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Fong-Coronado PA, Ramirez V, Quintero-Hernández V, Balleza D. A Critical Review of Short Antimicrobial Peptides from Scorpion Venoms, Their Physicochemical Attributes, and Potential for the Development of New Drugs. J Membr Biol 2024; 257:165-205. [PMID: 38990274 PMCID: PMC11289363 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-024-00315-2] [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: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Scorpion venoms have proven to be excellent sources of antimicrobial agents. However, although many of them have been functionally characterized, they remain underutilized as pharmacological agents, despite their evident therapeutic potential. In this review, we discuss the physicochemical properties of short scorpion venom antimicrobial peptides (ssAMPs). Being generally short (13-25 aa) and amidated, their proven antimicrobial activity is generally explained by parameters such as their net charge, the hydrophobic moment, or the degree of helicity. However, for a complete understanding of their biological activities, also considering the properties of the target membranes is of great relevance. Here, with an extensive analysis of the physicochemical, structural, and thermodynamic parameters associated with these biomolecules, we propose a theoretical framework for the rational design of new antimicrobial drugs. Through a comparison of these physicochemical properties with the bioactivity of ssAMPs in pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus or Acinetobacter baumannii, it is evident that in addition to the net charge, the hydrophobic moment, electrostatic energy, or intrinsic flexibility are determining parameters to understand their performance. Although the correlation between these parameters is very complex, the consensus of our analysis suggests that there is a delicate balance between them and that modifying one affects the rest. Understanding the contribution of lipid composition to their bioactivities is also underestimated, which suggests that for each peptide, there is a physiological context to consider for the rational design of new drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Alejandro Fong-Coronado
- Ecology and Survival of Microorganisms Group (ESMG), Laboratorio de Ecología Molecular Microbiana (LEMM), Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Microbiológicas (CICM), Instituto de Ciencias (IC), Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), Puebla, México
| | - Verónica Ramirez
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (FCQ-BUAP), Ciudad Universitaria, Puebla, México
| | | | - Daniel Balleza
- Laboratorio de Microbiología, Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo en Alimentos, Instituto Tecnológico de Veracruz, Tecnológico Nacional de México, Veracruz, México.
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2
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Xia Z, Wang H, Chen W, Wang A, Cao Z. Scorpion Venom Antimicrobial Peptide Derivative BmKn2-T5 Inhibits Enterovirus 71 in the Early Stages of the Viral Life Cycle In Vitro. Biomolecules 2024; 14:545. [PMID: 38785952 PMCID: PMC11117539 DOI: 10.3390/biom14050545] [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: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Enterovirus 71 (EV71), a typical representative of unenveloped RNA viruses, is the main pathogenic factor responsible for hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) in infants. This disease seriously threatens the health and lives of humans worldwide, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. Numerous animal antimicrobial peptides have been found with protective functions against viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, and other pathogens, but there are few studies on the use of scorpion-derived antimicrobial peptides against unenveloped viruses. Here, we investigated the antiviral activities of scorpion venom antimicrobial peptide BmKn2 and five derivatives, finding that BmKn2 and its derivative BmKn2-T5 exhibit a significant inhibitory effect on EV71. Although both peptides exhibit characteristics typical of amphiphilic α-helices in terms of their secondary structure, BmKn2-T5 displayed lower cellular cytotoxicity than BmKn2. BmKn2-T5 was further found to inhibit EV71 in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. Moreover, time-of-drug-addition experiments showed that BmKn2-T5 mainly restricts EV71, but not its virion or replication, at the early stages of the viral cycle. Interestingly, BmKn2-T5 was also found to suppress the replication of the enveloped viruses DENV, ZIKV, and HSV-1 in the early stages of the viral cycle, which suggests they may share a common early infection step with EV71. Together, the results of our study identified that the scorpion-derived antimicrobial peptide BmKn2-T5 showed valuable antiviral properties against EV71 in vitro, but also against other enveloped viruses, making it a potential new candidate therapeutic molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Xia
- Center for Evolution and Conservation Biology, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China;
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China;
- School of Biological and Food Processing Engineering, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian 463000, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Huijuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China;
| | - Weilie Chen
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Guangzhou Eighth People’s Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510060, China;
| | - Aili Wang
- Center for Evolution and Conservation Biology, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China;
| | - Zhijian Cao
- Center for Evolution and Conservation Biology, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China;
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China;
- Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Shenzhen 518057, China
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3
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Loffredo MR, Nencioni L, Mangoni ML, Casciaro B. Antimicrobial peptides for novel antiviral strategies in the current post-COVID-19 pandemic. J Pept Sci 2024; 30:e3534. [PMID: 37501572 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3534] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
The recent pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has highlighted how urgent and necessary the discovery of new antiviral compounds is for novel therapeutic approaches. Among the various classes of molecules with antiviral activity, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) of innate immunity are among the most promising ones, mainly due to their different mechanisms of action against viruses and additional biological properties. In this review, the main physicochemical characteristics of AMPs are described, with particular interest toward peptides derived from amphibian skin. Living in aquatic and terrestrial environments, amphibians are one of the richest sources of AMPs with different primary and secondary structures. Besides describing the various antiviral activities of these peptides and the underlying mechanism, this review aims at emphasizing the high potential of these small molecules for the development of new antiviral agents that likely reduce the selection of resistant strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rosa Loffredo
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Nencioni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Mangoni
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Bruno Casciaro
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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4
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Xia Z, He D, Wu Y, Kwok HF, Cao Z. Scorpion venom peptides: Molecular diversity, structural characteristics, and therapeutic use from channelopathies to viral infections and cancers. Pharmacol Res 2023; 197:106978. [PMID: 37923027 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Animal venom is an important evolutionary innovation in nature. As one of the most representative animal venoms, scorpion venom contains an extremely diverse set of bioactive peptides. Scorpion venom peptides not only are 'poisons' that immobilize, paralyze, kill, or dissolve preys but also become important candidates for drug development and design. Here, the review focuses on the molecular diversity of scorpion venom peptides, their typical structural characteristics, and their multiple therapeutic or pharmaceutical applications in channelopathies, viral infections and cancers. Especially, the group of scorpion toxin TRPTx targeting transient receptor potential (TRP) channels is systematically summarized and worthy of attention because TRP channels play a crucial role in the regulation of homeostasis and the occurrence of diseases in human. We also further establish the potential relationship between the molecular characteristics and functional applications of scorpion venom peptides to provide a research basis for modern drug development and clinical utilization of scorpion venom resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Xia
- School of Biological and Food Processing Engineering, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian, China
| | - Dangui He
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao; Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao
| | - Yingliang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hang Fai Kwok
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao; Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao; MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao.
| | - Zhijian Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Bio-drug Research Center, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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5
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Jlassi A, Mekni-Toujani M, Ferchichi A, Gharsallah C, Malosse C, Chamot-Rooke J, ElAyeb M, Ghram A, Srairi-Abid N, Daoud S. BotCl, the First Chlorotoxin-like Peptide Inhibiting Newcastle Disease Virus: The Emergence of a New Scorpion Venom AMPs Family. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28114355. [PMID: 37298831 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28114355] [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: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is one of the most serious contagions affecting domestic poultry and other avian species. It causes high morbidity and mortality, resulting in huge economic losses to the poultry industry worldwide. Despite vaccination, NDV outbreaks increase the need for alternative prevention and control means. In this study, we have screened fractions of Buthus occitanus tunetanus (Bot) scorpion venom and isolated the first scorpion peptide inhibiting the NDV multiplication. It showed a dose dependent effect on NDV growth in vitro, with an IC50 of 0.69 µM, and a low cytotoxicity on cultured Vero cells (CC50 > 55 µM). Furthermore, tests carried out in specific pathogen-free embryonated chicken eggs demonstrated that the isolated peptide has a protective effect on chicken embryos against NDV, and reduced by 73% the virus titer in allantoic fluid. The N-terminal sequence, as well as the number of cysteine residues of the isolated peptide, showed that it belongs to the scorpion venom Chlorotoxin-like peptides family, which led us to designate it "BotCl". Interestingly, at 10 µg/mL, BotCl showed an inhibiting effect three times higher than its analogue AaCtx, from Androctonus australis (Aa) scorpion venom, on NDV development. Altogether, our results highlight the chlorotoxin-like peptides as a new scorpion venom AMPs family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abir Jlassi
- LR20IPT01 Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LBVAT), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Marwa Mekni-Toujani
- LR16IPT03 Laboratoire d'Epidémiologie et MicrobiologieVétérinaire, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Asma Ferchichi
- LR20IPT01 Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LBVAT), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Charfeddine Gharsallah
- LR16IPT02 Laboratoire de Recherche sur la Transmission, le Contrôle et l'Immunobiologie des Infections, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Christian Malosse
- Mass Spectrometry for Biology Unit, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UAR 2024, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Julia Chamot-Rooke
- Mass Spectrometry for Biology Unit, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UAR 2024, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Mohamed ElAyeb
- LR20IPT01 Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LBVAT), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Abdeljelil Ghram
- LR16IPT03 Laboratoire d'Epidémiologie et MicrobiologieVétérinaire, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Najet Srairi-Abid
- LR20IPT01 Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LBVAT), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Salma Daoud
- LR20IPT01 Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LBVAT), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
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Urmi UL, Vijay AK, Kuppusamy R, Islam S, Willcox MDP. A Review of the Antiviral Activity of Cationic Antimicrobial Peptides. Peptides 2023; 166:171024. [PMID: 37172781 PMCID: PMC10170872 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2023.171024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Viral epidemics are occurring frequently, and the COVID-19 viral pandemic has resulted in at least 6.5 million deaths worldwide. Although antiviral therapeutics are available, these may not have sufficient effect. The emergence of resistant or novel viruses requires new therapies. Cationic antimicrobial peptides are agents of the innate immune system that may offer a promising solution to viral infections. These peptides are gaining attention as possible therapies for viral infections or for use as prophylactic agents to prevent viral spread. This narrative review examines antiviral peptides, their structural features, and mechanism of activity. A total of 156 cationic antiviral peptides were examined for information of their mechanism of action against both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. Antiviral peptides can be isolated from various natural sources or can be generated synthetically. The latter tend to be more specific and effective and can be made to have a broad spectrum of activity with minimal side effects. Their unique properties of being positively charges and amphipathic enable their main mode of action which is to target and disrupt viral lipid envelopes, thereby inhibiting viral entry and replication. This review offers a comprehensive summary of the current understanding of antiviral peptides, which could potentially aid in the design and creation of novel antiviral medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umme Laila Urmi
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Ajay Kumar Vijay
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Rajesh Kuppusamy
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Salequl Islam
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; Department of Microbiology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka-1342, Bangladesh.
| | - Mark D P Willcox
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
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Pashmforoosh N, Baradaran M. Peptides with Diverse Functions from Scorpion Venom: A Great Opportunity for the Treatment of a Wide Variety of Diseases. IRANIAN BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL 2023; 27:84-99. [PMID: 37070616 PMCID: PMC10314758 DOI: 10.61186/ibj.3863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Toxicology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran The venom glands are a rich source of biologically important peptides with pharmaceutical properties. Scorpion venoms have been identified as a reservoir for components that might be considered as great candidates for drug development. Pharmacological properties of the venom compounds have been confirmed in the treatment of different disorders. Ion channel blockers and AMPs are the main groups of scorpion venom components. Despite the existence of several studies about scorpion peptides, there are still valuable components to be discovered. Additionally, owing to the improvement of proteomics and transcriptomics, the number of peptide drugs is steadily increasing, which reflects the importance of these medications. This review evaluates available literatures on some important scorpion venom peptides with pharmaceutical activities. Given that the last three years have been dominated by the COVID-19 from the medical/pharmaceutical perspective, scorpion compounds with the potential against the coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Masoumeh Baradaran
- Corresponding Author: Masoumeh Baradaran Toxicology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; E-mail:
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Yang D, Liu X, Li J, Xie J, Jiang L. Animal venoms: a novel source of anti- Toxoplasma gondii drug candidates. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1178070. [PMID: 37205912 PMCID: PMC10188992 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1178070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a nucleated intracellular parasitic protozoan with a broad host selectivity. It causes toxoplasmosis in immunocompromised or immunodeficient patients. The currently available treatments for toxoplasmosis have significant side effects as well as certain limitations, and the development of vaccines remains to be explored. Animal venoms are considered to be an important source of novel antimicrobial agents. Some peptides from animal venoms have amphipathic alpha-helix structures. They inhibit the growth of pathogens by targeting membranes to produce lethal pores and cause membrane rupture. Venom molecules generally possess immunomodulatory properties and play key roles in the suppression of pathogenic organisms. Here, we summarized literatures of the last 15 years on the interaction of animal venom peptides with T. gondii and attempt to explore the mechanisms of their interaction with parasites that involve membrane and organelle damage, immune response regulation and ion homeostasis. Finally, we analyzed some limitations of venom peptides for drug therapy and some insights into their development in future studies. It is hoped that more research will be stimulated to turn attention to the medical value of animal venoms in toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongqian Yang
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaohua Liu
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jing Xie
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Liping Jiang
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- *Correspondence: Liping Jiang,
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9
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Antimicrobial Activity Developed by Scorpion Venoms and Its Peptide Component. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14110740. [PMID: 36355990 PMCID: PMC9693228 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14110740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial infections represent a problem of great importance at the public health level, with a high rate of morbidity-mortality worldwide. However, treating the different diseases generated by microorganisms requires a gradual increase in acquired resistance when applying or using them against various antibiotic therapies. Resistance is caused by various molecular mechanisms of microorganisms, thus reducing their effectiveness. Consequently, there is a need to search for new opportunities through natural sources with antimicrobial activity. One alternative is using peptides present in different scorpion venoms, specifically from the Buthidae family. Different peptides with biological activity in microorganisms have been characterized as preventing their growth or inhibiting their replication. Therefore, they represent an alternative to be used in the design and development of new-generation antimicrobial drugs in different types of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. Essential aspects for its disclosure, as shown in this review, are the studies carried out on different types of peptides in scorpion venoms with activity against pathogenic microorganisms, highlighting their high therapeutic potential.
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Souza FR, Moura PG, Costa RKM, Silva RS, Pimentel AS. Absolute binding free energies of mucroporin and its analog mucroporin-M1 with the heptad repeat 1 domain and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of SARS-CoV-2. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022:1-12. [PMID: 35993479 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2114014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The peptide Mucroporin and its analog Mucroporin-M1 were studied using the molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation of their complexation with two protein targets, the Heptad Repeat 1 (HR1) domain and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of SARS-CoV-2. The molecular docking of the peptide-protein complexes was performed using the glowworm swarm optimization algorithm. The lowest energy poses were submitted to molecular dynamics simulation. Then, the binding free energies of Mucroporin and its analog Mucroporin-M1 with these two protein targets were calculated using the Multistate Bennett Acceptance Ratio (MBAR) method. It was verified that the peptides/HR1 domain complex showed stability in the interaction site determined by molecular docking. It was also found that Mucroporin-M1 has a much higher affinity than Mucroporin to the HR1 protein target. The peptides showed similar stability and affinity at the NTP binding site in the RdRp protein. Additional experimental studies are needed to confirm the antiviral activity of Mucroporin-M1 and a possible mechanism of action against SARS-CoV-2. However, here we indicate that Mucroporin-M1 may have potential antiviral activity against the HR1 domain with the possibility for further peptide optimization.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Rodrigues Souza
- Departamento de Química, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Paloma Guimarães Moura
- Departamento de Química, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Rudielson Santos Silva
- Departamento de Química, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - André Silva Pimentel
- Departamento de Química, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Li X, Zuo S, Wang B, Zhang K, Wang Y. Antimicrobial Mechanisms and Clinical Application Prospects of Antimicrobial Peptides. Molecules 2022; 27:2675. [PMID: 35566025 PMCID: PMC9104849 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27092675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides are a type of small-molecule peptide that widely exist in nature and are components of the innate immunity of almost all living things. They play an important role in resisting foreign invading microorganisms. Antimicrobial peptides have a wide range of antibacterial activities against bacteria, fungi, viruses and other microorganisms. They are active against traditional antibiotic-resistant strains and do not easily induce the development of drug resistance. Therefore, they have become a hot spot of medical research and are expected to become a new substitute for fighting microbial infection and represent a new method for treating drug-resistant bacteria. This review briefly introduces the source and structural characteristics of antimicrobial peptides and describes those that have been used against common clinical microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses, and especially coronaviruses), focusing on their antimicrobial mechanism of action and clinical application prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; (X.L.); (B.W.)
| | - Siyao Zuo
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China;
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; (X.L.); (B.W.)
| | - Kaiyu Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; (X.L.); (B.W.)
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; (X.L.); (B.W.)
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12
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Antiviral Effects of Animal Toxins: Is There a Way to Drugs? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073634. [PMID: 35408989 PMCID: PMC8998278 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses infect all types of organisms, causing viral diseases, which are very common in humans. Since viruses use the metabolic pathways of their host cells to replicate, they are difficult to eradicate without affecting the cells. The most effective measures against viral infections are vaccinations and antiviral drugs, which selectively inhibit the viral replication cycle. Both methods have disadvantages, which requires the development of new approaches to the treatment of viral diseases. In the study of animal venoms, it was found that, in addition to toxicity, venoms exhibit other types of biological activity, including an antiviral one, the first mention of which dates back to middle of the last century, but detailed studies of their antiviral activity have been conducted over the past 15 years. The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced these studies and several compounds with antiviral activity have been identified in venoms. Some of them are very active and can be considered as the basis for antiviral drugs. This review discusses recent antiviral studies, the found compounds with high antiviral activity, and the possible mechanisms of their action. The prospects for using the animal venom components to create antiviral drugs, and the expected problems and possible solutions are also considered.
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Saied EM, El-Maradny YA, Osman AA, Darwish AMG, Abo Nahas HH, Niedbała G, Piekutowska M, Abdel-Rahman MA, Balbool BA, Abdel-Azeem AM. A Comprehensive Review about the Molecular Structure of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2): Insights into Natural Products against COVID-19. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:1759. [PMID: 34834174 PMCID: PMC8624722 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13111759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2019, the world suffered from the emergence of COVID-19 infection, one of the most difficult pandemics in recent history. Millions of confirmed deaths from this pandemic have been reported worldwide. This disaster was caused by SARS-CoV-2, which is the last discovered member of the family of Coronaviridae. Various studies have shown that natural compounds have effective antiviral properties against coronaviruses by inhibiting multiple viral targets, including spike proteins and viral enzymes. This review presents the classification and a detailed explanation of the SARS-CoV-2 molecular characteristics and structure-function relationships. We present all currently available crystal structures of different SARS-CoV-2 proteins and emphasized on the crystal structure of different virus proteins and the binding modes of their ligands. This review also discusses the various therapeutic approaches for COVID-19 treatment and available vaccinations. In addition, we highlight and compare the existing data about natural compounds extracted from algae, fungi, plants, and scorpion venom that were used as antiviral agents against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Moreover, we discuss the repurposing of select approved therapeutic agents that have been used in the treatment of other viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Essa M. Saied
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
- Institute for Chemistry, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Brook-Taylor-Str. 2, 12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - Yousra A. El-Maradny
- Microbiology Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21526, Egypt;
| | - Alaa A. Osman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, New Giza University, Newgiza, km 22 Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road, Cairo 12256, Egypt;
| | - Amira M. G. Darwish
- Food Technology Department, Arid Lands Cultivation Research Institute (ALCRI), City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA City), Alexandria 21934, Egypt;
| | - Hebatallah H. Abo Nahas
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt; (H.H.A.N.); (M.A.A.-R.)
| | - Gniewko Niedbała
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 50, 60-627 Poznań, Poland;
| | - Magdalena Piekutowska
- Department of Geoecology and Geoinformation, Institute of Biology and Earth Sciences, Pomeranian University in Słupsk, Partyzantów 27, 76-200 Słupsk, Poland;
| | - Mohamed A. Abdel-Rahman
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt; (H.H.A.N.); (M.A.A.-R.)
| | - Bassem A. Balbool
- Faculty of Biotechnology, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts, Giza 12585, Egypt;
| | - Ahmed M. Abdel-Azeem
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
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14
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El Hidan MA, Laaradia MA, El Hiba O, Draoui A, Aimrane A, Kahime K. Scorpion-Derived Antiviral Peptides with a Special Focus on Medically Important Viruses: An Update. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:9998420. [PMID: 34527748 PMCID: PMC8437663 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9998420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The global burden of viral infection, especially the current pandemics of SARS-CoV-2, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis, is a very risky one. Additionally, HCV expresses the necessity for antiviral therapeutic elements. Venoms are known to contain an array of bioactive peptides that are commonly used in the treatment of various medical issues. Several peptides isolated from scorpion venom have recently been proven to possess an antiviral activity against several viral families. The aim of this review is to provide an up-to-date overview of scorpion antiviral peptides and to discuss their modes of action and potential biomedical application against different viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moulay Abdelmonaim El Hidan
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Valorization of Natural Resources, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco
| | | | - Omar El Hiba
- Nutritional Physiopathology Team, Faculty of Sciences, Chouaib Doukkali University, El Jadida 24000, Morocco
| | - Ahmed Draoui
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Neurosciences and Environment, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cadi Ayyad University, Morocco
| | - Abdelmohcine Aimrane
- Nutritional Physiopathology Team, Faculty of Sciences, Chouaib Doukkali University, El Jadida 24000, Morocco
- Metabolic Platform, Biochemistry Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Cadi Ayad University, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Kholoud Kahime
- SAEDD Laboratory, School of Technology Essaouira, Cadi Ayyad University of Marrakesh, Morocco
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15
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Mahnam K, Lotfi M, Shapoorabadi FA. Examining the interactions scorpion venom peptides (HP1090, Meucin-13, and Meucin-18) with the receptor binding domain of the coronavirus spike protein to design a mutated therapeutic peptide. J Mol Graph Model 2021; 107:107952. [PMID: 34119951 PMCID: PMC8174010 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2021.107952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2) interacts with the ACE2 receptor in human cells and starts the infection of COVID-19 disease. Given the importance of spike protein's interaction with ACE2 receptor, we selected some antiviral peptides of venom scorpion such as HP1090, meucin-13, and meucin-18 and performed docking and molecular docking analysis of them with the RBD domain of spike protein. The results showed that meucin-18 (FFGHLFKLATKIIPSLFQ) had better interaction with the RBD domain of spike protein than other peptides. We also designed some mutations in meucin-18 and investigated their interactions with the RBD domain. The results revealed that the A9T mutation had more effective interaction with the RBD domain than the meucin-18 and was able to inhibit spike protein's interaction with ACE2 receptor. Hence, peptide “FFGHLFKLTTKIIPSLFQ” can be considered as the potential drug for the treatment of COVID-19 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Mahnam
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran; Nanotechnology Research Center, Shahrekord University, 8818634141, Shahrekord, Iran.
| | - Maryam Lotfi
- Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Payame Noor University, Esfahan, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Ahmadi Shapoorabadi
- Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, Shahid Ashrafi Esfahani University, Esfahan, Iran
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16
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Ashaolu TJ, Nawaz A, Walayat N, Khalifa I. Potential "biopeptidal" therapeutics for severe respiratory syndrome coronaviruses: a review of antiviral peptides, viral mechanisms, and prospective needs. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:3457-3470. [PMID: 33876282 PMCID: PMC8054851 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11267-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Although great advances have been made on large-scale manufacturing of vaccines and antiviral-based drugs, viruses persist as the major cause of human diseases nowadays. The recent pandemic of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) mounts a lot of stress on the healthcare sector and the scientific society to search continuously for novel components with antiviral possibility. Herein, we narrated the different tactics of using biopeptides as antiviral molecules that could be used as an interesting alternative to treat COVID-19 patients. The number of peptides with antiviral effects is still low, but such peptides already displayed huge potentials to become pharmaceutically obtainable as antiviral medications. Studies showed that animal venoms, mammals, plant, and artificial sources are the main sources of antiviral peptides, when bioinformatics tools are used. This review spotlights bioactive peptides with antiviral activities against human viruses, especially the coronaviruses such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) virus, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) virus, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2 or SARS-nCOV19). We also showed the data about well-recognized peptides that are still under investigations, while presenting the most potent ones that may become medications for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tolulope Joshua Ashaolu
- Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, 550000 Vietnam
- Faculty of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, 550000 Vietnam
| | - Asad Nawaz
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology, Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education, College of Agriculture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Noman Walayat
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, College of Ocean, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ibrahim Khalifa
- Food Technology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Banha University, 13736, Moshtohor, Cairo, Egypt
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Emerging Technologies for the Treatment of COVID-19. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1321:81-96. [PMID: 33656715 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-59261-5_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The new coronavirus, named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), turned into a pandemic affecting more than 200 countries. Due to the high rate of transmission and mortality, finding specific and effective treatment options for this infection is currently of urgent importance. Emerging technologies have created a promising platform for developing novel treatment options for various viral diseases such as the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Here, we have described potential novel therapeutic options based on the structure and pathophysiological mechanism of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as well as the results of previous studies on similar viruses such as SARS and MERS. Many of these approaches can be used for controlling viral infection by reducing the viral damage or by increasing the potency of the host response. Owing to their high sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility, siRNAs, aptamers, nanobodies, neutralizing antibodies, and different types of peptides can be used for interference with viral replication or for blocking internalization. Receptor agonists and interferon-inducing agents are also potential options to balance and enhance the innate immune response against SARS-CoV-2. Solid evidence on the efficacy and safety of such novel technologies is yet to be established although many well-designed clinical trials are underway to address these issues.
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18
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da Mata ECG, Ombredane A, Joanitti GA, Kanzaki LIB, Schwartz EF. Antiretroviral and cytotoxic activities of Tityus obscurus synthetic peptide. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2020; 353:e2000151. [PMID: 32686134 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202000151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
New drugs are constantly in demand, and nature's biodiversity is a rich source of new compounds for therapeutic applications. Synthetic peptides based on the transcriptome analysis of scorpion venoms of Tityus obscurus, Opisthacanthus cayaporum, and Hadrurus gertschi were assayed for their cytotoxic and antiretroviral activity. The Tityus obscurus scorpion-derived synthetic peptide (FFGTLFKLGSKLIPGVMKLFSKKKER), in concentrations ranging from 6.24 to 0.39 μM, proved to be the most active one against simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) replication in the HUT-78 cell line and in primary human leukocytes, with the lowest toxicity for these cells. The immune cellular response evaluated in primary human leukocytes treated with the most promising peptide and challenged with SIV infection exhibited production of cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and interferon-γ, which could be involved in cell defense mechanisms to overcome viral infection through proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory pathways, similar to those evoked for triggering the mechanisms exerted by antiviral restriction factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elida C G da Mata
- Laboratory of Bioprospection, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil.,Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Alicia Ombredane
- Laboratory of Bioactive Compounds and Nanobiotechnology, Faculty of Ceilandia, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Graziella A Joanitti
- Laboratory of Bioactive Compounds and Nanobiotechnology, Faculty of Ceilandia, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - L I B Kanzaki
- Laboratory of Bioprospection, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Elisabeth F Schwartz
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
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19
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Snyder SS, Gleaton JW, Kirui D, Chen W, Millenbaugh NJ. Antifungal Activity of Synthetic Scorpion Venom-Derived Peptide Analogues Against Candida albicans. Int J Pept Res Ther 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-020-10084-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
AbstractFungal infections are becoming a serious problem due to their high morbidity and mortality combined with the rise in drug resistance and dearth of new antimycotic drugs. The scorpion venom-derived peptide BmKn2, and its synthetic analogue Kn2–7, were previously observed to have antibacterial activity. These peptides and their d-amino acid analogues (dBmKn2 and dKn2–7) were tested for antifungal activity against drug resistant and clinical isolates of Candida albicans. In planktonic susceptibility studies, dKn2–7 had greater activity than the other three peptides against 6 out of 7 fungal strains, with no apparent correlation between drug resistance and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFCs). Time kill experiments demonstrated that the fungicidal activity of dKn2–7 began within the first hour and killing rates were dose dependent at ≥ 1 × MFC. Against biofilms, the d-analogues were the most effective, while the l-analogues had low efficacy in most strains even at 10 times the planktonic MFC. Stability testing suggests that this increased efficacy of the d-analogues may be due to increased resistance to protease degradation compared to the l-analogues. Peptides were also assessed for mammalian cell toxicity. BmKn2 and dBmKn2 induced significant hemolysis at levels similar to their MFCs, whereas Kn2–7 and dKn2–7 caused hemolysis at 4–16 times their MFCs. The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) for dKn2–7 against murine fibroblasts was greater than or equal to the planktonic MFCs and biofilm IC50s for dKn2–7 in all C. albicans strains tested. These results support the potential for dKn2–7 to be further investigated as a novel antifungal therapeutic.
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20
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Agarwal G, Gabrani R. Antiviral Peptides: Identification and Validation. Int J Pept Res Ther 2020; 27:149-168. [PMID: 32427225 PMCID: PMC7233194 DOI: 10.1007/s10989-020-10072-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Despite rapid advances in the human healthcare, the infection caused by certain viruses results in high morbidity and mortality accentuate the importance for development of new antivirals. The existing antiviral drugs are limited, due to their inadequate response, increased rate of resistance and several adverse side effects. Therefore, one of the newly emerging field “peptide-based therapeutics” against viruses is being explored and seems promising. Over the last few years, a lot of scientific effort has been made for the identification of novel and potential peptide-based therapeutics using various advanced technologies. Consequently, there are more than 60 approved peptide drugs available for sale in the market of United States, Europe, Japan, and some Asian countries. Moreover, the number of peptide drugs undergoing the clinical trials is rising gradually year by year. The peptide-based antiviral therapeutics have been approved for the Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Influenza virus and Hepatitis virus (B and C). This review enlightens the various peptide sources and the different approaches that have contributed to the search of potential antiviral peptides. These include computational approaches, natural and biological sources (library based high throughput screening) for the identification of lead peptide molecules against their target. Further the applications of few advanced techniques based on combinatorial chemistry and molecular biology have been illustrated to measure the binding parameters such as affinity and kinetics of the screened interacting partners. The employment of these advanced techniques can contribute to investigate antiviral peptide therapeutics for emerging infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garima Agarwal
- Department of Biotechnology, Center for Emerging Diseases, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida, UP 201309 India
| | - Reema Gabrani
- Department of Biotechnology, Center for Emerging Diseases, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida, UP 201309 India
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21
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Antibacterial Activity of Rationally Designed Antimicrobial Peptides. Int J Microbiol 2020; 2020:2131535. [PMID: 32322274 PMCID: PMC7168710 DOI: 10.1155/2020/2131535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Many infectious diseases are still prevalent in the world's populations since no effective treatments are available to eradicate them. The reasons may either be the antibiotic resistance towards the available therapeutic molecules or the slow rate of producing adequate therapeutic regimens to tackle the rapid growth of new infectious diseases, as well as the toxicity of current treatment regimens. Due to these reasons, there is a need to seek and develop novel therapeutic regimens to reduce the rapid scale of bacterial infections. Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) are components of the first line of defense for prokaryotes and eukaryotes and have a wide range of activities against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, fungi, cancer cells, and protozoa, as well as viruses. In this study, peptides which were initially identified for their HIV inhibitory activity were further screened for antibacterial activity through determination of their kinetics as well as their cytotoxicity. From the results obtained, the MICs of two AMPs (Molecule 3 and Molecule 7) were 12.5 μg/ml for K. pneumoniae (ATCC 700603) and 6.25 μg/ml for P. aeruginosa (ATCC 22108). The two AMPs killed these bacteria rapidly in vitro, preventing bacterial growth within few hours of treatment. Furthermore, the cytotoxic activity of these two peptides was significantly low, even at an AMP concentration of 100 μg/ml. These results revealed that Molecule 3 and 7 have great potential as antibacterial drugs or could serve as lead compounds in the design of therapeutic regimens for the treatment of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
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Vilas Boas LCP, Campos ML, Berlanda RLA, de Carvalho Neves N, Franco OL. Antiviral peptides as promising therapeutic drugs. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:3525-3542. [PMID: 31101936 PMCID: PMC7079787 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03138-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
While scientific advances have led to large-scale production and widespread distribution of vaccines and antiviral drugs, viruses still remain a major cause of human diseases today. The ever-increasing reports of viral resistance and the emergence and re-emergence of viral epidemics pressure the health and scientific community to constantly find novel molecules with antiviral potential. This search involves numerous different approaches, and the use of antimicrobial peptides has presented itself as an interesting alternative. Even though the number of antimicrobial peptides with antiviral activity is still low, they already show immense potential to become pharmaceutically available antiviral drugs. Such peptides can originate from natural sources, such as those isolated from mammals and from animal venoms, or from artificial sources, when bioinformatics tools are used. This review aims to shed some light on antimicrobial peptides with antiviral activities against human viruses and update the data about the already well-known peptides that are still undergoing studies, emphasizing the most promising ones that may become medicines for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcelo Lattarulo Campos
- Centro de Análises Bioquímicas e Proteômicas, Pós-graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70790-160, Brazil
- Departamento de Botânica e Ecologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT, 78060-900, Brazil
| | - Rhayfa Lorrayne Araujo Berlanda
- Centro de Análises Bioquímicas e Proteômicas, Pós-graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70790-160, Brazil
| | - Natan de Carvalho Neves
- Centro de Análises Bioquímicas e Proteômicas, Pós-graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70790-160, Brazil
| | - Octávio Luiz Franco
- Universidade de Brasília, Pós-Graduação em Patologia Molecular, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil.
- Centro de Análises Bioquímicas e Proteômicas, Pós-graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70790-160, Brazil.
- S-Inova Biotech, Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, MS, 79117-900, Brazil.
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A Caulobacter crescentus Microbicide Protects from Vaginal Infection with HIV-1 JR-CSF in Humanized Bone Marrow-Liver-Thymus Mice. J Virol 2019; 93:JVI.00614-19. [PMID: 31243127 PMCID: PMC6714793 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00614-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disproportionally infects young women in sub-Saharan Africa. Current HIV-1 prevention options have had limited success among women, suggesting that alternative, female-controlled prevention options need to be developed. Microbicides that can be applied to the vaginal tract are a promising prevention option. In this study, we describe the testing of 15 potential candidates for inhibition of HIV-1 infection in a humanized mouse model of HIV-1 infection. Four of these candidates were able to provide significant protection from vaginal infection with HIV-1, with the most successful candidate protecting 75% of the mice from infection. This study describes the preclinical testing of a new strategy that could be a safe and effective option for HIV-1 prevention in women. Over 2 million people are infected with HIV-1 annually. Approximately half of these new infections occur in women residing in low-income countries, where their access to and control over HIV-1 preventative measures are often limited, indicating that female-controlled prevention options for HIV-1 are urgently needed. Microbicides that can be topically applied to the vaginal tract in advance of sexual activity represent a promising female-controlled prevention option for HIV-1. We have previously described the development of an HIV-1-specific microbicide using the surface or S-layer recombinant protein display capabilities of the nonpathogenic, freshwater bacterium Caulobacter crescentus. Recombinant C. crescentus bacteria were created that displayed proteins that interfere with the HIV-1 attachment and entry process and that were able to provide significant protection of TZM-bl cells from infection with HIV-1 pseudovirus. These studies have been expanded to investigate if these recombinant C. crescentus bacteria are able to maintain efficacy with replication-competent HIV-1 and both TZM-bl cells and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). In addition, we utilized the humanized bone marrow-liver-thymus (BLT) mouse model to determine if vaginal application of recombinant C. crescentus at the time of HIV-1JR-CSF infection could provide protection from HIV-1 infection. Recombinant C. crescentus bacteria expressing Griffithsin, GB virus C E2 protein, elafin, α-1-antitrypsin, indolicidin, and the fusion inhibitor T-1249 were able to protect 40 to 75% of the BLT mice from vaginal infection with HIV-1JR-CSF, with C. crescentus bacteria expressing Griffithsin being the most effective. Taken together, these data suggest that a C. crescentus-based microbicide could be a safe and effective method for HIV-1 prevention. IMPORTANCE Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disproportionally infects young women in sub-Saharan Africa. Current HIV-1 prevention options have had limited success among women, suggesting that alternative, female-controlled prevention options need to be developed. Microbicides that can be applied to the vaginal tract are a promising prevention option. In this study, we describe the testing of 15 potential candidates for inhibition of HIV-1 infection in a humanized mouse model of HIV-1 infection. Four of these candidates were able to provide significant protection from vaginal infection with HIV-1, with the most successful candidate protecting 75% of the mice from infection. This study describes the preclinical testing of a new strategy that could be a safe and effective option for HIV-1 prevention in women.
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24
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Li Z, Hu P, Wu W, Wang Y. Peptides with therapeutic potential in the venom of the scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch. Peptides 2019; 115:43-50. [PMID: 30858089 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2019.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch (BmK) has generated significant interest due to the presence of biologically active peptides in its venom. In the past decade, dozens of different peptides from BmK have been identified. Most of the peptides are neurotoxins and are responsible for the toxicity of BmK venom. Other peptides, including neurotoxins and non-disulfide-bridged peptides, show potential anticancer, antimicrobial, analgesic, and anti-epileptic therapeutic effects. These peptides are attractive candidates for drug development, and peptide derivatives have also been designed to enhance their therapeutic potential, such as ADWX-1 and Kn2-7. In this review, we provide an overview of the most promising peptides found in BmK venom and of modified peptide derivatives showing therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongjie Li
- Medical College, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China.
| | - Ping Hu
- Medical College, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Wenlan Wu
- Medical College, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Medical College, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
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25
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Alajmi R, Al-ghamdi S, Barakat I, Mahmoud A, Abdon N, Al-Ahidib M, Abdel-Gaber R. Antimicrobial Activity of Two Novel Venoms from Saudi Arabian Scorpions (Leiurus quinquestriatus and Androctonus crassicauda). Int J Pept Res Ther 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-019-09816-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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26
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Zai J, Yi K, Xie L, Zhu J, Feng X, Li Y. Dual monoclonal antibody-based sandwich ELISA for detection of in vitro packaged Ebola virus. Diagn Pathol 2018; 13:96. [PMID: 30567559 PMCID: PMC6300876 DOI: 10.1186/s13000-018-0773-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rapid transmission and high mortality of Ebola virus disease (EVD) highlight a urgent need of large scale, convenient and effective measure for Ebola virus screening. Application of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are crucial for establishment of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with high sensitivity and specificity. Methods The traditional cell fusion technique was used to generate a panel of hybridomas. Two mAbs were characterized by SDS-PAGE, Western blot, Indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). A sandwich ELISA was established using the two mAbs. The detection capability of the ELISA was evaluated. Results In the current study, we produced two murine-derived mAbs (designated as 6E3 and 3F21) towards Zaire Ebola virus glycoprotein (GP), the major viral transmembrane spike protein associated with viral attachment. It was shown that 6E3 and 3F21 recognized GP1 and GP2 subunits of the GP respectively. Furthermore, 6E3 and 3F21 bound to corresponding epitopes on GP without reciprocal topographical interpretation. Subsequently, a sandwich ELISA based on the two mAbs were established and evaluated. The detection limit was 3.6 ng/ml, with a linear range of 3.6–100 ng/ml. More importantly, Ebola virus like particles (eVLPs) were able to be detected by this established virus detection measure. Conclusions We produced and characterized two murine-derived mAbs (designated as 6E3 and 3F21) towards Zaire Ebola virus glycoprotein (GP), and established a sandwich ELISA based on the mAbs. It was suggested that the sandwich ELISA provided an alternative method for specific and sensitive detection of Ebola virus in the field setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Zai
- Hubei Engineering Research Center of Viral Vector, Applied Biotechnology Research Center, Wuhan University of Bioengineering, Wuhan, 430400, China
| | - Kai Yi
- Hubei Engineering Research Center of Viral Vector, Applied Biotechnology Research Center, Wuhan University of Bioengineering, Wuhan, 430400, China
| | - Lilan Xie
- Hubei Engineering Research Center of Viral Vector, Applied Biotechnology Research Center, Wuhan University of Bioengineering, Wuhan, 430400, China
| | - Jiping Zhu
- Hubei Engineering Research Center of Viral Vector, Applied Biotechnology Research Center, Wuhan University of Bioengineering, Wuhan, 430400, China
| | - Xiaoting Feng
- Hubei Engineering Research Center of Viral Vector, Applied Biotechnology Research Center, Wuhan University of Bioengineering, Wuhan, 430400, China
| | - Yaoming Li
- Hubei Engineering Research Center of Viral Vector, Applied Biotechnology Research Center, Wuhan University of Bioengineering, Wuhan, 430400, China. .,College of Life Science and Technology, Wuhan University of Bioengineering, Wuhan, 430400, China.
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Ghosh A, Roy R, Nandi M, Mukhopadhyay A. Scorpion Venom-Toxins that Aid in Drug Development: A Review. Int J Pept Res Ther 2018; 25:27-37. [PMID: 32214927 PMCID: PMC7088386 DOI: 10.1007/s10989-018-9721-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Scorpion venom components have multifaceted orientation against bacterial, viral, fungal infections and other neuronal disorders. They can modulate the ion channels (K+, Na+, Cl−, Ca2+) of our body and this concept has been hypothesized in formulating pharmaceuticals. The triumphant achievement of these venom components as formulated anticancer agent in Phase I and Phase II clinical trials allure researchers to excavate beneficial venom components prohibiting DNA replication in malignant tumor cells. This review brings forth the achievements of Science and Technology in classifying the venom components as therapeutics and further application in drug product development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arijit Ghosh
- 1Department of Molecular Biology, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Cancer Research Institute, 16 A Park Lane, Kolkata, 700016 India
| | - Rini Roy
- 1Department of Molecular Biology, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Cancer Research Institute, 16 A Park Lane, Kolkata, 700016 India
| | - Monoswini Nandi
- 2Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Kalyani University, University Road, Near Kalyani Ghoshpara Railway Station, District Nadia, Kalyani, West Bengal 741235 India
| | - Ashis Mukhopadhyay
- 3Department of Hemato-Oncology, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Cancer Research Institute, 16 A Park Lane, Kolkata, 700016 India.,4Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Cancer Research Institute, Park Street, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016 India
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Gabere MN, Noble WS. Empirical comparison of web-based antimicrobial peptide prediction tools. Bioinformatics 2018; 33:1921-1929. [PMID: 28203715 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btx081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Motivation Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are innate immune molecules that exhibit activities against a range of microbes, including bacteria, fungi, viruses and protozoa. Recent increases in microbial resistance against current drugs has led to a concomitant increase in the need for novel antimicrobial agents. Over the last decade, a number of AMP prediction tools have been designed and made freely available online. These AMP prediction tools show potential to discriminate AMPs from non-AMPs, but the relative quality of the predictions produced by the various tools is difficult to quantify. Results We compiled two sets of AMP and non-AMP peptides, separated into three categories-antimicrobial, antibacterial and bacteriocins. Using these benchmark data sets, we carried out a systematic evaluation of ten publicly available AMP prediction methods. Among the six general AMP prediction tools-ADAM, CAMPR3(RF), CAMPR3(SVM), MLAMP, DBAASP and MLAMP-we find that CAMPR3(RF) provides a statistically significant improvement in performance, as measured by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, relative to the other five methods. Surprisingly, for antibacterial prediction, the original AntiBP method significantly outperforms its successor, AntiBP2 based on one benchmark dataset. The two bacteriocin prediction tools, BAGEL3 and BACTIBASE, both provide very good performance and BAGEL3 outperforms its predecessor, BACTIBASE, on the larger of the two benchmarks. Contact gaberemu@ngha.med.sa or william-noble@uw.edu. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
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Affiliation(s)
- Musa Nur Gabere
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center/King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - William Stafford Noble
- Department of Genome Sciences, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Improved immune response against HIV-1 Env antigen by enhancing EEV production via a K151E mutation in the A34R gene of replication-competent vaccinia virus Tiantan. Antiviral Res 2018; 153:49-59. [DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2018.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Revised: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Generation of a Dual-Target, Safe, Inexpensive Microbicide that Protects Against HIV-1 and HSV-2 Disease. Sci Rep 2018; 8:2786. [PMID: 29434285 PMCID: PMC5809452 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21134-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
HSV-2 infection is a significant health problem and a major co-morbidity factor for HIV-1 acquisition, increasing risk of infection 2-4 fold. Condom based prevention strategies for HSV-2 and HIV-1 have not been effective at stopping the HIV-1 pandemic, indicating that alternative prevention strategies need to be investigated. We have previously developed an inexpensive HIV-1 specific microbicide that utilizes the S-layer mediated display capabilities of Caulobacter crescentus, and have shown that recombinant C. crescentus displaying HIV entry blocking proteins are able to provide significant protection from HIV-1 infection in vitro. Here we demonstrate that recombinant C. crescentus are safe for topical application and describe 5 new recombinant C. crescentus that provide protection from HIV-1 infection in vitro. Further, we demonstrate protection from disease following intravaginal infection with HSV-2 in a murine model using C. crescentus expressing the anti-viral lectins Cyanovirin-N and Griffithsin, as well as α-1-antitrypsin and indolicidin. Interestingly, C. crescentus alone significantly reduced HSV-2 replication in vaginal lavage fluid. Protection from HSV-2 disease was strongly associated with early cytokine production in the vaginal tract. Our data support the potential for a dual-target microbicide that can protect against both HIV-1 and HSV-2, which could have an enormous impact on public health.
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Zeng Z, Zhang R, Hong W, Cheng Y, Wang H, Lang Y, Ji Z, Wu Y, Li W, Xie Y, Cao Z. Histidine-rich Modification of a Scorpion-derived Peptide Improves Bioavailability and Inhibitory Activity against HSV-1. Theranostics 2018; 8:199-211. [PMID: 29290802 PMCID: PMC5743469 DOI: 10.7150/thno.21425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: HSV is one of the most widespread human viral pathogens. HSV-1 infects a large portion of the human population and causes severe diseases. The current clinical treatment for HSV-1 is based on nucleoside analogues, the use of which is limited due to drug resistance, side effects and poor bioavailability. AMPs have been identified as potential antiviral agents that may overcome these limitations. Therefore, we screened anti-HSV-1 peptides from a scorpion-derived AMP library and engineered one candidate into a histidine-rich peptide with significantly improved antiviral activity and development potential. Methods: A venomous gland cDNA library was constructed from the scorpion Euscorpiops validus in the Yunnan Province of China. Six putative AMPs were characterized from this cDNA library, and the synthesized peptides were screened via plaque-forming assays to determine their virucidal potential. Time of addition experiments according to the infection progress of HSV-1 were used to identify the modes of action for peptides of interest. The histidine-rich modification was designed based on structural analysis of peptides by a helical wheel model and CD spectroscopy. Peptide cellular uptake and distribution were measured by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy, respectively. Results: The peptide Eval418 was found to have high clearance activity in an HSV-1 plaque reduction assay. Eval418 exhibited dose-dependent and time-dependent inactivation of HSV-1 and dose-dependent inhibition of HSV-1 attachment to host cells. However, Eval418 scarcely suppressed an established HSV-1 infection due to poor cellular uptake. We further designed and modified Eval418 into four histidine-rich derivative peptides with enhanced antiviral activities and lower cytotoxicities. All of the derivative peptides suppressed established HSV-1 infections. One of these peptides, Eval418-FH5, not only had strong viral inactivation activity and enhanced attachment inhibitory activity but also had high inhibitory activity against intracellular HSV-1, which was consistent with its improved intracellular uptake and distribution as confirmed by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. Conclusion: We successfully identified an anti-HSV-1 peptide, Eval418, from a scorpion venom peptide library and designed a histidine-rich Eval418 derivative with significantly improved potential for further development as an anti-HSV-1 drug. This successful modification can provide a design strategy to improve the bioavailability, cellular distribution and antiviral activity of peptide agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan M. Akef
- National Organization for Research and Control of Biologicals (NORCB), Giza, Egypt
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33
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Mustafa S, Balkhy H, Gabere MN. Current treatment options and the role of peptides as potential therapeutic components for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS): A review. J Infect Public Health 2017; 11:9-17. [PMID: 28864360 PMCID: PMC7102797 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2017.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Revised: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a highly pathogenic respiratory virus with mechanisms that may be driven by innate immune responses. Despite the effort of scientific studies related to this virus, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is still a public health concern. MERS-CoV infection has a high mortality rate, and to date, no therapeutic or vaccine has been discovered, that is effective in treating or preventing the disease. In this review, we summarize our understanding of the molecular and biological events of compounds acting as MERS-CoV inhibitors, the outcomes of existing therapeutic options and the various drugs undergoing clinical trials. Currently, several therapeutic options have been employed, such as convalescent plasma (CP), intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), monoclonal antibodies and repurposing of existing clinically approved drugs. However, these therapeutic options have drawbacks, thus the need for an alternative approach. The requirement for effective therapeutic treatment has brought the necessity for additional MERS treatments. We suggest that antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) may be used as alternative therapeutic agents against MERS-CoV infection. In addition, we propose the feasibility of developing effective agents by repurposing the existing and clinically approved anti-coronavirus and anti-viral peptide drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabeena Mustafa
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, P.O. Box 22490, Mail Code 1515, Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hanan Balkhy
- Infection Prevention and Control Department at the Ministry of National Guard, Department of Infectious Diseases, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, P.O. Box 22490, Mail Code 1515, Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia
| | - Musa N Gabere
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, P.O. Box 22490, Mail Code 1515, Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia.
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Wang X, Wang G. Insights into Antimicrobial Peptides from Spiders and Scorpions. Protein Pept Lett 2017; 23:707-21. [PMID: 27165405 DOI: 10.2174/0929866523666160511151320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Revised: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The venoms of spiders and scorpions contain a variety of chemical compounds. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from these organisms were first discovered in the 1990s. As of May 2015, there were 42 spider's and 63 scorpion's AMPs in the Antimicrobial Peptide Database (http://aps.unmc.edu/AP). These peptides have demonstrated broad or narrow-spectrum activities against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. In addition, they can be toxic to cancer cells, insects and erythrocytes. To provide insight into such an activity spectrum, this article discusses the discovery, classification, structure and activity relationships, bioinformatics analysis, and potential applications of spider and scorpion AMPs. Our analysis reveals that, in the case of linear peptides, spiders use both glycine-rich and helical peptide models for defense, whereas scorpions use two distinct helical peptide models with different amino acid compositions to exert the observed antimicrobial activities and hemolytic toxicity. Our structural bioinformatics study improves the knowledge in the field and can be used to design more selective peptides to combat tumors, parasites, and viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Guangshun Wang
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986495 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6495, USA.
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Vargas-Jaimes L, Xiao L, Zhang J, Possani LD, Valdivia HH, Quintero-Hernández V. Recombinant expression of Intrepicalcin from the scorpion Vaejovis intrepidus and its effect on skeletal ryanodine receptors. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2017; 1861:936-946. [PMID: 28159581 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2017.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2016] [Revised: 01/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scorpion venoms contain toxins that modulate ionic channels, among which are the calcins, a small group of short, basic peptides with an Inhibitor Cystine Knot (ICK) motif that target calcium release channels/ryanodine receptors (RyRs) with high affinity and selectivity. Here we describe the heterologous expression of Intrepicalcin, identified by transcriptomic analysis of venomous glands from Vaejovis intrepidus. METHODS Recombinant Intrepicalcin was obtained in Escherichia coli BL21-DE3 (periplasm) by fusing the Intrepicalcin gene to sequences coding for signal-peptide, thioredoxin, His-tag and enterokinase cleavage site. RESULTS [3H]Ryanodine binding, used as a functional index of RyR activity, revealed that recombinant Intrepicalcin activates skeletal RyR (RyR1) dose-dependently with Kd=17.4±4.0nM. Intrepicalcin significantly augments the bell-shaped [Ca2+]-[3H]ryanodine binding curve at all [Ca2+] ranges, as is characteristic of the calcins. In single channel recordings, Intrepicalcin induces the appearance of a subconductance state in RyR1 with a fractional value ∼55% of the full conductance state, very close to that of Vejocalcin. Furthermore, Intrepicalcin stimulates Ca2+ release at an initial dose=45.3±2.5nM, and depletes ~50% of Ca2+ load from skeletal sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that active recombinant Intrepicalcin was successfully obtained without the need of manual oxidation, enabling it to target RyR1s with high affinity. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE This is the first calcin heterologously expressed in the periplasma of Escherichia coli BL21-DE3, shown to be pharmacologically effective, thus paving the way for the generation of Intrepicalcin variants that are required for structure-function relationship studies of calcins and RyRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonel Vargas-Jaimes
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62271, México
| | - Liang Xiao
- Department of Marine Biotechnology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.,Center for Arrhythmia Research, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Marine Biotechnology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Lourival D Possani
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62271, México
| | - Héctor H Valdivia
- Center for Arrhythmia Research, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Verónica Quintero-Hernández
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62271, México.,CONACYT- Laboratorio de Ecología Molecular Microbiana, Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Microbiológicas-Instituto de Ciencias, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Ciudad Universitaria, C.P. 72570, Puebla, México
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da Mata ÉCG, Mourão CBF, Rangel M, Schwartz EF. Antiviral activity of animal venom peptides and related compounds. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2017; 23:3. [PMID: 28074089 PMCID: PMC5217322 DOI: 10.1186/s40409-016-0089-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses exhibit rapid mutational capacity to trick and infect host cells, sometimes assisted through virus-coded peptides that counteract host cellular immune defense. Although a large number of compounds have been identified as inhibiting various viral infections and disease progression, it is urgent to achieve the discovery of more effective agents. Furthermore, proportionally to the great variety of diseases caused by viruses, very few viral vaccines are available, and not all are efficient. Thus, new antiviral substances obtained from natural products have been prospected, including those derived from venomous animals. Venoms are complex mixtures of hundreds of molecules, mostly peptides, that present a large array of biological activities and evolved to putatively target the biochemical machinery of different pathogens or host cellular structures. In addition, non-venomous compounds, such as some body fluids of invertebrate organisms, exhibit antiviral activity. This review provides a panorama of peptides described from animal venoms that present antiviral activity, thereby reinforcing them as important tools for the development of new therapeutic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Élida Cleyse Gomes da Mata
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF 70910-900 Brazil
| | | | - Marisa Rangel
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF 70910-900 Brazil ; Laboratory of Immunopathology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP 05508-900 Brazil
| | - Elisabeth Ferroni Schwartz
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF 70910-900 Brazil
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Al Asmari AK, Khan AQ. Investigation of in vivo potential of scorpion venom against skin tumorigenesis in mice via targeting markers associated with cancer development. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2016; 10:3387-3397. [PMID: 27799739 PMCID: PMC5076799 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s113171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality all over the world in spite of the advances made in its management. In this study, we investigated the in vivo anti-tumorigenic potential of the venom obtained from a medically important scorpion species Leiurus quinquestriatus on chemically induced skin cancer in mice. Animals were divided into five groups, with 13 animals in each group. All the treatments were given topically on the shaved dorsal surface of the skin. Animals in Group 1 received vehicle only (0.2 mL acetone). Moreover, 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA, 400 nmol per mouse) was applied to all the animals in the remaining four groups. After 1 week, different concentrations of venom (17.5 μg, 35 μg, and 52.5 μg per animal) were applied to each animal in the Groups III–V. Thirty minutes after the application of venom, croton oil was applied on the same position where venom was administered to the animals of Groups III–V. Animals in Group II were treated as the positive control (without venom) and received croton oil as in Groups III–V. The findings of this study revealed that venom extract of L. quinquestriatus inhibits DMBA + croton oil-induced mouse skin tumor incidence and tumor multiplicity. Venom treatment also decreased the expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Immunohistochemistry results showed a downregulation of the expression of molecular markers such as Ki-67, nuclear factor kappa-B, cyclooxygenase-2, B-cell lymphoma-2, and vascular endothelial growth factor, in venom-treated animals. Our findings suggest that the venom of L. quinquestriatus possesses in vivo anticancer potential and may be used in the development of anticancer molecules.
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Zhang XY, Zhang PY. Scorpion venoms in gastric cancer. Oncol Lett 2016; 12:3683-3686. [PMID: 27900054 PMCID: PMC5104148 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2016.5134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Venom secretions from snakes, scorpions, spiders and bees, have been widely applied in traditional medicine and current biopharmaceutical research. Possession of anticancer potential is another novel discovery for animal venoms and toxins. An increasing number of studies have shown the anticancer effects of venoms and toxins of snakes, and scorpions in vitro and in vivo, which were achieved mainly through the inhibition of cancer growth, arrest of cell cycle, induction of apoptosis and suppression of cancer metastasis. However, more evidence is needed to support this concept and the mechanisms of anticancer actions are not clearly understood. The present review is focused on the recant updates on anticancer venom research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Ying Zhang
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Information Institute, Nanjing, Jiangsu 221009, P.R. China
| | - Pei-Ying Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, The Affiliated Xuzhou Hospital of Medical College of Southeast University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221009, P.R. China
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Rios AC, Moutinho CG, Pinto FC, Del Fiol FS, Jozala A, Chaud MV, Vila MMDC, Teixeira JA, Balcão VM. Alternatives to overcoming bacterial resistances: State-of-the-art. Microbiol Res 2016; 191:51-80. [PMID: 27524653 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2016.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Revised: 03/28/2016] [Accepted: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Worldwide, bacterial resistance to chemical antibiotics has reached such a high level that endangers public health. Presently, the adoption of alternative strategies that promote the elimination of resistant microbial strains from the environment is of utmost importance. This review discusses and analyses several (potential) alternative strategies to current chemical antibiotics. Bacteriophage (or phage) therapy, although not new, makes use of strictly lytic phage particles as an alternative, or a complement, in the antimicrobial treatment of bacterial infections. It is being rediscovered as a safe method, because these biological entities devoid of any metabolic machinery do not possess any affinity whatsoever to eukaryotic cells. Lysin therapy is also recognized as an innovative antimicrobial therapeutic option, since the topical administration of preparations containing purified recombinant lysins with amounts in the order of nanograms, in infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria, demonstrated a high therapeutic potential by causing immediate lysis of the target bacterial cells. Additionally, this therapy exhibits the potential to act synergistically when combined with certain chemical antibiotics already available on the market. Another potential alternative antimicrobial therapy is based on the use of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), amphiphilic polypeptides that cause disruption of the bacterial membrane and can be used in the treatment of bacterial, fungal and viral infections, in the prevention of biofilm formation, and as antitumoral agents. Interestingly, bacteriocins are a common strategy of bacterial defense against other bacterial agents, eliminating the potential opponents of the former and increasing the number of available nutrients in the environment for their own growth. They can be applied in the food industry as biopreservatives and as probiotics, and also in fighting multi-resistant bacterial strains. The use of antibacterial antibodies promises to be extremely safe and effective. Additionally, vaccination emerges as one of the most promising preventive strategies. All these will be tackled in detail in this review paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra C Rios
- LaBNUS-Biomaterials and Nanotechnology Laboratory, i(bs)2i(bs)(2)-intelligent biosensing and biomolecule stabilization research group, University of Sorocaba, Sorocaba/SP, Brazil
| | - Carla G Moutinho
- CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; University Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Fernando S Del Fiol
- LaBNUS-Biomaterials and Nanotechnology Laboratory, i(bs)2i(bs)(2)-intelligent biosensing and biomolecule stabilization research group, University of Sorocaba, Sorocaba/SP, Brazil
| | - Angela Jozala
- LaBNUS-Biomaterials and Nanotechnology Laboratory, i(bs)2i(bs)(2)-intelligent biosensing and biomolecule stabilization research group, University of Sorocaba, Sorocaba/SP, Brazil
| | - Marco V Chaud
- LaBNUS-Biomaterials and Nanotechnology Laboratory, i(bs)2i(bs)(2)-intelligent biosensing and biomolecule stabilization research group, University of Sorocaba, Sorocaba/SP, Brazil
| | - Marta M D C Vila
- LaBNUS-Biomaterials and Nanotechnology Laboratory, i(bs)2i(bs)(2)-intelligent biosensing and biomolecule stabilization research group, University of Sorocaba, Sorocaba/SP, Brazil
| | - José A Teixeira
- CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Victor M Balcão
- LaBNUS-Biomaterials and Nanotechnology Laboratory, i(bs)2i(bs)(2)-intelligent biosensing and biomolecule stabilization research group, University of Sorocaba, Sorocaba/SP, Brazil; CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.
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Al-Asmari AK, Islam M, Al-Zahrani AM. In vitro analysis of the anticancer properties of scorpion venom in colorectal and breast cancer cell lines. Oncol Lett 2015; 11:1256-1262. [PMID: 26893728 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2015.4036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpion venom contains various types of proteins and peptides that are able to act as inhibitors of neurotransmitter molecules. This is achieved primarily via the inhibition of ion channels. In addition, scorpion venom has been demonstrated to exhibit anticancer properties in prostate and breast cancer, as well as leukemia. The anticancer properties of scorpion venom are due to its inhibitory effect on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, which leads to reduced motility and invasion in tumor cells. The inhibitory effects of venom on MMPs additionally lead to a reduction in the metastatic potential of malignant tumors. In the present study, the effect of venom obtained from a local serpentarium facility was examined in colorectal and breast cancer cell lines. Cell motility and clonogenic survival assays revealed a significant decrease (60-90%) in cell motility and colony formation, two significant hallmarks of cancer survival, following treatment with various concentrations of venom. These results were in agreement with previous studies demonstrating the anticancer activity of scorpion venom. In conclusion, the venom utilized at the Research Center of Prince Sultan Military Medical City Hospital (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) possesses significant anticancer potential against colorectal and breast cancer cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mozaffarul Islam
- Research Center, Prince Sultan Military Medical City Hospital, Riyadh 11159, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Mater Al-Zahrani
- Department of Oncology, Prince Sultan Military Medical City Hospital, Riyadh 11159, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Dubovskii PV, Vassilevski AA, Kozlov SA, Feofanov AV, Grishin EV, Efremov RG. Latarcins: versatile spider venom peptides. Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:4501-22. [PMID: 26286896 PMCID: PMC11113828 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-015-2016-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Revised: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Arthropod venoms feature the presence of cytolytic peptides believed to act synergetically with neurotoxins to paralyze prey or deter aggressors. Many of them are linear, i.e., lack disulfide bonds. When isolated from the venom, or obtained by other means, these peptides exhibit common properties. They are cationic; being mostly disordered in aqueous solution, assume amphiphilic α-helical structure in contact with lipid membranes; and exhibit general cytotoxicity, including antifungal, antimicrobial, hemolytic, and anticancer activities. To suit the pharmacological needs, the activity spectrum of these peptides should be modified by rational engineering. As an example, we provide a detailed review on latarcins (Ltc), linear cytolytic peptides from Lachesana tarabaevi spider venom. Diverse experimental and computational techniques were used to investigate the spatial structure of Ltc in membrane-mimicking environments and their effects on model lipid bilayers. The antibacterial activity of Ltc was studied against a panel of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. In addition, the action of Ltc on erythrocytes and cancer cells was investigated in detail with confocal laser scanning microscopy. In the present review, we give a critical account of the progress in the research of Ltc. We explore the relationship between Ltc structure and their biological activity and derive molecular characteristics, which can be used for optimization of other linear peptides. Current applications of Ltc and prospective use of similar membrane-active peptides are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter V Dubovskii
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya, Moscow, 117997, Russia.
| | - Alexander A Vassilevski
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - Sergey A Kozlov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - Alexey V Feofanov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya, Moscow, 117997, Russia
- Biological Faculty, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1 Leninskie Gory, Moscow, 119234, Russia
| | - Eugene V Grishin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - Roman G Efremov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya, Moscow, 117997, Russia
- Higher School of Economics, 20 Myasnitskaya, Moscow, 101000, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), 9 Institutskiy per., Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141700, Russia
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Luna-Ramírez K, Quintero-Hernández V, Juárez-González VR, Possani LD. Whole Transcriptome of the Venom Gland from Urodacus yaschenkoi Scorpion. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0127883. [PMID: 26020943 PMCID: PMC4447460 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0127883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2014] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Australian scorpion venoms have been poorly studied, probably because they do not pose an evident threat to humans. In addition, the continent has other medically important venomous animals capable of causing serious health problems. Urodacus yaschenkoi belongs to the most widely distributed family of Australian scorpions (Urodacidae) and it is found all over the continent, making it a useful model system for studying venom composition and evolution. This communication reports the whole set of mRNA transcripts produced by the venom gland. U. yaschenkoi venom is as complex as its overseas counterparts. These transcripts certainly code for several components similar to known scorpion venom components, such as: alpha-KTxs, beta-KTxs, calcins, protease inhibitors, antimicrobial peptides, sodium-channel toxins, toxin-like peptides, allergens, La1-like, hyaluronidases, ribosomal proteins, proteasome components and proteins related to cellular processes. A comparison with the venom gland transcriptome of Centruroides noxius (Buthidae) showed that these two scorpions have similar components related to biological processes, although important differences occur among the venom toxins. In contrast, a comparison with sequences reported for Urodacus manicatus revealed that these two Urodacidae species possess the same subfamily of scorpion toxins. A comparison with sequences of an U. yaschenkoi cDNA library previously reported by our group showed that both techniques are reliable for the description of the venom components, but the whole transcriptome generated with Next Generation Sequencing platform provides sequences of all transcripts expressed. Several of which were identified in the proteome, but many more transcripts were identified including uncommon transcripts. The information reported here constitutes a reference for non-Buthidae scorpion venoms, providing a comprehensive view of genes that are involved in venom production. Further, this work identifies new putative bioactive compounds that could be used to seed research into new pharmacological compounds and increase our understanding of the function of different ion channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Luna-Ramírez
- Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Verónica Quintero-Hernández
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Víctor Rivelino Juárez-González
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Lourival D. Possani
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
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Bashir T, Patgaonkar M, Kumar C S, Pasi A, Reddy KVR. HbAHP-25, an In-Silico Designed Peptide, Inhibits HIV-1 Entry by Blocking gp120 Binding to CD4 Receptor. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0124839. [PMID: 25915507 PMCID: PMC4411102 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0124839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2014] [Accepted: 03/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1) poses a serious threat to the developing world and sexual transmission continues to be the major source of new infections. Therefore, the development of molecules, which prevent new HIV-1 infections, is highly warranted. In the present study, a panel of human hemoglobin (Hb)-α subunit derived peptides and their analogues, with an ability to bind gp120, were designed in-silico and their anti-HIV-1 activity was evaluated. Of these peptides, HbAHP-25, an analogue of Hb-α derived peptide, demonstrated significant anti-HIV-1 activity. HbAHP-25 was found to be active against CCR5-tropic HIV-1 strains (ADA5 and BaL) and CXCR4-tropic HIV-1 strains (IIIB and NL4-3). Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and ELISA revealed direct interaction between HbAHP-25 and HIV-1 envelope protein, gp120. The peptide prevented binding of CD4 to gp120 and blocked subsequent steps leading to entry and/or fusion or both. Anti-HIV activity of HbAHP-25 appeared to be specific as it failed to inhibit the entry of HIV-1 pseudotyped virus (HIV-1 VSV). Further, HbAHP-25 was found to be non-cytotoxic to TZM-bl cells, VK2/E6E7 cells, CEM-GFP cells and PBMCs, even at higher concentrations. Moreover, HbAHP-25 retained its anti-HIV activity in presence of seminal plasma and vaginal fluid. In brief, the study identified HbAHP-25, a novel anti-HIV peptide, which directly interacts with gp120 and thus has a potential to inhibit early stages of HIV-1 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahir Bashir
- Division of Molecular Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Indian Council of Medical Research, Mumbai, India
| | - Mandar Patgaonkar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute for Fundamental Research, Mumbai, India
| | - Selvaa Kumar C
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, D.Y. Patil University, Navi Mumbai, India
| | - Achhelal Pasi
- Division of Molecular Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Indian Council of Medical Research, Mumbai, India
| | - Kudumula Venkata Rami Reddy
- Division of Molecular Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Indian Council of Medical Research, Mumbai, India
- * E-mail:
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Virocidal activity of Egyptian scorpion venoms against hepatitis C virus. Virol J 2015; 12:47. [PMID: 25889296 PMCID: PMC4374190 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-015-0276-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2014] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major global health problem, causing chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Development of well-tolerated regimens with high cure rates and fewer side effects is still much needed. Recently, natural antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are attracting more attention as biological compounds and can be a good template to develop therapeutic agents, including antiviral agents against a variety of viruses. Various AMPs have been characterized from the venom of different venomous animals including scorpions. METHODS The possible antiviral activities of crude venoms obtained from five Egyptian scorpion species (Leiurus quinquestriatus, Androctonus amoreuxi, A. australis, A. bicolor and Scorpio maurus palmatus) were evaluated by a cell culture method using Huh7.5 cells and the J6/JFH1-P47 strain of HCV. Time-of-addition experiments and inactivation of enzymatic activities of the venoms were carried out to determine the characteristics of the anti-HCV activities. RESULTS S. maurus palmatus and A. australis venoms showed anti-HCV activities, with 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC₅₀) being 6.3 ± 1.6 and 88.3 ± 5.8 μg/ml, respectively. S. maurus palmatus venom (30 μg/ml) impaired HCV infectivity in culture medium, but not inside the cells, through virocidal effect. The anti-HCV activity of this venom was not inhibited by a metalloprotease inhibitor or heating at 60°C. The antiviral activity was directed preferentially against HCV. CONCLUSIONS S. maurus palmatus venom is considered as a good natural source for characterization and development of novel anti-HCV agents targeting the entry step. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing antiviral activities of Egyptian scorpion venoms against HCV, and may open a new approach towards discovering antiviral compounds derived from scorpion venoms.
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Li H, Tao Y, Zhao P, Ban X, Zhi D, Li G, Wang F, Yang X, Huai L. Recognization of receptors on bone marrow-derived dendritic cells bound with Pholiota nameko polysaccharides. Int J Biol Macromol 2015; 72:649-57. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2014.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2014] [Revised: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 08/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Ortiz E, Gurrola GB, Schwartz EF, Possani LD. Scorpion venom components as potential candidates for drug development. Toxicon 2015; 93:125-35. [PMID: 25432067 PMCID: PMC7130864 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2014.11.233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 221] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2014] [Accepted: 11/25/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Scorpions are well known for their dangerous stings that can result in severe consequences for human beings, including death. Neurotoxins present in their venoms are responsible for their toxicity. Due to their medical relevance, toxins have been the driving force in the scorpion natural compounds research field. On the other hand, for thousands of years, scorpions and their venoms have been applied in traditional medicine, mainly in Asia and Africa. With the remarkable growth in the number of characterized scorpion venom components, several drug candidates have been found with the potential to tackle many of the emerging global medical threats. Scorpions have become a valuable source of biologically active molecules, from novel antibiotics to potential anticancer therapeutics. Other venom components have drawn attention as useful scaffolds for the development of drugs. This review summarizes the most promising candidates for drug development that have been isolated from scorpion venoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto Ortiz
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autonóma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico
| | - Georgina B Gurrola
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autonóma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico
| | - Elisabeth Ferroni Schwartz
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Lourival D Possani
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autonóma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico.
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Daliri EBM, Lee BH. Current Trends and Future Perspectives on Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals. BENEFICIAL MICROORGANISMS IN FOOD AND NUTRACEUTICALS 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-23177-8_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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A trapping ligand antagonist peptide H22-LP inhibition of human cytomegalovirus infection. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2014; 49:189-95. [PMID: 25081984 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2014.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2013] [Revised: 01/04/2014] [Accepted: 06/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) can cause acute or chronic diseases, especially in immunocompromised patients. Currently, most drugs licensed for the treatment of the herpes virus are nucleoside analogs that have been developed over the past 25 years. Drug resistance, development of drug related toxicity, and side effects limit their clinical use in patients. In a previous study, we found a trapping ligand H22-LP (the conservative sequence is NAHCALL) from a random phage library according to the broad-spectrum trapping receptor H22, which derived from the residue 14-35 near the N-terminal region of receptor US28 on HCMV. Here, the aim was to evaluate the anti-HCMV activity of H22-LP. METHODS Antivirus activity of H22-LP on HCMV replication was visualized by fluorescence microscopy. We determined the effects of H22-LP on the expressions of HCMV late protein using q-PCR and Western blot. Comprehensive analysis of the characteristics of H22LP-mediated inhibition of HCMV were quantitatively analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS H22-LP showed a 65.4% inhibition of viral infection at a concentration of 10 ng, and 50% inhibition at concentrations of 5 ng. The levels of mRNA and proteins were also found to have decreased by H22-LP in a concentration-dependent manner. The mode of antiviral action is based on a block of viral entry cells during HCMV cell adsorption/entry. CONCLUSION These results demonstrated that H22-LP could inhibit HCMV by direct interaction with the viral particle.
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Ding J, Chua PJ, Bay BH, Gopalakrishnakone P. Scorpion venoms as a potential source of novel cancer therapeutic compounds. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2014; 239:387-93. [PMID: 24599885 DOI: 10.1177/1535370213513991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpions and their venoms have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years in China, India and Africa. The scorpion venom is a highly complex mixture of salts, nucleotides, biogenic amines, enzymes, mucoproteins, as well as peptides and proteins (e.g. neurotoxins). One of the recently observed biological properties of animal venoms and toxins is that they possess anticancer potential. An increasing number of studies have shown that scorpion venoms and toxins can decrease cancer growth, induce apoptosis and inhibit cancer progression and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Several active molecules with anticancer activities, ranging from inhibition of proliferation and cell cycle arrest to induction of apoptosis and decreasing cell migration and invasion, have been isolated from scorpion venoms. These observations have shed light on the application of scorpion venoms and toxins as potential novel cancer therapeutics. This mini-review focuses on the anticancer potential of scorpion venoms and toxins and the possible mechanisms for their antitumor activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Ding
- Venom and Toxin Research Programme, Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117 597
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Hong W, Li T, Song Y, Zhang R, Zeng Z, Han S, Zhang X, Wu Y, Li W, Cao Z. Inhibitory activity and mechanism of two scorpion venom peptides against herpes simplex virus type 1. Antiviral Res 2013; 102:1-10. [PMID: 24315793 PMCID: PMC7113736 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2013.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2013] [Revised: 11/12/2013] [Accepted: 11/27/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hp1036 and Hp1239 are two new cationic host defense peptides from scorpion venom. They inhibitory effect on multiple steps of HSV-1 life cycle. They adopted α-helix structure in approximate membrane environment. They are virucidal of HSV-1 and destroyed the morphology of HSV-1. They easily entered Vero cells and reduced the intracellular viral infectivity.
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a widespread human pathogen that causes severe diseases, but there are not effective and safe drugs in clinical therapy besides acyclovir (ACV) and related nucleoside analogs. In this study, two new venom peptides from the scorpion Heterometrus petersii were identified with effective inhibitory effect on HSV-1 infection in vitro. Both Hp1036 and Hp1239 peptides exhibited potent virucidal activities against HSV-1 (EC50 = 0.43 ± 0.09 and 0.41 ± 0.06 μM, respectively) and effective inhibitory effects when added at the viral attachment (EC50 = 2.87 ± 0.16 and 5.73 ± 0.61 μM, respectively), entry (EC50 = 4.29 ± 0.35 and 4.32 ± 0.47 μM, respectively) and postentry (EC50 = 7.86 ± 0.80 and 8.41 ± 0.73 μM, respectively) steps. Both Hp1036 and Hp1239 peptides adopted α-helix structure in approximate membrane environment and resulted in the destruction of the viral morphology. Moreover, Hp1036 and Hp1239 peptides entered Vero cells and reduced the intracellular viral infectivity. Taken together, Hp1036 and Hp1239 peptides are two anti-viral peptides with effective inhibitory effect on multiple steps of HSV-1 life cycle and therefore are good candidate for development as virucides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, PR China
| | - Tian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, PR China
| | - Yu Song
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, PR China
| | - Runhong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, PR China
| | - Zhengyang Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, PR China
| | - Shisong Han
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education and Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, PR China
| | - Xianzheng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education and Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, PR China
| | - Yingliang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, PR China
| | - Wenxin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, PR China
| | - Zhijian Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, PR China.
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