1
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Reynard O, Gonzalez C, Dumont C, Iampietro M, Ferren M, Le Guellec S, Laurie L, Mathieu C, Carpentier G, Roseau G, Bovier FT, Zhu Y, Le Pennec D, Montharu J, Addetia A, Greninger AL, Alabi CA, Brisebard E, Moscona A, Vecellio L, Porotto M, Horvat B. Nebulized fusion inhibitory peptide protects cynomolgus macaques from measles virus infection. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6439. [PMID: 36307480 PMCID: PMC9616412 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33832-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Measles is the most contagious airborne viral infection and the leading cause of child death among vaccine-preventable diseases. We show here that aerosolized lipopeptide fusion inhibitor, derived from heptad-repeat regions of the measles virus (MeV) fusion protein, blocks respiratory MeV infection in a non-human primate model, the cynomolgus macaque. We use a custom-designed mesh nebulizer to ensure efficient aerosol delivery of peptide to the respiratory tract and demonstrate the absence of adverse effects and lung pathology in macaques. The nebulized peptide efficiently prevents MeV infection, resulting in the complete absence of MeV RNA, MeV-infected cells, and MeV-specific humoral responses in treated animals. This strategy provides an additional means to fight against respiratory infection in non-vaccinated people, that can be readily translated to human trials. It presents a proof-of-concept for the aerosol delivery of fusion inhibitory peptides to protect against measles and other airborne viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, in case of high-risk exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Reynard
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM U1111, CNRS, UMR5308, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, 21 Avenue Tony Garnier, 69007, Lyon, France
| | - Claudia Gonzalez
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM U1111, CNRS, UMR5308, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, 21 Avenue Tony Garnier, 69007, Lyon, France
| | - Claire Dumont
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM U1111, CNRS, UMR5308, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, 21 Avenue Tony Garnier, 69007, Lyon, France
| | - Mathieu Iampietro
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM U1111, CNRS, UMR5308, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, 21 Avenue Tony Garnier, 69007, Lyon, France
| | - Marion Ferren
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM U1111, CNRS, UMR5308, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, 21 Avenue Tony Garnier, 69007, Lyon, France
| | - Sandrine Le Guellec
- DTF-Aerodrug, R&D aerosolltherapy department of DTF medical (Saint Etienne, France), Faculté de médecine, Université de Tours, 37032, Tours, France
| | - Lajoie Laurie
- Université de Tours, Institut national de recherche pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement (INRAe), UMR1282, Infectiologie et santé publique (ISP), Tours, France
| | - Cyrille Mathieu
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM U1111, CNRS, UMR5308, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, 21 Avenue Tony Garnier, 69007, Lyon, France
| | | | | | - Francesca T Bovier
- Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yun Zhu
- Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
- Laboratory of Infection and Virology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, 100045, China
| | - Deborah Le Pennec
- INSERM, Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, CEPR U1100, Université de Tours, 37032, Tours, France
| | | | - Amin Addetia
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Alexander L Greninger
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Christopher A Alabi
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | | | - Anne Moscona
- Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Physiology & Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Matteo Porotto
- Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Studies of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Naples, Italy
| | - Branka Horvat
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM U1111, CNRS, UMR5308, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, 21 Avenue Tony Garnier, 69007, Lyon, France.
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2
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Design and evaluation of neutralizing and fusion inhibitory peptides to Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus. Antiviral Res 2022; 207:105401. [DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2022.105401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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3
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Reynard O, Gonzalez C, Dumont C, Iampietro M, Ferren M, Le Guellec S, Laurie L, Mathieu C, Carpentier G, Roseau G, Bovier FT, Zhu Y, Le Pennec D, Montharu J, Addetia A, Greninger AL, Alabi CA, Moscona A, Vecellio L, Porotto M, Horvat B. Nebulized fusion inhibitory peptide protects cynomolgus macaques from measles virus infection. RESEARCH SQUARE 2022:rs.3.rs-1700877. [PMID: 35677066 PMCID: PMC9176655 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-1700877/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Measles is the most contagious airborne viral infection and the leading cause of child death among vaccine-preventable diseases. We show here that aerosolized lipopeptide fusion inhibitors, derived from heptad-repeat regions of the measles virus (MeV) fusion protein, block respiratory MeV infection in a non-human primate model, the cynomolgus macaque. We used a custom-designed mesh nebulizer to ensure efficient aerosol delivery of peptides to the respiratory tract and demonstrated the absence of adverse effects and lung pathology in macaques. The nebulized peptide efficiently prevented MeV infection, resulting in the complete absence of MeV RNA, MeV-infected cells, and MeV-specific humoral responses in treated animals. This strategy provides an additional shield which complements vaccination to fight against respiratory infection, presenting a proof-of-concept for the aerosol delivery of fusion inhibitory peptides to protect against measles and other airborne viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, in case of high-risk exposure, that can be readily translated to human trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Reynard
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM U1111, CNRS, UMR5308, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, 21 Avenue Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Claudia Gonzalez
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM U1111, CNRS, UMR5308, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, 21 Avenue Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Claire Dumont
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM U1111, CNRS, UMR5308, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, 21 Avenue Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Mathieu Iampietro
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM U1111, CNRS, UMR5308, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, 21 Avenue Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Marion Ferren
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM U1111, CNRS, UMR5308, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, 21 Avenue Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Sandrine Le Guellec
- DTF-Aerodrug, R&D aerosolltherapy department of DTF medical (Saint Etienne, France), Faculté de médecine, Université de Tours, 37032 Tours, France
| | - Lajoie Laurie
- Université de Tours, Institut national de recherche pour l’agriculture, l’alimentation et l’environnement (INRAe), UMR1282, Infectiologie et santé publique (ISP), Tours, France
| | - Cyrille Mathieu
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM U1111, CNRS, UMR5308, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, 21 Avenue Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France
| | | | | | - Francesca T. Bovier
- Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yun Zhu
- Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA.,Laboratory of Infection and Virology, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing 100045, China
| | - Deborah Le Pennec
- INSERM, Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, CEPR U1100, Université de Tours, 37032 Tours, France
| | | | - Amin Addetia
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Alexander L. Greninger
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Christopher A. Alabi
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Anne Moscona
- Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Physiology & Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Matteo Porotto
- Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Studies of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, Naples, Italy
| | - Branka Horvat
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM U1111, CNRS, UMR5308, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, 21 Avenue Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France
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4
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Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Activity of the Amphibian Antimicrobial Peptide Temporin L and Its Analogs. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23042060. [PMID: 35216177 PMCID: PMC8878748 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has evidenced the urgent need for the discovery of broad-spectrum antiviral therapies that could be deployed in the case of future emergence of novel viral threats, as well as to back up current therapeutic options in the case of drug resistance development. Most current antivirals are directed to inhibit specific viruses since these therapeutic molecules are designed to act on a specific viral target with the objective of interfering with a precise step in the replication cycle. Therefore, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been identified as promising antiviral agents that could help to overcome this limitation and provide compounds able to act on more than a single viral family. We evaluated the antiviral activity of an amphibian peptide known for its strong antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, namely Temporin L (TL). Previous studies have revealed that TL is endowed with widespread antimicrobial activity and possesses marked haemolytic activity. Therefore, we analyzed TL and a previously identified TL derivative (Pro3, DLeu9 TL, where glutamine at position 3 is replaced with proline, and the D-Leucine enantiomer is present at position 9) as well as its analogs, for their activity against a wide panel of viruses comprising enveloped, naked, DNA and RNA viruses. We report significant inhibition activity against herpesviruses, paramyxoviruses, influenza virus and coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, we further modified our best candidate by lipidation and demonstrated a highly reduced cytotoxicity with improved antiviral effect. Our results show a potent and selective antiviral activity of TL peptides, indicating that the novel lipidated temporin-based antiviral agents could prove to be useful additions to current drugs in combatting rising drug resistance and epidemic/pandemic emergencies.
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5
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Antiviral peptide engineering for targeting membrane-enveloped viruses: Recent progress and future directions. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOMEMBRANES 2022; 1864:183821. [PMID: 34808121 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2021.183821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Membrane-enveloped viruses are a major cause of global health challenges, including recent epidemics and pandemics. This mini-review covers the latest efforts to develop membrane-targeting antiviral peptides that inhibit enveloped viruses by 1) preventing virus-cell fusion or 2) disrupting the viral membrane envelope. The corresponding mechanisms of antiviral activity are discussed along with peptide engineering strategies to modulate membrane-peptide interactions in terms of potency and selectivity. Application examples are presented demonstrating how membrane-targeting antiviral peptides are useful therapeutics and prophylactics in animal models, while a stronger emphasis on biophysical concepts is proposed to refine mechanistic understanding and support potential clinical translation.
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6
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The pH-sensitive action of cholesterol-conjugated peptide inhibitors of influenza virus. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2021; 1863:183762. [PMID: 34478733 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2021.183762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Influenza viruses are major human pathogens, responsible for respiratory diseases affecting millions of people worldwide, with high morbidity and significant mortality. Infections by influenza can be controlled by vaccines and antiviral drugs. However, this virus is constantly under mutations, limiting the effectiveness of these clinical antiviral strategies. It is therefore urgent to develop new ones. Influenza hemagglutinin (HA) is involved in receptor binding and promotes the pH-dependent fusion of viral and cell endocytic membranes. HA-targeted peptides may emerge as a novel antiviral option to block this viral entry step. In this study, we evaluated three HA-derived (lipo)peptides using fluorescence spectroscopy. Peptide membrane interaction assays were performed at neutral and acidic pH to better resemble the natural conditions in which influenza fusion occurs. We found that peptide affinity towards membranes decreases upon the acidification of the environment. Therefore, the released peptides would be able to bind their complementary domain and interfere with the six-helix bundle formation necessary for viral fusion, and thus for the infection of the target cell. Our results provide new insight into molecular interactions between HA-derived peptides and cell membranes, which may contribute to the development of new influenza virus inhibitors.
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7
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Wirchnianski AS, Wec AZ, Nyakatura EK, Herbert AS, Slough MM, Kuehne AI, Mittler E, Jangra RK, Teruya J, Dye JM, Lai JR, Chandran K. Two Distinct Lysosomal Targeting Strategies Afford Trojan Horse Antibodies With Pan-Filovirus Activity. Front Immunol 2021; 12:729851. [PMID: 34721393 PMCID: PMC8551868 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.729851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple agents in the family Filoviridae (filoviruses) are associated with sporadic human outbreaks of highly lethal disease, while others, including several recently identified agents, possess strong zoonotic potential. Although viral glycoprotein (GP)-specific monoclonal antibodies have demonstrated therapeutic utility against filovirus disease, currently FDA-approved molecules lack antiviral breadth. The development of broadly neutralizing antibodies has been challenged by the high sequence divergence among filovirus GPs and the complex GP proteolytic cleavage cascade that accompanies filovirus entry. Despite this variability in the antigenic surface of GP, all filoviruses share a site of vulnerability-the binding site for the universal filovirus entry receptor, Niemann-Pick C1 (NPC1). Unfortunately, this site is shielded in extracellular GP and only uncovered by proteolytic cleavage by host proteases in late endosomes and lysosomes, which are generally inaccessible to antibodies. To overcome this obstacle, we previously developed a 'Trojan horse' therapeutic approach in which engineered bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) coopt viral particles to deliver GP:NPC1 interaction-blocking antibodies to their endo/lysosomal sites of action. This approach afforded broad protection against members of the genus Ebolavirus but could not neutralize more divergent filoviruses. Here, we describe next-generation Trojan horse bsAbs that target the endo/lysosomal GP:NPC1 interface with pan-filovirus breadth by exploiting the conserved and widely expressed host cation-independent mannose-6-phosphate receptor for intracellular delivery. Our work highlights a new avenue for the development of single therapeutics protecting against all known and newly emerging filoviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel S Wirchnianski
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States.,Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Anna Z Wec
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Elisabeth K Nyakatura
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Andrew S Herbert
- Virology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD, United States.,The Geneva Foundation, Tacoma, WA, United States
| | - Megan M Slough
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Ana I Kuehne
- Virology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Eva Mittler
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Rohit K Jangra
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Jonathan Teruya
- Antibody Discovery and Research group, Mapp Biopharmaceutical, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - John M Dye
- Virology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Jonathan R Lai
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Kartik Chandran
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
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8
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Abstract
Parainfluenza viruses, members of the enveloped, negative-sense, single stranded RNA Paramyxoviridae family, impact global child health as the cause of significant lower respiratory tract infections. Parainfluenza viruses enter cells by fusing directly at the cell surface membrane. How this fusion occurs via the coordinated efforts of the two molecules that comprise the viral surface fusion complex, and how these efforts may be blocked, are the subjects of this chapter. The receptor binding protein of parainfluenza forms a complex with the fusion protein of the virus, remaining stably associated until a receptor is reached. At that point, the receptor binding protein actively triggers the fusion protein to undergo a series of transitions that ultimately lead to membrane fusion and viral entry. In recent years it has become possible to examine this remarkable process on the surface of viral particles and to begin to understand the steps in the transition of this molecular machine, using a structural biology approach. Understanding the steps in entry leads to several possible strategies to prevent fusion and inhibit infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara C Marcink
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Matteo Porotto
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Anne Moscona
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy; Department of Physiology & Cellular Biophysics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States.
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9
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Antivirals targeting paramyxovirus membrane fusion. Curr Opin Virol 2021; 51:34-47. [PMID: 34592709 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2021.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The Paramyxoviridae family includes enveloped single-stranded negative-sense RNA viruses such as measles, mumps, human parainfluenza, canine distemper, Hendra, and Nipah viruses, which cause a tremendous global health burden. The ability of paramyxoviral glycoproteins to merge viral and host membranes allows entry of the viral genome into host cells, as well as cell-cell fusion, an important contributor to disease progression. Recent molecular and structural advances in our understanding of the paramyxovirus membrane fusion machinery gave rise to various therapeutic approaches aiming at inhibiting viral infection, spread, and cytopathic effects. These therapeutic approaches include peptide mimics, antibodies, and small molecule inhibitors with various levels of success at inhibiting viral entry, increasing the potential of effective antiviral therapeutic development.
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10
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Bovier FT, Rybkina K, Biswas S, Harder O, Marcink TC, Niewiesk S, Moscona A, Alabi CA, Porotto M. Inhibition of Measles Viral Fusion Is Enhanced by Targeting Multiple Domains of the Fusion Protein. ACS NANO 2021; 15:12794-12803. [PMID: 34291895 PMCID: PMC9164017 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c02057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Measles virus (MeV) infection remains a significant public health threat despite ongoing global efforts to increase vaccine coverage. As eradication of MeV stalls, and vulnerable populations expand, effective antivirals against MeV are in high demand. Here, we describe the development of an antiviral peptide that targets the MeV fusion (F) protein. This antiviral peptide construct is composed of a carbobenzoxy-d-Phe-l-Phe-Gly (fusion inhibitor peptide; FIP) conjugated to a lipidated MeV F C-terminal heptad repeat (HRC) domain derivative. Initial in vitro testing showed high antiviral potency and specific targeting of MeV F-associated cell plasma membranes, with minimal cytotoxicity. The FIP and HRC-derived peptide conjugates showed synergistic antiviral activities when administered individually. However, their chemical conjugation resulted in markedly increased antiviral potency. In vitro mechanistic experiments revealed that the FIP-HRC lipid conjugate exerted its antiviral activity predominantly through stabilization of the prefusion F, while HRC-derived peptides alone act predominantly on the F protein after its activation. Coupled with in vivo experiments showing effective prevention of MeV infection in cotton rats, FIP-HRC lipid conjugates show promise as potential MeV antivirals via specific targeting and stabilization of the prefusion MeV F structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca T Bovier
- Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032, United States
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Ksenia Rybkina
- Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | - Sudipta Biswas
- Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032, United States
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Olivia Harder
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Tara C Marcink
- Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | - Stefan Niewiesk
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Anne Moscona
- Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032, United States
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032, United States
- Department of Physiology & Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | - Christopher A Alabi
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Matteo Porotto
- Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032, United States
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy
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11
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Hollmann A, Cardoso NP, Espeche JC, Maffía PC. Review of antiviral peptides for use against zoonotic and selected non-zoonotic viruses. Peptides 2021; 142:170570. [PMID: 34000327 PMCID: PMC8120785 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2021.170570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Viruses remain one of the leading causes of animal and human disease. Some animal viral infections spread sporadically to human populations, posing a serious health risk. Particularly the emerging viral zoonotic diseases such as the novel, zoonotic coronavirus represent an actual challenge for the scientific and medical community. Besides human health risks, some animal viral infections, although still not zoonotic, represent important economic loses to the livestock industry. Viral infections pose a genuine concern for which there has been an increasing interest for new antiviral molecules. Among these novel compounds, antiviral peptides have been proposed as promising therapeutic options, not only for the growing body of evidence showing hopeful results but also due to the many adverse effects of chemical-based drugs. Here we review the current progress, key targets and considerations for the development of antiviral peptides (AVPs). The review summarizes the state of the art of the AVPs tested in zoonotic (coronaviruses, Rift Valley fever viruses, Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus, Dengue and Junín virus) and also non-zoonotic farm animal viruses (avian and cattle viruses). Their molecular target, amino acid sequence and mechanism of action are summarized and reviewed. Antiviral peptides are currently on the cutting edge since they have been reported to display anti-coronavirus activity. Particularly, the review will discuss the specific mode of action of AVPs that specifically inhibit the fusion of viral and host-cell membranes for SARS-CoV-2, showing in detail some important features of the fusion inhibiting peptides that target the spike protein of these risky viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel Hollmann
- Laboratorio de Compuestos Bioactivos, Centro de Investigaciones en Biofísica Aplicada y Alimentos (CIBAAL), CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Santiago del Estero, RN 9, Km 1125, 4206, Santiago del Estero, Argentina; Laboratorio de Microbiología Molecular, Instituto de Microbiología Básica y Aplicada, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Roque Sáenz Peña 352, B1876BXD, Bernal, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nancy P Cardoso
- Instituto de Virología e Innovaciones Tecnológicas, IVIT - Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Hurlingham, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan C Espeche
- Laboratorio de Compuestos Bioactivos, Centro de Investigaciones en Biofísica Aplicada y Alimentos (CIBAAL), CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Santiago del Estero, RN 9, Km 1125, 4206, Santiago del Estero, Argentina
| | - Paulo C Maffía
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional de Hurlingham, Av. Vergara 2222, Villa Tesei, Hurlingham, B1688GEZ, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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12
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Pu J, Zhou JT, Liu P, Yu F, He X, Lu L, Jiang S. Viral Entry Inhibitors Targeting Six-Helical Bundle Core Against Highly Pathogenic Enveloped Viruses with Class I Fusion Proteins. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:700-718. [PMID: 33992055 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210511015808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
TypeⅠ enveloped viruses bind to cell receptors through surface glycoproteins to initiate infection or undergo receptor-mediated endocytosis. They also initiate membrane fusion in the acidic environment of endocytic compartments, releasing genetic material into the cell. In the process of membrane fusion, envelope protein exposes fusion peptide, followed by insertion into the cell membrane or endosomal membrane. Further conformational changes ensue in which the type 1 envelope protein forms a typical six-helix bundle structure, shortening the distance between viral and cell membranes so that fusion can occur. Entry inhibitors targeting viral envelope proteins, or host factors, are effective antiviral agents and have been widely studied. Some have been used clinically, such as T20 and Maraviroc for human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) or Myrcludex B for hepatitis D virus (HDV). This review focuses on entry inhibitors that target the six-helical bundle core against highly pathogenic enveloped viruses with class I fusion proteins, including retroviruses, coronaviruses, influenza A viruses, paramyxoviruses, and filoviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Pu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH/CAMS, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Joey Tianyi Zhou
- Institute of High Performance Computing, The Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Ping Liu
- Institute of High Performance Computing, The Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Fei Yu
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Xiaoyang He
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH/CAMS, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Shibo Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH/CAMS, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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13
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Outlaw VK, Cheloha RW, Jurgens EM, Bovier FT, Zhu Y, Kreitler DF, Harder O, Niewiesk S, Porotto M, Gellman SH, Moscona A. Engineering Protease-Resistant Peptides to Inhibit Human Parainfluenza Viral Respiratory Infection. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:5958-5966. [PMID: 33825470 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c01565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The lower respiratory tract infections affecting children worldwide are in large part caused by the parainfluenza viruses (HPIVs), particularly HPIV3, along with human metapneumovirus and respiratory syncytial virus, enveloped negative-strand RNA viruses. There are no vaccines for these important human pathogens, and existing treatments have limited or no efficacy. Infection by HPIV is initiated by viral glycoprotein-mediated fusion between viral and host cell membranes. A viral fusion protein (F), once activated in proximity to a target cell, undergoes a series of conformational changes that first extend the trimer subunits to allow insertion of the hydrophobic domains into the target cell membrane and then refold the trimer into a stable postfusion state, driving the merger of the viral and host cell membranes. Lipopeptides derived from the C-terminal heptad repeat (HRC) domain of HPIV3 F inhibit infection by interfering with the structural transitions of the trimeric F assembly. Clinical application of this strategy, however, requires improving the in vivo stability of antiviral peptides. We show that the HRC peptide backbone can be modified via partial replacement of α-amino acid residues with β-amino acid residues to generate α/β-peptides that retain antiviral activity but are poor protease substrates. Relative to a conventional α-lipopeptide, our best α/β-lipopeptide exhibits improved persistence in vivo and improved anti-HPIV3 antiviral activity in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor K Outlaw
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Ross W Cheloha
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Eric M Jurgens
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | - Francesca T Bovier
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, New York 10032, United States.,Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, 81100, Italy.,Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | - Yun Zhu
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, New York 10032, United States.,Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, New York 10032, United States.,Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100045, China
| | - Dale F Kreitler
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Olivia Harder
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Stefan Niewiesk
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Matteo Porotto
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, New York 10032, United States.,Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, 81100, Italy.,Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | - Samuel H Gellman
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Anne Moscona
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, New York 10032, United States.,Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, New York 10032, United States.,Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, New York 10032, United States.,Department of Physiology & Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, New York 10032, United States
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14
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de Vries RD, Schmitz KS, Bovier FT, Predella C, Khao J, Noack D, Haagmans BL, Herfst S, Stearns KN, Drew-Bear J, Biswas S, Rockx B, McGill G, Dorrello NV, Gellman SH, Alabi CA, de Swart RL, Moscona A, Porotto M. Intranasal fusion inhibitory lipopeptide prevents direct-contact SARS-CoV-2 transmission in ferrets. Science 2021; 371:1379-1382. [PMID: 33597220 PMCID: PMC8011693 DOI: 10.1126/science.abf4896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Containment of the COVID-19 pandemic requires reducing viral transmission. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is initiated by membrane fusion between the viral and host cell membranes, which is mediated by the viral spike protein. We have designed lipopeptide fusion inhibitors that block this critical first step of infection and, on the basis of in vitro efficacy and in vivo biodistribution, selected a dimeric form for evaluation in an animal model. Daily intranasal administration to ferrets completely prevented SARS-CoV-2 direct-contact transmission during 24-hour cohousing with infected animals, under stringent conditions that resulted in infection of 100% of untreated animals. These lipopeptides are highly stable and thus may readily translate into safe and effective intranasal prophylaxis to reduce transmission of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rory D de Vries
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Francesca T Bovier
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Caserta, Italy
| | - Camilla Predella
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Danny Noack
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Bart L Haagmans
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sander Herfst
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Kyle N Stearns
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jennifer Drew-Bear
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sudipta Biswas
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Barry Rockx
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Gaël McGill
- Digizyme Inc., Brookline, MA, USA
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Dynamics, Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - N Valerio Dorrello
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Samuel H Gellman
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Christopher A Alabi
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
| | - Rik L de Swart
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands.
| | - Anne Moscona
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA.
- Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Matteo Porotto
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA.
- Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Caserta, Italy
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15
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Anasir MI, Zarif F, Poh CL. Antivirals blocking entry of enteroviruses and therapeutic potential. J Biomed Sci 2021; 28:10. [PMID: 33451326 PMCID: PMC7811253 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-021-00708-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Viruses from the genus Enterovirus (EV) of the Picornaviridae family are known to cause diseases such as hand foot and mouth disease (HFMD), respiratory diseases, encephalitis and myocarditis. The capsid of EV is an attractive target for the development of direct-acting small molecules that can interfere with viral entry. Some of the capsid binders have been evaluated in clinical trials but the majority have failed due to insufficient efficacy or unacceptable off-target effects. Furthermore, most of the capsid binders exhibited a low barrier to resistance. Alternatively, host-targeting inhibitors such as peptides derived from the capsid of EV that can recognize cellular receptors have been identified. However, the majority of these peptides displayed low anti-EV potency (µM range) as compared to the potency of small molecule compounds (nM range). Nonetheless, the development of anti-EV peptides is warranted as they may complement the small-molecules in a drug combination strategy to treat EVs. Lastly, structure-based approach to design antiviral peptides should be utilized to unearth potent anti-EV peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Ishtiaq Anasir
- Centre for Virus and Vaccine Research, Sunway University, 5, Jalan Universiti, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Faisal Zarif
- Centre for Virus and Vaccine Research, Sunway University, 5, Jalan Universiti, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chit Laa Poh
- Centre for Virus and Vaccine Research, Sunway University, 5, Jalan Universiti, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.
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16
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Distinct antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 in children and adults across the COVID-19 clinical spectrum. Nat Immunol 2020; 22:25-31. [PMID: 33154590 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-020-00826-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 331] [Impact Index Per Article: 82.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Clinical manifestations of COVID-19 caused by the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 are associated with age1,2. Adults develop respiratory symptoms, which can progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in the most severe form, while children are largely spared from respiratory illness but can develop a life-threatening multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C)3-5. Here, we show distinct antibody responses in children and adults after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Adult COVID-19 cohorts had anti-spike (S) IgG, IgM and IgA antibodies, as well as anti-nucleocapsid (N) IgG antibody, while children with and without MIS-C had reduced breadth of anti-SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies, predominantly generating IgG antibodies specific for the S protein but not the N protein. Moreover, children with and without MIS-C had reduced neutralizing activity as compared to both adult COVID-19 cohorts, indicating a reduced protective serological response. These results suggest a distinct infection course and immune response in children independent of whether they develop MIS-C, with implications for developing age-targeted strategies for testing and protecting the population.
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17
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de Vries RD, Schmitz KS, Bovier FT, Noack D, Haagmans BL, Biswas S, Rockx B, Gellman SH, Alabi CA, de Swart RL, Moscona A, Porotto M. Intranasal fusion inhibitory lipopeptide prevents direct contact SARS-CoV-2 transmission in ferrets. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2020:2020.11.04.361154. [PMID: 33173865 PMCID: PMC7654853 DOI: 10.1101/2020.11.04.361154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Containment of the COVID-19 pandemic requires reducing viral transmission. SARS-CoV-2 infection is initiated by membrane fusion between the viral and host cell membranes, mediated by the viral spike protein. We have designed a dimeric lipopeptide fusion inhibitor that blocks this critical first step of infection for emerging coronaviruses and document that it completely prevents SARS-CoV-2 infection in ferrets. Daily intranasal administration to ferrets completely prevented SARS-CoV-2 direct-contact transmission during 24-hour co-housing with infected animals, under stringent conditions that resulted in infection of 100% of untreated animals. These lipopeptides are highly stable and non-toxic and thus readily translate into a safe and effective intranasal prophylactic approach to reduce transmission of SARS-CoV-2. ONE-SENTENCE SUMMARY A dimeric form of a SARS-CoV-2-derived lipopeptide is a potent inhibitor of fusion and infection in vitro and transmission in vivo .
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Francesca T. Bovier
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Host–Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Danny Noack
- Department Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Sudipta Biswas
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Barry Rockx
- Department Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Christopher A. Alabi
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Rik L. de Swart
- Department Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anne Moscona
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Host–Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Physiology & Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Matteo Porotto
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Host–Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy
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18
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Outlaw VK, Bovier FT, Mears MC, Cajimat MN, Zhu Y, Lin MJ, Addetia A, Lieberman NAP, Peddu V, Xie X, Shi PY, Greninger AL, Gellman SH, Bente DA, Moscona A, Porotto M. Inhibition of Coronavirus Entry In Vitro and Ex Vivo by a Lipid-Conjugated Peptide Derived from the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Glycoprotein HRC Domain. mBio 2020; 11:e01935-20. [PMID: 33082259 PMCID: PMC7587434 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01935-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the etiological agent of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19), has erupted into a global pandemic that has led to tens of millions of infections and hundreds of thousands of deaths worldwide. The development of therapeutics to treat infection or as prophylactics to halt viral transmission and spread is urgently needed. SARS-CoV-2 relies on structural rearrangements within a spike (S) glycoprotein to mediate fusion of the viral and host cell membranes. Here, we describe the development of a lipopeptide that is derived from the C-terminal heptad repeat (HRC) domain of SARS-CoV-2 S that potently inhibits infection by SARS-CoV-2. The lipopeptide inhibits cell-cell fusion mediated by SARS-CoV-2 S and blocks infection by live SARS-CoV-2 in Vero E6 cell monolayers more effectively than previously described lipopeptides. The SARS-CoV-2 lipopeptide exhibits broad-spectrum activity by inhibiting cell-cell fusion mediated by SARS-CoV-1 and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and blocking infection by live MERS-CoV in cell monolayers. We also show that the SARS-CoV-2 HRC-derived lipopeptide potently blocks the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in human airway epithelial (HAE) cultures, an ex vivo model designed to mimic respiratory viral propagation in humans. While viral spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection was widespread in untreated airways, those treated with SARS-CoV-2 HRC lipopeptide showed no detectable evidence of viral spread. These data provide a framework for the development of peptide therapeutics for the treatment of or prophylaxis against SARS-CoV-2 as well as other coronaviruses.IMPORTANCE SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, continues to spread globally, placing strain on health care systems and resulting in rapidly increasing numbers of cases and mortalities. Despite the growing need for medical intervention, no FDA-approved vaccines are yet available, and treatment has been limited to supportive therapy for the alleviation of symptoms. Entry inhibitors could fill the important role of preventing initial infection and preventing spread. Here, we describe the design, synthesis, and evaluation of a lipopeptide that is derived from the HRC domain of the SARS-CoV-2 S glycoprotein that potently inhibits fusion mediated by SARS-CoV-2 S glycoprotein and blocks infection by live SARS-CoV-2 in both cell monolayers (in vitro) and human airway tissues (ex vivo). Our results highlight the SARS-CoV-2 HRC-derived lipopeptide as a promising therapeutic candidate for SARS-CoV-2 infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor K Outlaw
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Francesca T Bovier
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Caserta, Italy
| | - Megan C Mears
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Department of Experimental Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Maria N Cajimat
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Department of Experimental Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Yun Zhu
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Michelle J Lin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Amin Addetia
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Nicole A P Lieberman
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Vikas Peddu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Xuping Xie
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Pei-Yong Shi
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Alexander L Greninger
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Samuel H Gellman
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Dennis A Bente
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Anne Moscona
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Physiology & Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Matteo Porotto
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Caserta, Italy
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19
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Weisberg SP, Connors T, Zhu Y, Baldwin M, Lin WH, Wontakal S, Szabo PA, Wells SB, Dogra P, Gray JI, Idzikowski E, Bovier F, Davis-Porada J, Matsumoto R, Li Poon MM, Chait MP, Mathieu C, Horvat B, Decimo D, Bitan ZC, La Carpia F, Ferrara SA, Mace E, Milner J, Moscona A, Hod EA, Porotto M, Farber DL. Antibody responses to SARS-CoV2 are distinct in children with MIS-C compared to adults with COVID-19. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2020. [PMID: 32699861 DOI: 10.1101/2020.07.12.20151068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Clinical manifestations of COVID-19 caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 are associated with age. While children are largely spared from severe respiratory disease, they can present with a SARS-CoV-2-associated multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) similar to Kawasaki's disease. Here, we show distinct antibody (Ab) responses in children with MIS-C compared to adults with severe COVID-19 causing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and those who recovered from mild disease. There was a reduced breadth and specificity of anti-SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies in MIS-C patients compared to the COVID patient groups; MIS-C predominantly generated IgG Abs specific for the Spike (S) protein but not for the nucleocapsid (N) protein, while both COVID-19 cohorts had anti-S IgG, IgM and IgA Abs, as well as anti-N IgG Abs. Moreover, MIS-C patients had reduced neutralizing activity compared to COVID-19 cohorts, indicating a reduced protective serological response. These results suggest a distinct infection course and immune response in children and adults who develop severe disease, with implications for optimizing treatments based on symptom and age.
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20
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Barrett CT, Dutch RE. Viral Membrane Fusion and the Transmembrane Domain. Viruses 2020; 12:v12070693. [PMID: 32604992 PMCID: PMC7412173 DOI: 10.3390/v12070693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Initiation of host cell infection by an enveloped virus requires a viral-to-host cell membrane fusion event. This event is mediated by at least one viral transmembrane glycoprotein, termed the fusion protein, which is a key therapeutic target. Viral fusion proteins have been studied for decades, and numerous critical insights into their function have been elucidated. However, the transmembrane region remains one of the most poorly understood facets of these proteins. In the past ten years, the field has made significant advances in understanding the role of the membrane-spanning region of viral fusion proteins. We summarize developments made in the past decade that have contributed to the understanding of the transmembrane region of viral fusion proteins, highlighting not only their critical role in the membrane fusion process, but further demonstrating their involvement in several aspects of the viral lifecycle.
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21
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A boost to the antiviral activity: Cholesterol tagged peptides derived from glycoprotein B of Herpes Simplex virus type I. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 162:882-893. [PMID: 32569683 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.06.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Conformational changes of viral glycoproteins govern the fusion of viral and cellular membranes in the entry of enveloped viruses. Peptides mimicking domains of viral glycoproteins are apt to interfere with the fusion event, likely hampering the conformational rearrangements from the pre- to the post-fusion structures. We previously developed a peptide sequence with a high potential to inhibit the entry of herpes simplex type 1, which was able to trap glycoprotein B at an intermediate stage, arresting fusion. We propose that similarly to other viruses, membrane targeting through cholesterol conjugation may potently block fusion. The peptide conjugated to polyethylenglycol and cholesterol interacts with viral and cell membranes thanks to the presence of cholesterol and blocks the conformational rearrangements of the glycoprotein B. Here, we also probed the effect of the linker (polyethylenglycol) length on the activity. By targeting the peptide gBh1m to the membranes where fusion occurs and by engineering sequences with increased binding affinity for gB we have enhanced the antiviral potency of our prototype inhibitors. Our results provide proof of concept for the application of cholesterol tagging to develop inhibitors of HSV-1.
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22
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Anasir MI, Ramanathan B, Poh CL. Structure-Based Design of Antivirals against Envelope Glycoprotein of Dengue Virus. Viruses 2020; 12:v12040367. [PMID: 32225021 PMCID: PMC7232406 DOI: 10.3390/v12040367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Dengue virus (DENV) presents a significant threat to global public health with more than 500,000 hospitalizations and 25,000 deaths annually. Currently, there is no clinically approved antiviral drug to treat DENV infection. The envelope (E) glycoprotein of DENV is a promising target for drug discovery as the E protein is important for viral attachment and fusion. Understanding the structure and function of DENV E protein has led to the exploration of structure-based drug discovery of antiviral compounds and peptides against DENV infections. This review summarizes the structural information of the DENV E protein with regards to DENV attachment and fusion. The information enables the development of antiviral agents through structure-based approaches. In addition, this review compares the potency of antivirals targeting the E protein with the antivirals targeting DENV multifunctional enzymes, repurposed drugs and clinically approved antiviral drugs. None of the current DENV antiviral candidates possess potency similar to the approved antiviral drugs which indicates that more efforts and resources must be invested before an effective DENV drug materializes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Ishtiaq Anasir
- Center for Virus and Vaccine Research, School of Science and Technology, Sunway University, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor 47500, Malaysia;
| | - Babu Ramanathan
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Sunway University, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor 47500, Malaysia;
| | - Chit Laa Poh
- Center for Virus and Vaccine Research, School of Science and Technology, Sunway University, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor 47500, Malaysia;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +60-3-7491-8622; Fax: +60-3-5635-8633
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23
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Mathieu C, Porotto M, Figueira TN, Horvat B, Moscona A. Fusion Inhibitory Lipopeptides Engineered for Prophylaxis of Nipah Virus in Primates. J Infect Dis 2019; 218:218-227. [PMID: 29566184 PMCID: PMC6009590 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiy152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The emerging zoonotic paramyxovirus Nipah virus (NiV) causes severe respiratory and neurological disease in humans, with high fatality rates. Nipah virus can be transmitted via person-to-person contact, posing a high risk for epidemic outbreaks. However, a broadly applicable approach for human NiV outbreaks in field settings is lacking. Methods We engineered new antiviral lipopeptides and analyzed in vitro fusion inhibition to identify an optimal candidate for prophylaxis of NiV infection in the lower respiratory tract, and we assessed antiviral efficiency in 2 different animal models. Results We show that lethal NiV infection can be prevented with lipopeptides delivered via the respiratory route in both hamsters and nonhuman primates. By targeting retention of peptides for NiV prophylaxis in the respiratory tract, we avoid its systemic delivery in individuals who need only prevention, and thus we increase the safety of treatment and enhance utility of the intervention. Conclusions The experiments provide a proof of concept for the use of antifusion lipopeptides for prophylaxis of lethal NiV. These results advance the goal of rational development of potent lipopeptide inhibitors with desirable pharmacokinetic and biodistribution properties and a safe effective delivery method to target NiV and other pathogenic viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyrille Mathieu
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York.,Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Medical Center, New York.,CIRI, International Center for Infectiology Research, Immunobiology of Viral Infections Team, Inserm, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, France
| | - Matteo Porotto
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York.,Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Medical Center, New York
| | - Tiago N Figueira
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York.,Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Medical Center, New York.,Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Branka Horvat
- CIRI, International Center for Infectiology Research, Immunobiology of Viral Infections Team, Inserm, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, France
| | - Anne Moscona
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York.,Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York.,Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Medical Center, New York
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24
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Outlaw VK, Bottom-Tanzer S, Kreitler DF, Gellman SH, Porotto M, Moscona A. Dual Inhibition of Human Parainfluenza Type 3 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infectivity with a Single Agent. J Am Chem Soc 2019; 141:12648-12656. [PMID: 31268705 PMCID: PMC7192198 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.9b04615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Human parainfluenza virus 3 (HPIV3) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cause lower respiratory infection in infants and young children. There are no vaccines for these pathogens, and existing treatments have limited or questionable efficacy. Infection by HPIV3 or RSV requires fusion of the viral and cell membranes, a process mediated by a trimeric fusion glycoprotein (F) displayed on the viral envelope. Once triggered, the pre-fusion form of F undergoes a series of conformational changes that first extend the molecule to allow for insertion of the hydrophobic fusion peptide into the target cell membrane and then refold the trimeric assembly into an energetically stable post-fusion state, a process that drives the merger of the viral and host cell membranes. Peptides derived from defined regions of HPIV3 F inhibit infection by HPIV3 by interfering with the structural transitions of the trimeric F assembly. Here we describe lipopeptides derived from the C-terminal heptad repeat (HRC) domain of HPIV3 F that potently inhibit infection by both HPIV3 and RSV. The lead peptide inhibits RSV infection as effectively as does a peptide corresponding to the RSV HRC domain itself. We show that the inhibitors bind to the N-terminal heptad repeat (HRN) domains of both HPIV3 and RSV F with high affinity. Co-crystal structures of inhibitors bound to the HRN domains of HPIV3 or RSV F reveal remarkably different modes of binding in the N-terminal segment of the inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor K. Outlaw
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, 53706, United States
| | - Samantha Bottom-Tanzer
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, 10032, United States
- Center for Host–Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, 10032, United States
| | - Dale F. Kreitler
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, 53706, United States
| | - Samuel H. Gellman
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, 53706, United States
| | - Matteo Porotto
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, 10032, United States
- Center for Host–Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, 10032, United States
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, Italy
| | - Anne Moscona
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, 10032, United States
- Center for Host–Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, 10032, United States
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, 10032, United States
- Department of Physiology & Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, 10032, United States
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25
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A Hydrophobic Target: Using the Paramyxovirus Fusion Protein Transmembrane Domain To Modulate Fusion Protein Stability. J Virol 2019; 93:JVI.00863-19. [PMID: 31217248 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00863-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Enveloped viruses utilize surface glycoproteins to bind and fuse with a target cell membrane. The zoonotic Hendra virus (HeV), a member of the family Paramyxoviridae, utilizes the attachment protein (G) and the fusion protein (F) to perform these critical functions. Upon triggering, the trimeric F protein undergoes a large, irreversible conformation change to drive membrane fusion. Previously, we have shown that the transmembrane (TM) domain of the F protein, separate from the rest of the protein, is present in a monomer-trimer equilibrium. This TM-TM association contributes to the stability of the prefusion form of the protein, supporting a role for TM-TM interactions in the control of F protein conformational changes. To determine the impact of disrupting TM-TM interactions, constructs expressing the HeV F TM with limited flanking sequences were synthesized. Coexpression of these constructs with HeV F resulted in dramatic reductions in the stability of F protein expression and fusion activity. In contrast, no effects were observed when the HeV F TM constructs were coexpressed with the nonhomologous parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5) fusion protein, indicating a requirement for specific interactions. To further examine this, a TM peptide homologous to the PIV5 F TM domain was synthesized. Addition of the peptide prior to infection inhibited infection with PIV5 but did not significantly affect infection with human metapneumovirus, a related virus. These results indicate that targeted disruption of TM-TM interactions significantly impact viral fusion protein stability and function, presenting these interactions as a novel target for antiviral development.IMPORTANCE Enveloped viruses require virus-cell membrane fusion to release the viral genome and replicate. The viral fusion protein triggers from the pre- to the postfusion conformation, an essentially irreversible change, to drive membrane fusion. We found that small proteins containing the TM and a limited flanking region homologous to the fusion protein of the zoonotic Hendra virus reduced protein expression and fusion activity. The introduction of exogenous TM peptides may displace a TM domain, disrupting native TM-TM interactions and globally destabilizing the fusion protein. Supporting this hypothesis, we showed that a sequence-specific transmembrane peptide dramatically reduced viral infection in another enveloped virus model, suggesting a broader inhibitory mechanism. Viral fusion protein TM-TM interactions are important for protein function, and disruption of these interactions dramatically reduces protein stability.
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26
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Nyanguile O. Peptide Antiviral Strategies as an Alternative to Treat Lower Respiratory Viral Infections. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1366. [PMID: 31293570 PMCID: PMC6598224 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Lower respiratory infection caused by human pathogens such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a significant healthcare burden that must be addressed. The preferred options to achieve this goal are usually to develop vaccines for prophylaxis and to develop antiviral small molecules to treat infected patients with convenient, orally administrable drugs. However, developing a vaccine against RSV poses special challenges with the diminished immune system of infants and the elderly, and finding a universal flu vaccine is difficult because the product must target a large array of viral strains. On the other hand, the use of small-molecule antivirals can result in the emergence of resistant viruses as it has well-been reported for HIV, influenza, and hepatitis C virus (HCV). This paper reviews peptide antiviral strategies as an alternative to address these challenges. The discovery of influenza and RSV peptidic fusion inhibitors will be discussed and compared to small molecules in view of escape mutations. The importance of constraining peptides into macrocycles to improve both their inhibitory activity and pharmacological properties will be highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Origène Nyanguile
- HES-SO Valais-Wallis, Institute of Life Technologies, Sion, Switzerland
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27
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Gomes B, Sanna G, Madeddu S, Hollmann A, Santos NC. Combining 25-Hydroxycholesterol with an HIV Fusion Inhibitor Peptide: Interaction with Biomembrane Model Systems and Human Blood Cells. ACS Infect Dis 2019; 5:582-591. [PMID: 30816690 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.8b00321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The fusion between the viral and the target cell membrane is a crucial step in the life cycle of enveloped viruses. The blocking of this process is a well-known therapeutic approach that led to the development of the fusion inhibitor peptide enfuvirtide, clinically used against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1. Despite this significant advance on viral treatment, the appearance of resistance has limited its clinical use. Such a limitation has led to the development of other fusion inhibitor peptides, such as C34, that present the same structural domain as enfuvirtide (heptad repeat sequence) but have different functional domains (pocket-binding domain in the case of C34 and lipid-binding domain in the case of enfuvirtide). Recently, the antiviral properties of 25-hydroxycholesterol were demonstrated, which boosted the interest in this oxysterol. The combination of two distinct antiviral molecules, C34 and 25-hydroxycholesterol, may help to suppress the emergence of resistant viruses. In this work, we characterized the interaction of the C34-25-hydroxycholesterol conjugate with biomembrane model systems and human blood cells. Lipid vesicles and monolayers with defined lipid compositions were used as biomembrane model systems. The conjugate interacts preferentially with membranes rich in sphingomyelin (a lipid enriched in lipid rafts) and presents a poor partition to membranes composed solely of phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol. We hypothesize that cholesterol causes a repulsive effect that is overcome in the presence of sphingomyelin. Importantly, the peptide shows a preference for human peripheral blood mononuclear cells relative to erythrocytes, which shows its potential to target CD4+ cells. Antiviral activity results against different wild-type and drug-resistant HIV strains further demonstrated the potential of C34-HC as a good candidate for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Gomes
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon 1649-028, Portugal
| | - Giusepinna Sanna
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Microbiology and Virology, University of Cagliary, Cagliari 09123, Italy
| | - Silvia Madeddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Microbiology and Virology, University of Cagliary, Cagliari 09123, Italy
| | - Axel Hollmann
- Laboratory of Bioactive Compounds, CIBAAL−University of Santiago del Estero and CONICET, Santiago del Estero, Argentina
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Basic and Applied Microbiology, University of Quilmes, Bernal B1876BXD, Argentina
| | - Nuno C. Santos
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon 1649-028, Portugal
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28
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Mozhdehi D, Luginbuhl KM, Dzuricky M, Costa SA, Xiong S, Huang FC, Lewis MM, Zelenetz SR, Colby CD, Chilkoti A. Genetically Encoded Cholesterol-Modified Polypeptides. J Am Chem Soc 2019; 141:945-951. [PMID: 30608674 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b10687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Biological systems use post-translational modifications (PTMs) to control the structure, location, and function of proteins after expression. Despite the ubiquity of PTMs in biology, their use to create genetically encoded recombinant biomaterials is limited. We have utilized a natural lipidation PTM (hedgehog-mediated cholesterol modification of proteins) to create a class of hybrid biomaterials called cholesterol-modified polypeptides (CHaMPs) that exhibit programmable self-assembly at the nanoscale. To demonstrate the biomedical utility of CHaMPs, we used this approach to append cholesterol to biologically active peptide exendin-4 that is an approved drug for the treatment of type II diabetes. The exendin-cholesterol conjugate self-assembled into micelles, and these micelles activate the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor with a potency comparable to that of current gold standard treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davoud Mozhdehi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering , Duke University , 1427 FCIEMAS , Box 90281, Durham , North Carolina 27708-0281 , United States
| | - Kelli M Luginbuhl
- Department of Biomedical Engineering , Duke University , 1427 FCIEMAS , Box 90281, Durham , North Carolina 27708-0281 , United States
| | - Michael Dzuricky
- Department of Biomedical Engineering , Duke University , 1427 FCIEMAS , Box 90281, Durham , North Carolina 27708-0281 , United States
| | - Simone A Costa
- Department of Biomedical Engineering , Duke University , 1427 FCIEMAS , Box 90281, Durham , North Carolina 27708-0281 , United States
| | - Sinan Xiong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering , Duke University , 1427 FCIEMAS , Box 90281, Durham , North Carolina 27708-0281 , United States
| | - Fred C Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering , Duke University , 1427 FCIEMAS , Box 90281, Durham , North Carolina 27708-0281 , United States
| | - Mae M Lewis
- Department of Biomedical Engineering , Duke University , 1427 FCIEMAS , Box 90281, Durham , North Carolina 27708-0281 , United States
| | - Stephanie R Zelenetz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering , Duke University , 1427 FCIEMAS , Box 90281, Durham , North Carolina 27708-0281 , United States
| | - Christian D Colby
- Department of Biomedical Engineering , Duke University , 1427 FCIEMAS , Box 90281, Durham , North Carolina 27708-0281 , United States
| | - Ashutosh Chilkoti
- Department of Biomedical Engineering , Duke University , 1427 FCIEMAS , Box 90281, Durham , North Carolina 27708-0281 , United States
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29
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Figueira TN, Mendonça DA, Gaspar D, Melo MN, Moscona A, Porotto M, Castanho MARB, Veiga AS. Structure-Stability-Function Mechanistic Links in the Anti-Measles Virus Action of Tocopherol-Derivatized Peptide Nanoparticles. ACS NANO 2018; 12:9855-9865. [PMID: 30230818 PMCID: PMC6399014 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.8b01422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Measles remains one of the leading causes of child mortality worldwide and is re-emerging in some countries due to poor vaccine coverage, concomitant with importation of measles virus (MV) from endemic areas. The lack of specific chemotherapy contributes to negative outcomes, especially in infants or immunodeficient individuals. Fusion inhibitor peptides derived from the MV Fusion protein C-terminal Heptad Repeat (HRC) targeting MV envelope fusion glycoproteins block infection at the stage of entry into host cells, thus preventing viral multiplication. To improve efficacy of such entry inhibitors, we have modified a HRC peptide inhibitor by introducing properties of self-assembly into nanoparticles (NP) and higher affinity for both viral and cell membranes. Modification of the peptide consisted of covalent grafting with tocopherol to increase amphipathicity and lipophilicity (HRC5). One additional peptide inhibitor consisting of a peptide dimer grafted to tocopherol was also used (HRC6). Spectroscopic, imaging, and simulation techniques were used to characterize the NP and explore the molecular basis for their antiviral efficacy. HRC5 forms micellar stable NP while HRC6 aggregates into amorphous, loose, unstable NP. Interpeptide cluster bridging governs NP assembly into dynamic metastable states. The results are consistent with the conclusion that the improved efficacy of HRC6 relative to HRC5 can be attributed to NP instability, which leads to more extensive partition to target membranes and binding to viral target proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago N. Figueira
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Diogo A. Mendonça
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Diana Gaspar
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Manuel N. Melo
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2775-412 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Anne Moscona
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, United States
- Center for Host−Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, United States
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, United States
- Department of Physiology & Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | - Matteo Porotto
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, United States
- Center for Host−Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, United States
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Miguel A. R. B. Castanho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Salomé Veiga
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
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30
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Figueira TN, Augusto MT, Rybkina K, Stelitano D, Noval MG, Harder OE, Veiga AS, Huey D, Alabi CA, Biswas S, Niewiesk S, Moscona A, Santos NC, Castanho MARB, Porotto M. Effective in Vivo Targeting of Influenza Virus through a Cell-Penetrating/Fusion Inhibitor Tandem Peptide Anchored to the Plasma Membrane. Bioconjug Chem 2018; 29:3362-3376. [PMID: 30169965 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.8b00527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The impact of influenza virus infection is felt each year on a global scale when approximately 5-10% of adults and 20-30% of children globally are infected. While vaccination is the primary strategy for influenza prevention, there are a number of likely scenarios for which vaccination is inadequate, making the development of effective antiviral agents of utmost importance. Anti-influenza treatments with innovative mechanisms of action are critical in the face of emerging viral resistance to the existing drugs. These new antiviral agents are urgently needed to address future epidemic (or pandemic) influenza and are critical for the immune-compromised cohort who cannot be vaccinated. We have previously shown that lipid tagged peptides derived from the C-terminal region of influenza hemagglutinin (HA) were effective influenza fusion inhibitors. In this study, we modified the influenza fusion inhibitors by adding a cell penetrating peptide sequence to promote intracellular targeting. These fusion-inhibiting peptides self-assemble into ∼15-30 nm nanoparticles (NPs), target relevant infectious tissues in vivo, and reduce viral infectivity upon interaction with the cell membrane. Overall, our data show that the CPP and the lipid moiety are both required for efficient biodistribution, fusion inhibition, and efficacy in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- T N Figueira
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina , Universidade de Lisboa , 1649-028 Lisbon , Portugal.,Department of Pediatrics , Columbia University Medical Center , New York , New York 10032 , United States.,Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction , Columbia University Medical Center , New York , New York 10032 , United States
| | - M T Augusto
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina , Universidade de Lisboa , 1649-028 Lisbon , Portugal.,Department of Pediatrics , Columbia University Medical Center , New York , New York 10032 , United States.,Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction , Columbia University Medical Center , New York , New York 10032 , United States
| | - K Rybkina
- Department of Pediatrics , Columbia University Medical Center , New York , New York 10032 , United States
| | - D Stelitano
- Department of Pediatrics , Columbia University Medical Center , New York , New York 10032 , United States
| | - M G Noval
- Department of Pediatrics , Columbia University Medical Center , New York , New York 10032 , United States
| | - O E Harder
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine , The Ohio State University , Columbus , Ohio 43210 , United States
| | - A S Veiga
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina , Universidade de Lisboa , 1649-028 Lisbon , Portugal
| | - D Huey
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine , The Ohio State University , Columbus , Ohio 43210 , United States
| | - C A Alabi
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering , Cornell University , Ithaca , New York 14853 , United States
| | - S Biswas
- Department of Pediatrics , Columbia University Medical Center , New York , New York 10032 , United States.,Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction , Columbia University Medical Center , New York , New York 10032 , United States
| | - S Niewiesk
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine , The Ohio State University , Columbus , Ohio 43210 , United States
| | - A Moscona
- Department of Pediatrics , Columbia University Medical Center , New York , New York 10032 , United States.,Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction , Columbia University Medical Center , New York , New York 10032 , United States.,Department of Microbiology & Immunology , Columbia University Medical Center , New York , New York 10032 , United States.,Department of Physiology & Cellular Biophysics , Columbia University Medical Center , New York , New York 10032 , United States
| | - N C Santos
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina , Universidade de Lisboa , 1649-028 Lisbon , Portugal
| | - M A R B Castanho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina , Universidade de Lisboa , 1649-028 Lisbon , Portugal
| | - M Porotto
- Department of Pediatrics , Columbia University Medical Center , New York , New York 10032 , United States.,Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction , Columbia University Medical Center , New York , New York 10032 , United States.,Department of Experimental Medicine , University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli' , 81100 Caserta , Caserta , Italy
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31
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Dawes BE, Kalveram B, Ikegami T, Juelich T, Smith JK, Zhang L, Park A, Lee B, Komeno T, Furuta Y, Freiberg AN. Favipiravir (T-705) protects against Nipah virus infection in the hamster model. Sci Rep 2018; 8:7604. [PMID: 29765101 PMCID: PMC5954062 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-25780-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Nipah and Hendra viruses are recently emerged bat-borne paramyxoviruses (genus Henipavirus) causing severe encephalitis and respiratory disease in humans with fatality rates ranging from 40–75%. Despite the severe pathogenicity of these viruses and their pandemic potential, no therapeutics or vaccines are currently approved for use in humans. Favipiravir (T-705) is a purine analogue antiviral approved for use in Japan against emerging influenza strains; and several phase 2 and 3 clinical trials are ongoing in the United States and Europe. Favipiravir has demonstrated efficacy against a broad spectrum of RNA viruses, including members of the Paramyxoviridae, Filoviridae, Arenaviridae families, and the Bunyavirales order. We now demonstrate that favipiravir has potent antiviral activity against henipaviruses. In vitro, favipiravir inhibited Nipah and Hendra virus replication and transcription at micromolar concentrations. In the Syrian hamster model, either twice daily oral or once daily subcutaneous administration of favipiravir for 14 days fully protected animals challenged with a lethal dose of Nipah virus. This first successful treatment of henipavirus infection in vivo with a small molecule drug suggests that favipiravir should be further evaluated as an antiviral treatment option for henipavirus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian E Dawes
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, USA
| | - Birte Kalveram
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, USA
| | - Tetsuro Ikegami
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, USA.,Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, USA.,Sealy Center for Vaccine Development, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, USA
| | - Terry Juelich
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, USA
| | - Jennifer K Smith
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, USA
| | - Lihong Zhang
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, USA
| | - Arnold Park
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Benhur Lee
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, New York, USA
| | | | | | - Alexander N Freiberg
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, USA. .,Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, USA. .,Sealy Center for Vaccine Development, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, USA.
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32
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Gomes B, Augusto MT, Felício MR, Hollmann A, Franco OL, Gonçalves S, Santos NC. Designing improved active peptides for therapeutic approaches against infectious diseases. Biotechnol Adv 2018; 36:415-429. [PMID: 29330093 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2018.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Infectious diseases are one of the main causes of human morbidity and mortality. In the last few decades, pathogenic microorganisms' resistance to conventional drugs has been increasing, and it is now pinpointed as a major worldwide health concern. The need to search for new therapeutic options, as well as improved treatment outcomes, has therefore increased significantly, with biologically active peptides representing a new alternative. A substantial research effort is being dedicated towards their development, especially due to improved biocompatibility and target selectivity. However, the inherent limitations of peptide drugs are restricting their application. In this review, we summarize the current status of peptide drug development, focusing on antiviral and antimicrobial peptide activities, highlighting the design improvements needed, and those already being used, to overcome the drawbacks of the therapeutic application of biologically active peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Gomes
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Marcelo T Augusto
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mário R Felício
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Axel Hollmann
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal; Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Basic and Applied Microbiology, National University of Quilmes, Bernal, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratory of Biointerfaces and Biomimetic Systems, CITSE, National University of Santiago del Estero-CONICET, Santiago del Estero, Argentina
| | - Octávio L Franco
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Pós-graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Molecular, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil; S-Inova Biotech, Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Sónia Gonçalves
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Nuno C Santos
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.
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33
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Calo' G, Rizzi A, Ruzza C, Ferrari F, Pacifico S, Gavioli EC, Salvadori S, Guerrini R. Peptide welding technology - A simple strategy for generating innovative ligands for G protein coupled receptors. Peptides 2018; 99:195-204. [PMID: 29031796 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2017.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2017] [Revised: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Based on their high selectivity of action and low toxicity, naturally occurring peptides have great potential in terms of drug development. However, the pharmacokinetic properties of peptides, in particular their half life, are poor. Among different strategies developed for reducing susceptibility to peptidases, and thus increasing the duration of action of peptides, the generation of branched peptides has been described. However, the synthesis and purification of branched peptides are extremely complicated thus limiting their druggability. Here we present a novel and facile synthesis of tetrabranched peptides acting as GPCR ligands and their in vitro and vivo pharmacological characterization. Tetrabranched derivatives of nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ), N/OFQ related peptides, opioid peptides, tachykinins, and neuropeptide S were generated with the strategy named peptide welding technology (PWT) and characterized by high yield and purity of the desired final product. In general, PWT derivatives displayed a pharmacological profile similar to that of the natural sequence in terms of affinity, pharmacological activity, potency, and selectivity of action in vitro. More importantly, in vivo studies demonstrated that PWT peptides are characterized by increased potency associated with long lasting duration of action. In conclusion, PWT derivatives of biologically active peptides can be viewed as innovative pharmacological tools for investigating those conditions and states in which selective and prolonged receptor stimulation promotes beneficial effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Girolamo Calo'
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medical Sciences, and National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Anna Rizzi
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medical Sciences, and National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Ruzza
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medical Sciences, and National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Federica Ferrari
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medical Sciences, and National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Salvatore Pacifico
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elaine C Gavioli
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Severo Salvadori
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, Italy
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34
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Biophysical Properties and Antiviral Activities of Measles Fusion Protein Derived Peptide Conjugated with 25-Hydroxycholesterol. Molecules 2017; 22:molecules22111869. [PMID: 29088094 PMCID: PMC5775476 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22111869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Measles virus (MV) infection is re-emerging, despite the availability of an effective vaccine. The mechanism of MV entry into a target cell relies on coordinated action between the MV hemagglutinin (H) receptor binding protein and the fusion envelope glycoprotein (F) which mediates fusion between the viral and cell membranes. Peptides derived from the C-terminal heptad repeat (HRC) of F can interfere with this process, blocking MV infection. As previously described, biophysical properties of HRC-derived peptides modulate their antiviral potency. In this work, we characterized a MV peptide fusion inhibitor conjugated to 25-hydroxycholesterol (25HC), a cholesterol derivative with intrinsic antiviral activity, and evaluated its interaction with membrane model systems and human blood cells. The peptide (MV.
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35
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Quinn K, Traboni C, Penchala SD, Bouliotis G, Doyle N, Libri V, Khoo S, Ashby D, Weber J, Nicosia A, Cortese R, Pessi A, Winston A. A first-in-human study of the novel HIV-fusion inhibitor C34-PEG 4-Chol. Sci Rep 2017; 7:9447. [PMID: 28842581 PMCID: PMC5572697 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09230-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-acting injectable antiretroviral (LA-ARV) drugs with low toxicity profiles and propensity for drug-drug interactions are a goal for future ARV regimens. C34-PEG4-Chol is a novel cholesterol tagged LA HIV-fusion-inhibitor (FI). We assessed pre-clinical toxicology and first-in-human administration of C34-PEG4-Chol. Pre-clinical toxicology was conducted in 2 species. HIV-positive men were randomised to a single subcutaneous dose of C34-PEG4-Chol at incrementing doses or placebo. Detailed clinical (including injection site reaction (ISR) grading), plasma pharmacokinetic (time-to-minimum-effective-concentration (MEC, 25 ng/mL) and pharmacodynamic (plasma HIV RNA) parameters were assessed. In both mice and dogs, no-observed-adverse effect level (NOAEL) was observed at a 12 mg/kg/dose after two weeks. Of 5 men enrolled, 3 received active drug (10 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg). In 2 individuals grade 3 ISR occurred and the study was halted. Both ISR emerged within 12 hours of active drug dosing. No systemic toxicities were observed. The time-to-MEC was >72 and >96 hours after 10 and 20 mg dose, respectively, and mean change in HIV RNA was −0.9 log10 copies/mL. These human pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic data, although limited to 3 subjects, of C34-PEG-4-Chol suggest continuing evaluation of this agent as a LA-ARV. However, alternative administration routes must be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Killian Quinn
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W2 1NY, UK
| | | | | | | | - Nicki Doyle
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W2 1NY, UK
| | - Vincenzo Libri
- Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Saye Khoo
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3BX, UK
| | - Deborah Ashby
- School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jonathan Weber
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W2 1NY, UK
| | - Alfredo Nicosia
- JV Bio, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Napoli, Italy.,CEINGE, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Napoli, Italy
| | - Riccardo Cortese
- JV Bio, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Napoli, Italy.,CEINGE, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Napoli, Italy
| | - Antonello Pessi
- JV Bio, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Napoli, Italy. .,CEINGE, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Napoli, Italy. .,PeptiPharma, Viale Città D'Europa 679, 00144, Roma, Italy.
| | - Alan Winston
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W2 1NY, UK.
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36
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The Role of Human Parainfluenza Virus Infections in the Immunopathology of the Respiratory Tract. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 2017; 17:16. [PMID: 28283855 PMCID: PMC7089069 DOI: 10.1007/s11882-017-0685-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Viral infections are leading causes of both upper and lower airway acute illness in all age groups of healthy persons, and have also been implicated in the acute exacerbations of chronic respiratory disorders like asthma and COPD. Human rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, influenza virus and coronavirus have been considered as the most important respiratory pathogens and relatively little attention has been paid to the role of parainfluenza viruses (hPIVs). Human parainfluenza viruses are single-stranded RNA viruses belonging to the paramyxovirus family that may evoke lower respiratory infections in infants, children and immunocompromised individuals. Among non-immune compromised adults, hPIV infection typically causes mild disease manifested as upper respiratory tract symptoms and is infrequently associated with severe croup or pneumonia. Moreover, hPIV infection may be associated with viral exacerbations of chronic airway diseases, asthma or COPD or chronic rhinosinusitis. In this review, we summarized the basic epidemiology and immunology of hPIVs and addressed the more recent data implicating the role of parainfluenza viruses in the exacerbation of chronic airway disorders.
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37
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Dumas F, Haanappel E. Lipids in infectious diseases - The case of AIDS and tuberculosis. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2017; 1859:1636-1647. [PMID: 28535936 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2017.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Revised: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Lipids play a central role in many infectious diseases. AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) and tuberculosis are two of the deadliest infectious diseases to have struck mankind. The pathogens responsible for these diseases, Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, rely on lipids and on lipid membrane properties to gain access to their host cells, to persist in them and ultimately to egress from their hosts. In this Review, we discuss the life cycles of these pathogens and the roles played by lipids and membranes. We then give an overview of therapies that target lipid metabolism, modulate host membrane properties or implement lipid-based drug delivery systems. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Membrane Lipid Therapy: Drugs Targeting Biomembranes edited by Pablo V. Escribá.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrice Dumas
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, France.
| | - Evert Haanappel
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, France
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38
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Augusto MT, Hollmann A, Troise F, Veiga AS, Pessi A, Santos NC. Lipophilicity is a key factor to increase the antiviral activity of HIV neutralizing antibodies. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2017; 152:311-316. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2017.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Revised: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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39
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Quantitative analysis of molecular partition towards lipid membranes using surface plasmon resonance. Sci Rep 2017; 7:45647. [PMID: 28358389 PMCID: PMC5372468 DOI: 10.1038/srep45647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the interplay between molecules and lipid membranes is fundamental when studying cellular and biotechnological phenomena. Partition between aqueous media and lipid membranes is key to the mechanism of action of many biomolecules and drugs. Quantifying membrane partition, through adequate and robust parameters, is thus essential. Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) is a powerful technique for studying 1:1 stoichiometric interactions but has limited application to lipid membrane partition data. We have developed and applied a novel mathematical model for SPR data treatment that enables determination of kinetic and equilibrium partition constants. The method uses two complementary fitting models for association and dissociation sensorgram data. The SPR partition data obtained for the antibody fragment F63, the HIV fusion inhibitor enfuvirtide, and the endogenous drug kyotorphin towards POPC membranes were compared against data from independent techniques. The comprehensive kinetic and partition models were applied to the membrane interaction data of HRC4, a measles virus entry inhibitor peptide, revealing its increased affinity for, and retention in, cholesterol-rich membranes. Overall, our work extends the application of SPR beyond the realm of 1:1 stoichiometric ligand-receptor binding into a new and immense field of applications: the interaction of solutes such as biomolecules and drugs with lipids.
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40
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Mathieu C, Augusto MT, Niewiesk S, Horvat B, Palermo LM, Sanna G, Madeddu S, Huey D, Castanho MARB, Porotto M, Santos NC, Moscona A. Broad spectrum antiviral activity for paramyxoviruses is modulated by biophysical properties of fusion inhibitory peptides. Sci Rep 2017; 7:43610. [PMID: 28344321 PMCID: PMC5361215 DOI: 10.1038/srep43610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Human paramyxoviruses include global causes of lower respiratory disease like the parainfluenza viruses, as well as agents of lethal encephalitis like Nipah virus. Infection is initiated by viral glycoprotein-mediated fusion between viral and host cell membranes. Paramyxovirus viral fusion proteins (F) insert into the target cell membrane, and form a transient intermediate that pulls the viral and cell membranes together as two heptad-repeat regions refold to form a six-helix bundle structure that can be specifically targeted by fusion-inhibitory peptides. Antiviral potency can be improved by sequence modification and lipid conjugation, and by adding linkers between the protein and lipid components. We exploit the uniquely broad spectrum antiviral activity of a parainfluenza F-derived peptide sequence that inhibits both parainfluenza and Nipah viruses, to investigate the influence of peptide orientation and intervening linker length on the peptides' interaction with transitional states of F, solubility, membrane insertion kinetics, and protease sensitivity. We assessed the impact of these features on biodistribution and antiviral efficacy in vitro and in vivo. The engineering approach based on biophysical parameters resulted in a peptide that is a highly effective inhibitor of both paramyxoviruses and a set of criteria to be used for engineering broad spectrum antivirals for emerging paramyxoviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyrille Mathieu
- CIRI, International Center for Infectiology Research, 21 Avenue Tony Garnier, 69365 Lyon Cedex 07, France.,INSERM U1111, Lyon, France.,CNRS, UMR5308, Lyon, France.,Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Marcelo T Augusto
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Stefan Niewiesk
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, USA
| | - Branka Horvat
- CIRI, International Center for Infectiology Research, 21 Avenue Tony Garnier, 69365 Lyon Cedex 07, France.,INSERM U1111, Lyon, France.,CNRS, UMR5308, Lyon, France.,Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Laura M Palermo
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, 701 W. 168th St., New York, NY, USA.,Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Medical Center, 701 W. 168th St., New York, NY, USA
| | - Giuseppina Sanna
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, 701 W. 168th St., New York, NY, USA.,Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Medical Center, 701 W. 168th St., New York, NY, USA.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Silvia Madeddu
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, 701 W. 168th St., New York, NY, USA.,Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Medical Center, 701 W. 168th St., New York, NY, USA.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Devra Huey
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, USA
| | - Miguel A R B Castanho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Matteo Porotto
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, 701 W. 168th St., New York, NY, USA.,Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Medical Center, 701 W. 168th St., New York, NY, USA
| | - Nuno C Santos
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Anne Moscona
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, 701 W. 168th St., New York, NY, USA.,Center for Host-Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Medical Center, 701 W. 168th St., New York, NY, USA.,Department of Microbiology &Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, 701 W. 168th St., New York, NY, USA.,Department of Physiology &Biophysics, Columbia University Medical Center, 701 W. 168th St., New York, NY, USA
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41
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In Vivo Efficacy of Measles Virus Fusion Protein-Derived Peptides Is Modulated by the Properties of Self-Assembly and Membrane Residence. J Virol 2016; 91:JVI.01554-16. [PMID: 27733647 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01554-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Measles virus (MV) infection is undergoing resurgence and remains one of the leading causes of death among young children worldwide despite the availability of an effective measles vaccine. MV infects its target cells by coordinated action of the MV hemagglutinin (H) and fusion (F) envelope glycoproteins; upon receptor engagement by H, the prefusion F undergoes a structural transition, extending and inserting into the target cell membrane and then refolding into a postfusion structure that fuses the viral and cell membranes. By interfering with this structural transition of F, peptides derived from the heptad repeat (HR) regions of F can inhibit MV infection at the entry stage. In previous work, we have generated potent MV fusion inhibitors by dimerizing the F-derived peptides and conjugating them to cholesterol. We have shown that prophylactic intranasal administration of our lead fusion inhibitor efficiently protects from MV infection in vivo We show here that peptides tagged with lipophilic moieties self-assemble into nanoparticles until they reach the target cells, where they are integrated into cell membranes. The self-assembly feature enhances biodistribution and the half-life of the peptides, while integration into the target cell membrane increases fusion inhibitor potency. These factors together modulate in vivo efficacy. The results suggest a new framework for developing effective fusion inhibitory peptides. IMPORTANCE Measles virus (MV) infection causes an acute illness that may be associated with infection of the central nervous system (CNS) and severe neurological disease. No specific treatment is available. We have shown that fusion-inhibitory peptides delivered intranasally provide effective prophylaxis against MV infection. We show here that specific biophysical properties regulate the in vivo efficacy of MV F-derived peptides.
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42
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Yi HA, Fochtman BC, Rizzo RC, Jacobs A. Inhibition of HIV Entry by Targeting the Envelope Transmembrane Subunit gp41. Curr HIV Res 2016; 14:283-94. [PMID: 26957202 DOI: 10.2174/1570162x14999160224103908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Revised: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The transmembrane subunit of the HIV envelope protein, gp41 is a vulnerable target to inhibit HIV entry. There is one fusion inhibitor T20 (brand name: Fuzeon, generic name: enfuvirtide) available by prescription. However, it has several drawbacks such as a high level of development of drug resistance, a short-half life in vivo, rapid renal clearance, low oral bioavailability, and it is only used as a salvage therapy. Therefore, investigators have been studying a variety of different modalities to attempt to overcome these limitations. METHODS Comprehensive literature searches were performed on HIV gp41, inhibition mechanisms, and inhibitors. The latest structural information was collected, and multiple inhibition strategies targeting gp41 were reviewed. RESULTS Many of the recent advances in inhibitors were peptide-based. Several creative modification strategies have also been performed to improve inhibitory efficacy of peptides and to overcome the drawbacks of T20 treatment. Small compounds have also been an area of intense research. There is a wide variety in development from those identified by virtual screens targeting specific regions of the protein to natural products. Finally, broadly neutralizing antibodies have also been important area of research. The inaccessible nature of the target regions for antibodies is a challenge, however, extensive efforts to develop better neutralizing antibodies are ongoing. CONCLUSION The fusogenic protein, gp41 has been extensively studied as a promising target to inhibit membrane fusion between the virus and target cells. At the same time, it is a challenging target because the vulnerable conformations of the protein are exposed only transiently. However, advances in biochemical, biophysical, structural, and immunological studies are coming together to move the field closer to an understanding of gp41 structure and function that will lead to the development of novel drugs and vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Amy Jacobs
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA.
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43
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Urbanowicz RA, Lacek K, Lahm A, Bienkowska-Szewczyk K, Ball JK, Nicosia A, Cortese R, Pessi A. Cholesterol conjugation potentiates the antiviral activity of an HIV immunoadhesin. J Pept Sci 2016; 21:743-9. [PMID: 26292842 DOI: 10.1002/psc.2802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2015] [Revised: 06/22/2015] [Accepted: 06/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Immunoadhesins are engineered proteins combining the constant domain (Fc) of an antibody with a ligand-binding (adhesion) domain. They have significant potential as therapeutic agents, because they maintain the favourable pharmacokinetics of antibodies with an expanded repertoire of ligand-binding domains: proteins, peptides, or small molecules. We have recently reported that the addition of a cholesterol group to two HIV antibodies can dramatically improve their antiviral potency. Cholesterol, which can be conjugated at various positions in the antibody, including the constant (Fc) domain, endows the conjugate with affinity for the membrane lipid rafts, thus increasing its concentration at the site where viral entry occurs. Here, we extend this strategy to an HIV immunoadhesin, combining a cholesterol-conjugated Fc domain with the peptide fusion inhibitor C41. The immunoadhesin C41-Fc-chol displayed high affinity for Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK) 293 cells, and when tested on a panel of HIV-1 strains, it was considerably more potent than the unconjugated C41-Fc construct. Potentiation of antiviral activity was comparable to what was previously observed for the cholesterol-conjugated HIV antibodies. Given the key role of cholesterol in lipid raft formation and viral fusion, we expect that the same strategy should be broadly applicable to enveloped viruses, for many of which it is already known the sequence of a peptide fusion inhibitor similar to C41. Moreover, the sequence of heptad repeat-derived fusion inhibitors can often be predicted from genomic information alone, opening a path to immunoadhesins against emerging viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Urbanowicz
- School of Life Sciences, The University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, United Kingdom.,Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre Biomedical Research Unit, The University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, United Kingdom
| | - Krzysztof Lacek
- CEINGE, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Napoli, Italy.,Laboratory of Virus Molecular Biology, University of Gdansk, 80-822, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Armin Lahm
- PeptiPharma, Viale Città D'Europa 679, 00144, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Jonathan K Ball
- School of Life Sciences, The University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, United Kingdom.,Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre Biomedical Research Unit, The University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, United Kingdom
| | - Alfredo Nicosia
- CEINGE, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Napoli, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Antonello Pessi
- CEINGE, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Napoli, Italy.,PeptiPharma, Viale Città D'Europa 679, 00144, Roma, Italy.,JV Bio, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Napoli, Italy
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44
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Abstract
Hendra virus and Nipah virus are closely related, recently emerged zoonotic paramyxoviruses, belonging to the Henipavirus genus. Both viruses induce generalized vasculitis affecting particularly the respiratory tract and CNS. The exceptionally broad species tropism of Henipavirus, the high case fatality rate and person-to-person transmission associated with Nipah virus outbreaks emphasize the necessity of effective antiviral strategies for these intriguing threatening pathogens. Current therapeutic approaches, validated in animal models, target early steps in viral infection; they include the use of neutralizing virus-specific antibodies and blocking membrane fusion with peptides that bind the viral fusion protein. A better understanding of Henipavirus pathogenesis is critical for the further advancement of antiviral treatment, and we summarize here the recent progress in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyrille Mathieu
- CIRI, International Center for Infectiology Research, 21 Avenue Tony Garnier, 69365 Lyon Cedex 07, France
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Abstract
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The
Ebolaviruses are members of the family Filoviridae (“filoviruses”) and cause severe hemhorragic fever
with human case fatality rates as high as 90%. Infection requires
attachment of the viral particle to cells and triggering of membrane
fusion between the host and viral membranes, a process that occurs
in the host endosome and is facilitated by the envelope glycoprotein
(GP). One potential strategy for therapeutic intervention is the development
of agents (antibodies, peptides, and small molecules) that can interfere
with viral entry aspects such as attachment, uptake, priming, or membrane
fusion. This paper highlights recent developments in the discovery
and evaluation of therapeutic entry inhibitors and identifies opportunities
moving forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth K. Nyakatura
- Department
of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris
Park Avenue, Bronx, New York 10461, United States
| | - Julia C. Frei
- Department
of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris
Park Avenue, Bronx, New York 10461, United States
| | - Jonathan R. Lai
- Department
of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris
Park Avenue, Bronx, New York 10461, United States
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Palgen JL, Jurgens EM, Moscona A, Porotto M, Palermo LM. Unity in diversity: shared mechanism of entry among paramyxoviruses. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2014; 129:1-32. [PMID: 25595799 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2014.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The Paramyxoviridae family includes many viruses that are pathogenic in humans, including parainfluenza viruses, measles virus, respiratory syncytial virus, and the emerging zoonotic Henipaviruses. No effective treatments are currently available for these viruses, and there is a need for efficient antiviral therapies. Paramyxoviruses enter the target cell by binding to a cell surface receptor and then fusing the viral envelope with the target cell membrane, allowing the release of the viral genome into the cytoplasm. Blockage of these crucial steps prevents infection and disease. Binding and fusion are driven by two virus-encoded glycoproteins, the receptor-binding protein and the fusion protein, that together form the viral "fusion machinery." The development of efficient antiviral drugs requires a deeper understanding of the mechanism of action of the Paramyxoviridae fusion machinery, which is still controversial. Here, we review recent structural and functional data on these proteins and the current understanding of the mechanism of the paramyxovirus cell entry process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Louis Palgen
- Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, USA; Department of Biology, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Lyon, France
| | - Eric M Jurgens
- Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, USA
| | - Anne Moscona
- Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, USA
| | - Matteo Porotto
- Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, USA.
| | - Laura M Palermo
- Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, USA
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Prevention of measles virus infection by intranasal delivery of fusion inhibitor peptides. J Virol 2014; 89:1143-55. [PMID: 25378493 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02417-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Measles virus (MV) infection is undergoing resurgence and remains one of the leading causes of death among young children worldwide despite the availability of an effective measles vaccine. MV infects its target cells by coordinated action of the MV H and the fusion (F) envelope glycoprotein; upon receptor engagement by H, the prefusion F undergoes a structural transition, extending and inserting into the target cell membrane and then refolding into a postfusion structure that fuses the viral and cell membranes. By interfering with this structural transition of F, peptides derived from the heptad-repeat (HR) regions of F can potently inhibit MV infection at the entry stage. We show here that specific features of H's interaction with its receptors modulate the susceptibility of MV F to peptide fusion inhibitors. A higher concentration of inhibitory peptides is required to inhibit F-mediated fusion when H is engaged to its nectin-4 receptor than when H is engaged to its CD150 receptor. Peptide inhibition of F may be subverted by continued engagement of receptor by H, a finding that highlights the ongoing role of H-receptor interaction after F has been activated and that helps guide the design of more potent inhibitory peptides. Intranasal administration of these peptides results in peptide accumulation in the airway epithelium with minimal systemic levels of peptide and efficiently prevents MV infection in vivo in animal models. The results suggest an antiviral strategy for prophylaxis in vulnerable and/or immunocompromised hosts. IMPORTANCE Measles virus (MV) infection causes an acute illness that may be associated with infection of the central nervous system (CNS) and severe neurological disease. No specific treatment is available. We have shown that parenterally delivered fusion-inhibitory peptides protect mice from lethal CNS MV disease. Here we show, using established small-animal models of MV infection, that fusion-inhibitory peptides delivered intranasally provide effective prophylaxis against MV infection. Since the fusion inhibitors are stable at room temperature, this intranasal strategy is feasible even outside health care settings, could be used to protect individuals and communities in case of MV outbreaks, and could complement global efforts to control measles.
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Lacek K, Urbanowicz RA, Troise F, De Lorenzo C, Severino V, Di Maro A, Tarr AW, Ferrara F, Ploss A, Temperton N, Ball JK, Nicosia A, Cortese R, Pessi A. Dramatic potentiation of the antiviral activity of HIV antibodies by cholesterol conjugation. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:35015-28. [PMID: 25342747 PMCID: PMC4263897 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.591826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The broadly neutralizing antibodies HIV 2F5 and 4E10, which bind to overlapping epitopes in the membrane-proximal external region of the fusion protein gp41, have been proposed to use a two-step mechanism for neutralization; first, they bind and preconcentrate at the viral membrane through their long, hydrophobic CDRH3 loops, and second, they form a high affinity complex with the protein epitope. Accordingly, mutagenesis of the CDRH3 can abolish their neutralizing activity, with no change in the affinity for the peptide epitope. We show here that we can mimic this mechanism by conjugating a cholesterol group outside of the paratope of an antibody. Cholesterol-conjugated antibodies bind to lipid raft domains on the membrane, and because of this enrichment, they show increased antiviral potency. In particular, we find that cholesterol conjugation (i) rescues the antiviral activity of CDRH3-mutated 2F5, (ii) increases the antiviral activity of WT 2F5, (iii) potentiates the non-membrane-binding HIV antibody D5 10–100-fold (depending on the virus strain), and (iv) increases synergy between 2F5 and D5. Conjugation can be made at several positions, including variable and constant domains. Cholesterol conjugation therefore appears to be a general strategy to boost the potency of antiviral antibodies, and, because membrane affinity is engineered outside of the antibody paratope, it can complement affinity maturation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Lacek
- From Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate S.C.R.L., Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Napoli (NA), Italy, the Laboratory of Virus Molecular Biology, University of Gdansk, 80-822 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Richard A Urbanowicz
- the School of Life Sciences and Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre Biomedical Research Unit, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom
| | - Fulvia Troise
- From Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate S.C.R.L., Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Napoli (NA), Italy
| | - Claudia De Lorenzo
- From Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate S.C.R.L., Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Napoli (NA), Italy, the Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli (NA), Italy
| | - Valeria Severino
- the Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Second University of Naples, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta (CE), Italy
| | - Antimo Di Maro
- the Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Second University of Naples, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta (CE), Italy
| | - Alexander W Tarr
- the School of Life Sciences and Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre Biomedical Research Unit, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom
| | - Francesca Ferrara
- the Viral Pseudotype Unit, Infectious Diseases and Allergy group, School of Pharmacy, University of Kent, Kent ME4 4TB, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander Ploss
- the Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, and
| | - Nigel Temperton
- the Viral Pseudotype Unit, Infectious Diseases and Allergy group, School of Pharmacy, University of Kent, Kent ME4 4TB, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan K Ball
- the School of Life Sciences and Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre Biomedical Research Unit, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom
| | - Alfredo Nicosia
- From Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate S.C.R.L., Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Napoli (NA), Italy, the Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli (NA), Italy
| | - Riccardo Cortese
- From Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate S.C.R.L., Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Napoli (NA), Italy
| | - Antonello Pessi
- From Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate S.C.R.L., Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Napoli (NA), Italy, JV Bio, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Napoli (NA), Italy
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49
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Pessi A. Cholesterol-conjugated peptide antivirals: a path to a rapid response to emerging viral diseases. J Pept Sci 2014; 21:379-86. [PMID: 25331523 PMCID: PMC7167725 DOI: 10.1002/psc.2706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Revised: 09/01/2014] [Accepted: 09/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
While it is now possible to identify and genetically fingerprint the causative agents of emerging viral diseases, often with extraordinary speed, suitable therapies cannot be developed with equivalent speed, because drug discovery requires information that goes beyond knowledge of the viral genome. Peptides, however, may represent a special opportunity. For all enveloped viruses, fusion between the viral and the target cell membrane is an obligatory step of the life cycle. Class I fusion proteins harbor regions with a repeating pattern of amino acids, the heptad repeats (HRs), that play a key role in fusion, and HR‐derived peptides such as enfuvirtide, in clinical use for HIV, can block the process. Because of their characteristic sequence pattern, HRs are easily identified in the genome by means of computer programs, providing the sequence of candidate peptide inhibitors directly from genomic information. Moreover, a simple chemical modification, the attachment of a cholesterol group, can dramatically increase the antiviral potency of HR‐derived inhibitors and simultaneously improve their pharmacokinetics. Further enhancement can be provided by dimerization of the cholesterol‐conjugated peptide. The examples reported so far include inhibitors of retroviruses, paramyxoviruses, orthomyxoviruses, henipaviruses, coronaviruses, and filoviruses. For some of these viruses, in vivo efficacy has been demonstrated in suitable animal models. The combination of bioinformatic lead identification and potency/pharmacokinetics improvement provided by cholesterol conjugation may form the basis for a rapid response strategy, where development of an emergency cholesterol‐conjugated therapeutic would immediately follow the availability of the genetic information of a new enveloped virus. Copyright © 2014 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonello Pessi
- PeptiPharma, Viale Città D'Europa 679, 00141, Roma, Italy; JV Bio, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Napoli, Italy; CEINGE, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Napoli, Italy
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50
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Guerrini R, Marzola E, Trapella C, Pela' M, Molinari S, Cerlesi MC, Malfacini D, Rizzi A, Salvadori S, Calo' G. A novel and facile synthesis of tetra branched derivatives of nociceptin/orphanin FQ. Bioorg Med Chem 2014; 22:3703-12. [PMID: 24878361 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2014.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2014] [Revised: 04/29/2014] [Accepted: 05/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Branched peptides have been found to be useful in several research fields however their synthesis and purification is complicated. Here we present a novel and facile synthesis of tetra branched derivatives of nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ). Three N/OFQ tetra branched derivatives were prepared using novel cores (PWT1, PWT2 and PWT3) containing a maleimido moiety. [Cys(18)]N/OFQ-NH2 was linked to the cores via thiol-Michael reaction characterized by high yield and purity of the desired final product. In the electrically stimulated mouse vas deferens PWT-N/OFQ derivatives mimicked the inhibitory action of the natural sequence showing similar maximal effects and 3 fold higher potencies. The NOP selective antagonist SB-612111 antagonized the effects of N/OFQ and PWT derivatives with similar pKB values (8.02-8.48). In vivo after supraspinal administration PWT2-N/OFQ stimulated food intake in mice mimicking the action of N/OFQ. Compared to the natural peptide PWT2-N/OFQ was 40 fold more potent and elicited larger effects. These findings suggest that the PWT chemical strategy can be successfully applied to biologically active peptides to generate, with unprecedented high purity and yield, tetra branched derivatives displaying an in vitro pharmacological profile similar to that of the natural sequence associated, in vivo, to increased potency and effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; Laboratorio per le tecnologie delle terapie avanzate (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Erika Marzola
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; Laboratorio per le tecnologie delle terapie avanzate (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Claudio Trapella
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Michela Pela'
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Stefano Molinari
- Department of Medical Science, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria Camilla Cerlesi
- Department of Medical Science, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Davide Malfacini
- Department of Medical Science, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Anna Rizzi
- Department of Medical Science, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Severo Salvadori
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; Laboratorio per le tecnologie delle terapie avanzate (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Girolamo Calo'
- Department of Medical Science, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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