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Xia L, Yuan LZ, Hu YH, Liu JY, Hu GS, Qi RY, Zhang TY, Xiong HL, Zheng ZZ, Lin HW, Zhang JM, Yu C, Zhou M, Ma J, Cheng T, Chen RR, Guan Y, Xia NS, Liu W. A SARS-CoV-2-specific CAR-T-cell model identifies felodipine, fasudil, imatinib, and caspofungin as potential treatments for lethal COVID-19. Cell Mol Immunol 2023; 20:351-364. [PMID: 36864189 PMCID: PMC9979130 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-023-00985-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-induced cytokine storm is closely associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity and lethality. However, drugs that are effective against inflammation to treat lethal COVID-19 are still urgently needed. Here, we constructed a SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-specific CAR, and human T cells infected with this CAR (SARS-CoV-2-S CAR-T) and stimulated with spike protein mimicked the T-cell responses seen in COVID-19 patients, causing cytokine storm and displaying a distinct memory, exhausted, and regulatory T-cell phenotype. THP1 remarkably augmented cytokine release in SARS-CoV-2-S CAR-T cells when they were in coculture. Based on this "two-cell" (CAR-T and THP1 cells) model, we screened an FDA-approved drug library and found that felodipine, fasudil, imatinib, and caspofungin were effective in suppressing the release of cytokines, which was likely due to their ability to suppress the NF-κB pathway in vitro. Felodipine, fasudil, imatinib, and caspofungin were further demonstrated, although to different extents, to attenuate lethal inflammation, ameliorate severe pneumonia, and prevent mortality in a SARS-CoV-2-infected Syrian hamster model, which were also linked to their suppressive role in inflammation. In summary, we established a SARS-CoV-2-specific CAR-T-cell model that can be utilized as a tool for anti-inflammatory drug screening in a fast and high-throughput manner. The drugs identified herein have great potential for early treatment to prevent COVID-19 patients from cytokine storm-induced lethality in the clinic because they are safe, inexpensive, and easily accessible for immediate use in most countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Lun-Zhi Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Ya-Hong Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Jun-Yi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Guo-Sheng Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Ruo-Yao Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Tian-Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Hua-Long Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Zao-Zao Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Hong-Wei Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Jia-Mo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Chao Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Ming Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Jian Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Tong Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Ri-Rong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yi Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ning-Shao Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China.
| | - Wen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China.
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China.
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Ribeiro E, Costa B, Vasques-Nóvoa F, Vale N. In Vitro Drug Repurposing: Focus on Vasodilators. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040671. [PMID: 36831338 PMCID: PMC9954697 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug repurposing aims to identify new therapeutic uses for drugs that have already been approved for other conditions. This approach can save time and resources compared to traditional drug development, as the safety and efficacy of the repurposed drug have already been established. In the context of cancer, drug repurposing can lead to the discovery of new treatments that can target specific cancer cell lines and improve patient outcomes. Vasodilators are a class of drugs that have been shown to have the potential to influence various types of cancer. These medications work by relaxing the smooth muscle of blood vessels, increasing blood flow to tumors, and improving the delivery of chemotherapy drugs. Additionally, vasodilators have been found to have antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects on cancer cells, making them a promising target for drug repurposing. Research on vasodilators for cancer treatment has already shown promising results in preclinical and clinical studies. However, additionally research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action of vasodilators in cancer and determine the optimal dosing and combination therapy for patients. In this review, we aim to explore the molecular mechanisms of action of vasodilators in cancer cell lines and the current state of research on their repurposing as a treatment option. With the goal of minimizing the effort and resources required for traditional drug development, we hope to shed light on the potential of vasodilators as a viable therapeutic strategy for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduarda Ribeiro
- OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Bárbara Costa
- OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Francisco Vasques-Nóvoa
- Cardiovascular R&D Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Surgery and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Vale
- OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Community Medicine, Information and Health Decision Sciences (MEDCIDS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-220426537
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Liu L, Chen L, Müllers W, Serno P, Qian F. Water-Resistant Drug-Polymer Interaction Contributes to the Formation of Nano-Species during the Dissolution of Felodipine Amorphous Solid Dispersions. Mol Pharm 2022; 19:2888-2899. [PMID: 35759395 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Drug-polymer interactions are of great importance in amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) formulation for both dissolution performance and physical stability considerations. In this work, three felodipine ASD systems with drug loading ranging from 5 to 20% were prepared using PVP, PVP-VA, or HPMC-AS as the polymer matrix. The amorphization and homogeneity were confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffraction. The intrinsic dissolution behavior of these ASDs was studied in 0.05 M HCl and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) (pH 6.5). In 0.05 M HCl, PVP-VA ASDs with low drug loading (<15%) showed rapid dissolution accompanied with nano-species generation, while in the PVP system, rapid dissolution and nano-species generation were observed only when drug loading was less than 10%, and HPMC-AS ASDs always released slowly with no nano-species formation. In PBS, PVP-VA ASDs with drug loading less than 10% showed rapid dissolution accompanied with nano-species generation, while for PVP ASDs, rapid dissolution and nano-species generation were observed only when drug loading was 5%. However, 20% drug loading HPMC-AS ASDs exhibited rapid dissolution of felodipine and nano-species generation. When the drug loading was above the transition point of PVP-VA ASDs and PVP ASDs, the release rate was significantly lowered, and no nano-species was generated. To understand this phenomenon, drug-polymer interactions were studied using the melting point depression method and the Flory-Huggins model fitting. The Flory-Huggins interaction parameters (χ) for felodipine/HPMC-AS, felodipine/PVP, and felodipine/PVP-VA were determined to be 0.62 ± 0.07, -0.55 ± 0.20, and -1.02 ± 0.21, respectively, indicating the existence of the strongest attractive molecular interaction between felodipine and PVP-VA, followed by felodipine/PVP, but not in felodipine/HPMC-AS. Furthermore, dynamic vapor sorption further revealed that the molecular interactions between felodipine and PVP or PVP-VA were resistant to water. We concluded that water-resistant drug-polymer interactions in felodipine/polymer systems were responsible for the formation of nano-species, which further facilitated the rapid initial drug dissolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, and Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing 10084, China
| | - Linc Chen
- Chemical and Pharmaceutical Development, Research and Development, Bayer AG, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Wouter Müllers
- Chemical and Pharmaceutical Development, Research and Development, Bayer AG, Berlin 13342, Germany
| | - Peter Serno
- Chemical and Pharmaceutical Development, Research and Development, Bayer AG, Wuppertal 42096, Germany
| | - Feng Qian
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, and Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing 10084, China
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