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Bestle D, Bittel L, Werner AD, Kämper L, Dolnik O, Krähling V, Steinmetzer T, Böttcher-Friebertshäuser E. Novel proteolytic activation of Ebolavirus glycoprotein GP by TMPRSS2 and cathepsin L at an uncharted position can compensate for furin cleavage. Virus Res 2024; 347:199430. [PMID: 38964470 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2024.199430] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
A multistep priming process involving furin and endosomal cathepsin B and L (CatB/L) has been described for the Orthoebolavirus zairense (EBOV) glycoprotein GP. Inhibition or knockdown of either furin or endosomal cathepsins, however, did not prevent virus multiplication in cell cultures. Moreover, an EBOV mutant lacking the furin cleavage motif (RRTRR→AGTAA) was able to replicate and cause fatal disease in nonhuman primates, indicating that furin cleavage may be dispensable for virus infectivity. Here, by using protease inhibitors and EBOV GP-carrying recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) and transcription and replication-competent virus-like particles (trVLPs) we found that processing of EBOV GP is mediated by different proteases in different cell lines depending on the protease repertoire available. Endosomal cathepsins were essential for EBOV GP entry in Huh-7 but not in Vero cells, in which trypsin-like proteases and stably expressed trypsin-like transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) supported wild-type EBOV GP and EBOV GP_AGTAA mutant entry. Furthermore, we show that the EBOV GP_AGTAA mutant is cleaved into fusion-competent GP2 by TMPRSS2 and by CatL at a so far unknown site. Fluorescence microscopy co-localization studies indicate that EBOV GP cleavage by TMPRSS2 may occur in the TGN prior to virus release or in the late endosome at the stage of virus entry into a new cell. Our data show that EBOV GP must be proteolytically activated to support virus entry but has even greater flexibility in terms of proteases and the precise cleavage site than previously assumed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothea Bestle
- Institute of Virology, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Linda Bittel
- Institute of Virology, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | | | - Lennart Kämper
- Institute of Virology, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Olga Dolnik
- Institute of Virology, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Verena Krähling
- Institute of Virology, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Gießen-Marburg-Langen, Marburg, Germany
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2
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Gamba D, van Eijk N, Lányi K, Monostory K, Steinmetzer T, Marosi A, Rácz A, Bajusz D, Kruhl D, Böttcher-Friebertshäuser E, Pászti-Gere E. PK/PD investigation of antiviral host matriptase/TMPRSS2 inhibitors in cell models. Sci Rep 2024; 14:16621. [PMID: 39025978 PMCID: PMC11258351 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67633-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Certain corona- and influenza viruses utilize type II transmembrane serine proteases for cell entry, making these enzymes potential drug targets for the treatment of viral respiratory infections. In this study, the cytotoxicity and inhibitory effects of seven matriptase/TMPRSS2 inhibitors (MI-21, MI-463, MI-472, MI-485, MI-1900, MI-1903, and MI-1904) on cytochrome P450 enzymes were evaluated using fluorometric assays. Additionally, their antiviral activity against influenza A virus subtypes H1N1 and H9N2 was assessed. The metabolic depletion rates of these inhibitors in human primary hepatocytes were determined over a 120-min period by LC-MS/MS, and PK parameters were calculated. The tested compounds, with the exception of MI-21, displayed potent inhibition of CYP3A4, while all compounds lacked inhibitory effects on CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP2D6. The differences between the CYP3A4 activity within the series were rationalized by ligand docking. Elucidation of PK parameters showed that inhibitors MI-463, MI-472, MI-485, MI-1900 and MI-1904 were more stable compounds than MI-21 and MI-1903. Anti-H1N1 properties of inhibitors MI-463 and MI-1900 and anti-H9N2 effects of MI-463 were shown at 20 and 50 µM after 24 h incubation with the inhibitors, suggesting that these inhibitors can be applied to block entry of these viruses by suppressing host matriptase/TMPRSS2-mediated cleavage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dávid Gamba
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István Utca 2, 1078, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nicholas van Eijk
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István Utca 2, 1078, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Katalin Lányi
- Department of Food Hygiene, University of Veterinary Medicine, István Utca 2, 1078, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Katalin Monostory
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Torsten Steinmetzer
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University Marburg, Marbacher Weg 6, 35032, Marburg, Germany
| | - András Marosi
- Virology Research Group, Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hungária krt 23, 1143, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anita Rácz
- Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dávid Bajusz
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Diana Kruhl
- Institute of Virology, Philipps-University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 2, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | | | - Erzsébet Pászti-Gere
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István Utca 2, 1078, Budapest, Hungary.
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3
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Heindl MR, Rupp AL, Schwerdtner M, Bestle D, Harbig A, De Rocher A, Schmacke LC, Staker B, Steinmetzer T, Stein DA, Moulton HM, Böttcher-Friebertshäuser E. ACE2 acts as a novel regulator of TMPRSS2-catalyzed proteolytic activation of influenza A virus in airway cells. J Virol 2024; 98:e0010224. [PMID: 38470058 PMCID: PMC11019950 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00102-24] [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: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) activates the outer structural proteins of a number of respiratory viruses including influenza A virus (IAV), parainfluenza viruses, and various coronaviruses for membrane fusion. Previous studies showed that TMPRSS2 interacts with the carboxypeptidase angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a cell surface protein that serves as an entry receptor for some coronaviruses. Here, by using protease activity assays, we determine that ACE2 increases the enzymatic activity of TMPRSS2 in a non-catalytic manner. Furthermore, we demonstrate that ACE2 knockdown inhibits TMPRSS2-mediated cleavage of IAV hemagglutinin (HA) in Calu-3 human airway cells and suppresses virus titers 100- to 1.000-fold. Transient expression of ACE2 in ACE2-deficient cells increased TMPRSS2-mediated HA cleavage and IAV replication. ACE2 knockdown also reduced titers of MERS-CoV and prevented S cleavage by TMPRSS2 in Calu-3 cells. By contrast, proteolytic activation and multicycle replication of IAV with multibasic HA cleavage site typically cleaved by furin were not affected by ACE2 knockdown. Co-immunoprecipitation analysis revealed that ACE2-TMPRSS2 interaction requires the enzymatic activity of TMPRSS2 and the carboxypeptidase domain of ACE2. Together, our data identify ACE2 as a new co-factor or stabilizer of TMPRSS2 activity and as a novel host cell factor involved in proteolytic activation and spread of IAV in human airway cells. Furthermore, our data indicate that ACE2 is involved in the TMPRSS2-catalyzed activation of additional respiratory viruses including MERS-CoV.IMPORTANCEProteolytic cleavage of viral envelope proteins by host cell proteases is essential for the infectivity of many viruses and relevant proteases provide promising drug targets. The transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) has been identified as a major activating protease of several respiratory viruses, including influenza A virus. TMPRSS2 was previously shown to interact with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Here, we report the mechanistic details of this interaction. We demonstrate that ACE2 increases or stabilizes the enzymatic activity of TMPRSS2. Furthermore, we describe ACE2 involvement in TMPRSS2-catalyzed cleavage of the influenza A virus hemagglutinin and MERS-CoV spike protein in human airway cells. These findings expand our knowledge of the activation of respiratory viruses by TMPRSS2 and the host cell factors involved. In addition, our results could help to elucidate a physiological role for TMPRSS2.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna-Lena Rupp
- Institute of Virology, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | | | - Dorothea Bestle
- Institute of Virology, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Anne Harbig
- Institute of Virology, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Amy De Rocher
- Seattle Structural Genomics Center for Infectious Disease (SSGCID), Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Luna C. Schmacke
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Bart Staker
- Seattle Structural Genomics Center for Infectious Disease (SSGCID), Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Torsten Steinmetzer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - David A. Stein
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Hong M. Moulton
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
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4
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Strobelt R, Adler J, Shaul Y. The Transmembrane Protease Serine 2 (TMPRSS2) Non-Protease Domains Regulating Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Spike-Mediated Virus Entry. Viruses 2023; 15:2124. [PMID: 37896901 PMCID: PMC10612036 DOI: 10.3390/v15102124] [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: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) enters cells by binding to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) receptor. This process is aided by the transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2), which enhances entry efficiency and infectiousness by cleaving the SARS-CoV-2 surface glycoprotein (Spike). The cleavage primes the Spike protein, promoting membrane fusion instead of receptor-mediated endocytosis. Despite the pivotal role played by TMPRSS2, our understanding of its non-protease distinct domains remains limited. In this report, we present evidence indicating the potential phosphorylation of a minimum of six tyrosine residues within the cytosolic tail (CT) of TMPRSS2. Via the use of TMPRSS2 CT phospho-mimetic mutants, we observed a reduction in TMPRSS2 protease activity, accompanied by a decrease in SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus transduction, which was found to occur mainly via the endosomal pathway. We expanded our investigation beyond TMPRSS2 CT and discovered the involvement of other non-protease domains in regulating infection. Our co-immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated a strong interaction between TMPRSS2 and Spike. We revealed a 21 amino acid long TMPRSS2-Spike-binding region (TSBR) within the TMPRSS2 scavenger receptor cysteine-rich (SRCR) domain that contributes to this interaction. Our study sheds light on novel functionalities associated with TMPRSS2's cytosolic tail and SRCR region. Both of these regions have the capability to regulate SARS-CoV-2 entry pathways. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between viral entry and host factors, opening new avenues for potential therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yosef Shaul
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
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5
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Pekarek MJ, Weaver EA. Existing Evidence for Influenza B Virus Adaptations to Drive Replication in Humans as the Primary Host. Viruses 2023; 15:2032. [PMID: 37896807 PMCID: PMC10612074 DOI: 10.3390/v15102032] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Influenza B virus (IBV) is one of the two major types of influenza viruses that circulate each year. Unlike influenza A viruses, IBV does not harbor pandemic potential due to its lack of historical circulation in non-human hosts. Many studies and reviews have highlighted important factors for host determination of influenza A viruses. However, much less is known about the factors driving IBV replication in humans. We hypothesize that similar factors influence the host restriction of IBV. Here, we compile and review the current understanding of host factors crucial for the various stages of the IBV viral replication cycle. While we discovered the research in this area of IBV is limited, we review known host factors that may indicate possible host restriction of IBV to humans. These factors include the IBV hemagglutinin (HA) protein, host nuclear factors, and viral immune evasion proteins. Our review frames the current understanding of IBV adaptations to replication in humans. However, this review is limited by the amount of research previously completed on IBV host determinants and would benefit from additional future research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eric A. Weaver
- Nebraska Center for Virology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA;
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6
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Schwerdtner M, Skalik A, Limburg H, Bierwagen J, Jung AL, Dorna J, Kaufmann A, Bauer S, Schmeck B, Böttcher-Friebertshäuser E. Expression of TMPRSS2 is up-regulated by bacterial flagellin, LPS, and Pam3Cys in human airway cells. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202201813. [PMID: 37208193 PMCID: PMC10200810 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Many viruses require proteolytic activation of their envelope proteins for infectivity, and relevant host proteases provide promising drug targets. The transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) has been identified as a major activating protease of influenza A virus (IAV) and various coronaviruses (CoV). Increased TMPRSS2 expression has been associated with a higher risk of severe influenza infection and enhanced susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2. Here, we found that Legionella pneumophila stimulates the increased expression of TMPRSS2-mRNA in Calu-3 human airway cells. We identified flagellin as the dominant structural component inducing TMPRSS2 expression. The flagellin-induced increase was not observed at this magnitude for other virus-activating host proteases. TMPRSS2-mRNA expression was also significantly increased by LPS, Pam3Cys, and Streptococcus pneumoniae, although less pronounced. Multicycle replication of H1N1pdm and H3N2 IAV but not SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV was enhanced by flagellin treatment. Our data suggest that bacteria, particularly flagellated bacteria, up-regulate the expression of TMPRSS2 in human airway cells and, thereby, may support enhanced activation and replication of IAV upon co-infections. In addition, our data indicate a physiological role of TMPRSS2 in antimicrobial host response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Schwerdtner
- Institute of Virology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Annika Skalik
- Institute of Virology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Hannah Limburg
- Institute of Virology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Jeff Bierwagen
- Institute for Lung Research, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Philipps-University Marburg, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Marburg, Germany
| | - Anna Lena Jung
- Institute for Lung Research, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Philipps-University Marburg, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Marburg, Germany
| | - Jens Dorna
- Institute of Immunology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Kaufmann
- Institute of Immunology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Bauer
- Institute of Immunology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Bernd Schmeck
- Institute for Lung Research, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Philipps-University Marburg, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Marburg, Germany
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany, Member of the German Center for Infectious Disease Research (DZIF), Marburg, Germany
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7
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Ivachtchenko AV, Ivashchenko AA, Shkil DO, Ivashchenko IA. Aprotinin-Drug against Respiratory Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11173. [PMID: 37446350 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Aprotinin (APR) was discovered in 1930. APR is an effective pan-protease inhibitor, a typical "magic shotgun". Until 2007, APR was widely used as an antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory drug in cardiac and noncardiac surgeries for reduction of bleeding and thus limiting the need for blood transfusion. The ability of APR to inhibit proteolytic activation of some viruses leads to its use as an antiviral drug for the prevention and treatment of acute respiratory virus infections. However, due to incompetent interpretation of several clinical trials followed by incredible controversy in the literature, the usage of APR was nearly stopped for a decade worldwide. In 2015-2020, after re-analysis of these clinical trials' data the restrictions in APR usage were lifted worldwide. This review discusses antiviral mechanisms of APR action and summarizes current knowledge and prospective regarding the use of APR treatment for diseases caused by RNA-containing viruses, including influenza and SARS-CoV-2 viruses, or as a part of combination antiviral treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre V Ivachtchenko
- ChemDiv Inc., San Diego, CA 92130, USA
- ASAVI LLC, 1835 East Hallandale Blvd #442, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009, USA
| | | | - Dmitrii O Shkil
- ASAVI LLC, 1835 East Hallandale Blvd #442, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009, USA
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8
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Soni S, Walton-Filipczak S, Nho RS, Tesfaigzi Y, Mebratu YA. Independent role of caspases and Bik in augmenting influenza A virus replication in airway epithelial cells and mice. Virol J 2023; 20:78. [PMID: 37095508 PMCID: PMC10127399 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-023-02027-w] [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: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Caspases and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) have been shown to promote influenza A virus (IAV) replication. However, the relative importance and molecular mechanisms of specific caspases and their downstream substrate PARP1 in regulating viral replication in airway epithelial cells (AECs) remains incompletely elucidated. Here, we targeted caspase 2, 3, 6, and PARP1 using specific inhibitors to compare their role in promoting IAV replication. Inhibition of each of these proteins caused significant decline in viral titer, although PARP1 inhibitor led to the most robust reduction of viral replication. We previously showed that the pro-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 interacting killer (Bik) promotes IAV replication in the AECs by activating caspase 3. In this study, we found that as compared with AECs from wild-type mice, bik-deficiency alone resulted in ~ 3 logs reduction in virus titer in the absence of treatment with the pan-caspase inhibitor (Q-VD-Oph). Inhibiting overall caspase activity using Q-VD-Oph caused additional decline in viral titer by ~ 1 log in bik-/- AECs. Similarly, mice treated with Q-VD-Oph were protected from IAV-induced lung inflammation and lethality. Inhibiting caspase activity diminished nucleo-cytoplasmic transport of viral nucleoprotein (NP) and cleavage of viral hemagglutinin and NP in human AECs. These findings suggest that caspases and PARP1 play major roles to independently promote IAV replication and that additional mechanism(s) independent of caspases and PARP1 may be involved in Bik-mediated IAV replication. Further, peptides or inhibitors that target and block multiple caspases or PARP1 may be effective treatment targets for influenza infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sourabh Soni
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Stephanie Walton-Filipczak
- Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Santa Fe, NM, USA
| | - Richard S Nho
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Yohannes Tesfaigzi
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yohannes A Mebratu
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
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9
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Heindl MR, Böttcher-Friebertshäuser E. The role of influenza-A virus and coronavirus viral glycoprotein cleavage in host adaptation. Curr Opin Virol 2023; 58:101303. [PMID: 36753938 PMCID: PMC9847222 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2023.101303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
While receptor binding is well recognized as a factor in influenza-A virus (IAV) and coronavirus (CoV) host adaptation, the role of viral glycoprotein cleavage has not been studied in detail so far. Interestingly, recent studies suggest that host species may differ in their protease repertoire available for cleavage. Furthermore, it was shown for certain bat-derived CoVs that proteolytic activation provides a critical barrier to infect human cells. Understanding the role of glycoprotein cleavage in different species and how IAV and CoVs adapt to a new protease repertoire may allow evaluating the zoonotic potential and risk posed by these viruses. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on the emergence of a multibasic cleavage site (CS) in the glycoproteins of IAVs and CoVs in different host species. Additionally, we discuss the role of transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) in virus activation and entry and a role of neuropilin-1 in acquisition of a multibasic CS in different hosts.
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10
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Zhang Y, Sun S, Du C, Hu K, Zhang C, Liu M, Wu Q, Dong N. Transmembrane serine protease TMPRSS2 implicated in SARS-CoV-2 infection is autoactivated intracellularly and requires N-glycosylation for regulation. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102643. [PMID: 36309092 PMCID: PMC9598255 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) is a membrane-bound protease expressed in many human epithelial tissues, including the airway and lung. TMPRSS2-mediated cleavage of viral spike protein is a key mechanism in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 activation and host cell entry. To date, the cellular mechanisms that regulate TMPRSS2 activity and cell surface expression are not fully characterized. In this study, we examined two major post-translational events, zymogen activation and N-glycosylation, in human TMPRSS2. In experiments with human embryonic kidney 293, bronchial epithelial 16HBE, and lung alveolar epithelial A549 cells, we found that TMPRSS2 was activated via intracellular autocatalysis and that this process was blocked in the presence of hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitors 1 and 2. By glycosidase digestion and site-directed mutagenesis, we showed that human TMPRSS2 was N-glycosylated. N-glycosylation at an evolutionarily conserved site in the scavenger receptor cysteine-rich domain was required for calnexin-assisted protein folding in the endoplasmic reticulum and subsequent intracellular trafficking, zymogen activation, and cell surface expression. Moreover, we showed that TMPRSS2 cleaved severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 spike protein intracellularly in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. These results provide new insights into the cellular mechanism in regulating TMPRSS2 biosynthesis and function. Our findings should help to understand the role of TMPRSS2 in major respiratory viral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yikai Zhang
- Cyrus Tang Hematology Center, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Prevention, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Shijin Sun
- Cyrus Tang Hematology Center, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Prevention, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Chunyu Du
- Cyrus Tang Hematology Center, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Prevention, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China,NHC Key Laboratory of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Kaixuan Hu
- Cyrus Tang Hematology Center, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Prevention, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China,NHC Key Laboratory of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ce Zhang
- Cyrus Tang Hematology Center, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Prevention, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Meng Liu
- Cyrus Tang Hematology Center, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Prevention, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Qingyu Wu
- Cyrus Tang Hematology Center, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Prevention, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China,For correspondence: Qingyu Wu; Ningzheng Dong
| | - Ningzheng Dong
- Cyrus Tang Hematology Center, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Prevention, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China,NHC Key Laboratory of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China,For correspondence: Qingyu Wu; Ningzheng Dong
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11
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Wettstein L, Immenschuh P, Weil T, Conzelmann C, Almeida‐Hernández Y, Hoffmann M, Kempf A, Nehlmeier I, Lotke R, Petersen M, Stenger S, Kirchhoff F, Sauter D, Pöhlmann S, Sanchez‐Garcia E, Münch J. Native and activated antithrombin inhibits TMPRSS2 activity and SARS-CoV-2 infection. J Med Virol 2022; 95:e28124. [PMID: 36056630 PMCID: PMC9538173 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Host cell proteases such as TMPRSS2 are critical determinants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) tropism and pathogenesis. Here, we show that antithrombin (AT), an endogenous serine protease inhibitor regulating coagulation, is a broad-spectrum inhibitor of coronavirus infection. Molecular docking and enzyme activity assays demonstrate that AT binds and inhibits TMPRSS2, a serine protease that primes the Spike proteins of coronaviruses for subsequent fusion. Consequently, AT blocks entry driven by the Spikes of SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, hCoV-229E, SARS-CoV-2 and its variants of concern including Omicron, and suppresses lung cell infection with genuine SARS-CoV-2. Thus, AT is an endogenous inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 that may be involved in COVID-19 pathogenesis. We further demonstrate that activation of AT by anticoagulants, such as heparin or fondaparinux, increases the anti-TMPRSS2 and anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of AT, suggesting that repurposing of native and activated AT for COVID-19 treatment should be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Wettstein
- Institute of Molecular VirologyUlm University Medical CenterUlmGermany
| | | | - Tatjana Weil
- Institute of Molecular VirologyUlm University Medical CenterUlmGermany
| | - Carina Conzelmann
- Institute of Molecular VirologyUlm University Medical CenterUlmGermany
| | - Yasser Almeida‐Hernández
- Computational Biochemistry, Center of Medical BiotechnologyUniversity of Duisburg‐EssenEssenGermany
| | - Markus Hoffmann
- Infection Biology Unit, German Primate Center‐Leibniz Institute for Primate ResearchGöttingenGermany,Faculty of Biology and PsychologyGeorg‐August‐UniversityGöttingenGermany
| | - Amy Kempf
- Infection Biology Unit, German Primate Center‐Leibniz Institute for Primate ResearchGöttingenGermany,Faculty of Biology and PsychologyGeorg‐August‐UniversityGöttingenGermany
| | - Inga Nehlmeier
- Infection Biology Unit, German Primate Center‐Leibniz Institute for Primate ResearchGöttingenGermany
| | - Rishikesh Lotke
- Institute for Medical Virology and Epidemiology of Viral DiseasesUniversity Hospital TübingenTübingenGermany
| | - Moritz Petersen
- Institute for Medical Virology and Epidemiology of Viral DiseasesUniversity Hospital TübingenTübingenGermany
| | - Steffen Stenger
- Institute for Microbiology and HygieneUlm University Medical CenterUlmGermany
| | - Frank Kirchhoff
- Institute of Molecular VirologyUlm University Medical CenterUlmGermany
| | - Daniel Sauter
- Institute for Medical Virology and Epidemiology of Viral DiseasesUniversity Hospital TübingenTübingenGermany
| | - Stefan Pöhlmann
- Infection Biology Unit, German Primate Center‐Leibniz Institute for Primate ResearchGöttingenGermany,Faculty of Biology and PsychologyGeorg‐August‐UniversityGöttingenGermany
| | - Elsa Sanchez‐Garcia
- Computational Biochemistry, Center of Medical BiotechnologyUniversity of Duisburg‐EssenEssenGermany
| | - Jan Münch
- Institute of Molecular VirologyUlm University Medical CenterUlmGermany
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de Bruin ACM, Funk M, Spronken MI, Gultyaev AP, Fouchier RAM, Richard M. Hemagglutinin Subtype Specificity and Mechanisms of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus Genesis. Viruses 2022; 14:v14071566. [PMID: 35891546 PMCID: PMC9321182 DOI: 10.3390/v14071566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Viruses (HPAIVs) arise from low pathogenic precursors following spillover from wild waterfowl into poultry populations. The main virulence determinant of HPAIVs is the presence of a multi-basic cleavage site (MBCS) in the hemagglutinin (HA) glycoprotein. The MBCS allows for HA cleavage and, consequently, activation by ubiquitous proteases, which results in systemic dissemination in terrestrial poultry. Since 1959, 51 independent MBCS acquisition events have been documented, virtually all in HA from the H5 and H7 subtypes. In the present article, data from natural LPAIV to HPAIV conversions and experimental in vitro and in vivo studies were reviewed in order to compile recent advances in understanding HA cleavage efficiency, protease usage, and MBCS acquisition mechanisms. Finally, recent hypotheses that might explain the unique predisposition of the H5 and H7 HA sequences to obtain an MBCS in nature are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja C. M. de Bruin
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (A.C.M.d.B.); (M.F.); (M.I.S.); (A.P.G.); (R.A.M.F.)
| | - Mathis Funk
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (A.C.M.d.B.); (M.F.); (M.I.S.); (A.P.G.); (R.A.M.F.)
| | - Monique I. Spronken
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (A.C.M.d.B.); (M.F.); (M.I.S.); (A.P.G.); (R.A.M.F.)
| | - Alexander P. Gultyaev
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (A.C.M.d.B.); (M.F.); (M.I.S.); (A.P.G.); (R.A.M.F.)
- Group Imaging and Bioinformatics, Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS), Leiden University, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ron A. M. Fouchier
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (A.C.M.d.B.); (M.F.); (M.I.S.); (A.P.G.); (R.A.M.F.)
| | - Mathilde Richard
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (A.C.M.d.B.); (M.F.); (M.I.S.); (A.P.G.); (R.A.M.F.)
- Correspondence:
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Chen D, Zhao YG, Zhang H. Endomembrane remodeling in SARS-CoV-2 infection. CELL INSIGHT 2022; 1:100031. [PMID: 37193051 PMCID: PMC9112566 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellin.2022.100031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
During severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, the viral proteins intimately interact with host factors to remodel the endomembrane system at various steps of the viral lifecycle. The entry of SARS-CoV-2 can be mediated by endocytosis-mediated internalization. Virus-containing endosomes then fuse with lysosomes, in which the viral S protein is cleaved to trigger membrane fusion. Double-membrane vesicles generated from the ER serve as platforms for viral replication and transcription. Virions are assembled at the ER-Golgi intermediate compartment and released through the secretory pathway and/or lysosome-mediated exocytosis. In this review, we will focus on how SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins collaborate with host factors to remodel the endomembrane system for viral entry, replication, assembly and egress. We will also describe how viral proteins hijack the host cell surveillance system-the autophagic degradation pathway-to evade destruction and benefit virus production. Finally, potential antiviral therapies targeting the host cell endomembrane system will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Chen
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yan G. Zhao
- Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
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14
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Wettstein L, Kirchhoff F, Münch J. The Transmembrane Protease TMPRSS2 as a Therapeutic Target for COVID-19 Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031351. [PMID: 35163273 PMCID: PMC8836196 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
TMPRSS2 is a type II transmembrane protease with broad expression in epithelial cells of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract, the prostate, and other organs. Although the physiological role of TMPRSS2 remains largely elusive, several endogenous substrates have been identified. TMPRSS2 serves as a major cofactor in SARS-CoV-2 entry, and primes glycoproteins of other respiratory viruses as well. Consequently, inhibiting TMPRSS2 activity is a promising strategy to block viral infection. In this review, we provide an overview of the role of TMPRSS2 in the entry processes of different respiratory viruses. We then review the different classes of TMPRSS2 inhibitors and their clinical development, with a focus on COVID-19 treatment.
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