1
|
Wolf JD, Sirrine MR, Cox RM, Plemper RK. Structural basis of paramyxo- and pneumovirus polymerase inhibition by non-nucleoside small-molecule antivirals. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2024; 68:e0080024. [PMID: 39162479 PMCID: PMC11459973 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00800-24] [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] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Small-molecule antivirals can be used as chemical probes to stabilize transitory conformational stages of viral target proteins, facilitating structural analyses. Here, we evaluate allosteric pneumo- and paramyxovirus polymerase inhibitors that have the potential to serve as chemical probes and aid the structural characterization of short-lived intermediate conformations of the polymerase complex. Of multiple inhibitor classes evaluated, we discuss in-depth distinct scaffolds that were selected based on well-understood structure-activity relationships, insight into resistance profiles, biochemical characterization of the mechanism of action, and photoaffinity-based target mapping. Each class is thought to block structural rearrangements of polymerase domains albeit target sites and docking poses are distinct. This review highlights validated druggable targets in the paramyxo- and pneumovirus polymerase proteins and discusses discrete structural stages of the polymerase complexes required for bioactivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Josef D. Wolf
- Center for Translational Antiviral Research, Georgia State University Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Michael R. Sirrine
- Center for Translational Antiviral Research, Georgia State University Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Robert M. Cox
- Center for Translational Antiviral Research, Georgia State University Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Richard K. Plemper
- Center for Translational Antiviral Research, Georgia State University Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cox RM, Plemper RK. Design and Execution of In Vitro Polymerase Assays for Measles Virus and Related Mononegaviruses. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2808:19-33. [PMID: 38743360 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3870-5_3] [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] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Morbilliviruses such as measles virus (MeV) are responsible for major morbidity and mortality worldwide, despite the availability of an effective vaccine and global vaccination campaigns. MeV belongs to the mononegavirus order of viral pathogens that store their genetic information in non-segmented negative polarity RNA genomes. Genome replication and viral gene expression are carried out by a virus-encoded RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) complex that has no immediate host cell analog. To better understand the organization and regulation of the viral RdRP and mechanistically characterize antiviral candidates, biochemical RdRP assays have been developed that employ purified recombinant polymerase complexes and synthetic RNA templates to monitor the initiation of RNA synthesis and RNA elongation in vitro. In this article, we will discuss strategies for the efficient expression and preparation of mononegavirus polymerase complexes, provide detailed protocols for the execution and optimization of RdRP assays, evaluate alternative options for the choice of template and detection system, and describe the application of the assay for the characterization of inhibitor candidates. Although MeV RdRP assays are the focus of this article, the general strategies and experimental approaches are readily transferable to related viruses in the mononegavirus order.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert M Cox
- Center for Translational Antiviral Research, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Richard K Plemper
- Center for Translational Antiviral Research, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ikegame S, Carmichael JC, Wells H, Furler O'Brien RL, Acklin JA, Chiu HP, Oguntuyo KY, Cox RM, Patel AR, Kowdle S, Stevens CS, Eckley M, Zhan S, Lim JK, Veit EC, Evans MJ, Hashiguchi T, Durigon E, Schountz T, Epstein JH, Plemper RK, Daszak P, Anthony SJ, Lee B. Metagenomics-enabled reverse-genetics assembly and characterization of myotis bat morbillivirus. Nat Microbiol 2023; 8:1108-1122. [PMID: 37142773 PMCID: PMC11089651 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-023-01380-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Morbilliviruses are among the most contagious viral pathogens of mammals. Although previous metagenomic surveys have identified morbillivirus sequences in bats, full-length morbilliviruses from bats are limited. Here we characterize the myotis bat morbillivirus (MBaMV) from a bat surveillance programme in Brazil, whose full genome was recently published. We demonstrate that the fusion and receptor binding protein of MBaMV utilize bat CD150 and not human CD150, as an entry receptor in a mammalian cell line. Using reverse genetics, we produced a clone of MBaMV that infected Vero cells expressing bat CD150. Electron microscopy of MBaMV-infected cells revealed budding of pleomorphic virions, a characteristic morbillivirus feature. MBaMV replication reached 103-105 plaque-forming units ml-1 in human epithelial cell lines and was dependent on nectin-4. Infection of human macrophages also occurred, albeit 2-10-fold less efficiently than measles virus. Importantly, MBaMV is restricted by cross-neutralizing human sera elicited by measles, mumps and rubella vaccination and is inhibited by orally bioavailable polymerase inhibitors in vitro. MBaMV-encoded P/V genes did not antagonize human interferon induction. Finally, we show that MBaMV does not cause disease in Jamaican fruit bats. We conclude that, while zoonotic spillover into humans may theoretically be plausible, MBaMV replication would probably be controlled by the human immune system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Ikegame
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jillian C Carmichael
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Heather Wells
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Robert L Furler O'Brien
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joshua A Acklin
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hsin-Ping Chiu
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Robert M Cox
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Aum R Patel
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shreyas Kowdle
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christian S Stevens
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Miles Eckley
- Center for Vector-borne Infectious Diseases Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology College of Veterinary Medicine Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Shijun Zhan
- Center for Vector-borne Infectious Diseases Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology College of Veterinary Medicine Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Jean K Lim
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ethan C Veit
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Matthew J Evans
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Takao Hashiguchi
- Laboratory of Medical Virology, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Edison Durigon
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tony Schountz
- Center for Vector-borne Infectious Diseases Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology College of Veterinary Medicine Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | | | - Richard K Plemper
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Simon J Anthony
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Benhur Lee
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Peart Akindele NA, Katamoni LD, Brockhurst J, Ghimire S, Suwanmanee S, Pieterse L, Metcalf Pate KA, Bunyan E, Bannister R, Cihlar T, Porter DP, Griffin DE. Effect of remdesivir post-exposure prophylaxis and treatment on pathogenesis of measles in rhesus macaques. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6463. [PMID: 37081035 PMCID: PMC10116456 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33572-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Measles is a systemic disease initiated in the respiratory tract with widespread measles virus (MeV) infection of lymphoid tissue. Mortality can be substantial, but no licensed antiviral therapy is available. We evaluated both post-exposure prophylaxis and treatment with remdesivir, a broad-spectrum antiviral, using a well-characterized rhesus macaque model of measles. Animals were treated with intravenous remdesivir for 12 days beginning either 3 days after intratracheal infection (post-exposure prophylaxis, PEP) or 11 days after infection at the onset of disease (late treatment, LT). As PEP, remdesivir lowered levels of viral RNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, but RNA rebounded at the end of the treatment period and infectious virus was continuously recoverable. MeV RNA was cleared more rapidly from lymphoid tissue, was variably detected in the respiratory tract, and not detected in urine. PEP did not improve clinical disease nor lymphopenia and reduced the antibody response to infection. In contrast, LT had little effect on levels of viral RNA or the antibody response but also did not decrease clinical disease. Therefore, remdesivir transiently suppressed expression of viral RNA and limited dissemination when provided as PEP, but virus was not cleared and resumed replication without improvement in the clinical disease parameters evaluated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadine A Peart Akindele
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St, Rm E5636, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- United States Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | - Laharika Dasharath Katamoni
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St, Rm E5636, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Zanvyl Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- BioCheck, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Jacqueline Brockhurst
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St, Rm E5636, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Shristi Ghimire
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St, Rm E5636, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - San Suwanmanee
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St, Rm E5636, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Lisa Pieterse
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St, Rm E5636, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Kelly A Metcalf Pate
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | | | | | - Tomas Cihlar
- Gilead Sciences Inc., Foster City, CA, 94404, USA
| | | | - Diane E Griffin
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St, Rm E5636, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sourimant J, Lieber CM, Yoon JJ, Toots M, Govindarajan M, Udumula V, Sakamoto K, Natchus MG, Patti J, Vernachio J, Plemper RK. Orally efficacious lead of the AVG inhibitor series targeting a dynamic interface in the respiratory syncytial virus polymerase. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabo2236. [PMID: 35749502 PMCID: PMC9232112 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abo2236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of lower respiratory infections in infants and the immunocompromised, yet no efficient therapeutic exists. We have identified the AVG class of allosteric inhibitors of RSV RNA synthesis. Here, we demonstrate through biolayer interferometry and in vitro RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) assays that AVG compounds bind to the viral polymerase, stalling the polymerase in initiation conformation. Resistance profiling revealed a unique escape pattern, suggesting a discrete docking pose. Affinity mapping using photoreactive AVG analogs identified the interface of polymerase core, capping, and connector domains as a molecular target site. A first-generation lead showed nanomolar potency against RSV in human airway epithelium organoids but lacked in vivo efficacy. Docking pose-informed synthetic optimization generated orally efficacious AVG-388, which showed potent efficacy in the RSV mouse model when administered therapeutically. This study maps a druggable target in the RSV RdRP and establishes clinical potential of the AVG chemotype against RSV disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julien Sourimant
- Center for Translational Antiviral Research, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Carolin M. Lieber
- Center for Translational Antiviral Research, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Jeong-Joong Yoon
- Center for Translational Antiviral Research, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Mart Toots
- Center for Translational Antiviral Research, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | | | - Venkata Udumula
- Emory Institute for Drug Development, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Kaori Sakamoto
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Michael G. Natchus
- Emory Institute for Drug Development, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Joseph Patti
- Aviragen Therapeutics Inc, Alpharetta, GA 30009, USA
| | | | - Richard K. Plemper
- Center for Translational Antiviral Research, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Schmitz KS, Lange MV, Gommers L, Handrejk K, Porter DP, Alabi CA, Moscona A, Porotto M, de Vries RD, de Swart RL. Repurposing an In Vitro Measles Virus Dissemination Assay for Screening of Antiviral Compounds. Viruses 2022; 14:v14061186. [PMID: 35746658 PMCID: PMC9230603 DOI: 10.3390/v14061186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Measles virus (MV) is a highly contagious respiratory virus responsible for outbreaks associated with significant morbidity and mortality among children and young adults. Although safe and effective measles vaccines are available, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in vaccination coverage gaps that may lead to the resurgence of measles when restrictions are lifted. This puts individuals who cannot be vaccinated, such as young infants and immunocompromised individuals, at risk. Therapeutic interventions are complicated by the long incubation time of measles, resulting in a narrow treatment window. At present, the only available WHO-advised option is treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins, although this is not approved as standard of care. Antivirals against measles may contribute to intervention strategies to limit the impact of future outbreaks. Here, we review previously described antivirals and antiviral assays, evaluate the antiviral efficacy of a number of compounds to inhibit MV dissemination in vitro, and discuss potential application in specific target populations. We conclude that broadly reactive antivirals could strengthen existing intervention strategies to limit the impact of measles outbreaks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katharina S. Schmitz
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (K.S.S.); (M.V.L.); (L.G.); (K.H.); (R.D.d.V.)
| | - Mona V. Lange
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (K.S.S.); (M.V.L.); (L.G.); (K.H.); (R.D.d.V.)
| | - Lennert Gommers
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (K.S.S.); (M.V.L.); (L.G.); (K.H.); (R.D.d.V.)
| | - Kim Handrejk
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (K.S.S.); (M.V.L.); (L.G.); (K.H.); (R.D.d.V.)
| | | | - Christopher A. Alabi
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA;
| | - Anne Moscona
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; (A.M.); (M.P.)
- Center for Host–Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Matteo Porotto
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; (A.M.); (M.P.)
- Center for Host–Pathogen Interaction, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Rory D. de Vries
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (K.S.S.); (M.V.L.); (L.G.); (K.H.); (R.D.d.V.)
| | - Rik L. de Swart
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (K.S.S.); (M.V.L.); (L.G.); (K.H.); (R.D.d.V.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sakamoto K, Satoh Y, Takahashi KI, Wakimoto H, Kitagawa Y, Gotoh B, Ayata M, Itoh M. Upregulation of viral RNA polymerase activity promotes adaptation of SSPE virus to neuronal cells. Virology 2022; 573:1-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2022.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
8
|
Abstract
Measles is a highly contagious, potentially fatal, but vaccine-preventable disease caused by measles virus. Symptoms include fever, maculopapular rash, and at least one of cough, coryza, or conjunctivitis, although vaccinated individuals can have milder or even no symptoms. Laboratory diagnosis relies largely on the detection of specific IgM antibodies in serum, dried blood spots, or oral fluid, or the detection of viral RNA in throat or nasopharyngeal swabs, urine, or oral fluid. Complications can affect many organs and often include otitis media, laryngotracheobronchitis, pneumonia, stomatitis, and diarrhoea. Neurological complications are uncommon but serious, and can occur during or soon after the acute disease (eg, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis) or months or even years later (eg, measles inclusion body encephalitis and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis). Patient management mainly involves supportive therapy, such as vitamin A supplementation, monitoring for and treatment of secondary bacterial infections with antibiotics, and rehydration in the case of severe diarrhoea. There is no specific antiviral therapy for the treatment of measles, and disease control largely depends on prevention. However, despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine, measles is still endemic in many countries and causes considerable morbidity and mortality, especially among children in resource-poor settings. The low case numbers reported in 2020, after a worldwide resurgence of measles between 2017 and 2019, have to be interpreted cautiously, owing to the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on disease surveillance. Disrupted vaccination activities during the pandemic increase the potential for another resurgence of measles in the near future, and effective, timely catch-up vaccination campaigns, strong commitment and leadership, and sufficient resources will be required to mitigate this threat.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Judith M Hübschen
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.
| | - Ionela Gouandjika-Vasilache
- Laboratoire des Virus Entériques et de la Rougeole, Institut Pasteur de Bangui, Bangui, Central African Republic
| | - Julia Dina
- Virology Department, Normandie University, UNICAEN, INSERM U1311 DynaMicURe, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Camero M, Lanave G, Catella C, Lucente MS, Sposato A, Mari V, Tempesta M, Martella V, Buonavoglia A. ERDRP-0519 inhibits feline coronavirus in vitro. BMC Vet Res 2022; 18:55. [PMID: 35078478 PMCID: PMC8787031 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-022-03153-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Coronaviruses (CoVs) are major human and animal pathogens and antiviral drugs are pursued as a complementary strategy, chiefly if vaccines are not available. Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal systemic disease of felids caused by FIP virus (FIPV), a virulent pathotype of feline enteric coronavirus (FeCoV). Some antiviral drugs active on FIPV have been identified, but they are not available in veterinary medicine. ERDRP-0519 (ERDRP) is a non-nucleoside inhibitor, targeting viral RNA polymerase, effective against morbilliviruses in vitro and in vivo. Results The antiviral efficacy of ERDRP against a type II FIPV was evaluated in vitro in Crandell Reese Feline Kidney (CRFK) cells. ERDRP significantly inhibited replication of FIPV in a dose-dependent manner. Viral infectivity was decreased by up to 3.00 logarithms in cell cultures whilst viral load, estimated by quantification of nucleic acids, was reduced by nearly 3.11 logaritms. Conclusions These findings confirm that ERDRP is highly effective against a CoV. Experiments will be necessary to assess whether ERDRP is suitable for treatment of FIPV in vivo. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12917-022-03153-3.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michele Camero
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Gianvito Lanave
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy.
| | - Cristiana Catella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | | | - Alessio Sposato
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Viviana Mari
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Maria Tempesta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Vito Martella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Comparison of RNA synthesis initiation properties of non-segmented negative strand RNA virus polymerases. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1010151. [PMID: 34914795 PMCID: PMC8717993 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
It is generally thought that the promoters of non-segmented, negative strand RNA viruses (nsNSVs) direct the polymerase to initiate RNA synthesis exclusively opposite the 3´ terminal nucleotide of the genome RNA by a de novo (primer independent) initiation mechanism. However, recent studies have revealed that there is diversity between different nsNSVs with pneumovirus promoters directing the polymerase to initiate at positions 1 and 3 of the genome, and ebolavirus polymerases being able to initiate at position 2 on the template. Studies with other RNA viruses have shown that polymerases that engage in de novo initiation opposite position 1 typically have structural features to stabilize the initiation complex and ensure efficient and accurate initiation. This raised the question of whether different nsNSV polymerases have evolved fundamentally different structural properties to facilitate initiation at different sites on their promoters. Here we examined the functional properties of polymerases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a pneumovirus, human parainfluenza virus type 3 (PIV-3), a paramyxovirus, and Marburg virus (MARV), a filovirus, both on their cognate promoters and on promoters of other viruses. We found that in contrast to the RSV polymerase, which initiated at positions 1 and 3 of its promoter, the PIV-3 and MARV polymerases initiated exclusively at position 1 on their cognate promoters. However, all three polymerases could recognize and initiate from heterologous promoters, with the promoter sequence playing a key role in determining initiation site selection. In addition to examining de novo initiation, we also compared the ability of the RSV and PIV-3 polymerases to engage in back-priming, an activity in which the promoter template is folded into a secondary structure and nucleotides are added to the template 3´ end. This analysis showed that whereas the RSV polymerase was promiscuous in back-priming activity, the PIV-3 polymerase generated barely detectable levels of back-primed product, irrespective of promoter template sequence. Overall, this study shows that the polymerases from these three nsNSV families are fundamentally similar in their initiation properties, but have differences in their abilities to engage in back-priming.
Collapse
|
11
|
Lee B, Ikegame S, Carmichael J, Wells H, Furler R, Acklin J, Chiu HP, Oguntuyo K, Cox R, Patel A, Kowdle S, Stevens C, Eckley M, Zhan S, Lim J, Hashiguchi T, Durigon EL, Schountz T, Epstein J, Plemper R, Daszak P, Anthony S. Zoonotic potential of a novel bat morbillivirus. RESEARCH SQUARE 2021. [PMID: 34611656 PMCID: PMC8491849 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-926789/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Bats are significant reservoir hosts for many viruses with zoonotic potential1. SARS-CoV-2, Ebola virus, and Nipah virus are examples of such viruses that have caused deadly epidemics and pandemics when spilled over from bats into human and animal populations2,3. Careful surveillance of viruses in bats is critical for identifying potential zoonotic pathogens. However, metagenomic surveys in bats often do not result in full-length viral sequences that can be used to regenerate such viruses for targeted characterization4. Here, we identify and characterize a novel morbillivirus from a vespertilionid bat species (Myotis riparius) in Brazil, which we term myotis bat morbillivirus (MBaMV). There are 7 species of morbilliviruses including measles virus (MeV), canine distemper virus (CDV) and rinderpest virus (RPV)5. All morbilliviruses cause severe disease in their natural hosts6–10, and pathogenicity is largely determined by species specific expression of canonical morbillivirus receptors, CD150/SLAMF111 and NECTIN412. MBaMV used Myotis spp CD150 much better than human and dog CD150 in fusion assays. We confirmed this using live MBaMV that was rescued by reverse genetics. Surprisingly, MBaMV replicated efficiently in primary human myeloid but not lymphoid cells. Furthermore, MBaMV replicated in human epithelial cells and used human NECTIN4 almost as well as MeV. Our results demonstrate the unusual ability of MBaMV to infect and replicate in some human cells that are critical for MeV pathogenesis and transmission. This raises the specter of zoonotic transmission of a bat morbillivirus.
Collapse
|
12
|
Wittwer K, Anderson DE, Pfeffermann K, Cox RM, Wolf JD, Santibanez S, Mankertz A, Plesker R, Sticher ZM, Kolkykhalov AA, Natchus MG, Pfaller CK, Plemper RK, von Messling V. Small-molecule polymerase inhibitor protects non-human primates from measles and reduces shedding. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5233. [PMID: 34475387 PMCID: PMC8413292 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25497-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Measles virus (MeV) is a highly contagious pathogen that enters the human host via the respiratory route. Besides acute pathologies including fever, cough and the characteristic measles rash, the infection of lymphocytes leads to substantial immunosuppression that can exacerbate the outcome of infections with additional pathogens. Despite the availability of effective vaccine prophylaxis, measles outbreaks continue to occur worldwide. We demonstrate that prophylactic and post-exposure therapeutic treatment with an orally bioavailable small-molecule polymerase inhibitor, ERDRP-0519, prevents measles disease in squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus). Treatment initiation at the onset of clinical signs reduced virus shedding, which may support outbreak control. Results show that this clinical candidate has the potential to alleviate clinical measles and augment measles virus eradication. Measles virus is highly contagious and outbreaks occur worldwide. Here the authors show that the orally bioavailable small-molecule polymerase inhibitor ERDRP-0519 prevents measles disease in squirrel monkeys and reduces virus shedding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Wittwer
- Veterinary Medicine Division, Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, Langen, Germany
| | - Danielle E Anderson
- Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Robert M Cox
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Josef D Wolf
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sabine Santibanez
- WHO European Regional Reference Laboratory for Measles and Rubella, Robert Koch-Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Annette Mankertz
- WHO European Regional Reference Laboratory for Measles and Rubella, Robert Koch-Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Roland Plesker
- Veterinary Medicine Division, Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, Langen, Germany
| | - Zachary M Sticher
- Emory Institute for Drug Development, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Michael G Natchus
- Emory Institute for Drug Development, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Richard K Plemper
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Veronika von Messling
- Veterinary Medicine Division, Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, Langen, Germany.,Life Sciences Unit, Federal Ministry of Education and Research, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Groaz E, De Clercq E, Herdewijn P. Anno 2021: Which antivirals for the coming decade? ANNUAL REPORTS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2021; 57:49-107. [PMID: 34744210 PMCID: PMC8563371 DOI: 10.1016/bs.armc.2021.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Despite considerable progress in the development of antiviral drugs, among which anti-immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) medications can be considered real success stories, many viral infections remain without an effective treatment. This not only applies to infectious outbreaks caused by zoonotic viruses that have recently spilled over into humans such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), but also ancient viral diseases that have been brought under control by vaccination such as variola (smallpox), poliomyelitis, measles, and rabies. A largely unsolved problem are endemic respiratory infections due to influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and rhinoviruses, whose associated morbidity will likely worsen with increasing air pollution. Furthermore, climate changes will expose industrialized countries to a dangerous resurgence of viral hemorrhagic fevers, which might also become global infections. Herein, we summarize the recent progress that has been made in the search for new antivirals against these different threats that the world population will need to confront with increasing frequency in the next decade.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Groaz
- Medicinal Chemistry, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium,Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy,Corresponding author:
| | - Erik De Clercq
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Piet Herdewijn
- Medicinal Chemistry, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|