psmb4, Psmb5, Psmb9, and Psme2), antigen presentation, and lymphocyte activation are downregulated by MNV infection. Thus, our findings illustrate that MNV induces perturbations in the innate immune transcriptome, particularly in MHC maturation and viral recognition that can contribute to disease pathogenesis.

A Motif in the F Homomorph of Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus Polymerase Is Important for the Subcellular Localisation of the Protein and Its Ability to Induce Redistribution of Golgi Membranes

Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) is a calicivirus that infects and frequently kills rabbits. Previously, we showed that the RHDV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is associated with distinct, but yet uncharacterised subcellular structures and is capable of inducing a redistribution of Golgi membranes. In this study, we identified a partially hidden hydrophobic motif that determines the subcellular localisation of recombinant RHDV RdRp in transfected cells. This novel motif, ₁₈₉LLWGCDVGVAVCAAAVFHNICY₂₁₀, is located within the F homomorph, between the conserved F3 and A motifs of the core RdRp domain. Amino acid substitutions that decrease the hydrophobicity of this motif reduced the ability of the protein to accumulate in multiple subcellular foci and to induce a rearrangement of the Golgi network. Furthermore, preliminary molecular dynamics simulations suggest that the RHDV RdRp could align with the negatively charged surfaces of biological membranes and undergo a conformational change involving the F homomorph. These changes would expose the newly identified hydrophobic motif so it could immerse itself into the outer leaflet of intracellular membranes.

Broad-spectrum non-nucleoside inhibitors for caliciviruses

Viruses of the Caliciviridae cause significant and sometimes lethal diseases, however despite substantial research efforts, specific antivirals are lacking. Broad-spectrum antivirals could combat multiple viral pathogens, offering a rapid solution when no therapies exist. The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is an attractive antiviral target as it is essential for viral replication and lacks mammalian homologs. To focus the search for pan-Caliciviridae antivirals, the RdRp was probed with non-nucleoside inhibitors (NNIs) developed against hepatitis C virus (HCV) to reveal both allosteric ligands for structure-activity relationship enhancement, and highly-conserved RdRp pockets for antiviral targeting. The ability of HCV NNIs to inhibit calicivirus RdRp activities was assessed using in vitro enzyme and murine norovirus cell culture assays. Results revealed that three NNIs which bound the HCV RdRp Thumb I (TI) site also inhibited transcriptional activities of six RdRps spanning the Norovirus, Sapovirus and Lagovirus genera of the Caliciviridae. These NNIs included JTK-109 (RdRp inhibition range: IC₅₀ 4.3-16.6 μM), TMC-647055 (IC₅₀ range: 18.8-45.4 μM) and Beclabuvir (IC₅₀ range: 23.8->100 μM). In silico studies and site-directed mutagenesis indicated the JTK-109 binding site was within the calicivirus RdRp thumb domain, in a pocket termed Site-B, which is highly-conserved within all calicivirus RdRps. Additionally, RdRp inhibition assays revealed that JTK-109 was antagonistic with the previously reported RdRp inhibitor pyridoxal-5'-phosphate-6-(2'-naphthylazo-6'-nitro-4',8'-disulfonate) tetrasodium salt (PPNDS), that also binds to Site-B. Moreover, like JTK-109, PPNDS was also a potent inhibitor of polymerases from six viruses spanning the three Caliciviridae genera tested (IC₅₀ range: 0.1-2.3 μM). Together, this study demonstrates the potential for de novo development of broad-spectrum antivirals that target the highly-conserved RdRp thumb pocket, Site-B. We also revealed three broad-spectrum HCV NNIs that could be used as antiviral scaffolds for further development against caliciviruses and other viruses.

Norovirus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase: A computational study of metal-binding preferences

Norovirus (NV) RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) is essential for replicating the genome of the virus, which makes this enzyme a key target for the development of antiviral agents against NV gastroenteritis. In this work, a complex of NV RdRP bound to manganese ions and an RNA primer-template duplex was investigated using X-ray crystallography and hybrid quantum chemical/molecular mechanical simulations. Experimentally, the complex crystallized in a tetragonal crystal form. The nature of the primer/template duplex binding in the resulting structure indicates that the complex is a closed back-tracked state of the enzyme, in which the 3'-end of the primer occupies the position expected for the post-incorporated nucleotide before translocation. Computationally, it is found that the complex can accept a range of divalent metal cations without marked distortions in the active site structure. The highest binding energy is for copper, followed closely by manganese and iron, and then by zinc, nickel, and cobalt. Proteins 2017; 85:1435-1445. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Structure(s), function(s), and inhibition of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of noroviruses

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This review summarizes current knowledge on the norovirus RdRp.

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Multiple X-ray structures of norovirus RdRp show important conformational changes.

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Norovirus RdRp recognizes specific promotor sequences to initiate RNA synthesis.

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Anti-HCV nucleoside analogs such as 2CM-C also inhibit Norovirus RdRp.

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Suramin and its analogs act as allosteric non-nucleoside polymerase inhibitors.

Noroviruses belong to the Caliciviridae family of single-stranded positive-sense RNA viruses. The genus Norovirus includes seven genogroups (designated GI-GVII), of which GI, GII and GIV infect humans. Human noroviruses are responsible for widespread outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis and represent one of the most common causes of foodborne illness. No vaccine or antiviral treatment options are available for norovirus infection. The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of noroviruses is a key enzyme responsible for transcription and replication of the viral genome. Here, we review the progress made in understanding the structures and functions of norovirus RdRp and its use as a target for small molecule inhibitors. Crystal structures of the RdRp at different stages of substrate interaction have been determined, which shed light on its multi-step catalytic cycle. The in vitro assays and in vivo animal models that have been developed to identify and characterize inhibitors of norovirus RdRp are also summarized, followed by an update on the current antiviral research targeting different regions of norovirus RdRp. In the future, structure-based drug design and rational optimization of known nucleoside and non-nucleoside inhibitors of norovirus RdRp may pave the way towards the next generation of direct-acting antivirals.

Antiviral targets of human noroviruses

Human noroviruses are major causative agents of sporadic and epidemic gastroenteritis both in children and adults. Currently there are no licensed therapeutic intervention measures either in terms of vaccines or drugs available for these highly contagious human pathogens. Genetic and antigenic diversity of these viruses, rapid emergence of new strains, and their ability to infect a broad population by using polymorphic histo-blood group antigens for cell attachment, pose significant challenges for the development of effective antiviral agents. Despite these impediments, there is progress in the design and development of therapeutic agents. These include capsid-based candidate vaccines, and potential antivirals either in the form of glycomimetics or designer antibodies that block HBGA binding, as well as those that target essential non-structural proteins such as the viral protease and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. In addition to these classical approaches, recent studies suggest the possibility of interferons and targeting host cell factors as viable approaches to counter norovirus infection. This review provides a brief overview of this progress.

Advances Toward a Norovirus Antiviral: From Classical Inhibitors to Lethal Mutagenesis

Human noroviruses are a leading cause of gastroenteritis worldwide, yet there are no licensed antivirals. There is an urgent need for norovirus therapeutics, particularly for chronic infections in immunocompromised individuals, but also a potential need for prophylactic use in epidemics. Continued research has led to the identification of compounds that inhibit norovirus replication in vitro and, at least in some cases, are also effective in vivo against murine norovirus. Progress has included classical approaches targeting viral proteins and harnessing the antiviral action of interferon, strategies targeting essential host cell factors, and novel strategies exploiting the high mutation rate of noroviruses.

Current tools for norovirus drug discovery

INTRODUCTION

Rapid transmission of norovirus often occurs due to its low infectious dosage, high genetic diversity and its short incubation time. The viruses cause acute gastroenteritis and may lead to death. Presently, no effective vaccine or selective drugs accepted by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are available for the treatment of norovirus. Advances in the development of norovirus replicon cell lines, GII.4-Sydney HuNoV strain human B cells, and murine and gnotobiotic pig norovirus models have facilitated the discovery of effective small molecule inhibitors in vitro and in vivo.

AREAS COVERED

This review gives a brief discussion of the biology and replication of norovirus before highlighting the discovery of anti-norovirus molecules. The article coverage includes: an overview of the current state of norovirus drug discovery, the targeting of the norovirus life cycle, the inhibition of structural and nonstructural proteins of norovirus such as proteases and polymerase, and the blockage of virus entry into host cells. Finally, anti-norovirus drugs in the clinical development stage are described.

EXPERT OPINION

The current approach for the counteraction of norovirus focuses on the inhibition of viral RNA polymerase, norovirus 3C-like protease and the structural proteins VP1 as well as the blockade of norovirus entry. Broad-spectrum anti-norovirus molecules, based on the inhibition of 3C-like protease, have been developed. Other host factors and ways to overcome the development of resistance through mutation are also being examined. A dual approach in targeting viral and host factors may lead to an effective counteraction of norovirus infection. Current successes in developing norovirus replicon harboring cells and norovirus infected human cells, as well as murine norovirus models and other animal models such as piglets have facilitated the discovery of effective drugs and helped our understanding of its mechanism of action.

Purification and Biochemical Characterisation of Rabbit Calicivirus RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerases and Identification of Non-Nucleoside Inhibitors

Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) is a calicivirus that causes acute infections in both domestic and wild European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). The virus causes significant economic losses in rabbit farming and reduces wild rabbit populations. The recent emergence of RHDV variants capable of overcoming immunity to other strains emphasises the need to develop universally effective antivirals to enable quick responses during outbreaks until new vaccines become available. The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is a primary target for the development of such antiviral drugs. In this study, we used cell-free in vitro assays to examine the biochemical characteristics of two rabbit calicivirus RdRps and the effects of several antivirals that were previously identified as human norovirus RdRp inhibitors. The non-nucleoside inhibitor NIC02 was identified as a potential scaffold for further drug development against rabbit caliciviruses. Our experiments revealed an unusually high temperature optimum (between 40 and 45 °C) for RdRps derived from both a pathogenic and a non-pathogenic rabbit calicivirus, possibly demonstrating an adaptation to a host with a physiological body temperature of more than 38 °C. Interestingly, the in vitro polymerase activity of the non-pathogenic calicivirus RdRp was at least two times higher than that of the RdRp of the highly virulent RHDV.

Norovirus Infection: Replication, Manipulation of Host, and Interaction with the Host Immune Response

Noroviruses (NoVs) belong to the Caliciviridae family of viruses and are responsible for causing the majority of gastroenteritis outbreaks worldwide. In the past decade, research on NoV biology has intensified because of the discovery of murine NoV and subsequently the first cell culture system and small animal model for NoV replication and pathogenesis. In this review, we discuss the current literature on NoV biology, focusing particularly on NoV replication and the interaction between NoV and the host immune response. Understanding the NoV replication cycle and its interaction with cellular processes and innate immune immunity will help develop molecular targets to control human NoV infection and prevent outbreaks. In addition to the innate immune response, we have documented the current efforts to develop NoV vaccines to control outbreaks.

Anti-norovirus therapeutics: a patent review (2010-2015)

INTRODUCTION

Human noroviruses are the primary causative agents of acute gastroenteritis and are a pressing public health burden worldwide. There are currently no vaccines or small molecule therapeutics available for the treatment or prophylaxis of norovirus infections. An improved understanding of norovirus biology, as well as the pathogenic mechanisms underlying the disease, has provided the impetus for a range of intense exploratory drug discovery efforts targeting viral and host factors.

AREAS COVERED

An overview of norovirus inhibitors disclosed in the patent literature (2010-present) and Clinicaltrials.gov is presented. The review is further enriched and supplemented by recent literature reports.

EXPERT OPINION

Seminal discoveries made in recent years, including a better understanding of the pathobiology and life cycle of norovirus, the identification and targeting of multiple viral and host factors, the advent of a replicon system and a small animal model for the preclinical evaluation of lead compounds, and the availability of high resolution X-ray crystal structures that can be utilized in structure-based drug design and lead optimization campaigns, collectively suggest that a small molecule therapeutic and prophylactic for norovirus infection is likely to emerge in the not too distant future.

Inhibitors of the Hepatitis C Virus Polymerase; Mode of Action and Resistance

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a pandemic human pathogen posing a substantial health and economic burden in both developing and developed countries. Controlling the spread of HCV through behavioural prevention strategies has met with limited success and vaccine development remains slow. The development of antiviral therapeutic agents has also been challenging, primarily due to the lack of efficient cell culture and animal models for all HCV genotypes, as well as the large genetic diversity between HCV strains. On the other hand, the use of interferon-α-based treatments in combination with the guanosine analogue, ribavirin, achieved limited success, and widespread use of these therapies has been hampered by prevalent side effects. For more than a decade, the HCV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) has been targeted for antiviral development. Direct acting antivirals (DAA) have been identified which bind to one of at least six RdRp inhibitor-binding sites, and are now becoming a mainstay of highly effective and well tolerated antiviral treatment for HCV infection. Here we review the different classes of RdRp inhibitors and their mode of action against HCV. Furthermore, the mechanism of antiviral resistance to each class is described, including naturally occurring resistance-associated variants (RAVs) in different viral strains and genotypes. Finally, we review the impact of these RAVs on treatment outcomes with the newly developed regimens.

Recent Advances in the Discovery of Norovirus Therapeutics

Noroviruses are members of the family Caliciviridae. Norovirus infections are a global health burden that impacts >20 million individuals annually in the U.S. alone. Noroviruses are associated with high morbidity among vulnerable populations, particularly immunocompromised patients. This perspective highlights recent developments related to the discovery and development of norovirus-specific small-molecule therapeutics as well as recent advances in our understanding of norovirus biology and pathogenesis. Most of the work in this area is at the early discovery stage and has been primarily focused on inhibitors of norovirus 3C-like protease and RNA dependent RNA polymerase. However, recent discoveries emanating from basic studies in norovirus research have resulted in the identification of new host-related drug targets that can be exploited. A repurposed compound has been advanced to human clinical studies.

RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerases of Picornaviruses: From the Structure to Regulatory Mechanisms

RNA viruses typically encode their own RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) to ensure genome replication within the infected cells. RdRP function is critical not only for the virus life cycle but also for its adaptive potential. The combination of low fidelity of replication and the absence of proofreading and excision activities within the RdRPs result in high mutation frequencies that allow these viruses a rapid adaptation to changing environments. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about structural and functional aspects on RdRP catalytic complexes, focused mainly in the Picornaviridae family. The structural data currently available from these viruses provided high-resolution snapshots for a range of conformational states associated to RNA template-primer binding, rNTP recognition, catalysis and chain translocation. As these enzymes are major targets for the development of antiviral compounds, such structural information is essential for the design of new therapies.

Norovirus vaccines and potential antinorovirus drugs: recent advances and future perspectives

Human noroviruses (HuNoVs) are a leading cause of acute, nonbacterial gastroenteritis worldwide. The lack of a cell culture system and smaller animal model has delayed the development and commercial availability of vaccines and antiviral drugs. Current vaccines rely on recombinant capsid proteins, such as P particles and virus-like particles (VLPs), which have been promising in clinical trials. Anti-HuNoV drug development is another area of extensive research, including currently available antiviral drugs for other viral pathogens. This review will provide an overview of recent advances in vaccine and antiviral development. The implication of recent advances in HuNoV cell culture for improving vaccine and antiviral development is also discussed.

Structure of a backtracked state reveals conformational changes similar to the state following nucleotide incorporation in human norovirus polymerase

The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) from norovirus (NV) genogroup II has previously been crystallized as an apoenzyme (APO1) in multiple crystal forms, as well as as a pre-incorporation ternary complex (PRE1) bound to Mn(2+), various nucleoside triphosphates and an RNA primer-template duplex in an orthorhombic crystal form. When crystallized under near-identical conditions with a slightly different RNA primer/template duplex, however, the enzyme-RNA complex forms tetragonal crystals (anisotropic data, dmin ≃ 1.9 Å) containing a complex with the primer/template bound in a backtracked state (BACK1) similar to a post-incorporation complex (POST1) in a step of the enzymatic cycle immediately following nucleotidyl transfer. The BACK1 conformation shows that the terminal nucleotide of the primer binds in a manner similar to the nucleoside triphosphate seen in the PRE1 complex, even though the terminal two phosphoryl groups in the triphosphate moiety are absent and a covalent bond is present between the α-phosphoryl group of the terminal nucleotide and the 3'-oxygen of the penultimate nucleotide residue. The two manganese ions bound at the active site coordinate to conserved Asp residues and the bridging phosphoryl group of the terminal nucleotide. Surprisingly, the conformation of the thumb domain in BACK1 resembles the open APO1 state more than the closed conformation seen in PRE1. The BACK1 complex thus reveals a hybrid state in which the active site is closed while the thumb domain is open. Comparison of the APO1, PRE1 and BACK1 structures of NV polymerase helps to reveal a more complete and complex pathway of conformational changes within a single RdRP enzyme system. These conformational changes lend insight into the mechanism of RNA translocation following nucleotidyl transfer and suggest novel approaches for the development of antiviral inhibitors.

Viruses and viral proteins

For more than 30 years X-ray crystallography has been by far the most powerful approach for determining the structures of viruses and viral proteins at atomic resolution. The information provided by these structures, which covers many important aspects of the viral life cycle such as cell-receptor recognition, viral entry, nucleic acid transfer and genome replication, has extensively enriched our vision of the virus world. Many of the structures available correspond to potential targets for antiviral drugs against important human pathogens. This article provides an overview of the current knowledge of different structural aspects of the above-mentioned processes.