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Ciacci Zanella G, Snyder CA, Arruda BL, Whitworth K, Green E, Poonooru RR, Telugu BP, Baker AL. Pigs lacking TMPRSS2 displayed fewer lung lesions and reduced inflammatory response when infected with influenza A virus. Front Genome Ed 2024; 5:1320180. [PMID: 38883409 PMCID: PMC11176495 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2023.1320180] [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: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Influenza A virus (IAV) infection is initiated by hemagglutinin (HA), a glycoprotein exposed on the virion's lipid envelope that undergoes cleavage by host cell proteases to ensure membrane fusion, entry into the host cells, and completion of the viral cycle. Transmembrane protease serine S1 member 2 (TMPRSS2) is a host transmembrane protease expressed throughout the porcine airway epithelium and is purported to play a major role in the HA cleavage process, thereby influencing viral pathogenicity and tissue tropism. Pigs are natural hosts of IAV and IAV disease causes substantial economic impact on the pork industry worldwide. Previous studies in mice demonstrated that knocking out expression of TMPRSS2 gene was safe and inhibited the spread of IAV after experimental challenge. Therefore, we hypothesized that knockout of TMPRSS2 will prevent IAV infectivity in the swine model. We investigated this hypothesis by comparing pathogenesis of an H1N1pdm09 virus challenge in wildtype (WT) control and in TMPRSS2 knockout (TMPRSS2 -/-) pigs. We demonstrated that TMPRSS2 was expressed in the respiratory tract in WT pigs with and without IAV infection. No differences in nasal viral shedding and lung lavage viral titers were observed between WT and TMPRSS2 -/- pigs. However, the TMPRSS2 -/- pig group had significantly less lung lesions and significant reductions in antiviral and proinflammatory cytokines in the lung. The virus titer results in our direct challenge model contradict prior studies in the murine animal model, but the reduced lung lesions and cytokine profile suggest a possible role for TMPRSS2 in the proinflammatory antiviral response. Further research is warranted to investigate the role of TMPRSS2 in swine IAV infection and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovana Ciacci Zanella
- Virus and Prion Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Ames, IA, United States
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Celeste A Snyder
- Virus and Prion Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Bailey L Arruda
- Virus and Prion Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Kristin Whitworth
- National Swine Resource and Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Division of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Erin Green
- Division of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Ravikanth Reddy Poonooru
- Division of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Bhanu P Telugu
- National Swine Resource and Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Division of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Amy L Baker
- Virus and Prion Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Ames, IA, United States
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Boon ACM, Bricker TL, Fritch EJ, Leist SR, Gully K, Baric RS, Graham RL, Troan BV, Mahoney M, Janetka JW. Efficacy of host cell serine protease inhibitor MM3122 against SARS-CoV-2 for treatment and prevention of COVID-19. J Virol 2024; 98:e0190323. [PMID: 38593045 PMCID: PMC11092322 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01903-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
We developed a novel class of peptidomimetic inhibitors targeting several host cell human serine proteases, including transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2), matriptase, and hepsin. TMPRSS2 is a membrane-associated protease that is highly expressed in the upper and lower respiratory tracts and is utilized by SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses to proteolytically process their glycoproteins, enabling host cell entry, replication, and dissemination of new virus particles. We have previously shown that compound MM3122 exhibited subnanomolar potency against all three proteases and displayed potent antiviral effects against SARS-CoV-2 in a cell viability assay. Herein, we demonstrate that MM3122 potently inhibits viral replication in human lung epithelial cells and is also effective against the EG.5.1 variant of SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, we evaluated MM3122 in a mouse model of COVID-19 and demonstrated that MM3122 administered intraperitoneally (IP) before (prophylactic) or after (therapeutic) SARS-CoV-2 infection had significant protective effects against weight loss and lung congestion and reduced pathology. Amelioration of COVID-19 disease was associated with a reduction in proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine production after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Prophylactic, but not therapeutic, administration of MM3122 also reduced virus titers in the lungs of SARS-CoV-2-infected mice. Therefore, MM3122 is a promising lead candidate small-molecule drug for the treatment and prevention of infections caused by SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses. IMPORTANCE SARS-CoV-2 and other emerging RNA coronaviruses are a present and future threat in causing widespread endemic and pandemic infection and disease. In this paper, we have shown that the novel host cell protease inhibitor, MM3122, blocks SARS-CoV-2 viral replication and is efficacious as both a prophylactic and a therapeutic drug for the treatment of COVID-19 given intraperitoneally in mice. Targeting host proteins and pathways in antiviral therapy is an underexplored area of research, but this approach promises to avoid drug resistance by the virus, which is common in current antiviral treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrianus C. M. Boon
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Traci L. Bricker
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Ethan J. Fritch
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sarah R. Leist
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kendra Gully
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ralph S. Baric
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Rachel L. Graham
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Matthew Mahoney
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - James W. Janetka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
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van Niekerk AA, Maluck S, Mag P, Kővágó C, Kerek Á, Jerzsele Á, Steinmetzer T, Pászti-Gere E. Antiviral Drug Candidate Repositioning for Streptococcus suis Infection in Non-Tumorigenic Cell Models. Biomedicines 2024; 12:783. [PMID: 38672139 PMCID: PMC11048155 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040783] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance against zoonotic bacteria, including Streptococcus (S.) suis, highlights the need for new therapeutical strategies, including the repositioning of drugs. In this study, susceptibilities of bacterial isolates were tested toward ten different 3-amidinophenyalanine (Phe(3-Am)) derivatives via determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values. Some of these protease inhibitors, like compounds MI-432, MI-471, and MI-476, showed excellent antibacterial effects against S. suis. Their drug interaction potential was investigated using human liver microsomal cytochrome P450 (CYP450) measurements. In our work, non-tumorigenic IPEC-J2 cells and primary porcine hepatocytes were infected with S. suis, and the putative beneficial impact of these inhibitors was investigated on cell viability (Neutral red assay), on interleukin (IL)-6 levels (ELISA technique), and on redox balance (Amplex red method). The antibacterial inhibitors prevented S. suis-induced cell death (except MI-432) and decreased proinflammatory IL-6 levels. It was also found that MI-432 and MI-476 had antioxidant effects in an intestinal cell model upon S. suis infection. Concentration-dependent suppression of CYP3A4 function was found via application of all three inhibitors. In conclusion, our study suggests that the potential antiviral Phe(3-Am) derivatives with 2',4' dichloro-biphenyl moieties can be considered as effective drug candidates against S. suis infection due to their antibacterial effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Anzet van Niekerk
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István utca 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary (Á.J.)
| | - Sara Maluck
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István utca 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary (Á.J.)
| | - Patrik Mag
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István utca 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary (Á.J.)
- National Laboratory of Infectious Animal Diseases, Antimicrobial Resistance, Veterinary Public Health and Food Chain Safety, University of Veterinary Medicine, István utca 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csaba Kővágó
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István utca 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary (Á.J.)
| | - Ádám Kerek
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István utca 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary (Á.J.)
- National Laboratory of Infectious Animal Diseases, Antimicrobial Resistance, Veterinary Public Health and Food Chain Safety, University of Veterinary Medicine, István utca 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ákos Jerzsele
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István utca 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary (Á.J.)
- National Laboratory of Infectious Animal Diseases, Antimicrobial Resistance, Veterinary Public Health and Food Chain Safety, University of Veterinary Medicine, István utca 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Torsten Steinmetzer
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University Marburg, Marbacher Weg 6, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Erzsébet Pászti-Gere
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István utca 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary (Á.J.)
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4
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Boon ACM, L Bricker T, Fritch EJ, Leist SR, Gully K, Baric RS, Graham RL, Troan BV, Mahoney M, Janetka JW. Efficacy of Host Cell Serine Protease Inhibitor MM3122 against SARS-CoV-2 for Treatment and Prevention of COVID-19. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.09.579701. [PMID: 38405752 PMCID: PMC10888838 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.09.579701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
We have developed a novel class of peptidomimetic inhibitors targeting several host cell human serine proteases including transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2), matriptase and hepsin. TMPRSS2 is a membrane associated protease which is highly expressed in the upper and lower respiratory tract and is utilized by SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses to proteolytically process their glycoproteins, enabling host cell receptor binding, entry, replication, and dissemination of new virion particles. We have previously shown that compound MM3122 exhibited sub nanomolar potency against all three proteases and displayed potent antiviral effects against SARS-CoV-2 in a cell-viability assay. Herein, we demonstrate that MM3122 potently inhibits viral replication in human lung epithelial cells and is also effective against the EG.5.1 variant of SARS-CoV-2. Further, we have evaluated MM3122 in a mouse model of COVID-19 and have demonstrated that MM3122 administered intraperitoneally (IP) before (prophylactic) or after (therapeutic) SARS-CoV-2 infection had significant protective effects against weight loss and lung congestion, and reduced pathology. Amelioration of COVID-19 disease was associated with a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines production after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Prophylactic, but not therapeutic, administration of MM3122 also reduced virus titers in the lungs of SARS-CoV-2 infected mice. Therefore, MM3122 is a promising lead candidate small molecule drug for the treatment and prevention of infections caused by SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses. IMPORTANCE SARS-CoV-2 and other emerging RNA coronaviruses are a present and future threat in causing widespread endemic and pandemic infection and disease. In this paper, we have shown that the novel host-cell protease inhibitor, MM3122, blocks SARS-CoV-2 viral replication and is efficacious as both a prophylactic and therapeutic drug for the treatment of COVID-19 in mice. Targeting host proteins and pathways in antiviral therapy is an underexplored area of research but this approach promises to avoid drug resistance by the virus, which is common in current antiviral treatments.
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5
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Takeda M. Cleavage-Activation of Respiratory Viruses - Half a Century of History from Sendai Virus to SARS-CoV-2. Jpn J Infect Dis 2024; 77:1-6. [PMID: 38030267 DOI: 10.7883/yoken.jjid.2023.353] [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] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Many viruses require the cleavage-activation of membrane fusion proteins by host proteases in the course of infection. This knowledge is based on historical studies of Sendai virus in the 1970s. From the 1970s to the 1990s, avian influenza virus and Newcastle disease virus were studied, showing a clear link between virulence and the cleavage-activation of viral membrane fusion proteins (hemagglutinin and fusion proteins) by host proteases. In these viruses, cleavage of viral membrane fusion proteins by furin is the basis for their high virulence. Subsequently, from the 2000s to the 2010s, the importance of TMPRSS2 in activating the membrane fusion proteins of various respiratory viruses, including seasonal influenza viruses, was demonstrated. In late 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged and caused a pandemic. The virus continues to mutate, producing variants that have caused global pandemics. The spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 is characterized by two cleavage sites, each of which is cleaved by furin and TMPRSS2 to achieve membrane fusion. SARS-CoV-2 variants exhibit altered sensitivity to these proteases. Thus, studying the cleavage-activation of membrane fusion proteins by host proteases is critical for understanding the ongoing pandemic and developing countermeasures against it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Takeda
- Department of Microbiology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Japan
- Pandemic Preparedness, Infection and Advanced Research Center, The University of Tokyo, Japan
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Kwon T, Artiaga BL, McDowell CD, Whitworth KM, Wells KD, Prather RS, Delhon G, Cigan M, White SN, Retallick J, Gaudreault NN, Morozov I, Richt JA. Gene editing of pigs to control influenza A virus infections. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.15.575771. [PMID: 38293027 PMCID: PMC10827075 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.15.575771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Proteolytic activation of the hemagglutinin (HA) glycoprotein by host cellular proteases is pivotal for influenza A virus (IAV) infectivity. Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses possess the multibasic cleavage site of the HA which is cleaved by ubiquitous proteases, such as furin; in contrast, the monobasic HA motif is recognized and activated by trypsin-like proteases, such as the transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2). Here, we aimed to determine the effects of TMPRSS2 on the replication of pandemic H1N1 and H3N2 subtype IAVs in the natural host, the pig. The use of the CRISPR/Cas 9 system led to the establishment of homozygous gene edited (GE) TMPRSS2 knockout (KO) pigs. Delayed IAV replication was demonstrated in primary respiratory cells of KO pigs in vitro. IAV infection in vivo resulted in significant reduction of virus shedding in the upper respiratory tract, and lower virus titers and pathological lesions in the lower respiratory tract of TMPRSS2 KO pigs as compared to WT pigs. Our findings could support the commercial use of GE pigs to minimize (i) the economic losses caused by IAV infection in pigs, and (ii) the emergence of novel IAVs with pandemic potential through genetic reassortment in the "mixing vessel", the pig.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taeyong Kwon
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Bianca L. Artiaga
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Chester D. McDowell
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Kristin M. Whitworth
- Division of Animal Science & National Swine Resource and Research Center, College of Agriculture Food and Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Kevin D. Wells
- Division of Animal Science & National Swine Resource and Research Center, College of Agriculture Food and Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Randall S. Prather
- Division of Animal Science & National Swine Resource and Research Center, College of Agriculture Food and Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Gustavo Delhon
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Nebraska Center for Virology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | | | | | - Jamie Retallick
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Natasha N. Gaudreault
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Igor Morozov
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Juergen A. Richt
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
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van Eijk N, Schmacke LC, Steinmetzer T, Pilgram O, Poór M, Pászti-Gere E. In vitro testing of host-targeting small molecule antiviral matriptase/TMPRSS2 inhibitors in 2D and 3D cell-based assays. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115761. [PMID: 37865989 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115761] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic strongly stimulated the development of small molecule antivirals selectively targeting type II transmembrane serine proteases (TTSP), required for the host-cell entry of numerous viruses. A set of 3-amidinophenylalanine derivatives (MI-21, MI-472, MI-477, MI-485, MI-1903 and MI-1904), which inhibit the cleavage of certain viral glycoproteins was characterized in 2D and 3D primary human hepatocyte models on collagen- and Matrigel-coating using a CCK-8 assay to evaluate their cytotoxicity, a resorufin-based method to detect redox imbalances, fluorescence and ultrafiltration experiments to evaluate their interactions with human serum albumin (HSA) and α-acidic glycoprotein (AGP), and luminescence measurement to assess CYP3A4 modulation. For elucidation of selectivity of the applied compounds towards matriptase, transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRRS2), thrombin and factor Xa (FXa) Ki values were determined. It was proven that cell viability was only deteriorated by inhibitor MI-1903, and redox status was not influenced by administration of the selected inhibitors at 50 µM for 24 h. MI-472 and MI-477 formed relatively stable complexes with AGP. CYP3A4 inhibition was found to be strong in PHHs exposed to all inhibitors with the exception of MI-21, which seems to be a promising drug candidate also due to its better selectivity towards matriptase and TMPRSS2 over the blood clotting proteases thrombin and FXa. Our in vitro pharmacokinetic screening with these inhibitors helps to select the compounds with the best selectivity and safety profile suitable for a further preclinical characterization without animal sacrifice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas van Eijk
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István utca 2, Budapest H-1078, Hungary
| | - Luna C Schmacke
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, Philipps University Marburg, Marbacher Weg 6-10, Marburg 35037, Germany
| | - Torsten Steinmetzer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, Philipps University Marburg, Marbacher Weg 6-10, Marburg 35037, Germany
| | - Oliver Pilgram
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, Philipps University Marburg, Marbacher Weg 6-10, Marburg 35037, Germany
| | - Miklós Poór
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, Rókus u. 2, Pécs H-7624, Hungary; Lab-on-a-Chip Research Group, János Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Ifjúság útja 20, Pécs H-7624, Hungary
| | - Erzsébet Pászti-Gere
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István utca 2, Budapest H-1078, Hungary.
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Hekmat H, Rasooli A, Siami Z, Rutajengwa KA, Vahabi Z, Mirzadeh FA. A Review of Antibiotic Efficacy in COVID-19 Control. J Immunol Res 2023; 2023:6687437. [PMID: 37854054 PMCID: PMC10581857 DOI: 10.1155/2023/6687437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory disease is associated with chronic secondary infections that exacerbate symptoms and mortality. So far, many drugs have been introduced to treat this disease, none of which effectively control the coronavirus. Numerous studies have shown that mitochondria, as the center of cell biogenesis, are vulnerable to drugs, especially antibiotics. Antibiotics were widely prescribed during the early phase of the pandemic. We performed a literature review to assess the reasons, evidence, and practices on the use of antibiotics in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in- and outpatients. The current research found widespread usage of antibiotics, mostly in an empirical context, among COVID-19 hospitalized patients. The effectiveness of this approach has not been established. Given the high death rate linked with secondary infections in COVID-19 patients and the developing antimicrobial resistance, further study is urgently needed to identify the most appropriate rationale for antibiotic therapy in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamidreza Hekmat
- Cardiology Department, Ziaeian Hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aziz Rasooli
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zeinab Siami
- Department of Infectious Disease, Ziaeian Hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kauthar Amir Rutajengwa
- Medical School Department, Ziaeian Hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Vahabi
- Geriatric Department, Ziaeian Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Cognitive Neurology and Neuropsychiatry Division, Psychiatry Department, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Salaun C, Tomkinson NCO, Chamberlain LH. The endoplasmic reticulum-localized enzyme zDHHC6 mediates S-acylation of short transmembrane constructs from multiple type I and II membrane proteins. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105201. [PMID: 37660915 PMCID: PMC10520890 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the S-acylation of two host cell proteins important for viral infection: TMPRSS2 (transmembrane serine protease 2), which cleaves severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 spike to facilitate viral entry, and bone marrow stromal antigen 2, a general viral restriction factor. We found that both proteins were S-acylated by zDHHC6, an S-acyltransferase enzyme localized at the endoplasmic reticulum, in coexpression experiments. Mutagenic analysis revealed that zDHHC6 modifies a single cysteine in each protein, which are in proximity to the transmembrane domains (TMDs). For TMPRSS2, the modified cysteine is positioned two residues into the TMD, whereas the modified cysteine in bone marrow stromal antigen 2 has a cytosolic location two amino acids upstream of the TMD. Cysteine swapping revealed that repositioning the target cysteine of TMPRSS2 further into the TMD substantially reduced S-acylation by zDHHC6. Interestingly, zDHHC6 efficiently S-acylated truncated forms of these proteins that contained only the TMDs and short juxtamembrane regions. The ability of zDHHC6 to modify short TMD sequences was also seen for the transferrin receptor (another type II membrane protein) and for five different type I membrane protein constructs, including cluster of differentiation 4. Collectively, the results of this study show that zDHHC6 can modify diverse membrane proteins (type I and II) and requires only the presence of the TMD and target cysteine for efficient S-acylation. Thus, zDHHC6 may be a broad specificity S-acyltransferase specialized for the modification of a diverse set of transmembrane proteins at the endoplasmic reticulum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Salaun
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
| | - Nicholas C O Tomkinson
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Luke H Chamberlain
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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10
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Wendler A, Wehling M. Translatability scoring in prospective and retrospective COVID drug development cases. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2023; 79:1051-1071. [PMID: 37278822 PMCID: PMC10243273 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-023-03517-0] [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: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ongoing pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has led to an enormous surge of clinical research. So far, the speed and success rate of related drug development projects, especially of vaccines, is unprecedented. For the first time, this situation allowed for the opportunistic evaluation of a translatability score, originally proposed in 2009, in a prospective manner. METHODS Several vaccines and treatments under development in clinical phase III trials were selected for translational scoring with the translatability score. Six prospective and six retrospective case studies were performed. The scores had to be determined for a fictive date before any results of the phase III trial were reported in any media. Spearman correlation analysis and a Kruskal Wallis test were performed for statistical evaluation. RESULTS A significant correlation between the translatability scores and the clinical outcomes in translation was found, as judged on the basis of positive/intermediate/negative endpoint studies or market approval. The Spearman correlation analysis of all cases (r = 0.91, p < 0.001), the prospective cases alone (r = 0.93, p = 0.008), and the retrospective cases alone (r = 0.93, p = 0.008) showed a strong correlation between the score and outcome; R2 demonstrated a score-derived determination of outcomes by 86%. CONCLUSIONS The score detects strengths and weaknesses of a given project, resulting in the opportunity of selective amelioration of a project, as well as prospective portfolio risk balancing. Its substantial predictive value that has been demonstrated here for the first time could be of particular interest for biomedical industry (pharmaceutical and device manufacturers), funding agencies, venture capitalists, and researchers in the area. Future evaluations will have to address the generalizability of results obtained in an exceptional pandemic situation, and the potential adaptations of weighing factors/items to particular therapeutic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Wendler
- Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Ruprecht-Karls-University of Heidelberg, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Martin Wehling
- Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Ruprecht-Karls-University of Heidelberg, 68167, Mannheim, Germany.
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11
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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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12
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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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13
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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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14
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Jiang L, Chen H, Li C. Advances in deciphering the interactions between viral proteins of influenza A virus and host cellular proteins. CELL INSIGHT 2023; 2:100079. [PMID: 37193064 PMCID: PMC10134199 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellin.2023.100079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Influenza A virus (IAV) poses a severe threat to the health of animals and humans. The genome of IAV consists of eight single-stranded negative-sense RNA segments, encoding ten essential proteins as well as certain accessory proteins. In the process of virus replication, amino acid substitutions continuously accumulate, and genetic reassortment between virus strains readily occurs. Due to this high genetic variability, new viruses that threaten animal and human health can emerge at any time. Therefore, the study on IAV has always been a focus of veterinary medicine and public health. The replication, pathogenesis, and transmission of IAV involve intricate interplay between the virus and host. On one hand, the entire replication cycle of IAV relies on numerous proviral host proteins that effectively allow the virus to adapt to its host and support its replication. On the other hand, some host proteins play restricting roles at different stages of the viral replication cycle. The mechanisms of interaction between viral proteins and host cellular proteins are currently receiving particular interest in IAV research. In this review, we briefly summarize the current advances in our understanding of the mechanisms by which host proteins affect virus replication, pathogenesis, or transmission by interacting with viral proteins. Such information about the interplay between IAV and host proteins could provide insights into how IAV causes disease and spreads, and might help support the development of antiviral drugs or therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Hualan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Chengjun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
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15
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Barthe M, Hertereau L, Lamghari N, Osman-Ponchet H, Braud VM. Receptors and Cofactors That Contribute to SARS-CoV-2 Entry: Can Skin Be an Alternative Route of Entry? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076253. [PMID: 37047226 PMCID: PMC10094153 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
To prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2, all routes of entry of the virus into the host must be mapped. The skin is in contact with the external environment and thus may be an alternative route of entry to transmission via the upper respiratory tract. SARS-CoV-2 cell entry is primarily dependent on ACE2 and the proteases TMPRSS2 or cathepsin L but other cofactors and attachment receptors have been identified that may play a more important role in specific tissues such as the skin. The continued emergence of new variants may also alter the tropism of the virus. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on these receptors and cofactors, their expression profile, factors modulating their expression and their role in facilitating SARS-CoV-2 infection. We discuss their expression in the skin and their possible involvement in percutaneous infection since the presence of the virus has been detected in the skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Barthe
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS UMR7275, 06560 Valbonne, France; (M.B.); (L.H.); (N.L.)
- PKDERM Laboratories, 45 Boulevard Marcel Pagnol, 06130 Grasse, France
| | - Leslie Hertereau
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS UMR7275, 06560 Valbonne, France; (M.B.); (L.H.); (N.L.)
| | - Noura Lamghari
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS UMR7275, 06560 Valbonne, France; (M.B.); (L.H.); (N.L.)
- PKDERM Laboratories, 45 Boulevard Marcel Pagnol, 06130 Grasse, France
| | - Hanan Osman-Ponchet
- PKDERM Laboratories, 45 Boulevard Marcel Pagnol, 06130 Grasse, France
- Correspondence: (H.O.-P.); (V.M.B.)
| | - Véronique M. Braud
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS UMR7275, 06560 Valbonne, France; (M.B.); (L.H.); (N.L.)
- Correspondence: (H.O.-P.); (V.M.B.)
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16
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Cheng Y, Clark AE, Yim W, Borum RM, Chang YC, Jin Z, He T, Carlin AF, Jokerst JV. Protease-Responsive Potential-Tunable AIEgens for Cell Selective Imaging of TMPRSS2 and Accurate Inhibitor Screening. Anal Chem 2023; 95:3789-3798. [PMID: 36753444 PMCID: PMC10614162 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c04988] [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] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) is a plasma membrane protease that activates both spike protein of coronaviruses for cell entry and oncogenic signaling pathways for tumor progression. TMPRSS2 inhibition can reduce cancer invasion and metastasis and partially prevent the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into host cells. Thus, there is an urgent need for both TMPRSS2-selective imaging and precise screening of TMPRSS2 inhibitors. Here, we report a TMPRSS2-responsive surface-potential-tunable peptide-conjugated probe (EGTP) with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) features for TMPRSS2 selective imaging and accurate inhibitor screening. The amphiphilic EGTP was constructed with tunable surface potential and responsive efficiency with TMPRSS2 and its inhibitor. The rational construction of AIE luminogens (AIEgens) with modular peptides indicated that the cleavage of EGTP led to a gradual aggregation with bright fluorescence in high TMPRSS2-expressing cells. This strategy may have value for selective detection of cancer cells, SARS-CoV-2-target cells, and screening of protease inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Cheng
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Alex E Clark
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Wonjun Yim
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Raina M Borum
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Yu-Ci Chang
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Zhicheng Jin
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Tengyu He
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Aaron F Carlin
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Jesse V Jokerst
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
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17
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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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18
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Li X, Yuan H, Li X, Wang H. Spike protein mediated membrane fusion during SARS-CoV-2 infection. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28212. [PMID: 36224449 PMCID: PMC9874878 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has posed a serious threat to public health and has quickly become a global concern. The infection of SARS-CoV-2 begins with the binding of its spike protein to the receptor-angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which, after a series of conformation changes, results in the fusion of viral-cell membranes and the release of the viral RNA genome into the cytoplasm. In addition, infected host cells can express spike protein on their cell surface, which will interact with ACE2 on neighboring cells, leading to cell membrane fusion and the formation of multinucleated cells or syncytia. Both viral entry and syncytia formation are mediated by spike-ACE2 interaction and share some common mechanisms of membrane fusion. Here in this review, we will summarize our current understanding of spike-mediated membrane fusion, which may shed light on future broad-spectrum antiviral development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Li
- Department of Pathogen Biology and ImmunologyXi'an Jiaotong University Health Science CenterXi'anChina
| | - Huijun Yuan
- Department of Pathogen Biology and ImmunologyXi'an Jiaotong University Health Science CenterXi'anChina
| | - Xiaozhen Li
- Department of Pathogen Biology and ImmunologyXi'an Jiaotong University Health Science CenterXi'anChina
| | - Hongliang Wang
- Department of Pathogen Biology and ImmunologyXi'an Jiaotong University Health Science CenterXi'anChina
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to DiseasesXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina
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19
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Association of the Transmembrane Serine Protease-2 (TMPRSS2) Polymorphisms with COVID-19. Viruses 2022; 14:v14091976. [PMID: 36146782 PMCID: PMC9505830 DOI: 10.3390/v14091976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 uses the ACE2 receptor and the cellular protease TMPRSS2 for entry into target cells. The present study aimed to establish if the TMPRSS2 polymorphisms are associated with COVID-19 disease. The study included 609 patients with COVID-19 confirmed by RT-PCR test and 291 individuals negative for the SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed by RT-PCR test and without antibodies anti-SARS-CoV-2. Four TMPRSS2 polymorphisms (rs12329760, rs2298659, rs456298, and rs462574) were determined using the 5′exonuclease TaqMan assays. Under different inheritance models, the rs2298659 (pcodominant2 = 0.018, precessive = 0.006, padditive = 0.019), rs456298 (pcodominant1 = 0.014, pcodominant2 = 0.004; pdominant = 0.009, precessive = 0.004, padditive = 0.0009), and rs462574 (pcodominant1 = 0.017, pcodominant2 = 0.004, pdominant = 0.041, precessive = 0.002, padditive = 0.003) polymorphisms were associated with high risk of developing COVID-19. Two risks (ATGC and GAAC) and two protectives (GAGC and GAGT) haplotypes were detected. High levels of lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH) were observed in patients with the rs462574AA and rs456298TT genotypes (p = 0.005 and p = 0.020, respectively), whereas, high heart rate was present in patients with the rs462574AA genotype (p = 0.028). Our data suggest that the rs2298659, rs456298, and rs462574 polymorphisms independently and as haplotypes are associated with the risk of COVID-19. The rs456298 and rs462574 genotypes are related to high levels of LDH and heart rate.
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20
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Improving the selectivity of 3-amidinophenylalanine-derived matriptase inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 238:114437. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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21
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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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22
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Fedor Z, Szentkirályi-Tóth A, Nagy G, Szimrók Z, Varga E, Pászti A, Pászti Z, Jerzsele Á, Pilgram O, Steinmetzer T, Mátis G, Neogrády Z, Pászti-Gere E. Interspecies Comparisons of the Effects of Potential Antiviral 3-Amidinophenylalanine Derivatives on Cytochrome P450 1A2 Isoenzyme. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9040156. [PMID: 35448654 PMCID: PMC9027957 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9040156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro models of animals vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection can support the characterization of effective antiviral drugs, such as synthetic inhibitors of the transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2). Changes in cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2 activities in the presence of the potential TMPRSS2/matriptase inhibitors (MI) were measured using fluorometric and luminescent assays. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of these inhibitors was evaluated using the MTS method. In addition, 60 min-long microsomal stability assays were performed using an UPLC-MS/MS procedure to elucidate depletion rates of the inhibitors. CYP1A2 was influenced significantly by MI-463 and MI-1900 in rat microsomes, by MI-432 and MI-482 in beagle microsomes, and by MI-432, MI-463, MI-482, and MI-1900 in cynomolgus monkey microsomes. The IC50 values in monkey microsomes were 1.30 ± 0.14 µM, 2.4 ± 1.4 µM, 0.21 ± 0.09 µM, and 1.1 ± 0.8 µM for inhibitors MI-432, MI-463, MI-482, and MI-1900, respectively. The depletion rates of the parent compounds were lower than 50%, independently of the investigated animal species. The host cell factor TMPRSS2 is of key importance for the cross-species spread of SARS-CoV-2. Studies of the in vitro biotransformation of TMPRSS2 inhibitors provide additional information for the development of new antiviral drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsófia Fedor
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1078 Budapest, Hungary; (Z.F.); (A.S.-T.); (G.N.); (Z.S.); (E.V.); (A.P.); (Á.J.)
| | - Anna Szentkirályi-Tóth
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1078 Budapest, Hungary; (Z.F.); (A.S.-T.); (G.N.); (Z.S.); (E.V.); (A.P.); (Á.J.)
| | - Gábor Nagy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1078 Budapest, Hungary; (Z.F.); (A.S.-T.); (G.N.); (Z.S.); (E.V.); (A.P.); (Á.J.)
| | - Zoltán Szimrók
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1078 Budapest, Hungary; (Z.F.); (A.S.-T.); (G.N.); (Z.S.); (E.V.); (A.P.); (Á.J.)
| | - Eszter Varga
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1078 Budapest, Hungary; (Z.F.); (A.S.-T.); (G.N.); (Z.S.); (E.V.); (A.P.); (Á.J.)
| | - Anna Pászti
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1078 Budapest, Hungary; (Z.F.); (A.S.-T.); (G.N.); (Z.S.); (E.V.); (A.P.); (Á.J.)
| | - Zoltán Pászti
- Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, 1117 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Ákos Jerzsele
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1078 Budapest, Hungary; (Z.F.); (A.S.-T.); (G.N.); (Z.S.); (E.V.); (A.P.); (Á.J.)
| | - Oliver Pilgram
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University Marburg, 35037 Marburg, Germany; (O.P.); (T.S.)
| | - Torsten Steinmetzer
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University Marburg, 35037 Marburg, Germany; (O.P.); (T.S.)
| | - Gábor Mátis
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1078 Budapest, Hungary; (G.M.); (Z.N.)
| | - Zsuzsanna Neogrády
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1078 Budapest, Hungary; (G.M.); (Z.N.)
| | - Erzsébet Pászti-Gere
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1078 Budapest, Hungary; (Z.F.); (A.S.-T.); (G.N.); (Z.S.); (E.V.); (A.P.); (Á.J.)
- Correspondence:
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23
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The Role of Genetic Factors in the Development of Acute Respiratory Viral Infection COVID-19: Predicting Severe Course and Outcomes. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10030549. [PMID: 35327350 PMCID: PMC8945420 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify single nucleotide variants in genes associated with susceptibility to or severe outcomes of COVID-19. A total of 319 genomic DNA samples from patients with varying degrees of disease severity and 78 control DNA samples from people who had regular or prolonged contact with patients with COVID-19 but did not have clinical manifestations and/or antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. Seven SNPs were identified that were statistically associated with disease risk or severe course, rs1799864 in the CCR2 gene (OR = 2.21), rs1990760 in the IFIH1 gene (OR = 2.41), rs1800629 in the TNF gene (OR = 1.98), rs75603675 in the TMPRSS2 gene (OR = 1.86), rs7842 in the C3AR1 gene (OR = 2.08), rs179008 in the gene TLR7 (OR = 1.85), rs324011 in the C3AR1 gene (OR = 2.08), rs179008 in the TLR7 gene (OR = 1.85), and rs324011 in the STAT6 gene (OR = 1.84), as well as two variants associated with protection from COVID-19, rs744166 in the STAT3 gene (OR = 0.36) and rs1898830 in the TLR2 gene (OR = 0.47). The genotype in the region of these markers can be the criterion of the therapeutic approach for patients with COVID-19.
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24
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Forni D, Sironi M, Cagliani R. Evolutionary history of type II transmembrane serine proteases involved in viral priming. Hum Genet 2022; 141:1705-1722. [PMID: 35122525 PMCID: PMC8817155 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-022-02435-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Type II transmembrane serine proteases (TTSPs) are a family of trypsin-like membrane-anchored serine proteases that play key roles in the regulation of some crucial processes in physiological conditions, including cardiac function, digestion, cellular iron homeostasis, epidermal differentiation, and immune responses. However, some of them, in particular TTSPs expressed in the human airways, were identified as host factors that promote the proteolytic activation and spread of respiratory viruses such as influenza virus, human metapneumovirus, and coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Given their involvement in viral priming, we hypothesized that members of the TTSP family may represent targets of positive selection, possibly as the result of virus-driven pressure. Thus, we investigated the evolutionary history of sixteen TTSP genes in mammals. Evolutionary analyses indicate that most of the TTSP genes that have a verified role in viral proteolytic activation present signals of pervasive positive selection, suggesting that viral infections represent a selective pressure driving the evolution of these proteases. We also evaluated genetic diversity in human populations and we identified targets of balancing selection in TMPRSS2 and TMPRSS4. This scenario may be the result of an ancestral and still ongoing host–pathogen arms race. Overall, our results provide evolutionary information about candidate functional sites and polymorphic positions in TTSP genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Forni
- Scientific Institute IRCCS E. MEDEA, Bioinformatics, 23842, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Manuela Sironi
- Scientific Institute IRCCS E. MEDEA, Bioinformatics, 23842, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Rachele Cagliani
- Scientific Institute IRCCS E. MEDEA, Bioinformatics, 23842, Bosisio Parini, Italy.
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25
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Pászti-Gere E, Szentkirályi A, Fedor Z, Nagy G, Szimrók Z, Pászti Z, Pászti A, Pilgram O, Steinmetzer T, Bodnárová S, Fliszár-Nyúl E, Poór M. In vitro interaction of potential antiviral TMPRSS2 inhibitors with human serum albumin and cytochrome P 450 isoenzymes. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 146:112513. [PMID: 34915414 PMCID: PMC8668183 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The interactions of four sulfonylated Phe(3-Am)-derived inhibitors (MI-432, MI-463, MI-482 and MI-1900) of type II transmembrane serine proteases (TTSP) such as transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) were examined with serum albumin and cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoenzymes. Complex formation with albumin was investigated using fluorescence spectroscopy. Furthermore, microsomal hepatic CYP1A2, 2C9, 2C19 and 3A4 activities in presence of these inhibitors were determined using fluorometric assays. The inhibitory effects of these compounds on human recombinant CYP3A4 enzyme were also examined. In addition, microsomal stability assays (60-min long) were performed using an UPLC-MS/MS method to determine depletion percentage values of each compound. The inhibitors showed no or only weak interactions with albumin, and did not inhibit CYP1A2, 2C9 and 2C19. However, the compounds tested proved to be potent inhibitors of CYP3A4 in both assays performed. Within one hour, 20%, 12%, 14% and 25% of inhibitors MI-432, MI-463, MI-482 and MI-1900, respectively, were degraded. As essential host cell factor for the replication of the pandemic SARS-CoV-2, the TTSP TMPRSS2 emerged as an important target in drug design. Our study provides further preclinical data on the characterization of this type of inhibitors for numerous trypsin-like serine proteases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erzsébet Pászti-Gere
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István utca 2, Budapest H-1078, Hungary.
| | - Anna Szentkirályi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István utca 2, Budapest H-1078, Hungary
| | - Zsófia Fedor
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István utca 2, Budapest H-1078, Hungary
| | - Gábor Nagy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István utca 2, Budapest H-1078, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Szimrók
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István utca 2, Budapest H-1078, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Pászti
- Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, Budapest H-1117, Hungary
| | - Anna Pászti
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István utca 2, Budapest H-1078, Hungary
| | - Oliver Pilgram
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Philipps University Marburg, Marbacher Weg 6-10, Marburg 35037, Germany
| | - Torsten Steinmetzer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Philipps University Marburg, Marbacher Weg 6-10, Marburg 35037, Germany
| | - Slávka Bodnárová
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, Rókus u. 2, Pécs H-7624, Hungary,Lab-on-a-Chip Research Group, János Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Ifjúság útja 20, Pécs H-7624, Hungary
| | - Eszter Fliszár-Nyúl
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, Rókus u. 2, Pécs H-7624, Hungary,Lab-on-a-Chip Research Group, János Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Ifjúság útja 20, Pécs H-7624, Hungary
| | - Miklós Poór
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, Rókus u. 2, Pécs H-7624, Hungary; Lab-on-a-Chip Research Group, János Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Ifjúság útja 20, Pécs H-7624, Hungary.
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26
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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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27
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Wang D, Li C, Chiu MC, Yu Y, Liu X, Zhao X, Huang J, Cheng Z, Yuan S, Poon V, Cai J, Chu H, Chan JF, To KK, Yuen KY, Zhou J. SPINK6 inhibits human airway serine proteases and restricts influenza virus activation. EMBO Mol Med 2022; 14:e14485. [PMID: 34826211 PMCID: PMC9976594 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202114485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
SPINK6 was identified in human skin as a cellular inhibitor of serine proteases of the KLK family. Airway serine proteases are required to cleave hemagglutinin (HA) of influenza A viruses (IAVs) to initiate an infection in the human airway. We hypothesized that SPINK6 may inhibit common airway serine proteases and restrict IAV activation. We demonstrate that SPINK6 specifically suppresses the proteolytic activity of HAT and KLK5, HAT- and KLK5-mediated HA cleavage, and restricts virus maturation and replication. SPINK6 constrains the activation of progeny virions and impairs viral growth; and vice versa, blocking endogenous SPINK6 enhances HA cleavage and viral growth in physiological-relevant human airway organoids where SPINK6 is intrinsically expressed. In IAV-infected mice, SPINK6 significantly suppresses viral growth and improves mouse survival. Notably, individuals carrying the higher SPINK6 expression allele were protected from human H7N9 infection. Collectively, SPINK6 is a novel host inhibitor of serine proteases in the human airway and restricts IAV activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Wang
- Department of MicrobiologyLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Cun Li
- Department of MicrobiologyLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Man Chun Chiu
- Department of MicrobiologyLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Yifei Yu
- Department of MicrobiologyLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Xiaojuan Liu
- Department of MicrobiologyLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Xiaoyu Zhao
- Department of MicrobiologyLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Jingjing Huang
- Department of MicrobiologyLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Zhongshan Cheng
- Applied Bioinformatics CenterSt Jude Children’s Research HospitalMemphisTNUSA
| | - Shuofeng Yuan
- Department of MicrobiologyLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Vincent Poon
- Department of MicrobiologyLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Jian‐Piao Cai
- Department of MicrobiologyLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Hin Chu
- Department of MicrobiologyLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina,State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious DiseasesThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Jasper Fuk‐Woo Chan
- Department of MicrobiologyLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina,State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious DiseasesThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina,Carol Yu Centre for InfectionThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Kelvin Kai‐Wang To
- Department of MicrobiologyLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina,State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious DiseasesThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina,Carol Yu Centre for InfectionThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Kwok Yung Yuen
- Department of MicrobiologyLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina,State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious DiseasesThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina,Carol Yu Centre for InfectionThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Jie Zhou
- Department of MicrobiologyLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina,State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious DiseasesThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina
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28
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Liu X, Liu B, Shang Y, Cao P, Hou J, Chen F, Zhang B, Fan Y, Tan K. Decreased TMPRSS2 expression by SARS-CoV-2 predicts the poor prognosis of lung cancer patients through metabolic pathways and immune infiltration. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:73-108. [PMID: 35017320 PMCID: PMC8791221 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has rapidly spread around the world and became a global pandemic in 2020. One promising drug target for SARS-CoV-2 is the transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2). This study was designed to explore the expression status, prognostic significance and molecular functions of TMPRSS2 in lung cancer. TMPRSS2 expression was investigated using the TIMER, Oncomine, UALCAN, GEO, HPA and TCGA databases. The prognostic value of TMPRSS2 was examined using Cox regression and a nomogram. KEGG, GO and GSEA were performed to investigate the cellular function of TMPRSS2 in lung cancer. The relationship between TMPRSS2 and immune infiltration was determined using the TIMER and CIBERSORT algorithms. TMPRSS2 mRNA and protein expression was significantly reduced in lung cancer. Decreased TMPRSS2 expression and increased DNA methylation of TMPRSS2 were associated with various clinicopathological parameters in patients with lung cancer. Low TMPRSS2 mRNA expression also correlated with poor outcome in lung cancer patients. Moreover, a nomogram was constructed and exhibited good predictive power for the overall survival of lung cancer patients. KEGG and GO analyses and GSEA implied that multiple immune- and metabolism-related pathways were significantly linked with TMPRSS2 expression. Intriguingly, TMPRSS2 expression associated with immune cell infiltration in lung cancer. More importantly, TMPRSS2 expression was markedly decreased in SARS-CoV-infected cells. These findings indicate that TMPRSS2 may be a promising prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for lung cancer through metabolic pathways and immune cell infiltration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaopeng Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, China
| | - Bing Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, China
| | - Yanan Shang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, China
| | - Pengxiu Cao
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, China
| | - Jiajie Hou
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, China
| | - Fei Chen
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, China
| | - Yumei Fan
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, China
| | - Ke Tan
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, China
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29
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Whitworth KM, Green JA, Redel BK, Geisert RD, Lee K, Telugu BP, Wells KD, Prather RS. Improvements in pig agriculture through gene editing. CABI AGRICULTURE AND BIOSCIENCE 2022; 3:41. [PMID: 35755158 PMCID: PMC9209828 DOI: 10.1186/s43170-022-00111-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Genetic modification of animals via selective breeding is the basis for modern agriculture. The current breeding paradigm however has limitations, chief among them is the requirement for the beneficial trait to exist within the population. Desirable alleles in geographically isolated breeds, or breeds selected for a different conformation and commercial application, and more importantly animals from different genera or species cannot be introgressed into the population via selective breeding. Additionally, linkage disequilibrium results in low heritability and necessitates breeding over successive generations to fix a beneficial trait within a population. Given the need to sustainably improve animal production to feed an anticipated 9 billion global population by 2030 against a backdrop of infectious diseases and a looming threat from climate change, there is a pressing need for responsive, precise, and agile breeding strategies. The availability of genome editing tools that allow for the introduction of precise genetic modification at a single nucleotide resolution, while also facilitating large transgene integration in the target population, offers a solution. Concordant with the developments in genomic sequencing approaches, progress among germline editing efforts is expected to reach feverish pace. The current manuscript reviews past and current developments in germline engineering in pigs, and the many advantages they confer for advancing animal agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin M. Whitworth
- Division of Animal Science, College of Agriculture Food and Natural Resources, University of Missouri, 920 East Campus Drive, Columbia, MO 65211 USA
| | - Jonathan A. Green
- Division of Animal Science, College of Agriculture Food and Natural Resources, University of Missouri, 920 East Campus Drive, Columbia, MO 65211 USA
| | - Bethany K. Redel
- United States Department of Agriculture – Agriculture Research Service, Plant Genetics Research Unit, Columbia, MO 65211 USA
| | - Rodney D. Geisert
- Division of Animal Science, College of Agriculture Food and Natural Resources, University of Missouri, 920 East Campus Drive, Columbia, MO 65211 USA
| | - Kiho Lee
- Division of Animal Science, College of Agriculture Food and Natural Resources, University of Missouri, 920 East Campus Drive, Columbia, MO 65211 USA
| | - Bhanu P. Telugu
- Division of Animal Science, College of Agriculture Food and Natural Resources, University of Missouri, 920 East Campus Drive, Columbia, MO 65211 USA
| | - Kevin D. Wells
- Division of Animal Science, College of Agriculture Food and Natural Resources, University of Missouri, 920 East Campus Drive, Columbia, MO 65211 USA
| | - Randall S. Prather
- Division of Animal Science, College of Agriculture Food and Natural Resources, University of Missouri, 920 East Campus Drive, Columbia, MO 65211 USA
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30
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Zhao X, Luo S, Huang K, Xiong D, Zhang JZH, Duan L. Targeting mechanism for SARS-CoV-2 in silico: interaction and key groups of TMPRSS2 toward four potential drugs. NANOSCALE 2021; 13:19218-19237. [PMID: 34787160 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr06313h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The global dissemination of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has seriously endangered human health. The number of confirmed cases is still increasing; however, treatment options are limited. Transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2), as a key protease that primes the binding of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), has become an attractive target and received widespread attention. Thus, four potential drugs (bromhexine, camostat, gabexate, and nafamostat) were used to explore the mechanism of binding with TMPRSS2 in this work. A 65 ns molecular dynamics simulation was performed three times for each drug-TMPRSS2 system for reliable energy calculation and conformational analysis, of which the simulations of nafamostat-TMPRSS2 systems were further extended to 150 ns three times due to the discovery of two binding modes. Through the results of calculating binding free energy by nine methods, the binding affinity of camostat, gabexate, and nafamostat to TMPRSS2 showed great advantages compared with bromhexine, where the nafamostat was surprisingly found to present two reasonable binding conformations (forward and reverse directions). Two negatively charged amino acids (Asp435 and Glu299) can clamp the two positively charged groups (guanidinium group and amidinium group) in either forward or reverse fashion, and the forward one is more stable than the reverse. In addition, compared with gabexate, the dimethylamino group in camostat forms more van der Waals interactions with surrounding hot-spots His296 and Val280, resulting in a stronger affinity to TMPRSS2. For bromhexine, multiple binding sites are displayed in the binding pocket due to its small molecular structure, and van der Waals interactions play the dominant role in the binding process. In particular, six typical hot-spots were identified in the last three serine protease inhibitor systems, i.e., Asp435, Ser436, Gln438, Trp461, Ser463, and Gly464. The guanidinium groups of the drugs have powerful interactions with adjacent residues due to the formation of more hydrogen bonds, suggesting that this may be the critical site for drug design against TMPRSS2. This work provides valuable molecular insight into these four drug-TMPRSS2 binding mechanisms and is helpful for designing and screening drugs targeting TMPRSS2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Zhao
- School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, China.
| | - Song Luo
- School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, China.
| | - Kaifang Huang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Danyang Xiong
- School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, China.
| | - John Z H Zhang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China
- NYU-ECNU Center for Computational Chemistry at NYU Shanghai, Shanghai, 200062, China
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, NY, NY 10003, USA
| | - Lili Duan
- School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, China.
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31
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Wu J, Zhang L, Wang X. Host Sex Steroids Interact With Virus Infection: New Insights Into Sex Disparity in Infectious Diseases. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:747347. [PMID: 34803967 PMCID: PMC8600311 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.747347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex hormones are steroid hormones synthesized from the gonads of animals and tissues such as the placenta and adrenocortical reticular zone. The physiological functions of sex hormones are complex. Sex hormones are not only pathologically correlated with many diseases of the reproductive system, but are etiological factors in some viral infectious diseases, including disease caused by infections of coronaviruses, herpesviruses, hepatitis viruses, and other kinds of human viruses, which either exhibit a male propensity in clinical practice, or crosstalk with androgen receptor (AR)-related pathways in viral pathogenesis. Due to the global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the role of androgen/AR in viral infectious disease is highlighted again, majorly representing by the recent advances of AR-responsive gene of transmembrane protease/serine subfamily member 2 (TMPRSS2), which proteolytically activates the receptor-mediated virus entry by many coronaviruses and influenza virus, along with the role of androgen-mediated signaling for the transcription of hepatitis B virus (HBV), and the role of sex hormone responsive genes during Zika virus (ZIKV) pathogenesis, et al. Collectively, we propose to provide a comprehensive overview of the role of male sex hormones during multiple phases in the life cycle of different human viruses, which may be partly responsible for the sex-specific prevalence, severity and mortality of some diseases, therefore, may provide clues to develop more efficient prevention and treatment strategies for high-risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinfeng Wu
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Ministry of Education), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Ministry of Education), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Ministry of Education), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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32
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Abstract
Avian influenza viruses pose a continuous threat to both poultry and human health, with significant economic impact. The ability of viruses to reassort and jump the species barrier into mammalian hosts generates a constant pandemic threat. H10Nx avian viruses have been shown to replicate in mammalian species without prior adaptation and have caused significant human infection and fatalities. They are able to rapidly reassort with circulating poultry strains and go undetected due to their low pathogenicity in chickens. Novel detections of both human reassortant strains and increasing endemicity of H10Nx poultry infections highlight the increasing need for heightened surveillance and greater understanding of the distribution, tropism, and infection capabilities of these viruses. In this minireview, we highlight the gap in the current understanding of this subtype and its prevalence across a vast range of host species and geographical locations.
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33
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Takeda M. Proteolytic activation of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Microbiol Immunol 2021; 66:15-23. [PMID: 34561887 PMCID: PMC8652499 DOI: 10.1111/1348-0421.12945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Spike (S) protein cleavage is a crucial step in coronavirus infection. In this review, this process is discussed, with particular focus on the novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). Compared with influenza virus and paramyxovirus membrane fusion proteins, the cleavage activation mechanism of coronavirus S protein is much more complex. The S protein has two cleavage sites (S1/S2 and S2′), and the cleavage motif for furin protease at the S1/S2 site that results from a unique four‐amino acid insertion is one of the distinguishing features of SARS‐CoV‐2. The viral particle incorporates the S protein, which has already undergone S1/S2 cleavage by furin, and then undergoes further cleavage at the S2′ site, mediated by the type II transmembrane serine protease transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2), after binding to the receptor angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) to facilitate membrane fusion at the plasma membrane. In addition, SARS‐CoV‐2 can enter the cell by endocytosis and be proteolytically activated by cathepsin L, although this is not a major mode of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. SARS‐CoV‐2 variants with enhanced infectivity have been emerging throughout the ongoing pandemic, and there is a close relationship between enhanced infectivity and changes in S protein cleavability. All four variants of concern carry the D614G mutation, which indirectly enhances S1/S2 cleavability by furin. The P681R mutation of the delta variant directly increases S1/S2 cleavability, enhancing membrane fusion and SARS‐CoV‐2 virulence. Changes in S protein cleavability can significantly impact viral infectivity, tissue tropism, and virulence. Understanding these mechanisms is critical to counteracting the coronavirus pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Takeda
- Department of Virology 3, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
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Raihan T, Rabbee MF, Roy P, Choudhury S, Baek KH, Azad AK. Microbial Metabolites: The Emerging Hotspot of Antiviral Compounds as Potential Candidates to Avert Viral Pandemic Alike COVID-19. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:732256. [PMID: 34557521 PMCID: PMC8452873 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.732256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The present global COVID-19 pandemic caused by the noble pleomorphic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has created a vulnerable situation in the global healthcare and economy. In this pandemic situation, researchers all around the world are trying their level best to find suitable therapeutics from various sources to combat against the SARS-CoV-2. To date, numerous bioactive compounds from different sources have been tested to control many viral diseases. However, microbial metabolites are advantageous for drug development over metabolites from other sources. We herein retrieved and reviewed literatures from PubMed, Scopus and Google relevant to antiviral microbial metabolites by searching with the keywords "antiviral microbial metabolites," "microbial metabolite against virus," "microorganism with antiviral activity," "antiviral medicine from microbial metabolite," "antiviral bacterial metabolites," "antiviral fungal metabolites," "antiviral metabolites from microscopic algae' and so on. For the same purpose, the keywords "microbial metabolites against COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2" and "plant metabolites against COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2" were used. Only the full text literatures available in English and pertinent to the topic have been included and those which are not available as full text in English and pertinent to antiviral or anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity were excluded. In this review, we have accumulated microbial metabolites that can be used as antiviral agents against a broad range of viruses including SARS-CoV-2. Based on this concept, we have included 330 antiviral microbial metabolites so far available to date in the data bases and were previously isolated from fungi, bacteria and microalgae. The microbial source, chemical nature, targeted viruses, mechanism of actions and IC50/EC50 values of these metabolites are discussed although mechanisms of actions of many of them are not yet elucidated. Among these antiviral microbial metabolites, some compounds might be very potential against many other viruses including coronaviruses. However, these potential microbial metabolites need further research to be developed as effective antiviral drugs. This paper may provide the scientific community with the possible secret of microbial metabolites that could be an effective source of novel antiviral drugs to fight against many viruses including SARS-CoV-2 as well as the future viral pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Topu Raihan
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh
| | | | - Puja Roy
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh
| | - Swapnila Choudhury
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Jagannath University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Kwang-Hyun Baek
- Department of Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, South Korea
| | - Abul Kalam Azad
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh
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Pampalakis G, Zingkou E, Panagiotidis C, Sotiropoulou G. Kallikreins emerge as new regulators of viral infections. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:6735-6744. [PMID: 34459952 PMCID: PMC8404027 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03922-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Kallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs) or kallikreins have been linked to diverse (patho) physiological processes, such as the epidermal desquamation and inflammation, seminal clot liquefaction, neurodegeneration, and cancer. Recent mounting evidence suggests that KLKs also represent important regulators of viral infections. It is well-established that certain enveloped viruses, including influenza and coronaviruses, require proteolytic processing of their hemagglutinin or spike proteins, respectively, to infect host cells. Similarly, the capsid protein of the non-enveloped papillomavirus L1 should be proteolytically cleaved for viral uncoating. Consequently, extracellular or membrane-bound proteases of the host cells are instrumental for viral infections and represent potential targets for drug development. Here, we summarize how extracellular proteolysis mediated by the kallikreins is implicated in the process of influenza (and potentially coronavirus and papillomavirus) entry into host cells. Besides direct proteolytic activation of viruses, KLK5 and 12 promote viral entry indirectly through proteolytic cascade events, like the activation of thrombolytic enzymes that also can process hemagglutinin, while additional functions of KLKs in infection cannot be excluded. In the light of recent evidence, KLKs represent potential host targets for the development of new antivirals. Humanized animal models to validate their key functions in viral infections will be valuable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Pampalakis
- Department of Pharmacognosy-Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Eleni Zingkou
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras, 265 04, Rion-Patras, Greece
| | - Christos Panagiotidis
- Department of Pharmacognosy-Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgia Sotiropoulou
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras, 265 04, Rion-Patras, Greece
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Hemagglutinins of avian influenza viruses are proteolytically activated by TMPRSS2 in human and murine airway cells. J Virol 2021; 95:e0090621. [PMID: 34319155 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00906-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cleavage of the influenza A virus (IAV) hemagglutinin (HA) by host proteases is indispensable for virus replication. Most IAVs possess a monobasic HA cleavage site cleaved by trypsin-like proteases. Previously, the transmembrane protease TMPRSS2 was shown to be essential for proteolytic activation of IAV HA subtypes H1, H2, H7 and H10 in mice. In contrast, additional proteases are involved in activation of certain H3 IAVs, indicating that HAs with monobasic cleavage site can differ in their sensitivity to host proteases. Here, we investigated the role of TMPRSS2 in proteolytic activation of avian HA subtypes H1 to H11 and H14 to H16 in human and mouse airway cell cultures. Using reassortant viruses carrying representative HAs, we analysed HA cleavage and multicycle replication in (i) lung cells of TMPRSS2-deficient mice and (ii) Calu-3 cells and primary human bronchial cells subjected to morpholino oligomer-mediated knockdown of TMPRSS2 activity. TMPRSS2 was found to be crucial for activation of H1 to H11, H14 and H15 in airway cells of human and mouse. Only H9 with an R-S-S-R cleavage site and H16 were proteolytically activated in the absence of TMPRSS2 activity, albeit with reduced efficiency. Moreover, a TMPRSS2-orthologous protease from duck supported activation of H1 to H11, H15 and H16 in MDCK cells. Together, our data demonstrate that in human and murine respiratory cells, TMPRSS2 is the major activating protease of almost all IAV HA subtypes with monobasic cleavage site. Furthermore, our results suggest that TMPRSS2 supports activation of IAV with monobasic cleavage site in ducks. Importance Human infections with avian influenza A viruses upon exposure to infected birds are frequently reported and have received attention as a potential pandemic threat. Cleavage of the envelope glycoprotein hemagglutinin (HA) by host proteases is a prerequisite for membrane fusion and essential for virus infectivity. In this study, we identify the transmembrane protease TMPRSS2 as the major activating protease of avian influenza virus HAs of subtypes H1 to H11, H14 and H15 in human and murine airway cells. Our data demonstrate that inhibition of TMPRSS2 activity may provide a useful approach for the treatment of human infections with avian influenza viruses that should be considered for pandemic preparedness as well. Additionally, we show that a TMPRSS2-orthologous protease from duck can activate avian influenza virus HAs with a monobasic cleavage site and thus represents a potential virus-activating protease in waterfowl, the primary reservoir for influenza A viruses.
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Sarker J, Das P, Sarker S, Roy AK, Momen AZMR. A Review on Expression, Pathological Roles, and Inhibition of TMPRSS2, the Serine Protease Responsible for SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Activation. SCIENTIFICA 2021; 2021:2706789. [PMID: 34336361 PMCID: PMC8313365 DOI: 10.1155/2021/2706789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, uses the host cell membrane receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) for anchoring its spike protein, and the subsequent membrane fusion process is facilitated by host membrane proteases. Recent studies have shown that transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), a protease known for similar role in previous coronavirus infections, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), is responsible for the proteolytic cleavage of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, enabling host cell fusion of the virus. TMPRSS2 is known to be expressed in the epithelial cells of different sites including gastrointestinal, respiratory, and genitourinary system. The infection site of the SARS-CoV-2 correlates with the coexpression sites of ACE2 and TMPRSS2. Besides, age-, sex-, and comorbidity-associated variation in infection rate correlates with the expression rate of TMPRSS2 in those groups. These findings provide valid reasons for the assumption that inhibiting TMPRSS2 can have a beneficial effect in reducing the cellular entry of the virus, ultimately affecting the infection rate and case severity. Several drug development studies are going on to develop potential inhibitors of the protease, using both conventional and computational approaches. Complete understanding of the biological roles of TMPRSS2 is necessary before such therapies are applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyotirmoy Sarker
- Department of Pharmacy, Jagannath University, Dhaka 1100, Bangladesh
- Department of Pharmacy Systems, Outcomes and Policy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Pritha Das
- Independent Author, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh
| | - Sabarni Sarker
- Department of Pharmacy, Jagannath University, Dhaka 1100, Bangladesh
| | - Apurba Kumar Roy
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh
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Host serine proteases TMPRSS2 and TMPRSS11D mediate proteolytic activation and trypsin-independent infection in group A rotaviruses. J Virol 2021; 95:JVI.00398-21. [PMID: 33762412 PMCID: PMC8139689 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00398-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Group A rotaviruses (RVAs) are representative enteric virus species and major causes of diarrhea in humans and animals. The RVA virion is a triple-layered particle, and the outermost layer consists of the glycoprotein VP7 and spike protein VP4. To increase the infectivity of RVA, VP4 is proteolytically cleaved into VP5* and VP8* subunits by trypsin; and these subunits form a rigid spike structure on the virion surface. In this study, we investigated the growth of RVAs in cells transduced with type II transmembrane serine proteases (TTSPs), which cleave fusion proteins and promote infection by respiratory viruses, such as influenza viruses, paramyxoviruses, and coronaviruses. We identified TMPRSS2 and TMPRSS11D as host TTSPs that mediate trypsin-independent and multi-cycle infection by human and animal RVA strains. In vitro cleavage assays revealed that recombinant TMPRSS11D cleaved RVA VP4. We also found that TMPRSS2 and TMPRSS11D promote the infectious entry of immature RVA virions, but they could not activate nascent progeny virions in the late phase of infection. This observation differed from the TTSP-mediated activation process of paramyxoviruses, revealing the existence of virus species-specific activation processes in TTSPs. Our study provides new insights into the interaction between RVAs and host factors, and TTSP-transduced cells offer potential advantages for RVA research and development.ImportanceProteolytic cleavage of the viral VP4 protein is essential for virion maturation and infectivity in group A rotaviruses (RVAs). In cell culture, RVAs are propagated in culture medium supplemented with the exogenous protease trypsin, which cleaves VP4 and induces the maturation of progeny RVA virions. In this study, we demonstrated that the host proteases TMPRSS2 and TMPRSS11D mediate the trypsin-independent infection and growth of RVA. Our data revealed that the proteolytic activation of RVAs by TMPRSS2 and TMPRSS11D occurs at the viral entry step. Because TMPRSS2 and TMPRSS11D gene expression induced similar or higher levels of RVA growth as trypsin-supplemented culture, this approach offers potential advantages for RVA research and development.
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Waidha K, Saxena A, Kumar P, Sharma S, Ray D, Saha B. Design and identification of novel annomontine analogues against SARS-CoV-2: An in-silico approach. Heliyon 2021; 7:e06657. [PMID: 33824915 PMCID: PMC8017494 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS COVID-19 has currently emerged as the major global pandemic affecting the lives of people across the globe. It broke out from Wuhan Province of China, first reported to WHO on 31st December 2019 as "Pneumonia of unknown cause". Over time more people were infected with this virus, and the only tactic to ensure safety was to take precautionary measures due to the lack of any effective treatment or vaccines. As a result of unavailability of desired efficacy for previously repurposed drugs, exploring novel scaffolds against the virus has become the need of the hour. MAIN METHODS In the present study, 23 new annomontine analogues were designed representing β-Carboline based scaffolds. A hypothesis on its role as an effective ligand was laid for target-specific binding in SARS-CoV-2. These molecules were used for molecular docking analysis against the multiple possible drug targets using the Maestro Interface. To ensure the drug safety of these molecules ADME/Tox analysis was also performed. KEY FINDINGS The molecular docking analysis of the 23 novel molecules indicated the efficiency of these derivates against COVID-19. The efficiency of molecules was computed by the summation of the docking score against each target defined as LigE Score and compared against Hydroxycholoquine as a standard. Based on the docking score, the majority of the annomontine derivatives were found to have increased binding affinity with targets as compared to hydroxycholoquine. SIGNIFICANCE Due to the lack of efficiency, effectiveness, and failure of already repurposed drugs against the COVID-19, the exploration of the novel scaffold that can act as effective treatment is much needed. The current study hence emphasizes the potential of Annomontine based - β- Carboline derivatives as a potential drug candidate against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamran Waidha
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, 125, 201301, India
| | - Anjali Saxena
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, 125, 201301, India
| | - Prashant Kumar
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, 125, 201301, India
| | - Sunil Sharma
- Chemical Engineering Department, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
| | - Devalina Ray
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, 125, 201301, India
| | - Biswajit Saha
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, 125, 201301, India
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Abbasi AZ, Kiyani DA, Hamid SM, Saalim M, Fahim A, Jalal N. Spiking dependence of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenicity on TMPRSS2. J Med Virol 2021; 93:4205-4218. [PMID: 33638460 PMCID: PMC8014076 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.26911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological data shows a discrepancy in COVID‐19 susceptibility and outcomes with some regions being more heavily affected than others. However, the factors that determine host susceptibility and pathogenicity remain elusive. An increasing number of publications highlight the role of Transmembrane Serine Protease 2 (TMPRSS2) in the susceptibility of the host cell to SARS‐CoV‐2. Cleavage of viral spike protein via the host cell's TMPRSS2 enzyme activity mediates viral entry into the host cell. The enzyme synthesis is regulated by the TMPRSS2 gene, which has also been implicated in the entry mechanisms of previously reported Coronavirus infections. In this review, we have investigated the pathogenicity of SARS‐CoV‐2 and disease susceptibility dependence on the TMPRSS2 gene as expressed in various population groups. We further discuss how the differential expression of this gene in various ethnic groups can affect the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and Coronavirus disease (COVID)‐19 outcomes. Moreover, promising new TMPRSS2 protease blockers and inhibitors are discussed for COVID‐19 treatment. 1. Entry of SARS‐CoV‐2 into a host cell depends on host protease TMPRSS2. 2. TMPRSS2 gene has localized expression throughout the human body but highly expressed in cells of the respiratory tract (primary target of SARS‐CoV‐2 in humans), gastrointestinal tract, kidneys and prostate. 3. Differences in expression of TMPRSS2 gene in the respiratory among different population groups can be a basis for discrepancy observed in COVID‐19 susceptibility and disease outcomes. 4. Drugs based on the inhibition or blockage of TMPRSS2 protease are undergoing clinical trials as a therapeutic option.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Muhammad Saalim
- PsiMega2 (Pvt.) Ltd., Islamabad, Pakistan.,School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ammad Fahim
- National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Nasir Jalal
- PsiMega2 (Pvt.) Ltd., Islamabad, Pakistan.,Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
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Pászti-Gere E, Pomothy J, Jerzsele Á, Pilgram O, Steinmetzer T. Exposure of human intestinal epithelial cells and primary human hepatocytes to trypsin-like serine protease inhibitors with potential antiviral effect. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2021; 36:659-668. [PMID: 33641565 PMCID: PMC7928042 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2021.1886093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Human intestinal epithelial cell line-6 (HIEC-6) cells and primary human hepatocytes (PHHs) were treated with 3-amidinophenylalanine-derived inhibitors of trypsin-like serine proteases for 24 hours. It was proven that treatment with MI-1900 and MI-1907 was tolerated up to 50 μM in HIEC-6. These inhibitors did not cause elevations in extracellular H2O2 levels and in the concentrations of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 and did not alter occludin distribution in HIEC-6. It was also found that MI-1900 and MI-1907 up to 50 μM did not affect cell viability, IL-6 and IL-8 and occludin levels of PHH. Based on our findings, these inhibitors could be safely applicable at 50 μM in HIEC-6 and in PHH; however, redox status was disturbed in case of PHH. Moreover, it has recently been demonstrated that MI-1900 prevents the replication and spread of the new SARS-CoV-2 in infected Calu-3 cells, most-likely via an inhibition of the membrane-bound host protease TMPRSS2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erzsébet Pászti-Gere
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Judit Pomothy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ákos Jerzsele
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Oliver Pilgram
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Torsten Steinmetzer
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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Hoffmann M, Hofmann-Winkler H, Smith JC, Krüger N, Arora P, Sørensen LK, Søgaard OS, Hasselstrøm JB, Winkler M, Hempel T, Raich L, Olsson S, Danov O, Jonigk D, Yamazoe T, Yamatsuta K, Mizuno H, Ludwig S, Noé F, Kjolby M, Braun A, Sheltzer JM, Pöhlmann S. Camostat mesylate inhibits SARS-CoV-2 activation by TMPRSS2-related proteases and its metabolite GBPA exerts antiviral activity. EBioMedicine 2021; 65:103255. [PMID: 33676899 PMCID: PMC7930809 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 206] [Impact Index Per Article: 68.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antivirals are needed to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, which is caused by SARS-CoV-2. The clinically-proven protease inhibitor Camostat mesylate inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection by blocking the virus-activating host cell protease TMPRSS2. However, antiviral activity of Camostat mesylate metabolites and potential viral resistance have not been analyzed. Moreover, antiviral activity of Camostat mesylate in human lung tissue remains to be demonstrated. METHODS We used recombinant TMPRSS2, reporter particles bearing the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 or authentic SARS-CoV-2 to assess inhibition of TMPRSS2 and viral entry, respectively, by Camostat mesylate and its metabolite GBPA. FINDINGS We show that several TMPRSS2-related proteases activate SARS-CoV-2 and that two, TMPRSS11D and TMPRSS13, are robustly expressed in the upper respiratory tract. However, entry mediated by these proteases was blocked by Camostat mesylate. The Camostat metabolite GBPA inhibited recombinant TMPRSS2 with reduced efficiency as compared to Camostat mesylate. In contrast, both inhibitors exhibited similar antiviral activity and this correlated with the rapid conversion of Camostat mesylate into GBPA in the presence of serum. Finally, Camostat mesylate and GBPA blocked SARS-CoV-2 spread in human lung tissue ex vivo and the related protease inhibitor Nafamostat mesylate exerted augmented antiviral activity. INTERPRETATION Our results suggest that SARS-CoV-2 can use TMPRSS2 and closely related proteases for spread in the upper respiratory tract and that spread in the human lung can be blocked by Camostat mesylate and its metabolite GBPA. FUNDING NIH, Damon Runyon Foundation, ACS, NYCT, DFG, EU, Berlin Mathematics center MATH+, BMBF, Lower Saxony, Lundbeck Foundation, Novo Nordisk Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Hoffmann
- Infection Biology Unit, German Primate Center - Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; Faculty of Biology and Psychology, University Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Heike Hofmann-Winkler
- Infection Biology Unit, German Primate Center - Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Joan C Smith
- Google, Inc., New York City, NY 10011, USA; Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Nadine Krüger
- Infection Biology Unit, German Primate Center - Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Prerna Arora
- Infection Biology Unit, German Primate Center - Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; Faculty of Biology and Psychology, University Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Lambert K Sørensen
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ole S Søgaard
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Michael Winkler
- Infection Biology Unit, German Primate Center - Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Tim Hempel
- Freie Universität Berlin, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Berlin, Germany; Freie Universität Berlin, Department of Physics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lluís Raich
- Freie Universität Berlin, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Berlin, Germany
| | - Simon Olsson
- Freie Universität Berlin, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Berlin, Germany; Chalmers University of Technology, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Olga Danov
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine ITEM, Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Member of Fraunhofer International Consortium for Anti-Infective Research (iCAIR), Nikolai-Fuchs-Strasse 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Danny Jonigk
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine ITEM, Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Member of Fraunhofer International Consortium for Anti-Infective Research (iCAIR), Nikolai-Fuchs-Strasse 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany; Institute of Pathology, Hannover Medical School, Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Takashi Yamazoe
- Discovery Technology Research Laboratories, Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Osaka 618-8585, Japan
| | - Katsura Yamatsuta
- Discovery Technology Research Laboratories, Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Osaka 618-8585, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Mizuno
- Discovery Technology Research Laboratories, Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Osaka 618-8585, Japan
| | - Stephan Ludwig
- Institute of Virology (IVM), Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, 48149 Münster, Germany; Cluster of Excellence "Cells in Motion", Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Frank Noé
- Freie Universität Berlin, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Berlin, Germany; Freie Universität Berlin, Department of Physics, Berlin, Germany; Rice University, Department of Chemistry, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mads Kjolby
- Danish Diabetes Academy and DANDRITE, Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Armin Braun
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine ITEM, Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Member of Fraunhofer International Consortium for Anti-Infective Research (iCAIR), Nikolai-Fuchs-Strasse 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Jason M Sheltzer
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Stefan Pöhlmann
- Infection Biology Unit, German Primate Center - Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; Faculty of Biology and Psychology, University Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany.
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A Crucial Role of ACBD3 Required for Coxsackievirus Infection in Animal Model Developed by AAV-Mediated CRISPR Genome Editing Technique. Viruses 2021; 13:v13020237. [PMID: 33546322 PMCID: PMC7913485 DOI: 10.3390/v13020237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic screens using CRISPR/Cas9 have been exploited to discover host–virus interactions. These screens have identified viral dependencies on host proteins during their life cycle and potential antiviral strategies. The acyl-CoA binding domain containing 3 (ACBD3) was identified as an essential host factor for the Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) infection. Other groups have also investigated the role of ACBD3 as a host factor for diverse enteroviruses in cultured cells. However, it has not been tested if ACBD3 is required in the animal model of CVB3 infection. Owing to embryonic lethality, conventional knockout mice were not available for in vivo study. As an alternative approach, we used adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated CRISPR genome editing to generate mice that lacked ACBD3 within the pancreas, the major target organ for CVB3. Delivery of sgRNAs using self-complementary (sc) AAV8 efficiently induced a loss-of-function mutation in the pancreas of the Cas9 knock-in mice. Loss of ACBD3 in the pancreas resulted in a 100-fold reduction in the CVB3 titer within the pancreas and a noticeable reduction in viral protein expression. These results indicate a crucial function of ACBD3 in CVB3 infection in vivo. AAV-mediated CRISPR genome editing may be applicable to many in vivo studies on the virus–host interaction and identify a novel target for antiviral therapeutics.
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Aguilar HC, Buchholz DW. Finding proteases that make cells go viral. J Biol Chem 2021; 295:11408-11409. [PMID: 32817125 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.h120.015153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The activation of influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) glycoprotein via cleavage by host cell proteases is essential for viral infectivity, and understanding the mechanisms for HA protein cleavage and how they may differ depending on the biological context is important for the development of flu treatments. However, the HA proteases involved in the activation of many viral strains remain unidentified. In this issue, Harbig et al. identify a repertoire of proteases that cleave HA and determine the proteases' functionality against specific HA glycoproteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hector C Aguilar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - David W Buchholz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
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Kaur T, Kapila S, Kapila R, Kumar S, Upadhyay D, Kaur M, Sharma C. Tmprss2 specific miRNAs as promising regulators for SARS-CoV-2 entry checkpoint. Virus Res 2021; 294:198275. [PMID: 33359190 PMCID: PMC7833564 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2020.198275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Tmprss2 is an emerging molecular target which guides cellular infections of SARS-CoV-2, has been earmarked for interventions against the viral pathologies. The study aims to computationally screen and identifies potential miRNAs, following in vitro experimental validation of miRNA-mediated suppression of Tmprss2 for early prevention of COVID-19. Pool of 163 miRNAs, scrutinized for Tmprss2 binding with three miRNA prediction algorithms, ensued 11 common miRNAs. Further, computational negative energies for association, corroborated miRNA-Tmprss2 interactions, whereas three miRNAs (hsa-miR-214, hsa-miR-98 and hsa-miR-32) based on probability scores ≥0.8 and accessibility to Tmprss2 target have been selected in the Sfold tool. Transfection of miRNA(s) in the Caco-2 cells, quantitatively estimated differential expression, confirming silencing of Tmprss2 with maximum gene suppression by hsa-miR-32 employing novel promising role in CoV-2 pathogenesis. The exalted binding of miRNAs to Tmprss2 and suppression of later advocates their utility as molecular tools for prevention of SARS-CoV-2 viral transmission and replication in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taruneet Kaur
- Animal Biochemistry Division, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, 132001, India.
| | - Suman Kapila
- Animal Biochemistry Division, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, 132001, India
| | - Rajeev Kapila
- Animal Biochemistry Division, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, 132001, India
| | - Sandeep Kumar
- Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory, Kalpana Chawla Government Medical College, Karnal, Haryana, 132001, India
| | - Divya Upadhyay
- Animal Biochemistry Division, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, 132001, India
| | - Manjeet Kaur
- Centre for Agricultural Bioinformatics, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Chandresh Sharma
- Multidisciplinary Clinical Translational Research, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad, Haryana, 121001, India.
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Hempel T, Raich L, Olsson S, Azouz NP, Klingler AM, Hoffmann M, Pöhlmann S, Rothenberg ME, Noé F. Molecular mechanism of inhibiting the SARS-CoV-2 cell entry facilitator TMPRSS2 with camostat and nafamostat. Chem Sci 2021; 12:983-992. [PMID: 35382133 PMCID: PMC8906443 DOI: 10.1039/d0sc05064d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The entry of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 into human lung cells can be inhibited by the approved drugs camostat and nafamostat. Here we elucidate the molecular mechanism of these drugs by combining experiments and simulations. In vitro assays confirm that both drugs inhibit the human protein TMPRSS2, a SARS-Cov-2 spike protein activator. As no experimental structure is available, we provide a model of the TMPRSS2 equilibrium structure and its fluctuations by relaxing an initial homology structure with extensive 330 microseconds of all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) and Markov modeling. Through Markov modeling, we describe the binding process of both drugs and a metabolic product of camostat (GBPA) to TMPRSS2, reaching a Michaelis complex (MC) state, which precedes the formation of a long-lived covalent inhibitory state. We find that nafamostat has a higher MC population than camostat and GBPA, suggesting that nafamostat is more readily available to form the stable covalent enzyme–substrate intermediate, effectively explaining its high potency. This model is backed by our in vitro experiments and consistent with previous virus cell entry assays. Our TMPRSS2–drug structures are made public to guide the design of more potent and specific inhibitors. The authors unravel the molecular action principle of nafamostat and camostat, two potential COVID-19 drugs targeting the human protein TMPRSS2.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Hempel
- Freie Universität Berlin
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
- Berlin
- Germany
- Freie Universität Berlin
| | - Lluís Raich
- Freie Universität Berlin
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
- Berlin
- Germany
| | - Simon Olsson
- Freie Universität Berlin
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
- Berlin
- Germany
- Chalmers University of Technology
| | - Nurit P. Azouz
- Division of Allergy and Immunology
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
- Department of Pediatrics
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
- Cincinnati
| | - Andrea M. Klingler
- Division of Allergy and Immunology
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
- Department of Pediatrics
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
- Cincinnati
| | - Markus Hoffmann
- Infection Biology Unit
- German Primate Center – Leibniz Institute for Primate Research
- Göttingen
- Germany
- Faculty of Biology and Psychology
| | - Stefan Pöhlmann
- Infection Biology Unit
- German Primate Center – Leibniz Institute for Primate Research
- Göttingen
- Germany
- Faculty of Biology and Psychology
| | - Marc E. Rothenberg
- Division of Allergy and Immunology
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
- Department of Pediatrics
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
- Cincinnati
| | - Frank Noé
- Freie Universität Berlin
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
- Berlin
- Germany
- Freie Universität Berlin
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Iverson E, Kaler L, Agostino EL, Song D, Duncan GA, Scull MA. Leveraging 3D Model Systems to Understand Viral Interactions with the Respiratory Mucosa. Viruses 2020; 12:E1425. [PMID: 33322395 PMCID: PMC7763686 DOI: 10.3390/v12121425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory viruses remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the human population, underscoring the importance of ongoing basic research into virus-host interactions. However, many critical aspects of infection are difficult, if not impossible, to probe using standard cell lines, 2D culture formats, or even animal models. In vitro systems such as airway epithelial cultures at air-liquid interface, organoids, or 'on-chip' technologies allow interrogation in human cells and recapitulate emergent properties of the airway epithelium-the primary target for respiratory virus infection. While some of these models have been used for over thirty years, ongoing advancements in both culture techniques and analytical tools continue to provide new opportunities to investigate airway epithelial biology and viral infection phenotypes in both normal and diseased host backgrounds. Here we review these models and their application to studying respiratory viruses. Furthermore, given the ability of these systems to recapitulate the extracellular microenvironment, we evaluate their potential to serve as a platform for studies specifically addressing viral interactions at the mucosal surface and detail techniques that can be employed to expand our understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan Iverson
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Maryland Pathogen Research Institute, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; (E.I.); (E.L.A.)
| | - Logan Kaler
- Biophysics Program, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; (L.K.); (G.A.D.)
| | - Eva L. Agostino
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Maryland Pathogen Research Institute, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; (E.I.); (E.L.A.)
| | - Daniel Song
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA;
| | - Gregg A. Duncan
- Biophysics Program, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; (L.K.); (G.A.D.)
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA;
| | - Margaret A. Scull
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Maryland Pathogen Research Institute, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; (E.I.); (E.L.A.)
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Abstract
New therapeutic targets are urgently needed against SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. Results in this study show that targeting the transcriptional regulation of host entry factors TMPRSS2 and ACE2 is a viable treatment strategy to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection. In particular, inhibitors of androgen receptor (AR) or bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) proteins are effective against SARS-CoV-2 infection. AR inhibitors are already approved in the clinic for treatment of prostate cancer and are under investigation in COVID-19 patients; BET inhibitors are also in clinical development for other indications and could be rapidly repurposed for COVID-19. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for COVID-19, employs two key host proteins to gain entry and replicate within cells, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and the cell surface transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2). TMPRSS2 was first characterized as an androgen-regulated gene in the prostate. Supporting a role for sex hormones, males relative to females are disproportionately affected by COVID-19 in terms of mortality and morbidity. Several studies, including one employing a large epidemiological cohort, suggested that blocking androgen signaling is protective against COVID-19. Here, we demonstrate that androgens regulate the expression of ACE2, TMPRSS2, and androgen receptor (AR) in subsets of lung epithelial cells. AR levels are markedly elevated in males relative to females greater than 70 y of age. In males greater than 70 y old, smoking was associated with elevated levels of AR and ACE2 in lung epithelial cells. Transcriptional repression of the AR enhanceosome with AR or bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) antagonists inhibited SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro. Taken together, these studies support further investigation of transcriptional inhibition of critical host factors in the treatment or prevention of COVID-19.
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Fuentes-Prior P. Priming of SARS-CoV-2 S protein by several membrane-bound serine proteinases could explain enhanced viral infectivity and systemic COVID-19 infection. J Biol Chem 2020; 296:100135. [PMID: 33268377 PMCID: PMC7834812 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.rev120.015980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has already caused over a million deaths worldwide, and this death toll will be much higher before effective treatments and vaccines are available. The causative agent of the disease, the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, shows important similarities with the previously emerged SARS-CoV-1, but also striking differences. First, SARS-CoV-2 possesses a significantly higher transmission rate and infectivity than SARS-CoV-1 and has infected in a few months over 60 million people. Moreover, COVID-19 has a systemic character, as in addition to the lungs, it also affects the heart, liver, and kidneys among other organs of the patients and causes frequent thrombotic and neurological complications. In fact, the term "viral sepsis" has been recently coined to describe the clinical observations. Here I review current structure-function information on the viral spike proteins and the membrane fusion process to provide plausible explanations for these observations. I hypothesize that several membrane-associated serine proteinases (MASPs), in synergy with or in place of TMPRSS2, contribute to activate the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Relative concentrations of the attachment receptor, ACE2, MASPs, their endogenous inhibitors (the Kunitz-type transmembrane inhibitors, HAI-1/SPINT1 and HAI-2/SPINT2, as well as major circulating serpins) would determine the infection rate of host cells. The exclusive or predominant expression of major MASPs in specific human organs suggests a direct role of these proteinases in e.g., heart infection and myocardial injury, liver dysfunction, kidney damage, as well as neurological complications. Thorough consideration of these factors could have a positive impact on the control of the current COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Fuentes-Prior
- Molecular Bases of Disease, Biomedical Research Institute (IIB) Sant Pau, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.
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50
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Is Spironolactone the Preferred Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone Inhibitor for Protection Against COVID-19? J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2020; 77:323-331. [PMID: 33278189 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000000960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The high mortality of specific groups from COVID-19 highlights the importance of host-viral interactions and the potential benefits from enhancing host defenses. SARS-CoV-2 requires angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) 2 as a receptor for cell entry and infection. Although both ACE inhibitors and spironolactone can upregulate tissue ACE2, there are important points of discrimination between these approaches. The virus requires proteolytic processing of its spike protein by transmembrane protease receptor serine type 2 (TMPRSS2) to enable binding to cellular ACE2. Because TMPRSS2 contains an androgen promoter, it may be downregulated by the antiandrogenic actions of spironolactone. Furin and plasmin also process the spike protein. They are inhibited by protease nexin 1 or serpin E2 (PN1) that is upregulated by angiotensin II but downregulated by aldosterone. Therefore, spironolactone should selectively downregulate furin and plasmin. Furin also promotes pulmonary edema, whereas plasmin promotes hemovascular dysfunction. Thus, a downregulation of furin and plasmin by PN1 could be a further benefit of MRAs beyond their well-established organ protection. We review the evidence that spironolactone may be the preferred RASSi to increase PN1 and decrease TMPRSS2, furin, and plasmin activities and thereby reduce viral cell binding, entry, infectivity, and bad outcomes. This hypothesis requires direct investigation.
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