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Tam EH, Peng Y, Cheah MXY, Yan C, Xiao T. Neutralizing antibodies to block viral entry and for identification of entry inhibitors. Antiviral Res 2024; 224:105834. [PMID: 38369246 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) are naturally produced by our immune system to combat viral infections. Clinically, neutralizing antibodies with potent efficacy and high specificity have been extensively used to prevent and treat a wide variety of viral infections, including Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Dengue Virus (DENV) and Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). An overwhelmingly large subset of clinically effective NAbs operates by targeting viral envelope proteins to inhibit viral entry into the host cell. Binding of viral envelope protein to the host receptor is a critical rate limiting step triggering a cascade of downstream events, including endocytosis, membrane fusion and pore formation to allow viral entry. In recent years, improved structural knowledge on these processes have allowed researchers to also leverage NAbs as an indispensable tool in guiding discovery of novel antiviral entry inhibitors, providing drug candidates with high efficacy and pan-genus specificity. This review will summarize the latest progresses on the applications of NAbs as effective entry inhibitors and as important tools to develop antiviral therapeutics by high-throughput drug screenings, rational design of peptidic entry inhibitor mimicking NAbs and in silico computational modeling approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ee Hong Tam
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University 637551, Singapore; Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University 636921, Singapore
| | - Yu Peng
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University 637551, Singapore; Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University 636921, Singapore
| | - Megan Xin Yan Cheah
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR (Agency of Science, Technology and Research) 138673, Singapore
| | - Chuan Yan
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR (Agency of Science, Technology and Research) 138673, Singapore
| | - Tianshu Xiao
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University 637551, Singapore; Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University 636921, Singapore.
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Castro-Amarante MFD, Pereira SS, Pereira LR, Santos LS, Venceslau-Carvalho AA, Martins EG, Balan A, Souza Ferreira LCD. The Anti-Dengue Virus Peptide DV2 Inhibits Zika Virus Both In Vitro and In Vivo. Viruses 2023; 15:v15040839. [PMID: 37112820 PMCID: PMC10143277 DOI: 10.3390/v15040839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The C-terminal portion of the E protein, known as stem, is conserved among flaviviruses and is an important target to peptide-based antiviral strategies. Since the dengue (DENV) and Zika (ZIKV) viruses share sequences in the stem region, in this study we evaluated the cross-inhibition of ZIKV by the stem-based DV2 peptide (419–447), which was previously described to inhibit all DENV serotypes. Thus, the anti-ZIKV effects induced by treatments with the DV2 peptide were tested in both in vitro and in vivo conditions. Molecular modeling approaches have demonstrated that the DV2 peptide interacts with amino acid residues exposed on the surface of pre- and postfusion forms of the ZIKA envelope (E) protein. The peptide did not have any significant cytotoxic effects on eukaryotic cells but efficiently inhibited ZIKV infectivity in cultivated Vero cells. In addition, the DV2 peptide reduced morbidity and mortality in mice subjected to lethal challenges with a ZIKV strain isolated in Brazil. Taken together, the present results support the therapeutic potential of the DV2 peptide against ZIKV infections and open perspectives for the development and clinical testing of anti-flavivirus treatments based on synthetic stem-based peptides.
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3
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Lee MF, Wu YS, Poh CL. Molecular Mechanisms of Antiviral Agents against Dengue Virus. Viruses 2023; 15:v15030705. [PMID: 36992414 PMCID: PMC10056858 DOI: 10.3390/v15030705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Dengue is a major global health threat causing 390 million dengue infections and 25,000 deaths annually. The lack of efficacy of the licensed Dengvaxia vaccine and the absence of a clinically approved antiviral against dengue virus (DENV) drive the urgent demand for the development of novel anti-DENV therapeutics. Various antiviral agents have been developed and investigated for their anti-DENV activities. This review discusses the mechanisms of action employed by various antiviral agents against DENV. The development of host-directed antivirals targeting host receptors and direct-acting antivirals targeting DENV structural and non-structural proteins are reviewed. In addition, the development of antivirals that target different stages during post-infection such as viral replication, viral maturation, and viral assembly are reviewed. Antiviral agents designed based on these molecular mechanisms of action could lead to the discovery and development of novel anti-DENV therapeutics for the treatment of dengue infections. Evaluations of combinations of antiviral drugs with different mechanisms of action could also lead to the development of synergistic drug combinations for the treatment of dengue at any stage of the infection.
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Zoladek J, Burlaud-Gaillard J, Chazal M, Desgraupes S, Jeannin P, Gessain A, Pardigon N, Hubert M, Roingeard P, Jouvenet N, Afonso PV. Human Claudin-Derived Peptides Block the Membrane Fusion Process of Zika Virus and Are Broad Flavivirus Inhibitors. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0298922. [PMID: 36040168 PMCID: PMC9603178 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02989-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that emerged in the Pacific islands in 2007 and spread to the Americas in 2015. The infection remains asymptomatic in most cases but can be associated with severe neurological disorders. Despite massive efforts, no specific drug or vaccine against ZIKV infection is available to date. Claudins are tight-junction proteins that favor the entry of several flaviviruses, including ZIKV. In this study, we identified two peptides derived from the N-terminal sequences of claudin-7 and claudin-1, named CL7.1 and CL1.1, respectively, that inhibited ZIKV infection in a panel of human cell lines. Using cell-to-cell fusion assays, we demonstrated that these peptides blocked the ZIKV E-mediated membrane fusion. A comparison of the antiviral efficacy of CL1.1 and CL7.1 pointed to the importance of the peptide amphipathicity. Electron microscopic analysis revealed that CL1.1 altered the ultrastructure of the viral particles likely by binding the virus lipid envelope. However, amphipathicity could not fully explain the antiviral activity of CL1.1. In silico docking simulations suggested that CL1.1 may also interact with the E protein, near its stem region. Overall, our data suggested that claudin-derived peptides inhibition may be linked to simultaneous interaction with the E protein and the viral lipid envelope. Finally, we found that CL1.1 also blocked infection by yellow fever and Japanese encephalitis viruses but not by HIV-1 or SARS-CoV-2. Our results provide a basis for the future development of therapeutics against a wide range of endemic and emerging flaviviruses. IMPORTANCE Zika virus (ZIKV) is a flavivirus transmitted by mosquito bites that have spread to the Pacific Islands and the Americas over the past decade. The infection remains asymptomatic in most cases but can cause severe neurological disorders. ZIKV is a major public health threat in areas of endemicity, and there is currently no specific antiviral drug or vaccine available. We identified two antiviral peptides deriving from the N-terminal sequences of claudin-7 and claudin-1 with the latter being the most effective. These peptides block the envelope-mediated membrane fusion. Our data suggested that the inhibition was likely achieved by simultaneously interacting with the viral lipid envelope and the E protein. The peptides also inhibited other flaviviruses. These results could provide the basis for the development of therapies that might target a wide array of flaviviruses from current epidemics and possibly future emergences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jim Zoladek
- Unité Épidémiologie et Physiopathologie des Virus Oncogènes, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3569, Paris, France
| | - Julien Burlaud-Gaillard
- Inserm U1259 MAVIVH, Université de Tours and CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
- Plate-Forme IBiSA de Microscopie Electronique, Université de Tours and CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Maxime Chazal
- Unité Signalisation Antivirale, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3569, Paris, France
| | - Sophie Desgraupes
- Unité Épidémiologie et Physiopathologie des Virus Oncogènes, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3569, Paris, France
| | - Patricia Jeannin
- Unité Épidémiologie et Physiopathologie des Virus Oncogènes, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3569, Paris, France
| | - Antoine Gessain
- Unité Épidémiologie et Physiopathologie des Virus Oncogènes, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3569, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Pardigon
- Groupe Arbovirus, Unité Environnement et Risques Infectieux, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Mathieu Hubert
- Unité Virus et Immunité, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3569, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Roingeard
- Inserm U1259 MAVIVH, Université de Tours and CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
- Plate-Forme IBiSA de Microscopie Electronique, Université de Tours and CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Nolwenn Jouvenet
- Unité Signalisation Antivirale, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3569, Paris, France
| | - Philippe V. Afonso
- Unité Épidémiologie et Physiopathologie des Virus Oncogènes, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3569, Paris, France
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5
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Design and evaluation of neutralizing and fusion inhibitory peptides to Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus. Antiviral Res 2022; 207:105401. [DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2022.105401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Schmidt TF, Caseli L. Molecular organization of dengue fusion peptide in phospholipid monolayers revealed by tensiometry and vibrational spectroscopy. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2022; 215:112477. [PMID: 35381500 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2022.112477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The interaction of Dengue fusion peptide (FLAg) in selected lipid Langmuir monolayers was characterized with surface pressure-area isotherms and infrared spectroscopy to investigate the role of the membrane charge and molecular organization in the peptide-lipid binding. Surface pressure-area isotherms were employed to analyze the thermodynamic and mechanical properties of the FLAg-lipid monolayer, showing that charged lipid monolayers showed different peptide adsorption patterns for an optimized peptide concentration (maximum membrane adsorption). Polarization modulation infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy pointed out that incorporating FLAg changed the dipole orientations for the lipid polar head groups, as confirmed in PG-containing monolayers. Also, FLAg reorients the lipid film when it interacts with the phosphate and choline groups. Finally, analysis of the 310-helix bands suggests that FLAg assumes a configuration as a hairpin, an essential premise for the beginning of the membrane fusion process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaís F Schmidt
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema, SP, Brazil; Universidade Municipal de São Caetano do Sul, São Caetano do Sul, SP, Brazil.
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7
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Finding a chink in the armor: Update, limitations, and challenges toward successful antivirals against flaviviruses. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010291. [PMID: 35482672 PMCID: PMC9049358 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010291] [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] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Flaviviruses have caused large epidemics and ongoing outbreaks for centuries. They are now distributed in every continent infecting up to millions of people annually and may emerge to cause future epidemics. Some of the viruses from this group cause severe illnesses ranging from hemorrhagic to neurological manifestations. Despite decades of research, there are currently no approved antiviral drugs against flaviviruses, urging for new strategies and antiviral targets. In recent years, integrated omics data-based drug repurposing paired with novel drug validation methodologies and appropriate animal models has substantially aided in the discovery of new antiviral medicines. Here, we aim to review the latest progress in the development of both new and repurposed (i) direct-acting antivirals; (ii) host-targeting antivirals; and (iii) multitarget antivirals against flaviviruses, which have been evaluated both in vitro and in vivo, with an emphasis on their targets and mechanisms. The search yielded 37 compounds that have been evaluated for their efficacy against flaviviruses in animal models; 20 of them are repurposed drugs, and the majority of them exhibit broad-spectrum antiviral activity. The review also highlighted the major limitations and challenges faced in the current in vitro and in vivo evaluations that hamper the development of successful antiviral drugs for flaviviruses. We provided an analysis of what can be learned from some of the approved antiviral drugs as well as drugs that failed clinical trials. Potent in vitro and in vivo antiviral efficacy alone does not warrant successful antiviral drugs; current gaps in studies need to be addressed to improve efficacy and safety in clinical trials.
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8
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Yu Y, Si L, Meng Y. Flavivirus Entry Inhibitors. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1366:171-197. [PMID: 35412141 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-16-8702-0_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Flaviviruses, including Dengue virus, Zika virus, Yellow fever virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, West Nile virus, cause thousands of deaths and millions of illnesses each year. The large outbreak of ZIKV in 2016 reminds us that flaviviruses can pose a serious threat to human safety and public health as emerging and re-emerging viruses. However, there are no specific drugs approved for the treatment of flavivirus infections. Due to no need to enter the cells, viral entry inhibitors have the unique advantage in suppressing viral infections. Flaviviruses bind to receptors and attach to the cell surface, then enter the endosome in a clathrin-dependent manner and finalizes the viral entry process after fusion with the cell membrane in a low pH environment. Small molecules, antibodies or peptides can inhibit flavivirus entry by targeting the above processes. Here, we focus on flavivirus entry inhibitors with well-defined target and antiviral activity. We hope that our review will provide a theoretical basis for flavivirus treatment and drug research and help to accelerate the clinical application of flavivirus entry inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Yu
- Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Lulu Si
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yu Meng
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
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9
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Sundar S, Piramanayagam S, Natarajan J. A review on structural genomics approach applied for drug discovery against three vector-borne viral diseases: Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika. Virus Genes 2022; 58:151-171. [PMID: 35394596 DOI: 10.1007/s11262-022-01898-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Structural genomics involves the advent of three-dimensional structures of the genome encoded proteins through various techniques available. Numerous structural genomics research groups have been developed across the globe and they contribute enormously to the identification of three-dimensional structures of various proteins. In this review, we have discussed the applications of the structural genomics approach towards the discovery of potential lead-like molecules against the genomic drug targets of three vector-borne diseases, namely, Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika. Currently, all these three diseases are associated with the most important global public health problems and significant economic burden in tropical countries. Structural genomics has accelerated the identification of novel drug targets and inhibitors for the treatment of these diseases. We start with the current development status of the drug targets and antiviral drugs against these three diseases and conclude by describing challenges that need to be addressed to overcome the shortcomings in the process of drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shobana Sundar
- Computational Biology Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, India
| | | | - Jeyakumar Natarajan
- Data Mining and Text Mining Laboratory, Department of Bioinformatics, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.
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10
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Düzgüneş N, Fernandez-Fuentes N, Konopka K. Inhibition of Viral Membrane Fusion by Peptides and Approaches to Peptide Design. Pathogens 2021; 10:1599. [PMID: 34959554 PMCID: PMC8709411 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10121599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Fusion of lipid-enveloped viruses with the cellular plasma membrane or the endosome membrane is mediated by viral envelope proteins that undergo large conformational changes following binding to receptors. The HIV-1 fusion protein gp41 undergoes a transition into a "six-helix bundle" after binding of the surface protein gp120 to the CD4 receptor and a co-receptor. Synthetic peptides that mimic part of this structure interfere with the formation of the helix structure and inhibit membrane fusion. This approach also works with the S spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. Here we review the peptide inhibitors of membrane fusion involved in infection by influenza virus, HIV-1, MERS and SARS coronaviruses, hepatitis viruses, paramyxoviruses, flaviviruses, herpesviruses and filoviruses. We also describe recent computational methods used for the identification of peptide sequences that can interact strongly with protein interfaces, with special emphasis on SARS-CoV-2, using the PePI-Covid19 database.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nejat Düzgüneş
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, University of the Pacific, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA;
| | - Narcis Fernandez-Fuentes
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 3EE, UK;
| | - Krystyna Konopka
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, University of the Pacific, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA;
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Abstract
Viral fusion glycoproteins catalyze membrane fusion during viral entry. Unlike most enzymes, however, they lack a conventional active site in which formation or scission of a specific covalent bond is catalyzed. Instead, they drive the membrane fusion reaction by cojoining highly regulated changes in conformation to membrane deformation. Despite the challenges in applying inhibitor design approaches to these proteins, recent advances in knowledge of the structures and mechanisms of viral fusogens have enabled the development of small-molecule inhibitors of both class I and class II viral fusion proteins. Here, we review well-validated inhibitors, including their discovery, targets, and mechanism(s) of action, while highlighting mechanistic similarities and differences. Together, these examples make a compelling case for small-molecule inhibitors as tools for probing the mechanisms of viral glycoprotein-mediated fusion and for viral glycoproteins as druggable targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Yuan Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Current affiliation: Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California 94305, USA;
| | - Priscilla L Yang
- Department of Microbiology and Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Current affiliation: Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California 94305, USA;
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12
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Gao C, Yu Y, Wen C, Li Z, Sun M, Gao S, Lin S, Wang S, Zou P, Xing Z. Peptides derived from viral glycoprotein Gc Inhibit infection of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus. Antiviral Res 2021; 194:105164. [PMID: 34411654 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2021.105164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an acute infectious disease caused by a novel phlebovirus (SFTSV), characterized by fever, thrombocytopenia and leukocytopenia which lead to multiple organ failure with high mortality in severe cases. The SFTSV has spread rapidly in recent years and posed a serious threat to public health in endemic areas. However, specific antiviral therapeutics for SFTSV infection are rare. In this study, we demonstrated that two peptides, SGc1 and SGc8, derived from a hydrophobic region of the SFTSV glycoprotein Gc, could potently inhibit SFTSV replication in a dose-dependent manner without apparent cytotoxicity in various cell lines and with low immunogenicity and good stability. The IC50 (50% inhibition concentration) values for both peptides to inhibit 2 MOI of SFTSV infection were below 10 μM in L02, Vero and BHK21 cells. Mechanistically, SGc1 and SGc8 mainly inhibited viral entry at the early stage of the viral infection. Inhibition of SFTSV replication was specific by both peptides because no inhibitory effect was shown against other viruses including Zika virus and Enterovirus A71. Taken together, our results suggested that viral glycoprotein-derived SGc1 and SGc8 peptides have antiviral potential and warrant further assessment as an SFTSV-specific therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengfeng Gao
- Medical School, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Yufeng Yu
- Medical School, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China.
| | - Chunxia Wen
- Medical School, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Zhifeng Li
- Department of Acute Infectious Diseases Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Menghuai Sun
- Medical School, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Shu Gao
- Medical School, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Shuhan Lin
- Medical School, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Shenjiao Wang
- Department of Acute Infectious Diseases, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Peng Zou
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201508, China
| | - Zheng Xing
- Medical School, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China; Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota at Twin Cities, Saint Paul, MN, 55108, USA.
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13
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Gallo FN, Enderle AG, Pardo LA, Leal ES, Bollini M. Challenges and perspectives in the discovery of dengue virus entry inhibitors. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:719-740. [PMID: 34036904 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210521213118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Dengue virus (DENV) disease has become one of the major challenges in public health. Currently, there is no antiviral treatment for this infection. Since human transmission occurs via mosquitoes of the Aedes genus, most efforts have been focused on controlling this vector. However, these control strategies have not been totally successful, as reflected in the increasing number of DENV infections per year, becoming an endemic disease in more than 100 countries worldwide. Consequently, the development of a safe antiviral agent is urgently needed. In this sense, rational design approaches have been applied in the development of antiviral compounds that inhibit one or more steps in the viral replication cycle. The entry of viruses into host cells is an early and specific stage of infection. Targeting either viral components or cellular protein targets is an affordable and effective strategy for therapeutic intervention of viral infections. This review provides an extensive overview of the small organic molecules, peptides, and inorganic moieties that have been tested so far as DENV entry direct-acting antiviral agents. The latest advances based on computer-aided drug design (CADD) strategies and traditional medicinal chemistry approaches in the design and evaluation of DENV virus entry inhibitors will be discussed. Furthermore, physicochemical drug properties such as solubility, lipophilicity, stability, and current results of pre-clinical and clinical studies will also be discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Facundo N Gallo
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bionanociencias (CIBION), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz, 2390, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana G Enderle
- Laboratorio de Desarrollo Analítico y Quimiometría (LADAQ), Cátedra de Química Analítica I, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Ciudad Universitaria, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Lucas A Pardo
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, 3480 University Street, Montreal, Canada
| | - Emilse S Leal
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bionanociencias (CIBION), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz, 2390, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariela Bollini
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bionanociencias (CIBION), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz, 2390, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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14
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S AH, Pujar GV, Sethu AK, Bhagyalalitha M, Singh M. Dengue structural proteins as antiviral drug targets: Current status in the drug discovery & development. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 221:113527. [PMID: 34020338 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Dengue virus belongs to the class of RNA viruses and subclass of enveloped single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus. It causes dengue fever (DF), dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), or dengue shock syndrome (DSS), where DHF and DSS are life-threatening. Even though dengue is an age-old disease, it is still a mystery and continues to be a global threat. Numerous attempts have been carried out in the past few decades to eradicate the virus through vaccine and antiviral drugs, but still battle continues. In this review, the possible drug targets for discovery and development of potential antiviral drugs against structural proteins of dengue virus, the current development status of the antiviral drugs against dengue around the world, and challenges that need to be addressed to overcome the shortcomings in the process of drug discovery have been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshatha H S
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Sri Shivarathreeshwara Nagara, Mysuru, 570015, India
| | - Gurubasavaraj V Pujar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Sri Shivarathreeshwara Nagara, Mysuru, 570015, India.
| | - Arun Kumar Sethu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Sri Shivarathreeshwara Nagara, Mysuru, 570015, India
| | - Meduri Bhagyalalitha
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Sri Shivarathreeshwara Nagara, Mysuru, 570015, India
| | - Manisha Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Sri Shivarathreeshwara Nagara, Mysuru, 570015, India
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15
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Entry of Phenuiviruses into Mammalian Host Cells. Viruses 2021; 13:v13020299. [PMID: 33672975 PMCID: PMC7918600 DOI: 10.3390/v13020299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenuiviridae is a large family of arthropod-borne viruses with over 100 species worldwide. Several cause severe diseases in both humans and livestock. Global warming and the apparent geographical expansion of arthropod vectors are good reasons to seriously consider these viruses potential agents of emerging diseases. With an increasing frequency and number of epidemics, some phenuiviruses represent a global threat to public and veterinary health. This review focuses on the early stage of phenuivirus infection in mammalian host cells. We address current knowledge on each step of the cell entry process, from virus binding to penetration into the cytosol. Virus receptors, endocytosis, and fusion mechanisms are discussed in light of the most recent progress on the entry of banda-, phlebo-, and uukuviruses, which together constitute the three prominent genera in the Phenuiviridae family.
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16
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Arumugam AC, Agharbaoui FE, Khazali AS, Yusof R, Abd Rahman N, Ahmad Fuaad AAH. Computational-aided design: minimal peptide sequence to block dengue virus transmission into cells. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2020; 40:5026-5035. [PMID: 33382015 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2020.1866074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Dengue virus (DV) infection is one of the main public health concerns, affecting approximately 390 million people worldwide, as reported by the World Health Organization. Yet, there is no antiviral treatment for DV infection. Therefore, the development of potent and nontoxic anti-DV, as a complement for the existing treatment strategies, is urgently needed. Herein, we investigate a series of small peptides inhibitors of DV antiviral activity targeting the entry process as the promising strategy to block DV infection. The peptides were designed based on our previously reported peptide sequence, DN58opt (TWWCFYFCRRHHPFWFFYRHN), to identify minimal effective inhibitory sequence through molecular docking and dynamics studies. The in silico designed peptides were synthesized using conventional Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis chemistry, purified by RP-HPLC and characterized using LCMS. Later, they were screened for their antiviral activity. One of the peptides, AC 001, was able to reduce about 40% of DV plaque formation. This observation correlates well with the molecular mechanics-Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) analysis - AC 001 showed the most favorable binding affinity through 60 ns simulations. Pairwise residue decomposition analysis has revealed four key residues that contributed to the binding of these peptides into the DV2 E protein pocket. This work identifies the minimal peptide sequence required to inhibit DV replication and explains the behavior observed on an atomic level using computational study.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aathe Cangaree Arumugam
- Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, DDDRG, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Ahmad Suhail Khazali
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Molecular Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi Mara, Arau, Perlis, Malaysia
| | - Rohana Yusof
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Molecular Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Noorsaadah Abd Rahman
- Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, DDDRG, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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17
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Abstract
The flavivirus genus encompasses more than 75 unique viruses, including dengue virus which accounts for almost 390 million global infections annually. Flavivirus infection can result in a myriad of symptoms ranging from mild rash and flu-like symptoms, to severe encephalitis and even hemorrhagic fever. Efforts to combat the impact of these viruses have been hindered due to limited antiviral drug and vaccine development. However, the advancement of knowledge in the structural biology of flaviviruses over the last 25 years has produced unique perspectives for the identification of potential therapeutic targets. With particular emphasis on the assembly and maturation stages of the flavivirus life cycle, it is the goal of this review to comparatively analyze the structural similarities between flaviviruses to provide avenues for new research and innovation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conrrad M R Nicholls
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Madhumati Sevvana
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Richard J Kuhn
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States; Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology, and Infectious Disease, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States.
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18
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Medits I, Vaney M, Rouvinski A, Rey M, Chamot‐Rooke J, Rey FA, Heinz FX, Stiasny K. Extensive flavivirus E trimer breathing accompanies stem zippering of the post-fusion hairpin. EMBO Rep 2020; 21:e50069. [PMID: 32484292 PMCID: PMC7403712 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202050069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Flaviviruses enter cells by fusion with endosomal membranes through a rearrangement of the envelope protein E, a class II membrane fusion protein, into fusogenic trimers. The rod-like E subunits bend into "hairpins" to bring the fusion loops next to the C-terminal transmembrane (TM) anchors, with the TM-proximal "stem" element zippering the E trimer to force apposition of the membranes. The structure of the complete class II trimeric hairpin is known for phleboviruses but not for flaviviruses, for which the stem is only partially resolved. Here, we performed comparative analyses of E-protein trimers from the tick-borne encephalitis flavivirus with sequential stem truncations. Our thermostability and antibody-binding data suggest that the stem "zipper" ends at a characteristic flavivirus conserved sequence (CS) that cloaks the fusion loops, with the downstream segment not contributing to trimer stability. We further identified a highly dynamic behavior of E trimers C-terminally truncated upstream the CS, which, unlike fully stem-zippered trimers, undergo rapid deuterium exchange at the trimer interface. These results thus identify important "breathing" intermediates in the E-protein-driven membrane fusion process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Medits
- Center for VirologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | | | - Alexander Rouvinski
- Unité de Virologie StructuraleInstitut PasteurCNRS UMR 3569 VirologieParisFrance
- Present address:
Department of Microbiology and Molecular GeneticsInstitute for Medical Research Israel‐CanadaThe Kuvin Center for the Study of Infectious and Tropical DiseasesThe Hebrew University of JerusalemJerusalemIsrael
| | - Martial Rey
- Unité de Spectrométrie de Masse pour la BiologieInstitut PasteurCNRS USR 2000ParisFrance
| | - Julia Chamot‐Rooke
- Unité de Spectrométrie de Masse pour la BiologieInstitut PasteurCNRS USR 2000ParisFrance
| | - Felix A Rey
- Unité de Virologie StructuraleInstitut PasteurCNRS UMR 3569 VirologieParisFrance
| | - Franz X Heinz
- Center for VirologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Karin Stiasny
- Center for VirologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
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19
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Peptides targeting dengue viral nonstructural protein 1 inhibit dengue virus production. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12933. [PMID: 32737386 PMCID: PMC7395749 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69515-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses manipulate the life cycle in host cells via the use of viral properties and host machineries. Development of antiviral peptides against dengue virus (DENV) infection has previously been concentrated on blocking the actions of viral structural proteins and enzymes in virus entry and viral RNA processing in host cells. In this study, we proposed DENV NS1, which is a multifunctional non-structural protein indispensable for virus production, as a new target for inhibition of DENV infection by specific peptides. We performed biopanning assays using a phage-displayed peptide library and identified 11 different sequences of 12-mer peptides binding to DENV NS1. In silico analyses of peptide-protein interactions revealed 4 peptides most likely to bind to DENV NS1 at specific positions and their association was analysed by surface plasmon resonance. Treatment of Huh7 cells with these 4 peptides conjugated with N-terminal fluorescent tag and C-terminal cell penetrating tag at varying time-of-addition post-DENV infection could inhibit the production of DENV-2 in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The inhibitory effects of the peptides were also observed in other virus serotypes (DENV-1 and DENV-4), but not in DENV-3. These findings indicate the potential application of peptides targeting DENV NS1 as antiviral agents against DENV infection.
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20
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Karwal P, Vats ID, Sinha N, Singhal A, Sehgal T, Kumari P. Therapeutic Applications of Peptides against Zika Virus: A Review. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:3906-3923. [DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666190111115132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2018] [Revised: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Zika Virus (ZIKV) belongs to the class of flavivirus that can be transmitted by Aedes
mosquitoes. The number of Zika virus caused cases of acute infections, neurological disorders and
congenital microcephaly are rapidly growing and therefore, in 2016, the World Health Organization
declared a global “Public Health Emergency of International Concern”. Anti-ZIKV therapeutic and
vaccine development strategies are growing worldwide in recent years, however, no specific and safe
treatment is available till date to save the human life. Currently, development of peptide therapeutics
against ZIKV has attracted rising attention on account of their high safety concern and low development
cost, in comparison to small therapeutic molecules and antibody-based anti-viral drugs. In present
review, an overview of ZIKV inhibition by peptide-based inhibitors including E-protein derived
peptides, antimicrobial peptides, frog skin peptides and probiotic peptides has been discussed. Peptides
inhibitors have also been reported to act against NS5, NS2B-NS3 protease and proteasome in
order to inhibit ZIKV infection. Recent advances in peptide-based therapeutics and vaccine have
been reviewed and their future promise against ZIKV infections has been explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Karwal
- Department of Biochemistry, Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi, Delhi-110019, India
| | - Ishwar Dutt Vats
- Department of Chemistry, Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi, Delhi-110019, India
| | - Niharika Sinha
- Drug Development Laboratory Group, Gautam Buddha University, Noida, India
| | - Anchal Singhal
- Department of Chemistry, St. Joseph's College, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Teena Sehgal
- Department of Chemistry, HMRITM, GGSIP University, New Delhi, India
| | - Pratibha Kumari
- Department of Chemistry, Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi, Delhi-110019, India
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21
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Shanmugam A, Ramakrishnan C, Velmurugan D, Gromiha MM. Identification of Potential Inhibitors for Targets Involved in Dengue Fever. Curr Top Med Chem 2020; 20:1742-1760. [PMID: 32552652 DOI: 10.2174/1568026620666200618123026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Lethality due to dengue infection is a global threat. Nearly 400 million people are affected every year, which approximately costs 500 million dollars for surveillance and vector control itself. Many investigations on the structure-function relationship of proteins expressed by the dengue virus are being made for more than a decade and had come up with many reports on small molecule drug discovery. In this review, we present a detailed note on viral proteins and their functions as well as the inhibitors discovered/designed so far using experimental and computational methods. Further, the phytoconstituents from medicinal plants, specifically the extract of the papaya leaves, neem and bael, which combat dengue infection via dengue protease, helicase, methyl transferase and polymerase are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anusuya Shanmugam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Vinayaka Mission's Kirupananda Variyar Engineering College, Vinayaka Mission's Research Foundation (Deemed to be University), Salem - 636308, India
| | - Chandrasekaran Ramakrishnan
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, Chennai - 600036, India
| | - Devadasan Velmurugan
- Centre of Advanced Study in Crystallography and Biophysics, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai - 600025, India
| | - M Michael Gromiha
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, Chennai - 600036, India
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22
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Lin HH, Huang LM, Wu SC. A quantitative luciferase-based cell-cell fusion assay to measure four-serotype dengue virus E protein-triggered membrane fusion. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2020; 16:2176-2182. [PMID: 32530355 PMCID: PMC7553686 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2020.1748989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The class II membrane fusion induced by flavivirus E proteins is a unique pH-dependent membrane fusion process differently from the class I or III membrane fusion by other enveloped virus proteins. The fusion peptide on the DII of the flavivirus E proteins can insert into the cell membrane as a cell entry process besides the receptor bindings. A traditional assay using C6/36 mosquito cells infected by dengue viruses has been previously reported but did not provide efficient quantitation to measure the virus-triggered membrane fusion. Here we reported the development of a quantitative cell fusion assay for four serotypes of dengue viruses and the recently emerged Zika viruses. We used a pCI-neo vector encoding the prME genes of dengue and Zika viruses and investigated the cell fusion in transfected 293, Vero and CHO cells. Donor cells were co-transfection of the prME genes of dengue and Zika prME gene and T7 RNA polymerase to react with the indicator cells transfected with the luciferase gene under the control of the T7 promoter. Quantification of the virus-induced cell fusion was determined by the luciferase expression levels under a switch of pH from 7.4 to 5.4 in the co-cultured donor and indicator cells. The quantitative luciferase-based assay was applied to measure the anti-fusion activity by two monoclonal antibodies mAb 4G2 and mAb DB42 against dengue virus infections. This assay could quality as a quantitative bioassay for testing the potency of anti-fusion monoclonal antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiao-Han Lin
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Tsing Hua University , Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Li-Min Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Children's Hospital , Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Suh-Chin Wu
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Tsing Hua University , Hsinchu, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Science, National Tsing Hua University , Hsinchu, Taiwan
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23
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Zacheo A, Hodek J, Witt D, Mangiatordi GF, Ong QK, Kocabiyik O, Depalo N, Fanizza E, Laquintana V, Denora N, Migoni D, Barski P, Stellacci F, Weber J, Krol S. Multi-sulfonated ligands on gold nanoparticles as virucidal antiviral for Dengue virus. Sci Rep 2020; 10:9052. [PMID: 32494059 PMCID: PMC7271158 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65892-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Dengue virus (DENV) causes 390 million infections per year. Infections can be asymptomatic or range from mild fever to severe haemorrhagic fever and shock syndrome. Currently, no effective antivirals or safe universal vaccine is available. In the present work we tested different gold nanoparticles (AuNP) coated with ligands ω-terminated with sugars bearing multiple sulfonate groups. We aimed to identify compounds with antiviral properties due to irreversible (virucidal) rather than reversible (virustatic) inhibition. The ligands varied in length, in number of sulfonated groups as well as their spatial orientation induced by the sugar head groups. We identified two candidates, a glucose- and a lactose-based ligand showing a low EC50 (effective concentration that inhibit 50% of the viral activity) for DENV-2 inhibition, moderate toxicity and a virucidal effect in hepatocytes with titre reduction of Median Tissue Culture Infectious Dose log10TCID50 2.5 and 3.1. Molecular docking simulations complemented the experimental findings suggesting a molecular rationale behind the binding between sulfonated head groups and DENV-2 envelope protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Zacheo
- Laboratory for nanotechnology, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Bari, Italy
| | - Jan Hodek
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | | | - Quy K Ong
- Institute of Materials, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ozgun Kocabiyik
- Institute of Materials, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicoletta Depalo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Fanizza
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
- Institute for Physical and Chemical Processes (IPCF)-CNR, SS Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Valentino Laquintana
- Department of Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Nunzio Denora
- Institute for Physical and Chemical Processes (IPCF)-CNR, SS Bari, Bari, Italy
- Department of Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Danilo Migoni
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DiSTeBA), University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Stellacci
- Institute of Materials, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Interfaculty Bioengineering Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jan Weber
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Silke Krol
- Laboratory for personalized medicine, IRCCS Ospedale Specializzato in Gastroenterologia "Saverio de Bellis", Castellana Grotte, BA, Italy.
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24
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Su X, Wang Q, Wen Y, Jiang S, Lu L. Protein- and Peptide-Based Virus Inactivators: Inactivating Viruses Before Their Entry Into Cells. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1063. [PMID: 32523582 PMCID: PMC7261908 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other highly pathogenic enveloped viruses, have threatened the global public health. Most antiviral drugs act as passive defenders to inhibit viral replication inside the cell, while a few of them function as gate keepers to combat viruses outside the cell, including fusion inhibitors, e.g., enfuvirtide, and receptor antagonists, e.g., maraviroc, as well as virus inactivators (including attachment inhibitors). Different from fusion inhibitors and receptor antagonists that must act in the presence of target cells, virus inactivators can actively inactivate cell-free virions in the blood, through interaction with one or more sites in the envelope glycoproteins (Envs) on virions. Notably, a number of protein- and peptide-based virus inactivators (PPVIs) under development are expected to have a better utilization rate than the current antiviral drugs and be safer for in vivo human application than the chemical-based virus inactivators. Here we have highlighted recent progress in developing PPVIs against several important enveloped viruses, including HIV, influenza virus, Zika virus (ZIKV), dengue virus (DENV), and herpes simplex virus (HSV), and the potential use of PPVIs for urgent treatment of infection by newly emerging or re-emerging viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojie Su
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yumei Wen
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shibo Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Lu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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25
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Pierson TC, Diamond MS. The continued threat of emerging flaviviruses. Nat Microbiol 2020; 5:796-812. [PMID: 32367055 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-020-0714-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 483] [Impact Index Per Article: 120.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Flaviviruses are vector-borne RNA viruses that can emerge unexpectedly in human populations and cause a spectrum of potentially severe diseases including hepatitis, vascular shock syndrome, encephalitis, acute flaccid paralysis, congenital abnormalities and fetal death. This epidemiological pattern has occurred numerous times during the last 70 years, including epidemics of dengue virus and West Nile virus, and the most recent explosive epidemic of Zika virus in the Americas. Flaviviruses are now globally distributed and infect up to 400 million people annually. Of significant concern, outbreaks of other less well-characterized flaviviruses have been reported in humans and animals in different regions of the world. The potential for these viruses to sustain epidemic transmission among humans is poorly understood. In this Review, we discuss the basic biology of flaviviruses, their infectious cycles, the diseases they cause and underlying host immune responses to infection. We describe flaviviruses that represent an established ongoing threat to global health and those that have recently emerged in new populations to cause significant disease. We also provide examples of lesser-known flaviviruses that circulate in restricted areas of the world but have the potential to emerge more broadly in human populations. Finally, we discuss how an understanding of the epidemiology, biology, structure and immunity of flaviviruses can inform the rapid development of countermeasures to treat or prevent human infections as they emerge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore C Pierson
- Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Michael S Diamond
- Departments of Medicine, Molecular Microbiology, Pathology & Immunology, Andrew M. and Jane M. Bursky Center for Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Programs, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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26
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Anasir MI, Ramanathan B, Poh CL. Structure-Based Design of Antivirals against Envelope Glycoprotein of Dengue Virus. Viruses 2020; 12:v12040367. [PMID: 32225021 PMCID: PMC7232406 DOI: 10.3390/v12040367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Dengue virus (DENV) presents a significant threat to global public health with more than 500,000 hospitalizations and 25,000 deaths annually. Currently, there is no clinically approved antiviral drug to treat DENV infection. The envelope (E) glycoprotein of DENV is a promising target for drug discovery as the E protein is important for viral attachment and fusion. Understanding the structure and function of DENV E protein has led to the exploration of structure-based drug discovery of antiviral compounds and peptides against DENV infections. This review summarizes the structural information of the DENV E protein with regards to DENV attachment and fusion. The information enables the development of antiviral agents through structure-based approaches. In addition, this review compares the potency of antivirals targeting the E protein with the antivirals targeting DENV multifunctional enzymes, repurposed drugs and clinically approved antiviral drugs. None of the current DENV antiviral candidates possess potency similar to the approved antiviral drugs which indicates that more efforts and resources must be invested before an effective DENV drug materializes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Ishtiaq Anasir
- Center for Virus and Vaccine Research, School of Science and Technology, Sunway University, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor 47500, Malaysia;
| | - Babu Ramanathan
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Sunway University, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor 47500, Malaysia;
| | - Chit Laa Poh
- Center for Virus and Vaccine Research, School of Science and Technology, Sunway University, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor 47500, Malaysia;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +60-3-7491-8622; Fax: +60-3-5635-8633
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27
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Abdullah AA, Lee YK, Chin SP, Lim SK, Lee VS, Othman R, Othman S, Rahman NA, Yusof R, Heh CH. Discovery of Dengue Virus Inhibitors. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:4945-5036. [PMID: 30514185 DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666181204155336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Revised: 11/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
To date, there is still no approved anti-dengue agent to treat dengue infection in the market. Although the only licensed dengue vaccine, Dengvaxia is available, its protective efficacy against serotypes 1 and 2 of dengue virus was reported to be lower than serotypes 3 and 4. Moreover, according to WHO, the risk of being hospitalized and having severe dengue increased in seronegative individuals after they received Dengvaxia vaccination. Nevertheless, various studies had been carried out in search of dengue virus inhibitors. These studies focused on the structural (C, prM, E) and non-structural proteins (NS1, NS2A, NS2B, NS3, NS4A, NS4B and NS5) of dengue virus as well as host factors as drug targets. Hence, this article provides an overall up-to-date review of the discovery of dengue virus inhibitors that are only targeting the structural and non-structural viral proteins as drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adib Afandi Abdullah
- Drug Design and Development Research Group (DDDRG), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yean Kee Lee
- Drug Design and Development Research Group (DDDRG), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sek Peng Chin
- Drug Design and Development Research Group (DDDRG), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - See Khai Lim
- Drug Design and Development Research Group (DDDRG), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Vannajan Sanghiran Lee
- Drug Design and Development Research Group (DDDRG), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rozana Othman
- Drug Design and Development Research Group (DDDRG), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Shatrah Othman
- Drug Design and Development Research Group (DDDRG), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Noorsaadah Abdul Rahman
- Drug Design and Development Research Group (DDDRG), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rohana Yusof
- Drug Design and Development Research Group (DDDRG), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Choon Han Heh
- Drug Design and Development Research Group (DDDRG), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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28
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Abstract
Dengue virus (DENV) belongs to the family Flaviviridae, genus Flavivirus. It is a single-stranded positive-sense ribonucleic acid virus with 10,700 bases. The genus Flavivirus includes other arthropod borne viruses such as yellow fever virus, West Nile virus, Zika virus, tick-borne encephalitis virus. It infects ~50–200 million people annually, putting over 3.6 billion people living in tropical regions at risk and causing ~20,000 deaths annually. The expansion of dengue is attributed to factors such as the modern dynamics of climate change, globalization, travel, trade, socioeconomics, settlement, and also viral evolution. There are four antigenically different serotypes of DENV based on the differences in their viral structural and nonstructural proteins. DENV infection causes a spectrum of illness ranging from asymptomatic to dengue fever to severe dengue shock syndrome. Infection with one serotype confers lifelong immunity against that serotype, but heterologus infection leads to severe dengue hemorrhagic fever due to antibody-dependent enhancement. Diagnosis of dengue infections is based mainly on serological detection of either antigen in acute cases or antibodies in both acute and chronic infection. Viral detection and real-time PCR detection though helpful is not feasible in resource poor setup. Treatment of dengue depends on symptomatic management along with fluid resuscitation and may require platelet transfusion. Although vaccine development is in late stages of development, developing a single vaccine against four serotypes often causes serious challenges to researchers; hence, the main stay of prevention is vector control and management.
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Multiple Virtual Screening Strategies for the Discovery of Novel Compounds Active Against Dengue Virus: A Hit Identification Study. Sci Pharm 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/scipharm88010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Dengue infection is caused by a mosquito-borne virus, particularly in children, which may even cause death. No effective prevention or therapeutic agents to cure this disease are available up to now. The dengue viral envelope (E) protein was discovered to be a promising target for inhibition in several steps of viral infection. Structure-based virtual screening has become an important technique to identify first hits in a drug screening process, as it is possible to reduce the number of compounds to be assayed, allowing to save resources. In the present study, pharmacophore models were generated using the common hits approach (CHA), starting from trajectories obtained from molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the E protein complexed with the active inhibitor, flavanone (FN5Y). Subsequently, compounds presented in various drug databases were screened using the LigandScout 4.2 program. The obtained hits were analyzed in more detail by molecular docking, followed by extensive MD simulations of the complexes. The highest-ranked compound from this procedure was then synthesized and tested on its inhibitory efficiency by experimental assays.
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Wei J, Hameed M, Wang X, Zhang J, Guo S, Anwar MN, Pang L, Liu K, Li B, Shao D, Qiu Y, Zhong D, Zhou B, Ma Z. Antiviral activity of phage display-selected peptides against Japanese encephalitis virus infection in vitro and in vivo. Antiviral Res 2019; 174:104673. [PMID: 31812636 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2019.104673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Japanese Encephalitis virus (JEV) is a zoonotic flavivirus that is the most significant etiological agent of childhood viral neurological infections. However, no specific antiviral drug is currently available to treat JEV infections. The JEV envelope (E) protein is a class II viral fusion protein that mediates host cell entry, making interference with the interaction between the E protein of JEV and its cognate receptors an attractive strategy for anti-JEV drug development. In this study, we identified a peptide derived from a phage display peptide library against the E protein of JEV, designated P1, that potentially inhibits in vitro and in vivo JEV infections. P1 inhibits JEV infection in BHK-21 cells with 50% inhibitory capacity at a concentration of 35.9 μM. The time-of-addition assay indicates that JEV replication is significantly inhibited during pre-infection and co-infection of P1 with JEV while post-infection treatments with P1 have very little impact on JEV proliferation, showing that P1 inhibits JEV infection at early stages and indicating the potential prophylactic effect of P1. We adapted an in vitro BiFC assay system and demonstrated that P1 interacts with JEV E proteins and blocks their entry into cells. We also evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of P1 in a lethal JEV mouse model exhibiting systemic and brain infections. Interestingly, P1 treatment protected C57BL/6 mice against mortality, markedly reduced the viral loads in blood and brain, and diminished the histopathological lesions in the brain cells. In addition to controlling systemic infection, P1 has a very low level of cytotoxicity and acts in a sequence-specific manner, as scrambled peptide sP1 does not show any antiviral activity. In conclusion, our in vitro and in vivo experimental findings show that P1 possesses antiviral activity against JEV infections, is safe to use, and has potential for further development as an antiviral treatment against JEV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianchao Wei
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Muddassar Hameed
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Wang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Junjie Zhang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China; Shanghai Vocational and Technical College of Agriculture and Forestry, Shanghai, 201600, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuang Guo
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Muhammad Naveed Anwar
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Linlin Pang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Liu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Beibei Li
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Donghua Shao
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Yafeng Qiu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Dengke Zhong
- Shanghai Vocational and Technical College of Agriculture and Forestry, Shanghai, 201600, People's Republic of China.
| | - Bin Zhou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agriculture University, Nanjing, 210095, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhiyong Ma
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China.
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Yang CC, Hu HS, Lin HM, Wu PS, Wu RH, Tian JN, Wu SH, Tsou LK, Song JS, Chen HW, Chern JH, Chen CT, Yueh A. A novel flavivirus entry inhibitor, BP34610, discovered through high-throughput screening with dengue reporter viruses. Antiviral Res 2019; 172:104636. [PMID: 31654671 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2019.104636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Dengue virus (DENV) is a global health problem that affects approximately 3.9 billion people worldwide. Since safety concerns were raised for the only licensed vaccine, Dengvaxia, and since the present treatment is only supportive care, the development of more effective therapeutic anti-DENV agents is urgently needed. In this report, we identified a potential small-molecule inhibitor, BP34610, via cell-based high-throughput screening (HTS) of 12,000 compounds using DENV-2 reporter viruses. BP34610 reduced the virus yields of type 2 DENV-infected cells with a 50% effective concentration (EC50) and selectivity index value of 0.48 ± 0.06 μM and 197, respectively. Without detectable cytotoxicity, the compound inhibited not only all four serotypes of DENV but also Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). Time-of-addition experiments suggested that BP34610 may act at an early stage of DENV virus infection. Sequencing analyses of several individual clones derived from BP34610-resistant viruses revealed a consensus amino acid substitution (S397P) in the N-terminal stem region of the E protein. Introduction of S397P into the DENV reporter viruses conferred an over 14.8-fold EC90 shift for BP34610. Importantly, the combination of BP34610 with a viral replication inhibitor, ribavirin, displayed synergistic enhancement of anti-DENV-2 activity. Our results identify an effective small-molecule inhibitor, BP34610, which likely targets the DENV E protein. BP34610 could be developed as an anti-flavivirus agent in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Chen Yang
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, No.35, Keyan Road, Zhunan Town, Miaoli, 35053, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Han-Shu Hu
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, No.35, Keyan Road, Zhunan Town, Miaoli, 35053, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Hui-Mei Lin
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, No.35, Keyan Road, Zhunan Town, Miaoli, 35053, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Pei-Shan Wu
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, No.35, Keyan Road, Zhunan Town, Miaoli, 35053, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ren-Huang Wu
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, No.35, Keyan Road, Zhunan Town, Miaoli, 35053, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jia-Ni Tian
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, No.35, Keyan Road, Zhunan Town, Miaoli, 35053, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Life Sciences, National Central University, Jhongli, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Szu-Huei Wu
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, No.35, Keyan Road, Zhunan Town, Miaoli, 35053, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Lun Kelvin Tsou
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, No.35, Keyan Road, Zhunan Town, Miaoli, 35053, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jen-Shin Song
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, No.35, Keyan Road, Zhunan Town, Miaoli, 35053, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Hsin-Wei Chen
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, No.35, Keyan Road, Zhunan Town, Miaoli, 35053, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jyh-Haur Chern
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, No.35, Keyan Road, Zhunan Town, Miaoli, 35053, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chiung-Tong Chen
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, No.35, Keyan Road, Zhunan Town, Miaoli, 35053, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Andrew Yueh
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, No.35, Keyan Road, Zhunan Town, Miaoli, 35053, Taiwan, ROC.
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32
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Lu Y, Qiu Q, Li C, Cheng L, Liu J. Computational identification of self-inhibitory peptides from white spot syndrome virus envelope protein VP28. AQUACULTURE REPORTS 2019; 14:100195. [PMID: 32289063 PMCID: PMC7104047 DOI: 10.1016/j.aqrep.2019.100195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Since effective chemotherapeutics or preventive measures are still unavailable, finding feasible approaches against white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) has always been the vital subject in shrimp farming field. Envelope proteins are the ideal targets for antiviral strategies development due to their indispensable roles in virus entry, and inhibitory peptides targeting them have been proved to be promising in blocking virus infection. In this study, the Wimley-White interfacial hydrophobicity scale (WWIHS) in combination with known structural data was applied to identify potential inhibitory peptides that targeted the envelope protein VP28 of WSSV. Results showed that two potential inhibitory peptides were identified, one of which exhibited not only obvious antiviral activity, but also broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. The inhibitory peptide identified here can serve as a lead compound for anti-WSSV strategies development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongzhong Lu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, No. 53, Zhengzhou Road, 266042, Qingdao, China
| | - Qian Qiu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, No. 53, Zhengzhou Road, 266042, Qingdao, China
| | - Chen Li
- Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy Of Fishery Sciences, No. 106, Nanjing Road, 266071, Qingdao, China
| | - Linyue Cheng
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, No. 53, Zhengzhou Road, 266042, Qingdao, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, No. 53, Zhengzhou Road, 266042, Qingdao, China
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33
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Isa DM, Chin SP, Chong WL, Zain SM, Rahman NA, Lee VS. Dynamics and binding interactions of peptide inhibitors of dengue virus entry. J Biol Phys 2019; 45:63-76. [PMID: 30680580 DOI: 10.1007/s10867-018-9515-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we investigate the binding interactions of two synthetic antiviral peptides (DET2 and DET4) on type II dengue virus (DENV2) envelope protein domain III. These two antiviral peptides are designed based on the domain III of the DENV2 envelope protein, which has shown significant inhibition activity in previous studies and can be potentially modified further to be active against all dengue strains. Molecular docking was performed using AutoDock Vina and the best-ranked peptide-domain III complex was further explored using molecular dynamics simulations. Molecular mechanics-Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) was used to calculate the relative binding free energies and to locate the key residues of peptide-protein interactions. The predicted binding affinity correlated well with the previous experimental studies. DET4 outperformed DET2 and is oriented within the binding site through favorable vdW and electrostatic interactions. Pairwise residue decomposition analysis has revealed several key residues that contribute to the binding of these peptides. Residues in DET2 interact relatively lesser with the domain III compared to DET4. Dynamic cross-correlation analysis showed that both the DET2 and DET4 trigger different dynamic patterns on the domain III. Correlated motions were seen between the residue pairs of DET4 and the binding site while binding of DET2 results in anti-correlated motion on the binding site. This work showcases the use of computational study in elucidating and explaining the experiment observation on an atomic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diyana Mohd Isa
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sek Peng Chin
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Wei Lim Chong
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sharifuddin M Zain
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Noorsaadah Abd Rahman
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Vannajan Sanghiran Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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34
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In vitro analysis of synthetic peptides in blocking the entry of dengue virus. Virus Res 2019; 260:142-150. [DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2018.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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35
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The Scorpion Venom Peptide Smp76 Inhibits Viral Infection by Regulating Type-I Interferon Response. Virol Sin 2018; 33:545-556. [PMID: 30569290 DOI: 10.1007/s12250-018-0068-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Dengue virus (DENV) and Zika virus (ZIKV) have spread throughout many countries in the developing world and infect millions of people every year, causing severe harm to human health and the economy. Unfortunately, there are few effective vaccines and therapies available against these viruses. Therefore, the discovery of new antiviral agents is critical. Herein, a scorpion venom peptide (Smp76) characterized from Scorpio maurus palmatus was successfully expressed and purified in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). The recombinant Smp76 (rSmp76) was found to effectively inhibit DENV and ZIKV infections in a dose-dependent manner in both cultured cell lines and primary mouse macrophages. Interestingly, rSmp76 did not inactivate the viral particles directly but suppressed the established viral infection, similar to the effect of interferon (IFN)-β. Mechanistically, rSmp76 was revealed to upregulate the expression of IFN-β by activating interferon regulatory transcription factor 3 (IRF3) phosphorylation, enhancing the type-I IFN response and inhibiting viral infection. This mechanism is significantly different from traditional virucidal antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Overall, the scorpion venom peptide Smp76 is a potential new antiviral agent with a unique mechanism involving type-I IFN responses, demonstrating that natural AMPs can enhance immunity by functioning as immunomodulators.
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36
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Early Events in Japanese Encephalitis Virus Infection: Viral Entry. Pathogens 2018; 7:pathogens7030068. [PMID: 30104482 PMCID: PMC6161159 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens7030068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), a mosquito-borne zoonotic flavivirus, is an enveloped positive-strand RNA virus that can cause a spectrum of clinical manifestations, ranging from mild febrile illness to severe neuroinvasive disease. Today, several killed and live vaccines are available in different parts of the globe for use in humans to prevent JEV-induced diseases, yet no antivirals are available to treat JEV-associated diseases. Despite the progress made in vaccine research and development, JEV is still a major public health problem in southern, eastern, and southeastern Asia, as well as northern Oceania, with the potential to become an emerging global pathogen. In viral replication, the entry of JEV into the cell is the first step in a cascade of complex interactions between the virus and target cells that is required for the initiation, dissemination, and maintenance of infection. Because this step determines cell/tissue tropism and pathogenesis, it is a promising target for antiviral therapy. JEV entry is mediated by the viral glycoprotein E, which binds virions to the cell surface (attachment), delivers them to endosomes (endocytosis), and catalyzes the fusion between the viral and endosomal membranes (membrane fusion), followed by the release of the viral genome into the cytoplasm (uncoating). In this multistep process, a collection of host factors are involved. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the viral and cellular components involved in JEV entry into host cells, with an emphasis on the initial virus-host cell interactions on the cell surface.
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37
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Zhu X, Li C, Afridi SK, Zu S, Xu JW, Quanquin N, Yang H, Cheng G, Xu Z. E90 subunit vaccine protects mice from Zika virus infection and microcephaly. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2018; 6:77. [PMID: 30097059 PMCID: PMC6086021 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-018-0572-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) became a global threat due to its unprecedented outbreak and its association with congenital malformations such as microcephaly in developing fetuses and neonates. There are currently no effective vaccines or drugs available for the prevention or treatment of ZIKV infection. Although multiple vaccine platforms have been established, their effectiveness in preventing congenital microcephaly has not been addressed. Herein, we tested a subunit vaccine containing the 450 amino acids at the N-terminus of the ZIKV envelope protein (E90) in mouse models for either in utero or neonatal ZIKV infection. In one model, embryos of vaccinated dams were challenged with a contemporary ZIKV strain at embryonic day 13.5. The other model infects neonatal mice from vaccinated dams by direct injection of ZIKV into the developing brains. The vaccine led to a substantial reduction of ZIKV-infected cells measured in the brains of fetal or suckling mice, and successfully prevented the onset of microcephaly compared to unvaccinated controls. Furthermore, E90 could protect mice from ZIKV infection even at 140 days post-immunization. This work directly demonstrates that immunization of pregnant mice protects the developing brains of offspring both in utero and in the neonatal period from subsequent ZIKV infection and microcephaly. It also supports the further development of the E90 subunit vaccine towards clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingliang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Chunfeng Li
- Center for Systems Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
- Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Virology, State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Shabbir Khan Afridi
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Shulong Zu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Jesse W Xu
- Department of Virology, State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Natalie Quanquin
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Heng Yang
- Center for Systems Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
- Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Genhong Cheng
- Center for Systems Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China.
- Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China.
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Zhiheng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Parkinson's Disease Center, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, 100101, China.
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de Wispelaere M, Lian W, Potisopon S, Li PC, Jang J, Ficarro SB, Clark MJ, Zhu X, Kaplan JB, Pitts JD, Wales TE, Wang J, Engen JR, Marto JA, Gray NS, Yang PL. Inhibition of Flaviviruses by Targeting a Conserved Pocket on the Viral Envelope Protein. Cell Chem Biol 2018; 25:1006-1016.e8. [PMID: 29937406 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2018.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Viral envelope proteins are required for productive viral entry and initiation of infection. Although the humoral immune system provides ample evidence for targeting envelope proteins as an antiviral strategy, there are few pharmacological interventions that have this mode of action. In contrast to classical antiviral targets such as viral proteases and polymerases, viral envelope proteins as a class do not have a well-conserved active site that can be rationally targeted with small molecules. We previously identified compounds that inhibit dengue virus by binding to its envelope protein, E. Here, we show that these small molecules inhibit dengue virus fusion and map the binding site of these compounds to a specific pocket on E. We further demonstrate inhibition of Zika, West Nile, and Japanese encephalitis viruses by these compounds, providing pharmacological evidence for the pocket as a target for developing broad-spectrum antivirals against multiple, mosquito-borne flavivirus pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wenlong Lian
- Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Supanee Potisopon
- Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Pi-Chun Li
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School and Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 360 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Jaebong Jang
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School and Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 360 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Scott B Ficarro
- Department of Cancer Biology, Department of Oncologic Pathology, Blais Proteomics Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 360 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 45 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Margaret J Clark
- Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Xuling Zhu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jenifer B Kaplan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jared D Pitts
- Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Thomas E Wales
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jinhua Wang
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School and Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 360 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - John R Engen
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jarrod A Marto
- Department of Cancer Biology, Department of Oncologic Pathology, Blais Proteomics Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 360 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 45 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Nathanael S Gray
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School and Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 360 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Priscilla L Yang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Peptides P4 and P7 derived from E protein inhibit entry of dengue virus serotype 2 via interacting with β3 integrin. Antiviral Res 2018; 155:20-27. [PMID: 29709564 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2018.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Dengue virus (DENV) infection has become a severe public health problem worldwide. However, there is no specific antiviral drug available yet. In this study, we found that DENV serotype 2 (DENV2) infection enhanced the expression of β3 integrin on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and that DENV2 antigens co-localized with β3 integrin. DENV2 envelope protein (E) directly interacted with β3 integrin, and their interacting sites were located at domain III of E protein (EDIII). Several synthetic peptides were designed based on the amino acid sequence of EDIII, and peptides P4 and P7 could inhibit DENV2 entry into HUVECs in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibitory concentration (IC50) of the two peptides was 19.08 ± 2.52 μM for P4 and 12.86 ± 5.96 μM for P7. Moreover, P7 containing an FG-loop, but not P4, could also inhibit DENV1 entry into HUVECs. Our results suggest a novel mechanism in which interaction between β3 integrin and EDIII is involved in DENV entry. The findings on the inhibitory effect of the peptides on viral entry have significance for anti-DENV drug design.
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40
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Huang YW, Lee CT, Wang TC, Kao YC, Yang CH, Lin YM, Huang KS. The Development of Peptide-based Antimicrobial Agents against Dengue Virus. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2018; 19:998-1010. [PMID: 29852867 PMCID: PMC6446661 DOI: 10.2174/1389203719666180531122724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Dengue fever has become an imminent threat to international public health because of global warming and climate change. The World Health Organization proclaimed that more than 50% of the world's population is at risk of dengue virus (DENV) infection. Therefore, developing a clinically approved vaccine and effective therapeutic remedy for treating dengue fever is imperative. Peptide drug development has become a novel pharmaceutical research field. This article reviews various peptidesbased antimicrobial agents targeting three pathways involved in the DENV lifecycle. Specifically, they are peptide vaccines from immunomodulation, peptide drugs that inhibit virus entry, and peptide drugs that interfere with viral replication. Many antiviral peptide studies against DENV have been conducted in animal model trials, and progression to clinical trials for these promising peptide drugs is anticipated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Keng-Shiang Huang
- Address correspondence to this author at the School of Chinese Medicine for Post-Baccalaureate, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan;, Tel: +886-988-399-979; E-mail:
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41
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Atkins C, Freiberg AN. Recent advances in the development of antiviral therapeutics for Rift Valley fever virus infection. Future Virol 2017; 12:651-665. [PMID: 29181086 DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2017-0060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a mosquito-borne bunyavirus endemic to sub-Saharan Africa and the Arabian Peninsula and the etiological agent of Rift Valley fever. Rift Valley fever is a disease of major public health and economic concern, affecting livestock and humans. In ruminants, RVFV infection is characterized by high mortality rates in newborns and near 100% abortion rates in pregnant animals. Infection in humans is typically manifested as a self-limiting febrile illness, but can lead to severe and fatal hepatitis, encephalitis, hemorrhagic fever or retinitis with partial or complete blindness. Currently, there are no specific treatment options available for RVFV infection. This review presents a summary of the therapeutic approaches that have been explored on the treatment of RVFV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colm Atkins
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.,Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Alexander N Freiberg
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.,The Sealy Center for Vaccine Development, The University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.,The Center for Biodefense & Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.,Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.,The Sealy Center for Vaccine Development, The University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.,The Center for Biodefense & Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
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42
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Chew MF, Poh KS, Poh CL. Peptides as Therapeutic Agents for Dengue Virus. Int J Med Sci 2017; 14:1342-1359. [PMID: 29200948 PMCID: PMC5707751 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.21875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Dengue is an important global threat caused by dengue virus (DENV) that records an estimated 390 million infections annually. Despite the availability of CYD-TDV as a commercial vaccine, its long-term efficacy against all four dengue virus serotypes remains unsatisfactory. There is therefore an urgent need for the development of antiviral drugs for the treatment of dengue. Peptide was once a neglected choice of medical treatment but it has lately regained interest from the pharmaceutical industry following pioneering advancements in technology. In this review, the design of peptide drugs, antiviral activities and mechanisms of peptides and peptidomimetics (modified peptides) action against dengue virus are discussed. The development of peptides as inhibitors for viral entry, replication and translation is also described, with a focus on the three main targets, namely, the host cell receptors, viral structural proteins and viral non-structural proteins. The antiviral peptides designed based on these approaches may lead to the discovery of novel anti-DENV therapeutics that can treat dengue patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaw-Fang Chew
- Research Centre for Biomedical Sciences, Sunway University, Bandar Sunway, Selangor 47500, Malaysia
| | - Keat-Seong Poh
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Jalan Universiti, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia
| | - Chit-Laa Poh
- Research Centre for Biomedical Sciences, Sunway University, Bandar Sunway, Selangor 47500, Malaysia
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43
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Maeda DLNF, Batista MT, Pereira LR, de Jesus Cintra M, Amorim JH, Mathias-Santos C, Pereira SA, Boscardin SB, Silva SDR, Faquim-Mauro EL, Silveira VB, Oliveira DBL, Johnston SA, Ferreira LCDS, Rodrigues JF. Adjuvant-Mediated Epitope Specificity and Enhanced Neutralizing Activity of Antibodies Targeting Dengue Virus Envelope Protein. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1175. [PMID: 28993770 PMCID: PMC5622152 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The heat-labile toxins (LT) produced by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli display adjuvant effects to coadministered antigens, leading to enhanced production of serum antibodies. Despite extensive knowledge of the adjuvant properties of LT derivatives, including in vitro-generated non-toxic mutant forms, little is known about the capacity of these adjuvants to modulate the epitope specificity of antibodies directed against antigens. This study characterizes the role of LT and its non-toxic B subunit (LTB) in the modulation of antibody responses to a coadministered antigen, the dengue virus (DENV) envelope glycoprotein domain III (EDIII), which binds to surface receptors and mediates virus entry into host cells. In contrast to non-adjuvanted or alum-adjuvanted formulations, antibodies induced in mice immunized with LT or LTB showed enhanced virus-neutralization effects that were not ascribed to a subclass shift or antigen affinity. Nonetheless, immunosignature analyses revealed that purified LT-adjuvanted EDIII-specific antibodies display distinct epitope-binding patterns with regard to antibodies raised in mice immunized with EDIII or the alum-adjuvanted vaccine. Notably, the analyses led to the identification of a specific EDIII epitope located in the EF to FG loop, which is involved in the entry of DENV into eukaryotic cells. The present results demonstrate that LT and LTB modulate the epitope specificity of antibodies generated after immunization with coadministered antigens that, in the case of EDIII, was associated with the induction of neutralizing antibody responses. These results open perspectives for the more rational development of vaccines with enhanced protective effects against DENV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Milene Tavares Batista
- Vaccine Development Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Center for Innovation in Medicine, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Lennon Ramos Pereira
- Vaccine Development Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mariana de Jesus Cintra
- Vaccine Development Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jaime Henrique Amorim
- Center of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Western Bahia, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Camila Mathias-Santos
- Vaccine Development Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sara Araújo Pereira
- Vaccine Development Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Silvia Beatriz Boscardin
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Vanessa Barbosa Silveira
- Clinical and Molecular Virology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Danielle Bruna Leal Oliveira
- Clinical and Molecular Virology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Stephen Albert Johnston
- Center for Innovation in Medicine, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Luís Carlos de Souza Ferreira
- Vaccine Development Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliana Falcão Rodrigues
- Vaccine Development Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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de la Guardia C, Quijada M, Lleonart R. Phage-Displayed Peptides Selected to Bind Envelope Glycoprotein Show Antiviral Activity against Dengue Virus Serotype 2. Adv Virol 2017; 2017:1827341. [PMID: 29081802 PMCID: PMC5610824 DOI: 10.1155/2017/1827341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Dengue virus is a growing public health threat that affects hundreds of million peoples every year and leave huge economic and social damage. The virus is transmitted by mosquitoes and the incidence of the disease is increasing, among other causes, due to the geographical expansion of the vector's range and the lack of effectiveness in public health interventions in most prevalent countries. So far, no highly effective vaccine or antiviral has been developed for this virus. Here we employed phage display technology to identify peptides able to block the DENV2. A random peptide library presented in M13 phages was screened with recombinant dengue envelope and its fragment domain III. After four rounds of panning, several binding peptides were identified, synthesized, and tested against the virus. Three peptides were able to block the infectivity of the virus while not being toxic to the target cells. Blind docking simulations were done to investigate the possible mode of binding, showing that all peptides appear to bind domain III of the protein and may be mostly stabilized by hydrophobic interactions. These results are relevant to the development of novel therapeutics against this important virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina de la Guardia
- Center of Cellular and Molecular Biology of Diseases, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Building 219, Ciudad del Saber, Apartado 0843-01103, Panamá, Panama
- Department of Biotechnology, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, India
| | - Mario Quijada
- Center of Cellular and Molecular Biology of Diseases, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Building 219, Ciudad del Saber, Apartado 0843-01103, Panamá, Panama
| | - Ricardo Lleonart
- Center of Cellular and Molecular Biology of Diseases, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Building 219, Ciudad del Saber, Apartado 0843-01103, Panamá, Panama
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45
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Bajpai VK, Chandra V, Kim NH, Rai R, Kumar P, Kim K, Aeron A, Kang SC, Maheshwari DK, Na M, Rather IA, Park YH. Ghost probiotics with a combined regimen: a novel therapeutic approach against the Zika virus, an emerging world threat. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2017; 38:438-454. [PMID: 28877637 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2017.1368445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The Zika virus (ZIKV) used to be an obscure flavivirus closely related to dengue virus (DENV). Transmission of this epidemic pathogen occurs mainly via mosquitoes, but it is also capable of placental and sexual transmission. Although the characteristics of these viruses are well defined, infections are unpredictable in terms of disease severity, unusual clinical manifestations, unexpected methods of transmission, long-term persistence, and the development of new strains. Recently, ZIKV has gained huge medical attention following the large-scale epidemics around the world, and reported cases of congenital abnormalities associated with Zika virus infections which have created a public health emergency of international concern. Despite continuous research on ZIKV, no specific treatment or vaccine has been developed, excepting a preventive strategy for congenital ZIKV infection. Probiotics, known as GRAS, are bacteria that confer various health beneficial effects, and have been shown to be effective at curing a number of viral diseases by modulating the immune system. Furthermore, probiotic preparations consisting of dead cells and cellular metabolites, so-called "Ghost probiotics", can also act as biological response modifiers. Here, we review available information on the epidemiology, transmission, and clinical features of ZIKV, and on treatment and prevention strategies. In addition, we emphasize the use of probiotics and plant-based natural remedies and describe their action mechanisms, and the green technologies for microbial conversion, which could contribute to the development of novel therapies that may reduce the pathogenicity of ZIKV. Accordingly, we draw attention to new findings, unanswered questions, unresolved issues, and controversies regarding ZIKV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek K Bajpai
- a Department of Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology , Yeungnam University , Gyeongsan , Gyeongbuk , Korea
| | - Vishal Chandra
- b Department of Biosciences , Integral University , Lucknow , India.,c Stephenson Cancer Center (SCC) , University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC) , Oklahoma City , OK , USA
| | - Na-Hyung Kim
- d Department of Oriental Pharmacy , Wonkwang University , Iksan-city , Jeonbuk , Korea
| | - Rajni Rai
- e School of Biotechnology , Yeungnam University , Gyeongsan , Gyeongbuk , Korea
| | - Pradeep Kumar
- e School of Biotechnology , Yeungnam University , Gyeongsan , Gyeongbuk , Korea
| | - Kangmin Kim
- f Division of Biotechnology, College of Environmental and Bioresource Sciences , Chonbuk National University , Iksan-si , Jeonbuk , Korea
| | - Abhinav Aeron
- f Division of Biotechnology, College of Environmental and Bioresource Sciences , Chonbuk National University , Iksan-si , Jeonbuk , Korea
| | - Sun Chul Kang
- g Department of Biotechnology, College of Engineering , Daegu University , Gyeongsan , Gyeongbuk , Korea
| | - D K Maheshwari
- h Department of Botany and Microbiology , Gurukul Kangri University , Haridwar , India
| | - MinKyun Na
- i College of Pharmacy , Chungnam National University , Daejeon , Korea
| | - Irfan A Rather
- a Department of Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology , Yeungnam University , Gyeongsan , Gyeongbuk , Korea
| | - Yong-Ha Park
- a Department of Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology , Yeungnam University , Gyeongsan , Gyeongbuk , Korea
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46
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Yu Y, Deng YQ, Zou P, Wang Q, Dai Y, Yu F, Du L, Zhang NN, Tian M, Hao JN, Meng Y, Li Y, Zhou X, Fuk-Woo Chan J, Yuen KY, Qin CF, Jiang S, Lu L. A peptide-based viral inactivator inhibits Zika virus infection in pregnant mice and fetuses. Nat Commun 2017; 8:15672. [PMID: 28742068 PMCID: PMC5537589 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms15672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 04/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV), a re-emerging flavivirus associated with neurological disorders, has spread rapidly to more than 70 countries and territories. However, no specific vaccines or antiviral drugs are currently available to prevent or treat ZIKV infection. Here we report that a synthetic peptide derived from the stem region of ZIKV envelope protein, designated Z2, potently inhibits infection of ZIKV and other flaviviruses in vitro. We show that Z2 interacts with ZIKV surface protein and disrupts the integrity of the viral membrane. Z2 can penetrate the placental barrier to enter fetal tissues and is safe for use in pregnant mice. Intraperitoneal administration of Z2 inhibits vertical transmission of ZIKV in pregnant C57BL/6 mice and protects type I or type I/II interferon receptor-deficient mice against lethal ZIKV challenge. Thus, Z2 has potential to be further developed as an antiviral treatment against ZIKV infection in high-risk populations, particularly pregnant women. Zika virus (ZIKV) has spread rapidly in recent years and there is a need for antiviral treatments. Here, the authors develop an antiviral peptide, based on the stem region of ZIKV envelope protein, and show that it is safe in pregnant mice and inhibits ZIKV infection in pregnant mice and fetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Yu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yong-Qiang Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Peng Zou
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yanyan Dai
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Fei Yu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lanying Du
- Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Na-Na Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Min Tian
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing 100010, China
| | - Jia-Nan Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yu Meng
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jasper Fuk-Woo Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Kwok-Yung Yuen
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Cheng-Feng Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Shibo Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Lu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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47
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Antiviral activity of peptide inhibitors derived from the protein E stem against Japanese encephalitis and Zika viruses. Antiviral Res 2017; 141:140-149. [PMID: 28232248 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2017.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 02/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) and Zika virus (ZIKV) are mosquito-borne viruses of the Flavivirus genus that cause viral encephalitis and congenital microcephaly, respectively, in humans, and thus present a risk to global public health. The envelope glycoprotein (E protein) of flaviviruses is a class II viral fusion protein that mediates host cell entry through a series of conformational changes, including association between the stem region and domain II leading to virion-target cell membrane fusion. In this study, peptides derived from the JEV E protein stem were investigated for their ability to block JEV and ZIKV infection. Peptides from stem helix 2 inhibit JEV infection with the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) in the nanomolar range. One of these peptides (P5) protected mice against JEV-induced lethality by decreasing viral load, while abrogating histopathological changes associated with JEV infection. We also found that P5 blocked ZIKV infection with IC50 at the micromolar level. Moreover, P5 was proved to reduce the histopathological damages in brain and testes resulting from ZIKV infection in type I and II interferon receptor-deficient (AG6) mice. These findings provide a basis for the development of peptide-based drugs against JEV and ZIKV.
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48
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Franci G, Falanga A, Zannella C, Folliero V, Martora F, Galdiero M, Galdiero S, Morelli G, Galdiero M. Infectivity inhibition by overlapping synthetic peptides derived from the gH/gL heterodimer of herpes simplex virus type 1. J Pept Sci 2017; 23:311-319. [PMID: 28194842 PMCID: PMC7168125 DOI: 10.1002/psc.2979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Revised: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a human pathogen that infects epithelial cells. The cutaneous lesions, caused by the virus, spread to the nervous system creating several complications. Fusion of host membranes with the viral envelope is mandatory and mediated by a group of glycoproteins conserved in all Herpesviridae subfamilies, such as the glycoproteins B (gB), H (gH), L (gL) and D (gD). We investigated the inhibitory activity mediated by synthetic overlapping peptides spanning the entire ectodomains of gH and gL glycoproteins. We have performed a brute analysis of the complete gH/gL heterodimer in order to explore the inhibitory activity of peptides modelled on these glycoproteins against HSV‐1 infection. Twenty‐four of the gH peptides at a concentration of 150 μM reached the 50% of inhibition cut‐off. Interestingly, they are mainly located in the gH carboxy‐terminal domain. None of the gL peptides had a clear inhibiting effect. No peptide toxicity was observed by lactate dehydrogenase assay at the concentrations used in our experimental conditions. HSV‐1 therapy is based on acyclovir treatment, but some resistant strains are emerging. In this scenario, innovative approaches for HSV‐1 treatment are necessary. Our data support the direct involvement of the described domains in the process of virus penetration; therefore, these results are of relevance to the potential development of novel therapeutic compounds to prevent HSV‐1 infections. Copyright © 2017 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluigi Franci
- Department of Experimental MedicineUniversity of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”Via De Crecchio 780138NaplesItaly
- Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sui Peptidi BioattiviUniversity of Naples ‘Federico II’Via Mezzocannone 1680134NaplesItaly
| | - Annarita Falanga
- Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sui Peptidi BioattiviUniversity of Naples ‘Federico II’Via Mezzocannone 1680134NaplesItaly
- Department of PharmacyUniversity of Naples ‘Federico II’Via Mezzocannone 1680134NaplesItaly
| | - Carla Zannella
- Department of Experimental MedicineUniversity of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”Via De Crecchio 780138NaplesItaly
| | - Veronica Folliero
- Department of Experimental MedicineUniversity of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”Via De Crecchio 780138NaplesItaly
| | - Francesca Martora
- Department of Experimental MedicineUniversity of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”Via De Crecchio 780138NaplesItaly
| | - Marilena Galdiero
- Department of Experimental MedicineUniversity of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”Via De Crecchio 780138NaplesItaly
| | - Stefania Galdiero
- Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sui Peptidi BioattiviUniversity of Naples ‘Federico II’Via Mezzocannone 1680134NaplesItaly
| | - Giancarlo Morelli
- Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sui Peptidi BioattiviUniversity of Naples ‘Federico II’Via Mezzocannone 1680134NaplesItaly
- Department of PharmacyUniversity of Naples ‘Federico II’Via Mezzocannone 1680134NaplesItaly
| | - Massimiliano Galdiero
- Department of Experimental MedicineUniversity of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”Via De Crecchio 780138NaplesItaly
- Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sui Peptidi BioattiviUniversity of Naples ‘Federico II’Via Mezzocannone 1680134NaplesItaly
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49
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de Wispelaere M, Carocci M, Liang Y, Liu Q, Sun E, Vetter ML, Wang J, Gray NS, Yang PL. Discovery of host-targeted covalent inhibitors of dengue virus. Antiviral Res 2016; 139:171-179. [PMID: 28034743 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2016.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2016] [Revised: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
We report here on an approach targeting the host reactive cysteinome to identify inhibitors of host factors required for the infectious cycle of Flaviviruses and other viruses. We used two parallel cellular phenotypic screens to identify a series of covalent inhibitors, exemplified by QL-XII-47, that are active against dengue virus. We show that the compounds effectively block viral protein expression and that this inhibition is associated with repression of downstream processes of the infectious cycle, and thus significantly contributes to the potent antiviral activity of these compounds. We demonstrate that QL-XII-47's antiviral activity requires selective, covalent modification of a host target by showing that the compound's antiviral activity is recapitulated when cells are preincubated with QL-XII-47 and then washed prior to viral infection and by showing that QL-XII-47R, a non-reactive analog, lacks antiviral activity at concentrations more than 20-fold higher than QL-XII-47's IC90. QL-XII-47's inhibition of Zika virus, West Nile virus, hepatitis C virus, and poliovirus further suggests that it acts via a target mediating inhibition of these other medically relevant viruses. These results demonstrate the utility of screens targeting the host reactive cysteinome for rapid identification of compounds with potent antiviral activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Margot Carocci
- Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yanke Liang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Qingsong Liu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Eileen Sun
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Department of Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Michael L Vetter
- Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jinhua Wang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Nathanael S Gray
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Priscilla L Yang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Chakraborty S. Computational analysis of perturbations in the post-fusion Dengue virus envelope protein highlights known epitopes and conserved residues in the Zika virus. F1000Res 2016; 5:1150. [PMID: 27540468 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.8853.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The dramatic transformation of the Zika virus (ZIKV) from a relatively unknown virus to a pathogen generating global-wide panic has exposed the dearth of detailed knowledge about this virus. Decades of research in the related Dengue virus (DENV), finally culminating in a vaccine registered for use in endemic regions (CYD-TDV) in three countries, provides key insights in developing strategies for tackling ZIKV, which has caused global panic to microcephaly and Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Dengue virus (DENV), a member of the family Flaviviridae, the causal agent of the self-limiting Dengue fever and the potentially fatal hemorrhagic fever/dengue shock syndrome, has been a scourge in tropical countries for many centuries. The recently solved structure of mature ZIKV (PDB ID:5IRE) has provided key insights into the structure of the envelope (E) and membrane (M) proteins, the primary target of neutralizing antibodies. The previously established MEPP methodology compares two conformations of the same protein and identifies residues with significant spatial and electrostatic perturbations. In the current work, MEPP analyzed the pre-and post-fusion DENV type 2 envelope (E) protein, and identified several known epitopes (His317, Tyr299, Glu26, Arg188, etc.) (MEPPitope). These residues are overwhelmingly conserved in ZIKV and all DENV serotypes, and also enumerates residue pairs that undergo significant polarity reversal. Characterization of α-helices in E-proteins show that α1 is not conserved in the sequence space of ZIKV and DENV. Furthermore, perturbation of α1 in the post-fusion DENV structure includes a known epitope Asp215, a residue absent in the pre-fusion α1. A cationic β-sheet in the GAG-binding domain that is stereochemically equivalent in ZIKV and all DENV serotypes is also highlighted due to a residue pair (Arg286-Arg288) that has a significant electrostatic polarity reversal upon fusion. Finally, two highly conserved residues (Thr32 and Thr40), with little emphasis in existing literature, are found to have significant electrostatic perturbation. Thus, a combination of different computational methods enable the rapid and rational detection of critical residues as epitopes in the search for an elusive therapy or vaccine that neutralizes multiple members of the Flaviviridae family. These secondary structures are conserved in the related Dengue virus (DENV), and possibly rationalize isolation techniques particle adsorption on magnetic beads coated with anionic polymers and anionic antiviral agents (viprolaxikine) for DENV. These amphipathic α-helices could enable design of molecules for inhibiting α-helix mediated protein-protein interactions. Finally, comparison of these secondary structures in proteins from related families illuminate subtle changes in the proteins that might render them ineffective to previously successful drugs and vaccines, which are difficult to identify by a simple sequence or structural alignment. Finally, conflicting results about residues that are involved in neutralizing a DENV-E protein by the potent antibody 5J7 (PDB ID:3J6U) are reported.
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