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Li P, Kim Y, Dampalla CS, Nhat Nguyen H, Meyerholz DK, Johnson DK, Lovell S, Groutas WC, Perlman S, Chang KO. Potent 3CLpro inhibitors effective against SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV in animal models by therapeutic treatment. mBio 2024; 15:e0287823. [PMID: 38126789 PMCID: PMC10865860 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02878-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) are zoonotic betacoronaviruses that continue to have a significant impact on public health. Timely development and introduction of vaccines and antivirals against SARS-CoV-2 into the clinic have substantially mitigated the burden of COVID-19. However, a limited or lacking therapeutic arsenal for SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV infections, respectively, calls for an expanded and diversified portfolio of antivirals against these coronavirus infections. In this report, we examined the efficacy of two potent 3CLpro inhibitors, 5d and 11d, in fatal animal models of SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV to demonstrate their broad-spectrum activity against both viral infections. These compounds significantly increased the survival of mice in both models when treatment started 1 day post infection compared to no treatment which led to 100% fatality. Especially, the treatment with compound 11d resulted in 80% and 90% survival in SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV-infected mice, respectively. Amelioration of lung viral load and histopathological changes in treated mice correlated well with improved survival in both infection models. Furthermore, compound 11d exhibited significant antiviral activities in K18-hACE2 mice infected with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariant XBB.1.16. The results suggest that these are promising candidates for further development as broad-spectrum direct-acting antivirals against highly virulent human coronaviruses.IMPORTANCEHuman coronaviruses such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) continue to have a significant impact on public health. A limited or lacking therapeutic arsenal for SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV infections calls for an expanded and diversified portfolio of antivirals against these coronavirus infections. We have previously reported a series of small-molecule 3C-like protease (3CLpro) inhibitors against human coronaviruses. In this report, we demonstrated the in vivo efficacy of 3CLpro inhibitors for their broad-spectrum activity against both SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV infections using the fatal animal models. The results suggest that these are promising candidates for further development as broad-spectrum direct-acting antivirals against highly virulent human coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Iowa, lowa, USA
| | - Yunjeong Kim
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | | | - Harry Nhat Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry, Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas, USA
| | | | - David K. Johnson
- Computational Chemical Biology Core, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
| | - Scott Lovell
- Protein Structure Laboratory, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
| | | | - Stanley Perlman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Iowa, lowa, USA
| | - Kyeong-Ok Chang
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
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Zhang J, Rissmann M, Kuiken T, Haagmans BL. Comparative Pathogenesis of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronaviruses. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY 2024; 19:423-451. [PMID: 37832946 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathol-052620-121224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Over the last two decades the world has witnessed the global spread of two genetically related highly pathogenic coronaviruses, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and SARS-CoV-2. However, the impact of these outbreaks differed significantly with respect to the hospitalizations and fatalities seen worldwide. While many studies have been performed recently on SARS-CoV-2, a comparative pathogenesis analysis with SARS-CoV may further provide critical insights into the mechanisms of disease that drive coronavirus-induced respiratory disease. In this review, we comprehensively describe clinical and experimental observations related to transmission and pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 in comparison with SARS-CoV, focusing on human, animal, and in vitro studies. By deciphering the similarities and disparities of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, in terms of transmission and pathogenesis mechanisms, we offer insights into the divergent characteristics of these two viruses. This information may also be relevant to assessing potential novel introductions of genetically related highly pathogenic coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingshu Zhang
- Viroscience Department, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Melanie Rissmann
- Viroscience Department, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Thijs Kuiken
- Viroscience Department, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Bart L Haagmans
- Viroscience Department, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
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Spinello A, D'Anna L, Bignon E, Miclot T, Grandemange S, Terenzi A, Barone G, Barbault F, Monari A. Mechanism of the Covalent Inhibition of Human Transmembrane Protease Serine 2 as an Original Antiviral Strategy. J Phys Chem B 2023. [PMID: 37428676 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c02910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
The Transmembrane Protease Serine 2 (TMPRSS2) is a human enzyme which is involved in the maturation and post-translation of different proteins. In addition to being overexpressed in cancer cells, TMPRSS2 plays a further fundamental role in favoring viral infections by allowing the fusion of the virus envelope with the cellular membrane, notably in SARS-CoV-2. In this contribution, we resort to multiscale molecular modeling to unravel the structural and dynamical features of TMPRSS2 and its interaction with a model lipid bilayer. Furthermore, we shed light on the mechanism of action of a potential inhibitor (nafamostat), determining the free-energy profile associated with the inhibition reaction and showing the facile poisoning of the enzyme. Our study, while providing the first atomistically resolved mechanism of TMPRSS2 inhibition, is also fundamental in furnishing a solid framework for further rational design targeting transmembrane proteases in a host-directed antiviral strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Spinello
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Palermo, 90126 Palermo, Italy
| | - Luisa D'Anna
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Palermo, 90126 Palermo, Italy
| | - Emmanuelle Bignon
- Université de Lorraine and CNRS, UMR 7019 LPCT, F-54000 Nancy, France
| | - Tom Miclot
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Palermo, 90126 Palermo, Italy
- Université de Lorraine and CNRS, UMR 7019 LPCT, F-54000 Nancy, France
| | | | - Alessio Terenzi
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Palermo, 90126 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Barone
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Palermo, 90126 Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Monari
- Université Paris Cité and CNRS, ITODYS, F-75006 Paris, France
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4
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Zabiegala A, Kim Y, Chang KO. Roles of host proteases in the entry of SARS-CoV-2. ANIMAL DISEASES 2023; 3:12. [PMID: 37128508 PMCID: PMC10125864 DOI: 10.1186/s44149-023-00075-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The spike protein (S) of SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for viral attachment and entry, thus a major factor for host susceptibility, tissue tropism, virulence and pathogenicity. The S is divided with S1 and S2 region, and the S1 contains the receptor-binding domain (RBD), while the S2 contains the hydrophobic fusion domain for the entry into the host cell. Numerous host proteases have been implicated in the activation of SARS-CoV-2 S through various cleavage sites. In this article, we review host proteases including furin, trypsin, transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) and cathepsins in the activation of SARS-CoV-2 S. Many betacoronaviruses including SARS-CoV-2 have polybasic residues at the S1/S2 site which is subjected to the cleavage by furin. The S1/S2 cleavage facilitates more assessable RBD to the receptor ACE2, and the binding triggers further conformational changes and exposure of the S2' site to proteases such as type II transmembrane serine proteases (TTPRs) including TMPRSS2. In the presence of TMPRSS2 on the target cells, SARS-CoV-2 can utilize a direct entry route by fusion of the viral envelope to the cellular membrane. In the absence of TMPRSS2, SARS-CoV-2 enter target cells via endosomes where multiple cathepsins cleave the S for the successful entry. Additional host proteases involved in the cleavage of the S were discussed. This article also includes roles of 3C-like protease inhibitors which have inhibitory activity against cathepsin L in the entry of SARS-CoV-2, and discussed the dual roles of such inhibitors in virus replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandria Zabiegala
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, 1800 Denison Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66506 USA
| | - Yunjeong Kim
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, 1800 Denison Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66506 USA
| | - Kyeong-Ok Chang
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, 1800 Denison Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66506 USA
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Li L, Wu Y, Wang J, Yan H, Lu J, Wang Y, Zhang B, Zhang J, Yang J, Wang X, Zhang M, Li Y, Miao L, Zhang H. Potential Treatment of COVID-19 with Traditional Chinese Medicine: What Herbs Can Help Win the Battle with SARS-CoV-2? ENGINEERING (BEIJING, CHINA) 2022; 19:139-152. [PMID: 34729244 PMCID: PMC8552808 DOI: 10.1016/j.eng.2021.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been successfully applied worldwide in the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, the pharmacological mechanisms underlying this success remain unclear. Hence, the aim of this review is to combine pharmacological assays based on the theory of TCM in order to elucidate the potential signaling pathways, targets, active compounds, and formulas of herbs that are involved in the TCM treatment of COVID-19, which exhibits combatting viral infections, immune regulation, and amelioration of lung injury and fibrosis. Extensive reports on target screening are elucidated using virtual prediction via docking analysis or network pharmacology based on existing data. The results of these reports indicate that an intricate regulatory mechanism is involved in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. Therefore, more pharmacological research on the natural herbs used in TCM should be conducted in order to determine the association between TCM and COVID-19 and account for the observed therapeutic effects of TCM against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Yuzheng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- Laboratory of Pharmacology of TCM Formulae Co-Constructed by the Province-Ministry, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Jiabao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Huimin Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Jia Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Yu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Boli Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Junhua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Jian Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Xiaoying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Min Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Yue Li
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Lin Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Han Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
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6
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Zhang L, Zhang Y, Qin X, Jiang X, Zhang J, Mao L, Jiang Z, Jiang Y, Liu G, Qiu J, Chen C, Qiu F, Zou Z. Recombinant ACE2 protein protects against acute lung injury induced by SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD protein. Crit Care 2022; 26:171. [PMID: 35681221 PMCID: PMC9178547 DOI: 10.1186/s13054-022-04034-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
SARS-CoV-2 infection leads to acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Both clinical data and animal experiments suggest that the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) is involved in the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2-induced ALI. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the functional receptor for SARS-CoV-2 and a crucial negative regulator of RAS. Recombinant ACE2 protein (rACE2) has been demonstrated to play protective role against SARS-CoV and avian influenza-induced ALI, and more relevant, rACE2 inhibits SARS-CoV-2 proliferation in vitro. However, whether rACE2 protects against SARS-CoV-2-induced ALI in animal models and the underlying mechanisms have yet to be elucidated.
Methods and Results
Here, we demonstrated that the SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) protein aggravated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI in mice. SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD protein directly binds and downregulated ACE2, leading to an elevation in angiotensin (Ang) II. AngII further increased the NOX1/2 through AT1R, subsequently causing oxidative stress and uncontrolled inflammation and eventually resulting in ALI/ARDS. Importantly, rACE2 remarkably reversed SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD protein-induced ALI by directly binding SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD protein, cleaving AngI or cleaving AngII.
Conclusion
This study is the first to prove that rACE2 plays a protective role against SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD protein-aggravated LPS-induced ALI in an animal model and illustrate the mechanism by which the ACE2-AngII-AT1R-NOX1/2 axis might contribute to SARS-CoV-2-induced ALI.
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7
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Structure and activity of human TMPRSS2 protease implicated in SARS-CoV-2 activation. Nat Chem Biol 2022; 18:963-971. [PMID: 35676539 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-022-01059-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Transmembrane protease, serine 2 (TMPRSS2) has been identified as key host cell factor for viral entry and pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2. Specifically, TMPRSS2 proteolytically processes the SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) protein, enabling virus-host membrane fusion and infection of the airways. We present here a recombinant production strategy for enzymatically active TMPRSS2 and characterization of its matured proteolytic activity, as well as its 1.95 Å X-ray cocrystal structure with the synthetic protease inhibitor nafamostat. Our study provides a structural basis for the potent but nonspecific inhibition by nafamostat and identifies distinguishing features of the TMPRSS2 substrate binding pocket that explain specificity. TMPRSS2 cleaved SARS-CoV-2 S protein at multiple sites, including the canonical S1/S2 cleavage site. We ranked the potency of clinical protease inhibitors with half-maximal inhibitory concentrations ranging from 1.4 nM to 120 µM and determined inhibitor mechanisms of action, providing the groundwork for drug development efforts to selectively inhibit TMPRSS2.
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8
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SARS-CoV-2 Spike Furin Cleavage Site and S2' Basic Residues Modulate the Entry Process in a Host Cell-Dependent Manner. J Virol 2022; 96:e0047422. [PMID: 35678602 PMCID: PMC9278140 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00474-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) envelope glycoprotein constitutes the main determinant of virus entry and the target of host immune response, thus being of great interest for antiviral research. It is constituted of S1 and S2 subunits, which are involved in ACE2 receptor binding and fusion between the viral envelope and host cell membrane, respectively. Induction of the fusion process requires S cleavage at the S1-S2 junction and the S2′ site located upstream of the fusion peptide. Interestingly, the SARS-CoV-2 spike harbors a 4-residue insertion at the S1-S2 junction that is absent in its closest relatives and constitutes a polybasic motif recognized by furin-like proteases. In addition, the S2′ site is characterized by the presence of conserved basic residues. Here, we sought to determine the importance of the furin cleavage site (FCS) and the S2′ basic residues for S-mediated entry functions. We determined the impact of mutations introduced at these sites on S processing, fusogenic activity, and its ability to mediate entry in different cellular backgrounds. Strikingly, mutation phenotypes were highly dependent on the host cell background. We confirmed that although the FCS was not absolutely required for virus entry, it contributed to extending the fusogenic potential of S. Cleavage site mutations, as well as inhibition of furin protease activity, affected the cell surface expression of S in a host cell-dependent manner. Finally, inhibition of furin activity differentially affected SARS-CoV-2 virus infectivity in the tested host cells, thereby confirming the host cell-dependent effect of spike processing for the viral life cycle. IMPORTANCE SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for the current global pandemic that has resulted in several million deaths. As the key determinant of virus entry into host cells and the main target of host immune response, the spike glycoprotein constitutes an attractive target for therapeutics development. Entry functions of spike rely on its processing at two sites by host cell proteases. While SARS-CoV-2 spike differs from its closest relatives by the insertion of a basic furin cleavage motif at the first site, it harbors conserved basic residues at the second cleavage site. Characterization of the importance of the basic sequences present at the two cleavage sites revealed that they were influencing spike processing, intracellular localization, induction of fusion, and entry in a host cell-dependent manner. Thus, our results revealed a high heterogeneity in spike sequence requirement for entry functions in the different host cells, in agreement with the high adaptability of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
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9
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In Silico Screening and Testing of FDA-Approved Small Molecules to Block SARS-CoV-2 Entry to the Host Cell by Inhibiting Spike Protein Cleavage. Viruses 2022; 14:v14061129. [PMID: 35746605 PMCID: PMC9231362 DOI: 10.3390/v14061129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic began in 2019, but it is still active. The development of an effective vaccine reduced the number of deaths; however, a treatment is still needed. Here, we aimed to inhibit viral entry to the host cell by inhibiting spike (S) protein cleavage by several proteases. We developed a computational pipeline to repurpose FDA-approved drugs to inhibit protease activity and thus prevent S protein cleavage. We tested some of our drug candidates and demonstrated a decrease in protease activity. We believe our pipeline will be beneficial in identifying a drug regimen for COVID-19 patients.
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10
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Yu F, Pan T, Huang F, Ying R, Liu J, Fan H, Zhang J, Liu W, Lin Y, Yuan Y, Yang T, Li R, Zhang X, Lv X, Chen Q, Liang A, Zou F, Liu B, Hu F, Tang X, Li L, Deng K, He X, Zhang H, Zhang Y, Ma X. Glycopeptide Antibiotic Teicoplanin Inhibits Cell Entry of SARS-CoV-2 by Suppressing the Proteolytic Activity of Cathepsin L. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:884034. [PMID: 35572668 PMCID: PMC9096618 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.884034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), public health worldwide has been greatly threatened. The development of an effective treatment for this infection is crucial and urgent but is hampered by the incomplete understanding of the viral infection mechanisms and the lack of specific antiviral agents. We previously reported that teicoplanin, a glycopeptide antibiotic that has been commonly used in the clinic to treat bacterial infection, significantly restrained the cell entry of Ebola virus, SARS-CoV, and MERS-CoV by specifically inhibiting the activity of cathepsin L (CTSL). Here, we found that the cleavage sites of CTSL on the spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2 were highly conserved among all the variants. The treatment with teicoplanin suppressed the proteolytic activity of CTSL on spike and prevented the cellular infection of different pseudotyped SARS-CoV-2 viruses. Teicoplanin potently prevented the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into the cellular cytoplasm with an IC50 of 2.038 μM for the Wuhan-Hu-1 reference strain and an IC50 of 2.116 μM for the SARS-CoV-2 (D614G) variant. The pre-treatment of teicoplanin also prevented SARS-CoV-2 infection in hACE2 mice. In summary, our data reveal that CTSL is required for both SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV infection and demonstrate the therapeutic potential of teicoplanin for universal anti-CoVs intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Yu
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ting Pan
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry Education, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and Immunotechnology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Institute of Human Virology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Center for Infection and Immunity Study, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Feng Huang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry Education, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and Immunotechnology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Institute of Human Virology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruosu Ying
- Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry Education, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and Immunotechnology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Institute of Human Virology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Center for Infection and Immunity Study, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huimin Fan
- Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junsong Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiwei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry Education, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and Immunotechnology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Institute of Human Virology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingtong Lin
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry Education, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and Immunotechnology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Institute of Human Virology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yaochang Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry Education, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and Immunotechnology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Institute of Human Virology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tao Yang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry Education, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and Immunotechnology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Institute of Human Virology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rong Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry Education, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and Immunotechnology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Institute of Human Virology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry Education, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and Immunotechnology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Institute of Human Virology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xi Lv
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qianyu Chen
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Anqi Liang
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fan Zou
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry Education, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and Immunotechnology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Institute of Human Virology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangzhou Women and Children Medical Center, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bingfeng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry Education, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and Immunotechnology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Institute of Human Virology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fengyu Hu
- Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoping Tang
- Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Linghua Li
- Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kai Deng
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry Education, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and Immunotechnology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Institute of Human Virology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin He
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry Education, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and Immunotechnology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Institute of Human Virology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry Education, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and Immunotechnology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Institute of Human Virology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,National Guangzhou Laboratory, Bio-Island, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiwen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry Education, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and Immunotechnology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Institute of Human Virology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiancai Ma
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Science, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry Education, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and Immunotechnology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Institute of Human Virology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,National Guangzhou Laboratory, Bio-Island, Guangzhou, China
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11
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Oxidative Stress-Related Mechanisms in SARS-CoV-2 Infections. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:5589089. [PMID: 35281470 PMCID: PMC8906126 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5589089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused relatively high mortality in patients, especially in those with concomitant diseases (i.e., diabetes, hypertension, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)). In most of aforementioned comorbidities, the oxidative stress appears to be an important player in their pathogenesis. The direct cause of death in critically ill patients with COVID-19 is still far from being elucidated. Although some preliminary data suggests that the lung vasculature injury and the loss of the functioning part of pulmonary alveolar population are crucial, the precise mechanism is still unclear. On the other hand, at least two classes of medications used with some clinical benefits in COVID-19 treatment seem to have a major influence on ROS (reactive oxygen species) and RNS (reactive nitrogen species) production. However, oxidative stress is one of the important mechanisms in the antiviral immune response and innate immunity. Therefore, it would be of interest to summarize the data regarding the oxidative stress in severe COVID-19. In this review, we discuss the role of oxidative and antioxidant mechanisms in severe COVID-19 based on available studies. We also present the role of ROS and RNS in other viral infections in humans and in animal models. Although reactive oxygen and nitrogen species play an important role in the innate antiviral immune response, in some situations, they might have a deleterious effect, e.g., in some coronaviral infections. The understanding of the redox mechanisms in severe COVID-19 disease may have an impact on its treatment.
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12
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Sarkar A, Panja AS. Stress adaptation signature into the functional units of spike, envelope, membrane protein and ssRNA of SARS-CoV-2. MOLECULAR BIOLOGY RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 11:155-166. [PMID: 36777001 PMCID: PMC9905751 DOI: 10.22099/mbrc.2022.44594.1777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
Pandemic coronavirus causes respiratory, enteric and sometimes neurological diseases. Proteome data of individual coronavirus strains were already reported. Here we investigated of SARS-CoV-2 ssRNA and protein of spike, envelope and membrane to determine stress adaptation profile. Thermodynamic properties, Physicochemical behaviour and, amino acid composition along with their RMSD value was analysed. Thermodynamic index of SARS-CoV2 spike, envelope and membrane ssRNA is unstable in higher temperature. Presence of higher proportion of polar with positive and negative charged amino acid residues into spike (S), envelope (E) and membrane (M) protein indicate the lower stress adaptability pattern. Our study represented several unstable pockets into S, E and M proteins of SARS-CoV-2 against different abiotic stresses, specifically higher in spike protein. Contact with heat through solvent may denature the architectural network of SARS-CoV-2 spike, envelope and membrane ssRNA and structural protein. The stress instability index of SARS-CoV-2 and the interactome profile of its transmembrane proteins may help to reveal novel factors for inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aniket Sarkar
- Post Graduate Department of Biotechnology, Oriental Institute of Science and Technology, Vidyasagar University, Midnapore, 721102, West Bengal, India
| | - Anindya Sundar Panja
- Post-Graduate Department of Biotechnology, Molecular informatics Laboratory, Oriental Institute of Science and Technology, Vidyasagar University, Midnapore, West Bengal, India,Corresponding Author: Post-Graduate Department of Biotechnology, Molecular informatics Laboratory, Oriental Institute of Science and Technology, Vidyasagar University, Midnapore, West Bengal, India. Tel: +913422766175; Fax: +913422622175; E. mail: AND
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13
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Molecular mechanisms for understanding the association between TMPRSS2 and beta coronaviruses SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV infection: scoping review. Arch Microbiol 2021; 204:77. [PMID: 34953136 PMCID: PMC8709906 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-021-02727-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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14
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Wu J, Zhang L, Wang X. Host Sex Steroids Interact With Virus Infection: New Insights Into Sex Disparity in Infectious Diseases. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:747347. [PMID: 34803967 PMCID: PMC8600311 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.747347] [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: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex hormones are steroid hormones synthesized from the gonads of animals and tissues such as the placenta and adrenocortical reticular zone. The physiological functions of sex hormones are complex. Sex hormones are not only pathologically correlated with many diseases of the reproductive system, but are etiological factors in some viral infectious diseases, including disease caused by infections of coronaviruses, herpesviruses, hepatitis viruses, and other kinds of human viruses, which either exhibit a male propensity in clinical practice, or crosstalk with androgen receptor (AR)-related pathways in viral pathogenesis. Due to the global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the role of androgen/AR in viral infectious disease is highlighted again, majorly representing by the recent advances of AR-responsive gene of transmembrane protease/serine subfamily member 2 (TMPRSS2), which proteolytically activates the receptor-mediated virus entry by many coronaviruses and influenza virus, along with the role of androgen-mediated signaling for the transcription of hepatitis B virus (HBV), and the role of sex hormone responsive genes during Zika virus (ZIKV) pathogenesis, et al. Collectively, we propose to provide a comprehensive overview of the role of male sex hormones during multiple phases in the life cycle of different human viruses, which may be partly responsible for the sex-specific prevalence, severity and mortality of some diseases, therefore, may provide clues to develop more efficient prevention and treatment strategies for high-risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinfeng Wu
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Ministry of Education), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Ministry of Education), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Ministry of Education), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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15
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İnanç İ, Erdemli E. Histopathological features of SARS-CoV-2 infection and relationships with organoid technology. J Int Med Res 2021; 49:3000605211044382. [PMID: 34521239 PMCID: PMC8447099 DOI: 10.1177/03000605211044382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) following infection by severe acute
respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a global pandemic
that is still having serious effects worldwide. This virus, which targets the
lungs in particular, can also damage other tissues. Angiotensin converting
enzyme 2 (ACE-2) plays a key role in viral entry into host cells. The presence
of ACE-2 in various tissues may permit viral infection. Studies of COVID-19
often make use of postmortem tissues. Although this information provides various
useful results, it is also necessary to conduct in vitro
studies to understand optimal treatment approaches. Because the virus may show
species-specific differences, in vitro technologies using human
cells are particularly important. Organoid technologies, three-dimensional
structures that can be obtained from human cells, are playing increasingly
important roles in studies of SARS-CoV-2. This technology offers a significant
advantage in terms of mimicking in vivo tissue structures and
testing antiviral compounds. In this mini-review, we summarize studies of
SARS-CoV-2 using both histopathological and organoid technology approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- İrem İnanç
- Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Esra Erdemli
- Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Ankara, Turkey
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16
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Rahbar Saadat Y, Hosseiniyan Khatibi SM, Zununi Vahed S, Ardalan M. Host Serine Proteases: A Potential Targeted Therapy for COVID-19 and Influenza. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:725528. [PMID: 34527703 PMCID: PMC8435734 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.725528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The ongoing pandemic illustrates limited therapeutic options for controlling SARS-CoV-2 infections, calling a need for additional therapeutic targets. The viral spike S glycoprotein binds to the human receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and then is activated by the host proteases. Based on the accessibility of the cellular proteases needed for SARS-S activation, SARS-CoV-2 entrance and activation can be mediated by endosomal (such as cathepsin L) and non-endosomal pathways. Evidence indicates that in the non-endosomal pathway, the viral S protein is cleaved by the furin enzyme in infected host cells. To help the virus enter efficiently, the S protein is further activated by the serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), provided that the S has been cleaved by furin previously. In this review, important roles for host proteases within host cells will be outlined in SARS-CoV-2 infection and antiviral therapeutic strategies will be highlighted. Although there are at least five highly effective vaccines at this time, the appearance of the new viral mutations demands the development of therapeutic agents. Targeted inhibition of host proteases can be used as a therapeutic approach for viral infection.
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17
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Sarker J, Das P, Sarker S, Roy AK, Momen AZMR. A Review on Expression, Pathological Roles, and Inhibition of TMPRSS2, the Serine Protease Responsible for SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Activation. SCIENTIFICA 2021; 2021:2706789. [PMID: 34336361 PMCID: PMC8313365 DOI: 10.1155/2021/2706789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, uses the host cell membrane receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) for anchoring its spike protein, and the subsequent membrane fusion process is facilitated by host membrane proteases. Recent studies have shown that transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), a protease known for similar role in previous coronavirus infections, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), is responsible for the proteolytic cleavage of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, enabling host cell fusion of the virus. TMPRSS2 is known to be expressed in the epithelial cells of different sites including gastrointestinal, respiratory, and genitourinary system. The infection site of the SARS-CoV-2 correlates with the coexpression sites of ACE2 and TMPRSS2. Besides, age-, sex-, and comorbidity-associated variation in infection rate correlates with the expression rate of TMPRSS2 in those groups. These findings provide valid reasons for the assumption that inhibiting TMPRSS2 can have a beneficial effect in reducing the cellular entry of the virus, ultimately affecting the infection rate and case severity. Several drug development studies are going on to develop potential inhibitors of the protease, using both conventional and computational approaches. Complete understanding of the biological roles of TMPRSS2 is necessary before such therapies are applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyotirmoy Sarker
- Department of Pharmacy, Jagannath University, Dhaka 1100, Bangladesh
- Department of Pharmacy Systems, Outcomes and Policy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Pritha Das
- Independent Author, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh
| | - Sabarni Sarker
- Department of Pharmacy, Jagannath University, Dhaka 1100, Bangladesh
| | - Apurba Kumar Roy
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh
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18
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Kucher AN, Babushkina NP, Sleptcov AA, Nazarenko MS. Genetic Control of Human Infection with SARS-CoV-2. RUSS J GENET+ 2021; 57:627-641. [PMID: 34248311 PMCID: PMC8254434 DOI: 10.1134/s1022795421050057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
In 2019, the SARS-CoV-2 beta-coronavirus, which caused a pandemic of severe acute respiratory viral infection COVID-19 (from COronaVIrus Disease 2019), was first detected. The susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 and the nature of the course of the COVID-19 clinical picture are determined by many factors, including genetic characteristics of both the pathogen and the human. The SARS-CoV-2 genome has a similarity to the genomes of other coronaviruses, which are pathogenic for humans and cause a severe course of infection: 79% to the SARS-CoV genome and 50% to the MERS-CoV genome. The most significant differences between SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses are recorded in the structure of the gene of the S protein, a key protein responsible for the virus binding to the receptor of the host organism cells. In particular, substitutions in the S protein of SARS-CoV-2, leading to the formation of the furin cleavage site that is absent in other SARS-like coronaviruses, were identified, which may explain the high pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2. In humans, the genes that are significant for the initial stages of infection include ACE2, ANPEP, DPP4 (encode receptors for coronavirus binding); TMPRSS2, FURIN, TMPRSS11D, CTSL, CTSB (encode proteases involved in the entry of the coronavirus into the cell); DDX1 (the gene of ATP-dependent RNA helicase DDX1, which promotes replication of coronaviruses); and IFITM1, IFITM2, and IFITM3 (encode interferon-induced transmembrane proteins with an antiviral effect). These genes are expressed in many tissues (including those susceptible to the effects of SARS-CoV-2); rare and frequent variants that affect the structure of the encoded protein and its properties and expression level are described in them. A number of common genetic variants with proven functional significance are characterized by the variability in the allele frequency in the world's populations, which can determine interpopulation differences in the prevalence of COVID-19 and in the clinical features of the course of this pathology. The expression level of genes that are important for the formation of the susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 is affected by epigenetic modifications, comorbidities at the time of infection, taking medications, and bad habits.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. N. Kucher
- Research Institute of Medical Genetics, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, 634050 Tomsk, Russia
| | - N. P. Babushkina
- Research Institute of Medical Genetics, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, 634050 Tomsk, Russia
| | - A. A. Sleptcov
- Research Institute of Medical Genetics, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, 634050 Tomsk, Russia
| | - M. S. Nazarenko
- Research Institute of Medical Genetics, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, 634050 Tomsk, Russia
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19
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Khodajou-Masouleh H, Shahangian SS, Rasti B. Reinforcing our defense or weakening the enemy? A comparative overview of defensive and offensive strategies developed to confront COVID-19. Drug Metab Rev 2021; 53:508-541. [PMID: 33980089 DOI: 10.1080/03602532.2021.1928686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Developing effective strategies to confront coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become one of the greatest concerns of the scientific community. In addition to the vast number of global mortalities due to COVID-19, since its outbreak, almost every aspect of human lives has changed one way or another. In the present review, various defensive and offensive strategies developed to confront COVID-19 are illustrated. The Administration of immune-boosting micronutrients/agents, as well as the inhibition of the activity of incompetent gatekeepers, including some host cell receptors (e.g. ACE2) and proteases (e.g. TMPRSS2), are some efficient defensive strategies. Antibody/phage therapies and specifically vaccines also play a prominent role in the enhancement of host defense against COVID-19. Nanotechnology, however, can considerably weaken the virulence of SARS-CoV-2, utilizing fake cellular locks (compounds mimicking cell receptors) to block the viral keys (spike proteins). Generally, two strategies are developed to interfere with the binding of spike proteins to the host cell receptors, either utilizing fake cellular locks to block the viral keys or utilizing fake viral keys to block the cellular locks. Due to their evolutionary conserved nature, viral enzymes, including 3CLpro, PLpro, RdRp, and helicase are highly potential targets for drug repurposing strategy. Thus, various steps of viral replication/transcription can effectively be blocked by their inhibition, leading to the elimination of SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, RNA decoy and CRISPR technologies likely offer the best offensive strategies after viral entry into the host cells, inhibiting the viral replication/assembly in the infected cells and substantially reducing the quantity of viral progeny.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - S Shirin Shahangian
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
| | - Behnam Rasti
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Lahijan Branch, Islamic Azad University (IAU), Lahijan, Guilan, Iran
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20
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Potential differences in cleavage of the S protein and type-1 interferon together control human coronavirus infection, propagation, and neuropathology within the central nervous system. J Virol 2021; 95:JVI.00140-21. [PMID: 33627397 PMCID: PMC8139659 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00140-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Human coronaviruses (HCoV) are respiratory pathogens which have been known since the 1960's. In December 2019, a new betacoronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, was reported and is responsible for one of the biggest pandemics of the last two centuries. Similar to the HCoV-OC43 strain, available evidence suggests SARS-CoV-2 neuroinvasion associated with potential neurological disorders. Coronavirus infection of the central nervous system (CNS) is largely controlled by a viral factor, the spike glycoprotein (S) and a host factor, innate immunity. However, the interaction between these two factors remains elusive. Proteolytic cleavage of the S protein can occur at the interface between receptor binding (S1) and fusion (S2) domains (S1/S2), as well as in a position adjacent to a fusion peptide within S2 (S2'). Herein, using HCoV-OC43 as a surrogate for SARS-CoV-2, we report that both S protein sites are involved in neurovirulence and are required for optimal CNS infection. Whereas efficient cleavage at S1/S2 is associated with decreased virulence, the potentially cleavable putative S2' site is essential for efficient viral infection. Furthermore, type 1 interferon (IFN 1)-related innate immunity also plays an important role in the control of viral spread towards the spinal cord, by preventing infection of ependymal cells. Our results underline the link between the differential S cleavage and IFN 1 in the prevention of viral spread, to control the severity of infection and pathology in both immunocompetent and immunodeficient mice. Taken together, these results point towards two potential therapeutic anti-viral targets: cleavage of the S protein in conjunction with efficient IFN 1-related innate immunity to prevent or at least reduce neuroinvasion, neural spread, and potential associated neurovirulence of human coronaviruses.ImportanceHuman coronaviruses (HCoV) are recognized respiratory pathogens. The emergence of the novel pathogenic member of this family in December 2019 (SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19) poses a global health emergency. As with other coronaviruses reported previously, invasion of the human central nervous system (CNS), associated with diverse neurological disorders, was suggested for SARS-CoV-2. Herein, using the related HCoV-OC43 strain, we show that the viral spike protein constitutes a major neurovirulence factor and that type 1 interferon (IFN 1), in conjunction with cleavage of S protein by host proteases, represent important host factors that participate in the control of CNS infection.To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a direct link between cleavage of the S protein, innate immunity and neurovirulence. Understanding mechanisms of viral infection and spread in neuronal cells is essential to better design therapeutic strategies, and to prevent infection by human coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV-2 in human CNS especially in the vulnerable populations such as the elderly and immune-compromised individuals.
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21
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Molecular docking and ADMET studies of Allium cepa, Azadirachta indica and Xylopia aethiopica isolates as potential anti-viral drugs for Covid-19. Virusdisease 2021; 32:85-97. [PMID: 33869672 PMCID: PMC8036013 DOI: 10.1007/s13337-021-00682-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Plants are repository of important constituents with proven efficacy against many human diseases including viral diseases. The antiviral activity of many plants including Azadirachta indica, Xylopia aethiopica and Allium cepa has been reported. The novel coronavirus disease is no exception among viral diseases in which plant compounds could serve as potent antagonist. Therefore, our study investigated the inhibitory potentials of Azadirachta indica and Xylopia aethiopica isolates against SARS-CoV-2 viral accessory proteins and the host serine protease. The protein data (SARS-CoV-2 Papain like protease (PLpro) (PDB: 6wx4), Chymotrypsin-like main protease (3CLpro) (PDB:6YB7), SARS-CoV nsp 12 (PDB: 6nus), Host cell protease (TMPRSS1) (PDB:5ce1) were obtained from the protein data bank (PDB), while the SDS format of each Ligands were obtained from Pubchem database. Molecular docking analysis was performed with Auto Dock Vina 1.5.6 and visualization of the interaction between the ligands and protein was done with discovery studio 2019. The ADMET prediction of pharmacokinetics and toxicity properties of the ligands was obtained using vNN Web Server. Our result showed that all the plant isolates demonstrated negative Gibb’s free energy, indicating good binding affinity for both the viral and host protein. Overall, twenty-three of the forty-seven isolates showed good binding affinity comparable with dexamethasone that was used as reference drug. Although many of the compounds have good binding affinity for the viral and host proteins, based on the ADMET prediction, only Azadironic acid, Nimbionone, Nimbionol and Nimocinol all from A. indica could serve as potential drug candidate with good pharmacokinetics and toxicity profile. This study provides an insight into potential inhibitors and novel drug candidates for SARS-CoV-2. Further studies will look forward into the wet laboratory validation of Azadironic acid, Nimbionone, Nimbionol and Nimocinol against corona virus disease.
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22
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Zhao MM, Yang WL, Yang FY, Zhang L, Huang WJ, Hou W, Fan CF, Jin RH, Feng YM, Wang YC, Yang JK. Cathepsin L plays a key role in SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans and humanized mice and is a promising target for new drug development. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:134. [PMID: 33774649 PMCID: PMC7997800 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00558-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 292] [Impact Index Per Article: 97.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
To discover new drugs to combat COVID-19, an understanding of the molecular basis of SARS-CoV-2 infection is urgently needed. Here, for the first time, we report the crucial role of cathepsin L (CTSL) in patients with COVID-19. The circulating level of CTSL was elevated after SARS-CoV-2 infection and was positively correlated with disease course and severity. Correspondingly, SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus infection increased CTSL expression in human cells in vitro and human ACE2 transgenic mice in vivo, while CTSL overexpression, in turn, enhanced pseudovirus infection in human cells. CTSL functionally cleaved the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and enhanced virus entry, as evidenced by CTSL overexpression and knockdown in vitro and application of CTSL inhibitor drugs in vivo. Furthermore, amantadine, a licensed anti-influenza drug, significantly inhibited CTSL activity after SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus infection and prevented infection both in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, CTSL is a promising target for new anti-COVID-19 drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao-Miao Zhao
- Department of Endocrinology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei-Li Yang
- Department of Endocrinology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Fang-Yuan Yang
- Department of Endocrinology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-Transmitted Virus Vaccines, Institute for Biological Product Control, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC), Beijing, China
| | - Wei-Jin Huang
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-Transmitted Virus Vaccines, Institute for Biological Product Control, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC), Beijing, China
| | - Wei Hou
- Department of Science and Technology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chang-Fa Fan
- Division of Animal Model Research, Institute for Laboratory Animal Resources, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Rong-Hua Jin
- Department of Science and Technology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ying-Mei Feng
- Department of Science and Technology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - You-Chun Wang
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-Transmitted Virus Vaccines, Institute for Biological Product Control, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC), Beijing, China.
| | - Jin-Kui Yang
- Department of Endocrinology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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23
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Mustafa Z, Zhanapiya A, Kalbacher H, Burster T. Neutrophil Elastase and Proteinase 3 Cleavage Sites Are Adjacent to the Polybasic Sequence within the Proteolytic Sensitive Activation Loop of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein. ACS OMEGA 2021; 6:7181-7185. [PMID: 33748632 PMCID: PMC7970549 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c00363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Serine proteases neutrophil elastase (NE), protease 3 (PR3), cathepsin G (CatG), and neutrophil serine protease 4 (NSP4) are released by activated neutrophils swarming around the place of pathogen invasion to provoke an immune response. However, uncontrolled proteolytic activity of proteases results in various human diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, thrombosis, and autoimmunity. In addition, proteases can be hijacked by several viruses to prime virus-derived surface proteins and evade immune detection by entering into the host cell. Indeed, porcine elastase increases the suitability of host cells to be infected by SARS-CoV-1. We compared the cleavage sites of human NE, PR3, and CatG as well as porcine-derived trypsin within the amino acid sequence of the proteolytic sensitive activation loop at the interface of S1/S2 of the spike protein (S protein) of SARS-CoV-1 as well as SARS-CoV-2. As a result, NE and PR3, but not CatG, hydrolyze the scissile peptide bond adjacent to the polybasic amino acid sequence of the S1/S2 interface of SARS-CoV-2, which is distinctive from SARS-CoV-1. These findings suggest that neutrophil-derived NE and PR3 participate in priming of the S1/S2 interface during an immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhadyra Mustafa
- Department
of Biology, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Kabanbay Batyr Ave., 53, Nur-Sultan 010000, Kazakhstan Republic
| | - Anuar Zhanapiya
- Department
of Biology, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Kabanbay Batyr Ave., 53, Nur-Sultan 010000, Kazakhstan Republic
| | - Hubert Kalbacher
- Eberhard
Karls University Tübingen, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Anatomy and Cell Analysis, Österbergstraße 3, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Timo Burster
- Department
of Biology, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Kabanbay Batyr Ave., 53, Nur-Sultan 010000, Kazakhstan Republic
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24
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Verma J, Subbarao N. A comparative study of human betacoronavirus spike proteins: structure, function and therapeutics. Arch Virol 2021; 166:697-714. [PMID: 33483791 PMCID: PMC7821988 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-021-04961-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Coronaviruses are the paradigm of emerging 21st century zoonotic viruses, triggering numerous outbreaks and a severe global health crisis. The current COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has affected more than 51 million people across the globe as of 12 November 2020. The crown-like spikes on the surface of the virion are the unique structural feature of viruses in the family Coronaviridae. The spike (S) protein adopts distinct conformations while mediating entry of the virus into the host. This multifunctional protein mediates the entry process by recognizing its receptor on the host cell, followed by the fusion of the viral membrane with the host cell membrane. This review article focuses on the structural and functional comparison of S proteins of the human betacoronaviruses, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Here, we review the current state of knowledge about receptor recognition, the membrane fusion mechanism, structural epitopes, and glycosylation sites of the S proteins of these viruses. We further discuss various vaccines and other therapeutics such as monoclonal antibodies, peptides, and small molecules based on the S protein of these three viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyoti Verma
- School of Computational and Integrative Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Naidu Subbarao
- School of Computational and Integrative Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
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25
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Senapati S, Banerjee P, Bhagavatula S, Kushwaha PP, Kumar S. Contributions of human ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in determining host–pathogen interaction of COVID-19. J Genet 2021. [PMID: 33707363 PMCID: PMC7904510 DOI: 10.1007/s12041-021-01262-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is at present an emerging global public health crisis. Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and trans-membrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) are the two major host factors that contribute to the virulence of SARS-CoV-2 and pathogenesis of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from animal to human is considered a rare event that necessarily requires strong evolutionary adaptations. Till date no other human cellular receptors are identified beside ACE2 for SARS-CoV-2 entry inside the human cell. Proteolytic cleavage of viral spike (S)-protein and ACE2 by TMPRSS2 began the entire host–pathogen interaction initiated with the physical binding of ACE2 to S-protein. SARS-CoV-2 S-protein binds to ACE2 with much higher affinity and stability than that of SARS-CoVs. Molecular interactions between ACE2-S and TMPRSS2-S are crucial and preciously mediated by specific residues. Structural stability, binding affinity and level of expression of these three interacting proteins are key susceptibility factors for COVID-19. Specific protein–protein interactions (PPI) are being identified that explains uniqueness of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Amino acid substitutions due to naturally occurring genetic polymorphisms potentially alter these PPIs and poses further clinical heterogeneity of COVID-19. Repurposing of several phytochemicals and approved drugs against ACE2, TMPRSS2 and S-protein have been proposed that could inhibit PPI between them. We have also identified some novel lead phytochemicals present in Azadirachta indica and Aloe barbadensis which could be utilized for further in vitro and in vivo anti-COVID-19 drug discovery. Uncovering details of ACE2-S and TMPRSS2-S interactions would further contribute to future research on COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabyasachi Senapati
- Immunogenomics Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda 151 401, India.
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26
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Tang T, Jaimes JA, Bidon MK, Straus MR, Daniel S, Whittaker GR. Proteolytic Activation of SARS-CoV-2 Spike at the S1/S2 Boundary: Potential Role of Proteases beyond Furin. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:264-272. [PMID: 33432808 PMCID: PMC7839419 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.0c00701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) uses its spike (S) protein to mediate viral entry into host cells. Cleavage of the S protein at the S1/S2 and/or S2' site(s) is associated with viral entry, which can occur at either the cell plasma membrane (early pathway) or the endosomal membrane (late pathway), depending on the cell type. Previous studies show that SARS-CoV-2 has a unique insert at the S1/S2 site that can be cleaved by furin, which appears to expand viral tropism to cells with suitable protease and receptor expression. Here, we utilize viral pseudoparticles and protease inhibitors to study the impact of the S1/S2 cleavage on infectivity. Our results demonstrate that S1/S2 cleavage is essential for early pathway entry into Calu-3 cells, a model lung epithelial cell line, but not for late pathway entry into Vero E6 cells, a model cell line. The S1/S2 cleavage was found to be processed by other proteases beyond furin. Using bioinformatic tools, we also analyze the presence of a furin S1/S2 site in related CoVs and offer thoughts on the origin of the insertion of the furin-like cleavage site in SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany Tang
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and
Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
14853, United States
| | - Javier A. Jaimes
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology,
Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United
States
| | - Miya K. Bidon
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and
Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
14853, United States
| | - Marco R. Straus
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology,
Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United
States
| | - Susan Daniel
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and
Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
14853, United States
| | - Gary R. Whittaker
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology,
Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United
States
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27
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Lange C, Wolf J, Auw-Haedrich C, Schlecht A, Boneva S, Lapp T, Agostini H, Martin G, Reinhard T, Schlunck G. What is the significance of the conjunctiva as a potential transmission route for SARS-CoV-2 infections? Ophthalmologe 2021; 118:85-88. [PMID: 33141332 PMCID: PMC7607541 DOI: 10.1007/s00347-020-01255-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have described conjunctivitis in approximately 1% of COVID-19 patients and speculated that SARS-CoV‑2 can be transmitted via the conjunctiva. In this article we recapitulate the molecular mechanisms of host cell entry of SARS-CoV‑2 and discuss the current evidence for a potential conjunctival transmission of SARS-CoV‑2. The current body of evidence indicates that SARS-CoV‑2 requires the membrane-bound angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and the membrane-bound serine protease TMPRSS2 to enter cells. Recent studies suggest that COVID-19 patients rarely exhibit viral RNA in tear film and conjunctival smears and that, ACE2 and TMPRSS2 are only expressed in small amounts in the conjunctiva, making conjunctival infection with SARS-CoV‑2 via these mediators unlikely. Nevertheless, we consider the current evidence to be still too limited to provide a conclusive statement and recommend appropriate protective measures for healthcare personnel who are in close contact with suspected and confirmed COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemens Lange
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
- Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 153, 79110, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Julian Wolf
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
- Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 153, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Auw-Haedrich
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
- Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 153, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anja Schlecht
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
- Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 153, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefaniya Boneva
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
- Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 153, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thabo Lapp
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
- Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 153, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hansjürgen Agostini
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
- Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 153, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Gottfried Martin
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
- Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 153, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
- Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 153, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
- Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 153, 79110, Freiburg, Germany.
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28
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Domains and Functions of Spike Protein in Sars-Cov-2 in the Context of Vaccine Design. Viruses 2021; 13:v13010109. [PMID: 33466921 PMCID: PMC7829931 DOI: 10.3390/v13010109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The spike protein in SARS-CoV-2 (SARS-2-S) interacts with the human ACE2 receptor to gain entry into a cell to initiate infection. Both Pfizer/BioNTech's BNT162b2 and Moderna's mRNA-1273 vaccine candidates are based on stabilized mRNA encoding prefusion SARS-2-S that can be produced after the mRNA is delivered into the human cell and translated. SARS-2-S is cleaved into S1 and S2 subunits, with S1 serving the function of receptor-binding and S2 serving the function of membrane fusion. Here, I dissect in detail the various domains of SARS-2-S and their functions discovered through a variety of different experimental and theoretical approaches to build a foundation for a comprehensive mechanistic understanding of how SARS-2-S works to achieve its function of mediating cell entry and subsequent cell-to-cell transmission. The integration of structure and function of SARS-2-S in this review should enhance our understanding of the dynamic processes involving receptor binding, multiple cleavage events, membrane fusion, viral entry, as well as the emergence of new viral variants. I highlighted the relevance of structural domains and dynamics to vaccine development, and discussed reasons for the spike protein to be frequently featured in the conspiracy theory claiming that SARS-CoV-2 is artificially created.
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29
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Papa G, Mallery DL, Albecka A, Welch LG, Cattin-Ortolá J, Luptak J, Paul D, McMahon HT, Goodfellow IG, Carter A, Munro S, James LC. Furin cleavage of SARS-CoV-2 Spike promotes but is not essential for infection and cell-cell fusion. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009246. [PMID: 33493182 PMCID: PMC7861537 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 212] [Impact Index Per Article: 70.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infects cells by binding to the host cell receptor ACE2 and undergoing virus-host membrane fusion. Fusion is triggered by the protease TMPRSS2, which processes the viral Spike (S) protein to reveal the fusion peptide. SARS-CoV-2 has evolved a multibasic site at the S1-S2 boundary, which is thought to be cleaved by furin in order to prime S protein for TMPRSS2 processing. Here we show that CRISPR-Cas9 knockout of furin reduces, but does not prevent, the production of infectious SARS-CoV-2 virus. Comparing S processing in furin knockout cells to multibasic site mutants reveals that while loss of furin substantially reduces S1-S2 cleavage it does not prevent it. SARS-CoV-2 S protein also mediates cell-cell fusion, potentially allowing virus to spread virion-independently. We show that loss of furin in either donor or acceptor cells reduces, but does not prevent, TMPRSS2-dependent cell-cell fusion, unlike mutation of the multibasic site that completely prevents syncytia formation. Our results show that while furin promotes both SARS-CoV-2 infectivity and cell-cell spread it is not essential, suggesting furin inhibitors may reduce but not abolish viral spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Papa
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Donna L. Mallery
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Albecka
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Lawrence G. Welch
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jérôme Cattin-Ortolá
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jakub Luptak
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - David Paul
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Harvey T. McMahon
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ian G. Goodfellow
- Division of Virology, Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Carter
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Sean Munro
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Leo C. James
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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30
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Senapati S, Banerjee P, Bhagavatula S, Kushwaha PP, Kumar S. Contributions of human ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in determining host-pathogen interaction of COVID-19. J Genet 2021; 100:12. [PMID: 33707363 PMCID: PMC7904510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is at present an emerging global public health crisis. Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and trans-membrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) are the two major host factors that contribute to the virulence of SARS-CoV-2 and pathogenesis of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from animal to human is considered a rare event that necessarily requires strong evolutionary adaptations. Till date no other human cellular receptors are identified beside ACE2 for SARS-CoV-2 entry inside the human cell. Proteolytic cleavage of viral spike (S)-protein and ACE2 by TMPRSS2 began the entire host-pathogen interaction initiated with the physical binding of ACE2 to S-protein. SARS-CoV-2 S-protein binds to ACE2 with much higher affinity and stability than that of SARS-CoVs. Molecular interactions between ACE2-S and TMPRSS2-S are crucial and preciously mediated by specific residues. Structural stability, binding affinity and level of expression of these three interacting proteins are key susceptibility factors for COVID-19. Specific protein-protein interactions (PPI) are being identified that explains uniqueness of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Amino acid substitutions due to naturally occurring genetic polymorphisms potentially alter these PPIs and poses further clinical heterogeneity of COVID-19. Repurposing of several phytochemicals and approved drugs against ACE2, TMPRSS2 and S-protein have been proposed that could inhibit PPI between them. We have also identified some novel lead phytochemicals present in Azadirachta indica and Aloe barbadensis which could be utilized for further in vitro and in vivo anti-COVID-19 drug discovery. Uncovering details of ACE2-S and TMPRSS2-S interactions would further contribute to future research on COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabyasachi Senapati
- Immunogenomics Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda 151 401, India.
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31
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Buchrieser J, Dufloo J, Hubert M, Monel B, Planas D, Rajah MM, Planchais C, Porrot F, Guivel‐Benhassine F, Van der Werf S, Casartelli N, Mouquet H, Bruel T, Schwartz O. Syncytia formation by SARS-CoV-2-infected cells. EMBO J 2020; 39:e106267. [PMID: 33051876 PMCID: PMC7646020 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2020106267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 278] [Impact Index Per Article: 69.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe cases of COVID-19 are associated with extensive lung damage and the presence of infected multinucleated syncytial pneumocytes. The viral and cellular mechanisms regulating the formation of these syncytia are not well understood. Here, we show that SARS-CoV-2-infected cells express the Spike protein (S) at their surface and fuse with ACE2-positive neighboring cells. Expression of S without any other viral proteins triggers syncytia formation. Interferon-induced transmembrane proteins (IFITMs), a family of restriction factors that block the entry of many viruses, inhibit S-mediated fusion, with IFITM1 being more active than IFITM2 and IFITM3. On the contrary, the TMPRSS2 serine protease, which is known to enhance infectivity of cell-free virions, processes both S and ACE2 and increases syncytia formation by accelerating the fusion process. TMPRSS2 thwarts the antiviral effect of IFITMs. Our results show that SARS-CoV-2 pathological effects are modulated by cellular proteins that either inhibit or facilitate syncytia formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Buchrieser
- Virus and Immunity UnitDepartment of VirologyInstitut PasteurParisFrance
- CNRS‐UMR3569ParisFrance
| | - Jérémy Dufloo
- Virus and Immunity UnitDepartment of VirologyInstitut PasteurParisFrance
- CNRS‐UMR3569ParisFrance
- Bio Sorbonne Paris Cité (BioSPC)Université de ParisParisFrance
| | - Mathieu Hubert
- Virus and Immunity UnitDepartment of VirologyInstitut PasteurParisFrance
- CNRS‐UMR3569ParisFrance
| | - Blandine Monel
- Virus and Immunity UnitDepartment of VirologyInstitut PasteurParisFrance
- CNRS‐UMR3569ParisFrance
| | - Delphine Planas
- Virus and Immunity UnitDepartment of VirologyInstitut PasteurParisFrance
- CNRS‐UMR3569ParisFrance
- Vaccine Research InstituteCréteilFrance
| | - Maaran Michael Rajah
- Virus and Immunity UnitDepartment of VirologyInstitut PasteurParisFrance
- CNRS‐UMR3569ParisFrance
- Bio Sorbonne Paris Cité (BioSPC)Université de ParisParisFrance
| | - Cyril Planchais
- Laboratory of Humoral ImmunologyDepartment of ImmunologyInstitut PasteurINSERM U1222ParisFrance
| | - Françoise Porrot
- Virus and Immunity UnitDepartment of VirologyInstitut PasteurParisFrance
- CNRS‐UMR3569ParisFrance
| | | | - Sylvie Van der Werf
- Molecular Genetics of RNA VirusesDepartment of VirologyInstitut PasteurCNRS UMR 3569Université de ParisParisFrance
- National Reference Center for Respiratory VirusesInstitut PasteurParisFrance
| | - Nicoletta Casartelli
- Virus and Immunity UnitDepartment of VirologyInstitut PasteurParisFrance
- CNRS‐UMR3569ParisFrance
| | - Hugo Mouquet
- Laboratory of Humoral ImmunologyDepartment of ImmunologyInstitut PasteurINSERM U1222ParisFrance
| | - Timothée Bruel
- Virus and Immunity UnitDepartment of VirologyInstitut PasteurParisFrance
- CNRS‐UMR3569ParisFrance
| | - Olivier Schwartz
- Virus and Immunity UnitDepartment of VirologyInstitut PasteurParisFrance
- CNRS‐UMR3569ParisFrance
- Vaccine Research InstituteCréteilFrance
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32
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Chambers JP, Yu J, Valdes JJ, Arulanandam BP. SARS-CoV-2, Early Entry Events. J Pathog 2020; 2020:9238696. [PMID: 33299610 PMCID: PMC7707962 DOI: 10.1155/2020/9238696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites, and host cell entry is the first step in the viral life cycle. The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) entry process into susceptible host tissue cells is complex requiring (1) attachment of the virus via the conserved spike (S) protein receptor-binding motif (RBM) to the host cell angiotensin-converting-enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, (2) S protein proteolytic processing, and (3) membrane fusion. Spike protein processing occurs at two cleavage sites, i.e., S1/S2 and S2'. Cleavage at the S1/S2 and S2' sites ultimately gives rise to generation of competent fusion elements important in the merging of the host cell and viral membranes. Following cleavage, shedding of the S1 crown results in significant conformational changes and fusion peptide repositioning for target membrane insertion and fusion. Identification of specific protease involvement has been difficult due to the many cell types used and studied. However, it appears that S protein proteolytic cleavage is dependent on (1) furin and (2) serine protease transmembrane protease serine 2 proteases acting in tandem. Although at present not clear, increased SARS-CoV-2 S receptor-binding motif binding affinity and replication efficiency may in part account for observed differences in infectivity. Cleavage of the ACE2 receptor appears to be yet another layer of complexity in addition to forfeiture and/or alteration of ACE2 function which plays an important role in cardiovascular and immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- James P. Chambers
- South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Jieh Yu
- South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - James J. Valdes
- South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- MSI STEM Research and Development Consortium, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Bernard P. Arulanandam
- South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
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33
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Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has spread worldwide since its first incidence in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Although the case fatality rate of COVID-19 appears to be lower than that of SARS and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), the higher transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 has caused the total fatality to surpass other viral diseases, reaching more than 1 million globally as of October 6, 2020. The rate at which the disease is spreading calls for a therapy that is useful for treating a large population. Multiple intersecting viral and host factor targets involved in the life cycle of the virus are being explored. Because of the frequent mutations, many coronaviruses gain zoonotic potential, which is dependent on the presence of cell receptors and proteases, and therefore the targeting of the viral proteins has some drawbacks, as strain-specific drug resistance can occur. Moreover, the limited number of proteins in a virus makes the number of available targets small. Although SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 share common mechanisms of entry and replication, there are substantial differences in viral proteins such as the spike (S) protein. In contrast, targeting cellular factors may result in a broader range of therapies, reducing the chances of developing drug resistance. In this Review, we discuss the role of primary host factors such as the cell receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), cellular proteases of S protein priming, post-translational modifiers, kinases, inflammatory cells, and their pharmacological intervention in the infection of SARS-CoV-2 and related viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil Mathew Tharappel
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, 120 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208, USA
| | - Subodh Kumar Samrat
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, 120 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208, USA
| | - Zhong Li
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, 120 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208, USA
| | - Hongmin Li
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, 120 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany, Albany, NY 12201, USA
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34
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Wang A, Chiou J, Poirion OB, Buchanan J, Valdez MJ, Verheyden JM, Hou X, Kudtarkar P, Narendra S, Newsome JM, Guo M, Faddah DA, Zhang K, Young RE, Barr J, Sajti E, Misra R, Huyck H, Rogers L, Poole C, Whitsett JA, Pryhuber G, Xu Y, Gaulton KJ, Preissl S, Sun X. Single-cell multiomic profiling of human lungs reveals cell-type-specific and age-dynamic control of SARS-CoV2 host genes. eLife 2020; 9:e62522. [PMID: 33164753 PMCID: PMC7688309 DOI: 10.7554/elife.62522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Respiratory failure associated with COVID-19 has placed focus on the lungs. Here, we present single-nucleus accessible chromatin profiles of 90,980 nuclei and matched single-nucleus transcriptomes of 46,500 nuclei in non-diseased lungs from donors of ~30 weeks gestation,~3 years and ~30 years. We mapped candidate cis-regulatory elements (cCREs) and linked them to putative target genes. We identified distal cCREs with age-increased activity linked to SARS-CoV-2 host entry gene TMPRSS2 in alveolar type 2 cells, which had immune regulatory signatures and harbored variants associated with respiratory traits. At the 3p21.31 COVID-19 risk locus, a candidate variant overlapped a distal cCRE linked to SLC6A20, a gene expressed in alveolar cells and with known functional association with the SARS-CoV-2 receptor ACE2. Our findings provide insight into regulatory logic underlying genes implicated in COVID-19 in individual lung cell types across age. More broadly, these datasets will facilitate interpretation of risk loci for lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allen Wang
- Center for Epigenomics & Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of California, San DiegoSan DiegoUnited States
| | - Joshua Chiou
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California San DiegoLa JollaUnited States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California-San DiegoLa JollaUnited States
| | - Olivier B Poirion
- Center for Epigenomics & Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of California, San DiegoSan DiegoUnited States
| | - Justin Buchanan
- Center for Epigenomics & Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of California, San DiegoSan DiegoUnited States
| | - Michael J Valdez
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California San DiegoLa JollaUnited States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California-San DiegoLa JollaUnited States
| | - Jamie M Verheyden
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California-San DiegoLa JollaUnited States
| | - Xiaomeng Hou
- Center for Epigenomics & Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of California, San DiegoSan DiegoUnited States
| | - Parul Kudtarkar
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California-San DiegoLa JollaUnited States
| | - Sharvari Narendra
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California-San DiegoLa JollaUnited States
| | - Jacklyn M Newsome
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California-San DiegoLa JollaUnited States
| | - Minzhe Guo
- Division of Neonatology, Perinatal and Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiUnited States
- Divisions of Pulmonary Biology and Biomedical Informatics, University of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiUnited States
| | | | - Kai Zhang
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer ResearchLa JollaUnited States
| | - Randee E Young
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California-San DiegoLa JollaUnited States
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Medical Genetics, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadisonUnited States
| | - Justinn Barr
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California-San DiegoLa JollaUnited States
| | - Eniko Sajti
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California-San DiegoLa JollaUnited States
| | - Ravi Misra
- Department of Pediatrics and Clinical & Translational Science Institute, University of Rochester Medical CenterRochesterUnited States
| | - Heidie Huyck
- Department of Pediatrics and Clinical & Translational Science Institute, University of Rochester Medical CenterRochesterUnited States
| | - Lisa Rogers
- Department of Pediatrics and Clinical & Translational Science Institute, University of Rochester Medical CenterRochesterUnited States
| | - Cory Poole
- Department of Pediatrics and Clinical & Translational Science Institute, University of Rochester Medical CenterRochesterUnited States
| | - Jeffery A Whitsett
- Division of Neonatology, Perinatal and Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiUnited States
- Divisions of Pulmonary Biology and Biomedical Informatics, University of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiUnited States
| | - Gloria Pryhuber
- Department of Pediatrics and Clinical & Translational Science Institute, University of Rochester Medical CenterRochesterUnited States
| | - Yan Xu
- Division of Neonatology, Perinatal and Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiUnited States
- Divisions of Pulmonary Biology and Biomedical Informatics, University of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiUnited States
| | - Kyle J Gaulton
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California-San DiegoLa JollaUnited States
| | - Sebastian Preissl
- Center for Epigenomics & Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of California, San DiegoSan DiegoUnited States
| | - Xin Sun
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California-San DiegoLa JollaUnited States
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of California-San DiegoLa JollaUnited States
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Karathanou K, Lazaratos M, Bertalan É, Siemers M, Buzar K, Schertler GFX, Del Val C, Bondar AN. A graph-based approach identifies dynamic H-bond communication networks in spike protein S of SARS-CoV-2. J Struct Biol 2020; 212:107617. [PMID: 32919067 PMCID: PMC7481144 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2020.107617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Corona virus spike protein S is a large homo-trimeric protein anchored in the membrane of the virion particle. Protein S binds to angiotensin-converting-enzyme 2, ACE2, of the host cell, followed by proteolysis of the spike protein, drastic protein conformational change with exposure of the fusion peptide of the virus, and entry of the virion into the host cell. The structural elements that govern conformational plasticity of the spike protein are largely unknown. Here, we present a methodology that relies upon graph and centrality analyses, augmented by bioinformatics, to identify and characterize large H-bond clusters in protein structures. We apply this methodology to protein S ectodomain and find that, in the closed conformation, the three protomers of protein S bring the same contribution to an extensive central network of H-bonds, and contribute symmetrically to a relatively large H-bond cluster at the receptor binding domain, and to a cluster near a protease cleavage site. Markedly different H-bonding at these three clusters in open and pre-fusion conformations suggest dynamic H-bond clusters could facilitate structural plasticity and selection of a protein S protomer for binding to the host receptor, and proteolytic cleavage. From analyses of spike protein sequences we identify patches of histidine and carboxylate groups that could be involved in transient proton binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantina Karathanou
- Freie Universität Berlin, Department of Physics, Theoretical Molecular Biophysics, Arnimallee 14, D-14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Michalis Lazaratos
- Freie Universität Berlin, Department of Physics, Theoretical Molecular Biophysics, Arnimallee 14, D-14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Éva Bertalan
- Freie Universität Berlin, Department of Physics, Theoretical Molecular Biophysics, Arnimallee 14, D-14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Malte Siemers
- Freie Universität Berlin, Department of Physics, Theoretical Molecular Biophysics, Arnimallee 14, D-14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Krzysztof Buzar
- Freie Universität Berlin, Department of Physics, Theoretical Molecular Biophysics, Arnimallee 14, D-14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Gebhard F X Schertler
- Paul Scherrer Institut, Department of Biology and Chemistry, Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, CH-5303 Villigen-PSI, Switzerland; ETH Zürich, Department of Biology, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Coral Del Val
- University of Granada, Department of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, E-18071 Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18012 Granada, Spain; Andalusian Research Institute in Data Science and Computational Intelligence (DaSCI Institute), 18014 Granada, Spain
| | - Ana-Nicoleta Bondar
- Freie Universität Berlin, Department of Physics, Theoretical Molecular Biophysics, Arnimallee 14, D-14195 Berlin, Germany.
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Beacon TH, Delcuve GP, Davie JR. Epigenetic regulation of ACE2, the receptor of the SARS-CoV-2 virus 1. Genome 2020; 64:386-399. [PMID: 33086021 DOI: 10.1139/gen-2020-0124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the receptor for the three coronaviruses HCoV-NL63, SARS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2. ACE2 is involved in the regulation of the renin-angiotensin system and blood pressure. ACE2 is also involved in the regulation of several signaling pathways, including integrin signaling. ACE2 expression is regulated transcriptionally and post-transcriptionally. The expression of the gene is regulated by two promoters, with usage varying among tissues. ACE2 expression is greatest in the small intestine, kidney, and heart and detectable in a variety of tissues and cell types. Herein we review the chemical and mechanical signal transduction pathways regulating the expression of the ACE2 gene and the epigenetic/chromatin features of the expressed gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasnim H Beacon
- Research Institute in Oncology and Hematology, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Geneviève P Delcuve
- Research Institute in Oncology and Hematology, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - James R Davie
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0J9, Canada
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37
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Minakshi R, Jan AT, Rahman S, Kim J. A Testimony of the Surgent SARS-CoV-2 in the Immunological Panorama of the Human Host. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:575404. [PMID: 33262955 PMCID: PMC7687052 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.575404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The resurgence of SARS in the late December of 2019 due to a novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has shadowed the world with a pandemic. The physiopathology of this virus is very much in semblance with the previously known SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. However, the unprecedented transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 has been puzzling the scientific efforts. Though the virus harbors much of the genetic and architectural features of SARS-CoV, a few differences acquired during its evolutionary selective pressure is helping the SARS-CoV-2 to establish prodigious infection. Making entry into host the cell through already established ACE-2 receptor concerted with the action of TMPRSS2, is considered important for the virus. During the infection cycle of SARS-CoV-2, the innate immunity witnesses maximum dysregulations in its molecular network causing fatalities in aged, comorbid cases. The overt immunopathology manifested due to robust cytokine storm shows ARDS in severe cases of SARS-CoV-2. A delayed IFN activation gives appropriate time to the replicating virus to evade the host antiviral response and cause disruption of the adaptive response as well. We have compiled various aspects of SARS-CoV-2 in relation to its unique structural features and ability to modulate innate as well adaptive response in host, aiming at understanding the dynamism of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rinki Minakshi
- Department of Microbiology, Swami Shraddhanand College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Arif Tasleem Jan
- School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri, India
| | - Safikur Rahman
- Munshi Singh College, BR Ambedkar Bihar University, Muzaffarpur, India
| | - Jihoe Kim
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Research Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan-si, South Korea
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38
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Abhinand CS, Nair AS, Krishnamurthy A, Oommen OV, Sudhakaran PR. Potential protease inhibitors and their combinations to block SARS-CoV-2. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2020; 40:903-917. [PMID: 32924827 PMCID: PMC7544937 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2020.1819881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19, which has emerged recently as a pandemic viral infection caused by SARS-coronavirus 2 has spread rapidly around the world, creating a public health emergency. The current situation demands an effective therapeutic strategy to control the disease using drugs that are approved, or by inventing new ones. The present study examines the possible repurposing of existing anti-viral protease inhibitor drugs. For this, the structural features of the viral spike protein, the substrate for host cell protease and main protease of the available SARS CoV-2 isolates were established by comparing with related viruses for which antiviral drugs are effective. The results showed 97% sequence similarity among SARS and SARS-CoV-2 main protease and has same cleavage site positions and ACE2 receptor binding region as in the SARS–CoV spike protein. Though both are N-glycosylated, unlike SARS-CoV, human SARS-CoV-2 S-protein was O-glycosylated as well. Molecular docking studies were done to explore the role of FDA approved protease inhibitors to control SARS-CoV-2 replication. The results indicated that, Ritonavir has the highest potency to block SARS-CoV-2 main protease and human TMPRSS2, a host cell factor that aids viral infection. Other drugs such as Indinavir and Atazanavir also showed favourable binding with Cathepsin B/L that helped viral fusion with the host cell membrane. Further molecular dynamics simulation and MM-PBSA binding free energy calculations confirmed the stability of protein-drug complexes. These results suggest that protease inhibitors particularly Ritonavir, either alone or in combination with other drugs such as Atazanavir, have the potential to treat COVID 19. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandran S Abhinand
- Department of Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Achuthsankar S Nair
- Department of Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | | | - Oommen V Oommen
- Department of Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Perumana R Sudhakaran
- Department of Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
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Mackman N, Antoniak S, Wolberg AS, Kasthuri R, Key NS. Coagulation Abnormalities and Thrombosis in Patients Infected With SARS-CoV-2 and Other Pandemic Viruses. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2020; 40:2033-2044. [PMID: 32657623 PMCID: PMC7447001 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.120.314514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The world is amid a pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2. Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus causes serious respiratory tract infections that can lead to viral pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and death. Some patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have an activated coagulation system characterized by elevated plasma levels of d-dimer-a biomarker of fibrin degradation. Importantly, high levels of D-dimer on hospital admission are associated with increased risk of mortality. Venous thromboembolism is more common than arterial thromboembolism in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Pulmonary thrombosis and microvascular thrombosis are observed in autopsy studies, and this may contribute to the severe hypoxia observed in COVID-19 patients. It is likely that multiple systems contribute to thrombosis in COVID-19 patients, such as activation of coagulation, platelet activation, hypofibrinolysis, endothelial cell dysfunction, inflammation, neutrophil extracellular traps, and complement. Targeting these different pathways may reduce thrombosis and improve lung function in COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigel Mackman
- From the Department of Medicine, UNC Blood Research Center (N.M., S.A., A.S.W., R.K., N.S.K.), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine (N.M., R.K., N.S.K.), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Silvio Antoniak
- From the Department of Medicine, UNC Blood Research Center (N.M., S.A., A.S.W., R.K., N.S.K.), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (S.A., A.S.W.), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Alisa S. Wolberg
- From the Department of Medicine, UNC Blood Research Center (N.M., S.A., A.S.W., R.K., N.S.K.), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (S.A., A.S.W.), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Raj Kasthuri
- From the Department of Medicine, UNC Blood Research Center (N.M., S.A., A.S.W., R.K., N.S.K.), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine (N.M., R.K., N.S.K.), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Nigel S. Key
- From the Department of Medicine, UNC Blood Research Center (N.M., S.A., A.S.W., R.K., N.S.K.), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine (N.M., R.K., N.S.K.), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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40
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Cabezón E, Arechaga I. Drug Weaponry to Fight Against SARS-CoV-2. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:204. [PMID: 33195397 PMCID: PMC7477106 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.00204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The current outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 virus has caused a large increase in mortality and morbidity associated with respiratory diseases. Huge efforts are currently ongoing to develop a vaccine against this virus. However, alternative approaches could be considered in the fight against this disease. Among other strategies, structural-based drug design could be an effective approach to generate specific molecules against SARS-CoV-2, thus reducing viral burden in infected patients. Here, in addition to this structural approach, we also revise several therapeutic strategies to fight against this viral threat. Furthermore, we report ACE-2 genetic polymorphic variants affecting residues involved in close contacts with SARS-CoV-2 that might be associated to different infection risks. These analyses could provide valuable information to predict the course of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Cabezón
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria (IBBTEC), Universidad de Cantabria-CSIC, Santander, Spain
| | - Ignacio Arechaga
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria (IBBTEC), Universidad de Cantabria-CSIC, Santander, Spain
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41
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Shchelkanov MY, Kolobukhina LV, Burgasova OA, Kruzhkova IS, Maleev VV. COVID-19: etiology, clinical picture, treatment. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.15789/2220-7619-cec-1473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Whereas the XX century marked the history of acute respiratory disease investigation as a period for generating in-depth system of combating influenza viruses (Articulavirales: Orthomyxoviridae, Alpha-/Betainfluenzavirus) (based on environmental and virological monitoring of influenza A virus in its natural reservoir — aquatic and semi-aquatic birds — to supervising epidemic influenza), a similar system is necessary to build up in the XXI century with regard to especially dangerous betacoronaviruses (Nidovirales: Coronaviridae, Betacoronavirus): Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (SARS-CoV) (subgenus Sarbecovirus), Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2) (Sarbecovirus), Middle East respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (MERS-CoV) (Merbecovirus). This became particularly evident after pandemic potential has been revealed in 2020 by the SARS-CoV-2. This review provides an insight into the historic timeline of discovering this virus, its current taxonomy, ecology, virion morphology, life cycle, molecular biology, pathogenesis and clinical picture of the etiologically related COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) as well as data available in the scientific literature on the anti-SARS-CoV-2-effectiveness of passive immunotherapy and most debated drugs used to treat COVID-19: Chloroquine, Hydroxychloroquine, Nitazoxanide, Ivermectin, Lopinavir and Ritonavir, Camostat mesilate, Remdesivir, Ribavirin, Tocilizumab, Anakinra, corticosteroids, and type I interferons. The pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection implicates decreased efficacy of artificial respiration, which, in this case might be replaced by more efficient extracorporeal membrane blood oxygenation supplemented with nitrogen oxide and/or Heliox inhalations.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Yu. Shchelkanov
- International Scientific and Educational Center for Biological Security of Rospotrebnadzor;
Federal Scientific Center of East Asia Terrestrial Biodiversity, Far Eastern Branch of RAS;
Center of Hygiene and Epidemiology in the Primorsky Territory
| | - L. V. Kolobukhina
- D.I. Ivanovsky Institute of Virology of the N.F. Gamaleya National Scientific Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Russian Ministry of Public Health
| | | | - I. S. Kruzhkova
- D.I. Ivanovsky Institute of Virology of the N.F. Gamaleya National Scientific Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Russian Ministry of Public Health
| | - V. V. Maleev
- Central Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology of Rospotrebnadzor
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42
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Salinas S, Simonin Y. [Neurological damage linked to coronaviruses : SARS-CoV-2 and other human coronaviruses]. Med Sci (Paris) 2020; 36:775-782. [PMID: 32755537 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/2020122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent emergence of a new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, responsible for COVID-19, is a new warning of the risk to public health represented by viral zoonoses and in particular by coronaviruses. Mainly described as being able to infect the upper and lower respiratory tract, coronaviruses can also infect the central and peripheral nervous systems as many other respiratory viruses, such as influenza or respiratory syncytial virus. Viral infections of the nervous system are a major public health concern as they can cause devastating illnesses up to death, especially when they occur in the elderly, who are more susceptible to these infections. Knowledge concerning the pathophysiology of recently emerging coronaviruses (MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2) and how they reach the central nervous system are very sketchy and the work in progress aims in particular to better understand their biology and the mechanisms associated with neurological damage. In this review we will discuss the current state of knowledge on the neurotropism of human coronaviruses and the associated mechanisms by developing in particular the latest data concerning SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Salinas
- Pathogenèse et contrôle des infections chroniques (PCCI), UMR 1058, université de Montpellier, Inserm, EFS, 60 rue de Navacelles, 34000 Montpellier, France
| | - Yannick Simonin
- Pathogenèse et contrôle des infections chroniques (PCCI), UMR 1058, université de Montpellier, Inserm, EFS, 60 rue de Navacelles, 34000 Montpellier, France
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43
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[What is the importance of the conjunctiva as a potential transmission pathway for SARS-CoV-2 infections?]. Ophthalmologe 2020; 117:626-630. [PMID: 32572552 PMCID: PMC7306648 DOI: 10.1007/s00347-020-01150-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Aktuelle Studien haben bei ca. 1 % aller COVID-19-Patienten eine Bindehautentzündung beschrieben und spekuliert, dass SARS-CoV‑2 über die Bindehaut übertragen werden kann. In der vorliegenden Arbeit rekapitulieren wir die molekularen Mechanismen des Eintritts von SARS-CoV‑2 in die Wirtszelle und diskutieren die aktuelle Studienlage zu einer möglichen konjunktivalen Transmission. Derzeit geht man davon aus, dass SARS-CoV‑2 das membrangebundene Angiotensin-konvertierende Enzym 2 (ACE2) sowie die Membran-gebundene Serinprotease TMPRSS2 benötigt, um in die Wirtszelle einzudringen. Aktuelle Studien weisen darauf hin, dass COVID-19-Patienten nur sehr selten Virus-RNA im Tränenfilm und Bindehautabstrichen aufweisen und dass ACE2 und TMPRSS2 in der Bindehaut nur in sehr geringen Mengen gebildet werden, was eine konjunktivale Infektion durch SARS-CoV‑2 über diese Mediatoren wenig wahrscheinlich macht. Dennoch halten wir die derzeitige Studienlage für zu begrenzt, um eine abschließende Aussage treffen zu können, und empfehlen konsequente und adäquate Schutzmaßnahmen für medizinisches Personal, das in engem Kontakt mit verdächtigen und bestätigten COVID-19-Patienten steht.
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On the Coronaviruses and Their Associations with the Aquatic Environment and Wastewater. WATER 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/w12061598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), a severe respiratory disease caused by betacoronavirus SARS-CoV-2, in 2019 that further developed into a pandemic has received an unprecedented response from the scientific community and sparked a general research interest into the biology and ecology of Coronaviridae, a family of positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses. Aquatic environments, lakes, rivers and ponds, are important habitats for bats and birds, which are hosts for various coronavirus species and strains and which shed viral particles in their feces. It is therefore of high interest to fully explore the role that aquatic environments may play in coronavirus spread, including cross-species transmissions. Besides the respiratory tract, coronaviruses pathogenic to humans can also infect the digestive system and be subsequently defecated. Considering this, it is pivotal to understand whether wastewater can play a role in their dissemination, particularly in areas with poor sanitation. This review provides an overview of the taxonomy, molecular biology, natural reservoirs and pathogenicity of coronaviruses; outlines their potential to survive in aquatic environments and wastewater; and demonstrates their association with aquatic biota, mainly waterfowl. It also calls for further, interdisciplinary research in the field of aquatic virology to explore the potential hotspots of coronaviruses in the aquatic environment and the routes through which they may enter it.
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Yang DM, Chang TJ, Wang ML, Tsai PH, Lin TH, Wang CT, Liang KH. Hunting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (2019 novel coronavirus): From laboratory testing back to basic research. J Chin Med Assoc 2020; 83:524-526. [PMID: 32502116 PMCID: PMC7199774 DOI: 10.1097/jcma.0000000000000332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in many countries causes citizens of daily inconvenience and even life-threat for elderly population. The invasion of the main pathogen, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2; 2019 novel coronavirus [2019-nCoV]), into human body causes different levels of impact to various patients. One of the most important issues for COVID-19 is how to defend this virus with the ability to foresee the infected targets. Thus, we maintain the quarantined essentially as for as others saved from COVID-19. So far, the routine laboratory test to confirm whether infected by SARS-CoV-2/2019-nCoV or not is through real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR; quantitative polymerase chain reaction [qPCR]) with certain sequence regions that recognize SARS-CoV-2/2019-nCoV RNA genome. The heavy loading of rRT-PCR (qPCR) machine and handling labor have tight-packed the instruments as well as the manpower almost in every country. Therefore, the alternative approaches are eagerly waiting to be developed. In this review article, we sort out some state-of-the-art novel approaches that might be applied for a fast, sensitive, and precise detection of SARS-CoV-2/2019-nCoV not only to help the routine laboratory testing but also to improve effective quarantine.
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Affiliation(s)
- De-Ming Yang
- Microscopy Service Laboratory, Basic Research Division, Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Institute of Biophotonics, School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Biophotonics and Molecular Imaging Research Center (BMIRC), National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- *Address Correspondence. Dr. De-Ming Yang, Microscopy Service Laboratory, Basic Research Division, Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112, Taiwan, ROC. E-mail address: (D.-M. Yang)
| | - Tai-Jay Chang
- Laboratory of Genome Research, Basic Research Division, Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- School of Biomedical science and Engineering, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Mong-Lien Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Institute of Food Safety and Health Risk Assessment, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ping-Hsing Tsai
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Research II, Division of Basic Research, Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ta-Hsien Lin
- Laboratory of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Basic Research Division, Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Institute of BioMedical Informatics, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chin-Tien Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Basic Research Division, Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Kung-Hao Liang
- Institute of Food Safety and Health Risk Assessment, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Laboratory of Systems Biomedical Science, Basic Research Division, Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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Tang T, Bidon M, Jaimes JA, Whittaker GR, Daniel S. Coronavirus membrane fusion mechanism offers a potential target for antiviral development. Antiviral Res 2020. [PMID: 32272173 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has focused attention on the need to develop effective therapies against the causative agent, SARS-CoV-2, and also against other pathogenic coronaviruses (CoV) that have emerged in the past or might appear in future. Researchers are therefore focusing on steps in the CoV replication cycle that may be vulnerable to inhibition by broad-spectrum or specific antiviral agents. The conserved nature of the fusion domain and mechanism across the CoV family make it a valuable target to elucidate and develop pan-CoV therapeutics. In this article, we review the role of the CoV spike protein in mediating fusion of the viral and host cell membranes, summarizing the results of research on SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and recent peer-reviewed studies of SARS-CoV-2, and suggest that the fusion mechanism be investigated as a potential antiviral target. We also provide a supplemental file containing background information on the biology, epidemiology, and clinical features of all human-infecting coronaviruses, along with a phylogenetic tree of these coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany Tang
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Miya Bidon
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Javier A Jaimes
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Gary R Whittaker
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Susan Daniel
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
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Tang T, Bidon M, Jaimes JA, Whittaker GR, Daniel S. Coronavirus membrane fusion mechanism offers a potential target for antiviral development. Antiviral Res 2020; 178:104792. [PMID: 32272173 PMCID: PMC7194977 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2020.104792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 515] [Impact Index Per Article: 128.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has focused attention on the need to develop effective therapies against the causative agent, SARS-CoV-2, and also against other pathogenic coronaviruses (CoV) that have emerged in the past or might appear in future. Researchers are therefore focusing on steps in the CoV replication cycle that may be vulnerable to inhibition by broad-spectrum or specific antiviral agents. The conserved nature of the fusion domain and mechanism across the CoV family make it a valuable target to elucidate and develop pan-CoV therapeutics. In this article, we review the role of the CoV spike protein in mediating fusion of the viral and host cell membranes, summarizing the results of research on SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and recent peer-reviewed studies of SARS-CoV-2, and suggest that the fusion mechanism be investigated as a potential antiviral target. We also provide a supplemental file containing background information on the biology, epidemiology, and clinical features of all human-infecting coronaviruses, along with a phylogenetic tree of these coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany Tang
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Miya Bidon
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Javier A Jaimes
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Gary R Whittaker
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Susan Daniel
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
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Ballout RA, Sviridov D, Bukrinsky MI, Remaley AT. The lysosome: A potential juncture between SARS-CoV-2 infectivity and Niemann-Pick disease type C, with therapeutic implications. FASEB J 2020; 34:7253-7264. [PMID: 32367579 PMCID: PMC7383733 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202000654r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Drug repurposing is potentially the fastest available option in the race to identify safe and efficacious drugs that can be used to prevent and/or treat COVID‐19. By describing the life cycle of the newly emergent coronavirus, SARS‐CoV‐2, in light of emerging data on the therapeutic efficacy of various repurposed antimicrobials undergoing testing against the virus, we highlight in this review a possible mechanistic convergence between some of these tested compounds. Specifically, we propose that the lysosomotropic effects of hydroxychloroquine and several other drugs undergoing testing may be responsible for their demonstrated in vitro antiviral activities against COVID‐19. Moreover, we propose that Niemann‐Pick disease type C (NPC), a lysosomal storage disorder, may provide new insights into potential future therapeutic targets for SARS‐CoV‐2, by highlighting key established features of the disorder that together result in an “unfavorable” host cellular environment that may interfere with viral propagation. Our reasoning evolves from previous biochemical and cell biology findings related to NPC, coupled with the rapidly evolving data on COVID‐19. Our overall aim is to suggest that pharmacological interventions targeting lysosomal function in general, and those particularly capable of reversibly inducing transient NPC‐like cellular and biochemical phenotypes, constitute plausible mechanisms that could be used to therapeutically target COVID‐19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rami A Ballout
- Lipoprotein Metabolism Section, Translational Vascular Medicine Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Dmitri Sviridov
- Lipoproteins and Atherosclerosis Laboratory, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Michael I Bukrinsky
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Alan T Remaley
- Lipoprotein Metabolism Section, Translational Vascular Medicine Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Membrane-anchored serine proteases as regulators of epithelial function. Biochem Soc Trans 2020; 48:517-528. [PMID: 32196551 PMCID: PMC9869603 DOI: 10.1042/bst20190675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cleavage of proteins in the extracellular milieu, including hormones, growth factors and their receptors, ion channels, and various cell adhesion and extracellular matrix molecules, plays a key role in the regulation of cell behavior. Among more than 500 proteolytic enzymes encoded by mammalian genomes, membrane-anchored serine proteases (MASPs), which are expressed on the surface of epithelial cells of all major organs, are excellently suited to mediate signal transduction across the epithelia and are increasingly being recognized as important regulators of epithelial development, function, and disease [ 1-3]. In this minireview, we summarize current knowledge of the in vivo roles of MASPs in acquisition and maintenance of some of the defining functions of epithelial tissues, such as barrier formation, ion transport, and sensory perception.
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Robson B. COVID-19 Coronavirus spike protein analysis for synthetic vaccines, a peptidomimetic antagonist, and therapeutic drugs, and analysis of a proposed achilles' heel conserved region to minimize probability of escape mutations and drug resistance. Comput Biol Med 2020; 121:103749. [PMID: 32568687 PMCID: PMC7151553 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2020.103749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
This paper continues a recent study of the spike protein sequence of the COVID-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2). It is also in part an introductory review to relevant computational techniques for tackling viral threats, using COVID-19 as an example. Q-UEL tools for facilitating access to knowledge and bioinformatics tools were again used for efficiency, but the focus in this paper is even more on the virus. Subsequence KRSFIEDLLFNKV of the S2′ spike glycoprotein proteolytic cleavage site continues to appear important. Here it is shown to be recognizable in the common cold coronaviruses, avian coronaviruses and possibly as traces in the nidoviruses of reptiles and fish. Its function or functions thus seem important to the coronaviruses. It might represent SARS-CoV-2 Achilles’ heel, less likely to acquire resistance by mutation, as has happened in some early SARS vaccine studies discussed in the previous paper. Preliminary conformational analysis of the receptor (ACE2) binding site of the spike protein is carried out suggesting that while it is somewhat conserved, it appears to be more variable than KRSFIEDLLFNKV. However compounds like emodin that inhibit SARS entry, apparently by binding ACE2, might also have functions at several different human protein binding sites. The enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 is again argued to be a convenient model pharmacophore perhaps representing an ensemble of targets, and it is noted that it occurs both in lung and alimentary tract. Perhaps it benefits the virus to block an inflammatory response by inhibiting the dehydrogenase, but a fairly complex web involves several possible targets. This paper “drills down” into the studies of the author's previous COVID-19 paper. Designing vaccine and drugs must seek to avoid escape mutations. Subsequence KRSFIEDLLFNKV seems recognizable across many coronaviruses. The ACE2 binding domain is a target, but shows variation. A steroid dehydrogenase is argued to remain an interesting model pharmacophore.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Robson
- Ingine Inc. Cleveland Ohio USA, The Dirac Foundation, Oxfordshire, UK.
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