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Zhang Y, Chen S, Tian Y, Fu X. Host factors of SARS-CoV-2 in infection, pathogenesis, and long-term effects. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1407261. [PMID: 38846354 PMCID: PMC11155306 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1407261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is the causative virus of the devastating COVID-19 pandemic that results in an unparalleled global health and economic crisis. Despite unprecedented scientific efforts and therapeutic interventions, the fight against COVID-19 continues as the rapid emergence of different SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and the increasing challenge of long COVID-19, raising a vast demand to understand the pathomechanisms of COVID-19 and its long-term sequelae and develop therapeutic strategies beyond the virus per se. Notably, in addition to the virus itself, the replication cycle of SARS-CoV-2 and clinical severity of COVID-19 is also governed by host factors. In this review, we therefore comprehensively overview the replication cycle and pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 from the perspective of host factors and host-virus interactions. We sequentially outline the pathological implications of molecular interactions between host factors and SARS-CoV-2 in multi-organ and multi-system long COVID-19, and summarize current therapeutic strategies and agents targeting host factors for treating these diseases. This knowledge would be key for the identification of new pathophysiological aspects and mechanisms, and the development of actionable therapeutic targets and strategies for tackling COVID-19 and its sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yan Tian
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Medical School, West China Hospital and Cancer Center, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan, Chengdu, China
| | - Xianghui Fu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Medical School, West China Hospital and Cancer Center, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan, Chengdu, China
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2
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Ciardullo G, Parise A, Prejanò M, Marino T. Viral RNA Replication Suppression of SARS-CoV-2: Atomistic Insights into Inhibition Mechanisms of RdRp Machinery by ddhCTP. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:1593-1604. [PMID: 38412057 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
The nonstructural protein 12, known as RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), is essential for both replication and repair of the viral genome. The RdRp of SARS-CoV-2 has been used as a promising candidate for drug development since the inception of the COVID-19 spread. In this work, we performed an in silico investigation on the insertion of the naturally modified pyrimidine nucleobase ddhCTP into the SARS-CoV-2 RdRp active site, in a comparative analysis with the natural one (CTP). The modification in ddhCTP involves the removal of the 3'-hydroxyl group that prevents the addition of subsequent nucleotides into the nascent strand, acting as an RNA chain terminator inhibitor. Quantum mechanical investigations helped to shed light on the mechanistic source of RdRp activity on the selected nucleobases, and comprehensive all-atom simulations provided insights about the structural rearrangements occurring in the active-site region when inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi) is formed. Subsequently, the intricate pathways for the release of PPi, the catalytic product of RdRp, were investigated using Umbrella Sampling simulations. The results are in line with the available experimental data and contribute to a more comprehensive point of view on such an important viral enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giada Ciardullo
- Dipartimento di Chimica E Tecnologie Chimiche, Laboratorio PROMOCS Cubo 14C, Università della Calabria, RENDE (CS) I-87036, Italy
| | - Angela Parise
- Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (CNR)-IOM C/O International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA/ISAS), Via Bonomea 265, Trieste 34136, Italy
| | - Mario Prejanò
- Dipartimento di Chimica E Tecnologie Chimiche, Laboratorio PROMOCS Cubo 14C, Università della Calabria, RENDE (CS) I-87036, Italy
| | - Tiziana Marino
- Dipartimento di Chimica E Tecnologie Chimiche, Laboratorio PROMOCS Cubo 14C, Università della Calabria, RENDE (CS) I-87036, Italy
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3
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Lombardo D, Musolino C, Chines V, Caminiti G, Palermo C, Cacciola I, Raffa G, Pollicino T. Assessing Genomic Mutations in SARS-CoV-2: Potential Resistance to Antiviral Drugs in Viral Populations from Untreated COVID-19 Patients. Microorganisms 2023; 12:2. [PMID: 38276171 PMCID: PMC10821222 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12010002] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Naturally occurring SARS-CoV-2 variants mutated in genomic regions targeted by antiviral drugs have not been extensively studied. This study investigated the potential of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) complex subunits and non-structural protein (Nsp)5 of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) to accumulate natural mutations that could affect the efficacy of antiviral drugs. To this aim, SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequences isolated from 4155 drug-naive individuals from southern Italy were analyzed using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Sequencing of the 4155 samples showed the following viral variant distribution: 71.2% Delta, 22.2% Omicron, and 6.4% Alpha. In the Nsp12 sequences, we found 84 amino acid substitutions. The most common one was P323L, detected in 3777/4155 (91%) samples, with 2906/3777 (69.9%) also showing the G671S substitution in combination. Additionally, we identified 28, 14, and 24 different amino acid substitutions in the Nsp5, Nsp7, and Nsp8 genomic regions, respectively. Of note, the V186F and A191V substitutions, affecting residues adjacent to the active site of Nsp5 (the target of the antiviral drug Paxlovid), were found in 157/4155 (3.8%) and 3/4155 (0.07%) samples, respectively. In conclusion, the RdRp complex subunits and the Nsp5 genomic region exhibit susceptibility to accumulating natural mutations. This susceptibility poses a potential risk to the efficacy of antiviral drugs, as these mutations may compromise the drug ability to inhibit viral replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Lombardo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy; (D.L.); (V.C.); (G.C.); (C.P.); (I.C.); (G.R.)
| | - Cristina Musolino
- Department of Human Pathology, University Hospital of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy;
| | - Valeria Chines
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy; (D.L.); (V.C.); (G.C.); (C.P.); (I.C.); (G.R.)
| | - Giuseppe Caminiti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy; (D.L.); (V.C.); (G.C.); (C.P.); (I.C.); (G.R.)
| | - Claudia Palermo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy; (D.L.); (V.C.); (G.C.); (C.P.); (I.C.); (G.R.)
| | - Irene Cacciola
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy; (D.L.); (V.C.); (G.C.); (C.P.); (I.C.); (G.R.)
| | - Giuseppina Raffa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy; (D.L.); (V.C.); (G.C.); (C.P.); (I.C.); (G.R.)
| | - Teresa Pollicino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy; (D.L.); (V.C.); (G.C.); (C.P.); (I.C.); (G.R.)
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4
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Slanina H, Madhugiri R, Wenk K, Reinke T, Schultheiß K, Schultheis J, Karl N, Linne U, Ziebuhr J. Conserved Characteristics of NMPylation Activities of Alpha- and Betacoronavirus NiRAN Domains. J Virol 2023; 97:e0046523. [PMID: 37199624 PMCID: PMC10308930 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00465-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus genome replication and expression are mediated by the viral replication-transcription complex (RTC) which is assembled from multiple nonstructural proteins (nsp). Among these, nsp12 represents the central functional subunit. It harbors the RNA-directed RNA polymerase (RdRp) domain and contains, at its N terminus, an additional domain called NiRAN which is widely conserved in coronaviruses and other nidoviruses. In this study, we produced bacterially expressed coronavirus nsp12s to investigate and compare NiRAN-mediated NMPylation activities from representative alpha- and betacoronaviruses. We found that the four coronavirus NiRAN domains characterized to date have a number of conserved properties, including (i) robust nsp9-specific NMPylation activities that appear to operate largely independently of the C-terminal RdRp domain, (ii) nucleotide substrate preference for UTP followed by ATP and other nucleotides, (iii) dependence on divalent metal ions, with Mn2+ being preferred over Mg2+, and (iv) a key role of N-terminal residues (particularly Asn2) of nsp9 for efficient formation of a covalent phosphoramidate bond between NMP and the N-terminal amino group of nsp9. In this context, a mutational analysis confirmed the conservation and critical role of Asn2 across different subfamilies of the family Coronaviridae, as shown by studies using chimeric coronavirus nsp9 variants in which six N-terminal residues were replaced with those from other corona-, pito- and letovirus nsp9 homologs. The combined data of this and previous studies reveal a remarkable degree of conservation among coronavirus NiRAN-mediated NMPylation activities, supporting a key role of this enzymatic activity in viral RNA synthesis and processing. IMPORTANCE There is strong evidence that coronaviruses and other large nidoviruses evolved a number of unique enzymatic activities, including an additional RdRp-associated NiRAN domain, that are conserved in nidoviruses but not in most other RNA viruses. Previous studies of the NiRAN domain mainly focused on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and suggested different functions for this domain, such as NMPylation/RNAylation of nsp9, RNA guanylyltransferase activities involved in canonical and/or unconventional RNA capping pathways, and other functions. To help resolve partly conflicting information on substrate specificities and metal ion requirements reported previously for the SARS-CoV-2 NiRAN NMPylation activity, we extended these earlier studies by characterizing representative alpha- and betacoronavirus NiRAN domains. The study revealed that key features of NiRAN-mediated NMPylation activities, such as protein and nucleotide specificity and metal ion requirements, are very well conserved among genetically divergent coronaviruses, suggesting potential avenues for future antiviral drug development targeting this essential viral enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heiko Slanina
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Kai Wenk
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Tess Reinke
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Karin Schultheiß
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Julia Schultheis
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Nadja Karl
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Uwe Linne
- Mass Spectrometry Facility, Department of Chemistry, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
| | - John Ziebuhr
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
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5
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Li G, Hilgenfeld R, Whitley R, De Clercq E. Therapeutic strategies for COVID-19: progress and lessons learned. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:449-475. [PMID: 37076602 PMCID: PMC10113999 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00672-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 162.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has stimulated tremendous efforts to develop therapeutic strategies that target severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and/or human proteins to control viral infection, encompassing hundreds of potential drugs and thousands of patients in clinical trials. So far, a few small-molecule antiviral drugs (nirmatrelvir-ritonavir, remdesivir and molnupiravir) and 11 monoclonal antibodies have been marketed for the treatment of COVID-19, mostly requiring administration within 10 days of symptom onset. In addition, hospitalized patients with severe or critical COVID-19 may benefit from treatment with previously approved immunomodulatory drugs, including glucocorticoids such as dexamethasone, cytokine antagonists such as tocilizumab and Janus kinase inhibitors such as baricitinib. Here, we summarize progress with COVID-19 drug discovery, based on accumulated findings since the pandemic began and a comprehensive list of clinical and preclinical inhibitors with anti-coronavirus activities. We also discuss the lessons learned from COVID-19 and other infectious diseases with regard to drug repurposing strategies, pan-coronavirus drug targets, in vitro assays and animal models, and platform trial design for the development of therapeutics to tackle COVID-19, long COVID and pathogenic coronaviruses in future outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangdi Li
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University; Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China.
| | - Rolf Hilgenfeld
- Institute of Molecular Medicine & German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
| | - Richard Whitley
- Department of Paediatrics, Microbiology, Medicine and Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
| | - Erik De Clercq
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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6
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Wang Z, Yang L, Song XQ. Oral GS-441524 derivatives: Next-generation inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1015355. [PMID: 36561747 PMCID: PMC9763260 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1015355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
GS-441524, an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) inhibitor, is a 1'-CN-substituted adenine C-nucleoside analog with broad-spectrum antiviral activity. However, the low oral bioavailability of GS-441524 poses a challenge to its anti-SARS-CoV-2 efficacy. Remdesivir, the intravenously administered version (version 1.0) of GS-441524, is the first FDA-approved agent for SARS-CoV-2 treatment. However, clinical trials have presented conflicting evidence on the value of remdesivir in COVID-19. Therefore, oral GS-441524 derivatives (VV116, ATV006, and GS-621763; version 2.0, targeting highly conserved viral RdRp) could be considered as game-changers in treating COVID-19 because oral administration has the potential to maximize clinical benefits, including decreased duration of COVID-19 and reduced post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as limited side effects such as hepatic accumulation. This review summarizes the current research related to the oral derivatives of GS-441524, and provides important insights into the potential factors underlying the controversial observations regarding the clinical efficacy of remdesivir; overall, it offers an effective launching pad for developing an oral version of GS-441524.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonglei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Green Natural Products and Pharmaceutical Intermediates in Colleges and Universities of Shandong Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, China,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Zhonglei Wang, ; Liyan Yang, ; Xian-qing Song,
| | - Liyan Yang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laser Polarization and Information Technology, School of Physics and Physical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, China,*Correspondence: Zhonglei Wang, ; Liyan Yang, ; Xian-qing Song,
| | - Xian-qing Song
- General Surgery Department, Ningbo Fourth Hospital, Xiangshan, China,*Correspondence: Zhonglei Wang, ; Liyan Yang, ; Xian-qing Song,
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7
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A mechanism for SARS-CoV-2 RNA capping and its inhibition by nucleotide analog inhibitors. Cell 2022; 185:4347-4360.e17. [PMID: 36335936 PMCID: PMC9531661 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2022.09.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Decoration of cap on viral RNA plays essential roles in SARS-CoV-2 proliferation. Here, we report a mechanism for SARS-CoV-2 RNA capping and document structural details at atomic resolution. The NiRAN domain in polymerase catalyzes the covalent link of RNA 5' end to the first residue of nsp9 (termed as RNAylation), thus being an intermediate to form cap core (GpppA) with GTP catalyzed again by NiRAN. We also reveal that triphosphorylated nucleotide analog inhibitors can be bonded to nsp9 and fit into a previously unknown "Nuc-pocket" in NiRAN, thus inhibiting nsp9 RNAylation and formation of GpppA. S-loop (residues 50-KTN-52) in NiRAN presents a remarkable conformational shift observed in RTC bound with sofosbuvir monophosphate, reasoning an "induce-and-lock" mechanism to design inhibitors. These findings not only improve the understanding of SARS-CoV-2 RNA capping and the mode of action of NAIs but also provide a strategy to design antiviral drugs.
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8
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McGowan J, Borucki M, Omairi H, Varghese M, Vellani S, Chakravarty S, Fan S, Chattopadhyay S, Siddiquee M, Thissen JB, Mulakken N, Moon J, Kimbrel J, Tiwari AK, Taylor RT, Kang DW, Jaing C, Chakravarti R, Chattopadhyay S. SARS-CoV-2 Monitoring in Wastewater Reveals Novel Variants and Biomarkers of Infection. Viruses 2022; 14:2032. [PMID: 36146835 PMCID: PMC9503862 DOI: 10.3390/v14092032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is a popular tool for the early indication of community spread of infectious diseases. WBE emerged as an effective tool during the COVID-19 pandemic and has provided meaningful information to minimize the spread of infection. Here, we present a combination of analyses using the correlation of viral gene copies with clinical cases, sequencing of wastewater-derived RNA for the viral mutants, and correlative analyses of the viral gene copies with the bacterial biomarkers. Our study provides a unique platform for potentially using the WBE-derived results to predict the spread of COVID-19 and the emergence of new variants of concern. Further, we observed a strong correlation between the presence of SARS-CoV-2 and changes in the microbial community of wastewater, particularly the significant changes in bacterial genera belonging to the families of Lachnospiraceae and Actinomycetaceae. Our study shows that microbial biomarkers could be utilized as prediction tools for future infectious disease surveillance and outbreak responses. Overall, our comprehensive analyses of viral spread, variants, and novel bacterial biomarkers will add significantly to the growing body of literature on WBE and COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna McGowan
- Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Monica Borucki
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550, USA
| | - Hicham Omairi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Toledo College of Engineering, Toledo, OH 43607, USA
| | - Merina Varghese
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Shahnaz Vellani
- Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Sukanya Chakravarty
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Shumin Fan
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Srestha Chattopadhyay
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
| | - Mashuk Siddiquee
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Toledo College of Engineering, Toledo, OH 43607, USA
| | - James B. Thissen
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550, USA
| | - Nisha Mulakken
- Computing Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550, USA
| | - Joseph Moon
- Computing Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550, USA
| | - Jeffrey Kimbrel
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550, USA
| | - Amit K. Tiwari
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
- Center for Medical Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
| | - Roger Travis Taylor
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Dae-Wook Kang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Toledo College of Engineering, Toledo, OH 43607, USA
| | - Crystal Jaing
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550, USA
| | - Ritu Chakravarti
- Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Saurabh Chattopadhyay
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
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Ullrich S, Nitsche C. SARS-CoV-2 Papain-Like Protease: Structure, Function and Inhibition. Chembiochem 2022; 23:e202200327. [PMID: 35993805 PMCID: PMC9538446 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202200327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2 and potential novel epidemic coronaviruses underline the importance of investigating various viral proteins as potential drug targets. The papain-like protease of coronaviruses has been less explored than other viral proteins; however, its substantive role in viral replication and impact on the host immune response make it a suitable target to study. This review article focuses on the structure and function of the papain-like protease (PLpro) of SARS-CoV-2, including variants of concern, and compares it to those of other coronaviruses, such as SARS-CoV-1 and MERS-CoV. The protease's recognition motif is mirrored in ubiquitin and ISG15, which are important posttranslational modifiers of the antiviral immune response. Inhibitors, including GRL0617 derivatives, and their prospects as potential future antiviral agents are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Ullrich
- Research School of ChemistryAustralian National UniversityCanberraACT 2601Australia
| | - Christoph Nitsche
- Research School of ChemistryAustralian National UniversityCanberraACT 2601Australia
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