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Xu J, Zhu Q, Li W, Yin X, Li J. Structural basis for the inhibition of the HCoV-NL63 main protease M pro by X77. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 724:150231. [PMID: 38852502 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150231] [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: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Human coronaviruses are a group of pathogens that primarily cause respiratory and intestinal diseases. Infection can easily cause respiratory symptoms, as well as a variety of serious complications. There are several types of human coronaviruses, such as SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, HCoV-229E, HCoV-OC43, HCoV-NL63, HCoV-HKU1, and SARS-CoV-2. The prevalence of COVID-19 has led to a growing focus on drug research against human coronaviruses. The main protease (Mpro) from human coronaviruses is a relatively conserved that controls viral replication. X77 was discovered to have extremely high inhibitory activity against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro through the use of computer-simulated docking. In this paper, we have resolved the crystal structure of the HCoV-NL63 Mpro complexed with X77 and analyzed their interaction in detail. This data provides essential information for solving their binding modes and their structural determinants. Then, we compared the binding modes of X77 with SARS-CoV-2 Mpro and HCoV-NL63 Mpro in detail. This study illustrates the structural basis of HCoV-NL63 Mpro binding to the inhibitor X77. The structural insights derived from this study will inform the development of new drugs with broad-spectrum resistance to human coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Xu
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Qinyao Zhu
- Applied Biology Laboratory, College of Pharmaceutical and Biological Engineering, Shenyang University of Chemical Technology, Shenyang, 110142, China
| | - Wenwen Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Xiushan Yin
- Applied Biology Laboratory, College of Pharmaceutical and Biological Engineering, Shenyang University of Chemical Technology, Shenyang, 110142, China
| | - Jian Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China.
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Shawky AM, Almalki FA, Alzahrani HA, Abdalla AN, Youssif BGM, Ibrahim NA, Gamal M, El-Sherief HAM, Abdel-Fattah MM, Hefny AA, Abdelazeem AH, Gouda AM. Covalent small-molecule inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro: Insights into their design, classification, biological activity, and binding interactions. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 277:116704. [PMID: 39121741 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Since 2020, many compounds have been investigated for their potential use in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Among these agents, a huge number of natural products and FDA-approved drugs have been evaluated as potential therapeutics for SARS-CoV-2 using virtual screening and docking studies. However, the identification of the molecular targets involved in viral replication led to the development of rationally designed anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents. Among these targets, the main protease (Mpro) is one of the key enzymes needed in the replication of the virus. The data gleaned from the crystal structures of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro complexes with small-molecule covalent inhibitors has been used in the design and discovery of many highly potent and broad-spectrum Mpro inhibitors. The current review focuses mainly on the covalent type of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors. The design, chemistry, and classification of these inhibitors were also in focus. The biological activity of these inhibitors, including their inhibitory activities against Mpro, their antiviral activities, and the SAR studies, were discussed. The review also describes the potential mechanism of the interaction between these inhibitors and the catalytic Cys145 residue in Mpro. Moreover, the binding modes and key binding interactions of these covalent inhibitors were also illustrated. The covalent inhibitors discussed in this review were of diverse chemical nature and origin. Their antiviral activity was mediated mainly by the inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, with IC50 values in the micromolar to the nanomolar range. Many of these inhibitors exhibited broad-spectrum inhibitory activity against the Mpro enzymes of other coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-1 and MERS-CoV). The dual inhibition of the Mpro and PLpro enzymes of SARS-CoV-2 could also provide higher therapeutic benefits than Mpro inhibition. Despite the approval of nirmatrelvir by the FDA, many mutations in the Mpro enzyme of SARS-CoV-2 have been reported. Although some of these mutations did not affect the potency of nirmatrelvir, there is an urgent need to develop a second generation of Mpro inhibitors. We hope that the data summarized in this review could help researchers in the design of a new potent generation of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Shawky
- Science and Technology Unit (STU), Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faisal A Almalki
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hayat Ali Alzahrani
- Applied Medical Science College, Medical Laboratory Technology Department, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ashraf N Abdalla
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, 21955, Saudi Arabia; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medicinal And Aromatic Plants Research Institute, National Center for Research, Khartoum, 2404, Sudan
| | - Bahaa G M Youssif
- Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526, Egypt.
| | - Nashwa A Ibrahim
- Medicinal Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62514, Egypt
| | - Mohammed Gamal
- Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62514, Egypt
| | - Hany A M El-Sherief
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Deraya University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Maha M Abdel-Fattah
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62514, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A Hefny
- Medicinal Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62514, Egypt; School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Kitchener, Ontario, N2G 1C5, Canada
| | - Ahmed H Abdelazeem
- Medicinal Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62514, Egypt; Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy, Nursing and Medical Sciences, Riyadh Elm University, Riyadh, 11681, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed M Gouda
- Medicinal Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62514, Egypt.
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Papaneophytou C. Breaking the Chain: Protease Inhibitors as Game Changers in Respiratory Viruses Management. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8105. [PMID: 39125676 PMCID: PMC11311956 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158105] [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: 06/01/2024] [Revised: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Respiratory viral infections (VRTIs) rank among the leading causes of global morbidity and mortality, affecting millions of individuals each year across all age groups. These infections are caused by various pathogens, including rhinoviruses (RVs), adenoviruses (AdVs), and coronaviruses (CoVs), which are particularly prevalent during colder seasons. Although many VRTIs are self-limiting, their frequent recurrence and potential for severe health complications highlight the critical need for effective therapeutic strategies. Viral proteases are crucial for the maturation and replication of viruses, making them promising therapeutic targets. This review explores the pivotal role of viral proteases in the lifecycle of respiratory viruses and the development of protease inhibitors as a strategic response to these infections. Recent advances in antiviral therapy have highlighted the effectiveness of protease inhibitors in curtailing the spread and severity of viral diseases, especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It also assesses the current efforts aimed at identifying and developing inhibitors targeting key proteases from major respiratory viruses, including human RVs, AdVs, and (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2) SARS-CoV-2. Despite the recent identification of SARS-CoV-2, within the last five years, the scientific community has devoted considerable time and resources to investigate existing drugs and develop new inhibitors targeting the virus's main protease. However, research efforts in identifying inhibitors of the proteases of RVs and AdVs are limited. Therefore, herein, it is proposed to utilize this knowledge to develop new inhibitors for the proteases of other viruses affecting the respiratory tract or to develop dual inhibitors. Finally, by detailing the mechanisms of action and therapeutic potentials of these inhibitors, this review aims to demonstrate their significant role in transforming the management of respiratory viral diseases and to offer insights into future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Papaneophytou
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, Nicosia 2417, Cyprus
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Jiang H, Li W, Zhou X, Zhang J, Li J. Crystal structures of coronaviral main proteases in complex with the non-covalent inhibitor X77. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 276:133706. [PMID: 38981557 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Main proteases (Mpros) are a class of conserved cysteine hydrolases among coronaviruses and play a crucial role in viral replication. Therefore, Mpros are ideal targets for the development of pan-coronavirus drugs. X77, previously developed against SARS-CoV Mpro, was repurposed as a non-covalent tight binder inhibitor against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro during COVID-19 pandemic. Many novel inhibitors with favorable efficacy have been discovered using X77 as a reference, suggesting that X77 could be a valuable scaffold for drug design. However, the broad-spectrum performance of X77 and underlying mechanism remain less understood. Here, we reported the crystal structures of Mpros from SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, and MERS-CoV, and several Mpro mutants from SARS-CoV-2 variants bound to X77. A detailed analysis of these structures revealed key structural determinants essential for interaction and elucidated the binding modes of X77 with different coronaviral Mpros. The potencies of X77 against these investigated Mpros were further evaluated through molecular dynamic simulation and binding free energy calculation. These data provide molecular insights into broad-spectrum inhibition against coronaviral Mpros by X77 and the similarities and differences of X77 when bound to various Mpros, which will promote X77-based design of novel antivirals with broad-spectrum efficacy against different coronaviruses and SARS-CoV-2 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haihai Jiang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Wenwen Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Xuelan Zhou
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Jian Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China.
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Hollmann F, Sanchis J, Reetz MT. Learning from Protein Engineering by Deconvolution of Multi-Mutational Variants. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024:e202404880. [PMID: 38884594 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202404880] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
This review analyzes a development in biochemistry, enzymology and biotechnology that originally came as a surprise. Following the establishment of directed evolution of stereoselective enzymes in organic chemistry, the concept of partial or complete deconvolution of selective multi-mutational variants was introduced. Early deconvolution experiments of stereoselective variants led to the finding that mutations can interact cooperatively or antagonistically with one another, not just additively. During the past decade, this phenomenon was shown to be general. In some studies, molecular dynamics (MD) and quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) computations were performed in order to shed light on the origin of non-additivity at all stages of an evolutionary upward climb. Data of complete deconvolution can be used to construct unique multi-dimensional rugged fitness pathway landscapes, which provide mechanistic insights different from traditional fitness landscapes. Along a related line, biochemists have long tested the result of introducing two point mutations in an enzyme for mechanistic reasons, followed by a comparison of the respective double mutant in so-called double mutant cycles, which originally showed only additive effects, but more recently also uncovered cooperative and antagonistic non-additive effects. We conclude with suggestions for future work, and call for a unified overall picture of non-additivity and epistasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Hollmann
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629HZ, Delft, Netherlands
| | - Joaquin Sanchis
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Manfred T Reetz
- Max-Plank-Institut für Kohlenforschung, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Platz 1, 45481, Mülheim, Germany
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China
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De Luca V, Angeli A, Nocentini A, Gratteri P, Pratesi S, Tanini D, Carginale V, Capperucci A, Supuran CT, Capasso C. Leveraging SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease (M pro) for COVID-19 Mitigation with Selenium-Based Inhibitors. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:971. [PMID: 38256046 PMCID: PMC10815619 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020971] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The implementation of innovative approaches is crucial in an ongoing endeavor to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. The present study examines the strategic application of the SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease (Mpro) as a prospective instrument in the repertoire to combat the virus. The cloning, expression, and purification of Mpro, which plays a critical role in the viral life cycle, through heterologous expression in Escherichia coli in a completely soluble form produced an active enzyme. The hydrolysis of a specific substrate peptide comprising a six-amino-acid sequence (TSAVLQ) linked to a p-nitroaniline (pNA) fragment together with the use of a fluorogenic substrate allowed us to determine effective inhibitors incorporating selenium moieties, such as benzoselenoates and carbamoselenoates. The new inhibitors revealed their potential to proficiently inhibit Mpro with IC50-s in the low micromolar range. Our study contributes to the development of a new class of protease inhibitors targeting Mpro, ultimately strengthening the antiviral arsenal against COVID-19 and possibly, related coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana De Luca
- Department of Biology, Agriculture and Food Sciences, National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.D.L.); (V.C.)
| | - Andrea Angeli
- Neurofarba Department, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Cheminformatics & QSAR, University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy; (A.A.); (A.N.); (P.G.)
| | - Alessio Nocentini
- Neurofarba Department, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Cheminformatics & QSAR, University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy; (A.A.); (A.N.); (P.G.)
| | - Paola Gratteri
- Neurofarba Department, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Cheminformatics & QSAR, University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy; (A.A.); (A.N.); (P.G.)
| | - Silvia Pratesi
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via Della Lastruccia 3-13, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy (D.T.); (A.C.)
| | - Damiano Tanini
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via Della Lastruccia 3-13, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy (D.T.); (A.C.)
| | - Vincenzo Carginale
- Department of Biology, Agriculture and Food Sciences, National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.D.L.); (V.C.)
| | - Antonella Capperucci
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via Della Lastruccia 3-13, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy (D.T.); (A.C.)
| | - Claudiu T. Supuran
- Neurofarba Department, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Cheminformatics & QSAR, University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy; (A.A.); (A.N.); (P.G.)
| | - Clemente Capasso
- Department of Biology, Agriculture and Food Sciences, National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.D.L.); (V.C.)
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