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To EE. Cell and Tissue Specific Metabolism of Nucleoside and Nucleotide Drugs: Case Studies and Implications for Precision Medicine. Drug Metab Dispos 2023; 51:360-368. [PMID: 36446610 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.122.000856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Many clinically used antiviral drugs are nucleoside or nucleotide analog drugs, which have a unique mechanism of action that requires intracellular phosphorylation. This dependence on intracellular activation presents novel challenges for the discovery and development of nucleoside/nucleotide analog drugs. Contrary to many small molecule drug development programs that rely on plasma pharmacokinetics and systemic exposures, the precise mechanisms that result in efficacious intracellular nucleoside triphosphate concentrations must be understood in the process of nucleoside/nucleotide drug development. The importance is highlighted here, using the following as case studies: the herpes treatment acyclovir, the cytomegalovirus therapy ganciclovir, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatments based on tenofovir, which are also in use for HIV prophylaxis. For each drug, the specificity of metabolism that results in its activation in different cells or tissues is discussed, and the implications explored. Acyclovir's dependence on a viral enzyme for activation provides selective pressure for resistance mutations. Ganciclovir is also dependent on a viral enzyme for activation, and suicide gene therapy capitalizes on that for a novel oncology treatment. The tissue of most relevance for tenofovir activation depends on its use as treatment or as prophylaxis, and the pharmacogenomics and drug-drug interactions in those tissues must be considered. Finally, differential metabolism of different tenofovir prodrugs and its effects on toxicity risk are explored. Taken together, these examples highlight the importance of understanding tissue specific metabolism for optimal use of nucleoside/nucleotide drugs in the clinic. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Nucleoside and nucleotide analogue drugs are cornerstones in current antiviral therapy and prevention efforts that require intracellular phosphorylation for activity. Understanding their cell and tissue specific metabolism enables their rational, precision use for maximum efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine E To
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, California, USA
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Wang L, Verschuuren EAM, van Leer-Buter CC, Bakker SJL, de Joode AAE, Westra J, Bos NA. Herpes Zoster and Immunogenicity and Safety of Zoster Vaccines in Transplant Patients: A Narrative Review of the Literature. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1632. [PMID: 30079064 PMCID: PMC6062765 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This narrative review focuses on the herpes zoster (HZ) and its prevention in transplant patients. Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is highly contagious and distributed worldwide in humans. Primary VZV infection usually causes varicella and then establishes a lifelong latency in dorsal root ganglia. Reactivation of VZV leads to HZ and related complications such as postherpetic neuralgia. Age and decreased immunity against VZV are important risk factors for developing HZ. Transplant patients are at increased risk for developing HZ and related complications due to their immunocompromised status and the need for lifetime immunosuppression. Diagnosis of HZ in transplant patients is often clinically difficult, and VZV-specific antibodies should be determined by serologic testing to document prior exposure to VZV during their pre-transplant evaluation process. Although antiviral agents are available, vaccination should be recommended for preventing HZ in transplant patients considering their complicated condition and weak organ function. Currently, there are two licensed HZ vaccines, of which one is a live-attenuated vaccine and the other is a HZ subunit vaccine. Both vaccines have shown promising safety and efficacy in transplants patients and especially the subunit vaccine could be administered post-transplant since this vaccine does not contain any live virus. Larger studies are needed about safety and immunogenicity of HZ vaccines in transplant populations, and extra efforts are needed to increase vaccine usage according to guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Erik A M Verschuuren
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Coretta C van Leer-Buter
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Division of Clinical Virology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Stephan J L Bakker
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Anoek A E de Joode
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Johanna Westra
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Nicolaas A Bos
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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Kim SK, Kim MC, Han SB, Kim SK, Lee JW, Chung NG, Cho B, Jeong DC, Kang JH, Kim HK. Clinical characteristics and outcomes of varicella zoster virus infection in children with hematologic malignancies in the acyclovir era. Blood Res 2016; 51:249-255. [PMID: 28090487 PMCID: PMC5234238 DOI: 10.5045/br.2016.51.4.249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Revised: 05/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although intravenous acyclovir therapy is recommended for varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection in immunocompromised children, the clinical characteristics and outcomes of VZV infection in the acyclovir era have rarely been reported. Methods The medical records of children diagnosed with varicella or herpes zoster virus, who had underlying hematologic malignancies, were retrospectively reviewed, and the clinical characteristics and outcomes of VZV infection were evaluated. Results Seventy-six episodes of VZV infection (herpes zoster in 57 and varicella in 19) were identified in 73 children. The median age of children with VZV infection was 11 years (range, 1-17), and 35 (46.1%) episodes occurred in boys. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia was the most common underlying malignancy (57.9%), and 90.8% of the episodes occurred during complete remission of the underlying malignancy. Acyclovir was administered for a median of 10 days (range, 4-97). Severe VZV infection occurred in 16 (21.1%) episodes. Although the finding was not statistically significant, a previous history of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) appeared to be associated with the development of more severe episodes of herpes zoster (P=0.075). Conclusion Clinical characteristics of VZV infection in immunocompromised children were not significantly different from those without it, and clinical outcomes improved after the introduction of acyclovir therapy. However, risk factors for severe VZV infection require further investigation in a larger population and a prospective setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seul-Ki Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Min Chae Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Beom Han
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.; The Vaccine Bio Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seong Koo Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.; The Catholic Blood and Marrow Transplantation Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae Wook Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.; The Catholic Blood and Marrow Transplantation Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Nack-Gyun Chung
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.; The Catholic Blood and Marrow Transplantation Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Bin Cho
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.; The Catholic Blood and Marrow Transplantation Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dae Chul Jeong
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.; The Vaccine Bio Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jin Han Kang
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.; The Vaccine Bio Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hack-Ki Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.; The Catholic Blood and Marrow Transplantation Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
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Diez-Torrubia A, Cabrera S, de Castro S, García-Aparicio C, Mulder G, De Meester I, Camarasa MJ, Balzarini J, Velázquez S. Novel water-soluble prodrugs of acyclovir cleavable by the dipeptidyl-peptidase IV (DPP IV/CD26) enzyme. Eur J Med Chem 2013; 70:456-68. [PMID: 24185376 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2013.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2013] [Revised: 09/27/2013] [Accepted: 10/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We herein report for the first time the successful use of the dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV/CD26) prodrug approach to guanine derivatives such as the antiviral acyclovir (ACV). The solution- and solid-phase synthesis of the tetrapeptide amide prodrug 3 and the tripeptide ester conjugate 4 of acyclovir are reported. The synthesis of the demanding tetrapeptide amide prodrug of ACV 3 was first established in solution and successfully transferred onto solid support by using Ellman's dihydropyran (DHP) resin. In contrast with the valyl ester prodrug (valacyclovir, VACV), the tetrapeptide amide prodrug 3 and the tripeptide ester conjugate 4 of ACV proved fully stable in PBS. Both prodrugs converted to VACV (for 4) or ACV (for 3) upon exposure to purified DPPIV/CD26 or human or bovine serum. Vildagliptin, a potent inhibitor of DPPIV/CD26 efficiently inhibited the DPPIV/CD26-catalysed hydrolysis reaction. Both amide and ester prodrugs of ACV showed pronounced anti-herpetic activity in cell culture and significantly improved the water solubility in comparison with the parent drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Diez-Torrubia
- Instituto de Química Médica (IQM-CSIC), c/ Juan de la Cierva 3, E-28006 Madrid, Spain
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Evans CM, Kudesia G, McKendrick M. Management of herpesvirus infections. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2013; 42:119-28. [PMID: 23820015 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2013.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2013] [Accepted: 04/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Management of human herpesviruses remains a considerable clinical challenge, in part due to their ability to cause both lytic and latent disease. Infection with the Herpesviridae results in lifelong infection, which can reactivate at any time. Control of herpesviruses is by the innate and adaptive immune systems. Herpesviruses must evade the host innate immune system to establish infection. Once infected, the adaptive immune response, primarily CD8(+) T-cells, is crucial in establishing and maintaining latency. Latent herpesviruses are characterised by the presence of viral DNA in infected cells and limited or no viral replication. These characteristics provide a challenge to clinicians and those developing antiviral agents. The scope of this review is two-fold. First, to provide an overview of all antivirals used against herpesviruses, including their mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, side effects, resistance and clinical uses. And second, to address the management of each of the eight herpesviruses both in the immunocompetent and immunocompromised host, providing evidence for clinical management and therapeutic options, which is important to the clinician engaged in the management of these infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cariad M Evans
- Department of Virology, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK.
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Taylor SR, Hamilton R, Hooper CY, Joshi L, Morarji J, Gupta N, Lightman SL. Valacyclovir in the treatment of acute retinal necrosis. BMC Ophthalmol 2012; 12:48. [PMID: 22947428 PMCID: PMC3487766 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2415-12-48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2012] [Accepted: 08/31/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To report the outcome of oral valacyclovir as the sole antiviral therapy for patients with acute retinal necrosis (ARN). Methods This study reports a retrospective, interventional case series of nine consecutive patients with ten eyes with newly diagnosed ARN treated with oral valacyclovir as the sole antiviral agent. Eight patients received oral valacyclovir 2 g tid (Valtrex, GlaxoSmithKline) and one patient with impaired renal function received oral 1 g tid. The main outcome measures were response to treatment, time to initial response to treatment, time to complete resolution of retinitis, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at final follow-up, retinal detachment and development of recurrent or second eye disease. Results Retinitis resolved in ten of ten (100%) affected eyes. The median time to initial detectable response was seven days and the median time to complete resolution was 21 days. A final BCVA of 20/40 or better was achieved in 6/10 (60%) of eyes. 3/10 eyes (30%) developed a retinal detachment. No patients developed either disease reactivation or second eye involvement over the course of the study (mean follow up 31 weeks, range 7 to 104 weeks). Conclusions Treatment with oral valacyclovir as the sole antiviral therapy resulted in complete resolution of retinitis. Final BCVA and retinal detachment rate were comparable with previously reported outcomes for intravenous acyclovir.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Rj Taylor
- Division of Immunology & Inflammation, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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