1
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Abbas MKG, Rassam A, Karamshahi F, Abunora R, Abouseada M. The Role of AI in Drug Discovery. Chembiochem 2024:e202300816. [PMID: 38735845 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300816] [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: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
The emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in drug discovery marks a pivotal shift in pharmaceutical research, blending sophisticated computational techniques with conventional scientific exploration to break through enduring obstacles. This review paper elucidates the multifaceted applications of AI across various stages of drug development, highlighting significant advancements and methodologies. It delves into AI's instrumental role in drug design, polypharmacology, chemical synthesis, drug repurposing, and the prediction of drug properties such as toxicity, bioactivity, and physicochemical characteristics. Despite AI's promising advancements, the paper also addresses the challenges and limitations encountered in the field, including data quality, generalizability, computational demands, and ethical considerations. By offering a comprehensive overview of AI's role in drug discovery, this paper underscores the technology's potential to significantly enhance drug development, while also acknowledging the hurdles that must be overcome to fully realize its benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- M K G Abbas
- Center for Advanced Materials, Qatar University, P.O. Box, 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Abrar Rassam
- Secondary Education, Educational Sciences, Qatar University, P.O. Box, 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Fatima Karamshahi
- Department of Chemistry and Earth Sciences, Qatar University, P.O. Box, 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Rehab Abunora
- Faculty of Medicine, General Medicine and Surgery, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Maha Abouseada
- Department of Chemistry and Earth Sciences, Qatar University, P.O. Box, 2713, Doha, Qatar
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2
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Zhang H, Zhang T, Saravanan KM, Liao L, Wu H, Zhang H, Zhang H, Pan Y, Wu X, Wei Y. DeepBindBC: a practical deep learning method for identifying native-like protein-ligand complexes in virtual screening. Methods 2022; 205:247-262. [PMID: 35878751 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2022.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Identifying native-like protein-ligand complexes (PLCs) from an abundance of docking decoys is critical for large-scale virtual drug screening in early-stage drug discovery lead searching efforts. Providing reliable prediction is still a challenge for most current affinity predicting models because of a lack of non-binding data during model training, lost critical physical-chemical features, and difficulties in learning abstract information with limited neural layers. In this work, we proposed a deep learning model, DeepBindBC, for classifying putative ligands as binding or non-binding. Our model incorporates information on non-binding interactions, making it more suitable for real applications. ResNet model architecture and more detailed atom type representation guarantee implicit features can be learned more accurately. Here, we show that DeepBindBC outperforms Autodock Vina, Pafnucy, and DLSCORE for three DUD.E testing sets. Moreover, DeepBindBC identified a novel human pancreatic α-amylase binder validated by a fluorescence spectral experiment (Ka= 1.0×105 M). Furthermore, DeepBindBC can be used as a core component of a hybrid virtual screening pipeline that incorporating many other complementary methods, such as DFCNN, Autodock Vina docking, and pocket molecular dynamics simulation. Additionally, an online web server based on the model is available at http://cbblab.siat.ac.cn/DeepBindBC/index.php for the user's convenience. Our model and the web server provide alternative tools in the early steps of drug discovery by providing accurate identification of native-like PLCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiping Zhang
- Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, PR China; Center for High Performance Computing, Joint Engineering Research Center for Health Big Data Intelligent Analysis Technology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518 055, PR China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province 518060, PR China
| | - Konda Mani Saravanan
- Department of Biotechnology, Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai 600073, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Linbu Liao
- College of Software Technology, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Province 315048, PR China
| | - Hao Wu
- Center for High Performance Computing, Joint Engineering Research Center for Health Big Data Intelligent Analysis Technology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518 055, PR China
| | - Haishan Zhang
- Center for High Performance Computing, Joint Engineering Research Center for Health Big Data Intelligent Analysis Technology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518 055, PR China
| | - Huiling Zhang
- Center for High Performance Computing, Joint Engineering Research Center for Health Big Data Intelligent Analysis Technology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518 055, PR China
| | - Yi Pan
- Center for High Performance Computing, Joint Engineering Research Center for Health Big Data Intelligent Analysis Technology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518 055, PR China
| | - Xuli Wu
- School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province 518060, PR China.
| | - Yanjie Wei
- Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, PR China.
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3
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Loiseau PM, Balaraman K, Barratt G, Pomel S, Durand R, Frézard F, Figadère B. The Potential of 2-Substituted Quinolines as Antileishmanial Drug Candidates. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27072313. [PMID: 35408712 PMCID: PMC9000572 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27072313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a need for new, cost-effective drugs to treat leishmaniasis. A strategy based on traditional medicine practiced in Bolivia led to the discovery of the 2-substituted quinoline series as a source of molecules with antileishmanial activity and low toxicity. This review documents the development of the series from the first isolated natural compounds through several hundred synthetized molecules to an optimized compound exhibiting an in vitro IC50 value of 0.2 µM against Leishmania donovani, and a selectivity index value of 187, together with in vivo activity on the L. donovani/hamster model. Attempts to establish structure–activity relationships are described, as well as studies that have attempted to determine the mechanism of action. For the latter, it appears that molecules of this series act on multiple targets, possibly including the immune system, which could explain the observed lack of drug resistance after in vitro drug pressure. We also show how nanotechnology strategies could valorize these drugs through adapted formulations and how a mechanistic targeting approach could generate new compounds with increased activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe M. Loiseau
- Antiparasite Chemotherapy, CNRS, BioCIS, Université Paris-Saclay, 92290 Chatenay-Malabry, France; (S.P.); (R.D.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Kaluvu Balaraman
- Chemistry Department, Georgetown University, 37th and O Streets, Washington, DC 20057, USA;
| | - Gillian Barratt
- Institute Galien Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, 92290 Chatenay-Malabry, France;
| | - Sébastien Pomel
- Antiparasite Chemotherapy, CNRS, BioCIS, Université Paris-Saclay, 92290 Chatenay-Malabry, France; (S.P.); (R.D.)
| | - Rémy Durand
- Antiparasite Chemotherapy, CNRS, BioCIS, Université Paris-Saclay, 92290 Chatenay-Malabry, France; (S.P.); (R.D.)
| | - Frédéric Frézard
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics-ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil;
| | - Bruno Figadère
- Chimie des Substances Naturelles, CNRS, BioCIS, Université Paris-Saclay, 92290 Chatenay-Malabry, France;
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4
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Advances in antibiotic drug discovery: reducing the barriers for antibiotic development. Future Med Chem 2020; 12:2067-2087. [PMID: 33124460 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2020-0247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic drug discovery has been an essential field of research since the early 1900s, but the threat from infectious bacteria has only increased over the decades because of the emergence of widespread multidrug resistance. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in natural product, computational and medicinal chemistry that have reinvigorated the field of antibiotic drug discovery while giving perspective on how easily, both in cost and in expertise, these methods can be implemented by other researchers with the goal of increasing the number of scientists contributing to this public health crisis.
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5
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Abstract
The current global pandemic COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has already inflicted insurmountable damage both to the human lives and global economy. There is an immediate need for identification of effective drugs to contain the disastrous virus outbreak. Global efforts are already underway at a war footing to identify the best drug combination to address the disease. In this review, an attempt has been made to understand the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle, and based on this information potential druggable targets against SARS-CoV-2 are summarized. Also, the strategies for ongoing and future drug discovery against the SARS-CoV-2 virus are outlined. Given the urgency to find a definitive cure, ongoing drug repurposing efforts being carried out by various organizations are also described. The unprecedented crisis requires extraordinary efforts from the scientific community to effectively address the issue and prevent further loss of human lives and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ambrish Saxena
- Indian Institute of Technology Tirupati, Tirupati, India
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6
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Goyal S, Binnington B, McCarthy SDS, Desmaële D, Férrié L, Figadère B, Loiseau PM, Branch DR. Inhibition of in vitro Ebola infection by anti-parasitic quinoline derivatives. F1000Res 2020; 9:268. [PMID: 32528661 PMCID: PMC7268155 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.22352.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
There continues to be no approved drugs for the treatment of Ebola virus disease (EVD). Despite a number of candidate drugs showing limited efficacy
in vitro and/or in non-human primate studies, EVD continues to plaque certain areas of Africa without any efficacious treatments yet available. Recently, we have been exploring the potential for anti-malarial drugs to inhibit an
in vitro model of Ebola Zaire replication using a transcription-competent virus-like particle (trVLP) assay. We examined the efficacy of chloroquine, amodiaquine and 36 novel anti-parasite quinoline derivatives at inhibiting Ebola virus replication. Drug efficacy was tested by trVLP assay and toxicity by MTT assay. Both chloroquine and amodiaquine were effective for inhibition of Ebola virus replication without significant toxicity. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC
50) of chloroquine and amodiaquine to inhibit Ebola virus replication were IC
50, Chl = 3.95 µM and IC
50, Amo = 1.45 µM, respectively. Additionally, three novel quinoline derivatives were identified as having inhibitory activity and low toxicity for Ebola trVLP replication, with 2NH2Q being the most promising derivative, with an IC
50 of 4.66 µM. Quinoline compounds offer many advantages for disease treatment in tropical climates as they are cheap to produce, easy to synthesize and chemically stable. In this report, we have demonstrated the potential of anti-parasite quinolines for further investigation for use in EVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawn Goyal
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5H 2N2, Canada
| | - Beth Binnington
- Centre for Innovation, Canadian Blood Services, Toronto, Ontario, M5H 2N2, Canada
| | - Stephen D S McCarthy
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5H 2N2, Canada
| | - Didier Desmaële
- Institut Galien, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, 5 Rue Jean-Baptiste Clément, Chatenay-Malabry, 92290, France
| | - Laurent Férrié
- CNRS BioCIS, Université Paris-Saclay, Châtenay-Malabry, 92290, France
| | - Bruno Figadère
- CNRS BioCIS, Université Paris-Saclay, Châtenay-Malabry, 92290, France
| | | | - Donald R Branch
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5H 2N2, Canada.,Centre for Innovation, Canadian Blood Services, Toronto, Ontario, M5H 2N2, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Advanced Diagnostics, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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7
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Damm-Ganamet KL, Rives ML, Wickenden AD, McAllister HM, Mirzadegan T. A computational approach yields selective inhibitors of human excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT2). J Biol Chem 2020; 295:4359-4366. [PMID: 32079674 PMCID: PMC7105306 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ac119.011190] [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: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) represent a protein family that is an emerging drug target with great therapeutic potential for managing central nervous system disorders characterized by dysregulation of glutamatergic neurotransmission. As such, it is of significant interest to discover selective modulators of EAAT2 function. Here, we applied computational methods to identify specific EAAT2 inhibitors. Utilizing a homology model of human EAAT2, we identified a binding pocket at the interface of the transport and trimerization domain. We next conducted a high-throughput virtual screen against this site and identified a selective class of EAAT2 inhibitors that were tested in glutamate uptake and whole-cell electrophysiology assays. These compounds represent potentially useful pharmacological tools suitable for further exploration of the therapeutic potential of EAAT2 and may provide molecular insights into mechanisms of allosteric modulation for glutamate transporters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly L Damm-Ganamet
- Discovery Sciences, Janssen Research and Development, San Diego, California 92121.
| | - Marie-Laure Rives
- Discovery Sciences, Janssen Research and Development, San Diego, California 92121
| | - Alan D Wickenden
- Discovery Sciences, Janssen Research and Development, San Diego, California 92121
| | - Heather M McAllister
- Discovery Sciences, Janssen Research and Development, San Diego, California 92121
| | - Taraneh Mirzadegan
- Discovery Sciences, Janssen Research and Development, San Diego, California 92121
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8
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashpal Singh Malik
- ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (ICAR-IVRI), Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh India
| | - Raj Kumar Singh
- ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (ICAR-IVRI), Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh India
| | - Mahendra Pal Yadav
- ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (ICAR-IVRI), Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, India
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9
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Mirza MU, Vanmeert M, Ali A, Iman K, Froeyen M, Idrees M. Perspectives towards antiviral drug discovery against Ebola virus. J Med Virol 2019; 91:2029-2048. [PMID: 30431654 PMCID: PMC7166701 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.25357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Ebola virus disease (EVD), caused by Ebola viruses, resulted in more than 11 500 deaths according to a recent 2018 WHO report. With mortality rates up to 90%, it is nowadays one of the most deadly infectious diseases. However, no Food and Drug Administration‐approved Ebola drugs or vaccines are available yet with the mainstay of therapy being supportive care. The high fatality rate and absence of effective treatment or vaccination make Ebola virus a category‐A biothreat pathogen. Fortunately, a series of investigational countermeasures have been developed to control and prevent this global threat. This review summarizes the recent therapeutic advances and ongoing research progress from research and development to clinical trials in the development of small‐molecule antiviral drugs, small‐interference RNA molecules, phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers, full‐length monoclonal antibodies, and vaccines. Moreover, difficulties are highlighted in the search for effective countermeasures against EVD with additional focus on the interplay between available in silico prediction methods and their evidenced potential in antiviral drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Usman Mirza
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, REGA Institute for Medical Research, Medicinal Chemistry, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Michiel Vanmeert
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, REGA Institute for Medical Research, Medicinal Chemistry, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Amjad Ali
- Department of Genetics, Hazara University, Mansehra, Pakistan.,Molecular Virology Laboratory, Centre for Applied Molecular Biology (CAMB), University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Kanzal Iman
- Biomedical Informatics Research Laboratory (BIRL), Department of Biology, Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Matheus Froeyen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, REGA Institute for Medical Research, Medicinal Chemistry, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Muhammad Idrees
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, Centre for Applied Molecular Biology (CAMB), University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.,Hazara University Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan
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10
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Radosevic D, Sencanski M, Perovic V, Veljkovic N, Prljic J, Veljkovic V, Mantlo E, Bukreyeva N, Paessler S, Glisic S. Virtual Screen for Repurposing of Drugs for Candidate Influenza a M2 Ion-Channel Inhibitors. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:67. [PMID: 30972303 PMCID: PMC6443897 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza A virus (IAV) matrix protein 2 (M2), an ion channel, is crucial for virus infection, and therefore, an important anti-influenza drug target. Adamantanes, also known as M2 channel blockers, are one of the two classes of Food and Drug Administration-approved anti-influenza drugs, although their use was discontinued due to prevalent drug resistance. Fast emergence of resistance to current anti-influenza drugs have raised an urgent need for developing new anti-influenza drugs against resistant forms of circulating viruses. Here we propose a simple theoretical criterion for fast virtual screening of molecular libraries for candidate anti-influenza ion channel inhibitors both for wild type and adamantane-resistant influenza A viruses. After in silico screening of drug space using the EIIP/AQVN filter and further filtering of drugs by ligand based virtual screening and molecular docking we propose the best candidate drugs as potential dual inhibitors of wild type and adamantane-resistant influenza A viruses. Finally, guanethidine, the best ranked drug selected from ligand-based virtual screening, was experimentally tested. The experimental results show measurable anti-influenza activity of guanethidine in cell culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Draginja Radosevic
- Center for Multidisciplinary Research, Institute of Nuclear Sciences VINCA, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milan Sencanski
- Center for Multidisciplinary Research, Institute of Nuclear Sciences VINCA, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vladimir Perovic
- Center for Multidisciplinary Research, Institute of Nuclear Sciences VINCA, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nevena Veljkovic
- Center for Multidisciplinary Research, Institute of Nuclear Sciences VINCA, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelena Prljic
- Center for Multidisciplinary Research, Institute of Nuclear Sciences VINCA, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Emily Mantlo
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Natalya Bukreyeva
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Slobodan Paessler
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States.,Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Sanja Glisic
- Center for Multidisciplinary Research, Institute of Nuclear Sciences VINCA, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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11
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Anantpadma M, Lane T, Zorn KM, Lingerfelt MA, Clark AM, Freundlich JS, Davey RA, Madrid PB, Ekins S. Ebola Virus Bayesian Machine Learning Models Enable New in Vitro Leads. ACS OMEGA 2019; 4:2353-2361. [PMID: 30729228 PMCID: PMC6356859 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.8b02948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
We have previously described the first Bayesian machine learning models from FDA-approved drug screens, for identifying compounds active against the Ebola virus (EBOV). These models led to the identification of three active molecules in vitro: tilorone, pyronaridine, and quinacrine. A follow-up study demonstrated that one of these compounds, tilorone, has 100% in vivo efficacy in mice infected with mouse-adapted EBOV at 30 mg/kg/day intraperitoneal. This suggested that we can learn from the published data on EBOV inhibition and use it to select new compounds for testing that are active in vivo. We used these previously built Bayesian machine learning EBOV models alongside our chemical insights for the selection of 12 molecules, absent from the training set, to test for in vitro EBOV inhibition. Nine molecules were directly selected using the model, and eight of these molecules possessed a promising in vitro activity (EC50 < 15 μM). Three further compounds were selected for an in vitro evaluation because they were antimalarials, and compounds of this class like pyronaridine and quinacrine have previously been shown to inhibit EBOV. We identified the antimalarial drug arterolane (IC50 = 4.53 μM) and the anticancer clinical candidate lucanthone (IC50 = 3.27 μM) as novel compounds that have EBOV inhibitory activity in HeLa cells and generally lack cytotoxicity. This work provides further validation for using machine learning and medicinal chemistry expertize to prioritize compounds for testing in vitro prior to more costly in vivo tests. These studies provide further corroboration of this strategy and suggest that it can likely be applied to other pathogens in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manu Anantpadma
- Department
of Virology and Immunology, Texas Biomedical
Research Institute, 8715
West Military Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78227, United
States
| | - Thomas Lane
- Collaborations
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 840 Main Campus Drive, Lab 3510, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
| | - Kimberley M. Zorn
- Collaborations
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 840 Main Campus Drive, Lab 3510, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
| | - Mary A. Lingerfelt
- Collaborations
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 840 Main Campus Drive, Lab 3510, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
| | - Alex M. Clark
- Molecular
Materials Informatics, Inc., 1900 St. Jacques #302, Montreal H3J 2S1, Quebec, Canada
| | - Joel S. Freundlich
- Departments
of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience & Medicine, Center
for Emerging and Reemerging Pathogens, Rutgers
University—New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, New Jersey 07103, United States
| | - Robert A. Davey
- Department
of Virology and Immunology, Texas Biomedical
Research Institute, 8715
West Military Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78227, United
States
| | - Peter B. Madrid
- SRI
International, 333 Ravenswood Avenue, Menlo Park, California 94025, United States
| | - Sean Ekins
- Collaborations
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 840 Main Campus Drive, Lab 3510, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
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12
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Dhama K, Karthik K, Khandia R, Chakraborty S, Munjal A, Latheef SK, Kumar D, Ramakrishnan MA, Malik YS, Singh R, Malik SVS, Singh RK, Chaicumpa W. Advances in Designing and Developing Vaccines, Drugs, and Therapies to Counter Ebola Virus. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1803. [PMID: 30147687 PMCID: PMC6095993 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Ebola virus (EBOV), a member of the family Filoviridae, is responsible for causing Ebola virus disease (EVD) (formerly named Ebola hemorrhagic fever). This is a severe, often fatal illness with mortality rates varying from 50 to 90% in humans. Although the virus and associated disease has been recognized since 1976, it was only when the recent outbreak of EBOV in 2014-2016 highlighted the danger and global impact of this virus, necessitating the need for coming up with the effective vaccines and drugs to counter its pandemic threat. Albeit no commercial vaccine is available so far against EBOV, a few vaccine candidates are under evaluation and clinical trials to assess their prophylactic efficacy. These include recombinant viral vector (recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus vector, chimpanzee adenovirus type 3-vector, and modified vaccinia Ankara virus), Ebola virus-like particles, virus-like replicon particles, DNA, and plant-based vaccines. Due to improvement in the field of genomics and proteomics, epitope-targeted vaccines have gained top priority. Correspondingly, several therapies have also been developed, including immunoglobulins against specific viral structures small cell-penetrating antibody fragments that target intracellular EBOV proteins. Small interfering RNAs and oligomer-mediated inhibition have also been verified for EVD treatment. Other treatment options include viral entry inhibitors, transfusion of convalescent blood/serum, neutralizing antibodies, and gene expression inhibitors. Repurposed drugs, which have proven safety profiles, can be adapted after high-throughput screening for efficacy and potency for EVD treatment. Herbal and other natural products are also being explored for EVD treatment. Further studies to better understand the pathogenesis and antigenic structures of the virus can help in developing an effective vaccine and identifying appropriate antiviral targets. This review presents the recent advances in designing and developing vaccines, drugs, and therapies to counter the EBOV threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuldeep Dhama
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, India
| | - Kumaragurubaran Karthik
- Central University Laboratory, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai, India
| | - Rekha Khandia
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, Barkatullah University, Bhopal, India
| | - Sandip Chakraborty
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Agartala, India
| | - Ashok Munjal
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, Barkatullah University, Bhopal, India
| | - Shyma K. Latheef
- Immunology Section, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, India
| | - Deepak Kumar
- Division of Veterinary Biotechnology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, India
| | | | - Yashpal Singh Malik
- Division of Biological Standardization, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, India
| | - Rajendra Singh
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, India
| | - Satya Veer Singh Malik
- Division of Veterinary Public Health, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, India
| | - Raj Kumar Singh
- ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Wanpen Chaicumpa
- Center of Research Excellence on Therapeutic Proteins and Antibody Engineering, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine SIriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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13
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Lo MK, Jordan PC, Stevens S, Tam Y, Deval J, Nichol ST, Spiropoulou CF. Susceptibility of paramyxoviruses and filoviruses to inhibition by 2'-monofluoro- and 2'-difluoro-4'-azidocytidine analogs. Antiviral Res 2018; 153:101-113. [PMID: 29601894 PMCID: PMC6066796 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2018.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Ebolaviruses, marburgviruses, and henipaviruses are zoonotic pathogens belonging to the Filoviridae and Paramyxoviridae families. They exemplify viruses that continue to spill over into the human population, causing outbreaks characterized by high mortality and significant clinical sequelae in survivors of infection. There are currently no approved small molecule therapeutics for use in humans against these viruses. In this study, we evaluated the antiviral activity of the nucleoside analog 4'-azidocytidine (4'N3-C, R1479) and its 2'-monofluoro- and 2'-difluoro-modified analogs (2'F-4'N3-C and 2'diF-4'N3-C) against representative paramyxoviruses (Nipah virus, Hendra virus, measles virus, and human parainfluenza virus 3) and filoviruses (Ebola virus, Sudan virus, and Ravn virus). We observed enhanced antiviral activity against paramyxoviruses with both 2'diF-4'N3-C and 2'F-4'N3-C compared to R1479. On the other hand, while R1479 and 2'diF-4'N3-C inhibited filoviruses similarly to paramyxoviruses, we observed 10-fold lower filovirus inhibition by 2'F-4'N3-C. To our knowledge, this is the first study to compare the susceptibility of paramyxoviruses and filoviruses to R1479 and its 2'-fluoro-modified analogs. The activity of these compounds against negative-strand RNA viruses endorses the development of 4'-modified nucleoside analogs as broad-spectrum therapeutics against zoonotic viruses of public health importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael K Lo
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Paul C Jordan
- Alios BioPharma, Inc., a Janssen Pharmaceutical Company of Johnson & Johnson, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sarah Stevens
- Alios BioPharma, Inc., a Janssen Pharmaceutical Company of Johnson & Johnson, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yuen Tam
- Alios BioPharma, Inc., a Janssen Pharmaceutical Company of Johnson & Johnson, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jerome Deval
- Alios BioPharma, Inc., a Janssen Pharmaceutical Company of Johnson & Johnson, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Stuart T Nichol
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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14
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Structure based virtual screening of the Ebola virus trimeric glycoprotein using consensus scoring. Comput Biol Chem 2017; 72:170-180. [PMID: 29361403 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2017.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2017] [Revised: 11/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Ebola virus (EBOV) causes zoonotic viral infection with a potential risk of global spread and a highly fatal effect on humans. Till date, no drug has gotten market approval for the treatment of Ebola virus disease (EVD), and this perhaps allows the use of both experimental and computational approaches in the antiviral drug discovery process. The main target of potential vaccines that are recently undergoing clinical trials is trimeric glycoprotein (GP) of the EBOV and its exact crystal structure was used in this structure based virtual screening study, with the aid of consensus scoring to select three possible hit compounds from about 36 million compounds in MCULE's database. Amongst these three compounds, (5R)-5-[[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl]methyl]-N-[(4-methoxyphenyl)methyl]-4,5-dihydroisoxazole-3-carboxamide (SC-2, C21H19ClN4O4) showed good features with respect to drug likeness, ligand efficiency metrics, solubility, absorption and distribution properties and non-carcinogenicity to emerge as the most promising compound that can be optimized to lead compound against the GP EBOV. The binding mode showed that SC-2 is well embedded within the trimeric chains of the GP EBOV with molecular interactions with some amino acids. The SC-2 hit compound, upon its optimization to lead, might be a good potential candidate with efficacy against the EBOV pathogen and subsequently receive necessary approval to be used as antiviral drug for the treatment of EVD.
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15
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Schuler J, Hudson ML, Schwartz D, Samudrala R. A Systematic Review of Computational Drug Discovery, Development, and Repurposing for Ebola Virus Disease Treatment. Molecules 2017; 22:E1777. [PMID: 29053626 PMCID: PMC6151658 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22101777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2017] [Revised: 09/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a deadly global public health threat, with no currently approved treatments. Traditional drug discovery and development is too expensive and inefficient to react quickly to the threat. We review published research studies that utilize computational approaches to find or develop drugs that target the Ebola virus and synthesize its results. A variety of hypothesized and/or novel treatments are reported to have potential anti-Ebola activity. Approaches that utilize multi-targeting/polypharmacology have the most promise in treating EVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Schuler
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA.
| | - Matthew L Hudson
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA.
| | - Diane Schwartz
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA.
| | - Ram Samudrala
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA.
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16
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Veljkovic V, Perovic V, Anderluh M, Paessler S, Veljkovic M, Glisic S, Nicolson G. A simple method for calculation of basic molecular properties of nutrients and their use as a criterion for a healthy diet. F1000Res 2017; 6:13. [PMID: 28529693 PMCID: PMC5428496 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.10537.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Healthy nutrition is vital for good health and well-being. Despite the important role of a healthy nutritional diet, recommendations for healthy eating remain elusive and are mainly based on general properties of nutrients. The present study proposes an improved characterization of the molecular characteristics of nutrients, which are important for biological functions and can be useful in describing a healthy diet.
Methods: We investigated the electronic properties of some known nutrient ingredients. In this analysis, we used the average quasi valence number (AQVN) and the electron-ion interaction potential (EIIP), which are molecular descriptors that represent the basic electronic properties of organic molecules.
Results: Our results show that most nutrients can be represented by specific groups of organic compounds according to their basic electronic properties, and these differ from the vast majority of known chemicals. Based on this finding, we have proposed a simple criterion for the selection of food components for healthy nutrition.
Discussion: Further studies on the electronic properties of nutrients could serve as a basis for better understanding of their biological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marko Anderluh
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Slobodan Paessler
- Department of Pathology, Galveston National Laboratory,, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, USA
| | | | | | - Garth Nicolson
- Department of Molecular Pathology, The Institute for Molecular Medicine, Huntington Beach, USA
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17
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Sweiti H, Ekwunife O, Jaschinski T, Lhachimi SK. Repurposed Therapeutic Agents Targeting the Ebola Virus: A Systematic Review. CURRENT THERAPEUTIC RESEARCH 2017; 84:10-21. [PMID: 28761574 PMCID: PMC5522984 DOI: 10.1016/j.curtheres.2017.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Ebola virus has been responsible for numerous outbreaks since the 1970s, with the most recent outbreak taking place between 2014 and 2016 and causing an international public health emergency. Ebola virus disease (EVD) has a high mortality rate and no approved targeted treatment exists to date. A number of established drugs are being considered as potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of EVD. OBJECTIVE We aimed to identify potential drug repositioning candidates and to assess the scientific evidence available on their efficacy. METHODS We conducted a systematic literature search in MEDLINE, Embase, and other relevant trial registry platforms for studies published between January 1976 and January 2017. We included drug screening, preclinical studies, and clinical studies on repurposed drugs for the treatment of EVD. The risk of bias for animal studies and nonrandomized clinical studies was assessed. The quality of reporting for case series and case reports was evaluated. Finally, we selected drugs approved by established regulatory authorities, which have positive in vitro study outcomes and at least one additional animal or clinical trial. RESULTS We identified 3301 publications, of which 37 studies fulfilled our inclusion criteria. Studies were highly heterogeneous in terms of study type, methodology, and intervention. The risk of bias was high for 13 out of 14 animal studies. We selected 11 drugs with potential anti-EVD therapeutic effects and summarized their evidence. CONCLUSIONS Several established drugs may have therapeutic effects on EVD, but the quality and quantity of current scientific evidence is lacking. This review highlights the need for well-designed and conducted preclinical and clinical research to establish the efficacy of potential repurposed drugs against EVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussein Sweiti
- Institute of Health Services Research and Health Economics, School of Medicine, Heinrich-Heine University Dû¥sseldorf, Dû¥sseldorf, Germany
- Surgical Department, Klinikum Frankfurt HûÑchst, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Obinna Ekwunife
- Cooperative Research Group for Evidence-Based Public Health, Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology-BIPS, Bremen, Germany
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
| | - Thomas Jaschinski
- Department for Evidence-based Health Services Research, Institute for Research in Operative Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Stefan K. Lhachimi
- Institute of Health Services Research and Health Economics, School of Medicine, Heinrich-Heine University Dû¥sseldorf, Dû¥sseldorf, Germany
- Cooperative Research Group for Evidence-Based Public Health, Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology-BIPS, Bremen, Germany
- Institute for Public Health, Health Sciences Bremen, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
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18
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Preethi B, Shanthi V, Ramanathan K. Identification of Potential Therapeutics to Conquer Drug Resistance in Salmonella typhimurium: Drug Repurposing Strategy. BioDrugs 2017; 30:593-605. [PMID: 27761807 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-016-0200-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Salmonella typhimurium is the main cause of gastrointestinal illness in humans, and treatment options are decreasing because drug-resistant strains have emerged. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to use computational drug repurposing to identify a novel candidate with an effective mechanism of action to circumvent the drug resistance. METHODS We used the Mantra 2.0 database to initially screen drug candidates that share similar gene expression profiles to those of quinolones. Data were further reduced using pharmacophore mapping theory. Finally, we employed molecular-simulation studies to calculate the binding affinity of the screened candidates with DNA gyrase, alongside an analysis of side effects. RESULTS A total of 16 drug candidates from the Mantra 2.0 database were screened. The pharmacophoric features of the screened candidates were examined and nalidixic acid features compared using the PharamGist program. A total of 11 compounds with the highest pharmacophore score were considered for binding energy calculation. Finally, we analysed the side effects of the eight drug candidates that showed significant binding affinity in the simulation study. CONCLUSION Overall, flufenamic acid and sulconazole may be potential drug candidates that could be studied in vitro to assess their resistance profile against Salmonella enterica Typhimurium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balasundaram Preethi
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, VIT University, Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Veerappapillai Shanthi
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, VIT University, Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Karuppasamy Ramanathan
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, VIT University, Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India.
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19
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Integrated Computational Approach for Virtual Hit Identification against Ebola Viral Proteins VP35 and VP40. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17111748. [PMID: 27792169 PMCID: PMC5133775 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17111748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Revised: 09/18/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The Ebola virus (EBOV) has been recognised for nearly 40 years, with the most recent EBOV outbreak being in West Africa, where it created a humanitarian crisis. Mortalities reported up to 30 March 2016 totalled 11,307. However, up until now, EBOV drugs have been far from achieving regulatory (FDA) approval. It is therefore essential to identify parent compounds that have the potential to be developed into effective drugs. Studies on Ebola viral proteins have shown that some can elicit an immunological response in mice, and these are now considered essential components of a vaccine designed to protect against Ebola haemorrhagic fever. The current study focuses on chemoinformatic approaches to identify virtual hits against Ebola viral proteins (VP35 and VP40), including protein binding site prediction, drug-likeness, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, metabolic site prediction, and molecular docking. Retrospective validation was performed using a database of non-active compounds, and early enrichment of EBOV actives at different false positive rates was calculated. Homology modelling and subsequent superimposition of binding site residues on other strains of EBOV were carried out to check residual conformations, and hence to confirm the efficacy of potential compounds. As a mechanism for artefactual inhibition of proteins through non-specific compounds, virtual hits were assessed for their aggregator potential compared with previously reported aggregators. These systematic studies have indicated that a few compounds may be effective inhibitors of EBOV replication and therefore might have the potential to be developed as anti-EBOV drugs after subsequent testing and validation in experiments in vivo.
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20
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Glisic S, Sencanski M, Perovic V, Stevanovic S, García-Sosa AT. Arginase Flavonoid Anti-Leishmanial in Silico Inhibitors Flagged against Anti-Targets. Molecules 2016; 21:molecules21050589. [PMID: 27164067 PMCID: PMC6274217 DOI: 10.3390/molecules21050589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 04/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Arginase, a drug target for the treatment of leishmaniasis, is involved in the biosynthesis of polyamines. Flavonoids are interesting natural compounds found in many foods and some of them may inhibit this enzyme. The MetIDB database containing 5667 compounds was screened using an EIIP/AQVN filter and 3D QSAR to find the most promising candidate compounds. In addition, these top hits were screened in silico versus human arginase and an anti-target battery consisting of cytochromes P450 2a6, 2c9, 3a4, sulfotransferase, and the pregnane-X-receptor in order to flag their possible interactions with these proteins involved in the metabolism of substances. The resulting compounds may have promise to be further developed for the treatment of leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanja Glisic
- Center for Multidisciplinary Research, Institute of Nuclear Sciences VINCA, University of Belgrade, P.O. Box 522, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Milan Sencanski
- Center for Multidisciplinary Research, Institute of Nuclear Sciences VINCA, University of Belgrade, P.O. Box 522, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Vladimir Perovic
- Center for Multidisciplinary Research, Institute of Nuclear Sciences VINCA, University of Belgrade, P.O. Box 522, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Strahinja Stevanovic
- Center for Multidisciplinary Research, Institute of Nuclear Sciences VINCA, University of Belgrade, P.O. Box 522, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia.
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21
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Ekins S, Freundlich JS, Clark AM, Anantpadma M, Davey RA, Madrid P. Machine learning models identify molecules active against the Ebola virus in vitro. F1000Res 2016; 4:1091. [PMID: 26834994 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.7217.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The search for small molecule inhibitors of Ebola virus (EBOV) has led to several high throughput screens over the past 3 years. These have identified a range of FDA-approved active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) with anti-EBOV activity in vitro and several of which are also active in a mouse infection model. There are millions of additional commercially-available molecules that could be screened for potential activities as anti-EBOV compounds. One way to prioritize compounds for testing is to generate computational models based on the high throughput screening data and then virtually screen compound libraries. In the current study, we have generated Bayesian machine learning models with viral pseudotype entry assay and the EBOV replication assay data. We have validated the models internally and externally. We have also used these models to computationally score the MicroSource library of drugs to select those likely to be potential inhibitors. Three of the highest scoring molecules that were not in the model training sets, quinacrine, pyronaridine and tilorone, were tested in vitro and had EC50 values of 350, 420 and 230 nM, respectively. Pyronaridine is a component of a combination therapy for malaria that was recently approved by the European Medicines Agency, which may make it more readily accessible for clinical testing. Like other known antimalarial drugs active against EBOV, it shares the 4-aminoquinoline scaffold. Tilorone, is an investigational antiviral agent that has shown a broad array of biological activities including cell growth inhibition in cancer cells, antifibrotic properties, α7 nicotinic receptor agonist activity, radioprotective activity and activation of hypoxia inducible factor-1. Quinacrine is an antimalarial but also has use as an anthelmintic. Our results suggest data sets with less than 1,000 molecules can produce validated machine learning models that can in turn be utilized to identify novel EBOV inhibitors in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Ekins
- Collaborations in Chemistry, Fuquay-Varina, NC, 27526, USA
- Collaborations Pharmaceuticals Inc, Fuquay-Varina, NC, 27526, USA
- Collaborative Drug Discovery, Burlingame, CA, 94010, USA
| | - Joel S Freundlich
- Departments of Pharmacology & Physiology and Medicine, Center for Emerging and Reemerging Pathogens, UMDNJ, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Alex M Clark
- Molecular Materials Informatics, Inc., Montreal, 94025, Canada
| | - Manu Anantpadma
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, 78227, USA
| | - Robert A Davey
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, 78227, USA
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22
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Kharkar PS, Ramasami P, Choong YS, Rhyman L, Warrier S. Discovery of anti-Ebola drugs: a computational drug repositioning case study. RSC Adv 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ra01704e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Computational drug repositioning has complemented and guided the experimental drug repositioning assignments in the recent past.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashant S. Kharkar
- SPP School of Pharmacy and Technology Management
- SVKM's NMIMS
- Mumbai-400 056
- India
| | - Ponnadurai Ramasami
- Computational Chemistry Group
- Department of Chemistry
- Faculty of Science
- University of Mauritius
- Réduit 80837
| | - Yee Siew Choong
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM)
- Universiti Sains Malaysia
- Malaysia
| | - Lydia Rhyman
- Computational Chemistry Group
- Department of Chemistry
- Faculty of Science
- University of Mauritius
- Réduit 80837
| | - Sona Warrier
- SPP School of Pharmacy and Technology Management
- SVKM's NMIMS
- Mumbai-400 056
- India
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23
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Sweiti H, Ekwunife O, Jaschinski T, Lhachimi SK. Repurposed therapeutic agents targeting the Ebola virus: a protocol for a systematic review. Syst Rev 2015; 4:171. [PMID: 26607658 PMCID: PMC4658770 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-015-0153-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The recent Ebola epidemic in western Africa developed into an acute public health emergency of unprecedented level in modern times. The treatment provided in most cases has been limited to supportive care, as no approved therapies are available to date. Several established, licenced drugs have been suggested as potential repurposed therapeutic agents for Ebola. However, scientific data on their efficacy in treating Ebola is limited. The purpose of this review is to systematically assess scientific evidence on potential drugs targeting Ebola. In specific, we aim to (1) identify drug library screens involving therapeutic agents targeting the Ebola virus, (2) list potential approved drugs identified from drug screens and review their mechanism of action against the Ebola virus and (3) summarise the outcome of preclinical and clinical trials investigating approved drugs targeting the Ebola virus. METHODS/DESIGN We will develop comprehensive systematic search strategies and will perform a systematic literature search in MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). Two authors will independently screen the titles, abstracts and the references of all selected articles on the basis of inclusion criteria. These include any available drug screening, preclinical studies and clinical studies examining the efficacy of approved therapeutic agents targeting the Ebola virus. There will be no restrictions on the type of participants, the type of comparator, time or setting. Data extraction and quality assessment will be undertaken by two review authors working independently. DISCUSSION This systematic review will provide systematic knowledge on potential repurposed therapeutic agents targeting Ebola. It aims to help guide future investigations on repurposed drugs and avoid repetitive studies. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42015024349.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussein Sweiti
- Public Health, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany. .,Surgical Department, Klinikum Frankfurt Höchst, Frankfurt, Germany.
| | - Obinna Ekwunife
- Collaborative Research Group for Evidence-Based Public Health, Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology - BIPS, Bremen, Germany. .,Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
| | - Thomas Jaschinski
- Department for Evidence-based health services research, Institute for Research in Operative Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany.
| | - Stefan K Lhachimi
- Collaborative Research Group for Evidence-Based Public Health, Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology - BIPS, Bremen, Germany. .,Institute for Public Health, Health Sciences Bremen, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany.
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24
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Ekins S, Freundlich JS, Clark AM, Anantpadma M, Davey RA, Madrid P. Machine learning models identify molecules active against the Ebola virus in vitro. F1000Res 2015; 4:1091. [PMID: 26834994 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.7217.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The search for small molecule inhibitors of Ebola virus (EBOV) has led to several high throughput screens over the past 3 years. These have identified a range of FDA-approved active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) with anti-EBOV activity in vitro and several of which are also active in a mouse infection model. There are millions of additional commercially-available molecules that could be screened for potential activities as anti-EBOV compounds. One way to prioritize compounds for testing is to generate computational models based on the high throughput screening data and then virtually screen compound libraries. In the current study, we have generated Bayesian machine learning models with viral pseudotype entry assay and the EBOV replication assay data. We have validated the models internally and externally. We have also used these models to computationally score the MicroSource library of drugs to select those likely to be potential inhibitors. Three of the highest scoring molecules that were not in the model training sets, quinacrine, pyronaridine and tilorone, were tested in vitro and had EC 50 values of 350, 420 and 230 nM, respectively. Pyronaridine is a component of a combination therapy for malaria that was recently approved by the European Medicines Agency, which may make it more readily accessible for clinical testing. Like other known antimalarial drugs active against EBOV, it shares the 4-aminoquinoline scaffold. Tilorone, is an investigational antiviral agent that has shown a broad array of biological activities including cell growth inhibition in cancer cells, antifibrotic properties, α7 nicotinic receptor agonist activity, radioprotective activity and activation of hypoxia inducible factor-1. Quinacrine is an antimalarial but also has use as an anthelmintic. Our results suggest data sets with less than 1,000 molecules can produce validated machine learning models that can in turn be utilized to identify novel EBOV inhibitors in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Ekins
- Collaborations in Chemistry, Fuquay-Varina, NC, 27526, USA.,Collaborations Pharmaceuticals Inc, Fuquay-Varina, NC, 27526, USA.,Collaborative Drug Discovery, Burlingame, CA, 94010, USA
| | - Joel S Freundlich
- Departments of Pharmacology & Physiology and Medicine, Center for Emerging and Reemerging Pathogens, UMDNJ, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Alex M Clark
- Molecular Materials Informatics, Inc., Montreal, 94025, Canada
| | - Manu Anantpadma
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, 78227, USA
| | - Robert A Davey
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, 78227, USA
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25
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Ekins S, Freundlich JS, Clark AM, Anantpadma M, Davey RA, Madrid P. Machine learning models identify molecules active against the Ebola virus in vitro. F1000Res 2015; 4:1091. [PMID: 26834994 PMCID: PMC4706063 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.7217.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The search for small molecule inhibitors of Ebola virus (EBOV) has led to several high throughput screens over the past 3 years. These have identified a range of FDA-approved active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) with anti-EBOV activity
in vitro and several of which are also active in a mouse infection model. There are millions of additional commercially-available molecules that could be screened for potential activities as anti-EBOV compounds. One way to prioritize compounds for testing is to generate computational models based on the high throughput screening data and then virtually screen compound libraries. In the current study, we have generated Bayesian machine learning models with viral pseudotype entry assay and the EBOV replication assay data. We have validated the models internally and externally. We have also used these models to computationally score the MicroSource library of drugs to select those likely to be potential inhibitors. Three of the highest scoring molecules that were not in the model training sets, quinacrine, pyronaridine and tilorone, were tested
in vitro and had EC
50 values of 350, 420 and 230 nM, respectively. Pyronaridine is a component of a combination therapy for malaria that was recently approved by the European Medicines Agency, which may make it more readily accessible for clinical testing. Like other known antimalarial drugs active against EBOV, it shares the 4-aminoquinoline scaffold. Tilorone, is an investigational antiviral agent that has shown a broad array of biological activities including cell growth inhibition in cancer cells, antifibrotic properties, α7 nicotinic receptor agonist activity, radioprotective activity and activation of hypoxia inducible factor-1. Quinacrine is an antimalarial but also has use as an anthelmintic. Our results suggest data sets with less than 1,000 molecules can produce validated machine learning models that can in turn be utilized to identify novel EBOV inhibitors
in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Ekins
- Collaborations in Chemistry, Fuquay-Varina, NC, 27526, USA.,Collaborations Pharmaceuticals Inc, Fuquay-Varina, NC, 27526, USA.,Collaborative Drug Discovery, Burlingame, CA, 94010, USA
| | - Joel S Freundlich
- Departments of Pharmacology & Physiology and Medicine, Center for Emerging and Reemerging Pathogens, UMDNJ, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Alex M Clark
- Molecular Materials Informatics, Inc., Montreal, 94025, Canada
| | - Manu Anantpadma
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, 78227, USA
| | - Robert A Davey
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, 78227, USA
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Janeba Z. Development of Small-Molecule Antivirals for Ebola. Med Res Rev 2015; 35:1175-94. [PMID: 26172225 PMCID: PMC7168439 DOI: 10.1002/med.21355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2014] [Revised: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Ebola hemorrhagic fever is a deadly disease caused by infection with one of the Ebola virus species. Although a significant progress has recently been made in understanding of Ebola virus biology and pathogenesis, development of effective anti-Ebola treatments has not been very productive, compared to other areas of antiviral research (e.g., HIV and HCV infections). No approved vaccine or medicine is available for Ebola but several are currently under development. This review summarises attempts in identification, evaluation, and development of small-molecule candidates for treatment of Ebola viral disease, including the most promising experimental drugs brincidofovir (CMX001), BCX4430, and favipiravir (T-705).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zlatko Janeba
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i. Flemingovo nám. 2, CZ-16610 Prague 6, Czech Republic
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Glisic S, Paessler S, Veljkovic N, Perovic VR, Prljic J, Veljkovic V. Improving attrition rates in Ebola virus drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2015; 10:1025-32. [DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2015.1062872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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28
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Veljkovic V, Goeijenbier M, Glisic S, Veljkovic N, Perovic VR, Sencanski M, Branch DR, Paessler S. In silico analysis suggests repurposing of ibuprofen for prevention and treatment of EBOLA virus disease. F1000Res 2015; 4:104. [PMID: 26167272 PMCID: PMC4482208 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.6436.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The large 2014/2015 Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa points out the urgent need to develop new preventive and therapeutic approaches that are effective against Ebola viruses and can be rapidly utilized. Recently, a simple theoretical criterion for the virtual screening of molecular libraries for candidate inhibitors of Ebola virus infection was proposed. Using this method the ‘drug space’ was screened and 267 approved and 382 experimental drugs as candidates for treatment of the Ebola virus disease (EVD) have been selected. Detailed analysis of these drugs revealed the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen as an inexpensive, widely accessible and minimally toxic candidate for prevention and treatment of EVD. Furthermore, the molecular mechanism underlying this possible protective effect of ibuprofen against EVD is suggested in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veljko Veljkovic
- Center for Multidisciplinary Research, Institute of Nuclear Sciences Vinca, University of Belgrade, Mihajla Petrovica 12-14, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Sanja Glisic
- Center for Multidisciplinary Research, Institute of Nuclear Sciences Vinca, University of Belgrade, Mihajla Petrovica 12-14, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nevena Veljkovic
- Center for Multidisciplinary Research, Institute of Nuclear Sciences Vinca, University of Belgrade, Mihajla Petrovica 12-14, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vladimir R Perovic
- Center for Multidisciplinary Research, Institute of Nuclear Sciences Vinca, University of Belgrade, Mihajla Petrovica 12-14, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milan Sencanski
- Center for Multidisciplinary Research, Institute of Nuclear Sciences Vinca, University of Belgrade, Mihajla Petrovica 12-14, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Donald R Branch
- Canadian Blood Services, Center for Innovation, 67 College Street, Toronto, M5G 2M1, Canada
| | - Slobodan Paessler
- Department of Pathology, Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, USA
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29
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Veljkovic N, Vucicevic J, Tassini S, Glisic S, Veljkovic V, Radi M. Preclinical discovery and development of maraviroc for the treatment of HIV. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2015; 10:671-84. [PMID: 25927601 DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2015.1041497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Maraviroc is a first-in-class antiretroviral (ARV) drug acting on a host cell target (CCR5), which blocks the entry of the HIV virus into the cell. Maraviroc is currently indicated for combination ARV treatment in adults infected only with CCR5-tropic HIV-1. AREAS COVERED This drug discovery case history focuses on the key studies that led to the discovery and approval of maraviroc, as well as on post-launch clinical reports. The article is based on the data reported in published preclinical and clinical studies, conference posters and on drug package data. EXPERT OPINION The profound understanding of HIV's entry mechanisms has provided a strong biological rationale for targeting the chemokine receptor CCR5. The CCR5-antagonist mariviroc, with its unique mode of action and excellent safety profile, is an important therapeutic option for HIV patients. In general, the authors believe that targeting host factors is a useful approach for combating new and re-emerging transmissible diseases, as well as pathogens that easily become resistant to common antiviral drugs. Maraviroc, offering a potent and safe cellular receptor-mediated pharmacological response to HIV, has paved the way for the development of a new generation of host-targeting antivirals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nevena Veljkovic
- University of Belgrade, Institute of Nuclear Sciences VINCA, Center for Multidisciplinary Research , P.O. Box 522, Belgrade , Serbia +381 11 3408154 ; + 381 11 7440100 ;
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Abstract
In the search for treatments for the Ebola Virus, multiple screens of FDA drugs have led to the identification of several with promising
in vitro activity. These compounds were not originally developed as antivirals and some have been further tested in mouse
in vivo models. We put forward the opinion that some of these drugs could be evaluated further and move into the clinic as they are already FDA approved and in many cases readily available. This may be important if there is a further outbreak in future and no other therapeutic is available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Ekins
- Collaborations in Chemistry, 5616 Hilltop Needmore Road, Fuquay-Varina, NC, 27526, USA
| | - Megan Coffee
- Center for Infectious Diseases and Emergency Readiness, University of California at Berkeley, 1918 University Ave, Berkeley, CA, 94704, USA
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Abstract
The recent outbreak of the Ebola virus in West Africa has highlighted the clear shortage of broad-spectrum antiviral drugs for emerging viruses. There are numerous FDA approved drugs and other small molecules described in the literature that could be further evaluated for their potential as antiviral compounds. These molecules are in addition to the few new antivirals that have been tested in Ebola patients but were not originally developed against the Ebola virus, and may play an important role as we await an effective vaccine. The balance between using FDA approved drugs versus novel antivirals with minimal safety and no efficacy data in humans should be considered. We have evaluated 55 molecules from the perspective of an experienced medicinal chemist as well as using simple molecular properties and have highlighted 16 compounds that have desirable qualities as well as those that may be less desirable. In addition we propose that a collaborative database for sharing such published and novel information on small molecules is needed for the research community studying the Ebola virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Litterman
- Collaborative Drug Discovery, 1633 Bayshore Highway, Suite 342, Burlingame, CA, 94010, USA
| | - Christopher Lipinski
- Christopher A. Lipinski, Ph.D., LLC., 10 Connshire Drive, Waterford, CT, 06385-4122, USA
| | - Sean Ekins
- Collaborative Drug Discovery, 1633 Bayshore Highway, Suite 342, Burlingame, CA, 94010, USA ; Collaborations in Chemistry, 5616 Hilltop Needmore Road, Fuquay Varina, NC, 27526, USA
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Veljkovic V, Loiseau PM, Figadere B, Glisic S, Veljkovic N, Perovic VR, Cavanaugh DP, Branch DR. Virtual screen for repurposing approved and experimental drugs for candidate inhibitors of EBOLA virus infection. F1000Res 2015; 4:34. [PMID: 25717373 PMCID: PMC4329668 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.6110.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The ongoing Ebola virus epidemic has presented numerous challenges with respect to control and treatment because there are no approved drugs or vaccines for the Ebola virus disease (EVD). Herein is proposed simple theoretical criterion for fast virtual screening of molecular libraries for candidate inhibitors of Ebola virus infection. We performed a repurposing screen of 6438 drugs from DrugBank using this criterion and selected 267 approved and 382 experimental drugs as candidates for treatment of EVD including 15 anti-malarial drugs and 32 antibiotics. An open source Web server allowing screening of molecular libraries for candidate drugs for treatment of EVD was also established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veljko Veljkovic
- Center for Multidisciplinary Research, University of Belgrade, Institute of Nuclear Sciences VINCA, P.O. Box 522, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Philippe M Loiseau
- Antiparasitic Chemotherapy, UMR 8076 CNRS BioCIS, Faculty of Pharmacy Université Paris-Sud, Rue Jean-Baptiste Clément, F 92290- Chatenay-Malabry, France
| | - Bruno Figadere
- Antiparasitic Chemotherapy, UMR 8076 CNRS BioCIS, Faculty of Pharmacy Université Paris-Sud, Rue Jean-Baptiste Clément, F 92290- Chatenay-Malabry, France
| | - Sanja Glisic
- Center for Multidisciplinary Research, University of Belgrade, Institute of Nuclear Sciences VINCA, P.O. Box 522, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nevena Veljkovic
- Center for Multidisciplinary Research, University of Belgrade, Institute of Nuclear Sciences VINCA, P.O. Box 522, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vladimir R Perovic
- Center for Multidisciplinary Research, University of Belgrade, Institute of Nuclear Sciences VINCA, P.O. Box 522, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Donald R Branch
- Canadian Blood Services, Center for Innovation, 67 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2M1, Canada
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