1
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Tian X, Ai J, Tian X, Wei X. cGAS-STING pathway agonists are promising vaccine adjuvants. Med Res Rev 2024; 44:1768-1799. [PMID: 38323921 DOI: 10.1002/med.22016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Adjuvants are of critical value in vaccine development as they act on enhancing immunogenicity of antigen and inducing long-lasting immunity. However, there are only a few adjuvants that have been approved for clinical use, which highlights the need for exploring and developing new adjuvants to meet the growing demand for vaccination. Recently, emerging evidence demonstrates that the cGAS-STING pathway orchestrates innate and adaptive immunity by generating type I interferon responses. Many cGAS-STING pathway agonists have been developed and tested in preclinical research for the treatment of cancer or infectious diseases with promising results. As adjuvants, cGAS-STING agonists have demonstrated their potential to activate robust defense immunity in various diseases, including COVID-19 infection. This review summarized the current developments in the field of cGAS-STING agonists with a special focus on the latest applications of cGAS-STING agonists as adjuvants in vaccination. Potential challenges were also discussed in the hope of sparking future research interests to further the development of cGAS-STING as vaccine adjuvants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Tian
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Centre for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
| | - Jiayuan Ai
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Centre for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
| | - Xiaohe Tian
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Centre for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Centre for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
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2
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Guo X, Yang L, Wang J, Wu Y, Li Y, Du L, Li L, Fang Z, Zhang X. The cytosolic DNA-sensing cGAS-STING pathway in neurodegenerative diseases. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14671. [PMID: 38459658 PMCID: PMC10924111 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the widespread prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) and high rates of mortality and disability, it is imminent to find accurate targets for intervention. There is growing evidence that neuroimmunity is pivotal in the pathology of NDs and that interventions targeting neuroimmunity hold great promise. Exogenous or dislocated nucleic acids activate the cytosolic DNA sensor cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS), activating the stimulator of interferon genes (STING). The activated STING triggers innate immune responses and then the cGAS-STING signaling pathway links abnormal nucleic acid sensing to the immune response. Recently, numerous studies have shown that neuroinflammation regulated by cGAS-STING signaling plays an essential role in NDs. AIMS In this review, we summarized the mechanism of cGAS-STING signaling in NDs and focused on inhibitors targeting cGAS-STING. CONCLUSION The cGAS-STING signaling plays an important role in the pathogenesis of NDs. Inhibiting the cGAS-STING signaling may provide new measures in the treatment of NDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Guo
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Xijing HospitalThe Fourth Military Medical UniversityChina
- Department of Intensive Care UnitJoint Logistics Force No. 988 HospitalZhengzhouChina
| | - Lin Yang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Xijing HospitalThe Fourth Military Medical UniversityChina
| | - Jiawei Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Xijing HospitalThe Fourth Military Medical UniversityChina
| | - You Wu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Xijing HospitalThe Fourth Military Medical UniversityChina
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Xijing HospitalThe Fourth Military Medical UniversityChina
| | - Lixia Du
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Xijing HospitalThe Fourth Military Medical UniversityChina
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Xijing HospitalThe Fourth Military Medical UniversityChina
| | - Zongping Fang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Xijing HospitalThe Fourth Military Medical UniversityChina
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xijing HospitalFourth Military Medical UniversityShaanxiChina
- Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain‐Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Xijing Zhang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Xijing HospitalThe Fourth Military Medical UniversityChina
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Han J, Wang Z, Han F, Peng B, Du J, Zhang C. Microtubule disruption synergizes with STING signaling to show potent and broad-spectrum antiviral activity. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012048. [PMID: 38408104 PMCID: PMC10919859 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The activation of stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling induces the production of type I interferons (IFNs), which play critical roles in protective innate immunity for the host to defend against viral infections. Therefore, achieving sustained or enhanced STING activation could become an antiviral immune strategy with potential broad-spectrum activities. Here, we discovered that various clinically used microtubule-destabilizing agents (MDAs) for the treatment of cancer showed a synergistic effect with the activation of STING signaling in innate immune response. The combination of a STING agonist cGAMP and a microtubule depolymerizer MMAE boosted the activation of STING innate immune response and showed broad-spectrum antiviral activity against multiple families of viruses. Mechanistically, MMAE not only disrupted the microtubule network, but also switched the cGAMP-mediated STING trafficking pattern and changed the distribution of Golgi apparatus and STING puncta. The combination of cGAMP and MMAE promoted the oligomerization of STING and downstream signaling cascades. Importantly, the cGAMP plus MMAE treatment increased STING-mediated production of IFNs and other antiviral cytokines to inhibit viral propagation in vitro and in vivo. This study revealed a novel role of the microtubule destabilizer in antiviral immune responses and provides a previously unexploited strategy based on STING-induced innate antiviral immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Han
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhimeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fangping Han
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Peng
- Department of Microbiology Laboratory, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Juanjuan Du
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry &Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University Beijing, China
| | - Conggang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
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4
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Zhao M, Fan W, Wang Y, Qiang P, Zheng Z, Shan H, Zhang M, Liu P, Wang Y, Li G, Li M, Hong L. M335, a novel small-molecule STING agonist activates the immune response and exerts antitumor effects. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 264:116018. [PMID: 38091891 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
In the context of antitumor immune responses, the activation of the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) assumes a critical role and imparts enhanced immunogenicity. An effective strategy for exogenously activating the immune system involves the utilization of STING agonists, and prior investigations primarily concentrated on modifying endogenous cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs) to achieve this. Nevertheless, the practical utility of CDNs was restricted due to limitations associated with their physicochemical attributes and administration protocols. In this article, we present the discovery of a novel small-molecule agonist denoted as M335, identified through high-throughput screening using surface plasmon resonance (SPR). M335 demonstrates the ability to activate the TBK1-IRF3-IFN axis in a STING-dependent manner in vitro. Through experimentation on mouse models bearing tumors, we observed that the administration of M335 resulted in the activation of immune cells. Notably, significant antitumor effects were achieved with both intratumoral and intraperitoneal administration of M335. These findings suggest the potential of M335 as a promising agent for cancer immunotherapy, which will promote the development of STING agonists in anti-tumor applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Zhao
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China; School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Weizhen Fan
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Ying Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Pengfei Qiang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Zhihua Zheng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Hao Shan
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Pengyutian Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Guofeng Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Min Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Liang Hong
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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5
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Jeon MJ, Lee H, Jo S, Kang M, Jeong JH, Jeong SH, Lee JY, Song GY, Choo H, Lee S, Kim H. Discovery of novel amidobenzimidazole derivatives as orally available small molecule modulators of stimulator of interferon genes for cancer immunotherapy. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 261:115834. [PMID: 37862818 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonists show promise as immunomodulatory agents for cancer therapy. In this study, we report the discovery of a novel orally available STING agonist, SAP-04, that exhibits potent immunomodulatory effects for cancer therapy. By optimizing the amidobenzimidazole core with various pyridine-based heterocyclic substituents, we identified a monomeric variant that displayed more efficient STING agonistic activity than the corresponding dimer. SAP-04 efficiently induced cytokine secretion related to innate immunity by directly binding of the compound to the STING protein, followed by sequential signal transduction for the STING signaling pathway and type I interferon (IFN) responses. Further pharmacological validation in vitro and in vivo demonstrated the potential utility of SAP-04 as an immunomodulatory agent for cancer therapy in vivo. The in vivo anticancer effect was observed in a 4T1 breast tumor syngeneic mouse model through oral administration of the compound. Our findings suggest a possible strategy for developing synthetically accessible monomeric variants as orally available STING agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Jae Jeon
- Therapeutics & Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyelim Lee
- Center for Brain Disorders, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongman Jo
- Therapeutics & Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea; Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Miso Kang
- Center for Brain Disorders, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea; Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Hyun Jeong
- Center for Brain Disorders, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - So Hyeon Jeong
- Therapeutics & Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea; Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Joo-Youn Lee
- Therapeutics & Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyu Yong Song
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunah Choo
- Center for Brain Disorders, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Sanghee Lee
- Center for Brain Disorders, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea; Department for HY-KIST Bio-convergence, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyejin Kim
- Therapeutics & Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea.
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6
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Zhou R, Wang X, Zhang D, Zhan Z, Duan W. Design, synthesis, and STING-agonistic activity of benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxamide derivatives. Mol Divers 2023:10.1007/s11030-023-10736-1. [PMID: 37796389 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-023-10736-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
STING is an important immune-associated protein that localizes in the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. Upon being activated by its agonists, STING triggers the IRF and NF-κB pathways, which generates type I interferons and proinflammatory cytokines, and ultimately primes the innate immune responses to achieve valid antitumor efficacy. We designed and synthesized a series of benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxamide derivatives. Through STING-agonistic activity evaluation, compounds 12d and 12e exhibited marginal human STING-activating activities. Western blot analysis demonstrated that both 12d and 12e treatment increased the phosphorylation of the downstream signaling molecules (TBK1 and IRF3) of STING. The proposed binding mode of 12d/12e and STING protein displayed that two canonical hydrogen bonds, a π-π stacking interaction, as well as a π-cation interaction formed between the agonist and the CDN-binding domain of STING protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongyao Zhou
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, People's Republic of China
- Small-Molecule Drug Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiyuan Wang
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, People's Republic of China
| | - Deqiang Zhang
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengsheng Zhan
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, People's Republic of China.
- Small-Molecule Drug Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, People's Republic of China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wenhu Duan
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, People's Republic of China.
- Small-Molecule Drug Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, People's Republic of China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China.
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7
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Zou Y, Zhang M, Zhou J. Recent trends in STING modulators: Structures, mechanisms, and therapeutic potential. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103694. [PMID: 37393985 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase stimulator (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon gene (STING) signaling pathway has an integral role in the host immune response through DNA sensing followed by inducing a robust innate immune defense program. STING has become a promising therapeutic target associated with multiple diseases, including various inflammatory diseases, cancer, and infectious diseases, among others. Thus, modulators of STING are regarded as emerging therapeutic agents. Recent progress has been made in STING research, including recently identified STING-mediated regulatory pathways, the development of a new STING modulator, and the new association of STING with disease. In this review, we focus on recent trends in the development of STING modulators, including structures, mechanisms, and clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zou
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang Normal University, 688 Yingbin Road, Jinhua 321004, China; Drug Development and Innovation Center, College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, 688 Yingbin Road, Jinhua 321004, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang Normal University, 688 Yingbin Road, Jinhua 321004, China; Drug Development and Innovation Center, College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, 688 Yingbin Road, Jinhua 321004, China
| | - Jinming Zhou
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang Normal University, 688 Yingbin Road, Jinhua 321004, China; Drug Development and Innovation Center, College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, 688 Yingbin Road, Jinhua 321004, China.
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8
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Hao Y, Ji Z, Zhou H, Wu D, Gu Z, Wang D, ten Dijke P. Lipid-based nanoparticles as drug delivery systems for cancer immunotherapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e339. [PMID: 37560754 PMCID: PMC10407046 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown remarkable success in cancer treatment. However, in cancer patients without sufficient antitumor immunity, numerous data indicate that blocking the negative signals elicited by immune checkpoints is ineffective. Drugs that stimulate immune activation-related pathways are emerging as another route for improving immunotherapy. In addition, the development of nanotechnology presents a promising platform for tissue and cell type-specific delivery and improved uptake of immunomodulatory agents, ultimately leading to enhanced cancer immunotherapy and reduced side effects. In this review, we summarize and discuss the latest developments in nanoparticles (NPs) for cancer immuno-oncology therapy with a focus on lipid-based NPs (lipid-NPs), including the characteristics and advantages of various types. Using the agonists targeting stimulation of the interferon genes (STING) transmembrane protein as an exemplar, we review the potential of various lipid-NPs to augment STING agonist therapy. Furthermore, we present recent findings and underlying mechanisms on how STING pathway activation fosters antitumor immunity and regulates the tumor microenvironment and provide a summary of the distinct STING agonists in preclinical studies and clinical trials. Ultimately, we conduct a critical assessment of the obstacles and future directions in the utilization of lipid-NPs to enhance cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Hao
- Department of Laboratory AnimalsCollege of Animal SciencesJilin UniversityChangchunChina
- Department of Basic MedicineChangzhi Medical CollegeChangzhiChina
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology and Oncode InstituteLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Zhonghao Ji
- Department of Laboratory AnimalsCollege of Animal SciencesJilin UniversityChangchunChina
- Department of Basic MedicineChangzhi Medical CollegeChangzhiChina
| | - Hengzong Zhou
- Department of Laboratory AnimalsCollege of Animal SciencesJilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Dongrun Wu
- Departure of Philosophy, Faculty of HumanitiesLeiden UniversityLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Zili Gu
- Department of RadiologyLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Dongxu Wang
- Department of Laboratory AnimalsCollege of Animal SciencesJilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Peter ten Dijke
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology and Oncode InstituteLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
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Liu Y, Fei Y, Wang X, Yang B, Li M, Luo Z. Biomaterial-enabled therapeutic modulation of cGAS-STING signaling for enhancing antitumor immunity. Mol Ther 2023; 31:1938-1959. [PMID: 37002605 PMCID: PMC10362396 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
cGAS-STING signaling is a central component in the therapeutic action of most existing cancer therapies. The accumulated knowledge of tumor immunoregulatory network in recent years has spurred the development of cGAS-STING agonists for tumor treatment as an effective immunotherapeutic strategy. However, the clinical translation of these agonists is thus far unsatisfactory because of the low immunostimulatory efficacy and unrestricted side effects under clinically relevant conditions. Interestingly, the rational integration of biomaterial technology offers a promising approach to overcome these limitations for more effective and safer cGAS-STING-mediated tumor therapy. Herein, we first outline the cGAS-STING signaling axis and generally discuss its association with tumors. We then symmetrically summarize the recent progress in those biomaterial-based cGAS-STING agonism strategies to generate robust antitumor immunity, categorized by the chemical nature of those cGAS-STING stimulants and carrier substrates. Finally, a perspective is provided to discuss the existing challenges and potential opportunities in cGAS-STING modulation for tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingqi Liu
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, P. R. China
| | - Yang Fei
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, P. R. China
| | - Xuan Wang
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, P. R. China
| | - Bingbing Yang
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, P. R. China
| | - Menghuan Li
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, P. R. China.
| | - Zhong Luo
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, P. R. China.
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Liu H, Sun Y, Li J, Chen Y, Liu J, Fang J, Yang H, Feng L, Peng S, Zhuang R, Guo Z, Zhang X. Development of 18F-Labeled Acridone Analogue for Tumor Imaging via Stimulator of Interferon Genes Targeting. Mol Pharm 2023. [PMID: 37243620 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is a pivotal protein in the production of STING-dependent type I interferon, which has the potential to enhance tumor rejection. The visualization of STING in the tumor microenvironment is valuable for STING-related treatments, but few STING imaging probes have been reported to date. In this study, we developed a novel 18F-labeled agent ([18F]F-CRI1) with an acridone core structure for the positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of STING in CT26 tumors. The probe was successfully prepared with a nanomolar STING binding affinity of Kd = 40.62 nM. [18F]F-CRI1 accumulated quickly in the tumor sites and its uptake reached a maximum of 3.02 ± 0.42% ID/g after 1 h i.v. injection. The specificity of [18F]F-CRI1 was confirmed both in in vitro cell uptake and in vivo PET imaging by blocking studies. Our findings suggest that [18F]F-CRI1 may be a potential agent for visualizing STING in the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Yuan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jindian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Yingxi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jia Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jianyang Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Hongzhang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Lixia Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Shilan Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Rongqiang Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Zhide Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Xianzhong Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
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11
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Coderch C, Arranz-Herrero J, Nistal-Villan E, de Pascual-Teresa B, Rius-Rocabert S. The Many Ways to Deal with STING. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24109032. [PMID: 37240378 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24109032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is an adaptor protein involved in the activation of IFN-β and many other genes associated with the immune response activation in vertebrates. STING induction has gained attention from different angles such as the potential to trigger an early immune response against different signs of infection and cell damage, or to be used as an adjuvant in cancer immune treatments. Pharmacological control of aberrant STING activation can be used to mitigate the pathology of some autoimmune diseases. The STING structure has a well-defined ligand binding site that can harbor natural ligands such as specific purine cyclic di-nucleotides (CDN). In addition to a canonical stimulation by CDNs, other non-canonical stimuli have also been described, whose exact mechanism has not been well defined. Understanding the molecular insights underlying the activation of STING is important to realize the different angles that need to be considered when designing new STING-binding molecules as therapeutic drugs since STING acts as a versatile platform for immune modulators. This review analyzes the different determinants of STING regulation from the structural, molecular, and cell biology points of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Coderch
- Departamento de Química y Bioquímica, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28668 Boadilla del Monte, Spain
| | - Javier Arranz-Herrero
- Transplant Immunology Unit, National Center of Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Majadahonda, Spain
- Departamento CC, Farmacéuticas y de la Salud, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28668 Boadilla del Monte, Spain
- Institute of Applied Molecular Medicine (IMMA), Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28668 Boadilla del Monte, Spain
| | - Estanislao Nistal-Villan
- Departamento CC, Farmacéuticas y de la Salud, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28668 Boadilla del Monte, Spain
- Institute of Applied Molecular Medicine (IMMA), Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28668 Boadilla del Monte, Spain
| | - Beatriz de Pascual-Teresa
- Departamento de Química y Bioquímica, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28668 Boadilla del Monte, Spain
| | - Sergio Rius-Rocabert
- Departamento CC, Farmacéuticas y de la Salud, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28668 Boadilla del Monte, Spain
- Institute of Applied Molecular Medicine (IMMA), Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28668 Boadilla del Monte, Spain
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12
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Garcia G, Irudayam JI, Jeyachandran AV, Dubey S, Chang C, Castillo Cario S, Price N, Arumugam S, Marquez AL, Shah A, Fanaei A, Chakravarty N, Joshi S, Sinha S, French SW, Parcells MS, Ramaiah A, Arumugaswami V. Innate immune pathway modulator screen identifies STING pathway activation as a strategy to inhibit multiple families of arbo and respiratory viruses. Cell Rep Med 2023; 4:101024. [PMID: 37119814 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
RNA viruses continue to remain a threat for potential pandemics due to their rapid evolution. Potentiating host antiviral pathways to prevent or limit viral infections is a promising strategy. Thus, by testing a library of innate immune agonists targeting pathogen recognition receptors, we observe that Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3), stimulator of interferon genes (STING), TLR8, and Dectin-1 ligands inhibit arboviruses, Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), West Nile virus, and Zika virus to varying degrees. STING agonists (cAIMP, diABZI, and 2',3'-cGAMP) and Dectin-1 agonist scleroglucan demonstrate the most potent, broad-spectrum antiviral function. Furthermore, STING agonists inhibit severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and enterovirus-D68 (EV-D68) infection in cardiomyocytes. Transcriptome analysis reveals that cAIMP treatment rescue cells from CHIKV-induced dysregulation of cell repair, immune, and metabolic pathways. In addition, cAIMP provides protection against CHIKV in a chronic CHIKV-arthritis mouse model. Our study describes innate immune signaling circuits crucial for RNA virus replication and identifies broad-spectrum antivirals effective against multiple families of pandemic potential RNA viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Garcia
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Joseph Ignatius Irudayam
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Arjit Vijey Jeyachandran
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Swati Dubey
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Christina Chang
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sebastian Castillo Cario
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nate Price
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sathya Arumugam
- Department of Mathematics, Government College Daman, Daman, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu 396210, India
| | - Angelica L Marquez
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Aayushi Shah
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Amir Fanaei
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nikhil Chakravarty
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shantanu Joshi
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sanjeev Sinha
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Samuel W French
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Mark S Parcells
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Arunachalam Ramaiah
- Tata Institute for Genetics and Society, Center at inStem, Bangalore 560065, India; City of Milwaukee Health Department, Milwaukee, WI 53202, USA.
| | - Vaithilingaraja Arumugaswami
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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13
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Paulis A, Tramontano E. Unlocking STING as a Therapeutic Antiviral Strategy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087448. [PMID: 37108610 PMCID: PMC10138487 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Invading pathogens have developed weapons that subvert physiological conditions to weaken the host and permit the spread of infection. Cells, on their side, have thus developed countermeasures to maintain cellular physiology and counteract pathogenesis. The cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) synthase (cGAS) is a pattern recognition receptor that recognizes viral DNA present in the cytosol, activating the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) protein and leading to the production of type I interferons (IFN-I). Given its role in innate immunity activation, STING is considered an interesting and innovative target for the development of broad-spectrum antivirals. In this review, we discuss the function of STING; its modulation by the cellular stimuli; the molecular mechanisms developed by viruses, through which they escape this defense system; and the therapeutical strategies that have been developed to date to inhibit viral replication restoring STING functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalaura Paulis
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Enzo Tramontano
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
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14
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Chen NN, Zhang H, Zhu QS, Zeng T, Dai W, Zhou YL, Xin GF, Wu BD, Gong SJ, Jiang ZY, You QD, Xu XL. Development of Orally Bioavailable Amidobenzimidazole Analogues Targeting Stimulator of Interferon Gene (STING) Receptor. J Med Chem 2023; 66:5584-5610. [PMID: 37027512 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c02046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Stimulator of interferon gene (STING) is a critical adaptor protein that has a pivotal role in triggering inherent immune responses to infection. STING-linked interferon production has been involved in anti-inflammation, anti-infection, and antitumor immunity. Herein, a series of amidobenzimidazole analogues as STING agonists were profiled for potency and drug-like properties. By structure-based modification and optimization based on mono-aminobenzimidazole (ABZI), analogues with nanomolar STING agonistic activities were obtained. Among them, compounds D59 and D61 significantly increased the transcription of IFN-β and proinflammatory cytokine CXCL10, as well as dramatically induced the phosphorylation of STING downstream proteins in THP1 cells. Furthermore, compound D61 exhibited favorable pharmacokinetic properties and metabolic stabilities. In a CT-26 syngeneic mice-bearing tumor model, D61 effectively inhibited tumor growth with good tolerance when administered via intratumoral, intravenous, intraperitoneal, and oral routes. This research on orally bioavailable amidobenzimidazole analogues expands the diversity of chemical structures of agonists for STING-mediated immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan-Nan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Han Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Qiang-Sheng Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ting Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Wei Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ye-Ling Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Guo-Feng Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Bei-Duo Wu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Si-Jia Gong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zheng-Yu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Qi-Dong You
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiao-Li Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
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15
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Chang J, Hou S, Yan X, Li W, Xiao J. Discovery of Novel STING Inhibitors Based on the Structure of the Mouse STING Agonist DMXAA. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28072906. [PMID: 37049669 PMCID: PMC10095708 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28072906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The stimulator-of-interferon-gene (STING) protein is involved in innate immunity. The drug DMXAA (5,6-dimethylxanthenone-4-acetic acid) proved to be a potent murine-STING (mSTING) agonist but had little effect on human-STING (hSTING). In this paper, we draw upon the comparison of different crystal structures and protein-ligand interaction relationships analysis to venture the hypothesis that the drug design of DMXAA variants has the potential to convert STING agonists to inhibitors. Based on our previous discovery of two DMXAA analogs, 3 and 4 (both could bind to STING), we structurally optimized them and synthesized new derivatives, respectively. In binding assays, we found compounds 11 and 27 to represent STING binders that were superior to the original structures and discussed the structure-activity relationships. All target compounds were inactive in cellular assays for the screening of STING agonistic activity. Gratifyingly, we identified 11 and 27 as STING inhibitors with micromolar activity in both hSTING and mSTING pathways. In addition, 11 and 27 inhibited the induction of interferon and inflammatory cytokines activated by 2'3'-cGAMP without apparent cytotoxicity. These findings break the rigid thinking that DMXAA provides the structural basis specifically for STING agonists and open up more possibilities for developing novel STING agonists or inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Chang
- National Engineering Research Center for the Emergency Drug, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Shi Hou
- National Engineering Research Center for the Emergency Drug, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Xinlin Yan
- National Engineering Research Center for the Emergency Drug, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Wei Li
- National Engineering Research Center for the Emergency Drug, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Junhai Xiao
- National Engineering Research Center for the Emergency Drug, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
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16
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Huang A, Zhou W. Mn-based cGAS-STING activation for tumor therapy. Chin J Cancer Res 2023; 35:19-43. [PMID: 36910853 PMCID: PMC9992997 DOI: 10.21147/j.issn.1000-9604.2023.01.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has efficiently revolutionized the treatment of human neoplastic diseases. However, the overall responsive rate of current immunotherapy is still unsatisfactory, benefiting only a small proportion of patients. Therefore, significant attention has been paid to the modulation of tumor microenvironment (TME) for the enhancement of immunotherapy. Interestingly, recent studies have shown that cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon gene (cGAS-STING) was initially found as an innate immune sensor to recognize cytoplasmic DNA (such as bacterial, viral, micronuclei, and mitochondrial). It is a promising signaling pathway to activate antitumor immune responses via type I interferon production. Notably, Mn2+ was found to be a critical molecule to sensitize the activation of the cGAS-STING pathway for better immunotherapy. This activation led to the development of Mn2+-based strategies for tumor immunotherapy via the activation of the cGAS-STING pathway. In this critical review, we aimed to summarize the recent progress of this field, focusing on the following three aspects. First, we briefly introduced the signaling pathway of cGAS-STING activation, and its regulation effect on the antitumor immunity cycle has been discussed. Along with this, several agonists of the cGAS-STING pathway were introduced with their potential as immunotherapeutic drugs. Then, the basic biological functions of Mn2+ have been illustrated, focusing on its critical roles in the cGAS-STING pathway activation. Next, we systematically reviewed the Mn2+-based strategies for tumor immunotherapy, which can be classified by the methods based on Mn2+ alone or Mn2+ combined with other therapeutic modalities. We finally speculated the future perspectives of the field and provided rational suggestions to develop better Mn2+-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiping Huang
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Wenhu Zhou
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China.,Changsha Medical University, Academician Workstation, Changsha 410219, China
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17
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Differential Cellular Sensing of Fusion from within and Fusion from without during Virus Infection. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020301. [PMID: 36851515 PMCID: PMC9962872 DOI: 10.3390/v15020301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The physical entry of virus particles into cells triggers an innate immune response that is dependent on both calcium and nucleic acid sensors, with particles containing RNA or DNA genomes detected by RNA or DNA sensors, respectively. While membrane fusion in the absence of viral nucleic acid causes an innate immune response that is dependent on calcium, the involvement of nucleic acid sensors is poorly understood. Here, we used lipoplexes containing purified reovirus p14 fusion protein as a model of exogenous or fusion from without and a cell line expressing inducible p14 protein as a model of endogenous or fusion from within to examine cellular membrane fusion sensing events. We show that the cellular response to membrane fusion in both models is dependent on calcium, IRF3 and IFN. The method of sensing fusion, however, differs between fusion from without and fusion from within. Exogenous p14 lipoplexes are detected by RIG-I-like RNA sensors, whereas fusion by endogenous p14 requires both RIG-I and STING to trigger an IFN response. The source of nucleic acid that is sensed appears to be cellular in origin. Future studies will investigate the source of endogenous nucleic acids recognized following membrane fusion events.
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18
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Garcia G, Irudayam JI, Jeyachandran AV, Dubey S, Chang C, Cario SC, Price N, Arumugam S, Marquez AL, Shah A, Fanaei A, Chakravarty N, Joshi S, Sinha S, French SW, Parcells M, Ramaiah A, Arumugaswami V. Broad-spectrum antiviral inhibitors targeting pandemic potential RNA viruses. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.19.524824. [PMID: 36711787 PMCID: PMC9882367 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.19.524824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
RNA viruses continue to remain a clear and present threat for potential pandemics due to their rapid evolution. To mitigate their impact, we urgently require antiviral agents that can inhibit multiple families of disease-causing viruses, such as arthropod-borne and respiratory pathogens. Potentiating host antiviral pathways can prevent or limit viral infections before escalating into a major outbreak. Therefore, it is critical to identify broad-spectrum antiviral agents. We have tested a small library of innate immune agonists targeting pathogen recognition receptors, including TLRs, STING, NOD, Dectin and cytosolic DNA or RNA sensors. We observed that TLR3, STING, TLR8 and Dectin-1 ligands inhibited arboviruses, Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), West Nile virus (WNV) and Zika virus, to varying degrees. Cyclic dinucleotide (CDN) STING agonists, such as cAIMP, diABZI, and 2',3'-cGAMP, and Dectin-1 agonist scleroglucan, demonstrated the most potent, broad-spectrum antiviral function. Comparative transcriptome analysis revealed that CHIKV-infected cells had larger number of differentially expressed genes than of WNV and ZIKV. Furthermore, gene expression analysis showed that cAIMP treatment rescued cells from CHIKV-induced dysregulation of cell repair, immune, and metabolic pathways. In addition, cAIMP provided protection against CHIKV in a CHIKV-arthritis mouse model. Cardioprotective effects of synthetic STING ligands against CHIKV, WNV, SARS-CoV-2 and enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) infections were demonstrated using human cardiomyocytes. Interestingly, the direct-acting antiviral drug remdesivir, a nucleoside analogue, was not effective against CHIKV and WNV, but exhibited potent antiviral effects against SARS-CoV-2, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), and EV-D68. Our study identifies broad-spectrum antivirals effective against multiple families of pandemic potential RNA viruses, which can be rapidly deployed to prevent or mitigate future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Garcia
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Joseph Ignatius Irudayam
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Arjit Vijay Jeyachandran
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Swati Dubey
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Christina Chang
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sebastian Castillo Cario
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nate Price
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sathya Arumugam
- Department of Mathematics, Government College Daman, U.T of DNH & DD, India
| | - Angelica L. Marquez
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Aayushi Shah
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Amir Fanaei
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nikhil Chakravarty
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shantanu Joshi
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sanjeev Sinha
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Samuel W. French
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Mark Parcells
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Arunachalam Ramaiah
- Tata Institute for Genetics and Society, Center at inStem, Bangalore 560065, India,City of Milwaukee Health Department, Milwaukee, WI 53202, USA.,To whom correspondence should be addressed: Vaithilingaraja Arumugaswami, DVM, PhD., 10833 Le Conte Ave, CHS B2-049A, Los Angeles, California 90095, Phone: (310) 794-9568, , Arunachalam Ramaiah, MS, PhD., 841 N. Broadway, 2nd Floor, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202,
| | - Vaithilingaraja Arumugaswami
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Lead Contact,To whom correspondence should be addressed: Vaithilingaraja Arumugaswami, DVM, PhD., 10833 Le Conte Ave, CHS B2-049A, Los Angeles, California 90095, Phone: (310) 794-9568, , Arunachalam Ramaiah, MS, PhD., 841 N. Broadway, 2nd Floor, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202,
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19
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Vavřina Z, Perlíková P, Milisavljević N, Chevrier F, Smola M, Smith J, Dejmek M, Havlíček V, Buděšínský M, Liboska R, Vaneková L, Brynda J, Boura E, Řezáčová P, Hocek M, Birkuš G. Design, Synthesis, and Biochemical and Biological Evaluation of Novel 7-Deazapurine Cyclic Dinucleotide Analogues as STING Receptor Agonists. J Med Chem 2022; 65:14082-14103. [PMID: 36201304 PMCID: PMC9620234 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs) are second messengers that activate stimulator of interferon genes (STING). The cGAS-STING pathway plays a promising role in cancer immunotherapy. Here, we describe the synthesis of CDNs containing 7-substituted 7-deazapurine moiety. We used mouse cyclic GMP-AMP synthase and bacterial dinucleotide synthases for the enzymatic synthesis of CDNs. Alternatively, 7-(het)aryl 7-deazapurine CDNs were prepared by Suzuki-Miyaura cross-couplings. New CDNs were tested in biochemical and cell-based assays for their affinity to human STING. Eight CDNs showed better activity than 2'3'-cGAMP, the natural ligand of STING. The effect on cytokine and chemokine induction was also evaluated. The best activities were observed for CDNs bearing large aromatic substituents that point above the CDN molecule. We solved four X-ray structures of complexes of new CDNs with human STING. We observed π-π stacking interactions between the aromatic substituents and Tyr240 that are involved in the stabilization of CDN-STING complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zdeněk Vavřina
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech
Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Namesti 542, Prague 166 10, Czech Republic
- Department
of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles
University, Hlavova 2030/8, Prague 128 00, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Perlíková
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech
Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Namesti 542, Prague 166 10, Czech Republic
- Department
of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Technicka 5, Prague 166 28, Czech Republic
| | - Nemanja Milisavljević
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech
Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Namesti 542, Prague 166 10, Czech Republic
- Department
of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Hlavova 2030/8, Prague 128 00, Czech Republic
| | - Florian Chevrier
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech
Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Namesti 542, Prague 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Smola
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech
Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Namesti 542, Prague 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Joshua Smith
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech
Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Namesti 542, Prague 166 10, Czech Republic
- First
Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Katerinska 1660/32, Prague 121 08, Czech Republic
| | - Milan Dejmek
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech
Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Namesti 542, Prague 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Vojtěch Havlíček
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech
Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Namesti 542, Prague 166 10, Czech Republic
- Department
of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Hlavova 2030/8, Prague 128 00, Czech Republic
| | - Miloš Buděšínský
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech
Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Namesti 542, Prague 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Radek Liboska
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech
Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Namesti 542, Prague 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Vaneková
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech
Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Namesti 542, Prague 166 10, Czech Republic
- Department
of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles
University, Vinicna 1594/7, Prague 128 43, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Brynda
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech
Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Namesti 542, Prague 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Evzen Boura
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech
Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Namesti 542, Prague 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Pavlína Řezáčová
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech
Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Namesti 542, Prague 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Hocek
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech
Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Namesti 542, Prague 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Gabriel Birkuš
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech
Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Namesti 542, Prague 166 10, Czech Republic
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20
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Kazmierski J, Elsner C, Döhner K, Xu S, Ducroux A, Pott F, Jansen J, Thorball CW, Zeymer O, Zhou X, Fedorov R, Fellay J, Löffler MW, Weber ANR, Sodeik B, Goffinet C. A Baseline Cellular Antiviral State Is Maintained by cGAS and Its Most Frequent Naturally Occurring Variant rs610913. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 209:535-547. [PMID: 35851540 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Upon recognition of aberrantly located DNA, the innate immune sensor cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) activates stimulator of IFN genes (STING)/IFN regulatory factor (IRF)3-driven antiviral responses. In this study, we characterized the ability of a specific variant of the human cGAS-encoding gene MB21D1, rs610913, to alter cGAS-mediated DNA sensing and viral infection. rs610913 is a frequent G>T polymorphism resulting in a P261H exchange in the cGAS protein. Data from the International Collaboration for the Genomics of HIV suggested that rs610913 nominally associates with HIV-1 acquisition in vivo. Molecular modeling of cGAS(P261H) hinted toward the possibility for an additional binding site for a potential cellular cofactor in cGAS dimers. However, cGAS(wild-type [WT]) or cGAS(P261H)-reconstituted THP-1 cGAS knockout cells shared steady-state expression of IFN-stimulated genes, as opposed to cells expressing the enzymatically inactive cGAS(G212A/S213A). Accordingly, cGAS(WT) and cGAS(P261H) cells were less susceptible to lentiviral transduction and infection with HIV-1, HSV-1, and Chikungunya virus as compared with cGAS knockout or cGAS(G212A/S213A) cells. Upon DNA challenge, innate immune activation appeared to be mildly reduced upon expression of cGAS(P261H) compared with cGAS(WT). Finally, DNA challenge of PBMCs from donors homozygously expressing rs610913 provoked a trend toward a slightly reduced type I IFN response as compared with PBMCs from GG donors. Taken together, the steady-state activity of cGAS maintains a baseline antiviral state rendering cells more refractory to IFN-stimulated gene-sensitive viral infections. rs610913 failed to grossly differ phenotypically from the WT gene, suggesting that cGAS(P261H) and WT cGAS share a similar ability to sense viral infections in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Kazmierski
- Institute of Virology, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Experimental Virology, Twincore Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, a Joint Venture between the Hannover Medical School and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Carina Elsner
- Institute of Experimental Virology, Twincore Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, a Joint Venture between the Hannover Medical School and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Katinka Döhner
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Shuting Xu
- Institute of Experimental Virology, Twincore Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, a Joint Venture between the Hannover Medical School and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Aurélie Ducroux
- Institute of Experimental Virology, Twincore Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, a Joint Venture between the Hannover Medical School and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Fabian Pott
- Institute of Virology, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Experimental Virology, Twincore Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, a Joint Venture between the Hannover Medical School and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jenny Jansen
- Institute of Virology, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian W Thorball
- School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Precision Medicine Unit, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ole Zeymer
- Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Research Division for Structural Biochemistry, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- RESIST-Cluster of Excellence, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Xiaoyi Zhou
- Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Research Division for Structural Biochemistry, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- RESIST-Cluster of Excellence, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Roman Fedorov
- Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Research Division for Structural Biochemistry, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- RESIST-Cluster of Excellence, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jacques Fellay
- School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Precision Medicine Unit, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Markus W Löffler
- Department of Immunology, Interfaculty Institute for Cell Biology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen Germany
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- iFIT-Cluster of Excellence (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies," University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Alexander N R Weber
- Department of Immunology, Interfaculty Institute for Cell Biology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- iFIT-Cluster of Excellence (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies," University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- CMFI-Cluster of Excellence (EXC 2124) "Controlling Microbes to Fight Infection," University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; and
| | - Beate Sodeik
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- RESIST-Cluster of Excellence, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, Hannover-Braunschweig Partner Site, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christine Goffinet
- Institute of Virology, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Experimental Virology, Twincore Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, a Joint Venture between the Hannover Medical School and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
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21
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Connors J, Taramangalam B, Cusimano G, Bell MR, Matt SM, Runner K, Gaskill PJ, DeFilippis V, Nikolich-Žugich J, Kutzler MA, Haddad EK. Aging alters antiviral signaling pathways resulting in functional impairment in innate immunity in response to pattern recognition receptor agonists. GeroScience 2022; 44:2555-2572. [PMID: 35849213 PMCID: PMC9289086 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-022-00612-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The progressive impairment of immunity to pathogens and vaccines with aging is a significant public health problem as the world population shifts to an increased percentage of older adults (> 65). We have previously demonstrated that cells obtained from older volunteers have delayed and defective induction of type I interferons and T cell and B cell helper cytokines in response to TLR ligands when compared to those from adult subjects. However, the underlying intracellular mechanisms are not well described. Herein, we studied two critical pathways important in the production of type I interferon (IFN), the interferon response factor 7 (pIRF7), and TANK-binding kinase (pTBK-1). We show a decrease in pIRF7 and pTBK-1 in cross-priming dendritic cells (cDC1s), CD4+ T cell priming DCs (cDC2s), and CD14dimCD16+ vascular patrolling monocytes from older adults (n = 11) following stimulation with pathway-specific agonists in comparison with young individuals (n = 11). The decrease in these key antiviral pathway proteins correlates with decreased phagocytosis, suggesting impaired function in Overall, our findings describe molecular mechanisms which explain the innate functional impairment in older adults and thus could inform us of novel approaches to restore these defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Connors
- grid.166341.70000 0001 2181 3113Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases & HIV Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA ,grid.166341.70000 0001 2181 3113Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Bhavani Taramangalam
- grid.166341.70000 0001 2181 3113Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases & HIV Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA ,grid.166341.70000 0001 2181 3113Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Gina Cusimano
- grid.166341.70000 0001 2181 3113Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases & HIV Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA ,grid.166341.70000 0001 2181 3113Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Matthew R. Bell
- grid.166341.70000 0001 2181 3113Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases & HIV Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA ,grid.166341.70000 0001 2181 3113Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Stephanie M. Matt
- grid.166341.70000 0001 2181 3113Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Kaitlyn Runner
- grid.166341.70000 0001 2181 3113Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Peter J. Gaskill
- grid.166341.70000 0001 2181 3113Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Victor DeFilippis
- grid.5288.70000 0000 9758 5690Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR USA
| | - Janko Nikolich-Žugich
- grid.134563.60000 0001 2168 186XDepartment of Immunobiology, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ USA ,grid.134563.60000 0001 2168 186XArizona Center On Aging, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ USA
| | - Michele A. Kutzler
- grid.166341.70000 0001 2181 3113Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases & HIV Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA ,grid.166341.70000 0001 2181 3113Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Elias K. Haddad
- grid.166341.70000 0001 2181 3113Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases & HIV Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA ,grid.166341.70000 0001 2181 3113Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA
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22
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Zhang Q, Chen C, Xia B, Xu P. Chemical regulation of the cGAS-STING pathway. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2022; 69:102170. [PMID: 35753220 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2022.102170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Nucleic acids represent a major class of pathogen and damage signatures, recognized by a variety of host sensors to initiate signaling cascades and immune responses, such as mechanisms of RLR-MAVS, cGAS-STING, TLR-TRIF, and AIM2 inflammasome. Yet, an outstanding challenge is understanding how nucleic acid sensing initiates immune responses and its tethering in various infectious, cancerous, autoimmune, and inflammatory diseases. However, the discovery and application of a plethora of small molecule compounds have substantially facilitated this process. This review provides an overview and recent development of the innate DNA-sensing pathway of cGAS-STING and highlights the multiple agonists and inhibitors in fine-tuning the pathway that can be exploited to improve disease treatment, focusing primarily on crucial pathway components and regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Chen Chen
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Bing Xia
- Department of Thoracic Cancer, Affiliated Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Pinglong Xu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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23
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Gao J, Zheng M, Wu X, Zhang H, Su H, Dang Y, Ma M, Wang F, Xu J, Chen L, Liu T, Chen J, Zhang F, Yang L, Xu Q, Hu X, Wang H, Fei Y, Chen C, Liu H. CDK inhibitor Palbociclib targets STING to alleviate autoinflammation. EMBO Rep 2022; 23:e53932. [PMID: 35403787 PMCID: PMC9171422 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202153932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is tightly associated with multiple types of disease, including cancer, infection, and autoimmune diseases. However, the development of STING modulators for the therapy of STING-related diseases is still an unmet clinical need. We employed a high-throughput screening approach based on the interaction of small-molecule chemical compounds with recombinant STING protein to identify functional STING modulators. Intriguingly, the cyclin-dependent protein kinase (CDK) inhibitor Palbociclib was found to directly bind STING and inhibit its activation in both mouse and human cells. Mechanistically, Palbociclib targets Y167 of STING to block its dimerization, its binding with cyclic dinucleotides, and its trafficking. Importantly, Palbociclib alleviates autoimmune disease features induced by dextran sulphate sodium or genetic ablation of three prime repair exonuclease 1 (Trex1) in mice in a STING-dependent manner. Our work identifies Palbociclib as a novel pharmacological inhibitor of STING that abrogates its homodimerization and provides a basis for the fast repurposing of this Food and Drug Administration-approved drug for the therapy of autoinflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiani Gao
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryShanghai Pulmonary HospitalTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Clinical and Translational Research CenterShanghai Pulmonary HospitalTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Mengge Zheng
- Clinical and Translational Research CenterShanghai Pulmonary HospitalTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Xiangyang Wu
- Clinical and Translational Research CenterShanghai Pulmonary HospitalTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Hang Zhang
- Department of Optical Science and EngineeringShanghai Engineering Research Center of Ultra‐Precision Optical ManufacturingKey Laboratory of Micro and Nano Photonic Structures (Ministry of Education)Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Hang Su
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryShanghai Pulmonary HospitalTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Yifang Dang
- Clinical and Translational Research CenterShanghai Pulmonary HospitalTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of TuberculosisShanghai Pulmonary HospitalTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Mingtong Ma
- Clinical and Translational Research CenterShanghai Pulmonary HospitalTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Fei Wang
- Clinical and Translational Research CenterShanghai Pulmonary HospitalTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Junfang Xu
- Clinical and Translational Research CenterShanghai Pulmonary HospitalTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Li Chen
- Clinical and Translational Research CenterShanghai Pulmonary HospitalTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Tianhao Liu
- Clinical and Translational Research CenterShanghai Pulmonary HospitalTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Jianxia Chen
- Clinical and Translational Research CenterShanghai Pulmonary HospitalTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of TuberculosisShanghai Pulmonary HospitalTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Fan Zhang
- Clinical and Translational Research CenterShanghai Pulmonary HospitalTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Li Yang
- Clinical and Translational Research CenterShanghai Pulmonary HospitalTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Qinghua Xu
- Clinical and Translational Research CenterShanghai Pulmonary HospitalTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Xuefei Hu
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryShanghai Pulmonary HospitalTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Heyong Wang
- Central LaboratoryShanghai Pulmonary HospitalTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Yiyan Fei
- Department of Optical Science and EngineeringShanghai Engineering Research Center of Ultra‐Precision Optical ManufacturingKey Laboratory of Micro and Nano Photonic Structures (Ministry of Education)Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Chang Chen
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryShanghai Pulmonary HospitalTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Haipeng Liu
- Clinical and Translational Research CenterShanghai Pulmonary HospitalTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of TuberculosisShanghai Pulmonary HospitalTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Central LaboratoryShanghai Pulmonary HospitalTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Institute of Nuclear MedicineTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
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24
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Foss MH, Stevens SL, Jin H, Allen EM, Nelson D, DeFilippis V, Nilsen A, Stenzel-Poore MP. Identification and Characterization of Small-Molecule IRF3-Dependent Immune Activators for Pharmaceutical Development. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:1073-1081. [PMID: 35471821 PMCID: PMC10064657 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We sought to develop a small-molecule activator of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), an essential innate immune transcription factor, which could potentially be used therapeutically in multiple disease settings. Using a high-throughput screen, we identified small-molecule entities that activate a type I interferon response, with minimal off-target NFκB activation. We identified 399 compounds at a hit rate of 0.24% from singlicate primary screening. Secondary screening included the primary hits and additional compounds with similar chemical structures obtained from other library sources and resulted in 142 candidate compounds. The hit compounds were sorted and ranked to identify compound groups with activity in both human and mouse backgrounds to facilitate animal model engagement for translational development. Chemical modifications within two groups of small molecules produced leads with improved activity over original hits. Furthermore, these leads demonstrated activity in ex vivo cytokine release assays from human blood- and mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages. Dependence on IRF3 was demonstrated using bone marrow-derived macrophages from IRF3-deficient mice, which were not responsive to the molecules. To identify the upstream pathway leading to IRF3 activation, we used a library of CRISPR knockout cell lines to test the key innate immune adaptor and receptor molecules. These studies indicated a surprising toll-interleukin-1 receptor-domain-containing-adapter-inducing interferon-β-dependent but TLR3/4-independent mechanism of IRF3 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie H Foss
- Neuralexo, Inc., Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | | | - Haihong Jin
- Medicinal Chemistry Core, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Elyse M Allen
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Department, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Dylan Nelson
- High-Throughput Screening Services Laboratory, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Victor DeFilippis
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97006, United States
| | - Aaron Nilsen
- Medicinal Chemistry Core, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Mary P Stenzel-Poore
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Department, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
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25
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Garland KM, Sheehy TL, Wilson JT. Chemical and Biomolecular Strategies for STING Pathway Activation in Cancer Immunotherapy. Chem Rev 2022; 122:5977-6039. [PMID: 35107989 PMCID: PMC8994686 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The stimulator of interferon genes (STING) cellular signaling pathway is a promising target for cancer immunotherapy. Activation of the intracellular STING protein triggers the production of a multifaceted array of immunostimulatory molecules, which, in the proper context, can drive dendritic cell maturation, antitumor macrophage polarization, T cell priming and activation, natural killer cell activation, vascular reprogramming, and/or cancer cell death, resulting in immune-mediated tumor elimination and generation of antitumor immune memory. Accordingly, there is a significant amount of ongoing preclinical and clinical research toward further understanding the role of the STING pathway in cancer immune surveillance as well as the development of modulators of the pathway as a strategy to stimulate antitumor immunity. Yet, the efficacy of STING pathway agonists is limited by many drug delivery and pharmacological challenges. Depending on the class of STING agonist and the desired administration route, these may include poor drug stability, immunocellular toxicity, immune-related adverse events, limited tumor or lymph node targeting and/or retention, low cellular uptake and intracellular delivery, and a complex dependence on the magnitude and kinetics of STING signaling. This review provides a concise summary of the STING pathway, highlighting recent biological developments, immunological consequences, and implications for drug delivery. This review also offers a critical analysis of an expanding arsenal of chemical strategies that are being employed to enhance the efficacy, safety, and/or clinical utility of STING pathway agonists and lastly draws attention to several opportunities for therapeutic advancements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle M Garland
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, 37235 United States
| | - Taylor L Sheehy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, 37235 United States
| | - John T Wilson
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, 37235 United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, 37235 United States
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology, and Inflammation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, 37232 United States
- Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, 37232 United States
- Vanderbilt Center for Immunobiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, 37232 United States
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, 37232 United States
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26
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Zhou J, Cui X, Xie Y, Zhang M, Gao J, Zhou X, Ding J, Cen S. Identification of Ziyuglycoside II from natural products library as a novel STING agonist. ChemMedChem 2022; 17:e202100719. [PMID: 35293138 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202100719] [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: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Given the emerging pivotal roles of STING (stimulator of interferon genes) in host pathogen defense and immune-oncology, STING is regarded as a promising target for drug development. CDNs (cyclic dinucleotides) are the first-generation STING agonists. However, their poor metabolic stability and membrane permeability utterly limits therapeutic applications. By contrast, small molecule STING agonists show superiority of properties such as molecular weight, polar character, and delivery diversity. The quest for the potent small molecular agonist of human STING remains ongoing. In our study, through an IRF/IFN pathway-targeted cell-based screen of natural products library, we identified a small-molecular STING agonist Ziyuglycoside II, termed as ST12, with potent stimulation of IRF/IFN pathway and NF-κB pathway. Furthermore, its binding to the C-terminal domain of human STING detected by bio-layer interferometry technique, indicating that ST12 is a human STING agonist. Further tanimoto similarity analyze with existing small-molecule STING agonists indicates that ST12 represents a lead compound with a novel core-structure for the further optimization. Insert abstract text here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinming Zhou
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Immunology, Nanwei Road, 100050, Beijing, CHINA
| | - Xiangling Cui
- Institute of Medicinal biotechnology, Medicinal chemistry, CHINA
| | - Yongli Xie
- Institute of Medicinal biotechnology, Medicinal chemistry, CHINA
| | - Min Zhang
- Zhejiang Normal University, College of Chemistry and Life Science, CHINA
| | - Jieke Gao
- Zhejiang Normal University, College of Chemistry and Life Science, CHINA
| | - Xujun Zhou
- Zhejiang Normal University, College of Chemistry and Life Science, CHINA
| | - Jiwei Ding
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Medicinal chemistry, CHINA
| | - Shan Cen
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Immune, CHINA
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27
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Zhou J, Ventura CJ, Fang RH, Zhang L. Nanodelivery of STING agonists against cancer and infectious diseases. Mol Aspects Med 2022; 83:101007. [PMID: 34353637 PMCID: PMC8792206 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2021.101007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Vaccination is a modality that has been widely explored for the treatment of various diseases. To increase the potency of vaccine formulations, immunostimulatory adjuvants have been regularly exploited, and the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway has recently emerged as a remarkable therapeutic target. STING is an endogenous protein on the endoplasmic reticulum that is a downstream sensor to cytosolic DNA. Upon activation, STING initiates a series of intracellular signaling cascades that ultimately generate potent type I interferon-mediated immune responses. Both natural and synthetic agonists have been used to stimulate the STING pathway, but they are usually administered locally due to low bioavailability, instability, and difficulty in bypassing the plasma membrane. With excellent pharmacokinetic profiles and versatility, nanocarriers can address many of these challenges and broaden the application of STING vaccines. Along these lines, STING-inducing nanovaccines are being developed to address a wide range of diseases. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in STING nanovaccines for anticancer, antiviral, and antibacterial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiarong Zhou
- Department of NanoEngineering, Chemical Engineering Program, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Christian J Ventura
- Department of NanoEngineering, Chemical Engineering Program, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Ronnie H Fang
- Department of NanoEngineering, Chemical Engineering Program, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
| | - Liangfang Zhang
- Department of NanoEngineering, Chemical Engineering Program, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
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Cao X, Cordova AF, Li L. Therapeutic Interventions Targeting Innate Immune Receptors: A Balancing Act. Chem Rev 2021; 122:3414-3458. [PMID: 34870969 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The innate immune system is an organism's first line of defense against an onslaught of internal and external threats. The downstream adaptive immune system has been a popular target for therapeutic intervention, while there is a relative paucity of therapeutics targeting the innate immune system. However, the innate immune system plays a critical role in many human diseases, such as microbial infection, cancer, and autoimmunity, highlighting the need for ongoing therapeutic research. In this review, we discuss the major innate immune pathways and detail the molecular strategies underpinning successful therapeutics targeting each pathway as well as previous and ongoing efforts. We will also discuss any recent discoveries that could inform the development of novel therapeutic strategies. As our understanding of the innate immune system continues to develop, we envision that therapies harnessing the power of the innate immune system will become the mainstay of treatment for a wide variety of human diseases.
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29
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Van Herck S, Feng B, Tang L. Delivery of STING agonists for adjuvanting subunit vaccines. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 179:114020. [PMID: 34756942 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Adjuvant is an essential component in subunit vaccines. Many agonists of pathogen recognition receptors have been developed as potent adjuvants to optimize the immunogenicity and efficacy of vaccines. Recently discovered cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING) pathway has attracted much attention as it is a key mediator for modulating immune responses. Vaccines adjuvanted with STING agonists are found to mediate a robust immune defense against infections and cancer. In this review, we first discuss the mechanisms of STING agonists in the context of vaccination. Next, we present recent progress in novel STING agonist discovery and the delivery strategies. We next highlight recent work in optimizing the efficacy while minimizing toxicity of STING agonist-assisted subunit vaccines for protection against infectious diseases or treatment of cancer. Finally, we share our perspectives of current issues and future directions in further developing STING agonists for adjuvanting subunit vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Van Herck
- Institute of Bioengineering, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; Department of Pharmaceutics, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bing Feng
- Institute of Bioengineering, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; Institute of Materials Science & Engineering, EPFL, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Li Tang
- Institute of Bioengineering, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; Institute of Materials Science & Engineering, EPFL, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
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30
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Miyagi S, Watanabe T, Hara Y, Arata M, Uddin MK, Mantoku K, Sago K, Yanagi Y, Suzuki T, Masud HMAA, Kawada JI, Nakamura S, Miyake Y, Sato Y, Murata T, Kimura H. A STING inhibitor suppresses EBV-induced B cell transformation and lymphomagenesis. Cancer Sci 2021; 112:5088-5099. [PMID: 34609775 PMCID: PMC8645724 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Epstein‐Barr virus‐associated lymphoproliferative disease (EBV‐LPD) is frequently fatal. Innate immunity plays a key role in protecting against pathogens and cancers. The stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is regarded as a key adaptor protein allowing DNA sensors recognizing exogenous cytosolic DNA to activate the type I interferon signaling cascade. In terms of EBV tumorigenicity, the role of STING remains elusive. Here we showed that treatment with the STING inhibitor, C‐176, suppressed EBV‐induced transformation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In an EBV‐LPD mouse model, C‐176 treatment also inhibited tumor formation and prolonged survival. Treatment with B cells alone did not affect EBV transformation, but suppression of EBV‐induced transformation was observed in the presence of T cells. Even without direct B cell‐T cell contact in a transwell system, the inhibitor reduced the transformation activity, indicating that intercellular communication by humoral factors was critical to prevent EBV‐induced transformation. These findings suggest that inhibition of STING signaling pathway with C‐176 could be a new therapeutic target of EBV‐LPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shouhei Miyagi
- Department of Virology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takahiro Watanabe
- Department of Virology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yuya Hara
- Department of Virology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masataka Arata
- Department of Virology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Md Kamal Uddin
- Department of Virology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Keisuke Mantoku
- Department of Virology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Ken Sago
- Department of Virology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yusuke Yanagi
- Department of Virology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takeshi Suzuki
- Department of Virology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - H M Abdullah Al Masud
- Department of Virology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.,Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Jun-Ichi Kawada
- Department of Pediatrics, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shigeo Nakamura
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Miyake
- Department of Virology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Sato
- Department of Virology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.,Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology (PRESTO), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Kawaguchi, Japan
| | - Takayuki Murata
- Department of Virology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.,Department of Virology and Parasitology, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kimura
- Department of Virology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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31
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Pham AH, Mitchell J, Botto S, Pryke KM, DeFilippis VR, Hancock MH. Human cytomegalovirus blocks canonical TGFβ signaling during lytic infection to limit induction of type I interferons. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009380. [PMID: 34411201 PMCID: PMC8407580 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) microRNAs (miRNAs) significantly rewire host signaling pathways to support the viral lifecycle and regulate host cell responses. Here we show that SMAD3 expression is regulated by HCMV miR-UL22A and contributes to the IRF7-mediated induction of type I IFNs and IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) in human fibroblasts. Addition of exogenous TGFβ interferes with the replication of a miR-UL22A mutant virus in a SMAD3-dependent manner in wild type fibroblasts, but not in cells lacking IRF7, indicating that downregulation of SMAD3 expression to limit IFN induction is important for efficient lytic replication. These findings uncover a novel interplay between SMAD3 and innate immunity during HCMV infection and highlight the role of viral miRNAs in modulating these responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew H. Pham
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Mitchell
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Sara Botto
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Kara M. Pryke
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Victor R. DeFilippis
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Meaghan H. Hancock
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, United States of America
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32
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Brezgin S, Kostyusheva A, Bayurova E, Volchkova E, Gegechkori V, Gordeychuk I, Glebe D, Kostyushev D, Chulanov V. Immunity and Viral Infections: Modulating Antiviral Response via CRISPR-Cas Systems. Viruses 2021; 13:1373. [PMID: 34372578 PMCID: PMC8310348 DOI: 10.3390/v13071373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral infections cause a variety of acute and chronic human diseases, sometimes resulting in small local outbreaks, or in some cases spreading across the globe and leading to global pandemics. Understanding and exploiting virus-host interactions is instrumental for identifying host factors involved in viral replication, developing effective antiviral agents, and mitigating the severity of virus-borne infectious diseases. The diversity of CRISPR systems and CRISPR-based tools enables the specific modulation of innate immune responses and has contributed impressively to the fields of virology and immunology in a very short time. In this review, we describe the most recent advances in the use of CRISPR systems for basic and translational studies of virus-host interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey Brezgin
- National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health, 127994 Moscow, Russia; (S.B.); (A.K.); (V.C.)
- Institute of Immunology, Federal Medical Biological Agency, 115522 Moscow, Russia
- Scientific Center for Genetics and Life Sciences, Division of Biotechnology, Sirius University of Science and Technology, 354340 Sochi, Russia
| | - Anastasiya Kostyusheva
- National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health, 127994 Moscow, Russia; (S.B.); (A.K.); (V.C.)
| | - Ekaterina Bayurova
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products of Russian Academy of Sciences, 108819 Moscow, Russia; (E.B.); (I.G.)
| | - Elena Volchkova
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sechenov University, 119991 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Vladimir Gegechkori
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Chemistry, Sechenov University, 119991 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Ilya Gordeychuk
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products of Russian Academy of Sciences, 108819 Moscow, Russia; (E.B.); (I.G.)
- Department of Organization and Technology of Immunobiological Drugs, Sechenov University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dieter Glebe
- National Reference Center for Hepatitis B Viruses and Hepatitis D Viruses, Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany;
| | - Dmitry Kostyushev
- National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health, 127994 Moscow, Russia; (S.B.); (A.K.); (V.C.)
- Scientific Center for Genetics and Life Sciences, Division of Biotechnology, Sirius University of Science and Technology, 354340 Sochi, Russia
| | - Vladimir Chulanov
- National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health, 127994 Moscow, Russia; (S.B.); (A.K.); (V.C.)
- Scientific Center for Genetics and Life Sciences, Division of Biotechnology, Sirius University of Science and Technology, 354340 Sochi, Russia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sechenov University, 119991 Moscow, Russia;
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33
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Battisti V, Urban E, Langer T. Antivirals against the Chikungunya Virus. Viruses 2021; 13:1307. [PMID: 34372513 PMCID: PMC8310245 DOI: 10.3390/v13071307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-transmitted alphavirus that has re-emerged in recent decades, causing large-scale epidemics in many parts of the world. CHIKV infection leads to a febrile disease known as chikungunya fever (CHIKF), which is characterised by severe joint pain and myalgia. As many patients develop a painful chronic stage and neither antiviral drugs nor vaccines are available, the development of a potent CHIKV inhibiting drug is crucial for CHIKF treatment. A comprehensive summary of current antiviral research and development of small-molecule inhibitor against CHIKV is presented in this review. We highlight different approaches used for the identification of such compounds and further discuss the identification and application of promising viral and host targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Thierry Langer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Chemistry Division, University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria; (V.B.); (E.U.)
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34
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Chen L, Zhao S, Zhu Y, Liu Y, Li H, Zhao Q. Molecular Dynamics Simulations Reveal the Modulated Mechanism of STING Conformation. Interdiscip Sci 2021; 13:751-765. [PMID: 34142362 DOI: 10.1007/s12539-021-00446-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Stimulator of interferon genes (STING), which is an integral ER-membrane protein, could induce an antiviral state and boost antitumor immunity. Recent experiments reported that different small molecules could modulate the conformation of the STING. However, the mechanism of small molecules modulating the conformation of STING is still unknown. To illustrate the conformational modulated mechanism of STING by small molecules at atomic level, we investigated the interactions between STING and the small molecules: cGAMP and diABZI with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations method. Interestingly, we found that the residues of STING in the binding pocket are more flexible in the monomers of STING than that in the dimer of STING. We also demonstrated that cGAMP and diABZI have a similar binding mode to STING monomers/dimer, and π-π stacking interactions play important roles for the agonists and STING. Our study proposed mechanistic insights into the STING conformation modulated by small molecules and we suggested that the special molecule (e. g. diABZI) could induce the conformational transition of STING from the "open" monomers to the "closed" dimer state. Our research may provide a clue for the development of cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Chen
- College of Mathematics and Physics, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai, 200090, China
| | - Shuang Zhao
- College of Mathematics and Physics, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai, 200090, China
| | - Yanyan Zhu
- College of Mathematics and Physics, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai, 200090, China
| | - Yongsheng Liu
- College of Mathematics and Physics, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai, 200090, China
| | - Huiyu Li
- College of Mathematics and Physics, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai, 200090, China.
| | - Qingjie Zhao
- Shanghai Institute of Material Medical, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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35
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Krump NA, Wang R, Liu W, Yang JF, Ma T, You J. Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Infection Induces an Antiviral Innate Immune Response in Human Dermal Fibroblasts. J Virol 2021; 95:e0221120. [PMID: 33883226 PMCID: PMC8437356 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02211-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) infects most of the human population asymptomatically, but in rare cases it leads to a highly aggressive skin cancer called Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). MCC incidence is much higher in aging and immunocompromised populations. The epidemiology of MCC suggests that dysbiosis between the host immune response and the MCPyV infectious cycle could contribute to the development of MCPyV-associated MCC. Insufficient restriction of MCPyV by normal cellular processes, for example, could promote the incidental oncogenic MCPyV integration events and/or entry into the original cell of MCC. Progress toward understanding MCPyV biology has been hindered by its narrow cellular tropism. Our discovery that primary human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) support MCPyV infection has made it possible to closely model cellular responses to different stages of the infectious cycle. The present study reveals that the onset of MCPyV replication and early gene expression induces an inflammatory cytokine and interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) response. The cGAS-STING pathway, in coordination with NF-κB, mediates induction of this innate immune gene expression program. Further, silencing of cGAS or NF-κB pathway factors led to elevated MCPyV replication. We also discovered that the PYHIN protein IFI16 localizes to MCPyV replication centers but does not contribute to the induction of ISGs. Instead, IFI16 upregulates inflammatory cytokines in response to MCPyV infection by an alternative mechanism. The work described herein establishes a foundation for exploring how changes to the skin microenvironment induced by aging or immunodeficiency might alter the fate of MCPyV and its host cell to encourage carcinogenesis. IMPORTANCE MCC has a high rate of mortality and an increasing incidence. Immune-checkpoint therapies have improved the prognosis of patients with metastatic MCC. Still, a significant proportion of the patients fail to respond to immune-checkpoint therapies or have a medical need for iatrogenic immune-suppression. A greater understanding of MCPyV biology could inform targeted therapies for MCPyV-associated MCC. Moreover, cellular events preceding MCC oncogenesis remain largely unknown. The present study aims to explore how MCPyV interfaces with innate immunity during its infectious cycle. We describe how MCPyV replication and/or transcription elicit an innate immune response via cGAS-STING, NF-κB, and IFI16. We also explore the effects of this response on MCPyV replication. Our findings illustrate how healthy cellular conditions may allow low-level infection that evades immune destruction until highly active replication is restricted by host responses. Conversely, pathological conditions could result in unbridled MCPyV replication that licenses MCC tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan A. Krump
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ranran Wang
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - June F. Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Tongcui Ma
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jianxin You
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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36
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Elmanfi S, Yilmaz M, Ong WWS, Yeboah KS, Sintim HO, Gürsoy M, Könönen E, Gürsoy UK. Bacterial Cyclic Dinucleotides and the cGAS-cGAMP-STING Pathway: A Role in Periodontitis? Pathogens 2021; 10:675. [PMID: 34070809 PMCID: PMC8226932 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10060675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Host cells can recognize cytosolic double-stranded DNAs and endogenous second messengers as cyclic dinucleotides-including c-di-GMP, c-di-AMP, and cGAMP-of invading microbes via the critical and essential innate immune signaling adaptor molecule known as STING. This recognition activates the innate immune system and leads to the production of Type I interferons and proinflammatory cytokines. In this review, we (1) focus on the possible role of bacterial cyclic dinucleotides and the STING/TBK1/IRF3 pathway in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease and the regulation of periodontal immune response, and (2) review and discuss activators and inhibitors of the STING pathway as immune response regulators and their potential utility in the treatment of periodontitis. PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched with the terms "STING", "TBK 1", "IRF3", and "cGAS"-alone, or together with "periodontitis". Current studies produced evidence for using STING-pathway-targeting molecules as part of anticancer therapy, and as vaccine adjuvants against microbial infections; however, the role of the STING/TBK1/IRF3 pathway in periodontal disease pathogenesis is still undiscovered. Understanding the stimulation of the innate immune response by cyclic dinucleotides opens a new approach to host modulation therapies in periodontology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Elmanfi
- Department of Periodontology, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland; (S.E.); (M.G.); (E.K.)
| | - Mustafa Yilmaz
- Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Biruni University, 34010 Istanbul, Turkey;
| | - Wilson W. S. Ong
- Department of Chemistry and Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery and Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Disease, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, IN 47907, USA; (W.W.S.O.); (K.S.Y.)
| | - Kofi S. Yeboah
- Department of Chemistry and Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery and Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Disease, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, IN 47907, USA; (W.W.S.O.); (K.S.Y.)
| | - Herman O. Sintim
- Department of Chemistry and Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery and Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Disease, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, IN 47907, USA; (W.W.S.O.); (K.S.Y.)
| | - Mervi Gürsoy
- Department of Periodontology, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland; (S.E.); (M.G.); (E.K.)
| | - Eija Könönen
- Department of Periodontology, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland; (S.E.); (M.G.); (E.K.)
- Oral Health Care, Welfare Division, City of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Ulvi K. Gürsoy
- Department of Periodontology, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland; (S.E.); (M.G.); (E.K.)
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37
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Liu W, Reyes HM, Yang JF, Li Y, Stewart KM, Basil MC, Lin SM, Katzen J, Morrisey EE, Weiss SR, You J. Activation of STING Signaling Pathway Effectively Blocks Human Coronavirus Infection. J Virol 2021; 95:e00490-21. [PMID: 33789998 PMCID: PMC8316077 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00490-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic poses a serious global health threat. The rapid global spread of SARS-CoV-2 highlights an urgent need to develop effective therapeutics for blocking SARS-CoV-2 infection and spread. Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) is a chief element in host antiviral defense pathways. In this study, we examined the impact of the STING signaling pathway on coronavirus infection using the human coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43) model. We found that HCoV-OC43 infection did not stimulate the STING signaling pathway, but the activation of STING signaling effectively inhibits HCoV-OC43 infection to a much greater extent than that of type I interferons (IFNs). We also discovered that IRF3, the key STING downstream innate immune effector, is essential for this anticoronavirus activity. In addition, we found that the amidobenzimidazole (ABZI)-based human STING agonist diABZI robustly blocks the infection of not only HCoV-OC43 but also SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, our study identifies the STING signaling pathway as a potential therapeutic target that could be exploited for developing broad-spectrum antiviral therapeutics against multiple coronavirus strains in order to face the challenge of future coronavirus outbreaks.IMPORTANCE The highly infectious and lethal SARS-CoV-2 is posing an unprecedented threat to public health. Other coronaviruses are likely to jump from a nonhuman animal to humans in the future. Novel broad-spectrum antiviral therapeutics are therefore needed to control known pathogenic coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and its newly mutated variants, as well as future coronavirus outbreaks. STING signaling is a well-established host defense pathway, but its role in coronavirus infection remains unclear. In the present study, we found that activation of the STING signaling pathway robustly inhibits infection of HCoV-OC43 and SARS-CoV-2. These results identified the STING pathway as a novel target for controlling the spread of known pathogenic coronaviruses, as well as emerging coronavirus outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Hanako M Reyes
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - June F Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Yize Li
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kathleen M Stewart
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Penn-CHOP Lung Biology Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Maria C Basil
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Penn-CHOP Lung Biology Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Susan M Lin
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Penn-CHOP Lung Biology Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jeremy Katzen
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Penn-CHOP Lung Biology Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Edward E Morrisey
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Penn-CHOP Lung Biology Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Penn Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Penn Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Susan R Weiss
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jianxin You
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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SC75741 antagonizes vesicular stomatitis virus, duck Tembusu virus, and duck plague virus infection in duck cells through promoting innate immune responses. Poult Sci 2021; 100:101085. [PMID: 33799115 PMCID: PMC8044693 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2021.101085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Duck Tembusu virus (DTMUV) and duck plague virus (DPV) are typical DNA and RNA viruses of waterfowl, causing drastic economic losses to the duck farm industry in terms of high mortality and decreased egg production. These 2 viruses reappear from time to time because the available vaccines fail to provide complete immunity and no clinical antiviral drugs are available for them. In the present study, we evaluated the antiviral activity of SC75741 for DTMUV, DPV, and the model virus, vesicular stomatitis virus infection in duck cells. SC75741, a nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)-specific inhibitor in mammal cells, revealed the highest antiviral activity among the inhibitors specific to c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38), and NF-κB signaling. The antiviral activity of SC75741 was dose-dependent and showed effects in different duck cell types. Time-addition and duration assay demonstrated that SC75741 inhibited virus infection in the middle of and after virus infection at least for 72 h in duck embro fibroblast cells. The DPV viral adsorption and genomic copy number were reduced, indicating that SC75741 blocks the phase of the virus life cycle at viral entry and genomic replication. In addition, SC75741 enhanced the expression of interferon only when stimulator of interferon genes (STING) was overexpressed or pre-activated by the virus infection, suggesting that SC75741 acts as a STING agonist. In conclusion, SC75741 is a candidate antiviral agent for DTMUV and DPV.
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Liu Y, Lu X, Qin N, Qiao Y, Xing S, Liu W, Feng F, Liu Z, Sun H. STING, a promising target for small molecular immune modulator: A review. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 211:113113. [PMID: 33360799 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.113113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) plays a crucial role in human innate immune system, which is gradually concerned following the emerging immunotherapy. Activated STING induces the production of type I interferons (IFNs) and proinflammatory cytokines through STING-TBK1-IRF3/NF-κB pathway, which could be applied into the treatment of infection, inflammation, and tumorigenesis. Here, we provided a detailed summary of STING from its structure, function and regulation. Especially, we illustrated the canonical or noncanonical cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs) and synthetic small molecules for STING activation or inhibition and their efficacy in related diseases. Importantly, we particularly emphasized the discovery, development and modification of STING agonist or antagonist, attempting to enlighten reader's mind for enriching small molecular modulator of STING. In addition, we summarized biological evaluation methods for the assessment of small molecules activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijun Liu
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Lu
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Nan Qin
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuting Qiao
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuaishuai Xing
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenyuan Liu
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Feng
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Food and Pharmaceuticals Science College, Institute of Food and Pharmaceuticals Research, 223005, People's Republic of China
| | - Zongliang Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, PR China.
| | - Haopeng Sun
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China.
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Small molecules targeting the innate immune cGAS‒STING‒TBK1 signaling pathway. Acta Pharm Sin B 2020; 10:2272-2298. [PMID: 33354501 PMCID: PMC7745059 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2020.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple cancer immunotherapies including chimeric antigen receptor T cell and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been successfully developed to treat various cancers by motivating the adaptive anti-tumor immunity. Particularly, the checkpoint blockade approach has achieved great clinic success as evidenced by several U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved anti-programmed death receptor 1/ligand 1 or anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated protein 4 antibodies. However, the majority of cancers have low clinical response rates to these ICIs due to poor tumor immunogenicity. Indeed, the cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase‒stimulator of interferon genes‒TANK-binding kinase 1 (cGAS‒STING‒TBK1) axis is now appreciated as the major signaling pathway in innate immune response across different species. Aberrant signaling of this pathway has been closely linked to multiple diseases, including auto-inflammation, virus infection and cancers. In this perspective, we provide an updated review on the latest progress on the development of small molecule modulators targeting the cGAS‒STING‒TBK1 signaling pathway and their preclinical and clinical use as a new immune stimulatory therapy. Meanwhile, highlights on the clinical candidates, limitations and challenges, as well as future directions in this field are also discussed. Further, small molecule inhibitors targeting this signaling axis and their potential therapeutic use for various indications are discussed as well.
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Key Words
- ABZI, amidobenzimidazole
- ACMA, 9-amino-6-chloro-2-methoxyacridine
- AMP, adenosine monophosphate
- ATP, adenosine triphosphate
- Anti-tumor
- BNBC, 6-bromo-N-(naphthalen-1-yl)benzo[d][1,3]dioxole-5-carboxamide
- CBD, cyclic dinucleotide-binding domain
- CDA, cyclic diadenosine monophosphate (c-di-AMP)
- CDG, cyclic diguanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP)
- CDN, cyclic dinucleotide
- CMA, 10-carboxymethyl-9-acridanone
- CTD, C-terminal domain
- CTLA-4, cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated protein 4
- CTT, C-terminal tail
- CXCL, chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand
- DC50, concentration for 50% degradation
- DCs, dendritic cells
- DMXAA, 5,6-dimethylxanthenone-4-acetic acid
- DSDP, dispiro diketopiperzine
- EM, cryo-electron microscopy
- ENPP1, ecto-nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase
- ER, endoplasmic reticulum
- FAA, flavone-8-acetic acid
- FDA, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- FP, fluorescence polarization
- GMP, guanosine monophosphate
- GTP, guanosine triphosphate
- HCQ, hydrochloroquine
- HTS, high throughput screening
- ICI, immune checkpoint inhibitor
- IKK, IκB kinase
- IO, immune-oncology
- IRF3, interferon regulatory factor 3
- ISG, interferon stimulated gene
- ITC, isothermal titration calorimetry
- Immunotherapy
- KD, kinase domain
- LBD, ligand-binding domain
- MDCK, Madin–Darby canine kidney
- MG, Mangostin
- MI, maximum induction
- MLK, mixed lineage kinase
- MinEC5×, minimum effective concentration for inducing 5-fold luciferase activity
- NF-κB, nuclear factor-κB
- Ntase, nucleotidyl transferase
- PBMCs, peripheral-blood mononuclear cells
- PD-1, programmed death receptor 1
- PD-L1, programmed death ligand 1
- PDE, phosphodiesterases
- PDK1, 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1
- PPi, pyrophosphoric acid
- PROTACs, proteolysis targeting chimeras
- PRRs, pattern recognition receptors
- QC, quinacrine
- SAR, structure–activity relationship
- SDD, scaffold and dimerization domain
- STAT, signal transducer and activator of transcription
- STING
- STING, stimulator of interferon genes
- Small molecule modulators
- TBK1
- TBK1, TANK-binding kinase 1
- THIQCs, tetrahydroisoquinolone acetic acids
- TNFRSF, tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily
- ULD, ubiquitin-like domain
- VHL, von Hippel–Lindau
- cAIMP, cyclic adenosine-inosine monophosphate
- cGAMP, cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate
- cGAS
- cGAS, cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase
- dsDNA, double-stranded DNA
- i.t., intratumoral
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Liu K, Lan Y, Li X, Li M, Cui L, Luo H, Luo L. Development of small molecule inhibitors/agonists targeting STING for disease. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 132:110945. [PMID: 33254439 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase (cGAS) -stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway is the primary immune response pathway in the cytoplasm. Pharmacological regulation of the STING pathway has good characteristics in both structure and function, which plays a significant role in the immunotherapy of autoimmune diseases, autoinflammatory diseases, and cancer. In this review, we summarized the activation of STING signaling pathway, the STING-related diseases, the development principle and the latest progress of inhibitors and agonists targeting STING. Our review demonstrates that STING signal pathway is a promising drug target, providing effective clues and correct guidance for the discovery of novel small molecule inhibitors/agonists that targeted STING for cancer, autoimmune, and inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaifeng Liu
- The First Clinical College, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524023, China
| | - Yongqi Lan
- The First Clinical College, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524023, China
| | - Xiaoling Li
- Animal Experiment Center of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524023, China
| | - Mingyue Li
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Liao Cui
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Natural Drugs, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, 524023, China
| | - Hui Luo
- The Marine Biomedical Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524023, China
| | - Lianxiang Luo
- The Marine Biomedical Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524023, China; The Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Guangdong Zhanjiang, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, 524023, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhanjiang), Zhanjiang, Guangdong, 524023, China.
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Felicetti T, Manfroni G, Cecchetti V, Cannalire R. Broad-Spectrum Flavivirus Inhibitors: a Medicinal Chemistry Point of View. ChemMedChem 2020; 15:2391-2419. [PMID: 32961008 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Infections by flaviviruses, such as Dengue, West Nile, Yellow Fever and Zika viruses, represent a growing risk for global health. There are vaccines only for few flaviviruses while no effective treatments are available. Flaviviruses share epidemiological, structural, and ecologic features and often different viruses can co-infect the same host. Therefore, the identification of broad-spectrum inhibitors is highly desirable either for known flaviviruses or for viruses that likely will emerge in the future. Strategies targeting both virus and host factors have been pursued to identify broad-spectrum antiflaviviral agents. In this review, we describe the most promising and best characterized targets and their relative broad-spectrum inhibitors, identified by drug repurposing/libraries screenings and by focused medicinal chemistry campaigns. Finally, we discuss about future strategies to identify new broad-spectrum antiflavivirus agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Felicetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, via del Liceo 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Manfroni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, via del Liceo 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Violetta Cecchetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, via del Liceo 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Rolando Cannalire
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli "Federico II", via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Napoli, Italy
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Webb LG, Veloz J, Pintado-Silva J, Zhu T, Rangel MV, Mutetwa T, Zhang L, Bernal-Rubio D, Figueroa D, Carrau L, Fenutria R, Potla U, Reid SP, Yount JS, Stapleford KA, Aguirre S, Fernandez-Sesma A. Chikungunya virus antagonizes cGAS-STING mediated type-I interferon responses by degrading cGAS. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008999. [PMID: 33057424 PMCID: PMC7591055 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne alphavirus known to cause epidemics resulting in predominantly symptomatic infections, which in rare cases cause long term debilitating arthritis and arthralgia. Significant progress has been made in understanding the roles of canonical RNA sensing pathways in the host recognition of CHIKV; however, less is known regarding antagonism of CHIKV by cytosolic DNA sensing pathways like that of cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) and Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING). With the use of cGAS or STING null cells we demonstrate that the pathway restricts CHIKV replication in fibroblasts and immune cells. We show that DNA accumulates in the cytoplasm of infected cells and that CHIKV blocks DNA dependent IFN-β transcription. This antagonism of DNA sensing is via an early autophagy-mediated degradation of cGAS and expression of the CHIKV capsid protein is sufficient to induce cGAS degradation. Furthermore, we identify an interaction of CHIKV nsP1 with STING and map the interaction to 23 residues in the cytosolic loop of the adaptor protein. This interaction stabilizes the viral protein and increases the level of palmitoylated nsP1 in cells. Together, this work supports previous publications highlighting the relevance of the cGAS-STING pathway in the early detection of (+)ssRNA viruses and provides direct evidence that CHIKV interacts with and antagonizes cGAS-STING signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. G. Webb
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
- The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - J. Veloz
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
- The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - J. Pintado-Silva
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
- The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - T. Zhu
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
- The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - M. V. Rangel
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - T. Mutetwa
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
- The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - L. Zhang
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America
- Infectious Diseases Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - D. Bernal-Rubio
- The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - D. Figueroa
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
- The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - L. Carrau
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - R. Fenutria
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - U. Potla
- The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - St. P. Reid
- Department of Pathology & Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States of America
| | - J. S. Yount
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America
- Infectious Diseases Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - K. A. Stapleford
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - S. Aguirre
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - A. Fernandez-Sesma
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
- The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
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Pryde DC, Middya S, Banerjee M, Shrivastava R, Basu S, Ghosh R, Yadav DB, Surya A. The discovery of potent small molecule activators of human STING. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 209:112869. [PMID: 33038794 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The adaptor protein STING plays a major role in innate immune sensing of cytosolic nucleic acids, by triggering a robust interferon response. Despite the importance of this protein as a potential therapeutic target for serious unmet medical conditions including cancer and infectious disease there remains a paucity of STING ligands. Starting with a benzothiazinone series of weak STING activators (human EC50 ∼10 μM) we identified several chemotypes with sub-micromolar STING activity across all the major protein polymorphs. An example compound 53 based on an oxindole core structure demonstrated robust on-target functional activation of STING (human EC50 185 nM) in immortalised and primary cells and a cytokine induction fingerprint consistent with STING activation. Our study has identified several related series of potent small molecule human STING activators with potential to be developed as immunomodulatory therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Pryde
- Curadev Pharma Ltd, Innovation House, Discovery Park, Ramsgate Road, Sandwich, Kent, CT13 9ND, UK.
| | - Sandip Middya
- Curadev Pharma Pvt. Ltd, B-87, Sector 83, Noida 201305, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Monali Banerjee
- Curadev Pharma Pvt. Ltd, B-87, Sector 83, Noida 201305, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ritesh Shrivastava
- Curadev Pharma Pvt. Ltd, B-87, Sector 83, Noida 201305, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sourav Basu
- Curadev Pharma Pvt. Ltd, B-87, Sector 83, Noida 201305, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rajib Ghosh
- Curadev Pharma Pvt. Ltd, B-87, Sector 83, Noida 201305, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Dharmendra B Yadav
- Curadev Pharma Pvt. Ltd, B-87, Sector 83, Noida 201305, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Arjun Surya
- Curadev Pharma Pvt. Ltd, B-87, Sector 83, Noida 201305, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Ming SL, Zeng L, Guo YK, Zhang S, Li GL, Ma YX, Zhai YY, Chang WR, Yang L, Wang J, Yang GY, Chu BB. The Human-Specific STING Agonist G10 Activates Type I Interferon and the NLRP3 Inflammasome in Porcine Cells. Front Immunol 2020; 11:575818. [PMID: 33072119 PMCID: PMC7543045 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.575818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Pigs have anatomical and physiological characteristics comparable to those in humans and, therefore, are a favorable model for immune function research. Interferons (IFNs) and inflammasomes have essential roles in the innate immune system. Here, we report that G10, a human-specific agonist of stimulator of interferon genes (STING), activates both type I IFN and the canonical NLRP3 inflammasome in a STING-dependent manner in porcine cells. Without a priming signal, G10 alone transcriptionally stimulated Sp1-dependent p65 expression, thus triggering activation of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway and thereby priming inflammasome activation. G10 was also found to induce potassium efflux- and NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1-dependent secretion of IL-1β and IL-18. Pharmacological and genetic inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasomes increased G10-induced type I IFN expression, thereby preventing virus infection, suggesting negative regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the IFN response in the context of STING-mediated innate immune activation. Overall, our findings reveal a new mechanism through which G10 activates the NLRP3 inflammasome in porcine cells and provide new insights into STING-mediated innate immunity in pigs compared with humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Li Ming
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lei Zeng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yu-Kun Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shuang Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guo-Li Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ying-Xian Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yun-Yun Zhai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wen-Ru Chang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Le Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jiang Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guo-Yu Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Bei-Bei Chu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
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46
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Banerjee M, Middya S, Shrivastava R, Basu S, Ghosh R, Pryde DC, Yadav DB, Surya A. G10 is a direct activator of human STING. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237743. [PMID: 32911484 PMCID: PMC7482845 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The cGAS/STING pathway initiates an innate immune response when DNA is detected in the cytosol. DNA bound cGAS synthesizes cyclic dinucleotides which bind and activate the adaptor STING, leading to downstream secretion of Type I interferons and other pro-inflammatory NFκB pathway cytokines. In the mouse, the STING driven innate immune response is central to immune based clearance of various tumors and this has triggered a significant effort focused on the discovery of human STING agonists for the treatment of cancer. This report uses an in vitro kinase assay to show that G10, a previously identified STING pathway activator is actually a weak but direct STING agonist and identifies other more potent leads.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sandip Middya
- Curadev Pharma Pvt. Ltd., Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | | | - Sourav Basu
- Curadev Pharma Pvt. Ltd., Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rajib Ghosh
- Curadev Pharma Pvt. Ltd., Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | | | | | - Arjun Surya
- Curadev Pharma Pvt. Ltd., Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
- * E-mail:
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47
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Lin YT, Chiweshe S, McCormick D, Raper A, Wickenhagen A, DeFillipis V, Gaunt E, Simmonds P, Wilson SJ, Grey F. Human cytomegalovirus evades ZAP detection by suppressing CpG dinucleotides in the major immediate early 1 gene. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008844. [PMID: 32886716 PMCID: PMC7498042 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The genomes of RNA and small DNA viruses of vertebrates display significant suppression of CpG dinucleotide frequencies. Artificially increasing dinucleotide frequencies results in substantial attenuation of virus replication, suggesting that these compositional changes may facilitate recognition of non-self RNA sequences. Recently, the interferon inducible protein ZAP, was identified as the host factor responsible for sensing CpG in viral RNA, through direct binding and possibly downstream targeting for degradation. Using an arrayed interferon stimulated gene expression library screen, we identified ZAPS, and its associated factor TRIM25, as inhibitors of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) replication. Exogenous expression of ZAPS and TRIM25 significantly reduced virus replication while knockdown resulted in increased virus replication. HCMV displays a strikingly heterogeneous pattern of CpG representation with specific suppression of CpG motifs within the IE1 major immediate early transcript which is absent in subsequently expressed genes. We demonstrated that suppression of CpG dinucleotides in the IE1 gene allows evasion of inhibitory effects of ZAP. We show that acute virus replication is mutually exclusive with high levels of cellular ZAP, potentially explaining the higher levels of CpG in viral genes expressed subsequent to IE1 due to the loss of pressure from ZAP in infected cells. Finally, we show that TRIM25 regulates alternative splicing between the ZAP short and long isoforms during HCMV infection and interferon induction, with knockdown of TRIM25 resulting in decreased ZAPS and corresponding increased ZAPL expression. These results demonstrate for the first time that ZAP is a potent host restriction factor against large DNA viruses and that HCMV evades ZAP detection through suppression of CpG dinucleotides within the major immediate early 1 transcript. Furthermore, TRIM25 is required for efficient upregulation of the interferon inducible short isoform of ZAP through regulation of alternative splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Tang Lin
- Division of Infection and Immunity, The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Chiweshe
- Division of Infection and Immunity, The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Dominique McCormick
- Division of Infection and Immunity, The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Raper
- Division of Infection and Immunity, The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Arthur Wickenhagen
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Victor DeFillipis
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Eleanor Gaunt
- Division of Infection and Immunity, The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Simmonds
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sam J. Wilson
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Finn Grey
- Division of Infection and Immunity, The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, United Kingdom
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48
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Zheng J, Mo J, Zhu T, Zhuo W, Yi Y, Hu S, Yin J, Zhang W, Zhou H, Liu Z. Comprehensive elaboration of the cGAS-STING signaling axis in cancer development and immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2020; 19:133. [PMID: 32854711 PMCID: PMC7450153 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-020-01250-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular recognition of microbial DNA is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism by which the innate immune system detects pathogens. Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) and its downstream effector, stimulator of interferon genes (STING), are involved in mediating fundamental innate antimicrobial immunity by promoting the release of type I interferons (IFNs) and other inflammatory cytokines. Accumulating evidence suggests that the activation of the cGAS-STING axis is critical for antitumor immunity. The downstream cytokines regulated by cGAS-STING, especially type I IFNs, serve as bridges connecting innate immunity with adaptive immunity. Accordingly, a growing number of studies have focused on the synthesis and screening of STING pathway agonists. However, chronic STING activation may lead to a protumor phenotype in certain malignancies. Hence, the cGAS-STING signaling pathway must be orchestrated properly when STING agonists are used alone or in combination. In this review, we discuss the dichotomous roles of the cGAS-STING pathway in tumor development and the latest advances in the use of STING agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juyan Zheng
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Engineering Research Center for applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics of Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, People's Republic of China
| | - Junluan Mo
- Shenzhen center for chronic disease control and Prevention, Shenzhen, 518020, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Zhu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Engineering Research Center for applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics of Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Zhuo
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Engineering Research Center for applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics of Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, People's Republic of China
| | - Yueneng Yi
- Hunan Yineng Biological Medicine Co., Ltd, Changsha, 410205, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuo Hu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Key Laboratory of Biological Nanotechnology of National Health Commission, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiye Yin
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Engineering Research Center for applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics of Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Engineering Research Center for applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics of Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, People's Republic of China
| | - Honghao Zhou
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Engineering Research Center for applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics of Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaoqian Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People's Republic of China. .,Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Engineering Research Center for applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics of Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, People's Republic of China.
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49
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Abraham J, Botto S, Mizuno N, Pryke K, Gall B, Boehm D, Sali TM, Jin H, Nilsen A, Gough M, Baird J, Chakhtoura M, Subra C, Trautmann L, Haddad EK, DeFilippis VR. Characterization of a Novel Compound That Stimulates STING-Mediated Innate Immune Activity in an Allele-Specific Manner. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1430. [PMID: 32733475 PMCID: PMC7360819 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The innate immune response to cytosolic DNA involves transcriptional activation of type I interferons (IFN-I) and proinflammatory cytokines. This represents the culmination of intracellular signaling pathways that are initiated by pattern recognition receptors that engage DNA and require the adaptor protein Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING). These responses lead to the generation of cellular and tissue states that impair microbial replication and facilitate the establishment of long-lived, antigen-specific adaptive immunity. Ultimately this can lead to immune-mediated protection from infection but also to the cytotoxic T cell-mediated clearance of tumor cells. Intriguingly, pharmacologic activation of STING-dependent phenotypes is known to enhance both vaccine-associated immunogenicity and immune-based anti-tumor therapies. Unfortunately, the STING protein exists as multiple variant forms in the human population that exhibit differences in their reactivity to chemical stimuli and in the intensity of molecular signaling they induce. In light of this, STING-targeting drug discovery efforts require an accounting of protein variant-specific activity. Herein we describe a small molecule termed M04 that behaves as a novel agonist of human STING. Importantly, we find that the molecule exhibits a differential ability to activate STING based on the allelic variant examined. Furthermore, while M04 is inactive in mice, expression of human STING in mouse cells rescues reactivity to the compound. Using primary human cells in ex vivo assays we were also able to show that M04 is capable of simulating innate responses important for adaptive immune activation such as cytokine secretion, dendritic cell maturation, and T cell cross-priming. Collectively, this work demonstrates the conceivable utility of a novel agonist of human STING both as a research tool for exploring STING biology and as an immune potentiating molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinu Abraham
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Sara Botto
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Nobuyo Mizuno
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Kara Pryke
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Bryan Gall
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Dylan Boehm
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Tina M. Sali
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Haihong Jin
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Aaron Nilsen
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Michael Gough
- Integrated Therapies Laboratory, Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Jason Baird
- Integrated Therapies Laboratory, Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Marita Chakhtoura
- Department of Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Caroline Subra
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Lydie Trautmann
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Elias K. Haddad
- Department of Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Victor R. DeFilippis
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
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50
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High Throughput Screening of FDA-Approved Drug Library Reveals the Compounds that Promote IRF3-Mediated Pro-Apoptotic Pathway Inhibit Virus Replication. Viruses 2020; 12:v12040442. [PMID: 32295140 PMCID: PMC7232324 DOI: 10.3390/v12040442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Interferon (IFN) regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) is the key transcription factor for the induction of IFN and antiviral genes. The absence of antiviral genes in IRF3 deficiency leads to susceptibility to a wide range of viral infections. Previously, we uncovered a function for nontranscriptional IRF3 (nt-IRF3), RLR (RIG-I-like receptor)-induced IRF3-mediated pathway of apoptosis (RIPA), which triggers apoptotic killing of virus-infected cells. Using knock-in mice expressing a transcriptionally inactive, but RIPA-active, IRF3 mutant, we demonstrated the relative contribution of RIPA to host antiviral defense. Given that RIPA is a cellular antiviral pathway, we hypothesized that small molecules that promote RIPA in virus-infected cells would act as antiviral agents. To test this, we conducted a high throughput screen of a library of FDA-approved drugs to identify novel RIPA activators. Our screen identified doxorubicin as a potent RIPA-activating agent. In support of our hypothesis, doxorubicin inhibited the replication of vesicular stomatitis virus, a model rhabdovirus, and its antiviral activity depended on its ability to activate IRF3 in RIPA. Surprisingly, doxorubicin inhibited the transcriptional activity of IRF3. The antiviral activity of doxorubicin was expanded to flavivirus and herpesvirus that also activate IRF3. Mechanistically, doxorubicin promoted RIPA by activating the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway. Finally, we validated these results using another RIPA-activating compound, pyrvinium pamoate, which showed a similar antiviral effect without affecting the transcriptional activity of IRF3. Therefore, we demonstrate that the RIPA branch of IRF3 can be targeted therapeutically to prevent virus infection.
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