1
|
Felicetti T, Sarnari C, Gaito R, Tabarrini O, Manfroni G. Recent Progress toward the Discovery of Small Molecules as Novel Anti-Respiratory Syncytial Virus Agents. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 38970494 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) stands as the foremost cause of infant hospitalization globally, ranking second only to malaria in terms of infant mortality. Although three vaccines have recently been approved for the prophylaxis of adults aged 60 and above, and pregnant women, there is currently no effective antiviral drug for treating RSV infections. The only preventive measure for infants at high risk of severe RSV disease is passive immunization through monoclonal antibodies. This Perspective offers an overview of the latest advancements in RSV drug discovery of small molecule antivirals, with particular focus on the promising findings from agents targeting the fusion and polymerase proteins. A comprehensive reflection on the current state of RSV research is also given, drawing inspiration from the lessons gleaned from HCV and HIV, while also considering the impact of the recent approval of the three vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Felicetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via Del Liceo, 1-06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Chiara Sarnari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via Del Liceo, 1-06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Roberta Gaito
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via Del Liceo, 1-06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Oriana Tabarrini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via Del Liceo, 1-06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Manfroni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via Del Liceo, 1-06123, Perugia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sake SM, Zhang X, Rajak MK, Urbanek-Quaing M, Carpentier A, Gunesch AP, Grethe C, Matthaei A, Rückert J, Galloux M, Larcher T, Le Goffic R, Hontonnou F, Chatterjee AK, Johnson K, Morwood K, Rox K, Elgaher WAM, Huang J, Wetzke M, Hansen G, Fischer N, Eléouët JF, Rameix-Welti MA, Hirsch AKH, Herold E, Empting M, Lauber C, Schulz TF, Krey T, Haid S, Pietschmann T. Drug repurposing screen identifies lonafarnib as respiratory syncytial virus fusion protein inhibitor. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1173. [PMID: 38332002 PMCID: PMC10853176 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45241-y] [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: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of acute lower respiratory tract infection in infants, older adults and the immunocompromised. Effective directly acting antivirals are not yet available for clinical use. To address this, we screen the ReFRAME drug-repurposing library consisting of 12,000 small molecules against RSV. We identify 21 primary candidates including RSV F and N protein inhibitors, five HSP90 and four IMPDH inhibitors. We select lonafarnib, a licensed farnesyltransferase inhibitor, and phase III candidate for hepatitis delta virus (HDV) therapy, for further follow-up. Dose-response analyses and plaque assays confirm the antiviral activity (IC50: 10-118 nM). Passaging of RSV with lonafarnib selects for phenotypic resistance and fixation of mutations in the RSV fusion protein (T335I and T400A). Lentiviral pseudotypes programmed with variant RSV fusion proteins confirm that lonafarnib inhibits RSV cell entry and that these mutations confer lonafarnib resistance. Surface plasmon resonance reveals RSV fusion protein binding of lonafarnib and co-crystallography identifies the lonafarnib binding site within RSV F. Oral administration of lonafarnib dose-dependently reduces RSV virus load in a murine infection model using female mice. Collectively, this work provides an overview of RSV drug repurposing candidates and establishes lonafarnib as a bona fide fusion protein inhibitor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Svenja M Sake
- Institute for Experimental Virology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Institute for Experimental Virology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Manoj Kumar Rajak
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Center of Structural and Cell Biology in Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Melanie Urbanek-Quaing
- Institute for Experimental Virology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Arnaud Carpentier
- Institute for Experimental Virology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Antonia P Gunesch
- Institute for Experimental Virology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christina Grethe
- Institute for Experimental Virology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Alina Matthaei
- Institute for Experimental Virology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jessica Rückert
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Marie Galloux
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, UVSQ, VIM, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | | | - Ronan Le Goffic
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, UVSQ, VIM, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Katharina Rox
- Department of Chemical Biology, Helmholtz Center of Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research, Partner site Braunschweig-Hannover, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Walid A M Elgaher
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS)-HZI, Saarbrücken, Germany
- Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence RESIST (EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jiabin Huang
- Insitute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Wetzke
- Department for Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research, Partner Site Hannover, BREATH, Hannover, Germany
| | - Gesine Hansen
- Cluster of Excellence RESIST (EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Department for Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research, Partner Site Hannover, BREATH, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nicole Fischer
- Insitute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Marie-Anne Rameix-Welti
- Université Paris-Saclay, Université de Versailles St. Quentin; UMR 1173 (2I), INSERM; Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Ambroise Paré, Laboratoire de Microbiologie, DMU15, Versailles, France
| | - Anna K H Hirsch
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS)-HZI, Saarbrücken, Germany
- Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence RESIST (EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Helmholtz International Lab for Anti-infectives, HZI, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Herold
- Center of Structural and Cell Biology in Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Martin Empting
- German Centre for Infection Research, Partner site Braunschweig-Hannover, Braunschweig, Germany
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS)-HZI, Saarbrücken, Germany
- Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence RESIST (EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Chris Lauber
- Institute for Experimental Virology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence RESIST (EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas F Schulz
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research, Partner site Braunschweig-Hannover, Braunschweig, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence RESIST (EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Krey
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Center of Structural and Cell Biology in Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB), Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, Partner Site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel-Riems, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Sibylle Haid
- Institute for Experimental Virology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Thomas Pietschmann
- Institute for Experimental Virology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany.
- German Centre for Infection Research, Partner site Braunschweig-Hannover, Braunschweig, Germany.
- Cluster of Excellence RESIST (EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
- Helmholtz International Lab for Anti-infectives, HZI, Braunschweig, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sun BW, Zhang PP, Wang ZH, Yao X, He ML, Bai RT, Che H, Lin J, Xie T, Hui Z, Ye XY, Wang LW. Prevention and Potential Treatment Strategies for Respiratory Syncytial Virus. Molecules 2024; 29:598. [PMID: 38338343 PMCID: PMC10856762 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29030598] [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: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a significant viral pathogen that causes respiratory infections in infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. RSV-related illnesses impose a substantial economic burden worldwide annually. The molecular structure, function, and in vivo interaction mechanisms of RSV have received more comprehensive attention in recent times, and significant progress has been made in developing inhibitors targeting various stages of the RSV replication cycle. These include fusion inhibitors, RSV polymerase inhibitors, and nucleoprotein inhibitors, as well as FDA-approved RSV prophylactic drugs palivizumab and nirsevimab. The research community is hopeful that these developments might provide easier access to knowledge and might spark new ideas for research programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo-Wen Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; (B.-W.S.); (P.-P.Z.); (Z.-H.W.); (X.Y.); (M.-L.H.); (R.-T.B.); (H.C.); (T.X.); (Z.H.)
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Peng-Peng Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; (B.-W.S.); (P.-P.Z.); (Z.-H.W.); (X.Y.); (M.-L.H.); (R.-T.B.); (H.C.); (T.X.); (Z.H.)
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Zong-Hao Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; (B.-W.S.); (P.-P.Z.); (Z.-H.W.); (X.Y.); (M.-L.H.); (R.-T.B.); (H.C.); (T.X.); (Z.H.)
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Xia Yao
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; (B.-W.S.); (P.-P.Z.); (Z.-H.W.); (X.Y.); (M.-L.H.); (R.-T.B.); (H.C.); (T.X.); (Z.H.)
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Meng-Lan He
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; (B.-W.S.); (P.-P.Z.); (Z.-H.W.); (X.Y.); (M.-L.H.); (R.-T.B.); (H.C.); (T.X.); (Z.H.)
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Rui-Ting Bai
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; (B.-W.S.); (P.-P.Z.); (Z.-H.W.); (X.Y.); (M.-L.H.); (R.-T.B.); (H.C.); (T.X.); (Z.H.)
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Hao Che
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; (B.-W.S.); (P.-P.Z.); (Z.-H.W.); (X.Y.); (M.-L.H.); (R.-T.B.); (H.C.); (T.X.); (Z.H.)
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Jing Lin
- Drug Discovery, Hangzhou Haolu Pharma Co., Hangzhou 311121, China;
| | - Tian Xie
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; (B.-W.S.); (P.-P.Z.); (Z.-H.W.); (X.Y.); (M.-L.H.); (R.-T.B.); (H.C.); (T.X.); (Z.H.)
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Zi Hui
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; (B.-W.S.); (P.-P.Z.); (Z.-H.W.); (X.Y.); (M.-L.H.); (R.-T.B.); (H.C.); (T.X.); (Z.H.)
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Xiang-Yang Ye
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; (B.-W.S.); (P.-P.Z.); (Z.-H.W.); (X.Y.); (M.-L.H.); (R.-T.B.); (H.C.); (T.X.); (Z.H.)
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Li-Wei Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; (B.-W.S.); (P.-P.Z.); (Z.-H.W.); (X.Y.); (M.-L.H.); (R.-T.B.); (H.C.); (T.X.); (Z.H.)
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Issmail L, Ramsbeck D, Jäger C, Henning T, Kleinschmidt M, Buchholz M, Grunwald T. Identification and evaluation of a novel tribenzamide derivative as an inhibitor targeting the entry of the respiratory syncytial virus. Antiviral Res 2023; 211:105547. [PMID: 36682463 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2023.105547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of severe lower respiratory tract infections in infants, the elderly, and the immunocompromised, yet no licensed vaccine and only limited therapeutic options for prevention and treatment are available, which poses a global health challenge and emphasizes the urgent medical need for novel antiviral agents. In the current study, a novel potent small molecule inhibitor of RSV was identified by performing a screening and structure optimization campaign, wherein a naturally occurring dicaffeoylquinic acid (DCQA) compound served as a chemical starting point. The reported benzamide derivative inhibitor, designated as 2f, was selected for its improved stability and potent antiviral activity from a series of investigated structurally related compounds. 2f was well tolerated by cells and able to inhibit RSV infection with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 35 nM and a favorable selectivity index (SI) of 3742. Although the exact molecular target for 2f is not known, in vitro mechanism of action investigations revealed that the compound inhibits the early stage of infection by interacting with RSV virion and interferes primarily with the attachment and potentially with the virus-cell fusion step. Moreover, intranasal administration of 2f to mice simultaneously or prior to intranasal infection with RSV significantly decreased viral load in the lungs, pointing to the in vivo potential of the compound. Our results suggest that 2f is a viable candidate for further preclinical development and evaluation as an antiviral agent against RSV infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leila Issmail
- Department of Vaccines and Infection Models, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Daniel Ramsbeck
- Department of Drug Design and Target Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI-MWT, Halle, Saale, Germany
| | - Christian Jäger
- Department of Drug Design and Target Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI-MWT, Halle, Saale, Germany
| | - Tanja Henning
- Department of Vaccines and Infection Models, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin Kleinschmidt
- Department of Drug Design and Target Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI-MWT, Halle, Saale, Germany
| | - Mirko Buchholz
- Department of Drug Design and Target Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI-MWT, Halle, Saale, Germany
| | - Thomas Grunwald
- Department of Vaccines and Infection Models, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, Leipzig, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Two-Step Infection Screen Reveals Inhibitors of Early and Late Life Cycle Stages. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2022; 66:e0103222. [PMID: 36346232 PMCID: PMC9765014 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01032-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) infection is a leading cause of severe respiratory tract infections. Effective, directly acting antivirals against hRSV are not available. We aimed to discover new and chemically diverse candidates to enrich the hRSV drug development pipeline. We used a two-step screen that interrogates compound efficacy after primary infection and a consecutive virus passaging. We resynthesized selected hit molecules and profiled their activities with hRSV lentiviral pseudotype cell entry, replicon, and time-of-addition assays. The breadth of antiviral activity was tested against recent RSV clinical strains and human coronavirus (hCoV-229E), and in pseudotype-based entry assays with non-RSV viruses. Screening 6,048 molecules, we identified 23 primary candidates, of which 13 preferentially scored in the first and 10 in the second rounds of infection, respectively. Two of these molecules inhibited hRSV cell entry and selected for F protein resistance within the fusion peptide. One molecule inhibited transcription/replication in hRSV replicon assays, did not select for phenotypic hRSV resistance and was active against non-hRSV viruses, including hCoV-229E. One compound, identified in the second round of infection, did not measurably inhibit hRSV cell entry or replication/transcription. It selected for two coding mutations in the G protein and was highly active in differentiated BCi-NS1.1 lung cells. In conclusion, we identified four new hRSV inhibitor candidates with different modes of action. Our findings build an interesting platform for medicinal chemistry-guided derivatization approaches followed by deeper phenotypical characterization in vitro and in vivo with the aim of developing highly potent hRSV drugs.
Collapse
|
6
|
Churiso G, Husen G, Bulbula D, Abebe L. Immunity Cell Responses to RSV and the Role of Antiviral Inhibitors: A Systematic Review. Infect Drug Resist 2022; 15:7413-7430. [PMID: 36540102 PMCID: PMC9759992 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s387479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Antigen-presenting cells recognize respiratory syncytial virus antigens, and produce cytokines and chemokines that act on immune cells. Dendritic cells play the main role in inflammatory cytokine responses. Similarly, alveolar macrophages produce IFN-β, IFN-α, TNF-α, IL-6, CXCL10, and CCL3, while alternatively activated macrophages differentiate at the late phase, and require IL-13 or IL-4 cytokines. Furthermore, activated NKT cells secrete IL-13 and IL-4 that cause lung epithelial, endothelial and fibroblasts to secrete eotaxin that enhances the recruitment of eosinophil to the lung. CD8+ and CD4+T cells infection by the virus decreases the IFN-γ and IL-2 production. Despite this, both are involved in terminating virus replication. CD8+T cells produce a larger amount of IFN-γ than CD4+T cells, and CD8+T cells activated under type 2 conditions produce IL-4, down regulating CD8 expression, granzyme and IFN-γ production. Antiviral inhibitors inhibit biological functions of viral proteins. Some of them directly target the virus replication machinery and are effective at later stages of infection; while others inhibit F protein dependent fusion and syncytium formation. TMC353121 reduces inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β and chemokines, KC, IP-10, MCP and MIP1-α. EDP-938 inhibits viral nucleoprotein (N), while GRP-156784 blocks the activity of respiratory syncytial virus ribonucleic acid (RNA) polymerase. PC786 inhibits non-structural protein 1 (NS-1) gene, RANTES transcripts, virus-induced CCL5, IL-6, and mucin increase. In general, it is an immune reaction that is blamed for the disease severity and pathogenesis in respiratory syncytial virus infection. Anti-viral inhibitors not only inhibit viral entry and replication, but also may reduce inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Many respiratory syncytial virus inhibitors are proposed; however, only palivizumab and ribavirin are approved for prophylaxis and treatment, respectively. Hence, this review is focused on immunity cell responses to respiratory syncytial virus and the role of antiviral inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gemechu Churiso
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia,Correspondence: Gemechu Churiso, Email
| | - Gose Husen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | - Denebo Bulbula
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | - Lulu Abebe
- Department of Psychiatry, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Soto JA, Galvez NMS, Rivera DB, Díaz FE, Riedel CA, Bueno SM, Kalergis AM. From animal studies into clinical trials: the relevance of animal models to develop vaccines and therapies to reduce disease severity and prevent hRSV infection. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2022; 17:1237-1259. [PMID: 36093605 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2022.2123468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is an important cause of lower respiratory tract infections in the pediatric and the geriatric population worldwide. There is a substantial economic burden resulting from hRSV disease during winter. Although no vaccines have been approved for human use, prophylactic therapies are available for high-risk populations. Choosing the proper animal models to evaluate different vaccine prototypes or pharmacological treatments is essential for developing efficient therapies against hRSV. AREAS COVERED This article describes the relevance of using different animal models to evaluate the effect of antiviral drugs, pharmacological molecules, vaccine prototypes, and antibodies in the protection against hRSV. The animal models covered are rodents, mustelids, bovines, and nonhuman primates. Animals included were chosen based on the available literature and their role in the development of the drugs discussed in this manuscript. EXPERT OPINION Choosing the correct animal model is critical for exploring and testing treatments that could decrease the impact of hRSV in high-risk populations. Mice will continue to be the most used preclinical model to evaluate this. However, researchers must also explore the use of other models such as nonhuman primates, as they are more similar to humans, prior to escalating into clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J A Soto
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - N M S Galvez
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - D B Rivera
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - F E Díaz
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - C A Riedel
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - S M Bueno
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - A M Kalergis
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Departamento de Endocrinología, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
Viral fusion glycoproteins catalyze membrane fusion during viral entry. Unlike most enzymes, however, they lack a conventional active site in which formation or scission of a specific covalent bond is catalyzed. Instead, they drive the membrane fusion reaction by cojoining highly regulated changes in conformation to membrane deformation. Despite the challenges in applying inhibitor design approaches to these proteins, recent advances in knowledge of the structures and mechanisms of viral fusogens have enabled the development of small-molecule inhibitors of both class I and class II viral fusion proteins. Here, we review well-validated inhibitors, including their discovery, targets, and mechanism(s) of action, while highlighting mechanistic similarities and differences. Together, these examples make a compelling case for small-molecule inhibitors as tools for probing the mechanisms of viral glycoprotein-mediated fusion and for viral glycoproteins as druggable targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Han-Yuan Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Current affiliation: Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California 94305, USA;
| | - Priscilla L Yang
- Department of Microbiology and Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Current affiliation: Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California 94305, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mechanism of Cross-Resistance to Fusion Inhibitors Conferred by the K394R Mutation in Respiratory Syncytial Virus Fusion Protein. J Virol 2021; 95:e0120521. [PMID: 34379500 PMCID: PMC8475503 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01205-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The fusion glycoprotein (F) is essential for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) entry and has become an attractive target for anti-RSV drug development. Despite the promising prospect of RSV F inhibitors, issues of drug resistance remain challenging. In this study, we established a dual-luciferase protocol for RSV fusion inhibitor discovery. A small-molecule inhibitor, salvianolic acid R (LF-6), was identified to inhibit virus-cell and cell-cell fusion mediated by the RSV F protein. Sequence analysis of the resultant resistant viruses identified a K394R mutation in the viral F protein. The K394R mutant virus also conferred cross-resistance to multiple RSV fusion inhibitors, including several inhibitors undergoing clinical trials. Our study further showed that K394R mutation not only increased the triggering rate of F protein in prefusion conformation but also enhanced the fusion activity of F protein, both of which were positively correlated with resistance to fusion inhibitors. Moreover, the K394R mutation also showed cooperative effects with other escape mutations to increase the fusion activity of F protein. By substitution of K394 into different amino acids, we found that K394R or K394H substitution resulted in hyperfusiogenic F proteins, whereas F variants with other substitutions exhibited less fusion activity. Both K394R and K394H in F protein exhibited cross-resistance to RSV fusion inhibitors. Collectively, these findings reveal a positive correlation between the membrane fusion activity of F protein and the resistance of corresponding inhibitors. All of the results demonstrate that K394R in F protein confers cross-resistance to fusion inhibitors through destabilizing F protein and increasing its membrane fusion activity. IMPORTANCE Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes serious respiratory tract disease in children and the elderly. Therapeutics against RSV infection are urgently needed. This study reports the discovery of a small-molecule inhibitor of RSV fusion glycoprotein by using a dual-luciferase protocol. The escape mutation (K394R) of this compound also confers cross-resistance to multiple RSV fusion inhibitors that have been reported previously, including two candidates currently in clinical development. The combination of K394R with other escape mutations can increase the resistance of F protein to these inhibitors through destabilizing F protein and enhancing the membrane fusion activity of F protein. By amino acid deletion or substitution, we found that a positively charged residue at the 394th site is crucial for the fusion ability of F protein, as well as for the cross-resistance against RSV fusion inhibitors. These results reveal the mechanism of cross-resistance conferred by the K394R mutation and the possible cross-resistance risk of RSV fusion inhibitors.
Collapse
|
10
|
Discovery of a Novel Respiratory Syncytial Virus Replication Inhibitor. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 65:AAC.02576-20. [PMID: 33782012 PMCID: PMC8316115 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02576-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A high-throughput screen of a Roche internal chemical library based on inhibition of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-induced cytopathic effect (CPE) on HEp-2 cells was performed to identify RSV inhibitors. Over 2,000 hits were identified and confirmed to be efficacious against RSV infection in vitro Here, we report the discovery of a triazole-oxadiazole derivative, designated triazole-1, as an RSV replication inhibitor, and we characterize its mechanism of action. Triazole-1 inhibited the replication of both RSV A and B subtypes with 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of approximately 1 μM, but it was not effective against other viruses, including influenza virus A, human enterovirus 71 (EV71), and vaccinia virus. Triazole-1 was shown to inhibit RSV replication when added at up to 8 h after viral entry, suggesting that it inhibits RSV after viral entry. In a minigenome reporter assay in which RSV transcription regulatory sequences flanking a luciferase gene were cotransfected with RSV N/P/L/M2-1 genes into HEp-2 cells, triazole-1 demonstrated specific and dose-dependent RSV transcription inhibitory effects. Consistent with these findings, deep sequencing of the genomes of triazole-1-resistant mutants revealed a single point mutation (A to G) at nucleotide 13546 of the RSV genome, leading to a T-to-A change at amino acid position 1684 of the L protein, which is the RSV RNA polymerase for both viral transcription and replication. The effect of triazole-1 on minigenome transcription, which was mediated by the L protein containing the T1684A mutation, was significantly reduced, suggesting that the T1684A mutation alone conferred viral resistance to triazole-1.
Collapse
|
11
|
Pu J, Zhou JT, Liu P, Yu F, He X, Lu L, Jiang S. Viral Entry Inhibitors Targeting Six-Helical Bundle Core Against Highly Pathogenic Enveloped Viruses with Class I Fusion Proteins. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:700-718. [PMID: 33992055 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210511015808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
TypeⅠ enveloped viruses bind to cell receptors through surface glycoproteins to initiate infection or undergo receptor-mediated endocytosis. They also initiate membrane fusion in the acidic environment of endocytic compartments, releasing genetic material into the cell. In the process of membrane fusion, envelope protein exposes fusion peptide, followed by insertion into the cell membrane or endosomal membrane. Further conformational changes ensue in which the type 1 envelope protein forms a typical six-helix bundle structure, shortening the distance between viral and cell membranes so that fusion can occur. Entry inhibitors targeting viral envelope proteins, or host factors, are effective antiviral agents and have been widely studied. Some have been used clinically, such as T20 and Maraviroc for human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) or Myrcludex B for hepatitis D virus (HDV). This review focuses on entry inhibitors that target the six-helical bundle core against highly pathogenic enveloped viruses with class I fusion proteins, including retroviruses, coronaviruses, influenza A viruses, paramyxoviruses, and filoviruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Pu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH/CAMS, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Joey Tianyi Zhou
- Institute of High Performance Computing, The Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Ping Liu
- Institute of High Performance Computing, The Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Fei Yu
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Xiaoyang He
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH/CAMS, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Shibo Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH/CAMS, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Gao Y, Cao J, Xing P, Altmeyer R, Zhang Y. Evaluation of Small Molecule Combinations against Respiratory Syncytial Virus In Vitro. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26092607. [PMID: 33946996 PMCID: PMC8125180 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26092607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major pathogen that causes severe lower respiratory tract infection in infants, the elderly and the immunocompromised worldwide. At present no approved specific drugs or vaccines are available to treat this pathogen. Recently, several promising candidates targeting RSV entry and multiplication steps are under investigation. However, it is possible to lead to drug resistance under the long-term treatment. Therapeutic combinations constitute an alternative to prevent resistance and reduce antiviral doses. Therefore, we tested in vitro two-drug combinations of fusion inhibitors (GS5806, Ziresovir and BMS433771) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase complex (RdRp) inhibitors (ALS8176, RSV604, and Cyclopamine). The statistical program MacSynergy II was employed to determine synergism, additivity or antagonism between drugs. From the result, we found that combinations of ALS8176 and Ziresovir or GS5806 exhibit additive effects against RSV in vitro, with interaction volume of 50 µM2% and 31 µM2% at 95% confidence interval, respectively. On the other hand, all combinations between fusion inhibitors showed antagonistic effects against RSV in vitro, with volume of antagonism ranging from −50 µM2 % to −176 µM2 % at 95% confidence interval. Over all, our results suggest the potentially therapeutic combinations in combating RSV in vitro could be considered for further animal and clinical evaluations.
Collapse
|
13
|
Cockerill GS, Angell RM, Bedernjak A, Chuckowree I, Fraser I, Gascon-Simorte J, Gilman MSA, Good JAD, Harland R, Johnson SM, Ludes-Meyers JH, Littler E, Lumley J, Lunn G, Mathews N, McLellan JS, Paradowski M, Peeples ME, Scott C, Tait D, Taylor G, Thom M, Thomas E, Villalonga Barber C, Ward SE, Watterson D, Williams G, Young P, Powell K. Discovery of Sisunatovir (RV521), an Inhibitor of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Fusion. J Med Chem 2021; 64:3658-3676. [PMID: 33729773 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
RV521 is an orally bioavailable inhibitor of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) fusion that was identified after a lead optimization process based upon hits that originated from a physical property directed hit profiling exercise at Reviral. This exercise encompassed collaborations with a number of contract organizations with collaborative medicinal chemistry and virology during the optimization phase in addition to those utilized as the compound proceeded through preclinical and clinical evaluation. RV521 exhibited a mean IC50 of 1.2 nM against a panel of RSV A and B laboratory strains and clinical isolates with antiviral efficacy in the Balb/C mouse model of RSV infection. Oral bioavailability in preclinical species ranged from 42 to >100% with evidence of highly efficient penetration into lung tissue. In healthy adult human volunteers experimentally infected with RSV, a potent antiviral effect was observed with a significant reduction in viral load and symptoms compared to placebo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Stuart Cockerill
- Reviral Ltd., Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2FX, U.K
| | - Richard M Angell
- Sussex Drug Discovery Centre, University of Sussex, Brighton, England BN1 9QJ, U.K
| | - Alexandre Bedernjak
- Reviral Ltd., Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2FX, U.K
| | - Irina Chuckowree
- Sussex Drug Discovery Centre, University of Sussex, Brighton, England BN1 9QJ, U.K
| | - Ian Fraser
- Reviral Ltd., Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2FX, U.K
| | - Jose Gascon-Simorte
- Sussex Drug Discovery Centre, University of Sussex, Brighton, England BN1 9QJ, U.K
| | - Morgan S A Gilman
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - James A D Good
- Reviral Ltd., Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2FX, U.K
| | - Rachel Harland
- Reviral Ltd., Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2FX, U.K
| | - Sara M Johnson
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, and Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio 43205, United States
| | - John H Ludes-Meyers
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Edward Littler
- Reviral Ltd., Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2FX, U.K
| | - James Lumley
- Reviral Ltd., Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2FX, U.K
| | - Graham Lunn
- Sussex Drug Discovery Centre, University of Sussex, Brighton, England BN1 9QJ, U.K
| | - Neil Mathews
- Reviral Ltd., Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2FX, U.K
| | - Jason S McLellan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Michael Paradowski
- Medicines Discovery Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales CF10 3AT, U.K
| | - Mark E Peeples
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, and Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio 43205, United States
| | - Claire Scott
- Reviral Ltd., Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2FX, U.K
| | - Dereck Tait
- Reviral Ltd., Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2FX, U.K
| | - Geraldine Taylor
- The Pirbright Institute, Ash Road, Pirbright, Surrey GU24 0NF, U.K
| | - Michelle Thom
- The Pirbright Institute, Ash Road, Pirbright, Surrey GU24 0NF, U.K
| | - Elaine Thomas
- Reviral Ltd., Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2FX, U.K
| | | | - Simon E Ward
- Medicines Discovery Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales CF10 3AT, U.K
| | - Daniel Watterson
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Gareth Williams
- Sussex Drug Discovery Centre, University of Sussex, Brighton, England BN1 9QJ, U.K
| | - Paul Young
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Kenneth Powell
- Reviral Ltd., Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2FX, U.K
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Stray K, Perron M, Porter DP, Anderson F, Lewis SA, Perry J, Miller M, Cihlar T, DeVincenzo J, Chien JW, Jordan R. Drug Resistance Assessment Following Administration of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Fusion Inhibitor Presatovir to Participants Experimentally Infected With RSV. J Infect Dis 2021; 222:1468-1477. [PMID: 31971597 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa028] [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: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Presatovir is an oral respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) fusion inhibitor targeting RSV F protein. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study in healthy adults experimentally infected with RSV (Memphis-37b), presatovir significantly reduced viral load and clinical disease severity in a dose-dependent manner. METHODS Viral RNA from nasal wash samples was amplified and the F gene sequenced to monitor presatovir resistance. Effects of identified amino acid substitutions on in vitro susceptibility to presatovir, viral fitness, and clinical outcome were assessed. RESULTS Twenty-eight treatment-emergent F substitutions were identified. Of these, 26 were tested in vitro; 2 were not due to lack of recombinant virus recovery. Ten substitutions did not affect presatovir susceptibility, and 16 substitutions reduced RSV susceptibility to presatovir (2.9- to 410-fold). No substitutions altered RSV susceptibility to palivizumab or ribavirin. Frequency of phenotypically resistant substitutions was higher with regimens containing lower presatovir dose and shorter treatment duration. Participants with phenotypic presatovir resistance had significantly higher nasal viral load area under the curve relative to those without, but substitutions did not significantly affect peak viral load or clinical manifestations of RSV disease. CONCLUSIONS Emergence of presatovir-resistant RSV occurred during therapy but did not significantly affect clinical efficacy in participants with experimental RSV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jason Perry
- Gilead Sciences, Inc, Foster City, California, USA
| | | | - Tomas Cihlar
- Gilead Sciences, Inc, Foster City, California, USA
| | - John DeVincenzo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Memphis, Tennessee, USA.,Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Memphis, Tennessee, USA.,Children's Foundation Research Institute, Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Pharmacological Characterization of TP0591816, a Novel Macrocyclic Respiratory Syncytial Virus Fusion Inhibitor with Antiviral Activity against F Protein Mutants. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 65:AAC.01407-20. [PMID: 33046486 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01407-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of lower respiratory tract infections in early childhood. However, no vaccines have yet been approved for prevention of RSV infection, and the treatment options are limited. Therefore, development of effective and safe anti-RSV drugs is needed. In this study, we evaluated the antiviral activity and mechanism of action of a novel macrocyclic anti-RSV compound, TP0591816. TP0591816 showed significant antiviral activities against both subgroup A and subgroup B RSV, while exerting no cytotoxicity. Notably, the antiviral activity of TP0591816 was maintained against a known fusion inhibitor-resistant RSV strain with a mutation in the cysteine-rich region or in heptad repeat B. Results of a time-of-addition assay and a temperature shift assay indicated that TP0591816 inhibited fusion of RSV with the cell membrane during viral entry. In addition, TP0591816 added after cell infection also inhibited cell-cell fusion. A TP0591816-resistant virus strain selected by serial passage had an L141F mutation, but no mutation in the cysteine-rich region or in heptad repeat B in the fusion (F) protein. Treatment with TP0591816 reduced lung virus titers in a dose-dependent manner in a mouse model of RSV infection. Furthermore, the estimated effective dose of TP0591816 for use against F protein mutants was thought to be clinically realistic and potentially tolerable. Taken together, these findings suggest that TP0591816 is a promising novel candidate for the treatment of resistant RSV infection.
Collapse
|
16
|
Inhibitory Effect of PIK-24 on Respiratory Syncytial Virus Entry by Blocking Phosphatidylinositol-3 Kinase Signaling. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 64:AAC.00608-20. [PMID: 32718963 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00608-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphoinositide-3 kinase signaling modulates many cellular processes, including cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Currently, it is known that the establishment of respiratory syncytial virus infection requires phosphoinositide-3 kinase signaling. However, the regulatory pattern of phosphoinositide-3 kinase signaling or its corresponding molecular mechanism during respiratory syncytial virus entry remains unclear. Here, the involvement of phosphoinositide-3 kinase signaling in respiratory syncytial virus entry was studied. PIK-24, a novel compound designed with phosphoinositide-3 kinase as a target, had potent anti-respiratory syncytial virus activity both in vitro and in vivo PIK-24 significantly reduced viral entry into the host cell through blocking the late stage of the fusion process. In a mouse model, PIK-24 effectively reduced the viral load and alleviated inflammation in lung tissue. Subsequent studies on the antiviral mechanism of PIK-24 revealed that viral entry was accompanied by phosphoinositide-3 kinase signaling activation, downstream RhoA and cofilin upregulation, and actin cytoskeleton rearrangement. PIK-24 treatment significantly reversed all these effects. The disruption of actin cytoskeleton dynamics or the modulation of phosphoinositide-3 kinase activity by knockdown also affected viral entry efficacy. Altogether, it is reasonable to conclude that the antiviral activity of PIK-24 depends on the phosphoinositide-3 kinase signaling and that the use of phosphoinositide-3 kinase signaling to regulate actin cytoskeleton rearrangement plays a key role in respiratory syncytial virus entry.
Collapse
|
17
|
Porter DP, Guo Y, Perry J, Gossage DL, Watkins TR, Chien JW, Jordan R. Assessment of Drug Resistance during Phase 2b Clinical Trials of Presatovir in Adults Naturally Infected with Respiratory Syncytial Virus. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 64:e02312-19. [PMID: 32071058 PMCID: PMC7449164 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02312-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
This study summarizes drug resistance analyses in 4 recent phase 2b trials of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) fusion inhibitor presatovir in naturally infected adults. Adult hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients, lung transplant recipients, or hospitalized patients with naturally acquired, laboratory-confirmed RSV infection were enrolled in 4 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies with study-specific presatovir dosing. Full-length RSV F sequences amplified from nasal swabs obtained at baseline and postbaseline were analyzed by population sequencing. Substitutions at RSV fusion inhibitor resistance-associated positions are reported. Genotypic analyses were performed on 233 presatovir-treated and 149 placebo-treated subjects. RSV F variant V127A was present in 8 subjects at baseline. Population sequencing detected treatment-emergent substitutions in 10/89 (11.2%) HCT recipients with upper and 6/29 (20.7%) with lower respiratory tract infection, 1/35 (2.9%) lung transplant recipients, and 1/80 (1.3%) hospitalized patients treated with presatovir; placebo-treated subjects had no emergent resistance-associated substitutions. Subjects with substitutions at resistance-associated positions had smaller decreases in viral load during treatment relative to those without, but they had similar clinical outcomes. Subject population type and dosing regimen may have influenced RSV resistance development during presatovir treatment. Subjects with genotypic resistance development had decreased virologic responses compared to those without genotypic resistance but had comparable clinical outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ying Guo
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, California, USA
| | - Jason Perry
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, California, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Identification and Characterization of a Small-Molecule Rabies Virus Entry Inhibitor. J Virol 2020; 94:JVI.00321-20. [PMID: 32321812 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00321-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Rabies virus (RABV) causes a severe and fatal neurological disease, but morbidity is vaccine preventable and treatable prior to the onset of clinical symptoms. However, immunoglobulin (IgG)-based rabies postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) is expensive, restricting access to life-saving treatment, especially for patients in low-income countries where the clinical need is greatest, and does not confer cross-protection against newly emerging phylogroup II lyssaviruses. Toward identifying a cost-effective replacement for the IgG component of rabies PEP, we developed and implemented a high-throughput screening protocol utilizing a single-cycle RABV reporter strain. A large-scale screen and subsequent direct and orthogonal counterscreens identified a first-in-class direct-acting RABV inhibitor, GRP-60367, with a specificity index (SI) of >100,000. Mechanistic characterization through time-of-addition studies, transient cell-to-cell fusion assays, and chimeric vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) recombinants expressing the RABV glycoprotein (G) demonstrated that GRP-60367 inhibits entry of a subset of RABV strains. Resistance profiling of the chemotype revealed hot spots in conserved hydrophobic positions of the RABV G protein fusion loop that were confirmed in transient cell-to-cell fusion assays. Transfer of RABV G genes with signature resistance mutations into a recombinant VSV backbone resulted in the recovery of replication-competent virions with low susceptibility to the inhibitor. This work outlines a tangible strategy for mechanistic characterization and resistance profiling of RABV drug candidates and identified a novel, well-behaved molecular probe chemotype that specifically targets the RABV G protein and prevents G-mediated viral entry.IMPORTANCE Rabies PEP depends on anti-RABV IgG, which is expensive and in limited supply in geographical areas with the highest disease burden. Replacing the IgG component with a cost-effective and shelf-stable small-molecule antiviral could address this unmet clinical need by expanding access to life-saving medication. This study has established a robust protocol for high-throughput anti-RABV drug screens and identified a chemically well-behaved, first-in-class hit with nanomolar anti-RABV potency that blocks RABV G protein-mediated viral entry. Resistance mapping revealed a druggable site formed by the G protein fusion loops that has not previously emerged as a target for neutralizing antibodies. Discovery of this RABV entry inhibitor establishes a new molecular probe to advance further mechanistic and structural characterization of RABV G that may aid in the design of a next-generation clinical candidate against RABV.
Collapse
|
19
|
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel (thio)semicarbazone-Based Benzimidazoles as Antiviral Agents against Human Respiratory Viruses. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25071487. [PMID: 32218301 PMCID: PMC7180491 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25071487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Respiratory RNA viruses are responsible for recurrent acute respiratory illnesses that still represent a major medical need. Previously we developed a large variety of benzimidazole derivatives able to inhibit these viruses. Herein, two series of (thio)semicarbazone- and hydrazone-based benzimidazoles have been explored, by derivatizing 5-acetyl benzimidazoles previously reported by us, thereby evaluating the influence of the modification on the antiviral activity. Compounds 6, 8, 16 and 17, bearing the 5-(thio)semicarbazone and 5-hydrazone functionalities in combination with the 2-benzyl ring on the benzimidazole core structure, acted as dual inhibitors of influenza A virus and human coronavirus. For respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), activity is limited to the 5-thiosemicarbazone (25) and 5-hydrazone (22) compounds carrying the 2-[(benzotriazol-1/2-yl)methyl]benzimidazole scaffold. These molecules proved to be the most effective antiviral agents, able to reach the potency profile of the licensed drug ribavirin. The molecular docking analysis explained the SAR of these compounds around their binding mode to the target RSV F protein, revealing the key contacts for further assessment. The herein-investigated benzimidazole-based derivatives may represent valuable hit compounds, deserving subsequent structural improvements towards more efficient antiviral agents for the treatment of pathologies caused by these human respiratory viruses.
Collapse
|
20
|
Blockus S, Sake SM, Wetzke M, Grethe C, Graalmann T, Pils M, Le Goffic R, Galloux M, Prochnow H, Rox K, Hüttel S, Rupcic Z, Wiegmann B, Dijkman R, Rameix-Welti MA, Eléouët JF, Duprex WP, Thiel V, Hansen G, Brönstrup M, Haid S, Pietschmann T. Labyrinthopeptins as virolytic inhibitors of respiratory syncytial virus cell entry. Antiviral Res 2020; 177:104774. [PMID: 32197980 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2020.104774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRI) caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are associated with a severe disease burden among infants and elderly patients. Treatment options are limited. While numerous drug candidates with different viral targets are under development, the utility of RSV entry inhibitors is challenged by a low resistance barrier and by single mutations causing cross-resistance against a wide spectrum of fusion inhibitor chemotypes. We developed a cell-based screening assay for discovery of compounds inhibiting infection with primary RSV isolates. Using this system, we identified labyrinthopeptin A1 and A2 (Laby A1/A2), lantibiotics isolated from Actinomadura namibiensis, as effective RSV cell entry inhibitors with IC50s of 0.39 μM and 4.97 μM, respectively, and with favourable therapeutic index (>200 and > 20, respectively). Both molecules were active against multiple RSV strains including primary isolates and their antiviral activity against RSV was confirmed in primary human airway cells ex vivo and a murine model in vivo. Laby A1/A2 were antiviral in prophylactic and therapeutic treatment regimens and displayed synergistic activity when applied in combination with each other. Mechanistic studies showed that Laby A1/A2 exert virolytic activity likely by binding to phosphatidylethanolamine moieties within the viral membrane and by disrupting virus particle membrane integrity. Probably due to its specific mode of action, Laby A1/A2 antiviral activity was not affected by common resistance mutations to known RSV entry inhibitors. Taken together, Laby A1/A2 represent promising candidates for development as RSV inhibitors. Moreover, the cell-based screening system with primary RSV isolates described here should be useful to identify further antiviral agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Blockus
- Institute for Experimental Virology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Svenja M Sake
- Institute for Experimental Virology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Martin Wetzke
- Department for Pediatric Pneumology, Allergy and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; German Centre of Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Christina Grethe
- Institute for Experimental Virology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Theresa Graalmann
- Institute for Experimental Infection Research, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany; Clinic for Immunology and Rheumatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Marina Pils
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Ronan Le Goffic
- Unité de Virologie et Immunologie Moléculaires, INRA, Université Paris Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Marie Galloux
- Unité de Virologie et Immunologie Moléculaires, INRA, Université Paris Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Hans Prochnow
- Department of Chemical Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany; German Centre of Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Katharina Rox
- Department of Chemical Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany; German Centre of Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Stephan Hüttel
- Department Microbial Drugs, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Zeljka Rupcic
- Department Microbial Drugs, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Bettina Wiegmann
- Lower Saxony Center for Biomedical Engineering, Implant Research and Development, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Member of the German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover, Germany
| | - Ronald Dijkman
- Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI), Bern and Mittelhäusern, Switzerland; Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland; Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marie-Anne Rameix-Welti
- UMR1173, Institute National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Université de Versailles St. Quentin, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
| | - Jean-François Eléouët
- Unité de Virologie et Immunologie Moléculaires, INRA, Université Paris Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - W Paul Duprex
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Volker Thiel
- Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI), Bern and Mittelhäusern, Switzerland; Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gesine Hansen
- Department for Pediatric Pneumology, Allergy and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Cluster of Excellence RESIST (EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Mark Brönstrup
- Department of Chemical Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany; German Centre of Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Sibylle Haid
- Institute for Experimental Virology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Thomas Pietschmann
- Institute for Experimental Virology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany; German Centre of Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany; Cluster of Excellence RESIST (EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Zheng X, Liang C, Wang L, Miao K, Wang B, Zhang W, Chen D, Wu G, Zhu W, Guo L, Feng S, Gao L, Shen HC, Yun H. Discovery of (aza)indole derivatives as novel respiratory syncytial virus fusion inhibitors. MEDCHEMCOMM 2019; 10:970-973. [PMID: 31303995 DOI: 10.1039/c9md00178f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
A new class of indole derivatives (3) have been identified as potent RSV fusion inhibitors. SAR exploration revealed that 5-Cl and the sulfonyl side chain of the indole scaffold are crucial for anti-RSV activity. Further optimization led to the discovery of a cyclic sulfone (8i) with 2 nM anti-RSV activity and a much improved PK profile compared to the non-cyclic sulfone counterpart.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiufang Zheng
- Roche Innovation Center Shanghai , Building 5, Lane 720, Cai Lun Road , Shanghai 201203 , China .
| | - Chungen Liang
- Roche Innovation Center Shanghai , Building 5, Lane 720, Cai Lun Road , Shanghai 201203 , China .
| | - Lisha Wang
- Roche Innovation Center Shanghai , Building 5, Lane 720, Cai Lun Road , Shanghai 201203 , China .
| | - Kun Miao
- Roche Innovation Center Shanghai , Building 5, Lane 720, Cai Lun Road , Shanghai 201203 , China .
| | - Baoxia Wang
- Roche Innovation Center Shanghai , Building 5, Lane 720, Cai Lun Road , Shanghai 201203 , China .
| | - Weixing Zhang
- Roche Innovation Center Shanghai , Building 5, Lane 720, Cai Lun Road , Shanghai 201203 , China .
| | - Dongdong Chen
- Roche Innovation Center Shanghai , Building 5, Lane 720, Cai Lun Road , Shanghai 201203 , China .
| | - Guolong Wu
- Roche Innovation Center Shanghai , Building 5, Lane 720, Cai Lun Road , Shanghai 201203 , China .
| | - Wei Zhu
- Roche Innovation Center Shanghai , Building 5, Lane 720, Cai Lun Road , Shanghai 201203 , China .
| | - Lei Guo
- Roche Innovation Center Shanghai , Building 5, Lane 720, Cai Lun Road , Shanghai 201203 , China .
| | - Song Feng
- Roche Innovation Center Shanghai , Building 5, Lane 720, Cai Lun Road , Shanghai 201203 , China .
| | - Lu Gao
- Roche Innovation Center Shanghai , Building 5, Lane 720, Cai Lun Road , Shanghai 201203 , China .
| | - Hong C Shen
- Roche Innovation Center Shanghai , Building 5, Lane 720, Cai Lun Road , Shanghai 201203 , China .
| | - Hongying Yun
- Roche Innovation Center Shanghai , Building 5, Lane 720, Cai Lun Road , Shanghai 201203 , China .
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Tang W, Li M, Liu Y, Liang N, Yang Z, Zhao Y, Wu S, Lu S, Li Y, Liu F. Small molecule inhibits respiratory syncytial virus entry and infection by blocking the interaction of the viral fusion protein with the cell membrane. FASEB J 2019; 33:4287-4299. [PMID: 30571312 PMCID: PMC6404555 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201800579r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Antiviral drug development against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is urgently needed due to the public health significance of the viral infection. Here, we report the anti-RSV activity of a small molecule, (1S,3R,4R,5R)-3,4- bis{[(E)-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)prop-2-enoyl]oxy}-1,5-dihydroxycyclohexane-1-carboxylic methyl ester (3,4-DCQAME) or 3,4- O-Dicaffeoylquinic acid methyl ester, which can be isolated from several plants of traditional Chinese medicine. We showed for the first time that compound 3,4-DCQAME potently inhibits RSV entry and infection. In vitro, 3,4-DCQAME can interact with F(ecto), the ectodomain of RSV fusion (F) protein. In cultured cells, the compound can block the interaction of F(ecto) protein with the cellular membrane and inhibit viral fusion during RSV entry, leading to inhibition of viral gene expression and infection. In RSV-infected mice that were treated with 3,4-DCQAME, we observed a reduction of RSV-induced pathologic changes and substantial inhibition of viral infection and growth in the lung tissues. Our results provide the first direct evidence of the anti-RSV activity of 3,4-DCQAME. Furthermore, these results suggest that 3,4-DCQAME represents a promising lead compound for anti-RSV therapeutic development.-Tang, W., Li, M., Liu, Y., Liang, N., Yang, Z., Zhao, Y., Wu, S., Lu, S., Li, Y., Liu, F. Small molecule inhibits respiratory syncytial virus entry and infection by blocking the interaction of the viral fusion protein with the cell membrane.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Tang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- School of Public Health, University of California–Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Manmei Li
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yujun Liu
- School of Public Health, University of California–Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
- School of Medicine, St. George’s University, Grenada, West Indies
- Guangzhou Qinheli Biotechnolgies Incorporated, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ning Liang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhu Yang
- Guangzhou Qinheli Biotechnolgies Incorporated, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Jiangsu Affynigen Biotechnolgies Incorporated, Taizhou, Jiangsu, China
- Taizhou Institute of Virology, Taizhou, Jiangsu, China
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China; and
| | - Yanxiang Zhao
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, State Key Laboratory of Chirosciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Shuai Wu
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, State Key Laboratory of Chirosciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Sangwei Lu
- School of Public Health, University of California–Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Yaolan Li
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fenyong Liu
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- School of Public Health, University of California–Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Cox RM, Toots M, Yoon JJ, Sourimant J, Ludeke B, Fearns R, Bourque E, Patti J, Lee E, Vernachio J, Plemper RK. Development of an allosteric inhibitor class blocking RNA elongation by the respiratory syncytial virus polymerase complex. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:16761-16777. [PMID: 30206124 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.004862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) represents a significant health threat to infants and to elderly or immunocompromised individuals. There are currently no vaccines available to prevent RSV infections, and disease management is largely limited to supportive care, making the identification and development of effective antiviral therapeutics against RSV a priority. To identify effective chemical scaffolds for managing RSV disease, we conducted a high-throughput anti-RSV screen of a 57,000-compound library. We identified a hit compound that specifically blocked activity of the RSV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) complex, initially with moderate low-micromolar potency. Mechanistic characterization in an in vitro RSV RdRp assay indicated that representatives of this compound class block elongation of RSV RNA products after initial extension by up to three nucleotides. Synthetic hit-to-lead exploration yielded an informative 3D quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR) model and resulted in analogs with more than 20-fold improved potency and selectivity indices (SIs) of >1,000. However, first-generation leads exhibited limited water solubility and poor metabolic stability. A second optimization strategy informed by the 3D-QSAR model combined with in silico pharmacokinetics (PK) predictions yielded an advanced lead, AVG-233, that demonstrated nanomolar activity against both laboratory-adapted RSV strains and clinical RSV isolates. This anti-RSV activity extended to infection of established cell lines and primary human airway cells. PK profiling in mice revealed 34% oral bioavailability of AVG-233 and sustained high drug levels in the circulation after a single oral dose of 20 mg/kg. This promising first-in-class lead warrants further development as an anti-RSV drug.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert M Cox
- From the Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30303
| | - Mart Toots
- From the Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30303
| | - Jeong-Joong Yoon
- From the Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30303
| | - Julien Sourimant
- From the Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30303
| | - Barbara Ludeke
- the Department of Microbiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, and
| | - Rachel Fearns
- the Department of Microbiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, and
| | | | - Joseph Patti
- Aviragen Therapeutics, Alpharetta, Georgia 30009
| | - Edward Lee
- Aviragen Therapeutics, Alpharetta, Georgia 30009
| | | | - Richard K Plemper
- From the Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30303,
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
The Morphology and Assembly of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Revealed by Cryo-Electron Tomography. Viruses 2018; 10:v10080446. [PMID: 30127286 PMCID: PMC6116276 DOI: 10.3390/v10080446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of lower respiratory tract disease in young children. With repeat infections throughout life, it can also cause substantial disease in the elderly and in adults with compromised cardiac, pulmonary and immune systems. RSV is a pleomorphic enveloped RNA virus in the Pneumoviridae family. Recently, the three-dimensional (3D) structure of purified RSV particles has been elucidated, revealing three distinct morphological categories: spherical, asymmetric, and filamentous. However, the native 3D structure of RSV particles associated with or released from infected cells has yet to be investigated. In this study, we have established an optimized system for studying RSV structure by imaging RSV-infected cells on transmission electron microscopy (TEM) grids by cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET). Our results demonstrate that RSV is filamentous across several virus strains and cell lines by cryo-ET, cryo-immuno EM, and thin section TEM techniques. The viral filament length varies from 0.5 to 12 μm and the average filament diameter is approximately 130 nm. Taking advantage of the whole cell tomography technique, we have resolved various stages of RSV assembly. Collectively, our results can facilitate the understanding of viral morphogenesis in RSV and other pleomorphic enveloped viruses.
Collapse
|
25
|
Kolawole OE, Iyabo Ola O, Elukunbi AH, Kola OJ. Effectiveness of Trino-IB on rat infected with respiratory syncytial virus. JOURNAL OF APPLIED ANIMAL RESEARCH 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/09712119.2017.1307755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Oladipo Elijah Kolawole
- Department of Pure and Applied Biology (Microbiology/Virology Unit), Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
- Department of Microbiology, Adeleke University, Ede, Nigeria
| | - Omomowo Iyabo Ola
- Department of Pure and Applied Biology (Microbiology/Virology Unit), Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
| | - Awoyelu Hilda Elukunbi
- Department of Pure and Applied Biology (Microbiology/Virology Unit), Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
| | - Oloke Julius Kola
- Department of Pure and Applied Biology (Microbiology/Virology Unit), Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Ha MN, Delpeut S, Noyce RS, Sisson G, Black KM, Lin LT, Bilimoria D, Plemper RK, Privé GG, Richardson CD. Mutations in the Fusion Protein of Measles Virus That Confer Resistance to the Membrane Fusion Inhibitors Carbobenzoxy-d-Phe-l-Phe-Gly and 4-Nitro-2-Phenylacetyl Amino-Benzamide. J Virol 2017; 91:e01026-17. [PMID: 28904193 PMCID: PMC5686717 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01026-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The inhibitors carbobenzoxy (Z)-d-Phe-l-Phe-Gly (fusion inhibitor peptide [FIP]) and 4-nitro-2-phenylacetyl amino-benzamide (AS-48) have similar efficacies in blocking membrane fusion and syncytium formation mediated by measles virus (MeV). Other homologues, such as Z-d-Phe, are less effective but may act through the same mechanism. In an attempt to map the site of action of these inhibitors, we generated mutant viruses that were resistant to the inhibitory effects of Z-d-Phe-l-Phe-Gly. These 10 mutations were localized to the heptad repeat B (HRB) region of the fusion protein, and no changes were observed in the viral hemagglutinin, which is the receptor attachment protein. Mutations were validated in a luciferase-based membrane fusion assay, using transfected fusion and hemagglutinin expression plasmids or with syncytium-based assays in Vero, Vero-SLAM, and Vero-Nectin 4 cell lines. The changes I452T, D458N, D458G/V459A, N462K, N462H, G464E, and I483R conferred resistance to both FIP and AS-48 without compromising membrane fusion. The inhibitors did not block hemagglutinin protein-mediated binding to the target cell. Edmonston vaccine/laboratory and IC323 wild-type strains were equally affected by the inhibitors. Escape mutations were mapped upon a three-dimensional (3D) structure modeled from the published crystal structure of parainfluenzavirus 5 fusion protein. The most effective mutations were situated in a region located near the base of the globular head and its junction with the alpha-helical stalk of the prefusion protein. We hypothesize that the fusion inhibitors could interfere with the structural changes that occur between the prefusion and postfusion conformations of the fusion protein.IMPORTANCE Due to lapses in vaccination worldwide that have caused localized outbreaks, measles virus (MeV) has regained importance as a pathogen. Antiviral agents against measles virus are not commercially available but could be useful in conjunction with MeV eradication vaccine programs and as a safeguard in oncolytic viral therapy. Three decades ago, the small hydrophobic peptide Z-d-Phe-l-Phe-Gly (FIP) was shown to block MeV infections and syncytium formation in monkey kidney cell lines. The exact mechanism of its action has yet to be determined, but it does appear to have properties similar to those of another chemical inhibitor, AS-48, which appears to interfere with the conformational change in the viral F protein that is required to elicit membrane fusion. Escape mutations were used to map the site of action for FIP. Knowledge gained from these studies could help in the design of new inhibitors against morbilliviruses and provide additional knowledge concerning the mechanism of virus-mediated membrane fusion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael N Ha
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, IWK Health Centre, Canadian Center for Vaccinology, Goldbloom Pavilion, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Sébastien Delpeut
- Department of Pediatrics, IWK Health Centre, Canadian Center for Vaccinology, Goldbloom Pavilion, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Ryan S Noyce
- Department of Pediatrics, IWK Health Centre, Canadian Center for Vaccinology, Goldbloom Pavilion, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Gary Sisson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Karen M Black
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Liang-Tzung Lin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Darius Bilimoria
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals (Canada) Incorporated, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Richard K Plemper
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Gilbert G Privé
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher D Richardson
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, IWK Health Centre, Canadian Center for Vaccinology, Goldbloom Pavilion, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Roymans D, Alnajjar SS, Battles MB, Sitthicharoenchai P, Furmanova-Hollenstein P, Rigaux P, Berg JVD, Kwanten L, Ginderen MV, Verheyen N, Vranckx L, Jaensch S, Arnoult E, Voorzaat R, Gallup JM, Larios-Mora A, Crabbe M, Huntjens D, Raboisson P, Langedijk JP, Ackermann MR, McLellan JS, Vendeville S, Koul A. Therapeutic efficacy of a respiratory syncytial virus fusion inhibitor. Nat Commun 2017; 8:167. [PMID: 28761099 PMCID: PMC5537225 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-00170-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus is a major cause of acute lower respiratory tract infection in young children, immunocompromised adults, and the elderly. Intervention with small-molecule antivirals specific for respiratory syncytial virus presents an important therapeutic opportunity, but no such compounds are approved today. Here we report the structure of JNJ-53718678 bound to respiratory syncytial virus fusion (F) protein in its prefusion conformation, and we show that the potent nanomolar activity of JNJ-53718678, as well as the preliminary structure–activity relationship and the pharmaceutical optimization strategy of the series, are consistent with the binding mode of JNJ-53718678 and other respiratory syncytial virus fusion inhibitors. Oral treatment of neonatal lambs with JNJ-53718678, or with an equally active close analog, efficiently inhibits established acute lower respiratory tract infection in the animals, even when treatment is delayed until external signs of respiratory syncytial virus illness have become visible. Together, these data suggest that JNJ-53718678 is a promising candidate for further development as a potential therapeutic in patients at risk to develop respiratory syncytial virus acute lower respiratory tract infection. Respiratory syncytial virus causes lung infections in children, immunocompromised adults, and in the elderly. Here the authors show that a chemical inhibitor to a viral fusion protein is effective in reducing viral titre and ameliorating infection in rodents and neonatal lambs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Roymans
- Janssen Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340, Beerse, Belgium.
| | - Sarhad S Alnajjar
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, 1800 Christensen Dr, Ames, IA, 50010, USA
| | - Michael B Battles
- Department of Biochemistry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, 1 Rope Ferry Road, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | | | | | - Peter Rigaux
- Janssen Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Joke Van den Berg
- Janssen Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Leen Kwanten
- Janssen Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Marcia Van Ginderen
- Janssen Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Nick Verheyen
- Janssen Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Luc Vranckx
- Janssen Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Steffen Jaensch
- Computational Biology, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Eric Arnoult
- Computational Chemistry, Janssen R&D LLC, 1400 Mckean Road, Spring House, PA, 19477, USA
| | - Richard Voorzaat
- Janssen Vaccines and Prevention, Newtonweg 1, 2333-CP, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jack M Gallup
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, 1800 Christensen Dr, Ames, IA, 50010, USA
| | - Alejandro Larios-Mora
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, 1800 Christensen Dr, Ames, IA, 50010, USA
| | - Marjolein Crabbe
- Non-Clinical Statistics, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Dymphy Huntjens
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Pierre Raboisson
- Janssen Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340, Beerse, Belgium
| | | | - Mark R Ackermann
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, 1800 Christensen Dr, Ames, IA, 50010, USA
| | - Jason S McLellan
- Department of Biochemistry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, 1 Rope Ferry Road, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | - Sandrine Vendeville
- Janssen Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Anil Koul
- Janssen Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340, Beerse, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Cichero E, Tonelli M, Novelli F, Tasso B, Delogu I, Loddo R, Bruno O, Fossa P. Benzimidazole-based derivatives as privileged scaffold developed for the treatment of the RSV infection: a computational study exploring the potency and cytotoxicity profiles. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2017; 32:375-402. [PMID: 28276287 PMCID: PMC6021036 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2016.1256881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has been identified as a main cause of hospitalisation in infants and children. To date, the current therapeutic arsenal is limited to ribavirin and palivizumab with variable efficacy. In this work, starting from a number of in-house series of previously described anti-RSV agents based on the benzimidazole scaffold, with the aim at gaining a better understanding of the related chemical features involved in potency and safety profiles, we applied a computational study including two focussed comparative molecular fields analysis (CoMFA) and comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA). The results allowed us to derive useful suggestions for the design of derivatives and also to set up statistical models predicting the potency and selectivity index (SI = CC50/EC50) of any new analogue prior to synthesis. Accordingly, here, we discuss preliminary results obtained through the applied exhaustive QSAR analyses, leading to design and synthesise more effective anti-RSV agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Cichero
- a Department of Pharmacy , University of Genoa , Genoa , Italy
| | - Michele Tonelli
- a Department of Pharmacy , University of Genoa , Genoa , Italy
| | | | - Bruno Tasso
- a Department of Pharmacy , University of Genoa , Genoa , Italy
| | - Ilenia Delogu
- b Department of Biomedical Sciences , University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria , Monserrato , CA , Italy
| | - Roberta Loddo
- b Department of Biomedical Sciences , University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria , Monserrato , CA , Italy
| | - Olga Bruno
- a Department of Pharmacy , University of Genoa , Genoa , Italy
| | - Paola Fossa
- a Department of Pharmacy , University of Genoa , Genoa , Italy
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Drug candidates and model systems in respiratory syncytial virus antiviral drug discovery. Biochem Pharmacol 2017; 127:1-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2016.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
30
|
Zheng X, Wang L, Wang B, Miao K, Xiang K, Feng S, Gao L, Shen HC, Yun H. Discovery of Piperazinylquinoline Derivatives as Novel Respiratory Syncytial Virus Fusion Inhibitors. ACS Med Chem Lett 2016; 7:558-62. [PMID: 27326326 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.5b00234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel series of piperazinylquinoline derivatives were discovered as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) fusion inhibitors by the ligand-based screening approach. Among 3,000 hits, 1-amino-3-[[2-(4-phenyl-1-piperidyl)-4-quinolyl]amino]propan-2-ol (7) was proven to be active against the RSV long (A) strain. The anti-RSV activity was improved by converting piperidine to benzylcarbonyl substituted piperazine. The basic side chain was also found to be crucial for anti-RSV activity. The selected analogues, 45 and 50, demonstrated anti-RSV activities up to EC50 = 0.028 μM and 0.033 μM, respectively. A direct anti-RSV effect was confirmed by a plaque reduction assay and a fusion inhibition assay. Both 45 and 50 showed promising DMPK properties with good oral bioavailability, and could potentially lead to novel therapeutic agents targeting the RSV fusion process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiufang Zheng
- Roche Innovation Center Shanghai, Building 5, Lane 720, Cai Lun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Lisha Wang
- Roche Innovation Center Shanghai, Building 5, Lane 720, Cai Lun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Baoxia Wang
- Roche Innovation Center Shanghai, Building 5, Lane 720, Cai Lun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Kun Miao
- Roche Innovation Center Shanghai, Building 5, Lane 720, Cai Lun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Kunlun Xiang
- Roche Innovation Center Shanghai, Building 5, Lane 720, Cai Lun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Song Feng
- Roche Innovation Center Shanghai, Building 5, Lane 720, Cai Lun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Lu Gao
- Roche Innovation Center Shanghai, Building 5, Lane 720, Cai Lun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hong C. Shen
- Roche Innovation Center Shanghai, Building 5, Lane 720, Cai Lun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hongying Yun
- Roche Innovation Center Shanghai, Building 5, Lane 720, Cai Lun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Bailly B, Richard CA, Sharma G, Wang L, Johansen L, Cao J, Pendharkar V, Sharma DC, Galloux M, Wang Y, Cui R, Zou G, Guillon P, von Itzstein M, Eléouët JF, Altmeyer R. Targeting human respiratory syncytial virus transcription anti-termination factor M2-1 to inhibit in vivo viral replication. Sci Rep 2016; 6:25806. [PMID: 27194388 PMCID: PMC4872165 DOI: 10.1038/srep25806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is a leading cause of acute lower respiratory tract infection in infants, elderly and immunocompromised individuals. To date, no specific antiviral drug is available to treat or prevent this disease. Here, we report that the Smoothened receptor (Smo) antagonist cyclopamine acts as a potent and selective inhibitor of in vitro and in vivo hRSV replication. Cyclopamine inhibits hRSV through a novel, Smo-independent mechanism. It specifically impairs the function of the hRSV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase complex notably by reducing expression levels of the viral anti-termination factor M2-1. The relevance of these findings is corroborated by the demonstration that a single R151K mutation in M2-1 is sufficient to confer virus resistance to cyclopamine in vitro and that cyclopamine is able to reduce virus titers in a mouse model of hRSV infection. The results of our study open a novel avenue for the development of future therapies against hRSV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B Bailly
- Institut Pasteur of Shanghai - Chinese Academy of Sciences, Unit of anti-infective research, Shanghai, 200031, P.R. China.,Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia.,Shandong University-Helmholtz Institute of Biotechnology, Qingdao, 266101, P.R. China
| | - C-A Richard
- INRA, Unité de Virologie et Immunologie Moléculaires (UR892), Jouy-en-Josas, 78352, France
| | - G Sharma
- CombinatoRx-Singapore, 138667, Singapore
| | - L Wang
- Institut Pasteur of Shanghai - Chinese Academy of Sciences, Unit of anti-infective research, Shanghai, 200031, P.R. China
| | | | - J Cao
- Shandong University-Helmholtz Institute of Biotechnology, Qingdao, 266101, P.R. China.,Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control &Prevention, Qingdao, 266033, P.R. China
| | | | - D-C Sharma
- CombinatoRx-Singapore, 138667, Singapore
| | - M Galloux
- INRA, Unité de Virologie et Immunologie Moléculaires (UR892), Jouy-en-Josas, 78352, France
| | - Y Wang
- Institut Pasteur of Shanghai - Chinese Academy of Sciences, Unit of anti-infective research, Shanghai, 200031, P.R. China
| | - R Cui
- Institut Pasteur of Shanghai - Chinese Academy of Sciences, Unit of anti-infective research, Shanghai, 200031, P.R. China
| | - G Zou
- Institut Pasteur of Shanghai - Chinese Academy of Sciences, Unit of anti-infective research, Shanghai, 200031, P.R. China
| | - P Guillon
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - M von Itzstein
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - J-F Eléouët
- INRA, Unité de Virologie et Immunologie Moléculaires (UR892), Jouy-en-Josas, 78352, France
| | - R Altmeyer
- Institut Pasteur of Shanghai - Chinese Academy of Sciences, Unit of anti-infective research, Shanghai, 200031, P.R. China.,Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia.,Shandong University-Helmholtz Institute of Biotechnology, Qingdao, 266101, P.R. China.,CombinatoRx-Singapore, 138667, Singapore.,CombinatoRx, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control &Prevention, Qingdao, 266033, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Cox R, Plemper RK. Structure-guided design of small-molecule therapeutics against RSV disease. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2016; 11:543-556. [PMID: 27046051 PMCID: PMC5074927 DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2016.1174212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the United States, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is responsible for the majority of infant hospitalizations resulting from viral infections, as well as a leading source of pneumonia and bronchiolitis in young children and the elderly. In the absence of vaccine prophylaxis or an effective antiviral for improved disease management, the development of novel anti-RSV therapeutics is critical. Several advanced drug development campaigns of the past decade have focused on blocking viral infection. These efforts have returned a chemically distinct panel of small-molecule RSV entry inhibitors, but binding sites and molecular mechanism of action appeared to share a common mechanism, resulting in comprehensive cross-resistance and calling for alternative druggable targets such as viral RNA-dependent RNA-polymerase complex. Areas Covered: In this review, the authors discuss the current status of the mechanism of action of RSV entry inhibitors. They also provide the recent structural insight into the organization of the polymerase complex that have revealed novel drug targets sites, and outline a path towards the discovery of next-generation RSV therapeutics. Expert opinion: Considering the tremendous progress experienced in our structural understanding of RSV biology in recent years and encouraging early results of a nucleoside analog inhibitor in clinical trials, there is high prospect that new generations of much needed effective anti-RSV therapeutics will become available for clinical use in the foreseeable future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Cox
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, 100 Piedmont Av, Atlanta, Georgia 30303-3222 USA
| | - Richard K Plemper
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, 100 Piedmont Av, Atlanta, Georgia 30303-3222 USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Measles Virus Fusion Protein: Structure, Function and Inhibition. Viruses 2016; 8:112. [PMID: 27110811 PMCID: PMC4848605 DOI: 10.3390/v8040112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2016] [Revised: 03/26/2016] [Accepted: 04/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Measles virus (MeV), a highly contagious member of the Paramyxoviridae family, causes measles in humans. The Paramyxoviridae family of negative single-stranded enveloped viruses includes several important human and animal pathogens, with MeV causing approximately 120,000 deaths annually. MeV and canine distemper virus (CDV)-mediated diseases can be prevented by vaccination. However, sub-optimal vaccine delivery continues to foster MeV outbreaks. Post-exposure prophylaxis with antivirals has been proposed as a novel strategy to complement vaccination programs by filling herd immunity gaps. Recent research has shown that membrane fusion induced by the morbillivirus glycoproteins is the first critical step for viral entry and infection, and determines cell pathology and disease outcome. Our molecular understanding of morbillivirus-associated membrane fusion has greatly progressed towards the feasibility to control this process by treating the fusion glycoprotein with inhibitory molecules. Current approaches to develop anti-membrane fusion drugs and our knowledge on drug resistance mechanisms strongly suggest that combined therapies will be a prerequisite. Thus, discovery of additional anti-fusion and/or anti-attachment protein small-molecule compounds may eventually translate into realistic therapeutic options.
Collapse
|
34
|
Battles MB, Langedijk JP, Furmanova-Hollenstein P, Chaiwatpongsakorn S, Costello HM, Kwanten L, Vranckx L, Vink P, Jaensch S, Jonckers THM, Koul A, Arnoult E, Peeples ME, Roymans D, McLellan JS. Molecular mechanism of respiratory syncytial virus fusion inhibitors. Nat Chem Biol 2016; 12:87-93. [PMID: 26641933 PMCID: PMC4731865 DOI: 10.1038/nchembio.1982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 10/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of pneumonia and bronchiolitis in young children and the elderly. Therapeutic small molecules have been developed that bind the RSV F glycoprotein and inhibit membrane fusion, yet their binding sites and molecular mechanisms of action remain largely unknown. Here we show that these inhibitors bind to a three-fold-symmetric pocket within the central cavity of the metastable prefusion conformation of RSV F. Inhibitor binding stabilizes this conformation by tethering two regions that must undergo a structural rearrangement to facilitate membrane fusion. Inhibitor-escape mutations occur in residues that directly contact the inhibitors or are involved in the conformational rearrangements required to accommodate inhibitor binding. Resistant viruses do not propagate as well as wild-type RSV in vitro, indicating a fitness cost for inhibitor escape. Collectively, these findings provide new insight into class I viral fusion proteins and should facilitate development of optimal RSV fusion inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael B Battles
- Department of Biochemistry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | | | | | - Supranee Chaiwatpongsakorn
- Center for Vaccines & Immunity, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Heather M Costello
- Center for Vaccines & Immunity, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Leen Kwanten
- Respiratory Infections Research, Janssen Infectious Diseases & Vaccines BVBA, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Luc Vranckx
- Respiratory Infections Research, Janssen Infectious Diseases & Vaccines BVBA, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Paul Vink
- Discovery Sciences, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Steffen Jaensch
- Discovery Sciences, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Tim H M Jonckers
- Medicinal Chemistry Department, Janssen Infectious Diseases & Vaccines BVBA, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Anil Koul
- Respiratory Infections Research, Janssen Infectious Diseases & Vaccines BVBA, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Eric Arnoult
- Computational Chemistry, Janssen R&DLLC, Spring House, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mark E Peeples
- Center for Vaccines & Immunity, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Dirk Roymans
- Respiratory Infections Research, Janssen Infectious Diseases & Vaccines BVBA, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Jason S McLellan
- Department of Biochemistry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Haid S, Grethe C, Bankwitz D, Grunwald T, Pietschmann T. Identification of a Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Cell Entry Inhibitor by Using a Novel Lentiviral Pseudotype System. J Virol 2015; 90:3065-73. [PMID: 26719246 PMCID: PMC4810627 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.03074-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 12/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Lentiviral budding is governed by group-specific antigens (Gag proteins) and proceeds in the absence of cognate viral envelope proteins, which has been exploited to create pseudotypes incorporating envelope proteins from nonlentiviral families. Here, we report the generation of infectious lentiviral pseudoparticles incorporating human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) F protein alone (hRSV-Fpp) or carrying SH, G, and F proteins (hRSV-SH/G/Fpp). These particles recapitulate key infection steps of authentic hRSV particles, including utilization of glycosaminoglycans and low-pH-independent cell entry. Moreover, hRSV pseudoparticles (hRSVpp) can faithfully reproduce phenotypic resistance to a small-molecule fusion inhibitor in clinical development (BMS-433771) and a licensed therapeutic F protein-targeting antibody (palivizumab). Inoculation of several human cell lines from lung and liver revealed more than 30-fold differences in susceptibility to hRSVpp infection, suggesting differential expression of hRSV entry cofactors and/or restriction factors between these cell types. Moreover, we observed cell-type-dependent functional differences between hRSVpp carrying solely F protein or SH, G, and F proteins with regard to utilization of glycosaminoglycans. Using hRSVpp, we identified penta-O-galloyl-β-d-glucose (PGG) as a novel hRSV cell entry inhibitor. Moreover, we show that PGG also inhibits cell entry of hRSVpp carrying F proteins resistant to BMS-433771 or palivizumab. This work sheds new light on the mechanisms of hRSV cell entry, including possible strategies for antiviral intervention. Moreover, hRSVpp should prove valuable to dissect hRSV envelope protein functions, including the interaction with cell entry factors. IMPORTANCE Lentiviral pseudotypes are highly useful to specifically dissect the functions of viral and host factors in cell entry, which have been exploited for numerous viruses. Here, we successfully created hRSVpp and show that they faithfully recapitulate key characteristics of parental hRSV cell entry. Importantly, hRSVpp accurately mirror hRSV resistance to small-molecule fusion inhibitors and clinically approved therapeutic antibodies. Moreover, we observed highly different susceptibilities of cell lines to hRSVpp infection and also differences between hRSVpp types (with F protein alone or with SH, G, and F proteins) in regard to cell entry. This indicates differential expression of host factors determining hRSV cell entry between these cell lines and highlights the fact that the hRSVpp system is useful to explore the functional properties of hRSV envelope protein combinations. Therefore, this system will be highly useful to study hRSV cell entry and host factor usage and to explore antiviral strategies targeting hRSV cell entry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sibylle Haid
- Division of Experimental Virology, TWINCORE Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christina Grethe
- Division of Experimental Virology, TWINCORE Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Dorothea Bankwitz
- Division of Experimental Virology, TWINCORE Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Grunwald
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Thomas Pietschmann
- Division of Experimental Virology, TWINCORE Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
GS-5806 Inhibits a Broad Range of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Clinical Isolates by Blocking the Virus-Cell Fusion Process. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2015; 60:1264-73. [PMID: 26666922 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01497-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections in infants and young children. In addition, RSV causes significant morbidity and mortality in hospitalized elderly and immunocompromised patients. Currently, only palivizumab, a monoclonal antibody against the RSV fusion (F) protein, and inhaled ribavirin are approved for the prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of RSV, respectively. Therefore, there is a clinical need for safe and effective therapeutic agents for RSV infections. GS-5806, discovered via chemical optimization of a hit from a high-throughput antiviral-screening campaign, selectively inhibits a diverse set of 75 RSV subtype A and B clinical isolates (mean 50% effective concentration [EC50] = 0.43 nM). The compound maintained potency in primary human airway epithelial cells and exhibited low cytotoxicity in human cell lines and primary cell cultures (selectivity > 23,000-fold). Time-of-addition and temperature shift studies demonstrated that GS-5806 does not block RSV attachment to cells but interferes with virus entry. Follow-up experiments showed potent inhibition of RSV F-mediated cell-to-cell fusion. RSV A and B variants resistant to GS-5806, due to mutations in F protein (RSV A, L138F or F140L/N517I, and RSV B, F488L or F488S), were isolated and showed cross-resistance to other RSV fusion inhibitors, such as VP-14637, but remained fully sensitive to palivizumab and ribavirin. In summary, GS-5806 is a potent and selective RSV fusion inhibitor with antiviral activity against a diverse set of RSV clinical isolates. The compound is currently under clinical investigation for the treatment of RSV infection in pediatric, immunocompromised, and elderly patients.
Collapse
|
37
|
Abstract
Modulation of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) is becoming increasingly important in drug discovery and chemical biology. While a few years ago this 'target class' was deemed to be largely undruggable an impressing number of publications and success stories now show that targeting PPIs with small, drug-like molecules indeed is a feasible approach. Here, we summarize the current state of small-molecule inhibition and stabilization of PPIs and review the active molecules from a structural and medicinal chemistry angle, especially focusing on the key examples of iNOS, LFA-1 and 14-3-3.
Collapse
|
38
|
Yan D, Weisshaar M, Lamb K, Chung HK, Lin MZ, Plemper RK. Replication-Competent Influenza Virus and Respiratory Syncytial Virus Luciferase Reporter Strains Engineered for Co-Infections Identify Antiviral Compounds in Combination Screens. Biochemistry 2015; 54:5589-604. [PMID: 26307636 PMCID: PMC4719150 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.5b00623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Myxoviruses such as influenza A virus (IAV) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are major human pathogens, mandating the development of novel therapeutics. To establish a high-throughput screening protocol for the simultaneous identification of pathogen- and host-targeted hit candidates against either pathogen or both, we have attempted co-infection of cells with IAV and RSV. However, viral replication kinetics were incompatible, RSV signal window was low, and an IAV-driven minireplicon reporter assay used in initial screens narrowed the host cell range and restricted the assay to single-cycle infections. To overcome these limitations, we developed an RSV strain carrying firefly luciferase fused to an innovative universal small-molecule assisted shut-off domain, which boosted assay signal window, and a hyperactive fusion protein that synchronized IAV and RSV reporter expression kinetics and suppressed the identification of RSV entry inhibitors sensitive to a recently reported RSV pan-resistance mechanism. Combined with a replication-competent recombinant IAV strain harboring nanoluciferase, the assay performed well on a human respiratory cell line and supports multicycle infections. Miniaturized to 384-well format, the protocol was validated through screening of a set of the National Institutes of Health Clinical Collection (NCC) in quadruplicate. These test screens demonstrated favorable assay parameters and reproducibility. Application to a LOPAC library of bioactive compounds in a proof-of-concept campaign detected licensed antimyxovirus therapeutics, ribavirin and the neuraminidase inhibitor zanamivir, and identified two unexpected RSV-specific hit candidates, Fenretinide and the opioid receptor antagonist BNTX-7. Hits were evaluated in direct and orthogonal dose-response counterscreens using a standard recRSV reporter strain expressing Renilla luciferase.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Yan
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Marco Weisshaar
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Kristen Lamb
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
| | | | - Michael Z Lin
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Richard K Plemper
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Weisshaar M, Cox R, Plemper RK. Blocking Respiratory Syncytial Virus Entry: A Story with Twists. DNA Cell Biol 2015; 34:505-10. [PMID: 25961744 PMCID: PMC4523043 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2015.2896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Accepted: 04/14/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is responsible for majority of infant hospitalizations due to viral infections. Despite its clinical importance, no vaccine against RSV or effective antiviral therapy is available. Several structural classes of small-molecule RSV entry inhibitor have been described and one compound has advanced to clinical testing. Mutations in either one of two resistance hot spots in the F protein mediate unusual pan-resistance to all of these inhibitor classes. Based on the biochemical characterization of resistant viruses and structural insight into the RSV F trimer, we propose a kinetic escape model as the origin of pan-resistance. Since a resistant RSV remained pathogenic in the mouse model, pan-resistance mutations could emerge rapidly in circulating RSV strains. We evaluate clinical implications and discuss consequences for the design of future RSV drug discovery campaigns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Weisshaar
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University , Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Robert Cox
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University , Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Richard K Plemper
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University , Atlanta, Georgia
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Briguglio I, Piras S, Corona P, Gavini E, Nieddu M, Boatto G, Carta A. Benzotriazole: An overview on its versatile biological behavior. Eur J Med Chem 2015; 97:612-48. [PMID: 25293580 PMCID: PMC7115563 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2014.09.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2014] [Revised: 09/25/2014] [Accepted: 09/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Discovered in late 1960, azoles are heterocyclic compounds class which constitute the largest group of available antifungal drugs. Particularly, the imidazole ring is the chemical component that confers activity to azoles. Triazoles are obtained by a slight modification of this ring and similar or improved activities as well as less adverse effects are reported for triazole derivatives. Consequently, it is not surprising that benzimidazole/benzotriazole derivatives have been found to be biologically active. Since benzimidazole has been widely investigated, this review is focused on defining the place of benzotriazole derivatives in biomedical research, highlighting their versatile biological properties, the mode of action and Structure Activity Relationship (SAR) studies for a variety of antimicrobial, antiparasitic, and even antitumor, choleretic, cholesterol-lowering agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I Briguglio
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Via Muroni 23/A, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - S Piras
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Via Muroni 23/A, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - P Corona
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Via Muroni 23/A, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - E Gavini
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Via Muroni 23/A, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - M Nieddu
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Via Muroni 23/A, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - G Boatto
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Via Muroni 23/A, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - A Carta
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Via Muroni 23/A, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Velkov T, Abdul Rahim N, Zhou Q(T, Chan HK, Li J. Inhaled anti-infective chemotherapy for respiratory tract infections: successes, challenges and the road ahead. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2015; 85:65-82. [PMID: 25446140 PMCID: PMC4429008 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2014.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2014] [Revised: 11/04/2014] [Accepted: 11/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
One of the most common causes of illnesses in humans is from respiratory tract infections caused by bacterial, viral or fungal pathogens. Inhaled anti-infective drugs are crucial for the prophylaxis and treatment of respiratory tract infections. The benefit of anti-infective drug delivery via inhalation is that it affords delivery of sufficient therapeutic dosages directly to the primary site of infection, while minimizing the risks of systemic toxicity or avoiding potential suboptimal pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics associated with systemic drug exposure. This review provides an up-to-date treatise of approved and novel developmental inhaled anti-infective agents, with particular attention to effective strategies for their use, pulmonary pharmacokinetic properties and safety.
Collapse
|
42
|
Feng S, Hong D, Wang B, Zheng X, Miao K, Wang L, Yun H, Gao L, Zhao S, Shen HC. Discovery of imidazopyridine derivatives as highly potent respiratory syncytial virus fusion inhibitors. ACS Med Chem Lett 2015; 6:359-62. [PMID: 25941547 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.5b00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 01/25/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
A series of imidazolepyridine derivatives were designed and synthesized according to the established docking studies. The imidazopyridine derivatives were found to have good potency and physical-chemical properties. Several highly potent compounds such as 8ji, 8jl, and 8jm were identified with single nanomolar activities. The most potent compound 8jm showed an IC50 of 3 nM, lower microsome clearance and no CYP inhibition. The profile of 8jm appeared to be superior to BMS433771, and supported further optimization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Song Feng
- Medicinal Chemistry, ‡Molecular Design and Chemical Biology, and §Infectious Diseases, Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Shanghai, Building 5, Lane 720, Cai Lun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Di Hong
- Medicinal Chemistry, ‡Molecular Design and Chemical Biology, and §Infectious Diseases, Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Shanghai, Building 5, Lane 720, Cai Lun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Baoxia Wang
- Medicinal Chemistry, ‡Molecular Design and Chemical Biology, and §Infectious Diseases, Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Shanghai, Building 5, Lane 720, Cai Lun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiufang Zheng
- Medicinal Chemistry, ‡Molecular Design and Chemical Biology, and §Infectious Diseases, Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Shanghai, Building 5, Lane 720, Cai Lun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Kun Miao
- Medicinal Chemistry, ‡Molecular Design and Chemical Biology, and §Infectious Diseases, Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Shanghai, Building 5, Lane 720, Cai Lun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Lisha Wang
- Medicinal Chemistry, ‡Molecular Design and Chemical Biology, and §Infectious Diseases, Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Shanghai, Building 5, Lane 720, Cai Lun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hongying Yun
- Medicinal Chemistry, ‡Molecular Design and Chemical Biology, and §Infectious Diseases, Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Shanghai, Building 5, Lane 720, Cai Lun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Lu Gao
- Medicinal Chemistry, ‡Molecular Design and Chemical Biology, and §Infectious Diseases, Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Shanghai, Building 5, Lane 720, Cai Lun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Shuhai Zhao
- Medicinal Chemistry, ‡Molecular Design and Chemical Biology, and §Infectious Diseases, Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Shanghai, Building 5, Lane 720, Cai Lun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hong C. Shen
- Medicinal Chemistry, ‡Molecular Design and Chemical Biology, and §Infectious Diseases, Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Shanghai, Building 5, Lane 720, Cai Lun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Melero JA, Mas V. The Pneumovirinae fusion (F) protein: A common target for vaccines and antivirals. Virus Res 2015; 209:128-35. [PMID: 25738581 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2015.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2014] [Revised: 02/05/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The Pneumovirinae fusion (F) protein mediates fusion of the virus and cell membrane, an essential step for entry of the viral genome in the cell cytoplasm and initiation of a new infectious cycle. Accordingly, potent inhibitors of virus infectivity have been found among antibodies and chemical compounds that target the Pneumovirinae F protein. Recent developments in structure-based vaccines have led to a deeper understanding of F protein antigenicity, unveiling new conformations and epitopes which should assist in development of efficacious vaccines. Similarly, structure-based studies of potent antiviral inhibitors have provided information about their mode of action and mechanisms of resistance. The advantages and disadvantages of the different options to battle against important pathogens, such as human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) are summarized and critically discussed in this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José A Melero
- Centro Nacional de Microbiología and CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Vicente Mas
- Centro Nacional de Microbiología and CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Intranasal administration of maleic anhydride-modified human serum albumin for pre-exposure prophylaxis of respiratory syncytial virus infection. Viruses 2015; 7:798-819. [PMID: 25690799 PMCID: PMC4353917 DOI: 10.3390/v7020798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2014] [Revised: 02/05/2015] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of pediatric viral respiratory tract infections. Neither vaccine nor effective antiviral therapy is available to prevent and treat RSV infection. Palivizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody, is the only product approved to prevent serious RSV infection, but its high cost is prohibitive in low-income countries. Here, we aimed to identify an effective, safe, and affordable antiviral agent for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) of RSV infection in children at high risk. We found that maleic anhydride (ML)-modified human serum albumin (HSA), designated ML-HSA, exhibited potent antiviral activity against RSV and that the percentages of the modified lysines and arginies in ML- are correlated with such anti-RSV activity. ML-HSA inhibited RSV entry and replication by interacting with viral G protein and blocking RSV attachment to the target cells, while ML-HAS neither bound to F protein, nor inhibited F protein-mediated membrane fusion. Intranasal administration of ML-HSA before RSV infection resulted in significant decrease of the viral titers in the lungs of mice. ML-HSA shows promise for further development into an effective, safe, affordable, and easy-to-use intranasal regimen for pre-exposure prophylaxis of RSV infection in children at high risk in both low- and high-income countries.
Collapse
|
45
|
Bond S, Draffan AG, Fenner JE, Lambert J, Lim CY, Lin B, Luttick A, Mitchell JP, Morton CJ, Nearn RH, Sanford V, Anderson KH, Mayes PA, Tucker SP. 1,2,3,9b-Tetrahydro-5H-imidazo[2,1-a]isoindol-5-ones as a new class of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) fusion inhibitors. Part 2: Identification of BTA9881 as a preclinical candidate. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2015; 25:976-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2014.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2014] [Revised: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 11/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
46
|
Bond S, Draffan AG, Fenner JE, Lambert J, Lim CY, Lin B, Luttick A, Mitchell JP, Morton CJ, Nearn RH, Sanford V, Stanislawski PC, Tucker SP. The discovery of 1,2,3,9b-tetrahydro-5H-imidazo[2,1-a]isoindol-5-ones as a new class of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) fusion inhibitors. Part 1. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2015; 25:969-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2014.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2014] [Revised: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 11/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
47
|
Mackman RL, Sangi M, Sperandio D, Parrish JP, Eisenberg E, Perron M, Hui H, Zhang L, Siegel D, Yang H, Saunders O, Boojamra C, Lee G, Samuel D, Babaoglu K, Carey A, Gilbert BE, Piedra PA, Strickley R, Iwata Q, Hayes J, Stray K, Kinkade A, Theodore D, Jordan R, Desai M, Cihlar T. Discovery of an oral respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) fusion inhibitor (GS-5806) and clinical proof of concept in a human RSV challenge study. J Med Chem 2015; 58:1630-43. [PMID: 25574686 DOI: 10.1021/jm5017768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
GS-5806 is a novel, orally bioavailable RSV fusion inhibitor discovered following a lead optimization campaign on a screening hit. The oral absorption properties were optimized by converting to the pyrazolo[1,5-a]-pyrimidine heterocycle, while potency, metabolic, and physicochemical properties were optimized by introducing the para-chloro and aminopyrrolidine groups. A mean EC50 = 0.43 nM was found toward a panel of 75 RSV A and B clinical isolates and dose-dependent antiviral efficacy in the cotton rat model of RSV infection. Oral bioavailability in preclinical species ranged from 46 to 100%, with evidence of efficient penetration into lung tissue. In healthy human volunteers experimentally infected with RSV, a potent antiviral effect was observed with a mean 4.2 log10 reduction in peak viral load and a significant reduction in disease severity compared to placebo. In conclusion, a potent, once daily, oral RSV fusion inhibitor with the potential to treat RSV infection in infants and adults is reported.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard L Mackman
- Gilead Sciences , 333 Lakeside Drive, Foster City, California 94404, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Rameix-Welti MA, Le Goffic R, Hervé PL, Sourimant J, Rémot A, Riffault S, Yu Q, Galloux M, Gault E, Eléouët JF. Visualizing the replication of respiratory syncytial virus in cells and in living mice. Nat Commun 2014; 5:5104. [PMID: 25277263 PMCID: PMC7091779 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms6104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2014] [Accepted: 08/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most important cause of severe lower-respiratory tract disease in calves and young children, yet no human vaccine nor efficient curative treatments are available. Here we describe a recombinant human RSV reverse genetics system in which the red fluorescent protein (mCherry) or the firefly luciferase (Luc) genes are inserted into the RSV genome. Expression of mCherry and Luc are correlated with infection rate, allowing the monitoring of RSV multiplication in cell culture. Replication of the Luc-encoding virus in living mice can be visualized by bioluminescent imaging, bioluminescence being detected in the snout and lungs of infected mice after nasal inoculation. We propose that these recombinant viruses are convenient and valuable tools for screening of compounds active against RSV, and can be used as an extremely sensitive readout for studying effects of antiviral therapeutics in living mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Anne Rameix-Welti
- Unité de Virologie et Immunologie Moleculaires (UR892), INRA, Jouy-en-Josas, F78352 France
- Physiopathologie et diagnostic des infections microbiennes, EA3647—EPIM, UFR des Sciences de la Santé Simone Veil—UVSQ, 2 avenue de la Source de la Bièvre, Montigny-Le-Bretonneux, 78180 France
- AP-HP, Hôpital Ambroise Paré, Laboratoire de Microbiologie, Boulogne-Billancourt, 92100 France
| | - Ronan Le Goffic
- Unité de Virologie et Immunologie Moleculaires (UR892), INRA, Jouy-en-Josas, F78352 France
| | - Pierre-Louis Hervé
- Unité de Virologie et Immunologie Moleculaires (UR892), INRA, Jouy-en-Josas, F78352 France
| | - Julien Sourimant
- Unité de Virologie et Immunologie Moleculaires (UR892), INRA, Jouy-en-Josas, F78352 France
- Physiopathologie et diagnostic des infections microbiennes, EA3647—EPIM, UFR des Sciences de la Santé Simone Veil—UVSQ, 2 avenue de la Source de la Bièvre, Montigny-Le-Bretonneux, 78180 France
| | - Aude Rémot
- Unité de Virologie et Immunologie Moleculaires (UR892), INRA, Jouy-en-Josas, F78352 France
| | - Sabine Riffault
- Unité de Virologie et Immunologie Moleculaires (UR892), INRA, Jouy-en-Josas, F78352 France
| | - Qin Yu
- Infection Innovative Medicines Unit, AstraZeneca R&D Boston, 35 Gatehouse Drive, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, USA,
| | - Marie Galloux
- Unité de Virologie et Immunologie Moleculaires (UR892), INRA, Jouy-en-Josas, F78352 France
| | - Elyanne Gault
- Physiopathologie et diagnostic des infections microbiennes, EA3647—EPIM, UFR des Sciences de la Santé Simone Veil—UVSQ, 2 avenue de la Source de la Bièvre, Montigny-Le-Bretonneux, 78180 France
- AP-HP, Hôpital Ambroise Paré, Laboratoire de Microbiologie, Boulogne-Billancourt, 92100 France
| | - Jean-François Eléouët
- Unité de Virologie et Immunologie Moleculaires (UR892), INRA, Jouy-en-Josas, F78352 France
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Espinoza JA, Bueno SM, Riedel CA, Kalergis AM. Induction of protective effector immunity to prevent pathogenesis caused by the respiratory syncytial virus. Implications on therapy and vaccine design. Immunology 2014; 143:1-12. [PMID: 24801878 DOI: 10.1111/imm.12313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2014] [Revised: 04/29/2014] [Accepted: 05/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is the leading cause of respiratory illness in infants and young children around the globe. This pathogen, which was discovered in 1956, continues to cause a huge number of hospitalizations due to respiratory disease and it is considered a health and economic burden worldwide, especially in developing countries. The immune response elicited by hRSV infection leads to lung and systemic inflammation, which results in lung damage but is not efficient at preventing viral replication. Indeed, natural hRSV infection induces a poor immune memory that allows recurrent infections. Here, we review the most recent knowledge about the lifecycle of hRSV, the immune response elicited by this virus and the subsequent pathology induced in response to infection in the airways. Novel findings about the alterations that this virus causes in the central nervous system and potential therapies and vaccines designed to treat or prevent hRSV infection are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janyra A Espinoza
- Millennium Institute on Immunology, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Cross-resistance mechanism of respiratory syncytial virus against structurally diverse entry inhibitors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:E3441-9. [PMID: 25092342 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1405198111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading pediatric pathogen that is responsible for a majority of infant hospitalizations due to viral disease. Despite its clinical importance, no vaccine prophylaxis against RSV disease or effective antiviral therapeutic is available. In this study, we established a robust high-throughput drug screening protocol by using a recombinant RSV reporter virus to expand the pool of RSV inhibitor candidates. Mechanistic characterization revealed that a potent newly identified inhibitor class blocks viral entry through specific targeting of the RSV fusion (F) protein. Resistance against this class was induced and revealed overlapping hotspots with diverse, previously identified RSV entry blockers at different stages of preclinical and clinical development. A structural and biochemical assessment of the mechanism of unique, broad RSV cross-resistance against structurally distinct entry inhibitors demonstrated that individual escape hotspots are located in immediate physical proximity in the metastable conformation of RSV F and that the resistance mutations lower the barrier for prefusion F triggering, resulting in an accelerated RSV entry kinetics. One resistant RSV recombinant remained fully pathogenic in a mouse model of RSV infection. By identifying molecular determinants governing the RSV entry machinery, this study spotlights a molecular mechanism of broad RSV resistance against entry inhibition that may affect the impact of diverse viral entry inhibitors presently considered for clinical use and outlines a proactive design for future RSV drug discovery campaigns.
Collapse
|