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Ganji M, Bakhshi S, Ahmadi K, Shoari A, Moeini S, Ghaemi A. Rational design of B-cell and T-cell multi epitope-based vaccine against Zika virus, an in silico study. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:3426-3440. [PMID: 37190978 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2213339] [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: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The Zika virus (ZKV) is a single-stranded positive-sense, enveloped RNA virus. Zika infection during pregnancy can cause congenital microcephaly, Guillain-Barré syndrome, miscarriage, and other CNS abnormalities. The world needs safe and effective vaccinations to fight against ZIKV infection since vaccination is generally regarded as one of the most effective ways to prevent infectious diseases. In the present work, we used immunoinformatics and docking studies to construct a vaccine containing multi-epitopes using the structural and non-structural proteins of ZKV. The structural models of ZKV proteins (PrE, PrM, NS1, and NS2A) were constructed using Pyre2 and RaptorX servers. The epitopes of B-cell, T-cell (HTL and CTL), and IFN-γ were predicted, and each epitope's immunogenic nature and physiochemical properties were confirmed. As an adjuvant, the CPG-Oligodeoxynucleotide, an agonist of Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9), is associated to cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTL) epitopes via PAPAP linker. To assess the binding affinity and the tendency of the designed vaccine to induce an immune response through TLR9, molecular docking was done. In the next step, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to 100 nanoseconds (ns) was used to evaluate the stability of the interaction of the designed vaccine with TLR9. The designed vaccine is predicted to be highly antigenic, non-toxic, soluble, and stable with low flexibility in MD simulation. MD studies indicated that the finalized vaccine-TLR9 docked complex was stable during simulation time. The vaccine construct is able to stimulate both humoral and cellular immune responses. We suppose that our constructed model of the vaccine may have the ability to induce the host immune response against ZKV. Further studies, including in vitro and in vivo experimental analyses, are needed to prove the constructed vaccine's efficacy with multi-epitopes.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Ganji
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shohreh Bakhshi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Khadijeh Ahmadi
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Alireza Shoari
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Soheila Moeini
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Amir Ghaemi
- Department of Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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2
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Borges PHO, Ferreira SB, Silva FP. Recent Advances on Targeting Proteases for Antiviral Development. Viruses 2024; 16:366. [PMID: 38543732 PMCID: PMC10976044 DOI: 10.3390/v16030366] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Viral proteases are an important target for drug development, since they can modulate vital pathways in viral replication, maturation, assembly and cell entry. With the (re)appearance of several new viruses responsible for causing diseases in humans, like the West Nile virus (WNV) and the recent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), understanding the mechanisms behind blocking viral protease's function is pivotal for the development of new antiviral drugs and therapeutical strategies. Apart from directly inhibiting the target protease, usually by targeting its active site, several new pathways have been explored to impair its activity, such as inducing protein aggregation, targeting allosteric sites or by inducing protein degradation by cellular proteasomes, which can be extremely valuable when considering the emerging drug-resistant strains. In this review, we aim to discuss the recent advances on a broad range of viral proteases inhibitors, therapies and molecular approaches for protein inactivation or degradation, giving an insight on different possible strategies against this important class of antiviral target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Henrique Oliveira Borges
- Laboratory of Organic Synthesis and Biological Prospecting, Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, Brazil;
- Laboratory of Experimental and Computational Biochemistry of Drugs, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Sabrina Baptista Ferreira
- Laboratory of Organic Synthesis and Biological Prospecting, Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, Brazil;
| | - Floriano Paes Silva
- Laboratory of Experimental and Computational Biochemistry of Drugs, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
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3
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De Tran Q, Nguyen CQ, Dang QL, Minh Nguyen TH, Buu Hue BT, Thi Le MU, Tuan NT, Chau Thanh NQ, Men TT, Quan PM, Tuan ND, Cam TT, Thu Thuy NT, Bich Hau VT, Binh TD, Nguyen HP. ZIKV Inhibitors Based on Pyrazolo[3,4- d]pyridazine-7-one Core: Rational Design, In Vitro Evaluation, and Theoretical Studies. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:48994-49008. [PMID: 38162759 PMCID: PMC10753549 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c06612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The Zika virus (ZIKV) is believed to cause birth defects, and no anti-ZIKV drugs have been approved by medical organizations to date. Starting from antimicrobial lead compounds with a pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyridazine-7-one scaffold, we synthesized 16 derivatives and screened their ability to interfere with ZIKV infection utilizing a cell-based phenotypic assay. Of these, five compounds showed significant inhibition of ZIKV with a selective index value greater than 4.6. In particular, compound 9b showed the best anti-ZIKV activity with a selectivity index of 22.4 (half-maximal effective concentration = 25.6 μM and 50% cytotoxic concentration = 572.4 μM). Through the brine shrimp lethality bioassay, 9b, 10b, 12, 17a, and 19a showed median lethal dose values in a range of 87.2-100.3 μg/mL. Compound 9b was also targeted to the NS2B-NS3 protease of ZIKV using molecular docking protocols, in which it acted as a noncompetitive inhibitor and strongly bound to five key amino acids (His51, Asp75, Ser135, Ala132, Tyr161). Utilizing the pharmacophore model of 9b, the top 20 hits were identified as prospective inhibitors of NS2B-NS3 protease, and six of them were confirmed for their stability with the protease via redocking and molecular dynamics simulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quang De Tran
- Department
of Chemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Can Tho University, Can Tho 94000, Vietnam
- Analytical
Techniques Lab (1.16-AT Department of Chemistry L), CTU High-tech
Building, Can Tho University, Can Tho 94000, Vietnam
| | - Cuong Quoc Nguyen
- Department
of Chemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Can Tho University, Can Tho 94000, Vietnam
- Analytical
Techniques Lab (1.16-AT Department of Chemistry L), CTU High-tech
Building, Can Tho University, Can Tho 94000, Vietnam
| | - Quang Le Dang
- Institute
for Tropical Technology, Vietnam Academy
of Science and Technology, Hanoi 10072, Vietnam
- Graduate
University of Science and Technology, Vietnam
Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi 10072, Vietnam
| | - Thi Hong Minh Nguyen
- Department
of Life Science, University of Science and
Technology of Ha Noi, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Ha Noi 10072, Vietnam
| | - Bui Thi Buu Hue
- Department
of Chemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Can Tho University, Can Tho 94000, Vietnam
| | - Minh Uyen Thi Le
- Department
of Surgery, Division of Transplant Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis 46202, Indiana, United States
| | - Nguyen Trong Tuan
- Department
of Chemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Can Tho University, Can Tho 94000, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Quoc Chau Thanh
- Department
of Chemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Can Tho University, Can Tho 94000, Vietnam
| | - Tran Thanh Men
- Department
of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Can Tho University, Can Tho 94000, Vietnam
| | - Pham Minh Quan
- Graduate
University of Science and Technology, Vietnam
Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi 10072, Vietnam
- Institute
of Natural Products Chemistry, Vietnam Academy
of Science and Technology, Ha Noi 10072, Vietnam
| | | | | | - Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy
- National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, No 1 Yersin, Hai Ba Trung, Ha Noi 10000, Vietnam
| | - Vu Thi Bich Hau
- National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, No 1 Yersin, Hai Ba Trung, Ha Noi 10000, Vietnam
| | - Tran Duy Binh
- Department
of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Can Tho University, Can Tho 94000, Vietnam
| | - Hong Phuong Nguyen
- Department
of Pediatrics, Indiana University School
of Medicine, Indianapolis 46202, Indiana, United States
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4
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Camacho-Concha N, Santana-Román ME, Sánchez NC, Velasco I, Pando-Robles V, Pedraza-Alva G, Pérez-Martínez L. Insights into Zika Virus Pathogenesis and Potential Therapeutic Strategies. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3316. [PMID: 38137537 PMCID: PMC10741857 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123316] [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: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) has emerged as a significant public health threat, reaching pandemic levels in 2016. Human infection with ZIKV can manifest as either asymptomatic or as an acute illness characterized by symptoms such as fever and headache. Moreover, it has been associated with severe neurological complications in adults, including Guillain-Barre syndrome, and devastating fetal abnormalities, like microcephaly. The primary mode of transmission is through Aedes spp. mosquitoes, and with half of the world's population residing in regions where Aedes aegypti, the principal vector, thrives, the reemergence of ZIKV remains a concern. This comprehensive review provides insights into the pathogenesis of ZIKV and highlights the key cellular pathways activated upon ZIKV infection. Additionally, we explore the potential of utilizing microRNAs (miRNAs) and phytocompounds as promising strategies to combat ZIKV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nohemi Camacho-Concha
- Laboratorio de Neuroinmunobiología, Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca 62210, Morelos, Mexico; (N.C.-C.); (M.E.S.-R.); (N.C.S.); (G.P.-A.)
| | - María E. Santana-Román
- Laboratorio de Neuroinmunobiología, Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca 62210, Morelos, Mexico; (N.C.-C.); (M.E.S.-R.); (N.C.S.); (G.P.-A.)
| | - Nilda C. Sánchez
- Laboratorio de Neuroinmunobiología, Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca 62210, Morelos, Mexico; (N.C.-C.); (M.E.S.-R.); (N.C.S.); (G.P.-A.)
| | - Iván Velasco
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular-Neurociencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico;
- Laboratorio de Reprogramación Celular, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía “Manuel Velasco Suárez”, Ciudad de México 14269, Mexico
| | - Victoria Pando-Robles
- Centro de Investigación Sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca 62100, Morelos, Mexico;
| | - Gustavo Pedraza-Alva
- Laboratorio de Neuroinmunobiología, Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca 62210, Morelos, Mexico; (N.C.-C.); (M.E.S.-R.); (N.C.S.); (G.P.-A.)
| | - Leonor Pérez-Martínez
- Laboratorio de Neuroinmunobiología, Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca 62210, Morelos, Mexico; (N.C.-C.); (M.E.S.-R.); (N.C.S.); (G.P.-A.)
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5
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Hossain MS, Shovon MTI, Hasan MR, Hakim FT, Hasan MM, Esha SA, Tasnim S, Nazir MS, Akhter F, Ali MA, Halim MA. Therapeutic Potential of Antiviral Peptides against the NS2B/NS3 Protease of Zika Virus. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:35207-35218. [PMID: 37779969 PMCID: PMC10536883 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c04903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
The NS2B/NS3 protease is highly conserved among various proteases of the Zika virus, making it an important therapeutic target for developing broad-spectrum antiviral drugs. The NS2B/NS3 protease is a crucial enzyme in the replication cycle of Zika virus and plays a significant role in viral maturation and assembly. Inhibiting the activity of this protease can potentially prevent viral replication, making it an attractive target for developing therapies against Zika virus infection. This work screens 429 antiviral peptides in comparison with substrate peptide against the NS2B/NS3 of Zika virus using molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Based on the docking screening, MD simulation conducted for the best four peptides including AVP0239, AVP0642, AVP0660, and AVP2044, could be effective against NS2B/NS3. These results were compared with the control substrate peptide. Further analysis indicates that AVP0642 and AVP2044 are the most promising candidates. The interaction analysis showed that the catalytic site residues including His51, Asp75, Ser135 and other non-catalytic residues such as Asp129, Asp83, and Asp79 contribute substantial interactions. Hydrogen bonds (41%) and hydrophobic interactions (33%) are observed as the prominent non-covalent interaction prompting the peptide-protein complex formation. Furthermore, the structure-activity relationship (SAR) illustrates that positively charged (Lys, Arg) residues in the peptides dominate the interactions. This study provides the basis for developing novel peptide-based protease inhibitors for Zika virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Shahadat Hossain
- Division
of Infectious Diseases and Division of Computer-Aided Drug Design, The Red-Green Research Center, BICCB, Tejgaon 1215, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Tanjil Islam Shovon
- Division
of Infectious Diseases and Division of Computer-Aided Drug Design, The Red-Green Research Center, BICCB, Tejgaon 1215, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Rafid Hasan
- Division
of Infectious Diseases and Division of Computer-Aided Drug Design, The Red-Green Research Center, BICCB, Tejgaon 1215, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Fuad Taufiqul Hakim
- Division
of Infectious Diseases and Division of Computer-Aided Drug Design, The Red-Green Research Center, BICCB, Tejgaon 1215, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Mehedi Hasan
- Division
of Infectious Diseases and Division of Computer-Aided Drug Design, The Red-Green Research Center, BICCB, Tejgaon 1215, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sadia Afrose Esha
- Division
of Infectious Diseases and Division of Computer-Aided Drug Design, The Red-Green Research Center, BICCB, Tejgaon 1215, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sabiha Tasnim
- Division
of Infectious Diseases and Division of Computer-Aided Drug Design, The Red-Green Research Center, BICCB, Tejgaon 1215, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Shahoriar Nazir
- Division
of Infectious Diseases and Division of Computer-Aided Drug Design, The Red-Green Research Center, BICCB, Tejgaon 1215, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Fahmida Akhter
- Division
of Infectious Diseases and Division of Computer-Aided Drug Design, The Red-Green Research Center, BICCB, Tejgaon 1215, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Ackas Ali
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kennesaw
State University, Kennesaw, Georgia 30144, United States
| | - Mohammad A. Halim
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kennesaw
State University, Kennesaw, Georgia 30144, United States
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6
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Andrade MA, Mottin M, Sousa BKDP, Barbosa JARG, Dos Santos Azevedo C, Lasse Silva C, Gonçalves de Andrade M, Motta FN, Maulay-Bailly C, Amand S, Santana JMD, Horta Andrade C, Grellier P, Bastos IMD. Identification of novel Zika virus NS3 protease inhibitors with different inhibition modes by integrative experimental and computational approaches. Biochimie 2023; 212:143-152. [PMID: 37088408 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) infection is associated with severe neurological disorders and congenital malformation. Despite efforts to eradicate the disease, there is still neither vaccine nor approved drugs to treat ZIKV infection. The NS2B-NS3 protease is a validated drug target since it is essential to polyprotein virus maturation. In the present study, we describe an experimental screening of 2,320 compounds from the chemical library of the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle of Paris on ZIKV NS2B-NS3 protease. A total of 96 hits were identified with 90% or more of inhibitory activity at 10 μM. Amongst the most active compounds, five were analyzed for their inhibitory mechanisms by kinetics assays and computational approaches such as molecular docking. 2-(3-methoxyphenoxy) benzoic acid (compound 945) show characteristics of a competitive inhibition (Ki = 0.49 μM) that was corroborated by its molecular docking at the active site of the NS2B-NS3 protease. Taxifolin (compound 2292) behaves as an allosteric inhibitor whereas 3,8,9-trihydroxy-2-methyl-1H-phenalen-1-one (compound 128), harmol (compound 368) and anthrapurpurin (compound 1499) show uncompetitive inhibitions. These new NS2B-NS3 protease inhibitors are valuable hits to further hit-to-lead optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milene Aparecida Andrade
- Pathogen-Host Interface Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Melina Mottin
- Pathogen-Host Interface Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil; Laboratory for Molecular Modeling and Drug Design - LabMol, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Bruna K de P Sousa
- Laboratory for Molecular Modeling and Drug Design - LabMol, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | | | - Clênia Dos Santos Azevedo
- Pathogen-Host Interface Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Camila Lasse Silva
- Pathogen-Host Interface Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | | | - Flávia Nader Motta
- Pathogen-Host Interface Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil; Faculdade de Ceilândia, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Christine Maulay-Bailly
- UMR 7245 MCAM, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Paris, France
| | - Séverine Amand
- UMR 7245 MCAM, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Paris, France
| | - Jaime Martins de Santana
- Pathogen-Host Interface Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Carolina Horta Andrade
- Laboratory for Molecular Modeling and Drug Design - LabMol, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Philippe Grellier
- UMR 7245 MCAM, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Paris, France.
| | - Izabela M D Bastos
- Pathogen-Host Interface Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil.
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Gbore DJ, Zakari S, Yusuf L. In silico studies of bioactive compounds from Alpinia officinarum as inhibitors of Zika virus protease. INFORMATICS IN MEDICINE UNLOCKED 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imu.2023.101214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
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8
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Ellagic Acid as a Potential Inhibitor against the Nonstructural Protein NS3 Helicase of Zika Virus: A Molecular Modelling Study. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:2044577. [PMID: 36046457 PMCID: PMC9420600 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2044577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Zika virus is a member of the Flaviviridae family and genus Flavivirus, which has a phylogenetic relationship with spondweni virus. It spreads to humans through a mosquito bite. To identify potential inhibitors for the Zika virus with biosafety, we selected natural antiviral compounds isolated from plant sources and screened against NS3 helicase of the Zika virus. The enzymatic activity of the NS3 helicase is associated with the C-terminal region and is concerned with RNA synthesis and genome replication. It serves as a crucial target for the Zika virus. We carried out molecular docking for the target NS3 helicase against the selected 25 phytochemicals using AutoDock Vina software. Among the 25 plant compounds, we identified NS3 helicase-ellagic acid (-9.9 kcal/mol), NS3 helicase-hypericin (-9.8 kcal/mol), and NS3 helicase-pentagalloylglucose (-9.5 kcal/mol) as the best binding affinity compounds based on their binding energies. To understand the stability of these complexes, molecular dynamic simulations were executed and the trajectory analysis exposed that the NS3 helicase-ellagic acid complex possesses greater stability than the other two complexes such as NS3 helicase-hypericin and NS3 helicase-pentagalloylglucose. The ADMET property prediction of these compounds resulted in nontoxicity and noncarcinogenicity.
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9
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Sundar S, Piramanayagam S, Natarajan J. A review on structural genomics approach applied for drug discovery against three vector-borne viral diseases: Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika. Virus Genes 2022; 58:151-171. [PMID: 35394596 DOI: 10.1007/s11262-022-01898-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Structural genomics involves the advent of three-dimensional structures of the genome encoded proteins through various techniques available. Numerous structural genomics research groups have been developed across the globe and they contribute enormously to the identification of three-dimensional structures of various proteins. In this review, we have discussed the applications of the structural genomics approach towards the discovery of potential lead-like molecules against the genomic drug targets of three vector-borne diseases, namely, Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika. Currently, all these three diseases are associated with the most important global public health problems and significant economic burden in tropical countries. Structural genomics has accelerated the identification of novel drug targets and inhibitors for the treatment of these diseases. We start with the current development status of the drug targets and antiviral drugs against these three diseases and conclude by describing challenges that need to be addressed to overcome the shortcomings in the process of drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shobana Sundar
- Computational Biology Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, India
| | | | - Jeyakumar Natarajan
- Data Mining and Text Mining Laboratory, Department of Bioinformatics, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Structure and Dynamics of Zika Virus Protease and Its Insights into Inhibitor Design. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9081044. [PMID: 34440248 PMCID: PMC8394600 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9081044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV)—a member of the Flaviviridae family—is an important human pathogen. Its genome encodes a polyprotein that can be further processed into structural and non-structural proteins. ZIKV protease is an important target for antiviral development due to its role in cleaving the polyprotein to release functional viral proteins. The viral protease is a two-component protein complex formed by NS2B and NS3. Structural studies using different approaches demonstrate that conformational changes exist in the protease. The structures and dynamics of this protease in the absence and presence of inhibitors were explored to provide insights into the inhibitor design. The dynamic nature of residues binding to the enzyme cleavage site might be important for the function of the protease. Due to the charges at the protease cleavage site, it is challenging to develop small-molecule compounds acting as substrate competitors. Developing small-molecule compounds to inhibit protease activity through an allosteric mechanism is a feasible strategy because conformational changes are observed in the protease. Herein, structures and dynamics of ZIKV protease are summarized. The conformational changes of ZIKV protease and other proteases in the same family are discussed. The progress in developing allosteric inhibitors is also described. Understanding the structures and dynamics of the proteases are important for designing potent inhibitors.
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11
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Designs, Synthesis, Docking Studies, and Biological Evaluation of Novel Berberine Derivatives Targeting Zika Virus. J CHEM-NY 2021. [DOI: 10.1155/2021/5567111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization has designated Zika virus (ZIKV) as a dangerous, mosquito-borne flaviviral pathogen that was recently found to be responsible for a dramatically increased number of microcephaly cases and other congenital abnormalities in fetuses and newborns. There is neither a vaccine to prevent nor a drug to treat ZIKA virus infections, at the present time. Berberine (BBR) is a promising drug approved by FDA against flaviviral dengue virus, and BBR derivatives are of great interest in antiviral drug development. In this study, we synthesized eight BBR derivatives by introducing benzyl groups at the C-13 position of BBR and converting to respective 8-oxoberberine derivatives, performed molecular docking analysis, and evaluated their anti-Zika virus activity utilizing a cell‐based phenotypic assay. Binding mode analysis, absolute binding free energy calculation, and structure-activity relationship studies of these compounds with ZIKV NS3 receptor were collected. Amongst these studied compounds, compound 4d with a structure of 13-(2,6-difluoro)-benzylberberine showed high binding affinity (docking score of −7.31 kcal/mol) towards ZIKV NS2B-NS3 protease with critical binding formed within the active site. In the cell-based assay, compound 4d displayed the highest antiviral efficacy against ZIKV with a selective index (SI) of 15.3, with 3.7-fold greater than that of berberine. Together, our study suggests that the potential ZIKV NS2B-NS3 protease inhibitor, compound 4d, is the best alternative to BBR and, further, extends an assuring platform for developing antiviral competitive inhibitors against ZIKV infection.
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Structure-Based Virtual Screening: Identification of a Novel NS2B-NS3 Protease Inhibitor with Potent Antiviral Activity against Zika and Dengue Viruses. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9030545. [PMID: 33800763 PMCID: PMC8000814 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9030545] [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: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV), which is associated with severe diseases in humans, has spread rapidly and globally since its emergence. ZIKV and dengue virus (DENV) are closely related, and antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of infection between cocirculating ZIKV and DENV may exacerbate disease. Despite these serious threats, there are currently no approved antiviral drugs against ZIKV and DENV. The NS2B-NS3 viral protease is an attractive antiviral target because it plays a pivotal role in polyprotein cleavage, which is required for viral replication. Thus, we sought to identify novel inhibitors of the NS2B-NS3 protease. To that aim, we performed structure-based virtual screening using 467,000 structurally diverse chemical compounds. Then, a fluorescence-based protease inhibition assay was used to test whether the selected candidates inhibited ZIKV protease activity. Among the 123 candidate inhibitors selected from virtual screening, compound 1 significantly inhibited ZIKV NS2B-NS3 protease activity in vitro. In addition, compound 1 effectively inhibited ZIKV and DENV infection of human cells. Molecular docking analysis suggested that compound 1 binds to the NS2B-NS3 protease of ZIKV and DENV. Thus, compound 1 could be used as a new therapeutic option for the development of more potent antiviral drugs against both ZIKV and DENV, reducing the risks of ADE.
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Cardoso WB, Mendanha SA. Molecular dynamics simulation of docking structures of SARS-CoV-2 main protease and HIV protease inhibitors. J Mol Struct 2020; 1225:129143. [PMID: 32863430 PMCID: PMC7443253 DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2020.129143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We consider possible repurposed-drugs candidates against SARS-CoV-2. 10 different HIV protease inhibitors were investigated. In silico simulations were used to study protease inhibitors for SARS-CoV-2.
In this paper we investigate 10 different HIV protease inhibitors (HPIs) as possible repurposed-drugs candidates against SARS-CoV-2. To this end, we execute molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. The in silico data demonstrated that, despite their molecular differences, all HPIs presented a similar behavior for the parameters analyzed, with the exception of Nelfinavir that showed better results for most of the molecular dynamics parameters in comparison with the N3 inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wesley B Cardoso
- Instituto de Física, Universidade Federal de Goiás, 74.690-900, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Sebastião A Mendanha
- Instituto de Física, Universidade Federal de Goiás, 74.690-900, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
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