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Trivedi A, Kardam V, Inampudi KK, Vrati S, Gupta D, Singh A, Kayampeta SR, Appaiahgari MB, Sehgal D. Identification of a novel inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 main protease: an in silico, biochemical, and cell-based approach. FEBS J 2023; 290:5496-5513. [PMID: 37657928 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16947] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
The recurrent nature of coronavirus outbreaks, severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, rapid emergence of novel variants, and concerns over the effectiveness of existing vaccines against novel variants have highlighted the need to develop therapeutic interventions. Targeted efforts to identify inhibitors of crucial viral proteins are the preferred strategy. In this study, we screened FDA-approved and natural product libraries using in silico approach for potential hits against the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) and experimentally validated their potency using in vitro biochemical and cell-based assays. Seven potential hits were identified through in silico screening and were subsequently evaluated in SARS-CoV-2-based cell-free assays, followed by testing in the HCoV-229E-based culture system. Of the tested compounds, 4-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-6,7-dihydroxy-1-isopropyl-1H-benzofuro[3,2-b]pyrazolo[4,3-e]pyridin-3(2H)-one (PubChem CID:71755304, hereafter referred to as STL522228) exhibited significant antiviral activity. Subsequently, its potential as a novel COVID therapeutic molecule was validated in the SARS-CoV-2-culture system, where STL522228 demonstrated superior antiviral activity (EC50 = 0.44 μm) compared to Remdesivir (EC50 = 0.62 μm). Based on these findings, we report the strong anti-coronavirus activity of STL522228, and propose that it as a promising pan-coronavirus Mpro inhibitor for further experimental and preclinical validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya Trivedi
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vandana Kardam
- Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | | | - Sudhanshu Vrati
- Laboratory of Virology, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, India
| | - Dharmender Gupta
- Laboratory of Virology, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, India
| | - Aekagra Singh
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sarala Rani Kayampeta
- Research and Development Division, Srikara Biologicals Private Limited, Tirupati, India
| | | | - Deepak Sehgal
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
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2
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Tasci HS, Akkus E, Yildiz M, Kocak A. Computational analysis of substrate recognition of Sars-Cov-2 Mpro main protease. Comput Biol Chem 2023; 107:107960. [PMID: 37742480 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2023.107960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Mpro main protease takes an essential role in the Sars-Cov-2 viral life cycle by releasing the individual protein from the single poly-peptide chain via proteolytic cleavage in the beginning of the viral infection. Interfering with this step by inhibiting the protease with small compound-based inhibitors has been proven to be an effective strategy to treat the infection. Thus, understanding the substrate recognition mechanism of the Mpro main protease has gained great interest from the beginning of the pandemic. Here, we have studied the substrate recognition mechanism of the protease by means of the molecular dynamic methods. We have found that the glutamine residue at P1 has paramount effect in the interaction with the substrates as expected. In addition, we also have shown that for the first time, the arginine amino acid at the P3-P5 along with P4' can strengthen the interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilal Sena Tasci
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Gebze Technical University, 41400 Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Ebru Akkus
- Department of Chemistry, Gebze Technical University, 41400 Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Muslum Yildiz
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Gebze Technical University, 41400 Kocaeli, Turkey.
| | - Abdulkadir Kocak
- Department of Chemistry, Gebze Technical University, 41400 Kocaeli, Turkey
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3
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Farkaš B, Minneci M, Misevicius M, Rozas I. A Tale of Two Proteases: M Pro and TMPRSS2 as Targets for COVID-19 Therapies. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:834. [PMID: 37375781 DOI: 10.3390/ph16060834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Considering the importance of the 2019 outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) resulting in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, an overview of two proteases that play an important role in the infection by SARS-CoV-2, the main protease of SARS-CoV-2 (MPro) and the host transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2), is presented in this review. After summarising the viral replication cycle to identify the relevance of these proteases, the therapeutic agents already approved are presented. Then, this review discusses some of the most recently reported inhibitors first for the viral MPro and next for the host TMPRSS2 explaining the mechanism of action of each protease. Afterward, some computational approaches to design novel MPro and TMPRSS2 inhibitors are presented, also describing the corresponding crystallographic structures reported so far. Finally, a brief discussion on a few reports found some dual-action inhibitors for both proteases is given. This review provides an overview of two proteases of different origins (viral and human host) that have become important targets for the development of antiviral agents to treat COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Farkaš
- School of Chemistry, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, 152-160 Pearse Street, D02 R590 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Marco Minneci
- School of Chemistry, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, 152-160 Pearse Street, D02 R590 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Matas Misevicius
- School of Chemistry, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, 152-160 Pearse Street, D02 R590 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Isabel Rozas
- School of Chemistry, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, 152-160 Pearse Street, D02 R590 Dublin, Ireland
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4
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Gupta A, Sahu N, Singh VK, Sinha RP. Evolutionary aspects of mutation in functional motif and post-translational modifications in SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro (Mpro): an in-silico study. JOURNAL OF PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2023; 14:1-11. [PMID: 37361001 PMCID: PMC10099016 DOI: 10.1007/s42485-023-00105-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
SARS CoV-2 is the virus that caused the COVID-19 pandemic. The main protease is one of the most prominent pharmacological targets for developing anti-COVID-19 therapeutic drugs (Mpro); SARS-CoV-2 replication is dependent on this component. SARS CoV-2's Mpro/cysteine protease is quite identical to SARS CoV-1's Mpro/cysteine protease. However, there is limited information on its structural and conformational properties. The present study aims to perform a complete in silico evaluation of Mpro protein's physicochemical properties. The motif prediction, post-translational modifications, effect of point mutation, and phylogenetic links were studied with other homologs to understand the molecular and evolutionary mechanisms of these proteins. The Mpro protein sequence was obtained in FASTA format from the RCSB Protein Data Bank. The structure of this protein was further characterized and analyzed using standard bioinformatics methods. According to Mpro's in-silico characterization, the protein is a basic, non-polar, and thermally stable globular protein. The outcomes of the phylogenetic and synteny study showed that the protein's functional domain amino acid sequence is substantially conserved. Furthermore, it has undergone many changes at the motif level over time from porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus to SARS-CoV 2, possibly to achieve various functions. Several post-translational modifications (PTMs) were also observed, and the possibilities of changes in Mpro protein exhibit additional orders of peptidase function regulation. During heatmap development, the effect of a point mutation on the Mpro protein was seen. This protein's structural characterization will aid in a better understanding of its function and mechanism of action. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42485-023-00105-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Gupta
- Laboratory of Photobiology and Molecular Microbiology, Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005 India
| | - Niharika Sahu
- Laboratory of Photobiology and Molecular Microbiology, Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005 India
| | - Vinay Kumar Singh
- Centre for Bioinformatics, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005 India
| | - Rajeshwar P. Sinha
- Laboratory of Photobiology and Molecular Microbiology, Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005 India
- University Center for Research and Development (UCRD), Chandigarh University, Chandigarh, India
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5
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Niu Z, Xu S, Zhang J, Zou Z, Ren L, Liu X, Zhang S, Zou H, Hu X, Wang J, Zhang L, Zhou Y, Song Z. Bioinformatic analysis of the S protein of human respiratory coronavirus. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2023; 181:107704. [PMID: 36657625 PMCID: PMC9840983 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2023.107704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to apply bioinformatic methods to analyze the structure of the S protein of human respiratory coronaviruses, including severe respiratory disease syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), human coronavirus HKU1 (HCoV-HKU1), and severe respiratory disease syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We predicted and analyzed the physicochemical properties, hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity, transmembrane regions, signal peptides, phosphorylation and glycosylation sites, epitopes, functional domains, and motifs of the S proteins of human respiratory coronaviruses. All four S proteins contain a transmembrane region, which enables them to bind to host cell surface receptors. All four S proteins contain a signal peptide, phosphorylation sites, glycosylation sites, and epitopes. The predicted phosphorylation sites might mediate S protein activation, the glycosylation sites might affect the cellular orientation of the virus, and the predicted epitopes might have implications for the design of antiviral inhibitors. The S proteins of all four viruses have two structural domains, S1 (C-terminal and N-terminal domains) and S2 (homology region 1 and 2). Our bioinformatic analysis of the structural and functional domains of human respiratory coronavirus S proteins provides a basis for future research to develop broad-spectrum antiviral drugs, vaccines, and antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Niu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi, China.
| | - ShaSha Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
| | - JingYi Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
| | - ZhuoLan Zou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; Immunology Research Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - LiXin Ren
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
| | - XiangYang Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Ürümqi, China.
| | - ShuJuan Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Hong Zou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Xia Hu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Jing Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Li Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Yang Zhou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Ürümqi, China.
| | - ZhenHui Song
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; Immunology Research Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
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6
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Lubin JH, Martinusen SG, Zardecki C, Olivas C, Bacorn M, Balogun M, Slaton EW, Wu AW, Sakeer S, Hudson BP, Denard CA, Burley SK, Khare SD. A comprehensive survey of coronaviral main protease active site diversity in 3D: Identifying and analyzing drug discovery targets in search of broad specificity inhibitors for the next coronavirus pandemic. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.30.526101. [PMID: 36778399 PMCID: PMC9915488 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.30.526101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Although the rapid development of therapeutic responses to combat SARS-CoV-2 represents a great human achievement, it also demonstrates untapped potential for advanced pandemic preparedness. Cross-species efficacy against multiple human coronaviruses by the main protease (MPro) inhibitor nirmatrelvir raises the question of its breadth of inhibition and our preparedness against future coronaviral threats. Herein, we describe sequence and structural analyses of 346 unique MPro enzymes from all coronaviruses represented in the NCBI Virus database. Cognate substrates of these representative proteases were inferred from their polyprotein sequences. We clustered MPro sequences based on sequence identity and AlphaFold2-predicted structures, showing approximate correspondence with known viral subspecies. Predicted structures of five representative MPros bound to their inferred cognate substrates showed high conservation in protease:substrate interaction modes, with some notable differences. Yeast-based proteolysis assays of the five representatives were able to confirm activity of three on inferred cognate substrates, and demonstrated that of the three, only one was effectively inhibited by nirmatrelvir. Our findings suggest that comprehensive preparedness against future potential coronaviral threats will require continued inhibitor development. Our methods may be applied to candidate coronaviral MPro inhibitors to evaluate in advance the breadth of their inhibition and identify target coronaviruses potentially meriting advanced development of alternative countermeasures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph H. Lubin
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Christine Zardecki
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Cassandra Olivas
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- California State University Stanislaus, Turlock, California, USA
| | - Mickayla Bacorn
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- University Of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - MaryAgnes Balogun
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ethan W. Slaton
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Amy Wu Wu
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
| | - Sarah Sakeer
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Brian P. Hudson
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Carl A. Denard
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Stephen K. Burley
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank, San Diego Supercomputer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Sagar D. Khare
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
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7
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Ghosh S, Bhattacherjee D, Satpati P, Bhabak KP. Venetoclax: a promising repurposed drug against SARS-CoV-2 main protease. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022; 40:12088-12099. [PMID: 34424151 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1967786] [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: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Global health care emergency caused by a new coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 or SARS-CoV-2) demands urgent need to repurpose the approved pharmaceutical drugs. Main protease, Mpro of SARS-CoV-2 draws significant attention as a drug target. Herein, we have screened FDA approved organosulfur drugs (till 2016) and our laboratory synthesized organosulfur and organoselenium compounds (L1-L306) against Mpro-apo using docking followed by classical MD simulations. Additionally, a series of compounds (L307-L364) were chosen from previous experimental studies, which were reported to exhibit inhibitory potentials towards Mpro. We found several organosulfur drugs, particularly Venetoclax (FDA approved organosulfur drug for Leukemia) to be a high-affinity binders to the Mpro of SARS-CoV-2. The results reveal that organosulfur compounds including Venetoclax preferentially bind (non-covalently) to the non-catalytic pocket of the protein located in the dimer interface. We found that the ligand binding is primarily favoured by ligand-protein van der Waals interaction and penalized by desolvation effect. Interestingly, Venetoclax binding alters the local flexibility of Mpro and exerts pronounced effect in the C-terminal as well as two loop regions (Loop-A and Loop-B) that play important roles in catalysis. These findings highlighted the importance of drug repurposing and explored the non-catalytic pockets of Mpro in combating COVID-19 infection in addition to the importance of catalytic binding pocket of the protein.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suvankar Ghosh
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, India
| | - Debojit Bhattacherjee
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, India.,Centre for the Environment, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, India
| | - Priyadarshi Satpati
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, India
| | - Krishna Pada Bhabak
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, India.,Centre for the Environment, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, India
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8
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Hameedi MA, T Prates E, Garvin MR, Mathews II, Amos BK, Demerdash O, Bechthold M, Iyer M, Rahighi S, Kneller DW, Kovalevsky A, Irle S, Vuong VQ, Mitchell JC, Labbe A, Galanie S, Wakatsuki S, Jacobson D. Structural and functional characterization of NEMO cleavage by SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5285. [PMID: 36075915 PMCID: PMC9453703 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32922-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to its essential role in viral polyprotein processing, the SARS-CoV-2 3C-like protease (3CLpro) can cleave human immune signaling proteins, like NF-κB Essential Modulator (NEMO) and deregulate the host immune response. Here, in vitro assays show that SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro cleaves NEMO with fine-tuned efficiency. Analysis of the 2.50 Å resolution crystal structure of 3CLpro C145S bound to NEMO226-234 reveals subsites that tolerate a range of viral and host substrates through main chain hydrogen bonds while also enforcing specificity using side chain hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic contacts. Machine learning- and physics-based computational methods predict that variation in key binding residues of 3CLpro-NEMO helps explain the high fitness of SARS-CoV-2 in humans. We posit that cleavage of NEMO is an important piece of information to be accounted for, in the pathology of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail A Hameedi
- SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource, Structural Molecular Biology, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
- SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource, Biosciences, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- National Virtual Biotechnology Laboratory, US Department of Energy, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Erica T Prates
- National Virtual Biotechnology Laboratory, US Department of Energy, Washington, DC, USA
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | - Michael R Garvin
- National Virtual Biotechnology Laboratory, US Department of Energy, Washington, DC, USA
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | - Irimpan I Mathews
- SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource, Structural Molecular Biology, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
| | - B Kirtley Amos
- Department of Horticulture, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Omar Demerdash
- National Virtual Biotechnology Laboratory, US Department of Energy, Washington, DC, USA
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | - Mark Bechthold
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Mamta Iyer
- Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA, 92618, USA
| | - Simin Rahighi
- Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA, 92618, USA
| | - Daniel W Kneller
- National Virtual Biotechnology Laboratory, US Department of Energy, Washington, DC, USA
- Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | - Andrey Kovalevsky
- National Virtual Biotechnology Laboratory, US Department of Energy, Washington, DC, USA
- Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | - Stephan Irle
- Computational Sciences and Engineering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA
| | - Van-Quan Vuong
- The Bredesen Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Graduate Education, University of Tennessee Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Julie C Mitchell
- National Virtual Biotechnology Laboratory, US Department of Energy, Washington, DC, USA
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | - Audrey Labbe
- National Virtual Biotechnology Laboratory, US Department of Energy, Washington, DC, USA
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | - Stephanie Galanie
- National Virtual Biotechnology Laboratory, US Department of Energy, Washington, DC, USA
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
- Department of Process Research and Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, 07065, USA
| | - Soichi Wakatsuki
- SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource, Structural Molecular Biology, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA.
- SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource, Biosciences, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA.
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- National Virtual Biotechnology Laboratory, US Department of Energy, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Daniel Jacobson
- National Virtual Biotechnology Laboratory, US Department of Energy, Washington, DC, USA.
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, USA.
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9
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Hu Q, Xiong Y, Zhu GH, Zhang YN, Zhang YW, Huang P, Ge GB. The SARS-CoV-2 main protease (M pro): Structure, function, and emerging therapies for COVID-19. MedComm (Beijing) 2022; 3:e151. [PMID: 35845352 PMCID: PMC9283855 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The main proteases (Mpro), also termed 3‐chymotrypsin‐like proteases (3CLpro), are a class of highly conserved cysteine hydrolases in β‐coronaviruses. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that 3CLpros play an indispensable role in viral replication and have been recognized as key targets for preventing and treating coronavirus‐caused infectious diseases, including COVID‐19. This review is focused on the structural features and biological function of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) main protease Mpro (also known as 3CLpro), as well as recent advances in discovering and developing SARS‐CoV‐2 3CLpro inhibitors. To better understand the characteristics of SARS‐CoV‐2 3CLpro inhibitors, the inhibition activities, inhibitory mechanisms, and key structural features of various 3CLpro inhibitors (including marketed drugs, peptidomimetic, and non‐peptidomimetic synthetic compounds, as well as natural compounds and their derivatives) are summarized comprehensively. Meanwhile, the challenges in this field are highlighted, while future directions for designing and developing efficacious 3CLpro inhibitors as novel anti‐coronavirus therapies are also proposed. Collectively, all information and knowledge presented here are very helpful for understanding the structural features and inhibitory mechanisms of SARS‐CoV‐2 3CLpro inhibitors, which offers new insights or inspiration to medicinal chemists for designing and developing more efficacious 3CLpro inhibitors as novel anti‐coronavirus agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Hu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Shanghai China.,Clinical Pharmacy Center Cancer Center Department of Pharmacy Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated People's Hospital Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou Zhejiang China
| | - Yuan Xiong
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Shanghai China
| | - Guang-Hao Zhu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Shanghai China
| | - Ya-Ni Zhang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Shanghai China
| | - Yi-Wen Zhang
- Clinical Pharmacy Center Cancer Center Department of Pharmacy Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated People's Hospital Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou Zhejiang China
| | - Ping Huang
- Clinical Pharmacy Center Cancer Center Department of Pharmacy Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated People's Hospital Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou Zhejiang China
| | - Guang-Bo Ge
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Shanghai China
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10
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Proteolytic Processing of the Coronavirus Replicase Nonstructural Protein 14 Exonuclease Is Not Required for Virus Replication but Alters RNA Synthesis and Viral Fitness. J Virol 2022; 96:e0084122. [PMID: 35924922 PMCID: PMC9400476 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00841-22] [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] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses (CoVs) initiate replication by translation of the positive-sense RNA genome into the replicase polyproteins connecting 16 nonstructural protein domains (nsp1-16), which are subsequently processed by viral proteases to yield mature nsp. For the betacoronavirus murine hepatitis virus (MHV), total inhibition of translation or proteolytic processing of replicase polyproteins results in rapid cessation of RNA synthesis. The nsp5-3CLpro (Mpro) processes nsps7-16, which assemble into functional replication-transcription complexes (RTCs), including the enzymatic nsp12-RdRp and nsp14-exoribonuclease (ExoN)/N7-methyltransferase. The nsp14-ExoN activity mediates RNA-dependent RNA proofreading, high-fidelity RNA synthesis, and replication. To date, the solved partial RTC structures, biochemistry, and models use or assume completely processed, mature nsp. Here, we demonstrate that in MHV, engineered deletion of the cleavage sites between nsp13-14 and nsp14-15 allowed recovery of replication-competent virus. Compared to wild-type (WT) MHV, the nsp13-14 and nsp14-15 cleavage deletion mutants demonstrated delayed replication kinetics, impaired genome production, altered abundance and patterns of recombination, and impaired competitive fitness. Further, the nsp13-14 and nsp14-15 mutant viruses demonstrated mutation frequencies that were significantly higher than with the WT. The results demonstrate that cleavage of nsp13-14 or nsp14-15 is not required for MHV viability and that functions of the RTC/nsp14-ExoN are impaired when assembled with noncleaved intermediates. These data will inform future genetic, structural, biochemical, and modeling studies of coronavirus RTCs and nsp 13, 14, and 15 and may reveal new approaches for inhibition or attenuation of CoV infection. IMPORTANCE Coronavirus replication requires proteolytic maturation of the nonstructural replicase proteins to form the replication-transcription complex. Coronavirus replication-transcription complex models assume mature subunits; however, mechanisms of coronavirus maturation and replicase complex formation have yet to be defined. Here, we show that for the coronavirus murine hepatitis virus, cleavage between the nonstructural replicase proteins nsp13-14 and nsp14-15 is not required for replication but does alter RNA synthesis and recombination. These results shed new light on the requirements for coronavirus maturation and replication-transcription complex assembly, and they may reveal novel therapeutic targets and strategies for attenuation.
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Katre SG, Asnani AJ, Pratyush K, Sakharkar NG, Bhope AG, Sawarkar KT, Nimbekar VS. Review on development of potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 main protease (M Pro). FUTURE JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES 2022; 8:36. [PMID: 35756354 PMCID: PMC9209839 DOI: 10.1186/s43094-022-00423-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The etiological agent for the coronavirus illness outbreak in 2019-2020 is a novel coronavirus known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (COVID-19), whereas coronavirus disease pandemic of 2019 (COVID-19) has compelled the implementation of novel therapeutic options. Main body of the abstract There are currently no targeted therapeutic medicines for this condition, and effective treatment options are quite restricted; however, new therapeutic candidates targeting the viral replication cycle are being investigated. The primary protease of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus is a major target for therapeutic development (MPro). Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) all seem to have a structurally conserved substrate-binding domain that can be used to develop novel protease inhibitors. Short conclusion With the recent publication of the X-ray crystal structure of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 Mm, virtual and in vitro screening investigations to find MPro inhibitors are fast progressing. The focus of this review is on recent advancements in the quest for small-molecule inhibitors of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 main protease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumya Gulab Katre
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Priyadarshini J L College of Pharmacy, Nagpur, MH 440016 India
| | - Alpana Jagdish Asnani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Priyadarshini J L College of Pharmacy, Nagpur, MH 440016 India
| | - Kumar Pratyush
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Priyadarshini J L College of Pharmacy, Nagpur, MH 440016 India
| | | | - Ashwini Gajanan Bhope
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Priyadarshini J L College of Pharmacy, Nagpur, MH 440016 India
| | - Kanchan Tekram Sawarkar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Priyadarshini J L College of Pharmacy, Nagpur, MH 440016 India
| | - Vaibhav Santosh Nimbekar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Priyadarshini J L College of Pharmacy, Nagpur, MH 440016 India
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Lou Z, Rao Z. The Life of SARS-CoV-2 Inside Cells: Replication-Transcription Complex Assembly and Function. Annu Rev Biochem 2022; 91:381-401. [PMID: 35729072 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biochem-052521-115653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The persistence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in increasingly disruptive impacts, and it has become the most devastating challenge to global health in a century. The rapid emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants challenges the currently available therapeutics for clinical application. Nonstructural proteins (also known as replicase proteins) with versatile biological functions play central roles in viral replication and transcription inside the host cells, and they are the most conserved target proteins among the SARS-CoV-2 variants. Specifically, they constitute the replication-transcription complexes (RTCs) dominating the synthesis of viral RNA. Knowledge of themolecular mechanisms of nonstructural proteins and their assembly into RTCs will benefit the development of antivirals targeting them against existing or potentially emerging variants. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of the structures and functions of coronavirus nonstructural proteins as well as the assembly and functions of RTCs in the life cycle of the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyong Lou
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Science, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China; ,
| | - Zihe Rao
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Science, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China; , .,Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.,School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
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13
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Dimerization Tendency of 3CLpros of Human Coronaviruses Based on the X-ray Crystal Structure of the Catalytic Domain of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23095268. [PMID: 35563658 PMCID: PMC9103169 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
3CLpro of SARS-CoV-2 is a promising target for developing anti-COVID19 agents. In order to evaluate the catalytic activity of 3CLpros according to the presence or absence of the dimerization domain, two forms had been purified and tested. Enzyme kinetic studies with a FRET method revealed that the catalytic domain alone presents enzymatic activity, despite it being approximately 8.6 times less than that in the full domain. The catalytic domain was crystallized and its X-ray crystal structure has been determined to 2.3 Å resolution. There are four protomers in the asymmetric unit. Intriguingly, they were packed as a dimer though the dimerization domain was absent. The RMSD of superimposed two catalytic domains was 0.190 for 182 Cα atoms. A part of the long hinge loop (LH-loop) from Gln189 to Asp197 was not built in the model due to its flexibility. The crystal structure indicates that the decreased proteolytic activity of the catalytic domain was due to the incomplete construction of the substrate binding part built by the LH-loop. A structural survey with other 3CLpros showed that SARS-CoV families do not have interactions between DM-loop due to the conformational difference at the last turn of helix α7 compared with others. Therefore, we can conclude that the monomeric form contains nascent enzyme activity and that its efficiency increases by dimerization. This new insight may contribute to understanding the behavior of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro and thus be useful in developing anti-COVID-19 agents.
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Repurposing dyphylline as a pan-coronavirus antiviral therapy. Future Med Chem 2022; 14:685-699. [PMID: 35387498 PMCID: PMC9048854 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2021-0311] [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] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In the last two decades, the world has witnessed the emergence of zoonotic corona viruses (CoVs), which cause mild to severe respiratory diseases in humans. Human coronaviruses (HCoVs), mainly from the alpha-CoV and beta-CoV genera, have evolved to be highly pathogenic, such as SARS-CoV-2 causing the COVID-19 pandemic. These coronaviruses carry functional enzymes necessary for the virus life cycle, which represent attractive antiviral targets. Methods & Results: We aimed to therapeutically target the main protease (Mpro) of HCoV-NL63 and HCoV-229E (from alpha-CoV genus) and HCoV-OC43 and SARS-CoV-2 (from beta-CoV genus). Through virtual screening, we identified an FDA-approved drug dyphylline, a xanthine derivate, that binds to the catalytic dyad residues; histidine and cystine of the Mpro structures. Importantly, dyphylline dose-dependently inhibited the viral replication in cell culture models infected with the viruses. Conclusion: Our findings support the repurposing of dyphylline as a pan-coronavirus antiviral agent.
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Wang F, Chen C, Wang Z, Han X, Shi P, Zhou K, Liu X, Xiao Y, Cai Y, Huang J, Zhang L, Yang H. The Structure of the Porcine Deltacoronavirus Main Protease Reveals a Conserved Target for the Design of Antivirals. Viruses 2022; 14:v14030486. [PMID: 35336895 PMCID: PMC8949103 DOI: 10.3390/v14030486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The existing zoonotic coronaviruses (CoVs) and viral genetic variants are important microbiological pathogens that cause severe disease in humans and animals. Currently, no effective broad-spectrum antiviral drugs against existing and emerging CoVs are available. The CoV main protease (Mpro) plays an essential role in viral replication, making it an ideal target for drug development. However, the structure of the Deltacoronavirus Mpro is still unavailable. Porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) is a novel CoV that belongs to the genus Deltacoronavirus and causes atrophic enteritis, severe diarrhea, vomiting and dehydration in pigs. Here, we determined the structure of PDCoV Mpro complexed with a Michael acceptor inhibitor. Structural comparison showed that the backbone of PDCoV Mpro is similar to those of alpha-, beta- and gamma-CoV Mpros. The substrate-binding pocket of Mpro is well conserved in the subfamily Coronavirinae. In addition, we also observed that Mpros from the same genus adopted a similar conformation. Furthermore, the structure of PDCoV Mpro in complex with a Michael acceptor inhibitor revealed the mechanism of its inhibition of PDCoV Mpro. Our results provide a basis for the development of broad-spectrum antivirals against PDCoV and other CoVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenghua Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; (F.W.); (C.C.); (Z.W.); (X.H.); (P.S.); (Y.X.); (J.H.)
- Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology and Medicine, Tianjin 300457, China; (K.Z.); (X.L.); (Y.C.)
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology of the Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Cheng Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; (F.W.); (C.C.); (Z.W.); (X.H.); (P.S.); (Y.X.); (J.H.)
- Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology and Medicine, Tianjin 300457, China; (K.Z.); (X.L.); (Y.C.)
| | - Zefang Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; (F.W.); (C.C.); (Z.W.); (X.H.); (P.S.); (Y.X.); (J.H.)
- Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology and Medicine, Tianjin 300457, China; (K.Z.); (X.L.); (Y.C.)
| | - Xu Han
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; (F.W.); (C.C.); (Z.W.); (X.H.); (P.S.); (Y.X.); (J.H.)
| | - Peidian Shi
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; (F.W.); (C.C.); (Z.W.); (X.H.); (P.S.); (Y.X.); (J.H.)
| | - Kaixuan Zhou
- Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology and Medicine, Tianjin 300457, China; (K.Z.); (X.L.); (Y.C.)
| | - Xiaomei Liu
- Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology and Medicine, Tianjin 300457, China; (K.Z.); (X.L.); (Y.C.)
| | - Yunjie Xiao
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; (F.W.); (C.C.); (Z.W.); (X.H.); (P.S.); (Y.X.); (J.H.)
| | - Yan Cai
- Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology and Medicine, Tianjin 300457, China; (K.Z.); (X.L.); (Y.C.)
| | - Jinhai Huang
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; (F.W.); (C.C.); (Z.W.); (X.H.); (P.S.); (Y.X.); (J.H.)
| | - Lei Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; (F.W.); (C.C.); (Z.W.); (X.H.); (P.S.); (Y.X.); (J.H.)
- Correspondence: (L.Z.); (H.Y.)
| | - Haitao Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; (F.W.); (C.C.); (Z.W.); (X.H.); (P.S.); (Y.X.); (J.H.)
- Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology and Medicine, Tianjin 300457, China; (K.Z.); (X.L.); (Y.C.)
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai 201210, China
- Correspondence: (L.Z.); (H.Y.)
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Coronaviruses Nsp5 Antagonizes Porcine Gasdermin D-Mediated Pyroptosis by Cleaving Pore-Forming p30 Fragment. mBio 2022; 13:e0273921. [PMID: 35012343 PMCID: PMC8749417 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02739-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses (CoVs) are a family of RNA viruses that typically cause respiratory, enteric, and hepatic diseases in animals and humans. Here, we use porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) as a model of CoVs to illustrate the reciprocal regulation between CoV infection and pyroptosis. For the first time, we elucidate the molecular mechanism of porcine gasdermin D (pGSDMD)-mediated pyroptosis and demonstrate that amino acids R238, T239, and F240 within pGSDMD-p30 are critical for pyroptosis. Furthermore, 3C-like protease Nsp5 from SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV, PDCoV, and PEDV can cleave pGSDMD at the Q193-G194 junction to produce two fragments unable to trigger pyroptosis. The two cleaved fragments could not inhibit PEDV replication. In addition, Nsp5 from SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV also cleave human GSDMD (hGSDMD). Therefore, we provide clear evidence that PEDV may utilize the Nsp5-GSDMD pathway to inhibit pyroptosis and, thus, facilitate viral replication during the initial period, suggesting an important strategy for the coronaviruses to sustain their infection. IMPORTANCE Recently, GSDMD has been reported as a key executioner for pyroptosis. This study first demonstrates the molecular mechanism of pGSDMD-mediated pyroptosis and that the pGSDMD-mediated pyroptosis protects host cells against PEDV infection. Notably, PEDV employs its Nsp5 to directly cleave pGSDMD in favor of its replication. We found that Nsp5 proteins from other coronaviruses, such as porcine deltacoronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, also had the protease activity to cleave human and porcine GSDMD. Thus, we provide clear evidence that the coronaviruses might utilize Nsp5 to inhibit the host pyroptotic cell death and facilitate their replication during the initial period, an important strategy for their sustaining infection. We suppose that GSDMD is an appealing target for the design of anticoronavirus therapies.
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Tripathi N, Tripathi N, Goshisht MK. COVID-19: inflammatory responses, structure-based drug design and potential therapeutics. Mol Divers 2022; 26:629-645. [PMID: 33400086 PMCID: PMC7782055 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-020-10176-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for the global health emergency. Here, we explore the diverse mechanisms of SARS-CoV-induced inflammation. We presume that SARS-CoV-2 likely contributes analogous inflammatory responses. Possible therapeutic mechanisms for reducing SARS-CoV-2-mediated inflammatory responses comprise FcR inactivation. Currently, there is no specific remedy available against the SARS-CoV-2. Consequently, recognizing efficacious antiviral leads to combat the virus is crucially desired. The coronavirus (CoV) main protease (Mpro also called 3CLpro), which plays an indispensable role in viral replication and transcription, is an interesting target for drug design. This review compiles the latest advances in biological and structural research, along with development of inhibitors targeting CoV Mpros. It is anticipated that inhibitors targeting CoV Mpros could be advanced into wide-spectrum antiviral drugs in case of COVID-19 and other CoV-related diseases. The crystal structural and docking results have shown that Ebselen, N3, TDZD-8 and α-ketoamide (13b) inhibitors can bind to the substrate-binding pocket of COVID-19 Mpro. α-ketoamide-based inhibitor 13b inhibits the replication of SARS-CoV-2 in human Calu3 lung cells. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) showed that the treatment with Ebselen, TDZD-8 and N3 reduced the amounts of SARS-CoV-2, respectively, 20.3-, 10.19- and 8.4-fold compared to the treatment in the absence of inhibitor. Moreover, repurposing of already present drugs to treat COVID-19 serves as one of the competent and economic therapeutic strategies. Several anti-malarial, anti-HIV and anti-inflammatory drugs as mentioned in Table 2 were found effective for the COVID-19 treatment. Further, hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) was found more potent than chloroquine (CQ) in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. Furthermore, convalescent plasma from patients who have recuperated from viral infections can be employed as a therapy without the appearance of severe adverse events. Hence, it might be valuable to examine the safety and efficacy of convalescent plasma transfusion in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neetu Tripathi
- Department of Chemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, 143005, India
| | - Neeraj Tripathi
- Department of Civil Engineering, Punjab Engineering College (Deemed To University), Chandigarh, Punjab, 160012, India
| | - Manoj Kumar Goshisht
- Department of Chemistry, Government College Tokapal, Bastar, Chhattisgarh, 494442, India.
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Hajizadeh M, Moosavi-Movahedi Z, Sheibani N, Moosavi-Movahedi AA. An outlook on suicide enzyme inhibition and drug design. JOURNAL OF THE IRANIAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY 2022; 19. [PMCID: PMC8501922 DOI: 10.1007/s13738-021-02416-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/10/2023]
Abstract
There have been recent renewed interests in the importance of suicide enzyme inhibition. The principal objective of this review is to investigate all types of suicide inhibitions for natural enzymes, artificial biocatalysts as well as therapeutic potential of enzyme suicide inhibition. It is discussed the suicide inhibition beneficial in drug design and treatments and non-beneficial achievements for some industrial enzymes such as HRP peroxidase enzyme. The design of biomimetic artificial enzymes explained to prevent inhibition by protecting the active site via environmental conditions. Suicide enzyme inhibition development can be the key mechanism against sever diseases such as SARS. In this report, suicide enzyme inactivation classes are classified based on target enzyme groups via their substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Hajizadeh
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), The University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Nader Sheibani
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Cell and Regenerative Biology, and Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI USA
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Shahrajabian MH. Powerful Stress Relieving Medicinal Plants for Anger, Anxiety, Depression, and Stress During Global Pandemic. Recent Pat Biotechnol 2022; 16:284-310. [PMID: 35319401 DOI: 10.2174/1872208316666220321102216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Consideration and improvement for anxiety and depression are important during a global pandemic. Appropriate healthcare can be obtained by paying more attention to traditional medicinal sciences. The adverse effects of stress with various symptoms can be managed by introducing plants that boost mental health. The most relevant psychological reactions in the general population related to the global pandemic are pervasive anxiety, frustration and boredom, specific and uncontrolled fear, disabling loneliness, significant lifestyle changes, and psychiatric conditions. Ginseng, chamomile, passionflower, herbal tea, lavender, saffron, kava, rose, cardamom, Chinese date, and some chief formula like yokukansan, Dan-zhi-xiao-yao-san, so-ochim-tang-gamiband, and saikokaryukotsuboreito are notable herbal treatments for mental health problems. The most common medicinal plants that have been used in Iran for the cure of stress and anxiety are Viper's-buglosses, Dracocephalum, valerian, chamomile, common hop, hawthorns, and lavender. Medicinal plants and herbs can be used for the treatment and alleviation of the negative effects of stress, anger, and depression during the global pandemic.
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Razali R, Asis H, Budiman C. Structure-Function Characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 Proteases and Their Potential Inhibitors from Microbial Sources. Microorganisms 2021; 9:2481. [PMID: 34946083 PMCID: PMC8706127 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9122481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is considered the greatest challenge to the global health community of the century as it continues to expand. This has prompted immediate urgency to discover promising drug targets for the treatment of COVID-19. The SARS-CoV-2 viral proteases, 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro) and papain-like cysteine protease (PLpro), have become the promising target to study due to their essential functions in spreading the virus by RNA transcription, translation, protein synthesis, processing and modification, virus replication, and infection of the host. As such, understanding of the structure and function of these two proteases is unavoidable as platforms for the development of inhibitors targeting this protein which further arrest the infection and spread of the virus. While the abundance of reports on the screening of natural compounds such as SARS-CoV-2 proteases inhibitors are available, the microorganisms-based compounds (peptides and non-peptides) remain less studied. Indeed, microorganisms-based compounds are also one of the potent antiviral candidates against COVID-19. Microbes, especially bacteria and fungi, are other resources to produce new drugs as well as nucleosides, nucleotides, and nucleic acids. Thus, we have compiled various reported literature in detail on the structures, functions of the SARS-CoV-2 proteases, and potential inhibitors from microbial sources as assistance to other researchers working with COVID-19. The compounds are also compared to HIV protease inhibitors which suggested the microorganisms-based compounds are advantageous as SARS-CoV2 proteases inhibitors. The information should serve as a platform for further development of COVID-19 drug design strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cahyo Budiman
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu 88400, Sabah, Malaysia; (R.R.); (H.A.)
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21
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Hameedi MA, Prates ET, Garvin MR, Mathews I, Kirtley Amos B, Demerdash O, Bechthold M, Iyer M, Rahighi S, Kneller DW, Kovalevsky A, Irle S, Vuong V, Mitchell JC, Labbe A, Galanie S, Wakatsuki S, Jacobson D. Structural and functional characterization of NEMO cleavage by SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro.. [PMID: 34816264 PMCID: PMC8609902 DOI: 10.1101/2021.11.11.468228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In addition to its essential role in viral polyprotein processing, the SARS-CoV-2 3C-like (3CLpro) protease can cleave human immune signaling proteins, like NF-κB Essential Modulator (NEMO) and deregulate the host immune response. Here, in vitro assays show that SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro cleaves NEMO with fine-tuned efficiency. Analysis of the 2.14 Å resolution crystal structure of 3CLpro C145S bound to NEMO226–235 reveals subsites that tolerate a range of viral and host substrates through main chain hydrogen bonds while also enforcing specificity using side chain hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic contacts. Machine learning- and physics-based computational methods predict that variation in key binding residues of 3CLpro-NEMO helps explain the high fitness of SARS-CoV-2 in humans. We posit that cleavage of NEMO is an important piece of information to be accounted for in the pathology of COVID-19.
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22
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Characterization of the non-covalent interaction between the PF-07321332 inhibitor and the SARS-CoV-2 main protease. J Mol Graph Model 2021; 110:108042. [PMID: 34653812 PMCID: PMC8491126 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2021.108042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We have studied the non-covalent interaction between PF-07321332 and SARS-CoV-2 main protease at the atomic level using a computational approach based on extensive molecular dynamics simulations with explicit solvent. PF-07321332, whose chemical structure has been recently disclosed, is a promising oral antiviral clinical candidate with well-established anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity in vitro. The drug, currently in phase III clinical trials in combination with ritonavir, relies on the electrophilic attack of a nitrile warhead to the catalytic cysteine of the protease. Nonbonded interaction between the inhibitor and the residues of the binding pocket, as well as with water molecules on the protein surface, have been characterized using two different force fields and the two possible protonation states of the main protease catalytic dyad HIS41-CYS145. When the catalytic dyad is in the neutral state, the non-covalent binding is likely to be stronger. Molecular dynamics simulations seems to lend support for an inhibitory mechanism in two steps: a first non-covalent addition with the dyad in neutral form and then the formation of the thiolate-imidazolium ion pair and the ligand relocation for finalising the electrophilic attack.
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Gao H, Zhang Y, Jiang H, Hu X, Zhang Y, Zhou X, Zhong F, Lin C, Li J, Luo J, Zhang J. Crystal structures of human coronavirus NL63 main protease at different pH values. Acta Crystallogr F Struct Biol Commun 2021; 77:348-355. [PMID: 34605439 PMCID: PMC8488857 DOI: 10.1107/s2053230x21009523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human coronavirus NL63 (HCoV-NL63), which belongs to the genus Alphacoronavirus, mainly infects children and the immunocompromized and is responsible for a series of clinical manifestations, including cough, fever, rhinorrhoea, bronchiolitis and croup. HCoV-NL63, which was first isolated from a seven-month-old child in 2004, has led to infections worldwide and accounts for 10% of all respiratory illnesses caused by etiological agents. However, effective antivirals against HCoV-NL63 infection are currently unavailable. The HCoV-NL63 main protease (Mpro), also called 3C-like protease (3CLpro), plays a vital role in mediating viral replication and transcription by catalyzing the cleavage of replicase polyproteins (pp1a and pp1ab) into functional subunits. Moreover, Mpro is highly conserved among all coronaviruses, thus making it a prominent drug target for antiviral therapy. Here, four crystal structures of HCoV-NL63 Mpro in the apo form at different pH values are reported at resolutions of up to 1.78 Å. Comparison with Mpro from other human betacoronaviruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV reveals common and distinct structural features in different genera and extends knowledge of the diversity, function and evolution of coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxia Gao
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuting Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haihai Jiang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaohui Hu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuting Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuelan Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, People’s Republic of China
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fanglin Zhong
- Shenzhen Crystalo Biopharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518118, People’s Republic of China
- Jiangxi Jmerry Biopharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cheng Lin
- Shenzhen Crystalo Biopharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518118, People’s Republic of China
- Jiangxi Jmerry Biopharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jun Luo
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jin Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, People’s Republic of China
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Nicholls RA, Wojdyr M, Joosten RP, Catapano L, Long F, Fischer M, Emsley P, Murshudov GN. The missing link: covalent linkages in structural models. Acta Crystallogr D Struct Biol 2021; 77:727-745. [PMID: 34076588 PMCID: PMC8171067 DOI: 10.1107/s2059798321003934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Covalent linkages between constituent blocks of macromolecules and ligands have been subject to inconsistent treatment during the model-building, refinement and deposition process. This may stem from a number of sources, including difficulties with initially detecting the covalent linkage, identifying the correct chemistry, obtaining an appropriate restraint dictionary and ensuring its correct application. The analysis presented herein assesses the extent of problems involving covalent linkages in the Protein Data Bank (PDB). Not only will this facilitate the remediation of existing models, but also, more importantly, it will inform and thus improve the quality of future linkages. By considering linkages of known type in the CCP4 Monomer Library (CCP4-ML), failure to model a covalent linkage is identified to result in inaccurate (systematically longer) interatomic distances. Scanning the PDB for proximal atom pairs that do not have a corresponding type in the CCP4-ML reveals a large number of commonly occurring types of unannotated potential linkages; in general, these may or may not be covalently linked. Manual consideration of the most commonly occurring cases identifies a number of genuine classes of covalent linkages. The recent expansion of the CCP4-ML is discussed, which has involved the addition of over 16 000 and the replacement of over 11 000 component dictionaries using AceDRG. As part of this effort, the CCP4-ML has also been extended using AceDRG link dictionaries for the aforementioned linkage types identified in this analysis. This will facilitate the identification of such linkage types in future modelling efforts, whilst concurrently easing the process involved in their application. The need for a universal standard for maintaining link records corresponding to covalent linkages, and references to the associated dictionaries used during modelling and refinement, following deposition to the PDB is emphasized. The importance of correctly modelling covalent linkages is demonstrated using a case study, which involves the covalent linkage of an inhibitor to the main protease in various viral species, including SARS-CoV-2. This example demonstrates the importance of properly modelling covalent linkages using a comprehensive restraint dictionary, as opposed to just using a single interatomic distance restraint or failing to model the covalent linkage at all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A. Nicholls
- Structural Studies, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, United Kingdom
| | - Marcin Wojdyr
- Global Phasing Limited, Sheraton House, Castle Park, Cambridge CB3 0AX, United Kingdom
| | - Robbie P. Joosten
- Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, The Netherlands
| | - Lucrezia Catapano
- Structural Studies, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, United Kingdom
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London SE1 9RT, United Kingdom
| | - Fei Long
- Structural Studies, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, United Kingdom
| | - Marcus Fischer
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics and Structural Biology, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105-3678, USA
| | - Paul Emsley
- Structural Studies, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, United Kingdom
| | - Garib N. Murshudov
- Structural Studies, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, United Kingdom
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25
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Yanmei H, Chunlong M, Szeto T, Hurst B, Tarbet B, Wang J. Boceprevir, Calpain Inhibitors II and XII, and GC-376 Have Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Activity against Coronaviruses. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:586-597. [PMID: 33645977 PMCID: PMC7944397 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.0c00761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold, the morbidity and mortality are increasing daily. Effective treatment for SARS-CoV-2 is urgently needed. We recently discovered four SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) inhibitors including boceprevir, calpain inhibitors II and XII, and GC-376 with potent antiviral activity against infectious SARS-CoV-2 in cell culture. In this study, we further characterized the mechanism of action of these four compounds using the SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus neutralization assay. It was found that GC-376 and calpain inhibitors II and XII have a dual mechanism of action by inhibiting both viral Mpro and host cathepsin L in Vero cells. To rule out the cell-type dependent effect, the antiviral activity of these four compounds against SARS-CoV-2 was also confirmed in type 2 transmembrane serine protease-expressing Caco-2 cells using the viral yield reduction assay. In addition, we found that these four compounds have broad-spectrum antiviral activity in inhibiting not only SARS-CoV-2 but also SARS-CoV, and MERS-CoV, as well as human coronaviruses (CoVs) 229E, OC43, and NL63. The mechanism of action is through targeting the viral Mpro, which was supported by the thermal shift-binding assay and enzymatic fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay. We further showed that these four compounds have additive antiviral effect when combined with remdesivir. Altogether, these results suggest that boceprevir, calpain inhibitors II and XII, and GC-376 might be promising starting points for further development against existing human coronaviruses as well as future emerging CoVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hu Yanmei
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA, 85721
| | - Ma Chunlong
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA, 85721
| | - Tommy Szeto
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA, 85721
| | - Brett Hurst
- Institute for Antiviral Research, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA, 84322
| | - Bart Tarbet
- Institute for Antiviral Research, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA, 84322
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA, 85721
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26
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Sardanelli AM, Isgrò C, Palese LL. SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Active Site Ligands in the Human Metabolome. Molecules 2021; 26:1409. [PMID: 33807773 PMCID: PMC7961382 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26051409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In late 2019, a global pandemic occurred. The causative agent was identified as a member of the Coronaviridae family, called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In this study, we present an analysis on the substances identified in the human metabolome capable of binding the active site of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro). The substances present in the human metabolome have both endogenous and exogenous origins. The aim of this research was to find molecules whose biochemical and toxicological profile was known that could be the starting point for the development of antiviral therapies. Our analysis revealed numerous metabolites-including xenobiotics-that bind this protease, which are essential to the lifecycle of the virus. Among these substances, silybin, a flavolignan compound and the main active component of silymarin, is particularly noteworthy. Silymarin is a standardized extract of milk thistle, Silybum marianum, and has been shown to exhibit antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antineoplastic, and antiviral activities. Our results-obtained in silico and in vitro-prove that silybin and silymarin, respectively, are able to inhibit Mpro, representing a possible food-derived natural compound that is useful as a therapeutic strategy against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Sardanelli
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy;
- Department of Medicine, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Camilla Isgrò
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy;
- Department of Medicine, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Leonardo Palese
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy;
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27
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Perveen N, Muzaffar SB, Al-Deeb MA. Exploring human-animal host interactions and emergence of COVID-19: Evolutionary and ecological dynamics. Saudi J Biol Sci 2021; 28:1417-1425. [PMID: 33281479 PMCID: PMC7708805 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.11.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that emerged in December 2019 had caused substantial morbidity and mortality at the global level within few months. It affected economies, stopped travel, and isolated individuals and populations around the world. Wildlife, especially bats, serve as reservoirs of coronaviruses from which the variant Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged that causes COVID-19. In this review, we describe the current knowledge on COVID-19 and the significance of wildlife hosts in its emergence. Mammalian and avian coronaviruses have diverse host ranges with distinct lineages of coronaviruses. Recombination and reassortments occur more frequently in mixed-animal markets where diverse viral genotypes intermingle. Human coronaviruses have evolved through gene gains and losses primarily in interfaces where wildlife and humans come in frequent contact. There is a gap in our understanding of bats as reservoirs of coronaviruses and there is a misconception that bats periodically transmit coronaviruses to humans. Future research should investigate bat viral diversity and loads at interfaces between humans and bats. Furthermore, there is an urgent need to evaluate viral strains circulating in mixed animal markets, where the coronaviruses circulated before becoming adapted to humans. We propose and discuss a management intervention plan for COVID-19 and raise questions on the suitability of current containment plans. We anticipate that more virulent coronaviruses could emerge unless proper measures are taken to limit interactions between diverse wildlife and humans in wild animal markets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nighat Perveen
- Department of Biology, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sabir Bin Muzaffar
- Department of Biology, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohammad Ali Al-Deeb
- Department of Biology, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
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28
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Jin Z, Wang H, Duan Y, Yang H. The main protease and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase are two prime targets for SARS-CoV-2. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 538:63-71. [PMID: 33288200 PMCID: PMC7680044 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.10.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), poses an unprecedented global health crisis. It is particularly urgent to develop clinically effective therapies to contain the pandemic. The main protease (Mpro) and the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP), which are responsible for the viral polyprotein proteolytic process and viral genome replication and transcription, respectively, are two attractive drug targets for SARS-CoV-2. This review summarizes up-to-date progress in the structural and pharmacological aspects of those two key targets above. Different classes of inhibitors individually targeting Mpro and RdRP are discussed, which could promote drug development to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenming Jin
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China,School of Life Sciences and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Haofeng Wang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China,School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China,Corresponding author. Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yinkai Duan
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haitao Yang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China,Corresponding author
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29
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Roe MK, Junod NA, Young AR, Beachboard DC, Stobart CC. Targeting novel structural and functional features of coronavirus protease nsp5 (3CL pro, M pro) in the age of COVID-19. J Gen Virol 2021; 102. [PMID: 33507143 PMCID: PMC8515871 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus protease nsp5 (Mpro, 3CLpro) remains a primary target for coronavirus therapeutics due to its indispensable and conserved role in the proteolytic processing of the viral replicase polyproteins. In this review, we discuss the diversity of known coronaviruses, the role of nsp5 in coronavirus biology, and the structure and function of this protease across the diversity of known coronaviruses, and evaluate past and present efforts to develop inhibitors to the nsp5 protease with a particular emphasis on new and mostly unexplored potential targets of inhibition. With the recent emergence of pandemic SARS-CoV-2, this review provides novel and potentially innovative strategies and directions to develop effective therapeutics against the coronavirus protease nsp5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly K Roe
- Department of Biological Sciences, Butler University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Nathan A Junod
- Department of Biological Sciences, Butler University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Audrey R Young
- Department of Biological Sciences, Butler University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Dia C Beachboard
- Department of Biology, DeSales University, Center Valley, PA, USA
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30
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Xiong M, Su H, Zhao W, Xie H, Shao Q, Xu Y. What coronavirus 3C-like protease tells us: From structure, substrate selectivity, to inhibitor design. Med Res Rev 2021; 41:1965-1998. [PMID: 33460213 PMCID: PMC8014231 DOI: 10.1002/med.21783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of a variety of coronaviruses (CoVs) in the last decades has posed huge threats to human health. Especially, the ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to more than 70 million infections and over 1.6 million of deaths worldwide in the past few months. None of the efficacious antiviral agents against human CoVs have been approved yet. 3C-like protease (3CLpro ) is an attractive target for antiviral intervention due to its essential role in processing polyproteins translated from viral RNA, and its conserved structural feature and substrate specificity among CoVs in spite of the sequence variation. This review focuses on all available crystal structures of 12 CoV 3CLpro s and their inhibitors, and intends to provide a comprehensive understanding of this protease from multiple aspects including its structural features, substrate specificity, inhibitor binding modes, and more importantly, to recapitulate the similarity and diversity among different CoV 3CLpro s and the structure-activity relationship of various types of inhibitors. Such an attempt could gain a deep insight into the inhibition mechanisms and drive future structure-based drug discovery targeting 3CLpro s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muya Xiong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Haixia Su
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenfeng Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Hang Xie
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Shao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yechun Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
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31
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Isgrò C, Sardanelli AM, Palese LL. Systematic Search for SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Inhibitors for Drug Repurposing: Ethacrynic Acid as a Potential Drug. Viruses 2021; 13:v13010106. [PMID: 33451132 PMCID: PMC7828626 DOI: 10.3390/v13010106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2019 an outbreak occurred which resulted in a global pandemic. The causative agent has been identified in a virus belonging to the Coronaviridae family, similar to the agent of SARS, referred to as SARS-CoV-2. This epidemic spread rapidly globally with high morbidity and mortality. Although vaccine development is at a very advanced stage, there are currently no truly effective antiviral drugs to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this study we present systematic and integrative antiviral drug repurposing effort aimed at identifying, among the drugs already authorized for clinical use, some active inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease. The most important result of this analysis is the demonstration that ethacrynic acid, a powerful diuretic, is revealed to be an effective inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 main protease. Even with all the necessary cautions, given the particular nature of this drug, these data can be the starting point for the development of an effective therapeutic strategy against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Isgrò
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy;
- Department of Medicine, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Sardanelli
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy;
- Department of Medicine, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: or (A.M.S.); (L.L.P.)
| | - Luigi Leonardo Palese
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy;
- Correspondence: or (A.M.S.); (L.L.P.)
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32
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Chepur SV, Pluzhnikov NN, Chubar OV, Bakulina LS, Litvinenko IV, Makarov VA, Gogolevsky AS, Myasnikov VA, Myasnikova IA, Al-Shehadat RI. Respiratory RNA Viruses: How to Be Prepared for an Encounter with New Pandemic Virus Strains. BIOLOGY BULLETIN REVIEWS 2021; 11. [PMCID: PMC8078390 DOI: 10.1134/s207908642102002x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The characteristics of the biology of influenza viruses and coronavirus that determine the implementation of the infectious process are presented. With provision for pathogenesis of infection possible effects of serine proteinase inhibitors, heparin, and inhibitors of heparan sulfate receptors in the prevention of cell contamination by viruses are examined. It has been determined that chelators of metals of variable valency and antioxidants should be used for the reduction of replicative activity of viruses and anti-inflammatory therapy. The possibility of a pH-dependent impairment of glycosylation of cellular and viral proteins was traced for chloroquine and its derivatives. The use of low-toxicity drugs as part of adjunct therapy increases the effectiveness of synthetic antiviral drugs and interferons and ensures the safety of baseline therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. V. Chepur
- State Scientific Research Test Institute of Military Medicine of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, 195043 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - N. N. Pluzhnikov
- State Scientific Research Test Institute of Military Medicine of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, 195043 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - O. V. Chubar
- State Scientific Research Test Institute of Military Medicine of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, 195043 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - L. S. Bakulina
- Burdenko Voronezh State Medical University, 394036 Voronezh, Russia
| | | | - V. A. Makarov
- Fundamentals of Biotechnology Federal Research Center, 119071 Moscow, Russia
| | - A. S. Gogolevsky
- State Scientific Research Test Institute of Military Medicine of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, 195043 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - V. A. Myasnikov
- State Scientific Research Test Institute of Military Medicine of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, 195043 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - I. A. Myasnikova
- State Scientific Research Test Institute of Military Medicine of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, 195043 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - R. I. Al-Shehadat
- State Scientific Research Test Institute of Military Medicine of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, 195043 St. Petersburg, Russia
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33
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Banerjee R, Perera L, Tillekeratne LMV. Potential SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitors. Drug Discov Today 2020; 26:804-816. [PMID: 33309533 PMCID: PMC7724992 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has prompted an urgent need for new treatment strategies. No target-specific drugs are currently available for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), but new drug candidates targeting the viral replication cycle are being explored. A prime target of drug-discovery efforts is the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro). The main proteases of different coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), share a structurally conserved substrate-binding region that can be exploited to design new protease inhibitors. With the recent reporting of the X-ray crystal structure of the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, studies to discover Mpro inhibitors using both virtual and in vitro screening are progressing rapidly. This review focusses on the recent developments in the search for small-molecule inhibitors targeting the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riddhidev Banerjee
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
| | - Lalith Perera
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity and Structural Biology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
| | - L M Viranga Tillekeratne
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA.
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34
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Rodrigues GCS, Dos Santos Maia M, de Menezes RPB, Cavalcanti ABS, de Sousa NF, de Moura ÉP, Monteiro AFM, Scotti L, Scotti MT. Ligand and Structure-based Virtual Screening of Lamiaceae Diterpenes with Potential Activity against a Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Curr Top Med Chem 2020; 20:2126-2145. [PMID: 32674732 DOI: 10.2174/1568026620666200716114546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The emergence of a new coronavirus (CoV), named 2019-nCoV, as an outbreak originated in the city of Wuhan, China, has resulted in the death of more than 3,400 people this year alone and has caused worldwide an alarming situation, particularly following previous CoV epidemics, including the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003 and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in 2012. Currently, no exists for infections caused by CoVs; however, some natural products may represent potential treatment resources, such as those that contain diterpenes. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to use computational methods to perform a virtual screening (VS) of candidate diterpenes with the potential to act as CoV inhibitors. METHODS 1,955 diterpenes, derived from the Nepetoideae subfamily (Lamiaceae), were selected using the SistematX tool (https://sistematx.ufpb.br), which were used to make predictions. From the ChEMBL database, 3 sets of chemical structures were selected for the construction of predictive models. RESULTS The chemical structures of molecules with known activity against SARS CoV, two of which were tested for activity against specific viral proteins and one of which was tested for activity against the virus itself, were classified according to their pIC50 values [-log IC50 (mol/l)]. CONCLUSION In the consensus analysis approach, combining both ligand- and structure-based VSs, 19 compounds were selected as potential CoV inhibitors, including isotanshinone IIA (01), tanshinlactone (02), isocryptotanshinone (03), and tanshinketolactone (04), which did not present toxicity within the evaluated parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Cristina Soares Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Cheminformatics, Program of Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products (PgPNSB), Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa-PB, Brazil
| | - Mayara Dos Santos Maia
- Laboratory of Cheminformatics, Program of Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products (PgPNSB), Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa-PB, Brazil
| | - Renata Priscila Barros de Menezes
- Laboratory of Cheminformatics, Program of Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products (PgPNSB), Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa-PB, Brazil
| | - Andreza Barbosa Silva Cavalcanti
- Laboratory of Cheminformatics, Program of Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products (PgPNSB), Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa-PB, Brazil
| | - Natália Ferreira de Sousa
- Laboratory of Cheminformatics, Program of Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products (PgPNSB), Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa-PB, Brazil
| | - Érika Paiva de Moura
- Laboratory of Cheminformatics, Program of Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products (PgPNSB), Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa-PB, Brazil
| | - Alex France Messias Monteiro
- Laboratory of Cheminformatics, Program of Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products (PgPNSB), Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa-PB, Brazil
| | - Luciana Scotti
- Laboratory of Cheminformatics, Program of Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products (PgPNSB), Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa-PB, Brazil
| | - Marcus Tullius Scotti
- Laboratory of Cheminformatics, Program of Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products (PgPNSB), Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa-PB, Brazil
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Bharadwaj S, Azhar EI, Kamal MA, Bajrai LH, Dubey A, Jha K, Yadava U, Kang SG, Dwivedi VD. SARS-CoV-2 M pro inhibitors: identification of anti-SARS-CoV-2 M pro compounds from FDA approved drugs. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2020; 40:2769-2784. [PMID: 33150855 PMCID: PMC7651494 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2020.1842807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Recent outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has raised serious global concern for public health. The viral main 3-chymotrypsin-like cysteine protease (Mpro), known to control coronavirus replication and essential for viral life cycle, has been established as an essential drug discovery target for SARS-CoV-2. Herein, we employed computationally screening of Druglib database containing FDA approved drugs against active pocket of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro using MTiopen screen web server, yields a total of 1051 FDA approved drugs with docking energy >-7 kcal/mol. The top 10 screened potential compounds against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro were then studied by re-docking, binding affinity, intermolecular interaction, and complex stability via 100 ns all atoms molecular dynamics (MD) simulation followed by post-simulation analysis, including end point binding free energy, essential dynamics, and residual correlation analysis against native crystal structure ligand N3 inhibitor. Based on comparative molecular simulation and interaction profiling of the screened drugs with SARS-CoV-2 Mpro revealed R428 (-10.5 kcal/mol), Teniposide (-9.8 kcal/mol), VS-5584 (-9.4 kcal/mol), and Setileuton (-8.5 kcal/mol) with stronger stability and affinity than other drugs and N3 inhibitor; and hence, these drugs are advocated for further validation using in vitro enzyme inhibition and in vivo studies against SARS-CoV-2 infection.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiv Bharadwaj
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, College of Life and Applied Sciences, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Esam Ibraheem Azhar
- Medical Laboratory Sciences Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Centre, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Amjad Kamal
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Enzymoics, Novel Global Community Educational Foundation, Hebersham, Australia
| | - Leena Hussein Bajrai
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Centre, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amit Dubey
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, India
| | - Kanupriya Jha
- Center for Bioinformatics, Computational and System Biology, Pathfinder Research and Training Foundation, Greater Noida, India
| | - Umesh Yadava
- Department of Physics, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur, India
| | - Sang Gu Kang
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, College of Life and Applied Sciences, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Vivek Dhar Dwivedi
- Center for Bioinformatics, Computational and System Biology, Pathfinder Research and Training Foundation, Greater Noida, India
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Alexander SP, Armstrong JF, Davenport AP, Davies JA, Faccenda E, Harding SD, Levi‐Schaffer F, Maguire JJ, Pawson AJ, Southan C, Spedding M. A rational roadmap for SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 pharmacotherapeutic research and development: IUPHAR Review 29. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:4942-4966. [PMID: 32358833 PMCID: PMC7267163 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we identify opportunities for drug discovery in the treatment of COVID-19 and, in so doing, provide a rational roadmap whereby pharmacology and pharmacologists can mitigate against the global pandemic. We assess the scope for targeting key host and viral targets in the mid-term, by first screening these targets against drugs already licensed, an agenda for drug repurposing, which should allow rapid translation to clinical trials. A simultaneous, multi-pronged approach using conventional drug discovery methods aimed at discovering novel chemical and biological means of targeting a short list of host and viral entities which should extend the arsenal of anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents. This longer term strategy would provide a deeper pool of drug choices for future-proofing against acquired drug resistance. Second, there will be further viral threats, which will inevitably evade existing vaccines. This will require a coherent therapeutic strategy which pharmacology and pharmacologists are best placed to provide. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on The Pharmacology of COVID-19. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v177.21/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve P.H. Alexander
- Chair, Nomenclature and Standards Committee of the International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (NC‐IUPHAR), School of Life SciencesUniversity of NottinghamNottinghamUK
| | - Jane F. Armstrong
- Curator, Guide to PHARMACOLOGY (GtoPdb), Deanery of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | | | - Jamie A. Davies
- Principal Investigator, Guide to PHARMACOLOGY (GtoPdb), Executive Committee, NC‐IUPHAR, Deanery of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Elena Faccenda
- Curator, Guide to PHARMACOLOGY (GtoPdb), Deanery of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Simon D. Harding
- Database Developer, Guide to PHARMACOLOGY (GtoPdb), Deanery of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Francesca Levi‐Schaffer
- First Vice‐President and Chair of Immunopharmacology Section, International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (IUPHAR)Hebrew University of JerusalemJerusalemIsrael
| | | | - Adam J. Pawson
- Senior Curator, Guide to PHARMACOLOGY (GtoPdb), Executive Committee, NC‐IUPHAR, Deanery of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Christopher Southan
- Deanery of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
- TW2Informatics LtdGothenburgSweden
| | - Michael Spedding
- Secretary‐General, International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (IUPHAR) and Spedding Research Solutions SASLe VesinetFrance
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Hu Y, Ma C, Szeto T, Hurst B, Tarbet B, Wang J. Boceprevir, calpain inhibitors II and XII, and GC-376 have broad-spectrum antiviral activity against coronaviruses in cell culture. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2020:2020.10.30.362335. [PMID: 33140049 PMCID: PMC7605558 DOI: 10.1101/2020.10.30.362335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to fold out, the morbidity and mortality are increasing daily. Effective treatment for SARS-CoV-2 is urgently needed. We recently discovered four SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) inhibitors including boceprevir, calpain inhibitors II and XII and GC-376 with potent antiviral activity against infectious SARS-CoV-2 in cell culture. Despite the weaker enzymatic inhibition of calpain inhibitors II and XII against Mpro compared to GC-376, calpain inhibitors II and XII had more potent cellular antiviral activity. This observation promoted us to hypothesize that the cellular antiviral activity of calpain inhibitors II and XII might also involve the inhibition of cathepsin L in addition to Mpro. To test this hypothesis, we tested calpain inhibitors II and XII in the SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus neutralization assay in Vero E6 cells and found that both compounds significantly decreased pseudoviral particle entry into cells, indicating their role in inhibiting cathepsin L. The involvement of cathepsin L was further confirmed in the drug time-of-addition experiment. In addition, we found that these four compounds not only inhibit SARS-CoV-2, but also SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, as well as human coronaviruses (CoVs) 229E, OC43, and NL63. The mechanism of action is through targeting the viral Mpro, which was supported by the thermal shift binding assay and enzymatic FRET assay. We further showed that these four compounds have additive antiviral effect when combined with remdesivir. Altogether, these results suggest that boceprevir, calpain inhibitors II and XII, and GC-376 are not only promising antiviral drug candidates against existing human coronaviruses, but also might work against future emerging CoVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanmei Hu
- Department of Pharmacology and toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, 1703 E. Mabel St, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
| | - Chunlong Ma
- Department of Pharmacology and toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, 1703 E. Mabel St, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
| | - Tommy Szeto
- Department of Pharmacology and toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, 1703 E. Mabel St, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
| | - Brett Hurst
- Institute of Antiviral Research, Utah State University, 5600 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT, 84322, United States
| | - Bart Tarbet
- Institute of Antiviral Research, Utah State University, 5600 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT, 84322, United States
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, 1703 E. Mabel St, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
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Abu-Saleh AAAA, Awad IE, Yadav A, Poirier RA. Discovery of potent inhibitors for SARS-CoV-2's main protease by ligand-based/structure-based virtual screening, MD simulations, and binding energy calculations. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2020; 22:23099-23106. [PMID: 33025993 DOI: 10.1039/d0cp04326e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 has caused lockdowns all over the world in early 2020, as a global pandemic. Both theoretical and experimental efforts are seeking to find an effective treatment to suppress the virus. In silico drug design can play a vital role in identifying promising drug candidates against COVID-19. Herein, we focused on the main protease of SARS-CoV-2 that has crucial biological functions in the virus. We performed a ligand-based virtual screening followed by a docking screening for testing approved drugs and bioactive compounds listed in the DrugBank and ChEMBL databases. The top 8 docking results were advanced to all-atom MD simulations to study the relative stability of the protein-ligand interactions. MD simulations support that the catalytic residue, His41, has a neutral side chain with a protonated delta position. An absolute binding energy (ΔG) of -42 kJ mol-1 for the protein-ligand (Mpro-N3) complex has been calculated using the potential-of-mean-force (geometrical) approach. Furthermore, the relative binding energies were computed for the top docking results. Our results suggest several promising approved and bioactive inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro as follows: a bioactive compound, ChEMBL275592, which has the best MM/GBSA binding energy; the second-best compound, montelukast, is an approved drug used in the treatment of asthma and allergic rhinitis; the third-best compound, ChEMBL288347, is a bioactive compound. Bromocriptine and saquinavir are other approved drugs that also demonstrate stability in the active site of Mpro, albeit their relative binding energies are low compared to the N3 inhibitor. This study provides useful insights into de novo protein design and novel inhibitor development, which could reduce the cost and time required for the discovery of a potent drug to combat SARS-CoV-2.
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Amamuddy OS, Verkhivker GM, Bishop ÖT. Impact of Early Pandemic Stage Mutations on Molecular Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 M pro. J Chem Inf Model 2020; 60:5080-5102. [PMID: 32853525 PMCID: PMC7496595 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.0c00634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
A new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is a global threat to world health and economy. Its dimeric main protease (Mpro), which is required for the proteolytic cleavage of viral precursor proteins, is a good candidate for drug development owing to its conservation and the absence of a human homolog. Improving our understanding of Mpro behavior can accelerate the discovery of effective therapies to reduce mortality. All-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations (100 ns) of 50 mutant Mpro dimers obtained from filtered sequences from the GISAID database were analyzed using root-mean-square deviation, root-mean-square fluctuation, Rg, averaged betweenness centrality, and geometry calculations. The results showed that SARS-CoV-2 Mpro essentially behaves in a similar manner to its SAR-CoV homolog. However, we report the following new findings from the variants: (1) Residues GLY15, VAL157, and PRO184 have mutated more than once in SARS CoV-2; (2) the D48E variant has lead to a novel "TSEEMLN"" loop at the binding pocket; (3) inactive apo Mpro does not show signs of dissociation in 100 ns MD; (4) a non-canonical pose for PHE140 widens the substrate binding surface; (5) dual allosteric pockets coinciding with various stabilizing and functional components of the substrate binding pocket were found to display correlated compaction dynamics; (6) high betweenness centrality values for residues 17 and 128 in all Mpro samples suggest their high importance in dimer stability-one such consequence has been observed for the M17I mutation whereby one of the N-fingers was highly unstable. (7) Independent coarse-grained Monte Carlo simulations suggest a relationship between the rigidity/mutability and enzymatic function. Our entire approach combining database preparation, variant retrieval, homology modeling, dynamic residue network (DRN), relevant conformation retrieval from 1-D kernel density estimates from reaction coordinates to other existing approaches of structural analysis, and data visualization within the coronaviral Mpro is also novel and is applicable to other coronaviral proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Sheik Amamuddy
- Research Unit in Bioinformatics, Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa
| | - Gennady M. Verkhivker
- Graduate Program in Computational and Data Sciences, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, CA 92866, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA 92618, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Özlem Tastan Bishop
- Research Unit in Bioinformatics, Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa
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Makarov V, Riabova O, Ekins S, Pluzhnikov N, Chepur S. The past, present and future of RNA respiratory viruses: influenza and coronaviruses. Pathog Dis 2020; 78:ftaa046. [PMID: 32860686 PMCID: PMC7499567 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftaa046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza virus and coronaviruses continue to cause pandemics across the globe. We now have a greater understanding of their functions. Unfortunately, the number of drugs in our armory to defend us against them is inadequate. This may require us to think about what mechanisms to address. Here, we review the biological properties of these viruses, their genetic evolution and antiviral therapies that can be used or have been attempted. We will describe several classes of drugs such as serine protease inhibitors, heparin, heparan sulfate receptor inhibitors, chelating agents, immunomodulators and many others. We also briefly describe some of the drug repurposing efforts that have taken place in an effort to rapidly identify molecules to treat patients with COVID-19. While we put a heavy emphasis on the past and present efforts, we also provide some thoughts about what we need to do to prepare for respiratory viral threats in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vadim Makarov
- Federal Research Center Fundamentals of Biotechnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 33-2 Leninsky Prospect, Moscow 119071, Russia
| | - Olga Riabova
- Federal Research Center Fundamentals of Biotechnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 33-2 Leninsky Prospect, Moscow 119071, Russia
| | - Sean Ekins
- Collaborations Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 840 Main Campus Drive, Lab 3510, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Nikolay Pluzhnikov
- State Research Institute of Military Medicine of the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation, St Petersburg 195043, Russia
| | - Sergei Chepur
- State Research Institute of Military Medicine of the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation, St Petersburg 195043, Russia
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41
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Jin Z, Du X, Xu Y, Deng Y, Liu M, Zhao Y, Zhang B, Li X, Zhang L, Peng C, Duan Y, Yu J, Wang L, Yang K, Liu F, Jiang R, Yang X, You T, Liu X, Yang X, Bai F, Liu H, Liu X, Guddat LW, Xu W, Xiao G, Qin C, Shi Z, Jiang H, Rao Z, Yang H. Structure of M pro from SARS-CoV-2 and discovery of its inhibitors. Nature 2020. [PMID: 32272481 DOI: 10.1016/j.dyepig.2018.04.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
A new coronavirus, known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is the aetiological agent responsible for the 2019-2020 viral pneumonia outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)1-4. Currently, there are no targeted therapeutic agents for the treatment of this disease, and effective treatment options remain very limited. Here we describe the results of a programme that aimed to rapidly discover lead compounds for clinical use, by combining structure-assisted drug design, virtual drug screening and high-throughput screening. This programme focused on identifying drug leads that target main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2: Mpro is a key enzyme of coronaviruses and has a pivotal role in mediating viral replication and transcription, making it an attractive drug target for SARS-CoV-25,6. We identified a mechanism-based inhibitor (N3) by computer-aided drug design, and then determined the crystal structure of Mpro of SARS-CoV-2 in complex with this compound. Through a combination of structure-based virtual and high-throughput screening, we assayed more than 10,000 compounds-including approved drugs, drug candidates in clinical trials and other pharmacologically active compounds-as inhibitors of Mpro. Six of these compounds inhibited Mpro, showing half-maximal inhibitory concentration values that ranged from 0.67 to 21.4 μM. One of these compounds (ebselen) also exhibited promising antiviral activity in cell-based assays. Our results demonstrate the efficacy of our screening strategy, which can lead to the rapid discovery of drug leads with clinical potential in response to new infectious diseases for which no specific drugs or vaccines are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenming Jin
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Du
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yechun Xu
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongqiang Deng
- Department of Virology, State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Meiqin Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yao Zhao
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bing Zhang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaofeng Li
- Department of Virology, State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Leike Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Chao Peng
- National Facility for Protein Science in Shanghai, Zhangjiang Lab, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Yinkai Duan
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Yu
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kailin Yang
- Taussig Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Fengjiang Liu
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rendi Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinglou Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Tian You
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoce Liu
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiuna Yang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fang Bai
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Frontiers Science Center for Cell Response, College of Life Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Luke W Guddat
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Wenqing Xu
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- National Facility for Protein Science in Shanghai, Zhangjiang Lab, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Gengfu Xiao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Chengfeng Qin
- Department of Virology, State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhengli Shi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Hualiang Jiang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zihe Rao
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Frontiers Science Center for Cell Response, College of Life Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Haitao Yang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.
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Jin Z, Du X, Xu Y, Deng Y, Liu M, Zhao Y, Zhang B, Li X, Zhang L, Peng C, Duan Y, Yu J, Wang L, Yang K, Liu F, Jiang R, Yang X, You T, Liu X, Yang X, Bai F, Liu H, Liu X, Guddat LW, Xu W, Xiao G, Qin C, Shi Z, Jiang H, Rao Z, Yang H. Structure of M pro from SARS-CoV-2 and discovery of its inhibitors. Nature 2020; 582:289-293. [PMID: 32272481 DOI: 10.1101/2020.02.26.964882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
A new coronavirus, known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is the aetiological agent responsible for the 2019-2020 viral pneumonia outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)1-4. Currently, there are no targeted therapeutic agents for the treatment of this disease, and effective treatment options remain very limited. Here we describe the results of a programme that aimed to rapidly discover lead compounds for clinical use, by combining structure-assisted drug design, virtual drug screening and high-throughput screening. This programme focused on identifying drug leads that target main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2: Mpro is a key enzyme of coronaviruses and has a pivotal role in mediating viral replication and transcription, making it an attractive drug target for SARS-CoV-25,6. We identified a mechanism-based inhibitor (N3) by computer-aided drug design, and then determined the crystal structure of Mpro of SARS-CoV-2 in complex with this compound. Through a combination of structure-based virtual and high-throughput screening, we assayed more than 10,000 compounds-including approved drugs, drug candidates in clinical trials and other pharmacologically active compounds-as inhibitors of Mpro. Six of these compounds inhibited Mpro, showing half-maximal inhibitory concentration values that ranged from 0.67 to 21.4 μM. One of these compounds (ebselen) also exhibited promising antiviral activity in cell-based assays. Our results demonstrate the efficacy of our screening strategy, which can lead to the rapid discovery of drug leads with clinical potential in response to new infectious diseases for which no specific drugs or vaccines are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenming Jin
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Du
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yechun Xu
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongqiang Deng
- Department of Virology, State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Meiqin Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yao Zhao
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bing Zhang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaofeng Li
- Department of Virology, State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Leike Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Chao Peng
- National Facility for Protein Science in Shanghai, Zhangjiang Lab, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Yinkai Duan
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Yu
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kailin Yang
- Taussig Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Fengjiang Liu
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rendi Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinglou Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Tian You
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoce Liu
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiuna Yang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fang Bai
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Frontiers Science Center for Cell Response, College of Life Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Luke W Guddat
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Wenqing Xu
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- National Facility for Protein Science in Shanghai, Zhangjiang Lab, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Gengfu Xiao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Chengfeng Qin
- Department of Virology, State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhengli Shi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Hualiang Jiang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zihe Rao
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Frontiers Science Center for Cell Response, College of Life Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Haitao Yang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.
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Gyebi GA, Ogunro OB, Adegunloye AP, Ogunyemi OM, Afolabi SO. Potential inhibitors of coronavirus 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CL pro): an in silico screening of alkaloids and terpenoids from African medicinal plants. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2020; 39:3396-3408. [PMID: 32367767 PMCID: PMC7256353 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2020.1764868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-COV-2 has raised myriad of
global concerns. There is currently no FDA approved antiviral strategy to alleviate the
disease burden. The conserved 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro), which
controls coronavirus replication is a promising drug target for combating the coronavirus
infection. This study screens some African plants derived alkaloids and terpenoids as
potential inhibitors of coronavirus 3CLpro using in silico
approach. Bioactive alkaloids (62) and terpenoids (100) of plants native to Africa were
docked to the 3CLpro of the novel SARS-CoV-2. The top twenty alkaloids and
terpenoids with high binding affinities to the SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro were further
docked to the 3CLpro of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. The docking scores were compared
with 3CLpro-referenced inhibitors (Lopinavir and Ritonavir). The top docked
compounds were further subjected to ADEM/Tox and Lipinski filtering analyses for
drug-likeness prediction analysis. This ligand-protein interaction study revealed that
more than half of the top twenty alkaloids and terpenoids interacted favourably with the
coronaviruses 3CLpro, and had binding affinities that surpassed that of
lopinavir and ritonavir. Also, a highly defined hit-list of seven compounds
(10-Hydroxyusambarensine, Cryptoquindoline, 6-Oxoisoiguesterin, 22-Hydroxyhopan-3-one,
Cryptospirolepine, Isoiguesterin and 20-Epibryonolic acid) were
identified. Furthermore, four non-toxic, druggable plant derived alkaloids
(10-Hydroxyusambarensine, and Cryptoquindoline) and terpenoids (6-Oxoisoiguesterin and
22-Hydroxyhopan-3-one), that bind to the receptor-binding site and catalytic dyad of
SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro were identified from the predictive ADME/tox and Lipinski
filter analysis. However, further experimental analyses are required for developing these
possible leads into natural anti-COVID-19 therapeutic agents for combating the
pandemic. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma
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Affiliation(s)
- Gideon A Gyebi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Salem University, Lokoja, Nigeria
| | - Olalekan B Ogunro
- Department of Biological Sciences, KolaDaisi University, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Adegbenro P Adegunloye
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | | | - Saheed O Afolabi
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
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44
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Boopathi S, Poma AB, Kolandaivel P. Novel 2019 coronavirus structure, mechanism of action, antiviral drug promises and rule out against its treatment. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2020; 39:3409-3418. [PMID: 32306836 PMCID: PMC7196923 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2020.1758788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 290] [Impact Index Per Article: 72.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
In the past two decades, the world has faced several infectious disease outbreaks. Ebola, Influenza A (H1N1), SARS, MERS, and Zika virus have had a massive global impact in terms of economic disruption, the strain on local and global public health. Most recently, the global outbreak of novel coronavirus 2019 (SARS-CoV-2) that causes COVID-19 is a newly discovered virus from the coronavirus family in Wuhan city, China, known to be a great threat to the public health systems. As of 15 April 2020, The Johns Hopkins University estimated that the COVID-19 affected more than two million people, resulting in a death toll above 130,000 around the world. Infected people in Europe and America correspond about 40% and 30% of the total reported cases respectively. At this moment only few Asian countries have controlled the disease, but a second wave of new infections is expected. Predicting inhibitor and target to the COVID-19 is an urgent need to protect human from the disease. Therefore, a protocol to identify anti-COVID-19 candidate based on computer-aided drug design is urgently needed. Thousands of compounds including approved drugs and drugs in the clinical trial are available in the literature. In practice, experimental techniques can measure the time and space average properties but they cannot be captured the structural variation of the COVID-19 during the interaction of inhibitor. Computer simulation is particularly suitable to complement experiments to elucidate conformational changes at the molecular level which are related to inhibition process of the COVID-19. Therefore, computational simulation is essential tool to elucidate the phenomenon. The structure-based virtual screening computational approach will be used to filter the best drugs from the literature, the investigate the structural variation of COVID-19 with the interaction of the best inhibitor is a fundamental step to design new drugs and vaccines which can combat the coronavirus. This mini-review will address novel coronavirus structure, mechanism of action, and trial test of antiviral drugs in the lab and patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subramanian Boopathi
- Centro de Bioinformática y Simulación Molecular (CBSM), Universidad de Talca, Talca, Chile
| | - Adolfo B Poma
- Department of Biosystems and Soft Matter, Institute of Fundamental Technological Research Polish Academy of Science, Warsaw, Poland
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45
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Jin Z, Du X, Xu Y, Deng Y, Liu M, Zhao Y, Zhang B, Li X, Zhang L, Peng C, Duan Y, Yu J, Wang L, Yang K, Liu F, Jiang R, Yang X, You T, Liu X, Yang X, Bai F, Liu H, Liu X, Guddat LW, Xu W, Xiao G, Qin C, Shi Z, Jiang H, Rao Z, Yang H. Structure of Mpro from SARS-CoV-2 and discovery of its inhibitors. Nature 2020; 582:289-293. [DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-2223-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2158] [Impact Index Per Article: 539.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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46
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Kanitz M, Blanck S, Heine A, Gulyaeva AA, Gorbalenya AE, Ziebuhr J, Diederich WE. Structural basis for catalysis and substrate specificity of a 3C-like cysteine protease from a mosquito mesonivirus. Virology 2019; 533:21-33. [PMID: 31078932 PMCID: PMC7111312 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2019.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Cavally virus (CavV) is a mosquito-borne plus-strand RNA virus in the family Mesoniviridae (order Nidovirales). We present X-ray structures for the CavV 3C-like protease (3CLpro), as a free enzyme and in complex with a peptide aldehyde inhibitor mimicking the P4-to-P1 residues of a natural substrate. The 3CLpro structure (refined to 1.94 Å) shows that the protein forms dimers. The monomers are comprised of N-terminal domains I and II, which adopt a chymotrypsin-like fold, and a C-terminal α-helical domain III. The catalytic Cys-His dyad is assisted by a complex network of interactions involving a water molecule that mediates polar contacts between the catalytic His and a conserved Asp located in the domain II-III junction and is suitably positioned to stabilize the developing positive charge of the catalytic His in the transition state during catalysis. The study also reveals the structural basis for the distinct P2 Asn-specific substrate-binding pocket of mesonivirus 3CLpros. First structure of a 3CLpro of an invertebrate RNA virus. Structural basis of the unique substrate specificity defined by Asn at the P2 position of mesonivirus 3CLpro substrates. Emerging role of a conserved Asp residue that assists the Cys-His catalytic dyad in vertebrate and invertebrate 3CLpros.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Kanitz
- Center for Tumor Biology and Immunology, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany; Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Sandra Blanck
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Heine
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Anastasia A Gulyaeva
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Alexander E Gorbalenya
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia; Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - John Ziebuhr
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.
| | - Wibke E Diederich
- Center for Tumor Biology and Immunology, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany; Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany.
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47
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Rumlová M, Ruml T. In vitro methods for testing antiviral drugs. Biotechnol Adv 2018; 36:557-576. [PMID: 29292156 PMCID: PMC7127693 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2017.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Despite successful vaccination programs and effective treatments for some viral infections, humans are still losing the battle with viruses. Persisting human pandemics, emerging and re-emerging viruses, and evolution of drug-resistant strains impose continuous search for new antiviral drugs. A combination of detailed information about the molecular organization of viruses and progress in molecular biology and computer technologies has enabled rational antivirals design. Initial step in establishing efficacy of new antivirals is based on simple methods assessing inhibition of the intended target. We provide here an overview of biochemical and cell-based assays evaluating the activity of inhibitors of clinically important viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Rumlová
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague 166 28, Czech Republic.
| | - Tomáš Ruml
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague 166 28, Czech Republic.
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48
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Zeng ZQ, Chen DH, Tan WP, Qiu SY, Xu D, Liang HX, Chen MX, Li X, Lin ZS, Liu WK, Zhou R. Epidemiology and clinical characteristics of human coronaviruses OC43, 229E, NL63, and HKU1: a study of hospitalized children with acute respiratory tract infection in Guangzhou, China. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2017; 37:363-369. [PMID: 29214503 PMCID: PMC5780525 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-017-3144-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Human coronaviruses (HCoV) OC43, 229E, NL63, and HKU1 are common respiratory viruses which cause various respiratory diseases, including pneumonia. There is a paucity of evidence on the epidemiology and clinical manifestations of these four HCoV strains worldwide. We collected 11,399 throat swabs from hospitalized children with acute respiratory tract infection from July 2009 to June 2016 in Guangzhou, China. These were tested for four strains of HCoV infection using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). HCoV-positive patients were then tested for 11 other respiratory pathogens. 4.3% (489/11399) of patients were positive for HCoV, of which 3.0% were positive for OC43 (346/11399), 0.6% for 229E (65/11399), 0.5% for NL63 (60/11399), and 0.3% for HKU1 (38/11399). Patients aged 7–12 months had the highest prevalence of HCoV and OC43 when compared with other age groups (p < 0.001). The peak seasons of infection varied depending on the HCoV strain. Patients infected with a single strain of HCoV infection were less likely to present fever (≥ 38 °C) (p = 0.014) and more likely to present pulmonary rales (p = 0.043) than those co-infected with more than one HCoV strain or other respiratory pathogens. There were also significant differences in the prevalence of certain symptoms, including coughing (p = 0.032), pneumonia (p = 0.026), and abnormal pulmonary rales (p = 0.002) according to the strain of HCoV detected. This retrospective study of the prevalence of four HCoV strains and clinical signs among a large population of pediatric patients in a subtropical region of China provides further insight into the epidemiology and clinical features of HCoV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Qi Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510182, China
| | - De-Hui Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510120, China
| | - Wei-Ping Tan
- Department of Pediatrics, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510120, China
| | - Shu-Yan Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510182, China
| | - Duo Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510182, China
| | - Huan-Xi Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510182, China
| | - Mei-Xin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510182, China
| | - Xiao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510182, China
| | - Zheng-Shi Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510182, China
| | - Wen-Kuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510182, China.
| | - Rong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510182, China.
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49
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Wang F, Chen C, Yang K, Xu Y, Liu X, Gao F, Liu H, Chen X, Zhao Q, Liu X, Cai Y, Yang H. Michael Acceptor-Based Peptidomimetic Inhibitor of Main Protease from Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus. J Med Chem 2017; 60:3212-3216. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b00103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Fenghua Wang
- School
of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Cheng Chen
- School
of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology and Medicine, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Kailin Yang
- Cleveland
Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, United States
| | - Yang Xu
- Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology and Medicine, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Xiaomei Liu
- Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology and Medicine, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Fan Gao
- Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology and Medicine, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - He Liu
- Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology and Medicine, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Xia Chen
- School
of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Qi Zhao
- Department
of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
| | - Xiang Liu
- Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology and Medicine, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Yan Cai
- Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology and Medicine, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Haitao Yang
- School
of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology and Medicine, Tianjin 300457, China
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50
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Structure of Main Protease from Human Coronavirus NL63: Insights for Wide Spectrum Anti-Coronavirus Drug Design. Sci Rep 2016; 6:22677. [PMID: 26948040 PMCID: PMC4780191 DOI: 10.1038/srep22677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
First identified in The Netherlands in 2004, human coronavirus NL63 (HCoV-NL63) was found to cause worldwide infections. Patients infected by HCoV-NL63 are typically young children with upper and lower respiratory tract infection, presenting with symptoms including croup, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia. Unfortunately, there are currently no effective antiviral therapy to contain HCoV-NL63 infection. CoV genomes encode an integral viral component, main protease (M(pro)), which is essential for viral replication through proteolytic processing of RNA replicase machinery. Due to the sequence and structural conservation among all CoVs, M(pro) has been recognized as an attractive molecular target for rational anti-CoV drug design. Here we present the crystal structure of HCoV-NL63 M(pro) in complex with a Michael acceptor inhibitor N3. Structural analysis, consistent with biochemical inhibition results, reveals the molecular mechanism of enzyme inhibition at the highly conservative substrate-recognition pocket. We show such molecular target remains unchanged across 30 clinical isolates of HCoV-NL63 strains. Through comparative study with M(pro)s from other human CoVs (including the deadly SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV) and their related zoonotic CoVs, our structure of HCoV-NL63 M(pro) provides critical insight into rational development of wide spectrum antiviral therapeutics to treat infections caused by human CoVs.
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