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Cheng L, Rui Y, Wang Y, Chen S, Su J, Yu XF. A glimpse into viral warfare: decoding the intriguing role of highly pathogenic coronavirus proteins in apoptosis regulation. J Biomed Sci 2024; 31:70. [PMID: 39003473 PMCID: PMC11245872 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-024-01062-1] [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: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses employ various strategies for survival, among which the activation of endogenous or exogenous apoptosis stands out, with viral proteins playing a pivotal role. Notably, highly pathogenic coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, and MERS-CoV exhibit a greater array of non-structural proteins compared to low-pathogenic strains, facilitating their ability to induce apoptosis via multiple pathways. Moreover, these viral proteins are adept at dampening host immune responses, thereby bolstering viral replication and persistence. This review delves into the intricate interplay between highly pathogenic coronaviruses and apoptosis, systematically elucidating the molecular mechanisms underpinning apoptosis induction by viral proteins. Furthermore, it explores the potential therapeutic avenues stemming from apoptosis inhibition as antiviral agents and the utilization of apoptosis-inducing viral proteins as therapeutic modalities. These insights not only shed light on viral pathogenesis but also offer novel perspectives for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leyi Cheng
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Yajuan Rui
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Yanpu Wang
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Shiqi Chen
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Jiaming Su
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China.
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China.
| | - Xiao-Fang Yu
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China.
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China.
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Zhang J, Benko Z, Zhang C, Zhao RY. Advanced Protocol for Molecular Characterization of Viral Genome in Fission Yeast ( Schizosaccharomyces pombe). Pathogens 2024; 13:566. [PMID: 39057793 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13070566] [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: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Fission yeast, a single-cell eukaryotic organism, shares many fundamental cellular processes with higher eukaryotes, including gene transcription and regulation, cell cycle regulation, vesicular transport and membrane trafficking, and cell death resulting from the cellular stress response. As a result, fission yeast has proven to be a versatile model organism for studying human physiology and diseases such as cell cycle dysregulation and cancer, as well as autophagy and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases. Given that viruses are obligate intracellular parasites that rely on host cellular machinery to replicate and produce, fission yeast could serve as a surrogate to identify viral proteins that affect host cellular processes. This approach could facilitate the study of virus-host interactions and help identify potential viral targets for antiviral therapy. Using fission yeast for functional characterization of viral genomes offers several advantages, including a well-characterized and haploid genome, robustness, cost-effectiveness, ease of maintenance, and rapid doubling time. Therefore, fission yeast emerges as a valuable surrogate system for rapid and comprehensive functional characterization of viral proteins, aiding in the identification of therapeutic antiviral targets or viral proteins that impact highly conserved host cellular functions with significant virologic implications. Importantly, this approach has a proven track record of success in studying various human and plant viruses. In this protocol, we present a streamlined and scalable molecular cloning strategy tailored for genome-wide and comprehensive functional characterization of viral proteins in fission yeast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiantao Zhang
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Zsigmond Benko
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Chenyu Zhang
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Richard Y Zhao
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Institute of Human Virology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Institute of Global Health, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Research & Development Service, VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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3
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Keramidas P, Pitou M, Papachristou E, Choli-Papadopoulou T. Insights into the Activation of Unfolded Protein Response Mechanism during Coronavirus Infection. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:4286-4308. [PMID: 38785529 PMCID: PMC11120126 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46050261] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses represent a significant class of viruses that affect both animals and humans. Their replication cycle is strongly associated with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), which, upon virus invasion, triggers ER stress responses. The activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) within infected cells is performed from three transmembrane receptors, IRE1, PERK, and ATF6, and results in a reduction in protein production, a boost in the ER's ability to fold proteins properly, and the initiation of ER-associated degradation (ERAD) to remove misfolded or unfolded proteins. However, in cases of prolonged and severe ER stress, the UPR can also instigate apoptotic cell death and inflammation. Herein, we discuss the ER-triggered host responses after coronavirus infection, as well as the pharmaceutical targeting of the UPR as a potential antiviral strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Theodora Choli-Papadopoulou
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (P.K.); (M.P.); (E.P.)
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Pérez-Martínez Z, Boga JA, Potes Y, Melón S, Coto-Montes A. Effect of Melatonin on Herpesvirus Type 1 Replication. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4037. [PMID: 38612846 PMCID: PMC11012353 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074037] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute HSV-1 infection is associated with mild symptoms, such as fever and lesions of the mouth, face and skin. This phase is followed by a latency period before reactivation, which is associated with symptoms ranging from ulcers to encephalitis. Despite available anti-HSV-1 drugs, the development of new antiviral agents is sought due to the presence of resistant viruses. Melatonin, a molecule secreted by the pineal gland, has been shown to be an antioxidant, inducer of antioxidant enzymes, and regulator of various biological processes. Clinical trials have explored its therapeutic utility in conditions including infections. This study focuses on melatonin's role in HSV-1 replication and the underlying mechanisms. Melatonin was found to decrease the synthesis of HSV-1 proteins in infected Vero cells measured by immunofluorescence, indicating an inhibition of HSV-1 replication. Additionally, it regulates the activities of antioxidant enzymes and affects proteasome activity. Melatonin activates the unfolded protein response (UPR) and autophagy and suppresses apoptosis in HSV-1-infected cells. In summary, melatonin demonstrates an inhibitory role in HSV-1 replication by modulating various cellular responses, suggesting its potential utility in the treatment of viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zulema Pérez-Martínez
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, 33011 Oviedo, Spain; (Z.P.-M.); (J.A.B.); (S.M.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain;
| | - Jose Antonio Boga
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, 33011 Oviedo, Spain; (Z.P.-M.); (J.A.B.); (S.M.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain;
- Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Yaiza Potes
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain;
- Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Santiago Melón
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, 33011 Oviedo, Spain; (Z.P.-M.); (J.A.B.); (S.M.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain;
| | - Ana Coto-Montes
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain;
- Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
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Zhang J, Hom K, Zhang C, Nasr M, Gerzanich V, Zhang Y, Tang Q, Xue F, Simard JM, Zhao RY. SARS-CoV-2 ORF3a Protein as a Therapeutic Target against COVID-19 and Long-Term Post-Infection Effects. Pathogens 2024; 13:75. [PMID: 38251382 PMCID: PMC10819734 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13010075] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has posed unparalleled challenges due to its rapid transmission, ability to mutate, high mortality and morbidity, and enduring health complications. Vaccines have exhibited effectiveness, but their efficacy diminishes over time while new variants continue to emerge. Antiviral medications offer a viable alternative, but their success has been inconsistent. Therefore, there remains an ongoing need to identify innovative antiviral drugs for treating COVID-19 and its post-infection complications. The ORF3a (open reading frame 3a) protein found in SARS-CoV-2, represents a promising target for antiviral treatment due to its multifaceted role in viral pathogenesis, cytokine storms, disease severity, and mortality. ORF3a contributes significantly to viral pathogenesis by facilitating viral assembly and release, essential processes in the viral life cycle, while also suppressing the body's antiviral responses, thus aiding viral replication. ORF3a also has been implicated in triggering excessive inflammation, characterized by NF-κB-mediated cytokine production, ultimately leading to apoptotic cell death and tissue damage in the lungs, kidneys, and the central nervous system. Additionally, ORF3a triggers the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, inciting a cytokine storm, which is a major contributor to the severity of the disease and subsequent mortality. As with the spike protein, ORF3a also undergoes mutations, and certain mutant variants correlate with heightened disease severity in COVID-19. These mutations may influence viral replication and host cellular inflammatory responses. While establishing a direct link between ORF3a and mortality is difficult, its involvement in promoting inflammation and exacerbating disease severity likely contributes to higher mortality rates in severe COVID-19 cases. This review offers a comprehensive and detailed exploration of ORF3a's potential as an innovative antiviral drug target. Additionally, we outline potential strategies for discovering and developing ORF3a inhibitor drugs to counteract its harmful effects, alleviate tissue damage, and reduce the severity of COVID-19 and its lingering complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiantao Zhang
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (J.Z.); (C.Z.)
| | - Kellie Hom
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (K.H.); (F.X.)
| | - Chenyu Zhang
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (J.Z.); (C.Z.)
| | - Mohamed Nasr
- Drug Development and Clinical Sciences Branch, Division of AIDS, NIAID, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
| | - Volodymyr Gerzanich
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (V.G.); (J.M.S.)
| | - Yanjin Zhang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA;
| | - Qiyi Tang
- Department of Microbiology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC 20059, USA;
| | - Fengtian Xue
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (K.H.); (F.X.)
| | - J. Marc Simard
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (V.G.); (J.M.S.)
- Research & Development Service, VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Richard Y. Zhao
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (J.Z.); (C.Z.)
- Research & Development Service, VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Institute of Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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